A continuously variable transmission has no fixed gear ratio changes. Changes occur in a smooth stepless progression to suit speed and load conditions.
Once a Drive range is selected, a belt and pulley system continuously varies drive ratios and transmits the drive to the final drive gears.
This application has an electronically controlled magnetic clutch.
A small gap between the driving and driven members is filled with magnetic powder. A coil on the driving member receives electrical current via two slip rings and brushes.
Current through the coil generates a magnetic force that links up the magnetic powder in a chain fashion. Torque is transmitted from the driving member to the driven member.
Clutch current is controlled by a transmission computer reacting to input data about vehicle operating conditions.
At idle speeds with the vehicle stationary, current flow is small, which allows slippage between engine and transmission.
As the accelerator is depressed, the computer delivers more current to the coils. The powder locks the engine rigidly to the transmission input shaft.
With the engine off, or the selector in Park or Neutral, reverse direct current sent to the coil de-magnetizes the clutch powder and releases the clutch completely.
