JPH04219557A - Continuously variable transmission - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To constitute clutches and the whole continuously variable transmission more compact and simple by improving the constitution of two clutches and the arrangement structure in the continuously variable transmission which has a troidal type continuously variable transmission which can change engine output in a continuously variable manner, a planetary gear mechanism which changes output of the continuously variable transmission further, and two clutches which selectively change over into a first change gear mode which outputs output of the continuously variable transmission to an output shaft directly and a second change gear mode which changes output of the continuously variable transmission with the planetary gear mechanism for outputting to the output shaft. CONSTITUTION:Two clutches 5, 6 are arranged adjacent to each other in a power transmission path from a troidal type continuously variable transmission 3 to a planetary gear mechanism 4, and a casing 18 into which output from the troidal type continuously variable transmission 3 in these clutches 5, 6 is transmitted is integrated.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

[Field of Industrial Application] The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission, and more particularly, to a continuously variable transmission, which includes a continuously variable transmission means capable of continuously varying the output of an engine, a differential mechanism that further changes the output of the continuously variable transmission means, and 2 clutches for selectively switching between a first speed change mode in which the output of the stepwise speed change means is directly transmitted to the output shaft and a second speed change mode in which the output of the stepless speed change means is changed in speed by a differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft. The present invention relates to a continuously variable transmission having the following.

0002

2. Description of the Related Art As a type of continuously variable transmission that can steplessly change the speed of an engine output and transmit it to an output shaft, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 57-47063, an input disk that rotates integrally with the input shaft that is directly connected to the input shaft; an output disk that is loosely fitted to the input shaft;
It consists of a plurality of rollers that are rotatably and tiltably arranged between the output disk and the input disk, and the rotation of the input disk is steplessly changed according to the tilting operation of the rollers, so that the output disk is rotated. It has a toroidal continuously variable transmission configured to output an output, and a planetary gear mechanism connected to the toroidal continuously variable transmission and the output shaft,
Continuously variable transmissions are known in which the operation of the planetary gear mechanism is controlled by a brake or a clutch so that the gear ratio can be changed steplessly between a high speed state and a low speed state.

[0003] Furthermore, a planetary gear mechanism is connected to the output shaft arranged parallel to the input shaft of the toroidal type continuously variable transmission, and two clutches are arranged with the planetary mechanism sandwiched between them, and these clutches are selected. There is a mode in which the output of the toroidal type continuously variable transmission is directly transmitted to the output shaft by switching between the engaged state and the released state, and a mode in which the output of the toroidal type continuously variable transmission is further shifted by a planetary gear mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft. Continuously variable transmissions that can be switched between transmission modes are known.

0004

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] By the way, in the continuously variable transmission of the type described above in which two clutches are arranged with a planetary gear mechanism in between, the constituent members such as the casing for configuring these clutches are individually separated. Therefore, the axial dimension of the transmission becomes large, leading to an increase in the size of the entire transmission and an increase in weight.

[0005] Furthermore, when two clutches are disposed apart from each other with a planetary gear mechanism in between, as described above, the hydraulic circuit for supplying and discharging hydraulic pressure to each clutch becomes complicated.

Accordingly, the present invention provides a continuously variable transmission means that can continuously change the engine output, a differential mechanism that further changes the output of the continuously variable transmission means, and an output shaft that directly transmits the output of the continuously variable transmission means. In the continuously variable transmission, the continuously variable transmission has two clutches for selectively switching between a transmission mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is transmitted to the output shaft and a transmission mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is shifted by a differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft. The present invention aims to make these clutches and the entire continuously variable transmission including the clutches more compact and simple by improving the configuration and their arrangement structure.

[0007]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In order to solve the above problems, the present invention is characterized by the following structure.

[0008] First, the invention according to the first claim of the present application (hereinafter referred to as the first invention) includes a continuously variable transmission means capable of steplessly changing the engine output, and a stepless variable transmission means that further changes the output of the continuously variable transmission means. A differential mechanism, a first speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is directly transmitted to the output shaft, and a second speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is shifted by the differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft. A continuously variable transmission having two selectively switched clutches is characterized in that the two clutches are disposed adjacent to each other.

Further, the invention according to the second claim of the present application (hereinafter referred to as the second invention) has a continuously variable transmission means, a differential mechanism, and a first speed change mode and a second speed change mode similar to the first invention. In a continuously variable transmission having two clutches that selectively switch between the two clutches, the casings to which the outputs of the continuously variable transmission means in the two clutches are input are integrated, and
A pair of pistons are arranged facing each other across a partition wall that divides the inside of the casing into left and right hydraulic chambers, and when one of these pistons moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, the other moves in the direction of disengaging the clutch. In addition, when the other moves in the direction to engage the clutch, one of the two moves in the direction to release the clutch, and the two are connected by a connecting member.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 of the present application (hereinafter referred to as the third invention) provides a continuously variable transmission means, a differential mechanism, a first speed change mode and a second speed change mode similar to those of the first and second inventions. In a continuously variable transmission having two clutches that selectively switch between a speed change mode and a speed change mode, the two clutches are arranged adjacent to each other, and the casings to which the outputs of the continuously variable transmission means in these clutches are input are integrated. , a pair of pistons are disposed opposite to each other across a partition wall that divides the inside of the casing into left and right hydraulic chambers, and when one of these pistons moves in a direction to engage the clutch, the other moves in a direction to disengage the clutch. When the clutch is moved and the other moves in the direction to engage the clutch, one is moved in the direction to release the clutch, and the coupling member is connected.

[0011]Further, the invention according to the fourth claim of the present application (hereinafter referred to as the fourth invention) includes a stepless transmission means capable of steplessly changing the engine output, and a stepless speed change means that further changes the output of the stepless speed change means. A differential mechanism, a first speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is directly transmitted to the output shaft, and a second speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is shifted by the differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft. In a continuously variable transmission having two selectively switching clutches, the differential mechanism is comprised of a carrier to which the engine output is transmitted, a sun gear to which the output of the continuously variable transmission is transmitted, and a ring gear integrated with the output shaft. The output shaft of the engine and the input shaft of the continuously variable transmission means are connected on the same axis, and parallel to these axes is arranged adjacent to the planetary gear mechanism from the engine side. It is characterized by being equipped with two clutches.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 5 of the present application (hereinafter referred to as the 5th invention) has a continuously variable transmission means, a differential mechanism, and a first speed change mode and a second speed change mode similar to the above fourth invention. In a continuously variable transmission having two clutches that selectively switch between the two, the differential mechanism is integrated with a carrier to which the engine output is transmitted, a sun gear to which the output of the continuously variable transmission is transmitted, and an output shaft. The output shaft of the engine is connected to the input shaft of the continuously variable transmission means on the same axis, and the planetary gear mechanism is arranged adjacent to the planetary gear mechanism from the engine side in parallel to these axes. The present invention is characterized in that two clutches are provided, and these clutches are arranged between the output section of the continuously variable transmission means and the sun gear, and between the output section and the ring gear, respectively.

[0013]

[Operation] According to the first invention, since the two clutches that selectively switch between the first speed change mode and the second speed change mode are arranged adjacent to each other, for example, one part of the casing constituting these clutches is As a result, the axial dimension of these clutches can be shortened, and the entire continuously variable transmission including the clutches can be configured compactly, and the two clutches can also be used together. Since these are arranged adjacent to each other, the hydraulic circuit for supplying and discharging hydraulic pressure to these does not become complicated.

Further, according to the second invention, since the casings of the two clutches through which the output from the continuously variable transmission means is transmitted are integrated, the casings including the clutches and the clutches are integrated, as in the first invention. The entire continuously variable transmission is constructed compactly, and the hydraulic circuit for the two clutches does not become complicated. Further, a pair of pistons constituting each clutch are connected by a connecting member, and when one piston moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, the other piston moves in the direction of disengaging the clutch, and the other piston moves in the direction of disengaging the clutch. When the piston moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, one of the pistons moves in the direction of disengaging the clutch, so when the above-mentioned clutches are engaged and disengaged, these two pistons do not cause double lock or drag. The clutches can be operated reliably and at appropriate timing, and each clutch can be configured more simply because a return spring or oil drain valve is no longer required.

Furthermore, according to the third invention, the two clutches are arranged adjacent to each other, and the casings to which the output from the continuously variable transmission means of these clutches is transmitted are integrated. Similar to the second invention, the clutch and the entire continuously variable transmission including the clutch are configured more compactly, and the hydraulic circuit for the two clutches does not become complicated. Further, similarly to the second invention, when one piston moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, the other piston moves in the direction of disengaging the clutch, and when the other piston moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, Since one of the pistons is moved in the direction of releasing the clutches, these clutches can be operated reliably and at the appropriate timing without causing double lock or dragging when engaging and releasing each of the clutches. This also eliminates the need for return springs and oil drain valves, resulting in a simpler configuration of each clutch.

According to the fourth invention, the carrier to which the engine output is transmitted from the engine side in parallel with the engine and the continuously variable transmission means, the sun gear to which the output of the continuously variable transmission is transmitted, and the output shaft. By providing a planetary gear mechanism as a differential mechanism with an integral ring gear and two adjacently arranged clutches, the carrier in the planetary mechanism to which the engine output is directly transmitted is arranged on the engine side, This allows the planetary gear mechanism and clutch to be appropriately placed along the transmission path from the engine to the output shaft without taking up wasted space, further promoting the overall compactness of the continuously variable transmission. can be done.

Furthermore, according to a fifth invention, in addition to the structure of the fourth invention, two clutches are provided between the output part of the continuously variable transmission means and the sun gear constituting the planetary gear mechanism, and between the output part and the planetary gear. Since the planetary gear mechanism and the clutch are respectively disposed between the ring gears that constitute the mechanism, the planetary gear mechanism and the clutch can be appropriately positioned along the transmission path from the engine to the output shaft without taking up wasted space, similar to the fourth invention. As a result, the overall size of the continuously variable transmission can be further reduced.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS An embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The drawings show an embodiment common to the first to fifth inventions, and as shown in FIG. 1, a continuously variable transmission 1 according to this embodiment transmits the output from an engine 2. A toroidal continuously variable transmission mechanism 3 as a continuously variable transmission means, a planetary gear mechanism 4 as a differential mechanism arranged in parallel with the transmission mechanism 3, and between the mechanism 4 and the toroidal continuously variable transmission mechanism 3. The output from the toroidal type continuously variable transmission mechanism 3 or the planetary gear mechanism 4 is input to the differential device 7, and thereby the differential Left and right axles 8, 8 connected to the device 7 are rotatably driven.

Next, the toroidal type continuously variable transmission mechanism 3 and the planetary gear mechanism 4 that constitute the continuously variable transmission 1 will be explained in more detail. an input shaft 9 directly connected to the input shaft 9; a pair of input disks 10, 10 that rotate integrally with the input shaft 9; an output disk 11, and both disks 10 between the output disk 11 and the pair of input disks 10, 10;
It has a plurality of rollers 12 . . . 12 which are disposed around the input shaft 9 at equal intervals in the circumferential direction with their peripheral surfaces in sliding contact with the input shaft 9 and which are rotatable and tiltable. Then, each of the above rollers 1
2 is tilted between the state shown by the solid line and the state shown by the chain line as shown in the figure. In the state shown by the solid line, the input disk 10 rotates integrally with the input shaft 9 connected to the output shaft 2a of the engine 2. The rotation is decelerated and output to the output disk 11, and in the state shown by the chain line, the rotation of the input disk 10 is accelerated and output to the output disk 11.

On the other hand, the planetary gear mechanism 4 is configured to further change the speed of the output from the output disk 11, and is arranged parallel to the input shaft 9, and has a differential device at one end. The output gear 13a to the second clutch 6 is loosely fitted onto the output shaft 13 provided with the output gear 13a, and the output from the output disc 11 is connected to the second clutch 6.
The rotation of the engine 2 is transmitted through a sun gear 14 and a plurality of pinion gears 15 . The roller 12 in the toroidal type continuously variable transmission mechanism 3 has a carrier 16 that is directly inputted, and a ring gear 17 that meshes with each of the plurality of pinions 15...15 and is provided integrally with the output shaft 13. When the rotation of the input disk 10 is increased and output to the output disk 11, and this is transmitted to the sun gear 14 via the second clutch 6,
The speed of the sun gear 14 is increased relative to the rotation of the carrier 16, so that the output shaft 13 integrated with the ring gear 17
is decelerated relative to the rotation of the engine 2. Further, when the rotation of the input disk 10 is decelerated by the roller 12 and output to the output disk 11 and transmitted to the sun gear 14 via the second clutch 6, the rotation of the sun gear 14 is reduced by the rotation of the carrier 16. As a result, the output shaft 13, which is integrated with the ring gear 17, is accelerated relative to the rotation of the engine 2.

[0022] Then, the toroidal type continuously variable transmission mechanism 3
The first and second clutches 5 and 6 are disposed adjacent to each other in the transmission path between the planetary gear mechanism 4 and the planetary gear mechanism 4,
As shown in FIG. 2, the casings 18 of these clutches 5 and 6 are integrated, and a gear 11a provided integrally with the output disk 11 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the casing 18.
An input gear 18a that meshes with the casing 18 is formed, and hydraulic chambers 21 and 22 are formed by a partition wall 18b extending inward from the casing 18 and a pair of pistons 19 and 20. Further, a clutch drum 23 is disposed facing the inner circumferential surface of the casing 18 and each piston 19, 20.
, 24 are provided with a plurality of friction plates 25...25 spline-fitted to both of them, respectively, and one of the clutch drums 23 is connected to the output shaft 13.
The other clutch drum 24 constitutes the planetary gear mechanism 4 via a shaft member 27 that is rotatably fitted to the outer circumference of the output shaft 13. It is connected to sun gear 14. Furthermore, oil passages 28 and 29 are formed in the output shaft 13 and the boss portion 18c of the casing 18 for supplying and discharging working pressure to and from the respective hydraulic chambers 21 and 22.

Further, the pistons 19 and 20 are connected by a connecting pin 30 provided through the partition wall 18b, and therefore, as shown in FIG. 2, when hydraulic pressure is supplied to the hydraulic chamber 21, When the piston 19 moves in the direction to engage the first clutch 5 and the piston 20 moves in the direction to release the second clutch 6, and when the piston 20 moves in the direction to engage, the piston 19 moves in the direction to engage the first clutch 5. moves in the direction of release. As a result, when the first clutch 5 is engaged, the rotation of the engine 2 shifted by the toroidal type continuously variable mechanism 3 is transferred to the output shaft 13.
The first signal is output directly to the differential device 7 via
When the shift mode is entered and the second clutch 6 is engaged, the rotation of the engine 2, which has been shifted by the toroidal stepless mechanism 3, is further shifted by the planetary gear mechanism 4 and output to the output shaft. mode.

According to the above configuration, the first and second clutches 5 and 6, which are selectively switched between the first speed change mode and the second speed change mode, are arranged adjacent to each other, and the casing 18 is integrally formed with the first and second clutches 5 and 6. As a result, the axial dimensions of these clutches 5 and 6 are shortened, and the entire continuously variable transmission 1 including the clutches 5 and 6 is configured more compactly. two clutches 5, 6
Since these are arranged adjacent to each other, the hydraulic circuit for supplying and discharging hydraulic pressure to these does not become complicated.

Further, the pistons 19 and 20 constituting each clutch 5 and 6 are connected by a connecting pin 30, and when one piston 19 moves in the direction of engaging the clutch 5, the other piston 20 engages the clutch 6. The other piston 20 is moved in the direction of releasing the clutch 6.
When moving in the direction of tightening, one piston 1
9 is moved in the direction of releasing the clutch 5, so that when the clutches 5 and 6 are engaged and released, the clutches 5 and 6 are reliably and properly operated without double locking or dragging. The clutches 5 and 6 are operated at appropriate timings, and a return spring or oil drain valve is not required, so that the clutches 5 and 6 can be configured more simply.

Further, from the engine 2 side, a carrier 16 to which the output of the engine 2 is transmitted, a sun gear 14 to which the output of the toroidal continuously variable transmission mechanism 3 is transmitted, and an output shaft 1.
3 is provided with a planetary gear mechanism 4 as a differential mechanism consisting of an integral ring gear 17 and first and second clutches 5 and 6 arranged adjacently, so that the output of the engine 2 is directly transmitted. The carrier 16 in the planetary gear mechanism 4 is arranged on the engine 2 side, so that the planetary gear mechanism 4 can be moved without taking up wasted space.
Since the clutches 5 and 6 are appropriately disposed along the transmission path from the engine to the output shaft 13, it is possible to further promote compactness of the continuously variable transmission 1 as a whole.

Furthermore, two clutches 5 and 6 are connected between the output disk 11 of the toroidal type continuously variable transmission mechanism 3 and the sun gear 14 constituting the planetary gear mechanism 4, and between the output disk 11 and the ring gear constituting the planetary gear mechanism 4. 17, the planetary gear mechanism 4
Since the clutches 5 and 6 are appropriately disposed along the transmission path from the engine 2 to the output shaft, it is possible to further promote compactness of the continuously variable transmission 1 as a whole.

[0028]

According to the first invention, two clutches that selectively switch between the first speed change mode and the second speed change mode are arranged adjacently, so that, for example, the casings constituting these clutches This allows the axial dimensions of these clutches to be shortened, making the entire continuously variable transmission including the clutches more compact, and 2
By arranging the two clutches adjacent to each other, the hydraulic circuit configuration for supplying and discharging hydraulic pressure to these clutches can be simplified.

Further, according to the second invention, since the casings to which the output from the continuously variable transmission means of the two clutches is transmitted are integrated, the clutch and the clutches are included in the same way as in the first invention. The entire continuously variable transmission is made more compact, and the pistons forming each clutch are connected by a connecting member, and when one piston moves in the direction of engaging the clutch,
the other piston is moved in the direction of releasing the clutch,
In addition, when the other piston moves in the direction to engage the clutch, one piston moves in the direction to release the clutch, so double locking, dragging, etc. are avoided when engaging and disengaging each of the clutches. These clutches can be actuated reliably and at appropriate timing without causing any occurrence of oil leakage, and furthermore, there is no need for return springs or oil drain valves, and each clutch can be configured more simply.

Furthermore, according to the third invention, the two clutches are arranged adjacent to each other and the casings of these clutches are integrated, so that the clutch and the clutch can be separated as in the first and second inventions. The entire continuously variable transmission including the present invention can be made more compact, and the hydraulic circuit for the two clutches can be simply constructed. Further, similarly to the second invention, when one piston moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, the other piston moves in the direction of disengaging the clutch, and when the other piston moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, Since one of the pistons is moved in the direction of releasing the clutches, these clutches can be operated reliably and at the appropriate timing without causing double lock or dragging when engaging and releasing each of the clutches. In addition, there is no need for a return spring or oil drain valve, and each clutch can be configured more simply.

According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the carrier includes a carrier to which the engine output is transmitted from the engine side in parallel with the engine, a sun gear to which the output of the continuously variable transmission is transmitted, and a ring gear integral with the output shaft. By providing a planetary gear mechanism as a differential mechanism consisting of Since the planetary gear mechanism and the clutch can be appropriately arranged along the transmission path from the engine to the output shaft without taking up much space, the entire continuously variable transmission can be configured even more compactly.

Furthermore, according to the fifth invention, in addition to the structure of the fourth invention, two clutches are provided between the output part of the continuously variable transmission means and the sun gear constituting the planetary gear mechanism, and between the output part and the planetary gear. Since the planetary gear mechanism and the clutch are respectively disposed between the ring gears that constitute the mechanism, the planetary gear mechanism and the clutch can be appropriately positioned along the transmission path from the engine to the output shaft without taking up wasted space, similar to the fourth invention. As a result, the entire continuously variable transmission can be configured even more compactly.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

[Figure 1] Overall schematic configuration diagram of continuously variable transmission

[Figure 2]
Enlarged cross-sectional view of the main parts of the clutch that makes up the continuously variable transmission

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Continuously variable transmission 2
engine 2a
Engine output shaft 3
Toroidal continuously variable transmission mechanism 4
Planetary gear mechanisms 5, 6 First and second clutches 11 Output disk 13 Output shaft 14 Sun gear 16
career 17
Ring gear 18 Casing 1
8a Partition wall parts 19, 20 Pistons 21, 22 Hydraulic chamber

Claims (5)

[Claims] Claims: 1. Continuously variable transmission means that can steplessly change the engine output; a differential mechanism that further changes the output of the continuously variable transmission means; and a differential mechanism that directly transmits the output of the continuously variable transmission means to an output shaft. A continuously variable transmission having two clutches for selectively switching between a first speed change mode and a second speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is changed in speed by a differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft, comprising: A continuously variable transmission characterized by two clutches arranged adjacent to each other. 2. Continuously variable transmission means capable of steplessly changing the engine output, a differential mechanism for further changing the output of the continuously variable transmission means, and directly transmitting the output of the continuously variable transmission means to an output shaft. A continuously variable transmission having two clutches for selectively switching between a first speed change mode and a second speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is changed in speed by a differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft, comprising: The casings into which the output of the continuously variable transmission means in the two clutches is input are integrated, and a pair of pistons are arranged facing each other across a partition wall that divides the inside of the casing into left and right hydraulic chambers. The connecting member is configured such that when one moves in the direction to engage the clutch, the other moves in the direction to release the clutch, and when the other moves in the direction to engage the clutch, one moves in the direction to release the clutch. A continuously variable transmission characterized by being connected by. 3. Continuously variable transmission means that can steplessly change the engine output, a differential mechanism that further changes the output of the continuously variable transmission means, and the output of the continuously variable transmission means is directly transmitted to an output shaft. A continuously variable transmission having two clutches for selectively switching between a first speed change mode and a second speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is changed in speed by a differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft, comprising: Two clutches are disposed adjacent to each other, and a casing into which the output of the continuously variable transmission means of these clutches is input is integrated, and a pair of hydraulic chambers are separated by a partition wall that divides the inside of the casing into left and right hydraulic chambers. The pistons are arranged opposite each other, and when one of these pistons moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, the other moves in the direction of disengaging the clutch, and when the other piston moves in the direction of engaging the clutch, one of the pistons moves in the direction of engaging the clutch. A continuously variable transmission characterized in that the continuously variable transmission is connected by a connecting member so as to move in the releasing direction. 4. Continuously variable transmission means that can steplessly change the engine output, a differential mechanism that further changes the output of the continuously variable transmission means, and an output of the continuously variable transmission means that is directly transmitted to an output shaft. A continuously variable transmission having two clutches for selectively switching between a first speed change mode and a second speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is changed in speed by a differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft, comprising: The differential mechanism is composed of a planetary gear mechanism consisting of a carrier to which the engine output is directly transmitted, a sun gear to which the output of the continuously variable transmission is transmitted, and a ring gear integrated with the output shaft. The shaft and the input shaft of the continuously variable transmission means are connected on the same shaft, and two clutches are provided parallel to these shafts and adjacent to the planetary gear mechanism from the engine side. Continuously variable transmission. 5. Continuously variable transmission means that can steplessly change the engine output, a differential mechanism that further changes the output of the continuously variable transmission means, and the output of the continuously variable transmission means is directly transmitted to an output shaft. A continuously variable transmission having two clutches for selectively switching between a first speed change mode and a second speed change mode in which the output of the continuously variable transmission means is changed in speed by a differential mechanism and transmitted to the output shaft, comprising: The differential mechanism is composed of a planetary gear mechanism consisting of a carrier to which the engine output is directly transmitted, a sun gear to which the output of the continuously variable transmission is transmitted, and a ring gear integrated with the output shaft. The shaft and the input shaft of the continuously variable transmission means are connected on the same axis, and parallel to these shafts, a planetary gear mechanism and two clutches arranged adjacent to each other are provided from the engine side. A continuously variable transmission characterized in that the continuously variable transmission is disposed between an output section of a transmission means and a sun gear, and between the output section and a ring gear.