초록 ▼

A variable ratio drive system including at least one variable diameter sprocket is described herein. The variable diameter sprocket includes a support and at least three radially movable sprocket portions mounted to the support. A diameter changing mechanism is provided to selectively move the sproc

A variable ratio drive system including at least one variable diameter sprocket is described herein. The variable diameter sprocket includes a support and at least three radially movable sprocket portions mounted to the support. A diameter changing mechanism is provided to selectively move the sprocket portions.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A variable ratio drive system comprising:a variable diameter sprocket including:a support having a rotation axis and at least three radial apertures; each aperture being provided with at least two stopping element;at least three sprocket portions, each being so mounted

[ What is claimed is:] [1.]1. A variable ratio drive system comprising:a variable diameter sprocket including:a support having a rotation axis and at least three radial apertures; each aperture being provided with at least two stopping element;at least three sprocket portions, each being so mounted to a respective one of said at least three radial aperture of said support as to be radially movable therein; each of said at least three sprocket portions includes a movable element configured and sized to interconnect with said at least two stopping element to selectively maintain the sprocket portion in a desired radial position; each sprocket portion also includes a biasing element mounted thereto to bias said movable element towards said at least two stopping element;a sprocket diameter changing mechanism including:a fixed portion; anda movable portion mounted to said fixed portion; said movable portion including a pushing surface so positioned and configured as to overcome a biasing action of said biasing element through a pushing action on said movable element of said sprocket portion; said pushing action causing the disengagement of said movable element from one of said stopping element; said movable portion also including at least one guiding surface configured and sized to reposition said sprocket portion in a second desired position and to engage said movable element with a corresponding stopping element.