Abstract: A belt (3) of a continuously variable transmission comprises a pair of endless rings (2a) and plural elements (1) held between the pair of endless rings (2a). The endless rings (2) are formed of plural laminated thin plates (2a). A prestress in a compression direction is applied beforehand to the surfaces of the thin plates (2a) by a nitriding treatment. In this process, a defect part (2b) is formed as a hollow in the thin plate (2a) due to scatter in the nitriding treatment. This invention measures the depth of the defect part (2b), and if the measured depth exceeds a predetermined tolerance value, it is determined that the prestress is insufficient. Due to this determination method, a highly precise inspection of the thin plates (2a) forming the endless rings (2) can be performed in a short time.

Abstract: A metal element inspection device comprising a conveying portion for sequentially transporting a plurality of metal elements, wherein a flank side recessed part formed in a metal element for a Continuously Variable Transmission belt is placed on a rail and travels along that rail; and an inspection rod inserted in noncontact with an opposite side recessed part of that metal element in the conveying state. The inspection device inspects for the existence of foreign matter being present as a result of interference by an uplifted portion of a metal element from the rail due to foreign matter lodged between a flank side recessed part of a metal element and the inspection rod, or interference by foreign matter lodged between an opposite side recessed part of that metal element and the inspection rod.

Abstract: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) belt inspection device comprising a detection section for a running track and a determination section for distinguishing at least whether the cause of that running track is a substance attributable to an impurity, such as metal powder, etc. or an object attributable to an irregular-shaped area based on the periodicity of that running track. Particularly, when the cause of a running track is determined to be a substance attributable to an innocuous impurity, such as metal powder, etc., unnecessary part replacements can be avoided and a significant cost reduction achieved.

Abstract: A peripheral length correction device with a metal ring wrapped around a pair rollers of a rotating driver side and a follower side, wherein, while regulating the separation distance of the pair of rollers and exerting a predetermined tension to the metal ring, corrects the metal ring peripheral length by strengthening the predetermined tension; a peripheral length measurement device which measures the separation distance to provide a measurement value and calculates the metal ring peripheral length from the measurement value; and a surface defect inspection device, wherein, while regulating the separation distance of the pair of rollers and exerting the predetermined tension to the metal ring, inspects for an existing surface defect on the metal ring, which comprise a scraper, wherein each of the pair of rollers has its outer circumferential surface in contact with a blade edge of the scraper.

Abstract: A metal element inspection device comprising a conveying portion for sequentially transporting a plurality of metal elements, wherein a flank side recessed part formed in a metal element for a Continuously Variable Transmission belt is placed on a rail and travels along that rail; and an inspection rod inserted in noncontact with an opposite side recessed part of that metal element in the conveying state. The inspection device inspects for the existence of foreign matter being present as a result of interference by an uplifted portion of a metal element from the rail due to foreign matter lodged between a flank side recessed part of a metal element and the inspection rod, or interference by foreign matter lodged between an opposite side recessed part of that metal element and the inspection rod.

Abstract: A Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) belt inspection device comprising a detection section for a running track and a determination section for distinguishing at least whether the cause of that running track is a substance attributable to an impurity, such as metal powder, etc. or an object attributable to an irregular-shaped area based on the periodicity of that running track. Particularly, when the cause of a running track is determined to be a substance attributable to an innocuous impurity, such as metal powder, etc., unnecessary part replacements can be avoided and a significant cost reduction achieved.

Abstract: A belt (3) of a continuously variable transmission comprises a pair of endless rings (2a) and plural elements (1) held between the pair of endless rings (2a). The endless rings (2) are formed of plural laminated thin plates (2a). A prestress in a compression direction is applied beforehand to the surfaces of the thin plates (2a) by a nitriding treatment. In this process, a defect part (2b) is formed as a hollow in the thin plate (2a) due to scatter in the nitriding treatment. This invention measures the depth of the defect part (2b), and if the measured depth exceeds a predetermined tolerance value, it is determined that the prestress is insufficient. Due to this determination method, a highly precise inspection of the thin plates (2a) forming the endless rings (2) can be performed in a short time.

Abstract: An inspection method is provided which can achieve sufficient reliability of a continuously variable transmission belt without spending much working time. The inspection method of the continuously variable transmission belt assembled through supporting an element laminated body constituted of a number of metal elements on a belt laminated body constituted of a plurality of steel belts comprises: a trial step of trial use with a load applied on the continuously variable transmission belt in the assembled state; a separation step of separating the belt laminated body and the element laminated body from each other after completion of the trial step; and an inspection step of inspecting whether there is any damage on a surface of the steel belt positioned in a first layer of the belt laminated body separated in the separation step.

Abstract: An inspection method is provided which can achieve sufficient reliability of a continuously variable transmission belt without spending much working time. The inspection method of the continuously variable transmission belt assembled through supporting an element laminated body constituted of a number of metal elements on a belt laminated body constituted of a plurality of steel belts comprises: a trial step of trial use with a load applied on the continuously variable transmission belt in the assembled state; a separation step of separating the belt laminated body and the element laminated body from each other after completion of the trial step; and an inspection step of inspecting whether there is any damage on a surface of the steel belt positioned in a first layer of the belt laminated body separated in the separation step.