Infinitely variable speed drive with differential having two input shafts and an output gear

摘要

An infinitely variable speed drive is provided which is entirely mechanical, rather than hydraulic. The drive includes a rotatable housing having an output gear or sprocket rotatable therewith. An idler shaft is carried in the housing perpendicular to an axis of rotation thereof with first and second bevel gears rotatably mounted on the shaft. First and second shafts extend into the housing on the axis of rotation and in alignment with one another. Third and fourth bevel gears are affixed to the first and second shafts in the housing and mesh with the first and second bevel gears on the idler shaft. First drive gears rotate the first shaft at a constant speed in one direction. Second drive gears rotate the second shaft at different variable speeds in a direction opposite to the direction of rotation of the first shaft to cause the housing to rotate and drive the gear or sprocket thereon at infinitely variable speeds. A variable speed pulley arrangement can be used to drive the first and second drive gears.