Torotrak (development) Limited

Other

Leslie Kendrick Robinson

Brian Joseph Dutson

Christopher John Greenwood

Ian David Cornwell

David Ian Cox

Mervyn John Patterson

A transmission of the toroidal race rolling traction type, including ratio varying components ('variators') for such transmissions. A set of rollers transmitting traction between an input disc and an output disc is connected to a hydraulic mechanism by which it is positioned, the roller position determining the transmitted ratio.

Transmission of the toroidal race rolling traction type

A transmission is disclosed for a wheeled vehicle. The transmission has a rotary input () to be driven by a rotary power source, e.g. an internal combustion engine. It has a rotary output () for driving a vehicle wheel. A transmission unit is coupled between the rotary input and the rotary output to transfer drive between them at a speed ratio which is continuously variable through a range which includes both negative ratios (providing a reversal of rotational direction between the rotary input and the rotary output), positive ratios (in which the rotary input and the rotary output rotate in the same direction), and a geared neutral ratio, in which the rotary output is stationary. In accordance with the invention, the transmission further comprises a brake () for braking the rotary output. The brake is provided with a control arrangement adapted to apply it when the speed ratio is set to the geared neutral ratio and to release the brake as the speed ratio is adjusted away from the geared neutral ratio.

Continuously variable transmission with brake

A control unit for an infinitely-variable-ratio transmission. The transmission includes a cylinder and a piston with a proximal and a distal end. A support stem is connected to the piston. The piston is hollow and has a head portion for interaction with an associated actuation fluid. A proximal portion extends away from the head portion. The support stem is connected to the proximal portion by an articulated joint and extends from the joint to the head portion to exit from the distal end of the piston.

Roller control unit

A roller assembly (10) for use in a toroidal-race rolling-traction variator or like device includes a roller mounted in a carriage (19) which is provided with passageways (33) so that cooling oil from the variator lubrication circuit can be sprayed on to the roller rim via apertures in the carriage and/or in two specially-located spray-bars 38,39 extending from the carriage.

Roller assembly

Continously-variable-ratio transmission of the toroidal-race

A hydraulic ram unit for a transmission of the toroidal-race, rolling-traction type. The ram is connected to the rollers of the transmission so that the position of the ram within its stroke is related to the angular setting of the rollers and so to the transmitted ratio. The ram pistons move within cylinders the inlet and outlet ports of which are located in the cylinder end walls, with the outlet ports axially protruding of the inlet ports. If a piston overshoots its normal stroke it tends first to restrict flow through the outlet port and then to contact and obstruct it, so creating firstly hydraulic and then contact forces to resist further overshoot, without substantially restricting the inlet port. Novel construction for the ram itself, and for the ram cylinders and casing are also described.

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Preston, United Kingdom

Leslie Kendrick Robinson