CVT Case Lubrication Channel for Dense Shaft Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
In continuously variable transmissions, the dense arrangement of components around the housing makes it difficult to provide lubrication pipes, limiting the layout and affecting the lubrication of gears.
Innovation Solution
The case member features a lubricant path protruding from its outer surface, connecting between supporting portions, which serves as both a lubrication channel and a reinforcement rib, allowing for effective lubrication and increased rigidity without the need for a guide pipe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a lubrication pipe is provided to lubricate components, then lubrication effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and layout difficulty increase due to dense component arrangement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lubrication path function with the case member structure itself. The case member includes a through-hole that serves as the lubrication path, eliminating the need for a separate lubrication pipe. This integration reduces device complexity while maintaining lubrication effectiveness, as the case member's own structure is utilized to deliver lubricant to the gear contact surfaces.
2Area of stationary object
If components are densely arranged around the housing, then space utilization is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to difficulty in providing lubrication pipes
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication path is merged into the case member structure as a through-hole, which is formed during the casting or manufacturing process of the case member itself. This eliminates the need for separate lubrication pipes and their associated installation steps, significantly improving ease of manufacture while allowing dense component arrangement to be maintained.
3Reliability
If a separate lubrication pipe is used, then lubrication function is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The lubrication function is merged into the case member by forming a through-hole directly in the case member structure. This eliminates the separate lubrication pipe component, reducing the total number of parts while maintaining the lubrication function. The case member thus serves dual purposes: structural support and lubricant delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The case member is designed with multi-functionality, serving both as the structural housing and as the lubrication delivery system through its integrated through-hole. This universal design reduces the number of specialized components needed, simplifying the overall device while ensuring reliable lubrication.
Data Source
AI summary
A continuously variable transmission includes a case member including an outer surface on the side where a torque converter is disposed and an inner surface on the side where a driving force transmission mechanism is disposed. The case member includes a supporting hole by which a bearing that supports a third shaft is supported, a supporting hole by which a bearing that supports a fourth shaft is supported, and an oil path through which an lubricant, to be supplied to the bearing and the bearing, is supplied. The oil path protrudes from the outer surface from the case member and has a straight line shape connecting between the supporting hole and the supporting hole. Thus, components can be appropriately lubricated even when it is difficult to provide lubrication pipes.