Patent ID: 10948081

Abstract:
A continuously variable transmission, a vehicular powertrain that includes a continuously variable transmission and a method of limiting belt slippage in a continuously variable transmission in a vehicle. The continuously variable transmission includes a pulley assembly, shafts, a clutch and hydraulic system. The hydraulic system is cooperative with both the clutch and the pulley assembly so that hydraulic pressures and associated clamping forces sent to both allow the clutch to preferentially absorb any driving load coming from the axle and wheels that is in excess of the normal load experienced at the continuously variable transmission. This in turn means that any additional load that would ordinarily cause slippage in the belt is instead experienced by the clutch. By providing such a clutch, the pump of the hydraulic system does not need to be oversized in order to provide excess clamping force, as any excess load experienced by the shaft that is coupled to the wheels of the vehicle will be taken up by slippage in the clutch so that slippage-related wear to the belt is avoided.