Control system for continuously variable transmission with space saving automatic clutch control

A control system for a hydraulic automatic clutch of a continuously variable transmission which is shiftable into any reduction ratio between the largest reduction ratio and the smallest reduction ratio, the control system comprising:

• a source of pressurized fluid;
• a shift control valve communicating with said source and having a spool movable for controlling a shift between reduction ratios in the continuously variable transmission;
• a shift operating mechanism including a rod movable within a first range and a second range,
• said shift operating mechanism including means operatively connected with said rod and said spool for controlling said spool of said shift control valve so as to continuously vary a reduction ratio between the largest reduction ratio and the smallest reduction ratio in response to movement of said rod within said first range;
• control means for actuating said rod;
• a starting valve having a start fluid pressure regulating state and a complete engagement fluid pressure regulating state, said starting valve supplying to the hydraulic automatic clutch a first regulated fluid pressure when it is in said start fluid pressure regulating state, said starting valve supplying a second regulated fluid pressure when it is in said complete engagement fluid pressure regulating state;
• and
• means operatively connected with said rod for rendering said starting valve operable in said start fluid pressure regulating state when said rod is disposed within said second range and for rendering said starting valve operable in said complete engagement fluid pressure regulating state when said rod is disposed in said first range.