Patent Application
20170089433
Automatic and manual transmissions are commonly used on automobiles. Such transmissions have become more and more complicated since the engine speed has to be adjusted to limit fuel consumption and the emissions of the vehicle. A vehicle having a driveline including a tilting ball variator allows an operator of the vehicle or a control system of the vehicle to vary a drive ratio in a stepless manner. A variator is an element of a Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) or an Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT). Transmissions that use a variator can decrease the transmission's gear ratio as engine speed increases. This keeps the engine within its optimal efficiency while gaining ground speed, or trading speed for torque during hill climbing, for example. Efficiency in this case can be fuel efficiency, decreasing fuel consumption and emissions output, or power efficiency, allowing the engine to produce its maximum power over a wide range of speeds. That is, the variator keeps the engine turning at constant RPMs over a wide range of vehicle speeds.
Over time packaging of transmission components has become an ever increasing issue. As with most parts of a transmission, there is a desire to reduce weight, number and size of components to improve efficiency. The carrier of a variator is made up of multiple pieces to facilitate ease of manufacture and provide adequate lubrication for traction contacts and cooling of traction rings. Due to tight packaging requirements for lubrication channels within the variator, an improved carrier design is required to facilitate a path for lubrication fluid to route from the main shaft through the carrier and to target the leading and trailing edges of the traction rings with an efficient spray pattern.
Provided herein is a carrier assembly for a continuously variable ball planetary transmission having a plurality of balls, each having a tiltable axis of rotation, a first traction ring assembly in contact with each ball, a second traction ring assembly in contact with each ball, the carrier assembly comprising: a carrier manifold member having a plurality of guide slots, each guide slot adapted to operably couple to, and provide support for, each ball, the carrier manifold member having a number of lubrication channels, each lubrication channel located radially between each guide slot; and a flange cap member operably coupled to the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, the carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavities, each orifice cavity connected to each lubrication channel.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, the carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavity entrances, each orifice cavity entrance connecting the lubrication channel to the orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, the flange cap member is provided with a plurality of mounting faces, each mounting face adapted to couple to, and substantially align with, each orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, a plurality of fasteners are provided , wherein the flange cap member is adapted to receive each fastener on each mounting face, and wherein the carrier member is provided with a number of openings, each opening adapted to provide clearance for the fastener.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, an orifice channel is located between the flange cap member and the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, the guide slots are radially offset.
Provided herein is a carrier manifold member for a continuously variable transmission, the carrier manifold member having a body, the carrier manifold member comprising: a plurality of guide slots arranged radially on the body; a plurality of lubrication channels arranged radially on the interior of the body, each lubrication channel located substantially between each guide slot; and a plurality of orifice cavities located radially outward of the lubrication channels.
In some embodiments of the carrier manifold member, a plurality of orifice cavity entrances are provided, each orifice cavity entrance coupled to the lubrication channel, each orifice cavity entrance coupled to the orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the carrier manifold member, the orifice cavity entrance is smaller than the orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the carrier manifold member, a plurality of openings are provided, each opening located between the lubrication channel and the orifice cavity entrance, the opening adapted to provide a clearance for a fastener.
In some embodiments of the carrier manifold member, the guide slots are radially offset.
Provided herein is a continuously variable transmission having a plurality of balls, each having a tiltable axis of rotation, a first traction ring assembly in contact with each ball, a second traction ring assembly in contact with each ball, the continuously variable transmission comprising: a main shaft arranged along the longitudinal axis of the transmission, the main shaft provided with a lubrication channel arranged along an interior axis of the main shaft; a first carrier assembly operably coupled to the main shaft, the carrier assembly adapted to receive a pressurized fluid from the main shaft, the first carrier assembly comprising: a carrier manifold member having a plurality of guide slots, each guide slot adapted to operably couple to, and provide support to, each ball, the carrier manifold member having a number of lubrication channels, each lubrication channel located radially between each guide slot; and a flange cap member operably coupled to the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavities, each orifice cavity connected to each lubrication channel.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavity entrances, each orifice cavity entrance connecting the lubrication channel to the orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the flange cap member is provided with a plurality of mounting faces, each mounting face adapted to couple to, and substantially align with, each orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, a plurality of fasteners, wherein the flange cap member is adapted to receive each fastener on each mounting face, and wherein the carrier manifold member is provided with a number of openings, each opening adapted to provide clearance for the fastener.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, an orifice channel located between the flange cap member and the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, a second carrier assembly operably coupled to the first carrier assembly, the second carrier assembly adapted to rotate with respect to the first carrier assembly.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the second carrier assembly comprises: a second carrier manifold member having a plurality of guide slots, each guide slot adapted to operably couple to, and provide support to, each ball, the carrier manifold member having a number of lubrication channels, each lubrication channel located radially between each guide slot; and a second flange cap member operably coupled to the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the second carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavities, each orifice cavity connected to each lubrication channel.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the second carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavity entrances, each orifice cavity entrance connecting the lubrication channel to the orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the second flange cap member is provided with a plurality of mounting faces, each mounting face adapted to couple to, and substantially align with, each orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, a plurality of fasteners are provided, wherein the second flange cap member is adapted to receive each fastener on each mounting face, and wherein the second carrier manifold member is provided with a number of openings, each opening adapted to provide clearance for the fastener.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, a second orifice channel is located between the second flange cap member and the second carrier manifold member.
All publications, patents, and patent applications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication, patent, or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.
The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. A better understanding of the features and advantages of the present invention will be obtained by reference to the following detailed description that sets forth illustrative embodiments, in which the principles of the invention are utilized, and the accompanying drawings of which:
This invention relates to components that can be used in a ball planetary style continuously variable transmission, such as the VariGlide®, in order to provide lubrication and cooling to internal components of the transmission.
The preferred embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures, wherein like numerals refer to like elements throughout. The terminology used in the descriptions below is not to be interpreted in any limited or restrictive manner simply because it is used in conjunction with detailed descriptions of certain specific embodiments of the invention. Furthermore, embodiments of the invention can include several novel features, no single one of which is solely responsible for its desirable attributes or which is essential to practicing the inventions described.
Provided herein are configurations of CVTs based on a ball type variators, also known as CVP, for continuously variable planetary. Basic concepts of a ball type Continuously Variable Transmissions are described in U.S. Pat. No. 8,469,856 and 8,870,711 incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Such a CVT, adapted herein as described throughout this specification, comprises a number of balls (planets, spheres) 1, depending on the application, two ring (disc) assemblies with a conical surface contact with the balls, as input 2 and output 3, and an idler (sun) assembly 4 as shown on
The working principle of such a CVP of
As used herein, the terms “operationally connected,” “operationally coupled”, “operationally linked”, “operably connected”, “operably coupled”, “operably linked,” and like terms, refer to a relationship (mechanical, linkage, coupling, etc.) between elements whereby operation of one element results in a corresponding, following, or simultaneous operation or actuation of a second element. It is noted that in using said terms to describe inventive embodiments, specific structures or mechanisms that link or couple the elements are typically described. However, unless otherwise specifically stated, when one of said terms is used, the term indicates that the actual linkage or coupling may take a variety of forms, which in certain instances will be readily apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the relevant technology.
For description purposes, the term “radial” is used here to indicate a direction or position that is perpendicular relative to a longitudinal axis of a transmission or variator. The term “axial” as used here refers to a direction or position along an axis that is parallel to a main or longitudinal axis of a transmission or variator. For clarity and conciseness, at times similar components labeled similarly (for example, lubrication passage 19A and lubrication passage 19B) will be referred to collectively by a single label (for example, lubrication passage 19).
It should be noted that reference herein to “traction” does not exclude applications where the dominant or exclusive mode of power transfer is through “friction.” Without attempting to establish a categorical difference between traction and friction drives here, generally these may be understood as different regimes of power transfer. Traction drives usually involve the transfer of power between two elements by shear forces in a thin fluid layer trapped between the elements. The fluids used in these applications usually exhibit traction coefficients greater than conventional mineral oils. The traction coefficient (μ) represents the maximum available traction force which would be available at the interfaces of the contacting components and is the ratio of the maximum available drive torque per contact force. Typically, friction drives generally relate to transferring power between two elements by frictional forces between the elements. For the purposes of this disclosure, it should be understood that the CVTs described here may operate in both tractive and frictional applications. For example, in the embodiment where a CVT is used for a bicycle application, the CVT can operate at times as a friction drive and at other times as a traction drive, depending on the torque and speed conditions present during operation.
Referring now to
Provided herein is a continuously variable transmission having a plurality of balls, each having a tiltable axis of rotation, a first traction ring assembly in contact with each ball, a second traction ring assembly in contact with each ball, the continuously variable transmission comprising: a main shaft arranged along the longitudinal axis of the transmission, the main shaft provided with a lubrication channel arranged along an interior axis of the main shaft; a first carrier assembly operably coupled to the main shaft, the carrier assembly adapted to receive a pressurized fluid from the main shaft, the first carrier assembly comprising: a carrier manifold member having a plurality of guide slots, each guide slot adapted to operably couple to, and provide support to, each ball, the carrier manifold member having a number of lubrication channels, each lubrication channel located radially between each guide slot; and a flange cap member operably coupled to the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavities, each orifice cavity connected to each lubrication channel.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavity entrances, each orifice cavity entrance connecting the lubrication channel to the orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the flange cap member is provided with a plurality of mounting faces, each mounting face adapted to couple to, and substantially align with, each orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, a plurality of fasteners, wherein the flange cap member is adapted to receive each fastener on each mounting face, and wherein the carrier manifold member is provided with a number of openings, each opening adapted to provide clearance for the fastener.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, an orifice channel located between the flange cap member and the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, a second carrier assembly operably coupled to the first carrier assembly, the second carrier assembly adapted to rotate with respect to the first carrier assembly.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the second carrier assembly comprises: a second carrier manifold member having a plurality of guide slots, each guide slot adapted to operably couple to, and provide support to, each ball, the carrier manifold member having a number of lubrication channels, each lubrication channel located radially between each guide slot; and a second flange cap member operably coupled to the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the second carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavities, each orifice cavity connected to each lubrication channel.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the second carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavity entrances, each orifice cavity entrance connecting the lubrication channel to the orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, the second flange cap member is provided with a plurality of mounting faces, each mounting face adapted to couple to, and substantially align with, each orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, a plurality of fasteners are provided, wherein the second flange cap member is adapted to receive each fastener on each mounting face, and wherein the second carrier manifold member is provided with a number of openings, each opening adapted to provide clearance for the fastener.
In some embodiments of the continuously variable transmission, a second orifice channel is located between the second flange cap member and the second carrier manifold member.
Turning now to
Provided herein is a carrier assembly for a continuously variable transmission having a plurality of balls, each having a tiltable axis of rotation, a first traction ring assembly in contact with each ball, a second traction ring assembly in contact with each ball, the carrier assembly comprising: a carrier manifold member having a plurality of guide slots, each guide slot adapted to operably couple to, and provide support to each ball, the carrier manifold member having a number of lubrication channels, each lubrication channel located radially between each guide slot; and a flange cap member operably coupled to the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, the carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavities, each orifice cavity connected to each lubrication channel.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, the carrier manifold member comprises a plurality of orifice cavity entrances, each orifice cavity entrance connecting the lubrication channel to the orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, the flange cap member is provided with a plurality of mounting faces, each mounting face adapted to couple to, and substantially align with, each orifice cavity.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, a plurality of fasteners are provided , wherein the flange cap member is adapted to receive each fastener on each mounting face, and wherein the carrier member is provided with a number of openings, each opening adapted to provide clearance for the fastener.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, an orifice channel is located between the flange cap member and the carrier manifold member.
In some embodiments of the carrier assembly, the guide slots are radially offset.
Referring now to
Turning now to
Provided herein is a carrier manifold member for a continuously variable transmission, the carrier manifold member having a body, the carrier manifold member comprising: a plurality of guide slots arranged radially on the body; a plurality of lubrication channels arranged radially on the interior of the body, each lubrication channel located substantially between each guide slot; and a plurality of orifice cavities located radially outward of the lubrication channels.
In some embodiments of the carrier manifold member, a plurality of orifice cavity entrances are provided, each orifice cavity entrance coupled to the lubrication channel, each orifice cavity entrance coupled to the orifice cavity
In some embodiments of the carrier manifold member, the orifice cavity entrance is smaller than the orifice cavity.
The carrier manifold member, further comprising a plurality of openings, each opening located between the lubrication channel and the orifice cavity entrance, the opening adapted to provide a clearance for a fastener.
In some embodiments of the carrier manifold member, the guide slots are radially offset.
It should be noted that the description above has provided dimensions for certain components or subassemblies. The mentioned dimensions, or ranges of dimensions, are provided in order to comply as best as possible with certain legal requirements, such as best mode. However, the scope of the inventions described herein are to be determined solely by the language of the claims, and consequently, none of the mentioned dimensions is to be considered limiting on the inventive embodiments, except in so far as any one claim makes a specified dimension, or range of thereof, a feature of the claim.
While preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described herein, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that such embodiments are provided by way of example only. Numerous variations, changes, and substitutions will now occur to those skilled in the art without departing from the invention. It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the invention described herein may be employed in practicing the invention. It is intended that the following claims define the scope of the invention and that methods and structures within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby.
The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/222,956, filed Sep. 24, 2015, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
| Number | Date | Country | |
|---|---|---|---|
| 62222956 | Sep 2015 | US |
