Analysis of a Continuously Variable Transmission in which Four-Bar Linkages Are Arranged in Parallel

Abstract

This paper describes a development of a new structural type of continuously variable transmission (CVT). We here propose a CVT with linkages and irreversible mechanisms which does not positively depend upon frictional conduction force between conduction components. In the proposed CVT, four lever-crank units are connected in parallel mechanically with the cranks at an input shaft, and the output shaft is also connected mechanically via an irreversible mechanism installed at the fulcrum of the lever. In the experiment, we confirm that the continuous control of gear ratios in real time by realizing high-precision control for expansion and contraction of the links using electric linear actuators. As a merit of the developed linkage type of CVT, it reduces power consumption, compared to other conventional CVTs.