Of Toroidal Transmission Patents (Class 476/10)
  • Patent number: 11333242
    Abstract: A piston-cylinder assembly (1) has a cylindrical housing (3), with a main piston (2) and at least one trailing piston (11, 12). The trailing piston (11, 12) is axially guided on a cylindrical outer lateral face (38) of the main piston (2). The trailing piston (11, 12) has a thrust portion (13, 14) at one end near a piston web on the main piston, The thrust portion extends axially inward toward the piston web (10) A travel limiter (28) on the cylindrical housing limits a travel range of the trailing piston (11, 12) Under pressure, the trailing piston (11, 12) follows the main piston (2) until the trailing piston (11, 12) hits the travel limiter (28). The thrust portion (13, 14) of the trailing piston (11, 12) is shaped to fit into an associated recess (30, 31) in the piston web with a positive lock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: WABCO GmbH
    Inventors: Hauke Karstens, Dennis Reimann
  • Patent number: 11132006
    Abstract: A position controller that performs position control by outputting a drive signal to a control valve of a hydraulic actuator that changes an operation position of an object, includes: a position acquisition unit that acquires an actual value of an operation position of the object; a position control unit that calculates an operation command value for the control valve by closed-loop control so as to reduce a deviation between a target value of the operation position of the object and the actual value; and a vibration wave application unit that applies a vibration wave to a signal of the closed-loop control so that the operation command value vibrates at a predetermined frequency at start of the closed-loop control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kippei Matsuda, Shuma Kobayashi, Satoshi Ootsuki, Kenichi Nakashima, Hideyuki Imai, Akihito Abe
  • Patent number: 11077683
    Abstract: An image forming apparatus configured to: decide a conveying distance for a conveying processing based on image data stored in a memory; and shorten, in a case where it is determined that a code image is to be formed by a plurality of scanning processing including a first scanning processing and a second scanning processing, the decided conveying distance for: (i) one conveying processing which is executed immediately before the first scanning processing; or (ii) at least one of a plurality of conveying processing which are respectively executed immediately before each of a plurality of scanning processing which includes the first scanning processing and at least one scanning processing executed before the first scanning processing, so that the code image is not to be formed in the first scanning processing and the code image is started to be formed from the second scanning processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Masatomo Yamaguchi, Hirotaka Aoki, Masao Mimoto
  • Patent number: 10941841
    Abstract: Traction transmission having a first and a second component transmission (26a, b) which are of mirror-symmetrical construction with respect to one another and are arranged axially adjacently in a housing (12), in each case comprising—an axially inner drive friction disc (28a, b) and an axially outer complementary friction disc (32a, b) which are arranged coaxially and can be rotated relative to one another about a transmission central axis, and—a set of friction rollers (40) which make non-positive contact between the friction discs (28a, b, 32a, b) and are mounted such that they can be rotated about in each case one roller axle (44), wherein the roller axles (44) are pivotably mounted in a manner which is spaced apart radially from the transmission central axis on a star-shaped spider (38a, b) which can be moved ax Lilly in relation to the transmission central axis, wherein the spiders (38a, b) are arranged on a common spider sleeve (50) and are coupled to one another at a variable spacing via an axially ext
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: VOLKSWAGEN AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Rainer Petersen, Jörg Möckel
  • Patent number: 10724613
    Abstract: In a transmission device, a power roller transmits a rotational driving force from an input disc to an output disc in a transmission ratio (transmission gear ratio) corresponding to a tilt motion angle. The power roller allows the transmission ratio to be changed in such a manner that the position of the trunnion on which the power roller is tiltably supported is changed by a trunnion drive mechanism. Hydraulic oil is supplied from a hydraulic pump to the trunnion drive mechanism via a direction selector valve. The direction selector valve selects a flow direction of the hydraulic oil to supply the hydraulic oil to a speed reduction chamber or a speed increase chamber of the trunnion drive mechanism, and discharge the hydraulic oil from the other. In a case where a discharge condition is met, the controller controls a movement of the discharge valve to discharge the hydraulic oil from the speed increase chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenji Komatsu, Kenichiro Tanaka, Shogo Fuchiwaki, Tatsuhiko Goi, Kippei Matsuda
  • Patent number: 10495197
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission ring driving mechanism, including a cylinder having a ring-shaped recess with a ring-shaped bottom-wall and two ring-shaped sidewalls, the ring-shaped bottom-wall having axial guide-holes each for receiving a continuously variable transmission rod; rollers pivotally disposed at the ring-shaped bottom-wall and the ring-shaped sidewalls and exposed partially from the ring-shaped recess; and a continuously variable transmission annular unit movably received in the ring-shaped recess, wherein an inner ring-shaped surface of the continuously variable transmission annular unit is in contact with the rollers of the ring-shaped bottom-wall, and two opposing ring-shaped surfaces of the continuously variable transmission annular unit are in contact with the rollers of the ring-shaped sidewalls, the continuously variable transmission annular unit having oblique guide-holes, allowing the oblique guide-holes to guide the continuously variable transmission rod along axial direction of t
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Assignee: MOTIVE POWER INDUSTRY CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hsin-Lin Cheng
  • Patent number: 10253881
    Abstract: A speed based axial force generation mechanism may generate axial force corresponding to a rotational speed of a speed based axial force generation system relative to a central axis. As the speed based axial force generation system rotates at increasing speeds, inertia causes a change in the configuration of a first rigid member and a second rigid member, resulting in a change in the axial force generated by the mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: John Hamrin
  • Patent number: 9856932
    Abstract: A system and method for determining a remaining useful life of a portion of a wet clutch system is provided. The system comprises a first clutch assembly, a proportional valve, a sensor, and a controller. The proportional valve regulates a pressure applied to the first clutch assembly. The sensor measures a response of the first clutch assembly during one of engaging and disengaging a first portion of the first clutch assembly with a second portion of the first clutch assembly. The controller controls the proportional valve, calculates a mean coefficient of friction of the first clutch assembly based on the sensed response of the first clutch assembly, and determines a remaining useful life of a portion of the wet clutch system based on the mean coefficient of friction of the first clutch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 2, 2018
    Assignee: Dana Limited
    Inventors: Mark R. J. Versteyhe, Keivan Shariatmadar
  • Patent number: 9822870
    Abstract: A variator and methods for making the variator are disclosed. A method of making the variator includes forming a plurality of holes in a surface of a case that includes a flange, arranging a plurality of spheres in the case that are configured to be positioned between an input disc and an output disc circumferentially about a central axis so that the plurality of spheres are positioned radially inward of the flange, and positioning a plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Foster, James Raszkowski, Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 9562594
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow to a variator which responsive to separate high and low pressure fluids to control an output torque thereof. A first trim valve may be responsive to a first control signal to supply a first fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A second trim valve may be responsive to a second control signal to supply a second fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A variator switching sub-system may controllably supply the high pressure fluid and the low pressure fluid to the variator. A multiplex valve may be fluidly coupled to the outlets of the first and second trim valves, and may supply the first fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system during at least one predefined operating condition and may otherwise supply the second fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John W. E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 9534673
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission device including a guiding cover rotating about a first axis, a guided cover rotating about a second axis, a planet gear including a first belt in contact with an inner surface of the guiding cover and a second belt in contact with an inner surface of the guided cover, contact areas between the belts and the inner surfaces of the covers being defined in a single first radial plane relative to the first axis, wherein the planet gear rotates about a third axis contained in the first radial plane, the angular orientation relative to the first axis defining the transmission ratio of the device, and wherein the planet gear pivots about a fourth axis perpendicular to the first radial plane and nonintersecting with the first axis, and pivots about a fifth axis parallel to the first radial plane and perpendicular to the third axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: INAWA
    Inventors: Pierre Chevalier, Adrien Panzuti
  • Patent number: 9534672
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a variator having at least one roller between two torroidal disks may include at least one actuator responsive to fluid pressure at separate high side and low side fluid inlets thereof to control torque applied by the at least one roller to the disks. First and second variator switching valves may each receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second lesser pressure. The first and second variator switching valves supply the first fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the second fluid to the low side fluid inlet during two of four different operational states together defined by the variator switching valves, and supply the second fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the first fluid to the low side fluid inlet during each of the remaining two of the four different operational states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2017
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John W. E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 9175758
    Abstract: A transmission of the toroidal race rolling traction type, including ratio varying components (“variators”) for such transmissions. A set of rollers transmitting traction between an input disc and an output disc is connected to a hydraulic mechanism by which it is positioned, the roller position determining the transmitted ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2015
    Assignee: TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED
    Inventors: Brian Joseph Dutson, Leslie Kendrick Robinson
  • Patent number: 9133918
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission that includes an input assembly, an output assembly, an input/output planetary ratio assembly and a torque feedback control is provided. The input assembly is coupled to receive input rotational motion. The output assembly is rotationally coupled to a load. The input/output planetary ratio assembly sets an input to output speed ratio. The input/output ratio assembly has a first portion that is in rotational communication with the input assembly and a second portion that is in rotational communication with the output assembly. The torque feedback control assembly provides an axial load force in response to a torque of a load coupled to the output assembly. A differential assembly sets the input to output speed ratio of the input/output planetary ratio assembly based at least in part on an axial load force of the torque feedback control assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignee: TEAM Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Hamrin, Bruce H. Younggren, Joel Dunlap
  • Patent number: 9103434
    Abstract: A fail-to-neutral diagnostic technique for a transmission that includes a variator may include monitoring a state of a pressure differential valve fluidly coupled to a high side pressure applied to at least one actuator coupled to at least one corresponding roller of the variator and also fluidly coupled to a low side pressure applied to the at least one actuator, determining from the state of the pressure differential valve a variator torque sign corresponding to whether torque transferred by the at least one roller is positive or negative, determining an expected variator torque sign based on current operating conditions of the transmission, and commanding the transmission to a true neutral condition if the determined variator torque sign is different from the expected variator torque sign.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller
  • Publication number: 20150080172
    Abstract: A transmission includes an electro-hydraulic controller that includes redundancy in the hydraulic circuit that permits single fault failures to be compensated for by changing the flow path of hydraulic fluid to bypass the single fault failure. The redundancy results in the ability of the transmission to maintain full operation in all modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2014
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller, Stephen Murray
  • Publication number: 20150080171
    Abstract: A toroidal variator having an input surface and an output surface coaxially mounted for rotation on a shaft defining a variator axis and two rollers in driving engagement with the input and output surfaces, a take-off drive operatively engaged with the output surface and disposed radially of the variator axis whereby a radial contact force perpendicular to and intersecting the variator axis is generated and wherein the rollers are located such that the points of contact of the rollers with the input and output surfaces at one particular ratio within the operating range of the variator lie generally in a plane which is substantially perpendicular to the direction of the radial contact force. This plane lies on or close to the neutral axis of bending of the variator structure whereby both normal contact loads between the discs and the two rollers will be generally the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: March 19, 2015
    Inventors: Andrew De Freitas, Brian Dutson
  • Patent number: 8939866
    Abstract: A toroidal traction drive has an axial loading system with a primary loading component and a non-linear cam roller loading component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Hamilton Sundstrand Corporation
    Inventors: Shin Katsumata, Johannes Wilhelm Picard
  • Publication number: 20150011356
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a variator having at least one roller between two torroidal disks may include at least one actuator responsive to fluid pressure at separate high side and low side fluid inlets thereof to control torque applied by the at least one roller to the disks. First and second variator switching valves may each receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second lesser pressure. The first and second variator switching valves supply the first fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the second fluid to the low side fluid inlet during two of four different operational states together defined by the variator switching valves, and supply the second fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the first fluid to the low side fluid inlet during each of the remaining two of the four different operational states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2014
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John W.E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8852050
    Abstract: Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a control system adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT are provided. In one embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Fernand A Thomassy
  • Patent number: 8852049
    Abstract: A fast valve actuation system for an automatic vehicle transmission includes a pair of spring-biased shift valves. Solenoids control the application of pressurized hydraulic fluid to the head of each of the shift valves. Each shift valve has at least one port that is coupled to a fluid chamber of a torque transferring mechanism of an automatic transmission. The position of each of the shift valves determines whether its ports are connected with fluid pressure. Fluid passages connect the head of each shift valve to the spring pocket of the other shift valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber
  • Patent number: 8840522
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a variator having at least one roller between two toroidal disks may include at least one actuator responsive to fluid pressure at separate high side and low side fluid inlets thereof to control torque applied by the at least one roller to the disks. First and second variator switching valves may each receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second lesser pressure. The first and second variator switching valves supply the first fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the second fluid to the low side fluid inlet during two of four different operational states together defined by the variator switching valves, and supply the second fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the first fluid to the low side fluid inlet during each of the remaining two of the four different operational states.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John W. E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8821340
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the endload force of a variator includes reducing a net force applied to a variator input disc of the variator. The variator includes an endload chamber, a subtraction chamber, and a valve fluidly coupled between the endload chamber and the subtraction chamber. Each of the endload chamber and the subtraction chamber applies an opposing force to the variator input disc. The valve is activateable to reduce the net force applied to the variator input disc. The valve may be activated based on the variator ratio, the position of the variator roller, and/or other parameters of the variator or operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Patent number: 8727937
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission includes: an input disk; an output disk; a plurality of power rollers; a plurality of trunnions; an oil pump; a pressing hydraulic mechanism that moves and brings the input disk and output disk closer to each other; a shifting hydraulic mechanism that moves the trunnions forward and rearward; and a hydraulic control device that controls the pressing hydraulic mechanism and the shifting hydraulic mechanism by oil pressure. The hydraulic control device has an oil pressure regulation unit that sets an oil pressure in a shifting hydraulic line that is a hydraulic source of the shifting hydraulic mechanism to an oil pressure at which shifting control can be performed by the shifting hydraulic mechanism till the transmission of power between the input disk and output disk is interrupted when the operation of the oil pump is stopped.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Motoki Tabuchi, Masami Sugaya
  • Patent number: 8641576
    Abstract: In a continuously-variable-ratio-device of the type having races between which drive is transferred by rollers which are movable in accordance with changes of variator ratio, it is necessary to apply a traction load urging the rollers and races into engagement. Each rollers is also subject to a transverse reaction force by a hydraulic reaction roller actuator receiving a controlled reaction pressure. It is desirable to create a relationship between traction and reaction force, and also to provide for adjustment of this relationship. In the present invention this is achieved hydraulically. A traction pressure related to the reaction pressure is applied to an actuator which creates the traction load. The hydraulics also include a working chamber, which is selectively connectable to and disconnectable from either (or both) of (i) the reaction pressure and (ii) the traction pressure, the traction force being dependent upon pressure in the working chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: John Fuller
  • Publication number: 20130338888
    Abstract: A transmission includes an electro-hydraulic controller that includes redundancy in the hydraulic circuit that permits single fault failures to be compensated for by changing the flow path of hydraulic fluid to bypass the single fault failure. The redundancy results in the ability of the transmission to maintain full operation in all modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller, Stephen Murray
  • Publication number: 20130338891
    Abstract: A transmission includes an electro-hydraulic controller that includes redundancy in the hydraulic circuit that permits single fault failures to be compensated for by changing the flow path of hydraulic fluid to bypass the single fault failure. The redundancy results in the ability of the transmission to maintain full operation in all modes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller, Stephen Murray
  • Publication number: 20130310214
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Brad P. Pohl, Fernand A. Thomassy, Charles B. Lohr, Scott T. McBroom
  • Patent number: 8585528
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Carter, Charles Lohr, Brad Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe
  • Publication number: 20130288849
    Abstract: A transmission includes a toroidal variator including a nested endload assembly. The nested endload assembly has two chambers configured to develop a clamping force on components of the variator. The endload assembly includes a housing, a backing plate, a piston positioned adjacent the backing plate and cooperating with the backing plate to define a first chamber for receiving pressurized fluid to act on the piston. The endload assembly also includes a load plate and an input race that cooperate to define a second chamber. The input race of the variator is acted upon by the piston when the piston is acted upon by pressurized fluid in the first chamber. The input race is also acted upon by pressurized fluid in the second chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Publication number: 20130225359
    Abstract: A variator fault detection system for a continuously variable transmission is incorporated into a hydraulic control circuit that controls fluid pressure applied to a variator of the continuously variable transmission. The hydraulic control circuit for the variator includes a number of electrically-controlled shift valves and pressure control valves. Sensing devices are multiplexed to these valves to detect a number of different possible fault states relating to the variator shift valves and the variator pressure control valves.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2013
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber
  • Publication number: 20130053211
    Abstract: The present invention provides a toroidal continuously variable transmission capable of setting loading pressure at low pressure while avoiding a problem of excessive pressing with centrifugal hydraulic pressure. The toroidal continuously variable transmission includes an input disc 2 to be rotated integrally with an input shaft 1 as being coupled with the input shaft which receives rotational force, and an output disc 3 which receives rotational force of the input disc 2 at a predetermined transmission ratio via a power roller 11 arranged at a space against the input disc 2 and is operated at constant output rotational speed. Further, a hydraulic pressing device 12A which presses the output disc 3 in the axial direction is arranged at a back surface of the output disc 3.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Kota Fukuda, Hirotaka Kishida
  • Patent number: 8313404
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2012
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jeremy Carter, Charles Lohr, Brad Pohl, Daniel J. Dawe
  • Patent number: 8282525
    Abstract: An arrangement for controlling a variator in a continuously variable transmission such as a vehicle transmission is described. The arrangement comprises a user operable ratio control part such as a lever and a device for operatively coupling the ratio control part to a movable torque transfer part of the variator such as its rollers. The coupling device is, in the particular embodiment described, a hydro-mechanical arrangement. By moving the user operable ratio control part, the user exercises control over the variator ratio. In accordance with the invention the arrangement further comprises a torque release device such as a valve which is operable by the user to decouple the ratio control part from the movable torque transfer part. By doing so, the torque release device offers functionality which is in some ways analogous to that of a clutch in a conventional stepped ratio vehicle transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Oliver
  • Publication number: 20120202642
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling a variator having at least one roller between two torroidal disks may include at least one actuator responsive to fluid pressure at separate high side and low side fluid inlets thereof to control torque applied by the at least one roller to the disks. First and second variator switching valves may each receive a first fluid at a first pressure and a second fluid at a second lesser pressure. The first and second variator switching valves supply the first fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the second fluid to the low side fluid inlet during two of four different operational states together defined by the variator switching valves, and supply the second fluid to the high side fluid inlet and the first fluid to the low side fluid inlet during each of the remaining two of the four different operational states.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John W.E. Fuller
  • Publication number: 20120202643
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow to a variator which responsive to separate high and low pressure fluids to control an output torque thereof. A first trim valve may be responsive to a first control signal to supply a first fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A second trim valve may be responsive to a second control signal to supply a second fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A variator switching sub-system may controllably supply the high pressure fluid and the low pressure fluid to the variator. A multiplex valve may be fluidly coupled to the outlets of the first and second trim valves, and may supply the first fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system during at least one predefined operating condition and may otherwise supply the second fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2011
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventors: Charles F. LONG, Darren J. Weber, John W. E. Fuller
  • Patent number: 8033952
    Abstract: A full-toroidal continuously variable transmission has a hydraulic actuator (20) for applying pressing force to a pair of disks (5, 15) through a roller (17). The hydraulic actuator (20) includes first and second oil chambers (23, 24). The pressing force of the hydraulic actuator (20) is produced by a pressure difference between the oil chambers (23, 24). A directional control valve (29; 29P; 29Q) connects a hydraulic pressure source (25; 25P; 25Q) to either of the oil chambers, and an oil tank (26) is connected to the other oil chamber. Each corresponding an intermediate section (27a; 27Pa, 27Qa) of a feeding path (27, 27P, 27Q) and intermediate section (28a; 28Pa; 28Qa) of a discharge path (28; 28P; 28Q) are connected by a communicational path (32; 32P; 32Q). A check valve (33; 33P; 33Q) for permitting a flow of operation oil only to the feeding path side (27, 27P, 27Q) is provided in the communication path (32; 32P; 32Q).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Fuchs, Yasuhiko Hasuda
  • Publication number: 20110152031
    Abstract: A system and method for controlling the endload force of a variator includes reducing a net force applied to a variator input disc of the variator. The variator includes an endload chamber, a subtraction chamber, and a valve fluidly coupled between the endload chamber and the subtraction chamber. Each of the endload chamber and the subtraction chamber applies an opposing force to the variator input disc. The valve is activateable to reduce the net force applied to the variator input disc. The valve may be activated based on the variator ratio, the position of the variator roller, and/or other parameters of the variator or operation thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventor: Brian Schoolcraft
  • Publication number: 20110143882
    Abstract: An apparatus for multiplexing gear engagement control in an automatic transmission is provided. At least two friction engagement devices are configured to selectively engage and disengage a different gear ratio of the transmission. A trim system is configured to selectively supply engagement and disengagement pressures to at least one fluid passageway. A first control valve is fluidly coupled directly to the at least one fluid passageway and directly to each of the at least two friction engagement devices. The first control valve is configured to selectively route the engagement and disengagement pressures through the first control valve directly to the at least two friction devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John William Edward Fuller
  • Publication number: 20110105273
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes a transmission ratio changing unit that can change a transmission ratio as a rotation speed ratio of an input disc and an output disc by tiltably rotating a power roller, a nip-press unit that can apply nip-pressure that nips the power roller between the input disc and the output disc by a pressure of a working medium supplied from a hydraulic pressure controlling unit that controls the pressure of the working medium to a nip-pressure generation hydraulic chamber via a coupling oil passage, and a pressure release unit which is disposed to the coupling oil passage and can release the pressure of the working medium of the nip-pressure generation hydraulic chamber via the release unit in response to an operation state, wherein since the release unit is positioned upward in a vertical direction of the nip-pressure generation hydraulic chamber in a state that the pressure release unit is mounted on a vehicle, the pressure release unit can appropriately prevent an unint
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Motoki Tabuchi, Masami Sugaya
  • Patent number: 7740556
    Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus includes two oil flow control valves (30, 32) each provided with a supply control portion (36, 38, 52, 54) for controlling an oil supply from a pressurized oil source, and a discharge control portion (40, 42, 56, 58) for controlling connection with a discharge passage. One of those oil flow control valves supplies/discharges oil to/from one of hydraulic chambers (22, 24) that are oppositely formed in a hydraulic servo mechanism. An operation direction of the hydraulic servo mechanism is performed by operating one of the oil flow control valves. The other operation direction of the hydraulic servo mechanism is performed by operating the other oil flow control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuji Iwase, Masami Sugaya, Hiroyuki Nishizawa, Kisaburo Hayakawa, Masataka Osawa
  • Publication number: 20100035720
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission includes: an input disk; an output disk; a plurality of power rollers; a plurality of trunnions; an oil pump; a pressing hydraulic mechanism that moves and brings the input disk and output disk closer to each other; a shifting hydraulic mechanism that moves the trunnions forward and rearward; and a hydraulic control device that controls the pressing hydraulic mechanism and the shifting hydraulic mechanism by oil pressure. The hydraulic control device has an oil pressure regulation unit that sets an oil pressure in a shifting hydraulic line that is a hydraulic source of the shifting hydraulic mechanism to an oil pressure at which shifting control can be performed by the shifting hydraulic mechanism till the transmission of power between the input disk and output disk is interrupted when the operation of the oil pump is stopped.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2009
    Publication date: February 11, 2010
    Applicant: TOYOTA JIDOSHA KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Motoki Tabuchi, Masami Sugaya
  • Patent number: 7625309
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed comprising a transmission input and output between which a variator (V) can be coupled, in either a low regime or a high regime, by gearing (R1, R2, R3, M). The relationship between variator ratio and overall transmission ratio is different in the two regimes. Incorporated in the gearing are first and second clutch means (L, H) both hydraulically actuated, for engaging and disengaging low and high regimes respectively. The gearing provides a synchronous ratio at which a change between low and high regimes, at constant variator ratio, provides no change in the overall transmission ratio. The transmission is provided with hydraulics which incorporate a shift valve (110) which controls application of hydraulic pressures to the first and second clutch means. A change in state of the shift valve (110) causes one clutch means to change from engaged to disengaged and the other to make the opposite transition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: John William Edward Fuller
  • Patent number: 7591755
    Abstract: A hydraulic circuit for a toroidal transmission comprises: a) a single pump, b) a main pressure controller connected to the pump to generate a main line pressure in a main line, c) a roller controller connected to the main line to generate two roller control pressures from the main line pressure, d) at least one hydraulic roller actuator for adjusting a roller in a toroidal space set up by two disks, the roller actuator being connected to the roller controller, e) a disk controller connected to the main line, a disk control pressure being generated in the disk controller from the main line pressure, and f) at least one hydraulic disk actuator for axially adjusting at least one of the disks, the disk actuator being connected to the disk controller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2009
    Assignees: GETRAG Getriebe-und Zahnradfabrik Hermann Hagenmeyer GmbH, Cie KG and Bayerische Motorenwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Gunther Petrzik, Andreas Wild, Lothar Wolf, Thomas Kress
  • Patent number: 7540822
    Abstract: In a toroidal transmission with a continuously variable power transmission ratio, which is adjustable by displacement of a power transmission roller arranged between toric disks along an axis X-X under the control of an adjusting unit including a hydraulic piston, the adjusting unit has a bush which serves on the one hand to seal off the working space and, at the same time, forms two slide surfaces one for the piston and another for the guide bush, all in a small support space pivotally supporting a support member for the power transmission roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignee: Daimler AG
    Inventors: Jürgen Bassler, Steffen Henzler
  • Patent number: 7503869
    Abstract: A controller determines a target gear ratio from an accelerator opening and a vehicle speed. The controller determines the stroke of a trunnion on the basis of the difference between present inclination and a target inclination, thereby to control stroke by a hydraulic control valve. The stroke is corrected according to input/output disc pushing force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Nishizawa, Kisaburo Hayakawa, Shuzo Sanda, Masanobu Kimura, Masataka Osawa, Yuji Iwase, Naoto Tanaka, Naoki Moriguchi, Masami Sugaya
  • Patent number: 7491149
    Abstract: A fluid display arrangement is disclosed for a rolling-traction continuously-variable ratio transmission unit in which drive is transmitted from one race to another by at least one rotating roller whose outer circumference engages the races, the fluid supply arrangement comprising a shroud mounted in proximity to the roller and a fluid supply conduit, and being characterised in that the shroud has an inner surface providing a circumferential portion adjacent the roller's outer circumference and two radially extending portions adjacent respective flanks of the roller, a fluid receiving chamber being thereby defined between the roller and the shroud, and the fluid supply conduit being arranged to deliver fluid into the fluid receiving chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Robert John Bonner Flaxman, Graham Briffett, Ian MacPherson
  • Publication number: 20080287251
    Abstract: A power transmission system having a positive displacement pump which is driven by a prime mover, and an output member which is driven by a fluid discharged from the positive displacement pump, characterized by comprising a rotational direction switching mechanism for switching a rotational direction of the output member between forward direction and backward direction. The rotational direction switching mechanism comprises a mechanism for switching a direction of a torque applied to the output member through the fluid between forward direction and backward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2006
    Publication date: November 20, 2008
    Applicant: Toyota Jidosha Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Shioiri, Yasuo Hojo, Ryuji Ibaraki, Hitoshi Nomasa
  • Publication number: 20080242497
    Abstract: A hydrostatic continuously variable transmission is configured by connecting a swash plate type plunger hydraulic pump P and a swash plate type plunger hydraulic motor via a hydraulic closed circuit. A continuous shift control is executed by variably controlling an inclined angle of the swash plate of the hydraulic motor. A valve spool movably arranged in a spool hole axially extends in a shaft that supports the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic motor and is configured by coupling a first spool member provided with a guide land fitted in a guide member and a second spool member provided with a central land and a left land and provided with a valve that connects and cuts off a clutch oil passage on the high pressure side and a clutch oil passage on the low pressure side according to axial movement by a coupling pin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kenichi Nakano, Yoshihiro Yoshida
  • Publication number: 20080081727
    Abstract: An optimum arrangement of a control unit is obtained, the acquisition of a large bank angle by narrowing a lateral width of a power unit is enabled, and a power unit is formed in a compact form by shortening a longitudinal length of the power unit in a transmission. The transmission is provided to transmit a drive force of an internal combustion engine of a motorcycle to an output side. A control unit is integrally formed of a gear-change-use control unit and a clutch-use control unit. The control unit is mounted on a transmission case. A pulley of a continuously variable transmission is arranged behind the center of a crankshaft of an internal combustion engine. A drive pulley and a driven pulley are arranged substantially vertically.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 3, 2008
    Inventors: Atsushi Ogasawara, Toshimasa Mitsubori