Continuously variable transmission

US8133149B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Fallbrook Technologies Inc. · US

Inventors

• Robert A. Smithson · Cedar Park, US
• Brad P. Pohl · Leander, US
• Oronde J. Armstrong · Austin, US
• Donald C. Miller · Fallbrook, US
• Daniel J. Dawe · Austin, US
• Fernand A. Thomassy · Leander, US
• Matthew P. Simister · Austin, US
• Wesley R Poth · Leander, US
• Jon M. Nichols · Georgetown, US
• Charles B. Lohr · Austin, US

Key dates

• Filing date: Aug 20, 2007
• Grant date: Mar 13, 2012
• Expiry date: Sep 28, 2030

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T29/4984
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.