Multi-range CVT
AssigneeSchaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
InventorBernhard Walter
Life of this patent
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Abstract
The invention relates to a multi-range CVT with a stepless adjustable variator and at least two switchover steps for displaying at least two operating ranges with stepless transmission. The invention is characterized by at least one direct drive shaft stage, which bridges the variator, with a special transmission for displaying a range change between the operating ranges.
Claims10
A multi-range continuously variable transmission including an input shaft and an output shaft, comprising:
- a powershift clutch device connected to the input shaft, wherein the powershift clutch device is operatively arranged to switch between a forward driving mode and a reverse driving mode;
- a continuously adjustable variator connected to the powershift clutch device;
- a direct drive stage non-rotatably secured to the input shaft and variably connected to the output shaft;
- a first shifting level variably connected to the continuously adjustable variator and non-rotatably connected to the output shaft forming a first operating range;
- and,
- a second shifting level variably connected to the continuously adjustable variator and non-rotatably connected to the output shaft forming a second operating range;
- wherein, the first and second operating ranges comprise infinitely variable gear ratios and the direct drive stage non-rotatably connects to the output shaft when a switch between the first operating range and second operating range occurs.
A method to operate a multi-range continuously variable transmission, including an input shaft and an output shaft, comprising a powershift clutch device connected to the input shaft, wherein the powershift clutch device is operatively arranged to switch between a forward driving mode and a reverse driving mode, a continuously adjustable variator connected to the powershift clutch device, a direct drive stage non-rotatably secured to the input shaft and variably connected to the output shaft, a first shifting level variably connected to the continuously adjustable variator and non-rotatably connected to the output shaft forming a first operating range and, a second shifting level variably connected to the continuously adjustable variator and non-rotatably connected to the output shaft forming a second operating range, wherein the first and second operating ranges comprise infinitely variable gear ratios and the direct drive stage non-rotatably connects to the output shaft when a switch between the first operating range and second operating range occurs, the method comprising:
- shifting occurring between the variator and the direct drive stage under full load without interruption of traction at a range change point.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.