A second element fixing clutch is switchable between a released state and an engaged state. In the released state, the second element fixing clutch releases a second element of a planetary gear mechanism so that the second element is rotatable. In the engaged state, the second element fixing clutch fixes the second element of the planetary gear mechanism so that the second element is non-rotatable. A transmission is switchable between at least two modes of a first continuously variable transmission mode, a second continuously variable transmission mode, and a direct mode, by the second element fixing clutch being switched between the released state and the engaged state.

A second element fixing clutch is switchable between a released state and an engaged state. In the released state, the second element fixing clutch releases a second element of a planetary gear mechanism so that the second element is rotatable. In the engaged state, the second element fixing clutch fixes the second element of the planetary gear mechanism so that the second element is non-rotatable. A transmission is switchable between at least two modes of a first continuously variable transmission mode, a second continuously variable transmission mode, and a direct mode, by the second element fixing clutch being switched between the released state and the engaged state.

A power transmission device has a reverse torque converter and a planetary gear mechanism with a ring gear, sun wheel and planet carrier with several planets. An input is connected to an impeller of the reverse torque converter and to a first element of the planetary gear mechanism. A turbine wheel is connected to a second element of the planetary gear mechanism, and a third element of the planetary gear mechanism is connected to or forms an output of the power transmission device. A selectable control clutch transmits power in a first rotation speed range, with an emptied reverse torque converter, between the input and the output of the power transmission device. A device supports and/or fixes the second element of the planetary gear mechanism, in particular the connection between the turbine wheel and the second element of the planetary gear mechanism in this first rotation speed range.

A torque converter system of a vehicle for delivering an input torque to a transmission may include a front cover of a torque converter receiving the input torque through a torque receiving shaft, an impeller of the torque converter receiving the input torque through the front cover, a turbine of the torque converter disposed opposed to and coaxially with the impeller and rotated by an operation fluid supplied from the impeller thereby driving a transmission input shaft, a reactor of the torque converter disposed between the impeller and the turbine and redirecting the operation fluid from the turbine toward the impeller, and a lock-up clutch disposed inside a transmission to selectively connecting the front cover and the turbine.

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 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.

There is provided an automatic transmission capable to preventing an output of a driving source in a neutral range from being transmitted to wheels without increasing the number of control valves which could fail. An automatic transmission includes a first brake, a third clutch, a third brake, a transmission control device configured to control the first brake, the third clutch, and the third brake, and a hydraulic sensor and a hydraulic switch configured to determine whether the first brake is under control of the transmission control device. When the hydraulic sensor and the hydraulic switch detect that the first brake is in an engaged state contrary to control of the transmission control device in a non-traveling range, the transmission control device switches the third clutch and the third brake to the engaged state.

There is provided an automatic transmission capable to preventing an output of a driving source in a neutral range from being transmitted to wheels without increasing the number of control valves which could fail. An automatic transmission includes a first brake, a third clutch, a third brake, a transmission control device configured to control the first brake, the third clutch, and the third brake, and a hydraulic sensor and a hydraulic switch configured to determine whether the first brake is under control of the transmission control device. When the hydraulic sensor and the hydraulic switch detect that the first brake is in an engaged state contrary to control of the transmission control device in a non-traveling range, the transmission control device switches the third clutch and the third brake to the engaged state.

A torque convertor and direct drive unit arrangement and operating methods are provided herein. In one example, a prime mover may be configured to be coupled to a transmission via one of a torque convertor and a direct drive unit, the direct drive unit including a higher range clutch and a lower range clutch.

Provided is a continuously variable transmission capable of solving a technical problem of a complex structure comprising three planetary gear sets including a planetary gear set at an input end, a planetary gear set at an output end and a bucket wheel-based planetary gear set. The continuously variable transmission comprises a planetary gear set (101) at an input end and a planetary gear set (102) at an output end. A planetary carrier (103) having a cavity is provided between the planetary gear set (101) at the input end and the planetary gear set (102) at the output end. The planetary carrier (103) comprises an input end cover (6) and an output end cover (10). The input end cover (6) is connected to an inner side of the planetary gear set (101) at the input end. The output end cover (10) is connected to an inner side of the planetary gear set (102) at the output end. A bucket-wheel housing (11) having a cavity is fixed between the input end cover (6) and the output end cover (10). A bucket-wheel (7) is fixed to a planetary gear connecting shaft (4) located inside the bucket-wheel housing (11).