A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Continuously variable planetary gear set

Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of an IVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a carrier member configured to have a number of radially offset slots. Various inventive carrier members and carrier drivers can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of an IVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the carrier members. In one embodiment, the carrier member is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a carrier member is operably coupled to a carrier driver. In some embodiments, the carrier member is configured to couple to a source of rotational power. Among other things, shift control interfaces for an IVT are disclosed.

Infinitely variable transmissions, continuously variable transmissions, methods, assemblies, subassemblies, and components therefor

The transmission controller changes the gear position of the subtransmission mechanism and varies the speed ratio of the variator in an opposite direction to a speed ratio variation direction of the subtransmission mechanism when the actual through speed ratio passes a predetermined mode switch line. When the improvement in the shift response of the continuously variable transmission is determined to be required and the actual through speed ratio passes the mode switch line from a Low side to the High side, the transmission controller increases a shift speed of the subtransmission mechanism compared with a normal coordinated shift.

Continuously variable transmission and control method thereof

An infinitely variable transmission (IVT) having a rotatable input shaft arranged along a longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, the input shaft is adapted to supply a lubricant to the interior of the transmission. In some embodiments, a stator assembly is coupled to, and coaxial with, the input shaft. The IVT has a plurality of planets operably coupled to the stator assembly. The planets are arranged angularly about the longitudinal axis of the transmission. In one embodiment, a traction ring is operably coupled to the planets. The IVT is provided with a housing that is operably coupled to the traction ring. The housing is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. The traction ring is substantially fixed from rotating with the input shaft. In some embodiments, the IVT is provided with a lubricant manifold that is configured to supply a lubricant to the input shaft.

Continuously and/or infinitely variable transmissions and methods therefor

Disclosed here are inventive systems and methods for a powertrain of an electric vehicle (EV). In some embodiments, said powertrain includes a continuously variable transmission (CVT) coupled to an electric drive motor, wherein a control system is configured to control the CVT and/or the drive motor to optimize various efficiencies associated with the EV and/or its subsystems. In one specific embodiment, the control system is configured to operate the EV in an economy mode. Operating in said mode, the control system simultaneously manages the CVT and the drive motor to optimize the range of the EV. The control system can be configured to manage the current provided to the drive motor, as well as adjust a transmission speed ratio of the CVT. Other modes of operation are also disclosed. The control system can be configured to manage the power to the drive motor and adjust the transmission speed ratio of the CVT taking into account battery voltage, throttle position, and transmission speed ratio, for example.

Systems and methods for control of transmission and/or prime mover

Disclosed are methods for regulating or controlling the gear ratio of an automatic power-branched transmission (8), comprising a shaft driven by an engine (2), a variator (12), a wheel gear (14), a driven shaft, and at least two steering clutches (K1, K2), by means of which the variator (12) and the wheel gear (14) can be connected to each other in such a way that the regulating range of the variator (12) is traversed in one direction within a first range of gear ratios and is traversed in the opposite direction within a second range of gear ratios during traversing of the entire range of gear ratios of the power-branched transmission (8). Said gear-changing strategies result in reduced wear of the wrapping means and allow for comfortable changing between the gear ratio ranges. Also disclosed is the structure of advantageous automatic power-branched transmissions (8).

Methods for regulating the gear ratio of an automatic power-branched transmission, and automatic power-branched transmission

The invention relates to a hydraulic device, in particular for actuating a clutch, comprising a hydraulic working cylinder, which is arranged near the clutch and which is connected to a volumetric flow source by means of a hydraulic line. The volumetric flow rate of said volumetric flow source can be influenced by a control unit according to signals of the sensors associated with the hydraulic device. The volumetric flow source is formed by a combination of an electric motor and a pump arranged in a common housing.

Hydraulic device for actuating a clutch

The invention relates to a hydraulic system comprising a multi-flow, especially dual-flow, hydraulic pressure supply unit, such as a pump, by which means a volume flow is supplied to a consumer. The invention is characterised in that a valve arrangement is provided for switching between the individual pump flows and/or for interconnecting the individual pump flows.

Hydraulic system and automatic gearbox

The arrangement comprises a first sliding valve (64) with a control inlet working with the control pressure and a system pressure inlet working with the pressure of the system. There are also two outlet areas, each of them either connected to the control inlet or the system pressure inlet while the other is connected to the complementary device and vice versa, depending on the pressure present at the control inlet. A valve arrangement (66, 68) for a selective operation of the shift cylinders (SZ1, SZ8) is attached to the outlets of the sliding valve (64).

Arrangement for control of several hydraulic shift cylinders and hydraulic supply system for dual clutch operated transmission unit

The invention relates to a hydraulic system for hydraulically controlling and supplying a transmission, in particular a dual clutch transmission, which comprises a first partial transmission and a second partial transmission, which each have a clutch, comprising: - a hydraulic energy source for supplying the hydraulic system with hydraulic energy; - a first hydraulic device for controlling the first partial transmission; - a second hydraulic device for controlling the second partial transmission In order to provide an improved hydraulic system, a respective first control pressure and second control pressure can be set by means of the first hydraulic device and the second hydraulic device, wherein in order to engage gears of the dual clutch transmission, the respective first control pressure and the respective second control pressure can be conducted by means of a first multiplexer valve of the first hydraulic device and by means of a second multiplexer valve of the second hydraulic device to a first double surface piston of the respective hydraulic device or to a second double surface piston of the respective hydraulic device

Eric Müller

Papers

Methods for regulating the gear ratio of an automatic power-branched transmission, and automatic power-branched transmission

Hydraulic device for actuating a clutch

Hydraulic system and automatic gearbox

Arrangement for control of several hydraulic shift cylinders and hydraulic supply system for dual clutch operated transmission unit

Hydraulic system for hydraulically controlling a dual clutch transmission