Tilting ball variator continuously variable transmission torque vectoring device
AssigneeDana Corporation
InventorsMark R. J. Versteyhe, Thibaut E. Duchene, Matthias W. J. Byltiauw
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A torque vectoring device includes a drive member engaged with a power source, a plurality of variator ball assemblies configured to be tiltable and rotatable with respect to the drive member, a first output frictionally engaged with the variator ball assemblies, and a second output frictionally engaged with the variator ball assemblies. A torque distribution between the first output and the second output may be adjusted by tilting the plurality of variator ball assemblies. The variator ball assemblies also facilitate a differential action between the first output and the second output.
Claims10
A torque vectoring device comprising:
- an outer cage drivingly engaged with a power source;
- an inner cage operably coupled to the outer cage;
- a plurality of variator ball assemblies each comprising a variator ball and a variator ball axle disposed through and coupled to the variator ball, said axle tiltably coupled to the outer cage and the inner cage;
- a first idling ring rotatably disposed adjacent to the inner cage;
- a second idling ring rotatably disposed adjacent to the inner cage;
- a first output ring frictionally engaged with a surface of at least a portion of the variator ball assemblies to transmit torque from the outer cage to the first output ring;
- and
- a second output ring frictionally engaged with a surface of at least a portion of the variator ball assemblies to transmit torque from the outer cage to the second output ring;
- wherein the first idling ring, the second idling ring, the first output ring and the second output ring are rotatably disposed within the outer cage, and
- wherein each variator ball axis of the variator ball assemblies is tiltably disposed between and drivingly engaged with the inner cage and the outer cage,
- wherein a torque distribution between the first output ring and the second output ring may be adjusted by tilting the plurality of variator ball assemblies and the variator ball assemblies facilitate a differential action between the first output ring and the second output ring;
- an actuator assembly coupled to the inner cage and disposed within the outer cage;
- wherein the actuator assembly adjusts a position of the plurality of variator ball assemblies between the inner cage and the outer cage.
A torque vectoring device comprising:
- an outer cage drivingly engaged with a power source;
- an inner cage operably coupled to the outer cage;
- a plurality of variator ball assemblies each comprising a variator ball and a variator ball axle disposed through and coupled to the variator ball, said axle tiltably coupled to the outer cage and the inner cage;
- a first idling ring rotatably disposed adjacent to the inner cage;
- a second idling ring rotatably disposed adjacent to the inner cage;
- a first output ring in rolling contact with a surface of at least a portion of the variator ball assemblies to transmit torque from the outer cage to the first output ring;
- and
- a second output ring in rolling contact with a surface of at least a portion of the variator ball assemblies to transmit torque from the outer cage to the second output ring;
- wherein the first idling ring, the second idling ring, the first output ring and the second output ring are rotatably disposed within the outer cage, and
- wherein each variator ball axis of the variator ball assemblies is tiltably disposed between and drivingly engaged with the inner cage and the outer cage,
- wherein a torque distribution between the first output ring and the second output ring may be adjusted by tilting the plurality of variator ball assemblies and the variator ball assemblies facilitate a differential action between the first output ring and the second output ring;
- an actuator assembly coupled to the inner cage and disposed within the outer cage;
- wherein the actuator assembly adjusts a position of the plurality of variator ball assemblies between the inner cage and the outer cage.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.