AUTOMATIC INFINITELY-VARIABLE TRANSMISSION Russian patent published in 1996 - IPC

FIELD: mechanical engineering. SUBSTANCE: transmission has input and output shafts positioned in parallel one with respect to the other, at least two inertial couplings positioned in series, gear pairs and free-running mechanisms. Each inertial coupling has at least two coaxial driven shafts, with driven shafts of different inertial couplings being positioned coaxially one with respect to the other. All driven shafts of inertial couplings are kinematically connected with output shaft through gear pairs and free-running mechanisms. Inertial coupling has carrier, conical satellite gears, central conical wheels and flywheels. Bulk rims of satellite gears may serve flywheels. Mode of operation is changed automatically depending on loading of output shaft due to connection and disconnection of free-running mechanisms of respective gear pairs having different transmission ratio. Braking of operating machine by inoperative engine is effectuated automatically due to closing during transmission of rotation from output shaft through pair of toothed wheels and one inertial coupling to input shaft. EFFECT: increased efficiency, simplified construction and enhanced reliability in operation.