Patent ID: 6659907
Filing Date: 2003-12-09
Classification: F16H

Abstract:
A toroidal, continuously variable transmission (CVT) comprising:two toroidal transmission units having a first disc, a second disc, a third disc, and a torque delivery shaft carrying the first and second discs coaxially for a unitary rotation therewith, the third disc being a common disc to the first and second discs and disposed between the first and second discs in operative cooperation therewith, the third disc having a peripheral gear and a central bore through which the torque delivery shaft extends, the third disc having a wall defining a central bore; at least one radial bearing in rolling contact with the central bore defining wall and the torque delivery shaft for allowing a rotational displacement between the third disc and the torque delivery shaft; and supports interposing therebetween the third disc to bear the thrust load tending to tilt the third disc from a predetermined position, wherein the third disc and one of the supports have spaced opposed walls, respectively, and the third disc and the other of the two supports have spaced opposed walls, respectively; wherein the supports have thrust bearings, respectively, one being interposed between the two spaced opposed walls of the third disc and the one support, the other being interposed between the two spaced opposed walls of the third disc and the other support; and wherein the torque delivery shaft has a first series of slots in driving engagement with the first disc, a second series of slots in driving engagement with the second disc, at least one first peripheral groove receiving the third disc supporting radial bearing, and second peripheral grooves receiving second radial bearings, respectively.