Patent ID: 6592483
Filing Date: 2003-07-15
Classification: F16G

Abstract:
A chain-belt for a CVT having multiple variable pulleys mounted on shafts having an axis, the pulleys having tapered inward-facing contact surfaces, comprising:a) a plurality of links, each link comprising a plurality of parallel tensile link plates (14), each of the link plates having a length and a thickness and connection apertures (11) located substantially towards the ends thereof; b) a plurality of cylindrical bushings (10) passing through the connection apertures in the link plates, each having a hollow center and a length at least equal to a total thickness of the link plates across the chain belt; c) a plurality of cylindrical pins (12) passing through the hollow center of each of the bushings, each having a length greater than the length of the bushings; and d) a plurality of wear pads (8) on an outside of each link, where an inside surface of each wear pad contacts an end of the bushings such that compressive force is transmitted from wear pad to opposing wear pad through the bushings, each wear pad being centered along a centerline of the chain, and tapered to mate with the contact surfaces of the pulleys.