Abstract: In a transmission (2) for a motor vehicle with a main transmission part (22) which possesses a plurality of gear steps and wherein, between each step a step-jump in the gear ratio is provided, and with a split transmission part (40) for the separation of the step-jumps of the gear steps of the main transmission part (22) and with an area group transmission part (10) for the extension of the over-all gear ratio of the gear steps of the main transmission part 22 with a slow and a rapid gear ratio area, the average gear step-jump of the upper gear steps is approximately at least 0.7% less than the geometric step-jump calculated theoretically from the total gear ratio.

Abstract: A CVT transmission for agricultural tractors which envisages equipment for continuous variation of the motion by means of an epicyclic gear train. In the CVT transmission the input of the motion from an engine occurs in a direction substantially that is parallel to an axis of longitudinal symmetry of the tractor, whilst the axes of a shafts, respectively, between which there takes place variation of the transmission ratio, are transverse with respect to the axis of longitudinal symmetry of the tractor.

Abstract: A motor vehicle transmission includes a toroidal variable-speed drive unit. The drive unit includes at least an input shaft, a hollow shaft, two driving discs, and a driven disc. The two driving discs are connected fixedly in terms of rotation to one another with the input shaft. The driven disc is connected fixedly in terms of rotation to the hollow shaft arranged concentrically to the input shaft. The hollow shaft is supported axially, at least in one direction, with respect to a transmission case by a bearing.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission is provided that includes an input shaft, a countershaft, and an output shaft. A plurality of clutches and gears are operatively disposed on the input shaft, countershaft, and output shaft. At least one of the clutches disposed on the input shaft is identical to at least one of the clutches disposed on the countershaft and to at least one of the clutches disposed on the output shaft.

Abstract: A transmission for a vehicle mainly includes a main transmission (M) and a differential gear mechanism (20). The main transmission has at least two rotating elements (11, 12; 13, 14) each set to a different gear ratio, and the differential gear mechanism has at least three elements (21, 22, 23). There are provided first input means (C-1, C-2) which selectively inputs an input rotation to two rotating elements of the main transmission, and second input means (1, 2, C-3; 1, 2, 4) which connects the two rotating elements to two elements (21, 22) of the differential gear mechanism and inputs the input rotation to the other at least one element (23).

Abstract: In a final control element for superimposed steering engagement of a vehicle steering system with a superposition gear (12) that has two input shafts (13, 14) and one output shaft (15), in order to attain a radial freedom from play, the superposition gear (12) is provided with a two-stage, modified planetary gear (25), which has a planet carrier (30), at least one stepped planet (31) that comprises two axially aligned planet wheels (311, 312) connected to one another in a manner fixed against relative rotation, and two sun wheels (32, 33); the first input shaft (13) is connected to one sun wheel (32), and the output shaft (15) is connected to the other sun wheel (33), in each case in a manner fixed against relative rotation, while the planet carrier (30) is drivable via the second input shaft (14), and means are provided for suppressing a tooth flank play that occurs between the at least stepped planet (31) and the sun wheels (32, 33).

Abstract: The trunnion (23) of a vehicle toroidal continuously variable transmission is displaced by a step motor (52) via a control valve (56) and oil pressure servo cylinder (50) in order to vary a speed ratio of the transmission. A controller (80) calculates a target value (z*) of a control variable (z) based on an accelerator pedal depression amount (APS) and output disk rotation speed (&ohgr;co) (S5). Further, a time-variant coefficient (f) showing the relation between the trunnion displacement (y) and variation rate ({dot over (&phgr;)}) of the gyration angle (&phgr;) of the power roller, is calculated (S10). The error between the speed change response of the transmission and a target linear characteristic can be decreased by determining a command value (u) to the step motor (52) under a control gain determined based on a time differential ({dot over (f)}) of the coefficient (f) (S20).

Abstract: A countershaft transmission includes an input member drivingly connected to a power source and at least one directional clutch assembly structured and arranged to be selectively engageable with the input member. At least one speed clutch assembly is structured and arranged to be selectively engageable with the at least one directional clutch assembly. A dual range assembly is structured and arranged to be selectively engageable with the at least one speed clutch assembly. An output member is selectively engageable with the dual range assembly wherein a rotational speed of the input member is transformed to one of a high range speed or a low range speed of the output member through the dual range assembly.

Abstract: A transmission assembly with an infinitely variable transmission component and a constant transmission component wherein the components are designed as modular units. The variable transmission module forms a self-contained functional transmission unit with a variable transmission housing, open on at least one side where it contains a flange. Within the flange area extends at least one infinitely variable output shaft of the variable transmission module. The flange allows the attachment of one constant transmission module of a plurality of modules of different power categories as desired.

Abstract: A three-speed transfer case is disclosed to provide a direct drive connection between the input shaft and the output shafts, a low-range drive connection and an ultra low-range drive connection. The ability to choose between the distinct speed ratio drive connections permits the vehicle operator to best match the road conditions or off-road terrain to the tractive requirements of the motor vehicle.

Abstract: A transmission for use with a power source and a load includes a primary sun gear adapted to be coupled to the power source, a hydrostatic power unit including a pump coupled to a motor, a ring gear driven by the motor, a secondary sun gear coupled to a first output shaft, a compound planetary gear carrier coupled to a second output shaft and a compound planetary gear carried by the compound planetary gear carrier and in engagement with the ring gear and the secondary sun gear. The first output shaft and the second output shaft are adapted to be selectively coupled to the load.

Abstract: When conducting power-on shift by a clutch-to-clutch in an automatic transmission, friction control is unstable, and theoretically, torque transition is impossible when gear is downshifted. Also, so-called skip shift, i.e., the transmission between the transmission gears on the same clutch shaft cannot be done. Conducting active transmission by means of a motor enables up-shift and/or down-shift and also a torque transit transmission, as well as, enables the skip shift, as a practical application thereof. The torque of a first input shaft is transferred to a second input shaft, contemporarily, by means the motor, and during this, gears of the first input shaft are exchanged.

Abstract: A continuously variable hydro-mechanical transmission. The transmission includes a transmission housing and a hydrostatic power unit associated with the housing. The hydrostatic power unit includes a pump coupled to a motor with the hydrostatic power unit coupled to a first input shaft and a first output shaft. The hydrostatic power unit is selectively coupled to a synchronous lockup clutch with the first output shaft, wherein a hydrostatic input speed range is selected. A compound planetary gear unit is mounted in the housing with the compound planetary gear unit including a second input shaft, a third input shaft, a fourth input shaft and a second output shaft. The compound planetary gear unit is selectively coupled to the load, selectively coupled to the hydrostatic power unit and coupled to the power source.

Abstract: In a transmission (2) for a motor vehicle with a main transmission part (22) which possesses a plurality of gear steps and wherein, between each step a step-jump in the gear ratio is provided, and with a split transmission part (40) for the separation of the step-jumps of the gear steps of the main transmission part (22) and with an area group transmission part (10) for the extension of the over-all gear ratio of the gear steps of the main transmission part 22 with a slow and a rapid gear ratio area, the average gear step-jump of the upper gear steps is approximately at least 0.7% less than the geometric step-jump calculated theoretically from the total gear ratio.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission is provided that includes an input shaft, a countershaft, and an output shaft. A plurality of clutches and gears are operatively disposed on the input shaft, countershaft, and output shaft. At least one of the clutches disposed on the input shaft is identical to at least one of the clutches disposed on the countershaft and to at least one of the clutches disposed on the output shaft.

Abstract: An electromechanical transmission for use with a motor vehicle having an internal combustion engine includes a planetary gear assembly, an electric drive, a changeover gear assembly, and a driven shaft. A planetary gear assembly includes an input shaft and first and second output shafts, wherein the input shaft is coupled to a crankshaft of the internal combustion engine. The electric drive includes first and second rotors connected to two of the input shaft and two output shafts of the planetary gear assembly, respectively. A changeover gear assembly includes first and second gear shafts connected to the two output shafts of the planetary gear, respectively. The changeover gear assembly also includes a first gear wheel pair rotatably mounted to the first gear shaft and a second gear wheel pair rotatably mounted to the second gear shaft. The changeover gear assembly further includes a shifting mechanism operatively associated with each gear shaft and the corresponding gear wheel pair.

Abstract: An engine is connected to a sun gear of a planetary gear train via a toroidal type continuously variable transmission. Driven wheels of a vehicle are connected to a ring gear of the planetary gear train. The sun gear and the ring gear are connected to each other by a first clutch. A shifter can connect a second clutch connected to the engine either to a carrier of the planetary gear train or the driven wheels. When the vehicle is started when a failure of the electronic central system has occurred, by engaging the first and second clutches with predetermined engagement forces while the second clutch is connected to the carrier by the shifter, change of the ratio of the toroidal type continuously variable transmission beyond either the LOW ratio or the OD ratio is prevented so as to avoid generating an excessive load.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission system, especially for use in a motorized vehicle. More particularly, the present invention discloses the use of a flywheel for assisting an engine in speeding up when acceleration is requested. The flywheel (135) is coupled to an epicyclic gearing (G) having three rotational members (41, 42, 43); this epicyclic gearing (G) is further coupled to a load (L) and to an engine (E), in parallel to a transmission unit (MT; CVT).

Abstract: A simple arrangement (60) for lubricating a countershaft brake (58). A countershaft brake (58) is attached to an end of a countershaft (12) of a transmission (2), and a counter gear (16) is mounted on the countershaft (12) near the countershaft brake (58). An oil pool (62) is formed in a transmission housing (61) to immerse at least part of the gear (16) when the counter gear (16) is not rotating. A plate member (63) extends over the oil pool (62) for obstructing oil splashed up by rotations of the counter gear (16). An oil passage (64) is formed for introducing the oil obstructed by the plate member (63) to the countershaft brake (58).

Abstract: In one embodiment, a continuously variable speed power transmission includes a rotatable input member, a rotatable output member including a plurality of rearwardly directed output face cams thereon. A reaction control rotor mounted for selective rotation about the input axis includes a plurality of forwardly directed reaction face cams thereon in opposition to the output face cams on the output member. A pericyclic motion converter rotatably mounted for nutational motion about the input axis includes a plurality of load transmitting follower members thereon simultaneously engageable with the output face cams and with the reaction face cams.

Abstract: The ATV transmission includes an epicyclic arrangement, which serves as a drive-differential. One road wheel is geared to the planet-carrier or spider, and the other to the ring gear, while the engine drives the sun. An idler-gear between the ring and its road wheel means that the ring and the spider rotate in opposite senses, whereby a large gear ratio between the sun and the road wheels can be provided. Steering of the vehicle is provided, by driving the road wheels at different speeds. This is accomplished using a steer-differential, which is identical to the drive-differential; rotating the sun of the steer-differential imposes a corresponding differential speed on the road wheels.

Abstract: A first clutch (2) is connected to an engine (1) of a hybrid vehicle. A motor/generator (6) is connected to an output shaft (4) of the first clutch (2) through a planetary gear set (3). A second clutch (10) is provided which connects an input shaft (5) of an automatic transmission (7) to the output shaft (4) so as to move the vehicle forward, and which connects the input shaft (5) to the motor/generator (6) so as to move the vehicle rearward. The second clutch (10) preferably comprises a dog clutch. When the vehicle commences forward motion, the torque of the motor/generator which is input to the automatic transmission (7) can be increased since the planetary gear set (3) decreases the rotation speed of the motor/generator (6) and transmits it to the output shaft (4).

Abstract: In a change-speed gearbox with gear wheel clutches without synchronizing elements, a synchronizing gear mechanism is provided to accelerate or decelerate the input shaft to the respective synchronous speed of the new gear.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system of structural shapes to build a line of products having gears of different total ratio or a different number of ratio steps. Transmissions (2) of vehicles consisting of three successively disposed partial gears (10, 22 40), a main gear part (22), a multi-gear split gear part (40) and a multi-gear group transmission (10) have for the split gear part (40) and the group transmission part (10) and the gear steps of each main gear part (22) in all structural shapes on all gear wheels (28, 32, 36) the same number of teeth with at least those gear wheel pairs (28-52-54, 32-50, 36-48) corresponding to the gear wheel pairs of the structural shape of the transmission (2) having the least number of gear steps.

Abstract: A multiple plate clutch device is provided to conserve space. In a reverse hydraulic brake device 7, a plurality of teeth 35 is formed next to one another in a circumferential direction in an inner peripheral surface portion 31 of a transmission case 21. A plurality of first brake plates 24 includes engagement teeth 41, 42. The engagement teeth 41, 42 engage the plurality of teeth 35 on the inner peripheral surface portion 31 such that the plurality of first brake plates 24 is axially movable and non-rotatable relative to the inner peripheral surface 31. A plurality of second brake plates 25 is disposed to alternate axially with the plurality of first brake plates 24. A piston 22 pushes the plates 24 and 25. Return springs 28 are disposed within deep grooves 37 that are between the teeth 35 and the inner peripheral surface portion 31. The return springs 28 urge the first plate 29 that is closest the piston 22 towards the piston 22.

Abstract: A compact manual transaxle includes an input shaft having a fixed transfer gear, a reduction shaft having two reduction gears, one of which meshing with the transfer gear, a mainshaft having three input gears and an output shaft supporting three speed gears meshing with the three input gears. The transaxle further includes a pair of synchronizer clutches for establishing a direct and a reduction gearset flow path, and a pair of synchronizer clutches for establishing the forward gear speed ratios by selectively coupling the three speed gears to the output shaft. A reverse gear assembly is provided for establishing a reverse gear. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively inhibiting rotation of a carrier assembly of the reverse gear assembly so as to cause the output to be driven in an opposite direction relative to the input for providing a reverse gear.

Abstract: A clutch apparatus includes a torque cam mechanism and a clutch actuator for compressing a clutch disc pack for clutch engagement through the torque cam mechanism. The clutch actuator includes a first fluid chamber for pushing the torque cam mechanism from a first position for all-time clutch disengagement, to a second position toward the clutch disc pack, and a second fluid chamber for pushing the torque cam mechanism from the second position to a third position for all-time clutch engagement toward the clutch disc pack. At the second position, the torque cam mechanism functions as a one-way clutch by extending axially in response to relative rotation between both sides in one rotational direction.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission system includes a planetary gear arrangement that replaces the conventional clutch and range gear box. The planetary gear arrangement integrates the functions of a clutch and a range gear box while automating portions of the necessary operation of a manual transmission. The planetary gear arrangement preferably includes an automated actuator that selectively engages different portions of the planetary gear arrangement to provide at least two gear reduction ratios between an engine output member and the transmission main gear box. The automated actuator preferably moves the planetary gear arrangement between a first operative position for a first gear reduction ratio is provided, a second operative position where a second gear reduction ratio is provided and third operative position where the transmission input shaft, which preferably rotates in unison with a rotating engine output member, is uncoupled from the transmission output shaft.

Abstract: A gearbox, in particular for motor vehicles, has an input shaft and an output shaft, as well as a first torque-transmitting device which is arranged between input and output shafts, makes possible various transmission ratios and, in one mode of operation, totally interrupts force transmission from the input shaft to the output shaft. The object of the invention is to provide a cost-effective gearbox with an automatic mode which can transmit high torques and avoid a total load interruption during gear shifts or changes in transmission ratio. This object is attained in the above-mentioned gearbox in that a second torque-transmitting device is arranged parallel to the first device between input and output shafts and transmits, unlike the first device, a selectable torque which is continuously variable from near zero to its maximum possible value.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a transmission system, especially for use in a motorized vehicle. More particularly, the present invention discloses the use of a flywheel for assisting an engine in speeding up when acceleration is requested. The flywheel (135) is coupled to an epicyclic gearing (G) having three rotational members (41, 42, 43); this epicyclic gearing (G) is further coupled to a load (L) and to an engine (E), in parallel to a transmission unit (MT; CVT).

Abstract: A transmission assembly with an infinitely variable transmission component and a constant transmission component wherein the components are designed as modular units. The variable transmission module forms a self-contained functional transmission unit with a variable transmission housing, open on at least one side where it contains a flange. Within the flange area extends at least one infinitely variable output shaft of the variable transmission module. The flange allows the attachment of one constant transmission module of a plurality of modules of different power categories as desired.

Abstract: A powertrain having an engine and a continuously variable transmission provides a continuously variable drive ratio between the engine and the transmission output. The transmission includes a continuously variable unit (CVU) and a planetary gear arrangement. The CVU is of the traction type. The planetary gear arrangement has a compound planetary gear set, two simple planetary gear sets, and two torque transmitting mechanisms. The compound gear set is disposed adjacent the CVU and has members connected with the input and the output of the CVU. The two simple planetary gear sets are disposed axially between the compound planetary gear set and transmission output shaft. The sun gear member of the compound planetary gear set is rotatably supported on a single shaft that passes axially therethrough and transmits power from the engine to the carrier assembly member of the compound planetary gear set and one input member of the CVU.

Abstract: Between a water pump 3 and an electric motor 1, there is interposed a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission 2. By changing the gear change ratio of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission 2, the water supply quantity can be changed while the electric motor 1 is being operated at a constant speed.

Abstract: A compact manual transaxle includes an input shaft having a fixed transfer gear, a reduction shaft having two reduction gears, one of which meshing with the transfer gear, a mainshaft having three input gears and an output shaft supporting three speed gears meshing with the three input gears. The transaxle further includes a pair of synchronizer clutches for establishing a direct and a reduction gearset flow path, and a pair of synchronizer clutches for establishing the forward gear speed ratios by selectively coupling the three speed gears to the output shaft. A reverse gear assembly is provided for establishing a reverse gear. A locking mechanism is provided for selectively inhibiting rotation of a carrier assembly of the reverse gear assembly so as to cause the output to be driven in an opposite direction relative to the input for providing a reverse gear.

Abstract: In a transmission which transmits a power from an electrical motor 1 to a countershaft 30 with a speed change, a drive side rotating member which is coupled to a main shaft 10 experiences a rotational change along with the main shaft 10 when a shift from a first speed ratio to a second speed ratio is executed, and an intermediate rotating member experiences a rotational change in a direction opposite to that of the drive side rotating member when the shift is executed. In this transmission, the ratio of the rotational inertia of the drive side rotating member to the rotational inertia of the intermediate rotating member equals the reciprocal of the ratio of the rotational change of the drive source to the rotational change of the intermediate rotating member, the rotational changes being experienced during the shift.

Abstract: A three-way clutch unit (9) comprising a forward clutch (91), second clutch (92) and forward one way clutch (93) which sets a power recirculation mode, a high clutch (10) which sets a direct mode, and a mode change-over valve (175) which supplies an oil pressure to one of the high clutch (10) and second clutch (92), are provided.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission mechanism is mounted on a transmission input shaft coaxially therewith and joined thereto, and a first power transmission mechanism is provided between the input shaft and a transmission countershaft. A single-pinion type planetary gear mechanism is mounted on a transmission output shaft coaxially therewith, and a second power transmission mechanism is provided between driven discs of the continuously variable transmission mechanism and planetary gear mechanism. A torque-split clutch for engaging and disengaging a carrier of the planetary gear mechanism and countershaft with and from each other, a reversing brake for fixedly holding the carrier, and a starting clutch for engaging and disengaging a sun gear and output shaft with and from each other. A driving gear, which is held firmly between the driven discs, and a driven gear form the second power transmission mechanism, and a ring gear is joined to the output shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle-behavior control apparatus for the vehicle with a sub-transmission comprising of a control unit. This control unit is adapted to be connected to an engine system and vehicle status sensors, and directs the engine system to suppress a traction in response to spin or driftout moment determined from any outputs of the vehicle status sensors. The control unit limits the suppression of the traction when a position sensor of the sub-transmission indicates that the sub-transmission is at a lower speed range.

Abstract: A first clutch (2) is connected to an engine (1) of a hybrid vehicle. A motor/generator (6) is connected to an output shaft (4) of the first clutch (2) through a planetary gear set (3). A second clutch (10) is provided which connects an input shaft (5) of an automatic transmission (7) to the output shaft (4) so as to move the vehicle forward, and which connects the input shaft (5) to the motor/generator (6) so as to move the vehicle rearward. The second clutch (10) preferably comprises a dog clutch. When the vehicle commences forward motion, the torque of the motor/generator which is input to the automatic transmission (7) can be increased since the planetary gear set (3) decreases the rotation speed of the motor/generator (6) and transmits it to the output shaft (4).

Abstract: A multiple-ratio transmission with planetary gearing and a friction clutch and brake for controlling relative motion of the gearing to establish multiple driving ratios between an internal combustion engine and vehicle traction wheels, the clutch and brake include a forward drive clutch and a reverse drive clutch for establishing torque flow paths through the gearing. The forward drive clutch establishes a torque flow path through the gearing from the engine through a torque output element of the transmission during vehicle startup in forward drive range, and the reverse clutch establishes a corresponding torque flow path during startup in reverse. A mechanical connection between the torque input shaft of the gearing and the crankshaft is characterized by minimal rotating mass, thereby reducing the inertia of rotating mass of the elements of the transmission.

Abstract: The invention relates to a transmission in which the input power is either directly transmitted by an input shaft (2) to an output shaft (17) or indirectly transmitted via a continuously variable transmission (5), in particular a transmission with toroidal races (6, 8 and 7, 9 respectively) which work together in pairs and between which rotate rolling bodies (10) and a planetary gear (18). According to the invention the first power range corresponds to a first forward travelling speed range in which the input power is transmitted via the variator (5) to the output shaft (17) and the planetary gear (18) revolves as a unit, and one other power range follows the first power range and corresponds to a range of higher forward travelling speeds in which the input power is divided and supplied to the planetary gear directly and via the variator (5) which totals and transmits it to the output shaft (17).

Abstract: An integrated system for automatically controlling the operation of both an automated mechanical transmission and a multiple speed axle assembly in a vehicle drive train assembly includes a transmission actuator for operating the transmission in any one of a plurality of transmission gear ratios. The system further includes an axle actuator for operating the axle assembly in any one of a plurality of axle gear ratios. An electronic controller is provided for operating the transmission in a desired one of the plurality of transmission gear ratios and for operating the axle assembly in a desired one of the plurality of axle gear ratios to provide a desired overall gear ratio for the vehicle. To accomplish this, the electronic controller is responsive to one or more input signals that represent operating parameters of the vehicle.

Abstract: An arrangement of multiple gears forming a transmission and differential system for variable and compensated speed output and direction from a constant or variable source. Control of output speed, direction and source by selective adjustment with the system at related system components. Adjustment of inter-related orbital cam paths provide for selective variable output from a given input source. Compensated variable output derives from combining the generated variable output with the unimpeded source input.

Abstract: A continuously variable gear transmission has a hemispherical drive gear providing an axially varying pitch diameter and an axially varying effective circular pitch, and a driven gear with a constant pitch diameter having teeth tapering axially in an opposite sense to the axially varying effective circular pitch of the drive gear. A pitch control drum guides teeth of the driven gear relatively around the shaft axis to continuously vary their effective circular pitch to match a circular pitch of the teeth of the drive gear for ensuring meshing engagement throughout the varying axial positions, whereby the velocity ratio of the transmission is varied continuously. The control drum has a guiding surface extending therearound with an axially tapering, conical guiding portion providing an arcuate guiding surface portion of constant transverse and continuously axially varying radius.

Abstract: A gear change for an automobile vehicle comprising a box, a main train, an input shaft of which is connected to the engine and a primary shaft of which can be connected angularly to the input shaft by a plurality of pairs of gears, and an auxiliary epicyclic gear train comprising, in turn, a sun gear angularly coupled to the primary shaft, a train carrier angularly rigid with an output shaft of the gear change and comprising a plurality of planet gears engaging with the sun gear, and an outer crown having inner teeth engaging with the planet gears, which crown can be displaced along the longitudinal axis between a first operating position in which it is coupled to the box by the engagement of a first and a second toothed wheel and a second operating position in which it is coupled to the train carrier by the engagement of a third and a fourth toothed wheel; the sun gear, the planet gears and the inner teeth of the crown comprising respective helical teeth and the first, second, third and fourth toothed wheels

Abstract: A novel drive train includes a motor, a differential gear unit, and a counter gear mechanism for transmitting the power of the motor to the differential gear unit. A universal joint for joining the differential gear unit to an axle shaft of a vehicle is arranged outward of one axial end of the motor to eliminate interference with the motor, and the differential gear unit is arranged adjacent the opposite axial end of the motor, radially overlapping the motor to the maximum, to thereby shorten the axial distance between the motor and the differential gear unit.

Abstract: A powertrain has an engine, multi-range transmission and a final drive gearing. The transmission includes an input planetary gear set, the carrier of which is driven by the engine, for providing a power split between the sun gear and the ring gear. The sun gear and ring gear both are connected with respective transfer gear members. The gear members are connected to respective members of a continuously variable transmission unit (CVU) and to selectively engageable clutch mechanisms. The clutch mechanisms provide selective drive connections with an output transfer gear mechanism that is drivingly connected with the final drive gearing. The CVU is controlled to establish a variable drive ratio between the transfer gear members connected with the sun gear and the ring gear. Range changes in the powertrain occur at synchronous points of operation in the CVU in a manner to provide three forward ranges and a reverse range.

Abstract: A powertrain has an engine, a multi-range continuously variable transmission (CVT) and a final drive mechanism. The CVT has a continuously variable unit (CVU) and a planetary gear set. A plurality of friction devices that are selectively connectable to establish three forward ranges and one reverse range wherein the CVU is effective to provide infinitely variable ratios between the engine and the final drive mechanism. One friction device is engaged during a geared neutral condition, a first forward range and a reverse range. The neutral condition is established by setting the CVU at a predetermined ratio. The reverse range is operated by changing the CVU ratio toward a maximum underdrive ratio from the neutral condition and the first forward range is operated by changing the CVU ratio toward a maximum overdrive ratio. The second and third forward ranges are established by synchronously interchanging friction devices.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a transmission unit comprising a transmission input, a transmission output, at least one first main transmission stage and a second main transmission stage connected in series therewith, and a housing encompassing said first and second main transmission stages in common, at least said first main transmission stage being defined by a gear/shaft carrier provided with at least one shaft and at least two gears, and the thus defined first main transmission stage being replaceably inserted in a reception bore of the housing as a modular unit.

Abstract: A gear change for an automobile vehicle comprising an outer box, an input shaft and a driven shaft coaxial with one another, and at least one countershaft that can be angularly coupled with the input shaft and with the driven shaft by means of a plurality of pairs of gears in order to define a plurality of transmission ratios between the input shaft and the driven shaft; the input shaft and the driven shaft are borne via bearings by respective walls of the box in the vicinity of respective first end portions opposite one another and comprise respective second portions mounted one inside the other and mutually supporting one another via a pair of axially spaced bearings.