Continuously variable transmission

Abstract

A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . An axial force generation system for use in a CVT comprising a plurality of balls positioned between an input disc and an output disc, the axial force generation system comprising:
 a cam loader positioned between an input assembly and the input disc, the cam loader configured to transmit power from an input assembly to the input disc, the cam loader comprising:
 a cam disc comprising a plurality of cam channels formed near a radial outer edge, 
 a load disc, and 
 a plurality of rollers, wherein a shape of the plurality of cam channels conforms to the plurality of rollers, 
   wherein the cam loader transmits torque from the input assembly to the input disc and generates an axial force proportional to the amount of torque applied to the cam loader.   
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein the cam disc comprises a conformal cam, and wherein the shape of the cam channels conforms to a shape of the plurality of rollers. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the load disc is integral with the input disc. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the load disc is integral with a torsion disc.