US20010018843A1 - Method of blanking elements of belt for continuously variable transmission - Google Patents
Method of blanking elements of belt for continuously variable transmission Download PDFInfo
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- US20010018843A1 US20010018843A1 US09/798,898 US79889801A US2001018843A1 US 20010018843 A1 US20010018843 A1 US 20010018843A1 US 79889801 A US79889801 A US 79889801A US 2001018843 A1 US2001018843 A1 US 2001018843A1
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- elements
- metal sheet
- corners
- elongate metal
- head
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G5/00—V-belts, i.e. belts of tapered cross-section
- F16G5/16—V-belts, i.e. belts of tapered cross-section consisting of several parts
- F16G5/163—V-belts, i.e. belts of tapered cross-section consisting of several parts with means allowing lubrication
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B21—MECHANICAL METAL-WORKING WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D—WORKING OR PROCESSING OF SHEET METAL OR METAL TUBES, RODS OR PROFILES WITHOUT ESSENTIALLY REMOVING MATERIAL; PUNCHING METAL
- B21D53/00—Making other particular articles
- B21D53/14—Making other particular articles belts, e.g. machine-gun belts
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- F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
- F16—ENGINEERING ELEMENTS AND UNITS; GENERAL MEASURES FOR PRODUCING AND MAINTAINING EFFECTIVE FUNCTIONING OF MACHINES OR INSTALLATIONS; THERMAL INSULATION IN GENERAL
- F16G—BELTS, CABLES, OR ROPES, PREDOMINANTLY USED FOR DRIVING PURPOSES; CHAINS; FITTINGS PREDOMINANTLY USED THEREFOR
- F16G5/00—V-belts, i.e. belts of tapered cross-section
- F16G5/16—V-belts, i.e. belts of tapered cross-section consisting of several parts
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a method of blanking elements of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission.
- an element 1 of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission comprises a body 2 which, when a plurality of elements 1 are stacked and bundled into an annular form, will be positioned radially inside of the annular form, i.e., on a lower side in FIGS. 1 ( a ) and 1 ( b ), and a head 4 joined to the body 2 by a neck 3 , to be positioned radially outside of the annular form.
- the body 2 has on its lower reverse side a slanted surface 6 that is progressively tapered downwardly away from the head 4 and a thin portion 7 extending from the slanted surface 6 toward the lower end of the body 2 .
- the element 1 is usually formed by blanking, with a blanking punch, an elongate metal sheet placed on a die of an element manufacturing apparatus and having a thin portion joined to the rest of the metal sheet via a corner.
- the corner of the metal sheet is machined into the slanted portion 6 on the reverse side of the element 1 by a counter punch that is held against the reverse side of the element 1 .
- a plurality of blanked elements e.g., several hundred elements, are stacked and bundled into an annular form by endless rings mounted in the recesses in the elements, producing a belt assembly for use in a continuously variable transmission. Since the belt assembly is constructed of a number of stacked elements, it is important to manage the thicknesses of the elements.
- the belt assembly is vertically distorted when the elements are stacked together. If the elements suffer large thickness variations in their transverse direction, then the belt assembly is laterally distorted when the elements are stacked together.
- the elements should be manufactured with increased productivity because a number of elements are needed to produce an element assembly.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of blanking elements of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission with increased productivity and a good yield.
- the metal sheet When elements are blanked out of two opposite sides of an elongate metal sheet, the metal sheet may possibly be displaced transversely, and thickness variations of individual elements may possibly fall out of an allowable range.
- the inventor of the present invention has found that even if the metal sheet is displaced transversely and thickness variations of individual elements fall out of an allowable range, when the elements blanked from the opposite sides of the metal sheet are mixed at a ratio of about 1 to 1 into a belt assembly, the belt assembly thus constructed poses no problems for use in a continuously variable transmission.
- a method of blanking elements of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission each having a body and a head joined to the body by a neck, the body having a slanted surface tapered away from the head and a thin portion extending from the slanted surface toward an end of the body remote from the head.
- an elongate metal sheet having a flat central portion extending longitudinally and a pair of thin portions disposed on a reverse side thereof and extending from respective corners at edges of the flat central portion toward opposite edges of the elongate metal sheet, and there are used element blanking punches to be applied to a face side of the elongate metal sheet which is placed on a die to blank elements having heads confronting each other across the elongate metal sheet out of two opposite sides thereof, and counter punches to be applied to the corners on the reverse side of the elongate metal sheet and movable with the element blanking punches to deform the corners of the elongate metal sheet under a counter load into slanted surfaces of the elements.
- Averages of the differences between thicknesses of blanked elements are determined at a measurement point positioned at the neck or nearly at the neck above the slanted surface and below the head and a measurement point positioned at the head.
- a distance between the corners of the elongate metal sheet and the counter load are established in order to keep the averages in a predetermined allowable range.
- Elements are then blanked out of the opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet with the established distance between the corners thereof, with the element blanking punches and the counter punches under the established counter load.
- the differences between thicknesses at certain points on individual elements are not managed, but the averages of the differences between thicknesses at certain points on elements blanked out of the opposite sides of the metal sheet are managed and brought into a given allowable range. Variations of the averages of the differences between thicknesses at certain points on elements blanked out of the opposite sides of the metal sheet with their heads confronting each other cancel each other. Therefore, even if the differences between thicknesses of individual elements do not fall out of an allowable range, a belt assembly constructed of these elements poses no problems for use in a continuously variable transmission. Thus, elements can be manufactured with a good yield. Since the metal sheet can be positioned with less accuracy when the elements are blanked out of the metal sheet than if the thicknesses of individual elements are managed, the elements can be manufactured with increased productivity.
- the averages of the differences between thicknesses are adjusted based on the distance between the corners and the counter load. By averaging the differences between thicknesses at a measurement point positioned at the neck or nearly at the neck above the slanted surface and below the head and a measurement point positioned at the head, a belt assembly constructed of stacked elements is prevented from being distorted vertically.
- each of the elements preferably has a pair of ears extending laterally from a center of the head, and the measurement point positioned at the head preferably comprises measurement points positioned respectively on the ears. Because the ears are positioned laterally of the head, when the average of the differences between thicknesses of the ears is brought into a given allowable range, a belt assembly constructed of stacked elements is prevented from being distorted horizontally.
- the head of each of the elements has a convex portion, a concave portion, and a clearance disposed around the concave portion, the convex portion is fitted in the concave portion of an adjacent element and the clearance clears a raised area around the convex portion in order to align the elements when the elements are stacked together, and wherein the ears are positioned laterally of the clearance.
- the convex portion, the concave portion, and the clearance being provided on the head of each of the elements, the ears of adjacent elements contact each other. With the heads thus constructed, therefore, thicknesses of the ears at certain locations thereof are measured.
- the step of determining averages of the differences between thicknesses of blanked elements preferably comprises the step of determining the averages when the elements blanked from the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet are mixed at a ratio of about 1 to 1.
- the average of the differences between thicknesses of the elements blanked from one of the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet becomes larger, than the average of the differences between thicknesses of the elements blanked from the other of the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet becomes smaller. Therefore, if the elements blanked from the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet are mixed at a ratio of about 1 to 1, then variations of the averages of the differences between thicknesses of those elements cancel each other.
- the step of establishing a distance between the corners and the counter load preferably comprises the steps of setting the distance between the corners to a value in order to keep the averages of the differences between thicknesses in an allowable range within an adjustable range of the counter load, and adjusting the counter load in order to reduce the averages of the differences between thicknesses when the elements are blanked.
- the thin portions of the elongate metal sheet may be slanted from the corners toward opposite edges of the elongate metal sheet, or may extend flatwise from the corners toward opposite edges of the elongate metal sheet.
- FIG. 1( a ) is a plan view of an element blanked out of a metal sheet by a blanking method according to the present invention
- FIG. 1( b ) is a cross-sectional view taken along line I(b)-I(b) of FIG. 1( a );
- FIG. 2( a ) is a transverse cross-sectional view of a metal sheet out of which elements are to be blanked;
- FIG. 2( b ) is a transverse cross-sectional view of another metal sheet out of which elements are to be blanked;
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blanking apparatus for carrying out the blanking method according to the present invention.
- FIGS. 4 ( a ), 4 ( b ), and 4 ( c ) are cross-sectional views taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, showing successive steps of the blanking method;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of elements blanked out of a metal sheets with their heads confronting each other;
- FIG. 6 is a graph showing the differences between thicknesses at various measuring points of an element.
- an element 1 produced by a blanking method according to the present invention comprises a body 2 which, when a plurality of elements 1 are stacked and bundled into an annular form, will be positioned radially inside of the annular form, i.e., on a lower side in FIGS. 1 ( a ) and 1 ( b ), and a head 4 joined to the body 2 by a neck 3 , to be positioned radially outside of the annular form. Between the head 4 and the body 2 that are positioned on the opposite sides of the neck 3 , there are defined two recesses 5 in which endless rings, not shown, will be mounted to bundle the elements 1 into the annular form.
- the body 2 has on its lower reverse side a slanted surface 6 that is progressively tapered downwardly away from the head 4 and a thin portion 7 extending from the slanted surface 6 toward the lower end of the body 2 .
- the head 4 has a pair of ears 8 extending laterally from a center thereof and disposed on respective lateral sides thereof.
- the head 4 also has a nose 9 and a hole 10 in a region thereof between the ears 8 .
- the head 4 also has a clearance 11 defined around the hole 10 for clearing a raised area around the nose 9 of an adjacent element 1 when the nose 9 is fitted in the hole 10 .
- the ears 8 of the head 4 , the neck 3 , and an upper portion of the body 2 are in a planar configuration.
- the metal sheet 12 has a flat central portion 13 of a predetermined thickness extending longitudinally and a pair of longitudinal corners 14 on reverse side regions thereof.
- the metal sheet 12 also has a pair of thin portions 7 on respective opposite marginal edges thereof which are joined to the flat portion 13 via the respective corners 14 .
- the corners 14 are spaced from each other by a distance D (see FIG.
- the corners 14 are pressed into slanted surfaces 6 by slanted surface machining regions 23 , 24 of counter punches 21 , 22 shown in FIG. 4, which will be described later on.
- the thin portions 7 are slanted so as to be progressively tapered from the corners 14 toward the opposite edges of the metal sheet 12 .
- the blanking method according to the present invention is carried out by a blanking apparatus 15 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4( a )- 4 ( c ).
- the blanking apparatus 15 has a feed path 16 for feeding the elongate metal sheet 12 therealong, and a first processing station 17 and a second processing station 18 that are spaced along the feed path 16 .
- the blanking apparatus 15 also has a plurality of guide members 19 disposed on opposite sides of the feed path 16 for guiding the metal sheet 12 to move along the feed path 16 against lateral displacement.
- the first processing station 17 and the second processing station 18 have identical structural details. As shown in FIGS. 4 ( a ) through 4 ( c ), the first processing station 17 and the second processing station 18 have a die 20 and a pair of counter punches 21 , 22 movable into and out of the die 20 .
- the counter punches 21 , 22 are normally biased to move upwardly out of the die 20 under a counter load imposed by biasing means, not shown.
- the counter load is established based on a distance D between the corners 14 of the metal sheet 12 .
- the counter punches 21 , 22 have respective slanted surface machining areas 23 , 24 on their upper surfaces and inclined at the same angle as the slanted surfaces 6 of elements 1 for machining the slanted surfaces 6 .
- the counter punches 21 , 22 have respective nose forming holes 25 , 26 defined therein for forming the noses 9 of elements 1 .
- the first processing station 17 and the second processing station 18 also have respective pads 27 , 28 disposed above the feed path 16 and movable downwardly toward the die 20 for pressing the metal sheet 12 against the die 20 , and a pair of element blanking punches 29 , 30 vertically aligned with the respective counter punches 21 , 22 for blanking elements 1 out of the metal sheet 12 .
- the element blanking punches 29 , 30 have respective hole forming punches 31 , 32 for forming holes 11 and clearances 11 , the hole forming punches 31 , 32 being vertically movable in unison with the hole forming punches 31 , 32 .
- the first processing station 17 and the second processing station 18 are vertically movable in ganged relation to the element blanking punches 29 , 30 .
- the guide members 19 are biased to move upwardly by a biasing means, not shown, and can be lowered upon descent of the pads 27 , 28 by guide member pressers 33 , 34 on the pads 27 , 28 .
- FIGS. 4 ( a ) through 4 ( c ) A blanking process carried out by the blanking apparatus 15 for blanking elements 1 out of the metal sheet 12 will be described below. It is assumed that the metal sheet 12 is slightly displaced to the right in FIGS. 4 ( a ) through 4 ( c ). As shown in FIG. 4( a ), when the metal sheet 12 is fed along the feed path 16 while being prevented against lateral displacement by the guide members 19 , the metal sheet 12 is pressed against the die 20 by the pads 27 , 28 , as shown in FIG. 4( b ). At this time, the corners 14 on the reverse side of the metal sheet 12 abut against the respective slanted surface machining areas 23 , 24 of the counter punches 21 , 22 .
- the element blanking punches 29 , 30 When the element blanking punches 29 , 30 are further displaced downwardly, as shown in FIG. 4( c ), the element blanking punches 29 , 30 blank respective elements 1 out of the metal sheet 1 . Since the counter punches 21 , 22 are biased upwardly under the counter load, the corners 14 of the metal sheet 12 are compressed into respective slanted surfaces 6 by the respective slanted surface machining areas 23 , 24 of the counter punches 21 , 22 , as shown in FIG. 4( c ). Because the metal sheet 12 is slightly displaced to the right, the corner 14 for the right element 1 is compressed to a greater extent than the corner 14 for the left element 1 . At the same time, the hole forming punches 31 , 32 and the nose forming holes 25 , 26 form noses 9 , holes 10 , and clearances 11 on the elements 1 .
- the element blanking punches 29 , 30 are lifted, and then the pads 27 , 28 are lifted. Since the counter punches 21 , 22 are biased upwardly under the counter load, the blanked elements 1 are displaced upwardly together with the metal sheet 12 by the counter punches 21 , 22 . At this time, the blanked elements 1 remain joined to the metal sheet 12 by connectors 12 a . The connectors 12 a will be cut off at a subsequent stage to disconnect the elements 1 from the metal sheet 12 .
- the slanted surface 6 of the right element 1 a is greater than the slanted surface 6 of the left element 1 b, and has a length La
- the slanted surface 6 of the left element 1 b is smaller than the slanted surface 6 of the right element 1 a, and has a length Lb (La>Lb).
- the thicknesses of the blanked elements 1 were measured at a reference measurement point A (see FIG. 1) positioned below the neck 3 and above the slanted surface 6 and comparative measurement points B, C positioned on the left and right ears 8 , and the differences between the measured thicknesses were calculated by subtracting the thicknesses at the comparative measurement points B, C from the thickness at the reference measurement point A.
- the results are sown in FIG. 6.
- square blank dots represent the thickness differences of the right element 1 a in FIG. 5 and triangular blank dots represent the thickness differences of the left element 1 b in FIG. 5.
- a shaded zone in the graph of FIG. 6 represents an allowable range of thickness differences.
- the slanted surface 6 is larger in size, raising the reference measurement point A to a large extent. While the thickness difference between the reference measurement point A and the comparative measurement point B falls in the allowable range, the thickness difference between the reference measurement point A and the comparative measurement point C falls out of the allowable range. On the blanked left element 1 b, the slanted surface 6 is smaller in size, raising the reference measurement point A to a small extent. The thickness differences between the reference measurement point A and the comparative measurement points B, C fall out of the allowable range. Accordingly, the elements 1 a, 1 b have heretofore been rejected as defective elements.
- the distance between the corners 14 of the metal sheet 12 is established and the counter load is adjusted, as follows: First, the distance between the corners 14 is established in order to keep the averages of the thickness differences at the measurement points in the allowable range within an adjustable range of the counter load. At this time, the average of the thickness differences at the measurement points should preferably be minimized at a middle point of the adjustable range of the counter load. Then, elements 1 are blanked by the blanking apparatus 15 , and the averages of the thickness differences at the measurement points of the blanked elements 1 are determined. Thereafter, the counter load is finely adjusted to reduce the averages of the thickness differences at the measurement points. In this manner, even after the distance between the corners 14 of the metal sheet 12 has been established, the averages of the thickness differences at the measurement points can be reduced by finely adjusting the counter load.
- the averages of the thickness differences of the elements 1 a, 1 b that are blanked with their heads confronting each other are determined.
- the thickness differences of any elements blanked out of the left or right side of the metal sheet 1 may be averaged.
- the thin portion 7 is linearly tapered or slanted toward each of the opposite side edges of the metal sheet 12 in the cross-sectional shape thereof, as shown in FIGS. 1 ( b ) and 2 ( a ).
- the thin portion 7 may be stepped from the corner 14 on each side of the metal sheet 12 and extend flatwise from the corner 14 toward each of the opposite side edges of the metal sheet 12 in the cross-sectional shape thereof.
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Abstract
Description
- 1. Field of the Invention
- The present invention relates to a method of blanking elements of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission.
- 2. Description of the Prior Art
- As shown in FIGS.1(a) and 1(b) of the accompanying drawings, an
element 1 of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission comprises abody 2 which, when a plurality ofelements 1 are stacked and bundled into an annular form, will be positioned radially inside of the annular form, i.e., on a lower side in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), and ahead 4 joined to thebody 2 by aneck 3, to be positioned radially outside of the annular form. Between thehead 4 and thebody 2 that are positioned on the opposite sides of theneck 3, there are defined tworecesses 5 in which endless rings, not shown, will be mounted to bundle theelements 1 into the annular form. Thebody 2 has on its lower reverse side aslanted surface 6 that is progressively tapered downwardly away from thehead 4 and athin portion 7 extending from theslanted surface 6 toward the lower end of thebody 2. - The
element 1 is usually formed by blanking, with a blanking punch, an elongate metal sheet placed on a die of an element manufacturing apparatus and having a thin portion joined to the rest of the metal sheet via a corner. The corner of the metal sheet is machined into theslanted portion 6 on the reverse side of theelement 1 by a counter punch that is held against the reverse side of theelement 1. A plurality of blanked elements, e.g., several hundred elements, are stacked and bundled into an annular form by endless rings mounted in the recesses in the elements, producing a belt assembly for use in a continuously variable transmission. Since the belt assembly is constructed of a number of stacked elements, it is important to manage the thicknesses of the elements. If the thicknesses of thebody 2 and thehead 4 are widely different from each other, for example, then the belt assembly is vertically distorted when the elements are stacked together. If the elements suffer large thickness variations in their transverse direction, then the belt assembly is laterally distorted when the elements are stacked together. The elements should be manufactured with increased productivity because a number of elements are needed to produce an element assembly. - When an element is blanked out of the metal sheet, the corner of the metal sheet is machined into the slanted surface. In order to keep the thickness of the element in an allowable range, it is necessary to position the metal sheet with increased accuracy at the time of blanking the element out of the metal sheet. However, productivity tends to be lowered if the metal sheet is positioned with increased accuracy.
- Consequently, there has been a demand in the art for a process of blanking elements with increased productivity and a good yield.
- It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved method of blanking elements of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission.
- Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of blanking elements of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission with increased productivity and a good yield.
- When elements are blanked out of two opposite sides of an elongate metal sheet, the metal sheet may possibly be displaced transversely, and thickness variations of individual elements may possibly fall out of an allowable range. The inventor of the present invention has found that even if the metal sheet is displaced transversely and thickness variations of individual elements fall out of an allowable range, when the elements blanked from the opposite sides of the metal sheet are mixed at a ratio of about 1 to 1 into a belt assembly, the belt assembly thus constructed poses no problems for use in a continuously variable transmission.
- According to the present invention, there is provide a method of blanking elements of a belt for use in a continuously variable transmission, each having a body and a head joined to the body by a neck, the body having a slanted surface tapered away from the head and a thin portion extending from the slanted surface toward an end of the body remote from the head. In the method, there is prepared an elongate metal sheet having a flat central portion extending longitudinally and a pair of thin portions disposed on a reverse side thereof and extending from respective corners at edges of the flat central portion toward opposite edges of the elongate metal sheet, and there are used element blanking punches to be applied to a face side of the elongate metal sheet which is placed on a die to blank elements having heads confronting each other across the elongate metal sheet out of two opposite sides thereof, and counter punches to be applied to the corners on the reverse side of the elongate metal sheet and movable with the element blanking punches to deform the corners of the elongate metal sheet under a counter load into slanted surfaces of the elements. Averages of the differences between thicknesses of blanked elements are determined at a measurement point positioned at the neck or nearly at the neck above the slanted surface and below the head and a measurement point positioned at the head. A distance between the corners of the elongate metal sheet and the counter load are established in order to keep the averages in a predetermined allowable range. Elements are then blanked out of the opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet with the established distance between the corners thereof, with the element blanking punches and the counter punches under the established counter load.
- In the above method, the differences between thicknesses at certain points on individual elements are not managed, but the averages of the differences between thicknesses at certain points on elements blanked out of the opposite sides of the metal sheet are managed and brought into a given allowable range. Variations of the averages of the differences between thicknesses at certain points on elements blanked out of the opposite sides of the metal sheet with their heads confronting each other cancel each other. Therefore, even if the differences between thicknesses of individual elements do not fall out of an allowable range, a belt assembly constructed of these elements poses no problems for use in a continuously variable transmission. Thus, elements can be manufactured with a good yield. Since the metal sheet can be positioned with less accuracy when the elements are blanked out of the metal sheet than if the thicknesses of individual elements are managed, the elements can be manufactured with increased productivity.
- The averages of the differences between thicknesses are adjusted based on the distance between the corners and the counter load. By averaging the differences between thicknesses at a measurement point positioned at the neck or nearly at the neck above the slanted surface and below the head and a measurement point positioned at the head, a belt assembly constructed of stacked elements is prevented from being distorted vertically.
- In the method according to the present invention, each of the elements preferably has a pair of ears extending laterally from a center of the head, and the measurement point positioned at the head preferably comprises measurement points positioned respectively on the ears. Because the ears are positioned laterally of the head, when the average of the differences between thicknesses of the ears is brought into a given allowable range, a belt assembly constructed of stacked elements is prevented from being distorted horizontally.
- In the method according to the present invention, the head of each of the elements has a convex portion, a concave portion, and a clearance disposed around the concave portion, the convex portion is fitted in the concave portion of an adjacent element and the clearance clears a raised area around the convex portion in order to align the elements when the elements are stacked together, and wherein the ears are positioned laterally of the clearance. For managing the thicknesses of the elements, it is necessary to manage the thicknesses of the portions of adjacent elements that contact each other. With the convex portion, the concave portion, and the clearance being provided on the head of each of the elements, the ears of adjacent elements contact each other. With the heads thus constructed, therefore, thicknesses of the ears at certain locations thereof are measured.
- In the method according to the present invention, the step of determining averages of the differences between thicknesses of blanked elements preferably comprises the step of determining the averages when the elements blanked from the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet are mixed at a ratio of about 1 to 1. Inasmuch as the elements are blanked from the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet, if the average of the differences between thicknesses of the elements blanked from one of the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet becomes larger, than the average of the differences between thicknesses of the elements blanked from the other of the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet becomes smaller. Therefore, if the elements blanked from the two opposite sides of the elongate metal sheet are mixed at a ratio of about 1 to 1, then variations of the averages of the differences between thicknesses of those elements cancel each other.
- In the method according to the present invention, the step of establishing a distance between the corners and the counter load preferably comprises the steps of setting the distance between the corners to a value in order to keep the averages of the differences between thicknesses in an allowable range within an adjustable range of the counter load, and adjusting the counter load in order to reduce the averages of the differences between thicknesses when the elements are blanked.
- To change the distance between the corners of the metal sheet, it is necessary to change the shape of the metal sheet. Therefore, if the metal sheet is produced by dies, then the dies need to be changed in shape. The counter load may be changed by changing forces with which the counter punches are biased. Therefore, the distance between the corners is established within the adjustable range of the counter load. Thereafter, elements are actually blanked out of the metal sheet, and the counter load is then adjusted in order to reduce the averages of the differences between thicknesses. In this manner, the averages of the differences between thicknesses can easily be reduced.
- The thin portions of the elongate metal sheet may be slanted from the corners toward opposite edges of the elongate metal sheet, or may extend flatwise from the corners toward opposite edges of the elongate metal sheet.
- The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings which illustrate preferred embodiments of the present invention by way of example.
- FIG. 1(a) is a plan view of an element blanked out of a metal sheet by a blanking method according to the present invention;
- FIG. 1(b) is a cross-sectional view taken along line I(b)-I(b) of FIG. 1(a);
- FIG. 2(a) is a transverse cross-sectional view of a metal sheet out of which elements are to be blanked;
- FIG. 2(b) is a transverse cross-sectional view of another metal sheet out of which elements are to be blanked;
- FIG. 3 is a plan view of a blanking apparatus for carrying out the blanking method according to the present invention;
- FIGS.4(a), 4(b), and 4(c) are cross-sectional views taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, showing successive steps of the blanking method;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a pair of elements blanked out of a metal sheets with their heads confronting each other; and
- FIG. 6 is a graph showing the differences between thicknesses at various measuring points of an element.
- As shown in FIG. 1(a), an
element 1 produced by a blanking method according to the present invention comprises abody 2 which, when a plurality ofelements 1 are stacked and bundled into an annular form, will be positioned radially inside of the annular form, i.e., on a lower side in FIGS. 1(a) and 1(b), and ahead 4 joined to thebody 2 by aneck 3, to be positioned radially outside of the annular form. Between thehead 4 and thebody 2 that are positioned on the opposite sides of theneck 3, there are defined tworecesses 5 in which endless rings, not shown, will be mounted to bundle theelements 1 into the annular form. - As shown in FIG. 1(b), the
body 2 has on its lower reverse side aslanted surface 6 that is progressively tapered downwardly away from thehead 4 and athin portion 7 extending from the slantedsurface 6 toward the lower end of thebody 2. Thehead 4 has a pair ofears 8 extending laterally from a center thereof and disposed on respective lateral sides thereof. Thehead 4 also has a nose 9 and ahole 10 in a region thereof between theears 8. When a plurality ofelements 1 are stacked together, the nose 9 of thehead 4 of oneelement 1 is fitted in thehole 10 of thehead 4 of anadjacent element 1, so that theelements 1 are neatly aligned with each other. Thehead 4 also has aclearance 11 defined around thehole 10 for clearing a raised area around the nose 9 of anadjacent element 1 when the nose 9 is fitted in thehole 10. Theears 8 of thehead 4, theneck 3, and an upper portion of thebody 2 are in a planar configuration. - As shown in FIG. 3, two arrays of
elements 1 are blacked out of a singleelongate metal sheet 12 with theheads 4 of two laterally alignedelements 1 being disposed in confronting relation to each other. As shown in FIG. 2(a), themetal sheet 12 has a flatcentral portion 13 of a predetermined thickness extending longitudinally and a pair oflongitudinal corners 14 on reverse side regions thereof. Themetal sheet 12 also has a pair ofthin portions 7 on respective opposite marginal edges thereof which are joined to theflat portion 13 via therespective corners 14. Thecorners 14 are spaced from each other by a distance D (see FIG. 2(a)) determined depending on the material of themetal sheet 12, the size and shape of theelements 1, or the thickness of themetal sheet 12. Whenelements 1 are blanked out of themetal sheet 12, thecorners 14 are pressed into slantedsurfaces 6 by slantedsurface machining regions thin portions 7 are slanted so as to be progressively tapered from thecorners 14 toward the opposite edges of themetal sheet 12. - The blanking method according to the present invention is carried out by a blanking
apparatus 15 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4(a)-4(c). As shown in FIG. 3, the blankingapparatus 15 has afeed path 16 for feeding theelongate metal sheet 12 therealong, and afirst processing station 17 and asecond processing station 18 that are spaced along thefeed path 16. In thefirst processing station 17 and thesecond processing station 18, twoelements 1 are simultaneously blanked out of themetal sheet 12. The blankingapparatus 15 also has a plurality ofguide members 19 disposed on opposite sides of thefeed path 16 for guiding themetal sheet 12 to move along thefeed path 16 against lateral displacement. - The
first processing station 17 and thesecond processing station 18 have identical structural details. As shown in FIGS. 4(a) through 4(c), thefirst processing station 17 and thesecond processing station 18 have a die 20 and a pair of counter punches 21, 22 movable into and out of thedie 20. The counter punches 21, 22 are normally biased to move upwardly out of thedie 20 under a counter load imposed by biasing means, not shown. The counter load is established based on a distance D between thecorners 14 of themetal sheet 12. The counter punches 21, 22 have respective slantedsurface machining areas slanted surfaces 6 ofelements 1 for machining the slanted surfaces 6. The counter punches 21, 22 have respectivenose forming holes elements 1. - The
first processing station 17 and thesecond processing station 18 also haverespective pads feed path 16 and movable downwardly toward thedie 20 for pressing themetal sheet 12 against thedie 20, and a pair ofelement blanking punches elements 1 out of themetal sheet 12. The element blanking punches 29, 30 have respectivehole forming punches holes 11 andclearances 11, thehole forming punches hole forming punches first processing station 17 and thesecond processing station 18 are vertically movable in ganged relation to theelement blanking punches guide members 19 are biased to move upwardly by a biasing means, not shown, and can be lowered upon descent of thepads guide member pressers pads - A blanking process carried out by the blanking
apparatus 15 for blankingelements 1 out of themetal sheet 12 will be described below. It is assumed that themetal sheet 12 is slightly displaced to the right in FIGS. 4(a) through 4(c). As shown in FIG. 4(a), when themetal sheet 12 is fed along thefeed path 16 while being prevented against lateral displacement by theguide members 19, themetal sheet 12 is pressed against the die 20 by thepads corners 14 on the reverse side of themetal sheet 12 abut against the respective slantedsurface machining areas - When the
element blanking punches element blanking punches respective elements 1 out of themetal sheet 1. Since the counter punches 21, 22 are biased upwardly under the counter load, thecorners 14 of themetal sheet 12 are compressed into respectiveslanted surfaces 6 by the respective slantedsurface machining areas metal sheet 12 is slightly displaced to the right, thecorner 14 for theright element 1 is compressed to a greater extent than thecorner 14 for theleft element 1. At the same time, thehole forming punches nose forming holes clearances 11 on theelements 1. - When the blanking of the
elements 1 out of themetal sheet 1 is finished, theelement blanking punches pads elements 1 are displaced upwardly together with themetal sheet 12 by the counter punches 21, 22. At this time, the blankedelements 1 remain joined to themetal sheet 12 byconnectors 12 a. Theconnectors 12 a will be cut off at a subsequent stage to disconnect theelements 1 from themetal sheet 12. - Because the
metal sheet 12 is slightly displaced to the right, as shown in FIG. 5, theslanted surface 6 of the right element 1 a is greater than the slantedsurface 6 of the left element 1 b, and has a length La, and theslanted surface 6 of the left element 1 b is smaller than the slantedsurface 6 of the right element 1 a, and has a length Lb (La>Lb). - The thicknesses of the blanked
elements 1 were measured at a reference measurement point A (see FIG. 1) positioned below theneck 3 and above the slantedsurface 6 and comparative measurement points B, C positioned on the left andright ears 8, and the differences between the measured thicknesses were calculated by subtracting the thicknesses at the comparative measurement points B, C from the thickness at the reference measurement point A. The results are sown in FIG. 6. In FIG. 6, square blank dots represent the thickness differences of the right element 1 a in FIG. 5 and triangular blank dots represent the thickness differences of the left element 1 b in FIG. 5. A shaded zone in the graph of FIG. 6 represents an allowable range of thickness differences. - On the blanked right element la, the
slanted surface 6 is larger in size, raising the reference measurement point A to a large extent. While the thickness difference between the reference measurement point A and the comparative measurement point B falls in the allowable range, the thickness difference between the reference measurement point A and the comparative measurement point C falls out of the allowable range. On the blanked left element 1 b, theslanted surface 6 is smaller in size, raising the reference measurement point A to a small extent. The thickness differences between the reference measurement point A and the comparative measurement points B, C fall out of the allowable range. Accordingly, the elements 1 a, 1 b have heretofore been rejected as defective elements. - However, when the thickness differences between the reference measurement point A and the comparative measurement points B, C on the elements1 a, 1 b that are blanked with their heads confronting each other are averaged, the average thickness differences at the comparative measurement points B, C fall in the allowable range. If the average thickness differences at the comparative measurement points B, C fall in the allowable range, then it has been confirmed that when the elements blanked from the left and right sides (see FIG. 3) of the
metal sheet 12 are mixed at a ratio of about 1 to 1 into a belt assembly, the belt assembly thus constructed poses no problems for use in a continuously variable transmission. Therefore, even ifindividual elements 1 blanked out of themetal sheet 12 by the blanking process according to the present invention have thickness differences fall out of the allowable range, they can be stacked into a belt assembly that is acceptable for use in a continuously variable transmission. Therefore, according to the present invention, the number of any defective elements is reduced as compared with the conventional blanking process, and acceptable elements can be manufactured with an increased yield. - According to the present embodiment, the distance between the
corners 14 of themetal sheet 12 is established and the counter load is adjusted, as follows: First, the distance between thecorners 14 is established in order to keep the averages of the thickness differences at the measurement points in the allowable range within an adjustable range of the counter load. At this time, the average of the thickness differences at the measurement points should preferably be minimized at a middle point of the adjustable range of the counter load. Then,elements 1 are blanked by the blankingapparatus 15, and the averages of the thickness differences at the measurement points of the blankedelements 1 are determined. Thereafter, the counter load is finely adjusted to reduce the averages of the thickness differences at the measurement points. In this manner, even after the distance between thecorners 14 of themetal sheet 12 has been established, the averages of the thickness differences at the measurement points can be reduced by finely adjusting the counter load. - In the illustrated embodiment, the averages of the thickness differences of the elements1 a, 1 b that are blanked with their heads confronting each other are determined. However, since the difference between thicknesses of any elements blanked out of the left or right side (see FIG. 3) of the
metal sheet 1 is small, the thickness differences of any elements blanked out of the left or right side of themetal sheet 1 may be averaged. In the above embodiment, thethin portion 7 is linearly tapered or slanted toward each of the opposite side edges of themetal sheet 12 in the cross-sectional shape thereof, as shown in FIGS. 1(b) and 2(a). However, as shown in FIG. 2(b), thethin portion 7 may be stepped from thecorner 14 on each side of themetal sheet 12 and extend flatwise from thecorner 14 toward each of the opposite side edges of themetal sheet 12 in the cross-sectional shape thereof. - Although certain preferred embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described in detail, it should be understood that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (7)
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2000059802A JP3703678B2 (en) | 2000-03-06 | 2000-03-06 | Punching method for continuously variable transmission belt elements |
JP2000-59802 | 2000-03-06 | ||
JP2000-059802 | 2000-03-06 |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20010018843A1 true US20010018843A1 (en) | 2001-09-06 |
US6453716B2 US6453716B2 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
Family
ID=18580209
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/798,898 Expired - Fee Related US6453716B2 (en) | 2000-03-06 | 2001-03-06 | Method of blanking elements of belt for continuously variable transmission |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US6453716B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP1132648B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP3703678B2 (en) |
DE (1) | DE60102087T2 (en) |
Cited By (6)
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DE10357849A1 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2005-07-07 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Belt driving continuously variable bevel gear transmission unit, comprising pushing elements with integrated lubricant ducts |
US9192974B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2015-11-24 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Work-punching device, work-punching method, and method for producing element for continuously variable transmission |
US20180141101A1 (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2018-05-24 | Honda Motor Co.,Ltd. | Method of manufacturing metal element for continuously variable transmission |
CN110345199A (en) * | 2018-04-03 | 2019-10-18 | 本田技研工业株式会社 | Stepless transmission hardware and its manufacturing method |
US20210172496A1 (en) * | 2019-12-10 | 2021-06-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Transverse segment for a drive belt and a drive belt for a continuously variable transmission including the transverse segment and a ring stack |
CN113260469A (en) * | 2018-12-24 | 2021-08-13 | 罗伯特·博世有限公司 | Fine blanking process |
Families Citing this family (23)
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EP1287924B1 (en) * | 2000-04-17 | 2006-12-20 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Method of manufacturing v-block of metallic belt type continuously variable transmission and metal mold for the v-block |
EP1158203B1 (en) * | 2000-05-26 | 2005-07-27 | Honda Giken Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha | Element for belt for continuously variable transmission and method of blanking such element |
NL1019639C2 (en) * | 2001-12-21 | 2003-06-24 | Method for forming a link for a push belt for a continuously variable transmission. | |
JP3827005B2 (en) * | 2002-06-12 | 2006-09-27 | アイダエンジニアリング株式会社 | Element manufacturing method for continuously variable transmission belt |
NL1020990C2 (en) * | 2002-07-03 | 2004-01-06 | Doornes Transmissie Bv | Method for forming a transverse element for a push belt for a continuously variable transmission. |
NL1024530C2 (en) * | 2003-10-14 | 2005-04-15 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Preventing bursting during a punching process of a transverse element for a push belt for a continuously variable transmission. |
NL1024957C2 (en) * | 2003-12-05 | 2005-06-07 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Fine stamping device. |
NL1025080C2 (en) * | 2003-12-19 | 2005-06-21 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Shared mold with at least two mold components. |
NL1030702C2 (en) * | 2005-12-19 | 2007-06-20 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Method for manufacturing a transverse element intended to form part of a push belt for a continuously variable transmission. |
NL1031963C2 (en) * | 2006-06-07 | 2007-12-10 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Method for forming a tilting zone on a transverse element for a push belt for a continuously variable transmission. |
SI1914022T1 (en) * | 2006-09-01 | 2009-08-31 | Feintool Ip Ag | Method and device for producing three-dimensional products by forming and fine-blanking operations |
NL1032701C2 (en) * | 2006-10-18 | 2008-04-22 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Shared punching member intended for use for punching transverse elements for use in a push belt for a continuously variable transmission. |
JP5391636B2 (en) * | 2008-10-08 | 2014-01-15 | アイシン・エィ・ダブリュ株式会社 | Punching method for CVT belt element |
CN102438766B (en) | 2009-04-27 | 2014-06-25 | 本田技研工业株式会社 | Method for manufacturing element for belt of continuously variable transmission |
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JP5243400B2 (en) * | 2009-12-24 | 2013-07-24 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Method for manufacturing element for continuously variable transmission |
EP2399690B1 (en) | 2010-06-24 | 2013-06-05 | Feintool Intellectual Property AG | Method for producing cross elements for a transmission belt |
WO2013121500A1 (en) * | 2012-02-13 | 2013-08-22 | アイシン・エィ・ダブリュ株式会社 | Device and method for punching element |
NL1040585C2 (en) * | 2014-01-02 | 2015-07-06 | Bosch Gmbh Robert | Basic material for a transverse segment for a drive belt for a continuously variable transmission and blanking method using it. |
EP3175937B8 (en) * | 2015-12-02 | 2021-03-03 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Method for producing metal element for continuously variable transmission and metal element for continuously variable transmission |
JP6396361B2 (en) * | 2016-04-15 | 2018-09-26 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Method for manufacturing metal element for continuously variable transmission |
JP6546633B2 (en) * | 2017-04-28 | 2019-07-17 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Method of manufacturing metal element for continuously variable transmission |
JP6957400B2 (en) * | 2018-03-27 | 2021-11-02 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Molding method of metal plate material |
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NL182128C (en) * | 1979-02-22 | 1988-01-18 | Volvo Car Bv | METHOD FOR PRODUCING FORCE-TRANSMITTING CROSS-TRANSMITTING CROSS-SHEETS |
JPS63115638A (en) * | 1986-10-31 | 1988-05-20 | Fuji Heavy Ind Ltd | Forming method for element in driving belt for continuously variable transmission |
NL8700156A (en) | 1987-01-23 | 1988-08-16 | Doornes Transmissie Bv | DRIVING BELT, CROSS-ELEMENT FOR A DRIVING BELT AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURE THEREOF. |
JP3736993B2 (en) * | 1999-07-13 | 2006-01-18 | 本田技研工業株式会社 | Belt for continuously variable transmission |
-
2000
- 2000-03-06 JP JP2000059802A patent/JP3703678B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
-
2001
- 2001-03-06 EP EP01302035A patent/EP1132648B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 2001-03-06 US US09/798,898 patent/US6453716B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2001-03-06 DE DE60102087T patent/DE60102087T2/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Cited By (8)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE10357849A1 (en) * | 2003-12-11 | 2005-07-07 | Zf Friedrichshafen Ag | Belt driving continuously variable bevel gear transmission unit, comprising pushing elements with integrated lubricant ducts |
US9192974B2 (en) | 2010-09-30 | 2015-11-24 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Work-punching device, work-punching method, and method for producing element for continuously variable transmission |
US20180141101A1 (en) * | 2016-11-21 | 2018-05-24 | Honda Motor Co.,Ltd. | Method of manufacturing metal element for continuously variable transmission |
CN110345199A (en) * | 2018-04-03 | 2019-10-18 | 本田技研工业株式会社 | Stepless transmission hardware and its manufacturing method |
US11506256B2 (en) * | 2018-04-03 | 2022-11-22 | Honda Motor Co., Ltd. | Metal element for continuously variable transmission and method of manufacture the same |
CN113260469A (en) * | 2018-12-24 | 2021-08-13 | 罗伯特·博世有限公司 | Fine blanking process |
US20210172496A1 (en) * | 2019-12-10 | 2021-06-10 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Transverse segment for a drive belt and a drive belt for a continuously variable transmission including the transverse segment and a ring stack |
US11486464B2 (en) * | 2019-12-10 | 2022-11-01 | Robert Bosch Gmbh | Transverse segment for a drive belt and a drive belt for a continuously variable transmission including the transverse segment and a ring stack |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP2001246428A (en) | 2001-09-11 |
DE60102087T2 (en) | 2004-07-15 |
DE60102087D1 (en) | 2004-04-01 |
JP3703678B2 (en) | 2005-10-05 |
EP1132648A1 (en) | 2001-09-12 |
US6453716B2 (en) | 2002-09-24 |
EP1132648B1 (en) | 2004-02-25 |
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