Dual mode continuously variable transmission having multiple torque input paths

摘要

An automatic transmission for an automotive vehicle includes a continuously variable drive mechanism having one sheave assembly fixed to an input shaft and an output sheave assembly supported on an intermediate shaft. A planetary gearset has a sun gear fixed to the input shaft, and a carrier fixed to an output shaft. A first fixed ratio drive mechanism is in the form of a chain drive providing a torque delivery path between the intermediate shaft and a ring gear of the gearset. A second fixed drive mechanism is 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 is provided for connecting and releasing the output sheave of the variable drive mechanism and sprocket wheel which is fixed to that shaft. A forward brake and reverse brake are provided for holding alternately the ring gears of the gearset, and a clutch for selectively driveably connecting the output of the second fixed drive mechanism to the front drive shaft.