Continuously variable transmission
First Claim
1. A disengagement mechanism for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the disengagement mechanism comprising:
- a speed adjuster located radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the CVT;
an annular drive disk rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the annular drive disk configured to contact the speed adjuster; and
means for disengaging the drive disk from the speed adjuster.
8 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A continuously variable transmission is disclosed for use in rotationally or linearly powered machines and vehicles. The transmission provides a simple manual shifting method for the user. Further, the practical commercialization of traction roller transmissions requires improvements in the reliability, ease of shifting, function and simplicity of the transmission. The present invention includes a continuously variable transmission that may be employed in connection with any type of machine that is in need of a transmission. For example, the transmission may be used in (i) a motorized vehicle such as an automobile, motorcycle, or watercraft, (ii) a non-motorized vehicle such as a bicycle, tricycle, scooter, exercise equipment or (iii) industrial equipment, such as a drill press, power generating equipment, or textile mill.
336 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A disengagement mechanism for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the disengagement mechanism comprising:
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a speed adjuster located radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the CVT; an annular drive disk rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the annular drive disk configured to contact the speed adjuster; and means for disengaging the drive disk from the speed adjuster. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An apparatus to facilitate disengagement of an input device in a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the apparatus comprising:
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a speed adjuster located radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the CVT; an annular drive disk rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the annular drive disk configured to contact the speed adjuster; an axial force generator coupled to the drive disk and configured to couple to a power input of the CVT; and a disengagement mechanism operably coupled to the axial force generator, the disengagement mechanism configured to move the drive disk axially away from the speed adjuster. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11)
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12. A method of managing torque transmission in a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of speed adjusters arranged radially outward from a longitudinal axis of the CVT; providing an annular drive disk rotatable about the longitudinal axis, the annular drive disk configured to contact the speed adjuster; sensing a ceasing of an input rotation to the transmission; and disengaging the drive disk from the speed adjusters. - View Dependent Claims (13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification