Toroidal-type continuously variable transmission and method for producing torque transmitting member thereof

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission and a method for producing torque a transmitting member thereof, according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] In a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission for an automotive vehicle etc., a plurality of rollers are rotatably sandwiched between raceway portions of an input disc and an out put disc opposing to each other by a predetermined force. Such a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission transmits torque between the discs by a traction force between the circumference of the roller and each raceway portion of the disc. This toroidal-type continuously variable transmission can increase and decrease the number of the revolution of the output disc against the input disc (transmission ratio) by adjusting the position of the roller with respect to each disc.

[0003] The closest prior art document JP-A-11117932 discloses a toroidal type continuously variable transmission having a bearing steel which contains:

C: 0.8 to 1.5 wt %;

Si: 0.5 to 2.0 wt %;

Mn: 0.3 to 2.0 wt %;

Cr: 1.3 to 1,98 wt %;

Mo: 0.3 to 1.0 wt %;

and a total of 1.0 wt % or more of Si and Mo with the balance being iron and unavoidable impurities

[0004] In the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, each of rolling contact portions of the input disc, the output disc and the rollers, which are torque transmitting members, is suffered to high temperatures and high surface pressure in operation. For this reason, not only a black structure caused by conventional fatigue but also a white structure causing white layer flaking is occurred at the rolling contact portions. This causes a problem that its life is shortened. Some technologies trying to solve such a problem are known as follows:

(1) In order to increase fatigue resistance, the production process comprises performing carburization treatment on a mechanical structural steel containing Cr so that the material member has a surface carbon density within a range of 0.6-1.5% by weight; precipitating carbide by holding the carburized material member at an upper limit temperature which is calculated based on the alloy content; and quenching after holding at a temperature at which austenite phase is formed, and the mechanical structural steel includes a matrix having at least one of martensite structure and bainite structure. The matrix contains carbide, which includes M₂₃C₆ type carbide, having a mean particle size of 3 µm or less, dispersed and precipitated in form of at least one of generally spheres and pseudo-spheres (see, for example Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-98343).

(2) In order to reduce the occurrence of the structural change, the amount of residual austenite in steel is set to 10% or less (see, for example Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1996-210360).

(3) In order to reduce a temperature rise by reducing rolling friction, the amount of residual austenite in steel is set to not less than 0.05% and less than 10%. This also tries to prevent a plastic deformation caused by the decomposition of residual austenite at a rolling contact surface (see, for example Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 1997-105415).

(4) An alloy steel material, which contains C: 0.15-0.5 wt %, Si: 0.1-1.5 wt %, Mn: 0.1-1.5 wt %, Cr: 0.5-3.0 wt %, and Mo: 0.1-3.0 wt %, a content of O in the alloy steel material being set to be not more than 9 ppm, which surface after carbonitriding, hardening and tempering treatments is set to contain C: 0.8-1.2 wt % and N: 0.05-0.20 wt %, and which surface hardness is Hv 720 or more, and in which Mo or V carbide/carbonitride, the average particle size of which is in a range of from 50 nm to 500 nm, is dispersed and precipitated on a race surface or in a range of from the race surface to a deep position where a maximum shearing stress is generated, is used (see, for example Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2001-32900).

[0005] However, there is a problem that any of the technologies mentioned above does not sufficiently achieve the effect and its cost is high.

[0006] It is an object to provide a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission and a method for producing torque transmitting member thereof capable of long life at low cost.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0007] A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention comprises an input disc having a concavely curved raceway portion in one side, an output disc having a concavely curved raceway portion opposing to the raceway portion of the input disc in one side, and a roller rotatably sandwiched between the raceway portions of the discs for transmitting torque between the discs by a traction force between the circumference of the roller and the raceway portion of each of the discs, wherein, at least rolling contact portion of at least one transmitting member of the input disc, the out put disc and the roller is formed of a bearing steel which contains: C: 0.8-1.5 wt %; Si: 0.5-2.5 wt %; Mn: 0.3-2.0 wt %; Cr: 1.9-2.5 wt %; Mo: 0.3-1.0 wt %; and a total of 1.0 wt % or more of Si and Mo; with the balance being iron and unavoidable impurities; wherein, a residual austenite in a range of depth Z = 1.0L, where L is the major axis of a contact ellipse of the traction contact portion, from the surface of the rolling contact portion is 15 wt % or less, and the hardness of the range is HRC 58-62.

[0008] In the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission mentioned above, since the residual austenite in the range of depth Z = 1.0L from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel is 15 wt % or less, and the hardness of the range is HRC 58-62, this can reduce the occurrence of a white structure, which is a factor of a short life. Thus, a long-life toroidal-type continuously variable transmission can be obtained at low cost. The inventors of the present invention found that adjusting the amount of residual austenite and the hardness of the predetermined depth from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel can reduce the occurrence of a white structure based on their studies, and accomplished this invention.

[0009] It is preferable that an oxide particle size is less than 20 µm in the range of depth Z = 1.0L, in the range of depth Z = 1.0b, where b is the minor axis of the contact ellipse of the traction contact portion, or in the range of depth Z = 0.4b-0.5b from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel, respectively. In this case, since the oxide particle size in the rolling portion is small, it is capable of reducing occurrence of flaking caused by the oxide particle as a source.

[0010] Another toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention comprises an input disc having a concavely curved raceway portion in one side, an output disc having a concavely curved raceway portion opposing to the raceway portion of the input disc in one side, and a roller rotatably sandwiched between the raceway portions of the discs for transmitting torque between the discs by a traction force between the circumference of the roller and the raceway portion of each of the discs, wherein, at least rolling contact portion of at least one transmitting member of the input disc, the out put disc and the roller is formed of a bearing steel which contains C: 0.8-1.5 wt %; Si: 0.5-2.5 wt %; Mn: 0.3-2.0 wt %; Cr: 1.9-2.5 wt %; Mo: 0.3-1.0 wt %; and a total of 1.0 wt % or more of Si and Mo; with the balance being iron and unavoidable impurities; wherein, a residual austenite in a range of depth Z = 1.0L, where L is the major axis of a contact ellipse of the traction contact portion, from the surface of the rolling contact portion is 7-13 wt %, and the hardness of the range is HRC 59-61, and an oxide particle size in the range is 14-19 µm.

[0011] In such a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, since the residual austenite in the range of depth Z = 1.0L from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel is 7-13 wt %, and the hardness of the range is HRC 59-61, and an oxide particle size in the range is 14-19 µm, this can reduce the occurrence of a white structure, which is a factor of a short life. Thus, a long-life toroidal-type continuously variable transmission can be obtained at low cost.

[0012] It is preferable that an oxide particle size is less than 20 µm in the range of depth Z = 1.0L, in the range of depth Z = 1.0b, where b is the minor axis of the contact ellipse of the traction contact portion, or in the range of depth Z = 0.4b-0.5b from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel, respectively. In this case, since the oxide particle size in the rolling portion is small, it is capable of reducing occurrence of flaking caused by the oxide particle as a source.

[0013] In both of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmissions mentioned above, the whole of the input disc, the whole of the output disc, and the whole of the roller can be formed of the bearing steel, and the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission is a full-toroidal-type. In this case, a long-life full-toroidal-type continuously variable transmission can be obtained at low cost.

[0014] A method for producing the torque transmitting member according to the present invention, comprises steps forming a predetermined shape of blank formed of the bearing steel; tempering the blank at a temperature of 250 °C or more after quenching; and finishing the heat-treated blank.

[0015] This method can provide the torque transmitting member with a residual austenite in a range of depth Z = 1.0L, where L is the major axis of a contact ellipse of the traction contact portion, from the surface of the rolling contact portion is 15 wt % or less, and the hardness of the range is HRC 58-62 only by tempering a blank at the above temperature. Thus, this method can provide a long-life rolling contact portion at low cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] 

Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a toroidal-type continuously variable according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a relation between each raceway portion of a disc and a roller in a variator.

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing a contact ellipse at a traction contact portion between each raceway portion of a disc and a roller.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing processes of a method for producing a torque transmitting member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0017] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a full-toroidal-type continuously variable transmission as an embodiment of a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission according to the present invention. A variator 1 as the principal part of the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission has an input shaft 3 to which rotational power is transmitted from an output shaft of an engine (not shown). Input discs 4 as torque transmitting members are arranged at positions in proximity to both ends of the input shaft 3 by spline coupling so as to be rotatable as one-piece. A concavely curved raceway portion 4a is formed in one side of each input disc 4. Further, holding rings 5 fitted to the input shaft 3 hold the input discs 4 in directions that they move away from each other.

[0018] An output portion 8 has output members 6 with sprocket gears formed on their circumferences and output discs 7 as the torque transmitting members supported by the output member 6 so as to be rotatable as one-piece. The out put portion 8 is provided in the middle of the input shaft 3 in the axial direction, and is rotatably supported relative to the input shaft 3. A concavely curved raceway portion 7a is formed in one side of each input disc 7 opposing to the raceway portion 4a of the input disc 4. The output shaft 10 of the variator 1 transmitting power to driving wheels is arranged in parallel with the input shaft 3, and has a pair of sprocket wheels 10a at positions corresponding to the output members 6. The output member 6 and the sprocket wheels 10a are engaged with a chain 9, and power is taken out to the output shaft 10.

[0019] The output disc 7 is assembled so as to allow small movements in axial direction relative to the output member 6. A back-up plate is arranged in the back of each output disc 7 with clearance. The clearance is sealed by a casing 12 and a seal (not shown). The output disc 7 is thrust toward the input disc 4 opposing thereto by applying hydraulic pressure to the clearance, and a predetermined axial end load is applied.

[0020] A space between the raceway portion 4a of the input disc 4 and the raceway portion 7a of the output disc 7 opposing each other is formed as a toroid-shaped space. Three disc-shaped rollers 13 (only two of them are shown) as the torque transmitting members, which rotate in press-contact with raceway portions 4a, 7a, are provided uniformly in circle in the toroid-shaped space. Each roller 13 is rotatably supported by a carriage 14. The axis of its rotation can be tilted by the carriage 14. The carriage 14 is actuated in the direction that roller 13 is thrust and pulled by applying a driving force of hydraulic pressure.

[0021] In the variator 1, a pair of input discs 4 transmits torque to the respective output discs 7 via six rollers 13. When transmitting torque, the rollers 13 are subjected to reaction. The driving force applied to the carriage 14 supports the reaction. If the reaction does not balance with the torque necessary to drive the output disc 7, the roller 13 changes its axis angle to balance them. For example, when a force which thrusts or pulls the carriage against the driving force of hydraulic pressure is occurred by a variation of driving load, acceleration or deceleration by an accelerator pedal, the axis angle of the roller 13 changes (see two-dot-dashed line in Fig. 1). Accordingly, transmission ratio changes up or down, and torque outputted from the variator 1 changes. That is, a variation of the ratio in the variator 1 is obtained only by increasing and decreasing the driving force applied to the carriage 14, and response to external resistance. The fluid, which forms an oil film between the roller 13 and each of the discs 4, 7 is supplied to the surface of the roller 13 via an internal path (not shown) of the carriage 14.

[0022] Fig. 2 (a) is a diagram schematically showing a relation between each of the raceway portions 4a, 7a of the discs 4, 7 and the roller 13 in the variator 1 mentioned above. Fig. 2(b) is a diagram showing a view of the roller 13 and the raceway portions 4a, 7a from the Z-direction in Fig. 2(a), where the X-direction is parallel with the input shaft 3 (Fig. 1), and the Y-direction is a tangential direction of the roller 13 and perpendicular to the X-direction, and the Z-direction is perpendicular to both of the X-direction and the Y-direction. In addition, the Y-direction (including the direction of -Y) is a direction where the roller 13 rolls relative to the raceway portions 4a, 7a (in view of absolute position, the roller does not move but rotates).

[0023] Under the condition that the predetermined axial end load is applied, the traction contact portion A, which is a contact portion between each of the raceway portions 4a, 7a and the roller 13 via the oil film, has the form of a contact ellipse in the Y-Z plane as shown in Fig. 3. The form and the dimension of the contact ellipse are determined by a radius of curvature of an end portion of the roller 13 in the X-Z plane shown in Fig. 3(a), a diameter of the roller 13 of the X-direction (Y-direction), and a curvature of the concave curve of each of the raceway portions 4a, 7a of the discs, a tilt of the roller 13 about the Y-axis, etc. (the geometric relation of the contact portion), the axial end load of the disc (contact load) etc., the Young's modulus, and the Poisson's ratio, etc. of material of the roller 13 and the discs 4, 7 (the mechanical characteristic value of the contact portion). Especially, the form of the contact ellipse (ellipticity) is basically determined by the geometric relation. In addition, generally, the diameter of the roller 13, the curvature of the concave curve of the raceway portions 4a, 7a, and the contact load are determined by transmission ratio required in the transmission, required torque, and constraints of outer dimensions. Accordingly, under condition that these dimensions and the load are constant, when only the radius of curvature of the end portion of the roller 13 in the X-Z plane varies, increasing the radius of curvature elongates the contact ellipse in the Z-direction. On the other hand, decreasing the radius of curvature shortens the contact ellipse in the Z-direction.

[0024] In the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission mentioned above, the input disc 4, the output disc 7, and each roller 13 are formed of bearing steel for semi-high temperature, respectively. This bearing steel contains C: 0.8-1.5 wt %; Si: 0.5-2.5 wt %; Mn: 0.3-2.0 wt %; Cr: 1.9-2.5 wt %; Mo: 0.3-1.0 wt %; and more preferably C: 0.9-1.05 wt %; Si: 0.9-1.1 wt %; Mn: 0.4-0.5 wt %; Cr: 1.9-2.5 wt %; Mo: 0.4-0.5 wt %; and a total of 1.0 wt % or more of Si and Mo; with the balance being iron and unavoidable impurities. The reason that the bearing steel for semi-high temperatures contains the contents with the above range of materials is described as follows:

1) C: 0.8-1.5 wt %

[0025] C acts as an element strengthening martensite in the base material by solid-solution. C is included to obtain strength after quenching and tempering, whereby a rolling fatigue life is improved. Thus, if C is less than 0.8 wt %, the amount of C of solid-solution in the base material is insufficient, so that it can not obtain hardness HRC 58 necessary for bearings. On the other hand, if the amount of C is over 1.5 wt %, large carbide is produced at casting, so that it can reduce a fatigue life or shock resistance.

2) Si: 0.5-2.5 wt %

[0026] Si effectively acts as an element increasing resistance to softening in tempering and the hardness after quenching and tempering to improve a rolling fatigue life. In addition, Si acts as an element for deoxidation at melting capable of low-oxidation of the steel. However, if the added amount of Si is over 2.5 wt %, this reduces machinability and tenacity. For this reason, it is preferable that Si is added in the range 0.5-2.0 wt %, and more preferably the range 0.5-2.5 wt %.

3) Mn: 0.3-2.0 wt %

[0027] Mn acts as an element improving heat treating characteristics of the steel. This can improve tenacity and strength of the base material, martensite, and can effectively improve a rolling fatigue life. However, if the added amount of Mn is over 2.0 wt %, this reduces machinability and tenacity.

4) Cr:1.9-2.5 wt %

[0028] Cr acts as an element making carbide stable. This can reduce the amount of C of solid-solution in the base material and can reduce occurrence of a white layer caused by diffusion of C. Accordingly, this can improve a life. In order to achieve the effects, at least 1.9 wt % of added amount is required. On the other hand, if the added amount of Cr is over 2.5 wt %, this causes not only a problem that large carbide is produced but also a problem that free-machining characteristics is reduced or the like.

5) Mo: 0.3-1.0 wt

[0029] Mo is an element improving heat treating characteristics. This can improve strength and further can improve a rolling fatigue life. In addition, Mo forms stable carbide with fine structure. This can reduce diffusion of C, so that reduction of the rolling life cause by a structural change is prevented. In order to achieve the effects, 0.3wt % or more of Mo is required. However, if its content is over 1.0 wt %, the machinability of the steel is reduced.

6) A total of 1.0 wt % or more of Si and Mo

[0030] In order to obtain excellent hardness and high temperature rolling fatigue life characteristics after high temperature tempering, a total of 1.0 wt % or more of Si and Mo is required.

[0031] The raceway portion 4a of the input disc 4, the raceway portion 7a of the output disc 7, and circumferences 13a of the rollers contain a residual austenite (γ) in a range of depth Z = 1.0L, where L is the major axis of a contact ellipse of the traction contact portion (see Fig. 3), is 15 wt % or less, more preferably 7-13 wt %, and the hardness of the range is HRC 58-62, more preferably 59-61. Thus, white structure, which causes a factor of a short life of the torque transmitting member, can be reduced.

[0032] Namely, the bearing steel is used under the condition after quenching and tempering, and the metal structure thereof is a mixed structure of martensite, a residual austenite and a sphere of carbide. When this material is used, the volume fraction of the residual austenite at the time of the completion of quenching and tempering is about 12%-19%. Generally, it is known that some amount of residual austenite improve a rolling fatigue life. However, regarding a toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, in the rolling member used under a high surface pressure condition, a residual austenite can be a source of a local structural change. This accelerates the occurrence of a white layer. For this reason, it is preferable that the residual austenite is 15 wt % or less, and more preferably 7-13 wt %.

[0033] In addition, since the rolling component used under rolling contact is generally used under a high stress such as thousands Mpa of contact surface pressure, the surface hardness is set to be HRC 60 or more. However, if hardness is over HRC 62, since the lattice strain of a material structure is high, and the density of dislocation, which is the lattice defect of the material, is also high, its structure becomes unstable. This tends to occur a white structure. On the other hand, if the hardness is lower than HRC 58, a normal rolling fatigue life is reduced. For the above reason, it is preferable that the hardness is HRC 58-62, more preferably HRC 59-61.

[0034] Further, in the case of rolling contact, it is known that the depth, in which the shear stress internally acting occurs, is 0.4-0.5b, where b is the minor axis of the contact ellipse of the contact portion. As a result of experiment, it is found that the depth, in which flaking caused by a white layer occurs, is shallower than 1.0b. Therefore, adjusting the amount of residual austenite can reduce white layer flaking.

[0035] Furthermore, it is preferable that the oxide particle size in the range of depth Z=1.0L from the surface of each of raceway portions 4a, 7a and each circumference of the roller 13a is less than 20 µm, more preferably 14-19 µm. Accordingly, decreasing the oxide particle size of the rolling contact portion can reduce the occurrence of flaking caused by the oxide as the source.

[0036] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a method for producing the input disc 4. This method is similar to a conventional method except the heat treatment described below. That is, first, a blank B is formed by cutting an annular material K of bearing steel for semi-high temperature obtained by casting, etc. At that time, as shown in Fig. 4(a), the raceway portion 4a with a concave curve surface is formed in one side of the annular material K by turning with cutting tools so as to provide machining allowance, and another side and the circumference are formed in predetermined shapes by turning so as to provide machining allowance. Additionally, a spline hole 4c with a plurality of strips of spline slots is formed in the center of the annular material by cutting with a broach 21.

[0037] Next, the blank B obtained in the cutting mentioned above is subjected to heat treatment (Fig. 4(b)). In this heat treatment, tempering is performed at the temperature of 250 °C or more after quenching at the temperature of 860 °C. Thus, setting the tempering temperature higher than conventional tempering temperatures (200-220 °C) can stably obtain the input disc 4 having 15 wt % or more of residual austenite in the range of depth Z = 1.0L from the surface of the raceway portion 4a and HRC 58-62 of hardness in the range.

[0038] After the heat treatment, the flanks of gear teeth of the spline hole 4c of the blank B are subjected to shaving by the broach 21 (Fig. 4(c)). After that, the raceway portion 4a of the one side, the circumference surface, and another side, etc. of the blank B is finished by turning (Fig. 4(d)). Thus, the input disc 4 can be obtained.

[0039] A method for producing of the output disc 7 and the roller 13 is similar to a conventional method except that tempering temperature in the heat treatment is 250 °C or more.

[0040] Table 1 shows the experimental result of the amount of residual austenite in the range of depth Z = 1.0L from the surface of the raceway portion, the hardness in the range, the maximum oxide particle size, and the life of the discs of bearing steel for semi-high temperature obtained by tempering at the temperature 250 °C (examples 1-4) and the discs of bearing steel for semi-high temperature obtained by tempering at the temperature 200-220 °C (comparative examples 1-6). In addition, in examples 3, 4 and comparative examples 4, 6, subzero treatment is performed for 60 minutes at -70 °C after the heat treatment. Moreover, the hardness is the value of HRC hardness calculated by the measurements of Vickers hardness.

[0041] The life-test conditions are as follows:

(1) The number of rotation of the input shaft 3 and the output shaft of the variator 1: 2400rpm (constant speed controlled by inverter control)

(2) Roller surface temperature: 120 °C (a constant temperature controlled by controlling the fluid temperature in an oil tank by measuring the surface temperature of the roller in proximity to the traction contact portion A with a thermocouple.)

(3) The output torque of output portion 8: 400Nm

(4) Transmission ratio: 1

(5) Toroid radius Ra (Fig. 1): 55mm

(6) Toroid radius Rb (Fig. 1): 50mm

(7) Fluid (lubricating oil): SANTOTRAC50 of traction oil (Findett Corporation)

(8) Disc axial end load F1 (Fig. 1): 54545N

(9) Roller driving force F2 (Fig. 1): 1936N

(10) Outside diameter of the roller 13: 100mm

(11) Radius of curvature of the end portion of the roller 13: 19mm

TABLE 1

		Heat Treatment		Residual γ	Hardness	Inclusion	Life
	Annealing Temperature	Subzero Treatment	Tempering Temperature	(%)	(HRC)	(µm)	(h)
Comparative Example 1	860 °C x 90 min.	Not Performed	200 °C x 120 min.	17	63.5	18	100
Comparative Example 2	860 °C x 90 min.	Not Performed	200 °C x 120 min.	17	61.0	18	100
Comparative Example 3	860 °C x 90 min.	Not Performed	200 °C x 120 min.	16	63.0	25	125
Comparative Example 4	860 °C x 90 min.	Performed	200 °C x 120 min.	10	64.0	20	153
Comparative Example 5	860 °C x 90 min.	Not Performed	220 °C x 120 min.	16	62.5	15	120
Comparative Example 6	860 °C x 90 min.	Performed	220 °C x 120 min.	8	62.5	19	115
Example 1	860 °C x 90 min.	Not Performed	250 °C x 120 min.	12	59.0	19	400
Example 2	860 °C x 90 min.	Not Performed	250 °C x 120 min.	13	60.0	14	400
Example 3	860 °C x 90 min.	Performed	250 °C x 120 min.	8	60.5	18	385
Example 4	860 °C x 90 min.	Performed	250 °C x 120 min.	7	61.0	15	400

[0042] The amount of residual austenite in the range of depth Z = 1.0L from the surface of the raceway portion, the hardness in the range, and the maximum oxide particle size according to the examples 1-4, in which the tempering was performed at the temperature 250 °C, were more than or equal to 7 wt % and less than or equal to 13 wt %, HRC 59.0-61.0, and 14-19 µm, respectively. As shown in the table 1, it is obvious that the life of these examples is improved 2.5-4.0 times as much as the comparative examples 1-6. In addition, the evaluation of life was based on the increase of vibrations in the testing equipment caused by the surface damage of the discs or the rollers.

[0043] In the embodiment, the whole of the input disc 4, the out put disc 7 and the rollers 13 are formed of the bearing steel for semi-high temperature, respectively. However, only the raceway portion 4a, 7a of each of the discs 4, 7 and the circumference portion 13a of the roller 13, which are rolling contact portions, can be formed of the bearing steel for semi-high temperature, respectively. Additionally, at least one rolling contact portion of the raceway portions 4a, 7a and the circumference portion 13a can be formed of the bearing steel for semi-high temperature, in which the residual austenite in the range of depth Z = 1.0L from the surface of the rolling contact portion is 15 wt % or less, more preferably 7-13 wt %, and the hardness in the range is HRC 58-62, more preferably HRC 59-61. Further, at least one roller 13, which is subjected to relatively higher load among the plurality of rollers, can be formed of the bearing steel for semi-high temperature. Moreover, although the toroidal-type continuously variable according to the above embodiment is described as a full-toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, it should be appreciated that the toroidal-type continuously variable according to the present invention can be applied to other toroidal-type continuously variable transmission.

Claims

1. A toroidal-type continuously variable transmission, comprising:

- an input disc (4) having a concavely curved raceway portion (4a) in one side,

- an output disc (7) having a concavely curved raceway portion (7a) opposite to the raceway portion (4a) of the input disc (4) in one side, and

- a roller (13) rotatably sandwiched between the raceway portions (4a, 7a) of the discs (4, 7) for transmitting a torque between the discs (4, 7) by traction forces between the circumference of the roller (13) and the raceway portions (4a, 7a) of each of the discs (4, 7),

characterized in that
at least a rolling contact portion of at least one transmitting member of the input disc (4), the output disc (7) and the roller (13) is formed of a bearing steel which contains:

C: 0.8 to 1.5 wt %

Si: 0.5 to 2.5 wt %;

Mn: 0.3 to 2.0 wt %,

Cr: 1.9 to 2.5 wt %,

Mo: 0.3 to 1.0 wt %, and

a total of 1.0 wt % or more of Si and Mo, with the balance being iron and unavoidable impurities;
wherein a residual austenite in a range of depth Z = 1.0L, where L is the major axis of a contact ellipse of the traction contact portion (A), from the surface of the rolling contact portion, is 15 wt % or less, and the hardness within the range is HRC 58 to HRC 62.

2. The transmission according to claim 1,
wherein an oxide particle size in the range of depth Z = 1.0L from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel is less than 20 µm.

3. The transmission according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein an oxide particle size in a range of depth Z = 1.0b,
where b is the minor axis of the contact ellipse of the traction contact portion (A), from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel is less than 20 µm.

4. The transmission according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein an oxide particle size in a range of depth Z = 0.4b-0.5b,
where b is the minor axis of the contact ellipse of the traction contact portion (A), from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel is less than 20 µm.

5. The transmission according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the whole of the input disc (4), the whole of the output disc (7) and the whole of the roller (13) are formed of the bearing steel, and the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission is a full-toroidal-type.

6. The transmission according to claim 1,
wherein a residual austenite, in a range of depth Z = 1.0L from the surface of the rolling contact portion, is 7 to 13 wt %, and
wherein the hardness within the range is HRC 59 to HRC 61, and an oxide particle size in the range is 14 to 19 µm.

7. The transmission according to claim 6,
wherein an oxide particle size in a range of depth Z = 1.0b,
where b is the minor axis of the contact ellipse of the traction contact portion (A), from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel is less than 20 µm.

8. The transmission according to claim 6,
wherein an oxide particle size in a range of depth Z = 0.4b - 0.5b,
where b is the minor axis of the contact ellipse of the traction contact portion (A) from the surface of the rolling contact portion formed of the bearing steel is less than 20 µm.

9. The transmission according to any one of claims 6 to 8,
wherein the whole of the input disc (4), the whole of the output disc (7) and the whole of the roller (13) are formed of the bearing steel, and the toroidal-type continuously variable transmission is a full-toroidal-type.

10. A method for producing a torque transmitting member according to any one of claims 1 to 9,
comprising the following steps:

- forming a predetermined shape of blank (B) formed of the bearing steel;

- tempering the blank (B) at a temperature of 250 °C or more after quenching; and

- finishing the heat-treated blank (B).

Ansprüche

1. Stufenlos variables Getriebe vom Toroid-Typ, das folgendes aufweist:

- eine Eingangsscheibe (4) mit einem konkav gekrümmten Laufflächenbereich (4a) in der einen Seite,

- eine Ausgangsscheibe (7) mit einem konkav gekrümmten Laufflächenbereich (7a) gegenüber von dem Laufflächenbereich (4a) der Eingangsscheibe (4) in der einen Seite, und

- eine Rolle (13), die zwischen den Laufflächenbereichen (4a, 7a) der Scheiben (4, 7) sandwichartig drehbar angeordnet ist, um ein Drehmoment zwischen den Scheiben (4, 7) durch Traktionskräfte zwischen dem Umfang der Rolle (13) und den Laufflächenbereichen (4a, 7a) von jeder der Scheiben (4, 7) zu übertragen,

dadurch gekennzeichnet,
daß zumindest ein Wälzkontaktbereich von mindestens einem Übertragungselement von der Eingangsscheibe (4), der Ausgangsscheibe (7) und der Rolle (13) aus einem Lagerstahl hergestellt ist, der folgendes enthält:

C: 0,8 bis 1,5 Gew.-%,

Si: 0,5 bis 2,5 Gew.-%,

Mn: 0,3 bis 2,0 Gew.-%

Cr: 1,9 bis 2,5 Gew.-%

Mo: 0,3 bis 1,0 Gew.-%, und

insgesamt 1,0 Gew.-% oder mehr Si und Mo, Rest Eisen sowie unvermeidbare Verunreinigungen;
wobei ein Restaustenit in einem Tiefenbereich Z = 1,0L, wobei L die Hauptachse einer Kontaktellipse des Traktionskontaktbereichs (A) ist, von der Oberfläche des Wälzkontaktbereichs 15 Gew.-% oder weniger beträgt und
wobei die Härte in diesem Bereich HRC 58 bis HRC 62 beträgt.

2. Getriebe nach Anspruch 1,
wobei die Oxidpartikelgröße in dem Tiefenbereich Z = 1,0L von der Oberfläche des aus dem Lagerstahl gebildeten Wälzkontaktbereichs weniger als 20 µm beträgt.

3. Getriebe nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
wobei die Oxidpartikelgröße in einem Tiefenbereich Z = 1,0b, wobei b die Nebenachse der Kontaktellipse des Traktionskontaktbereichs (A) ist, von der Oberfläche des aus dem Lagerstahl gebildeten Wälzkontaktbereichs weniger als 20 µm beträgt.

4. Getriebe nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
wobei die Oxidpartikelgröße in einem Tiefenbereich Z = 0,4b - 0,5b, wobei b die Nebenachse der Kontaktellipse des Traktionskontaktbereichs (A) ist, von der Oberfläche des aus dem Lagerstahl gebildeten Wälzkontaktbereichs weniger als 20 µm beträgt.

5. Getriebe nach Anspruch 1 oder 2,
wobei die gesamte Eingangsscheibe (4), die gesamte Ausgangsscheibe (7) und die gesamte Rolle (13) aus dem Lagerstahl gebildet sind und wobei es sich bei dem stufenlos variablen Getriebe vom Toroid-Typ um einen Volltoroid-Typ handelt.

6. Getriebe nach Anspruch 1,
wobei ein Restaustenit in einem Tiefenbereich Z = 1,0L von der Oberfläche des Wälzkontaktbereichs 7 bis 13 Gew.-% beträgt, und
wobei die Härte in diesem Bereich HRC 59 bis HRC 61 beträgt und die Oxidpartikelgröße in diesem Bereich 14 bis 19 µm beträgt.

7. Getriebe nach Anspruch 6,
wobei die Oxidpartikelgröße in einem Tiefenbereich Z = 1,0b, wobei b die Nebenachse der Kontaktellipse des Traktionskontaktbereichs (A) ist, von der Oberfläche des aus dem Lagerstahl gebildeten Wälzkontaktbereichs kleiner ist als 20 µm.

8. Getriebe nach Anspruch 6,
wobei die Oxidpartikelgröße in einem Tiefenbereich Z = 0,4b - 0,5b, wobei b die Nebenachse der Kontaktellipse des Traktionskontaktbereichs (A) ist, von der Oberfläche des aus dem Lagerstahl gebildeten Wälzkontaktbereichs kleiner ist als 20 µm.

9. Getriebe nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8,
wobei die gesamte Eingangsscheibe (4), die gesamte Ausgangsscheibe (7) und die gesamte Rolle (13) aus dem Lagerstahl gebildet sind und wobei es sich bei dem stufenlos variablen Getriebe vom Toroid-Typ um einen Volltoroid-Typ handelt.

10. Verfahren zum Herstellen eines Drehomentübertragungselements nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9,
wobei das Verfahren folgende Schritte aufweist:

- Herstellen einer vorbestimmten Formgebung eines Rohlings (B), der aus dem Lagerstahl gebildet ist;

- Wärmebehandlung des Rohlings (B) bei einer Temperatur von 250 °C oder mehr nach einem Abschreckvorgang; und

- Fertigbearbeitung des wärmebehandelten Rohlings (B).

Revendications

1. Transmission toroïdale à variation continue comprenant :

- un disque d'entrée (4) possédant une partie de chemin de roulement incurvée de façon concave (4a) dans un côté,

- un disque de sortie (7) possédant une partie de chemin de roulement incurvée de façon concave (7a) en face de la partie de chemin de roulement (4a) du disque d'entrée (4) dans un côté, et

- un galet (13) coincé de façon rotative entre les parties de chemin de roulement (4a, 7a) des disques (4, 7) pour transmettre un couple entre les disques (4, 7) par des forces de traction entre la circonférence du galet (13) et les parties de chemin de roulement (4a, 7a) de chacun des disques (4, 7), caractérisé en ce qu'au moins une partie de contact roulant d'au moins un élément de transmission du disque d'entrée (4), du disque de sortie (7) et du galet (13) est formé d'un acier à roulement qui contient :

C : 0,8 à 1,5 % en poids ;

Si : 0,5 à 2,5 % en poids ;

Mn : 0,3 à 2,0 % en poids ;

Cr : 1,9 à 2,5 % en poids ;

Mo : 0,3 à 1,0 % en poids ; et

un total de 1,0 % en poids ou plus de Si et Mo, le reste étant du fer et des impuretés inévitables ;
dans laquelle une austénite résiduelle dans une plage de
profondeur Z = 1,0 L, où L est le grand axe d'une ellipse de contact de la partie de contact de traction (A), à partir de la surface de la partie de contact roulant, est 15 % en poids ou moins, et la dureté se situe dans la plage allant de HRC 58 à HRC 62.

2. Transmission selon la revendication 1,
dans laquelle une taille des particules d'oxyde dans la plage de profondeur Z = 1,0 L à partir de la surface de la partie de contact roulant formée de l'acier à roulement est inférieure à 20 µm.

3. Transmission selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
dans laquelle une taille des particules d'oxyde dans une plage de profondeur Z = 1,0 b,
où b est le petit axe de l'ellipse de contact de la partie de contact de traction (A), à partir de la surface de la partie de contact roulant formée de l'acier à roulement, est inférieure à 20 µm.

4. Transmission selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
dans laquelle une taille des particules d'oxyde dans une plage de profondeur Z = 0,4 b à 0,5 b,
où b est le petit axe de l'ellipse de contact de la partie de contact de traction (A), à partir de la surface de la partie de contact roulant formée de l'acier à roulement, est inférieure à 20 µm.

5. Transmission selon la revendication 1 ou 2,
dans laquelle la totalité du disque d'entrée (4), la totalité du disque de sortie (7), et la totalité du galet (13) sont formées de l'acier à roulement, et la transmission toroïdale à variation continue est un type toroïdal complet.

6. Transmission selon la revendication 1,
dans laquelle une austénite résiduelle, dans une plage de
profondeur Z = 1,0 L à partir de la surface de la partie de contact roulant, est de 7 à 13 % en poids, et
dans laquelle la dureté se situe dans la plage allant de HRC 59 à HRC 61, et une taille des particules d'oxyde est dans la plage allant de 14 à 19 µm.

7. Transmission selon la revendication 6,
dans laquelle une taille des particules d'oxyde dans la plage de profondeur Z= 1,0 b,
où b est le petit axe de l'ellipse de contact de la partie de contact de traction (A), à partir de la surface de la partie de contact roulant formée de l'acier à roulement, est inférieure à 20 µm.

8. Transmission selon la revendication 6,
dans laquelle une taille des particules d'oxyde dans la plage de profondeur Z = 0,4 b à 0,5 b,
où b est le petit axe de l'ellipse de contact de la partie de contact de traction (A), à partir de la surface de la partie de contact roulant formée de l'acier à roulement, est inférieure à 20 µm.

9. Transmission selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8,
dans laquelle la totalité du disque d'entrée (4), la totalité du disque de sortie (7), et la totalité du galet (13) sont formées de l'acier à roulement, et la transmission toroïdale à variation continue est un type toroïdal complet.

10. Procédé de fabrication d'un élément de transmission de couple selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 9,
comprenant les étapes suivantes consistant à :

- former une forme prédéterminée d'un flanc (B) formé de l'acier à roulement ;

- réaliser un traitement de revenu sur le flanc (B) à une température de 250 °C ou plus après la trempe ; et

- réaliser la finition du flanc traité thermiquement (B).

Drawing