CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS THEREFOR

• US 20100093479A1
• Filed: 02/07/2008
• Published: 04/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 02/12/2007
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC (Fallbrook Technologies Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Fallbrook Technologies Incorporated
• Inventors: Kieke, David, Pohl, Brad, Lohr, Charles, Carter, Jeremy
• Application Number:
  US12/526,770
• Publication Number:
  US 20100093479A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 475/159
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 15/28 with external friction surface
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 15/503 in which two members co-operate by means of balls or rollers of uniform effective diameter, not mounted on shafts
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 2037/0886 with switching means, e.g. to change ranges
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 37/084 at least one power path being a continuously variable transmission, i.e. CVT

Abstract

Inventive embodiments are directed to 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. 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. Various inventive shift-cam-and-sun subassemblies can be used to facilitate shifting of the transmission ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are 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. Various related devices include embodiments of, 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. FIG. 72 shows a torque-split ball-type rolling traction CVT with a ball-type rolling traction variator (1200) and planetary gearset (1400) which is followed by a rangebox (1600).

Claims

1. A drive comprising:

a prime mover; and

a transmission coupled to the prime mover, wherein the transmission comprises;

a continuously variable unit (CVU);

an input interface coupled to the prime mover and to the CVU;

an output interface coupled to the CVU; and

a parallel branch for mechanical power transmission, said parallel branch coupled to the input interface and to the output interface.

2. The drive of claim 1, wherein the CVU comprises a plurality of spherical traction rollers.

3. The drive of claim 2, further comprising a lubrication system operably coupled to the CVU, the lubrication system configured to provide a lubricant to the spherical traction rollers.

4. The drive of claim 2, wherein the transmission further comprises a rangebox coupled to the output interface.

5. The drive of claim 4, wherein the output interface comprises a combining device.

6. The drive of claim 5, wherein the combining device comprises a planetary gearset.

7-14. -14. (canceled)

15. A transmission comprising:

a plurality of traction rollers;

a carrier assembly operably coupled to the traction rollers;

an input element configured to transfer torque to the traction rollers, the input element comprising;

a load cam having bidirectional load cam ramps;

a traction ring having bidirectional load cam ramps;

an output element configured to transfer torque from the traction rollers;

a shifter assembly configured to adjust an axis of rotation of the traction rollers;

a hydraulic system operably coupled to the shifter assembly; and

a lubrication system configured to provide lubricant to at least the traction rollers.

16. The transmission of claim 15, wherein the hydraulic system comprises at least one hydraulic piston.

17. The transmission of claim 16, wherein the shifter assembly comprises at least one shift cam, and wherein the at least one hydraulic piston is operationally coupled to the at least one shift cam.

19. The transmission of claim 15, wherein the output element comprises a load cam.

20. The transmission of claim 19, wherein the load cam comprises bidirectional ramps.

18. (canceled)

21-39. -39. (canceled)

40. A transmission comprising:

a plurality of spherical traction rollers;

a carrier assembly for supporting the traction rollers;

an input element for transferring torque to the traction rollers;

an output element for transferring torque from the traction rollers;

an axial force generator for applying a clamping force to the spherical rollers, input element, and output element;

a shifter assembly for adjusting an axis of rotation of the spherical traction rollers;

a hydraulic system for actuating the shifter assembly; and

a lubrication system for providing lubricant to at least the spherical traction rollers.

44. The transmission of claim 40, wherein the output element comprises a load cam.

45. The transmission of claim 44, wherein the load cam comprises bidirectional ramps.

51. The transmission of claim 40, further comprising an input interface coupled to the input element.

52. The transmission of claim 51, further comprising an output interface coupled to the output element.

53. The transmission of claim 52, further comprising a parallel branch coupled to the input interface and to the output interface.

41-43. -43. (canceled)

46-50. -50. (canceled)

54-103. -103. (canceled)

104. A center manifold for a continuously variable unit (CVU), the center manifold comprising:

a base plate having a plurality of channels and ports for receiving and distributing control fluid and lubricant; and

a cover plate adapted to couple to the base plate, the cover plate having a plurality of channels and ports for receiving and distributing control fluid and lubricant.

105. The center manifold of claim 104, further comprising a plurality of recess for clearing a plurality of traction planets of the CVU.

106. The center manifold of claim 104, further comprising at least one structure for locating the center manifold in a housing of the CVU.

107-217. -217. (canceled)