Idler Supported By Roller Bearing Patents (Class 476/46)
  • Patent number: 6733416
    Abstract: In a toroidal type continuously variable transmission, a pair of power rollers are operatively interposed between input and output discs. Each power roller includes a power inner roller frictionally engaged with the input and output discs, a power outer roller receiving an axial load applied to the power inner roller from the input and output discs, a ball bearing operatively interposed between the power inner and outer rollers and a shaft receiving a radial load applied to the power inner roller from the input and output discs. The shaft is a one-body member comprising a first shaft portion on which the power outer roller is coaxially and tightly disposed and a second shaft portion on which the power inner roller is coaxially and rotatably disposed. The power outer roller and the shaft are produced separately. Upon assembly, these two parts are coupled together to constitute an integrated unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2004
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Haruyoshi Kumura
  • Publication number: 20040087412
    Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a roller-and-cage bearing assembly is interleaved between a power-roller outer ring and a trunnion power-roller accommodating portion to permit a parallel translation of a power roller in an axial direction of input and output disks. A cage of the roller-and-cage bearing assembly is formed with an oval slotted hole. A disk-shaped member is attached to the trunnion power-roller accommodating portion. The slotted hole and the disk-shaped member are fitted to each other to define a predetermined clearance that limits a displacement of the roller-and-cage bearing assembly in a direction perpendicular to both a rotation axis of the power roller and a trunnion axis to a set displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 6, 2004
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Jun Sugihara
  • Publication number: 20030216214
    Abstract: A trunnion linkage structure of a dual-cavity toroidal CVT, including trunnions each having an axial end portion, an upper link coupled to the axial end portion through a connection hole, a stop and a snap ring mounted to the axial end portion of the trunnion, and a stop positioning portion arranged so as to limit displacement of the stop in a lateral direction substantially perpendicular to the axial direction of the trunnion. A method of assembling the structure, including inserting a jig into the transmission case, placing the snap ring and the stop on the jig, placing the upper link on the stop, inserting the axial end portion of the trunnion into the connection hole so as to position the stop in place on the axial end portion of the trunnion, and guiding the snap ring to the mount position on the axial end portion thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Publication date: November 20, 2003
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20030211915
    Abstract: In the inner and outer surfaces of the retainer 34b, there are formed recessed grooves 40a, 40a which serve as lubricating oil flow passages for allowing lubricating oil to flow into pockets. Where the axial-direction depth of the recessed groove 40a, 40a is expressed as H and the circumferential-direction width thereof is expressed as 2L, 0.20≦H/L≦0.97 can be satisfied. Accordingly, it is possible to provide a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which can prevent the damage of a retainer 34b incorporated into a thrust rolling bearing for supporting a power roller and also can enhance the lubricating efficiency of the present thrust rolling bearing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2003
    Publication date: November 13, 2003
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Nogi, Norihisa Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20030203789
    Abstract: In a toroidal CVT includes a power roller interposed between input and output disks under a preload, a trunnion supports the power roller to permit a tilting motion of the power roller about a trunnion axis perpendicular to a power-roller rotation axis and to permit a parallel translation of the power roller relative to the trunnion in the direction of the common rotation axis of the input and output disks. The power roller includes an inner race in contact with the input and output disks, an outer race supported by the trunnion, and a power-roller bearing permitting relative rotation of the inner race to the outer race. The outer race has a low rigidity structure that promotes a deformation of the outer race so that the outer-race deformation follows the inner-race deformation, which may occur due to the preload during operation of the toroidal CVT.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: October 30, 2003
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20030190994
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, includes: a trunnion including: a support plate portion; and a pair of bent wall portions formed in longitudinal-direction two end portions of the support plate portion and bent on an inner surface side of the support plate portion, the pivot shafts being disposed concentrically with each other on outer surfaces of the bent wall portions; a trunnion shaft formed integrally with the pivot shaft; an oil pressure piston fitted with an outer peripheral surface of the trunnion shaft for moving the trunnions along the axial direction of the pivot shaft; and, a cut-away portion formed in the outer peripheral surface of the trunnion shaft for forming, between the cut-away portion and the oil pressure piston, an oil passage for a lubricating oil to be supplied to the bearing for a power roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Publication date: October 9, 2003
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Ishikawa, Takashi Imanishi
  • Patent number: 6612962
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission (10) comprises input disks (18a, 20a), output disks (18b, 20b) facing the input disks, power rollers (18c, 18d, 20c, 20d) gripped between the input disks and output disks, a pedestal (94) which supports the power rollers free to rotate, trunnions (17a, 17b, 27a, 27b) and roller bearing units (96) which support the pedestals on the trunnions so that they are free to slide in the direction perpendicular to the trunnion gyration axis (19a) and power roller rotation axis (15a), and further comprises projections (100) which limit the slide amount of a cage (96a) of the roller bearing unit relative to the trunnions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruhito Mori
  • Publication number: 20030134711
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has: an input shaft; an input disk and an output disk; a displacement shaft having a support shaft portion and a pivotal shaft portion; a trunnion having a support hole for supporting the support shaft portion; a first radial bearing supporting the support shaft portion within the support hole; a power roller having an insertion hole for receiving the pivot shaft portion; a second radial bearing supporting the pivot shaft portion within the insertion hole; and a thrust bearing including an outer ring and rolling elements, wherein a first bottom plate portion is provided at the support hole so as to close an opening of the support hole, a second bottom plate portion is provided at the insertion hole so as to close an opening of the insertion hole; and the displacement shaft and the outer ring are formed integrally with each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Publication date: July 17, 2003
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Kouji Ishikawa, Yutaka Sato
  • Patent number: 6592491
    Abstract: In a toroidal type continuously variable transmission, first pivot shafts provided on both ends of first trunnions are supported within support holes formed in yokes secured to an inner surface of a casing. The support portions are provided with ball splines and radial needle bearings. During operation, loads acting on the first trunnions are cancelled within the yokes. Axial displacements and rocking displacements of the first trunnions are effected smoothly by the ball splines and the radial needle bearings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Machida, Kouji Ishikawa, Takashi Imanishi, Hiroyuki Itoh, Tomofumi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 6575869
    Abstract: An infinitely variable traction drive variator comprising at least one pair of toroidal discs with torque-transmitting traction rollers situated between the discs. As one disc drives the other, the effective radius of the point of contact of the rollers on one disc is decreased and the effective radius of the point of contact of the rollers with the other disc increases. The rollers are rotatably mounted in a trunnion which is pivotally mounted on a gimbal frame, which in turn is pivotally mounted on a relatively stationary gimbal support. Provision is made for adjusting the angularity of the frame about the axis of the discs, thereby creating an angular offset for the rollers, which results in a change of the effective radius of the contact at each disc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC.
    Inventor: James Douglas Ervin
  • Publication number: 20030104898
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission includes an input disk, an output disk facing the input disk, a power roller gripped between the input disk and output disk, a pedestal which supports the power roller free to rotate about a power roller rotation axis, and a trunnion which gyrates about a trunnion gyration axis. The trunnion includes a first plane portion perpendicular to the power roller rotation axis, two second plane portions perpendicular to the first plane portion and facing each other across the power roller rotation axis and two inclined portions between the first plane portion and the second plane portions, respectively. A roller bearing unit, including a cage housing a roller, supports the pedestal on the trunnion so that the pedestal is free to slide in a direction that is perpendicular to both the trunnion gyration axis and power roller rotation axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2002
    Publication date: June 5, 2003
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Haruhito Mori
  • Patent number: 6565478
    Abstract: A toroidal CVT is comprised of an input disc, an output disc coaxial with the input disc, and a power roller disposed on opposite surfaces of the input and output disc to transmit power from the input disc to the output disc. Dimensions and relationship of the input and output discs and the power roller are determined such that a spin S generated at each of a first contact point between the input disc and the power roller and a second contact point between the output disc and the power roller takes positive valve throughout a transmission ratio range of the toroidal CVT. When S={sin &thgr;·sin &phgr;−(1+k−cos&phgr;)·cos&thgr;}/sin &thgr;, values &thgr;, &phgr; and k are determined so that S is greater than or equal to zero.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6565477
    Abstract: A power roller assembly for a toroidal-type CVT, including a pair of races formed with bearing surfaces opposed to each other, a plurality of rolling elements rotatably disposed between the races in contact with the bearing surfaces, and an iron phosphate-based coat formed on at least one of bearing surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayuki Yoshida, Masaaki Fujii, Nobuo Kino, Keizo Otani
  • Patent number: 6561946
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission includes first and second disks, a trunnion and a power roller. The first and second disks are coaxially and rotatably supported in a state that inner surfaces thereof are opposed to each other. The trunnion swings around a pivot shaft which is disposed at a torsional position with respect to a center shaft of the first and second disks. The power roller is sandwiched between the first and second disks in a state being rotatably supported at inner surface of the trunnion. The power roller has a first shaft portion which is protrusively provided at a center portion of an outer surface thereof in a coaxial manner with the power roller, and the power roller is rotatably supported by the first shaft portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2003
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Kouji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6527666
    Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission includes trunnions (4) formed with shoulder portions (40) which oppose an upper link (5) and a lower link (6), and projections (50) on the links (5, 6) which can slide on the shoulder portions (40) when the links (5, 6) perform swinging movement. Along with forming the trunnions (4) in single units by forging, step portions (4B) are arranged between the shoulder portions (40) and sloping portions (45) of the offset portions (4A). Planar portions (40A) are formed in the shoulder portions (40) which can slide on the projections (50) by cutting or grinding so that their radiuses R from the rotation axes (4C) up to the end portions of the step portions (4B) are set in advance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Toshifumi Hibi, Masatoshi Fukuyama
  • Patent number: 6524213
    Abstract: Power rollers 18c are comprised by an inner roller 93 making frictional contact between the input and output disks 18a, 20a and an outer roller 94 supporting a contact load input from the input and output disks 18a, 20a to the inner roller 93 through a ball bearing 92. An inner radial hole 93a is provided on the inner roller 93 to support a pivot shaft 15. The inner radial hole 93a opens near the outer roller and is covered by a bottom part 93b on a side opposite to the outer roller. In this manner, compression deformation of the inner roller is suppressed when a load is applied to the inner roller. Thus smooth rotational motion of the power roller is maintained and component durability can be increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Haruhito Mori
  • Patent number: 6520887
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission in which a section area of a support plate portion (7) forming a trunnion (6) is expressed as S, the length thereof is expressed as L, and the section coefficient thereof is expressed as Z, the ratio (S×L)/Z is specified in the range of 10-35 and, more preferably, in the range of 15-30. This can make even the load distribution of balls forming the thrust ball bearing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiromichi Takemura
  • Patent number: 6514171
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission including an input shaft rotatably disposed within a casing, an input disk connected with the input shaft, an output disk cooperating with the input disk to form a toroidal cavity between opposed surfaces thereof, a power roller rotatably disposed in the toroidal cavity, and an output shaft receiving the torque via the power roller and the output disk. Input and output shafts are rotatably supported by input and output bearings. Each of the input and output bearings includes a taper-roller bearing and a radial bearing arranged parallel to the taper-roller bearing. The taper-roller bearing has an outer race contact angle of not less than 45 degrees between the rotation axis and the mutual contact of an outer race and tapered rollers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2003
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6494807
    Abstract: While rotating a spindle 34, the circular hole 15 is worked using a cutting tool 39. Before or after the working operation of the circular hole 15, a chuck 36 is translated in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the spindle 34 by a slider 35. And, the flat surface 29 as well as the stepped surfaces 31, 31 and inner surfaces 38, 38, which are respectively composed of partially tubular surfaces, are cut or worked.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuko Kamamura, Shoji Horike, Takaji Iwasawa
  • Patent number: 6482120
    Abstract: A pair of friction wheels gripped between an input disk and output disk facing each other on a rotation shaft of a friction wheel continuously variable transmission, are supported by a pair of supporting members each comprising a supporting shaft. An end of the supporting shaft of one supporting member and an end of the supporting shaft of another supporting member are joined by a link. The center of the link is supported free to pivot by a pin. The link supports the supporting member against an outward force exerted by the input disk and output disk on the friction wheels in a direction away from the rotation shaft. The link and supporting shaft are joined by inserting a joint into an engaging hole of the link. The shapes of the outer circumferential surface of the joint and inner circumferential surface of the engaging hole are set so that the force exerted by the joint on the link due to the action of the outward force does not generate a moment assisting inclination when the link inclines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruyoshi Kumura, Toshikazu Oshidari, Kazuhisa Sasahara
  • Patent number: 6475111
    Abstract: A power roller (18c) comprises a power roller inner wheel (93) in frictional contact with a input/output disks (18a, 18b), a power roller outer wheel (94) provided in a trunnion (17a), a ball bearing (92) interposed between the power roller inner wheel (93) and the power roller outer wheel (94), and an inner wheel supporting shaft (95) which supports the power roller inner wheel (93) such that it is free to rotate, the shaft having a shaft base part (95b) supported in the trunnion (17a), and arranged so that the radial support rigidity is set high in a gyration axis direction and set low in the direction perpendicular to the trunnion gyration axis (19a) and the power roller rotation axis (15d).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jun Sugihara, Toshikazu Oshidari, Tsutomu Yamazaki, Haruhito Mori
  • Patent number: 6468181
    Abstract: A toroidal type CVT has upper and lower links. The upper link is associated with an upper link supporting member, which is fixedly joined to its casing with a bolt(s). The lower link is associated with a lower link supporting member, which is joined to a cylinder body. An adjusting hole formed in the upper link supporting member and a knock pin extending from the casing are used to permit displacement of the upper link within a predetermined limit in the longitudinal direction of the link. Rotating its input and output discs while the bolt is loosened equalizes the thrust forces acting on the power rollers gripped between the input and output disks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Publication number: 20020151407
    Abstract: The toroidal-type continuously variable transmission comprises an input shaft, an input disk, an output disk, a plurality of trunnions, a plurality of power rollers, and power roller bearings, wherein the mutually opposed inner surfaces of the input and output disks are respectively formed as concave surfaces each having an arc-shaped section, the peripheral surfaces of the power rollers are respectively formed as spherical-shaped convex surfaces, and these peripheral surfaces are contacted with the above-mentioned inner surfaces. The retainer of the power roller bearing is formed of high strength brass, and the high strength brass has a micro structure in which the &agr; phase thereof is 40% or more in the area ratio thereof, and the hardness of said retainer is set at HB80 or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Publication date: October 17, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Tomonobu Yoshikawa
  • Patent number: 6464615
    Abstract: A pair of friction wheels gripped between an input disk and output disk facing each other on a rotation shaft of a friction wheel continuously variable transmission, are supported by a pair of supporting members each comprising a supporting shaft. An end of the supporting shaft of one supporting member and an end of the supporting shaft of another supporting member are joined by a link. The center of the link is supported free to pivot by a pin. The link supports the supporting member against an outward force exerted by the input disk and output disk on the friction wheels in a direction away from the rotation shaft. The link and supporting shaft are joined by inserting a joint into an engaging hole of the link. The shapes of the outer circumferential surface of the joint and inner circumferential surface of the engaging hole are set so that the force exerted by the joint on the link due to the action of the outward force does not generate a moment assisting inclination when the link inclines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruyoshi Kumura, Toshikazu Oshidari, Kazuhisa Sasahara
  • Patent number: 6464616
    Abstract: The inner surface 2a of the input side disk 2 is composed of a near-inside-diameter portion, namely, a first arc surface 16 and a near-outside-diameter portion, namely, a second arc surface 17 in such a manner that the first and second arc surfaces 16 and 17 are allowed to continue with each other smoothly. The first arc surface 16 is formed as a single arc whose radius of curvature is R2a. Also, the second arc surface 17 is recessed in the axial direction of the input side disk 2 further than the extension of the single arc, and the second arc surface 17 is formed so as to have a spiral curve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Yuko Kamamura, Yasutami Matsumoto
  • Publication number: 20020137593
    Abstract: In a toroidal type continuously variable transmission, a pair of power rollers are operatively interposed between input and output discs. Each power roller includes a power inner roller frictionally engaged with the input and output discs, a power outer roller receiving an axial load applied to the power inner roller from the input and output discs, a ball bearing operatively interposed between the power inner and outer rollers and a shaft receiving a radial load applied to the power inner roller from the input and output discs. The shaft is a one-body member comprising a first shaft portion on which the power outer roller is coaxially and tightly disposed and a second shaft portion on which the power inner roller is coaxially and rotatably disposed. The power outer roller and the shaft are produced separately. Upon assembly, these two parts are coupled together to constitute an integrated unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2002
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Haruyoshi Kumura
  • Publication number: 20020137592
    Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission (10) comprises input disks (18a, 20a), output disks (18b, 20b) facing the input disks, power rollers (18c, 18d, 20c, 20d) gripped between the input disks and output disks, a pedestal (94) which supports the power rollers free to rotate, trunnions (17a, 17b, 27a, 27b) and roller bearing units (96) which support the pedestals on the trunnions so that they are free to slide in the direction perpendicular to the trunnion gyration axis (19a) and power roller rotation axis (15a), and further comprises projections (100) which limit the slide amount of a cage (96a) of the roller bearing unit relative to the trunnions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventor: Haruhito Mori
  • Patent number: 6440034
    Abstract: In the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, the radial clearance of a second radial needle roller bearing 30 for supporting the power roller 8 on the periphery of the pivot shaft portion 26 of the displacement shaft 7 is set larger than the radial clearance of a first radial needle roller bearing 27 for supporting a support shaft portion 25 on a trunnion 6. By increasing the radial clearance of the second radial needle roller bearing 30 in this manner, an increase in the surface pressures in the contact portions between the rolling surfaces of needle rollers 32, 32 and the inner peripheral surface of the power roller 8 and the outer peripheral surface of the pivot shaft portion 26 can be restricted, thereby enhancing the durability of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission. Also, by reducing the radial clearance of the first radial needle roller bearing 27, the inclination of the displacement shaft 7 is minimized, thereby stabilizing the rotation speed change operation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: NSK, Ltd.
    Inventors: Kouji Ishikawa, Nobuo Goto, Takashi Imanishi
  • Publication number: 20020115525
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which comprises: a casing; input and output disks respectively including inner surfaces, disposed concentrically with each other inside the casing, and supported so as to rotated independently of each other; a plurality of trunnions each including even-numbered pivot shafts existing at right angles to a central-axis direction of the disks and disposed concentrically with to in parallel to each other, and being swingable about the pivot shafts; a plurality of shift shafts respectively projected out from the trunnions; a plurality of power rollers held by and between respective inner surfaces of the disks so as to be rotatably supported on the shift shafts; and a support member fixed directly to the casing and supporting the pivot shafts so as to be shifted in an axial and an inclined rotation direction thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Imanishi, Masami Tanaka, Tomofumi Yamashita, Kouji Ishikawa, Nobuo Goto
  • Publication number: 20020111247
    Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a roller-and-cage bearing assembly is interleaved between a power-roller outer ring and a trunnion power-roller accommodating portion to permit a parallel translation of a power roller in an axial direction of input and output disks. A cage of the roller-and-cage bearing assembly is formed with an elliptical slotted hole. A disk-shaped member is mounted on and fitted to a lubricating oil supply pipe attached to the trunnion power-roller accommodating portion. The slotted hole and the disk-shaped member are fitted to each other to define a specified permissible clearance that limits a displacement of the roller-and-cage bearing assembly in a direction perpendicular to both a rotation axis of the power roller and a trunnion axis to a set displacement.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2002
    Publication date: August 15, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Jun Sugihara
  • Patent number: 6416439
    Abstract: In a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, a plurality of trunnions is respectively swingable about a pair of mutually concentric pivot shafts through a plurality of radial needle roller bearings respectively supporting the pivot shafts. Each of the radial needle roller bearings includes: an outer race interposed between an outer peripheral surface of the pivot shaft and an inner peripheral surface of the circular hole of the support plate, the outer race having an outer peripheral surface formed in a spherically convex surface; and a plurality of needle rollers respectively disposed on the inside diameter side of the outer race. The outer race is formed with an inwardly facing flange portion on the inner peripheral surface of the end portion thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, Seiji Higuchi, Nobuo Goto, Masami Tanaka, Norihisa Kobayashi
  • Publication number: 20020086767
    Abstract: In the thus structured toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, at least one of the concave surface of the input side disk, the concave surface of the output side disk, the convex surfaces of the power rollers, the raceway surfaces of the inner races of the power roller bearings, and the raceway surfaces of the outer races of the power roller bearings is, after heat treatment, subjected to grinding, superfinishing and shot-peening and then superfinishing again, and the resultant surface residual compression stress is in the range from −780 to −1800 MPa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2001
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Tomonobu Yoshikawa, Yasuo Murakami
  • Publication number: 20020082133
    Abstract: The toroidal-type continuously variable transmission comprises an input shaft rotatably supported, an input side disk, an output side disk, a plurality of trunnions, a plurality of power rollers, and a plurality of thrust rolling bearings 32, in which the mutually opposed inner surfaces of the input side and output side disks are respectively formed as concave surfaces each having an arc-shaped section, the peripheral surfaces of the power rollers are formed as spherical-shaped convex surfaces, and the peripheral surfaces of the power rollers are contacted with the inner surfaces of the input side and output side disks. In the thus structured toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, each of the thrust rolling bearings 32 is made of high carbon chromium bearing steel and is also carbonitrided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2001
    Publication date: June 27, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Tomonobu Yoshikawa, Yasuo Murakami
  • Publication number: 20020068659
    Abstract: A rolling element for a continuously variable transmission, including input and output disks and a power roller interposed between the input and output disks, the power roller including an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of rolling members interposed between the inner and outer races, the input and output disks and the inner race having rolling contact surfaces coming into rolling contact with each other via lubricating oil, the inner and outer races having rolling contact surfaces coming into rolling contact with the rolling members via lubricating oil, and a nickel-based coat formed on at least one of the rolling contact surfaces, the nickel-based coat having a thickness ranging from 0.1 to 20 &mgr;m.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2001
    Publication date: June 6, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eiji Hirai, Mitsuhiro Okuhata, Nobuo Kino, Keizo Otani
  • Patent number: 6383113
    Abstract: A roller transmission, in particular toroidal transmission, with infinitely variable transmission ratio, includes a friction wheel (6) disposed between a driving disk (2) and driven disk (3) and rotatably mounted to a swingable carrier (7). The friction wheel has a circumferential friction surface (8) for interaction with confronting end faces (4, 5) of both disks (2, 3). The friction wheel (6) is made of two sheet metal parts (9, 10) interconnected outside the friction surface (8) and defining a partition plane which is disposed substantially transversely to the rotation axis of the friction wheel (6), wherein at least one cavity (15) is arranged between both sheet metal parts (9, 10).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Assignee: Ina Wälzlager Schaeffler OHG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Döppling, Manfred Winkler
  • Patent number: 6375595
    Abstract: A plural cavity toroidal transmission is designed to permit transmission of great torque between output side disks and a sleeve while maintaining a thickness of the sleeve. To this end, convex portions are formed on outer surfaces of the output side disks and concave portions are formed on edge portions of both axial ends of the sleeve. By fitting the convex portions into the concave portions, synchronous rotations of the pair of output side disks and transmission of rotation from the output side disks to an output gear can be achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hisashi Machida, Takashi Imanishi, Kouji Ishikawa
  • Publication number: 20020045512
    Abstract: A power roller for a toroidal continuously variable transmission is provided wherein decrease in power transmission performance due to oil film temperature rise in a power transmission part can be prevented by suppressing the heat in a rolling contact part between a ball and an inner race groove.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 18, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 6368245
    Abstract: In a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, there is provided a thrust rolling bearing interposed between a power roller and a trunnion for supporting a thrust-direction load applied to the power roller. The thrust rolling bearing includes a plurality of rolling elements and a retainer rollably holding the plurality of rolling elements. The retainer defines a circular-ring-shaped main body and a plurality of pockets respectively formed in the main body for rollably holding the plurality of rolling elements. A clearance between the pocket and the rolling element is set in the range of 0.6 to 6.0% of the ball diameter of the rolling element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2002
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Nobuo Goto, Hiroshi Kato, Masayoshi Shimizuya, Takashi Imanishi, Hisashi Machida, Hirotoshi Aramaki, Kinji Yukawa, Yuji Nakano
  • Publication number: 20020039948
    Abstract: The trunnion of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has a pair of journal portions disposed on a trunnion shaft and spaced from each other, a U-shaped eccentric portion disposed eccentric from the trunnion shaft and having two ends integrally connected to the mutually opposing end portions of the pair of journal portions, and a pivot shaft disposed in the eccentric portion for supporting a power roller in a space enclosed by the eccentric portion and the mutually opposing end portions of the pair of journal portions. The mutually opposing end portions of the pair of journal portions are connected together by a reinforcing member and the power roller is interposed between the eccentric portion of the trunnion and the reinforcing member, thereby being able to prevent the deformation of the trunnion due to a load applied thereto from the input and output disks through the power roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuo Ooyama
  • Publication number: 20020039949
    Abstract: A power roller bearing of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission unit that is used for a transmission of an automobile or the like comprises a power roller, an outer race, balls, a retainer, etc. Annular raceway grooves are formed individually on the respective opposite end faces of the outer race and the power roller. Treated-surface layers for enhancing the endurance of the power roller bearing are formed individually on the respective surfaces of the raceway grooves. The treated-surface layers include super-finished surfaces with the surface roughness of 0.05 Ra or less, formed individually on the raceway grooves, and low-friction layers formed individually on the super-finished surfaces. Alternatively, the treated-surface layers include residual compression stress layers formed on the respective surface layer portions of the raceway grooves by shot-peening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2001
    Publication date: April 4, 2002
    Applicant: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, Takashi Imanishi, Nobuo Goto, Yasuo Murakami, Tomonobu Yoshikawa
  • Publication number: 20020037787
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission includes three trunnions and power rollers in a single cavity. One of the trunnions is shifted by a pair of oil pressure actuators, each of a single-acting type. The remaining two trunnions are respectively shifted by separate oil pressure actuators, each of a double-acting type.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Publication date: March 28, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD
    Inventor: Takashi Imanishi
  • Publication number: 20020025879
    Abstract: While rotating a spindle 34, the circular hole 15 is worked using a cutting tool 39. Before or after the working operation of the circular hole 15, a chuck 36 is translated in a direction perpendicular to the rotation center axis of the spindle 34 by a slider 35. And, the flat surface 29 as well as the stepped surfaces 31, 31 and inner surfaces 38, 38, which are respectively composed of partially tubular surfaces, are cut or worked.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2001
    Publication date: February 28, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventors: Yuko Kamamura, Shoji Horike, Takaji Iwasawa
  • Publication number: 20020019288
    Abstract: A toroidal CVT is comprised of an input disc, an output disc coaxial with the input disc, and a power roller disposed on opposite surfaces of the input and output disc to transmit power from the input disc to the output disc. Dimensions and relationship of the input and output discs and the power roller are determined such that a spin S generated at each of a first contact point between the input disc and the power roller and a second contact point between the output disc and the power roller takes positive valve throughout a transmission ratio range of the toroidal CVT. When S={sin &thgr;·sin &phgr;−(1+k−cos&phgr;) cos&thgr;}/sin &thgr;, values &thgr;, &phgr; and k are determined so that S is greater than or equal to zero.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: NISSAN MOTOR CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Takeshi Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20020019289
    Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission includes first and second disks, a trunnion and a power roller. The first and second disks are coaxially and rotatably supported in a state that inner surfaces thereof are opposed to each other. The trunnion swings around a pivot shaft which is disposed at a torsional position with respect to a center shaft of the first and second disks. The power roller is sandwiched between the first and second disks in a state being rotatably supported at inner surface of the trunnion. The power roller has a first shaft portion which is protrusively provided at a center portion of an outer surface thereof in a coaxial manner with the power roller, and the power roller is rotatably supported by the first shaft portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Applicant: NSK LTD.
    Inventor: Kouji Ishikawa
  • Patent number: 6332858
    Abstract: A power roller (18C, 18D, 20C, 20D) of a toroidal continuously variable transmission is supported by a pedestal (94) such that it is free to rotate. A first roller bearing (96A) supporting the pedestal (94) in the trunnion (17) against a horizontal load which makes a right angle with an input shaft (16) of the transmission, and a second roller bearing (96B, 96C) supporting the pedestal (94) in the trunnion (17) against a vertical load which makes a right angle with the input shaft (16) of the transmission, are provided between the trunnion (17) and the pedestal (94). These roller bearings (96A), (96B), (96C) permit the pedestal (94) to easily displace parallel to the input shaft (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Haruhito Mori, Jun Sugihara, Haruyoshi Kumura, Toshikazu Oshidari, Jun Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20010016534
    Abstract: A pair of power rollers which is gripped between an input disk and an output disk and transmits torque by friction, is supported rotatably by a pair of trunnions. The upper ends and lower ends of the trunnions are respectively connected by links, and the power roller is prevented from being driven out from between the input disk and output disk by the grip force. When the trunnions and the power rollers are displaced by the servopistons in the trunnion axis direction in mutually opposite directions, the trunnions and power rollers gyrate around the trunnion axis as pivot, and a speed change will occur. Links are provided with slots which lengthen in the trunnion axis direction, and are supported in the transmission case free to displace in the trunnion axis direction via pins inserted in the slots.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 26, 2000
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventor: Toshikazu Oshidari
  • Publication number: 20010016535
    Abstract: In order to facilitate an assembling operation of a structure which is correctly operated with a proper positional relation, in a power roller unit for a toroidal type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention, a displacement shaft, a power roller, a radial needle bearing, a thrust ball bearing and a thrust needle bearing are pre-assembled to a trunnion. After dimensional relations and operation conditions of the constructural parts of the assembly or unit are ascertained, the assembly is assembled within a housing together with other unit, thereby completing the toroidal type continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 23, 2001
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, Hisashi Machida, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6238318
    Abstract: In order to facilitate an assembling operation of a structure which is correctly operated with a proper positional relation, in a power roller unit for a toroidal type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention, a displacement shaft, a power roller, a radial needle bearing, a thrust ball bearing and a thrust needle bearing are pre-assembled to a trunnion. After dimensional relations and operation conditions of the constructural parts of the assembly or unit are ascertained, the assembly is assembled within a housing together with other unit, thereby completing the toroidal type continuously variable transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Itoh, Hisashi Machida, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato, Takashi Imanishi
  • Patent number: 6206801
    Abstract: A continuously variable transmission provided with a rotary shaft characterized in that a ball spline is formed between an inner peripheral surface of a first disc and an outer peripheral surface of an intermediate portion of a rotary shaft, a restraining members for limiting displacement of balls of a ball spline is provided on an inner side of the inner peripheral surface of the first disc, a small-diametered portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the intermediate portion of the rotary shaft and between the first disc and a second disc, and the restraining members is mountable through the small-diametered portion with the restraining members and the small-diametered portion axially aligned with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Koji Ishikawa, Hiroyuki Ito, Hisashi Machida, Nobuo Goto, Makoto Fujinami, Hiroshi Kato
  • Patent number: 6196946
    Abstract: A power roller of a power roller bearing in a half-toroidal type continuously variable transmission is manufactured as follows. In step S1, a work used as material is heated up to a temperature suitable for forging. In step S2, the work is pressed by using a first die set, with its end face being held. In step S3, the work is forged by using a second die set. The work is formed into a work having a curved face corresponding to a traction surface, a hole corresponding to a center hole, and a recess corresponding to a raceway groove. In step S4, the work is punched by using a third die set. In step S5, the work is subjected to a cutting process and a heating process, thereby obtaining the power roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: NSK Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Sawai, Takafumi Kuwano, Nobuo Gotou, Takashi Imanishi, Nobuaki Mitamura