Patent ID: 7407459
Filing Date: 2008-08-05
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
1. A multi-regime, continuously variable ratio transmission system, comprising: coaxial system input and output shafts; a continuously variable ratio transmission unit (variator) connected coaxially to the system input shaft and having a coaxial variator output shaft; and a mixing epicyclic gear train having an input sun gear drivably connected to the variator output shaft, a planet carrier drivably connected to the system input shaft and a first planet gear mounted on the planet carrier and drivingly engaged with the input sun gear; wherein the first planet gear drives a first intermediate output shaft which is arranged coaxially with the system input shaft and which is selectively connectable to the system output shaft via a first clutch in a high-regime operation of the transmission operating from synchronous mode ratio to high forward ratio; and the first planet gear provides the input for a second epicyclic gear train having an output which is selectively connectable to the system output shaft via a braking element in a low-regime operation of the transmission operating from full reverse ratio, through geared neutral to synchronous mode ratio.