Abstract: In a vehicle travelling by use of a travelling drive source such as an engine or a motor, the gear shift ratio of a continuously variable transmission B can be changed by increasing or decreasing the width of a groove in a driving pulley 19 of the continuously variable transmission B by a gear shift ratio changing device 61 using a motor 62 as a drive source. The motor 62 is controlled on the basis of output signals from a throttle opening degree sensor, an engine rotational speed sensor and a vehicle speed sensor, thereby enabling an energy-saving travelling suited to an operational condition of the travelling drive source or a travelling condition of the vehicle. The gear shift ratio changing device 61 is supported in a floating manner within a casing 3, 8 for the continuously variable transmission B.

Abstract: Driving system containing at a minimum a first planetary coupling, equipped with a central wheel spindle, a planetary spindle and an annular ring spindle, a first driving component coupled to the central wheel spindle, a second driving component coupled to the planetary spindle, a continuously variable transmission with a primary axle and a secondary axle for the driving of a driving gear; and switchable couplings which on the one hand are connected to the planetary spindle and the annular ring spindle and on the other hand are connected to the fixed surroundings and the primary axle.

Abstract: A compact arrangement for a continuously variable transmission and power train system is provided to be used in rear wheel drive vehicles. In one arrangement, the input shaft is in-line with the output shaft. In this arrangement, the input shaft, having a hydraulic pump, is connected to an engine by a torque converter. A first transfer gear assembly transfers power from the input shaft to the adjustable input pulley of a continuously variable transmission assembly. The adjustable input pulley transfers power to an adjustable output pulley through a belt. A second transfer gear assembly transfers power from the adjustable output pulley to an output shaft in-line with the input shaft. A forward and reverse gear system having a compound planetary gear set and clutch on the output shaft provides forward, neutral, and reverse gears.

Abstract: A torque split control apparatus for use with an automotive vehicle including an engine for producing a drive. The automotive vehicle is supported on a pair of primary drive wheels and a pair of secondary drive wheels. The drive is transmitted from the engine to the primary drive wheels and to the secondary drive wheels through a torque distributing clutch capable of varying a torque transmitted to the secondary drive wheels. A control torque is calculated based upon a difference between the primary and secondary drive wheel rotational speeds. The control torque is transmitted through the torque distributing clutch to provide a desired turning characteristic to the vehicle. At least one vehicle condition dependent torque, which is dependent on a specified vehicle operating condition, is calculated. Vehicle operating conditions are monitored to produce a command signal when a 4WD control is demanded.

Abstract: A roller drive assembly comprises a frame on which is mounted a rotatable drive roller which has a rotatable outer shell and which can pivot about an axis eccentric to the axis of rotation of the outer shell between a retracted position and a drive position. A drive motor mounted on the frame outside the drive roller is provided to power the drive roller. Located in the drive roller is a planetary gear system which comprises a sun gear, a ring gear, and a planet carrier bearing planet gears, the ring gear being rotational about the planet carrier and defining at least a part of said outer shell. The planet carrier also defines axle stubs offset from the axis of rotation of the outer shell which are located in bearings mounted in the frame to enable the drive roller to pivot with respect to the frame. A gear train is operationally connected to the drive motor to drive the sun gear and a pinion is located at one end of an output shaft of the gear train.

Abstract: A torque distribution control device includes two rotational speed differential responsive type control couplings each having various transfer torque characteristics which differ in the ratio of a transfer torque to a rotational speed differential. The control device selects one of the torque transfer characteristics in response to a signal supplied thereto. When turning the outer wheel side control coupling is supplied with a signal for selecting the transfer torque characteristic that produces a maximum transfer torque for a given rotational speed differential, and the inner wheel side control coupling is supplied with a signal for attaining a non-slip rotational speed differential and for selecting the transfer torque characteristic that produces a transfer torque equal to that produced by the outer wheel side control coupling when the non-slip rotational speed differential is obtained.

Abstract: A full time four-wheel-drive system for a vehicle is described which uses a unique torque-transfer case assembly. The transfer case includes a torque input shaft for receiving output torque from the transmission assembly of the vehicle, and front- and rear-output shafts connected to front and rear differentials of the vehicle. The transfer case assembly includes continuously variable belt drive connecting the input shaft to the front and rear output shafts, transferring a predetermined amount of torque to each output shaft. The continuously variable drive arrangement will include at least a primary pulley on the input shaft and a secondary pulley on the front output shaft, the pulleys carrying a belt therebetween. Each pulley comprises a pair of sheaves, which are axially moveable in relation to one another. The pair of sheaves of each pulley are shifted axially relative to one another by an assembly which is responsive to divide torque between the front and rear output shafts in a predetermined relationship.

Abstract: An automatic transmission system having a belt type infinitely variable gear is housed in a transmission casing. The transmission casing is formed of a torque convertor housing portion in which the torque convertor is housed and an infinitely variable gear housing portion in which the infinitely variable gear is housed. A forward-reverse switching mechanism is provided between the torque convertor and the primary shaft of the infinitely variable gear and is supported on the torque convertor housing portion. Opposite ends of the primary shaft of the infinitely variable gear are supported on support portions respectively formed on the infinitely variable gear housing portion and the torque convertor housing portion, and opposite ends of the secondary shaft of the infinitely variable gear are supported on support portions respectively formed on the infinitely variable gear housing portion and the torque convertor housing portion.

Abstract: A transmission arrangement for motor vehicles has a planetary gear set acting as an axle step-up and reversing gear. The planet gears of the planetary gear set have two sets of teeth at different diameters. Synchronizing rings are arranged to minimize the structural space required. A housing for a following differential is connectable either with the planet gear carrier or else with a ring gear meshing with the larger planet gears by way of a sliding sleeve. The transmission has a continuously variable section preceding the planetary gearing.

Abstract: A stepless transmission is provided with an input shaft (3004) having gear structure. A variator shaft (3014) including adjustable diameter pulleys (3018) and (3032) connected between the input shaft and the variator shaft. The variator alters the relative speeds of rotation between the input shaft and the variator shaft. An output shaft has gear structure (3054) that is operatively connected to the input shaft gear structure (3010) and the variator shaft gear structure (3042). The speed and direction of rotation of the output shaft (3048) is related to the difference between the tangential velocities of the input shaft gear structure and the variator shaft gear structure acting on the output shaft gear structure. Controls for the transmissions are also disclosed. The controls (3060) act to slow or speed the output of the transmission or to change the direction of the output.

Abstract: By incorporating an infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit into a bicycle driving mechanism, it becomes possible to vary the speed of the bicycle in a very easy and continuous manner from any predetermined maximum value of rotation in the forward direction to zero. By using a similar, infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit in combination with a standard, two speed and reverse gear box, a very efficient automotive transmission system is also achieved, having a stepless speed control with a large power input.

Abstract: A variable speed transmission (1) is disclosed which has a torque converter (6) at the input of both a fixed transmission (4) which is used for low vehicle speeds and a variable transmission (5) which is used for medium and high vehicle speeds. The variable transmission (5) has a variator (11) which may be of the belt and pulley, hydraulic or electric types. The variable transmission (5) is more efficient than heretofore because power is split within the variable transmission (5) by a power split differential (9) between the variator (11) and a main power output shaft (3). Thus, the variator (11) is only called upon to handle a portion of the power when the variable transmission (5) is in operation. Thus, power losses in the variator (11) are substantially reduced.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission and differential combination including an input shaft 36, a variable speed drive pulley 40 on the input shaft 36, a drive shaft 54, a variable speed driven pulley 500 on the driven shaft 54 and a v-belt 48 trained around the pulleys 40 and 50. A drive sprocket 64 driven by the drive shaft 54 and a driven sprocket 64 with a silent chain 66 trained around them provides a speed reduction drive. The driven sprocket 68 drives a sun gear 88 which drives planet gears 98 that mesh with a stationary ring gear 100. The planet carrier 102 is rotated at a reduced speed. The bevel gears 108 and 112 carried by the planet carrier 102 form a differential that drives axles 114 and 116. A reversing gear drive can be provided between the sun gear 78 and the sun gear 88 to reverse the direction of rotation of the axles 114 and 116.

Abstract: By incorporating an infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit into a bicycle driving mechanism, it becomes possible to vary the speed of the bicycle in a very easy and continuous manner from any predetermined maximum value of rotation in the forward direction to zero. By using a similar, infinitely adjustable, variable speed transmission unit in combination with a standard, two speed and reverse gear box, a very efficient automotive transmission system is also achieved, having a stepless speed control with a large power input. spThis application is a continuation-in-part application of Ser. No. 07/388,863 filed Aug. 3, 1983 which in turn is a continuation-in-part application Ser. No. 07/293,422 filed Jan. 4, 1989, now abandoned.

Abstract: A continuously variable speed transmission having a belt drive continuously variable speed transmission in which a belt is wrapped around primary and secondary pulleys each supported on a shaft and each consisting of a pair of sheaves capable of relatively moving axially, and a forward/reverse rotation changeover mechanism. The belt drive continuously variable speed transmission is provided with a pressure adjusting cam mechanism for applying an axial force corresponding to a transmitted torque to at least one of the pulleys, ball screw mechanisms for axially moving the movable sheaves of the pulleys. A fluid torque converter is disposed on the transmission upstream side of the primary pulley. In the belt drive continuously variable speed transmission, the pressure adjusting cam mechanism produces and axial force corresponding to the transmitted torque to clamp the belt, and the power is transmitted by the effect of this clamping force without belt slip.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission has a continuously variable unit in the form of a variable belt drive and a pair of interconnected planetary gear sets arranged in differential drive relation between the transmission input shaft and the transmission output shaft. One of the planetary gear sets is connected with the input shaft, the output shaft and the output shaft of the belt drive. The other planetary gear set is connected with the input shaft, the output shaft and the input shaft of the belt drive. The overall transmission ratio is controlled between limits established in the continuously variable unit. The ratio is varied within a continuously variable range by varying the belt ratio.

Abstract: A transmission provided in a power transmitting system and having at least a transmission mechanism and a forward/reverse rotation changeover mechanism controlled on the basis of signals from a control section. The transmission includes a plurality of mechanical actuators (e.g., ball screw mechanisms) capable of converting torques into thrust forces to operate the transmission operation mechanisms by the thrust forces, a motor (e.g., an electric motor) serving as a common torque generation source for the mechanical actuators, a divergence mechanism for distributing and transmitting a torque from the motor to the mechanical actuators, and a changeover mechanism for transmitting the torque distributed from the divergence mechanism to at least one of the mechanical actuators.

Abstract: A powertrain for passenger cars includes a high specific output engine coupled to an automatic transmission which is expanded from four to five forward speed ratios by a novel two-speed torque converter assembly within the transmission. Both of hydrodynamic action and an integral planetary gearset contribute to torque multiplication provided by the high-stall-speed torque converter when it is in its lower speed ratio, and engagement of a lockup clutch simultaneously deactivates both sources of torque multiplication to thereby establish a 100% efficient one-to-one speed ratio across the converter. Also included in the powertrain in a control system which secures high transmission efficiency early during vehicle acceleration by employing lockup of the torque converter as the first of the four upshifts for the five-speed transmission.

Abstract: An actuator for frictional engaging devices is controlled by electric signals from a control device and is disposed in a power transmission device. The actuator includes a torque generating mechanism and has at least two movably mounted frictional engaging devices having respective initial positions. The actuator includes a torque-thrust conversion mechanism which converts torque generated from the torque generating mechanism into an augmented thrust force for moving the frictional engaging devices from the respective initial positions to different positions respectively.

Abstract: To restrict and further promote differential rotation between first and second output shafts, the power transmission apparatus for differentially transmitting a rotative power supplied to an input shaft to two output shafts comprises a differential gear mechanism coupled between the two output shafts; a multiplying mechanism associated with the differential gear mechanism, for detecting and multiplying a differential rotation; a motor coupled to the multiplying gear mechanism, for restricting or promoting the differential rotation by driving the multiplying gear mechanism in either direction; and a controller for controlling rotative direction and torque of the motor by adjusting supply voltage polarity and motor current magnitude. The multiplying mechanism is a strange gear mechanism or a planetary gear mechanism.

Abstract: A continuously variable, regenerative transmission is disclosed in which a continuously variable transmission assembly is employed in conjunction with a regenerative gear assembly incorporating high and low clutches and situated intermediate a prime mover, such as a vehicle engine, and an output, such as the drive train to vehicle wheels.

Abstract: A chamber having therein a V-belt type continuously variable transmission is separated from another chamber having therein a differential mechanism. These chambers, however, are in fluid communication with an oil pan via generally vertical holes.

Abstract: A dual range infinitely variable transmission utilizes a continuously variable speed mechanism in conjunction with a fixed ratio speed mechanism to provide two power paths from the input to the rotatable output. A jaw clutch is utilized to switch between the high range and low range of the transmission. A reaction type clutch is utilized to provide a positive neutral for the transmission.

Abstract: A continuously variable power transmission comprising rotatable input shaft attachable to rotating power means; rotatable output shaft providing driving axle means; and planetary power transmission train interconnecting said input shaft and said output shaft, said planetary power transmission train including a drive input assembly, a variable pulley assembly and a power control mechanism interconnected in such a manner as to permit alteration of the direction and speed of rotation of said output shaft by varying the drive ratio of the pulleys and the driving-driven relationship of the pulleys.

Abstract: A planetary gear transmission having a sun gear and a ring gear, planetary gears engaging the sun and ring gears, a carrier having a radial flange and carrier pins fixed to the flange to rotatably support the planetary gears, and a first and a second gear rotatable with the carrier and engaging each other. The first gear has an external toothed portion located on one of opposite sides of the flange as seen in the axial direction, while the planetary gear are located on the other side of the flange. At least one lubricant passage is formed so as to extend through the flange. Each passage communicates with the corresponding planetary gears and has an open end open in one of the opposite surfaces on the side of the external toothed portion of the first gear. An annular lubricant receiver is disposed coaxially with the carrier, for receiving a lubricant which is fed from a meshing point of the first and second gears in the axial direction from the first gear toward the planetary gears.

Abstract: A power transmission has a torque converter, a planetary gear arrangement and a variable ratio drive belt. The planetary gear arrangement is controlled to establish a low forward ratio and a reverse ratio. The variable ratio belt drive is controlled to provide a variable ratio high speed range. A torque converter is utilized during the low forward ratio and the reverse ratio and is selectively bypassed during the high speed range.

Abstract: A transmission, in particular for a motor vehicle, provided with an input shaft which, through a drive-away clutch, drives the primary shaft of an infinitely variable V-belt transmission.The secondary shaft of said V-belt transmission is connected with the output shaft of the transmission, whereby the input shaft and the primary shaft are disposed mutually in parallel but not coaxially, and that the primary shaft is driven by the input shaft through a reduction gear.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is provided a V-belt type contiuously variable transmission wherein the lowest forward speed ratio is accomplished by drivingly connecting a forward low gear to a transmission input shaft when a forward low clutch is engaged, and wherein a shift to the adjacent next low forward speed ratio higher than the lowest forward speed ratio is made when a forward high clutch is engaged with the forward low clutch kept engaged, therby to allow continuous variation of speed ratio, and wherein a reverse speed ratio is accomplished by engaging a reverse gear to the transmission input shaft when a reverse clutch is engaged. There is provided a gear train meshing with the reverse gear and arranged in parallel to the one-way clutch. Thus, a power delivery path during the reverse speed ratio is established through the reverse gear and the gear train arranged in parallel to the one-way clutch.