Dual mode continuously variable transmission having multiple torque input paths

摘要

An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a continually variable drive mechanism having one sheave assembly fixed to an input shaft and the output sheave assembly supported on an intermediate shaft, a first gearset for producing forward drive low gear and a range of continuously variable gear ratios, a second gearset for producing reverse drive, a first fixed ratio drive mechanism in the form of a chain drive providing a torque delivery path between the intermediate shaft and a ring gear of the first gearset, a second fixed drive mechanism in the form of a chain drive located in a torque delivery path between the output shaft and a front drive shaft, a transfer clutch for connecting and releasing the output sheave of the variable drive mechanism and sprocket wheel fixed to that shaft, a coast brake and forward brake for holding alternately the ring gear of the first gearset, and a reverse brake for holding the carrier of the second gearset.