And Load Responsive Patents (Class 474/12)
  • Patent number: 11421771
    Abstract: A drive pulley for a continuously variable transmission comprising a fixed sheave having a first sheave face, a movable sheave axially movable relative to the fixed sheave along an axis of rotation of the continuously variable transmission, the movable sheave having a second sheave face, the fixed sheave and the movable sheave rotating about the axis of rotation and a separation measured at a constant radial distance from the axis of rotation along an axial direction between the first sheave face and the second sheave face, the separation varying around the axis of rotation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Xavier-Pierre Aitcin, Max Richer, Mathieu Gauthier
  • Patent number: 11125306
    Abstract: The present invention relates to relates to an improvement of a dividing wall for a primary pulley in a belt-type continuously variable transmission. It is an object of the present invention to obtain a desired strength characteristic without performing a soft nitriding treatment and achieve cost reduction. A hydraulic pressure chamber is formed between the dividing wall and the movable sheave, and the dividing wall comprises a small-diameter annular disc portion 32 extended from the central cylinder portion 30, which is attached to a rotational shaft, in a radial direction. In the small-diameter annular disc portion 32, a connecting portion which is connected to an intermediate body portion 34 is a bent portion 38 which is bent at substantially 90 [deg].
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2021
    Assignee: UNIPRES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Nobuhiko Furuya, Masamichi Miwa, Toshiyuki Ichikawa, Katsuyo Fukumoto, Yosuke Sugisawa, Tsutomu Kaji
  • Patent number: 10871224
    Abstract: A controller executes a feedback control of a transmission so that an actual speed ratio reaches a target speed ratio. The controller includes first and second phase lead compensators configured to perform phase lead compensation of a feedback primary command pressure, a lead compensation on/off determination unit configured to determine to set on or off the phase lead compensation, and an advance amount filter unit configured to smooth a change of a gain according to on/off determination of the phase lead compensation when the phase lead compensation is on/off-switched.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: JATCO LTD
    Inventor: Ken Okahara
  • Patent number: 10514096
    Abstract: The continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly includes a CVT including a drive pulley, a driven pulley, and an endless rotatable device coupled between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the drive pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an angle sensor coupled to the endless rotatable device such that the angle sensor is configured to measure an angular position of the endless rotatable device. The CVT assembly also includes a controller in communication with the actuator and the angle sensor. The controller is programmed to: (a) determine a speed ratio of the CVT based on the angular position of the endless rotatable device; and (b) control the actuator to adjust the clamping force exerted on the drive pulley in response to determining the speed ratio of the CVT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Farzad Samie, Chunhao J. Lee, Derek F. Lahr, Dmitriy Bruder
  • Patent number: 10352442
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) including a hydraulically-controllable variator is described. A method for controlling the CVT includes detecting a transient event causing a commanded change in a speed ratio of the variator and disabling feedback control of hydraulic pressure to the variator during the transient event. A target pressure that achieves the commanded change in the speed ratio of the variator is determined, and a pressure trajectory is determined based upon the target pressure. A feed-forward control of the hydraulic pressure to the variator is executed in response to the pressure trajectory during the transient event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Joseph W. Tatangelo, Zhen J. Zhang, Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 10231390
    Abstract: A center-pivot irrigation system having mobile towers interconnected by spans actuatable about a center-pivot, constant speed motors for each of the mobile towers, and variable gear ratio transmissions each driven by one of the constant speed motors and each driving one of the mobile towers. The irrigation system may also include a control system sending command signals to the variable gear ratio transmissions, independently increasing or decreasing a speed of the mobile towers via the variable gear ratio transmissions. The irrigation system may also include a sensors for providing alignment information regarding the spans to the control system. The control system may independently command the transmissions to speed up or slow down one of the mobile towers relative to alignment information received from the sensors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2019
    Assignee: Lindsay Corporation
    Inventor: Mark William Miller
  • Patent number: 10190684
    Abstract: A powertrain system including an internal combustion engine rotatably coupled to a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is described. A method for controlling the CVT includes determining minimum and maximum CVT input speeds in response to an accelerator pedal position, and monitoring vehicle speed and a CVT input speed. A target CVT input acceleration rate is determined based upon the vehicle speed, and a desired speed ratio is determined that is responsive to the target CVT input acceleration rate. The CVT is controlled based upon the desired speed ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2019
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: David H. Vu, Christopher Jay Weingartz, Craig J. Hawkins, Pratap A. Naick
  • Patent number: 10029694
    Abstract: A control system for a powertrain in a machine includes a first sensor which generates a first signal indicative of a ground speed of the machine. The control system includes a second sensor which generates a second signal indicative of a load of an engine in the powertrain. The control system includes a third sensor which generates a third signal indicative of an operational state of the machine. The control system includes an input device which enables an operator to generate a request for a powertrain output. The control system further includes a controller in communication with the first sensor, the second sensor, the third sensor and the input device. The controller determines an engine speed command and a transmission output torque command to produce a powertrain output based at least on the first signal, the second signal and the third signal in response to the requested powertrain output.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: Caterpillar Inc.
    Inventors: Jeremy Sharp, Suman Goli, Mark E Rettig
  • Patent number: 9797485
    Abstract: A belt type continuously variable transmission device includes an actuator that moves a moveable sheave member of a drive pulley which is a one-side pulley in an axial direction. The actuator includes a moveable feed member, a gear case, and an electric motor. The moveable feed member includes an inner tube section in which a moveable-side feed screw is provided, an outer tube section in which an outer gear is provided, and a lid section. The gear case has a fixed tube section in which a fixed-side feed screw is provided, and an outer cover. The electric motor drives a motor-side gear that intermeshes with the outer gear. The outer cover has an opening into which the outer tube section is inserted and that proximately opposes an outer circumferential surface of the outer tube section.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: KANZAKI KOKYUKOKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Ebihara, Tatsuya Kamada, Michio Tsukamoto, Koji Iwaki
  • Patent number: 9689440
    Abstract: A power transfer device includes a hydraulic clutch capable of coupling and decoupling a secondary shaft of a CVT and axles to and from each other. A secondary pulley of the CVT includes a movable sheave movably supported by the secondary shaft, and a secondary piston that rotates together with the secondary shaft and that constitutes a second hydraulic actuator together with the movable sheave. The secondary piston of the second hydraulic actuator is used to define an engagement oil chamber of the hydraulic clutch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: AISIN AW CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazumichi Tsukuda, Takeshi Asada
  • Patent number: 9631563
    Abstract: A torsional pulse dampener including a pulley rotationally coupled to a piston that is axially displaceable and adapted to give torsional compliance from an engine for at least one-half revolution of an angular differential displacement between the pulley and the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2017
    Assignee: Orbital Traction, Ltd
    Inventors: Roy Venton-Walters, Michael P. Bujold
  • Patent number: 9518641
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system for a motorcycle includes a first drive sheave (12) operated by a transmission half-shaft (14) and a second driven sheave, connected by a V-belt. The drive sheave (12) has a first half-sheave (16) and a second half-sheave (18) substantially conical, sliding axially aligned, joined in rotation. The first half sheave (16) is fitted internally with a speed regulator composed of centrifugal masses (20) which move to cause the axial shift in the direction of extension of the transmission half-shaft (14), of the first half-sheave (16) relative to the corresponding second half-sheave (18). A device (10) for regulating the gear change curve is provided with an electromechanical actuator to cause selective intervention of a determined group of centrifugal masses (20) to vary, for the same number of revs of the engine, the centrifugal force needed to achieve the axial shift of the first half-sheave (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: PIAGGIO & C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter Mariotti, Paolo Nesti
  • Patent number: 9376110
    Abstract: A vehicle control apparatus is disclosed, which includes a processing device that calculates a target acceleration such that a vehicle speed of a vehicle, which includes a continuously variable transmission, becomes a target vehicle speed; sets a threshold for a change amount of an engine rpm based on the target acceleration; and controls the engine rpm such that the change amount of the engine rpm does not exceed the threshold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2016
    Assignee: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Takashi Maeda
  • Patent number: 9261187
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine, a continuously variable transmission (CVT), and a controller. The CVT has an output shaft, a primary pulley connected to and driven by the engine, a secondary pulley connected to the output shaft, and a belt. The pulleys each have mating halves with conical faces defining a gap in which the belt is positioned. Actuators act on one of the halves of the primary and secondary pulleys in response to a respective primary and secondary pressure. The controller detects a desired CVT ratio change in response to control inputs and determines a required shift force for achieving the desired ratio change. The controller also determines whether a calibrated rate of change is achievable. The controller adjusts the primary and/or secondary pressures when the calibrated rate is not achievable, including transmitting a pressure command to at least one of the primary and secondary actuators.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventor: Paul G. Otanez
  • Patent number: 9255589
    Abstract: In a hydraulic pressure supply apparatus for an automatic transmission having hydraulic pressure supply destinations comprising at least three hydraulic actuators different from one another in required hydraulic pressure and a lubrication system, there are provided with at least three, actually five, hydraulic pumps, at least three, actually five, regulator valves capable of regulating hydraulic pressures delivered from the hydraulic pumps to values corresponding to the respective required pressures to be supplied to the hydraulic pressure supply destinations, and the selector valves installed between the hydraulic pumps and the regulator valves, wherein the operation of the selector valves is controlled to connect the hydraulic pumps to the regulator valves in accordance with the flow rates required by five hydraulic pressure supply destinations comprising the hydraulic actuators and the lubrication system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2016
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shigeru Kanehara, Atsushi Fujikawa
  • Patent number: 9080644
    Abstract: In an apparatus for controlling a continuously variable transmission, a transmission ratio, an input shaft rotational speed and an input torque, etc., are detected, an axial thrusts of the drive and driven pulleys are detected therefrom, an inter-shaft force is detected, a friction coefficient of the driven pulley including at least a radial component of the friction coefficient ?RDN is calculated in accordance with predetermined relational equations, a target axial thrust of the driven pulley is calculated based on at least the friction coefficient and the axial thrust of the driven pulley is controlled based on the calculated target axial thrust.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Shigeru Kanehara
  • Publication number: 20150122557
    Abstract: A driver pulley assembly for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) includes a roller weight guide, having an inner and outer periphery, adapted to be mounted on the main shaft of the CVT. A plurality of ramp windows extend radially along the roller weight guide. A pair of guide rails extend along opposite edges of each ramp window. A plurality of roller weights, mounted on the pair of guide rails, is adapted to move along the pair of guide rails in a radial direction of the roller weight guide. A ramp structure, coinciding with the ramp window, extends in the radial direction of the roller weight guide and abuts the plurality of roller weights. The roller weighs are adapted to move radially outwards along the ramp structure with increasing rotational speed of the roller weight guide. The ramp structures have ramp profiles. CVT systems and vehicles including the driver pulley assembly are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2013
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventors: Ryan James Fairhead, Steve Micacchi
  • Publication number: 20140315670
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission system for a motorcycle includes a first drive sheave (12) operated by a transmission half-shaft (14) and a second driven sheave, connected by a V-belt. The drive sheave (12) has a first half-sheave (16) and a second half-sheave (18) substantially conical, sliding axially aligned, joined in rotation. The first half sheave (16) is fitted internally with a speed regulator composed of centrifugal masses (20) which move to cause the axial shift in the direction of extension of the transmission half-shaft (14), of the first half-sheave (16) relative to the corresponding second half-sheave (18). A device (10) for regulating the gear change curve is provided with an electromechanical actuator to cause selective intervention of a determined group of centrifugal masses (20) to vary, for the same number of revs of the engine, the centrifugal force needed to achieve the axial shift of the first half-sheave (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: PIAGGIO & C. S.p.A.
    Inventors: Walter Mariotti, Paolo Nesti
  • Patent number: 8790199
    Abstract: A clutch includes a stationary sheave, a cam attached to the stationary sheave, and a movable sheave that is axially movable relative to the stationary sheave along the cam. A thrust bearing includes an outer race and an inner race, wherein the outer race is attached to the cam. A first radial spring includes a radially outward annular portion and an radially inward finger portion, wherein the radially outward annular portion is mounted on the movable sheave and wherein the radially inward finger portion bears against the inner race. In another aspect, a clutch includes a stationary sheave, a cam attached to the stationary sheave, and a movable sheave that is axially and rotationally movable relative to the stationary sheave along the cam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Inventor: Ray Schoenfelder
  • Patent number: 8500580
    Abstract: A torque sensor for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. A first ramp surface is rigidly connected to a shaft of a conical disk pair, and a second ramp surface is rigidly connected to a sensing piston surrounding the shaft and axially and rotatably movable relative to the shaft. Balls are positioned between and in contact with the ramp surfaces and with a guide surface rigidly connected with an axially movable disk. The guide surface is so configured that the contact points of a particular ball with the ramp surfaces, the contact point of that ball with the guide surface, and the center point of that ball lie in a radially oriented plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Gantner, Andreas Götz, Eugen Kremer
  • Patent number: 8491426
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission for motor vehicles is provided with a driving pulley (1) and with a driven pulley (2) around which is arranged a drive belt (3) which, at least when the transmission is operating, is clamped between two substantially conical pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the two pulleys (1, 2). The cone surface (10) of the pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the driving pulley (1) in a cross-section including the central pulley axis (9) is provided with a convex curvature having a radius of curvature (R10) that decreases in radially outward direction and the cone surface (10) of the pulley sheaves (4, 5) of the driven pulley (2) in a cross-section including the central pulley axis (9) is provided with a convex curvature having a radius of curvature (R10) that increases in radially outward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventor: Arjan Van Der Leest
  • Patent number: 8360907
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system of continuously variable transmission includes: a first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) that regulates a line pressure (Pl), which is used for hydraulic control as a source pressure, to obtain a first sheave pressure (Pin); a fail-safe valve (19) that selects and outputs any one of the first sheave pressure (Pin) or a fail-safe hydraulic pressure (second sheave pressure Pout) that is applied to a drive pulley (21) at the time of a failure due to an excessive first sheave pressure (Pin) to the drive pulley (21); and an orifice (25) that is provided in an oil passage (24) between the fail-safe valve (19) and the drive pulley (21). Then, a hydraulic pressure in the oil passage (24) on the drive pulley (21) side of the orifice (25) is supplied to the first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) as a feedback pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Toshihiro Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8287409
    Abstract: A hydraulic control system of continuously variable transmission includes: a first sheave pressure regulating valve (17) that regulates a line pressure (Pl), which is used for hydraulic control as a source pressure, to obtain a first sheave pressure (Pin); a fail-safe valve (19) that selects and outputs any one of the first sheave pressure (Pin) or a fail-safe hydraulic pressure (second sheave pressure Pout) that is applied to a drive pulley (21) at the time of a failure due to an excessive first sheave pressure (Pin) to the drive pulley (21); and a first regulator valve (12) and a second regulator valve (13) that regulate the line pressure (Pl). An output pressure (Psf) of the fail-safe valve (19) is supplied to the first and second regulator valves (12 and 13) in a feedback manner as a drive pulley (21) side hydraulic pressure to thereby regulate the line pressure (Pl).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yusuke Ogata, Toshihiro Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8226506
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device with a low shift transmission pulley train includes a unidirectional transmission device installed between the input shaft and output shaft of the continuously variable transmission device. During high load operation, when a rotating speed of the driving pulley of the low shift transmission pulley train is lower than that of the input shaft in the same rotating direction, the rotational kinetic energy of the input shaft is transmitted through the unidirectional transmission device and the low shift transmission pulley train to drive the output shaft and further to drive the load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8216099
    Abstract: The invention is disclosed by that a high shift transmission pulley train is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of the continuous variable transmission device, and a clutching device is installed between the output shaft and the driven pulley of the high shift transmission pulley train as well as that a low shift transmission pulley train matching with an unidirectional transmission device is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of the continuous variable transmission device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Patent number: 8187127
    Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission (CVT) with reduced vibration at high engine speeds. A secondary sheave includes a fixed sheave member, a moving sheave member, a compression coil spring, and an outside spring guide. The compression coil spring urges the moving sheave member toward the fixed sheave member. The outside spring guide prevents the compression coil spring from buckling during compression.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yousuke Ishida
  • Patent number: 8165772
    Abstract: A method of managing slip in a transmission that is driven by a prime mover includes determining whether a slip condition of the transmission is present based on a slip value and reducing a torque output of the prime mover based on a torque reduction value when the slip condition is present. The method further includes storing the torque reduction value in an array if the slip condition is resolved as a result of the step of reducing and identifying a faulty component within the transmission based on the array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Todd J. Thor
  • Patent number: 8108081
    Abstract: Systems and methods for associating a load demand with a variable power generation are described. A system includes a renewable variable power generation module including a sensor, the sensor configured to determine an output power capability value for the renewable variable power generation module. The system also includes a load demand module including a response device, the response device configured to receive the output power capability value directly from the renewable variable power generation module and to determine an input power demand value based on the output power capability value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Sunpower Corporation
    Inventor: Carl J. S. Lenox
  • Patent number: 8105191
    Abstract: The line hydraulic pressure setting portion sets the line hydraulic pressure PL, which is the base pressure for the required shift control pressure Pin and the required belt clamping pressure Pd, based on the higher of the required pressures Pin and Pd. At this time, if the continuously variable transmission is to be shifted up, the required Pin calculating portion calculates the required shift control pressure Pin based on one of the target speed ratio ?* and the actual speed ratio ? with which the required shift pressure Pv is calculated to be higher than with the other. As such, the required shift control pressure Pin is set to the minimum necessary level for shifting up the continuously variable transmission and the line hydraulic pressure PL is appropriately set to a level for obtaining the required shift control pressure Pin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinya Toyoda, Hiroji Taniguchi, Yoshinobu Soga
  • Patent number: 7955204
    Abstract: In a stepping motor cooling apparatus for a belt-type continuously variable transmission, a pair of primary and secondary pulleys are disposed inside a transmission case, and a forward/backward switching unit is disposed coaxially to the primary pulley, furthermore, a stepping motor is disposed below the forward/backward switching unit. An inner case originating from the transmission case surrounds a circumference of the forward/backward switching unit. Through the inner case, a dripping hole is formed at an inner case's portion directly above the stepping motor so that working fluid drained from the forward/backward switching unit can drip on the stepping motor. In order to further improve the cooling effect of the stepping motor, a recess portion is formed immediately below the stepping motor at an upper surface of a valve body disposed under the stepping motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Nobufumi Yamane, Yoshihide Shinso, Hiroyuki Yada
  • Patent number: 7927241
    Abstract: The driven pulley (10) comprises a first sheave (12) and a second sheave (40) coaxially mounted around a main shaft. The first sheave (12) is fixed with reference to the main shaft while the other sheave (40) is allowed to slide and rotate with reference to the main shaft. The driven pulley (10) is designed with a roller mounting unit (74) facilitating the assembling or the replacement of the rollers (70).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Cvtech R & D Inc.
    Inventor: Jocelyn Labbé
  • Patent number: 7905803
    Abstract: In a V-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) of an ATV, a movable sheave half of a primary sheave is disposed on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to a fixed sheave half, and a sheave drive mechanism for controlling the respective groove widths of the primary sheave and a secondary sheave through a driving force by an electric motor is located on the outer side in the vehicle width direction with respect to the movable sheave half of the primary sheave. A footboard of the ATV is located on the outer side of the V-belt CVT in the vehicle width direction and below a primary sheave shaft and a secondary sheave shaft. A portion of the electric motor is located above and in front of the primary sheave shaft as viewed in the sheave shaft direction. A straddle-type vehicle having the compact, yet durable V-belt continuously variable transmission achieves a speed change operation highly responsive to the vehicle running condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigehiro Mochizuki, Kazuhiko Izumi
  • Patent number: 7892121
    Abstract: In a motorcycle having a V-belt type continuously variable transmission, a resin washer made of a nylon resin is interposed between a boss fixed to a moving sheave half of a secondary sheave and a spring bearing member. The boss contacts the spring bearing member through the resin washer, whereby the moving sheave half is restricted to a Top position, in which a spacing between it and a stationary sheave half becomes maximum. In this manner, the maximum speed is not changed by exchange of the V-belt, the V-belt does not slip or become considerably abraded or deteriorated, and noise generation is suppressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Akifumi Oishi, Yousuke Ishida, Takuji Murayama
  • Patent number: 7806790
    Abstract: A slippage detection system for a continuously variable transmission capable of continuously changing a ratio between a speed of rotation of an input member and a speed of rotation of an output member is provided. The slippage detection system calculates a correlation coefficient relating to the input rotation speed and the output rotation speed, based on a plurality of measurement values of the input rotation speed and a plurality of measurement values of the output rotation speed, and determines slippage of the torque transmitting member in the continuously variable transmission based on the calculated correlation coefficient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Kunihiro Iwatsuki, Kazumi Hoshiya, Yasuhiro Oshiumi, Yasunori Nakawaki, Masataka Osawa, Hiroyuki Nishizawa, Hiroyuki Yamaguchi, Hideyuki Suzuki
  • Patent number: 7771300
    Abstract: An electrically assisted or actuated continuously variable transmission (CVT) with a first pulley having a first pulley portion for fixed connection to an engine shaft and an axially movable second pulley portion for placement about the engine shaft. A mechanism for assisting a mechanically-actuated CVT includes a nut connected to the movable portion and an electric motor having a screw that is engaged with the nut. The nut is moved axially by rotation of the screw with respect to the nut, assisting mechanical actuators in changing axial spacing between the pulley portions. A variable actuator for actuating a CVT includes a pair of disks coaxially engaged with the pulley portions, and a roller for contacting the disks at varying inclinations. An electric motor tilts the roller along the axis of rotation, causing the disks to rotate at differing rates to effect a change in axial spacing between the pulley portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Purdue Research Foundation
    Inventors: John M. Starkey, Enrico N. Manes, Benjamin J. Rumley
  • Patent number: 7771299
    Abstract: A V-belt continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a straddle-type vehicle includes a measurement plate for a rotational speed sensor for detecting a rotational speed of a primary sheave shaft to control a speed change ratio. The measurement plate is disposed on an opposite end of the primary sheave shaft, to one end of which a driving force of an engine is input, with respect to a primary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shigehiro Mochizuki, Kazuhiko Izumi
  • Publication number: 20100099525
    Abstract: A power transmission device includes a belt-type continuously variable transmission; a first fluid pressure cylinder; a second fluid pressure cylinder; a pressure-adjustment and pressure-feed device;a fluid outflow/inflow device; and a control unit that controls the pressure-adjustment and pressure-feed device based on a fluid pressure that is obtained from a thrust that is required for the second pulley in accordance with a driving state and that, by controlling the pressure-adjustment and pressure-feed device in this manner, controls the fluid outflow/inflow device such that a gear ratio is varied within a permitted gear ratio range in accordance with the fluid pressure that is pressure-fed from the pressure-adjustment and pressure-feed device in conjunction with the pressure adjustment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: April 22, 2010
    Applicants: AISIN AW CO., LTD., TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kazumichi Tsukuda, Syoichi Sayo, Ryoji Habuchi
  • Patent number: 7637828
    Abstract: A belt-type continuously variable transmission that is easily manufactured includes a belt wound around a primary sheave and a secondary sheave. The primary sheave includes a fixed sheave member, a movable sheave member, a cam plate, and a roller weight. The movable sheave member has a guide rib extending toward the cam plate. The cam plate has a slider having a guide groove. The position of the radially outer portion of an end surface of the slider is shifted toward the right in the rotation axis extending direction from the position of the radially inner portion of the end surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Takuji Murayama, Yousuke Ishida
  • Publication number: 20090197716
    Abstract: The invented continuous variable transmission device with low shift transmission pulley train is innovatingly disclosed by that a low shift transmission pulley train and attached unidirectional transmission device in the same rotating direction are installed between the input shaft and output shaft of a continuous variable transmission device, wherein during high load operation, when rotating speed of the driving pulley of low shift transmission pulley train is lower than that of the input shaft in the same revolving direction, the revolving kinetic energy of the input shaft is transmitted through the unidirectional transmission device and the low shift transmission pulley train to drive the output shaft and further to drive the load.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20090197714
    Abstract: The invention is disclosed by that a high shift transmission pulley train is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of the continuous variable transmission device, and a clutching device is installed between the output shaft and the driven pulley of the high shift transmission pulley train as well as that a low shift transmission pulley train matching with an unidirectional transmission device is installed between the input shaft and the output shaft of the continuous variable transmission device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20090197713
    Abstract: The invention is constituted by at least two continuous variable transmission devices in different ranges of speed ratios, wherein a clutching device is installed between the driven pulley of the high shift continuous variable transmission device and the driven pulley of the low shift continuous transmission and an unidirectional transmission device or a torque limiting clutching device is installed between the driven pulley and the output shaft of each shift.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20090197715
    Abstract: The invention is innovatingly disclosed to install a high shift transmission pulley train attaching with a clutching device between the input shaft and the output shaft of a continuous variable transmission device in the same revolving directions, wherein when rotational speed of the output shaft reaches or exceeds setting rotational speed, the clutching device is closed to connect the driven pulley of the high shift transmission pulley train and the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2009
    Publication date: August 6, 2009
    Inventor: Tai-Her Yang
  • Publication number: 20090191992
    Abstract: Transmissions and drive systems for a self-propelled machine and related methods are provided. An input shaft having an axis and extending transverse to an output shaft is provided. The input shaft can be rotatable about the axis of the input shaft and configured to drivingly engage the output shaft. A variable pitch pulley can be disposed axially on the input shaft and configured to rotate about the axis of the input shaft. The variable pitch pulley can be configured to change pitch diameter to regulate the speed at which the input shaft is rotated. Further, the input shaft can be at least partially rotatable about an axis of the output shaft to vary the pitch of the variable pitch pulley to regulate the speed at which the input shaft drives the output shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Inventor: Christopher M. Osborne
  • Patent number: 7517295
    Abstract: A conical disk pair for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission includes a fixed disk, and a movable disk that is axially movable and rotationally fixed to an input shaft. A torque sensor is associated with the movable disk on a side opposite from the axially fixed disk and includes a sensing piston having axially-directed arms that are circumferentially spaced on a side of the sensing piston that faces away from the movable disk. The arms have outer axially—extending teeth that mesh with inner axial teeth of an input wheel. An inner support ring contacts the arms on an inner side radially opposite the outer teeth of the arms and forces the outer teeth of the arms into meshing engagement with circumferentially-positioned axial teeth of the input wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Luk Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Hartmut Faust
  • Patent number: 7481281
    Abstract: Systems and methods for drilling a borehole are provided. One system includes a continuously variable transmission. An input shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to a power supply. An output shaft of the continuously variable transmission is coupled to one or more system components such that the continuously variable transmission controls rotation of the one or more system components. One method for drilling a borehole includes supplying power to an input shaft of a continuously variable transmission. The method also includes controlling rotation of one or more system components using the continuously variable transmission during drilling of the borehole. The one or more system components are coupled to an output shaft of the continuously variable transmission. Also provided is a borehole that is drilled by this method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2009
    Assignee: Intersyn IP Holdings, LLC
    Inventor: Stuart Schuaf
  • Publication number: 20080268991
    Abstract: Rotatable conical disks for a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The conical disks have conical surfaces that inclined relative to a conical disk axis of rotation and have surfaces that are induction hardened together with or separate from a shaft component. The induction hardened surfaces of the conical disks include regions of the disk surfaces that are frictionally engaged by an endless torque-transmitting component. The shaft component is induction hardened in regions that experience high mechanical stresses as a result of axial loads imposed on the conical surfaces of the disks by the endless torque-transmitting component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventor: Bernhard Walter
  • Patent number: 7387589
    Abstract: A shift control apparatus of a belt type continuously variable transmission is comprised of a controller which is arranged to set a first hydraulic pressure controlled variable based on a first target transmission ratio determined based on a vehicle traveling condition, to set a second hydraulic controlled variable based on a second target transmission ratio determined based on a predetermined transfer characteristic, to steplessly control the transmission ratio by controlling hydraulic pressures of primary and secondary pulleys hydraulic based on the first and second hydraulic pressure controlled variables, to detect at least one of the hydraulic pressures of the primary and secondary pulleys, and to correct the second target transmission ratio based on the detected hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2008
    Assignee: Jatco Ltd
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Suzuki, Masaaki Uchida
  • Publication number: 20080051236
    Abstract: A stepless transmission for a flat planer has a driving shaft connected with a motor and fitted with a driving cam member inside the stepless transmission, able to keep its wheelbase altered. The driving cam member is pivotally connected with a driven pulley set by means of a driving belt. The driven pulley set is correspondingly provided with a driven cam member having an adjustable wheelbase. The driving cam member can be driven by a jaw of a hand rod to keep the wheelbase of the driving cam member altered, so as to control a conveying speed of an input roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2006
    Publication date: February 28, 2008
    Inventor: Bor-Yann Chuang
  • Publication number: 20080009376
    Abstract: An engine balancer including a rotatable drive balance shaft having a first balance weight and a first portion formed at a position offset from the first balance weight in an axial direction of the drive balance shaft, a drive gear disposed on the drive balance shaft, a driven gear meshed with the drive gear, a driven balance shaft parallel to the drive balance shaft and rotatable with the driven gear, the driven balance shaft including a second balance weight and a second portion formed at a position offset from the second balance weight in an axial direction of the driven balance shaft. The second portion of the driven balance shaft is constructed to produce a moment of inertia less than a moment of inertia that is produced in the first portion of the drive balance shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2007
    Publication date: January 10, 2008
    Inventor: Ryoji Onigata
  • Patent number: RE41424
    Abstract: The invention is in a torque responsive actuation device, preferably for a belt drive system as is commonly utilized with snowmobile and like type vehicles. A bearing carrier of the invention is connected to a lower half of a split pulley, with the upper pulley half mounting a helix or cam cone that extends towards the carrier undersurface and includes a plurality of cam tracks formed therein that are each to receive a cam follower for travel therealong. Movement of the bearing carrier towards the top face of the pulley upper half is thereby translated to lower the pulley half to spread the pulley upper and lower halves apart, opening a V slot therebetween wherein a drive belt is maintained. A cylindrical shaft is journaled through the bearing carrier and fitted through the pulley that includes a coil spring disposed therearound for providing spring biasing to urge the bearing carrier away from the pulley upper half, biasing the pulley halves together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Inventor: Steven R. Benson