Nissan Motor has been granted a patent for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system. The CVT includes a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and a metal belt with a ring and multiple elements. The system also includes a controller that detects when the belt has a gap larger than a predetermined length and executes a falling-off countermeasure control to prevent the elements from falling off. This patent aims to improve the performance and reliability of CVT systems in vehicles. GlobalData’s report on Nissan Motor gives a 360-degree view of the company including its patenting strategy. Buy the report here.
According to GlobalData’s company profile on Nissan Motor, hydrogen fuel cells was a key innovation area identified from patents. Nissan Motor's grant share as of June 2023 was 1%. Grant share is based on the ratio of number of grants to total number of patents.
Patent granted for a continuously variable transmission with falling-off countermeasure control
A recently granted patent (Publication Number: US11686387B2) describes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) system for vehicles. The CVT includes a primary pulley, a secondary pulley, and a belt wound around them. The belt consists of a ring and multiple elements bundled by the ring. The elements have receiving portions that open in a radial direction of the belt, allowing them to receive the ring.
The patent introduces a controller that is configured to detect when the CVT is operating under a condition where a gap larger than a threshold is generated on the belt. This detection is based on the vehicle's operation condition, such as accelerator pedal opening and vehicle speed. Additionally, the controller can identify this condition when the vehicle is on a sloped road.
Once the controller detects the presence of the gap, it executes a predetermined falling-off countermeasure control of the elements. This control involves reducing the torque input to the primary pulley and increasing the torque of a second driving source in the vehicle. The falling-off countermeasure control can also include increasing the pressure of a hydraulic oil that generates pulley thrust and spraying lubricating oil to the part of the CVT where the gap is generated.
The patent also includes a control method for the CVT system. This method involves detecting the presence of a gap larger than the threshold on the belt based on the vehicle's operation condition and executing the falling-off countermeasure control of the elements.
Overall, this patent presents a CVT system with a controller that can detect and address the occurrence of a gap on the belt, ensuring the smooth operation of the transmission. The system's ability to adjust torque input, increase torque from a secondary driving source, and manipulate hydraulic pressure and lubrication helps maintain the integrity and efficiency of the CVT.
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