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Building a toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) with multiple power rollers arranged in parallel is an effective way to improve its torque capacity. However, that requires a method for synchronizing the operation of all of the power rollers. This paper describes a method of synchronizing the four power rollers in a toroidal CVT that we have researched and developed. It also presents the results of an analysis of the cause of power roller vibration, which was a serious issue encountered in the development process, and describes an effective method for preventing it. The methods described here achieve sufficient synchronization performance for practical use of the toroidal CVT on production vehicles.

This paper describes the results of an investigation into the controllability of a traction-drive type half toroidal CVT, built with traction-drive elements. One feature of this CVT is that it provides better power transmission efficiency at its rolling contact points than other traction-drive CVTs developed previously. Another feature is that ratio changes can be effected with only a slight power input. A third feature is that it does not require any special hydraulic system to engage the contact points of rolling elements because it is designed to generate engaging force spontaneously in proportion to the torque input. The first half of the paper presents an analysis of the shifting mechanism. The characteristics of ratio changes effected by slight displacements of the power rollers were analyzed theoretically. A simplified CVT model was then examined experimentally and found to provide good response characteristics.

This paper presents a method for obtaining a large-capacity, high-efficiency continuously variable transmission (CVT). In designing a dual-cavity half toroidal CVT, it is essential to balance the load forces of each cavity. The axial position of the inner output disks has an important effect on the load forces. Several dual-cavity layouts designed to maintain the necessary balance are discussed, and an optimum layout is proposed that meets three required conditions. One is that the inner output disks should be supported by a wall separating the cavities. The second is that the outer input disks should have identical rotational phases. The third is that a single loading cam should produce all the contact forces. Tests of the proposed layout indicate that it provides good synchronization of all power rollers.

This paper describes a half-toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) that has been newly developed. The continuously variable unit (CVU) of this CVT adopts a traction drive as its power transmission principle. The major features of this mechanism include its capacity to transmit large torque, quick ratio changes, and high transmission efficiency in the low torque range. The major CVT performance characteristics and dimensions and features of the various parts of the unit are explained here.

This paper describes the magnetic circuit design of a coaxial AC motor system, comprising one stator and two rotors, and the test results obtained for a prototype motor. The rotors of the motor share the same stator core and coils, and each rotor uses its magnetic part as a yoke. Magnetic flux linkage of each rotor was determined in consideration of the maximum torque/power conditions and maximum motor speed. Finite Element Method were utilized to design a magnetic circuit for achieving the magnetic flux linkage specification. Tests conducted with a prototype motor showed that the torque characteristics can be divided into magnetic torque and reluctance torque, just like an ordinary IPM motor. Each torque level was improved through field-weakening control. The combined torque obtained when the two rotors were driven simultaneously approximately equaled the sum of the individual torques when the rotors were driven independently.