A hydrodynamic lock-based CVT gearbox is disclosed. The apparatus is configured to continuously convert input rpm into different rpm's without interrupting a gearbox connection with an engine using a suspended and single-speed gearbox, and clockwise and counterclockwise rotation control of hydrodynamic lock. The apparatus is configured to utilize parallel paths pattern for power transfer, which includes a first power path and a second power path parallel to the first power path. The first power path is configured to reduce rotation and increase torque. The second power path is configured to provide equal rotation of the input and output axes. The apparatus is further configured to transfer the power from the first power path to the second power path by disposing a limiter at the first power path. At the end, the rotational force of the paths is combined and transmitted to the output of the gearbox.

A drive unit includes an electric motor, a torque converter, a power transmission unit, a first shaft, a second shaft, and a first switching mechanism. The torque converter amplifies torque from the electric motor in a first rotation direction. The power transmission unit includes first and second forward drive gear trains. The first shaft transmits torque from the electric motor to the torque converter. The second shaft transmits torque from the torque converter to the second forward drive gear train. The first switching mechanism transmits torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first forward drive state. The first switching mechanism does not transmit torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first neutral state. The first switching mechanism is configured not to allow the first forward drive gear train to rotate in a locking state.

A drive unit includes an electric motor, a torque converter, a power transmission unit, a first shaft, a second shaft, and a first switching mechanism. The torque converter amplifies torque from the electric motor in a first rotation direction. The power transmission unit includes first and second forward drive gear trains. The first shaft transmits torque from the electric motor to the torque converter. The second shaft transmits torque from the torque converter to the second forward drive gear train. The first switching mechanism transmits torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first forward drive state. The first switching mechanism does not transmit torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first neutral state. The first switching mechanism is configured not to allow the first forward drive gear train to rotate in a locking state.

A hydraulic continuous variable transmission is provided to connect a wind turbine and a generator. The hydraulic continuous variable transmission has a primary paddle wheel and a number of secondary paddle wheels for macro speed control. Also provided are pneumatic paddle wheels for micro speed control. A controller is included that measures AC electrical characterized output to load or line for speed control.

A drive unit includes an electric motor, a torque converter, a power transmission unit, a first shaft, a second shaft, and a first switching mechanism. The torque converter amplifies torque from the electric motor in a first rotation direction. The power transmission unit includes first and second forward drive gear trains. The first shaft transmits torque from the electric motor to the torque converter. The second shaft transmits torque from the torque converter to the second forward drive gear train. The first switching mechanism transmits torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first forward drive state. The first switching mechanism does not transmit torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first neutral state. The first switching mechanism is configured not to allow the first forward drive gear train to rotate in a locking state.

A drive unit includes an electric motor, a torque converter, a power transmission unit, a first shaft, a second shaft, and a first switching mechanism. The torque converter amplifies torque from the electric motor in a first rotation direction. The power transmission unit includes first and second forward drive gear trains. The first shaft transmits torque from the electric motor to the torque converter. The second shaft transmits torque from the torque converter to the second forward drive gear train. The first switching mechanism transmits torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first forward drive state. The first switching mechanism does not transmit torque from the first shaft to the first forward drive gear train in a first neutral state. The first switching mechanism is configured not to allow the first forward drive gear train to rotate in a locking state.

An object of the present invention is to provide a continuously variable transmission in which a magnitude relationship between a piston area of a primary pulley and a piston area of a secondary pulley is specified. As means for achieving the object, a continuously variable transmission includes: an electric oil pump disposed in an oil path between a piston oil chamber of a primary pulley and a piston oil chamber of a secondary pulley; and a controlling portion configured to control the entry and exit of oil in the piston oil chamber of the primary pulley by the electric oil pump. A piston area of the primary pulley in the continuously variable transmission is smaller than a piston area of the secondary pulley.

Disclosed are embodiments of thrust absorbing planetary traction drives that utilize roller-shaft traction interfaces that are slanted to absorb thrust created on a turbo shaft by a turbine or compressor. Slanted traction surfaces on the sun portion of the turbo shaft are slanted inwardly so that the turbo shaft remains centered in the planetary traction drive. Either double roller planets or single roller planets can be used to absorb thrust in the axial direction of the turbo shaft. Various curved and slanted surfaces can be utilized to create traction interfaces that hold and stabilize the turbo shaft both axially and radially.

A driving apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The driving apparatus is used for transmitting drive force to a first output shaft. The driving apparatus includes a housing, a motor, a torque converter and an oil reservoir unit. The housing includes a first oil chamber and a second oil chamber. The motor is disposed in the first oil chamber. The torque converter forms the second oil chamber and transmits drive force of the motor to the first output shaft. The oil reservoir unit is disposed radially inward of the torque converter. The torque converter guides hydraulic oil from the oil reservoir unit to the second oil chamber by centrifugal force.

A driving apparatus for a vehicle is disclosed. The driving apparatus is a device used for transmitting drive force to an output shaft. The driving apparatus includes a housing, an electric motor, a torque converter and a rotation transmitting structure. The electric motor includes a first stator fixed to the housing and a rotor configured to be rotate relative to the first stator. The torque converter transmits rotation of the rotor to the output shaft when the rotor rotates in a first rotational direction. The rotation transmitting structure transmits rotation of the rotor to the output shaft when the rotor rotates in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.