CONTINUOUSLY VARIABLE TRANSMISSION
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 . A ring for transmitting torque in a continuously variable transmission, the ring comprising:
an annular body having an outer surface, an inner surface, a front surface, and a back surface;
a contact surface adapted to transfer torque, the contact surface interposed between the front surface and the inner surface; and
at least one lubricant port in the annular body to facilitate the flow of lubricant.
2 . The ring of claim 1 , wherein the lubricant port extends from the front surface to the inside surface.
3 . The ring of claim 1 , wherein the lubricant port extends from the outer surface to the inner surface.
4 . The ring of claim 1 , wherein when the ring is viewed in cross section a plane parallel to the inner surface is at an oblique angle to a plane parallel to the back surface.
5 . The ring of claim 1 , wherein when the ring is viewed in cross section the contact surface is not coplanar with the front surface.
6 . The ring of claim 1 , wherein when the ring is viewed in cross section the contact surface is not coplanar with the inside surface.
7 . The ring of claim 1 , wherein when the ring is viewed in cross section the lubricant port is substantially parallel to a plane parallel to the contact surface.
8 . The ring of claim 1 , wherein the lubricant port extends from the front surface to the back surface.
9 . A continuously variable transmission comprising:
a plurality of balls adapted to transfer torque; and
a disc in contact with the balls, the disc adapted to transfer torque to or from the balls, and the disc having at least one lubricant port.
10 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 9 , wherein the disc comprises a contact surface configured to transfer torque to or from the balls.
11 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 10 , wherein the disc comprises a front surface and an inner surface, and wherein the lubricant port extends from the front surface to the inner surface.
12 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 10 , wherein the disc comprises an outer surface and an inner surface, and wherein the lubricant port extends from the outer surface to the inner surface.
13 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 11 , wherein when the disc is viewed in cross section the lubricant port is substantially parallel to the contact surface.
14 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 12 , wherein when the disc is viewed in cross section the lubricant port is substantially perpendicular to the outer surface.
15 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 9 , wherein the disc contacts each ball at a point that is radially outward relative to the center of the ball.
16 . A torque transfer ring for a continuously variable transmission, the ring comprising:
an outer surface substantially defining an outer diameter;
an inner surface substantially defining an inner bore;
a contact surface lying on a plane oblique to a central axis of the ring, when the ring is viewed in cross section; and
an annular body having at least one oil port, the annular body being defined in part by the outer surface, the inner surface, and the contact surface.
17 . The ring of claim 16 , wherein the annular body is further defined by a front surface and a back surface.
18 . The ring of claim 16 , wherein the oil port extends from the outer surface to the inner surface.
19 . The ring of claim 17 , wherein the oil port extends from the front surface to the inner surface.
20 . The ring of claim 19 , wherein when the ring is viewed in cross section the oil port extends substantially parallel to the contact surface.