Patent ID: 6036616
Filing Date: 2000-03-14
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A continuously variable transmission comprising:an input shaft;an intermediate shaft;an output shaft;a variable ratio drive mechanism having an input, and an output driveably connected to the input and intermediate shaft, for producing a continuously variable ratio of the speed of the input to the speed of the output;a fixed ratio drive mechanism having an first element coaxial with the input shaft, and a second element driveably connected to the first element and intermediate shaft;a gearset driveably having a first sun gear driveably connected to the input shaft, a first ring gear surrounding the first sun gear, a carrier driveably connected to the output shaft, a set of long planet pinions rotatably supported on the carrier and meshing with the first sun gear, and second ring gear, and a second sun gear a second ring gear surrounding the first sun gear, a set of second planet pinions rotatably supported on the carrier and meshing with the second ring gear, second sun gear, and long planet pinions;a transfer clutch for alternately driveably connecting and disconnecting the input of the variable ratio drive mechanism and input shaft; anda low brake for alternately holding against rotation and releasing the first ring gear.