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US 8,684,887 B2Granted
Primary clutch electronic CVT
AssigneePolaris Industries Inc.
InventorBrian D. Krosschell
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is provided for use on a recreational or utility vehicle. The CVT is electronically controlled by at least one control unit of the vehicle. The CVT includes a primary clutch having a first sheave and a second sheave moveable relative to the first sheave. An actuator controls movement of the second sheave.
Claims19
A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission of a vehicle, the method including:
- providing a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission, an actuator coupled to the continuously variable transmission, and an auxiliary power connector configured to route electrical power from an external power supply to the actuator, the continuously variable transmission including a first clutch, a second clutch, and a belt coupled to the first and second clutches, the actuator being configured to move the first clutch to adjust a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission;
- detecting a connection of the external power supply to the auxiliary power connector;
- routing to the actuator electrical power from the auxiliary power connector upon detecting the external power supply;
- and
- controlling the actuator with the electrical power to move the first clutch to a home position.
2 more elements
A recreational vehicle including:
- a chassis;
- a drive train including an engine supported by the chassis, a continuously variable transmission driven by the engine, and a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis, the continuously variable transmission including a first clutch, a second clutch, and a belt coupled to the first and second clutches, the first clutch being adjustable to modulate a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission;
- an actuator coupled to the continuously variable transmission for adjusting the first clutch;
- an auxiliary power connector configured to route electrical power to the actuator from an external power source;
- and
- a controller operative to control routing of the electrical power from the external power source to the actuator to power the actuator, wherein the controller is operative to detect a connection of the external power source to the auxiliary power connector and to control the actuator with the electrical power to move the first clutch to a home position upon detection of the external power supply.
3 more elements
A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission of a vehicle, the method including:
- providing a vehicle having a continuously variable transmission, an actuator coupled to the continuously variable transmission, a power generator configured to provide electrical power to the vehicle during operation of the vehicle, and an energy storage device, the continuously variable transmission including a first clutch and a second clutch, the actuator being configured to adjust a position of the first clutch to modulate a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission;
- controlling the first clutch of the continuously variable transmission with the electrical power provided with the power generator;
- charging the energy storage device with the electrical power provided with the power generator during operation of the vehicle while the energy storage device is electrically decoupled from the actuator;
- detecting a loss of electrical power from the power generator;
- and
- routing electrical power from the energy storage device to the actuator to move the first clutch to a home position upon detecting the loss of electrical power from the power generator.
3 more elements
A recreational vehicle including:
- a chassis;
- a drive train including an engine supported by the chassis, a continuously variable transmission driven by the engine, and a ground engaging mechanism configured to support the chassis, the continuously variable transmission including a first clutch, a second clutch, and a belt coupled to the first and second clutches, the first clutch being adjustable to modulate a gear ratio of the continuously variable transmission;
- a power generator coupled to and driven by the engine for providing electrical power to the vehicle;
- an energy storage device configured to store electrical power provided by the power generator;
- and
- at least one controller operative to route power from the power generator to the actuator to control the position of first clutch of the continuously variable transmission during vehicle operation, the at least one controller further being operative to route electrical power stored at the energy storage device to the actuator to move the first clutch to a home position upon detection by the at least one controller of a loss of electrical power from the power generator.
3 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.