Abstract: A rotary assembly for traction drives, including a plurality of rolling elements having a rotation axis and traction contact surfaces around the rotation axis and associating with each other to transmit a motive power between the rolling elements via a traction oil film formed between the traction contact surfaces, in which at least one of the traction contact surfaces has a microstructure with irregularities which sizes are larger than a thickness of the traction oil film. The process for the traction contact surface is also disclosed.

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.

Abstract: A toroidal variable-speed drive unit includes at least one axial offset transmission, at least one actuating member, pivotable supporting journals, and rollers arranged on the pivotable supporting journals which are coupled to one another by the at least one axial offset transmission and can be supported on the at least one actuating member, wherein the rollers are arranged between the actuating member and the at least one axial offset transmission.

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.

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.

Abstract: The invention relates to a stepless friction drive (1) in which friction wheels (2) are mounted. Said friction drive is provided with a system that allows a compensatory displacement of the corresponding friction wheel (2) when the input and output wheels are elastically deformed. Said system is mounted between the lower end of every support (1) and the hydraulic piston (6). The compensation system comprises an upper bearing shell (3), a lower bearing shell (5) and balls (4) that are maintained in a defined arrangement by means of a cage (9).

Abstract: The invention relates to an infinitely variable friction gear with several frictional wheels which are to transmit via the driving power. The frictional wheels are rotationally mounted in combined axial-radial-bearings (2), which comprises split bearings (3) which are inserted into the supports (4) for the friction wheels (1) and which are rotated at an pivoting axis angle (&agr;) in relation to angle Y. The opposite-lying supports of each gear unit are connected to each other by an upper coupling rod (6) and a lower coupling coupling rod (7).

Abstract: An infinitely variable toroidal drive with several drive units wherein each drive unit has an input disc with a toroidal inner surface disposed coaxially in relation to the input shaft and an output disc with a toroidal inner surface disposed coaxially in relation to the input shaft and several friction wheels which are pivotably situated between each pair of input disc and output discs and mounted on a carrier, respectively. The infinitely variable toroidal drive has a device for support of the reaction forces appearing on the friction wheels due to the pressure of the discs, simultaneously synchronizing the pivoting angle of the carriers. The device consists of respective traction elements; one being provided on both the upper ends and the lower ends of the two carriers, and encircling the ends of the carriers and respectively having the shape of an 8.

Abstract: The infinitely variable friction wheel transmission with two transmission units and a traction element wound around the carriers of each respective transmission unit in the form of a Figure-8, comprises for each carrier a compensating element which exerts a restoring force on the carriers when a differential angle occurs between the two carriers.

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.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has: a casing; a middle wall having a through hole; a plurality of support plates; a rotary shaft so as to be inserted through the through hole of the middle wall; a pair of first disks respectively including inner surfaces and respectively supported on the two end portions of the rotary shaft; a pair of second disks respectively including inner surfaces and respectively supported on the middle wall in the periphery of the middle portion of the rotary shaft; a plurality of trunnions respectively interposed between the inner surfaces of the first and second disks; a plurality of displacement shafts; a plurality of power rollers; a support bracket for supporting the support plates on the interior of the casing; and, a mounting portion fixedly formed in a portion of the support bracket for supporting and fixing the middle wall.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, has: a casing; an input rotary shaft; a pair of input side disks each including an input side inner surface and respectively supported on the input rotary shaft; an output cylinder supported on the input rotary shaft; a pair of output side disks each including an output side inner respectively supported on the periphery of the output cylinder; an output rotation transmission member fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the middle portion of the output cylinder; support members interposed respectively between the input side inner surfaces and the output side inner surfaces; power rollers being contacted with the input side inner surfaces and the output side inner surfaces; and, a rolling bearing disposed between the input side inner surface and the output side inner surfaces and rotatably supporting the output cylinder

Abstract: A power transmission system includes an input shaft, a toroidal CVT arranged on the input shaft, a countershaft arranged parallel with the input shaft for transferring power output from the CVT to wheels, a power distributing device for distributing power from the countershaft to the front and rear wheels, a first casing for defining a first compartment accommodating the CVT, a second casing disposed adjacent to the first casing and for defining a second compartment accommodating the power distributing device, a separation wall arranged between the first compartment and the second compartment and for sealing the compartments in a fluid-tight manner, and first and second oils charged in the first and second compartments and having different characteristics.

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.

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.

Abstract: The toroidal continuously variable transmission comprises a drive shaft which is rotationally driven by an engine, an input shaft which is disposed adjacent to and coaxially with this drive shaft, input disk which rotate integrally with the input shaft, output disks which are disposed coaxially with the input disks so as to be capable of rotating relatively thereto and to face the input disks, trunnion assemblies which are clamped between the input disks and the output disks so that these trunnion assemblies are free to swing, a pushing cylinder which pushes the input disks and output disks in the respective directions that cause these disks to clamp the trunnion assemblies, and a coupling mechanism which connects the drive shaft and the input shaft by means of an Oldham coupling.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission is characterized by comprising an input disk, an output disk, trunnions, power rollers, and thrust rolling-element bearing, in which at least one of the input disk, output disk and power rollers of a power roller bearing is formed of an alloy steel and subjected to either carburizing processing and polishing or carbonitriding processing and polishing, and at least one of the input disk, output disk and the inner ring of the power roller bearing has an efficient hardened layer of Hv 653, which has a depth of 2.0 mm or more and 4.00 mm or less from the surface.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission, including a rotatable input shaft, an input disc, a rotatable output shaft, an output disc, and one or more power rollers. The input and output discs are connected to the input and output shafts respectively, so that the discs may move axially on the shafts, and so that the discs rotate with the shafts. The one or more power rollers operatively connect the input and output discs. The one or more power rollers are pivotally connected to a frame, which is connected to a stationary base. Axial movement of either of the input and output discs against the one or more power rollers changes the angle of the one or more power rollers against the input and output discs.

Abstract: A full toroidal continuously variable unit (CVU) has a caster angle control and a trunnion position control that permits the caster angle to be greater than 60 degrees, which is the angle of critical damping for the torus and traction roller assembly of the CVU. The trunnion position control and the caster angle control are connected with the roller through a spherical bearing. The trunnion position control acts on the ball portion of the bearing and the caster angle control acts on the housing portion of the bearing. The traction roller is rotatably mounted on the housing of the bearing. The trunnion position control is grounded through a central member such that the axial and radial components imposed thereon are grounded and not transferred to the traction roller or the caster angle control. The caster angle control includes a linkage that maintains a constant angular orientation of the axis of the roller tilt at all roller positions.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission having first and second discs supported around a rotating shaft and receiving power rollers therebetween includes a ball spline having a first spline groove formed in an outer circumferential surface of the rotating shaft, a second spline groove formed in an inner circumferential surface of the first disc, and balls provided between the first spline groove and the second spline groove rollably. An axial position of an end portion of an effective groove portion of the first spline groove is located to correspond to an axial position of an inner end portion of the second spline groove or more closely to the second disc than the axial position thereof when a pressing unit, a preload spring and the first disc are installed around the rotating shaft, pressure oil is not fed to the pressing unit, and the preload spring is not elastically deformed.

Abstract: An infinitely variable toroidal drive comprising a housing (1), an input shaft (3), a torque converter (34), two input discs (5, 15) with toroidal inner surfaces, two output discs (6, 16) with toroidal inner surfaces wherein one input disc and one output disc each form a pair and the two output discs are arranged next to each other with mirror symmetry, several friction wheels for transmitting a torque from one input disc to the corresponding output disc, an output shaft (10) and a gear wheel system (8, 9) being coupled via engaging gears (57) with an output disc (16).

Abstract: A trunnion of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has a support plate portion for supporting a displacement shaft and a pair of bent wall portions respectively bent toward the inner surface side of the support plate portion. The support plate portion and the pair of bent wall portions cooperates together in defining a pocket portion for storing a power roller therein. Pivot shafts are disposed concentrically with each other on the outer surfaces of the pair of bent wall portions. The pair of bent wall portions are connected together by a connecting member. The connecting member includes a pressure receive portion contactable with the inner surface of the pocket portion in a direction intersecting substantially at right angles to the thrust direction and receiving a pressing force acting on the pocket portion to crush the pocket portion.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission including input and output disks rotatable about a common first axis, and power rollers interposed therebetween and supported on trunnions to rotate about a second axis. The trunnions are displaceable along a third axis extending perpendicular to the second axis and pivotally moveable about the third axis. A link connects the trunnions. A link support supports the link to allow the displacement and pivotal movement of the trunnions. A pin extending parallel to the first axis and a pin guide having an open end cooperate to support the link so as to swing about the pin and offset along the third axis. The pin is disposed on one of the link and the link support, and the pin guide is disposed on the other. Upon mounting the link to the link support, the pin is radially inserted into the pin guide through the open end.

Abstract: An output side disk 3 includes a penetration hole 30 for penetration of an input shaft therethrough, and a securing groove 40 formed in the inner peripheral surface of the penetration hole 30 for preventing a needle roller bearing 5 from slipping out in the axis O direction of the input shaft. The first connecting portion R3 of the securing groove 40 is formed as a surface the section of which has an arc-like shape of a large radius of curvature, whereas the second connecting portion R4 of the securing groove 40 is formed as a surface the section of which has an arc-like shape of a small radius of curvature.

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.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission including input and output disks having a common first rotation axis about which the disks are rotatable, and a power roller swingably interposed between the disks and having a second rotation axis intersecting the first rotation axis, about which the power roller is rotatable. The input and output disks and the power roller have traction surfaces cooperating with each other to transmit rotation therebetween. At least one of the input and output disks and the power roller has a surface roughness on the traction surface thereof which varies in a direction of the rotation axis thereof.

Abstract: A friction transmission unit for transmitting power between input and output members by means of friction and capable of loss reduction and large torque transmission. Power is transmitted between a planar disk (16) and a roller (10), which contacts the upper surface of the planar disk (16). The profile of the peripheral surface (14) of the roller (10) which actually contacts the upper surface (20) of the disk (16) is expressed as z=a·sinh(bx2) This profile realizes a contact stress distribution which is constant over an area corresponding to approximately 80% in the width direction of the entire contact region. This profile also prevents formation of peak stresses near and at the edges of the contact region and, instead, enables formation of monotonic decrease of stress in areas near the edges.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission system of the present invention is provided with an input disk, an output disk and power rollers. The input and output disks have traction surfaces defined between a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion and having an arc-shaped concave section. The input and output disks are coaxially arranged in such a manner that the traction surfaces face each other. The power roller are frictionally engagement with the traction surfaces of the input and output disks and transmit a driving force. At least one of the input disk, the output disk and the power rollers is formed of an alloy steel which contains 0.15 to 2.0% by weight of Mo. The alloy steel is subjected first to carburization or carbonitriding processing executed at a temperature not lower than 1,000° C., and then to hardening and tempering. The alloy steel has a surface carbon content of 0.8 to 1.4%.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission (CVT), including rolling elements having traction surfaces cooperating with each other to transmit a power between the rolling elements via a traction oil film formed between the traction surfaces. The traction surfaces have the microstructure that is defined with respect to a thickness of the traction oil film formed when the temperature of the traction portion of the traction surface is high, to thereby exhibit high traction coefficient even in the high-temperature operating condition.

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.

Abstract: A loading cam apparatus for a toroidal type continuously variable transmission includes: a first cam surface formed to have concave and convex portions thereon along a circumferential direction thereo, a second cam surface formed to have concave and convex portions thereon along a circumferential direction thereof and to oppose to the first cam surface along an axial direction thereof, a plurality of rolling elements sandwiched between the first cam surface and the second cam surface, and a retainer for holding the plurality of rolling elements in a freely rotatable state. The retainer includes a retainer main body of a circular annular shape, and pockets provided at outer periphery portions of the retainer main body for holding the plurality of rolling elements, respectively. The retainer main body is formed by carbonitriding material of iron system with a carbon concentration in a range from 0.02 to 0.20 wt % both inclusive.

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.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has an input disk, an output disk, a pressing device for pressing said first disk toward said second disk, a plurality of trunnions having a pair of first support shafts for supporting a plurality of power rollers, a pair of support plates for supporting the first pivot shafts of each of the trunnions; and a pair of swing brackets each including a second pivot shaft parallel to the first pivot shaft of the trunnion, the swing brackets being respectively supported so as to be swingable about the second pivot shafts with respect to the support plates. The first pivot shafts of the trunnion are respectively supported so as to be swingable with respect to the support plates through the swing brackets.

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.

Abstract: A trunnion and a rod attached to the present trunnion are formed of single blank material into an integral body. This structure can reduce the number of steps necessary in working operations and assembling operations for the respective composing parts of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission and also can enhance the dimensional accuracy of the respective composing parts.

Abstract: The present toroidal-type continuously variable transmission comprises an oil passage formed in an input shaft so as to extend in the axial direction of the input shaft, a plurality of ball spline grooves formed in the outer peripheral surface of the input shaft so as to be spaced from one another at a given interval in the peripheral direction of the input shaft, a plurality of oil grooves not only for connecting together the ball spline grooves but also for guiding lubricating oil along the outer peripheral surface of the input shaft, and two oil holes 1a formed in the input shaft 1 for allowing the oil grooves and oil passage to communicate with each other.

Abstract: A wall mounting structure for a dual cavity toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) including two toroidal speed change units. Each toroidal speed change unit includes a pair of input and output disks rotatable about a common rotation axis, the input disks being axially spaced from each other, the output disks being disposed between the input disks and axially opposed to each other in a spaced relation, and a gear set drivingly connected with the output disks. The wall mounting structure includes a transmission-case accommodating the toroidal speed change units, an intermediate wall disposed between the output disks and accommodating the gear set, and a fastener fixing the intermediate wall to the transmission case and extending in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis of the output disks.

Abstract: For extension of service lives of rollers and discs of a toroidal continuously variable transmission, input discs, output discs and rollers are formed of a heat-resisting bearing steel. At least a roller has its peripheral surface subjected to a shot peening for achieving a compressive residual stress of 0.6 to 1.2 GPa and a hardness of HRC 63 to 66 at the outermost surface.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously-variable transmission includes a tilt rotation stopper structure to limit a range of rotation of a trunnion supporting a power roller in a toroidal cavity between input and output disks, so as to prevent contact points of the power roller with the input and output disks from deviating from respective rolling contact surfaces. The tilt rotation stopper structure includes a link-side stopper provided in a lower or upper link in a region separated from a left and right tilt rotation synchronizing wire, and a trunnion-side stopper provided in a side of an axial movement limiting member.

Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a link support structure of one of upper and lower links linking ends of trunnions includes a stationary portion fixed to a transmission casing. Also provided is an engagement portion formed at the link and in contact with the stationary portion. The engagement pair restricts a fore-and-aft movement of the link relative to the casing in a direction of a common rotation axis O1 of input and output disks.

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.

Abstract: In order to stabilize an operation for changing a speed change ratio, and to improve transmitting efficiency and endurance of structural parts of a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a relationship between the switching of a control valve and displacements of trunnions is such that initiation of the displacement of a trunnion having a feedback mechanism including a precess cam and a link arm is effected prior to initiation of the displacement of a trunnion not having a feedback mechanism.

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.

Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, a secondary oil pump is provided in addition to a primary oil pump driven by an engine. The secondary oil pump is driven in response to rotation of a road wheel. A hydraulic servo mechanism is connected to a trunnion to create an offset of the power roller from a neutral position for a tilting motion of the power roller. A feedback device is provided for feeding a degree of progress for ratio changing back to the hydraulic servo mechanism so that the power roller returns to the neutral position when a desired transmission ratio has been reached. When the road wheel is rotated in a stopped state of the engine, hydraulic pressure from the secondary oil pump is supplied to the hydraulic servo mechanism so that an actual transmission ratio is brought closer to a desired transmission ratio.

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).

Abstract: An infinitely variable toroidal drive comprising a housing (1), an input shaft (3), a torque converter (34), two input discs (5, 15) with toroidal surfaces, two output discs (6, 16) with toroidal surfaces wherein one input disc and one output disc each form a pair and the two output discs are arranged next to each other with mirror symmetry, several friction wheels for transmitting a torque from the input disc to the corresponding output disc, an output shaft (10) and a gearwheel system (8, 9) between output discs and output shaft, there being removably fastened on the transmission housing (1) a holding frame (2) having: an upper portion (28), a lower portion (29), fastening devices (20, 30 and 46, 47) for fastening pivots (42, 43 and 48, 49) and a bearing support member (7) which connects the upper portion (28) with the lower portion (29) and in which is situated at least one bearing (24) for the gear wheel (8).

Abstract: A traction drive rotary assembly including a plurality of rolling elements having traction contact surfaces associating with each other to transmit power between the rolling elements. At least one of the traction contact surfaces has a surface microstructure including grooves and protrusions alternately arranged. The surface microstructure is represented by an unfiltered primary profile curve including recesses and projections corresponding to the grooves and the protrusions. Each projection includes a portion located higher than a center line of the unfiltered primary profile curve and having a shape selected from a generally trapezoidal shape with rounded corners, a generally crowning shape, a generally elliptic arc shape, a generally sinusoidal shape and a generally triangular shape with a rounded apex. A ratio &lgr;/AMP of a wavelength &lgr; of the unfiltered primary profile curve to a half depth AMP of the recess is in a range of 50-400.