Abstract: In a belt for a continuously variable transmission, the relationship of &thgr;NH<&thgr;Y is established between the following two angles: (i) an angle &thgr;Y formed between a straight line drawn from a lower end of one of left and right pulley-abutment faces of a metal element to an outer end of the other of the left and right lower ear surfaces and a straight line drawn from a point of the intersection of a straight line drawn downwards from the point with an outer peripheral surface of a metal ring assembly to the point; and (ii) an angle &thgr;NH formed between a tangent line drawn from the point onto a projection and a tangent line drawn from the point onto a recess of the metal element.

Abstract: A belt type continuously variable transmission includes a drive pulley having a fixed pulley half and a movable pulley half; a driven pulley having a fixed pulley half and a movable pulley half; and a metal belt. The metal belt includes a metal ring assembly having a plurality of endless metal rings laminated on one another and a plurality of metal elements supported on the metal ring assembly. The metal belt is wound around the drive pulley and the driven pulley. The movable pulley half of the drive pulley has a flexural stiffness higher than that of the fixed pulley half of the drive pulley, wherein it is difficult for the edges of the metal ring assembly to contact the metal elements and a V-face of the drive pulley.

Abstract: Within the scope of the method for compensating angular misalignments for the variator of a continuously variable belt-drive transmission having cone pulleys disposed in pairs and one pushing linked band as torque transmitting belt-drive element, the fixed cone pulley of a variator side is designed with a curved outline, a pushing link displacement path being calculated with reference to a crowned pushing link flank outline and then the pushing link displacement path to the other side of the variator is calculated so that the displacement path is free of angular misalignment.

Abstract: The device for assembling a push V-belt for a continuously variable automatic transmission wherein the push V-belt consists of a plurality of push elements (1) movably interconnected that form an endless belt and of two ring sets (2, 2′) has a centering ring (3) for lodging the first ring set (2) and fixing the individual push elements (1) and a circular ring (4) upon the lodged push V-belt and externally partly surrounding it, the ring having an inner outline adapted to the appertaining outer outline of the push V-belt so that a radial force acts upon each individual push element (1) in direction to the axle that traverses perpendicularly to the radial plane the central point of the circle formed by the push V-belt.

Abstract: An adjustable pulley for use in a continuously variable transmission has two coaxial flanges at least one of which is a composite flange having an annular main section with a conical surface adjacent a reinforcing liner of wear resistant material. The liner is secured to the main section of the composite flange by a one-piece or composite disc-shaped insert one side of which has several portions affixed (such as bonded and/or riveted) to the adjacent side of the liner, and the other side of which has several portions affixed to the conical surface and/or another part of the main section. Those portions of the one side of the insert which are affixed to the liner are out of register with those portions of the other side of the insert which are affixed to the main section to thus enable the liner to move relative to the conical surface in one or more directions other than circumferentially of the main section.

Abstract: A body having a thin region in substantially a half lower portion and a head joined to the body by a neck. When the element is blanked out of a metal sheet, an excess amount of metal produced by pressing the substantially half lower portion of the body flows from the body into the metal sheet positioned on an opposite side of the neck and a metal flow is produced into laterally spaced ends of the neck. The head has relatively thick laterally spaced ends and the head and the body have respective thicknesses equal to or smaller than the thickness of the head. The laterally spaced side end regions of the body have a thickness smaller than a thickness of the lower region of the neck in the substantially half upper portion of the body.

Abstract: A flexible drive ring CVT belt comprises a flexible drive ring having a plurality of adjacent ring segments. The segments comprise metallic or non-metallic material sufficient to bear a compressive load imposed by CVT sheaves. The segments are interlocked along a longitudinal axis and are preloaded in the assembled position by an elastomeric member. A tensile member or belt bears on an outer circumferential bearing surface formed by the interlocked segments. The tensile member is moveable along a longitudinal axis relative to the flexible drive ring on the circumferential bearing surface. The segments further comprise opposing inclined surfaces for engaging sheave surfaces on a pulley.

Abstract: A pushing block for the CVT belt has a hyper-eutectoid structure overall and exhibiting a structure in which spheroidal cementite having an area percentage of 0.4% or more are dispersed in a matrix of a martensite.

Abstract: An endless metal belt with reduced friction and increased durability comprises a pair of layered ring structures (31) each formed by superposing a plurality of thin metal rings in layers so as to be slidable relative to each other, and a plurality of metal blocks (32) arranged along the length of the pair of layered ring structures (31) and supported on the pair of layered ring structures (31) so as to be slidable relative to the pair of layered ring structures (31), and the inner circumferences of the thin metal rings excluding the innermost thin metal ring (R1) are provided with oil retaining grooves (34), and the inner circumference in sliding contact with saddle surfaces (324) of the metal blocks (32) of the innermost thin metal ring (R1) is a flat, smooth surface (35) not provided with any oil retaining grooves and having a small surface roughness.

Abstract: A belt for a continuously variable transmission is provided, which is comprised of metal ring assemblies each having a plurality of endless metal rings laminated one on another, and a plurality of metal elements each having ring slots into which the metal ring assemblies are fitted, and the belt is wound around a drive pulley and a driven pulley to transmit a driving force between the pulleys. When the belt leaves the driven pulley, the metal element falls forward in the direction of advancement with respect to the metal ring assembly. For this reason, a rear end of a saddle surface of the ring slot in the direction of advancement is brought into strong abutment against an inner circumferential surface of the metal ring assembly to produce a concentrated stress, thereby shortening the life of the metal ring assembly. In order to prevent this, the radius of curvature of the rear end of the saddle surface in the direction of advancement is larger than that of its front end to reduce the concentrated stress.

Abstract: To prevent undesirable displacement of the metal elements of a metal ring assembly of a continuously variable transmission in order to enhance the durability of the metal ring assembly, the metal elements are designed to meet the equation B/2=A+L and t=1.5A, where A is a distance between a rocking edge and a saddle surface of a metal element; B is a distance between the saddle surface and a lower end of a pulley abutment surface; L is a distance between the rocking edge and a frictional force application point of the pulley abutment surface; t is the thickness of the metal element; and the distances A and B are set so that a relation, 2≦B/A≦5, is established.

Abstract: A drive belt for use in a continuously variable transmission has an endless carrier and a plurality of elements. The endless carrier has a plurality of endless metal belts with plank-shaped cross sectional shapes laminated together in both radial and axial directions to form ring aggregates. The ring aggregates reduce the rigidity of the endless carrier in the axial direction and increase the allowable axial deflection endless. Thus, when off-centering occurs, the entire V-belt does not become slanted with respect to a line perpendicular to the rotational axes of the pulleys and the V-shaped blocks can be prevented from becoming tilted with respect to the pulley. As a result, the durability of the pulleys and V-shaped blocks can be improved. The entire V-belt becomes slanted when off-centering occurs in a V-belt continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: A belt for continuously variable transmission, wherein the relationship between the thickness of the metal ring assembly and the groove width of the ring slot is established so that a limit rolling angle &agr; defined as a rolling angle of the metal elements provided when a radially outer peripheral surface of the metal ring assembly contacts a radially outer edge of the ring slot in the metal element is in a range of 0.7°<&agr;<2.5°. The upper limit value 2.5° of the angle &agr; is set as a rolling angle at which the driving force transmitting efficiency is a predetermined value or more, and the lower limit value 0.7° of the angle &agr; is set as a rolling angle generated following the deformation of a V-face due to an axial thrust on a drive or driven pulley.

Abstract: A continuously variable transmission belt, including a metal ring assembly including a plurality of metal rings, and a plurality of metal elements which are retained by the metal ring assembly and each has a saddle surface contacted with an inner circumferential surface of the metal ring assembly. The saddle surface includes opposed end peripheries spaced from each other in a traveling direction of the belt and a curved portion located at each of the opposed end peripheries. The curved portion has a range length extending in the traveling direction of the belt and a radius of curvature larger than the range length. The metal element is produced by a method including subjecting a metal sheet to presswork to form a workpiece, subjecting the workpiece to heat treatment and deburring and then to preliminary beveling and subsequent beveling.

Abstract: The invention comprises a CVT belt having two multi-ribbed belts. Each belt is engaged in an opposing slot in a transversely mounted clip. Each belt is retained in each slot by a flat belt which is sandwiched into each slot with the multi-ribbed belt.

Abstract: A V-belt transmits rotational movements between at least two belt pulleys and includes at least one endless load carrier and a plurality of transverse blocks mounted thereon. The load carrier is fitted into slots which extend from at least one inclined lateral surface of a block toward the center region thereof. The load carrier has a contact surface which faces a boundary surface of the slot in the block. The contact surface and the boundary surface are provided with convex and/or concave sections. To minimize losses and increase efficiency, the pressing force is reduced where the slide movement occurs. A contact region is assumed between the stretched state of the V-belt up to the state corresponding to the smallest running radius. In the entire contact region, a continuously changeable curvature or a composite of at least three sections of constant curvature is realized in such a manner that the curvature from the center of the contact region to the outer region increases.

Abstract: A V-face of a metal element is prevented from being inclined due to a load from a pulley by increasing the height Hs of an upper non-contact portion of the V-face of the metal element. For example, when the height of the V-face is represented by Hv (mm), and the height of the upper non-contact portion of the V-face is represented by Hs (mm), the height Hv of the V-face and the height Hs of the upper non-contact portion are set so that a relationship −0.5265Hv+2.768≦Hs≦−0.5934Hv+3.524 is established.

Abstract: A chain-belt for a CVT having a plurality of links, each link comprising a plurality of parallel tensile link plates, each link plate having connection apertures located substantially towards the ends thereof, each link being connected to an adjacent link by a pin having two ends passing through overlapping connection apertures in adjacent link plates. Wear pads are positioned on said outer link plates. A bushing, at least as long as the thickness of the tensile link plates, coaxially surrounds the chain's pins, passing through oversized holes in the link plates. Compressive force is transmitted between the wear pads by the bushing, so that the compressive force exerted by the sheaves does not deform the pin or squeeze the link plates together. The wear pads are centered on the centerline of the chain, and taper to match the taper of the pulley sheaves. The wear pads are also designed so the centerline of the wear pads intersects the center axis of the pulley when the chain is in use.

Abstract: In a belt continuously variable transmission constructed such that a block-type belt in which a plurality of blocks are fixedly engaged with a pair of tension members is wound between driving and driven pulleys of variable diameter each having a V-section pulley groove with a predetermined wedge angle &agr;, even if oil mist adheres to the surfaces of the pulley grooves and contact surfaces of the blocks, its transmission power is prevented from being reduced. This can be attained by setting the wedge angle &agr; at a value equal to or less than 20°. By increasing the apparent friction coefficient &mgr;′ between each pulley and each block of the belt, the transmission can retain a high transmission power, and concurrently the friction coefficient &mgr; between each pulley and each block can be reduced to the level to which the friction coefficient &mgr; is decreased due to oil-mist adhesion.

Abstract: A power transmission belt having a load carrying band with a length, and a plurality of blocks attached to the load carrying band at preselected, spaced intervals along the length of the load carrying band. The plurality of blocks have a thickness (t), measured in a direction along the length of the load carrying band, and a width (W), measured in a direction transversely to the length of the load carrying band. Each of the plurality of blocks is made from synthetic resin material and has no shape-determining insert therein. The synthetic resin material is made from a synthetic resin having a bending modulus of 15 to 20 GPa. The ratio of t/W is from 0.11 to 0.20.

Abstract: A power transmission system for transmitting power between sprockets mounted on rotating members. The system includes a chain comprising a plurality of transverse elements maintained in a stack by a carrier received in slots in each transverse element. Power is transmitted along the chain by contact between the principal faces of the transverse elements. The transverse elements include a plurality of load bearing elements which are configured to engage the teeth of the sprockets and to provide power transmission therewith. The chain extends along a run from a driving sprocket to a driven sprocket and moves along the run from the driving sprocket to the driven sprocket. An antibuckling guide is positioned along the run to prevent deflection of the chain perpendicular to the run.

Abstract: In a belt for a continuously variable transmission, a first clearance CLNH is defined between a projection and a recess formed on front and rear surfaces of a metal element, and a second clearance CLy is defined between an upper surface of a metal ring assembly and a lower ear surface of the metal element. The setting of a relation, CLY>CLNH ensures that when the metal element has been pitched, the projection and the recess can be first brought into contact with each other, thereby preventing a reduction in durability which may otherwise occur by the lower ear surface coming into contact with the upper surface of the metal ring assembly. If the thickness of the metal ring assembly is represented by TL, and the vertical opening of the ring slot is represented by D, when the value of D/TL exceeds {fraction (11/8)}, the power transmitting efficiency is reduced. Therefore, the reduction in power transmitting efficiency can be prevented by setting D/TL at a smaller value than {fraction (11/8)}.

Abstract: A hoop for a CVT belt including foreign matter existing in a nitrided hardened layer and surface of the hoop, the foreign matter comprises at least one of an oxide-type foreign matter, a nitride-type foreign matter, and a carbide-type foreign matter. The oxide-type foreign matter has a particle size of 25 &mgr;m or less, the nitride-type foreign matter and/or the carbide-type foreign matter have particle sizes of 17 &mgr;m or less.

Abstract: A belt for a continuously variable transmission includes a metal ring assembly and a plurality of metal elements formed of a carbon steel and supported on the metal ring assembly. A recess of the metal element at which stress concentrates, namely, undercut portions of a root of a neck, a root of an engaging projection, and recesses of an element body, are removed. The carbon concentration in the removed portions is lower than that in the other potions, thereby enhancing the toughness, fatigue strength, and impact strength while maintaining, at a high level, the surface hardness of portions at which stress does not concentrate, thereby obtaining a wear resistant belt.

Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, the transmission having two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed, in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed by stretching the chain before the chain is put to use.

Abstract: In a metal belt for a continuously variable transmission, when a laterally inner end of a metal ring assembly abuts a neck, a laterally outer end of the metal ring assembly is positioned at a location displaced toward the neck from a laterally outer end of an ear. When the metal belt is transported as an independent item or even when assembled to the continuously variable transmission, contact with another article with the laterally outer end of the metal ring assembly is prohibited by a laterally outer end of the ear to prevent damage to the metal ring assembly and the metal ring assembly from falling off of the ring slot. In addition, the entire widthwise region of the metal ring assembly is opposite to the lower ear face, so that a sufficient amount of oil is retained on the opposite surface, to enhance a metal element-cooling effect.

Abstract: An endless metal belt (15) is formed by layering thin metal rings (30) in thicknesses to form tow layered ring structures (31) and fitting the two layered ring structures in slots (32a) formed in opposite side parts of each of metal blocks (32), extending on the opposite sides of a neck part (32e) of the metal block. The endless metal belt is extended between drive and driven pulleys (6, 11) respectively having variable effective diameters to change speed change ratio.

Abstract: A construction of a power transmission belt composed of a plurality thin layers of a material strong in tension, e.g. metal, which can have a limited mobility between the adjacent layers to accommodate different kinematics of the layers located at different distances of the pulley axis. This mobility is realized without friction, by internal shear in thin elastomeric spacers between the layers constituting the belt. The power transmission rating of the disclosed belt is further enhanced by a high friction coating of the side (beveled) surfaces of the belt if it is shaped as a V-belt, or by a gripping surface conforming with the contact surface of the pulley (e.g., poly-V, timing, etc.) if it is shaped as a flat belt.

Abstract: A belt fabric which is provided at a part of a power transmission belt on which frictional forces act is formed by dipping into a rubber solution prepared by dissolving a non cross-linked hydrogenated nitrile rubber composition, mixed with a polyethylene powder having a molecular weight in excess of 1 million and an organic peroxide as a cross-linking agent, in a solvent.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drive belt (1) comprising at least one continuous band (22) engaged with a number of plate-like transverse elements (30) such that the elements (30) may slide freely along a longitudinal direction (L) of the continuous band (22), whereby the elements (30) are provided with a taper (31) allowing mutual rotation of adjacent transverse elements (30) about a transversely oriented axis (32) thereby defining a minimum radius curvature (RMIN) at which the drive belt (1) may be bent in its longitudinal direction (L) and whereby the continuous band (22) is provided with an internal residual stress distribution conforming to a longitudinally bent posture having a pre-bending radius (RPB), characterized in that, the pre-bending radius (RPB) of the said at least one continuous band (22) is considerably larger than twice the said minimum radius of curvature (RMIN).

Abstract: The link belt for power transmission for a continuously variable transmission, with individual links (2) and a ring package (3, 5), which holds the links (2) together, contains an additional, outer ring package (4) for the purpose of absorbing the radial forces generated on the links (2) is provided, which is arranged around the link belt (1) and is mounted such that it can no longer rotate along with the link belt (1), however is still able to follow the strip's adjusting movement, wherein the ring package (5) ensures that the links are guided and held together.

Abstract: Provided is a belt-drive continuously variable transmission which comprises a pair of drive pulley and driven pulley, and a belt engaged with the pulleys. The belt includes an endless carrier and a plurality of transverse elements closely arranged on the carrier. Each transverse element has an edge and rotatable about the edge in the longitudinal direction of the belt and converging side faces for contact with contact surfaces of the pulleys. Each of the side faces is curved toward each of the contact surfaces in such a manner as to have, when each of the transverse elements is observed in a plan view, such a circular arc that is of a predetermined radius R and has a center located on a straight line perpendicular to each of the contact surfaces and extending through a point at which the edge and each of the contact surfaces meet.

Abstract: In a metal belt-type continuously variable transmission, the radius of winding a metal belt around a drive pulley is increased to change the shift ratio i by applying a larger first axial thrust to the drive pulley and a smaller second axial thrust to a driven pulley during upshifting. In a region B where the relationship between a first axial thrust and the gear shifting speed dR/ds defined as a value obtained by differentiating the radius R of winding of the metal belt around the drive pulley by an amount s of tangential movement of the metal belt is maintained substantially linearly, the first axial thrust is subjected to a feedforward control based on a target gear shifting speed dR/ds. In regions A and C where the relationship between the first axial thrust and the gear shifting speed dR/ds is not maintained substantially linearly, the first axial thrust is subjected to a feedback control, so that the gear shifting speed dR/ds is equal to the target gear shifting speed dR/ds.

Abstract: In a belt for a continuously variable transmission, a first line on a lower edge of an element body of a metal element is determined, and a second line straightforwardly connecting a lower end of a V-face to which a load is applied from a V-groove in a pulley and an inner end of a saddle surface is determined, so that when a downward load is applied from a metal ring assembly to an outer end of the saddle surface, the folding-resistant strength of the element body is uniform laterally. The position of the recess is determined in the vicinity of a point of intersection of the first and second lines. The lower edge of the element body is defined by the first line inside the recess and by the second line outside the recess. The durability of the metal element can be enhanced by devising the shape of the lower edge of the element body of the metal element in this manner.

Abstract: A pushing block for the CVT belt has a hyper-eutectoid structure overall and exhibiting a structure in which spheroidal cementite having an area percentage of 0.4% or more are dispersed in a matrix of a martensite.

Abstract: A producing method of a metal band of a metal belt for a belt-type continuously variable transmission includes the following steps of: superposing a predetermined number of blank rings concentrically on one another to constitute a laminated blank rings; fitting the laminated blank rings to an outer periphery of a circle jig made of material having higher thermal expansivity than that of the blank ring; heating the laminated blank rings together with the circle jig; and deforming the laminated blank rings plastically by thermal expansion of the circle jig.

Abstract: A compression belt for a CVT having multiple variable pulleys comprises a plurality of interconnected load blocks, each having a unitary construction and a crowned strut edge for contacting and mechanically linking the pulleys of the CVT, wherein the radius of the crown is determined by the maximum allowable contact stress of the material from which the strut is manufactured, and the radius is located such that the contact point of the strut with the pulley remains close to the rocking radius of the strut.

Abstract: Belt (3) for use in a continuous variable transmission, comprising an endless carrier (4) for taking op tensile forces within said belt (3), and a plurality of transverse elements (5) provided moveable in the longitudinal direction along said carrier (4), which elements (5) are provided with at least one saddle surface (8) for contacting the carrier (4), which saddle surface (8) defines an ultimate mutual position of the said carrier (4) and the said elements (5) relative to each other within the belt (3) in radial direction, with a tapered lower element part including a rocking edge (9) and with an upper element part (10, 11; 14) extending radially above the said rocking edge (9) and beyond the carrier (4), at least when the carrier (4) and the saddle surface (8) are in mutual contact.

Abstract: An endless metal belt comprises a pair of layered ring structures (31) each formed by superposing a plurality of thin metal rings (R1, R2, . . . and Rn) in layers so as to be slidable relative to each other, and a plurality of metal blocks (32) arranged along the length of the pair of layered ring structures (31) and supported on the pair of layered ring structures (31) so as to be slidable relative to the pair of layered ring structures (31). The inner circumferences of the thin metal rings (R2, R3, . . . Rn) excluding the innermost thin metal ring (R1) are provided with oil retaining grooves (34), and the inner circumference in sliding contact with saddle surfaces (324) of the metal blocks (32) of the innermost thin metal ring (R1) is a flat, smooth surface (35) not provided with any oil retaining grooves and having a small surface roughness.

Abstract: The invention relates to a metal push belt (1) for application in a continuous variable transmission, comprising at least one endless tensile means (2), and transverse elements being provided freely moveable in the endless direction of the tensile means (2), the tensile means being produced of steel, containing non-metallic inclusions of predetermined sizes as observed in the micro-structure of a material section, in accordance with a specified diameter Dcircle of a circle relating to the surface occupation of such an inclusion observed in such micro structure, in which the steel is produced in a constitution having a nominal inclusion size distribution with diameters ranging up to 30 &mgr;m, the inclusion diameter range between 10 &mgr;m and 30 &mgr;m being less than 20% of the total number of inclusions per square unit of sliced material counted by inclusions having a size larger than 2 &mgr;m.

Abstract: A transmission belt for a continuously variable transmission, comprising transverse elements (5) and an endless carrier (9) for keeping together the transverse elements (5), each transverse element (5) is provided with a rocking edge (12) showing a curvature for allowing neighbouring transverse elements (5) to mutually tilt about an substantially axially oriented contact line (7) over a tilting angle (&agr;), so that a part of the belt may pass along a longitudinally bent trajectory, According to the invention the curvature of the rocking edge (12) is defined such that it notionally displaces the contact line (7) in dependence on the tilting angle (&agr;, &bgr;).

Abstract: A drive belt for use in a continuously variable transmission has an endless carrier and a plurality of elements. The endless carrier has a plurality of endless metal belts with plank-shaped cross sectional shapes laminated together in both radial and axial directions to form ring aggregates. The ring aggregates reduce the rigidity of the endless carrier in the axial direction and increase the allowable axial deflection endless. Thus, when off-centering occurs, the entire V-belt does not become slanted with respect to a line perpendicular to the rotational axes of the pulleys and the V-shaped blocks can be prevented from becoming tilted with respect to the pulley. As a result, the durability of the pulleys and V-shaped blocks can be improved. The entire V-belt becomes slanted when off-centering occurs in a V-belt continuously variable transmission.

Abstract: In a belt for a continuously variable transmission, the relationship of &thgr;NH<&thgr;Y is established between the following two angles: (i) an angle &thgr;Y formed between a straight line drawn from a lower end of one of left and right pulley-abutment faces of a metal element to an outer end of the other of the left and right lower ear surfaces and a straight line drawn from a point of the intersection of a straight line drawn downwards from the point with an outer peripheral surface of a metal ring assembly to the point; and (ii) an angle &thgr;NH formed between a tangent line drawn from the point onto a projection and a tangent line drawn from the point onto a recess of the metal element.

Abstract: The invention comprises a flexible drive ring CVT belt. It comprises a flexible drive ring having a plurality of adjacent ring segments. The segments comprise metallic or non-metallic material sufficient to bear a compressive load imposed by CVT sheaves. The segments are interlocked along a longitudinal axis and are preloaded in the assembled position by an elastomeric member. A tensile member or belt bears on an outer circumferential bearing surface formed by the interlocked segments. The tensile belt may comprise any belt known in the art, for example a multi-ribbed power transmission belt. The tensile member is moveable along a longitudinal axis relative to the flexible drive ring on the circumferential bearing surface. The segments further comprise opposing inclined surfaces for engaging sheave surfaces on a pulley.

Abstract: A drive chain suitable for use in a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle. The transmission has two pairs of spaced drive members about which the chain passes to transfer torque from one drive member to the other. The chain includes a plurality of link elements that include spaced, side-by-side plate links. The plate links include openings in which pairs of parallel rocker members are disposed for relative rocking movement of at least one rocker member about its longitudinal axis. The rocker members extend outwardly beyond the plate links and are retained in position by retaining members that engage particular rocker members. A method for stretching the chain is also disclosed in which areas of some of the plate links are plastically deformed before the chain is put to use.

Abstract: In a section near a rocking edge of each of metal elements used in a metal belt for a continuously variable transmission, a pair of protrusions are formed at laterally opposite ends of a front main surface opposed to a preceding metal element, and flat surface portions are formed on a rear main surface opposed to a succeeding metal element. The metal elements can be wound in a correct attitude around a pulley without being yawed by the contact of the protrusions and the flat surface portions with each other, whereby they can be prevented from being damaged. Further the metal elements contacting with each other in a chord section of the metal belt can slide laterally. Thus, a misalignment between a drive pulley and a driven pulley can be absorbed.

Abstract: A V-face of a metal element is prevented from being inclined due to a load from a pulley by increasing the height Hs of an upper non-contact portion of the V-face of the metal element.

Abstract: A belt for a continuously variable transmission includes a metal ring assembly formed of a plurality of endless metal rings laminated one on another, and a large number of metal elements each having a ring slot into which the metal ring assembly is fitted. In the belt, a crowning radius of the metal ring in a free state is set smaller than a crowning radius of a saddle face of the ring slot supporting the innermost metal ring. Thus, the metal ring assembly can be centered to a central portion of the saddle face, whereby a difference between a tensile stress at a central portion of an outer peripheral surface of the metal ring and a tensile stress at opposite ends of the outer peripheral surface can be reduced in an area where the metal belt is wound around a pulley, thereby preventing a reduction in durability.

Abstract: A metal belt for a continuously variable transmission includes many metal elements assembled to an endless metal ring assembly, and is wound around drive and driven pulleys to transmit a driving force. A retainer comprising an endless resilient member deformable radially is disposed between a lower face of an ear of a ring slot in the metal element and a radially outer peripheral surface of the metal ring assembly. When the metal elements are inclined in such a manner that they are fallen forwards in the vicinity of an exit portion of the driven pulley, the metal ring assembly is prevented from strongly interfering with a lower face of the ear and a saddle face by a buffering action provided when the retainer is deformed radially, thereby preventing the wear of the metal belt to enhance its durability without increasing the processing cost for the metal elements.

Abstract: A metal ring having a greatest circumferential length is held in the shape of a substantially true circle, and other metal rings are arrayed in the order of increasing circumferential length toward the metal ring of the greatest circumferential length. At least three holder rods are lowered into the metal rings to hold the metal rings in substantially coaxial alignment with each other. Presser rods are pressed from outside of the metal rings toward the center of the metal rings, thereby deforming the metal rings into a shape including curved portions projecting radially and having a reduced diameter. The deformed metal rings are delivered successively in the array from terminal ends of the presser rods into the metal ring of the greatest circumferential length. The deformed metal rings that are released off the presser rods restore their original shape within the metal ring of the greatest circumferential length, and are laminated to the metal ring of the greatest circumferential length.