Continuously variable transmission
US8888643B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Nov 3, 2011 |
| Grant date | Nov 18, 2014 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 13, 2032 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2057/085
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Disclosed embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a CVT has a number of spherical planets in contact with an idler. Various idler assemblies can be used to facilitate to improve durability, fatigue life, and efficiency of a CVT. In one embodiment, the idler assembly has two rolling elements having contact surfaces that are angled with respect to a longitudinal axis of the CVT. In some embodiments, a bearing is operably coupled between the first and second rolling elements. The bearing is configured to balance axial force between the first and second rolling elements. In one embodiment, the bearing is a ball bearing. In another embodiment, the bearing is an angular contact bearing. In yet other embodiments, needle roller bearings are employed.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.