Patent ID: 6866606
Filing Date: 2005-03-15
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A continuously variable transmission system for a vehicle, comprising: a toroidal continuously variable transmission having an input shaft connected to an output shaft of a prime mover, an input member mounted on said input shaft, and an output member for outputting rotation of said input member at a continuously variable transmission ratio; a planetary gear mechanism having a first element connected to said output member of said toroidal continuously variable transmission, a second element connected to drive wheels via a second output shaft, and a third element; a first clutch for establishing and releasing connection between said first element and said second element of said planetary gear mechanism; rotational shafts having axes spaced apart in a radial direction and parallel to the axis of said input shaft and to the axis of said output shaft of said prime mover; a first gear train having a first gear ratio, arranged between said output shaft of the prime mover and said third element of said planetary gear mechanism and mounted on said rotational shafts, for transmitting rotation of said output shaft of the prime mover to said third element of said planetary gear mechanism; a second clutch for establishing and releasing at least one of connection between said first gear train and said output shaft of the prime mover and connection between said first gear train and said third element of said planetary gear mechanism; a second gear train having a second gear ratio larger than the first gear ratio of said first gear train, arranged between said output shaft of the prime mover and said third element of said planetary gear mechanism in parallel with said first gear train and mounted on said rotational shafts, for transmitting the rotation of said output shaft of the prime mover to said third element of said planetary gear mechanism; and a third clutch for establishing and releasing at least one of connection between said second gear train and said output shaft of the prime mover and connection between said second gear train and said third element of said planetary gear mechanism.