Continuously variable transmission

US10208840B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC · US

Inventors

• Jon M. Nichols · Georgetown, US
• Brad P. Pohl · Leander, US
• Daniel J. Dawe · Austin, US
• Oronde J. Armstrong · Austin, US
• Charles B. Lohr · Austin, US
• Loren T. McDaniel · Austin, US
• Matthew P. Simister · Austin, US
• Fernand A. Thomassy · Leander, US
• Ghayyurul I. Usmani · Yukon, US
• Paul M. Elhardt · Charlotte, US
• Terry L. Stewart · Blanchard, US
• Peter D. Poxton · Mustang, US
• Elton L. Eidson · Norman, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 28, 2015
• Grant date: Feb 19, 2019
• Expiry date: Apr 1, 2037

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T74/2186
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) having a plurality of balls, each ball having a bore through which a ball axle passes, are provided. In some aspects, the CVTs include first and second rings on either side and in contact with the plurality of balls, and an idler assembly including an idler having a non-uniform outer diameter. The profile of the idler ensures lubricant flows to a largest diameter of the non-uniform outer diameter, and lubricant sprays off the largest diameter to lubricate one or more components of the CVT. A lubrication system may include a scraper configured to remove lubricant that accumulates in an interior of the CVT.