A transmission having a plurality of tilting balls and opposing input and output discs provides an infinite number of speed combinations over its transmission ratio range. The transmission provides multiple powerpaths and can be combined with electrical components to provide motor/generator functionality, which reduces the overall size and complexity of the motor and transmission compared to when they are constructed separately. In one embodiment, rotatable components of a continuously variable transmission are coupled separately to an electrical rotor and to an electrical stator so that the rotor and stator rotate simultaneously in opposite directions relative to one another. In other embodiments, an electrical rotor is configured to transfer torque to or from a disc that is in contact with a plurality of speed adjusters, while an electrical stator is configured to transfer torque to a shaft that is operationally coupled to the speed adjusters via an idler.

The invention relates to a method for achieving a continuously variable transmission. A power transmission is realized by a drive and driven members creating at least one point of a contact between each other. Each of members may be at least one roller pressed against an opposite members surfaces with virtual surfaces. The method consists in adjustment of movement directions between the surfaces and the roller defined by a first movement vector of the surface relative to contact point, a second movement vector of the roller and a third movement vector of rolling direction of the roller, a steering angle and a correction angle. The steering angle is varied in accordance with a desired transmission ratio and lateral/thrust load on the roller while respecting the deformability of the contact points.

The invention relates to a method for achieving a continuously variable transmission. A power transmission is realized by a drive and driven members creating at least one point of a contact between each other. Each of members may be at least one roller pressed against an opposite members surfaces with virtual surfaces. The method consists in adjustment of movement directions between the surfaces and the roller defined by a first movement vector of the surface relative to contact point, a second movement vector of the roller and a third movement vector of rolling direction of the roller, a steering angle and a correction angle. The steering angle is varied in accordance with a desired transmission ratio and lateral/thrust load on the roller while respecting the deformability of the contact points.

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.

A continuously variable transmission includes a cardioid intermediate transmission body having a cardioid curved surface, an outer cycloid transmission body having an outer cycloid curved surface, an inner cycloid transmission body having an inner cycloid curved surface, an outer press unit, an inner press unit, and a cardioid intermediate transmission body inclining unit. The outer press unit presses one of the outer cycloid transmission body and the cardioid intermediate transmission body to the other side. The inner press unit presses the one to the other side. The cardioid intermediate transmission body inclining unit changes respective positions where the cardioid curved surface rolls on and contacts the outer cycloid curved surface and the inner cycloid curved surface.

A continuously variable transmission includes a cardioid intermediate transmission body having a cardioid curved surface, an outer cycloid transmission body having an outer cycloid curved surface, an inner cycloid transmission body having an inner cycloid curved surface, an outer press unit, an inner press unit, and a cardioid intermediate transmission body inclining unit. The outer press unit presses one of the outer cycloid transmission body and the cardioid intermediate transmission body to the other side. The inner press unit presses the one to the other side. The cardioid intermediate transmission body inclining unit changes respective positions where the cardioid curved surface rolls on and contacts the outer cycloid curved surface and the inner cycloid curved surface.

An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow to a variator which responsive to separate high and low pressure fluids to control an output torque thereof. A first trim valve may be responsive to a first control signal to supply a first fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A second trim valve may be responsive to a second control signal to supply a second fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A variator switching sub-system may controllably supply the high pressure fluid and the low pressure fluid to the variator. A multiplex valve may be fluidly coupled to the outlets of the first and second trim valves, and may supply the first fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system during at least one predefined operating condition and may otherwise supply the second fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system.

An apparatus and method are disclosed for controlling fluid flow to a variator which responsive to separate high and low pressure fluids to control an output torque thereof. A first trim valve may be responsive to a first control signal to supply a first fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A second trim valve may be responsive to a second control signal to supply a second fluid at a fluid outlet thereof. A variator switching sub-system may controllably supply the high pressure fluid and the low pressure fluid to the variator. A multiplex valve may be fluidly coupled to the outlets of the first and second trim valves, and may supply the first fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system during at least one predefined operating condition and may otherwise supply the second fluid as the high pressure fluid to the variator switching sub-system.

A transmission is provided. The transmission includes an input portion drivingly engaged with a power source, a planetary gear, a continuously variable variator, and a clutching device. The planetary gear arrangement has a portion drivingly engaged with the input portion. The continuously variable variator includes a portion which is drivingly engaged with at least one of the planetary gear arrangement and the input portion. The clutching device may be selectively drivingly engaged with a portion of the continuously variable variator. The clutching device and the planetary gear arrangement facilitate a transition between at least two operating modes of the continuously variable variator.

A transmission is provided. The transmission includes an input portion drivingly engaged with a power source, a planetary gear, a continuously variable variator, and a clutching device. The planetary gear arrangement has a portion drivingly engaged with the input portion. The continuously variable variator includes a portion which is drivingly engaged with at least one of the planetary gear arrangement and the input portion. The clutching device may be selectively drivingly engaged with a portion of the continuously variable variator. The clutching device and the planetary gear arrangement facilitate a transition between at least two operating modes of the continuously variable variator.