Continuously variable transmissions, systems and methods
First Claim
1. A stator for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a plurality of tiltable planet assemblies, each tiltable planet assembly including a planet and a planet axle, wherein tilting the planet axle changes a transmission ratio of the CVT, the stator comprising:
- a plurality of offset guide slots for receiving an end of a planet axle formed with a curved profile and a diameter, each offset guide slot comprising;
first and second surfaces for contact with the end of the planet axle, the first and second surfaces separated by a first width to form a desired clearance width based on the diameter of the planet axle; and
a protuberance on one of a leading surface or a trailing surface, the protuberance forming a second width at a radially outward opening, the second width being less than the first width.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for improving the performance and increasing the life of continuously variable transmissions (CVT). A first stator may be formed with an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of a second stator. A stator may have radial slots formed to extend farther radially inward than slots on the other stator. The larger outer diameter of a stator or the formation of guide slots on a first stator extending farther radially inward of guide slots on a second stator may prevent egress of a planet axle from a radial slot, increase range of the CVT, allow for larger tolerances to reduce losses, and other advantages, Slots on a timing plate may be formed having a width greater than a width of guide slots formed on either stator to allow the stators to control adjustments while the timing plate avoids runaway axles. The shape, including junction between surfaces on a timing plate or stator may also prevent an axle from egressing. Any one or a combination of these features allow a CVT to be formed smaller and lighter to allow for clearance in smaller environments and for reduced inertia.
649 Citations
15 Claims
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1. A stator for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a plurality of tiltable planet assemblies, each tiltable planet assembly including a planet and a planet axle, wherein tilting the planet axle changes a transmission ratio of the CVT, the stator comprising:
a plurality of offset guide slots for receiving an end of a planet axle formed with a curved profile and a diameter, each offset guide slot comprising; first and second surfaces for contact with the end of the planet axle, the first and second surfaces separated by a first width to form a desired clearance width based on the diameter of the planet axle; and a protuberance on one of a leading surface or a trailing surface, the protuberance forming a second width at a radially outward opening, the second width being less than the first width. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A stator assembly for a continuously variable transmission having a plurality of tiltable planet assemblies, each tiltable planet assembly including a planet and a planet axle having a diameter, wherein tilting the planet axle changes a transmission ratio of the CVT, the stator assembly comprising:
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a first stator comprising; a plurality of offset guide slots for receiving a first end of each planet axle of the plurality of planet axles, each offset guide slot comprising; first and second offset guide slot surfaces for contact with the first end of each planet axle, the first and second offset guide slot surfaces separated by a first width to form a radial opening and to form a desired clearance width based on the diameter of the planet axle; and a second stator comprising; a plurality of radial guide slots for receiving a second end of a planet axle having a diameter, each radial guide slot comprising; first and second radial guide slot surfaces for contact with the second end of the planet axle, the first and second radial guide slot surfaces separated by a first width to form a desired clearance width based on the diameter of the planet axle, wherein each radial guide slot in the second stator is recessed radially inward relative to each offset guide slot of the first stator, and wherein the first stator is rotatable relative to the second stator to adjust a speed ratio of the variator. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10, 11)
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12. A continuously variable transmission having a plurality of tiltable planet assemblies, each tiltable planet assembly including a planet and a planet axle having a diameter, wherein tilting the planet axle changes a transmission ratio of the CVT, the CVT comprising:
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a first stator comprising; a plurality of offset guide slots for receiving a first end of each planet axle of the plurality of planet axles, each offset guide slot comprising first and second offset guide slot surfaces for contact with the first end of each planet axle, the first and second offset guide slot surfaces separated by a first width to form a radial opening and to form a desired clearance width based on the diameter of the planet axle; a second stator comprising; a plurality of radial guide slots for receiving a second end of a planet axle having a diameter, each radial guide slot comprising first and second radial guide slot surfaces for contact with the second end of the planet axle, the first and second radial guide slot surfaces separated by a first width to form a desired clearance width based on the diameter of the planet axle; and a timing plate interposed between the plurality of planets and the first stator, the timing plate comprising a plurality of timing slots formed by a first timing slot surface and a second timing slot surface. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15)
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Specification