Continuously variable transmission and an infinitely variable transmission variator drive

摘要

A transmission having a variator drive capable of being placed in a continuously variable operating mode or an infinitely variable operating mode, capable of having a wide ratio range, and capable of integrating a clutching capability within the transmission. The variable transmissions can be operated in at least two different operating modes, depending on an engagement status of the clutches therein. Methods of running the variable transmissions and drivelines that incorporate such variable transmissions are provided.

主权项

1. A variable transmission comprising:
an input shaft; an output shaft; a first ring assembly rotatably disposed in a housing selectively drivingly engaged with the input shaft using a clutch, the first ring assembly configured to be prevented from rotating relative to the housing by a grounding clutch and the first ring assembly comprising a first variator ball engagement surface that is in driving engagement with a plurality of variator balls; a variator carrier assembly rotatably disposed in the housing and drivingly engaged with the input shaft using a sun gear on the input shaft, a plurality of planet gears rotatably disposed in the variator carrier assembly, and a fixed ring gear coupled to the housing, the variator carrier assembly comprising an annular arrangement of the plurality of tiltable variator balls each having ball axle shafts; and a second ring assembly rotatably disposed in the housing selectively drivingly engaged with the output shaft, the second ring assembly comprising and a second variator ball engagement surface that is in driving engagement with each of the variator balls; wherein said transmission has an infinitely variable operating mode and a continuously variable operating mode.