Abstract: The present disclosures relates to a toroidal continuously variable transmission which includes: a rotating shaft; a pair of outside disks supported by a rotating shaft to rotate in synchronization with the rotating shaft; an inside disk supported by the rotating shaft to rotate relative to the rotating shaft; a pair of rolling bearing units, each including a radial rolling bearing capable of supporting an axial load to support the inside disk so that relative rotation with respect to the rotating shaft is possible; a plurality of power rollers arranged between the axial inside surfaces the outside disks and the axial outside surfaces of the inside disk to transmit power between them; and a preloading mechanism elastically pressing the outer ring of the radial rolling bearing in the axial direction.

Abstract: Provided is a pressing device for a toroidal continuously variable transmission that is capable of sufficiently supplying lubrication oil to all rollers inside a pocket, and is capable of suppressing the occurrence of fretting wear on the rolling surfaces of the rollers, a first cam surface and a second cam surface. An oil passage 28 is provided for supplying lubrication oil to the inside of each pocket 25 in the inside portion in the radial direction of a retainer 14 that holds a plurality of more than one roller 13 arranged in a row in the radial direction. The center axis O29 of a discharge port 29 that is provided on an end portion on the downstream side of the oil passage 28 and that opens to the inside surface in the radial direction of the pocket 25 is inclined toward the front side in the rotational direction of the retainer 14 with respect to the center axis of the pocket 25.

Abstract: A toroidal variable speed traction drive includes a driving disc and a driven disc. The discs have a common axis of rotation. The inner face of each disc is formed with a negative shape of a toroid. The drive further includes a plurality of roller assemblies interposed between the discs each roller assembly including a roller. The discs are urged together against the interposed roller assemblies by a clamping force. Each roller assembly is connected to a corresponding rotatable trunnion. The trunnion applies a steering force to the corresponding roller assembly at a point relative to the corresponding roller assembly; the applied steering force causing the roller of the corresponding roller assembly to steer and adopt different contact points. The point at which the steering force is applied is located offset from the trunnion rotational axis at a fixed distance.

Abstract: A toroidal variable speed traction drive is provided. The drive comprises a driving toroidal disc assembly (4) and a driven toroidal disc assembly (3). The toroidal disc assemblies (3, 4) have a common axis of rotation. A plurality of roller assemblies are interposed between the toroidal discs (3, 4). Each roller assembly comprises at least one roller (16). The toroidal discs (3, 4) are urged together against the interposed roller assemblies by an axially directed clamping force. Each roller (16) of each roller assembly contacts each toroidal disc (3, 4) at contact points. The driving toroidal disc assembly (4) is driven by an input drive shaft (14) which provides an input torque. The driven toroidal disc (3) drives an output structure (5), that rotates around the common axis of rotation, the output structure (5, 12) driving an output shaft (13).

Abstract: A controller. The controller includes a processor and a non-transitory computer readable medium. The processor is configured to receive the speed of a first driven wheel from a wheel speed sensor and the speed of a drive shaft from a drive shaft sensor. The non-transistory computer readable medium includes program instructions executed by the processor for determining a speed of a second driven wheel based on a plurality of detected speeds of the first driven wheel and detected speeds of the drive shaft over time.

Abstract: A cam follower is constituted by an outer ring which has an outer track surface in its inner circumference; a stud which has an inner track surface opposed to the outer track surface, a flange portion abutting on one side of the inner track surface, a side plate fitting portion and a mounting shaft portion abutting on another side of the inner track surface in this order, and a fiber flow formed continuously from the flange portion to the inner track surface along their outer circumferences; rolling elements which are arranged between the outer track surface and inner track surface; and an inner side plate which is pressed into the side plate fitting portion to work with the flange portion for limiting axial movement of the outer ring and the rolling elements.

Abstract: A roller position control mechanism including a steering element, positioned inside the bearing of each roller and provided with a skew shaft and a steering shaft defining an angle therebetween. A spider element fixes the steering element to a longitudinal shaft of the CVT and a control ring element interconnects the steering elements of the various rollers. Movement of the control ring element with respect to the spider element translates to a tilting movement of the rollers, thanks to the angle between the skew and steering shafts.

Abstract: Generally stated, various embodiments described herein concern a toroidal CVT provided with parking zones where the rollers are brought when the CVT is powered down. More specifically, a portion of the toroidal surfaces of the disks is reserved as a parking zone therefore preventing premature wear and/or damages to the working portion of the disks.

Abstract: A toroidal variable speed traction drive includes a driving disc and a driven disc. The discs have a common axis. A plurality of pairs of contacting rollers are interposed between the discs. The discs are urged together against the roller pairs (A) by a clamping force. Each of the rollers has a first rolling surface, by which it rolls on the other roller of the pair, and a second rolling surface by which it rolls on the toroidal surface of a corresponding disc. Each roller is mounted on a supporting axle about which it can rotate. The rotational axes of the rollers in a pair are supported in a plane that contains the two points where the rollers of the pair contact the discs. At least one of the rollers in each pair is adapted to be moved to adopt a stable position within the plane by the reactionary force exerted on it by the other roller of the pair.

Abstract: Variators that include a damped roller control part.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are described. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing are configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces an optimal clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation.

Abstract: A drive train provided with a CVT that can be used in both CVT and Infinitely Variable Transmission (IVT) configurations and that include a High-Low gear selection assembly is described herein. Transitions between configurations are seamless to the operator.

Abstract: A variator assembly for a CVT or an IVT includes an input shaft that defines an axis of rotation, an input disc rotationally coupled to the input shaft and coaxial with the axis of rotation, and an output disc rotationally coupled to the input disc and coaxial with the axis of rotation. The output disc includes a distal portion having an axial width. A gear is connected to the distal portion of the output disc. The gear has a plurality of gear teeth each having a gear tooth face width that is greater than the axial width of the distal portion of the output disc.

Abstract: The present invention achieves construction of a toroidal continuously variable transmission of which manufacture, management and assembly of parts can be performed easily, reduction of cost is easy and speed change operation is stabilized. This construction comprises support holes 28 having a circular cross section that are formed in part of the outer rings 16f, column shaped anchor pins 26 that, when fitted and fastened inside the support holes 28 with an interference fit, part of the anchor pin 26 protrudes from the inside surface of a concave section 23e of the outer ring 16f, and anchor grooves 27 that are formed in cylindrical convex surfaces 22e of support beam sections 9f of the trunnions 7f in the circumferential direction of the cylindrical convex surfaces 22e; wherein, the engagement sections where the parts of the anchor pins 26 engage with the anchor grooves 27 can support torque that is applied to the power rollers 6a as the input and output disks 2, 5 rotate.

Abstract: Mechanisms and methods for clamping force generation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a clamping force generator system includes a permanent magnet bearing coupled to a traction ring and to a torque coupling. The traction ring can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing rotor and the torque coupling can be provided with an electromagnetic bearing stator. In some embodiments, a mechanical load cam, a permanent magnet bearing, and an electromagnetic bearing cooperate to generate a clamping force between the traction rings, the power rollers, and the idler. In other embodiments, a series of permanent magnet bearings and a mechanical bearing configured to produce a clamping force. In one embodiment an electromagnetic bearing is coupled to a control system and produces a specified clamping force that is associated with a torque transmitted in the transmission during operation.

Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission unit, a pair of guide surface portions 120, 120 are provided on a trunnion 15 so as to face oppositely each other and to extend in a direction which intersects a rotational center axis of a power roller 11 at right angles and intersects pivot shafts 14 at right angles. When a tangential force along a direction of the pivot shafts 14 is applied to the power roller 11, an outer circumferential surface 110 of an outer ring 28 can be brought into abutment with these guide surface portions 120, 120. By this, the toroidal continuously variable transmission unit with good machinability can be obtained in which the power roller together with the outer ring can be rolling guided smoothly relative to the trunnion by an inexpensive and simple construction while avoiding the offsetting of a shaft portion which supports the power roller.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, has a first continuously variable transmission mechanism and a second continuously variable transmission mechanism: wherein the first and second continuously variable transmission mechanisms are disposed coaxially with each other; the first and second input disks are connected together so as to be rotated in synchronization with each other; the first and second output disks are formed as a unified type output disk including traction surfaces on the two side surfaces thereof; on the side portion at the outer-most outside diameter of the unified type output disk, there is formed a datum plane serving as a machining datum when the traction surfaces are processed; and, an operation for finishing the datum plane is carried out after the unified type output disk is heat treated.

Abstract: Inventive embodiments are directed to components, subassemblies, systems, and/or methods for continuously variable transmissions (CVT). In one embodiment, a control system is adapted to facilitate a change in the ratio of a CVT. In another embodiment, a control system includes a stator plate configured to have a plurality of radially offset slots. Various inventive traction planet assemblies and stator plates can be used to facilitate shifting the ratio of a CVT. In some embodiments, the traction planet assemblies include planet axles configured to cooperate with the stator plate. In one embodiment, the stator plate is configured to rotate and apply a skew condition to each of the planet axles. In some embodiments, a stator driver is operably coupled to the stator plate. Embodiments of a traction sun are adapted to cooperate with other components of the CVT to support operation and/or functionality of the CVT. Among other things, shift control interfaces for a CVT are disclosed.

Abstract: A continuously variable ratio transmission unit having a housing (116) and input (102, 106) and output (100) discs paired to define first and second toroidal cavities. The discs (100, 102, 106) are mounted to the housing for rotation about a common axis. First (110) and second (112) rollers—or more typically first and second sets of rollers—are respectively arranged in the first and second cavities and serve to transmit drive between the input and output discs. First (130) and second (148, 150, 152) actuators act on the respective rollers. The first actuator is coupled to a first carrier part (126) which can be mated with the housing introducing it to the housing along a direction generally parallel to the variator axis. The second actuator is coupled to a second carrier part (146) which can be mated with the housing by introducing the second carrier part to the housing along a direction non-parallel to the variator axis.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission is disclosed comprising a transmission input and output between which a variator (V) can be coupled, in either a low regime or a high regime, by gearing (R1, R2, R3, M). The relationship between variator ratio and overall transmission ratio is different in the two regimes. Incorporated in the gearing are first and second clutch means (L, H) both hydraulically actuated, for engaging and disengaging low and high regimes respectively. The gearing provides a synchronous ratio at which a change between low and high regimes, at constant variator ratio, provides no change in the overall transmission ratio. The transmission is provided with hydraulics which incorporate a shift valve (110) which controls application of hydraulic pressures to the first and second clutch means. A change in state of the shift valve (110) causes one clutch means to change from engaged to disengaged and the other to make the opposite transition.

Abstract: A friction drive device transmits torque by frictional contact between rollers. The friction drive device includes a casing, a drive roller that is supported for relative rotation with respect to the casing, a driven roller that is supported for relative rotation with respect to the casing, a cam mechanism that presses the drive roller and the driven roller into contact with each other, and a damper. The cam mechanism includes a surface that is disposed at an angle with respect to a tangent of the contact between the drive roller and the driven roller, and includes a rotational support part that is disposed on the surface and supports one of the drive roller and the driven roller such that displacement along the surface by the rotational support part maintains the frictional contact for transmitting the torque. The damper reducing vibration of the rotational support part.

Abstract: In a toroidal transmission, wherein power transmission rollers are supported rotatably on pivotable support brackets, the pivot movement of adjacent support brackets is coupled via driver elements which are mounted to the support brackets for pivoting therewith and are arranged axially adjacent to one another and formed by a single component.

Abstract: A controller determines a target gear ratio from an accelerator opening and a vehicle speed. The controller determines the stroke of a trunnion on the basis of the difference between present inclination and a target inclination, thereby to control stroke by a hydraulic control valve. The stroke is corrected according to input/output disc pushing force.

Abstract: A fluid display arrangement is disclosed for a rolling-traction continuously-variable ratio transmission unit in which drive is transmitted from one race to another by at least one rotating roller whose outer circumference engages the races, the fluid supply arrangement comprising a shroud mounted in proximity to the roller and a fluid supply conduit, and being characterised in that the shroud has an inner surface providing a circumferential portion adjacent the roller's outer circumference and two radially extending portions adjacent respective flanks of the roller, a fluid receiving chamber being thereby defined between the roller and the shroud, and the fluid supply conduit being arranged to deliver fluid into the fluid receiving chamber.

Abstract: In a toroidal continuously variable transmission, rolling contact portions of an input disc 4, an output disc 7, and roller 13 are formed of bearing steel, which contains C: 0.8-1.5 wt %; Si: 0.5-2.5 wt %; Mn: 0.3-2.0 wt %; Cr: 1.9-2.5 wt %; Mo: 0.3-1.0 wt %; and a total of 1.0 wt % or more of Si and Mo; with the balance being iron and unavoidable impurities. A residual austenite in a range of depth Z=1.0L, where L is the major axis of a contact ellipse of the traction contact portion, from the surface of the rolling contact portion is 15 wt % or less, and the hardness of the range is HRC 58-62 by tempering a blank with a predetermined shape at a temperature of 250° C. or more after quenching the blank.

Abstract: A system (1) for transforming a variable output into an input having a desired speed value, including a transmission (30) receiving the output having a first speed (Ve) and producing the input having a second speed (Vgen), first, second and third sensors (12,10,7) producing data (39,32,37) corresponding to the first speed (Ve), second speed (Vgen) and a power demand (Pdem) for the input, a ratio set point controller (34), a ratio controller (36) and a speed controller (4). The ratio set point controller (34) receives the data (39,32,37) and calculates an available power (Pav), a stability level of the system (S,U1,U2), a desired value for the first speed (Ve), and a desired value and rate of change for the transmission ratio. The ratio controller (36) interfaces the ratio set point controller (34) and actuates the transmission (30) to change the transmission ratio to the desired value following the desired rate of change.

Abstract: In a variator for an infinitely variable toroidal drive including a support trunnion rotatably supporting motion transmitting traction rollers and means for the lubrication and cooling of the components of the variator, in particular of the bearings, throttles are provided in the lubricant lines directly adjacent to the bearings whereby the pressure level for lubricant is raised for an improved control of the flow of the lubricant to the different lubricating points.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a variator component of a continuously variable transmission having a plurality of cylindrical sections and a plurality of ball spline grooves, which are provided alternately in an inner radial region of the variator component. The method includes: simultaneously finishing the cylindrical sections and the ball spline grooves through use of a hard broaching tool; and finishing functional surfaces provided on side surfaces of the variator component while taking the cylindrical sections as a machining reference.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission has an input shaft to which a rotation torque is input, an input side disk and an output side disk that are concentrically and rotatably supported by the input shaft in a state that an inner peripheral surface of the input side disk opposes to an inner peripheral surface of the output side disk, a power roller held between the input side disk and the output side disk and a hydraulic loading device applying predetermined pressing force so that the power roller is pressed between the input and output side disks. Fine grooves are formed on at least a radially inner part of the inner peripheral surface of the input side disk and at least radially outer part of the inner peripheral surface of the output side disk, respectively.

Abstract: Power roller-side concave grooves are opposed to disk-side concave grooves 19, 19 so as to have angles therebetween in a rolling contact area between a peripheral surface of the power roller and a one-side surface 17 of a disk 16 in an axial direction regardless of a transmission gear ratio of a toroidal continuously variable transmission. Accordingly, the disk-side concave grooves 19, 19 are formed so as to have angles with respect to a circumferential direction of the disk 16 when viewed from a normal direction relative to the one-side surface 17 in the axial direction. Meanwhile, the power roller-side concave grooves are formed into a concentric shape (or a spiral shape) about a central shaft of the power roller. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease of a contact area in the rolling contact area regardless of the transmission gear ratio.

Abstract: A rolling element including a base metal, and a nickel coat formed on a surface of the base metal and cooperating with the base metal to constitute a rolling contact surface satisfying condition that a mean value of ratios of L1 to L2 as measured in at least three optional observation areas is in a range of from 1.2 to 2.4, where each observation area is disposed in a cross section taken in a vertical direction relative to the surface of the base metal and is defined by two parallel vertical lines; lengths L1 and L2 respectively represent a length of an interface between the base metal and the nickel coat, and a length of a reference line segment extending perpendicular to the vertical direction, in same observation area.

Abstract: A continuously variable ratio device (“variator”) is disclosed in which a pair of rotary races (252, 254) is mounted for rotation about a common variator axis (218). Drive is transferred from one race to the other through at least one roller (200) running upon them. The drive ratio is variable by virtue of precession of the roller about a precession axis (228). Precession results in a change in angle between the roller axis and the variator axis and a corresponding change in drive ratio. In accordance with the invention, the roller (200) is coupled to a carrier (214) in a manner which permits it to precess relative to the carrier (214). The carrier itself is rotatable about a carrier axis (226) which is non-parallel to the precession axis. Rotation of the carrier (214) about the carrier axis serves to change the orientation of the precession axis (228) and is accompanied by a change in variator drive ratio.

Abstract: A gearbox of a rotary-wing aircraft includes at least one variable speed system which optimizes the main rotor speed for different flight regimes such as a hover flight profile and a high speed cruise flight profile for any rotary wing aircraft while maintaining an independently variable tail rotor speed.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A frictional drive transmission basically comprises a transmission case, a drive roller unit, a driven roller unit, a gear shifting mechanism and an elastic member. Each of the roller units has a plurality of rollers with each of the driven rollers being associated with a corresponding one of the drive rollers to form roller pairs. The gear shifting mechanism is operatively coupled to one of the roller units to selectively contact one of the roller pairs together to form a contacting roller pair. A cam-shaped support member is provided with a mounting surface and a cam slanted surface such that contact surfaces thereof forms an angle smaller than forty-five degrees with respect to the mounting surface. The elastic member is arranged between the transmission case and the mounting surface of the cam-shaped support member to apply a pressing force in a contact direction of a contacting roller pair.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission (CVT) having a main shaft configured to support and position various components of the CVT. Shift cam discs cooperate with ball-leg assemblies to shift the transmission ration of the CVT. Load cam discs, a torsion disc, rolling elements, and a hub cap shell are configured to generate axial force, transmit torque, and manage reaction forces. In one embodiment, a splined input shaft and a torsion disc having a splined bore cooperate to input torque into the variator of the CVT. Among other things, various ball axles, axle-ball combinations, and reaction force grounding configurations are disclosed. In one embodiment, a CVT having axial force generation means at both the input and output elements is disclosed.

Abstract: To provide a spherical roller which is capable of fully rotating when moving on a rough road surface with a small contact area and which produces no obstacle to the movement in other portions. The present invention comprises a spherical roller in a globular form, a housing on the undersurface of which an opening in a circular form is provided in such a way that the spherical roller is projected in a horizontal down direction, a support roller having rotatable contact with an upper side portion of the spherical roller within the housing, and a drive roller which is arranged in the housing and driven by a drive motor to rotate the spherical roller in a direction at an angle of 90 degrees different from the direction in which the support roller rotates from immediately above for friction drive, thereby driving the spherical roller to move the housing.

Abstract: A transmission comprises a toroidal variator having first and second spaced-apart drive discs (12, 14) defining a toroidal cavity about a rotational axis (x-x), a transmission input (22) arranged to drive the first and second drive discs (12, 14) in opposite directions and supported on pivotal mountings between the drive discs (12, 14), one or more rollers (18, 20) arranged to contact the said drive discs (12, 14) and be driven thereby, wherein the transmission output (44) is driven by orbiting of the pivotal mountings around the rotational axis of the variator.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has a casing; an input disk and an output disk rotatably supported concentrically with each other; a plurality of power rollers each held between the input and output disks; a plurality of trunnions disposed at position twisted with respect to a center axis; a drive device for shifting the trunnions in the axial directions or the pivot shafts; a pair of yokes for supporting the pivot shafts of each of the trunnions so as to be swung and shifted in the axial direction thereof, the yokes being swingable according to the shifting movement of the associated trunnion; and, a pair of opposing members each disposed to be opposed to the associated yoke, wherein the yokes each includes projection portion contacted with the associated opposing member, the projection portion being the fulcrum of the swinging movements of the yokes.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has a casing; a rotary shaft; a pair of outside disks each including an axial-direction one-side surface and supported on the rotary shaft so as to be rotated in synchronization with the rotary shaft; an inside disk including axial-direction two-side surfaces and rotatably supported on the periphery of the middle portion of the rotary shaft so as to be rotated with respect to the rotary shaft; support members disposed between the one side axial-direction surface and the axial-direction one-side surface so as to be swung and shifted about pivot shafts thereof; power rollers rotatably supported on the support members, the peripheral surface of the power rollers being contacted with the axial-direction two-side surface and the axial-direction one-side surface; and ball bearings for supporting the inside disk in such a manner that the inside disk is rotated with respect to the casing.

Abstract: What is proposed is a variator disk for a toroidal variator, in particular for a motor vehicle toroidal transmission. The variator disk has a curved running surface which is oriented coaxially with respect to a variator axis and on which rollers of the toroidal variator can roll. The variator disk having furthermore at least two partial disks which are designed as a traction disk, on which the running surface is formed, and as a supporting disk, respectively. The supporting disk is designed for supporting axial forces applied to the running surface. The traction disk is supported on the supporting disk in the radial direction to the variator axis.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has a casing, a rotation shaft, a pair of outer side disks having a side surface, supported on the rotation shaft, and rotating in synchronism with the rotation shaft, an inner side disk having two side surfaces, rotatably supported around a middle portion of the rotation shaft, and rotating relative to the rotation shaft, pluralities of supporting members disposed between the two side surfaces of the inner side disk and the side surfaces of the outer side disks, respectively, and swinging on a pivot shaft disposed so as to be twisted to the rotation shaft, and pluralities of power rollers rotatably supported on the respective supporting members, wherein an outer peripheral face of the inner side disk is provided with a detected portion for detecting rotation of the inner side disk.

Abstract: A variator arrangement is provided for a continuously variable transmission, having a shaft, a variator disk connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the shaft and a support disk which is concentric with said variator disk and which is rigidly connected to the shaft, the variator disk having a traction area on the side facing away from the support disk. For a rotationally fixed connection between the variator disk and the shaft, the variator disk and the support disk each have at least one recess which in cross section are each of approximately concave design and together hold a positive connection element which in cross section is of approximately convex lens-shaped design (FIG. 2).

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A variator for a toroidal transmission, with a driving disk and with a driven disk, between which is set up a toroidal space which defines a toroidal reference circle. The variator, further, comprises at least two rollers which are arranged in the toroidal space for torque transfer between the driving disk and the driven disk. The rollers are in each case mounted rotatably on a roller carrier. The roller carriers are in each case spatially adjustable by means of a piston/cylinder arrangement, in order to adjust the transfer ratio of the variator. The pistons of the piston/cylinder arrangements are in each case adjustable along a stroke axis. Also, the pistons are connected to the roller carriers via respective levers.

Abstract: A continuously variable planetary gear set is described having a generally tubular idler, a plurality of balls distributed radially about the idler, each ball having a tiltable axis about which it rotates, a rotatable input disc positioned adjacent to the balls and in contact with each of the balls, a rotatable output disc positioned adjacent to the balls opposite the input disc and in contact with each of the balls such that each of the balls makes three-point contact with the input disc, the output disc and the idler, and a rotatable cage adapted to maintain the axial and radial position of each of the balls, wherein the axes of the balls are oriented by the axial position of the idler.

Abstract: A power roller supporting structure for a toroidal continuously variable transmission, including a moveable disk, a stationary disk, the disks being rotatable about a first axis, power rollers disposed between the moveable and stationary disks and rotatable about a second axis and pivotally moveable about a third axis extending perpendicular to the second axis upon rotation of the moveable and stationary disks, the power rollers having a low speed ratio position where a reduced speed ratio between rotational speeds of the disks is obtained and a high speed ratio position where an increased speed ratio therebetween is obtained, and an arrangement for allowing the power rollers to move closer to the first axis along the second axis when the power rollers are placed in the low speed ratio position than when the power rollers are placed in the high speed ratio position.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission, in which an input disc and an output disc are arranged on the common axis with being opposed to each other in the rotatable condition, and in which the rolling member is arranged between the input disc and the output disc, so as to transmit a torque between said input disc and said output disc through said rolling member, by applying the clamping force to said input disc and said output disc in said axial direction, characterized by comprising a clamping force controller for controlling the clamping force to be applied to said input disc and said output disc based on a physical quantity relevant to heat stress of said rolling member.

Abstract: A toroidal type continuously variable transmission; in which a rolling member for mediating the transmission of a torque is clamped between at least a pair of rotary members; and in which a clamping force for clamping the rolling member in the direction not to let the rolling member be released from between the rotary members is applied to the rolling member, comprises: a detector for detecting temperature rise of either, a temperature of a rolling face of the rotary members for clamping the rolling member, or a temperature of the rolling member; and a rolling member controller for reducing the clamping force in case a temperature rise is detected by said detector.

Abstract: A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, has: first and second disks; a plurality of trunnions; a plurality of displacement shafts respectively supported on associated trunnions; a plurality of power rollers respectively interposed between the first and second disks; and, a plurality of thrust bearings respectively interposed between the power rollers and trunnions, each of the thrust bearings including an outer ring, an inner raceway formed in the outer end face of the power roller, a plurality of rolling elements, and a circular-ring-shaped retainer, wherein, in case where the density of a retainer material constituting the retainer is ?d, the elastic modulus of the retainer material is Ed, the density of rolling element materials is ?c and the elastic modulus of the rolling element materials is Ec, { ( ? d · E d ) / ( ? c · E c ) } 1 2 ? 0.6 is satisfied.