Traction drive

Abstract

A traction drive of planetary configuration includes a cone, a pair of cups surrounding the cone, transfer rings located between the cone and the cups, and a cage that positions the transfer rings. The cone is unitary and has a pair of raceways which are presented outwardly and taper downwardly toward each other. The two cups have tapered raceways which are presented inwardly toward the cone raceway. The transfer rings on their peripheral surfaces are tapered and slightly crowned. The cage includes end disks which lie beyond the ends of the transfer rings and studs which connect the end disks and further serve as journals for the transfer rings, thus maintaining the rings at equal circumferential intervals. The two cups are held together, and springs, either at the rollers or along the cups, urge the tapered raceways of the cone and cups and the tapered peripheral surfaces of the transfer rings snugly together. The spring force is supplemented with an axial force derived from the torque transferred by the drive. Power may be applied at the cone or at the cups or at the cage, and may be delivered at either of the remaining two components.