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Electric continuously variable transmission

  • US 6,371,878 B1
  • Filed: 08/22/2000
  • Issued: 04/16/2002
  • Est. Priority Date: 08/22/2000
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A continuously variable transmission comprising:

  • first and second planetary splitters;

    an input shaft in mechanical communication with each of said first and second planetary splitters;

    an output shaft in mechanical communication with each of said first and second planetary splitters;

    a first electric motor/generator for selectively driving or generating electrical energy from said first planetary splitters; and

    a second electric motor/generator for selectively driving or generating electrical energy from said second planetary splitter;

    wherein a low speed range operating mode is achieved through said second electric motor/generator generating electrical energy and feeding said electrical energy to said first electric motor/generator, a mid speed range operating mode is achieved through said first electric motor/generator generating electrical energy and feeding said electrical energy to said second electric motor/generator, and a high speed range is achieved through a lock-up clutch locking a component of said first planetary splitter and said second electric motor/generator generating electrical energy and feeding said electrical energy to said first electric motor/generator.

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