Continuously variable transmission
View Patent ↗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.
1. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising:
a plurality of traction planets arranged angularly about a longitudinal axis of the CVT;
a first stator coupled to the each of the traction planet assemblies, the first stator provided with a plurality of radially off-set slots, the first stator configured to guide the traction planet assemblies; and
a stator driver assembly coupled to the first stator, the stator driver assembly coaxial to the first stator.
2. The CVT of claim 1 , further comprising a second stator coupled to each of the traction planet assemblies, the second stator having a plurality of radial slots adapted to couple to the traction planet assemblies.
3. The CVT of claim 2 , wherein the first stator is adapted to rotate with respect to the second stator.
4. The CVT of claim 1 , wherein the stator driver assembly comprises a planetary gear set.
5. The CVT of claim 2 , wherein the stator driver assembly is configured to rotate the first stator.
6. The CVT of claim 5 , wherein the radially off-set slots form an angle with respect to the radial slots in the range of 3 to 45 degrees.
7. The CVT of claim 6 , wherein the angle is 20 degrees.
8. The CVT of claim 6 , wherein the angle is 10 degrees.
9. A stator driver assembly for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a plurality of traction planet assemblies, the stator driver assembly comprising:
a shift tube;
a gear set coupled to the shift tube; and
a stator coupled to the gear set, the stator having a plurality of radially off-set guide slots adapted to couple to the traction planet assemblies, wherein a rotation of the shift tube corresponds to a rotation of the stator.
10. The stator driver assembly of claim 9 , further comprising a pulley coupled to the gear set.
11. The stator driver assembly of claim 10 , wherein a rotation of the pulley corresponds to a rotation of the shift tube.
12. The stator driver assembly of claim 9 , wherein the radially off-set slots form an angle with respect to a radial coordinate of the stator, the angle in the range of 3 to 45 degrees.
13. The stator driver assembly of claim 12 , wherein the angle is 20 degrees.
14. The stator driver assembly of claim 12 , wherein the angle is 10 degrees.