CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION

• US 20150369348A1
• Filed: 08/28/2015
• Published: 12/24/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 12/09/2005
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Enviolo BV
• Original Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC (Fallbrook Technologies Incorporated)
• Inventors: Nichols, Jon M., Pohl, Brad P., Dawe, Daniel J., Armstrong, Oronde J., Lohr, Charles B., McDaniel, Loren T., Simister, Matthew P., Thomassy, Fernand A., Usmani, Ghayyurul I., Elhardt, Paul M., Stewart, Terry L., Poxton, Peter D., Eidson, Elton L.
• Granted Patent: US 10,208,840 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 15/28 with external friction surface
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 15/52 in which a member of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of another member
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 57/02 Gearboxes; Mounting gearing therein
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 57/043 within rotary parts, e.g. axial channels or radial openings in shafts
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 57/0487 Friction gearings
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 61/6649 characterised by the means for controlling the torque transmitting capability of the gearing
• CPC Class Codes: F16H 63/067 mechanical actuating means
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/18304 Axial cam
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/19921 Separate rim
• CPC Class Codes: Y10T 74/2186 Gear casings

Abstract

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover 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. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.

Claims

1. An idler assembly for use in a continuously variable transmission having a plurality of balls interposed between first and second traction rings, each ball rotatable about a tiltable ball axle, the 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.

2. The idler assembly of claim 1, wherein the outer diameter is configured to cause fluid to flow to the largest diameter of the idler.

3. The idler assembly of claim 2, wherein the outer diameter is configured to direct fluid toward a ball axle when the idler is rotating.

4. The idler assembly of claim 1, wherein the idler has an increased diameter toward the ends of the idler.

5. The idler assembly of claim 4, wherein the outer diameter is angled.

6. The idler assembly of claim 4, wherein the outer diameter is curved.

7. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), comprising:

a plurality of balls, each ball having a bore through which an 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; and

a lubrication system.

8. The CVT of claim 7, wherein the outer diameter of the idler is configured to cause fluid to flow to the largest diameter of the idler.

9. The CVT of claim 8, wherein the outer diameter is configured to direct fluid toward a ball axle when the idler is rotating.

10. The CVT of claim 7, further comprising a hub shell comprising:

a generally cylindrical, hollow shell body having a first end and a second end; and

a scraper for scraping lubricant from the hub shell.

11. The CVT of claim 10, wherein the scraper comprises passages for directing the flow of lubricant.

12. The CVT of claim 7, wherein the axle comprises a plurality of grooves configured to cause lubricant to flow inside the balls.

13. The CVT of claim 12, wherein the axle comprises a first end, a second end, and a middle portion;

a through slot located substantially in the middle portion;

a central bore extending from the first end to the through slot; and

first and second knurled surfaces, one on each side of the through slot.