Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission including at least one containment body covering a target disc that is at least one of an input disc and an output disc. The containment body includes a ring that covers an outer peripheral surface of the target disc so as to be spaced apart from the outer peripheral surface of the target disc in a radial direction. A maximum dimension of the ring in an axial direction is larger than a maximum dimension of the outer peripheral surface of the target disc in the axial direction.

Abstract: An input shaft being configured into spline engagement with an input wheel wherein the input wheel slides axially along the input shaft; an output shaft into engagement with the input shaft, and wherein an output wheel is configured to slide axially along said output shaft; a variator wheel being configured to drive the input wheel or output wheel without direct contact; a traction fluid to enable the variator wheel to drive at least one of the input wheel and output wheel without direct contact; a toroidal cavity for containing the traction fluid and form an enveloping toroidal cavity when the input wheel and output wheel are aligned together; and an actuator tier controlling the axial sliding of the input and output wheel on their respective splined shafts.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides power source assemblies aboard a watercraft. The power source assemblies can include: an engine having a crankshaft; a variable ratio drive assembly operably engaged with the crankshaft; and an engine powered accessory operably engaged with the variable ratio drive assembly. The present disclosure also provides methods for distributing power aboard a watercraft from a crankshaft of an engine. The methods can include: using a crankshaft of an engine to drive a variable ratio drive assembly; and using the variable ratio drive assembly to drive an engine accessory over a narrower RPM range while operating the crankshaft over a wider RPM range.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission includes an input rotor, an output rotor, a plurality of planetary rollers, a guide member, a movable ring, and an elastic member. The input rotor is arranged to rotate about a main axis at a rotation rate before a speed change. The output rotor is arranged to rotate about the main axis at a rotation rate resulting from the speed change. The planetary rollers are arranged around the main axis, and each planetary roller is capable of rotating about a rotation shaft. The guide member is arranged to restrict positions of both end portions of the rotation shaft. The movable ring is capable of rotating about the main axis between the main axis and the planetary rollers. The movable ring is annular, and is capable of moving in an axial direction. The elastic member is capable of expanding and contracting in the axial direction. Each planetary roller includes a first slanting surface, a second slanting surface, and an annular recessed portion or annular projecting portion.

Abstract: The invention provides design modifications to increase the power density of a reversible variable transmission system for vehicles such as cars, buses, trucks, off-road vehicles, lift trucks, telescopic boom handlers and the like. The transmission can also be used in systems such as windmills etc. and other industrial applications that require power to be transferred at variable speeds.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are power transmissions having one or more operational modes, for example, a continuously variable transmission (CVT) mode, an infinitely variable transmission (IVT) mode, and an IVT/CVT mode, that can be selected for by engaging different clutches and brakes. Disclosed herein are power transmissions comprising a power input shaft, one or more planetary gear sets, a variator (such as a CVT), and one or more clutches and brakes. In some embodiments, a first brake selects an IVT mode, a second brake selects a CVT mode, and a third brake selects an IVT/CVT mode.

Abstract: The invention concerns an electronic controller for a continuously variable transmission of the type having a variator (10) with a rotary variator input (17) coupled to a first variator race (14a) and a rotary variator output (29) coupled to a second variator race (16a). At least one roller (20) runs upon the said races to transfer drive from one to the other. The roller is movable to steplessly vary the variator ratio. The variator further comprises at least one hydraulic actuator (36), (38) which acts upon the roller and through which net torque acting on the variator races is referred via the roller to the variator's casing. A hydraulic arrangement is provided for applying to the actuator at least one hydraulic control pressure which determines force applied’ by the actuator and thus determines the reaction torque. The variator is coupled between a rotary transmission input (17) and a rotary transmission output (714) such that the transmission ratio is a function of the variator ratio.

Abstract: A multi-regime continuously variable ratio transmission has a transmission input shaft, a transmission output shaft, and a ratio varying unit having a rotating input and a rotating output, the rotational axes of the input and the output being coaxial. A shunt having first and second epicyclic gear sets is connected across the ratio varying unit. One gear set has an input driven by the input shaft and an input driven by one side of the ratio varying unit and the other gear set has an input from the first gear set and an input from one side of the ratio varying unit. The gear sets rotate about a common axis and are offset with respect to, and parallel to, the rotational axes of the input and output of the ratio varying unit. A clutch is operable to selectively connect the output of the second gear set to the output shaft.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for infinitely variable transmissions (IVT) having a variator provided with a plurality of tilting spherical planets. In one embodiment, a variator is provided with multiple planet arrays. In another embodiment, a hydraulic system is configured to control the transmission ratio of the IVT. Various inventive idler assemblies and planet-pivot arm assemblies can be used to facilitate adjusting the transmission speed ratio of an IVT. Embodiments of a transmission housing and bell housing are adapted to house components of an IVT and, in some embodiments, to cooperate with other components of the IVT to support operation and/or functionality of the IVT. Various related devices include embodiments of, for example, a control feedback mechanism, axial force generation and management mechanisms, a control valve integral with an input shaft, and a rotatable carrier configured to support planet-pivot arm assemblies.

Abstract: A transmission comprises a toroidal variator having first and second spaced-apart drive discs (12, 14) defining a toroidal cavity about a rotational axis (x-x), a transmission input (22) arranged to drive the first and second drive discs (12, 14) in opposite directions and supported on pivotal mountings between the drive discs (12, 14), one or more rollers (18, 20) arranged to contact the said drive discs (12, 14) and be driven thereby, wherein the transmission output (44) is driven by orbiting of the pivotal mountings around the rotational axis of the variator.

Abstract: A multi-regime continuously variable ratio transmission has a transmission input shaft, a transmission output shaft, and a ratio varying unit having a rotating input and a rotating output, the rotational axes of the input and the output being coaxial. A shunt having first and second epicyclic gear sets is connected across the ratio varying unit. One gear set has an input driven by the input shaft and an input driven by one side of the ratio varying unit and the other gear set has an input from the first gear set and an input from one side of the ratio varying unit. The gear sets rotate about a common axis and are offset with respect to, and parallel to, the rotational axes of the input and output of the ratio varying unit. A clutch is operable to selectively connect the output of the second gear set to the output shaft.

Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission comprising: an input shaft which is rotated by a drive source; an output shaft which takes out a driving force attributing the rotation of the input shaft; and a variator and a planet gear mechanism which are arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft, the variator having a clutch which provides a first mode in which a driving force circulation is carried out, and a second mode in which the driving force circulation is not carried out, the speed of a first driving force transmitting system which is inputted to the planet gear mechanism through the variator and the speed of a second driving force transmitting system which is inputted to the planet gear mechanism directly, not through the variator are detected with first and second speed detecting sensors, and, upon detection of the substantial coincidence in the ratio of speed of the first and second driving force transmitting shafts, the mode switching operation is carried out with the clutches.

Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission for use with a vehicle comprising an actuator for continuously varying a speed change ratio, a target speed change ratio is set according to the vehicle running conditions and a real speed change ratio of the transmission is detected. A proportional value which is directly proportional to a difference between the target speed change ratio and real speed change ratio, and an integral value of the difference therebetween, are calculated. When the integral value is not within a preset range, the integral value is corrected to a value within the range, and the actuator is driven based on the sum total of the proportional value and the corrected integral value. In this way, a command exceeding the response capability of the actuator is prevented from being output to the actuator, and overshoot of the speed change ratio is prevented.

Abstract: In a continuously variable transmission comprising: an input shaft which is rotated by a drive source; an output shaft which takes out a driving force attributing the rotation of the input shaft; and a variator and a planet gear mechanism which are arranged between the input shaft and the output shaft, the variator having a clutch which provides a first mode in which a driving force circulation is carried out, and a second mode in which the driving force circulation is not carried out, the speed of a first driving force transmitting system which is inputted to the planet gear mechanism through the variator and the speed of a second driving force transmitting system which is inputted to the planet gear mechanism directly, not through the variator are detected with first and second speed detecting sensors, and, upon detection of the substantial coincidence in the ratio of speed of the first and second driving force transmitting shafts, the mode switching operation is carried out with the clutches.

Abstract: Principal components of an automobile driving system for a two-wheel drive vehicle including a torque converter, a belt-type variable-speed transmission, a front differential gear, a transmission case containing these components, a front drive shaft included in a transfer unit, a double-pinion planetary gear, a fixed shaft, a first friction coupling element and a second friction coupling element can be used as the principal components of an automobile driving system for a four-wheel drive vehicle. The automobile driving system for a four-wheel drive vehicle can be constructed by additionally incorporating third, fourth and fifth friction coupling elements, a rear differential gear and a power transmitting mechanism for transmitting power to the rear differential gear into the automobile driving system for a two-wheel drive vehicle.

Abstract: A continuously variable traction roller transmission includes a safety wire for intersectionally interconnecting first ends of trunnions and for securing simultaneousness and equiphase of inclined rotation of traction rollers about oscillation axes thereof, links for connecting the trunnions, and a link support connected to a transmission casing so as to support the links at a center thereof so that the trunnions make synchronous strokes in the opposite directions along the oscillation axes of the traction rollers. The link support has an end located near the safety wire and formed with a recess to obtain a bifurcated form having leg portions fixed to the casing. The safety wire has an intersection located within the recess.

Abstract: A shift control system for a troidal continuously variable transmission, which serves to return power rollers to an initial position by returning a shift control valve to a neutral position through feedback of a power roller tilting angle to the shift control valve via a mechanical feedback system, comprises an electronic feedback system for feeding back, for calculation of a shift command value, a deviation of a speed ratio from a target speed ratio corresponding to a target tilting angle in accordance with a predetermined gain, and a mechanical feedback function cancellation system for canceling, for calculation of the shift command value, the function of the mechanical feedback system through electronic feedback of the power roller tilting angle as detected in accordance with a gain equivalent to that of the mechanical feedback system.

Abstract: A shift control system for a troidal continuously variable transmission comprises an electronic system for calculating a shift command value, a first electronic feedback system for feeding back a first physical quantity indicative of the tilting angle of power rollers, and a second electronic feedback system for feeding back a second physical quantity indicative of a speed of change of the tilting angle of the power rollers, the electronic system calculating the shift command value in accordance with the first and second physical quantities.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission in which a transmission unit provides a variable speed ratio between an input member (2) and an output member (3). The output member drives an output transmission member (11) by way of a power recirculation system (7-10) in a first regime of the transmission, through a selectable transmission path (30-34) providing a fixed ratio drive from the input member to the output transmission member, and having a selectable regime which provides a transmission path (19-23) from the output member to the output transmission member. The transmission is arranged so that only a clutching operation is required to effect a synchronous changeover between regimes.

Abstract: The drive hub for a vehicle, particularly a bicycle, comprises a hub axle 1, a hub sleeve 9 adapted to rotate in relation to the hub axle 1 and a driver 13 mounted to rotate on the hub axle 1. The driver 13 drives the hub sleeve 9 through a friction gear 17 of which the first toroidal disc 25 is rotationally rigidly connected to the hub axle 1, of which the second toroidal disc 27 is connected to the driver 13 via a ratchet free wheel coupling 23 and drives the friction wheel carrier 43 which is provided with a plurality of friction wheels 35 and which is, in force-locking manner, connected to the hub sleeve 9 via an expanding coupling 20. The infinitely adjustable transmission ratio of the friction gear 17 is controlled from within the hub axle 1 via a linkage 53 which, via a coupling ring 47, entrains the pivotally mounted lever 39c of the pivot frames of the friction wheels 35.

Abstract: A rotatable disc (1, 3) formed with a coaxial part-toroidal race (26, 27) for use as the input or output disc of the variator for a transmission--especially of the full toroidal kind--of the toroidal-race rolling-traction type, in which the torus radius (r.sub.d) of the race, that is to say the radius of curvature of the race measured at a chose point on the race and in a plane including the disc axis, decreases as the distance of that point from the disc axis (5) diminishes. Such decrease of the torus radius may be either continuous or discontinuous.

Abstract: A power transmission system for a vehicle has a first power transmission path having a forward-reverse shift mechanism and a reduction gear, a second power transmission path having an infinitely variable gear, and a path switching mechanism which switches the power transmission path between the first and second power transmission paths according to the running condition of the vehicle. The infinitely variable gear is a toroidal speed change mechanism having an output disk fixed to the output shaft of the power transmission system, an input disk which can be displaced in the axial direction of the output shaft and a roller which is in contact with both the input and output disks to rotate about an axis in response to rotation of the input disk and transmit rotation of the input disk to the output disk, the transmission ratio of the toroidal speed change mechanism being changed by changing the inclination of the axis about which the roller rotates.

Abstract: In an axial loading cam arrangement wherein two axial thrust members are supported opposite one another so as to be rotatable relative to one another at least one of the thrust members has a plurality of concentric annular races with annular cam structures formed thereon opposite the other thrust member and in radial symmetry and a plurality of rollers are disposed between the thrust members on said races for generating axial forces on said thrust members upon relative rotational movement thereof. The arrangement is particularly intended for use in a toroidal traction roller transmission wherein the traction rollers are forced into firm engagement with the traction discs between which they are disposed when a torque is transmitted through the transmission.

Abstract: A transmission system includes at least two continuously variable transmission units of a toroidal or V-belt type, arranged in parallel with each other between a common driving member and a common driven member, so as to provide parallel equal drive paths. Both units are coupled with each other so that operating conditions are equal, and connected with a single common control valve which is designed to control shift actuators of both units equally.

Abstract: The driving hub for a vehicle, in particular a bicycle, comprises a hub shaft (1), a hub sleeve (9) which is rotatable relative to the hub shaft (1) and a driver (13) rotatably mounted on the hub shaft (1). The driver (13) drives the hub sleeve (9) via a friction gear (17) of which the first toroidal disc (25) rests rigidly on the hub shaft (1), the friction wheel carrier (45) provided with several friction wheels (35) can be driven by the driver (13) and the second toroidal disc (27) is connected via a planetary gear (21) and an overrunning clutch (23) following the planetary gear (21) to the hub sleeve (9). The smoothly adjustable step-up ratio of the friction gear (17) is controlled from the interior of the hub shaft (1) via a rod (53) which entrains the pivotally mounted spindle (37) of the friction wheels (35) via a clutch ring ( 47).

Abstract: A transverse axis infinitely variable transmission of the traction type which uses a planetary reduction principle whereby the highest input/output speed ratio is achieved as the contact radii of the elements approach similarity. All the traction elements of the present invention operate at virtually the same high surface speed whereby the minimum relative tangential force, transmitted through the traction contacts, will generate the maximum torque through the transmission. The present invention includes a spider which rotates with the main shaft about the first axis of the transmission. Compound-plants are rotatably supported by spindles which radiate outwardly from the spider hub. The axis of rotation of the compound-planets is transverse to the first axis, thereby insuring that the maximum number of traction elements of the same approximate size are incorporated into the smallest possible envelope. A first surface of each of the compound-planets is engaged with a non-rotating reaction member.

Abstract: An input shaft of a toroidal-type infinitely variable transmission is supported at opposite ends by respective bearings which are secured to a housing, and input and output disks and power rollers are mounted at an intermediate portion of the input shaft. The input shaft has a flange at one end which is connected to an engine, and a pressure adjusting Belleville washer is interposed between the inner end face of the flange and the outer end face of the bearing to bias the input shaft in the direction of the engine so that a predetermined pressing force is applied to the input and output disks and the power rollers during a period in which a small input torque is transmitted to the input shaft. As the input torque increases, the input shaft is moved axially together with a loading cam against the spring force of the Belleville washer, and the inner end face of the flange and the outer end face of the bearing directly abut each other so that a required reaction force is obtained.

Abstract: A continuously variable differential (10) uses a continuously variable transmission (50) that is rotated by drive torque and controlled to vary the speed ratio between its outputs. These, which previously transmitted power through the transmission, are connected with a pair of drive shafts such as opposed drive axles (17 and 18) that rotate with the transmission under drive power. Differentiation between the shafts transmits through the transmission via variable speed ratios that control the moment arms, mechanical advantages, and torque bias ratios. This arrangement allows the torque to be distributed according to sensed vehicle conditions. It can apply more torque to a wheel retaining traction when its opposite wheel slips, and it can apply a larger portion of the torque to wheels bearing more weight or to a faster rotating wheel on an outside of a curve.