US 8,506,452 B2 · Continuously variable transmission

Abstract

Inventions are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one aspect, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. A control system includes a control reference nut coupled to a feedback cam and operably coupled to a skew cam. In some cases, 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 transmissions described, the planet subassemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier plates. In some cases, a neutralizer assembly is operably coupled to the carrier plates. 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 described.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a plurality of traction planets with tiltable axles of rotation, the method comprising the steps of:

providing a control reference indicative of a desired operating condition of the CVT;
sensing a current operating condition of the CVT;
comparing the desired operating condition with the current operating condition thereby generating a control error;
and
imparting a skew angle to each of the tiltable axles, the skew angle based at least in part on the control error, wherein sensing a current operating condition comprises providing an axial position of a traction sun, said axial position being indicative of the current operating condition of the CVT.

2 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Continuously variable transmission

Life of this patent

Continuously variable transmission

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20