Multi-mode transmission including a continuously variable transmission

A torque transmission device for transferring mechanical power between a transmission input member and a transmission output member, comprising:

• a continuously variable unit (CVU) arranged in parallel with an expansion gearset and a third gearset;
• the CVU including a first pulley that is rotatably coupled to a second pulley, wherein the first pulley is rotatably coupled to the transmission input member;
• the expansion gearset including a planetary gearset that is arranged in series with a coplanar second gearset;
• the second gearset including a first gear meshingly engaged with a layshaft gear;
• the third gearset including a third gear meshingly engaged with a fourth gear;
• wherein the planetary gearset includes a sun gear meshingly engaged with planet gears and a carrier member meshingly engaged with a ring gear;
• wherein the first pulley is rotatably couplable to the sun gear via a first clutch;
• wherein the ring gear is rotatably couplable to the carrier member via a second clutch;
• wherein the second pulley is rotatably couplable to the first gear of the second gearset via a third clutch;
• wherein the second pulley is rotatably couplable to the third gear via a fourth clutch;
• wherein the layshaft gear is meshingly engaged with the ring gear;
• wherein the carrier member of the planetary gearset is rotatably coupled to the transmission output member;
• wherein the torque transmission device operates in a continuously variable mode to transfer power between the transmission input member and the transmission output member when the first clutch is deactivated and the second and fourth clutches are activated;
• and
• wherein the torque transmission device operates in a power split mode to transfer power between the transmission input member and the transmission output member when the first and fourth clutches are activated.