Transmission having a continuously or infinitely variable variator drive
US9556941B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 3, 2013 |
| Grant date | Jan 31, 2017 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 3, 2033 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC F)Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
- CPC primaryF16H2200/2046
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A transmission having a variator drive capable of being placed in a continuously variable operating mode or an infinitely variable operating mode, capable of having a wide ratio range, and capable of transmitting large amounts of power. Variable transmissions comprising three clutches, three grounding clutches or brakes, and a variator comprising a plurality of tilting variators balls disposed between a first drive ring and a second drive ring allow a single variator to function as an infinitely variable transmission when power is inputted to the carrier assembly and as a continuously variable transmission when power is inputted through a first ring assembly. Certain embodiments include a differential that allows a parallel power path around the variator to improve the variator torque capacity and a direct drive mode to improve the efficiency of the variator.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.