Continuously variable transmission
View Patent ↗A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.
1. An input torque system for a continuously variable transmission having a longitudinal axis, the input torque system comprising:
an input shaft having a splined flange;
a torsion disc having a splined bore;
wherein the splined flange and splined bore are adapted to couple together operationally to transmit torque from the input shaft to the torsion disc; and
a first load cam disc coupled to the torsion disc;
a plurality of rollers coupled to the first load cam disc;
a second load cam disc coupled to the plurality of rollers;
wherein the plurality of rollers is positioned axially between the first load cam disc and the second load cam disc;
an input disc coupled to the second load cam disc, the input disc having a plurality of lubrication ports arranged on an outer periphery of the input disc; and
a plurality of balls arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis, each ball in contact with the input disc, each ball having a tiltable axis of rotation.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the splined flange comprises at least two splines.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the splined flange comprises a key seat for receiving a key adapted to transfer torque from the input shaft.
4. The system of claim 1 , wherein the splined bore comprises at least two splines.
5. The system of claim 1 , wherein the torsion disc comprises a recess for receiving a bearing race.
6. The system of claim 1 , wherein a bearing race is integral with the torsion disc.
7. The system of claim 1 , wherein the rollers are spherical.
8. The system of claim 1 , wherein the rollers are cylindrical.
9. The system of claim 1 , wherein the first load cam disc comprises ramps.
10. The system of claim 1 , wherein the second load cam disc comprises ramps.