Devices and methods are provided herein for the transmission of power in motor vehicles. Power is transmitted in a smoother and more efficient manner by splitting torque into two or more torque paths. A continuously variable transmission is provided with a ball variator assembly having an array of balls, a planetary gear set coupled thereto and an arrangement of rotatable shafts with multiple gears and clutches that extend the ratio range of the variator. In some embodiments, clutches are coupled to the gear sets to enable shifting of gear modes. In some embodiments, the speed ratio of the ball variator is adjusted in concert with the adjustment of clutches.

An coaxial electrically aided continuously variable transmission includes an electrical power source; an acceleration planetary gear train connected to the electrical power source; a continuously variable transmission connected to the acceleration planetary gear train; a transmission shaft connected to the electrical power source, acceleration planetary gear train and continuously variable transmission; a manual power source connected to the transmission shaft; a first unidirectional transmission rotating element connected between the transmission shaft and the acceleration planetary gear train; a second unidirectional transmission rotating element connected between the electrical power source and the acceleration planetary gear train, wherein the transmission direction of the first unidirectional transmission rotating element is opposite to the transmission direction of the second unidirectional transmission rotating element. Therefore, coaxial electrically aided continuously variable transmission is compact and transmits power instantly and steadily.

A transmission or actuator offering one or more rotational outputs proportionate in speed and direction to that of a common rotational input, each with its own ratio coupled with a controllable dynamic slip/compliance element and optionally either of a one-way bearing or brake preventing back driving. Ratios are continuously variable between positive and negative values, including infinity, varied by mechanical or electromechanical actuators under external or computer control. The transmission may intrinsically integrate multiple partial transmissions for increasing torque capability, rapidly changing between alternate settings, and/or to drive multiple outputs with customizable design. A communicating system of such distributed transmissions forming a hierarchy or network, each transmission driven directly by a motor, indirectly by the output of another transmission, or both, including indirect cumulative forward and back driving throughout the hierarchy or network. Such a network of actuators for complex robotic, manufacturing, movement, or transport applications.

A variator unit of a power-split continuously variable transmission is fixed to a rotationally fixed component and has a primary side rotationally fixed to an input shaft and a secondary side rotationally fixed to a first element of a second planetary gear set via a third shaft. A third element of a first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed via a fourth shaft to a second element of the second planetary gear set, which is fixable to the rotationally fixed component via a first shift element and connectable to the input shaft via a second shift element. A third element of the second planetary gear set is rotationally fixed via a fifth shaft to a first element of the first planetary gear set fixable to the rotationally fixed component via a third shift element. The second element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to an output shaft.

A variator unit of a power-split continuously variable transmission device is fixed to a rotationally fixed component and has a primary side rotationally fixed to an input shaft and a secondary side rotationally fixed to each respective first element of the first and a second planetary gear sets via a third shaft. A third element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to a third element of the second planetary gear set via a fourth shaft and is fixable to the rotationally fixed component via a first shift element. A fifth shaft is rotationally fixed to a second element of the second planetary gear set, which is fixable to the rotationally fixed component via the third shift element, and is connectable to the input shaft via the second shift element. A second element of the first planetary gear set is rotationally fixed to the output shaft.

Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting, traction planets and traction rings are described. In one embodiment, a variator is coupled to a rangebox to provide multiple operating modes. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the variator and the rangebox. Shift-cam-and-sun subassemblies can be used to facilitate shifting of the transmission ratio of a CVT. A transmission housing and bell housing can be adapted to house components of a CVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Related devices include, for example, a pivot arm, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, a pivot pin hub, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.

An electric phaser for dynamically adjusting a rotational relationship of a camshaft with respect to an engine crankshaft of an internal combustion engine includes an electric motor and a tapered roller drive. The tapered roller drive includes a sun, rollers, a carrier, at least one ring, and at least one load generator providing an axial load. The rollers are maintained in rolling engagement with the sun and the ring without the use of teeth. In some embodiments, the tapered roller drive is based on a fixed-sun design. In other embodiments, the tapered roller drive is based on a split ring design.

An infinitely variable transmission capable of shifting from infinity to zero speed ratios in forward and reverse is provided. The transmission offers reciprocal blocking and supports high torque and power, while requiring a fixed number of planetary gears and a hydraulic flow control, without brakes and/or clutch by varying the angular displacement or rotational movement separating the contained vectors (speed and torque) to exploit, in a reciprocal manner, the working flow by maintaining the full potential of the movement force source without a continuity flow break-up.

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable accessory drives (CVAD). In one embodiment, a skew-based control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVAD. In another embodiment, a skew-based control system includes a skew actuator coupled to a carrier member. In some embodiments, the skew actuator is configured to rotate a carrier member of a CVT. Various inventive traction planet assemblies can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include legs configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In some embodiments, a traction planet assembly is operably coupled to the carrier members. Embodiments of a shift cam and traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.