JP2015175386A - Multi-stage transmission mechanism - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a multi-stage transmission mechanism capable of accurately holding a phase of a movable disc to a fixed disc so that the number of teeth of a composite sprocket becomes integral.SOLUTION: A phase holding mechanism 60 for holding a phase of a movable disc 19 to a fixed disc 10 when the number of teeth of an apparent composite sprocket formed by a plurality of pinion sprockets is integral, has recessed portions 70 rotated integrally with any one of the fixed disc 10 and the movable disc 19, and respectively disposed corresponding to the phase of the movable disc 19 to the fixed disc 10 when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket is integral, and engagement/disengagement portions 80 rotated integrally with the other one of the fixed disc 10 and the movable disc 19, and capable of being engaged with and disengaged from the recessed portions 70 at projecting portions 80a.

Description

  The present invention provides a plurality of pinion sprockets that revolve around the axis of a rotating shaft supported so as to be movable in the radial direction and integrally rotate (revolve around the rotating shaft) while maintaining an equal distance from the rotating shaft The present invention relates to a multi-speed transmission mechanism that transmits power by using a chain wound around these.

Conventionally, a belt type continuously variable transmission in which a driving belt is wound around a primary pulley and a secondary pulley, and power is transmitted using a frictional force generated between each pulley and the driving belt by a thrust applied to the movable sheave of each pulley. However, it has been put to practical use as a vehicle transmission, for example.
In such a continuously variable transmission, when transmitting a large amount of power, it is necessary to increase the thrust to ensure a frictional force. At this time, the load on the drive source (engine or electric motor) that drives the oil pump for generating thrust increases, which may lead to an increase in fuel consumption or power consumption, and each pulley. And the durability of the drive belt may be impaired.

Therefore, a continuously variable transmission mechanism has been developed that transmits power by using a plurality of pinion sprockets and a chain wound around the pinion sprocket without using the above thrust and frictional force.
As such a continuously variable transmission mechanism, a plurality of pinion sprockets which are supported so as to rotate in a radial direction and integrally rotate while maintaining an equal distance from the rotating shaft and revolve around the rotating shaft are polygonal. Apparent large sprockets (herein referred to as “composite sprockets”) formed so as to form the vertices are provided on the input side and the output side, respectively, and are wound around these composite sprockets. The one that transmits power by a chain. Under such a configuration, each pinion sprocket moves synchronously in the radial direction while maintaining an equal distance from the rotation axis, so that the size of the polygon changes in a similar manner, and the composite sprocket expands and contracts. As a result, the gear ratio changes.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, two disks (spindles) are arranged in parallel on one side of a plurality of pinion sprockets, each disk is provided with a radial groove, and a radial groove of a fixed disk that rotates integrally with a rotating shaft ( Hereinafter, the radial grooves of the movable disk that can be rotated with respect to the rotation axis (hereinafter referred to as “second radial grooves”) are arranged so as to intersect with each other. The sprocket shaft is supported at the location where the second radial groove intersects. When the relative angle (phase) between the fixed disk and the movable disk is changed, the intersection of the first radial groove and the second radial groove moves in the radial direction, so that each pinion sprocket pivotally supported at the intersection Is moved in the radial direction by the relative rotation of both disks. Thus, the composite sprocket is expanded and contracted to change the gear ratio.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,713,154

By the way, in the continuously variable transmission mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1, the apparent number of teeth of the composite sprocket (here, “the number of teeth of the composite sprocket” is determined according to the radial position (speed ratio) of the pinion sprocket. ") Changes. If the number of teeth is an integer, the phase of the compound sprocket teeth and the chain groove match, but if the number of teeth of the compound sprocket is not an integer, a phase shift occurs between the compound sprocket teeth and the chain groove. End up.
Therefore, when the transmission ratio is kept constant, the state where the number of teeth of the composite sprocket is an integer is maintained, and when the speed ratio is changed, the number of teeth of the composite sprocket is sequentially shifted from an integer to another integer. It is possible. That is, a multi-stage transmission mechanism that shifts in multiple stages by an integer number that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket can take is conceivable.

  However, the continuously variable transmission mechanism disclosed in Patent Document 1 only shows that the gear ratio is continuously changed, and no measures are taken to maintain the number of teeth of the composite sprocket at an integer. Absent. In such a continuously variable transmission mechanism, the gear ratio is changed steplessly, the number of teeth of the composite sprocket becomes a non-integer state, and there is a risk of causing a phase shift of the chain and a problem of power transmission due to this.

One of the objects of the present invention has been devised in view of the above problems, so that the phase of the movable disk relative to the fixed disk can be accurately maintained so that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket is an integer. Another object of the present invention is to provide a multi-stage transmission mechanism.
Note that the present invention is not limited to this purpose, and other effects of the present invention can also be achieved by the functions and effects derived from the respective configurations shown in the embodiments for carrying out the invention which will be described later. Can be positioned as

  (1) In order to achieve the above object, a multi-stage transmission mechanism of the present invention includes a rotating shaft to which power is input or output, and a plurality of pinion sprockets supported so as to be movable in a radial direction with respect to the rotating shaft. Two sets of composite sprockets having a sprocket moving mechanism that moves the plurality of pinion sprockets synchronously in the radial direction while maintaining an equal distance from the axis of the rotary shaft, and two sets of composite sprockets wound around the two sets of composite sprockets A multi-stage speed change mechanism that changes a gear ratio by changing a contact circle radius that surrounds all of the plurality of pinion sprockets and is in contact with any of the plurality of pinion sprockets. And a fixed radial groove for the sprocket into which each support shaft of the plurality of pinion sprockets is inserted is formed to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft. A movable disk having a fixed disk and a movable radial groove for the sprocket in which the support shaft is located is formed at a first intersection where the fixed disk and the fixed radial groove for the sprocket are intersected. And the phase of the movable disk with respect to the fixed disk when the apparent number of teeth of the composite sprocket formed by the plurality of pinion sprockets (hereinafter simply referred to as “number of teeth of the composite sprocket”) is an integer. Holding the phase holding mechanism, and the phase holding mechanism rotates integrally with one of the fixed disk and the movable disk and the movable disk relative to the fixed disk when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket becomes an integer. A recess provided corresponding to each of the phases of the disk, the fixed disk, and the It is characterized by having a disengaging portion which projection is provided to be engaged and disengaged on the other and rotating the recess integrally disk, a.

(2) It is preferable that the sprocket moving mechanism includes a relative rotation driving mechanism that drives the movable disk to rotate relative to the fixed disk and moves the first intersection in the radial direction.
(3) It is preferable that the engaging / disengaging portion further includes a biasing member that biases the protrusion toward the recess.

(4) Preferably, the recesses are provided in a row in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft, and a plurality of the rows are provided in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft. .
(5) Furthermore, the engagement / disengagement portion is provided at each of a plurality of radial positions on the basis of the axis of the rotation shaft, corresponding to each of the radial positions formed by the row where the recesses are provided. It is preferred that

(6) The concave portion corresponding to a reference integer that is one of the integers that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket can take, and the concave portion corresponding to an adjacent integer that is an integer obtained by changing the reference integer by 1. Are preferably provided with different radial positions relative to the axis of the rotary shaft.
(7) It is preferable that the said recessed part is a dish fir hole.
(8) The engaging / disengaging part is preferably a ball plunger.
(9) It is preferable that a plurality of the recessed portions and the engaging / disengaging portions are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction.
(10) It is preferable that a plate that rotates integrally with one of the fixed disk and the movable disk is provided, and the recess is provided in the plate.

According to the multi-stage speed change mechanism of the present invention, the phase of the movable disk when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket becomes an integer can be held by the phase holding mechanism.
Specifically, a concave portion provided corresponding to each of the phases of the movable disk with respect to the fixed disk when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket becomes an integer is provided in one of the fixed disk and the movable disk. Since the engagement / disengagement part having the protrusion part that can be engaged / disengaged in the recess is provided on either the fixed disk or the movable disk, the phase of the movable disk relative to the fixed disk corresponds to the number of teeth forming an integer. Then, the protrusion of the engaging / disengaging part can be engaged with the recess. Thereby, the phase of the movable disk with respect to the fixed disk is mechanically maintained, and the state where the number of teeth of the composite sprocket becomes an integer can be accurately maintained.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is a radial cross-sectional view (transverse cross-sectional view) schematically showing a main part focused on a composite sprocket and a chain of a multi-stage transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS FIG. 1 is an axial sectional view (longitudinal sectional view) schematically showing a main part focused on a radial rotation relative rotational drive mechanism such as a pinion sprocket of a multi-stage transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 shows a fixed disk and a movable disk for radial movement such as a pinion sprocket in a multi-stage transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention, and pinion sprockets and guide rod support shafts that are moved by these disks. It is a figure explaining a moving mechanism, and the tangent radius becomes large in order of (a), (b), and (c). In addition, the thing with the smallest diameter is shown in (a), and the thing with the largest diameter is shown in (c). It is radial direction sectional drawing of the multi-stage transmission mechanism concerning one Embodiment of this invention. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along arrow AA in FIG. It is radial direction sectional drawing of the multi-stage transmission mechanism concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view which expands and shows the 1st cam groove and 2nd cam groove of the multi-stage transmission mechanism concerning one Embodiment of this invention. This FIG. 6 is a CC arrow view of FIG. It is an expanded sectional view explaining the phase maintenance mechanism of the multi-stage transmission mechanism concerning one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is an enlarged view of a region D in FIG. It is a figure explaining the arrangement | positioning aspect of the recessed part in the phase holding mechanism of the multi-stage transmission mechanism concerning one Embodiment of this invention, and it is a side view which pays attention to a fixed disk. FIG. 8 corresponds to the arrow E in FIG. It is a principal part enlarged view explaining the arrangement | positioning aspect of the recessed part in the phase holding mechanism of the multi-stage transmission mechanism concerning one Embodiment of this invention. FIG. 9 corresponds to a region F in FIG. FIG. 2 is a perspective view schematically showing a part of a multi-speed transmission mechanism chain and a guide rod that guides the multi-speed transmission mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention. The auxiliary | assistant link plate is shown separately in the chain of the multistage transmission mechanism concerning one Embodiment of this invention, (a) is a front view, (b) is a bottom view. It is a perspective view which shows the link plate (drive link) alone among the chains of the multistage speed change mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, an embodiment according to a multi-stage transmission mechanism of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The multi-stage transmission mechanism of this embodiment is suitable for use in a vehicle transmission. In the present embodiment, the side (revolution shaft side) close to the axis of the rotation shaft in the multi-stage transmission mechanism will be described as the inside, and the opposite side will be described as the outside.
The multi-speed transmission mechanism of the present invention maintains a state where the number of teeth of the composite sprocket is an integer when the transmission ratio is kept constant, and changes the number of teeth of the composite sprocket from an integer to another integer when changing the transmission ratio. Are sequentially shifted. For this reason, the present multi-stage transmission mechanism can perform multi-stage transmission by an integral number that the composite sprocket can take.

In this multi-stage transmission mechanism, the smallest integer Z that the composite sprocket can take is the smallest integer Z _min, and the relative rotational angle (rotational phase) θ of the movable disk with respect to the fixed disk at this time is the minimum relative rotational angle. Let θ _min . The maximum integer Z that the composite sprocket can take is the maximum integer Z _max, and the relative rotation angle θ of the movable disk with respect to the fixed disk at this time is the maximum relative rotation angle θ _max .
The number of teeth of the composite sprocket can be derived by dividing the circumference of the pitch circle of the composite sprocket by the unit link length of the chain (unit pitch length of the pinion sprocket). The number of teeth (when it is assumed that teeth are present all around the apparent large sprocket formed by the pinion sprocket). Hereinafter, the number of teeth of the composite sprocket is used in the same meaning.

[1. One Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a multi-stage transmission mechanism according to an embodiment will be described.
[1-1. (Configuration of multi-speed transmission mechanism)
As shown in FIG. 1, the multi-stage transmission mechanism includes two sets of composite sprockets 5, 5 and a chain 6 wound around these composite sprockets 5, 5. The composite sprocket 5 means an apparent large sprocket in which a plurality of pinion sprockets 20 and a plurality of guide rods 29 whose details will be described later are formed so as to form the apexes of a polygon (here, an octagon). To do.

  One of the two sets of composite sprockets 5 and 5 is a pair of composite sprockets 5 (shown on the left in FIG. 1) that rotate integrally with the input-side rotary shaft 1 (input shaft). , A composite sprocket 5 (shown on the right side in FIG. 1) that rotates integrally with the rotary shaft 1 (output shaft) on the output side. Since these composite sprockets 5 and 5 are configured in the same manner, the following description will be focused on the composite sprocket 5 on the input side.

The composite sprocket 5 includes a rotating shaft 1, a plurality (three in this case) of pinion sprockets 20 and a plurality of (here, fifteen) guide rods (first here) supported so as to be movable in the radial direction with respect to the rotating shaft 1. 1 guide rod) 29. The three pinion sprockets 20 are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction on the circumference around the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1, and five guide rods 29 are interposed between the pinion sprockets 20. Is arranged.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the composite sprocket 5 rotates a sprocket moving mechanism 40A that moves a plurality of pinion sprockets 20 and the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23 included in the pinion sprocket 20 in conjunction with the sprocket moving mechanism 40A. A mechanical rotation driving mechanism 50, a rod moving mechanism 40B that moves the plurality of guide rods 29, and a phase holding mechanism 60 that maintains a state where the number of teeth of the composite sprocket is an integer (see FIGS. 5, see FIG. Details of these will be described later.

This multi-stage transmission mechanism has an outer diameter of an apparent large sprocket formed such that the pinion sprocket 20 and the guide rod 29 form the apex of a polygon (here, an octagon), that is, the outer diameter of the composite sprocket 5. The gear ratio is changed by changing (expanding / reducing diameter).
The outer diameter of the composite sprocket 5 is a radius of a circle (tangent circle) that surrounds all of the plurality of pinion sprockets 20 and is in contact with any of the plurality of pinion sprockets 20 (hereinafter referred to as “tangent circle radius”). Corresponding. Further, since the chain 6 is wound around the composite sprocket 5, the outer diameter of the composite sprocket 5 corresponds to the contact radius between the plurality of pinion sprockets 20 and the chain 6, that is, the radius of the pitch circle of the composite sprocket 5. It can be said.

When Se'en radius or radius of the pitch circle is the minimum diameter, number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is the minimum integer Z _min, the outer diameter of the composite sprocket 5 becomes minimum diameter. Further, when Se'en radius or contact radius of the maximum diameter, the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is the largest integer Z _max, the outer diameter of the composite sprocket 5 is maximum diameter.
FIG. 1 shows the case where the input side tangent radius is the minimum diameter and the output side tangent radius is the maximum diameter.
Thus, the multi-stage transmission mechanism changes the transmission ratio by changing the tangent circle radius.
Hereinafter, the structure of the multi-stage transmission mechanism will be described in the order of the composite sprocket 5 and the chain 6 wound around this.

[1-1-1. (Composite sprocket)
In the following description of the configuration of the composite sprocket 5, the pinion sprocket 20, the guide rod 29, the sprocket moving mechanism 40A, the rod moving mechanism 40B, the mechanical rotation driving mechanism 50, and the phase holding mechanism 60 will be described in this order.

[1-1-1-1. (Pinion sprocket)
Each of the three pinion sprockets 20 is configured as a gear that meshes with the chain 6 and transmits power, and revolves around the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1. Here, “revolution” means that each pinion sprocket 20 rotates around the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1. When the rotating shaft 1 rotates, each pinion sprocket 20 revolves in conjunction with this rotation. That is, the rotation speed of the rotating shaft 1 is equal to the rotation speed at which the pinion sprocket 20 revolves. In FIG. 1, a white arrow indicates the counterclockwise revolution direction.

  These pinion sprockets 20 are arranged in one pinion sprocket (hereinafter referred to as “fixed pinion sprocket”) 21 that does not rotate, and the rotational phase of revolution with respect to the fixed pinion sprocket 21 on the advance side and the retard side, respectively. The two rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23 are capable of rotating. In the following description, the pinion sprocket (advanced side rotation pinion sprocket) provided on the advance side with respect to the fixed pinion sprocket 21 is referred to as a first rotation pinion sprocket 22, and the pinion sprocket provided on the retard side. The (retarded-side rotation pinion sprocket) is called a second rotation pinion sprocket 23 for distinction.

Each of the pinion sprockets 21, 22, and 23 is coupled to support shafts (pinion sprocket shafts) 21a, 22a, and 23a provided at the center thereof. Here, “spinning” means that the rotating pinion sprockets 22 and 23 rotate around the axes C ₃ and C _{4 of the} support shafts 22a and 23a. The shaft centers C ₂ , C ₃ , C _{4 of the} support shafts 21 a, 22 a, 23 a and the shaft center C 1 of the rotary shaft ₁ are all parallel to each other.

The fixed pinion sprocket 21 has a main body portion 21b and teeth 21c formed on the entire outer periphery of the main body portion 21b. Similarly, each of the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23 includes main body portions 22b and 23b and teeth 22c and 23c formed so as to protrude from the entire outer periphery of the main body portions 22b and 23b.
As a matter of course, the shape and pitch of the teeth formed on each pinion sprocket 21, 22, 23 are of the same standard.

As will be described in detail later, the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 rotates clockwise when the tangent radius is expanded, and rotates counterclockwise when the tangent radius is reduced. On the other hand, the second rotation pinion sprocket 23 rotates counterclockwise when the tangent radius is increased, and rotates clockwise when the tangent radius is reduced.
The first rotation pinion sprocket 22 and the second pinion sprocket 23 are configured in the same manner except that their arrangement locations and rotation directions are different. Therefore, here, the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 will be described by focusing on the first rotation pinion sprocket 22. To do.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 includes three rows of gears in the axial direction and is not shown, but the fixed pinion sprocket 21 and the second rotation pinion sprocket 23 are also in the axial direction. Are provided with three rows of gears, and three chains 6 are also wound around these rows of gears. Thus, each pinion sprocket 21, 22, 23 has three rows of gears in the axial direction. Here, the three rows of gears of each pinion sprocket 20 are provided at a distance from each other via a spacer.

The number of rows of gears of each pinion sprocket 21, 22, 23 depends on the magnitude of the transmission torque of the multi-stage transmission mechanism, but may be two rows, four rows or more, or one row. FIG. 2 schematically shows the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 and a relative rotation drive mechanism 30 and a phase holding mechanism 60, both of which will be described later, in the same cross section.
Although not shown in the drawings, the pinion sprockets 21, 22 and 23 allow power to be transmitted by allowing a minute rotation (rotation within a certain range) while restricting rotation of the support shafts 21a, 22a and 23a. A phase shift allowable power transmission mechanism to be realized may be provided. As such a phase shift allowable power transmission mechanism, a key member equipped to rotate integrally with the inner peripheral side of the pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23, and the support shafts 21 a, 22 a, 23 a of the pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23 are provided. A key groove formed on the outer peripheral side and engaged with play in the rotational direction with the key member engaged, and the key member in the forward direction and the reverse direction in the rotational direction so that the key member is located at a neutral position in the rotational direction of the key groove. And an urging member that urges from both sides, and that urges to a neutral position in the rotational direction and elastically restricts rotation can be used. In this case, the main body portions 21b, 22b, and 23b of the pinion sprockets 21, 22, and 23 are provided to be rotatable with respect to the support shafts 21a, 22a, and 23a.

[1-1-1-2. Guide rod)
As shown in FIG. 1, the plurality of guide rods 29 are capable of reducing the variation in the distance between the chain 6 and the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1, that is, allowing the path of the chain 6 around the rotating shaft 1. The chain 6 is guided as close as possible to the circular orbit. The guide rod 29 guides the track of the chain 6 that is in contact with the circumferential surface on the radially outer side. Since the pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23 and the guide rods 29 are polygonal (substantially regular polygonal) shapes, the chain 6 contacts the pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23 and the guide rods 29 on the radially inner side. Roll along a polygonal shape while touching.

As shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 7, the guide rod 29 has a rod support shaft 29a (indicated by a broken line in FIG. 1) with a cylindrical guide member 29b extrapolated to the rod support shaft 29a. It is supported by the shaft 29a and guides the chain 6 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) on the outer peripheral surface of the guide member 29b.
The number of guide rods 29 is not limited to fifteen and may be more or less. In this case, the number of guide rods 29 is preferably a multiple of the number of pinion sprockets 20 (three here). Further, the more the guide rods 29 are provided, the closer the composite sprocket 5 becomes to a perfect circle and the variation in the distance between the chain 6 and the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1 can be reduced. Therefore, it is preferable to set the number of guide rods 29 in consideration of these. Furthermore, the guide rod 29 may be omitted for a simple configuration.

[1-1-1-3. Sprocket moving mechanism, rod moving mechanism, mechanical rotation drive mechanism and phase holding mechanism]
Next, the sprocket moving mechanism 40A, the rod moving mechanism 40B, the mechanical rotation driving mechanism 50, and the phase holding mechanism 60 will be described.
The sprocket moving mechanism 40A has a plurality of pinion sprockets 20 as moving objects, and the rod moving mechanism 40B has a plurality of guide rods 29 as moving objects.

These movement mechanisms 40A, 40B, each moving object (s pinion sprocket 20, a plurality of guide rods 29) for moving in synchronization with the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1 radially while maintaining equidistant It is.

The mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 causes the rotation of the pinion sprockets 22 and 23 to sprocket so as to eliminate the phase shift of the plurality of pinion sprockets 20 with respect to the chain 6 with the radial movement of the plurality of pinion sprockets 20 by the sprocket moving mechanism 40A. It rotates in conjunction with the moving mechanism 40A.
The phase holding mechanism 60 holds the phase of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 so that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 becomes an integer.

[1-1-3-1-1. (Prerequisite configuration)
First, with reference to FIG. 2, the premise structure of said mechanism 40A, 40B, 50, 60 is demonstrated. Here, as such a precondition, a fixed disk 10 (radial direction moving fixed disk, rotating fixed disk) that rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 1 and a concentric arrangement with the fixed disk 10 and capable of relative rotation are provided. A movable disk 19, a first rotating part 15 that rotates integrally with the fixed disk 10, a second rotating part 16 that rotates integrally with the movable disk 19, and a relative drive that rotates the movable disk 19 relative to the fixed disk 10. Each will be described in the order of the rotation drive mechanism 30.

The fixed disk 10 and the movable disk 19 are respectively provided on both sides of the plurality of pinion sprockets 20 (one side and the other side in the direction along the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1). Focusing on the fixed disk 10 and the movable disk 19 provided on the upper side of the drawing in FIG. 2, the configuration will be described.

[1-1-1-3-1-1. (Fixed disk)
The fixed disk 10 is formed integrally with the rotating shaft 1 or is coupled so as to rotate together with the rotating shaft 1. FIG. 2 illustrates an example in which the movable disk 19 and the fixed disk 10 are arranged in this order from the plurality of pinion sprockets 20 toward the outside in the axial direction.

As shown in FIG. 3, the fixed disk 10 has fixed radial grooves 11a, 11b, 11c for the sprockets and fixed radial grooves 12 for the rods provided for the pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23 (see FIG. 1). Two types of radial grooves are formed (only one place is given a reference numeral).
The fixed radial grooves for sprockets 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c are provided corresponding to each of the pinion sprockets 20, and the fixed radial grooves for rod 12 are provided corresponding to each of the guide rods 29.

The support shafts 21a, 22a, and 23a of the pinion sprockets 21, 22, and 23 are inserted into the fixed radial grooves 11a, 11b, and 11c for the sprocket. The fixed radial groove 11a for the sprocket corresponding to the fixed pinion sprocket 21 can be said to be a groove (fixed pinion sprocket guide groove) for guiding the radial movement of the fixed pinion sprocket 21. Similarly, the sprocket corresponding to the first rotating pinion sprocket 22 is used. The fixed radial groove 11b for use as a groove guides the radial movement of the first rotation pinion sprocket 22, and the fixed radial groove 11c for the sprocket corresponding to the second rotation pinion sprocket 23 corresponds to the radial direction of the second rotation pinion sprocket 23. It can be said that the groove guides movement. For this reason, these fixed radial grooves 11a, 11b, 11c for sprockets are along the radial movement path of the corresponding pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23.
In addition, rod support shafts 29a of each guide rod 29 (indicated by reference numerals only at one place) are inserted into the fixed radial grooves 12 for rods.

[1-1-1-3-1-2. (Movable disc)
The movable disk 19 (shown by a broken line) is formed with two types of movable radial grooves, a movable radial groove 19a for a sprocket and a movable radial groove 19b for a rod (both are shown by a broken line with only one reference numeral). Has been. Note that the outer shape of the movable disk 19 is circular, and overlaps with the outer shape of the fixed disk 10 that is circular, but in FIG. 3, the outer circle of the movable disk 19 is shown in a reduced scale for convenience.

Each of the sprocket movable radial grooves 19a is provided so as to intersect with each of the above-described sprocket fixed radial grooves 11a, 11b, and 11c. Each of the pinion sprockets 21, 22, and 23 is provided at a first intersecting point CP ₁ where the sprocket movable radial groove 19 a and the sprocket fixed radial grooves 11 a, 11 b, and 11 c intersect (all of which are given a reference numeral only). Support shafts 21a, 22a, and 23a are located. Similarly, the rod movable radial groove 19b is provided so as to intersect with the above-mentioned rod fixed radial groove 12, and each rod support shaft 29a is disposed at the intersection.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the movable disk 19 is provided on each of one side and the other side with the pinion sprocket 20 interposed therebetween. These movable disks 19 are connected to each other by a connecting shaft 19A. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, a connecting shaft 19 </ b> A (a reference numeral is attached only to one place) is provided between the pinion sprockets 21, 22, and 23. As a result, the movable disk 19 on one side and the movable disk 19 on the other side rotate together.

[1-1-1-3-1-3. (First rotating part)
The first rotating portion 15 is a portion that rotates integrally with the fixed disk 10, that is, a portion that rotates integrally with the rotating shaft 1. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the first rotating portion 15 is provided on a part of the rotating shaft 1. The first rotating portion 15 is disposed on the outer side in the axial direction than the fixed disk 10 and the movable disk 19.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 5, and 6, the first rotating portion 15 is provided with a first cam groove 15 a. The first cam groove 15 a is provided so as to be recessed along the axial direction of the rotary shaft 1. Here, the first cam groove 15 a is formed in parallel with the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1. FIG. 5 illustrates an example in which the first cam groove 15a (only one place is given a reference numeral) is provided at three places at intervals in the circumferential direction. May be set according to the surrounding configuration, required specifications, and the like, and various shapes and numbers can be employed.

[1-1-1-3-1-4. (Second rotating part)
As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the second rotating unit 16 is connected to the movable disk 19 via the connection unit 17. In FIGS. 4 and 5, a counterclockwise revolution direction is indicated by a white arrow.
First, the connection part 17 is demonstrated.

The connecting portion 17 is disposed so as to rotate integrally with the movable disc 19 and the second rotating portion 16 and cover the fixed disc 10. The connection portion 17 includes an axial connection portion 17 a that covers the outer periphery (radially outer side) of the fixed disk 10, and a radial connection portion 17 b that covers the axial outer side of the fixed disk 10.
In the connection part 17, among the connections between the movable disk 19 and the second rotation part 16, the axial direction connection part 17 a connects the axial component separations, and connects the radial separations. It is the radial direction connection part 17b.

Axial connection portion 17a has a cylindrical shape extending in the axial direction together provided the axis C ₁ and concentric rotary shaft 1. As shown in FIG. 2, the axial direction connecting portion 17a is connected to the outer peripheral end portion (outer peripheral portion) 19t of the movable disk 19, and the axially outer side is connected to a radial connecting portion 17b described below. Has been.

As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the radial connection portion 17 b is connected to the axial connection portion 17 a on the radial outer side and is connected to the second rotation portion 16 on the radial inner side. The radial connection portion 17b is formed in a lightening shape by lightening portion 17c which will be described from the disc which extends radially with provided the axis C ₁ and concentric rotary shaft 1.
As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the radial connection portion 17b is provided with a lightening portion 17c. The lightening portion 17c is formed at a position corresponding to the racks 53 and 54 and the pinions 51 and 52 of the mechanical rotation driving mechanism 50, which will be described in detail later. FIG. 4 shows an example in which fan-shaped thinned portions 17c provided at three locations are provided at equal intervals with the radial connecting portion 17b interposed therebetween. However, the shape and number of the thinned portions 17c may be set according to the surrounding configuration, required specifications, and the like, and various shapes and numbers can be employed.

Next, the second rotating unit 16 will be described.
As shown in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5, the second rotating portion 16 is provided so as to cover the outer periphery (radially outer side) of the first rotating portion 15 and is concentric with the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1. It is formed in a cylindrical shape. Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the second rotating portion 16 is shifted from the outer peripheral end portion 19 t of the movable disk 19 to the inner peripheral side and provided along the axial direction.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 6, the second rotating portion 16 is provided with a second cam groove 16 a. The second cam groove 16a is provided adjacent to the outer periphery of the first cam groove 15a, and is provided along the axial direction of the rotary shaft 1 while intersecting the first cam groove 15a.
FIG. 5 shows an example in which the second cam groove 16a (a reference numeral is attached to only one place) is provided at three places at intervals in the circumferential direction. The number of formations is set according to the formation location and the number of formations of the first cam grooves 15a.

[1-1-1-3-1-5. (Relative rotation drive mechanism)
In addition to the first cam groove 15a provided in the first rotating part 15 and the second cam groove 16a provided in the second rotating part 16, the relative rotation drive mechanism 30 includes the first cam groove 15a and the first cam groove 15a. A cam roller 90 disposed at the second intersection CP ₂ where the two cam grooves 16a intersect, a glasses fork (axial force transmission member) 35 for transmitting axial force to the cam roller 90, and the glasses An axial movement mechanism 31 that moves the fork 35 in the axial direction is provided.
Hereinafter, the cam roller 90, the glasses fork 35, and the axial movement mechanism 31 will be described in this order.

As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the cam roller 90 is formed in a cylindrical shape. This cam roller 90 has an axial center along a direction orthogonal to the axial center C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1, and a second intersecting point CP ₂ (both of which the first cam groove 15 a and the second cam groove 16 a intersect each other). It is inserted through only one place. For this reason, the cam roller 90 rotates around the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1 in conjunction with the rotation of the rotating shaft 1. A bearing is fitted on the outer periphery of the cam roller 90 at locations corresponding to the first cam groove 15a and the second cam groove 16a.

One end portion 90a of the cam roller 90 is provided to be protruded from the second intersection CP ₂ in the radial direction.
Although not shown in the drawing, the cam roller 90 is appropriately removed so as not to fall off the cam grooves 15a and 16a. Examples of the retaining process include providing a head at the other end of the cam roller 90 and adding a retaining pin so that the cam roller 90 can move in the axial direction but not in the radial direction. It is done.

The glasses fork 35 is provided across the two composite sprockets 5 and 5. The spectacles fork 35 includes an annular cam roller support part 35a (corresponding only to one side) provided corresponding to each of the composite sprockets 5 and 5, and a bridge part 35b for connecting the cam roller support parts 35a. Have. The first rotating portion 15 and the second rotating portion 16 are disposed on the inner peripheral side of the cam roller support portion 35a.
The glasses fork 35 is parallel to the disks 10 and 19 and is arranged in a plate shape on the outer side in the axial direction with respect to the disks 10 and 19 when the chain 6 is used as a reference.

A groove portion 35c is recessed in the cam roller support portion 35a over the entire inner periphery.
The groove portion 35 c has a depth corresponding to the protruding length of the cam roller 90 and accommodates one end portion 90 a of the cam roller 90. That is, it can be said that the groove 35c has an annular space whose radial length is the protruding length of the cam roller 90.
The groove 35c is provided with a rolling element 35d (a reference numeral is given only at one place) that can be in rolling contact with the cam roller 90. The rolling element 35d is cam roller 90 is provided to prevent the rotation around the axis when the cam roller 90 that rotates about the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1 is brought into contact with the side wall of the groove 35c . That is, the rolling element 35d is disposed on the cam roller support portion 35a that forms the side wall of the groove portion 35c. Here, a plurality of rolling elements 35d are arranged over the entire circumference of the groove 35c. 2 and 5 illustrate a needle bearing as the rolling element 35d, but a ball bearing may be used instead.

  The axial direction moving mechanism 31 supports the spectacles fork 35 and the motor 32, the motion conversion mechanism 33 that switches the rotational motion of the output shaft 32 a of the motor 32 to a linear motion, and the spectacles fork 35. And a fork support portion 34 that is linearly moved by the motion conversion mechanism 33. As the motor 32, a stepping motor can be used.

Hereinafter, with reference to FIGS. 2 and 5, the axial movement mechanism 31 will be described in the order of the fork support portion 34 and the motion conversion mechanism 33.
The fork support portion 34 is formed in a cylindrical shape having a cylindrical shaft concentric with the output shaft 32 a of the motor 32. An output shaft 32 a of the motor 32 is inserted into the fork support portion 34.

Further, the fork support portion 34 has a female screw portion 34a threadedly engaged with a male screw portion 32b formed on the output shaft 32a of the motor 32 on the inner periphery, and is engaged with the bridge portion 35b of the glasses fork 35 on the outer periphery. A fork groove 34b is recessed.
The fork groove 34b is formed to have a width (axial length) corresponding to the thickness (axial length) of the bridge portion 35b of the glasses fork 35. An intermediate portion (between the two composite sprockets 5 and 5) of the bridge portion 35b is engaged with the fork groove 34b.

The motion conversion mechanism 33 includes a male screw portion 32b of the output shaft 32a and a female screw portion 34a of the fork support portion 34. When the output shaft 32a rotates, the fork support portion 34 in which the female screw portion 34a is formed is moved in the axial direction by screwing the male screw portion 32b and the female screw portion 34a. That is, the axial direction moving mechanism 31 converts the rotational motion of the motor 31 into a linear motion by the motion converting mechanism 33 and causes the fork support portion 34 to linearly move in the axial direction by this linear motion.
The relative rotation drive mechanism 30 including the glasses fork 35 and the axial movement mechanism 31 is provided so as to be shifted in the axial direction from the pinion sprockets 21, 22, and 23.

Hereinafter, the relative rotation drive of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 by the relative rotation drive mechanism 30 will be described.
When the fork support 34 is linearly moved in the axial direction by the axial movement mechanism 31, an axial force is transmitted to the cam roller 90 via the glasses fork 35 that engages the fork support 34, and the cam roller 90 is also axially moved. Moved to.

When the cam roller 90 of the first cam groove 15a and the second cam groove 16a is disposed in the second intersection CP ₂ crossing is moved in the axial direction, also moves in the second axial intersection CP _2. Since the first rotating portion 15 first cam groove 15a is provided to rotate integrally with the rotary shaft 1 and the fixed disk 10, when the second intersection CP ₂ is moved in the axial direction, first with respect to the first rotating portion 15 The second rotating portion 16 provided with the two cam grooves 16a is relatively rotated.

  Since the second rotating unit 16 rotates integrally with the movable disk 19 and the first rotating unit 10 rotates integrally with the fixed disk 10, the second rotating unit 16 is fixed when the second rotating unit 16 is rotated relative to the first rotating unit 15. The movable disk 19 is rotated relative to the disk 10.

When the movable disk 19 is driven to rotate relative to the fixed disk 10, the movable radial movement of the sprocket fixed radial grooves 11a, 11b, and 11c provided in the fixed disk 10 is possible as will be described later with reference to the moving mechanisms 40A and 40B. first intersection CP ₁ of the sprocket movable radial grooves 19a provided on the disk 19 intersect is moved in the radial direction.
Thus, relative rotation drive mechanism 30 drives rotates relative to the fixed disk 10 the movable disk 19 by the axial movement mechanism 31 moves the first intersection CP ₁ in the radial direction.

[1-1-1-3-2. Sprocket moving mechanism and rod moving mechanism]
Next, the sprocket moving mechanism 40A and the rod moving mechanism 40B will be described with reference to FIGS.
The sprocket moving mechanism 40A includes a fixed disk 10 formed with fixed radial grooves 11a, 11b, and 11c for sprockets in which support shafts 21a, 22a, and 23a provided in pinion sprockets 21, 22, and 23 are inserted, and a sprocket. The movable disk 19 is provided with a movable radial groove 19a and a relative rotation drive mechanism 30 (see FIGS. 2 and 5).

The rod moving mechanism 40B includes a fixed disk 10 in which the rod fixed radial groove 12 into which the rod support shaft 29a is inserted, a movable disk 19 in which the rod movable radial groove 19b is formed, and a relative rotation drive mechanism. 30.
As described above, the configurations of the moving mechanisms 40A and 40B are the same except for the support shafts of the respective moving objects.

Next, movement by the moving mechanisms 40A and 40B will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3A shows the support shafts 21a, 22a, 23a of the pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23 (see FIG. 2 etc.) in the radial grooves 11a, 11b, 11c, 19a and the rod support shaft 29a in the radial grooves 12, 19b. There show those located closest to the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1. In this case, when the rotational phase of the movable disk 19 is changed with respect to the fixed disk 10 by the relative rotation drive mechanism 30 (see FIG. 2), the fixed radial grooves 11a and 11b for the sprocket are sequentially displayed in the order of FIGS. , a first intersection CP ₁ to 11c and the sprocket movable radial grooves 19a intersect, the intersection of the rod fixed radial grooves 12 and the rod movable radial grooves 19b is from the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1 Move away. That is, the support shaft 21a in these intersections, 22a, 23a, pinions sprocket 20 and the guide rod 29 which is supported to 29a in synchronism from the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1 in a radial direction while maintaining equidistant Moved.

On the other hand, if the direction of change of the rotational phase of the movable disk 19 is reversed by the relative rotational drive mechanism 30 from the above direction, the pinion sprocket 20 and the guide rod 29 approach the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1.
When the input side moving mechanisms 40A and 40B increase the diameter of the contact circle, the output side movement mechanisms 40A and 40B reduce the diameter of the contact circle so that the chain 6 is not loosened or tensioned.

  When the pinion sprocket 20 is moved by the sprocket moving mechanism 40 </ b> A, the distance between the pinion sprockets 20 changes, so that the phase shift of the pinion sprocket 20 with respect to the chain 6 occurs. Therefore, in order to eliminate such a phase shift, a mechanical rotation driving mechanism 50 is provided.

[1-1-1-3-3. Mechanical rotation drive mechanism)
Next, the mechanical rotation driving mechanism 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 4. Here, since the mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 is configured symmetrically with the pinion sprocket 20 in between, the description will be given focusing on the configuration on one side (the upper side in the drawing of FIG. 2).

As described above, the mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 rotates the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23 so that the phase shift between the pinion sprockets 20 with respect to the chain 6 is eliminated from the sprocket moving mechanism 40A. It is mechanically driven to rotate in conjunction with it.
However, the mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 also has a configuration that does not rotate the fixed pinion sprocket 21 when moving in the radial direction.

First, a configuration for preventing the fixed pinion sprocket 21 (see FIG. 1) from rotating in the mechanical rotation driving mechanism 50 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 4, the support shaft 21 a of the fixed pinion sprocket 21 is inserted through the fixed radial groove 11 a for the sprocket of the fixed disk 10. A guide member 59 is integrally coupled to the support shaft 21a.

  The guide member 59 is inserted into the sprocket fixed radial groove 11a and guided in the radial direction. The guide member 59 is formed in a corresponding shape so as to come into contact with the fixed radial groove for sprocket 11a over a predetermined length in the radial direction. Therefore, when a rotational force that rotates the fixed pinion sprocket 21 is applied, the guide member 59 transmits the rotational force to the fixed radial groove 11a for the sprocket and is fixed by a reaction (resistance force) of this rotational force. It can be said that the pinion sprocket 21 is fixed. That is, the guide member 59 is formed in a shape that is slidable in the radial direction in the fixed radial groove 11a for the sprocket and has a function of preventing rotation. Here, the predetermined length is a length that can secure a drag force of a rotational force that causes the fixed pinion sprocket 21 to rotate.

In FIG. 4, the sprocket fixed radial groove 11a is formed in a rectangular shape having a longitudinal direction in the radial direction, and a guide member 59 formed in a rectangular shape smaller than this rectangular shape is illustrated.
Further, if bearings are attached to the side walls of the guide member 59 in contact with the inner wall of the fixed radial groove 11a for the sprocket, particularly the four corners of the guide member 59, smoother sliding of the guide member 59 can be ensured.

Next, the structure for rotationally driving the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23 in the mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 will be described.
The mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 meshes with the pinions 51 and 52 fixed so as to rotate integrally with the support shafts 22a and 23a of the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23, respectively, corresponding to the pinions 51 and 52, respectively. Racks 53 and 54 provided as described above.

The pinions 51 and 52 are provided at axial ends of the support shafts 22a and 23a of the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23, respectively. Racks 53 and 54 corresponding to the pinions 51 and 52 are fixed to the fixed disk 10 along the radial direction.
In the following description, the pinion (advance side pinion) 51 of the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 is referred to as a first pinion 51, and a rack (advance side rack) 53 that meshes with the first pinion 51 is a first rack. 53 to distinguish. Similarly, the pinion (retard side pinion) 52 of the second pinion sprocket 23 is called a second pinion 52, and the rack (retard side rack) 54 that meshes with the second pinion 52 is called a second rack 54.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the first rack 53 is arranged on the retard side with respect to the first pinion 51 on the basis of the revolution direction. Conversely, the second rack 54 is disposed on the advance side with respect to the second pinion 52 on the basis of the revolution direction. For this reason, the pinions 51 and 52 and the racks 53 and 54 are opposite to each other by the racks 53 and 54 meshing with the pinions 51 and 52 when the pinions 51 and 52 are moved in the diameter increasing direction or the diameter reducing direction. It is arranged to be rotated.

That is, the mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 sets the rotation phase for rotation of the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23 according to the radial position of the pinion sprocket 20 moved by the sprocket moving mechanism 40A. That is, the mechanical rotation driving mechanism 50 has a one-to-one correspondence between the radial position of the pinion sprocket 20 and the rotation phase applied to the rotation of the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23.
In this way, the mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 guides the fixed pinion sprocket 21 so as not to rotate, and guides the rotation pinion sprockets 22 and 23 to rotate.

  The first pinion 51 and the second pinion 52 are configured in the same manner except that the positional relationship of the racks 53 and 54 with respect to the pinions 51 and 52 is different, and the first rack 53 and the second rack 54 are also configured. Are structured similarly. For this reason, in the following description, it demonstrates paying attention to the 1st pinion 51 and the 1st rack 53. FIG.

The outer diameter (pitch circle diameter) of the first pinion 51 is formed to be approximately half of the outer diameter (pitch circle diameter) of the first rotation pinion sprocket 22. In other words, the outer diameter of the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 is formed approximately twice the outer diameter of the first pinion 51. The reason is as follows.
Since the three pinion sprockets 20 are arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the chain length between the first pinion sprocket 22 and the fixed pinion sprocket 20 is such that the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 is a distance x in the radial direction. When moved, it changes by “2πx / 3”.

  Therefore, if the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 rotates (rotates) so that the chain 6 having a length of “2πx / 3” is fed or pulled out between the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 and the fixed pinion sprocket 21, The chain length is adjusted appropriately.

Therefore, in order to appropriately adjust the chain length, when the first pinion 51 rotates by the distance x, the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 needs to rotate by 2πx / 3 in the circumferential length. That is, the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 needs to rotate by 2π / 3 times with respect to the first pinion 51. In other words, the ratio between the outer diameter of the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 and the outer diameter of the first pinion 51 needs to be “2π / 3: 1”.
Therefore, the outer diameter of the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 is formed to be “2π / 3” times (substantially twice) the outer diameter of the first pinion 51.

  The first rotating pinion sprocket 22 may be provided with a disc spring between the support shaft 22a and the first pinion 51 instead of the above-described phase shift allowable power transmission mechanism. According to this disc spring, the first rotation pinion sprocket 22 and the chain 6 that can be generated during the change of the gear ratio are controlled by restricting the relative rotation while allowing the minute rotation between the support shaft 22a and the first pinion 51. Absorbs the shock (shock) at the time of meshing. This disc spring can be similarly applied to each of the fixed pinion sprocket 21 and the second rotation pinion sprocket 23.

[1-1-1-3-4. (Phase holding mechanism)
Next, the phase holding mechanism 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 7 to 9.
Here, since the phase holding mechanism 60 is configured symmetrically with the pinion sprocket 20 in between, the description will be focused on the configuration of one side of the phase holding mechanism 60 (the upper side in the drawing of FIG. 2).
As described above, the phase holding mechanism 60 holds the phase of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 (hereinafter referred to as “integer-corresponding phase”) when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is an integer.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the phase holding mechanism 60 includes a recess 70 provided in a portion that rotates integrally with the fixed disk 10 (here, a plate 10 p described later) and a portion that rotates integrally with the movable disk 19 (here, , And a ball plunger (engagement / disengagement portion) 80 provided at the radial connection portion 17b).

  The concave portions 70 and the ball plungers 80 corresponding to the concave portions 70 are provided between the pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23, respectively, and are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction (see FIGS. 4, 5, and 8). . Here, three sets of recesses 70 and ball plungers 80 will be described as an example, but one set, two sets, or four or more sets of recesses 70 and ball plungers 80 may be provided. Since each set of recesses 70 and ball plungers 80 are configured in the same manner, the following description will focus on one set of recesses 70 and ball plungers 80 and will be described in the order of recesses 70 and engagement / disengagement units 80.

[1-1-1-1-4-1. (Concave)
The recess 70 is provided corresponding to each of the integer corresponding phases. That is, a plurality of concave portions 70 are provided as many as the number of teeth (Z _{min to} Z _max ) that the composite sprocket 5 can take (Z _max −Z _min +1).

Here, the recessed part 70 is formed as a countersink hole. The countersunk hole means a space recessed in a truncated cone shape. In addition, the recessed part 70 is formed corresponding to the shape of the ball | bowl 80a mentioned later, and may be not only a countersunk hole but the thing recessed in a hemispherical shape, or the thing recessed in the column shape.
These recesses 70 are provided in the plate 10 p joined to the fixed disk 10.

The plate 10p is joined so as to be in the same plane as the surface of the fixed disk 10 opposite to the movable disk 19 (the surface of the radial connection portion 17b) 10a. The plate 10p rotates integrally with the fixed disk 10.
The support shaft 29a of the guide rod 29 is disposed in the fixed radial groove 12 for the rod so as not to enter the thickness region of the plate 10p in the fixed disk 10 so as not to interfere with the plate 10p in the fixed disk 10. Similarly, the bearing of the support shaft 29a is also provided so as not to interfere with the plate 10p.

As shown in FIG. 8, the recesses 70 are provided in a row in the circumferential direction with the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft ₁ as a reference. A plurality of such rows are provided side by side in the radial direction with respect to the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1. In other words, the recesses 70 are formed in order so as to form a matrix in the circumferential direction and the radial direction. Here, three rows of recesses 70 (here, a total of 25) are illustrated and described specifically.

Hereinafter, the recess 70 of the three rows, in order from a long distance train from the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1, first recess 71, second recess 72, and the third recess 73. Each of the first recesses 71 is equally disposed with a distance r ₁ (hereinafter referred to as “first diameter”) r ₁ with respect to the axis C ₁ of the rotation shaft 1. Distances (hereinafter referred to as “second diameters”) r ₂ with respect to the axis C ₁ are equally arranged, and each of the third recesses 73 has a distance (hereinafter referred to as “third diameter” with respect to the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1. R ₃ ) are equally arranged. Accordingly, the distances of the rotary shaft 1 with respect to the concave portion 71, 72, 73 with respect to the axis C ₁ have a magnitude relationship of “r ₁ > r ₂ > r ₃ ”.

When the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is the smallest integer Z _min, the relative rotation angle theta of the movable disc 19 is minimized relative rotational angle theta _min relative to the fixed disk 10. For this reason, a concave portion (hereinafter referred to as “first minimum concave portion”) 71a (see FIG. 9) corresponding to the composite sprocket 5 having the minimum number of teeth Z _min is a fixed disk for expanding the composite sprocket 5 in diameter. 10 at the end opposite to the relative rotation direction of the movable disk 19 with respect to 10 (indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow in FIGS. 8 and 9; hereinafter, also simply referred to as “relative rotation direction”). It is provided corresponding to _min (here, equal to the relative rotation angle θ ₁ ).

  Here, the first minimum recess 71a is described as an example included in the first recess 71, but the first minimum recess is an end on the opposite side of the relative rotation direction of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10, That is, it is sufficient if the circumferential position is a recess located at the base end portion on the relative rotational direction side regardless of the radial position, and depending on the arrangement of the recess 70, the second minimum recess 72 or the third recess 73 may have a first minimum recess. Can be included.

When the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is increased by one, the relative rotation angle θ of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 corresponding to each number of teeth sequentially increases. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9, the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is set to “minimum integer Z _min +1”, “minimum integer Z _min +2”, “minimum integer Z _min +3”, “minimum integer Z _When increasing to “ _min +4”, “minimum integer Z _min +5”, and “minimum integer Z _min +6”, the relative rotation angle θ of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 is corresponding to θ ₂ and θ _{3, respectively.} , Θ ₄ , θ ₅ , and θ ₆ .

Here, a recess (hereinafter referred to as “second minimum recess”) 72 a corresponding to when the integer Z is “minimum integer Z _min +1” (relative rotation angle θ ₂ ) is formed in the second recess 72. , A recess (hereinafter referred to as “third minimum recess”) 73a corresponding to “minimum integer Z _min +2” (when relative rotation angle θ ₃ ) is formed in third recess 73, and “minimum integer Z _min +3 ”(when the relative rotation angle θ ₄ is), a recess (hereinafter referred to as“ fourth minimum recess ”) 71b is formed in the first recess 71, and when“ minimum integer Z _min +4 ”( A recess 72b (hereinafter referred to as “fifth minimum recess”) 72b corresponding to the relative rotation angle θ ₅ is formed in the second recess 72, and when “minimum integer Z _min +5” (relative rotation angle θ ₆ A recess 73b (hereinafter referred to as "sixth minimum recess") is formed in the third recess 73. .

The second minimum recess 72a is provided at the end on the relative rotation direction side in the second recess 72, and similarly, the third minimum recess 73a is provided at the end on the relative rotation direction side in the third recess 73.
Each of the first minimum recess 71a, the second minimum recess 72a, and the third minimum recess 73 provided at the end of the first recess 71, the second recess 72, and the third recess 73 on the relative rotation direction side is in the same row. A fourth minimum recess 71b, a fifth minimum recess 72b, and a sixth minimum recess 73b are provided adjacent to each other on the side of the relative rotation direction.

As described above, the first concave portion 71, the second concave portion 72, and the third concave portion 73 are provided so as to have different radial positions as well as different radial positions. In other words, each of the recesses 71, 72, 73 is provided so that the phases do not overlap when the axis 1 of the rotating shaft 1 is used as a reference.
If spread, the concave portion corresponding to the reference integer Z _S that is one of the integers Z that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 can take, and the adjacent integer Z that is an integer obtained by changing the reference integer Z _S by one. _A concave portion corresponding to _A (= reference integer Z _S ± 1) is provided with a different radial position on the basis of the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1. For this reason, it can be said that the recessed part 70 was provided in what is called a zigzag form.
With this configuration, the concave portions can be formed without interfering with each other even when the relative rotation angle θ required for the movement to the adjacent integer decreases.

In addition, although the number of rows of the recesses 70 is illustrated as an example, the number of rows of the recesses 70 is an integer number (Z _max −Z _min +1) that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 can take or a surrounding configuration. The number can be increased / decreased according to required specifications, etc., and may be one row, two rows, or four or more rows.

[1-1-1-3-4-2. Ball plunger)
As shown in FIG. 7, the ball plunger 80 includes a ball 80a detachably provided in the recess 70, a spring (biasing member) 80b that urges the ball 80a toward the recess 70, the ball 80a and the spring. And a support 80c for supporting 80b.
The ball 80a can be spherical. However, instead of the balls 80a, other shapes such as a columnar shape (needle shape) may be used.

  The spring 80b applies an urging force that allows the ball 80a to escape from the recess 70 when a relative rotational driving force of the movable disk 19 is applied by the relative rotational driving mechanism 30 (see FIG. 2 and the like). Instead of or in addition to the spring 80b, rubber that urges the ball 80a may be used, or the ball 80a may be urged by gas pressure or air pressure.

The ball plunger 80 corresponds to each of the radial positions formed by the first recess 71, the second recess 72, and the third recess 73, and a plurality of radial positions with respect to the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1. Are provided along a radial straight line. Specifically, three ball plungers 80 are provided at each of the distances r ₁ , r ₂ , and r ₃ from the axis C ₁ of the rotating shaft 1. The ball plungers 80 are similarly configured.

Furthermore, the positional relationship between the ball plunger 80 and each of the recesses 71, 72, 73 (see FIGS. 8 and 9) is as follows. As shown in FIGS. When the angle θ forms the minimum relative rotation angle θ _min (= θ ₁ ), the ball 80a corresponding to the first diameter r ₁ is set to be engaged with the first minimum recess 71a, and the relative rotation angle θ when the ₂ ball 80a corresponding to the second diameter r ₂ engages the second smallest recess 72a, also, when the relative rotation angle theta ₃ is a ball 80a which corresponds to the third diameter r ₃ is the third smallest recess 73a It is set to engage.

Here, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the ball plunger 80 is provided at the end of the radial connection portion 17b opposite to the relative rotation direction of the movable disk 19 (indicated by a two-dot chain line arrow). Yes.
As an example of the mounting method of the ball plunger 80, a male screw threaded on the outer periphery of the ball plunger 80 is screwed into a female screw provided in a mounting hole of the radial connection portion 17b. A method of screwing a nut from the base end side (the side opposite to the ball 80a) can be employed. Of course, other known methods such as welding and fitting may be used.

[1-1-2. chain〕
Next, the chain 6 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 10, the number of chains 6 guided by the guide rod 29 is provided corresponding to the number of gear rows (here, three rows) of the pinion sprockets 21, 22, and 23. Here, three chains of a first chain 6A, a second chain 6B, and a third chain 6C are provided.

These chains 6A, 6B, and 6C are wound around the pinion sprocket 20 with the pitch shifted from each other so as to shift the phase in the power transmission direction. Here, the pitch of each other is shifted by 1/3 pitch. Correspondingly, the phases of the teeth 21c, 22c and 23c of the pinion sprocket 20 meshing with the chains 6A, 6B and 6C (hereinafter referred to as “teeth 20c” when they are not distinguished from each other) are also shifted. Has been.
The chains 6A, 6B, and 6C are similarly configured except for the arrangement pitch.

Further, two or four or more chains 6 are used depending on the transmission torque of the multi-stage transmission mechanism. In this case, it is preferable that the pitches of the respective chains are shifted by “1 / number of chains”.
Here, each chain 6A, 6B, 6C using a silent chain will be further described.

  In each of the chains 6A, 6B, 6C, a plurality of link plate rows 61S in which a large number of link plates (drive links) 61 are arranged in series in the power transmission direction are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction of the link plate 61, thereby connecting pins 62 Concatenated by. In other words, a plurality of link plates 61 are arranged in parallel in the thickness direction.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the link plate 61 is formed with a pair of tooth portions 61a protruding in the inner peripheral side of the chains 6A, 6B, and 6C in the direction of power transmission, and the locations where the pair of tooth portions 61a and 61a are formed. A pair of pin holes 61b, 61b are formed at a predetermined interval corresponding to (corresponding to the power transmission direction). Further, a groove (link groove) 61c that engages with the teeth 20c of the pinion sprocket 20 is formed between the pair of tooth portions 61a and 61a.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the link plates 61 are adjacent to each other in the power transmission direction, but adjacent pin holes 61b, 61b in the link plates 61, 61 are at a predetermined interval (the length between the pin holes 61b, 61b). As a result, the link plate row 61S is formed. The link plate rows 61S adjacent to each other in the thickness direction are arranged with the tooth portions 61a shifted from each other by one tooth, and are connected in an annular shape by connecting pins 62 that simultaneously penetrate the pin holes 61b aligned in the thickness direction.

  In the present embodiment, an auxiliary link plate row 63S in which a large number of auxiliary link plates 63 are arranged in series in the power transmission direction is provided at both ends in the thickness direction of the chains 6A, 6B, 6C. In other words, a plurality of auxiliary link plates 63 are arranged on the outermost side in the thickness direction of the link plates 61 arranged in parallel and in the power transmission direction.

The auxiliary link plate row 63 </ b> S is guided by a guide surface 63 a formed on the inner peripheral side of the auxiliary link plate 63 being in contact with the outer peripheral surface of the guide rod 29. The auxiliary link plate row 63S is composed of auxiliary link plates 63 arranged in a row along the power transmission direction.
The auxiliary link plate 63 can be made of resin. In this case, it is preferable to use a resin having strength and rigidity capable of withstanding contact with a guide rod 29 such as so-called engineering plastic such as polyamide or polyester.

  When the gear ratio is changed, the large number of guide rods 29 move in the radial direction in the same manner as the pinion sprockets 21, 22 and 23 so as to form a polygon together with the pinion sprockets 21, 22 and 23. The outer diameter of the composite sprocket 5 is changed. Each of the chains 6A, 6B, 6C changes the rolling path following the change in the outer diameter of the composite sprocket 5, and abuts against the guide rod 29 between the portions engaged with the pinion sprockets 21, 22, 23. Guided by rolling route.

For this reason, each chain 6A, 6B, 6C is equipped with an auxiliary link plate row 63S that contacts the guide rod 29. That is, a guide surface 63 a formed in a linear shape or an arc shape on the inner peripheral side of each auxiliary link plate 63 constituting the auxiliary link plate row 63 </ b> S is brought into contact with the guide rod 29.
Note that the auxiliary link plate 63 is connected to the link plate 61 through the pair of pin holes 63b and 63b as shown in FIG.

Here, a description will be given focusing on the guide surface 63a formed in an arc shape. The guide surface 63a is formed according to an arc having the maximum winding radius (corresponding to the maximum tangent radius) of the chains 6A, 6B, 6C.
On the inner peripheral side of each auxiliary link plate 63, there are overlapping portions 64A and 64B that overlap in the thickness direction with the inner peripheral side of the auxiliary link plate 63 adjacent in the power transmission direction and continue the guide surface 63a in the power transmission direction. Is formed. These overlapping portions 64A and 64B are formed on the side of another auxiliary link plate 63 adjacent to the auxiliary link plate 63 (that is, on the upstream side and the downstream side in the power transmission direction).

In the following description, in the auxiliary link plate 63, the overlapping portion provided on one side in the power transmission direction is referred to as a first overlapping portion 64A, and the overlapping portion provided on the other side in the power transmission direction is referred to as the second overlapping portion 64B. And
The first overlapping portion 64A is adjacent to the second overlapping portion 64B of the other adjacent auxiliary link plate 63. The first polymerization part 64A and the second polymerization part 64B are polymerized.

  As shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B, each of the overlapping portions 64A and 64B is formed in a corresponding shape. Specifically, each of the overlapping portions 64A and 64B is formed of a thin portion 65a in which the auxiliary link plate 63 is thinned by a cutout portion 65b cut out in the thickness direction. The notch portion 65b of the first overlapping portion 64A corresponds to the thin portion 65a of the second overlapping portion 64B, and the notch portion 65b of the second overlapping portion 64B is configured to correspond to the thin portion 65a of the first overlapping portion 64A. ing.

Here, as shown in FIG. 11B, the thickness of the thin portion 65a and the thickness of the cutout portion 65b of each of the overlapping portions 64A and 64B are provided to be equal or substantially equal. However, each thickness of the thin part 65 and the notch part 65b can be set arbitrarily.
Various shapes can be adopted as the shapes of the overlapping portions 64A and 64B. For example, as shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. 11 (b), a shape is adopted in which the length in the thickness direction of the notch 65b increases as each overlapping portion 64A, 64B moves toward the end in the power transmission direction. May be.

Further, the overlapping portions 64A and 64b are set so as to overlap without interfering with each other when the chains 6A, 6B, and 6C have the minimum winding radius (tangent circle radius).
On the other hand, the overlapping portions 64A and 64b are overlapped even when having the maximum winding radius, and the overlapping region is set so that the guide surface 63a is continuous in the power transmission direction. The overlap region corresponds to the overlap area when viewed from the direction orthogonal to the power transmission direction (pin axis direction).

  Specifically, as the wrapping radius (tangent circle radius) of the chains 6A, 6B, and 6C decreases, the thin portion 65a of the second overlapping portion 65B enters the notched portion 65b of the first overlapping portion 65A. The thin portion 65a of the first overlapping portion 65A enters the cutout portion 65b of the second overlapping portion 65B, and the region where both thin portions 65a overlap is increased.

[1-2. Action and effect)
Since the multi-stage transmission mechanism according to the embodiment of the present invention is configured as described above, the following operations and effects can be obtained.
[1-2-1. Action)
First, the operation will be described focusing on the relative rotational drive of the movable disk with respect to the fixed disk 10. Here, the operation when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 having the minimum integer Z _min is changed (increased) will be described as an example.

When the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is the minimum integer Z _min , the relative rotation angle θ of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 becomes the minimum relative rotation angle θ _min , toward the first minimum recess 71 a provided corresponding thereto. Thus, the ball 80a of the plunger 80 is urged and engaged.
When the gear ratio is changed, the movable disk 19 is rotated relative to the fixed disk 10 stepwise by the relative rotation drive mechanism 30, and the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is changed from the minimum integer Z _min to another integer Z. Are sequentially shifted. At this time, the phase shift between the composite sprocket 5 and the chain 6 can be positively absorbed by the above-described phase shift allowable power transmission mechanism and the disc spring, but the pinion sprocket can be provided without being equipped with these mechanisms. It can also be absorbed by play and play generated in the peripheral structure 20 and play generated at the connecting portion of the link plate 61 of the chain 6.

For example, in order to change the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 to “minimum integer Z _min +1”, the relative rotation angle θ of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 is changed from θ ₁ to θ ₂ . At this time, the ball 80a of the plunger 80 of the first row r ₁ that is instantaneously engaged with the first minimum recess 71a near the intermediate angle at which the relative rotation angle θ changes from θ ₁ to θ ₂ is the spring 80b. and compressing the by escape, also ball 80a was escape state by compressing the spring 80b in the second row r ₂ are entering the second minimum recess 72a. When the relative rotation angle θ is set to θ ₂ , the balls 80a of the ball plungers 80 in the second row r ₂ are engaged with the second minimum recesses 72a. The balls 80a in the third row r ₃ continue to compress the springs 80b and are displaced in the circumferential direction while being in an escaped state.

Similarly, in order to change the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 to “minimum integer Z _min +2”, the relative rotation angle θ is changed from θ ₂ to θ ₃ . At this time, the ball 80a engaged with the second minimum concave portion 72a escapes, and the ball 80a of the plunger 80 engages with the third minimum concave portion 73a. Further, the second row r ₂ balls 80a are displaced from the engaged state in the circumferential direction and are displaced in the circumferential direction, and the third row r ₃ balls 80a are displaced from the escaped state in the circumferential direction to be in the engaged state. . The balls 80a in the first row r ₁ are displaced in the circumferential direction while being in the escaped state.

In order to change the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 to “minimum integer Z _min +3”, the relative rotation angle θ is changed from θ ₃ to θ _4, and the ball 80a engaged with the third minimum recess 73a. Escapes and the ball 80a of the plunger 80 engages with the fourth minimum recess 71b. Further, the third r ₃ balls 80a are displaced from the engaged state in the circumferential direction, and are displaced in the circumferential direction, and the first row r ₁ balls 80a are displaced from the escaped state in the circumferential direction to be in the engaged state. The balls 80a in the second row r ₂ are displaced in the circumferential direction while being in the escaped state.

  As described above, the balls 80a in each row engage with the recesses 70 every time the integer Z relating to the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 changes by the number of rows (here, three rows). Escape.

[1-2-2. effect〕
Therefore, according to the multi-stage transmission mechanism of the present embodiment, the phase corresponding to the integer can be held by the phase holding mechanism 60. The relative rotation angle (phase) θ of the movable disk 19 when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 becomes an integer Z can be maintained.
Specifically, the recesses 70 provided corresponding to the relative rotation angles (phases) θ of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is an integer Z are Since the ball plunger 80 provided on the integrally rotating plate 10p and provided with the balls 80a that can be engaged and disengaged in these recesses 70 is provided on the radial connection portion 17b that rotates integrally with the movable disk 19, it is fixed. When the phase of the movable disk 19 with respect to the disk 10 becomes an integer corresponding phase, the ball 80 a of the ball plunger 80 can be engaged with the recess 70. Thereby, the phase corresponding to the integer can be mechanically maintained, and the state where the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 becomes the integer Z can be maintained. As a result, the chain 6 can be satisfactorily hooked on the composite sprocket 5 and the power can be transmitted smoothly.

On the other hand, when the composite sprocket 5 is expanded and contracted in diameter and the number of teeth is changed, the ball 80 a is released from the recess 70, so that the movable disk 19 can be rotated relative to the fixed disk 10 by the relative rotation drive mechanism 30. it can. In this way, the gear ratio can be changed.
Thus, the gear ratio can be changed and the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 can be maintained at an integer.

  Specifically, since the ball plunger 80 includes the recess 70, the ball 80a, and the spring 80b that biases the ball 80a toward the recess 70, the ball 80a biased by the spring 80b is recessed when the phase corresponds to an integer. By engaging with 70, the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 can be maintained at an integer Z. On the other hand, when the movable disk 19 is rotated relative to the fixed disk 10 by the relative rotation drive mechanism 30 and the composite sprocket 5 is expanded and contracted to change the integer Z formed by the number of teeth, the ball 80a escapes from the recess 70. Thus, the relative rotation of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 is not hindered. In this way, it is possible to mechanically switch between holding and releasing the phase of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10. More specifically, the movable disk 19 can be self-held (checked) so that the phase of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 is an integer corresponding phase.

Since a plurality of rows formed in the circumferential direction by the plurality of recesses 70 are provided side by side in the radial direction, the recesses 70 can be efficiently provided, that is, a large number of the recesses 70 can be provided in a limited space.
Thus, since the recessed part 70 is formed in order so that it may form a matrix in the circumferential direction and radial direction, the recessed part 70 can be formed efficiently and it can contribute to reduction of manufacturing cost.
Furthermore, since it is sufficient to provide the ball plungers 80 as many as the number corresponding to each row of the first recess 71, the second recess 72, and the third recess 73, the ball plunger 80 is compared with the recesses formed with the radial positions varied. The number of plungers 80 can be suppressed. Thereby, it can contribute to suppression of material cost and manufacturing cost.

A concave portion 70 corresponding to a reference integer Z _S that is one of the integers Z that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 can take, and an adjacent integer Z _A that is an integer obtained by changing the reference integer Z _S by 1 (= reference The concave portion 70 corresponding to the integer Z _S ± 1) is provided with a different radial position with respect to the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1, and therefore corresponds to each of the reference integer Z _S and the adjacent integer Z _A. Even when the difference between the relative rotation angles is small, the recesses 70 can be formed. In other words, even when the transition is performed at a minute relative rotation angle, the corresponding recesses 70 can be formed without interfering with each other, and each integer-corresponding phase can be maintained. Further, it is possible radial position (distance to the axis C ₁ of the rotary shaft 1) to secure the interval between the same recessed portion 70.

  In the relative rotational drive mechanism 30, even if the output shaft 32a of the motor 30 is rotated so that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket 5 is an integer on the upstream side in the power transmission direction, the displacement corresponding to this rotation is There is a possibility that the phase of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 slightly deviates from a desired phase (integer-corresponding phase) due to the play or play in the power transmission path. On the other hand, since the recess 70 is a countersunk hole, even if the phase of the movable disk 19 with respect to the fixed disk 10 is slightly shifted from the phase corresponding to the integer, the ball 80a urged to the edge of the recess 70 is Guided to the center (deepest part) of the recess 70, the phase of the movable disk 19 relative to the fixed disk 10 can be finely corrected to an integer corresponding phase. Thereby, the chain 6 can be satisfactorily hooked on the composite sprocket 5 and the power can be transmitted smoothly.

Since the ball plunger 80 is used for the phase holding mechanism 60, general-purpose parts can be used, which can contribute to improvement of productivity and cost reduction.
Since a plurality of recesses 70 and ball plungers 80 are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, the urging force of the ball plunger 80 against the recesses 70 can be dispersed in the circumferential direction, and the urging force can be applied in a balanced manner. As a result, it can contribute to improvement of durability.

  Since the recessed part 70 is provided in the plate 10p joined to the fixed disk 10, the maintainability (maintenance) can be improved. Further, the recess 70 can be provided while avoiding interference with the fixed radial groove 12 for the rod.

[2. Others]
Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Each structure of one Embodiment mentioned above can be selected as needed, and may be combined suitably.
In the above-described embodiment, the concave portion 70 is provided on the plate 10p joined to the fixed disk 10. However, the concave portion 70 may be formed directly on the board surface 10a of the fixed disk 10. In this case, component parts and production processes can be reduced, and processing costs and manufacturing costs can be suppressed.

In addition, the recess 70 and the ball plunger 80 are not limited to those provided with a plurality of sets at equal intervals in the circumferential direction, and may be provided with a plurality of sets with different intervals, or only one set.
Moreover, the recessed part 70 does not need to comprise the row | line | column with the same radial direction position. In this case, it is necessary to provide a ball plunger 80 corresponding to the radial position of each recess.

  In the first embodiment described above, the connection portion 17 is provided with the lightening portion 17c. However, the lightening portion 17c may be omitted. In this case, the mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50 can be accommodated by extending the axial connection portion 17a beyond the axial length (thickness) of the racks 51, 52 and the pinions 53, 54 of the mechanical rotation drive mechanism 50. Can do.

  Moreover, although the thing arrange | positioned in order of the movable disk 19 and the fixed disk 10 from the several pinion sprocket 20 side was illustrated, arrangement | positioning and the number of disks are not restricted to this, Various arrangement | positioning and number can be employ | adopted. For example, as a disk corresponding to the fixed disk 10, a first fixed disk and a second fixed disk may be disposed on the inner side and the outer side of the movable disk 19 in the axial direction. In this case, the fixed radial grooves 11a, 11b, 11c for the sprocket and the fixed radial grooves 12 for the rod can be formed on the first fixed disk, and the fixed radial grooves 11a, 11b, 11c for the sprocket can be formed on the second fixed disk. The grooves 53 can be formed and the racks 53 and 54 can be fixed. Thus, the first fixed disk (radial movement fixed disk) for moving the pinion sprocket in the radial direction and the second fixed disk (rotation fixed disk) for rotating the pinion sprocket may be provided. In the above-described embodiment, it can be said that the fixed disk 10 serves as both the first fixed disk and the second fixed disk described above.

  Although the ball plunger 80 that rotates integrally with the movable disk 19 and the concave portion 70 that rotates integrally with the fixed disk 10 are shown, conversely, the ball plunger 80 rotates integrally with the fixed disk 10, and the concave portion corresponds to the movable disk 19. You may provide so that it may rotate integrally.

  In addition, although three pinion sprockets 20 are shown, the number of pinion sprockets 20 is not limited to this, and may be four or more, and any pinion sprocket 20 may always mesh with the chain 6. For example, the number may be two. In any case, at least one of the adjacent pinion sprockets 20 is configured as a rotating pinion sprocket 20, and radial grooves 11a, 11a, 11b, 11c, and 19a corresponding to the number of pinion sprockets 20 are provided. In this case, since the recesses 70 and the ball plungers 80 are provided between the plurality of pinion sprockets 20, as the number of pinion sprockets 20 increases, the formation area of the recesses 70 decreases. This can be dealt with by increasing the ball plunger 80 corresponding to.

  Further, instead of the ball plunger 80, for example, a projection having an actuator that can switch engagement and withdrawal of the projection (corresponding to the ball 80a) to and from the recess 70 may be used. What has a part can be used.

1 Rotating shaft 5 Composite sprocket 6 Chain 10 Fixed disk (fixed disk for radial movement, fixed disk for rotation)
10p plate 11a, 11b, 11c Fixed radial groove for sprocket (fixed pinion sprocket guide groove)
12 Fixed radial groove 15 for rod 15 First rotating portion 15a First cam groove 16 Second rotating portion 16a Second cam groove 17 Connecting portion 17a Axial connecting portion 17b Radial connecting portion 17c Thickening portion 19 Moving disk (radial movement) Movable disk)
19a Movable radial groove for sprocket 19b Movable radial groove for rod 19A Connecting shaft 20 Pinion sprocket 21 Fixed pinion sprocket 21a Sprocket support shaft 22 First rotation pinion sprocket (advanced side rotation pinion sprocket)
22a Support shaft 23 Second rotation pinion sprocket (retarding side pinion sprocket)
23a Support shaft 29 Guide rod 29a Rod support shaft 29b Guide member 30 Relative rotation drive mechanism 31 Axial movement mechanism 32 Motor 32a Output shaft 32b Male thread part 33 Motion conversion mechanism 34 Fork support part 34a Female thread part 34b Fork groove 35 Glasses fork (Axial force transmission member)
35a Cam roller support portion 35b Bridge portion 35c Groove portion 35d Rolling element 40A Sprocket moving mechanism 40B Rod moving mechanism 50 Mechanical rotation drive mechanism 51 First pinion (advanced side pinion)
52 Second pinion (retarding pinion)
53 First rack (advanced side rack)
54 Second rack (retard side rack)
59 Guide member 60 Phase holding mechanism 70 Recess 71 First recess 71a First minimum recess 71b Fourth minimum recess 72 Second recess 72a Second minimum recess 72b Fifth minimum recess 73 Third recess 73a Third minimum recess 73b Sixth minimum recess Recess 80 Ball plunger (engagement / disengagement part)
80a Ball (protrusion)
80b Spring (biasing member)
From 80c support 90 cam roller 90a at one end portion _{C 1, C 2, C 3} , C 4 axis CP ₁ first intersection location CP ₂ second intersection r _1, r _2, the axis C ₁ of r ₃ rotary shaft 1 Distance θ ₁ , θ ₂ , θ ₃ , θ ₄ , θ ₅ , θ ₆ relative rotation angle Z integer Z _min minimum integer Z _max maximum integer

Claims (10)

A rotating shaft to which power is input or output, a plurality of pinion sprockets supported movably in the radial direction with respect to the rotating shaft, and the plurality of pinion sprockets while maintaining an equal distance from the axis of the rotating shaft Two sets of composite sprockets having a sprocket moving mechanism that moves in synchronization with the radial direction, and a chain wound around the two sets of composite sprockets, surrounding each of the plurality of pinion sprockets, and A multi-stage transmission mechanism that changes a gear ratio by changing a contact circle radius that is a radius of a circle that contacts any of a plurality of pinion sprockets,
A fixed radial groove for sprocket into which each support shaft of the plurality of pinion sprockets is inserted, and a fixed disk that rotates integrally with the rotary shaft;
A movable radial groove for the sprocket in which the support shaft is located at a first intersection where the fixed radial groove for the sprocket intersects, a movable disk that is concentrically disposed with respect to the fixed disk and is relatively rotatable;
A phase holding mechanism that holds the phase of the movable disk with respect to the fixed disk when the apparent number of teeth of the composite sprocket formed by the plurality of pinion sprockets is an integer; and
The phase holding mechanism is
Recesses that rotate integrally with one of the fixed disk and the movable disk, and that are provided corresponding to each of the phases of the movable disk with respect to the fixed disk when the number of teeth of the composite sprocket is an integer;
A multi-stage transmission mechanism comprising: an engaging / disengaging portion that rotates integrally with one of the fixed disk and the movable disk, and a protrusion is provided in the recess so as to be engageable and disengageable. The sprocket moving mechanism is
The multi-stage transmission mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising a relative rotation drive mechanism that drives the movable disk to rotate relative to the fixed disk and moves the first intersection in the radial direction. . The engagement / disengagement part is
The multi-stage transmission mechanism according to claim 1, further comprising an urging member that urges the protrusion toward the recess. The recesses are provided in a row in the circumferential direction with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft,
The multi-stage transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a plurality of the rows are provided side by side in the radial direction with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft. The engagement / disengagement part is
5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein each of the plurality of radial positions on the basis of the axis of the rotation shaft is provided corresponding to each of the radial positions formed by the row in which the concave portions are provided. A multi-speed transmission mechanism described in 1. The concave portion corresponding to a reference integer that is one of the integers that the number of teeth of the composite sprocket can take, and the concave portion corresponding to an adjacent integer that is an integer obtained by changing the reference integer by 1, The multi-stage transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the radial positions with respect to the axis of the rotating shaft are provided differently. The multi-stage transmission mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the recess is a countersunk hole. The multi-stage transmission mechanism according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the engaging / disengaging portion is a ball plunger. The multi-stage transmission mechanism according to claim 1, wherein a plurality of the recesses and the engagement / disengagement units are provided at equal intervals in the circumferential direction. A plate that rotates integrally with one of the fixed disk and the movable disk;
The multi-stage transmission mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the recess is provided in the plate.

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