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 guide slots for receiving an end of a planet axle having a diameter, each 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 third surface located radially inward of the first and second surfaces for limiting the travel of the end of the planet axle, wherein the radial guide slot is formed having a second width at a radially outward opening, the second width being less than the first width.
1 Assignment
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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.
33 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 guide slots for receiving an end of a planet axle having a diameter, each 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 third surface located radially inward of the first and second surfaces for limiting the travel of the end of the planet axle, wherein the radial guide slot is formed having a second width at a radially outward opening, the second width being less than the first width. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. 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, 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 an end of a planet axle having 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 radial opening and to form a desired clearance width based on the diameter of the planet axle; and a third surface located radially inward of the first and second surfaces for limiting the travel of the end of the planet axle; and a second stator comprising; a plurality of radial guide slots for receiving an end of a planet axle having a diameter, each radial 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 third surface located radially inward of the first and second surfaces for limiting the travel of the end of the planet axle, wherein the diameter of the first stator is greater than the diameter of the second stator. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method for controlling a CVT, comprising:
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determining a maximum ratio adjustment rate; and controlling the ratio adjustment rate to not exceed the maximum ratio adjustment rate. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15)
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Specification