US Patent:
20130281244, Oct 24, 2013
Inventors:
Corey Vaughn - Brimfield IL, US
Assignee:
CATERPILLAR INC. - Peoria IL
International Classification:
F16H 47/08
F16H 47/06
Abstract:
A continuously variable transmission (CVT) for a vehicle engine which provides enhanced cold starting and reduced wear under all conditions. The transmission includes mechanical transmission components, hydrostatic transmission components, and a clutch to decouple only the mechanical transmission components from driving engagement with the engine or other power source. Decoupling allows cold starting with significantly reduced parasitic losses. The transmission may use a hydraulic circuit to re-engage the mechanical transmission components with the input power source and full driving re-engagement of the transmission with the power source, such as an engine, after the transmission reaches a desired speed.
