Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD) and power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and/or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor/generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.

Embodiments are directed to a front end accessory drive (FEAD) and power modulating devices (PMD) which can be used in a FEAD. In one embodiment, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is coupled directly to a crankshaft of a prime mover, and the CVT is used to regulate the speed and/or torque delivered to an accessory. A compound drive device includes a motor/generator subassembly cooperating with a CVT subassembly to provide a motor functionality with torque multiplication or division, or alternatively, a generator functionality with torque multiplication or division. In some embodiments, a FEAD includes a PMD having a sun shaft configured to couple to a sun of the PMD and to an electric motor component, such as an electrical armature or an electrical field. In one embodiment, the electrical armature the electrical field are placed concentrically and coaxially and configured to rotate relative to one another in opposite directions.

Components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for improving the performance and increasing the life of continuously variable transmissions (CVT). A first stator may be formed with an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of a second stator. A stator may have radial slots formed to extend farther radially inward than slots on the other stator. The larger outer diameter of a stator or the formation of guide slots on a first stator extending farther radially inward of guide slots on a second stator may prevent egress of a planet axle from a radial slot, increase range of the CVT, allow for larger tolerances to reduce losses, and other advantages, Slots on a timing plate may be formed having a width greater than a width of guide slots formed on either stator to allow the stators to control adjustments while the timing plate avoids runaway axles. The shape, including junction between surfaces on a timing plate or stator may also prevent an axle from egressing. Any one or a combination of these features allow a CVT to be formed smaller and lighter to allow for clearance in smaller environments and for reduced inertia.

An outer race assembly for a continuously variable transmission includes a hydraulic cavity housing, a first radially outer race structure spaced along an axis from a second radially outer race structure to form a radially outer race, and planetary members in rolling contact with the radially outer race. The first radially outer race structure includes nesting engagement with the hydraulic cavity housing, and a hydraulic cavity sealed between the hydraulic cavity housing and the first radially outer race structure to control axial movement of the first radially outer race structure.

Infinitely variable multi-epicyclic friction transmission system for an electric motor including a main shaft; a motor drum comprising two cylindrically shaped half-drums; a rotor accommodated in a cavity defined by the half-drums, the rotor comprising a rotor carrier driver; a plurality of twin planetary cone assemblies attached to the at least one planetary carrier and disposed circumferentially around the two half-drums, each twin planetary cone assembly comprising: a torque tube and planetary cone-hemisphere structure, each planetary cone-hemisphere structure comprising a planetary cone integral with hemisphere at its apex, wherein the planetary cone-hemisphere structure is configured to roll inside the torque tube via the hemisphere, and wherein the slant height of the planetary cones is parallel to the main shaft; a series of spherical planets and at least one reaction ring disposed around the plurality of planetary cones and configured to slide along the planetary cones to vary a gear ratio.

Infinitely variable multi-epicyclic friction transmission system for an electric motor including a main shaft; a motor drum comprising two cylindrically shaped half-drums; a rotor accommodated in a cavity defined by the half-drums, the rotor comprising a rotor carrier driver; a plurality of twin planetary cone assemblies attached to the at least one planetary carrier and disposed circumferentially around the two half-drums, each twin planetary cone assembly comprising: a torque tube and planetary cone-hemisphere structure, each planetary cone-hemisphere structure comprising a planetary cone integral with hemisphere at its apex, wherein the planetary cone-hemisphere structure is configured to roll inside the torque tube via the hemisphere, and wherein the slant height of the planetary cones is parallel to the main shaft; a series of spherical planets and at least one reaction ring disposed around the plurality of planetary cones and configured to slide along the planetary cones to vary a gear ratio.

Infinitely variable multi-epicyclic friction transmission system for an electric motor including a main shaft; a motor drum comprising two cylindrically shaped half-drums; a rotor accommodated in a cavity defined by the half-drums, the rotor comprising a rotor carrier driver; a plurality of twin planetary cone assemblies attached to the at least one planetary carrier and disposed circumferentially around the two half-drums, each twin planetary cone assembly comprising: a torque tube and planetary cone-hemisphere structure, each planetary cone-hemisphere structure comprising a planetary cone integral with hemisphere at its apex, wherein the planetary cone-hemisphere structure is configured to roll inside the torque tube via the hemisphere, and wherein the slant height of the planetary cones is parallel to the main shaft; a series of spherical planets and at least one reaction ring disposed around the plurality of planetary cones and configured to slide along the planetary cones to vary a gear ratio.

Infinitely variable multi-epicyclic friction transmission system for an electric motor including a main shaft; a motor drum comprising two cylindrically shaped half-drums; a rotor accommodated in a cavity defined by the half-drums, the rotor comprising a rotor carrier driver; a plurality of twin planetary cone assemblies attached to the at least one planetary carrier and disposed circumferentially around the two half-drums, each twin planetary cone assembly comprising: a torque tube and planetary cone-hemisphere structure, each planetary cone-hemisphere structure comprising a planetary cone integral with hemisphere at its apex, wherein the planetary cone-hemisphere structure is configured to roll inside the torque tube via the hemisphere, and wherein the slant height of the planetary cones is parallel to the main shaft; a series of spherical planets and at least one reaction ring disposed around the plurality of planetary cones and configured to slide along the planetary cones to vary a gear ratio.

Infinitely variable multi-epicyclic friction transmission system including a main shaft, ball race discs, a splined tube, and twin planetary cone assemblies attached to a planetary carrier and disposed circumferentially around the splined tube. Each twin planetary cone assembly comprises a torque tube and a planetary cone-hemisphere structure comprising a planetary cone integral with hemisphere at its apex, wherein the planetary cone-hemisphere structure rolls inside the torque tube via the hemisphere, and wherein a slant height of the twin planetary cone assemblies is parallel to the main shaft. System also includes a series of spherical planets, a reaction ring disposed around the twin planetary cone assemblies configured to slide along the planetary cone assemblies to vary a gear ratio, and ball gear retaining rings. Each of the ball gear retaining rings is mounted on one of a plurality of ball gears which are mounted on the ball race discs.

A friction transmission device has a friction transmission mechanism that transmits power by contact between a take-out member from which output rotation is taken out and a plurality of friction rolling elements. The take-out member has a contact surface inclined with respect to an axial direction. The device includes an output member that is used to transmit the output rotation to a driven device, and a coupling that connects the take-out member and the output member to each other. The coupling is configured to be more easily deformed than the take-out member and the output member with respect to an axial load, and has a function of absorbing deviation of an axial center between the take-out member and the output member and a function of converting a torque acting on the output member into an axial force to transmit the axial force to a take-out member side.