Abstract: Each steel element for a V-belt of a continuously variable transmission has a flank (4a) that comprises a plurality of equally spaced raised portions (41) each being placed between two fine grooves (42). A flat flatness ratio (FR) given by the equation (1) is set to the highest one of values that are capable of practically machining the flank (4a) of the steel element (4) and capable of causing the flank (4a) to exhibit a given and satisfied lubrication oil discharging effect, and a groove pitch (GP) that is a distance between the two fine grooves (42) is set to a value that is capable of practically machining the flank of the steel element and capable of causing the flank to exhibit a given and satisfied lubrication oil discharging effect. The groove pitch thus set is a value that is permitted by the higher value of the flatness ratio thus set. FR (%)=WRP/(WRP+WG)×100??(1) wherein: FR: Flatness ratio WRP: Width of the raised portion (41) WG: Width of the groove (42).

Abstract: Each steel element for a V-belt of a continuously variable transmission has a flank (4a) that comprises a plurality of equally spaced raised portions (41) each being placed between two fine grooves (42). A flat flatness ratio (FR) given by the equation (1) is set to the highest one of values that are capable of practically machining the flank (4a) of the steel element (4) and capable of causing the flank (4a) to exhibit a given and satisfied lubrication oil discharging effect, and a groove pitch (GP) that is a distance between the two fine grooves (42) is set to a value that is capable of practically machining the flank of the steel element and capable of causing the flank to exhibit a given and satisfied lubrication oil discharging effect. The groove pitch thus set is a value that is permitted by the higher value of the flatness ratio thus set.

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 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: 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 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.