Continuously variable Transmission
AssigneeFord Global Technologies, LLC
InventorTimothy Hart Baxendale
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A variator suitable for an automotive continuously variable transmission utilizes a roller frictionally engaging two rotating plates. The plates are connected to an input such that they rotate at the same speed but in opposite directions. To change the ratio, the roller is moved along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the two counter-rotating plates. Power from the roller is transmitted to a bevel gear which meshes with an output bevel gear. The output bevel gear rotated about the same axis as the plates.
Claims15
A variator comprising:
- a first plate supported to rotate about a first axis;
- a second plate constrained to rotate about the first axis at a same speed in an opposite direction as the first plate;
- a first roller frictionally engaging the first and second plates and supported to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the first roller moveable along the second axis;
- a first bevel gear driveably connected to the first roller;
- and
- a second bevel gear supported to rotate about the first axis and in continuous meshing engagement with the first bevel gear.
A variator comprising:
- first and second plates constrained to counter-rotate about a first axis;
- a first bevel gear supported for rotation about the first axis;
- a roller frictionally engaging the first and second plates and supported to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the roller moveable along the second axis;
- and
- a second bevel gear drivably connected to the roller and meshing with the first bevel gear.
A continuously variable transmission comprising:
- first and second plates constrained to counter-rotate about a first axis;
- a first bevel gear supported for rotation about the first axis;
- a roller frictionally engaging the first and second plates and supported to rotate about a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, the roller moveable along the second axis;
- and
- a second bevel gear drivably connected to the roller and meshing with the first bevel gear.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.