A continuously variable transmission includes four shift elements to establish three forward driving ranges and one reverse driving range. Two of the forward driving ranges utilize recirculating power flow paths in which the power transmitted through the variator is much smaller than the power transmitted by the transmission. Both variator sheaves rotate about axes that are offset from the input axis such that neither sheave is partially submerged in transmission fluid.

The sensor arrangement structure includes a pulley that rotates about a rotation axis; and a sensor that detects rotation of the pulley. The pulley includes a fixed pulley, a movable pulley that can be displaced relative to the fixed pulley in a direction of the rotation axis, and a plunger defining an oil chamber on a back of the movable pulley. The plunger is provided with a detection target portion in a region that can be visually recognized from the direction of the rotation axis, and the sensor is provided on a support portion that rotatably supports the fixed pulley in a direction along the rotation axis and faces the region in which the detection target portion is provided.

The sensor arrangement structure includes a pulley that rotates about a rotation axis; and a sensor that detects rotation of the pulley. The pulley includes a fixed pulley, a movable pulley that can be displaced relative to the fixed pulley in a direction of the rotation axis, and a plunger defining an oil chamber on a back of the movable pulley. The plunger is provided with a detection target portion in a region that can be visually recognized from the direction of the rotation axis, and the sensor is provided on a support portion that rotatably supports the fixed pulley in a direction along the rotation axis and faces the region in which the detection target portion is provided.

A variety of transmission mechanisms are provided that include split pulleys nested within each other in order to reduce the size of the transmissions, to provide infinitely variable transmission ratios that include forward and reverse ratios, or to provide some other benefits. These transmissions include W-shaped belts, having both contact surfaces that are directed outward from the belt and inward, toward a center-line of the belt, to contact the pulleys with respective different inward- and outward-directed contact surfaces. Accordingly, the surfaces at which the belt contacts the different pulleys may be substantially the same with respect to a hinge or other structure of the belt. This improvement may permit higher levels of power transmission, increased efficiency, and increased transmission lifetime. Additionally, variable-eccentricity variable transmissions are provided wherein the eccentricity of rotation of an inner, nested pulley varies with changes in the transmission ratio of the transmission.

A transfer belt wound between a primary pulley and a secondary pulley of a continuously variable transmission, the transfer belt including: a plurality of elements, each of which has a body that includes a saddle surface and a pair of pillars that extend toward a radially outer side of the transfer belt from both sides of the saddle surface in a width direction; and a bind ring that binds the plurality of elements annularly with an inner peripheral surface of the bind ring contacting the saddle surface of each of the plurality of elements.

A cover for a transmission having improved airflow path is disclosed. The interior of the cover has a progressively narrowing airflow path to reduce pressure drop through the cover, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the airflow through the cover. The cover includes a diverter sheltering the air inlet to the cover to prevent air in the cover from exerting outward pressure on the incoming air.

A cover for a transmission having improved airflow path is disclosed. The interior of the cover has a progressively narrowing airflow path to reduce pressure drop through the cover, thereby improving the cooling efficiency of the airflow through the cover. The cover includes a diverter sheltering the air inlet to the cover to prevent air in the cover from exerting outward pressure on the incoming air.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly includes a CVT including a drive pulley, a driven pulley, and an endless rotatable device coupled between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the drive pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an angle sensor coupled to the endless rotatable device such that the angle sensor is configured to measure an angular position of the endless rotatable device. The CVT assembly also includes a controller in communication with the actuator and the angle sensor. The controller is programmed to: (a) determine a speed ratio of the CVT based on the angular position of the endless rotatable device; and (b) control the actuator to adjust the clamping force exerted on the drive pulley in response to determining the speed ratio of the CVT.

The continuously variable transmission (CVT) assembly includes a CVT including a drive pulley, a driven pulley, and an endless rotatable device coupled between the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an actuator coupled to the drive pulley. The CVT assembly also includes an angle sensor coupled to the endless rotatable device such that the angle sensor is configured to measure an angular position of the endless rotatable device. The CVT assembly also includes a controller in communication with the actuator and the angle sensor. The controller is programmed to: (a) determine a speed ratio of the CVT based on the angular position of the endless rotatable device; and (b) control the actuator to adjust the clamping force exerted on the drive pulley in response to determining the speed ratio of the CVT.

An electric axle assembly is disclosed. The electric axle assembly includes a common housing with an electric motor, a continuously variable transmission, and a planetary differential. The electric motor includes an output shaft and the continuously variable transmission is connected to the output shaft. The continuously variable transmission includes a drive shaft configured to be variably driven by the output shaft. The planetary differential is connected to the drive shaft, and the planetary differential includes a carrier configured to be driven by the drive shaft and dual sun gears configured to be driven by the carrier. Wheel axles are in independent driving engagement with a respective one of the dual sun gears.