CVT drive train

A method for operating a continuously variable transmission (CVT) drive train having an input drive, a torque converter including an impeller and a turbine, a rotation reversing device, and a continuously variable variator, the method comprising:

• operating a disconnect clutch positioned within a housing of the torque converter between the housing and an impeller shell to uncouple the torque converter and the variator from the input drive, wherein the disconnect clutch includes a portion of the impeller shell located radially outward of at least one impeller blade;
• switching the rotation reversing device between a neutral position N, and one of a forward driving position D, and a reverse driving position R;
• operating the disconnect clutch to couple the torque converter and the variator to the input drive to enable a selected one of forward driving and reverse driving;
• and
• operating a bridging clutch positioned within the housing of the torque converter between a turbine shell and the impeller shell to selectively block or bridge the torque converter, wherein the bridging clutch includes the portion of the impeller shell and a portion of the turbine shell located radially outward of at least one turbine blade, wherein the portion of the impeller shell directly contacts the portion of the turbine shell when the bridging clutch is closed, and wherein the portion of the impeller shell located radially outward of the at least one impeller blade is a friction member for both the disconnect clutch and the bridging clutch.