Patent ID: 12234891

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that a toroidal continuously variable transmission according to the present embodiment is different from the conventional toroidal continuously variable transmission illustrated inFIGS.18and19mainly in a power roller configuration, in that a trunnion includes a reinforcing member, and in that the reinforcing member includes a restricting portion, and thus these points will be described below, and the other same components will be denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof may be omitted or simplified.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power roller40of a double cavity toroidal continuously variable transmission according to a first embodiment,FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of a main part, andFIG.3is a perspective view of a closing member.

As illustrated inFIG.1, the power roller40includes a power roller inner ring50and a power roller outer ring60.

An outer peripheral surface51of the power roller inner ring50is sandwiched between an input side disk2and an output side disk3(seeFIG.18), and an inner ring hole52is provided in the center portion to extend in the axial direction of the power roller inner ring50(left-right direction inFIG.1). The inner ring hole52is formed in a cylindrical surface having the rotation axis of the power roller inner ring50as an axis, and a base end portion of the inner ring hole52(left end portion inFIG.1) opens to the center portion of an outer end surface (left end surface inFIG.1)53facing the power roller outer ring60. Furthermore, the distal end portion of the inner ring hole52(right end portion inFIG.1) is not opened to an inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50(right end surface inFIG.1).

Furthermore, the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50includes a recessed portion54ahaving a circular shape as viewed in the axial direction at the center portion. The recessed portion54ais provided coaxially with the power roller inner ring, and a disk-shaped wall portion55is provided between the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aand the bottom surface of the inner ring hole52. An end surface hole58communicating with the inner ring hole52is provided through the wall portion55at the center portion of the bottom surface of the recessed portion54a. The end surface hole58is formed in a circular shape and has a smaller diameter than the inner ring hole52.

Provided that the inner diameter of the end surface hole58is Φd1and the inner diameter of the inner ring hole52is Φd2, Φd1<Φd2is satisfied. That is, the inner diameter of the end surface hole58is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner ring hole52.

Also, in first to fourth modifications, a second embodiment, and a third embodiment to be described below, the inner diameter of the end surface hole58(58b) is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner ring hole52.

The power roller outer ring60includes a disk-shaped outer ring main body61and support shafts62and63provided integrally with the outer ring main body61. A support shaft (outer ring shaft)62is erected coaxially with the inner ring hole52on the inner end surface of the outer ring main body61facing the power roller inner ring50. A support shaft63is eccentric to the support shaft62and erected in parallel to the support shaft62on the outer end surface of the outer ring main body61facing the side opposite to the power roller inner ring50. The support shaft63is inserted into a circular hole21provided in the support plate portion16of the trunnion15(seeFIG.19).

Furthermore, the support shaft62includes an oil hole62athat is extending in the axial direction and opens to the distal end surface of the support shaft62at the center portion. An introduction hole66for introducing lubricating oil into the oil hole62ais provided in the bottom portion of the oil hole62aso as to penetrate the outer ring main body61in the thickness direction. Lubricating oil is supplied to the introduction hole66from an oil passage (not illustrated) provided in a trunnion35.

Furthermore, a plurality of discharge holes62bis provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in the outer peripheral surface of the bottom portion of the oil hole62a, and the discharge holes62bradially discharge the lubricating oil supplied to the oil hole62aoutward from the support shaft62. The lubricating oil discharged from the discharge holes62bis supplied to a thrust rolling bearing71arranged outside the discharge holes.

Furthermore, the lubricating oil supplied to the oil hole62aflows toward the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50, but since the end surface hole58provided in the inner end surface54is closed by a closing member80as described below, the lubricating oil flows radially outward at the distal end opening of the oil hole62a, is supplied to the radial needle bearing70, further passes through a radial needle bearing70, and is supplied to the thrust rolling bearing71.

Furthermore, the radial needle bearing70is provided between the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring hole52of the power roller inner ring50and the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft62of the power roller outer ring60, and the radial needle bearing70allows the power roller inner ring50to rotate about the support shaft62.

Furthermore, the thrust rolling bearing71is provided between the power roller inner ring50and the power roller outer ring60. The thrust rolling bearing71allows rotation of the power roller inner ring50while supporting a load in the thrust direction applied to the power roller inner ring50, and includes an inner ring track71aprovided on the outer end surface of the power roller inner ring50, an outer ring track71bprovided on the inner end surface of the outer ring main body61of the power roller outer ring60, a plurality of balls (rolling elements)71cthat roll on the inner ring track71aand the outer ring track71b, and an annular retainer71dthat rollably holds the balls71c.

Furthermore, the end surface hole58provided through the wall portion55at the center portion of the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aof the power roller inner ring50is closed by the closing member80separate from the power roller inner ring50.

As illustrated inFIGS.2and3, the closing member80is formed from resin, and includes a disk-shaped closing member main body80a, a plurality of claws80bformed integrally with the closing member main body80aon one surface of the closing member main body80a, and a first protrusion (abutting portion)80cformed integrally with the closing member main body80aon the other surface of the closing member main body80a.

The closing member main body80ais formed to have a larger diameter than the end surface hole58provided in the power roller inner ring50, and closes the end surface hole58.

Each of the claws80bis formed to extend in the axial direction from the one surface of the closing member main body80a, and includes a locking portion80dprotruding outward (radially outward of the closing member main body80a) at the distal end portion. Furthermore, the claws80bare formed in arc plates along the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58, and are provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction inside the outer peripheral edge of the one surface of the closing member main body80a.

The first protrusion80cis formed in a columnar shape and protrudes in the axial direction at the center portion of the other surface of the closing member main body80a. Furthermore, the length in the axial direction of the first protrusion80cis set to such a length that the first protrusion80cdoes not protrude from the recessed portion54aprovided in the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50when the closing member80is attached to the end surface hole58, that is, such a length that is lower than the inner end surface54.

Such a closing member80is attached so as to be inserted into the end surface hole58from the recessed portion54aof the power roller inner ring50, and in the attached state, the closing member main body80ais in close contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58, thereby the end surface hole58is closed. Furthermore, in the state where the closing member80is attached, the surfaces facing the outside of the claws80bare in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58, and locking portions80dat the distal ends of the claws80bare locked to the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. This prevents the closing member80attached to the end surface hole58from coming out of the end surface hole58. Furthermore, since the locking portions80dare locked to the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58, sealability of the end surface hole58is improved, and oil leakage can be prevented.

Furthermore, in the state where the closing member80is attached, the first protrusion80cis arranged coaxially with the power roller inner ring50and does not protrude from the recessed portion54a.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the end surface hole58communicating with the inner ring hole52is provided in the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50, processability and conveyability of the power roller inner ring50can be secured. Furthermore, since the end surface hole58provided in the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50is closed by the closing member80, oil leakage from the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50and a decrease in rigidity of the power roller inner ring50can be reduced. In this manner, processability and conveyability of the power roller inner ring50can be ensured while oil leakage from the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50and a decrease in rigidity of the power roller inner ring50are reduced.

Furthermore, since the closing member80is fixed to the power roller inner ring50, the closing member80can be prevented from deviating from the end surface hole58. Furthermore, since the closing member80rotates together with the power roller inner ring50with rotation of the power roller inner ring50, the rotation of the power roller inner ring50does not cause sliding between the end surface hole58and the closing member80, and wear of the end surface hole58and the closing member80can be prevented. Furthermore, since the closing member80is formed from resin, the weight is reduced, and the rotation of the power roller inner ring50is not adversely affected.

Furthermore, since the inner diameter of the end surface hole58is smaller than the inner diameter of the inner ring hole52, oil leakage from the end surface of the power roller inner ring50can be reduced as compared with a case where the inner ring hole penetrating in the axial direction is provided in the inner ring of the conventional power roller11as illustrated inFIG.19.

Note that similar effects can also be obtained in the first to fourth modifications, the second embodiment, and the third embodiment to be described below.

FIGS.4and5illustrate a power roller unit PU including the power roller40, in whichFIG.4is the perspective view, andFIG.5is the front view.

The power roller unit PU includes the trunnion35, a reinforcing member38, and the power roller40.

The trunnion35includes a pair of bent wall portions20and20formed in a state of being bent toward the inner surface of a substantially rectangular plate-shaped support plate portion36included in the trunnion35at both ends in the longitudinal direction of the support plate portion36(vertical direction inFIGS.4and5). Distal end portions20aand20aof the bent wall portions20and20protrude from the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50of the power roller40. On the outer surfaces of the bent wall portions20and20, pivot shafts14and14are concentrically provided, respectively. Furthermore, on a lower bent wall portion20, lubricating oil injection pipes37and37for injecting lubricating oil toward the outer peripheral surface (traction surface)51of the power roller inner ring50are provided so as to be separated from each other in the left-right direction and protrude.

Furthermore, on the inner end surface54side of the power roller inner ring50, the reinforcing member38that restricts the trunnion35from being elastically deformed in a direction in which the inner surface of the support plate portion36is a recessed surface is provided in parallel with the support plate portion36.

The reinforcing member38extends so as to be bridged between the distal end portions20aand20aof the pair of bent wall portions20and20, and both end portions are fixed to the distal end portions20aand20aof the bent wall portions20and20. For example, the reinforcing member38is formed in a pentagonal shape in cross section extending vertically obtained by subjecting a material having sufficient rigidity such as steel to a process of obtaining high rigidity such as a forging process, and a surface facing the power roller40is formed in a rectangular shape.

Furthermore, as illustrated inFIG.6, a thrust needle bearing47is provided between the outer end surface of the power roller outer ring60and the inner surface of the support plate portion36, thereby allowing the power roller outer ring60to move (swing) in a direction orthogonal to the support shaft (outer ring shaft)62(left-right direction inFIG.6).

As described above, the circular recessed portion54ais provided in the center portion of the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50, and the first protrusion (abutting portion)80cof the closing member80that closes the end surface hole58provided in the bottom surface of the recessed portion54ais provided. The distal end surface of the first protrusion80cis at a position substantially equal to the inner end surface54or at a position recessed from the inner end surface54, and does not protrude from the inner end surface54. Furthermore, the first protrusion (abutting portion)80cis provided on a surface of the closing member main body80afacing the reinforcing member38.

On the other hand, as illustrated inFIGS.6and9, a pair of left and right second protrusions (restricting portions)38aand38ais provided to be separated from each other by a predetermined distance on the back surface of the reinforcing member38, that is, a surface facing the power roller inner ring50. The second protrusions38aand38aare formed in vertically long rectangular parallelepiped shapes, and are provided at the center portion in the vertical direction of the back surface of the reinforcing member38symmetrically with respect to the center portion in the width direction of the back surface.

As illustrated inFIG.6, the second protrusions38aand38aenter the recessed portion54a, and in this state, the first protrusion80cis located at the center between the second protrusions38aand38a. Each of the second protrusions38aand38ahas a predetermined gap A with respect to the first protrusion80cwith the first protrusion80cinterposed therebetween, and overlaps the first protrusion80cby a length L in the axial direction of the power roller inner ring50.

Here, as illustrated inFIG.6, in a case where the power roller40is at a predetermined neutral position, the predetermined gap A between the first protrusion80cand a second protrusion38ais set to be smaller than a minimum distance B between the traction surface51of the power roller inner ring50and a lubricating oil injection pipe37(seeFIG.7). That is, the setting is A<B.

Therefore, when the power roller40moves from the neutral position to the left and right by the gap A, and the first protrusion80cof the power roller40abuts on the second protrusions38aand38aof the reinforcing member38, further movement of the power roller40is restricted. As described above, since the setting is A<B, even if the power roller40moves from the neutral position to the left and right by the amount of the gap A, the traction surface51of the power roller inner ring50does not collide with the lubricating oil injection pipes37.

According to such a configuration, during assembly of the toroidal continuously variable transmission or operation of the toroidal continuously variable transmission, in a case where the power roller40moves by a predetermined distance (moves by the gap A) in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the first protrusion80cas an abutting portion located on the inner end surface of the power roller inner ring50abuts on a second protrusion38aas a restricting portion, and further (predetermined distance or more) movement of the power roller40is restricted, and thus the power roller40can be prevented from interfering with other components including a lubricating oil injection pipe37due to the further movement.

Furthermore, although the power roller40includes the first protrusion80c, there is no issue because the first protrusion80cis provided on the inner end surface of the power roller40that is not a high-stress portion. Furthermore, since the first protrusion80cis very small with respect to the entire power roller40, the influence of weight increase of the power roller40caused by the first protrusion80cis small.

With such effect of the first protrusion (abutting portion)80c, a power roller40can move from the neutral position to the left and right by the gap A by a first protrusion (abutting portion)90d,92d,95d, or96din the first to fourth modifications to be described below or first protrusion (abutting portion)100cor101cin the second and third embodiments to be described below, and the first protrusion90d,92d,95d,96d,100c, or101cof the power roller40can abut on the second protrusions38aand38aof the reinforcing member38, and thus movement of the power roller40can be similarly restricted.

In the present embodiment, although the abutting portion is formed by the first protrusion80cof the closing member80that closes the end surface hole58of the power roller inner ring50, and the restricting portion is formed by a pair of the second protrusions38aand38athat is provided in the reinforcing member38, has the predetermined gap with respect to the first protrusion80cwith the first protrusion80cinterposed therebetween, and overlaps the first protrusion80cin the axial direction of the power roller inner ring50, alternatively, the restricting portion may be formed by a protrusion provided in the reinforcing member38, and the abutting portion may be formed by a hole that is provided in the closing member80and into which the protrusion is inserted with a predetermined gap.

FIG.10illustrates a first modification of the closing member, and is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the power roller40including the closing member.

A closing member90of the first modification is integrally formed from metal such as brass or aluminum, and includes a cylindrical body portion90a, a disk-shaped flange portion90bformed on one end surface side of the body portion90a, a caulking portion90cformed on the other end surface side of the body portion90a, and a cylindrical first protrusion (abutting portion)90dprotruding from the center portion of the flange portion90b.

The diameter of the body portion90ais set to be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the body portion90ais in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58. The diameter of the flange portion90bis set to be larger than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the flange portion90bis in close contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58.

The caulking portion90chas a distal end surface (left end surface inFIG.10) formed in an arcuate cross section, and the outer peripheral portion is a locking portion90eprotruding radially outward from the body portion90a. The locking portion90eis formed along the circumferential direction of the body portion90a, and is locked to the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58.

The locking portion90eis not formed before such a closing member90is attached to (inserted into) the end surface hole58, and the body portion90aprotrudes from the other opening of the end surface hole58in a state of being inserted into the end surface hole58.

In a state where the body portion90ais inserted into the end surface hole58from the recessed portion54aand the flange portion90babuts on the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat the one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58, the distal end portion of the body portion90aprotrudes from the other opening of the end surface hole58, and thus, by the protruding portion being caulked so as to be crushed using a caulking jig (not illustrated), the caulking portion90cand the locking portion90eare formed at the distal end portion of the body portion90a, and the locking portion90eis locked to the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. As a result, the closing member90closes the end surface hole58and is prevented from coming out of the end surface hole58.

Since the closing member90of the first modification is formed from metal such as brass or aluminum, deterioration due to lubricating oil supplied into the power roller40or heat generated in the power roller40is reduced as compared with the closing member80formed from resin. Furthermore, since the closing member90is fixed to the end surface hole58by caulking, the closing member90can be firmly fixed to the end surface hole58as compared with the closing member80.

Furthermore, since the locking portion90eis locked to the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58, sealability of the end surface hole58is improved, and oil leakage can be prevented.

FIG.11illustrates a second modification of the closing member, and is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the power roller40including the closing member.

A closing member92of the second modification is integrally formed from rubber (hard rubber used for oil seal or the like), and includes a cylindrical body portion92a, a disk-shaped flange portion92bformed on one end surface side of the body portion92a, a disk-shaped flange portion92cformed on the other end surface side of the body portion92a, and a cylindrical first protrusion (abutting portion)92dprotruding from the center portion of the flange portion92b.

The diameter of the body portion92ais set to be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the body portion92ais in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58. The diameter of the flange portion92bis set to be larger than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the flange portion92bis in close contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58.

The diameter of the flange portion92cis set to be larger than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the flange portion92cis in close contact with the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. Furthermore, the flange portion92cis formed to have a larger diameter and a larger wall thickness than the flange portion92b.

Such a closing member92pushes the flange portion90bfrom the inner ring hole52of the power roller inner ring50into the end surface hole58by the diameter of the flange portion90bbeing elastically reduced in the radial direction, and inserts the body portion92a. Then, when the flange portion92bpasses through the end surface hole58, the diameter is expanded by an elastic return force, and the flange portion92bcomes into close contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat the one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. At the same time, the body portion92ais in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58, and the flange portion92cis in close contact with the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. In this manner, the closing member92closes the end surface hole58and is prevented from coming out of the end surface hole58.

Furthermore, since the flange portion92cis in close contact with the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58, sealability of the end surface hole58is improved, and oil leakage can be prevented.

Since the closing member92of the second modification is formed from hard rubber used for oil sealing or the like, the sealing performance is higher as compared with closing members80and90, and the weight is lighter as compared with the closing member80.

FIG.12illustrates a third modification of the closing member, and is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the power roller40including the closing member.

A closing member93of the third modification includes a closing member main body94formed from rubber (hard rubber used for oil seal or the like), and a reinforcing portion95provided inside the closing member main body94and formed from metal such as steel for reinforcing the closing member main body94from the inside.

The closing member main body94includes a cylindrical body portion94a, a disk-shaped flange portion94bformed on one end surface side of the body portion94a, and a disk-shaped flange portion94cformed on the other end surface side of the body portion94a.

The diameter of the body portion94ais set to be substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the body portion94ais in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58. The diameter of the flange portion94bis set to be larger than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the flange portion94bis in close contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. The diameter of the flange portion94cis set to be larger than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the flange portion94cis in close contact with the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. Furthermore, the flange portion94cis formed to have a larger diameter and a larger wall thickness than the flange portion94b.

The reinforcing portion95includes a cylindrical body portion95aand a disk-shaped flange portion95cformed on the other end surface side of the body portion95a. The body portion95ahas a smaller diameter and a longer length in the axial direction than the body portion94aof the closing member main body94, and is provided to be embedded in the center portion of the body portion94aexcept for the distal end portion, and the distal end portion of the body portion95aprotrudes from the distal end surface of the body portion94a. The protruding portion is a columnar first protrusion (abutting portion)95d. The flange portion95chas a smaller diameter and a thinner wall thickness than the flange portion94cof the closing member main body94, and is embedded inside the flange portion94c.

Such a closing member93pushes the flange portion94bfrom the inner ring hole52of the power roller inner ring50into the end surface hole58by the diameter of the flange portion94bbeing elastically reduced in the radial direction, and inserts the body portion94a. Then, when the flange portion94bpasses through the end surface hole58, the diameter is expanded by an elastic return force, and the flange portion94bcomes into close contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat the one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. At the same time, the body portion94ais in close contact with the end surface hole58, and the flange portion94cis in close contact with the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58. In this manner, the closing member93closes the end surface hole58and is prevented from coming out of the end surface hole58.

Furthermore, since the flange portion94cis in close contact with the back surface of the wall portion55at the other opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58, sealability of the end surface hole58is improved, and oil leakage can be prevented.

Since the closing member main body94of the closing member93of the third modification is formed from hard rubber used for oil sealing or the like, the sealing performance is higher as compared with the closing members80and90, and the weight is lighter as compared with the closing member90. Furthermore, since the closing member main body94is reinforced from the inside by the reinforcing portion95, the mechanical strength is higher as compared with the closing member92, and the wear resistance is improved since the first protrusion (abutting portion)95dis also formed from metal such as steel.

FIG.13illustrates a fourth modification of the closing member, and is a cross-sectional view of a main part of the power roller40including the closing member.

A closing member96of the fourth modification is integrally formed from metal or resin, and includes a male screw portion96a, a disk-shaped flange portion96bprovided on one end portion of the male screw portion96a, and a cylindrical first protrusion (abutting portion)96dprotruding from the center portion of the flange portion96b.

The length in the axial direction of the male screw portion96ais set to be longer than the length in the axial direction of the end surface hole58of the power roller inner ring50. Furthermore, a female screw portion58ais formed in the end surface hole58of the power roller inner ring50, and the male screw portion96ais screwed into the female screw portion58a.

The diameter of the flange portion96bis set to be larger than the diameter of the end surface hole58, and the flange portion96bis in close contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58.

The male screw portion96ais screwed into the female screw portion58aof the end surface hole58from the recessed portion54aof the power roller inner ring50, and the flange portion96bis brought into close contact with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aat the one opening peripheral portion of the end surface hole58, thereby such a closing member96closes the end surface hole58and is prevented from coming out of the end surface hole58.

Furthermore, since the male screw portion96aand the female screw portion58aare screwed together, sealability of the end surface hole58is improved, and oil leakage can be prevented.

Since the closing member96of the fourth modification is fixed to the end surface hole58by the male screw portion96abeing screwed into the female screw portion58aof the end surface hole58, the closing member96can be firmly fixed to the end surface hole58as compared with closing members80,92, and93, and can be easily fixed to the end surface hole58as compared with the closing member90.

Second Embodiment

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power roller40of a double cavity toroidal continuously variable transmission according to a second embodiment, andFIG.15is a cross-sectional view of the main part.

The second embodiment is different from the first embodiment in that a closing member is fixed to a power roller outer ring60, and thus this point will be described below, and the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof may be omitted or simplified.

In the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, the power roller outer ring60includes a disk-shaped outer ring main body61and support shafts62and63provided integrally with the outer ring main body61. A support shaft (outer ring shaft)62is erected coaxially with an inner ring hole52on the inner end surface of the outer ring main body61facing a power roller inner ring50.

Furthermore, the support shaft62includes an oil hole62athat is extending in the axial direction and opens to the distal end surface of the support shaft62at the center portion. The oil hole62aincludes an oil hole62eprovided in the base end portion of the support shaft62, and an oil hole62fprovided continuously with the oil hole62eat the distal end portion of the support shaft62and having a larger diameter than the oil hole62e. The oil hole62fis provided coaxially with the oil hole62e, and has a shorter length in the axial direction than the oil hole62e. Since the oil hole62ehas a smaller diameter than the oil hole62f, a step surface62gis provided at the bottom portion of the oil hole62f.

Furthermore, an introduction hole66for introducing lubricating oil into the oil hole62ais provided in the bottom portion of the oil hole62a, that is, the bottom portion of the oil hole62eso as to penetrate the outer ring main body61in the thickness direction. Furthermore, a plurality of discharge holes62bis provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in the outer peripheral surface of the bottom portion of the oil hole62a, and the discharge holes62bradially discharge the lubricating oil supplied to the oil hole62aoutward from the support shaft62.

The lubricating oil discharged from the discharge holes62bis supplied to a thrust rolling bearing71arranged outside the discharge holes, and flows outside the support shaft62from the thrust rolling bearing71in the axial direction to be supplied to a radial needle bearing70.

Furthermore, an end surface hole58provided through a wall portion55at the center portion of the bottom surface of a recessed portion54aof the power roller inner ring50is closed by a closing member100separate from the power roller inner ring50and the power roller outer ring60.

The closing member100is formed from metal or resin, and includes a cylindrical body portion100a, a cylindrical fixing portion100bprovided coaxially and integrally with the body portion100aat the base end portion of the body portion100a, and a first protrusion (abutting portion)100cprovided coaxially and integrally with the body portion100aat the distal end portion of the body portion100a.

The body portion100ais arranged coaxially with the end surface hole58provided in the power roller inner ring50, and the diameter of the body portion100ais smaller than the diameter of the end surface hole58. Therefore, a predetermined gap S is provided between the outer peripheral surface of the body portion100aand the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58.

The leakage amount of lubricating oil from the gap S is small, and the dimension of the gap S is set such that the leakage amount of the lubricating oil from the gap S is, for example, 0.1 liters or less per minute. Furthermore, a seal member (not illustrated) may be provided in the gap S to reduce oil leakage from the gap S.

Furthermore, the distal end portion of the body portion100apenetrates the end surface hole58, and the distal end surface slightly protrudes from the bottom surface of the recessed portion54a.

The fixing portion100bis formed to have substantially the same diameter as or a slightly smaller diameter than the oil hole62f, and the bottom surface of the fixing portion100babuts on the step surface62g. Furthermore, the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion100bis in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the oil hole62f. The fixing portion100bis fixed to the oil hole62f. In a case where the closing member100is formed from metal, the fixing may be performed by interference fitting, press fitting, welding, or the like. In a case where the closing member100is formed from resin, the fixing may be performed by an adhesive. By the bottom surface of the fixing portion100bbeing caused to abut on the step surface62g, positioning of the closing member100in the axial direction can be performed.

Furthermore, since the bottom surface of the fixing portion100bis abutted on by the step surface62gand the outer peripheral surface of the fixing portion100bis in close contact with the inner peripheral surface of the oil hole62f, sealability of the end surface hole58is improved, and oil leakage can be prevented.

Furthermore, the gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58of the power roller inner ring50and the outer peripheral surface of the closing member100is larger than a bearing effective gap in the radial direction of the radial needle bearing70provided between the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring hole52and the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft (outer ring shaft)62.

As described above, since the closing member100is fixed to the support shaft (outer ring shaft)62of the power roller outer ring60, even if the power roller inner ring50moves in the radial direction in the bearing effective gap of the radial needle bearing70with the rotation, the closing member100fixed to the power roller outer ring60does not hit the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58of the rotating power roller inner ring50, that is, the closing member100and the end surface hole58do not interfere with each other. Therefore, wear of the closing member100and the end surface hole58can be prevented.

Furthermore, since the closing member100does not rotate with rotation of the power roller inner ring50, as described above, in a case where the reinforcing member38that reinforces the trunnion35includes the restricting portions38aand38athat is abutted on by the first protrusion (abutting portion)100cto restrict further movement of the power roller40when the power roller40moves by a predetermined distance in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the first protrusion (abutting portion)100conly abuts on the restricting portions38aand38awithout rotating, and thus wear of the first protrusion (abutting portion)100cand the restricting portions38aand38acan be reduced.

Note that, in the present embodiment, effect similar to that of the first embodiment can be obtained, that is, the effect can be obtained in which processability and conveyability of the power roller inner ring50can be ensured while oil leakage from the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50and a decrease in rigidity of the power roller inner ring50are reduced.

Third Embodiment

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view illustrating a power roller40of a double cavity toroidal continuously variable transmission according to a third embodiment, andFIG.17is a cross-sectional view of the main part.

The third embodiment is different from the first and second embodiments in that the distal end portion of an outer ring shaft (support shaft)62that rotatably supports a power roller inner ring50is a closing member that closes an end surface hole58bof the power roller inner ring50, and thus this point will be described below, and the same components as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference signs, and description thereof may be omitted or simplified.

In the third embodiment, similarly to the first and second embodiments, a power roller outer ring60includes a disk-shaped outer ring main body61and support shafts62and63provided integrally with the outer ring main body61. A support shaft (outer ring shaft)62is erected coaxially with an inner ring hole52on the inner end surface of the outer ring main body61facing a power roller inner ring50.

Furthermore, the support shaft62includes an oil hole65extending in the axial direction at a position eccentric from the center portion so as to extend in the axial direction, and the distal end portion of the oil hole65does not reach the distal end surface of the support shaft62and is closed. Furthermore, the base end portion of the oil hole65penetrates the outer ring main body61and opens to the outer end surface, and lubricating oil is supplied to the oil hole65from the opening. Furthermore, a plurality of discharge holes65bis provided at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction in the middle of the oil hole65, and the oil hole65bradially discharges the lubricating oil supplied to the oil hole65outward from the support shaft62.

The lubricating oil discharged from the discharge holes65bis supplied to a thrust rolling bearing71arranged outside the discharge holes, and flows outside the support shaft62from the thrust rolling bearing71in the axial direction to be supplied to a radial needle bearing70.

Furthermore, the outer ring shaft (support shaft)62has a cylindrical protrusion portion101at the distal end portion, and the protrusion portion101is a closing member101. The closing member101is formed integrally with the outer ring shaft (support shaft)62and has a smaller diameter than the end surface hole58bof the power roller inner ring50.

Furthermore, the end surface hole58bof the power roller inner ring50is formed to have a smaller diameter as compared with end surface holes58in the first and second embodiments, and the closing member101is inserted into the end surface hole58bfrom the inner ring hole52. The distal end portion of the closing member101inserted in this manner protrudes from the end surface hole58band also protrudes from a recessed portion54aof the power roller inner ring50. The protruding portion is a first protrusion (abutting portion)101cthat abuts on the above-described restricting portions38aand38a(seeFIGS.6and9).

Furthermore, a recessed groove101dis provided along the circumferential direction in the base end portion of the first protrusion (abutting portion)101c. One inner wall surface of the recessed groove101dis substantially flush with the bottom surface of the recessed portion54aof the power roller inner ring50, and a ring member102is fitted into the recessed groove101d. The outer diameter of the ring member102is larger than the outer diameter of the end surface hole58b, and thus oil leakage from a gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58band the outer peripheral surface of the closing member101can be prevented.

Furthermore, the gap S between the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58band the outer peripheral surface of the closing member101is larger than a bearing effective gap in the radial direction of the radial needle bearing70provided between the inner peripheral surface of the inner ring hole52and the outer peripheral surface of the support shaft (outer ring shaft)62.

As described above, since the closing member101is fixed to the support shaft (outer ring shaft)62of the power roller outer ring60, that is, the closing member101is integrally formed with the support shaft (outer ring shaft)62, even if the power roller inner ring50moves in the radial direction in the bearing effective gap of the radial needle bearing70with the rotation, the closing member101fixed to the power roller outer ring60does not hit the inner peripheral surface of the end surface hole58bof the rotating power roller inner ring50. Therefore, wear of the closing member101and the end surface hole58bcan be prevented.

Furthermore, since the closing member101does not rotate with rotation of the power roller inner ring50, as described above, in a case where the reinforcing member38that reinforces the trunnion35includes the restricting portions38aand38athat are abutted on by the first protrusion (abutting portion)101cto restrict further movement of the power roller40when the power roller40moves by a predetermined distance in the direction orthogonal to the rotation axis, the first protrusion (abutting portion)101conly abuts on the restricting portions38aand38awithout rotating, and thus wear of the first protrusion (abutting portion)101cand the restricting portions38aand38acan be reduced.

Furthermore, since the distal end portion of the support shaft (outer ring shaft)62is the closing member101, the end surface hole58bof the power roller inner ring50can be closed, by the power roller inner ring50being assembled to the power roller outer ring60, without a closing member being separately prepared.

Note that, in the present embodiment, effect similar to those of the first and second embodiments can be obtained, that is, the effect can be obtained in which processability and conveyability of the power roller inner ring50can be ensured while oil leakage from the inner end surface54of the power roller inner ring50and a decrease in rigidity of the power roller inner ring50are reduced.

Note that, in the first to third embodiments, a case where the power roller outer ring60includes the eccentric support shafts62and63has been described as an example, but the present invention can also be applied to a case where a support shaft that rotatably supports the power roller inner ring50is provided coaxially with the power roller outer ring60at the center portion of the power roller outer ring60.

Furthermore, the present invention can also be applied to a single cavity half-toroidal continuously variable transmission.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

2Input side disk3Output side disk14Pivot shaft35Trunnion38Reinforcing member80c,90d,92d,95d,96d,100c,101cFirst protrusion (abutting portion)38aSecond protrusion (restricting portion)40Power roller50Power roller inner ring58,58bEnd surface hole60Power roller outer ring62Support shaft (outer ring shaft)70Radial needle bearing (bearing)80,90,92,93,96,100,101Closing member