Fallbrook Intellectual Property Company LLC

Fallbrook Technologies Inc.

Ghayyurul I Usmani

Charles B Lohr

Brad Philip Pohl

Jon M Nichols

Fernand A Thomassy

Daniel J Dawe

Paul Michael Elhardt

Matthew P Simister

Loren T McDaniel

Oronde J Armstrong

Peter D Poxton

Terry L Stewart

Elton L Eidson

Loren T Mcdaniel

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces and braking features for a CVT are disclosed.

Continuously variable transmission

Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) having a plurality of balls, each ball having a bore through which a ball axle passes, are provided. In some aspects, the CVTs include first and second rings on either side and in contact with the plurality of balls, and an idler assembly including an idler having a non-uniform outer diameter. The profile of the idler ensures lubricant flows to a largest diameter of the non-uniform outer diameter, and lubricant sprays off the largest diameter to lubricate one or more components of the CVT. A lubrication system may include a scraper configured to remove lubricant that accumulates in an interior of the CVT.

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a main axle is adapted to receive a shift rod that cooperates with a shift rod nut to actuate a ratio change in a CVT. In another embodiment, an axial force generating mechanism can include a torsion spring, a traction ring adapted to receive the torsion spring, and a roller cage retainer configured to cooperate with the traction ring to house the torsion spring. Various inventive idler-and-shift-cam assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. Embodiments of a hub shell and a hub cover are adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT.

Growing community of inventors

Yukon, OK, United States of America

Ghayyurul I Usmani