Search Results

This paper is focusing on the performance enhancement of the tapered roller bearings supporting the transfer shaft in a push belt type Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). It also provides an objective comparison, based on test results, with the fixed/floating ball bearings alternative arrangement. The influence of different design parameters such as cup and cone race profile, roller length / diameter ratio, surface finish etc., is quantified in the analytical and experimental investigation. The bearings power loss is calculated and measured for operating conditions that are relevant in a vehicle fuel economy cycle. Additional specific aspects related to the use of tapered roller bearings, such as setting and mounting procedures, are discussed under similar considerations. The paper contains a system analysis of the transfer shaft interacting with the variator output shaft and with the differential.

The tapered roller bearings employed in axle centers for the pinion support are critical components in determining the noise, fuel economy and reliability characteristics of the vehicle. They represent a relatively complex mechanical and tribological system, with special requirements from the stiffness, lubrication and heat transfer points of view. This paper brings a contribution to the investigation of the intricate dependency between design parameters, environmental factors and the resultant performance of a package bearing in an integral double cup configuration. Axial compactness, reduced weight, and superior rigidity are only few of the multiple advantages recommending this type of double row bearings for automotive driveline applications. Different aspects related to the tapered roller bearing setting are analyzed in a theoretical and experimental manner, also under the consideration of the manufacturing and assembly processes.