Torque-dependent pressure mechanism for continuously adjustable ball-type planetary gear set

摘要

Torque-dependent pressing device for a ball-type planetary gear set, includes a pressure plate which is mounted for joint rotation with the driving shaft of the set and for axial displacement relative to a freely rotatable race which supports the planetary balls. The facing surfaces of the pressure plate and of the race are inclined and engage a plurality of conical or spherical rolling bodies. A radial cam, either in the form of a sinusoidal continuous groove or in the form of arcuate discrete guiding grooves, is formed in the pressure plate to engage the rolling bodies and displace the same radially relative to the driving shaft when a torque develops between the facing inclined surfaces. The rolling bodies are guided in radial direction to perform a rolling motion about a helical path until the torque is neutralized. The pressure plate is spring-biased in axial direction against the freely rotatable race.