Continuously variable transmission
First Claim
1. A single-piece carrier for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the single-piece carrier comprising:
- a generally cylindrical hollow body having a first end, a second end, and a side formed with a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings extending from an interior surface of the first end to an interior surface of the second end to form a plurality of carrier legs, wherein the plurality of carrier legs are configured to provide torsional strength to the carrier, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings is dimensioned to allow passage of a planet, and wherein the plurality of openings is asymmetrically arranged so that an idler assembly of the CVT can pass through at least one opening of the plurality of openings;
a first plurality of radial grooves formed on the first end interior surface, wherein the first plurality of radial grooves are accessible through the plurality of openings, and wherein each radial groove of the first plurality of radial grooves is formed for contact with a first end of a planet axle; and
a second plurality of radial grooves formed on the second end interior surface, wherein the second plurality of radial grooves are accessible through the plurality of openings, and wherein each radial groove of the second plurality of radial grooves is formed for contact with a second end of the planet axle.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A continuously variable transmissions (CVT), includes a main axle adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. 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. Power roller-leg assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. 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.
592 Citations
14 Claims
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1. A single-piece carrier for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the single-piece carrier comprising:
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a generally cylindrical hollow body having a first end, a second end, and a side formed with a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings extending from an interior surface of the first end to an interior surface of the second end to form a plurality of carrier legs, wherein the plurality of carrier legs are configured to provide torsional strength to the carrier, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings is dimensioned to allow passage of a planet, and wherein the plurality of openings is asymmetrically arranged so that an idler assembly of the CVT can pass through at least one opening of the plurality of openings; a first plurality of radial grooves formed on the first end interior surface, wherein the first plurality of radial grooves are accessible through the plurality of openings, and wherein each radial groove of the first plurality of radial grooves is formed for contact with a first end of a planet axle; and a second plurality of radial grooves formed on the second end interior surface, wherein the second plurality of radial grooves are accessible through the plurality of openings, and wherein each radial groove of the second plurality of radial grooves is formed for contact with a second end of the planet axle. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A system comprising:
a single-piece carrier for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), the single-piece carrier comprising a generally cylindrical hollow body having a first end, a second end, and a side, a plurality of openings formed in the side of the cylindrical hollow body and extending from an interior surface of the first end to an interior surface of the second end to form a plurality of carrier legs, wherein the carrier legs are configured to provide torsional strength to the carrier, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings is dimensioned to allow a planet to pass through the opening, and wherein the plurality of openings is asymmetrically arranged so that an idler assembly of the CVT can pass through at least one opening of the plurality of openings, a first plurality of radial grooves formed on the first end interior surface, wherein the first plurality of radial grooves are accessible through the plurality of openings, and wherein each radial groove of the first plurality of radial grooves is formed for contact with a first end of a planet axle, and a second plurality of radial grooves formed on the second end interior surface, wherein the second plurality of radial grooves are accessible through the plurality of openings, and wherein each radial groove of the second plurality of radial grooves is formed for contact with a second end of the planet axle. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A method of forming a single-piece carrier, comprising:
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forming a generally cylindrical hollow body having a first end, a second end, and a continuous arcuate side; forming a plurality of openings in the side of the cylindrical hollow body, the plurality of openings extending from an interior surface of the first end to an interior surface of the second end to form a plurality of carrier legs, wherein the carrier legs are configured to provide torsional strength to the carrier, wherein each opening of the plurality of openings is dimensioned to allow a planet to pass through the opening, and wherein the plurality of openings is asymmetrically arranged so that an idler assembly of the CVT can pass through at least one opening of the plurality of openings; forming a first plurality of grooves on the first end interior surface, wherein the first plurality of grooves are accessible through the plurality of openings, and wherein each radial groove of the first plurality of radial grooves is formed for contact with a first end of a planet axle; and forming a second plurality of grooves on the second end interior surface, wherein the second plurality of grooves are accessible through the plurality of openings, and wherein each radial groove of the second plurality of radial grooves is formed for contact with a second end of the planet axle. - View Dependent Claims (14)
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Specification