JP2010265960A - Transmission belt - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a transmission belt reducing a clearance between elements. <P>SOLUTION: The transmission belt B is formed by binding a large number of elements E annularly arranged in a lined-up attitude, with a ring R, forming a locking edge 10 in a boundary position where wall thickness changes to be thin on the inner peripheral side in the annularly arranged state of the elements E, and forming one of a recess and a protrusion on one face of the inner peripheral side by the locking edge 10 while forming the other of the recess and protrusion on the other face. The recess in at least one element E out of the elements E is formed in groove shape reaching an end 3b on the innermost peripheral side in the annularly arranged state in the one element E. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a transmission belt formed by arranging a large number of elements facing each other in an annular shape and assembling these elements into an endless annular ring to bind them in an annular shape.

  For example, a pressure type transmission belt is known as a belt used for a belt type continuously variable transmission or the like. In this type of transmission belt, plate-shaped small pieces (hereinafter referred to as elements) called elements or blocks are aligned, that is, the elements are opposed to each other in the same posture, and are arranged in an annular shape adjacent to each other. These elements are configured by bundling them with an annular body (hereinafter referred to as a ring) called a ring, a hoop, or a band. The left and right side surfaces of the element are formed in a V-shape, and the V-shaped portion is a so-called flank surface, and is configured to contact the inner surface of the V groove in the pulley and transmit torque here.

  When the transmission belt configured as described above is sandwiched between pulleys, a force that pushes the element to the outer peripheral side acts on the element, and a tension acts on the ring that binds the elements. When the pulley rotates in this state, the element sandwiched between the pulleys rotates with the pulley, but since the transmission belt is stretched between the driving pulley and the driven pulley, the so-called linear portion The element is pushed out of the pulley and presses the preceding element. The elements that are sequentially pressed in this way enter the V groove in the driven pulley and are sandwiched in the V groove, and transmit torque to the pulley by rotating with the driven pulley.

  As described above, the conventional transmission belt is mainly composed of a large number of elements and a ring for binding them, and an example of the elements is described in Patent Document 1. In the element described in Patent Document 1, a fitting convex portion protruding to the other element side adjacent to one side surface of the element assembled to the ring is formed, and the fitting convex portion is free to play on the other side surface. A fitting recess to be fitted is formed, and a plurality of elements are connected so as to be relatively rotatable via the fitting projection and the fitting recess, and are assembled to the ring.

JP 2008-51322 A

  The element described in Patent Document 1 is configured to regulate the relative positions of a plurality of elements by fitting the fitting convex portion into the fitting concave portion. However, when assembling a plurality of elements on an endless annular ring with the gap between the elements reduced as much as possible, other elements already assembled with the fitting protrusions of the element to be assembled and arranged in front of the element to be assembled There is a possibility that the lower end surface of the main body interferes and the assembly becomes difficult. In particular, when the last element is assembled to the endless annular ring, there is a possibility that the above-described fitting convex portion interferes with the lower end of the main body of the other element and the assembly becomes difficult.

  The present invention has been made paying attention to the above technical problem, and an object of the present invention is to provide a transmission belt that improves the assembly of elements without increasing the gap between the elements.

  In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, the present invention is configured such that a large number of elements arranged in an annular shape with the same posture are bound by a ring, and the inner peripheral side of the element in an annularly arranged state is thickened. A rocking edge is formed at the boundary position where the thickness changes so that the thickness of the film becomes thinner, and either the concave portion or the convex portion is formed on one surface on the inner peripheral side by the rocking edge, and the other surface In the transmission belt in which one of the concave portion and the convex portion is formed, the innermost circumference in a state where the concave portions in at least one element of the elements are arranged in the annular shape in the one element It is characterized by being formed in a groove shape that reaches the end portion on the side.

  According to this invention, when the element is assembled to the ring, the convex portion of the element to be assembled to the ring and the end of the element already assembled do not interfere with each other. Therefore, it is possible to improve the assembling property of the element that is finally assembled to the ring. In addition, the element can be assembled to the ring while reducing the gap between the elements as much as possible. Furthermore, it is possible to suppress an increase in the gap that occurs when assembly is completed. Furthermore, since the height of the convex portion is not reduced, the element positioning effect by the concave and convex portions can be maintained. In addition, it is possible to suppress the disturbance of the element behavior, that is, due to the occurrence of noise due to the disturbance of the element behavior, the abnormal engagement of the element with the pulley, or the abnormal engagement of the pulley. It is possible to prevent or suppress a decrease in durability.

It is a side view which shows typically the power transmission belt using the element in this invention, and its structure. It is a figure which shows typically the structure of the element in this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the other structure of the element in this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the other structure of the element in this invention. It is a figure which shows typically the other structure of the element in this invention. It is a side view which shows typically the structure of the element and ring which comprise the conventional power transmission belt.

  Next, the present invention will be specifically described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 6 is a side view schematically showing the structure of elements and rings constituting a conventional transmission belt. Reference numeral B denotes a transmission belt, which is wound around, for example, a driving side (input shaft) pulley and a driven side (output shaft) pulley of a belt type continuously variable transmission, and transmits power between these pulleys. It is the belt comprised as follows. Reference symbol E denotes an element, which is made of, for example, a metal plate-like member, and has a main body (base body) portion 3 in which the left and right side surfaces 1 and 2 in the width direction are formed as tapered inclined surfaces. The tapered side surfaces 1 and 2 are in frictional contact with the belt winding groove (V-shaped groove) of the pulley which is the driving pulley or driven pulley of the belt type continuously variable transmission to transmit torque. It is supposed to be.

  Left and right column parts 4, 5 which are part of the main body part 3 and extend upward in the vertical direction (or height direction) of the element E at both left and right end portions in the width direction of the main body part 3 of the element E. Are formed respectively. The upper end surface 3a that is an edge portion of the main body 3 and the left and right inner wall surfaces 4a and 5a that face the center in the width direction of the main body 3 of the both pillars 4 and 5 are the upper side of the element E, that is, the transmission belt. The recessed part 6 opened to the outer peripheral side as B is formed.

  The concave portion 6 is a space portion for receiving and accommodating a band-shaped ring R for annularly binding the elements E arranged in an annular shape in close contact with each other, and the upper end surface 3a described above is accommodated therein. The saddle surface 3a on which the inner peripheral surface of the ring R is placed in contact is formed.

  Further, left and right retaining portions (hook portions) 7 in which left and right tip portions 7 a and 8 a are extended toward the center in the width direction of the main body portion 3 at upper end portions of the left and right pillar portions 4 and 5, respectively. , 8 are formed integrally with both pillar portions 4, 5, respectively. In other words, on the inner wall surfaces 4a, 5a on the opening end of the recess 6 (the end of the outer periphery of the transmission belt B in the recess 6), a retaining portion (hook portion) directed toward the center in the width direction of the recess 6 is provided. 7 and 8 are formed.

  The ring R is a so-called laminated ring in which an annular thin strip (hereinafter referred to as a single ring) 9 is laminated in a plurality of layers in the radial direction (or thickness direction), and is composed of two (or two rows) divided rings Ra. , Rb. The two split rings Ra and Rb are accommodated in the recess 6 of the element E in a state where they are arranged in two rows in the width direction. The overlapping state or the stacked state of the single rings in the split rings Ra and Rb is held by the tension of the single rings 9 or the frictional force between the single rings 9.

  The single ring 9 described above is made of, for example, steel, and the surface thereof is subjected to surface treatment such as nitriding treatment. By nitriding the surface of a single ring, the surface hardness of each single ring 9 can be increased to improve wear resistance and impact resistance, and as a result, durability as a ring R can be improved. Can do.

  In addition to nitriding treatment, for example, carburizing treatment, sulfurizing treatment, or carbonitriding treatment may be performed. In addition, depending on other applications, for example, chemical treatment such as phosphate treatment (parkerizing) or chromate treatment, or surface treatment such as electrolytic plating, hot dipping, metal coating treatment such as thermal spraying or vapor deposition may be performed. it can.

  As described above, the ring R is composed of two rows of the split rings Ra and Rb. For this reason, each of the split rings Ra and Rb is partially partially in the radial direction (or the thickness direction) in the circumferential direction. By overlapping each other, as the ring R, an overlapping state (overlapping portion) in which the split ring Ra and the split ring Rb overlap each other in the radial direction, and a parallel state in which the split ring Ra and the split ring Rb are parallel to each other in the width direction. The state can be set at the same time.

  Therefore, by setting the ring R in the overlapped state, the portion in the overlapped state can be fitted into the recess 6 between both the tip portions 7a and 8a of the recess 6, that is, through the opening. Then, after passing the overlapping portion of the ring R through the opening and fitting into the recess 6, the element E is moved to the parallel portion of the ring R, or the portion where the recess 6 of the ring R is fitted To prevent the ring R from coming off from the recess 6 by locking the ring R in the recess 6 at the inner peripheral portions of the both retaining portions (hook portions) 7 and 8. In other words, the ring R can be engaged with the recess 6.

  A number of elements E constituting the transmission belt B are bound by a ring R in an annularly arranged state, and are wound around the pulleys on the driving side and the driven side in this state. Therefore, in the state of being wound around the pulley, each element E needs to spread out in a fan shape with respect to the center of the pulley and be in close contact with each other. Therefore, the lower part of each element E (in an annularly arranged state) The central part) is formed thin.

  That is, the thickness of the front surface 3f of the main body 3 is gradually reduced in a state where the lower portion is scraped off from the position of the saddle surface 3a in the vertical direction of the element E. Therefore, in a state where each element E spreads out in a fan shape and contacts with each other, in other words, in a belt curved state where each element E is wound around a pulley and arranged in a circular arc shape and the transmission belt B is curved, the change in the plate thickness Touch at the boundary. The edge of this boundary portion is a so-called rocking edge 10.

  Since the saddle surface 3a of this type of element E is in contact with the ring R that binds a number of elements E, the contact pressure increases when the transmission belt B is transmitting torque. On the other hand, when the element E is wound around the pulley and opened in a fan shape from the linearly arranged state, sliding occurs between the ring R and the saddle surface 3a, and accordingly, a large frictional force is generated. . At this time, if the distance between the saddle surface 3a and the locking edge 10 in the vertical direction of the element E is increased, the moment due to the frictional force between the ring R and the saddle surface 3a increases, and the ring R and the saddle surface Sliding is more likely to occur between 3a. As a result, friction loss during operation of the transmission belt B may increase, and the transmission efficiency of the transmission belt B may be reduced.

  Therefore, as described above, the friction between the ring R and the saddle surface 3a is formed by forming the locking edge 10 at the same position (near) as the position of the saddle surface 3a in the vertical direction of the element E. The moment by force can be made as small as possible. In addition, it is possible to improve the transmission efficiency of the transmission belt B by reducing friction loss during operation of the transmission belt B.

  The element E is a central portion in the width direction of the main body portion 3, and on the inner peripheral side of the locking edge 10, each element E is relative to each other in the belt linear state in which each element E is arranged in a straight line without being wound around the pulley. A fitting convex portion (boss) 11 and a fitting concave portion 12 for determining a proper position are formed. Specifically, a frustoconical boss 11 is formed on the front surface 3 f of the main body 3 so as to protrude outward. A fitting recess 12 is formed on the rear surface 3r (FIG. 2B) opposite to the boss 11 so as to be loosely fitted into the boss 11 in the adjacent element E. In other words, the boss 11 protruding outward from the front surface 3f is formed on the front surface 3f of the element E, and the other surface of the element E facing the front surface 3f of the other element E adjacent to the element E A fitting recess 12 that fits with the boss 11 of the element E is formed.

  That is, in the element E, the boss 11 and the fitting recess 12 are formed on the inner peripheral side of the locking edge 10, and the thickness of the portion where the boss 11 and the fitting recess 12 are formed is thin. A portion on the outer peripheral side of the locking edge 10 is thicker. Therefore, when the elements E are arranged in a straight line with the ring R being pulled in a straight line, the elements E are in contact with each other at a thick part and fitted with the bosses 11 of each other. The recess 12 is fitted. On the other hand, when the ring R is curved and the elements E are arranged so as to open in the shape of a fan according to the ring R, the elements E contact each other at the respective locking edges 10.

  Therefore, when the boss 11 and the fitting recess 12 are fitted in the belt linear state, the relative positions of the elements E in the horizontal direction and the vertical direction in the state can be determined (regulated). When B is applied to a belt-type continuously variable transmission, the belt-type continuously variable transmission can be stably operated by preventing so-called rattling during traveling of the transmission belt B wound around the pulley.

  As described above, the transmission belt B includes a ring R for binding a plurality of elements E in an annularly arranged state, that is, two split rings Ra and Rb. It is configured by being fitted inside the recess 6 of the element E having the hook portions 7 and 8, that is, on the inner peripheral side of both retaining portions (hook portions) 7 and 8 in the recess 6. When the plurality of elements E and the ring R are assembled, it is necessary to reduce the gap between the elements E as much as possible.

  However, when the element E and the ring R configured as described above are assembled with the gap between the elements E reduced as much as possible, the inner end 3b of the element E already assembled to the ring R is assembled to the end. There is a risk of interference with the boss 11 of the element E. As a result, it may be difficult to assemble the last element E in particular. More specifically, the height of the boss 11 in the element E is higher than the front surface 3f (main surface) of the main body portion 3, in other words, the boss 11 is convex with respect to the outside. A boss 11 and a fitting recess 12 that determine (restrict) relative positions in the left-right direction and the up-down direction are formed on the inner peripheral side of the locking edge 10. As a result, when the ring R and the element E are assembled, if adjacent elements E are curved and arranged in a circular arc shape (fan shape), particularly when the last element E is assembled, it is already assembled to the ring R. The inner end 3b of the element E thus easily interferes with the boss 11 of the last element E to be assembled.

  On the other hand, if the gap between the elements E to be assembled is opened, the assembly efficiency of the elements E is improved, but the transmission efficiency of the transmission belt B may be reduced. Further, in order to avoid interference between the inner peripheral end 3b of the element E already assembled to the ring R and the boss 11 of the element E to be assembled, if the height of the boss 11 is reduced, the element E Assembling performance is improved, but the length at which the elements E fit with each other is shortened, so that the positioning effect particularly in the belt linear state is lowered, the behavior of the element E is disturbed, noise is increased, and the abnormal pulley of the element E There is a risk that durability will be deteriorated due to biting.

  Therefore, in the element E according to the present invention, the fitting recess 12 that fits with the boss 11 is formed in a groove shape that reaches the end portion 3b on the innermost circumferential side in a state of being annularly arranged in the element E. FIG. 1 is a side view schematically showing a transmission belt using the element E in the present invention and its configuration. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the element E in the present invention. FIG. 2 (a) is a front view of the element E in the present invention, and FIG. 2 (b) is a diagram of the element E in the present invention. It is a rear view. In addition, since the configuration example shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 is a partial modification of the configuration example shown in FIG. 6, the same reference numerals as those in FIG. The description is omitted.

  In FIG. 2 (b), a plurality of elements E are arranged on the rear surface 3r of the element E from the position facing the inner peripheral side of the locking edge 10 formed on the front surface 3f, that is, the boss 11 formed on the front surface 3f. The fitting recesses 12 reaching the innermost peripheral end portion 3b in a state of being arranged in an annular shape are formed perpendicular to the innermost peripheral end portion 3b of the main body 3. More specifically, the fitting recess 12 is fitted to the front surface 3f of another adjacent element E so as to fit the boss 11 formed in a truncated cone shape that protrudes outward from the front surface 3f. It is formed on the rear surface 3r so as to loosely fit the boss 11 in the other element E adjacent to the inner surface from the rear surface 3r, and the shape thereof is opposed to the boss 11 in the other adjacent element E. It is formed in the shape of a bottomed groove extending from the position to the lower end (end 3b on the innermost peripheral side) of the main body 3.

  Therefore, according to the transmission belt of the present invention, the ring R is overlapped and fitted into the recess 6, and then the element E is moved to the parallel portion of the ring R or the recess 6 of the ring R is moved. When the ring R is fitted into the recess 6 to be engaged with each other by returning the portion in which the is fitted to the parallel state, particularly when the last element E is assembled to the ring R, it is already assembled to the ring R. Since the above-mentioned fitting recess 12 is formed in the other element E, the end 3b on the inner peripheral side of the other element E and the boss 11 in the element E to be assembled (the last one element E) Does not interfere (does not catch). That is, as shown in FIG. 1, the end 3 b on the inner peripheral side of the other element E and the boss 11 in the last one element E can be assembled without causing interference. In other words, from a state where a plurality of adjacent elements E assembled in the ring R are arranged in an arc shape (fan shape) and the retaining portion (hook portion) 7 or 10 of the element E is hooked on the ring R. When the element E is rolled (rotated) and assembled to the ring R, the end 3b on the inner peripheral side of another element E that has already been assembled and the boss 11 of the element E to be assembled (the last one element E) Can be prevented or suppressed. Therefore, when the elements E are arranged in an arcuate shape (fan shape) and the gap between the elements E is narrow, the last element E can be formed without increasing (expanding) the gap between the elements E. Can be assembled.

  By using the element E in which the bottomed semicircular fitting recess 12 shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is formed, the transmission belt B in which the gap between the elements E is reduced as compared with the conventional transmission belt B. Obtainable. As a result, it is possible to prevent or suppress a reduction in the positioning effect of the element E due to the opening of the gap, and thus it is possible to prevent or suppress an increase in noise caused by disturbance in the behavior of the element E. Further, the transmission efficiency of the transmission belt B can be improved, and the durability can be improved.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows another configuration of the element E in the present invention. FIG. 3A is a rear view of another configuration example of the element E in the present invention, and FIG. 3B schematically shows the assembly of the element E and the ring R in another configuration example in the present invention. It is a front view shown in FIG. Moreover, FIG.3 (c) is a side view which shows typically the assembly | attachment of the element E and the ring R of the other structural example in this invention. 3 is a partial modification of the configuration example shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 3, the same components as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. To do.

  In FIG. 3 (a), a plurality of elements E are arranged on the rear surface 3r of the element E from the position facing the inner peripheral side of the locking edge 10 formed on the front surface 3f, that is, the boss 11 formed on the front surface 3f. The fitting recesses 12 that reach the innermost peripheral end 3b in a state in which they are arranged in an annular shape are formed in a bottomed semicircular shape that opens toward the innermost peripheral end 3b. More specifically, the bottomed semicircular fitting recess 12 faces the boss 11 formed in a truncated cone shape that protrudes outward from the front surface 3f of the other adjacent element E. The bosses 11 of the other elements E adjacent to the rear surface 3r of the element E are recessed from the rear surface 3r to the inside to be loosely fitted. Moreover, the shape is formed in the bottomed semicircle shape opened so that it might reach from the position which opposes the boss | hub 11 in the other adjacent element E to the lower end (end part 3b of the innermost peripheral side) of the main-body part 3. FIG.

  Therefore, according to the transmission belt B using the element E of another configuration in the present invention, a plurality of adjacent elements E assembled to the ring R are curved and arranged in an arc shape (fan shape). b) When the element E is rolled (rotated) and assembled to the ring R from the state where the retaining part (hook part) 7 or 10 of the element E is hooked on the ring R as shown in FIG. It is possible to prevent or suppress the interference between the end 3b on the inner peripheral side of the other element E that has already been assembled and the boss 11 of the element E to be assembled (the last one element E). Therefore, even when the elements E are arranged in an arcuate shape (fan shape) and the gap between the elements E is narrow, the gap between the elements E is not increased (expanded), and the last one Element E can be assembled.

  FIG. 3B shows a state in which the element E is rolled (rotated) from the state in which the retaining part (hook part) 8 is hooked on the ring R and assembled. For example, the retaining part (hook part) ) The element E can also be assembled by rolling (rotating) from the state where 7 is hooked on the ring R. That is, the bottomed semicircular fitting recess 12 shown in FIG. 3A is formed so as to open as far as the innermost end portion 3b. The element E can be rolled (rotated) and assembled to the ring R from the state where either 7 or 8 is hooked on the ring R. In other words, since the fitting recess 12 is formed so as to open to the innermost end portion 3b, either one of the retaining portions (hook portions) 7 and 8 of the element E is hooked on the ring R and assembled. As a result, interference between the boss 11 of the element E to be assembled and the fitting recess 12 of the other element E is prevented or suppressed. Therefore, the assembly direction of the element E when the element E and the ring R are assembled can be eliminated.

  By using the element E in which the bottomed semicircular fitting concave portion 12 shown in FIG. 3 is formed, it is possible to obtain a transmission belt B in which the gap between the elements E is reduced as compared with the conventional transmission belt B. it can. As a result, it is possible to prevent or suppress a reduction in the positioning effect of the element E due to the opening of the gap, and thus it is possible to prevent or suppress an increase in noise caused by disturbance in the behavior of the element E. Further, the transmission efficiency of the transmission belt B can be improved, and the durability can be improved.

  FIG. 4 schematically shows still another configuration of the element E in the present invention. The configuration example shown in FIG. 4 is obtained by partially changing the configuration example shown in FIG. 6. Therefore, in FIG. 4, the same components as those in FIG.

  In FIG. 4, on the rear surface 3r of the element E, a plurality of elements E are arranged in a ring shape from the position facing the boss 11 formed on the front surface 3f on the inner peripheral side of the locking edge 10 formed on the front surface 3f. In the state, the fitting recess 12 reaching the innermost peripheral end 3b is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the innermost peripheral end 3b. More specifically, the fitting recess 12 shown in FIG. 4 faces the boss 11 formed in a truncated cone shape that protrudes outward from the front surface 3f of the other adjacent element E to the element E. The rear surface 3r is formed so as to be loosely fitted with the boss 11 in the other element E adjacent to the rear surface 3r from the rear surface 3r. The shape is formed in a bottomed groove shape from the position facing the boss 11 in the other adjacent element E to the lower end of the main body 3 (end 3b on the innermost peripheral side), and on the innermost peripheral side. It is formed with a predetermined angle with respect to the end 3b. The predetermined angle can be obtained in advance by experiment or simulation.

  Therefore, according to the transmission belt B using the element E of still another configuration according to the present invention, a plurality of adjacent elements E assembled to the ring R are arranged in an arc shape (fan shape). When the element E is rolled (rotated) and assembled to the ring R from the state in which the retaining part (hook part) 7 or 8 is hooked on the ring R, the inner peripheral end of another element E that has already been assembled It is possible to prevent or suppress the interference between the portion 3b and the boss 11 of the element E (the last one element E) to be assembled. Therefore, even when the elements E are arranged in an arcuate shape (fan shape) and the gap between the elements E is narrow, the gap between the elements E is not increased (expanded), and the last one Element E can be assembled.

  Further, since the fitting recess 12 shown in FIG. 4 is formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the innermost peripheral end 3b, it is possible to prevent or suppress the element E from falling to the inner peripheral side. it can. The element E in which the fitting recess 12 having the shape shown in FIG. 4 is formed has a larger recess area than the conventional element E in which the fitting recess 12 is formed. It is assumed that the element E moves in the inner and outer peripheral directions (vertical direction) in the recess 12. That is, it is assumed that the fitting concave portion 12 is larger than the conventional one and is formed so as to reach the innermost peripheral end portion 3b, so that the element E moves in the inner and outer peripheral direction (vertical direction). However, since the fitting recess 12 is given a predetermined angle, the movement of the element E in FIG. 4 in the inner and outer peripheral directions (up and down directions) is restricted. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the element E from moving (dropping) in the inner circumferential direction by forming the fitting recess 12 larger than the conventional one.

  By using the element E in which the fitting recess 12 having a predetermined angle shown in FIG. 4 is formed, a transmission belt B having a reduced gap between the elements E compared to the conventional transmission belt B is obtained. Can do. As a result, it is possible to prevent or suppress a reduction in the positioning effect of the element E due to the opening of the gap, and thus it is possible to prevent or suppress an increase in noise caused by disturbance in the behavior of the element E. Further, the transmission efficiency of the transmission belt B can be improved, and the durability can be improved.

  FIG. 5 schematically shows still another configuration of the element E in the present invention. FIG. 5A is a rear view of still another configuration example of the element E in the present invention, and FIG. 5B is a retaining portion (hook portion) of still another configuration example of the element E in the present invention. It is a schematic diagram for demonstrating the state assembled by hooking 8 to the ring R. FIG. FIG. 5C is a schematic view for explaining a state in which the retaining portion (hook portion) 7 of still another configuration example of the element E according to the present invention is hooked on the ring R and assembled. 5 is a partial modification of the configuration example shown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 5, the same components as those in FIG. 6 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. To do.

  In FIG. 5 (a), a plurality of elements E are annularly formed on the rear surface 3r of the element E from the position facing the inner peripheral side of the locking edge 10 formed on the front surface 3f, that is, the boss 11 formed on the front surface 3f. The fitting recesses 12 that reach the innermost peripheral end 3b in the state of being arranged in the above are formed at a predetermined angle with respect to the innermost peripheral end 3b. More specifically, the fitting recess 12 shown in FIG. 5 faces the boss 11 formed in a truncated cone shape that protrudes outward from the front surface 3f of the other adjacent element E to the element E. The rear surface 3r is formed so as to be loosely fitted with the boss 11 in the other element E adjacent to the rear surface 3r from the rear surface 3r. Further, the shape is formed in a bottomed groove shape from the position facing the boss 11 in another adjacent element E to the lower end (end on the innermost peripheral side) 3b of the main body part 3, and on the innermost peripheral side. It is formed in a so-called C-shape that opens toward the end 3b.

  Therefore, according to the transmission belt B using the element E of still another configuration according to the present invention, a plurality of adjacent elements E assembled to the ring R are arranged in an arc shape (fan shape). When the element E is rolled (rotated) and assembled to the ring R from the state in which the retaining part (hook part) 7 or 8 is hooked on the ring R, the inner peripheral end of another element E that has already been assembled It is possible to prevent or suppress the interference between the portion 3b and the boss 11 of the element E (the last one element E) to be assembled. Therefore, even when the elements E are arranged in an arcuate shape (fan shape) and the gap between the elements E is narrow, the gap between the elements E is not increased (expanded), and the last one Element E can be assembled.

  Further, since the C-shaped fitting recess 12 shown in FIG. 5 is formed so as to open to the innermost end portion 3b, as shown in FIGS. 5 (b) and 5 (c). In addition, the element E can be rolled (rotated) and assembled to the ring R from the state where either of the retaining portions (hook portions) 7 and 8 of the element E is hooked on the ring R. In other words, since the fitting recess 12 is formed so as to open to the innermost end portion 3b, either one of the retaining portions (hook portions) 7 and 8 of the element E is hooked on the ring R and assembled. As a result, interference between the boss 11 of the element E to be assembled and the fitting recess 12 of the other element E is prevented or suppressed. That is, since the fitting recess 12 is formed so as to open to the innermost end portion 3b, the assembly direction of the element E when the element E and the ring R are assembled can be eliminated.

  The element E in which the C-shaped fitting recess 12 shown in FIG. 5 is formed has a larger recess area than the conventional element E in which the fitting recess 12 is formed. It is formed so as to open toward the inner peripheral side end 3b. Therefore, it is assumed that the element E moves in the inner and outer peripheral directions (vertical direction) in the fitting recess 12. However, the movement of the element E in FIG. 5A in the inner / outer peripheral direction (vertical direction) is restricted by the fitting recess 12 having a predetermined angle. Therefore, it is possible to prevent or suppress the element E from moving (dropping) in the inner circumferential direction by forming the fitting recess 12 larger than the conventional one.

  By using the element E in which the C-shaped fitting recess 12 shown in FIG. 5 is formed, it is possible to obtain the transmission belt B in which the gap between the elements E is reduced as compared with the conventional transmission belt B. . As a result, it is possible to prevent or suppress a reduction in the positioning effect of the element E due to the opening of the gap, and thus it is possible to prevent or suppress an increase in noise caused by disturbance in the behavior of the element E. Further, the transmission efficiency of the transmission belt B can be improved, and the durability can be improved.

  The element E in the present invention can be applied to all the elements E constituting the transmission belt B. Further, when the last element E is assembled to the ring R, the element E corresponding to the fitting convex portion (boss) 11 in the last element E to be assembled is provided so as not to create a gap between the elements E. It is good also as applying the element E in this invention to.

  Furthermore, the present invention is not limited to the specific examples described above. That is, in the above-described specific example, the case where the transmission belt B of the present invention is used for a belt-type continuously variable transmission is described as an example, but the transmission belt B of the present invention is a belt-type continuously variable transmission. The present invention is not limited to this, and can also be applied to a power transmission belt in another winding transmission device constituted by a belt and a pulley.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 ... Main-body part, 3b ... End part on the innermost circumference side, 7, 8 ... Detachment part (hook part), 11 ... Fitting convex part (boss), 12 ... Fitting concave part, 10 ... Locking edge, E ... Element, R ... Ring, B ... Transmission belt.

Claims (1)

A large number of elements arranged in an annular shape with the same posture are bound by a ring, and at the boundary position where the thickness changes so that the thickness is reduced on the inner peripheral side in the state where the elements are arranged in an annular shape. A locking edge is formed, and either one of the concave portion and the convex portion is formed on one surface on the inner peripheral side by the locking edge, and one of the concave portion and the convex portion is formed on the other surface. In the transmission belt
The transmission is characterized in that the recesses in at least one element of the elements are formed in a groove shape reaching the innermost peripheral end of the one element in the annularly arranged state. belt.

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