Continuously variable transmission
First Claim
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1. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), comprising:
- a plurality of balls, each ball having a bore through which a ball axle passes;
first and second rings in contact with the plurality of balls, wherein the plurality of balls are interposed between the first and second rings;
an idler assembly comprising an idler having an outer surface for contact with the plurality of balls, wherein the idler has a non-uniform outer diameter, wherein lubricant flows to a largest diameter of the non-uniform outer diameter, and wherein lubricant sprays off the largest diameter to lubricate one or more components of the CVT;
a hub shell comprising a generally cylindrical, hollow shell body having a first end and a second end, the hub shell defining an interior of the CVT; and
a lubrication system comprising a scraper configured to scrape lubricant from an inside surface of the hub shell to remove lubricant that accumulates in the interior of the CVT.
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Abstract
Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) having a plurality of balls, each ball having a bore through which a ball axle passes, are provided. In some aspects, the CVTs include first and second rings on either side and in contact with the plurality of balls, and an idler assembly including an idler having a non-uniform outer diameter. The profile of the idler ensures lubricant flows to a largest diameter of the non-uniform outer diameter, and lubricant sprays off the largest diameter to lubricate one or more components of the CVT. A lubrication system may include a scraper configured to remove lubricant that accumulates in an interior of the CVT.
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Citations
6 Claims
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1. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), comprising:
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a plurality of balls, each ball having a bore through which a ball axle passes; first and second rings in contact with the plurality of balls, wherein the plurality of balls are interposed between the first and second rings; an idler assembly comprising an idler having an outer surface for contact with the plurality of balls, wherein the idler has a non-uniform outer diameter, wherein lubricant flows to a largest diameter of the non-uniform outer diameter, and wherein lubricant sprays off the largest diameter to lubricate one or more components of the CVT; a hub shell comprising a generally cylindrical, hollow shell body having a first end and a second end, the hub shell defining an interior of the CVT; and a lubrication system comprising a scraper configured to scrape lubricant from an inside surface of the hub shell to remove lubricant that accumulates in the interior of the CVT. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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Specification