An automatic transmission for a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes at least two fixed gear ratios, a transmission shaft, a planetary gearbox, a shaft, two shift elements, and a variator. A first side of the variator can be coupled to the transmission shaft for torque transmission and a second side of the variator can be coupled to the planetary gearbox via the shaft in order to adjust the gear ratio.

A drive system includes a first planetary device, a second planetary device and a connecting shaft directly coupled to the first planetary device, a first electromagnetic device at least selectively coupled to the first planetary device and including a first shaft, a second electromagnetic device directly coupled to the second planetary device and including a second shaft, a clutch positioned to selectively rotationally couple the second shaft to the connecting shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the first planetary device. The first planetary device, the second planetary device, the connecting shaft, the first shaft, the second shaft, and the output shaft are radially aligned. The connecting shaft extends through the second planetary device to the first planetary device. The second electromagnetic device is rotationally engaged with the first planetary device when the clutch is engaged.

A drive system for a vehicle includes a first planetary gear set, a second planetary gear set directly coupled to the first planetary gear set, a first electromagnetic device directly coupled to the first planetary gear set and including a first shaft, a second electromagnetic device directly coupled to the second planetary gear set and including a second shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the first planetary gear set. The first shaft and the second shaft are radially aligned with the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set. The output shaft is radially aligned with the first planetary gear set and the second planetary gear set.

Systems and methods for controlling transmissions having CVTs are disclosed with multiple modes and gearing arrangements for range enhancements, where embodiments include synchronous shifting to allow the transmission to achieve a continuous range of transmission ratios, while minimizing empty cycling of the CVT during mode shifts. Embodiments provide for wide ratio range and performance and efficiency flexibility, while maximizing CVT usage through synchronous shifting.

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 hydraulic control device that includes a second solenoid valve that is capable of supplying a resisting pressure that maintains the switching valve in the non-reverse state against the reverse range pressure, wherein the switching valve is maintained in the non-reverse state by supplying the resisting pressure from the second solenoid valve while a travel range is switched to at least a reverse range during forward travel.

A drive system includes a first planetary gear set coupled to a first electromagnetic device, a second planetary gear set coupled to a second electromagnetic device and directly coupled to the first planetary gear set, an engine directly coupled to the first planetary gear set with a connecting shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the first planetary gear set. The first and second electromagnetic devices include a first shaft and a second shaft, respectively. The connecting shaft extends through the second electromagnetic device and through the second planetary gear set to the first planetary gear set. The first shaft, the second shaft, the first planetary gear set, the second planetary gear set, the connecting shaft, and the output shaft are radially aligned, forming a straight-thru transmission arrangement.

A drive system includes a first planetary device at least selectively coupled to a first electromagnetic device, a second planetary device coupled to a second electromagnetic device and directly coupled to the first planetary device, an engine directly coupled to the first planetary device with a connecting shaft, and an output shaft coupled to the first planetary device. The first and second electromagnetic devices include a first shaft and a second shaft, respectively. The connecting shaft extends through the second electromagnetic device and through the second planetary device to the first planetary device. The first shaft, the second shaft, the first planetary device, the second planetary device, the connecting shaft, and the output shaft are radially aligned, forming a straight-thru transmission arrangement.

A transmission includes an input shaft and an output shaft, the input shaft selectively accepting a torque input from a prime mover, and the output shaft selectively providing torque output to a driveline. A controller determines a shaft displacement angle representing an angle value of rotational displacement difference between at least two shafts of the transmission, and performs a transmission operation responsive to the shaft displacement angle.

A drive system is configured to split driving force produced by an engine to a first motor side and an output gear side, and add driving force produced by a second motor that is driven with electric power generated by the first motor, to the driving force delivered from the output gear. A first planetary gear mechanism performs differential operation, using a first input element that receives the driving force produced by the engine, a first reaction-force element coupled to the first motor, and a first output element. A second planetary gear mechanism performs differential operation, using a second input element coupled to the first output element, a second output element coupled to the output gear, and a second reaction-force element. A first clutch mechanism selectively couples the first input element with the second reaction-force element. A first brake mechanism selectively inhibits rotation of the second reaction-force element.