Abstract: A V-belt-type automatic transmission for a vehicle is provided with a drive pulley and a driven pulley, wherein a plurality of centrifugal weights are arranged between a movable pulley piece of the drive pulley and a cam plate. The centrifugal weights are moved in a radial direction by centrifugal force. A wrapping radius of a V-belt wound around the drive pulley and the driven pulley is changed depending on a maximum gear ratio in a low-speed rotation range and a minimum gear ratio in a high-speed rotation range that are set. The movement in a radial direction of the centrifugal weight beyond a predetermined radial distance prevented by a stopper surface at the rotational speed in a middle-speed rotation range, and at least one middle gear ratio is thereby set. This arrangement provides a V-belt automatic transmission providing noise reduction, reduction of machinery wear and facilitates smooth power transmission.

Abstract: A device for use in a centrifugal clutch assembly in which the clutch assembly comprises a shaft which carries a first sheave axially moveable on the shaft and a second sheave axially fixed on the shaft, a drive belt between the first sheave and the second sheave and a return spring operating on the first sheave. A roller is fixed relative to the first sheave and a pivot pin is fixed on and moveable with the first sheave. The device further comprises a body having an arcuate outer surface constructed so as to provide a cam surface relative to the roller. An aperture is provided in the body and is constructed so as to mate with the pivot pin to allow the device to pivot relative to the pivot pin. A hollow chamber is positioned internally within the body and moveable weighting means are positioned within the chamber.

Abstract: In a V-belt type transmission having a V-belt entrained on a pulley, the pulley includes a fixed pulley half fixed to an end portion of a crankshaft and a movable pulley half supported on the crankshaft but axially slidable in opposition to the fixed pulley half. The fixed pulley half is secured with a bolt that is threaded and engaged with a female screw formed inside an end portion of the crankshaft. The V-belt type transmission is capable of securely clamping a fixed pulley half and is capable of preventing the entry of dust and water into a fixed pulley half threaded portion formed in an end portion of the crankshaft. This arrangement protects against the formation of rust and corrosion.

Abstract: A rotary device comprising two elements (12, 20/22) supported for rotation about an axis (11) and movable relative to one another along said axis, and diaphragm spring means (33) urging said elements axially relative to one another, said diaphragm spring means having radially inner and outer portions connected respectively to said elements and arranged such that said elements are constrained to movement in opposite directions by the same or substantially the same distance as one another about an axially fixed position.

Abstract: A control system controls a line pressure applied to a CVT upon taking account of a certrifugal pressure caused by a rotation of pulleys. The control system determines whether the centrifugal pressure is greater than a predeterminied value only by which the pulley transmits an input torque from an engine. When the determination is affirmative, a lower limit of a duty ratio for operating a line pressure control valve is switched from a lower limit of a linear range to 0% duty ratio. Therefore, an actual transmissiou ratio control range is expanded while preventing an undershoot of the line pressure.

Abstract: A pulling device transmission includes an stepless V-belt connection two pulleys wherein at least one of the pulleys is an adjusting pulley which is composed by two halves between which the belt runs through. The operative diameter of the adjusting pulley is adjustable relative to the belt plane where the belt runs thereon and the adjusting pulley halves are symmetrically pre-stressed with respect to the belt plane. A variator unit is designed for displacing the travel path of the belt in the respective to the adjusting pulley.

Abstract: A drive layout for a transmission of an offroad vehicle is disclosed. The offroad vehicle has a frame, at least two wheels supporting the frame, an internal combustion engine supported by the frame and having an output shaft arranged to drive at least one of the wheels through the transmission. The vehicle has a longitudinal centerline, the output shaft of the engine extending transverse to the centerline along a first axis. The transmission includes a main shaft driven by the output shaft and rotating about a second axis offset from the first axis and extending parallel thereto, the main shaft driving a drive shaft. The drive shaft extends parallel to the centerline and is arranged to drive at least one of the wheels. The second axis is positioned above a horizontal plane extending through the first axis.

Abstract: A torque converter assembly is provided for adjusting the overall speed of a vehicle. The assembly comprises a driver pulley including an outer drum, a movable flange, a chamber formed by the outer drum and movable flange, a first weight and a second weight each positioned to lie within the chamber, and a shaft extending into the chamber about which the first and second weights are positioned to lie for rotation. The assembly further comprises a pair of guideposts each having a first end fixedly coupled to a respective one of the first and second weights and a second end inserted in the other of the first and second weights and a stopper coupled to the second end of each guidepost to limit the radially outward movement of the first and second weights.

Abstract: A variable speed belt drive bearing assembly including an enclosed helical ramp assembly or torque sensing helix (4) which is mounted on the driven or secondary clutch (20). The helix (4) includes a plurality of ramps (10) that include both an upper bearing surface (13) and a lower bearing surface (9). This arrangement ensures that the torque transferring roller or button (18) is always in contact with either one or both of the surfaces. The cover (68) of the driving or primary clutch assembly (65) includes an enlarged opening (61) to permit the mounting of a sleeve (60) which slides over the engine clutch shaft (66).

Abstract: A belt-type automatic transmission wherein the engine brake can automatically work when a vehicle runs on a downward slope, comprising a pair of sheaves 21 provided on a driving shaft 20, the pair of sheaves 21 having a fixed sheave 22 and a movable sheave 23 which is caused to approach the fixed sheave 22 by the force which is increased with a revolution speed, a pair of sheaves 31 provided on a driven shaft 30, the pair of sheaves 31 having a fixed sheave 32 and a movable sheave 33 which is caused to approach the fixed sheave 32 by elastic force, a V belt 28 mounted around the pairs of sheaves 21 and 31, wherein the maximum opening between the sheaves 21 on the driving shaft 20 is restricted so as not to loosen the V belt 28, a clutch 15 for starting movement provided between an engine 1 and the driving shaft 20, and shift-up prevention means 40 for automatically giving the force for the movable sheave 33 to approach the fixed sheave 32 when revolving torque is transmitted from the driven shaft 30 to the pa

Abstract: In a driven pulley used in a variable speed transmission adapted to receive a trapezoidal belt by which power is transmitted from a driving pulley to the driven pulley having a fixed flange, a movable flange and an internal helicoidal spring, there is provided a set of flyweights forced by torsion springs on an annular-conical surface located at the rear of the movable flange. At the minimum rotation speed, the driven pulley generates a high gripping force but as the rotation speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the flyweights lowers the force exerted by the trapezoidal belt. At a given high rotation speed, the flyweights leave the annular-conical surface and no longer contribute to counterbalancing the radial force exerted by the trapezoidal belt, the helicoidal spring and the internal resultant forces acting alone. The improved driven pulley generates a high initial gripping force while having a reasonably low gripping force at high speed for good efficiency.

Abstract: A pulley mounted at the output of a drive shaft is used in a variable-speed belt drive in which pairs of generally cylindrical toothed flyweights engage toothed racks in order to vary the winding diameter of the pulley by varying the centrifugal force. A V-belt is placed around the pulley. As a result of using the pulley, a more accurate adjustment of the diameter is achieved, maximum engine power is maintained under conditions of severe loading, and the response time of the diameter varying system is reduced in the case of an abrupt load change.

Abstract: A drive clutch assembly having a fixed sheave and a movable sheave rotatable with the drive shaft of an engine comprising a variable rate biasing or resistance system for urging a movable sheave toward a retracted position, the biasing system initially applies a first predetermined resistance to the movable sheave as it moves toward the fixed sheave and applies a second predetermined resistance to the movable sheave when the movable sheave reaches a predetermined axial position.

Abstract: The driving pulley is used in a variable-speed belt drive, which includes, in particular, two radially converging ramps facing each other and coaxial to a shaft, one ramp being rigidly attached to a movable flange and the other ramp being rigidly attached to the shaft in spaced relationship with the movable flange. A plurality of sliding flyweights are symmetrically located around the shaft and radially movable between the ramps. The improvement in the driving pulley is that each ramp includes a contact surface on which the flyweights are in contact wherein at least one movable ramp contact surface is curved. Each flyweight also includes a lateral knob engaged with the curved contact surface for ensuring that the contact point of the sliding flyweights with a curved contact surface does not substantially change as the flyweights slide.

Abstract: In a driven pulley used in a variable speed transmission adapted to receive a trapezoidal belt by which power is transmitted from a driving pulley to the driven pulley having a fixed flange, a movable flange and an internal helicoidal spring, there is provided a set of flyweights forced by torsion springs on a conical ring located at the rear of the movable flange. At the minimum rotation speed, the driven pulley generates a high gripping force but as the rotation speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the flyweights lowers the force exerted by the trapezoidal belt. At a given high rotation speed, the flyweights leave the conical ring and no longer contribute to counterbalancing the radial force exerted by the trapezoidal belt, the helicoidal spring and the internal resultant forces acting alone. The improved driven pulley generates a high initial gripping force while having a reasonably low gripping force at high speed for good efficiency.

Abstract: A supercharging device for an internal combustion engine for which the load can be changed by an accelerator pedal includes: a continuously variable transmission being driven by the engine and including a drive pulley, a driven pulley, a belt, a flyweight, and a presser member, the drive and driven pulleys having movable flanges and fixed flanges mounted on rotatable shaft members and being rotatable therewith, the belt being wound around and coupling the drive and driven pulleys, and the flyweight and the presser member being provided on at least one of the drive pulley and the driven pulley; and a mechanical type supercharger driven by the continuously variable transmission for supercharging the engine, the supercharger having a housing and a runner shaft with a runner rotatably supported inside the housing.

Abstract: In a driven pulley used in a variable speed transmission adapted to receive a trapezoidal belt by which power is transmitted from a driving pulley to the driven pulley having a fixed flange, a movable flange and an internal helicoidal spring, there is provided a set of flyweights forced by torsion springs on an annular-conical surface located at the rear of the movable flange. At the minimum rotation speed, the driven pulley generates a high gripping force but as the rotation speed increases, the centrifugal force acting on the flyweights lowers the force exerted by the trapezoidal belt. At a given high rotation speed, the flyweights leave the annular-conical surface and no longer contribute to counterbalancing the radial force exerted by the trapezoidal belt, the helicoidal spring and the internal resultant forces acting alone. The improved driven pulley generates a high initial gripping force while having a reasonably low gripping force at high speed for good efficiency.

Abstract: A driving pulley used in a variable speed transmission is adapted to receive a trapezoidal belt by which power is transmitted from the driving pulley to a driven pulley. The driving pulley is provided with radial pins connected to the shaft and movable inside respective apertures delimited by ramps for limiting sliding and rotating movements of the movable flange within predetermined limits with respect to the shaft and for imposing a specific mechanical behavior to the movable flange. It allows additional control of the engine speed under full throttle, reducing the overrun and helping the transmission return to its smallest ratio during a quick vehicle slowdown.

Abstract: In order to provide for advantageous adjustment possibilities for an infinitely variable drive pulley for a belt drive transmission with two flanges arranged on a shaft and which accommodate a V-belt. One flange is fixed axially on the shaft and the other is moveable in the axial direction against the force of at least one return spring by centrifugal weights in the form of adjusting levers. The adjusting levers each acts on an abutment cam surface, and is supported so as to be able to pivot out about a pin that extends transversely to the shaft, spaced radially therefrom. The adjusting levers can be moved relative to their pivot pins through an adjustment eccentric.

Abstract: A belt type nonstep variable speed pulley and gear mechanism conveys an engine rotational driving force towards an auxiliary machinery in a vehicle while changing engine speeds. It includes an axle, a fixed flange unitarily rotatable and fixedly mounted in an axial direction which extends along the axle, a movable flange unitarily rotatable with the axle and movable in the axial direction. The movable flange has one side face arranged against the fixed flange. The variable speed pulley device also has a belt provided between the fixed flange and the movable flange, a cam member having a predetermined cam face which is pressed by thrust force in the axle direction for moving the movable flange, a fixed member arranged against an other side face of the movable flange and unitarily rotatable with the axle, and a flyweight arranged between the fixed member and the movable flange so as to contact with and press the cam face by centrifugal force.

Abstract: A speed variator pulley provided with reduced flexion removable rings is used in a variable speed transmission of the V pulley type, provided with a trapezoidal belt. Transmissions of this type are, for example, used in snow scooters, motorcycles, utilitarian or pleasure vehicles or cars without permit or of the TQM type. The pulley of the invention has an arrangement which makes it possible to reduce the axial friction forces which are the cause of a hysteresis effect in the operation of the pulley.

Abstract: Several embodiments of snowmobiles driven by an engine and variable belt transmission mechanism wherein the variable belt transmission has its input shaft journaled for rotation in the crankcase of the engine and driven from the engine crankshaft through a gear reduction so that the transmission loads are not carried by the crankshaft and wherein the crankshaft torsional vibrations are not transmitted to the transmission input shaft.

Abstract: A weight roller for an automatic transmission or a centrifugal clutch, comprising a core covered by an outer resin. The resin is formed into a cylinder having inwardly protruding collars at the ends thereof, and the core is mountable within the resin collar, the core having at least one chamfered edge which enables the core to be inserted into the resin. The resin comprises nylon and a reinforcing material comprising an aramid fiber (aromatic polyamide fiber) and a self-lubricant comprising polytetrafluoroethylene resin (PTFE) with an addition, if necessary, of polyolefine resin.

Abstract: An automatic centrifugal clutch is arranged at the rear of an engine of a motorcycle, and a belt type continuously variable transmission and a gear type speed reduction device are arranged on opposite sides of the clutch whereby a space at the rear of the engine is effectively utilized, and a space for installing a kick starter is secured externally of the belt type continuously variable transmission. An output shaft of a reduction device and an intermediate shaft of the reduction device are arranged on opposite sides of a plane extending so as to include axes of a crankshaft and an input shaft whereby the longitudinal length of a power transmission device is shortened. An opening of a cooling air discharge passage is provided to face the automatic centrifugal clutch at the front end of the reduction device whereby the automatic centrifugal clutch can be effectively cooled while effectively utilizing the space.

Abstract: A driving pulley of a variable speed transmission having a drive shaft and two coaxial cheeks facing one another and defining a v-shaped groove which receives a trapezoidal belt. One of the cheeks is axially movable relative to the other cheek and has two housings distributed around its axis. The housings have a linear oblique ramp secured thereto and side wings which act as radial translation guides for inertia blocks which bear against the ramps and against a reaction cup attached to a hub of the driving pulley. The movable cheek is made solid in rotation with the drive shaft by a rubber membrane having a bow shape which is connected to the reaction cup. As the drive shaft rotates, the inertia blocks are subject to centrifugal forces which cause the movable cheek to move toward the other cheek. A return spring provides a force opposing the movement of the movable cheek.

Abstract: A compact, reliable lightweight variable diameter drive mechanism for use with either a belt or a chain comprising outwardly biased, frusto-conical axially movable pulley halves and an automatically adjustable, flexible contacting surface wrapped around the pulley axle. The contacting surface is capable of imparting significant amounts of traction to the belt or the chain riding on the pulley halves. The contacting surface automatically varies its circumference as the pulley diameter changes. Tension on the flexible contacting surface is maintained by retracting one end into the hub of the pulley as the pulley halves are axially adjusted.

Abstract: A belt-type stepless speed shifting transmission consisting of: (1) an input section having an input shaft with a rotational axis, a stationary pulley piece fixedly mounted on the input shaft, a pulley piece mounted on the input shaft and movable axially relative to the input shaft and stationary pulley piece with the stationary and movable pulley pieces cooperatively defining a groove for reception of a belt, and bearing structure for exerting an axial force on the movable pulley piece in the direction of the stationary pulley piece which axial force increases with the speed of the input shaft; and (2) an output section having an output shaft with a rotational axis, a second stationary piece fixedly mounted on the output shaft, a second pulley piece mounted on the output shaft and movable axially relative to the output shaft and second stationary pulley piece with the second stationary and movable pulley pieces cooperatively defining a groove for reception of a belt, a stop element, and cooperating cams on t

Abstract: An automatic variable speed centrifugal clutch with belt tightening assembly is characterized by even transmission of rotational drive to a pair of belts and includes a rotating spindle and clutch plate having an adjustable centrifugally operable belt tightening mechanism. The belt tightening mechanism includes a clutch drum and a spacer which define recesses for receiving the belts to be driven. Slide rails slidably inserted through slide rail holes in the clutch drum and spacer, and connected at their ends to the clutch plate and spindle flange rotationally interlock the clutch assembly yet allow for longitudinal displacement of the clutch drum and spacer means relative to the spindle flange. As the spindle rotates, the clutch drum presses the spacer against a flange of the spindle to evenly drive the belts while compensating for differences in belt size.

Abstract: In order to provide smoother transition for speed changes, a variable speed pulley having a movable sheave half and a fixed sheave half is provided with a torque cam. A spring biases the second sheave half axially of the first sheave to vary the width of a belt receiving groove. The torque cam forces the second sheave half in the same direction as the spring when the torque of a load operatively connected into the pulley assembly is increased. A centrifugal thrust arrangement urges the second sheave half in a direction reverse to the direction caused by the spring responsive to the rotational speed of the pulley.

Abstract: Rotation speed of automotive auxiliary machines is controlled by a drive pulley provided on a crank shaft and a driven pulley communicating with the drive pulley through a V-belt. The drive pulley comprises a rigid pulley secured on a drive shaft, a guide holder to be rotated together with the drive shaft by a mount bolt, and a slide pulley axially-movably located between the guide holder and the rigid pulley. The slide pulley provides a power piston to be moved along a guide holder shaft. The power piston, the guide holder flange, and the slide pulley define a power piston chamber.Inside of the power piston chamber are located a flyweight to be moved by centrifugal force and a servo valve to be axially moved by the flyweight. The servo valve is fitted on the outer peripheral surface of the power piston.

Abstract: A variable speed pulley having rearrangement structure for causing uniform distribution of a plurality of force applying elements utilized to control the width of the pulley groove as a function of the centrifugal forces developed during changes in the speed of the pulley. The rearrangement structure includes a coil spring connected in the structure to permit relative rotational movement between the fixed and movable pulley sheave halves as a result of changes of the force applied to the movable pulley sheave half during driving operation of the pulley. The rearrangement structure effectively minimizes vibration and noise by providing improved uniformity in the distribution of the force applying elements both in the steady state and speed and force changing conditions of the pulley.

Abstract: A variable speed pulley having rearrangement structure for causing uniform distribution of a plurality of force applying elements utilized to control the width of the pulley groove as a function of the centrifugal forces developed during changes in the speed of the pulley. The rearrangement structure includes a coil spring connected in the structure to permit relative rotational movement between the fixed and movable pulley sheave halves as a result of changes of the force applied to the movable pulley sheave half during driving operation of the pulley. The rearrangement structure effectively minimizes vibration and noise by providing improved uniformity in the distribution of the force applying elements both in the steady state and speed and force changing conditions of the pulley.

Abstract: An automatic variable speed centrifugal clutch belt tightening assembly is characterized by even transmission of rotational drive to a pair of belts and includes a rotating spindle and clutch plate having an adjustable centrifugally operable belt tightening mechanism. The belt tightening mechanism includes a clutch drum and a spacer which define recesses for receiving the belts to be driven. The spacer is mounted on the spindle by a bearing assembly affording free rotational and limited longitudinal movement relative to the spindle. As the spindle rotates, the clutch drum presses the spacer against a flange of the spindle to evenly drive the belts while compensating for differences in belt size.

Abstract: A two-speed drive for a generator of an internal combustion engine includes two belt pulleys and centrifugal type friction-clutch coupling. The coupling has an actuating lever formed as a flyweight and pivotally supported against the force of a spring on a pin connected either to the belt pulley of a smaller diameter or to the generator or to the generator fan. The coupling can be mounted either to the driven side of the generator or to its driving side. A coupling jaw pivotally supported on the actuating lever cooperates with a friction surface provided on the housing of the coupling. An angle formed between the direction of action of the resulting normal force acting on the coupling jaw and the line between the pivot point of the lever and the pivot point of the coupling jaw corresponds to a friction angle at static friction.

Abstract: A pulley construction and method of making the same are provided, the pulley construction having a pair of opposed flanges respectively provided with surfaces for engagement with a V-belt construction when the V-belt construction is disposed therebetween. The pulley construction has structure for moving one of the flanges axially relative to the other of the flanges and has a fluid dampening unit operatively associated with the one flange to dampen the axial movement of that one flange relative to the other flange with a restrictive force, the dampening unit comprising a flexible bladder having a part thereof operatively interconnected to that one flange.

Abstract: The invention concerns variable speed drive pulleys comprising a hub and two annular flanges around the hub in axial face-to-face relationship to one another. At least one flange, the mobile flange, is movable relative to the hub in the axial direction. Elastic control means responsive to centrifugal force operate on the mobile flange so as to reduce the distance between the flanges when their rotation speed increases. A bearing surface on one flange and an elastic bearing member on the other, in axial face-to-face relationship to one another, are adapted by virtue of their mutual abutment to limit elastically the reduction in the axial distance between the flanges for increasing rotation speeds.

Abstract: A speed change device comprises a hub, two annular pulley sides disposed around the hub and facing each other, one of the pulley sides being mounted for axial movement on the hub against the bias of a diaphragm spring and an additional coil spring. The diaphragm spring has a peripheral portion rockably axially bearing against the one pulley side and a central portion having a plurality of radial fingers separated by slots, rockably axially bearing against an abutment member fixed axially relative to the hub. The additional coil spring is disposed around the hub, and bears against a shoulder fixed axially relative to the movable pulley side and against the abutment member through a central portion of the diaphragm spring. An elastic spacer is axially interposed between the coil spring and the diaphragm spring. Another spacer of elastic material is axially interposed between the diaphragm spring and the abutment member.

Abstract: A centrifugally operated variable speed drive pulley comprises a hub aligned with a rotation axis. Two annular flanges around the hub in face-to-face relationship receive a transmission belt. At least one of these flanges is able to slide along the hub. A transverse bearing member is mounted on the hub and a diaphragm spring is disposed between the mobile flange and the transverse bearing member. The diaphragm spring is able to flex in such a way as to control sliding movement of the mobile flange along the hub. A plurality of flyweights are carried by the diaphragm spring. The flyweights are at least partially embedded in a mass of molded material applied to the diaphragm spring.

Abstract: This invention relates to a variable ratio transmission system suitable for vehicles in which the speed regulator is mounted on the transmission driven shaft, and the relationship governing its response to the speed variation of the driven shaft is such as to induce a transmission ratio variation to predetermine the speed of the system input shaft, which is intended for connection to the drive shaft. Means are also provided for connection to engine regulator means, in order to determine the constant speed of the system input shaft as a function of the torque applied to the transmission input shaft.

Abstract: In a variable-transmission-ratio mechanical drive of the continuous variation type having a V-belt and expansible sheaves, in which each sheave has a fixed half-sheave and a movable half-sheave the position of only one of the movable sheaves is determined as a function of the speed and the load of the engine by an automatic positioning servomechanism, whereas the other movable half-sheave is subjected only to the axial load of a member which is adapted to cause the belt to adhere to said expansible sheaves.

Abstract: In this variator pulley, the movable flange plate (15A) is subjected to a diaphragm (26A) which is at least partially sealed and of which the supports on the movable flange plate (15A) and the corresponding support piece (30A) are themselves at least partially sealed.According to the invention, the chamber (38A) jointly formed by the movable flange plate (15A), its hub (12A), the diaphragm (26A) and the support piece (30A) of the latter is at least partially sealed and thus itself constitutes a regulating chamber designed to be connected to any pressure source for regulating the assembly of the whole.The invention is used, in particular, for speed variators intended for equipping motor vehicles.

Abstract: A variable diameter sheave including a hydraulic chamber for controlling the spacing of the side plates of the sheave. A control valve is employed to control the hydraulic cylinder and is itself responsive to an input mechanism and a feedback mechanism. The input mechanism employed is a centrifugal weight responsive to the speed of rotation of the sheave. Feedback is provided by a rigid link sensing the effective diameter of the sheave. Two valve elements are employed in the control valve which are responsive to the input mechanism and the feedback mechanism to effect proper positioning of the sheave as a function of input speed.

Abstract: A pressure compensating mechanism for a dual control piston variable drive pulley has a central chamber disposed between the control pistons. The central chamber is filled with fluid from one of the control passages and is open to exhaust through a controlled restriction. The fluid in the central chamber increases in pressure with increased rotational speed of the pulley to compensate for the centrifugal pressure buildup on one of the control pistons. The controlled restriction establishes the base pressure in the central chamber so that the resultant pressure in the central chamber compensates for centrifugal forces in excess of the centrifugal effect on one of the control pistons thereby compensating, at least partially, for the centrifugal pressure effect on the other of the control piston.

Abstract: A method of making the combination of a power transmission belt that is to be operated in an endless path and a tensioner for the belt is provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit fixed relatively to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a biasing unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in a belt tensioning direction against the belt with a force to tension the belt, and a control unit operatively associated with the biasing unit to progressively decrease its urging force on the belt engaging unit as the speed of movement of the belt progressively increases from a certain low speed of movement thereof to a certain high speed of movement thereof.

Abstract: An infinitely variable belt-drive transmission for a vehicle, having a clutch for transmitting engine power to wheels of the vehicle, a drive pulley having a hydraulically shiftable disc and a hydraulic cylinder for shifting the disc, a driven pulley having a hydraulically shiftable disc and a hydraulic cylinder for shifting the disc, and a belt engaged with said both pulleys. The transmission comprises an input shaft connected to a driven member of the clutch, a main shaft connected to the drive pulley and a drive gear secured to the input shaft. A synchronizer is securely provided on the main shaft to be engaged with the drive gear, and a counter gear engage with the drive gear. An idler gear is provided to be engaged with a gear on the synchronizer and with a gear of the counter gear so as to provide a reverse drive transmission.

Abstract: A torque transmission system has driving and driven pulley units around which an endless V-belt extends. Each pulley unit has a stationary pulley part rotatable with a shaft and a movable pulley part disposed to define with the stationary pulley part a circumferentially continuous groove for receiving the V-belt. The movable pulley parts of the pulley units are axially resiliently biased so that the radii of the circle along which the V-belt engages the driving and driven pulley units are varied to change the speed-change ratio of the transmission system. The movable pulley part of the driven pulley unit is axially shifted by the action of fly weights held between a stationary plate fixed to the shaft and a holder fixed to the movable pulley part.

Abstract: A combination of a power transmission belt that is to be operated in an endless path and a tensioner for the belt is provided, the tensioner comprising a support unit fixed relatively to the belt, a belt engaging unit carried by the support unit and being movable relative thereto, a biasing unit operatively associated with the support unit and the belt engaging unit urging the belt engaging unit relative to the support unit in a belt tensioning direction against the belt with a force to tension the belt, and a control unit operatively associated with the biasing unit to progressively decrease its urging force on the belt engaging unit as the speed of movement of the belt progressively increases from a certain low speed of movement thereof to a certain high speed of movement thereof.

Abstract: A power transmission for a two-wheeled vehicle includes a variable-diameter drive pulley mechanism (2) mounted on a drive shaft (1) connected to an engine (E), a variable-diameter driven pulley mechanism (22) mounted on a driven shaft (18) operatively coupled with a driven wheel (W), and a clutch (36) mounted coaxially on the driven shaft (18) and operatively connected to the driven pulley mechanism (22). The drive and driven pulley mechanisms (2,22) are interconnected by a V-belt (7). The drive and driven pulley mechanisms (2,22) have axially movable members (5,24) located on opposite sides of the V-belt (7) adjacent to the engine (E) and the clutch (36) to allow parallel displacement of the V-belt (7) during the changing of the diameters of the pulley mechanisms (2,22), to prevent belt twisting or distortion and to prevent the belt (7) and pulley mechanisms (2,22) from being loaded while the vehicle is moved around with the engine (E) turned off.

Abstract: A V-belt type continuous speed change mechanism including a stationary disc secured to the driving shaft and a movable disc axially slidable with respect to the shaft. The discs define a circumferential groove of a V-shaped configuration with which a V-belt is engaged. The movable disc is formed at its back side with slider accommodating recesses of a circular cross-section extending in parallel with the shaft. A slider is received in the recess for rotation about an axis parallel with the driving shaft and has a groove extending in parallel with the driving shaft. A spider secured to the driving shaft has radial arms each of which is fitted at an end to the long groove in the slider.

Abstract: The infinitely variable cone disk-wrapping vee belt drive comprises a pair of coaxial cone disks defining between them a vee-shaped groove and comprising an axially fixed, first cone disk and a second cone disk, which is axially displaceable relative to said first cone disk. A vee belt is trained around said first and second cone disks in said vee-shaped groove. First spring means urge said second cone disk axially toward said first cone disk. Locking means are provided, which are non-rotatably connected to one of said cone disks and movable to a locking position, in which said locking means hold said second cone disk against an axial displacement. Second spring means are provided, which urge said locking means to said locking position. Said locking means are arranged to unlock said second cone disk in response to a centrifugal force acting on said locking means and overcoming the force of said second spring means.