US 8,496,554 B2Granted

Continuously variable transmission

AssigneeFallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC

InventorsBrad P Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B Lohr, Scott T McBroom

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Abstract

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and 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.

Claims7

Dependent claims

A continuously variable accessory drive (CVAD) comprising:

a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an accessory device and having a longitudinal axis, the CVT comprising:
a plurality of traction planets, each traction planet adapted to rotate about a tiltable axis;
a first carrier member comprising a plurality of radially offset slots formed in the first carrier member and arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis;
and
a second carrier member comprising a plurality of radial slots formed in the second carrier member and arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis, the second carrier member being coupled to the first carrier member, the first and second carrier members operably coupled to each traction planet, wherein the first carrier member is configured to rotate relative to the second carrier member about the longitudinal axis;
and
a skew actuator operably coupled to the CVT, the skew actuator adapted to apply a skew condition to the CVT to tilt the axes of the traction planets, wherein the skew actuator comprises a hydraulic piston.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application: 13/426,269Filed 21 Mar 2012 · continuation
Priority: 14 Oct 2008
Published: US 2012/0238386 A120 Sep 2012
Granted: 30 Jul 2013
Term ends: Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification22 codes

F16H 61/6646
Friction gearings: controlling shifting exclusively as a function of speed
F02B 67/04
Engines characterised by the arrangement of auxiliary apparatus not being otherwise provided for, e.g. the apparatus having different functions;…:…
F16H 15/42
Gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios: in which two members co-operate by means of rings or by means of parts of endless flexible…
F16H 15/50
With members having orbital motion: gearings providing a continuous range of gear ratios

Family

Application12/251,325Parent of this continuation · filed 14 Oct 2008
US 2012/0238386 A1Pre-grant publication · published 20 Sep 2012
US 8,167,759 B2Parent of this continuation
US 2010/0093480 A1Published application
US 8,496,554 B2This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.