Non-synchronous shift control method and assemblies for continuously variable transmissions

A method of controlling a continuously variable transmission, the method comprising:

• providing a continuously variable transmission comprising:
• a first rotatable shaft operably coupleable to a source of rotational power, the first rotatable shaft forming a main axis;
• a continuously variable device (CVD) having a first traction ring assembly and a second traction ring assembly in contact with a plurality of balls, wherein each ball of the plurality of balls has a tiltable axis of rotation and the CVD is coaxial with the main axis;
• a multiple speed gearbox having a number of selectable speed ranges;
• a CVD ratio actuator operably coupled to the CVD;
• and
• a gearbox actuation system operably coupled to the multiple speed gearbox;
• receiving a plurality of signals indicative of a current operational condition of the CVD and the multiple speed gearbox;
• commanding a change in the operating condition of the multiple speed gearbox based at least in part on the plurality of signals received;
• and
• commanding a change in the CVD operating condition based at least in part on the operating condition of the multiple speed gearbox.

A continuously variable transmission comprising:

• a first rotatable shaft operably coupleable to a source of rotational power;
• a second rotatable shaft arranged parallel to the first rotatable shaft;
• a variator assembly having a first traction ring assembly and a second traction ring assembly in contact with a plurality of balls, wherein each ball of the plurality of balls has a tiltable axis of rotation, the variator assembly is coaxial with the first rotatable shaft;
• a first planetary gear set comprising a first ring gear operably coupled to the second traction ring assembly, a first planet carrier operably coupled to the first rotatable shaft and a first sun gear;
• and
• a second planetary gear set comprising a second ring gear operably coupled to the second rotatable shaft, a second planet carrier operably coupled to the first traction ring assembly and a second sun gear operably coupled to ground.

A continuously variable transmission comprising:

• a first rotatable shaft operably coupleable to a source of rotational power;
• a second rotatable shaft arranged parallel to the first rotatable shaft;
• a variator assembly having a first traction ring assembly and a second traction ring assembly in contact with a plurality of balls, wherein each ball of the plurality of balls has a tiltable axis of rotation, the variator assembly is coaxial with the first rotatable shaft;
• a planetary gear set comprising a ring gear, a planet carrier operably coupled to the second traction ring assembly, and a sun gear operably coupled to the first traction ring assembly;
• a first clutch coaxial with the second rotatable shaft, the first clutch operably coupled to the ring gear;
• a second clutch coaxial with the second rotatable shaft, the second clutch operably coupled to the ring gear;
• a third clutch coaxial with the second rotatable shaft, the third clutch operably coupled to the second clutch;
• a fourth clutch coaxial with the second rotatable shaft;
• a first gear set having a first fixed torque ratio, wherein the first gear set is coaxial with the second rotatable shaft and is operably coupled to the first clutch, the second clutch, and the fourth clutch;
• and
• a second gear set having a second fixed torque ratio, wherein the second gear set is coaxial with the second rotatable shaft and is operably coupled to the first gear set and the third clutch.

A continuously variable transmission comprising:

• a first rotatable shaft operably coupleable to a source of rotational power;
• a continuously variable device operably coupled to and coaxial to the first rotatable shaft, the continuously variable device comprising a ball variator assembly having a first traction ring assembly and a second traction ring assembly in contact with a plurality of balls, wherein each ball of the plurality of balls has a tiltable axis of rotation, the variator assembly is coaxial with the first rotatable shaft;
• a second rotatable shaft coaxial with the first rotatable shaft operably coupled to the continuously variable device;
• and
• a multiple speed gearbox operably coupled to the second rotatable shaft.