US 7,670,243 B2Granted

Continuously variable transmission

AssigneeFallbrook Technologies Inc.

InventorDonald C. Miller

Life of this patent

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Abstract

Embodiments of the inventions disclosed include a continuously variable transmission (CVT) where power is transmitted from a group of balls to a shaft via an idler. In one application, the CVT couples to a gearbox and to a generator of a wind turbine. Traction elements of a CVT can be coated and/or textured, using various coating materials and textures, via disclosed coating and/or texturing methods. Methods and systems for shifting a CVT are disclosed. Certain components for a CVT are disclosed. For example, in one embodiment, a CVT includes a shaft having a spline and a shift flange. In another embodiment, a CVT includes a stator adapted to cooperate with shifter components. Disclosed is a CVT configured to produce a variable output speed that is always greater than an input speed. In one embodiment, a CVT produces a variable output speed that is always lower than an input speed.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising:

a longitudinal axis;
a plurality of balls distributed radially about the longitudinal axis;
a rotatable idler in contact with each of, and radially inward of, the balls;
and
a first shaft coupled to the idler;
an input disc in contact with the plurality of balls;
an output disc in contact with the plurality of balls, wherein the plurality of balls is located between the input disc and the output disc, and wherein a contact point between the input disc or output disc and the plurality of balls is radially outward relative to a diameter of the idler;
a bearing disc operationally coupled between a second shaft and the input disc;
a plurality of perimeter ramps coupled between the bearing disc and the input disc;
and
the second shaft operationally coupled to the input disc,
wherein the plurality of balls, the rotatable idler, and the first shaft are adapted to transmit power and
wherein power is transferred from the second shaft to the bearing disc, to the perimeter ramps, to the input disc, to the balls, to the idler, and to the first shaft.

10 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 11/509,789Filed 23 Aug 2006 · us provisional application
Priority: 24 Aug 2005
Published: US 2007/0049450 A11 Mar 2007
Granted: 2 Mar 2010
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification15 codes

F16H 63/067
The final output mechanism having an indefinite number of positions: mechanical actuating means
F03D 15/00
Transmission of mechanical power
F03D 15/10
Transmission of mechanical power: using gearing not limited to rotary motion, e.g. with oscillating or reciprocating members
F03D 80/70
Details, components or accessories not provided for in groups F03D1/00 - F03D17/00: bearing or lubricating arrangements