INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS, METHODS, ASSEMBLIES, SUBASSEMBLIES, AND COMPONENTS THEREFOR
First Claim
1. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), comprising:
- an input shaft coupled to a power source;
a first variator and a second variator coupled to the input shaft, wherein each of the first variator and the second variator comprisesan array of planets angularly positioned about a longitudinal axis of each variator, each planet rotatable about a planet axle, wherein tilting of the array of planets produces a ratio shift in the respective variator,a first traction ring and a second traction ring in contact with the array of planets, andan idler located radially inward of, and in contact with, the array of planets;
a differential mechanism positioned between the first variator and the second variator; and
an output shaft for coupling to a power load.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.
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Citations
14 Claims
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1. A continuously variable transmission (CVT), comprising:
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an input shaft coupled to a power source; a first variator and a second variator coupled to the input shaft, wherein each of the first variator and the second variator comprises an array of planets angularly positioned about a longitudinal axis of each variator, each planet rotatable about a planet axle, wherein tilting of the array of planets produces a ratio shift in the respective variator, a first traction ring and a second traction ring in contact with the array of planets, and an idler located radially inward of, and in contact with, the array of planets; a differential mechanism positioned between the first variator and the second variator; and an output shaft for coupling to a power load. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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Specification