A stator assembly for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a plurality of traction planet assemblies (142), the stator assembly comprising: a first stator (160) having a plurality of radial guide slots (161); a second stator (64) coaxial with the first stator (160), the first and second stators (160, 164) configured to rotate relative to each other, the second stator (164) having a plurality of radially off-set guide slots (165); characterized in that the stator assembly further comprises: a reaction plate (162) coaxial with the first and second stators (160, 164); a plurality of eccentric gears (168) coupled to the plate (162) and the first stator (160); and a stator driver (166) coupled to each of the eccentric gears (168),- wherein the eccentric gears (168) are provided with a cam lobe (170) adapted to couple to the reaction plate (162); and wherein each eccentric gear (168) is provided with a reaction lobe (172) that is adapted to couple to the second stator (164); and wherein the cam lobe (170) is provided with a rotational center that is off-set from a rotational center of the reaction lobe (172).
F16H 15/52 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of another member
B62M 11/16 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears built in, or adjacent to, the ground-wheel hub
F16H 15/28 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution with external friction surface
Continuously variable transmission (1000) with a first (1028) and a second (1030) carrier member, which are axially coupled by a carrier retaining ring (1036) and which are relatively rotational to each other. The transmission ratio is changed by tilting the axles of the traction planets (spheres), which is caused by a relative rotation between the first and second carrier members.
F16H 15/28 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution with external friction surface
F02B 67/06 - Engines characterised by the arrangement of auxiliary apparatus not being otherwise provided for, e.g. the apparatus having different functionsDriving auxiliary apparatus from engines, not otherwise provided for of mechanically-driven auxiliary apparatus driven by means of chains, belts, or like endless members
A continuously variable transmission (1000) having a plurality of traction planets (1008) arranged angularly about a main drive axis (1010), each traction planet (1008) having a tiltable axis of rotation (1009A, 1009B), the continuously variable transmission comprising: a first stator plate (1014) coaxial with the main drive axis (1010), the first stator plate (1014) having a plurality of slots; a second stator plate (1016) coaxial with the main drive axis (1010), the second stator plate (1016) having a plurality of radial slots (1044 - Fig.10); and wherein the slots (1040, 1044) guide the tiltable axes of rotation (1009A, 1009B) of the traction planets (1008); and wherein the first stator plate (1014) is configured to rotate relative to the second stator plate (1016) characterized in that the slots of the first stator plate are radially offset slots (1040 - Fig.10). Operation: Due to the radial offset slots, relative rotation between the stator plates results in skewing of the traction planets and the skewing results in forces which tilt (automatically) the traction planets to an equilibrium condition. Each tilted position constitutes a different transmission ratio.
F16H 15/28 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution with external friction surface
4.
METHODS FOR CONTROL OF TRANSMISSION AND PRIME MOVER
Embodiments relate to methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. Embodiments also relate to methods of optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission.
B60W 10/08 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of propulsion units including control of electric propulsion units, e.g. motors or generators
B60W 10/10 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of change-speed gearings
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle (112) is adapted to receive a carrier assembly (101, 400, 600, 800) to facilitate the support of components in a CVT (100). In another embodiment, a carrier includes a stator support member (206, 304, 402, 502, 602, 802) and a stator interfacial member (208, 504). In some embodiments, the stator interfacial member is configured to interact with planet subassemblies of a CVT. Various inventive planet subassemblies (108, 406, 806) and idler assemblies (109, 700) can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs (244, 2444, 424, 810) configured to have a sliding interface with a carrier assembly. Embodiments of a hub shell (102), a hub cover (104) 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.
F16H 15/52 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of another member
F16H 15/28 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution with external friction surface
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously and infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a variator is adapted to receive a control system that cooperates with a shift nut to actuate a ratio change in an IVT. In another embodiment, a neutral lock-out mechanism is adapted to cooperate with the variator to, among other things, disengage an output shaft from a variator. Various inventive mechanical couplings, such as an output engagement mechanism, are provided to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT for maintaining a powered zero operating condition. In one embodiment, the output engagement mechanism selectively couples an output member of the variator to a ratio adjuster of the variator. Embodiments of a ratio adjuster cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Among other things, user control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed.
F16H 13/04 - Gearing for conveying rotary motion with constant gear ratio by friction between rotary members without members having orbital motion with balls or with rollers acting in a similar manner
F16H 15/26 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution
F16H 15/40 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which two members co-operate by means of balls, or rollers of uniform effective diameter, not mounted on shafts
7.
CONTINUOUSLY AND/OR INFINITELY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS THEREFOR
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously or infinitely variable transmissions (C/IVT). In one embodiment, a main axle (1000) is adapted to receive a shift rod (3000) that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a C/IVT. In another embodiment, a lubricant manifold (2700) is adapted to cooperate with the main axle of the C/IVT to supply lubricant to the interior of the C/IVT. Embodiments of a drivetrain housing and housing cover plate (2605, 2610) are adapted to house components of a C/IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the C/IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the C/IVT. Shift control interfaces for a C/IVT are disclosed that include, for example, a shift actuation subassembly having a translatable and rotatable shift pin collar (5902). Mechanisms that facilitate shifting of the C/IVT are disclosed that include a shift rod and shift cam (1312) adapted to supply lubricant to the interior of the transmission.
F16H 15/26 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution
Systems and methods for controlling transmissions and associated vehicles, machines, equipment, etc., are disclosed. In one case, a transmission control system includes a control unit configured to use a sensed vehicle speed and a commanded, target constant input speed to maintain an input speed substantially constant. The system includes one or more maps (208) that associate a speed ratio of a transmission with a vehicle speed. In one embodiment, one such map associates an encoder position with a vehicle speed. Regarding a specific application, an automatic bicycle transmission shifting system is contemplated. An exemplary automatic bicycle includes a control unit (204), a shift actuator (212), various sensors (202,210), and a user interface. The control unit is configured to cooperate with a logic module (209) and an actuator controller to control the cadence of a rider. In one embodiment, a memory of, or in communication with, the control unit includes one or more constant cadence maps that associate transmission speed ratios with bicycle speeds.
B62M 11/16 - Transmissions characterised by use of interengaging toothed wheels or frictionally-engaging wheels of changeable ratio with planetary gears built in, or adjacent to, the ground-wheel hub
B62M 25/08 - Actuators for gearing speed-change mechanisms specially adapted for cycles with electrical or fluid transmitting systems
An electronic controller for a variable ratio transmission and an electronically controllable variable ratio transmission including a variator or other CVT are described herein. The electronic controller can be configured to receive input signals indicative of parameters associated with an engine coupled to the transmission. The electronic controller can also receive one or more control inputs. The electronic controller can determine an active range and an active variator mode based on the input signals and control inputs. The electronic controller can control a final drive ratio of the variable ratio transmission by controlling one or more electronic solenoids that control the ratios of one or more portions of the variable ratio transmission.
F16H 61/66 - Control functions within change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion specially adapted for continuously variable gearings
Drivetrains and frames for vehicles, equipment, machines, etc. Some embodiments of the drivetrains and frames are particularly suited for human powered machines, such as bicycles and exercise equipment. In some embodiments, a drivetrain includes a reciprocating crank (156) coupled to a crank pivot. A lever (152) couples to the crank via a lever pivot positioned on the crank. A lever stop (159) cooperates with a lever guide surface (155) to guide a motion of the lever as the lever pivots about the lever pivot. The lever and/or the crank are operably coupled to a drive pulley (28), idler pulley, and/or compound pulley. In some embodiments, a drive cable (176) operably couples the lever and/or the crank to the drive pulley, idler pulley, and/or the compound pulley. In one embodiment, one or more pulleys couple to the lever's distal ends. In some embodiments, the drivetrain includes a wheel hub adapted to receive torque from the crank via a drive pulley.
Embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a control reference nut coupled to a feedback cam and operably coupled to a skew cam. In some embodiments, the skew cam is configured to interact with carrier plates of a CVT. Various inventive feedback cams and skew cams can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier plates. In some embodiments, a neutralizer assembly is operably coupled to the carrier plates. Embodiments of a shift cam and a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
F16H 15/28 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution with external friction surface
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 power roller-leg 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.
F16H 15/36 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a curved friction surface formed as a surface of a body of revolution generated by a curve which is neither a circular arc centered on its axis of revolution nor a straight line with concave friction surface, e.g. a hollow toroid surface
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for electric traction drives employing a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting traction planets and opposing traction rings. In one embodiment, an electric traction drive is provided with an electromotive device configured to transfer power to or from a traction sun of a CVT, In other embodiments, an electric traction drive is provided with an electromotive device that couples to certain components of a CVT such as a traction ring, a carrier assembly, and a main axle. Various inventive shifting assemblies having shift cams and shift cam cages can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of a CVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a power input apparatus, a speed ratio shifter, a shift cam actuator, a shift nut, and a carrier assembly configured to support the tilting traction planets.
F16H 15/52 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of another member
F16H 15/28 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution with external friction surface
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets (522). In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays (222A, 222B). In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies (562) and planet- pivot arm assemblies (579) can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing (531) are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism (292), axial force generation and management mechanisms (235), a control valve (1605) integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier (515) configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies (579).
F16H 15/52 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of another member
15.
CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSIONS AND METHODS THEREFOR
Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting, traction planets and traction rings. In one embodiment, a variator is coupled to a rangebox to provide multiple operating modes. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the variator and the rangebox. Various inventive shift- cam-and- sun subassemblies can be used to facilitate shifting of the transmission ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing 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. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a pivot arm, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, a pivot pin hub, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies. Fig. 72 shows a torque-split ball-type rolling traction CVT with a ball-type rolling traction variator (1200) and planetary gearset (1400) which is followed by a rangebox (1600).
F16H 37/08 - Combinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with a plurality of driving or driven shaftsCombinations of mechanical gearings, not provided for in groups comprising essentially only toothed or friction gearings with arrangements for dividing torque between two or more intermediate shafts with differential gearing
F16H 15/28 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member A of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of a member B in which the member B has a spherical friction surface centered on its axis of revolution with external friction surface
16.
SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTROL OF TRANSMISSION AND/OR PRIME MOVER
Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.
B60W 10/10 - Conjoint control of vehicle sub-units of different type or different function including control of change-speed gearings
B60L 11/18 - using power supplied from primary cells, secondary cells, or fuel cells
F16H 15/40 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which two members co-operate by means of balls, or rollers of uniform effective diameter, not mounted on shafts
F16H 61/00 - Control functions within change-speed- or reversing-gearings for conveying rotary motion
Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator includes a spring coupled to a traction ring and to a load cam roller cage. The traction ring can be provided with a recess to receive the spring. In some embodiments, a relatively short spring is provided. In other embodiments, a spring couples to a wire and the spring-wire combination couples to the traction ring and the load cam roller cage. In some embodiments, the load cam roller cage is provided with tabs adapted to engage the wire and/or the spring. In yet other embodiments, the traction ring is configured to receive a dowel pin for coupling to the spring. One or more of the tabs can include a tab notch that cooperates with a stop pin coupled to the traction ring to provide adjustment of the travel of the load cam roller cage.
F16H 13/14 - Means for influencing the pressure between the members for automatically varying the pressure mechanically
F16H 15/52 - Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios in which a member of uniform effective diameter mounted on a shaft may co-operate with different parts of another member
F16H 25/18 - Gearings comprising primarily only cams, cam-followers and screw-and-nut mechanisms for conveying or interconverting oscillating or reciprocating motions
patents