Abstract:
The present toroidal-type continuously variable transmission comprises input and output disks coaxially disposed so as to be opposed to each other, and a pair of power roller bearings, each power roller bearing including an inner race, an outer race, and power rollers disposed so as to roll on the toroidal surfaces of the input and output disks. At least one of the input and output disks and power rollers are made of medium-carbon steel containing carbon in an amount ranging from 0.3 wt %-0.5 wt %, to thereby have a very long life.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission and, in particular, to an improvement in a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission for use in vehicles such as automobiles. 
     As a conventional toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, there is known such a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which is shown in FIG.  1 . 
     In FIG. 1, reference characters  1  and  2  respectively designate an input disk and an output disk which are coaxially disposed so as to be opposed to each other within a housing (not shown). An input shaft  3  is penetrated through the axial portion of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission in which the input and output disks  1  and  2  are disposed. In one end of the input shaft  3 , there is disposed a loading cam  4 . And, the loading cam  4  transmits the motive power (rotational force) of the input shaft  3  to the input disk  1  through a cam roller  5 . 
     The input and output disks  1  and  2  have substantially the same shape and disposed symmetric; and, the mutually opposing surfaces of the input and output disks  1  and  2  are formed in toroidal surfaces which cooperate together in forming a substantially semicircular shape when they are viewed from the axial-direction cross sections thereof. And, in a toroidal cavity which is defined by the toroidal surfaces of the input and output disks  1  and  2 , there are disposed a pair of power roller bearings  6  and  7  for power transmission in such a manner that they are in contact with the input and output disks  1  and  2 . 
     Here, the power roller bearing  6  comprises a power roller  6   a  (which corresponds to an inner race forming part of the power roller bearing  6 ) which is disposed so as to roll on the toroidal surfaces of the input and output disks  1  and  2 , an outer race  6   b  and a plurality of rolling bodies (steel balls)  6   c . On the other hand, the power roller bearing  7  comprises a power roller  7   a  (which corresponds to an inner race forming part of the power roller bearing  7 ) which is disposed so as to roll on the toroidal surfaces of the input and output disks  1  and  2 , an outer race  7   b  and a plurality of rolling bodies (steel balls)  7   c.    
     That is, the power roller  6   a  serves also as an inner race which is a component of the power roller bearing  6 , while the power roller  7   a  serves also as an inner race which is a component of the power roller bearing  7 . 
     In this structure, the power roller  6   a  is pivotally mounted on a trunnion  10  through a pivot shaft  8 , the outer race  6   b  and the plurality of rolling bodies  6   c , and it is also supported in such a manner that it can be incliningly rotated about a pivot shaft O which provides the center of the toroidal surfaces of the input and output disks  1  and  2 . On the other hand, the power roller  7   a  is pivotally mounted on a trunnion  11  through a pivot shaft  9 , the outer race  7   b  and the plurality of rolling bodies  7   c , and it is also supported in such a manner that it can be incliningly rotated about a pivot shaft O which provides the center of the toroidal surfaces of the input and output disks  1  and  2 . 
     And, to the contact surfaces between the input and output disks  1 ,  2  and the power rollers  6   a ,  7   a , there is supplied lubricating oil which has large viscous friction resistance; and thus the motive power input to the input disk  1  can be transmitted to the output disk  2  through films of the lubricating oil and power rollers  6   a  and  7   a.    
     By the way, the input and output disks  1  and  2  are formed to be independent of the input shaft  3  (that is, they are not directly affected by the motive power input to the input shaft  3 , namely, a rotary shaft) due to interposition of needles  12 . In the output disk  2 , there is disposed an output shaft  14  which is arranged in parallel to the input shaft  3  and is also rotatably supported on a housing (not shown) through angular bearings  13 . 
     In the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission  20 , the motive power of the input shaft  3  is transmitted to the loading cam  4 . And, when the loading cam  4  is rotated due to the transmission of the motive power, the rotational power of the loading cam  4  is transmitted to the input disk  1  through the cam roller  5 , thereby rotating the input disk  1 . Further, the rotational power of the input disk  1  is transmitted to the output disk  2  through the power rollers  6   a  and  7   a . In response to this, the output shaft  14  is rotated integrally with the output disk  2 . To change the speed of a vehicle, the trunnions  10  and  11  may be moved by a slight distance in the direction of the pivot shaft  0 . 
     That is, in case where the trunnions  10  and  11  are moved in the axial direction, the intersection between the rotating shaft of the power rollers  6   a ,  7   a  and the axis of the input and output disks  2  is caused to shift by a slight amount. This loses equilibrium between the rotational peripheral speed of the power rollers  6   a ,  7   a  and the rotational peripheral speed of the input disk  1  and also, due to a component of the rotational drive power of the input disk  1 , the power rollers  6   a  and  7   a  are incliningly rotated around the pivot shaft O. 
     Thus, the power rollers  6   a  and  7   a  rotate incliningly on the curved surfaces of the input and out disks  2 , whereby the speed ratio is changed, that is, the vehicle can be decelerated or accelerated. As a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which includes the above-mentioned structure, conventionally, there is known a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which is disclosed in JP-B-2-49411. Also, as the input and output disks as well as power roller bearings of the above-described type, conventionally, there are known disks and power roller bearings which, as set forth in [NASA Technical note NASA ATN-8362], use AISI52100 (which corresponds to JISSUJ2, high-carbon chromium bearing steel). 
     However, in the above-mentioned conventional toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, when driven, between the input disk  1  and its associated power roller bearing as well as between the output disk  2  and its associated power roller bearing, there are applied a high contact pressure as well as a high bending stress. In case where such contact pressure and bending stress are applied to the disks or power rollers, in the disks and power rollers, with non-metallic inclusions existing in the interior portions thereof as crack start points, cracks can be produced and developed, with the result that the disks and power rollers can be damaged or broken. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     Thus, the present invention aims at eliminating the drawbacks found in the above-mentioned conventional toroidal-type continuously variable transmission. 
     Accordingly, it is an object of the invention to provide a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, in which it is possible to enhance the fatigue or breakage lives of the power roller bearings and in turn greatly extend the life of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission. 
     In attaining the object, according to the invention, there is provided a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, comprising: 
     an input disk and an output disk disposed coaxially so as to be opposed to each other; and, 
     a pair of power roller bearings, each power roller bearing including an inner race, an outer race and a plurality of rolling elements disposed so as to roll on the toroidal surfaces of the input and output disks, 
     wherein at least one of the input disk, the output disk, the inner race and the outer race is made of medium-carbon steel containing carbon in an amount ranging from 0.3 wt % to 0.5 wt %. 
     In the above-mentioned toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention, it is advantageous that the at least one of the input disk, the output disk, the inner race and the outer race has a surface layer which is carburized or carbonitrided. 
     In addition, in the above-mentioned toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention, it is preferable that the at least one of the input disk, the output disk, the inner race and the outer race has a surface layer which is carburized or carbonitrided and are further hardened and tempered in such a manner that its resultant core portion hardness can be HRC  35  or higher. 
     Further, in the above-mentioned toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention,: it is advantageous that assumed maximum non-metallic inclusion diameters of the medium-carbon steel in an area of 3000000 mm 2  is at 40 μm or less, wherein the assumed maximum inclusion diameters are determined by an extreme statistical method which is carried out by checking 30 pieces of its samples while using a microscope, measuring the maximum inclusions in an area of 100 mm 2  in each samples, and finding the assumed inclusion diameters in an area of 3000000 mm 2 through the measurement of a total area of 3000 mm 2 . 
     Furthermore, in the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention, it is preferable that the medium-carbon steel is selected from the group consisting of SCM  415 , SCM  420 , SCM  430 , SCM  435 , SCM  440 , SCM  445 , and a modified version of SCM  445  with its carbon content increased up to 0.6%. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a conventional toroidal-type continuously variable transmission; 
     FIG. 2 is a characteristic view of the relation between the carbon contents in materials and the assumed maximum inclusion diameters found according to an extreme statistical method; 
     FIG. 3 is a characteristic view of an embodiment of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the invention, showing the relation between time and temperature under the hardening and quenching conditions according to Tables 1 and 2; 
     FIG. 4 is a characteristic view of an embodiment of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the invention, showing the relation between time and temperature under the carburizing, hardening and quenching (W quenching) conditions; 
     FIG. 5 is a characteristic view of an embodiment of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the invention, showing the relation between time and temperature under the carbonitriding, hardening and quenching conditions; 
     FIG. 6 is a characteristic view of an embodiment of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the invention, showing the relation between time and temperature under the carbonitriding, hardening and quenching (W quenching) conditions; 
     FIG. 7 is an explanatory view of a disk breakage test employed in the invention; 
     FIG. 8 is a characteristic view of the relation between the stress repeated number and the core portion hardness according to the disk breakage test (carburizing); and, 
     FIG. 9 is a characteristic view of the relation between the stress repeated number and the core portion hardness according to the disk breakage test (carbonitriding). 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Now, description will be given below in more detail of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the invention. 
     As in toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, in a structure where a rolling stress and a bending stress can be applied to the components thereof at the same, there is a case where there can be produced cracks, with non-metallic inclusions existing in the stress-applied portions of the structure components as the crack start points, and the structure components can be thereby broken finally. In this case, the sizes and quantities of the inclusions that provide the crack-start points have a great influence on the fatigue or breakage strength of the structure components. That is, it is widely known that the larger in size and quantity the inclusions are, the more greatly the fatigue strength is degraded. 
     Conventionally, various studies have found that, among the non-metallic inclusions, an oxide-system non-metallic inclusion gives rise to the production of the cracks. 
     In some steel manufacturers, there have been carried out for long years tests of reduction of non-metallic inclusions which are impurities contained in steel. For example, in [bearing steel] set forth in “Sanyo Special Steel Technique Vol. 5, 1997”, there is shown the relation between the contents of oxygen in steel and the rolling life of the steel; and, the relation shows that, in case where the oxygen content in steel is reduced, the steel rolling life is enhanced. Also, in [the history of development of the steel manufacturing techniques in our company] set forth in “Sanyo Special Steel Technique Vol. 4, 1997”, there is disclosed the progress of reduction in the oxygen content in steel from 1965 to 1990; and, from this disclosure, it can be found that, as the result of reduction in the oxygen content in steel obtained by this steel manufacturer, the rolling life of the steel has been enhanced. 
     Also, in [EP steel (extra long life/high reliability bearing steel)] set forth in NSK Technical Journal No. 652, 1992, attention is directed to the size and distribution of non-metallic inclusions contained in steel; and, this points out that, even when the oxygen contents in steel are the same, by controlling the size and distribution of non-metallic inclusions in steel when manufacturing the steel in such a manner that the inclusion size and distribution can be made small, the rolling life and rotation bending fatigue strength of the steel can be enhanced. 
     Reduction in the oxygen content in steel has been attained by introduction of a new steel manufacturing technique so far. A basic reaction for reducing the oxygen content in steel is a chemical reaction between carbon and oxygen. The greater the carbon content becomes, the more often the carbon reacts with the oxygen in steel. In case where this relation is used, the oxygen in steel can be removed. That is, the more the carbon content in material or steel is lowered, the more the oxygen content in steel is increased. 
     The present inventors have found that, in case where the carbon content in steel is equal to or more than 0.3 wt %, the distribution of oxide-system non-metallic inclusions contained in material is reduced and also the diameter of the maximum inclusion in steel to be assumed according to an extreme statistical method is reduced. Also, at the same time, a fatigue crack progress speed determines a speed at which a crack produced progresses and reaches the breakage of steel. The present inventors have also found that, in case where the carbon content in steel exceeds 0.5%, the crack progress speed is increased greatly. From these facts, by using medium-carbon steel with a carbon content in the range of 0.3%-0.5%, there can be obtained a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which has a long life. 
     Further, the present inventors have found that, in case where the material hardness of the steel portion susceptible to stresses is enhanced, the fatigue strength of the steel can be enhanced. 
     In [Metal fatigue—Influences of Micro-defects and Inclusions], written by Takanobu Murakami and published in 1993 by Yoken-do Co., Mr. Murakami teaches that there are found the following relations between fatigue limits and inclusion diameters, material Vickers hardnesses. [Evaluation equation on fatigue limits with respect to micro-defects, cracks and inclusions in surface] 
     
       
         σ w =1.43 ( H ν+120)/{(area) 1/2 } 1/6   
       
     
     [Evaluation equation on fatigue limits with respect to micro-defects, cracks and inclusions contactable in the inside] 
     
       
         σ w =1.41 ( H ν+120)/{(area) 1/2 } 1/6   
       
     
     [Evaluation equation on fatigue limits with respect to micro-defects, cracks and inclusions contactable in the inside] 
     
       
         σ w =1.56 ( H ν+120)/{(area) 1/2 } 1/6   
       
     
     However, in the above equations, w expresses fatigue limit (MPa), Hν expresses material hardness (kgf/mm 2 ), and (area) 1/2 } expresses projection area (μm) of inclusions. 
     According to these equations, the fatigue limit can be determined by the size of the inclusions and the hardness of the material. By the way, it is known that, in case where the carbon content is up to approx. 0.8, as the carbon content increases, the hardness of the material also increases. 
     Therefore, in case where the surfaces of the input disk, output disk and power rollers susceptible to contact stresses are carburized or carbonitrided to thereby increase the surface load carbon content and increase the material hardness, even when there is used medium-carbon steel containing large-sized inclusions, the fatigue limit can be enhanced, which makes it possible to obtain a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission having an extended life. Also, the present inventors have found that, in case where the core portion hardness of the material is set at HRC  35  or higher, the input disk, output disk and power rollers can be enhanced in rigidity to thereby enhance the bending fatigue strength thereof, which makes it possible to obtain a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission having an extended life. 
     Embodiment 
     Now, description will be given below of an embodiment of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the invention. By the way, the basic structure of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the invention is similar to the structure shown in FIG. 1, whereas at least one of the input disk, output disk and power rollers of the present toroidal-type continuously variable transmission are different in material from the conventional toroidal-type continuously variable transmission. 
     In the present embodiment, the input disk, output disk and power rollers are respectively manufactured using SCM  415 , SCM  420 , SCM  430 , SCM  435 , SCM  440 , SCM  445 , and a modified version of SCM  445  with its carbon content increased up to 0.6% (according to a JIS (Japanese Industry Standard). 
     Of the thus manufactured bearing components, the input disks were respectively cut and ground and, after then, for the non-metallic inclusions of the input disks, the diameters of the maximum inclusions were assumed according to the extreme statistical method. Specifically, 30 pieces of samples were checked using an electronic microscope, and the maximum inclusions in an area of 100 mm 2  were measured in each sample; and, by measuring a total area of 3000 mm 2 , the assumed inclusion diameters in an area of 3000000 mm 2  were found. 
     Now, FIG. 2 shows the carbon contents in the materials of the input disks and the assumed maximum inclusion diameters that are found according to the extreme statistical method. According to FIG. 2, it can be seen that, in case where the carbon content increases from 0.2 wt % to 0.3 wt %, the assumed maximum inclusion diameter decreases. That is, FIG. 2 shows that the assumed inclusion diameters in an area of 3000000 mm 2  may be preferably set at 40 μm or less because the carbon content is set at 0.3 wt % or more. 
     Next, using the above-manufactured input disks, output disks and power rollers, there was assembled CVTs (Continuously Variable Transmissions); and, a durability test was conducted on the CVTs within a test room. In this test, an input shaft was rotated using a dynamometer and a torque load was applied using the dynamometer that is mounted on an output shaft. And, the test was conducted under the following test conditions. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Test Conditions 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Rotation speed 
                 3500 r.p.m 
               
               
                   
                 Output torque 
                  400 Nm 
               
               
                   
                 Lubrication 
                 Traction oil 
               
               
                   
                 Oil temperature 
                  100° C. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In this test, while monitoring the vibration value of the CVT unit, the test was continued until the vibration value reaches a preset level or higher. After the test was completed, the disks or power rollers were checked for their damaged states. The checked results are shown in the following tables 1 and 2. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Da- 
                 Start-Point 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Test 
                 Damaged 
                 maged 
                 Inclusion 
               
               
                   
                 Material 
                 Time 
                 Portion 
                 State 
                 Diameter (μm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Comparison 1 
                 SCM415 
                 64 
                 Input disk 
                 Broken 
                 68 
               
               
                 Comparison 2 
                 SCM415 
                 58 
                 Output 
                 Broken 
                 76 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Comparison 3 
                 SCM415 
                 23 
                 Output 
                 Broken 
                 78 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Comparison 4 
                 SCM415 
                 80 
                 Power 
                 Broken 
                 65 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 roller 
               
               
                 Comparison 5 
                 SCM420 
                 83 
                 Output 
                 Broken 
                 64 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Comparison 6 
                 SCM420 
                 67 
                 Output 
                 Broken 
                 70 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Comparison 7 
                 SCM420 
                 90 
                 Power 
                 Broken 
                 62 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 roller 
               
               
                 Comparison 8 
                 SCM420 
                 101  
                 Input disk 
                 Broken 
                 59 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 2 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Da- 
                 Start-Point 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Test 
                 Damaged 
                 maged 
                 Inclusion 
               
               
                   
                 Material 
                 Time 
                 Portion 
                 State 
                 Diameter (μm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Embodiment 1 
                 SCM430 
                 203 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 2 
                 SCM430 
                 230 
                 Output 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 disk 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 3 
                 SCM430 
                 243 
                 Input disk 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 4 
                 SCM430 
                 280 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 5 
                 SCM435 
                 253 
                 Input disk 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 6 
                 SCM435 
                 266 
                 Output 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 disk 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 7 
                 SCM435 
                 300 
                 Input disk 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 8 
                 SCM435 
                 305 
                 Output 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 disk 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 9 
                 SCM440 
                 340 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM440 
                 380 
                 Input disk 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 10 
                   
                   
                   
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM440 
                 363 
                 Input disk 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 11 
                   
                   
                   
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM440 
                 398 
                 Output 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 12 
                   
                   
                 disk 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM445 
                 354 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 13 
                   
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM445 
                 323 
                 Input disk 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 14 
                   
                   
                   
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM445 
                 402 
                 Input disk 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 15 
                   
                   
                   
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM445 
                 366 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 16 
                   
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM445 
                 423 
                 Output 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 17 
                 (C: 
                   
                 disk 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 0.6%) 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM445 
                 435 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 18 
                 (C: 
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 0.6%) 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM445 
                 462 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 19 
                 (C: 
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 0.6%) 
               
               
                 Embodiment 
                 SCM445 
                 418 
                 Input disk 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 20 
                 (C: 
                   
                   
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 0.6%) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In the case of the materials of SCM  414  and SCM  420 , the damaged states thereof were all found broken. When the broken surfaces of the damaged products were observed, it was found that the start points of cracks were all the non-metallic inclusions in the materials. The non-metallic inclusions, which had provided the crack start points, were observed using a scan-type electronic microscope to thereby find their respective diameters. This microscopic observation shows that the diameters of the inclusions providing the crack start points are in the range of 59-78 μm. On the other hand, in the case of the materials of SCM  430 , SCM  435 , SCM  440 , SCM  445  and a modified version of SCM  445  in which a carbon content thereof is increased up to 0.6%, the damaged states thereof were all found such that only the raceway surfaces thereof were peeled off; but, no inclusions were observed in the peeled-off portions of the materials. 
     Next, the materials of SCM  415 , SCM  420 , SCM  430 , SCM  435 , SCM  440 , SCM  445  and a modified version of SCM  445  with a carbon content increased up to 0.6% were respectively carburized or carbonitrided to manufacture input disks, output disks and power rollers respectively. Thermal treatments were carried out on them in such manners as shown in FIGS. 3-6. However, FIG. 3 is a characteristic view of the present embodiment, showing the relation between time and temperature under the hardening and quenching conditions according to Tables 1 and 2, FIG. 4 is a characteristic view of the present embodiment, showing the relation between time and temperature under the carburizing, hardening and quenching conditions, FIG. 5 is a characteristic view of the present embodiment, showing the relation between time and temperature under the carbonitriding, hardening and quenching conditions, and FIG. 6 is a characteristic view of the present embodiment, showing the relation between time and temperature under the carbonitriding, hardening and quenching conditions. 
     Using the thus manufactured input disks, output disks and power rollers, there were assembles CVTs, and a durability test was conducted on the CVTs within a test room. An input shaft was rotated using a dynamometer, while a torque load was applied using a dynamometer which is mounted on an output shaft. The durability test was carried out under the following test conditions. 
     
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
               
               
                 Test Conditions 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                 Rotation speed 
                 3500 r.p.m. 
               
               
                   
                 Output torque 
                  400 Nm 
               
               
                   
                 Lubrication 
                 Traction oil 
               
               
                   
                 Oil temperature 
                  100° C. 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     While monitoring the vibration values of the CVT units, the test was conducted until the vibration values reached a preset level or higher. Also, in the case of the CVT units in which vibration values did not rise, the test was discontinued. After the test was completed, the input disks, output disks and power rollers were checked for the damaged states thereof. The checked results are shown in the following tables 3 and 4. 
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 3 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Start- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Point 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Da- 
                 Da- 
                 Inclusion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Surface 
                 Test 
                 maged 
                 maged 
                 Diameter 
               
               
                   
                 Material 
                 treatment 
                 Time 
                 Portion 
                 State 
                 (μm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Com- 
                 SCM415 
                 Car- 
                 77 
                 Output 
                 Broken 
                 68 
               
               
                 parison 9 
                   
                 burizing 
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Com- 
                 SCM415 
                 Car- 
                 83 
                 Input 
                 Broken 
                 77 
               
               
                 parison 10 
                   
                 burizing 
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Com- 
                 SCM415 
                 Carbo- 
                 93 
                 Power 
                 Broken 
                 73 
               
               
                 parison 11 
                   
                 nitriding 
                   
                 roller 
               
               
                 Com- 
                 SCM415 
                 Carbo- 
                 103  
                 Output 
                 Broken 
                 65 
               
               
                 parison 12 
                   
                 nitriding 
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Com- 
                 SCM420 
                 Car- 
                 67 
                 Output 
                 Broken 
                 58 
               
               
                 parison 13 
                   
                 burizing 
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Com- 
                 SCM420 
                 Car- 
                 90 
                 Output 
                 Broken 
                 62 
               
               
                 parison 14 
                   
                 burizing 
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Com- 
                 SCM420 
                 Carbo- 
                 74 
                 Input 
                 Broken 
                 69 
               
               
                 parison 15 
                   
                 nitriding 
                   
                 disk 
               
               
                 Com- 
                 SCM420 
                 Carbo- 
                 120  
                 Power 
                 Broken 
                 54 
               
               
                 parison 16 
                   
                 nitriding 
                   
                 roller 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     
       
         
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                 TABLE 4 
               
               
                   
                   
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Start- 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Point 
               
               
                   
                   
                   
                   
                 Da- 
                 Da- 
                 Inclusion 
               
               
                   
                   
                 Surface 
                 Test 
                 maged 
                 maged 
                 Diameter 
               
               
                   
                 Material 
                 treatment 
                 Time 
                 Portion 
                 State 
                 (μm) 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM430 
                 Car- 
                 800 
                 Null 
                   
                   
               
               
                 ment 21 
                   
                 burizing 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM430 
                 Car- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 22 
                   
                 burizing 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM430 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 23 
                   
                 nitriding 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM430 
                 Carbo- 
                 598 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 24 
                   
                 nitriding 
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM435 
                 Car- 
                 569 
                 Input 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 25 
                   
                 burizing 
                   
                 disk 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM435 
                 Car- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 26 
                   
                 burizing 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM435 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 27 
                   
                 nitriding 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM435 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 28 
                   
                 nitriding 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM440 
                 Car- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 29 
                   
                 burizing 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM440 
                 Car- 
                 688 
                 Output 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 30 
                   
                 burizing 
                   
                 disk 
                 off 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM440 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 31 
                   
                 nitriding 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM440 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 32 
                   
                 nitriding 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM445 
                 Car- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 33 
                   
                 burizing 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM445 
                 Car- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 34 
                   
                 burizing 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM445 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 35 
                   
                 nitriding 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM445 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 36 
                   
                 nitriding 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM445 
                 Car- 
                 623 
                 Power 
                 Peeled- 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 37 
                 (C: 
                 burizing 
                   
                 roller 
                 off 
               
               
                   
                 0.6%) 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM445 
                 Car- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 38 
                 (C: 
                 burizing 
               
               
                   
                 0.6%) 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM445 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 39 
                 (C: 
                 nitriding 
               
               
                   
                 0.6%) 
               
               
                 Embodi- 
                 SCM445 
                 Carbo- 
                 800 
                 Null 
               
               
                 ment 40 
                 (C: 
                 nitriding 
               
               
                   
                 0.6%) 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     In the case of the materials of SCM  415  and SCM  420 , the damaged states thereof were all found broken. When the broken surfaces of the damaged products were observed, it was found that the start points of cracks were all the non-metallic inclusions in the materials, while the diameters of the inclusions providing the crack start points were 54-77 μm. On the other hand, in the case of the materials of SCM  430 , SCM  435 , SCM  440 , SCM  445  and a modified version of SCM  445  in which a carbon content thereof is increased up to 0.6%, the damaged states thereof were all found such that only the raceway surfaces thereof were peeled off; but, no inclusions were observed in the peeled-off portions of the materials. 
     Next, using the materials of SCM  430 , SCM  440  and SCM  445 , there were manufactured disks. After carburized or carbonitrided, the disks were hardened and quenched, and the thermal treatment was changed, that is, the thermal treatment was carried out in such a manner that the core portions of the disks could provide the hardness of HRC  30 ,  40 ,  45 . 
     After then, a fatigue test was conducted on the disks. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, while loads were applied repetitively to the two points of the end faces of the raceway surface of each disk, the fatigue test was continued until the disk was broken. The test conditions are as follows: 
     
       
         
               
               
               
             
           
               
                   
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
                 Testing machine 
                 Servo-type fatigue testing machine 
               
               
                   
                 Control 
                 Load control 
               
               
                   
                 Load applied 
                 Up to 6.4 t (3.2 t per point) 
               
               
                   
                 Repetitive Speed 
                 30 Hz 
               
               
                   
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
     The test results are shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. Here, FIG. 8 shows the disk breakage test results (carburizing) and, in FIG. 8, the horizontal axis represents the stress repeated number (Nf) and the vertical axis represents the core portion hardness (Hv) Also, FIG. 9 shows the disk breakage test results (carbonitriding) and, in FIG. 9, the horizontal axis represents the stress repeated number (Nf) and the vertical axis represents the core portion hardness (Hv). These results show that, in case where the core portion hardness is HRC  35  or higher, the disk cannot be broken at 10 7  cycles. 
     As has been described heretofore, according to the invention, even in the input disks, output disks and power roller bearings to which there are applied high contact pressure and high bending stress at the same time, it is possible to provide a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission which can enjoy a very long life. 
     While there has been described in connection with the preferred embodiment of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention, and it is aimed, therefore, to cover in the appended claim all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the invention.