CVT with planet members and/or races having a non-circular generatrix

摘要

A continuously variable transmission comprises planet members 21 connected to planet carrier arms 27 by a link or trailing arm 26 which allows a radial position of the planet members 21 to vary in response to a variation in axial separation of outer and inner races 12, 35 while maintaining circumferential connection. The outer and inner races 12, 35 each comprise axially spaced relatively moveable parts 12, 14, 36, 37 controlled by ball screws 15, 38 driven by an electric motor. A curved surface 70, 71 of at least one of the races 12, 35 and/or the planet members 21 is a non-circular generatrix such as an ellipse or volute or involute or evolute.