Toroidal Patents (Class 476/40)
  • Patent number: 10948055
    Abstract: Provided is a pressing device for toroidal continuously variable transmission capable of reducing hysteresis that occurs between torque and pressing force. An intermediate sliding member 27 is provided in at least one location of a portion between an end surface on the outside in the radial direction of the retainer 13 of the roller 14 arranged on the outermost side in the radial direction and an inside surface of the pocket 25 on the outside in the radial direction, and a portion between an end surface on the outside in the radial direction of the retainer 13 of one roller 14 of adjoining rollers 14 in the radial direction and an end surface on the inside in the radial direction of the retainer 13 of another roller 14. As a result, the contact area of a sliding contact portion 32 is made smaller than in a case where an intermediate sliding member 27 is not provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignees: NSK LTD., KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Hirofumi Itagaki, Masahiro Kita, Kippei Matsuda, Kenichiro Tanaka, Hideyuki Imai, Kenji Komatsu
  • Patent number: 10495196
    Abstract: Disclosed is a toroidal variable speed traction drive including a driving disc and a driven disc, with a plurality of roller assemblies in between. Each roller assembly has a toroidal rolling surface to contact the toroidal surface of the corresponding disc, and a conical surface, for engaging the other roller in the assembly. An engagement is provide to prevent or reduce axial movement between the first and second rollers along the conical surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2019
    Inventor: Michael James Durack
  • Patent number: 10415690
    Abstract: A toroidal-type stepless transmission includes: at least a pair of an input disc and an output disc; a power roller tiltably provided between the pair of the input disc and the output disc, the power roller being configured to transmit a driving force from the input disc to the output disc; and disc shrouds covering the input disc and the output disc, respectively. Each of the disc shrouds has an outer peripheral portion formed with an oil discharge groove configured to discharge an oil within each disc shroud to the outside, the oil discharge groove penetrating from an inner surface of the disc shroud to an outer surface of the disc shroud and extending in a circumferential direction of the disc shroud.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Kenichiro Tanaka, Hideyuki Imai, Tatsuhiko Goi, Hidenori Arisawa, Masahide Kazari
  • Patent number: 10352410
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission include a pair of disks which is provided rotatably and concentrically with each other in a state where inner surfaces of respective disks are opposed to each other and a power roller held between the disks opposing to each other. One of the disks is supported on a shaft. The other of the disks is rotatably supported, via a first bearing, on a hollow shaft into which the shaft is inserted and which is non-rotatably supported by a support member. The shaft is rotatably supported on the hollow shaft via a second bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Hirotaka Kishida
  • Patent number: 10279675
    Abstract: An in-wheel motor drive device includes: a motor part; a speed reduction part; a wheel bearing part; and a casing, the motor part including: a stator, which is fixed to the casing; a rotation shaft of a motor, which is rotatably supported on the casing through intermediation of a plurality of rolling bearings; and a rotor, which is mounted to the rotation shaft of the motor, the rotation shaft of the motor being configured to rotationally drive an input shaft of a speed reducer, the speed reduction part being configured to reduce a speed of rotation of the input shaft of the speed reducer to transmit the rotation to an output shaft of the speed reducer, the wheel bearing part being connected to the output shaft of the speed reducer, the rotation shaft of the motor being made of case hardening steel and subjected to carburizing, quenching, and tempering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: NTN CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaru Kuroda, Tomohisa Uozumi, Kenichi Suzuki
  • Patent number: 9903450
    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 described. 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: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Fernand A Thomassy
  • Patent number: 9903449
    Abstract: Provided is a toroidal continuously variable transmission capable of preventing the application of bending stress to a variator shaft during rotation and the application of an eccentric load to each of support parts even when misalignment between the axis of a fitting hole formed in a post and the axis on which the variator shaft is supported occurs. A thrust bearing 12 which determines the position of an output side disc 10 in an axial direction and rotatably supports the output side disc 10 is fitted into a fitting hole 62b provided in a post 61, and a predetermined gap S is provided between the thrust bearing 12 and the fitting hole 62b in a direction perpendicular to the variator shaft 3.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yasuo Ito, Hiroki Nishii
  • Patent number: 9897205
    Abstract: A roller position control mechanism including a steering element, positioned inside the bearing of each roller and provided with a skew shaft and a steering shaft defining an angle therebetween. A spider element fixes the steering element to a longitudinal shaft of the CVT and a control ring element interconnects the steering elements of the various rollers. Movement of the control ring element with respect to the spider element translates to a tilting movement of the rollers, thanks to the angle between the skew and steering shafts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2018
    Assignee: TRANSMISSION CVTCORP INC.
    Inventors: Samuel Beaudoin, Kenneth Huston
  • Patent number: 9878717
    Abstract: Methods of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) are described. The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. The methods may include optimizing a drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Cyril Keilers, David Lynn Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M Vasiliotis, Loren T McDaniel, Jeremy Carter
  • Patent number: 9279482
    Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive 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. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Jon M Nichols, Gregory G Stevenson, Brad P Pohl, Fernand A Thomassy, Charles B Lohr, Jeremy Carter, John W Sherrill, Brian B Sweet
  • Patent number: 9180983
    Abstract: An attitude control actuator of a spacecraft includes a first momentum wheel driven in rotation by a motor and a second momentum wheel. Both momentum wheels are movable in rotation about an axis and are mechanically coupled by coupling means imposing between a rotation speed ?1 of the first momentum wheel and a rotation speed ?2 of the second momentum wheel a ratio R=?2/?1, negative on the one hand and continuously modifiable by the coupling means in response to a command on the other hand so as to modify the total angular momentum of the actuator while the total kinetic energy of the wheels are kept constant. In one embodiment, both momentum wheels have the same inertia and are coupled through a toroidal variable rotation speed drive, where ratio R varies between ?3 and ??. The motor drives the momentum wheels and operates as a generator for braking the momentum wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2015
    Assignee: Airbus Defence And Space SAS
    Inventor: Jean Sperandei
  • Patent number: 9121304
    Abstract: An assembly for a turbocharger can include a locating washer having an axis and a perimeter that includes a chord segment defined by an apothem measured from the axis; a bearing assembly that includes an outer race having an axis and a perimeter that includes a chord segment defined by an apothem measured from the axis; and a housing that includes a bore for receipt of the bearing assembly and a recess for receipt of the locating washer to space apart the axes of the locating washer and the outer race by a distance greater than the sum of the apothems that provides for contact between the chord segments upon rotation of at least one of the locating washer in the recess and the outer race in the bore. Various other examples of devices, assemblies, systems, methods, etc., are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Damien Marsal, Raphael Hettinger, Raphael Boileau, Lionel Toussaint
  • Publication number: 20150024900
    Abstract: Construction of a toroidal continuously-variable transmission is achieved that simplifies the manufacture of parts, management of parts and assembly work, is able to easily reduce costs, stabilizes speed change operations, and is processed easily. An outer ring 16b of a thrust rolling bearing is supported so as to be able to pivotally displace by engaging a concave section 24 that is provided on the outside surface of the outer ring 16b with a cylindrical convex surface 22 of a support beam 23a of a trunnion 7b. Displacement of the outer ring 16b in the axial direction of the support beam 23a is limited by engaging a concave groove 27 that is formed around the inside surface of the concave section 24 in the circumferential direction around the support beam 23a with a protrusion 28 that is formed around the outer-circumferential surface of the support beam 23a.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Yuya Daikoku, Hiroki Nishii, Shouji Yokoyama, Nobuo Goto, Toshirou Toyoda
  • Publication number: 20140378272
    Abstract: In a toroidal variator a plurality of rolling elements (20, 22) are in driving engagement with an input and output race (10, 14) at respective contact regions. Each rolling element (20, 22) is mounted on a carriage assembly (26) for rotation about a rolling axis, and is being free to pivot about a tilt axis, the tilt axis passing through the rolling element (20, 22) perpendicular to the rolling axis, and intersecting the rolling axis at a roller centre, whereby a change in the tilt axis causes a change in the variator ratio being the ratio of rotational speeds of the races. The tilt axis is arranged at an angle known as castor angle (see FIG. 4) to a plane (P) perpendicular to the variator axis (V). Each carriage assembly (26) can cause a movement of the rolling element (20, 22) with a component of rotation about a pitch axis (A, B). The pitch axis is defined as passing through the roller centre and through the contact regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: December 25, 2014
    Inventors: Andrew De Freitas, Brian Dutson
  • Patent number: 8876654
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission of the present invention comprises: input side disks (1a, 1b) and output side disks (6) being supported concentric with each other such that the disks can rotate freely; a trunnion (9) that comprises end sections (36) on both ends on which tilt shafts (13) that are concentric with each other are provided, and a support beam section (15) that extends between both end sections (36), the trunnion (9) being capable of pivotally displacing around the tilt shafts (13); a thrust rolling bearing (17); and a power roller (8) that is supported to the inside surface of the trunnion (9) by way of the thrust rolling bearing (17) such that it rotates freely; wherein the support beam section (15) comprises an inside surface having a cylindrical convex surface (14); the thrust rolling bearing (17) comprises an outer race (18a) having an outside surface with a concave section (19a) that fits with the cylindrical convex surface (14) of the support beam section (15), and a plurality
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2014
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Nishii, Toshihiko Sato, Eiji Inoue, Toshiro Toyoda, Hiroyasu Yoshioka, Yuji Shimomura, Shin Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 8858389
    Abstract: A variator assembly for a transmission includes an input shaft, an input disc, an output disc, a roller, a trunnion, a piston, and a connection member. The input shaft defines an axis of rotation and the input disc is rotationally coupled to the input shaft and coaxial with the axis of rotation. The roller is disposed between the input disc and the output disc to provide a speed ratio between the input disc and the output disc. The trunnion is connected to the roller and includes a connecting feature. The piston defines a central bore. The connection member has a head portion, a shaft portion, and a connecting portion, where the connecting portion is connected to the connecting feature of the trunnion, the head portion abuts the piston, and the shaft portion is disposed in the central bore of the piston.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations, LLC
    Inventors: Philip C. Lundberg, Shushan Bai, Edwin T. Grochowski
  • 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: 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: 8827864
    Abstract: A toroidal variable speed traction drive includes a driving disc and a driven disc. The discs have a common axis. A plurality of pairs of contacting rollers are interposed between the discs. The discs are urged together against the roller pairs (A) by a clamping force. Each of the rollers has a first rolling surface, by which it rolls on the other roller of the pair, and a second rolling surface by which it rolls on the toroidal surface of a corresponding disc. Each roller is mounted on a supporting axle about which it can rotate. The rotational axes of the rollers in a pair are supported in a plane that contains the two points where the rollers of the pair contact the discs. At least one of the rollers in each pair is adapted to be moved to adopt a stable position within the plane by the reactionary force exerted on it by the other roller of the pair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Ultimate Transmissions Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Michael James Durack
  • 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: 8818661
    Abstract: A method of controlling a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is described. The CVT has a group of spherical power adjusters. Each power adjuster has a tiltable axis of rotation. A method of optimizing a vehicle having a drive motor and a continuously variable transmission is also described. The CVT has a plurality of spherical power adjusters, each power adjuster having a tiltable axis of rotation. A drive system having a prime mover and a continuously variable transmission can be optimized in another method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventors: Cyril Keilers, David Rogers, Eric Diehl, Austin Orand, Mark Edward Bartholomew, Christopher M. Vasiliotis, Loren T. McDaniel, Jeremy Carter
  • Patent number: 8771133
    Abstract: A variator transmission comprises an input shaft (18), an input disc (10) mounted on the input shaft for rotation therewith and an output disc (12) facing the input disc and arranged to rotate coaxially therewith, the input and output discs defining between them a toroidal cavity. Two rollers (14, 16) are located in the toroidal cavity and first and second roller carriage means are provided upon which the first and second rollers respectively are rotatably mounted and end load means (34, 36) urge the rollers into contact with the input and output discs to transmit drive. The two roller carriage means are mounted on opposite sides of the pivotal axis of a lever (50) and the pivotal axis of the lever (50) is movable in both the radial and non-radial directions with respect to the rotational axis of the input and output discs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Christopher J. Greenwood, Andrew D. De Freitas, Robert A. Oliver
  • Patent number: 8733191
    Abstract: A drive arrangement is disclosed for a motor vehicle power take off (PTO). The arrangement comprises a PTO shaft 104,158,207 of a known type intended for coupling to a power driven implement. An input shaft is arranged to be coupled to a rotary driver such as an engine. A continuously variable transmission such as 10 is coupled between the input and PTO shafts to transfer drive between them at a continuously variable ratio. In accordance with the invention, the continuously variable transmission is constructed and arranged such as to regulate torque and to automatically accommodate changes in speed at the PTO Shaft by virtue of changes in its drive ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Robert Andrew Oliver
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140135167
    Abstract: A toroidal variable speed traction drive is provided. The drive includes a driving disc and a driven disc. The discs have a common axis of rotation. The inner face of each disc is formed with a negative shape of a toroid. The drive further includes a plurality of roller assemblies interposed between the discs, each roller assembly including a roller. The discs are urged together against the interposed roller assemblies by a clamping force. Each roller assembly being connected to a corresponding rotatable trunnion. The trunnion applies a steering force to the corresponding roller assembly at a point relative to the corresponding roller assembly; the applied steering force causing the roller of the corresponding roller assembly to steer and adopt different contact points. The point at which the steering force is applied is located offset from the trunnion rotational axis at a fixed distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: ULTIMATE TRANSMISSIONS PTY LTD.
    Inventor: Michael James Durack
  • Patent number: 8721494
    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: December 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Allison Transmission, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles F. Long, Darren J. Weber, John W. E. Fuller
  • 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: 20130260954
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission mechanism includes: a biasing device for biasing an input disc in a direction in which the input disc becomes closer to an output disc to press the input disc and the output disc against power rollers; a first bearing for supporting an input shaft on the input disc side; a second bearing for supporting the output disc; a first support member whose one end side is fixed to a base member, and which supports the first bearing; a second support member whose one end side is fixed to the base member, and which supports the second bearing; and a connecting member which connects opposite end sides of the first and second support members. Reaction forces are transmitted to the input disc and the output disc from the power rollers, and are supported by internal stresses of the base member and the connecting member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: HONDA MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Kentaro Arai, Kazuma Hatakeyama, Takao Sato, Nobuhiro Kira, Takashi Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20130244827
    Abstract: A toroidal traction drive has an axial loading system with a primary loading component and a non-linear cam roller loading component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Inventors: Shin Katsumata, Johannes Wilhelm Plcard
  • Patent number: 8469856
    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. 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: August 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Fernand A Thomassy
  • Publication number: 20130045831
    Abstract: A variator transmission comprises an input disc (10), an input disc drive shaft (20) on which the input disc is mounted, a transmission input shaft (28) for rotating the input disc drive shaft (20), an output disc (12) facing the input disc and arranged to be rotatable coaxially therewith. The input and output discs have a toroidal cavity, rollers (14, 16), means for varying the inclination of the rollers, means (40, 42, 44) for applying to one of the input disc (10) and the output disc (12) a first end load proportional to the input torque applied by the transmission input shaft (28) and means (52, 54, 56) for applying a second end load proportional to the output torque of the variator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2010
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TOROTRAK (DEVELOPMENT) LIMITED
    Inventors: Christopher John Greenwood, Andrew Damian De Freitas
  • Publication number: 20130017925
    Abstract: A variator has an input shaft (18), an input disc (10) mounted coaxially with the input shaft and rotatable by the input shaft, an output disc (12) facing the input shaft (18) and being mounted coaxially with the input disc, a toroidal cavity defined between the input and output discs and a plurality of rollers (14, 16) located in the toroidal cavity, in rolling contact with the input and output discs (10, 12), each of the rollers being mounted on a roller carriage (17). The variator has means (34) for applying an end load to the variator to urge the rollers (14, 16) into contact with the input and output discs (10, 12) and resiliently deformable means for applying a reaction force to each of the roller carriages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2010
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventor: David John Burtt
  • Patent number: 8317651
    Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces a specified clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC
    Inventor: Charles B. Lohr
  • Patent number: 8292772
    Abstract: A transmission comprises a toroidal variator having first and second spaced-apart drive discs (12, 14) defining a toroidal cavity about a rotational axis (x-x), a transmission input (22) arranged to drive the first and second drive discs (12, 14) in opposite directions and supported on pivotal mountings between the drive discs (12, 14), one or more rollers (18, 20) arranged to contact the said drive discs (12, 14) and be driven thereby, wherein the transmission output (44) is driven by orbiting of the pivotal mountings around the rotational axis of the variator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Christopher John Greenwood
  • Publication number: 20120255384
    Abstract: A mechanism with a transmission device for supplying at least one auxiliary power take-off aggregate of a vehicle with drive energy. A transmission ratio of the transmission device is varied continuously varied at least over a certain range and the transmission device can be brought into functional connection, on the input side, with a drive input of a drive machine of a drive-train of the vehicle and, on the output side, with the auxiliary power take-off aggregate. The transmission device is in the form of a mechanical transmission device. A transmission unit is provided in the power path between the drive machine and the auxiliary power take-off aggregate, whose transmission ratio is adapted to the mechanical transmission device in such manner that, in a main operating range, the mechanical transmission device can be operated essentially within the range of its maximum efficiency.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2012
    Publication date: October 11, 2012
    Applicant: ZF FRIEDRICHSHAFEN AG
    Inventors: Frank-Detlef SPECK, Alexander BANERJEE
  • 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: 20120202644
    Abstract: A toroidal variable speed traction drive is provided. The drive comprises a driving disc and a driven disc. The discs have a common axis. A plurality of pairs of contacting rollers are interposed between the discs. The discs are urged together against the roller pairs (A) by a clamping force. Each of the rollers has a first rolling surface, by which it rolls on the other roller of the pair, and a second rolling surface by which it rolls on the toroidal surface of a corresponding disc. Each roller is mounted on a supporting axle about which it can rotate. The rotational axes of the rollers in a pair are supported in a plane that contains the two points where the rollers of the pair contact the discs. At least one of the rollers in each pair is adapted to be moved to adopt a stable position within the plane by the reactionary force exerted on it by the other roller of the pair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 8, 2010
    Publication date: August 9, 2012
    Inventor: Michael James Durack
  • Patent number: 8206260
    Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission unit, a pair of guide surface portions 120, 120 are provided on a trunnion 15 so as to face oppositely each other and to extend in a direction which intersects a rotational center axis of a power roller 11 at right angles and intersects pivot shafts 14 at right angles. When a tangential force along a direction of the pivot shafts 14 is applied to the power roller 11, an outer circumferential surface 110 of an outer ring 28 can be brought into abutment with these guide surface portions 120, 120. By this, the toroidal continuously variable transmission unit with good machinability can be obtained in which the power roller together with the outer ring can be rolling guided smoothly relative to the trunnion by an inexpensive and simple construction while avoiding the offsetting of a shaft portion which supports the power roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuji Shimomura
  • Patent number: 8152687
    Abstract: The use of powder metal components in a variator is disclosed. Traction fluid of various sorts may be used in the variators, not just high performance synthetics or application specific lubricants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Torotrack (Development) Limited
    Inventors: Richard Ruebusch, Adrian Lee
  • Patent number: 8096918
    Abstract: A variator (10) has two races (12, 12) mounted for rotation about a common axis. Opposed, shaped faces (14, 18) of the races define an annular space containing at least one roller (38, 40) which runs upon the races to transfer drive between them. The roller is mounted on a carrier (42, 44) in such a way that its inclination to the common axis is able to change, to enable changes in variator ratio. The rollers and their carriers are controlled through a mechanism comprising a sun (46, 48) and a ring (50, 52) with which the carrier engages. Relative rotation of the sun and ring causes a tipping motion of the carrier (42, 44), so that the rollers steer themselves to a new inclination. To control the sun and ring, there is provided a planet (100) which engages them both. The rotational position of the carrier is controlled independently of its engagement with the sun and the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Brian Dutson
  • Patent number: 8083637
    Abstract: The support beam 34 having the cylindrical convex surface 33 is provided at the intermediate portion of the trunnion 9b. The recess 38 of the partial cylindrical surface formed on the outside of the outer ring 37 on the thrust ball bearing 36 supporting the power rollers 8b and the cylindrical convex surface 33 of the support beam are engaged. The outer ring and the power rollers 8b are supported swingably in the axial direction of the input and output discs in respect to the trunnions 9b.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2011
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroki Nishii, Eiji Inoue, Jörg Möckel
  • 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: 20110230306
    Abstract: A variator (10) has a race formed from an input disc (12) and an output disc (14) and a plurality of rollers (22) located between the input and output discs, for transmitting drive therebetween. Either the input disc (12) and output disc (14) or the rollers (22), but not both, has a sintered powdered metal rolling surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Robert Andrew Oliver, Adrian Lee
  • Publication number: 20110130244
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission of the present invention comprises: input side disks (1a, 1b) and output side disks (6) being supported concentric with each other such that the disks can rotate freely; a trunnion (9) that comprises end sections (36) on both ends on which tilt shafts (13) that are concentric with each other are provided, and a support beam section (15) that extends between both end sections (36), the trunnion (9) being capable of pivotally displacing around the tilt shafts (13); a thrust rolling bearing (17); and a power roller (8) that is supported to the inside surface of the trunnion (9) by way of the thrust rolling bearing (17) such that it rotates freely; wherein the support beam section (15) comprises an inside surface having a cylindrical convex surface (14); the thrust rolling bearing (17) comprises an outer race (18a) having an outside surface with a concave section (19a) that fits with the cylindrical convex surface (14) of the support beam section (15), and a plurality
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 24, 2010
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Hiroki Nishii, Toshihiko Sato, Eiji Inoue, Toshiro Toyoda, Hiroyasu Yoshioka, Yuji Shimomura, Shin Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 7951041
    Abstract: A continuously variable ratio device (“variator”) is disclosed in which a pair of rotary races (252, 254) is mounted for rotation about a common variator axis (218). Drive is transferred from one race to the other through at least one roller (200) running upon them. The drive ratio is variable by virtue of precession of the roller about a precession axis (228). Precession results in a change in angle between the roller axis and the variator axis and a corresponding change in drive ratio. In accordance with the invention, the roller (200) is coupled to a carrier (214) in a manner which permits it to precess relative to the carrier (214). The carrier itself is rotatable about a carrier axis (226) which is non-parallel to the precession axis. Rotation of the carrier (214) about the carrier axis serves to change the orientation of the precession axis (228) and is accompanied by a change in variator drive ratio.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Torotrak (Development) Limited
    Inventor: Brian Joseph Dutson
  • Publication number: 20110028267
    Abstract: Variators that include a damped roller control part.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2008
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Paul Fairhurst, Robert A. Oliver
  • Publication number: 20100197448
    Abstract: An infinitely variable power transmission comprising an input shaft, a layshaft, a variator transmitting power from the input shaft to the layshaft, an output shaft, and an internal/external gear pair transmitting power from the layshaft to the output shaft. The output shaft axis may be offset a limited distance from the input shaft axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2009
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Inventor: Donald Edward Hoffman
  • 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
  • Patent number: 7727106
    Abstract: A variable ratio transmission for mechanically coupling an input member to an output member, the variable ratio transmission allowing the conversion of an input rotational motion of the input member into an output rotational motion of the output member, the input rotational motion having an input speed and an input torque and the output rotational motion having an output speed and an output torque. The variable ratio transmission includes a variable ratio transmission assembly mechanically coupled to the input member and to the output member for rotating the output member at the output speed in response to the input member being rotated at the input speed, the variable ratio transmission assembly defining a transmission ratio between the output speed and the input speed, the transmission ratio being variable; and a ratio controller mechanically coupled to the variable ratio transmission assembly and to the input member for automatically adjusting the transmission ratio as a function of the input torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Inventors: Pierre Maheu, Jean-François Dahmé
  • Publication number: 20090318260
    Abstract: In this toroidal continuously variable transmission unit, a carrier 100 and a disc 2 is brought into direct friction contact with each other, and power transmission between the carrier 100 and the disc 2 is implemented by friction force. Because of this, the necessity of machining a gear or claw on the disc or carrier, which has conventionally be done, is obviated, whereby a manufacturing process can be shortened and manufacturing costs can largely be reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: December 24, 2009
    Inventors: Hiroki Nishii, Eiji Inoue, Norihisa Kobayashi, Toshiro Toyoda