Via Pivoted Weight Patents (Class 474/14)
  • Patent number: 11739836
    Abstract: A flyweight comprises a body. The body of the flyweight comprises a pivot, a cam surface, and a first coupler. The first coupler is configured to selectively couple at least one first weight to the body distal from the cam surface. A flyweight comprises a body having at least 20% of its mass positioned to contribute negative torque about a pivot related to an acceleration of a CVT clutch from an idling condition. A method of tuning a flyweight comprises attaching at least one first weight to a first coupler of a body of the flyweight distal from a cam surface of the body. A CVT clutch comprises at least one flyweight with a first coupler configured to selectively couple at least one first weight to a body of the flyweight distal from a cam surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Starting Line Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Allen Roberts
  • Patent number: 11680635
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe a drive pulley for a continuously variable transmission including a stationary sheave with a stationary shaft, a movable sheave axially movable relative to the stationary sheave and in contact with the stationary shaft; a spider in contact with at least the moveable sheave and stationary shaft; a spring member, biasing the movable sheave axially away from the stationary sheave; at least one centrifugal actuator including an arm pivotally connected to one of the movable sheave and the spider, the arm pivoting away from the one of the movable sheave and the spider as a speed of rotation of the drive pulley increases, the arm pushing against another one of the movable sheave and the spider as the arm pivots away from the one of the movable sheave and the spider, thereby moving the movable sheave axially toward the stationary sheave, the at least one centrifugal actuator being disposed radially outward of the stationary sheave shaft; and a torque transfer assembly op
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: ARCTIC CAT INC.
    Inventor: Kyle Douglas Olason
  • Patent number: 11668356
    Abstract: A clutch weight for a continuously variable transmission is disclosed. The clutch weight, in certain examples, includes a body having a first end having a pivot pin opening and a second end opposite the first end, a curvilinear surface disposed between the first end and the second end configured to engage a roller, and wherein the roller contacts the curvilinear surface at least at a first contact position, and a center of mass of the body disposed a distance Y from a center of the pivot pin opening and a distance X from the first contact position, and where a ratio of X to Y is in the range of between about 0.526 and 0.558.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Boondocker LLC
    Inventors: Rocklund D. Young, Rocklund D. Young, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11248625
    Abstract: A vacuum pump includes a housing having an inlet port, a stator column provided upright inside the housing, a rotating body having a shape surrounding an outer periphery of the stator column, a support means for rotatably supporting the rotating body, and a driving means for driving the rotating body to rotate, wherein gas is sucked in from the inlet port by rotation of the rotating body, and the stator column is constituted of a cast material of aluminum alloy having a mechanical material property of an elongation of 5% or more.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2022
    Assignee: Edwards Japan Limited
    Inventors: Keita Mitsuhashi, Tooru Miwata
  • Patent number: 10641366
    Abstract: A continuously variable clutch (CVT) is disclosed which is operable in a first direction to transfer power from a power source to ground engaging members of a vehicle, and in a second direction where the ground engaging members brake and/or drive the engine. The CVT has a braking assembly having a thrust member positioned over a drive clutch shaft and adjacent an outer sheave of the drive clutch. A flanged sleeve is operatively coupled to the drive clutch shaft and generally positioned intermediate the inner and outer sheaves of the drive clutch, with a portion of the flanged sleeve being adjacent the thrust member. The flanged sleeve is fixed relative to the drive clutch shaft when operating in the first direction and is cooperable with the thrust member to move the flanged member axially relative to the drive clutch shaft and towards the inner sheave when operating in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Amery D. Kuhl, Anthony J. Ripley, Stephen L. Nelson
  • Patent number: 10563726
    Abstract: A drive unit is situated between a first wheel axle and a second wheel axle and has an internal-combustion engine with a crankshaft system including a horizontally oriented crankshaft, which crankshaft acts upon a continuously variable transmission system which drives wheels of the first wheel axle and of the second wheel axle. The crankshaft is caused to rotate by at least one piston of the engine. The crankshaft interacts with a first set of V-pulleys of the transmission system, which first set of V-pulleys, by way of a first drive shaft, is connected with a first differential of the first wheel axle. The first set of V-pulleys, by way of an endless member, is in an operative connection with a set of V-pulleys which, with the interposition of a second drive shaft, influences a second differential of the second wheel axle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Neander Motors AG
    Inventors: Claus Bruestle, Lutz W. Lester
  • Patent number: 10393263
    Abstract: A rebuild kit for a spider assembly of a CVT clutch is provided. The rebuild kit includes two non-rotating washers, a roller for each location on a spider. The spider may have wear that is over an acceptable amount of wear determined by the manufacturer. The rebuild kit further includes a pin that couples the two non-rotating washers and the roller between the non-rotating washers within the spider. The roller is engaged by a flyweight of the CVT clutch and the non-rotating washers prevent additional wear of the spider while maintaining the roller aligned with the flyweight during operation of the CVT clutch. The rebuild kit may also include an insert within an aperture of the roller, wherein the insert has high temperature resistance, a low coefficient of friction and non-adhesive properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Inventor: Don Simpson
  • Patent number: 10174827
    Abstract: A clutch is provided that includes a fixed sheave portion, a movable sheave portion, a movable sheave assembly, an idler bearing and a torque drag member. The movable sheave assembly is configured to axially move the movable sheave portion in relation to the fixed sheave portion in response to a change in a rotational speed of the clutch. The idler bearing is rotationally mounted on a central post of the fixed sheave portion. The idler bearing is positioned to engage an inside face of a belt when the fixed sheave portion and the movable sheave portion are located a select distance away from each other. The torque drag member is operationally coupled to exert a select amount of torque drag on the idler bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian G. Eck, Brandon R Bonham
  • Patent number: 9644717
    Abstract: A centrifugally actuated driving pulley for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a movable sheave that is connected to the fixed sheave via a ball spline assembly. Also disclosed is a driving pulley for a CVT having a movable sheave that is connected to the fixed sheave via a ball spline assembly, where at least some of the outer grooves receiving the ball bearings of the ball spline assembly are angularly offset from at least some of the corresponding inner grooves receiving the ball bearings of the ball spline assembly. Also disclosed is a driving pulley for a CVT having a movable sheave that is connected to the fixed sheave via a ball spline assembly, where at least some of the outer and inner grooves receiving the ball bearings of the ball spline assembly have a generally ogival cross-section. A CVT and a vehicle having a CVT are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2017
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Xavier-Pierre Aitcin
  • Patent number: 9593759
    Abstract: An adjustable flyweight pivot shaft assembly for a CVT comprising a pivot shaft, a flyweight engaged with a pivot shaft surface, an eccentric collar having a bore with an eccentric center axis, the pivot shaft engaged with the eccentric collar bore, the eccentric collar having an indexing portion, the indexing portion engagable with the receiving portion on the CVT body, the indexing portion engaging the receiving portion to lock the eccentric collar and thereby pivot shaft in a desired position with respect to the axis of rotation of the CVT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: GATES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fred Millard, Chris McClellan, Gerard Karpik, Oliver Stegelmann
  • Patent number: 9267580
    Abstract: A drive pulley for a continuously variable transmission includes a fixed sheave and a movable sheave rotationally fixed relative to the fixed sheave. A housing is axially and rotationally fixed relative to the fixed sheave. At least one centrifugal actuator includes an arm pivotally connected to one of the movable sheave and the housing of the fixed sheave at a first pivot axis. The arm pivots away from the one of the movable sheave and the housing about the first pivot axis as a speed of rotation of the drive pulley increases and pushes against another one of the movable sheave and the housing thereby moving the movable sheave axially toward the fixed sheave. The arm is movable relative to the first pivot axis by pivoting the at least one arm about a second pivot axis. The second pivot axis is offset from the first pivot axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2016
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Xavier-Pierre Aitcin
  • Patent number: 9228644
    Abstract: A driving-side pulley includes a cam mechanism that presses a movable sleeve in a first direction by utilizing a relative rotation of the movable sleeve in the normal direction with respect to an axis-line-direction fixed member, the first direction being a direction that has a pressing surface pressed against a corresponding side surface of a belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: KANZAKI KOKYUKOKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michio Tsukamoto, Takaya Inaoka
  • Patent number: 9057432
    Abstract: A drive pulley for a continuously variable transmission has a fixed sheave, a movable sheave, and a biasing member. At least one arm is pivotally connected about a first axis to one of the movable sheave and a portion of the drive pulley axially and rotationally fixed to the fixed sheave. The arm has a ramp surface. At least one slider is pivotally connected about a second axis to the other one of the movable sheave and the portion of the drive pulley. The at least one slider has at least three slider surfaces. At least one of the at least three slider surfaces is adapted to contact the ramp surface of the at least one arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventors: Eric Bouffard, Sylvain Matte
  • Publication number: 20150111674
    Abstract: A CVT drive system comprising a sheave axially moveable along a first shaft and having a radially extending surface, a sheave fixed to the first shaft, the fixed sheave cooperatively disposed with the moveable sheave to engage a belt therebetween, the first shaft engagable with an engine, a back plate attached to the first shaft having a radial surface, the back plate engaged with the moveable sheave for locked rotation while allowing a relative axial movement, an inertia member radially moveable upon the radially extending surface and the radial surface upon rotation of the moveable sheave, the inertia member is temporarily disengagable from the radial surface and from the radially extending surface, a first spring resisting axial movement of the moveable sheave toward the fixed sheave along the first shaft, and a sleeve member disposed between the moveable sheave and the fixed sheave, the sleeve member rotatable with the belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 23, 2015
    Applicant: THE GATES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jing Yuan, Gerard Karpik, Kanchan Kumar Singh
  • Publication number: 20140235382
    Abstract: A driving-side pulley includes a cam mechanism that presses a movable sleeve in a first direction by utilizing a relative rotation of the movable sleeve in the normal direction with respect to an axis-line-direction fixed member, the first direction being a direction that has a pressing surface pressed against a corresponding side surface of a belt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Applicant: KANZAKI KOKYUKOKI MFG. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Michio TSUKAMOTO, Takaya Inaoka
  • Patent number: 8646545
    Abstract: A plow pivot assembly includes a base adapted to be coupled to a frame member and rotationally fixed relative thereto. A pivot assembly is coupled to the base and includes a motor mounted to a first ring gear, a planetary gear assembly driven by the motor and including a planetary carrier assembly having a plurality of split planetary gears engaging with both the first ring gear and a second ring gear which is fixed to the base for causing rotation of the first ring. A plow blade is attached to the first ring gear by a pivot base that incorporates a force absorbing system therein to protect the planetary gear assembly from damage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Warn Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Ronald L. Elliott
  • Publication number: 20140004984
    Abstract: A centrifugally actuated driving pulley for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) has a movable sheave that is connected to the fixed sheave via a ball spline assembly. Also disclosed is a driving pulley for a CVT having a movable sheave that is connected to the fixed sheave via a ball spline assembly, where at least some of the outer grooves receiving the ball bearings of the ball spline assembly are angularly off-set from at least some of the corresponding inner grooves receiving the ball bearings of the ball spline assembly. Also disclosed is a driving pulley for a CVT having a movable sheave that is connected to the fixed sheave via a ball spline assembly, where at least some of the outer and inner grooves receiving the ball bearings of the ball spline assembly have a generally ogival cross-section. A CVT and a vehicle having a CVT are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2012
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: BOMBARDIER RECREATIONAL PRODUCTS INC.
    Inventor: Xavier-Pierre Aitcin
  • Patent number: 8409039
    Abstract: Continuously variable speed drive (CVT) have improved performance due to use of two groups of flyweight cams, each group being mounted on separate rotational members of a centrifugal clutch. One set of flyweight cams provides force to close the sheaves through the entire movement of the shift, whereas the other set of flyweight cams provides force only through an initial portion of the shift and then signs off. This provides a two stage shift behavior for the CVT that enhances power transfer to the driven pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Inventor: Mark Beyer
  • Patent number: 8281891
    Abstract: A four-wheel drive vehicle includes a crankshaft that obtains the power of the engine. The rotation driving force of the crankshaft is transmitted to a secondary shaft through a belt type continuously variable transmission. The rotation driving force of the secondary shaft is transmitted to a rear wheel by a second drive shaft. A cam chain is arranged between the crank web of the crankshaft and the driving pulley of the belt type continuously variable transmission. The second drive shaft is arranged between the crank web and the driving pulley and under the cam chain. The second drive shaft is arranged to at least partly overlap the rotation trajectory C1 of the driving pulley when seen in a side view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshikazu Sugiura
  • Patent number: 8277345
    Abstract: A stepless transmitting and speed-varying structure contains a power mechanism to drive a first transmission shaft by using power. The first transmission shaft is connected with a set of disk members including fixed and movable discs. A transmitting mechanism includes a belt disposed on the disk members, with one end of the belt connected with an intermediate speed-varying stem coaxial with a transmitting member to actuate a second transmission shaft. The second transmission shaft includes a resilient member, with one end of the resilient member coupled with the intermediate speed-varying stem and with another end thereof connected with a fixed member. A speed varying mechanism includes the second transmission shaft connected with a variable speed member, an actuated member, and plural eccentric blocks. The variable speed member couples with a connecting rod, with one end of the connecting rod joined with the movable disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Inventor: Chih-Hao Chung
  • Publication number: 20120214626
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modified CVT flyweight that allows for a 1 to 15 degree bidirectional change of pitch-angle of the cam section of a flyweight to variably affect the load placed on a connected drive-unit to match changes in elevation or terrain. Enabling the cam pitch-angle adjustment is a secondary pivotal axis (separate from the primary centrifugal axis) that is incrementally rotated and held in position by a manually rotated threaded fastener acting as a cantilever upon one side of the pivot. There may be removable weights in the form of threaded screws, pins or rivets that can be added or subtracted from the flyweight in addition to changes in the cam pitch-angle to affect the overall mass of the flyweight and also adjust the maximum RPM's of the engine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventor: Travis A. Cook
  • 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: 8105190
    Abstract: A pulley assembly for a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle, comprising a shaft having an axis, a supporting element rotatable about said axis, a first half pulley rigidly and rotationally connected to said supporting element, a second half pulley facing said first half pulley for defining a seat adapted to accommodate a belt of the transmission, at least one of the first and second half pulleys being longitudinally mobile with respect to the supporting element, and a clutch comprising a second supporting element connected to the shaft, a drum connected to the supporting element and accommodating the second supporting element, and a plurality of friction elements hinged to the second supporting element about respective hinge axes to selectively cooperate with the drum. In particular, the respective centres of gravity of said friction elements are located before the respective hinge axes with respect to a direction of rotation of the shaft which defines a forward running condition of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2012
    Assignee: Dayco Europe S.r.l.
    Inventors: Alessio Galletti, Paolo Seta
  • Publication number: 20120015767
    Abstract: A stepless transmitting and speed-varying structure contains a power mechanism to drive a first transmission shaft by using a power, the first transmission shaft being connected with a set of disk member including a fixed and a movable discs; a transmitting mechanism including a belt disposed on the disk member, one end of the belt being connected with an intermediate speed-varying stem being coaxial with a transmitting member to actuate a second transmission shaft, the second transmission shaft including a resilient member, one end of the resilient member being coupled with the intermediate speed-varying stem, another end thereof being connected with a fixed member; a speed varying mechanism including the second transmission shaft connected with a variable speed member and an actuated member, plural eccentric blocks, the variable speed member coupling with a connecting rod, one end of the connecting rod being joined with the movable disc.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Inventor: CHIH-HAO CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20110092325
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) system including a primary clutch assembly with an engine braking assembly is provided. The primary clutch assembly includes first and second sheave assemblies, a cylindrical sleeve coupler and an engine braking assembly. The first sheave portion has a centrally extending post. The cylindrical sleeve coupler is rotationally mounted on a portion of the post. The sleeve coupler has an engaging surface that is configured to engage an inner face of a drive belt. The second sheave portion has a central passage that is rotationally mounted on the sleeve coupler.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventors: Zoran Vuksa, Bruce A. Nelson, Shane C. Okeson
  • 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: 7798927
    Abstract: Wear of a V-belt and wear of sheaves in a belt type continuously variable transmission is compatibly prevented. A V-belt wound around a primary sheave \ and a secondary sheave is formed with a resin block belt. A sheave surface of the primary sheave is plated with chrome. The secondary sheave is made of stainless steel and is not plated with chrome. The sheave surface hardness of the secondary sheave is lower than the sheave surface hardness of the primary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Yamaha Hatsudoki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yousuke Ishida, Akifumi Oishi
  • 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: 7726927
    Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for aiding in the speed and simplicity of the adjustment of the clicker-style cam bolts employed by TRA-type snowmobile drive clutches, manufactured by Bombardier Recreational Products. The apparatus comprises a barrel type nut with a collared head and a compression wire spring which fits telescopically over said nut and against said collared head, and a locking set screw to secure the apparatus against rotational movement or removal. This assembly replaces the conventional hexagonal lock nut presently used on TRA-type drive clutches. This apparatus enables the user to change the linear position of the cam bolt in the drive clutch housing to enable the hexagonal head of the clicker-style bolt to clear its respective hexagonally indexed pocket, which is molded into the drive clutch housing, and to be turned to any one of six different degrees of rotation, thereby changing the shift-out RPM setting of the drive clutch quickly and with greater ease than conventional methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventor: Travis Cook
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7617899
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention facilitate shifting by reducing forces on certain shifting components and includes a snowmobile comprising a chassis, an engine supported by the chassis, a drive train operatively connected to the engine, the drive train comprising a reverse sprocket assembly functionally coupled to an upper sprocket assembly, a jackshaft rotatable within the upper sprocket assembly, and a pinion operatively connected to the jackshaft and selectively positionable axially along the jackshaft to a first position that engages the upper sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a forward direction or to a second position that engages the reverse sprocket assembly to translate the snowmobile in a reverse direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventors: Ty Warner, Todd Zinda
  • Publication number: 20090227404
    Abstract: Continuously variable speed drive (CVT) have improved performance due to use of two groups of flyweight cams, each group being mounted on separate rotational members of a centrifugal clutch. One set of flyweight cams provides force to close the sheaves through the entire movement of the shift, whereas the other set of flyweight cams provides force only through an initial portion of the shift and then signs off. This provides a two stage shift behavior for the CVT that enhances power transfer to the driven pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2009
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventor: Mark Beyer
  • Publication number: 20080296076
    Abstract: To centrifugal clutch with reduced size, which facilitates reduced width of a straddle type vehicle, includes a clutch housing on which an outer plate is mounted, and a clutch boss on which an inner plate is mounted. A roller weight is provided between the clutch housing and a rightmost outer plate. A cam surface formed on the clutch housing guides the roller weight in a direction such that the outer plate and the inner plate are press-fitted together when the roller weight moves outward in a radial direction of a secondary sheave shaft. A cam surface formed on the rightmost outer plate guides the roller weight outward in the radial direction and toward the cam surface with respect to an axial direction when the roller weight moves outward in the radial direction of the secondary sheave shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuji MURAYAMA, Kazunori OOI
  • Publication number: 20080125256
    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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takuji MURAYAMA, Yousuke ISHIDA
  • Publication number: 20080125257
    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: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2007
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Applicant: YAMAHA HATSUDOKI KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventor: Yousuke ISHIDA
  • Patent number: 7243564
    Abstract: The power transmission system of an engine is mounted on the all-terrain vehicle and has a crankshaft driven by the engine and the crankshaft is arranged in a direction of width of a vehicle body. A sub-shaft is arranged parallel to the crankshaft and the rotation of the crankshaft is transmitted to the sub-shaft via gears. A primary shaft is concentrically mounted on the sub-shaft and is provided with a primary pulley having a variable groove width. A secondary pulley coupled to the primary pulley via a V-belt and having a variable groove width. The rotation of the crankshaft is transmitted to the primary shaft via the sub-shaft arranged parallel to the crankshaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Fuji Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Mitsugi Chonan, Masayuki Komuro, Toshiyuki Matsushima
  • Patent number: 7235035
    Abstract: A vehicle includes an engine that powers a wheel through a drive train. The drive train includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) and toothed gearing disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A release clutch is also disposed between the CVT and the wheel. A controller controls the release clutch so as to disengage the clutch when the engine is not running and engage the clutch when the engine is running. The controller includes a hydraulic cylinder that fluidly connects to the engine's oil system so that engine-generated oil pressure engages the release clutch. Disengagement of the release clutch makes it easier to push the vehicle when the engine is not running, for example, when the engine breaks down.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2007
    Assignee: BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Korenjak, Heinz Kusel
  • Patent number: 7217204
    Abstract: A continuously variable belt drive system including a driving pulley assembly, a driven pulley assembly, and a V-shaped belt engaged to transfer rotary power therebetween is disclosed herein. The driving pulley assembly includes an idler pulley portion. As the belt speed decreases, the belt migrates downward within the driving pulley assembly until it falls within the idler pulley portions, thereby isolating the belt from the rotation of the driving pulley assembly. The driving pulley assembly also includes a belt tensioning mechanism that maintains proper belt tension at all speeds and drive ratios. The tensioning mechanism relies upon a pivotably mounted centrifugal weight arm to provide tensioning as a function of speed. A compression spring provides axial pressure to maintain belt tension over all drive ratios. The spring, acts against a curved cam edge on a pivoting lever arm, which arm transfers an axial force to the rear sheave of the driven pulley assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua L. Roby
  • Patent number: 7172523
    Abstract: A continuously-variable-ratio drive, having an input shaft; a flywheel integral with the input shaft; a drive pulley idle with respect to the input shaft and defined by two half-pulleys defining a groove of variable size for a V belt; and a centrifugal control assembly. The control assembly has a centrifugal actuating device which intervenes above a first threshold value of the angular speed of the input shaft to connect the drive pulley angularly to the flywheel by means of a friction clutch; and a speed adjusting device which is active over a second threshold value of the angular speed of the input shaft to adjust the size of the groove of the drive pulley and therefore the work diameter of the belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2007
    Assignee: Lombardini S.R.L. A Socio Unico
    Inventor: Gianni Borghi
  • Patent number: 7163477
    Abstract: A drive clutch for a CVT comprising a stationary sheave, a movable sheave, a motor and a centrifugal weight system. The movable sheave is movable closer to or further from the stationary sheave relative to a longitudinal axis. The motor may be coupled to an input shaft such that it is rotatable relative to or independently of the rotation of the input shaft. The centrifugal weight system is operably connected to the motor so as to pivot centrifugally outward relative to the longitudinal axis in response to the rotation of the motor, moving the movable sheave closer to or further from the stationary sheave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Polaris Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Sean E. Sherrod
  • Patent number: 7090600
    Abstract: A driver pulley system for use in a torque converter comprises a torque transmission device. The torque transmission device is used to transmit torque between components of the driver pulley system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hoffco/Comet Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Thomas H. Lohr
  • Patent number: 7044872
    Abstract: A vehicle with a continuously variable transmission (continuously variable transmission) includes a torque responsive clutch having a cam and at least one coupling. The cam has a plurality of projecting surfaces, and a plurality of slots being defined between the projecting surfaces. The slots of the cam are used to direct cam followers that move across the slot surfaces as the vehicle is driven forward or in reverse. As the vehicle adjusts from forward to reverse or vice versa, the cam followers may jump from one side of the slot to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2006
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Barry A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6962543
    Abstract: A continuously variable belt drive system includes a driving pulley assembly, a driven pulley assembly and a V-shaped belt engaged to transfer rotary power therebetween. The driven pulley assembly includes a ratio adjustment mechanism that adjusts the position of a rear sheave relative to a forward sheave. The adjustment mechanism includes a motor and a worm gear mechanism that rotates an actuation screw. Rotation of the actuation screw is reacted by a split nut that translates the screw rotates along the axis of the driven pulley assembly. In one feature, the driven pulley assembly includes a fail-safe mechanism that operates when power is supplied to the motor to hold the split nut together. In another aspect of the invention, the driving pulley assembly includes a belt tensioning mechanism that maintains proper belt tension at all speeds and drive ratios.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Joshua L. Roby
  • Patent number: 6958024
    Abstract: An automotive V-belt nonstage transmission includes a drive pulley having a fixed sheave fixedly mounted on a drive shaft, a movable sheave mounted on the drive shaft, a return coil spring, a flyweight mechanism, a collar being rotatable relative to the fixed and movable sheaves is mounted rotatably on the drive shaft, and a one-way clutch mounted between the collar and the drive shaft interlocks the collar and the drive shaft so that only the rotation of the collar in the normal rotating direction is transmitted to the drive shaft. The collar has an outer surface serving as a bottom surface of a V-groove defined by the respective conical pressure surfaces of the fixed and the movable sheave of the drive pulley, and a conical surface forming a central part, around the drive shaft, of the conical pressure surface of the fixed sheave of the drive pulley.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2005
    Assignee: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyohito Takano
  • Patent number: 6860826
    Abstract: A vehicle with a continuously variable transmission (continuously variable transmission) includes a torque responsive clutch having a cam and at least one coupling. The cam has a plurality of projecting surfaces, and a plurality of slots being defined between the projecting surfaces. The slots of the cam are used to direct cam followers that move across the slot surfaces as the vehicle is driven forward or in reverse. As the vehicle adjusts from forward to reverse or vice versa, the cam followers may jump from one side of the slot to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2005
    Assignee: Polaris Industries Inc.
    Inventor: Barry A. Johnson
  • Patent number: 6811504
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (“CVT”) is disclosed. The CVT includes a drive pulley adapted to connect to a crankshaft of an engine. The drive pulley has inner and outer halves with belt engagement surfaces to engage the sides of the belt. The drive pulley of the CVT also includes a slide sleeve disposed on the shaft adapted to engage an inner side of a belt. The inner and outer halves of the drive pulley are biased apart from one another by a spring. The slide sleeve engages the belt when the belt is stationary or traveling at low speeds. The driven pulley includes inner and outer halves with belt engagement surfaces. The two halves are biased into contact with one another. A connector connects the inner half to the outer half. In addition, a pneumatically-actuated driven pulley is described together with a CVT incorporating same.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Assignee: BRP-Rotax GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Norbert Korenjak, Wolfgang Oberroither, Siogfried Heer, Heinz Kusel
  • Publication number: 20040214668
    Abstract: An automotive V-belt nonstage transmission includes a drive pulley having a fixed sheave fixedly mounted on a drive shaft, and a movable sheave mounted on the drive shaft, restrained from rotation relative to the drive shaft and capable of axially moving on the drive shaft. A return coil spring pushes the movable sheave of the drive pulley so as to part from the fixed pulley. A flyweight mechanism pushes the movable sheave toward the fixed sheave as the rotating speed of the drive shaft increases. A collarbeing rotatable relative to the fixed and movable sheaves is mounted between the drive shaft and drive pulley, and a one-way clutch mounted between the collar and the drive shaft interlocks the collar and the drive shaft so that only the rotation of the collar in the normal rotating direction is transmitted to the drive shaft.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Applicant: Kawasaki Jukogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kiyohito Takano
  • Patent number: 6808465
    Abstract: In a V-belt type transmission having a V-belt entrained on a pulley, the pulley includes a fixed pulley half fixed to an end portion of a crankshaft and a movable pulley half supported on the crankshaft but axially slidable in opposition to the fixed pulley half. The fixed pulley half is secured with a bolt that is threaded and engaged with a female screw formed inside an end portion of the crankshaft. The V-belt type transmission is capable of securely clamping a fixed pulley half and is capable of preventing the entry of dust and water into a fixed pulley half threaded portion formed in an end portion of the crankshaft. This arrangement protects against the formation of rust and corrosion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2004
    Assignee: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Shinji Kuga, Takashi Ohyama, Ryuji Tsuchiya
  • Publication number: 20040110583
    Abstract: A transmission system includes a shaft and a first disk is fixedly mounted to the shaft and a second disk is movably mounted to the shaft. Each of the first disk and the second disk includes an inclined surface which face with each other. The second disk has a third inclined surface located in opposite to the second inclined surface. A cap is fixedly mounted to the shaft and a plurality of pushing members are pivotably connected to the cap. The pushing members each have a distal end so as to push the third inclined surface of the second disk toward the first disk when the shaft is rotated. A belt reeves around the shaft and is movably clamped between the first inclined surface and the second inclined surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2002
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Inventor: See-Bin Liang
  • Patent number: RE47798
    Abstract: A driving-side pulley includes a cam mechanism that presses a movable sleeve in a first direction by utilizing a relative rotation of the movable sleeve in the normal direction with respect to an axis-line-direction fixed member, the first direction being a direction that has a pressing surface pressed against a corresponding side surface of a belt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: Kanzaki Kokyukoki Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Michio Tsukamoto, Takaya Inaoka