Patent Publication Number: US-2023160438-A1

Title: Continuously variable transmission clutch

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/281,165 filed on Nov. 19, 2021, with the same title herewith, the contents of which are incorporated herein in its entirety. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND 
     A continuously variable transmission (CVT) is used in many different types of vehicles. A CVT changes transmission ratio between an engine output and a drivetrain of the vehicle. In a typical CVT system, a primary clutch, drive clutch or drive pulley is coupled to receive a rotational output from an engine and a secondary clutch, driven clutch or driven pulley is coupled to provide a rotational output to the drivetrain. The primary clutch is typically in operational communication to provide torque to the secondary clutch with an endless loop drive belt. In changing transmission ratios, a CVT clutch may be comprised of a fixed and a movable sheave, each sheave having conical-faced sheave portions. The movable sheave is configured to move in relation to the fixed sheave axially along an axis of rotation. In this system, the distance between the sheaves of the clutch determines the positioning of the drive belt in relation to the rotational axis and hence the transmission ratio. In particular, the closer the first and second sheave portions are positioned together, the farther the drive belt is pinched on the conical-faces away from the rotational axis of the primary clutch. Likewise, the farther the first and second sheave portions are positioned away from each other, the closer the drive belt is to the rotational axis of the primary clutch. When the engine is at idle speeds, the first and second sheaves of the primary clutch are axially positioned at a select distance from each other so at least one of the conical faced sheave portions does not engage a side of the drive belt. In this situation, the limited or lack of friction between the drive belt and the clutch removes force on the belt so no rotational force is transmitted between the clutches and hence no power is provided to the drivetrain by the engine. 
     In controlling the axial movement of the movable sheave assembly, a centrifugal system may be used to cause the moveable sheave to move axially toward the fixed sheave as the rotational speed of clutch increases. One type of centrifugal system uses a ramp and engagement member arrangement. In a ramp/engagement member arrangement, the shifting characteristics of the clutch is defined at least in part on the ramp surface profile of the ramp. It is desirable to change the shifting characteristics of a CVT without having to replace one of the clutches of the CVT. 
     For the reasons stated above and for other reasons stated below which will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading and understanding the present specification, there is a need in the art for a CVT design that allows for an effective and efficient way to change the shifting characteristics of a CVT clutch. 
     SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
     The following summary is made by way of example and not by way of limitation. It is merely provided to aid the reader in understanding some of the aspects of the subject matter described. Embodiments provide a CVT clutch design with replaceable ramps so that that shifting characteristics of the clutch may be changes in an effective and efficient manner. Further some embodiments provide a CVT clutch with desired heat dissipating characteristics. 
     In one embodiment, a CVT clutch including a post, a fixed sheave, a movable sheave, a cover, a spider, at least one interchangeable ramp, an engagement member for each interchangeable ramp and a main bias member is provided. The fixed sheave is statically mounted on an end of the post. The movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave includes a recess cavity that is defined by a movable sheave housing. The cover is selectively coupled to the movable sheave housing to cover the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The at least one interchangeable ramp is positioned within the recess cavity so that at least one space is provided between the at least one interchangeable ramp and a sheave face of the movable sheave housing. Each engagement member is positioned to engage an associated interchangeable ramp and the spider. The main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated ramp when a countering force is not present. 
     In another example embodiment, a CVT clutch including a post, a fixed sheave, a movable sheave, a cover, a spider, an interchangeable ramp assembly, an engagement member for each ramp of the interchangeable ramp assembly and a main bias member is provided. The fixed sheave is statically mounted on an end of the post. The movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave includes a recess cavity defined by a movable sheave housing. The cover is selectively coupled to the movable sheave housing to cover the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The interchangeable ramp assembly is received within the recess cavity. The interchangeable ramp assembly includes a central base portion with a ramp assembly central passage and a plurality of spaced radially extending ramps. Each engagement member is positioned to engage an associated ramp and the spider. The main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated ramp. 
     In yet another embodiment, a vehicle with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) clutch, the vehicle including a motor to generate engine torque, a CVT and a drivetrain operationally coupled to the CVT is provided. The CVT is operationally coupled to the motor. The CVT includes the CVT clutch. The CVT clutch includes a post, a fixed sheave, a movable sheave, a cover, a spider, at least one interchangeable ramp, an engagement member for each interchangeable ramp, and a main bias member. The fixed sheave is statically mounted on an end of the post. The movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave includes a recess cavity defined by a movable sheave housing. The cover is selectively coupled to the movable sheave housing to cover the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The at least one interchangeable ramp is received within the recess cavity. The at least one interchangeable ramp is positioned within the recess cavity so that at least one space is provided between the at least one interchangeable ramp and a sheave face of the movable sheave housing. Each engagement member is positioned to engage an associated interchangeable ramp and the spider. The main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated interchangeable ramp. The drivetrain is operationally coupled to the CVT. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention can be more easily understood and further advantages and uses thereof will be more readily apparent, when considered in view of the detailed description and the following figures in which: 
         FIG.  1    is a side perspective view of a CVT clutch of according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is an unassembled side view of the CVT clutch of  FIG.  1   ; 
         FIG.  3 A  is an end perspective view of a ramp assembly of one according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  3 B  is an end view of the ramp assembly of  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  3 C  is a side view of the ramp assembly of  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  4 A  is an end view of a movable sheave housing according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  4 B  is an end view of the movable sheave housing of  FIG.  4 B  including the ramp assembly of  FIG.  3 A ; 
         FIG.  5 A  is a cross-sectional side view of the CVT clutch of  FIG.  1    in an idle configuration; 
         FIG.  5 B  is a cross-sectional side view of the CVT clutch of  FIG.  1    in a top end configuration; 
         FIG.  6 A  is a side perspective view of a ramp portion according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  6 B  is an end view of the ramp portion of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  6 C  is a side perspective view of the ramp portion of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  7 A  is an end view of a movable sheave housing according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  7 B  is an end view of the movable sheave housing of  FIG.  7 B  including ramp portions of  FIG.  6 A ; 
         FIG.  8 A  is a cross-sectional side view of a CVT clutch that includes the ramp portions of the  FIG.  6 A  in an idle configuration according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  8 B  is a cross-sectional side view of the CVT clutch of  FIG.  8 A  in a top end configuration; 
         FIG.  9 A  is a side perspective view of a ramp according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  9 B  is an end view of the ramp portion of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIG.  9 C  is a side perspective view of the ramp portion of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIG.  10 A  is an end view of a movable sheave housing according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  10 B  is an end view of the movable sheave housing of  FIG.  10 B  including ramps of  FIG.  9 A ; 
         FIG.  11 A  is a cross-sectional side view of a CVT clutch that includes the ramp portions of the  FIG.  9 A  in an idle configuration according to one exemplary embodiment; 
         FIG.  11 B  is a cross-sectional side view of the CVT clutch of  FIG.  11 A  in a top end configuration; 
         FIG.  12    is a block diagram of a vehicle implementing a CVT clutch according to one exemplary embodiment; and 
         FIG.  13    is a block diagram of another vehicle implementing a CVT clutch according to another exemplary embodiment; 
     
    
    
     In accordance with common practice, the various described features are not drawn to scale but are drawn to emphasize specific features relevant to the present invention. Reference characters denote like elements throughout Figures and text. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part hereof, and in which is shown by way of illustration specific embodiments in which the inventions may be practiced. These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the invention, and it is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that changes may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present invention is defined only by the claims and equivalents thereof. 
     Embodiments of the present invention provide a CVT clutch that includes replaceable ramps. By replacing ramps having a select ramp profile with other ramps with another ramp profile, the shifting characteristics of the CVT clutch can be changed in an efficient and effective manner. Some embodiments also provided a CVT clutch with a design that insolates engagement members, such as but not limited to, rollers of the CVT clutch from excessive heat with at least one space (or gap) located between ramps that engage the engagement members and a sheave face of a movable sheave housing of the CVT clutch. 
     Referring to  FIG.  1   , a side perspective assembled view of a CVT clutch  100  of one example, is illustrated. The CVT clutch  100  includes a fixed sheave  102  and a movable sheave assembly  106 . The fixed sheave  102  is usually statically mounted on an end of a post  104  while the movable sheave assembly  106  is dynamically mounted on the post  104 . A cover  118  is coupled to a movable sheave housing  101  of the movable sheave assembly  106  via fasteners  120 . 
     Referring to  FIG.  2   , an unassembled view of the CVT clutch  100  is illustrated. The CVT clutch  100  of this example includes the fixed sheave  102  and the post  104 . As discussed above, the fixed sheave  102  is mounted on an end of the post  104 . Further received on the post  104  is the moveable sheave assembly  106 . The CVT clutch  100  further includes a removeable ramp assembly  110 , engagement members  112 , spider  114 , a main bias member  116  and the cover  118 . 
     Close-up views of the ramp assembly  110  in this example are provided in  FIGS.  3 A,  3 B and  3 C . Ramp assembly  110  includes a central base portion  110   a  with a central passage  109 . Radially extending from the central base portion  110   a  are a plurality of spaced ramps  110   b.  Ramp guides  111  are positioned alongside edges of each ramp  110   b  to help align an associated engagement member to an associated ramp  110   b.  Each ramp  110   b  has select ramp profile. Further, the central base portion  110   a  about the central passage  109 , includes an axially extending lip portion  115  that defines in part the ramp assembly central passage  109 . 
       FIG.  4 A  illustrates a back view of the movable sheave housing  101  of the movable sheave assembly  106 . The movable sheave housing  101  includes a recess cavity  107  in which the ramp assembly  110 , the engagement members  112 , the spider  114  and the main bias member  116  are received. Within the recess cavity  107  of the movable sheave housing  101  is formed seating shoulders  101   a  that are designed to engage distal ends of the ramps  110   b  of the ramp assembly  110 .  FIG.  4 B  illustrates the ramp assembly  110  received within the recess cavity  107  of the movable sheave housing  101 . The central passage  109  of the ramp assembly  110  is received around a central hub  101   b  of the housing  101  of the movable sheave assembly  106  in his example. 
     Referring to  FIG.  5 A , a cross-sectional side view of the CVT clutch  100  in an idle configuration is illustrated. In this configuration, the centrifugal forces are low (or not present) so the main bias member  116  is able to exert a bias force on the cover  118  (which is attached to the movable sheave assembly  106 ) to push the housing  101  of the moveable sheave assembly  106  axially away from the fixed sheave  102  on the post  104 . The main bias member  116  (positioned between the cover  118  and the spider  114 ) is able to generate the bias force because the spider  114  is axially locked on the post  104 . In this idle configuration, a belt (not shown) will ride on an idler bearing  105  that that rotates freely on the post. Other styles of clutches beside idler-style clutches may be used. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  5 A , the engagement member, which are rollers in this example, engage the ramp surfaces of the ramps  110   b  of the ramp assembly  110 . One feature of the CVT clutch  100  design is that there is at least one space  130  and  132  between each ramp  110   b  and a sheave face  101   c  of the movable sheave housing  101  of the movable sheave assembly  106 . The space  130  allows an air barrier between each ramp  110   b  and the sheave face  101   c  of the movable sheave housing  101  within the recess cavity  107 . The gap helps reduce heat transfer from the sheave face  101   c  (caused by friction when a belt (not shown) engages the sheave face  101   c ) to the engagement members  112 . The reduction of heat transfer provides less plastic deformation of the engagement member  112  as well as allowing for the use of lower melting plastics to be used on engagement members  112  that are rollers in this example. In other example, the engagement members  112  may be wedged shaped or yet another shaped. Another benefit is a reduction in the weight of the CVT clutch  100  by removing unneeded material between the ramps  110   b  and the sheave face  101   c  of the movable sheave housing  101 . 
       FIG.  5 B  illustrates cross-sectional side view of CVT clutch  100  in a top end configuration where the engagement members  112  have moved up ramp surfaces of the respective ramps  110   b  during a high rotation rate of the CVT clutch  100 . The engagement members  112  pushing on the spider  114  as they move up the respective ramps  110   b  counters the bias force of the main bias member  116  (compresses the main bias member  116  in this example) moving the moveable sheave assembly  106  axially towards the fixed sheave  102  on the post  104 . In this configuration, a belt (not shown) engaging (clamped between) the sheave faces of the fixed sheave and moveable sheave would be positioned farther away from a center of rotation (center axis) of the CVT clutch  100 . 
     One feature of the CVT clutch  100  is that the ramp assembly  110  can be easily replaced. This is an important feature because different ramp assemblies  110  having ramps  110   b  with different ramp profiles can be swapped out to change the shifting characteristics of the CVT clutch  100 . This may be desirable depending on the vehicle the CVT clutch  100  is being used in in and what is the anticipated use of the vehicle. The drop in design of the ramp assembly  110  and housing  101  of the movable sheave assembly provides a CVT clutch with replaceable ramps having different ramp profiles to change the shifting characteristics of the CVT clutch  100 . 
     The ramp assembly  110 , described above, is illustrated as being one single piece that includes all the ramps  110   b.  In other example embodiments the ramp assembly may not be a single piece. For example,  FIGS.  6 A through  6 C  illustrate different views of a ramp assembly portion  200 . A plurality of ramp assembly portions  200  would make up a ramp assembly in this embodiment. 
     Each ramp assembly portion  200  includes a pair of ramps  200   a  and  200   b.  Each pair of ramps  200   a  and  200   b  are coupled together via connection portion  202 . Within the connection portion is formed a connection passage  203  that is used to couple the ramp assembly portion  200  movable sheave housing  220  of a moveable sheave assembly  221  discussed below. Each ramp in this example includes ramp guides  204  and  205  that extend from opposing side edges of the ramps. In this example, the connection portion  202  is coupled across a distal end edge of ramp guides  205  to couple the pair of ramps  200   a  and  200   b  together. 
     Referring to  FIG.  7 A  illustrates a back view of the movable sheave housing  220  of the movable sheave assembly  221  (shown in  FIG.  8 A ). The movable sheave housing  220  includes a recess cavity  223  in which the ramp assembly portions  200 , the engagement members  112 , the spider  114  and the main bias member  116  are received. Within the recess cavity  223  of the housing  220  of the movable sheave assembly  221  is formed seating shoulders  220   a  what are designed to engage distal ends of the ramps  200   a  and  200   b  of the ramp assembly portions  200 .  FIG.  7 B  illustrates ramp assembly portions  200  received within the recess cavity  223  of the movable sheave housing  220  of the movable sheave assembly  221 . Fasteners  224  positioned within the connection passage  203  of the connection portion  202  of each ramp assembly portion  200  and engaged with the movable sheave housing  220  hold each ramp assembly portion  200  within the recess cavity  223  of the movable sheave housing  220  of the movable sheave assembly  221 . In other embodiments fasteners are not needed. This example includes three ramp assembly portions  200  mounted within the recess cavity  223  of the movable sheave housing  220  of the movable sheave assembly  221 . 
       FIG.  8 A , a cross-sectional side view of a CVT clutch  250  using the ramp assembly portions  200  in an idle configuration is illustrated. In the idle configuration, the centrifugal forces are low (or not present) so the main bias member  116  is able to exert a bias force on the cover  118  (which is attached to the moveable sheave housing  220  of the movable sheave assembly  221 ) to push the moveable sheave housing  220  of the moveable sheave assembly  221  axially away from the fixed sheave  102  on the post  104 . The main bias member  116  (positioned between the cover  118  and the spider  114 ) is able to generate the bias force because the spider  114  is axially locked on the post  104 . In this idle configuration, a belt (not shown) will ride on an idler bearing  105  that that rotates freely on the post. 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  8 A , the engagement members  112  engage the ramp surfaces of the ramps  200   a  and  200   b  of the ramp assembly portions  200 . Like the embodiment illustrated above, the design provides for a gap or space  260  between the ramps  200   a  and  200   b  and sheave face  220   b  of the moveable sheave housing  220 . The space  260  helps insulate the engagement members  112  from heat generated at the sheave face  220   b  of the moveable sheave housing  220 . As discussed above, this allows for less plastic deformation of the engagement members  112  as well as allowing for the use of engagement members  112  with lower temperature plastics. It also allows for a reduction in weight of the CVT clutch  250 .  FIG.  8 B  illustrates cross-sectional side view of CVT clutch  250  in a top end configuration where the engagement members  112  have moved up ramp surfaces of the respective ramps  200   a  and  200   b  during a high rotation rate of the CVT clutch  250 . Also illustrated in  FIG.  8 B  are the fasteners  224  coupling the ramp assembly portions  200  to the moveable sheave housing  220  of the moveable sheave assembly  221 . In one embodiment it is a threaded connection. As discussed above, in other embodiments fasteners are not used. 
     Another example uses individual ramps  300  as illustrated in  FIGS.  9 A,  9 B and  9 C . A plurality of the individual ramps  300  would make up a ramp assembly in this embodiment. Each ramp  300  includes a ramp profile. Each ramp in this example includes spaced side supports  302   a  and  302   b  and a ramp surface  301  which engages the engagement members  112 . 
       FIG.  10 A  illustrates a back view of a moveable sheave housing  320  of a movable sheave assembly  330  (shown in  FIG.  11 A ) of a CVT clutch  350 . The moveable sheave housing  320  includes a recess cavity  323  in which the ramps  300 , the engagement members  112 , the spider  114  and the main bias member  116  are received. Within the recess cavity  323  of the moveable sheave housing  320  of the movable sheave assembly  330  is formed seating pockets  322  in which the ramps  300  are received.  FIG.  10 B  illustrates the ramps  300  received within the recess cavity  323  of the moveable sheave housing  320  of the moveable sheave assembly  330 . This example includes six ramps  300  positioned within the recess cavity  323  of the moveable sheave housing  320  of the movable sheave assembly  330 . 
       FIG.  11 A  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the CVT clutch  350  using ramps  300  in an idle configuration. In the idle configuration, the centrifugal forces are low (or not present) so the main bias member  116  is able to exert a bias force on the cover  118  (which is attached to the moveable sheave housing  320 ) to push the moveable sheave housing  320  of the moveable sheave assembly  330  axially away from the fixed sheave  102  on the post  104 . The main bias member  116  (positioned between the cover  118  and the spider  114 ) is able to generate the bias force because the spider  114  is axially locked on the post  104 . In this idle configuration, a belt (not shown) will ride on an idler bearing  105  that may rotate freely on the post  104 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG.  11 A , the engagement members  112  engage the ramp surfaces  301  of the ramps  300 . This example design provides for a gap or space  360  between the ramps  300  and a sheave face  320   a  of the moveable sheave housing  321  defined by the spaced side supports  302   a  and  302   b  of the ramps  300 . The space  360  helps insulate the engagement members  112  from heat generated at the sheave face  320   a  of the moveable sheave housing  320 . As discussed above, this allows for less plastic deformation of the engagement members  112  as well as allowing for the use of engagement members  112  with lower temperature plastics. It also allows for a reduction in weight of the CVT clutch  350 .  FIG.  11 B  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of CVT clutch  350  in a top end configuration where the engagement members  112  have moved up ramp surfaces of the ramps  300  during a high rotation rate of the CVT clutch  350 . 
       FIG.  12    illustrates a block diagram of a vehicle  400  that implements the CVT clutch described above. The vehicle is illustrated as including a motor  402  that generates engine torque. The motor can be any type of motor that produces torque such as, but not limited to, an internal combustion engine and an electrical motor. A CVT  404  that includes a CVT clutch, as described above, couples torque between the motor  402  and a transmission  406  (which is part or drivetrain) in this example. 
     The transmission  406  in this example couples torque to a front differential  414  via front prop shaft  410  and torque to a rear differential  416  via rear prop shaft  412 . The front differential couples torque to front wheels  422   a  and  422   b  via front half shafts  418   a  and  418   b  and the rear differential  416  couples torque to the rear wheels  424   a  and  424   b  via rear half shafts  420   a  and  420   b.    
     Referring to  FIG.  13   , another type of vehicle  500  that can implement a CVT clutch described above is illustrated. This type of vehicle implements a track instead of wheels, such as, but limited to a snow machine. Vehicle  500  includes a motor  502  that is in operational communication with CVT  504 . The CVT  504  includes the CVT clutch described above. The CVT  504  is in operational communication with the transmission which may include further gearing and/or other connections needed for final coupling of torque to the track  510 . The transmission  506  is in operational communication with the track  510 . 
     As described above, the CVT clutch used in the CVT  404  may be adjusted based a desired gear shifting characteristics of the vehicle  400  or  500  by simply exchanging ramp assemblies (or ramps) having different ramp profiles. 
     EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS 
     Example 1 is a CVT clutch including a post, a fixed sheave, a movable sheave, a cover, a spider, at least one interchangeable ramp, an engagement member for each ramp and a main bias member. The fixed sheave is statically mounted on an end of the post. The movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave includes a recess cavity that is defined by a movable sheave housing. The cover is selectively coupled to the movable sheave housing to cover the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The at least one interchangeable ramp positioned within the recess cavity so that at least one space is provided between the at least one interchangeable ramp and a sheave face of the movable sheave housing. Each engagement member is positioned to engage an associated interchangeable ramp and the spider. The main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated interchangeable ramp when a countering force is not present. 
     Example 2 includes the CVT clutch of Example 1, wherein the at least one interchangeable ramp includes an interchangeable ramp assembly having a plurality of ramps. 
     Example 3 includes the CVT clutch of Example 2, wherein the interchangeable ramp assembly includes a central base portion with a ramp assembly central passage and a plurality of spaced radially extending ramps. 
     Example 4 includes the CVT clutch of Example 3, further including ramp guides extending from opposite side edges of each ramp to guide each engagement member on an associated ramp. 
     Example 5 includes the CVT clutch of any of the Examples 3-4, wherein the ramp assembly central passage is received around a central portion of the movable sheave housing that defines a movable sheave central passage. 
     Example 6 includes the CVT clutch of any of Examples 1-5, wherein the at least one interchangeable ramp includes a plurality of pairs of ramps. 
     Example 7 includes the CVT clutch of Example 6 wherein each pair of ramps includes a first ramp and a second ramp. A first set of ramp guides extend from opposite side edges of the first ramp. A second set of ramp guides extending from opposite side edges of the second ramp. A connection portion is coupled across one of the ramp guides of the first set of ramp guides and one of the ramp guides of the second set of ramp guides. The connection portion includes a connection passage that is configured to the pair of ramps to the movable sheave housing within the cavity of the movable sheave assembly. 
     Example 8 includes the CVT clutch of any of the Examples 1-7, wherein the movable sheave housing includes a seating shoulder for each interchangeable ramp within the cavity of the movable sheave assembly. A distal end of each interchangeable ramp resting on an associated seating shoulder. 
     Example 9 includes the CVT clutch of any of the Examples 1-8, wherein the movable sheave housing includes seating pockets for each interchangeable ramp within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. 
     Example 10 includes the CVT clutch of any of the Examples 1-9 wherein each interchangeable ramp includes spaced side supports. 
     Example 11 is a CVT clutch including a post, a fixed sheave, a movable sheave, a cover, a spider, an interchangeable ramp assembly, an engagement member for each ramp of the interchangeable ramp assembly and a main bias member. The fixed sheave is statically mounted on an end of the post. The movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave assembly includes a recess cavity defined by a movable sheave housing. The cover is selectively coupled to the movable sheave housing to cover the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The interchangeable ramp assembly is received within the recess cavity. The interchangeable ramp assembly includes a central base portion with a ramp assembly central passage and a plurality of spaced radially extending ramps. Each engagement member is positioned to engage an associated ramp and the spider. The main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated ramp. 
     Example 12 includes the CVT clutch of Example 11 wherein each ramp of the interchangeable ramp assembly is positioned within the recess cavity so that at least one space is provided between each ramp and the movable sheave housing of the movable sheave assembly to aid in heat transfer. 
     Example 13 includes the CVT clutch of any of the Examples 11-12, wherein the ramp assembly central passage is received around a central portion of the movable sheave housing that defines a movable sheave central passage. 
     Example 14 includes the CVT clutch of any of the Examples 11-13, wherein the movable sheave housing includes a seating shoulder for each ramp of the interchangeable ramp assembly within the cavity of the movable sheave assembly. A distal end of each ramp rests on an associated seating shoulder. 
     Example 15 is a vehicle with a continuously variable transmission (CVT) clutch, the vehicle including a motor to generate engine torque, a CVT and a drivetrain operationally coupled to the CVT. The CVT is operationally coupled to the motor. The CVT includes the CVT clutch. The CVT clutch includes a post, a fixed sheave, a movable sheave, a cover, a spider, at least one interchangeable ramp, an engagement member for each ramp, and a main bias member. The fixed sheave is statically mounted on an end of the post. The movable sheave assembly is dynamically mounted on the post. The movable sheave includes a recess cavity defined by a movable sheave housing. The cover is selectively coupled to the movable sheave housing to cover the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The spider is statically mounted on the post within the recess cavity of the movable sheave assembly. The at least one interchangeable ramp is received within the recess cavity. The at least one interchangeable ramp is positioned within the recess cavity so that at least one space is provided between the at least one interchangeable ramp and a sheave face of the movable sheave housing. Each engagement member is positioned to engage an associated interchangeable ramp and the spider. The main bias member is configured to assert a bias force on the spider and cover to position each engagement member at a select location on the associated interchangeable ramp. The drivetrain is operationally coupled to the CVT. 
     Example 16 includes the vehicle of Example 15, wherein the at least one interchangeable ramp of the CVT clutch includes an interchangeable ramp assembly that includes a plurality of ramps. 
     Example 17 includes the vehicle of Example 16, wherein the interchangeable ramp assembly includes a central base portion with a ramp assembly central passage and a plurality of spaced radially extending ramps. 
     Example 18 includes the vehicle of Example 17, wherein the interchangeable ramp assembly central passage of the ramp assembly is received around a central portion of the movable sheave housing that defines a movable sheave central passage. 
     Example 19 includes the vehicle of any of the Examples 15-18, wherein the drivetrain includes at least one of a pair of wheels and a track. 
     Example 20 includes the vehicle of any of the Examples 15-19 wherein the movable sheave housing of the movable sheave assembly includes a seating shoulder for each interchangeable ramp within the cavity of the movable sheave assembly. A distal end of each interchangeable ramp resting on an associated seating shoulder. 
     Although specific embodiments have been illustrated and described herein, it will be appreciated by those of ordinary skill in the art that any arrangement, which is calculated to achieve the same purpose, may be substituted for the specific embodiment shown. This application is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of the present invention. Therefore, it is manifestly intended that this invention be limited only by the claims and the equivalents thereof.