Infinitely variable transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, methods, assemblies, subassemblies, and components therefor
First Claim
1. A shifting mechanism for an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of traction planet assemblies arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis, the shifting mechanism comprising:
- a first carrier member coupled to each of the traction planet assemblies, the first carrier member configured to guide the traction planet assemblies;
a second carrier member coupled to each of the traction planet assemblies, the second carrier member configured to guide the traction planet assemblies, wherein the first and second carrier members are rotatable about the longitudinal axis; and
a carrier driver nut coupled to the first carrier member, the carrier driver nut adapted to translate axially, wherein an axial translation of the carrier driver nut corresponds to a rotation of the first carrier member with respect to the second carrier member.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a carrier member configured to have a number of radially offset slots. Various inventive carrier members and carrier drivers can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of an IVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In one embodiment, the carrier member is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a carrier member is operably coupled to a carrier driver. In some embodiments, the carrier member is configured to couple to a source of rotational power. Among other things, shift control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed.
458 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A shifting mechanism for an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of traction planet assemblies arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis, the shifting mechanism comprising:
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a first carrier member coupled to each of the traction planet assemblies, the first carrier member configured to guide the traction planet assemblies; a second carrier member coupled to each of the traction planet assemblies, the second carrier member configured to guide the traction planet assemblies, wherein the first and second carrier members are rotatable about the longitudinal axis; and a carrier driver nut coupled to the first carrier member, the carrier driver nut adapted to translate axially, wherein an axial translation of the carrier driver nut corresponds to a rotation of the first carrier member with respect to the second carrier member. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7)
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8. An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a longitudinal axis, the IVT comprising:
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a plurality of traction planet assemblies arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis; a first carrier member coupled to each of the traction planet assemblies, the first carrier member provided with a plurality of radially off-set slots, the first carrier member configured to guide the traction planet assemblies; a second carrier member coupled to each of the traction planet assemblies, the second carrier member provided with a plurality of radial slots, wherein the first and second carrier members are configured to receive a rotational power input, wherein the first carrier member is capable of rotating with respect to the second carrier member; and a carrier driver nut coupled to the first carrier member, the carrier driver nut adapted to translate axially, wherein an axial translation of the carrier driver nut corresponds to a rotation of the first carrier member with respect to the second carrier member. - View Dependent Claims (9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of controlling an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a longitudinal axis, the method comprising the steps of:
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providing a plurality of traction planet assemblies arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis; providing a first carrier member coupled to each traction planet assembly, the first carrier member having a plurality of radially off-set guide slots arranged to guide the traction planet assemblies; providing a second carrier member coupled to each traction planet assembly, the second carrier member having a plurality of radial guide slots arranged to guide the traction planet assemblies; coupling the first and second carrier members to a rotational power source; providing a carrier driver nut coupled to the first carrier member; and translating the carrier driver nut along the longitudinal axis. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification