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 torque transfer assembly for a continuously variable transmission, the torque transfer assembly comprising:
a ball having a through central bore;
a ball axle configured to be received in the central bore; and
wherein the ball and ball axle are configured to be rotationally fixed relative to one another.
2 . The torque transfer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the ball axle extends beyond the ends of central bore, and further comprising bearings that are positioned about the ball axle on portions of the ball axle that extend beyond the ends of the central bore.
3 . The torque transfer assembly of claim 2 , further comprising legs adapted to couple to the bearings.
4 . The torque transfer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bearings comprise radial bearings.
5 . The torque transfer assembly of claim 1 , wherein the bearings comprise journal bearings.
6 . The torque transfer of assembly of claim 4 , wherein the bearings comprises ball bearings or needle bearings.
7 . A continuously variable transmission comprising:
a ball configured to be tilted relative to a longitudinal axis of the transmission; and
a ball axle coupled to the ball, wherein the ball and ball axle are configured such that there is no relative rotational motion between the ball and the ball axle, and wherein ends of the ball axle extend beyond a diameter of the ball; and
bearings mounted about said ends.
8 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 7 , further comprising means for actuating the ball axle to thereby cause a tilt in an axis of rotation of the ball.
9 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 8 , wherein the means for actuating the ball axle are adapted to receive the bearings.
10 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 9 , wherein the bearings comprise journal bearings.
11 . The continuously variable transmission of claim 9 , wherein the bearings comprises radial bearings.
12 . A ball and axle assembly for a continuously variable transmission, the ball and axle assembly comprising:
a ball having a through central bore;
an axle positioned in the central bore; and
wherein there are no bearings between the ball and the axle such that there is no relative rotational motion between the ball and the axle.
13 . The ball and axle assembly of claim 12 , wherein the axle extends beyond the central bore such that ends of the axle extend beyond a diameter of the ball.
14 . The ball and axle assembly of claim 13 , further comprising bearings mounted about said ends of the axle.
15 . The ball and axle assembly of claim 14 , wherein the bearings comprise radial bearings.
16 . The ball and axle assembly of claim 15 , wherein the bearings comprise ball bearings or needle bearings.
17 . The ball and axle assembly of claim 14 , wherein the bearings comprise journal bearings.
18 . The ball and axle assembly of claim 14 , further comprising means for actuating the ball axle to thereby cause a tilt in an axis of rotation of the ball.
19 . The ball and axle assembly of claim 18 , wherein the means for actuating the ball axle are adapted to receive the bearings.
20 . The ball and axle assembly of claim 12 , wherein the ball is adapted to transmit power.