Patent ID: 7393300
Filing Date: 2008-07-01
Classification: B62D,B62M,F16H,Y10S,Y10T

Abstract:
1. A continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising: a longitudinal axis; a plurality of balls, each ball having a tiltable axis of rotation, the plurality of balls arranged on plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, the balls arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis; a first disc in contact with the balls, the first disc mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis; a second disc in contact with the balls, the second disc mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis; a generally cylindrical support member in contact with the balls, the support member located radially inward of the balls and mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis; a first rotary shaft coupled to the first disc; a planetary gear train comprising: a carrier mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis and coupled to the first rotary shaft; a plurality of first planetary gears rotatably supported by the carrier; a first sun gear mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis and coupled to the second disc, the first sun gear meshed with the first planetary gears; a plurality of second planetary gears rotatably supported by the carrier; a second sun gear mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis, the second sun gear meshed with the second planetary gears; a ring gear mounted coaxially about the longitudinal axis, the ring gear meshed with the first and second planetary gears; and wherein the carrier supports the first and second planetary gears independently of each other.