Variable-speed friction-wheel mechanism (circular mechanism)

摘要

The invention relates to a variable-speed friction-wheel mechanism in which a driven rolling element with circular outer contours is frictionally connected via a pivotable friction wheel (round disc) to a second rolling element of identical design. The two rolling elements are at 90@ to one another and their circular arcs lie on a common circle, the diameter of which is equal to the diameter of the connecting friction wheel. The rolling elements have a maximum and a minimum diameter due to the position of the centre of the common circle. The range of variation is the result of the relationship between the two diameters. If different transmission stages are connected in series, very large ranges of variation are obtained by multiplication of the diameter ratios. If transmission stages are arranged in parallel, the frictional force transmitted is multiplied. Very sensitive control is provided by turning (pivoting) the friction wheel by means of an external force. The construction is simple and compact and, to obtain a sufficiently high contact force, the rolling elements are pressed inwards by springs. The designation "circular mechanism" was chosen because the motion of all the points which contribute to power transmission takes place on a circular path. See the more detailed description in the attached "description of the operation of the variable-speed mechanism" and in the patent claims.