Tilting ball variator continuously variable transmission torque vectoring device

Abstract

A torque vectoring device is provided. The torque vectoring device includes a drive member engaged with a power source, a plurality of spherical adjusters configured to be tiltable and rotatable with respect to the drive member, a first output frictionally engaged with the spherical adjusters, and a second output frictionally engaged with the spherical adjusters. A torque distribution between the first output and the second output may be adjusted by tilting the plurality of spherical adjusters. The spherical adjusters also facilitate a differential action between the first output and the second output.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A torque vectoring device comprising:
 a drive shaft;   a drive member operably coupled to the drive shaft;   an inner surface of the drive member configured to facilitate driving engagement between the drive member and each of a plurality of variator ball assemblies;   an inner cage operably coupled to the inner surface of the drive member;   the plurality of variator ball assemblies each comprising a variator ball and a variator ball axle disposed through the variator ball and coupled to the variator ball, said axle tiltably coupled to the inner cage and the inner surface of the drive member;   a first idling ring rotatably disposed with each variator ball assembly and operable coupled to each variator ball assembly;   a second idling ring rotatably disposed with each variator ball assembly and operable coupled to each variator ball assembly;   a first inner output ring frictionally engaged with a first portion of a surface of each variator ball to transmit torque from the inner surface of the drive member to the first inner output ring; and   a second outer output ring frictionally engaged with a second portion of the surface of each variator ball to transmit torque from the inner surface of the drive member to the second outer output ring;   wherein the first idling ring, the second idling ring, the first inner output ring and the second outer output ring are rotatably disposed within a housing,   wherein each variator ball axle of the variator ball assemblies is tiltably disposed between and drivingly engaged with the inner cage and the inner surface of the drive member, and   wherein a torque distribution between the first inner output ring and the second outer output ring may be adjusted by tilting the plurality of variator ball assemblies and the variator ball assemblies facilitate a differential action between the first inner output ring and the second outer output ring,   an actuator assembly coupled to the inner cage and disposed within the second outer output ring;   wherein the actuator assembly adjusts a position of the plurality of variator ball assemblies between the inner cage and the inner surface of the drive member.   
     
     
         2 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first idling ring is rotatably disposed adjacent to the inner cage and the second idling ring is rotatably disposed adjacent to the inner cage. 
     
     
         3 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 1 , wherein the first idling ring is rotatably disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the drive member and the second idling ring is rotatably disposed adjacent to the inner surface of the drive member. 
     
     
         4 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 1 , wherein one of the first inner output ring and the second outer output ring is at least partially disposed within the remaining one of the first inner output ring and the second outer output ring. 
     
     
         5 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 4 , wherein the drive member is axially spaced away from the first inner output ring and the second outer output ring. 
     
     
         6 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 4 , wherein the first inner output ring further comprises:
 a first engagement end;   a first hub portion; and   a first output shaft.   
     
     
         7 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 6 , wherein the first inner output ring is unitarily formed from a metal. 
     
     
         8 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 6 , wherein the first inner output ring comprises a plurality of components coupled together. 
     
     
         9 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 4 , wherein the second outer output ring further comprises:
 a second engagement end;   a second middle portion; and   a second output sleeve.   
     
     
         10 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 9 , wherein the second outer output ring is unitarily formed from a metal. 
     
     
         11 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 9 , wherein the second outer output ring comprises a plurality of components coupled together. 
     
     
         12 . The torque vectoring device according to  claim 9 , wherein the second output sleeve further comprises drive splines.