JP2004225787A - Endless belt element arrangement method - Google Patents

Abstract

A CVT belt including an endless ring and a plurality of elements arranged adjacent to each other reduces the number of elements which are rejected due to warpage or torsional deformation without impairing power transmission performance and durability. Improve element yield.
According to the present invention, deformed elements are selected and arranged based on a direction of deformation. In one aspect, the amount of deformation of the element is measured and only those with the same direction of deformation are selected. Alternatively, only an array in which the difference in the amount of deformation between elements is equal to or less than a predetermined value may be selected. Also, the maximum gap between the elements when a plurality of lots of products are mixed may be calculated from the average value and the deviation obtained for each element manufacturing lot, and a mixable lot may be selected accordingly.
[Selection diagram] FIG.

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an endless belt used for a belt-type continuously variable transmission (CVT: Continuously Variable Transmission), and more particularly to a method of arranging elements for forming an endless belt.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a belt type CVT mounted on a vehicle such as an automobile, as shown in FIG. 6A, several hundred (eg, 400) plate-like metal pieces are placed on a metal annular endless band or ring 11. Endless metal belt 12 in which elements 10 made of steel are arranged in the thickness direction of each other. The endless metal belt is wound around an input pulley 16 attached to an input shaft 14 of the CVT and an output pulley 20 attached to an output shaft 18, and a winding radius of the belt at the input or output pulley. Ri or Ro is continuously changed according to the rotation speed of the input shaft or the output shaft, etc., so that the rotation speed ratio between the input shaft and the output shaft, that is, the gear ratio is continuously and continuously. Be changed.
[0003]
FIG. 6B shows a front view and a side view of a typical endless metal belt element 10. As shown in the figure, the element 10 has a head 22 and a torso 24 that extend right and left. The head 22 and the trunk 24 are connected by a neck 26, and a pair of left and right slits 28 are defined. In the left and right slits 28, a metal ring 11 (usually a laminated ring) is passed so as to sandwich the element 10, and thus the individual elements 10 are configured so as not to fall off from the element row. Further, a corner R portion 30 is formed at the base of the neck portion 26, and play is provided at an edge portion of the ring 11. Further, a convex dimple 32 and a hole 33 are formed substantially at the center of the head 22, and when the element 10 is assembled to the endless belt, the dimple 32 and the hole 33 are respectively adjacent to the front and rear. The element is fitted into the hole 33 and the dimple 32 of the element, so that the element is prevented from shifting in the vertical and horizontal directions.
[0004]
The element 10 is usually manufactured by stamping out a metal plate (for example, a steel plate), performing a forming process such as polishing, and further performing a heat treatment. Therefore, it is desirable that all of the manufactured elements have the dimensions and shapes as designed.However, depending on the quality of the material, the conditions of the manufacturing process, and various other factors, the elements may be processed during a series of manufacturing processes. May deform such as twisting and warping.
[0005]
For example, if the element whose head is twisted with respect to the body is assembled to the endless belt, the element row 40 is viewed from the side of the element head 22 as shown in FIG. The portion 22 'is such that the neck is randomly swung right and left with respect to the axis of the belt. In such a case, the dimples and holes of the elements adjacent in the front-rear direction do not align with each other, making it difficult to fit. In addition, an inappropriate gap is generated between the elements, and the power transmission performance and durability of the endless belt are reduced. In particular, during the running of the belt, at a portion in the direction in which the endless belt is pushed from the input side pulley to the output side pulley (the upper side in FIG. 6A), the element row is compressed because it receives a pressing force in the running direction. At this time, the head of the twisted element receives a force (arrow F in FIG. 6C) in the direction of returning the twist from the heads of the front and rear elements. Then, the force F causes the neck connected to the twisted head, particularly the vicinity of the relatively fragile corner R 30 to be easily broken.
[0006]
When the element is warped in the front-back direction when assembled to the belt, as shown in FIG. 6D, when the element row 50 is viewed from the head side of the element, the elements adjacent to each other in the front-rear direction can be closely attached due to the warp. However, this results in an inappropriate gap between the elements. Further, since the fitting between the dimple and the hole becomes shallower, the vertical and horizontal alignment of the element row is impaired. Thus, as in the case of the above-described twist, the power transmission performance and durability of the endless belt decrease. In particular, when the space between the elements is compressed, the edge of the warped element, particularly the body edge, is forced from the body edge of the element adjacent in the front-rear direction in the direction of returning the warp (arrow G in FIG. 6D). ), The relatively fragile corner R portion 30 and the vicinity thereof are easily broken by the force.
[0007]
Conventionally, endless belts are manufactured in order to prevent the power transmission performance and durability of the endless belt from deteriorating due to the fact that the manufactured elements include those that have been twisted or warped as described above. At this time, the degree of torsional or warping deformation of the head of each element is examined for each element, and an element having a torsional or warping deformation exceeding a predetermined standard (or degree) is attached to the belt (that is, a defective element). Before being assembled, they are sorted out and removed. The operation of selecting such defective elements may be performed manually by a manufacturer one element at a time, but may also be performed by an automated device. It is described in Patent Documents 1-4.
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-129485 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-146943 A
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-232306 A
[Patent Document 4]
JP 2001-330535 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
By the way, as described above, the elements that have been selected and removed as defective elements are usually disposed of. Thus, depending on the quality of the material for manufacturing the element or the manufacturing process, a considerable amount of element material and other manufacturing costs are wasted. Further, if an attempt is made to provide a higher quality CVT and an endless belt therefor, the above-mentioned predetermined standard for torsional or warping deformation becomes stricter, and the amount of elements discarded as defective products increases accordingly. In addition, many elements are wasted, causing an increase in manufacturing cost. Therefore, it would be desirable if manufacturing costs could be reduced by minimizing the amount of elements wasted as rejects without compromising power transmission performance and durability.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to the present invention, there is provided a method of manufacturing an endless belt including an annular endless ring and a plurality of elements arranged adjacent to each other on the endless ring. And arranging the elements based on the direction of deformation of the elements.
[0010]
As mentioned above, the reason why the deformed element is regarded as a defective product is that an unsuitable gap is generated between the elements on the endless belt due to the twisting or warping of the element, and particularly, the element row is in a compressed state. Sometimes, an excessive force acts on the twisted head or side portion, and the element is easily broken particularly at the corner R of the neck. Therefore, if the gap between the elements is appropriate and the elements are arranged so that no excessive force is applied to the deformed portion, the power transmission performance and durability are deteriorated due to the incorporation of the defective product into the belt as described above. Is reduced.
[0011]
In the present invention, in view of the cause that the above-mentioned element is considered to be defective, when assembling the element to the endless ring, by selecting and arranging the elements in consideration of the direction of the deformed portion of the deformed element, In addition, it is possible to appropriately reduce the gap between the elements and prevent an excessive force from being applied to the deformed portion. Thus, it is possible to relax a predetermined standard for the size or shape of an element discarded as a defective product, thereby reducing the number of elements judged as defective products and removed as compared with the related art. Can be.
[0012]
Possible deformations of the element may be torsion of the head relative to the body of the element, side warpage relative to the center of the element.
[0013]
In the present invention described above, a predetermined shape of all the elements, that is, a direction of deformation from the designed dimensions and shape is checked, and only the elements having the same deformation direction are selected and arranged to be assembled to the endless ring. May be. As a result, in one belt, even if the elements are deformed, the deformed portions all face the same direction. Therefore, even if the slightly deformed elements are adjacent to each other, the directions of deformation are the same, so that the gap between the elements is prevented from significantly increasing, and the stress applied to the adjacent deformed portion is relatively small, and the element is relatively small. Can be reduced.
[0014]
Further, in the present invention described above, the deformation amount from a predetermined shape is measured for all of the elements, and only an array in which the difference between the measured deformation amounts between adjacent elements is equal to or smaller than a predetermined value is selected, and the endless ring is selected. It may be adapted to be assembled. As described above, the problems of the power transmission performance and the durability of the endless belt are reduced because the gap between the elements is inappropriately increased due to the deformation of the elements. Therefore, by arranging the elements such that the difference in the amount of deformation between adjacent elements is equal to or less than a predetermined value, such a problem is avoided. In this case, if the gap between the elements is equal to or less than a predetermined value, the directions of deformation of the adjacent elements may be opposite to each other, and even if an element having a slightly larger deformation is incorporated, Since the gap between adjacent elements is suppressed to a predetermined value or less, the power transmission performance and durability of the endless belt are not impaired.
[0015]
If the gap between the elements is evaluated for each element, much labor may be required. Thus, as described above, when selecting an element based on the gap between the elements, the element is classified into a plurality of ranks having a maximum deformation amount and a minimum deformation amount based on the measured deformation amount, and the Only the elements that are classified into the ranks in which the maximum difference in the deformation amount that can be generated from the maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount of at least two of the ranks are within a predetermined range may be selected and assembled to the endless ring. . In this case, the elements are first classified into ranks in which the maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount are determined according to the magnitude (and direction) of the deformation amount (the deformation amount is one in which the direction of the deformation is positive). Expressed as a positive or negative value in cases.) By comparing the maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount of the ranks, the maximum gap (that is, the maximum difference in the deformation amount) between the elements that can occur when elements belonging to those ranks are mixed is determined. If the gap between the elements is within a predetermined range, even if the elements belonging to those two or more ranks are randomly arranged, the gap between the elements will not exceed the predetermined value. Therefore, the gap between all the elements of the endless belt can be suppressed within a predetermined range without individually evaluating the gap between the elements.
[0016]
By the way, the number of elements to be assembled on one endless belt is, as described above, hundreds of sheets. Such one belt has a plurality of different preslots (that is, sets or groups of elements manufactured at one time). Are mixed and used. If a belt is composed of only one lot, the specifications or characteristics of each product are biased, so that the bias is suppressed. Such deviations in specifications and characteristics are due to differences or differences in lots due to differences in material quality and various conditions at the time of manufacture, even if the elements are the same in design. Therefore, in the same way that the thickness and dimensions of the manufactured elements have errors for each lot, the magnitude and direction of the deformation also tend to vary from lot to lot. Assembling the elements of the lot onto one endless belt can result in significantly larger gaps between the elements.
[0017]
Therefore, in the present invention described above, a part of each element of the group of elements manufactured at a time is selected as a sample, and the deformation of the sample of each group from a predetermined shape is measured. Calculate the average value and the standard deviation of, and estimate the maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount of each group based on the standard deviation, and the deformation amount that can be generated from the estimated maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount of each group. May be selected such that at least two groups whose maximum difference is within a predetermined value range, and only the elements of the selected group are selected and arranged.
[0018]
In the above configuration, the maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount of each lot are the upper and lower limits of the deformation amount of the elements in each lot. Therefore, if elements of a plurality of lots are mixed, the difference between the largest “maximum deformation amount” and the smallest “minimum deformation amount” among the mixed lots is the maximum difference in deformation amount that can occur, This is the largest gap. According to the configuration of the present invention, a combination of lots in which the maximum difference in the deformation amount is within a predetermined range is selected, so that elements of different lots are mixed and arranged on one endless belt. However, the largest gap between the elements that can occur in the belt is within a predetermined range. In this case, the elements can be selected without measuring the amount of deformation for all the elements, and labor for measuring the amount of deformation for all hundreds of elements assembled on one endless belt is paid. Eliminates the need.
[0019]
Note that the estimated maximum deformation amount is a value obtained by adding three times the standard deviation to the average value, and the minimum deformation amount may be a value obtained by subtracting three times the standard deviation from the average value. If the amount of deformation is spread according to a normal distribution, 99.7% of the elements will have a deformation between the maximum deformation and the minimum deformation, and will have a deformation substantially exceeding it. It is assumed that the element does not exist.
[0020]
Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the present invention.
[0021]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
The present invention will be described in detail with respect to some preferred embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0022]
The method for arranging the elements of the endless belt of the present invention may be applied to a known process of assembling an endless metal belt for CVT.
[0023]
The endless metal belt is formed by arranging hundreds of sheet-like metal elements in a thickness direction on a stacked metal ring, as described with reference to FIGS. 6A and 6B. Be composed. The metal element generally has a shape as shown in FIG. 1B having a height of 15 mm, a width of 24 to 30 mm, and a thickness of less than 1.5 to 2 mm, and is formed from a metal plate material, for example, a steel material by the fine blanking method. After being punched out by the above, a molding process such as polishing is arbitrarily performed, and further, a heat treatment is performed to be hardened. Therefore, as described above, the elements are deformed in each process during the manufacturing process or during transportation, and when the elements are directly assembled to the belt, an improperly large gap is formed between adjacent elements in the element row on the belt. This will adversely affect the power transmission performance and durability of the belt. Thus, the method of the present invention is performed prior to the completed element being assembled to the endless ring. Hereinafter, each embodiment of the present invention will be described.
[0024]
It should be noted that the present invention is a novel method for selecting an element and determining its sequence, and such a method may be performed manually by a human, or may be performed in an automated system. If implemented by an automated system, it will be implemented by appropriate configuration of computer systems known to those skilled in the art.
[0025]
First embodiment
Referring to FIGS. 1A to 1C, in the first embodiment, first, the direction of the warp deformation is checked for all the completed elements. FIG. 1A schematically shows how the element 10 is measured for warpage when viewed from the head 22 side. As shown in the drawing, the completed element includes one in which the head 22 and the trunk 24 are warped in the front-rear direction with respect to the central axis A (see FIG. 6B). Such warpage may occur when the material is punched from a metal plate or during a heat treatment process.
[0026]
As shown in FIG. 1A, the direction of the warping deformation is such that the element 10 is disposed so that its front-rear direction is directed to the non-contact type displacement meter 60, and the distance L1 to one side of the element and the distance L2 to the center axis are determined. The distance L3 to the other side may be measured and determined by the magnitude of (L1 + L3) / 2 and L2, or the sign of the warpage deformation amount δ = (L1 + L3) / 2−L2. Therefore, when there is no warpage, L2 = (L1 + L3) / 2, and when L2> (L1 + L3) / 2, a convex warp (FIG. 1B left) is obtained, and L2 <(L1 + L3) / 2. In this case, the concave warp (FIG. 1B right) is used.
[0027]
As the non-contact displacement meter, for example, GAP-SENSER (registered trademark) (Electronics Co., Ltd.) model PV09 or the like can be used, and the measurement accuracy (resolution) is about 1 μm.
[0028]
Thus, the elements for which the direction of the warpage deformation is determined are separated into convex warp products and concave warp products, and the separated groups are separately conveyed and randomly mounted on different endless belts. Here, the element having a difference (or the absolute value of δ) between L2 and (L1 + L3) / 2 exceeding a predetermined allowable value, for example, 90 μm, is attached to the belt even if it has the advantage of the present invention. Since it is expected that the maximum clearance between the allowable elements will be exceeded when performed, it may be removed.
[0029]
On the left side of FIG. 1C, a schematic diagram of an element row separated according to the present embodiment and mounted on a belt is shown (an example of a concave warpage product). As a comparison, an example in which elements in opposite directions (convex warpage products) are mixed, as seen in the related art, is illustrated on the right side of FIG. 1C. As can be understood from the drawing, in the element row composed of only one warped product, the direction of the warpage is the same, so that it will be understood that a remarkably large gap does not occur between adjacent elements. . On the other hand, when the warpage products in the opposite directions are mixed, the warpage products in the opposite direction have a large gap at the side or center thereof because the deformation direction is opposite to the adjacent elements. 61 occurs.
[0030]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, if elements are selected based on the same criteria as the degree of warpage deformation (absolute value of δ) that is conventionally allowed, the difference in warpage between adjacent elements is at most about half. And the stress generated in the element due to warpage is greatly reduced, and the durability of the element or the belt is improved. On the other hand, if the same level of stress due to warpage deformation as before can be tolerated, an element whose degree of warpage is twice as large as that of the conventional product can be used, so that the yield of the element is improved and the manufacturing cost is reduced. You.
[0031]
Second embodiment
2A to 2C, in the second embodiment, first, the direction of the torsional deformation is checked for all the completed elements. FIG. 2A schematically illustrates how torsional deformation of the element 10 as viewed from the head 22 is measured. As shown in the drawing, the completed element includes an element which is twisted and deformed such that the head 22 rotates around the central axis A with respect to the trunk 24. Such torsional deformation can occur during punching from a metal plate or during a heat treatment process.
[0032]
As in the first embodiment, as shown in the drawing, the element 10 is arranged so that the front-rear direction of the element 10 is directed to the non-contact type displacement meter 60, and the torsional deformation is caused by a distance to one side of the head 22 of the element. N1, a distance N2 to a portion of the torso 24 located below one side of the head, a distance N3 to the other side of the head 22, and a distance N3 to the other side of the head. The distance N4 to the lower part of the torso 24 is measured, and the magnitude of (N1-N2) and (N3-N4) or the amount of torsional deformation ε = (N1-N2)-(N3-N4) is determined. It may be determined by a code. Therefore, when there is no twist, (N1−N2) = (N3−N4) or ε = 0, and when (N1−N2) <(N3−N4) or ε <0, a left twisted product ( FIG. 2B left), and when (N1−N2)> (N3−N4) or ε> 0, a right twisted product (FIG. 2B right).
[0033]
Thus, the elements for which the direction of the torsional deformation has been determined are separated into a left-handed product and a right-handed product, and the separated groups are separately conveyed and randomly mounted on different endless belts. Here, the degree of deformation is a predetermined allowable value, for example, the torsion angle θ (= ε / width of the head 22) calculated from the amount of twist deformation ε and the width of the head 22 is a predetermined allowable value. For example, with respect to elements exceeding 0.15 °, even with the advantages of the present invention, it is expected that a gap exceeding the maximum allowable gap between the elements when mounted on a belt is expected to occur. May be.
[0034]
On the left side of FIG. 2C, there is shown a schematic view of an element row separated according to the present embodiment and mounted on a belt (an example of a right-twisted product). For comparison, as shown in the prior art, an example in which elements in opposite directions (left-handed products) are mixed is illustrated on the right side of FIG. 2C. As in the case of the first embodiment, it is understood that in the element row composed of only one twisted product, the direction of twist is the same, so that a remarkably large gap does not occur between adjacent elements. There will be. On the other hand, when the twisted products in opposite directions are mixed, the twisted products in the opposite direction have a large gap at the side of their heads because the deformation direction is opposite to that of the adjacent elements. 62 occurs.
[0035]
Thus, according to the present embodiment, if the elements are selected based on the same criterion as the degree of torsional deformation (absolute value of ε or θ) conventionally allowed, the torsion angle of the head between adjacent elements is determined. The difference is reduced to about half at the maximum, and the stress generated in the element due to torsion is greatly reduced, and the durability of the element or the belt is improved. Conversely, if the same torsional stress as in the past is tolerated, an element whose torsional deformation is twice as large as that of the conventional product can be used, so that the element yield is improved and the manufacturing cost is reduced. You.
[0036]
Third embodiment
In the present embodiment, as in the first embodiment, first, the warpage deformation δ is measured for all the completed elements. Refer to the description in the first embodiment for the mode of measurement.
[0037]
Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the number (for example, six) of elements is determined by the magnitude (and direction) of the measured amount of warpage deformation δ (= (L1 + L3) / 2−L2), that is, Sort into ranks. Specifically, as shown in the figure, for example, for a convexly warped product,
Rank A: -90 μm <δ ≦ −60 μm
Rank B: −60 μm <δ ≦ −30 μm
Rank C: −30 μm <δ ≦ 0 μm
For concave warpage products,
Rank D: 0 μm ≦ δ <30 μm
Rank E: 30 μm ≦ δ <60 μm
Rank F: 60 μm ≦ δ <90 μm
Respectively. Note that, here, products whose absolute value of the deformation amount exceeds 90 μm may be removed.
[0038]
For each of the above-mentioned ranks, the maximum and minimum amount of warpage is determined. This makes it possible to predict the maximum difference in the amount of deformation that can occur when elements classified into different ranks are mixed and arranged on the belt, that is, the maximum gap between the elements. For example, if the allowable limit value of the gap between elements caused by warpage is set to 120 μm, for a product deformed in the same direction, even if elements belonging to any rank are mixed, the maximum gap that can occur is absolute. The value is 90 μm, which is well within the allowable range. Further, for products deformed in the opposite direction, for example, even if products belonging to rank A (−90 μm <δ ≦ −60 μm) and products belonging to rank D (0 μm ≦ δ <30 μm) are mixed, the largest gap that can occur is The absolute value is less than 120 μm, which can be within an allowable range.
[0039]
Thus, any element belonging to a rank in which the maximum gap that can be generated even when elements are mixed does not exceed the allowable value (for example, 120 μm) can be mixed. In the above example, rank A and rank E, rank F and rank B, and combinations of rank A and rank F are excluded, and elements of ranks may be mixed and arranged to be mounted on an endless belt. .
[0040]
It is expected that the number of elements in each rank will vary depending on the quality of the material of the elements or the manufacturing process. For example, in some cases, if there are many convexly warped products and the number of elements of rank A is relatively large, other elements may be mixed except for elements of rank E or rank F. Products of rank E and rank F may be used when many concave warpage products are manufactured. Alternatively, the elements may be accumulated until the required number of elements of ranks E and F accumulate to produce one endless belt.
[0041]
Thus, in the present embodiment, the gap generated due to warpage between adjacent elements is reliably suppressed to within a predetermined allowable value, and the stress generated in the element is suppressed to an allowable level, so that the power transmission performance and durability of the element and the endless belt are improved. Performance can be improved. (Regardless of the present embodiment, if only the absolute value of the warpage deformation amount exceeding 90 μm is removed, the warpage deformation amount of −90 μm may be adjacent to the 90 μm warpage amount. In this case, The gap between the elements exceeds the allowable value of 120 μm.)
[0042]
Fourth embodiment
In the present embodiment, as in the second embodiment, first, the torsional deformation ε is measured for all the completed elements. For the measurement mode, refer to the description in the second embodiment.
[0043]
Then, as shown in FIG. 5, a plurality of (eg, six) elements are ranked according to the magnitude and direction of the measured torsion angle of the head, that is, θ = ε / (width of the head). To separate. (The width of the head may be the distance between the measurement positions of N1 and N3.) Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG.
Rank A: −0.15 ° <θ ≦ −0.10 °
Rank B: −0.10 ° <θ ≦ −0.05 °
Rank C: -0.05 ゜ <θ ≦ 0 ゜
For right twisted products,
Rank D: 0 ° ≦ θ <0.05 °
Rank E: 0.05 ° ≦ θ <0.10 °
Rank F: 0.10 ° ≦ θ <0.15 °
Respectively. Here, products whose absolute value of the twist angle exceeds 0.15 ° may be removed.
[0044]
Each rank has a maximum and minimum twist angle. This makes it possible to predict the maximum possible twist angle difference, that is, the maximum head angle difference between elements, when elements classified into different ranks are mixed and arranged on the belt. It becomes. For example, if the allowable head angle difference is set to 0.2 °, the maximum possible head angle for products that are twisted in the same direction, even if elements belonging to any rank are mixed. The difference is 0.15 ° in absolute value, which is well within the allowable range. Further, as for products deformed in the opposite direction, for example, products belonging to rank A (−0.15 ° <θ ≦ −0.10 °) and rank D (0 ° ≦ θ <0.05 °) are mixed. However, the maximum possible angle difference is less than 0.2 ° in absolute value, and can be within an allowable range.
[0045]
Thus, elements that belong to a rank in which the maximum angle difference that can occur even when elements are mixed do not exceed an allowable value (for example, 0.2 °) can be mixed. In other words, in the above example, rank A and rank E, rank F and rank B, and rank A and rank F are excluded, and the elements of the rank are mixed and the endless belt is attached. They may be arranged.
[0046]
It is expected that the number of elements in each rank will vary depending on the quality of the material of the elements or the manufacturing process. For example, in some cases, when there are many left-twisted articles and the number of elements of rank A is relatively large, other elements may be mixed except elements of rank E or rank F. Products of rank E and rank F may be used when many right-handed products are manufactured. Alternatively, the elements may be accumulated until the required number of elements of ranks E and F accumulate to produce one endless belt.
[0047]
Thus, in the present embodiment, the gap generated due to the angle difference between the heads of the adjacent elements is reliably suppressed to a predetermined allowable value, and the stress generated in the element is suppressed to an allowable level. Performance and durability can be improved. (Regardless of the present embodiment, if only the head whose torsion angle exceeds 0.15 ° is removed, there is a possibility that the one with a torsional deformation of −0.15 ° and the one with 0.15 ° are adjacent to each other. In this case, the angle difference between adjacent heads exceeds the allowable value of 0.2 °.)
[0048]
Fifth embodiment
The elements assembled on one endless belt may include those of a plurality of preslots.
[0049]
As described above, even if elements are manufactured through the same manufacturing process, due to differences in the quality of the materials and the conditions in the manufacturing process, the size and direction of the deformation amount for each lot may vary. There is a tendency, and the deformation amount in one lot is considered to be distributed according to a normal distribution as shown in FIG. 5A (the number of elements obtained in one lot is, for example, about 10,000). The horizontal axis in FIG. 5A is the deformation amount, that is, the warpage deformation amount δ (see the description of the third embodiment) or the torsion angle θ (see the description of the fourth embodiment), and the vertical axis is the number of elements. Is shown. Therefore, as will be easily understood, the spread of the distribution of the deformation amount is estimated by calculating the average value M and the standard deviation σ (or variance) of the deformation amounts of the elements in one lot, and The maximum and minimum deformation amounts found in the element can be estimated.
[0050]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, first, before mixing the elements manufactured in a plurality of lots, a sample is sampled from a group of elements for each lot, the deformation amount is measured, and the average value Mi and the standard value are measured. The deviation σi is calculated (i is a code for identifying a lot). For example, if the number of elements manufactured in one lot is 10,000, the number of samples may be about 50. The method of measuring the amount of deformation (δ or θ) and the definition of the measured amount are the same as in the third or fourth embodiment, respectively.
[0051]
Thus, the distribution of the deformation amount for each lot is regarded as a normal distribution, and the maximum deformation amount MXi and the minimum deformation amount MNi found in each lot are determined from the average value Mi and the standard deviation σi. As shown in FIG. 5A, according to the normal distribution, it is considered that 99.7% of the elements are included in the range between Mi−3σi and Mi + 3σi. That is, the maximum and minimum deformation amounts may be defined as MXi≡Mi + 3σi and MNi≡Mi-3σi, respectively.
[0052]
Next, a lot in which elements can be mixed is selected from a plurality of lots. The selection of the lot is performed by determining whether or not the maximum difference in the amount of deformation that can occur from MXi or MNi of any two lots is within a predetermined range.
[0053]
For example, when elements of three separate lots A, B, and C are manufactured, the distribution of the amount of deformation of the elements is as shown in FIG. 5B. As can be understood from the figure, each lot has MXi and MNi estimated as described above. Here, for example, the average value M of the deformation amount_BB in which is approximately 0 and the average value M of the deformation amount_AIs mixed with the element of the lot A, which is shifted to the minus side from 0, the maximum difference in the amount of deformation that can occur is MX_B-MN_AIs estimated. Similarly, the maximum difference in the amount of deformation that can occur when the elements of the lots B and C or the elements of the lots C and A are mixed is estimated.
[0054]
Here, when the allowable range of the difference between the deformation amounts is set to a predetermined range LM as shown in the figure, the maximum difference between the deformation amounts of the lots A and B or the combination of the lots B and C is LM of LM. Although falling within the range, the maximum difference between the deformation amounts of the combinations of lots A and C is larger than LM. Thus, any combination of lots A and B or lots B and C is selected as a mixable lot.
[0055]
The elements of the lot selected as the mixable lot may then be mixed and randomly arranged on an endless belt. In the example of FIG. 5B described above, when the lot B and the lot C are selected, the lot A is not immediately conveyed in the process of attaching to the endless belt. The lot may be stored until a lot whose maximum difference is within the predetermined range LM is manufactured.
[0056]
The predetermined range LM may be, for example, 120 μm when the deformation amount is the warpage deformation amount, and may be, for example, 0.2 ° when the deformation amount is the torsional deformation amount. . Such a predetermined range will be variously changed depending on the quality or grade of the endless belt required.
[0057]
Thus, according to this embodiment, as in the other embodiments, the power transmission performance and durability of the element or the belt are improved, or the yield of the element is improved, or the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the element cost is reduced. Since it is not necessary to measure the total amount of deformation, the assembly time of the belt is shortened.
[0058]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, in the conventional technology, among the elements assembled on the endless belt, those that have been deformed beyond a predetermined standard are selected as defective products regardless of the direction of deformation, removed and discarded. It had been. For this reason, the higher the power transmission performance and durability level of the completed endless belt, the stricter the criteria for element deformation, the more the number of elements to be discarded, and the higher the manufacturing cost. Was connected to.
[0059]
In general, according to the present invention, in the arrangement of the elements, by selecting the elements based on the direction of the deformation, i.e. by controlling the direction of the deformation or the possible gaps between the elements that may result from the deformation of the individual elements, The number of available elements is increased (the number of rejects discarded is reduced), and the yield of manufactured elements is improved. Therefore, for example, if the elements are selected based on the same criteria as the conventional defective product selection criteria and the present invention is applied, in the completed endless belt, the gap between the elements caused by deformation is greatly reduced. Thus, the power transmission performance and durability of the endless belt (particularly, the fracture resistance of the individual elements) are improved. Conversely, if the generation of a gap equivalent to the gap between the elements allowed in the prior art is allowed, according to the present invention, it is possible to use even an element deformed larger than the standard that is discarded as a conventional defective product. Therefore, the number of elements to be discarded is reduced, and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.
[0060]
The present invention can be implemented in various embodiments as exemplified above, and may be appropriately selected depending on the material of the element, the manufacturing method, and the like.
[0061]
For example, if the number of elements mounted on one endless belt is relatively small, the present invention may be implemented as in the first to fourth embodiments. If the number of elements is very large and the number of element lots used is two or more, the fifth embodiment may be implemented.
[0062]
Further, depending on the mode of manufacturing the element, the first, third or fifth embodiment is selected when the warpage deformation is large, and when the torsion deformation is large, the second, fourth or fifth embodiment is selected. The embodiment will be selected. In particular, the fifth embodiment will be useful when the elements in each lot have a strong tendency to deform and the distribution of the deformation amount is relatively small.
[0063]
Furthermore, the present invention is also useful in the case where the direction of deformation of the manufactured element is biased to one side as a whole. For example, even if an element is classified into the smaller number in the first and second embodiments, or in the third to fifth embodiments, even if the element belongs to a rank or lot that is not selected, it is not discarded. When the number of similarly sorted elements reaches the number required to complete one endless belt, it can be used in the manufacture of an endless belt. Therefore, according to the present invention, the yield of elements is improved without lowering the power transmission performance or durability of the endless belt, and the manufacturing cost is reduced.
[0064]
Although the above description has been made in connection with embodiments of the present invention, it should be understood that many modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to only the embodiments illustrated, and that various applications may be made without departing from the inventive concept.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1A is a schematic diagram showing a warped deformation (convex warpage) of an element and how the warpage deformation is measured. (B) Schematic diagram of a convexly warped element (left) and a concavely warped element (right). (C) A schematic diagram of an element row (left) arranged according to the present invention and an element row (right) in the conventional technique.
FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram showing a twisted (right-twisted) deformed element and how to measure the amount of torsional deformation. (B) Schematic diagram of a left twisted element (left) and a right twisted element (right). (C) A schematic diagram of an element row (left) arranged according to the present invention and an element row (right) in the conventional technique.
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a definition of a warpage deformation amount δ and ranks of warped deformation elements.
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing the definition of a twist angle θ and the rank of a twisted element.
FIG. 5A is a distribution diagram of deformation of an element manufactured in one lot. (B) Distribution diagram of deformation of elements manufactured in three different lots.
FIG. 6A is a schematic diagram of an endless belt wound around an input pulley and an output pulley of a CVT. (B) A schematic front view and side view of the elements of the endless belt. (C) The schematic diagram which looked at the element row of the endless belt from the side of the head of the element. Includes those in which the head of the element is twisted relative to the trunk. (D) A schematic view of the element row of the endless belt viewed from the head of the element. The head and the trunk of the element may be warped in the belt axis direction.
[Explanation of symbols]
10… Element
12 ... Endless belt
14 ... Input shaft
16 Input pulley
18 Output shaft
20 ... Output side pulley
22 ... Head
24 ... torso
26 ... Neck
28 ... Slit
30 ... Corner R
32 ... Dimple
33… Hall
60 ... non-contact displacement meter

Claims (9)

A method of arranging the elements of an endless belt including an annular endless ring and a plurality of elements arranged adjacent to each other on the endless ring, the method comprising: And selecting and arranging said elements. 2. The method for arranging elements of an endless belt according to claim 1, wherein a direction of deformation from a predetermined shape is checked for all of the elements, and only elements having the same deformation direction are selected and arranged. Method. 2. The method for arranging elements of an endless belt according to claim 1, wherein the amount of deformation from a predetermined shape is measured for all of the elements, and a difference between the measured amounts of deformation between adjacent elements is equal to or less than a predetermined value. A method comprising selecting and arranging only an array. The method for arranging elements of an endless belt according to claim 3, wherein the element is classified into a plurality of ranks having a maximum deformation amount and a minimum deformation amount based on the measured deformation amount, and at least two of the ranks are classified. A method of selecting and arranging only those elements that are classified into ranks in which the maximum difference of the deformation amount that can be generated from the maximum deformation amount or the minimum deformation amount of one rank is within a predetermined range. The method for arranging elements of an endless belt according to claim 2 or 3, wherein an element whose measured deformation amount is equal to or larger than a predetermined allowable value is not selected. 2. The method for arranging elements of an endless belt according to claim 1, wherein a part of each of a group of elements manufactured at a time is selected as a sample, and the sample in each group is deformed from a predetermined shape. Measuring the amount, calculating the average value and the standard deviation of the deformation amount, estimating the maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount of each group based on the average value and the standard deviation; Selecting at least two groups in which the maximum difference between the maximum deformation amount and the minimum deformation amount that can be generated from the minimum deformation amount is within a predetermined range, and selecting and arranging only the elements of the selected group. how to. The method of arranging the elements of the endless belt according to claim 6, wherein the estimated maximum deformation is a value obtained by adding three times the standard deviation to the average, and the minimum deformation is calculated from the average. A method characterized by subtracting three times the standard deviation. The method for arranging elements of an endless belt according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the amount of deformation is an amount of twist of a head with respect to a body of the element. The method for arranging elements of an endless belt according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the amount of deformation is an amount of warpage of a side portion with respect to a center portion of the element.

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