Continuously variable transmission

US11454303B2 · 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: Feb 14, 2019
• Grant date: Sep 27, 2022
• Expiry date: Jan 17, 2040

Classification

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

Abstract

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, 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. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of 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.