Continuously variable transmissions and methods therefor
First Claim
1. A transmission comprising:
- an input interface for receiving power from a power source;
an output interface for delivering power to a load;
a variator operably coupled to the input interface and operably coupled to the output interface, the variator comprisinga plurality of spherical traction rollers,an input element in contact with the plurality of spherical traction rollers,an output element in contact with the plurality of spherical traction rollers, anda shifter assembly for adjusting an axis of rotation of the spherical traction rollers; and
a parallel branch operably coupled to the input interface and the output interface, wherein in a first configuration, power from the input interface is directly transferred through the parallel branch without variation of a rotational speed, wherein in a second configuration, power from the input interface is transferred through the variator to the output interface, wherein the rotational speed or a rotational direction may be changed, and wherein in a third configuration, a portion of the power from the input interface is transferred through the variator and a portion of the power from the input interface is transferred through the parallel branch.
3 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting, traction planets and traction rings are described. In one embodiment, a variator is coupled to a rangebox to provide multiple operating modes. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the variator and the rangebox. Shift-cam-and-sun subassemblies can be used to facilitate shifting of the transmission ratio of a CVT. A transmission housing and bell housing can be adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Related devices include, for example, a pivot arm, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, a pivot pin hub, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A transmission comprising:
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an input interface for receiving power from a power source; an output interface for delivering power to a load; a variator operably coupled to the input interface and operably coupled to the output interface, the variator comprising a plurality of spherical traction rollers, an input element in contact with the plurality of spherical traction rollers, an output element in contact with the plurality of spherical traction rollers, and a shifter assembly for adjusting an axis of rotation of the spherical traction rollers; and a parallel branch operably coupled to the input interface and the output interface, wherein in a first configuration, power from the input interface is directly transferred through the parallel branch without variation of a rotational speed, wherein in a second configuration, power from the input interface is transferred through the variator to the output interface, wherein the rotational speed or a rotational direction may be changed, and wherein in a third configuration, a portion of the power from the input interface is transferred through the variator and a portion of the power from the input interface is transferred through the parallel branch. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification