Limited articulation chain (inverted tooth or roller) created by "squaring" ends (top and/or bottom) of links/guides of chain
AssigneeBorgWarner Inc.
InventorsMark MacDonald Wigsten, Brian R. Scotti, George L. Markley
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A limited articulation chain design that prevents or reduces chain jumping at a given amount of chain slack comprises a chain having a plurality of alternating inner and outer links having ends interconnected by pins, wherein the ends of the outer links are partially or substantially squared on the sprocket side, such that the ends of adjacent outer links limit articulation of the links around the pins to a predetermined radius, by interfering with the adjacent outer links at the predetermined radius.
Claims6
A limited articulation chain that prevents or reduces chain jumping at a given amount of chain slack, comprising:
- a plurality of alternating inner and outer links having ends interconnected by pins, wherein said ends of said outer links are partially or substantially squared on a sprocket side, such that said squared ends of adjacent outer links limit articulation of said links around said pins to a predetermined radius, by interfering with said adjacent outer links at said predetermined radius
In a chain drive system comprising an endless chain having a plurality of alternating inner and outer links having ends interconnected by pins, and at least two sprockets, a method for preventing or reducing chain jumping at a given amount of chain slack, comprising the step of:
- forming said ends of said outer links in a partially or substantially squared form on a sprocket side, such that said squared ends of adjacent outer links limit articulation of said links around said pins to a predetermined radius, by interfering with said adjacent outer links at said predetermined radius, such that said chain has a radius of curvature slightly smaller than that of the smallest of said sprockets in said system.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.