U.S. patent application number 11/300484 was filed with the patent office on 2006-06-22 for belt for continuously variable transmission and manufacturing method of the same.
This patent application is currently assigned to AISIN A W CO., LTD. Invention is credited to Katsumori Fujii, Masashi Hattori, Yohei Ito, Hideki Makino, Ryo Nakamura.
Application Number | 20060135306 11/300484 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36587730 |
Filed Date | 2006-06-22 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060135306 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Hattori; Masashi ; et
al. |
June 22, 2006 |
Belt for continuously variable transmission and manufacturing
method of the same
Abstract
A belt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT) including
an endless body and a plurality of V blocks attached to the endless
body. The V blocks include a plurality of types of blocks having
different thicknesses and are divided into a plurality of V block
groups. The V block groups have different ratios of the plurality
of types of V blocks, to provide a belt whose noise level is low
and dispersed.
Inventors: |
Hattori; Masashi; (Anjo-shi,
JP) ; Fujii; Katsumori; (Anjo-shi, JP) ;
Nakamura; Ryo; (Anjo-shi, JP) ; Makino; Hideki;
(Tahara-City, JP) ; Ito; Yohei; (Tahara-City,
JP) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SUGHRUE MION, PLLC
2100 PENNSYLVANIA AVENUE, N.W.
SUITE 800
WASHINGTON
DC
20037
US
|
Assignee: |
AISIN A W CO., LTD
CVTEC CO., LTD.
|
Family ID: |
36587730 |
Appl. No.: |
11/300484 |
Filed: |
December 15, 2005 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
474/242 ;
474/201 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 29/49764 20150115;
Y10T 29/49774 20150115; F16G 5/16 20130101; Y10T 29/49771
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
474/242 ;
474/201 |
International
Class: |
F16G 5/16 20060101
F16G005/16; F16G 1/00 20060101 F16G001/00; F16G 1/21 20060101
F16G001/21 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Dec 17, 2004 |
JP |
2004-366910 |
Claims
1. A belt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), said belt
comprising: an endless body; a plurality of V blocks attached to
the endless body, wherein, said V blocks include a plurality of
types of blocks having different thicknesses; and said V blocks are
divided into a plurality of V block groups, said V block groups
respectively having a different ratio of said plurality of types of
V blocks.
2. The belt for a CVT as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
different types of V blocks are arranged at random in said V block
group.
3. The belt for a CVT as set forth in claim 1, wherein said
different types of V blocks are arranged with a specified and
predetermined order in said V block groups.
4. The belt for a CVT as set forth in claim 1, wherein a number of
V blocks of each different type is almost equal in said series of V
blocks.
5. The belt for a CVT as set forth in claim 1, wherein said V
blocks comprise two types of V blocks including first V blocks and
second V blocks whose thicknesses are different; and said plurality
of V block groups is composed of a first V block group and a second
V block group respectively having a different ratio of said first V
blocks to said second V blocks.
6. The belt for a CVT as set forth in claim 1, wherein the ratio of
said first V blocks to said second V blocks is inversive in said
first and second V block groups.
7. The belt for a CVT as set forth in claim 1, wherein said endless
body is a ring in which a plurality of metal sheets is
laminated.
8. A belt for a continuously variable transmission (CVT), said belt
comprising: an endless body; a plurality of V blocks attached to
said endless body, wherein said V blocks include a plurality of
types of V blocks having different thickness; said V blocks being
divided into a plurality of V block groups respectively having a
different ratio of said different types of V blocks; and said V
block groups are formed from a series of said V blocks.
9. A method for manufacturing a belt for a continuously variable
transmission (CVT) in which multiple V blocks of a plurality of
types having different thicknesses are attached to an endless body,
comprising: forming a plurality of V block groups respectively
having a different ratio of different types of V blocks; and
forming a series of V blocks by attaching a plurality of V blocks
to the endless belt to provide said plurality of V block
groups.
10. The method for manufacturing the belt for a CVT as set forth in
claim 9, wherein forming said V block groups comprises: dividing
said V blocks into a plurality of the V block groups, the V block
groups respectively having a different ratio of different types of
the V blocks; and specifying an arrangement of said V blocks in
said V block groups; and said specifying an arrangement comprises,
assembling a series of belts using said V block groups on a
computer; simulating a state in which said assembled belts are
respectively wound across pulleys to calculate a noise level; and
analyzing the calculated noise level of each belt to determine an
optimum belt.
11. A method for manufacturing a belt for a continuously variable
transmission (CVT), comprising: dividing V blocks into a plurality
of V block groups which respectively have a different ratio of
different types of V blocks; specifying a plurality of arrangements
of said V blocks for said V block groups so as to assemble a series
of individual belts on a computer; simulating a state in which said
plurality of assembled belts is wound across pulleys to calculate a
noise level of the individual belts on the computer; and analyzing
the calculated noise level of each belt to determine an optimum
belt.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] Apparatuses and methods consistent with the present
invention relate to a belt for a continuously variable transmission
which is wound across a primary pulley and a secondary pulley each
composed of a pair of sheaves and, more specifically, to a belt for
a continuously variable transmission whose noise is reduced by
using V blocks having different thickness for the large number of V
blocks that abut against the pulleys.
[0003] 2. Description of Related Art
[0004] A belt type continuously variable transmission (hereinafter
abbreviated as CVT) is generally used for power transmission
systems of cars and the like. Belts for the CVTs typically include
V blocks that are continuously attached to an endless body. In
terms of the endless body, there is a push-type endless body that
uses a ring composed of a plurality of laminated metal plates that
transmits power by exerting a compression force on the V blocks,
and a pull-type endless body that uses a chain in which link plates
are linked alternately by pins and that transmits power by a
tensile force acting on the chain. Although the present invention
has been developed for the push-type endless body, it is also
applicable to the pull-type endless body.
[0005] Belts for CVTs generate an abutment sound when the V blocks
(elements) abut against the pulleys. The sound becomes irritating
to human ears at a peak frequency when the thicknesses of the V
blocks are the same.
[0006] Conventionally, belts have provided a lower noise by
dispersing the peak frequency, described above, by randomly
disposing a plurality of types of blocks having different
thicknesses, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Publication No.
1994-21605 and Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2000-274492, for
example. Although the belt in which the blocks, having different
thickness, are attached at random (hereinafter referred to as a
randomly mixed belt) can lower the frequency peak by dispersing the
noise, its effect is not enough and a noise is still produced that
irritates human ears.
[0007] As shown in FIG. 6, a belt 1.sub.1 assembled by 400 blocks
(elements) 3 having a thickness of only 1.5 mm generates noise
having a very narrow peak on a bite-in order of the blocks to the
pulley.
[0008] Although a randomly mixed belt 1.sub.2, in which the same
number (200) of blocks (elements) having a thickness of 1.4 mm and
blocks (elements) having a thickness of 1.5 mm are mixed and
arranged at random, can lower the frequency peak by white noise
centering on an order equivalent to 1.45 mm, which is the mean
value between 1.4 mm and 1.5 mm as shown in FIG. 7, noise is still
generated that is irritating to human ears.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] It is an aspect of the invention to provide a belt for a CVT
that disperses a peak of the frequency and lowers noise by forming
a plurality of block groups having different ratios of blocks with
different thicknesses.
[0010] According to a first exemplary aspect of the invention,
there is provided a belt for continuously variable transmission
(CVT) in which a number of V blocks are attached to an endless
body, wherein the V blocks include a plurality of types of blocks
having different thickness. The V blocks, which may constitute a
large number, comprise a series attached to the endless body and
are divided into a plurality of V block groups, in which
combination ratios of the different types of V blocks are
different.
[0011] That is, multiple V blocks are attached to the endless body
and include a plurality of types of V blocks having different
thickness. The V blocks are divided into a plurality of V block
groups in which a ratio of different types of V blocks is
different. The V blocks attached to the endless body form a series
composed of the plurality of V block groups.
[0012] The different types of V blocks may be arranged at random in
the V block group. The different types of V blocks may also be
arranged with a specified and predetermined order in the V block
groups. In addition, a number of each different type of the V
blocks may be almost equal in the series of the V blocks.
[0013] In an exemplary embodiment, the V blocks comprise two types,
including first V blocks and second V blocks whose thicknesses are
different. The plurality of V block groups is composed of first and
second V block groups respectively having a different ratio of the
first V blocks to the second V blocks. The ratios of the first to
second V blocks may be inversive in the first and second V block
groups. Also, the endless body may be a ring in which a plurality
of metal sheets is laminated, for example.
[0014] According to a second exemplary aspect of the invention,
there is provided a method for manufacturing a belt for a CVT,
comprising forming a plurality of V block groups respectively
having a different ratio of different types of V blocks and forming
a series of V blocks by attaching a large number of the V blocks,
comprising the plurality of V block groups, to an endless belt.
[0015] The forming of the V block groups may include dividing the V
blocks into the plurality of V block groups, respectively having a
different ratio of different types of V blocks and specifying an
arrangement of the V blocks. The operation of specifying the
arrangement may comprise assembling a series of belts, including
the V block groups, on a computer, and simulating a state in which
the assembled belts are wound across pulleys to calculate noise
levels of the individual belts, so as to analyze the calculated
noise level of each belt to determine an optimum belt
configuration.
[0016] According to a further exemplary aspect of the invention,
the method for manufacturing the belt for a CVT comprises dividing
V blocks into a plurality of V block groups respectively having a
different ratio of different types of V blocks, and specifying a
large number of arrangements of the V blocks in the V block groups
to assemble a series of belts for simulation on a computer. The
belts are simulated in a state in which a large number of the belts
are individually wound across pulleys to calculate noise levels on
the computer, so as to calculate the noise level of each belt to
determine an optimum belt configuration.
[0017] Since the belts for a CVT of the present invention are
composed of a plurality of V block groups having a different
combination ratio of V blocks, they can disperse noise further when
compared to the traditional randomly mixed belt and can reduce a
rasping noise which is otherwise disturbing to human ears. The belt
may be readily assembled by randomly arranging the V blocks in the
V block groups. The noise may be reduced further by arranging the V
blocks in the V block groups with a predetermined order that even
further reduces the noise level.
[0018] The belt may be readily assembled with fewer types of V
blocks and its cost lowered by forming the V block groups with two
types of V blocks having different thicknesses and by forming the
series of belts using two V block groups.
[0019] The number of different types of V blocks used may be
equalized, thus improving efficiency in assembly and yield by
equalizing the number of V blocks in the series or by inverting the
ratios of the combinations of the V blocks in the two V block
groups.
[0020] As will be appreciated, the invention may be suitably
applied to a belt whose endless body is a metal ring, such that the
V blocks are attached successively to reduce noise.
[0021] Further, the inventive belt manufacturing method enables an
optimum arrangement of V blocks, causing less of a noise level,
which can be analyzed through computer simulation, for example.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0022] The above and/or other aspects of the present invention will
be more apparent by describing certain exemplary embodiments of the
present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
[0023] FIG. 1 is a partial perspective view of a CVT belt to which
the invention is applicable.
[0024] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a V block, wherein FIG. 2A is a front
view and FIG. 2B is a side view thereof.
[0025] FIG. 3 is a drawing for explaining a randomly mixed
belt.
[0026] FIG. 4 is a drawing for explaining a combination specified
belt.
[0027] FIG. 5 is a drawing for explaining a combination and
arrangement specified belt.
[0028] FIG. 6 is a drawing for explaining noise levels when the
same V blocks are used.
[0029] FIG. 7 is a drawing for explaining noise levels of the
randomly mixed belt.
[0030] FIG. 8 is a drawing for explaining noise levels of the
combination specified belt.
[0031] FIG. 9 is a chart showing a frequency of appearance during
simulation of the original belt and the combination specified
belt.
[0032] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a manufacturing method of an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0033] FIG. 11 is a chart showing results obtained by measuring
respective belts.
[0034] FIG. 12 is a table showing an example of a conventional
belt.
[0035] FIG. 13 is a table showing an example of the combination
specified belt.
[0036] FIG. 14 is a table showing an example of the combination and
arrangement specified belt.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0037] Exemplary modes for carrying out the invention will be
explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1
is a perspective view showing a part of a CVT belt and FIGS. 2A and
2B show a V block (element). The belt 1 is composed of a ring 2 in
which a plurality of endless metal sheets are laminated and a large
number of V blocks (elements) 3 are successively and endlessly
attached to the ring 2. As shown in FIG. 2, in detail, the V block
3 is a plate made of steel, for example, and has a certain
thickness. The V block has a body 5 with V-shaped right and left
flanks a that abut against pulleys, and a head 7 linked with the
body 5 via a pillar 6. A part between the body 5 and the head 7 on
the right and left sides of the pillar 6 is a saddle 9 for
receiving the ring 2. Channels b for flowing lubricant oil are
formed on the right and left flanks a, and the head 7 is provided
with a dimple d on one face thereof and with a hole e on the other
face to maintain the attitude of each block.
[0038] In the conventional, randomly mixed belt, a plurality of
types of V blocks 3 having different thickness t are provided. In
particular, there are first V blocks (elements) 3.sub.1 whose
thickness is 1.4 mm and second V blocks (elements) 3.sub.2 whose
thickness is 1.5 mm. The external shape of the both blocks 3.sub.1
and 3.sub.2 is the same. The conventional randomly mixed belt 12
described above is built by 400 blocks in total wherein 200 pieces
of a first block 3.sub.1 and 200 pieces of a second block 3.sub.2
are mixed and arranged at random as shown in FIG. 3.
[0039] Contrary to the convention belt, each half of an exemplary
embodiment of a combination specified belt 1 of the present
invention is composed of a first V block group A in which 50 pieces
of a first V block 3.sub.1 and 150 pieces of a second V block
3.sub.2 are mixed, and a second V block group B in which 150 pieces
of first V block 3.sub.1 and 50 pieces of a second V block 3.sub.2
are mixed, respectively, as shown in FIG. 4. That is, half of the
combination specified belt 1 is composed of the first V block group
A in which the first and second V blocks 3.sub.1 and 3.sub.2 are
mixed with a ratio of one-to-three and are arranged at random, and
the remaining half is composed of the second V block group B in
which the first V blocks 3.sub.1 and the second V blocks 3.sub.2
are mixed with a ratio of three-to-one and are arranged at random.
It is noted that the ratio of the first and second V blocks is not
limited to be one-to-three as described above and may be another
ratio such as one-to-two, two-to-three, one-to-four
and-three-to-seven, or the like. Still more, the number of block
groups is not limited to two groups but may be many groups such as
three or four groups, for example. Still more, the number of the
blocks having different thickness is not limited to two but may be
more such as three and four types, for example. It is noted that
the number of the first V blocks is equalized with that of the
second V blocks in the whole belt, thus improving efficiency in
assembly and yield, by reversing the relationship of the first and
second V block groups A and B to set the ratio of the first and
second blocks as three-to-seven and three-to-seven, for
example.
[0040] In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, as
shown in FIG. 5, the combination specified belt can comprise an
arrangement specified belt 1.sub.1 in which an order (arrangement)
of the first blocks 3.sub.1 and the second blocks 3.sub.2 is
adequately specified. Each half of the arrangement specified belt
1.sub.1 is formed of a first block group A' having 60 pieces of a
first block 3.sub.1 and 140 pieces of a second block 3.sub.2, and a
second block group B' having 140 pieces of a first block 3.sub.1
and 60 pieces of a second block 3.sub.2. The arrangement and order
of the first blocks 3.sub.1 and the second blocks 3.sub.2 can be
specified so as to lower the noise in the first and second block
groups A' and B'. Thereby, a dispersion of frequency of appearance
of peaks, described later, caused by an order of the first and
second blocks within each block group may be reduced. It is noted
that although the ratio of the number of the first blocks 3.sub.1
and the second blocks 3.sub.2 has been equalized to be one-to-two
(two-to-one) in the first and second block groups A' and B' in the
belt 1.sub.1, a different ratio may be used in the both block
groups such that the ratio is one-to-three in the first block group
and is two-to-one in the second block group, for example.
[0041] As described with respect to the conventional technology, a
belt 1.sub.1 composed of only one type of block, e.g., the second
blocks 3.sub.2 whose thickness is 1.5 mm, generates noise
irritating to human ears every time the blocks bite into the
pulleys and has a sharp peak in a very narrow frequency band, as
shown in FIG. 6. The randomly mixed belt 1.sub.2 in which the same
number of first and second blocks 3.sub.1 and 3.sub.2 are mixed and
are arranged at random generates noise whose peak is dispersed and
centered on an order equivalent to the mean value of 1.45 mm and
whose width I.sub.1 is widened as the peak is lowered, as shown in
FIG. 7.
[0042] As shown in FIG. 8, the combination specified belt 1 whose
half is assembled by the first block group A in which 50 pieces of
first block 3.sub.1 and 150 pieces of second block 3.sub.2 are
mixed and arranged at random (e.g., the ratio of combination is
one-to-three) and whose other half is assembled by the second block
group B in which 150 pieces of first block 3.sub.1 and 50 pieces of
second block 3.sub.2 are mixed and arranged at random (e.g., the
ratio of combination is three-to-one) causes random vibration
centering on the average thickness of 1.475 mm in the first block
group A and causes random vibration centering on the average
thickness of 1.425 mm in the second block group B. Thereby, as
compared to the randomly mixed belt described above, the noise is
dispersed further and the peak is lowered as well. That is, a width
I.sub.2 of the peak frequency is widened more than the width
I.sub.1 of the frequency of the randomly mixed belt, as indicated
by a dotted line, and the noise level [dB] is lowered by x [dB] as
compared to that of the randomly mixed belt. These features
represent an exemplary effect of the combination specified belt
1.
[0043] FIG. 9 is a chart showing simulation results for analyzing
simplex vibration which is caused when the combination specified
belt bites into the pulleys, for which a large number of first and
second block groups A and B that are formed on a computer. In FIG.
9, the solid line indicates results of the combination specified
belt 1 and the broken line indicates results of the randomly mixed
belt 1.sub.2, shown in FIG. 7, after trying 1,000 different
arrangements of V blocks, respectively. In FIG. 9, Simplex
Vibration [dB] on the axis of abscissas indicates peaks of simplex
vibration in the simulation of N=K times and Frequency of
Appearance [%] on the axis of ordinates indicates a rate of
appearance of peaks of simplex vibration [dB] in each simulation.
It is noted that the results of the original belt 1.sub.2
simulation represents simplex vibration when the first V blocks
whose thickness is 1.4 mm and the second V blocks whose thickness
is 1.5 mm are combined with a specified ratio of 50-to-50 and whose
arrangement (order) is specified to be different individually. The
results of the combination specified belt 1 represents simulation
of simplex vibration when the first V blocks whose thickness is 1.4
mm and the second V blocks whose thickness is 1.5 mm are used in
the same manner. The front half part of the belt is the block group
in which the ratio of a number of the first and second V blocks is
three-to-seven and the rear half part is the block group in which
the ratio is seven-to-three. Different arrangements may be
specified respectively in each block group.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 9, the original belt 1.sub.2 has a central
value (about 30%) where the frequency of appearance is maximized at
the simplex vibration b [dB] and the peaks are distributed in a
relatively wide range. In contradistinction, the combination
specified belt 1 described above has a central value (about 57%)
where the frequency of appearance is maximized at the simplex
vibration a [dB] and the peaks are distributed in a relatively
narrow range. As compared to the central value b of the original
belt described above, the central value a of the combination
specified belt is lower by about 3.2 dB and its height is higher by
about 1.9 times. Still more, its distribution range is narrower
than that of the original belt by about 60%. Accordingly, most of
the combination specified belts 1 cause less noise to be generated
when the belts bite into the pulleys, as compared to that of the
original (randomly mixed) belt 1.sub.2. Statistically, the noise is
reduced by about 3.2 dB.
[0045] Next, explained is a process in which a combination and
arrangement specified belt having a low simplex vibration is
selected among the combination specified belts.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 10, a simulation of a combination and
arrangement specified belt in operations S1 through S5 is carried
out. That is, conditions related to the components of the belt,
such as the shape of the V block, length of the belt and a number
of rings, rotational conditions when the belt is mounted on the CVT
and is rotated, such as pulley (sheave) rotational speed and others
are set as boundary conditions for carrying out the simulation in
operation S1.
[0047] Further, the belt is divided into a plurality of parts and
the ratio of combination concerning the thicknesses of the V block
groups to be attached to the divided parts is set in operation S2.
In particular, the belt is divided into two parts, and the ratio of
a number of the first V blocks (t=1.4 mm) to the second V blocks
(t=1.5 mm) is set at three-to-seven in the first V block group to
be attached in the front half part of the belt. The ratio of a
number of the first and second blocks is set at seven-to-three in
the second V block group to be attached in the rear half part of
the belt.
[0048] The arrangement (order) of the first and second V blocks is
changed at random in the first and second V block groups within the
range of the above rate (ratio) to create a large number of
combination and arrangement specified belts on a computer in
operation S3. In particular, 1,000 arrangement patterns are
created. Then, a simulation of the large number of belts, thus
created and mounted in a CVT and rotated, is carried out to
calculate noise levels on the computer in operation S4.
[0049] Then, the noise level calculated per belt described above is
analyzed to decide the optimum combination and arrangement
specified belt in operations S5 and S6. For example, the noise
level is analyzed by the sound pressure (dB) and a number of belts
in that sound level. The frequency of appearance [%], as shown in
FIG. 9, in operation S5, is determined to specify the optimum
combination and arrangement specified belt among the analyzed noise
levels, i.e., the belt at E in FIG. 9. Thereby, the optimum
combination and arrangement specified belt is decided in the
computer simulation with respect to the noise level.
[0050] An example of a belt in which the first V blocks and the
second V blocks are mixed at random is shown in FIG. 12. An example
of the combination specified belt composed of the first V block
group in which the first and second V blocks are combined in the
ratio of three-to-seven and the second V block group in which the
first and second V blocks are combined in the ratio of
seven-to-three is shown in FIG. 13. The combination and arrangement
specified belt that brought about the best result with respect to
the noise level as the result of computer simulation is shown in
FIG. 14.
[0051] Next, the results of an actual measurement carried out using
the above-mentioned belts will be explained with reference to FIG.
11. A large number of randomly mixed belts 1.sub.2, combination
specified belts 1 and combination and arrangement specified belts
1.sub.1 prepared with the combinations shown in FIGS. 12, 13 and 14
are actually produced. While each belt differs slightly due to
allowance, error and others, the belts were actually wound across
the pulleys and operated to measure the generated simplex vibration
(sound pressure and noise level) [dB]. In FIG. 11, the axis of
abscissas represents the actually measured simplex vibration and
the axis of ordinates represents frequency of appearance [%] of the
belts having the peak value of the simplex vibration of each belt.
The dotted line indicates the original (randomly mixed) belt
1.sub.2, the dotted chain line indicates the combination specified
belt 1 and the solid line indicates the combination and arrangement
specified belt 1.sub.1. As is apparent from the graph, the maximum
value of the frequency of appearance of the combination specified
belt is lower than that of the original belt by 1.5 dB (=d-c) and
that of the combination and arrangement specified belt is lower
than that by 3.0 dB (=d-e).
[0052] Moreover, specifying the arrangement allows the dispersion
caused by the arrangement to be reduced. When the dispersion is
compared by using standard deviation as an index, the deviation
.sigma..sub.1 of the original belt is 1.6 dB and that of the
combination and arrangement specified belt is 1.1 dB. Accordingly,
it can be seen that the value of deviation is reduced when the
arrangement is specified. Still more, in addition to the average
value being reduced by 3 dB, when values (average
value+3.sigma..sub.1) and (average value+3.sigma..sub.2) obtained
by adding 3.sigma..sub.1 and 3.sigma..sub.2 to the average value of
each belt is compared, the combination and arrangement specified
belt is lower than the original belt by 4.5 dB. That is, it is
shown that the large noise level of the original belt may be
reduced considerably by specifying the combination and arrangement
of the V blocks.
[0053] It is noted that the CVT belt described above used a ring
composed of laminated metal sheets as the endless body however, the
invention is not limited to that and is also applicable, for
example, to using a link chain in which link plates are linked by
pins, and the like.
[0054] Although illustrative, non-limiting embodiments of the
present invention have been shown and described, it will be
appreciated by those skilled in the art that changes may be made in
these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit
of the invention, the scope of which is defined in the appended
claims and their equivalents.
* * * * *