Kabushikikaisha Equos Research

Torotrak (development) Limited

Kk Equos Research

Norihiro Kai

Masahiro Hasebe

Saoto Tsuchiya

Alan Fielding

In a continuously variable transmission ('CVT') using a toroidal-race continuously variable ratio device and a planetary gear mechanism, the rotation of the input shaft () is directly transmitted to the carrier C of the planetary gear mechanism (), and rotation resulting from gearing and reversal by the variator () is transmitted to the sun gear (S). When the low clutch L is engaged, the rotation of the ring gear (R) is transmitted via the reversing gear mechanism () to the output shaft (), and when the high clutch H is engaged, the rotation of the sun gear (S) is transmitted to the output shaft ().

Continuously variable transmission

Rotation of an input shaft is directly transmitted to a front carrier of a planetary gear mechanism, and rotation, which is speed-changed and reversed by a toroidal-type continuously variable speed change unit, is transmitted to a first sun gear. When a Low clutch is applied, rotation of an output carrier of a simple planetary gear unit is transitted to a counter gear mechanism via a common carrier, and then output at an output shaft. When a High clutch H is applied, rotation of a second sun gear is transmitted to the output shaft. Thus, the pinion shaft is shortened and the service life span of a supporting bearing is increased as compared with a planetary gear mechanism that has a three-step pinion.

Growing community of inventors

Aichi-ken, Japan

Norihiro Kai