Abrégé

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).

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 15/52 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un autre organe
• B62M 11/16 - Transmissions caractérisées par l'engrènement de roues dentées ou le contact de roues à friction de rapport variable avec engrenages planétaires incorporés au moyeu de la roue porteuse ou adjacents au moyeu
• F16H 15/28 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution avec surface de friction à l'extérieur

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 15/28 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution avec surface de friction à l'extérieur
• F02B 67/06 - Moteurs caractérisés par l'agencement d'appareils auxiliaires non prévu ailleurs, p. ex. un appareil ayant des fonctions différentesEntraînement non prévu ailleurs de ces appareils auxiliaires par les moteurs à entraînement mécanique des appareils auxiliaires entraînés par chaînes, courroies ou autres organes sans fin

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 15/28 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution avec surface de friction à l'extérieur

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• B60W 10/08 - Commande conjuguée de sous-ensembles de véhicule, de fonction ou de type différents comprenant la commande des ensembles de propulsion comprenant la commande des unités de traction électrique, p. ex. des moteurs ou des générateurs
• B60W 10/10 - Commande conjuguée de sous-ensembles de véhicule, de fonction ou de type différents comprenant la commande des boîtes de vitesses
• F16H 61/664 - Transmissions à friction

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 15/52 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un autre organe
• F16H 15/28 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution avec surface de friction à l'extérieur

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 13/04 - Transmissions pour transmettre un mouvement rotatif à rapport de vitesse constant par friction entre des organes rotatifs sans organes à mouvement orbital avec billes ou rouleaux agissant de manière analogue
• F16H 15/26 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution
• F16H 15/40 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles deux organes travaillent en conjugaison par l'intermédiaire de billes ou de rouleaux d'un diamètre utile uniforme, non montés sur des arbres

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 15/26 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• B62M 11/16 - Transmissions caractérisées par l'engrènement de roues dentées ou le contact de roues à friction de rapport variable avec engrenages planétaires incorporés au moyeu de la roue porteuse ou adjacents au moyeu
• B62M 25/08 - Commandes pour mécanismes de changement de vitesses spécialement adaptées aux cycles avec systèmes de transmission électrique ou par fluide

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 61/66 - Fonctions internes aux unités de commande pour changements de vitesse ou pour mécanismes d'inversion des transmissions transmettant un mouvement rotatif spécialement adaptées aux transmissions à variation continue du rapport

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• B62M 1/24 - Propulsion par le conducteur des véhicules à roues avec leviers à mouvement alternatif, p. ex. leviers actionnés au pied

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 15/28 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution avec surface de friction à l'extérieur

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 15/36 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction incurvée réalisée comme la surface de révolution d'un corps engendrée par une courbe qui n'est ni un arc de cercle centré sur son axe de révolution ni une ligne droite avec surface de friction concave, p. ex. une surface creuse toroïdale

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 15/52 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un autre organe
• F16H 15/28 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution avec surface de friction à l'extérieur

Abrégé

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).

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 61/664 - Transmissions à friction
• F16H 15/52 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un autre organe

Abrégé

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).

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 37/08 - Combinaisons de transmissions mécaniques non prévues dans les groupes comportant essentiellement et uniquement des transmissions à engrenages ou à friction à plusieurs arbres d’entraînement ou entraînésCombinaisons de transmissions mécaniques non prévues dans les groupes comportant essentiellement et uniquement des transmissions à engrenages ou à friction avec dispositions pour répartir le couple entre plusieurs arbres intermédiaires avec transmission différentielle
• F16H 15/28 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe A monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un organe B et où l'organe B a une surface de friction sphérique centrée sur son axe de révolution avec surface de friction à l'extérieur

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• B60W 10/10 - Commande conjuguée de sous-ensembles de véhicule, de fonction ou de type différents comprenant la commande des boîtes de vitesses
• B60L 11/18 - utilisant de l'énergie fournie par des piles primaires, des piles secondaires ou des piles à combustibles
• F16H 15/40 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles deux organes travaillent en conjugaison par l'intermédiaire de billes ou de rouleaux d'un diamètre utile uniforme, non montés sur des arbres
• F16H 61/00 - Fonctions internes aux unités de commande pour changements de vitesse ou pour mécanismes d'inversion des transmissions transmettant un mouvement rotatif

Abrégé

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.

Classes IPC  ?

• F16H 13/14 - Moyens pour faire varier la pression entre les organes par variation mécanique automatique de la pression
• F16H 15/52 - Transmissions donnant une gamme continue de rapports de vitesses dans lesquelles un organe monté sur un arbre et de diamètre utile uniforme peut travailler avec différentes parties d'un autre organe
• F16H 25/18 - Transmissions comportant essentiellement et uniquement des systèmes came et galet ou des mécanismes à vis et écrous pour convertir un mouvement oscillant en mouvement alternatif et vice versa ou pour transmettre ces mouvements