Patent attributes
The invention provides for cooling an endless belt in a continuously variable transmission (CVT). The CVT is comprised of a drive clutch, a driven clutch, and an endless belt disposed about the drive and driven clutches. Both the drive and driven clutches include an axially stationary sheave and an axially movable sheave. A central hub extends from an inner surface of at least one of the sheaves, and further includes at least one bore. The one bore defines an air path extending from an outer face of the hub through the one sheave to the outer face of the one sheave. At least one recessed channel is located on an inner surface of at least one of the sheaves. The one recessed channel defines an air path around a side of the endless belt in contact with the inner face of the one sheave. The invention will cool the belt as it rides about the drive clutch and driven clutches. In addition, the invention will provide at least one reduced-slip sheave surface for the belt in the CVT.
