Continuous variable clutch

Abstract

A continuous variable clutch is provided. The continuous variable clutch includes a first sheave member and a second sheave member. The first sheave member includes a first central hub and a first conical-faced surface extending radially from the first central hub. The second sheave member includes a second central hub and a second conical-faced surface that extends radially from the second central hub. The second central hub of the second sheave member is received in a cavity of the first central hub such that the first conical-faced surface of the first sheave member facing the second conical-faced surface of the second sheave portion. The second central hub moving axially within the first central hub based on an amount of torque on the continuous variable clutch. The first sheave member and the second sheave member further forming a central passage to receive an input shaft of a transmission.

1 . A continuously variable clutch comprising:
 a first sheave member including a first central hub and a first conical-faced surface extending radially from the first central hub;   a second sheave member including a second central hub and a second conical-faced surface extending radially from the second central hub, the second central hub of the second sheave member received in the first central hub of the first sheave member such that the first conical-faced surface of the first sheave member faces the second conical-faced surface of the second sheave portion, the second central hub of the second sheave member further configured to move axially within the first central hub of the first sheave member, the first sheave member and the second sheave member further forming a central passage to receive an input shaft of a transmission, the formed central passage including interior splines configured to engage external splines on the input shaft of the transmission to lock rotation of the input shaft of the transmission with the rotation of the continuous variable clutch; and   a positioning assembly configured to selectively position the second sheave member in relation with the first sheave member based on torque applied to the continuous variable clutch to vary a gap distance between the first and second conical-faced surfaces.   
     
     
         2 . The continuous variable clutch of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a tubular translate support forming the central passage, the tubular translate support including the internal splines configured to engage the external splines on the input shaft of the transmission to lock rotation of the input shaft of the transmission with the rotation of the continuous variable clutch, wherein the second sheave member translates axially along an outer surface of the translate support, the outer surface of the translate support including a groove;   a C-clip configured to be received within a groove in the outside surface of the tubular translate; and   a bias retaining cap having a central opening and opposed first and second surfaces, a potion of the translate support received in the central opening of the bias retaining cap, the first surface of the bias retaining cap configured to abut the C-clip and the second surface of the bias retaining cap configured to engage a biasing member of the positioning assembly.   
     
     
         3 . The continuous variable clutch of  claim 1 , wherein the positioning assembly further comprises:
 at least one cam roller, the cam roller fixed at a static axial position in relation to the first sheave member;   a cam assembly including at least one cam profile, the at least one cam roller engaged with the at least one cam profile, wherein the position of the at least one cam roller in the at least one cam profile determines the gap distance between the first conical-faced surface and the second conical faced surface of the first and second sheave members; and   a biasing member configured to apply a biasing force on the cam assembly.   
     
     
         4 . The continuous variable clutch of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 the cam assembly having a cylindrical cam portion extending from a cam cover, the cam portion including the at least one cam profile, the cam cover having a central opening, the cam cover further coupled to the second sheave member;   a cylindrical spider having at least one shaft extending outward from an outer surface of the spider, the spider further having a central spider passage that is aligned with the central opening of the cam cover which forms at least part of the central passage, an inner surface of the spider that defines the central spider passage including the interior splines configured to engage the exterior splines on the input shaft of the transmission; and   a connector operatively connecting the first sheave member to the second sheave member, the connector allowing longitudinal movement between the first and second sheave portions while preventing rotational movement between the first and second sheave portions, wherein the first and second sheave members rotate together without relative rotation as the second sheave member moves longitudinally.   
     
     
         5 . The continuous variable clutch of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 the cam assembly integrated into the second central hub of the second sheave member; and   a bias retaining cap having a central opening, the biasing member configured to be positioned between the cam assembly and the bias retaining cap.   
     
     
         6 . The continuous variable clutch of  claim 3 , wherein the biasing member is positioned around the central passage. 
     
     
         7 . The continuous variable clutch of  claim 3 , further comprising:
 wherein the at least one cam roller is rotationally coupled to at least one holding rod that is coupled to the first sheave member.   
     
     
         8 . The continuous variable clutch of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one bearing positioned within the central passage.