Patent Publication Number: US-9423018-B1

Title: Technologies for variator cooling

Description:
Cross-reference is made to co-pending U.S. utility patent application “MANUFACTURING TECHNIQUE FOR VARIATOR COOLING TECHNOLOGIES,” U.S. patent application Ser. No. 14/678,348 by Michael Foster, et al., which is filed concurrently with this application and is expressly incorporated by reference. 
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present disclosure relates generally to continuously variable transmissions, and more particularly, to continuously variable transmissions that include a planetary-type variator. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Continuously variable transmissions (CVTs) utilize a variable-ratio unit or “variator” to provide a continuous variation of transmission speed ratios rather than a series of predetermined speed ratios as provided in typical transmissions. A planetary-type variator is one such variator that includes an input ring, an output ring, and at least one sphere arranged between the input and output rings. The at least one sphere is configured to tilt between the input and output rings to transmit torque from the input ring to the output ring so that continuously-variable torque output is produced using the planetary-type variator. 
     One method for cooling the sphere(s) of a planetary-type variator, sometimes referred to as splash lubrication or splash feed lubrication, includes splashing the sphere(s) with fluid (e.g., oil) in response to the action of one or more moving parts of the variator. Another method for cooling the sphere(s) of a planetary-type variator includes delivering fluid to the sphere(s) directly through one or more rotating components of the variator, such as, for example, a shaft that defines a centerline of the variator. As a result of limitations associated with these methods, alternative approaches for cooling the sphere(s) of a planetary-type variator remain an area of interest. 
     SUMMARY 
     According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a variator for an automatic transmission includes a plurality of spheres and a plurality of fluid conduits. The plurality of spheres are arranged circumferentially about a central axis and configured to be positioned between an input disc and an output disc. Each of the plurality of fluid conduits includes an inlet positioned radially outward of the plurality of spheres and an outlet positioned radially inward of the inlet that is fluidly coupled to the inlet to deliver fluid received by the inlet to at least one of the plurality of spheres. 
     In some embodiments, the variator may include a case that has a flange that is positioned radially outward from the plurality of spheres, and the plurality of fluid conduits may extend radially inward from the case. The case may be configured to engage a housing of the transmission. Additionally, in some embodiments, the variator may include a plurality of retaining pins positioned radially inward of the case, and each of the plurality of retaining pins may be engaged with one of the plurality of fluid conduits and the case to secure each of the plurality of fluid conduits to the case in a predetermined orientation. Each of the plurality of fluid conduits may include a first section having a first diameter and a second section extending radially inward from the first section and having a second diameter less than the first diameter, and the first section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may be engaged with one of the plurality of retaining pins. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the case may include a groove that extends substantially around the central axis and is positioned radially outward from the plurality of spheres, and the plurality of retaining pins may be positioned radially outward from the groove. 
     In some embodiments, the outlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may include a plurality of output ports, and at least one of the plurality of output ports may be configured to deliver fluid radially inward to at least one of the plurality of spheres. Each of the fluid conduits may be formed to include a passageway that extends radially inward from the inlet to fluidly couple the inlet to each of the plurality of output ports. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure, an assembly includes a case, a plurality of spheres, and a plurality of fluid conduits. The case includes a flange having an outer surface, a plurality of holes that extend radially inward through the outer surface, and a groove that extends substantially around a central axis and is configured to receive fluid. The plurality of spheres are arranged circumferentially about the central axis and positioned radially inward of the groove. The plurality of fluid conduits are positioned in the plurality of holes, and each of the plurality of fluid conduits includes an inlet fluidly coupled to the groove to receive fluid therefrom and an outlet positioned radially inward of the inlet that is fluidly coupled to the inlet to deliver fluid received by the inlet to at least one of the plurality of spheres. 
     In some embodiments, the case may be configured to engage a housing of a transmission. Additionally, in some embodiments, the assembly may include a plurality of retaining pins positioned radially inward of the case, and each of the plurality of retaining pins may be engaged with one of the plurality of fluid conduits and the case to secure each of the plurality of fluid conduits to the case in a predetermined orientation. Each of the plurality of fluid conduits may include a first section having a first diameter and a second section extending radially inward from the first section and having a second diameter less than the first diameter, and the first section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may be engaged with one of the plurality of retaining pins. Each of the plurality of holes may be a counterbored hole that extends radially inward from one of a plurality of shoulders of the case, and the first section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may be engaged with one of the plurality of shoulders of the case. 
     In some embodiments, the outlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may include a plurality of output ports, and at least one of the plurality of output ports may be configured to deliver fluid radially inward to at least one of the plurality of spheres. The plurality of output ports may include three output ports configured to deliver fluid to at least one of the plurality of spheres. Additionally, in some embodiments, each of the plurality of output ports may have a diameter within the range of 1.0 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters. 
     In some embodiments, the inlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may have a diameter within the range of 3.0 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a transmission includes a variator and a first hydraulic circuit. The variator includes a plurality of spheres arranged circumferentially about a central axis between an input disc and an output disc, and a variator hydraulic circuit fluidly coupled to a fluid source and configured to deliver fluid supplied by the fluid source to the plurality of spheres at a variator pressure. The variator hydraulic circuit has a plurality of fluid conduits each configured to conduct fluid from an inlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits that is positioned radially outward of the plurality of spheres to an outlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits that is positioned radially inward of the inlet to deliver fluid to at least one of the plurality of spheres. The first hydraulic circuit is fluidly coupled to the fluid source and configured to deliver fluid supplied by the fluid source to first torque transmitting mechanisms of the transmission separate from the plurality of spheres at a first pressure different from the variator pressure. 
     In some embodiments, the inlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may have a diameter within the range of 3.0 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters. The outlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may include a plurality of output ports, and each of the plurality of output ports may have a diameter within the range of 1.0 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters. 
     According to another aspect of the present disclosure still, a method of making a variator includes forming a plurality of holes in a surface of a case that includes a flange, arranging a plurality of spheres in the case that are configured to be positioned between an input disc and an output disc circumferentially about a central axis so that the plurality of spheres are positioned radially inward of the flange, and positioning a plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes. 
     In some embodiments, positioning the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes may include advancing the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes so that an inlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits configured to receive fluid is positioned radially outward of the plurality of spheres and an outlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits configured to deliver fluid received by the inlet to at least one of the plurality of spheres is positioned radially inward of the inlet. 
     In some embodiments, the method may further include engaging each of the plurality of fluid conduits and the case with a retaining pin positioned radially inward of the case to secure each of the plurality of fluid conduits to the case in a predetermined orientation. Engaging each of the plurality of fluid conduits and the case with the retaining pin may include engaging a first section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits having a first diameter greater than a second diameter of a second section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits with the retaining pin. Forming the plurality of holes in the case may include forming a plurality of counterbored holes in the case that each extends radially inward from one of a plurality of shoulders of the case, and positioning the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes may include engaging the first section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits with one of the plurality of shoulders of the case. Additionally, in some embodiments, the method may include forming a groove in the case that extends substantially around the central axis and is positioned radially inward of each of the retaining pins. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the method may include forming a groove in the case that extends substantially around the central axis, and positioning the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes may include advancing the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes so that the inlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits is fluidly coupled to the groove. Further still, in some embodiments, positioning the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes may include advancing the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes so that at least one output port of the outlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits is configured to deliver fluid radially inward to at least one of the plurality of spheres. 
     According to yet another aspect of the present disclosure still, a method of making a variator includes forming a plurality of holes in a case and a groove that extends substantially around a central axis and is configured to receive fluid in the case, arranging a plurality of spheres in the case that are configured to be positioned between an input disc and an output disc circumferentially about the central axis, forming each of a plurality of fluid conduits, and positioning the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes so that each of the plurality of fluid conduits extends radially inward from the case and each of the fluid conduits is fluidly coupled to the groove to receive fluid therefrom. 
     In some embodiments, forming each of the plurality of fluid conduits may include forming a passageway in a tube, forming an inlet in the tube that extends through the tube to open into the passageway, and forming an outlet including a plurality of output ports in the tube that each extend through the tube to open into the passageway. Forming the inlet in the tube of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may include forming an opening having a diameter within the range of 3.0 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters in the tube of each of the plurality of fluid conduits. Additionally, in some embodiments, forming the outlet including the plurality of output ports in the tube of each of the plurality of fluid conduits may include forming six output ports each having a diameter within the range of 1.0 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters in the tube of each of the plurality of fluid conduits. Furthermore, in some embodiments, positioning the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes may include advancing the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes so that the inlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits is positioned radially outward of the plurality of spheres and fluidly coupled to the groove to receive fluid therefrom and the outlet of each of the plurality of fluid conduits is positioned between two of the plurality of spheres to deliver fluid received by the inlet to the two of the plurality of spheres. 
     In some embodiments, the method may include engaging each of the plurality of fluid conduits and the case with a retaining pin positioned radially inward of the case to secure each of the plurality of fluid conduits to the case in a predetermined orientation. Engaging each of the plurality of fluid conduits and the case with the retaining pin may include engaging a first section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits having a first diameter greater than a second diameter of a second section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits with the retaining pin. Forming the plurality of holes in the case may include forming a plurality of counterbored holes in the case that each extends radially inward from one of a plurality of shoulders of the case, and positioning the plurality of fluid conduits in the plurality of holes may include engaging the first section of each of the plurality of fluid conduits with one of the plurality of shoulders of the case. 
     In some embodiments, arranging the plurality of spheres in the case circumferentially about the central axis may include arranging the plurality of spheres in the case circumferentially about the central axis so that the plurality of spheres are positioned radially inward of the groove. 
     Finally, according to yet another aspect of the present disclosure, a method of providing fluid to a variator for an automatic transmission includes supplying fluid from a fluid source at a first pressure to first torque transmitting mechanisms of the transmission via a first hydraulic circuit of the transmission, and supplying fluid from the fluid source at a variator pressure different from the first pressure to a plurality of spheres of the variator arranged circumferentially about a central axis between an input disc and an output disc of the variator via a hydraulic circuit of the variator so that fluid is conducted from inlets of a plurality of fluid conduits of the variator hydraulic circuit that are positioned radially outward of the plurality of spheres to outlets of the plurality of fluid conduits that are positioned radially inward of the inlets. 
     In some embodiments, supplying fluid from the fluid source at the variator pressure to the plurality of spheres may include delivering fluid to the inlets of the plurality of fluid conduits through a case of the variator configured to engage a housing of the transmission. Delivering fluid to the inlets of the plurality of fluid conduits through the case of the variator may include circulating fluid to the inlets of the plurality of fluid conduits substantially around the central axis via a groove formed in the case. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The concepts described herein are illustrated by way of example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures. For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where considered appropriate, reference labels have been repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements. 
         FIG. 1  is a simplified block diagram of a transmission including a planetary-type variator; 
         FIG. 2  is a perspective view of the variator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a front sectional view of the variator of  FIG. 2  about a line  3 - 3 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a detail view of one fluid conduit and two spheres of the variator of  FIG. 3 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a sectional view of the fluid conduit of  FIG. 4  engaged with a case of the variator; 
         FIG. 6  is a detail view of an outlet of the fluid conduit of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a simplified block diagram of a method of making the variator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a front sectional view of the case of the variator of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 9  is a plan view of the case of  FIG. 8 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the fluid conduit of  FIG. 4 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the fluid conduit of  FIG. 4  aligned with one hole of the case; and 
         FIG. 12  is a perspective view similar to  FIG. 11  with the fluid conduit positioned in the case. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     While the concepts of the present disclosure are susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present disclosure and the appended claims. 
     References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an illustrative embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described. 
     In the drawings, some structural or method features may be shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the illustrative figures. Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be included or may be combined with other features. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 1 , an illustrative transmission  10  is shown. The transmission  10  may be included in a motor vehicle and coupled between a drive unit and a vehicle load to ensure the controlled application of rotational power generated by the drive unit to the vehicle load. Specifically, the transmission  10  may be operable in a number of operating modes to transmit rotational power generated by the drive unit to the vehicle load to propel the vehicle load in a forward direction and/or a reverse direction. 
     The transmission  10  is illustratively embodied as an automatic, continuously variable transmission (CVT) that includes a fluid source  12 , a variator  14  coupled to the fluid source  12 , a hydraulic circuit  16  coupled to the fluid source  12 , and a number of torque transmitting mechanisms  18  coupled to the hydraulic circuit  16  as shown in  FIG. 1 . The fluid source  12  is illustratively a sump or fluid reservoir configured to store fluid (i.e., oil) for subsequent delivery to the variator  14  and the hydraulic circuit  16 . The variator  14  is operable to enable the transmission  10  to provide a variable range of speed ratios (i.e., ratios defined by the rotational speeds of the input to the transmission  10  to the rotational speeds of the output of the transmission  10 ) in one or more operating modes. The hydraulic circuit  16  is configured to deliver fluid supplied by the fluid source  12  to the torque transmitting mechanisms  18 . The torque transmitting mechanisms  18  may include gearsets as well as clutches that may be selectively engaged during operation of the transmission  10  to transmit rotational power between components of the transmission  10  (e.g., between a transmission input shaft, one or more gearsets, and a transmission output shaft). 
     The variator  14  is illustratively embodied as a planetary-type variator that includes a number of planets or spheres  22  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Because the variator  14  is a traction drive device, the spheres  22  transmit torque between the input and output shafts of the transmission  10  during operation of the variator  14  via traction fluid. The spheres  22  must be cooled and lubricated to resist wear as the spheres  22  transmit torque between the input and output shafts of the transmission  10 . A variator hydraulic circuit  30  is configured to deliver fluid from the fluid source  12  to the spheres  22  to cool and lubricate the spheres  22  during operation of the variator  14 . Specifically, as described in greater detail below, the variator hydraulic circuit  30  is configured to deliver fluid from the fluid source  12  to a number of fluid conduits  32  of the variator  14  that are configured to supply fluid to the spheres  22 . 
     Fluid supplied by the fluid source  12  is illustratively delivered separately to the spheres  22  and the torque transmitting mechanisms  18  as shown in  FIG. 1 . Specifically, fluid from the fluid source  12  is delivered to the spheres  22  via the conduits  32  of the variator hydraulic circuit  30  at a variator pressure  100 , and fluid from the fluid source  12  is delivered to the torque transmitting mechanisms  18  via the hydraulic circuit  16  at a pressure  102 . The variator pressure  100  and the pressure  102  are illustratively different from one another. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the variator pressure  100  and the pressure  102  may be similar or substantially equivalent to one another. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the spheres  22  are circumferentially arranged about a central axis  24  and positioned between an input disc  26  and an output disc (not shown) of the variator  14 . The spheres  22  of the variator  14  illustratively include eight spheres, as best seen in  FIG. 3 . It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the spheres  22  of the variator  14  may include more or less than eight spheres. 
     The variator  14  further includes a stator or case  40  that extends around the spheres  22  as shown in  FIG. 2 . The fluid conduits  32  are illustratively secured to the case  40  such that the conduits  32  extend radially inward from the case  40  toward the axis  24 . In this way, as described in more detail below, the conduits  32  extend radially inward from the case  40  toward the axis  24  to deliver fluid to the spheres  22  arranged about the axis  24 . As used herein, the term “radially” refers to the radial direction that is orthogonal to the axial direction along which the axis  24  extends. Thus, when one component is referred to as being positioned radially outward of another component, the one component is positioned farther away from the axis  24  than the another component in the radial direction. Conversely, when one component is referred to as being positioned radially inward of another component, the one component is positioned closer to the axis  24  than the another component in the radial direction. 
     The case  40  is illustratively a metallic component configured to engage a housing of the transmission  10 . Specifically, the case  40  includes a flange  42  that defines the outer circumference of the case  40  and surrounds a central cavity  72  defined in the case  40 . The flange  42  is configured to engage the housing of the transmission  10  and includes one or more apertures  104  that are sized to receive fasteners (not shown) used to couple the case  40  to the housing of the transmission  10 . Because the case  40  is secured to the stationary housing of the transmission  10 , the case  40  is a stationary component of the variator  14 . The flange  42  includes a planar, circumferential face  108  that is arranged to confront the housing of the transmission  10  to seal an annular groove  48  formed in the face  108  when the flange  42  is engaged with the housing of the transmission. The groove  48  extends substantially around the axis  24  as shown in  FIG. 2 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , the spheres  22  are arranged circumferentially about the axis  24  in the central cavity  72 . A fluid conduit  32  extends through the case  40  into the central cavity  72  between each pair of the spheres  22 . Specifically, the conduit  32  extends through an outer circumferential surface  106  of the flange  42  and an inner circumferential surface  190  into the central cavity  72  between each pair of the spheres  22 . In total, the fluid conduits  32  illustratively include eight fluid conduits that are substantially identical to one another. As described in greater detail below, each fluid conduit  32  is configured to deliver fluid to each pair of adjacent spheres  22 . It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, more or less than eight fluid conduits may be provided to ensure sufficient fluid is delivered to the spheres  22  to cool and lubricate the spheres  22  during operation of the variator  14 . For example, the variator  14  may include only four fluid conduits that are each configured to deliver fluid to two spheres that are arranged circumferentially adjacent one another about the axis  24 . 
     The variator  14  further includes a number of retaining pins  46  that secure the fluid conduits  32  to the case  40 . The retaining pins  46  illustratively include eight retaining pins that are substantially identical to one another. Each of the eight retaining pins  46  is used to secure one of the eight fluid conduits  32  to the case  40  in a predetermined orientation, as described in greater detail below. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, more or less than eight retaining pins may be used depending on the number of fluid conduits included in the variator  14 . 
     The groove  48  formed in the face  108  is positioned radially outward from the spheres  22  and radially inward from the retaining pins  46 . The groove  48  is sized to conduct fluid supplied thereto by the variator hydraulic circuit  30 . Specifically, the groove  48  is fluidly coupled to the variator hydraulic circuit  30  at an inlet  110  so that fluid from the fluid source  12  is supplied to the groove  48  via the circuit  30  at the inlet  110 . From the inlet  110 , the groove  48  circulates fluid about the axis  24  to the fluid conduits  32  and thereafter to an outlet  112 . Fluid circulated to the outlet  112  may be recirculated back to the inlet  110  by the hydraulic circuit  30 . It should be appreciated that fluid may be supplied to the groove  48  via the hydraulic circuit  30  at the outlet  112  rather than the inlet  110 . In that case, the groove  48  may circulate fluid from the outlet  112  about the axis  24  to the fluid conduits  32  and thereafter to the inlet  110 . It should also be appreciated that fluid may be supplied to the groove  48  via the hydraulic circuit  30  at both the locations  110 ,  112 . In that case, the supply of fluid to the groove  48  at both the locations  110 ,  112  may mitigate a pressure drop that results as fluid is circulated about the axis  24  via the groove  48 . In any case, as described in greater detail below, the fluid conduits  32  are configured to receive fluid from the fluid source  12  via the groove  48  prior to delivering fluid to the spheres  22 . 
     The conduits  32  include inlets  34  and outlets  36  as shown in  FIG. 3 . The inlets  34  are positioned in the groove  48  radially outward of the spheres  22 , and the outlets  36  are positioned radially inward of the inlets  34 . Fluid enters the conduits  32  through the inlets  34  and advances radially inward to the outlets  36 . Fluid exits the conduits  32  through the outlets  36  and is directed toward the spheres  22 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , one conduit  114  of the fluid conduits  32  is shown in greater detail. It should be appreciated that in the illustrative embodiment, the other fluid conduits  32  are each identical to the conduit  114 . The conduit  114  includes an outer body or tube  170  having a section  134  and a section  138 . The sections  134 ,  138  are interconnected to one another, and the section  134  has a diameter  136  that is illustratively greater than a diameter  140  of the section  138 . The section  134  includes a cap  120 , and the section  138  includes a tip  122 . The cap  120  and the tip  122  define opposite ends  124 ,  126  of the conduit  114 , respectively. 
     As described above, each conduit  32  includes an inlet  34  (identified by numeral  128  in  FIG. 10 ) and an outlet  36  (identified by numeral  130  in  FIG. 10 ). In addition to the inlet  128  and the outlet  130 , the conduit  114  includes a notch  142 . The inlet  128  and the notch  142  are formed in the section  134  of the tube  170 , and the outlet  130  is formed in the section  138  of the tube  170 . The inlet  128  and the notch  142  are positioned closer to the cap  120  than the tip  122 , and the outlet  130  is positioned closer to the tip  122  than the cap  120 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 4 , the conduit  114  is shown installed in the case  40  so that the conduit  114  is positioned between a pair of spheres  116 ,  118 . It should be appreciated that each of the other fluid conduits  32  is installed in the case  40  so that each of the other fluid conduits  32  is positioned between two of the spheres  22  in substantially identical fashion to the illustrative installation of the fluid conduit  114 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 5 , the conduit  114  is shown secured to the case  40  by a retaining pin  132  of the retaining pins  46 . Specifically, the retaining pin  132  is engaged with the conduit  114  and the case  40  to secure the conduit  114  to the case  40  in a predetermined orientation. The conduit  114  and the case  40  are configured to receive the retaining pin  132  so that the conduit  114  and the case  40  are coupled to one another via the retaining pin  132 , thereby preventing the conduit  114  from moving relative to the case  40  and securing the conduit  114  to the case  40  in the predetermined orientation. Specifically, when the notch  142  formed in the conduit  114  is aligned with a notch  186  formed in the case  40  (as best seen in  FIG. 12 ), the retaining pin  132  is received in the notches  142 ,  186  to couple the conduit  114  to the case  40 . 
     The section  134  of the fluid conduit  114  is illustratively engaged with the retaining pin  132  as shown in  FIG. 5 . As described in greater detail below, the retaining pin  132  is received in the notch  142  of the fluid conduit  114  when the fluid conduit  114  is installed in the predetermined orientation in the case  40 . Additionally, the section  134  is directly engaged with the case  40  when the fluid conduit  114  is installed in the case  40 , as described in greater detail below. 
     When the fluid conduit  114  is installed in the case  40  as shown in  FIG. 4 , the section  138  extends radially inward from the section  134  relative to the axis  24  toward the spheres  116 ,  118 . The cap  120  is positioned adjacent the flange  42 , and the tip  122  is positioned in the central cavity  72 . The cap  120  is illustratively arranged radially outward from the spheres  116 ,  118 , and the tip  122  is illustratively arranged radially inward of the cap  120 . The inlet  128  is aligned with the groove  48 , and the outlet  130  is positioned between the spheres  116 ,  118 . 
     The inlet  128  is aligned with and fluidly coupled to the groove  48  to receive fluid therefrom during operation of the variator  14  as indicated above. Fluid flow from the fluid source  12  to the inlet  128  may be adjusted to control the pressure at which fluid is conducted from the inlet  128  to the outlet  130 , and thereafter to the spheres  116 ,  118 . For instance, a single or multistage restriction orifice may be positioned at the inlet  128  to adjust fluid flow from the groove  48  to the inlet  128 , and thus from the inlet  128  to the outlet  130 . It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, other suitable mechanisms may be employed to adjust the fluid flow from the source  12  to the inlet  128  and thereafter to the spheres  116 ,  118  via the outlet  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 5-6 , the inlet  128  is fluidly coupled to the outlet  130  via a passageway  144 . As such, fluid received by the conduit  114  at the inlet  128  is conducted to the outlet  130  via the passageway  144 . The inlet  128  opens into the passageway  144 , and a number of outlet ports  146  of the outlet  130  also open into the passageway  144 . The notch  142 , however, does not open into the passageway  144 . The passageway  144  includes a section  144 ′ formed in the section  134  of the tube  170  and a section  144 ″ formed in the section  138  of the tube  170 . The sections  144 ′,  144 ″ are interconnected, and the section  144 ′ has a diameter  172  that is illustratively greater than a diameter  174  of the section  144 ″. 
     The inlet  128  illustratively includes an opening  128 ′ formed in the section  134  of the tube  170  as shown in  FIG. 5 . The opening  128 ′ has a diameter  176  that is within the range of 3.0 millimeters to 3.5 millimeters. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the opening  128 ′ may have a diameter  176  that is within another range suitable for use of the conduit  114  in the variator  14  as described above. 
     The outlet  130  illustratively includes a number of output ports  146  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Each output port  146  has a diameter  178  that is within the range of 1.0 millimeter to 1.5 millimeters. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the output ports  146  may have a diameter  178  that is within another range suitable for use of the conduit  114  in the variator  14  as described above. The output ports  146  are positioned relative to one another to direct fluid conducted to the outlet  130  by the inlet  128  via the passageway  144  along a number of different fluid paths. To that end, as described in greater detail below, the output ports  146  extend along a number of different axes to define the different fluid paths. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 6 , the output ports  146  of the outlet  130  are each configured to deliver fluid conducted radially inward from the inlet  128  to the outlet  130  to one of the spheres  116 ,  118 . The output ports  146  illustratively include six output ports. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the output ports  146  may include more or less than six output ports depending on the desired distribution of fluid to the spheres  22 . 
     The output ports  146  of the outlet  130  are illustratively arranged to ensure the fluid conduit  114  provides sufficient fluid to the spheres  116 ,  118  to cool and lubricate the spheres  116 ,  118  during operation of the variator  14 , that is when the fluid conduit  114  is secured to the case  40  in the predetermined orientation as shown in  FIG. 5 . In that way, the predetermined orientation of the fluid conduit  114  relative to the case  40  is that which ensures the arrangement of the ports  146  provides sufficient fluid to the spheres  116 ,  118  to cool and lubricate the spheres  116 ,  118  during operation of the variator  14 . 
     The outlet ports  146  of the outlet  130  are fluidly coupled and positioned adjacent to the spheres  116 ,  118  as shown in  FIG. 6 . In the illustrative arrangement, the output ports  146  are positioned in two groups of three opposite one another on an outer surface  64  of the fluid conduit  114  to deliver fluid to the spheres  116 ,  118 . Specifically, output ports  148 ,  150 ,  152  are configured to deliver fluid to the sphere  116 , and output ports  154 ,  156 ,  158  are positioned opposite the ports  148 ,  150 ,  152  on the surface  64  and configured to deliver fluid to the sphere  118 . It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, different arrangements of the output ports  146  may be employed. For instance, the output ports  146  may be arranged on the outer surface  64  along a line (not shown) extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis  160  defined by the fluid conduit  114 . 
     The output ports  146  each extend along separate axes away from the passageway  144  through the outer surface  64  of the fluid conduit  114  as shown in  FIG. 6 . Specifically, the output ports  148 ,  150 ,  152  extend along respective longitudinal axes  148 ′,  150 ′,  152 ′ away from the passageway  144  through the surface  64 , and the output ports  154 ,  156 ,  158  extend along respective longitudinal axes  154 ′,  156 ′,  158 ′ away from the passageway  144  through the surface  64 . The respective longitudinal axes  148 ′,  150 ′,  152 ′,  154 ′,  156 ′,  158 ′ of the output ports  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  define the paths along which fluid is delivered from the output ports  146  to the spheres  116 ,  118  during operation of the variator  14 . 
     In the illustrative arrangement of the output ports  146  of the outlet  130 , at least one of the output ports  146  is configured to deliver fluid radially inward to at least one of the spheres  116 ,  118 . Specifically, the output port  152  is configured to deliver fluid radially inward along the path defined by the longitudinal axis  152 ′ to the sphere  116 , and the output port  158  is configured to deliver fluid radially inward along the path defined by the longitudinal axis  158 ′ to the sphere  118 . It should be appreciated, however, that the arrangement of the axes  148 ′,  150 ′,  152 ′,  154 ′,  156 ′,  158 ′ depends on the amount of fluid required by the spheres  116 ,  118  during operation of the variator  14 . In some operating conditions, for instance, one or more of the output ports  148 ,  150 ,  154 ,  156  may be formed through the outer surface  64  to deliver fluid radially inward to the spheres  116 ,  118 , like the output ports  152 ,  158 . In other operating conditions, however, only one of the output ports  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  may be formed through the outer surface  64  to deliver fluid radially inward to the spheres  116 ,  118 . 
     In operation, fluid may be supplied from the fluid source  12  at the pressure  102  to the torque transmitting mechanisms  18  via the hydraulic circuit  16 . Fluid may also be supplied from the fluid source  12  at the variator pressure  100  to the spheres  22  via the variator hydraulic circuit  30 . To do so, fluid may be conducted from the inlets  34  of the fluid conduits  32  to the outlets  36  of the fluid conduits  32 . Furthermore, to supply fluid from the source  12  at the variator pressure  100  to the spheres  22 , fluid may be delivered to the inlets  34  through the case  40 . To deliver fluid to the inlets  34  through the case  40 , fluid may be circulated to the inlets  34  around the central axis  24  via the groove  48 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a method  80  for making the variator  14  is shown. As described in greater detail below, the method  80  includes forming a number of holes  68  and the groove  48  in the case  40 . The method  80  additionally includes arranging the spheres  22  in the case  40 , forming the fluid conduits  32 , and positioning the fluid conduits  32  in the holes  68  of the case  40 . The method  80  also includes engaging the fluid conduits  32  and the case  40  with the retaining pins  46  to secure the conduits  32  to the case  40 . It should be appreciated that the method  80  may be performed in a number of sequences other than the illustrative sequence of  FIG. 7 . For example, the method  80  may be performed by arranging the spheres  22  in the case  40  after engaging the fluid conduits  32  and the case  40  with the retaining pins  46  to secure the conduits  32  to the case  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 8-9 , the method  80  begins with block  82  in which the number of holes  68  and the groove  48  are formed in the case  40 . The holes  68  may be cast into the metallic case  40 . Alternatively, the holes  68  may be machined into the case  40  after the case  40  has been produced. In any case, the holes  68  are formed in the case  40  such that the holes  68  extend radially inward through substantially D-shaped projections  70  of the flange  42  extending outwardly from the surface  106  and open into the central cavity  72 . It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the projections  70  may take the shape of other suitable geometric forms. The groove  48  is formed in the circumferential face  108  of the case  40  so that the groove  48  extends substantially around the central axis  24  as indicated above. Like the holes  68 , the groove  48  may be cast into the case  40 , or machined into the case  40  after the case  40  has been produced. 
     Each of the holes  68  is illustratively counterbored and defined by a sidewall  192  of the case  40 . As such, each hole  68  extends radially inward through the projection  70 , past a shoulder  74  included in the sidewall  192 , and into the central cavity  72  as shown in  FIG. 8 . When the fluid conduits  32  are positioned in the holes  68 , as described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 11 , the first section  134  of each of the fluid conduits  32  is engaged with one of the shoulders  74  of the case  40 . 
     Each of the holes  68  illustratively includes a pair of groove openings  194  at which the groove  48  opens into and is thereby fluidly coupled to each of the holes  68 . The groove openings  194  are formed in each sidewall  192  of the case  40 , and the groove openings  194  are positioned radially outward of the shoulders  74  of the case  40  as shown in  FIG. 8 . 
     Each of the holes  68  illustratively includes a notch  76  that is positioned radially outward of the groove openings  194  and sized to receive one of the retaining pins  46  as shown in  FIG. 8 . As such, once the fluid conduits  32  are positioned in the holes  68  in the predetermined orientations, the retaining pins  46  are received in the notches of the holes  68  and the fluid conduits  32  (e.g., notch  76  of one hole  68  and notch  142  of the fluid conduit  114 ) when the retaining pins  46  are engaged with the fluid conduits  32  and the case  40 . In that way, the fluid conduits  32  are secured to the case  40  in the predetermined orientations, as described in greater detail below with reference to  FIG. 12 . 
     Referring back to  FIG. 7 , the method  80  proceeds to block  84  in which the spheres  22  are arranged circumferentially about the central axis  24  in the central cavity  72 . Specifically, the spheres  22  are arranged circumferentially about the central axis  24  in the central cavity  72  so that the spheres  22  are positioned radially inward of the case  40  and the groove  48  formed in the case  40 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 10 , the method  80  proceeds to block  86  in which the fluid conduits  32  are formed. For the sake of simplicity, block  86  is described below only with reference to fluid conduit  114  shown in  FIGS. 4-6  and described herein. Initially, forming the fluid conduit  114  includes providing the cylindrical tube  170  with the sections  134 ,  138 . To do so, the tube  170  may be stamped, forged, rolled, or drilled from a substrate. In one example, the tube  170  may be formed from a metallic substrate such as aluminum or steel so that the tube  170  has a metallic, unitary (i.e., monolithic) construction. In another example, the tube  170  may be formed in multiple pieces from a metallic substrate such as aluminum or steel. It should be appreciated, however, that in other embodiments, the tube  170  may be formed from a non-metallic substrate such as a polymeric substrate, for instance. 
     To form the fluid conduit  114  in block  86 , the passageway  144 , the inlet  128 , and the notch  142  are formed in the tube  170 . The fluid conduit  114  may be formed by machining the passageway  144 , the inlet  128 , and the notch  142  into the tube  170 . For example, the features  144 ,  128 ,  142  may be laser-machined (e.g., drilled, milled, formed, etc.) into the tube  170  to form the fluid conduit  114 . 
     Additionally, to form the fluid conduit in block  86 , the outlet  130  including the plurality of output ports  146  is formed in the tube  170 . The output ports  146  are formed in an arrangement that ensures the conduit  114  provides sufficient fluid to the spheres  116 ,  118  during operation of the variator  14 , that is when the conduit  114  is secured in the predetermined orientation to the case  40 . The output ports  146  are illustratively formed in two groups of three, as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 , but it should be appreciated that the output ports may be formed in other suitable arrangements. The outlet  130  is formed by forming the output ports  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  along their respective axes  148 ′,  150 ′,  152 ′,  154 ′,  156 ′,  158 ′ to define the paths along which fluid is delivered to the spheres  116 ,  118 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . In this way, at least one of the ports  148 ,  150 ,  152 ,  154 ,  156 ,  158  is formed to deliver fluid radially inward to at least one of the spheres  116 ,  118 , as described above with reference to  FIG. 6 . As described above with respect to the features  144 ,  128 ,  142 , the fluid conduit  114  may be formed by laser-machining the output ports  146  of the outlet  130 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 11 , the method  80  proceeds to block  88  in which the fluid conduits  32  are positioned in the holes  68  of the case  40 . For the sake of simplicity, block  88  is described below only with reference to fluid conduit  114  and a hole  180  (i.e., of the holes  68 ) of the case  40 . Initially, the fluid conduit  114  is aligned with the hole  180  that extends radially inward through a projection  182  (i.e., of the projections  70 ) in preparation for positioning the fluid conduit  114  in the hole  180 . 
     After the fluid conduit  114  is aligned with the hole  180 , the fluid conduit  114  is advanced into the hole  180  until the section  134  is engaged with a shoulder  184  (i.e., of the shoulders  74 ) to position the conduit  114  in the hole  180 , as shown in  FIG. 11 . When the section  134  is engaged with the shoulder  184 , the inlet  128  is positioned radially outward of the spheres  22 , and the outlet  130  is positioned radially inward of the inlet  128  as shown in  FIG. 3 . 
     Preferably, the fluid conduit  114  is advanced into the hole  180  with the output ports  146  oriented relative to the spheres  116 ,  118  in the same fashion that the ports  146  are oriented relative to the spheres  116 ,  118  when the conduit  114  is positioned in the hole  180  in the predetermined orientation, as shown in  FIG. 11 . When the section  134  is engaged with the shoulder  184 , and once the fluid conduit  114  has been placed in the predetermined orientation in the hole  180 , the inlet  128  is fluidly coupled to the groove  48 . Furthermore, when the section  134  is engaged with the shoulder  184 , and once the fluid conduit  114  has been placed in the predetermined orientation in the hole  180 , at least one of the output ports  146  is positioned between the spheres  116 ,  118  to deliver fluid radially inward to at least one of the spheres  116 ,  118 , as shown in  FIGS. 5-6 . Finally, when the section  134  is engaged with the shoulder  184 , and once the fluid conduit  114  has been placed in the predetermined orientation in the hole  180 , a notch  186  (i.e., of the notches  76 ) is aligned with the notch  142  of the fluid conduit  114  in preparation for receiving the retaining pin  132 . 
     If the fluid conduit  114  is not in the predetermined orientation when the section  134  is engaged with the shoulder  184  in the hole  180 , the fluid conduit  114  may be rotated relative to the case  40  to the predetermined orientation. Specifically, the fluid conduit  114  may be rotated about an axis  188  relative to the case  40  to the predetermined orientation before being engaged with the retaining pin  132  to secure the fluid conduit  114  to the case  40  in the predetermined orientation. When the fluid conduit  114  is positioned in the hole  180 , the axis  188 , the longitudinal axis  160  of the conduit  114 , and a longitudinal axis  196  of the hole  180  are aligned with one another, and each of the axes  188 ,  160 ,  196  is arranged orthogonal to the central axis  24 . After the fluid conduit  114  is installed in the hole  180  in the predetermined orientation, the other fluid conduits  32  may be installed in the other holes  68  in the predetermined orientations in preparation for securing the fluid conduits  32  to the case  40  in the predetermined orientations. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 12 , the method  80  proceeds to block  90  in which the fluid conduits  32  and the case  40  are engaged with the retaining pins  46  to secure each of the fluid conduits  32  to the case  40  in the predetermined orientation. For the sake of simplicity, block  90  is described below only in reference to the fluid conduit  114 , the hole  180 , and the retaining pin  132 . Initially, the orientation of the fluid conduit  114  in the hole  180  is assessed to determine whether the fluid conduit  114  is in the predetermined orientation. If it is determined that the fluid conduit  114  is not in the predetermined orientation in the hole  180 , the fluid conduit  114  may be rotated relative to the case  40  to the predetermined orientation, as indicated above. 
     Once the fluid conduit  114  is determined to be in the predetermined orientation in the hole  180 , the retaining pin  132  is advanced into the notches  142 ,  186  that are aligned with one another as indicated above. The retaining pin  132  is advanced into the notches  142 ,  186  until the retaining pin  132  is engaged with each of the section  134  of the fluid conduit  114  and the case  40  to secure the fluid conduit  114  to the case  40  in the predetermined orientation, as shown in  FIG. 12 . When the retaining pin  132  is engaged with the fluid conduit  114  and the case  40  and the fluid conduit  114  is secured to the case  40  in the predetermined orientation, the retaining pin  132  is positioned radially inward of the case  40 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-12 , the variator  14  may be referred to herein as an assembly  14  that includes the components described above. In other words, the assembly  14  may include the case  40 , the spheres  22 , and the fluid conduits  32  described above as being included in the variator  14 . 
     While the disclosure has been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such an illustration and description is to be considered as merely illustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood that only illustrative embodiments have been shown and described and that all changes and modifications that come within the spirit of the disclosure are desired to be protected.