Chain link
AssigneeBorg-Warner Automotive Transmission & Engine Components Corporation
InventorGary J. Novak
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A chain link is provided with a concave back configuration that substantiy matches the curvature of the contact surface of a chain tensioner. In the chain assembly, as the backs of the links contact the chain tensioner surface, the contact stresses are reduced as a result of the matched curvatures. The link geometry is utilized in both silent chain and roller chain assemblies.
Claims12
A roller chain assembly for use with a sprocket and a chain tensioner, said tensioner having a tensioner surface defined by a radius of curvature, said chain having a series of interleaved inner links and outer links;
- each outer link having a pair of outer link plates fixedly mounted to spaced pin members, said outer link plates having a front portion and a back portion;
- each inner link having a pair of bushings mounted to turn on said pins of said outer links, said inner links having inner link plates fixedly mounted to said bushings, said inner link plates having a front portion and a back portion;
- each of said inner links and said outer links being adapted to receive a sprocket tooth;
- at least some of said outer link plates having a concave back portion, said concave back portion having a radius of curvature that substantially matches the curvature of said tensioner surface.
A power transmission chain for use with a sprocket and a chain tensioner, said tensioner having a tensioner surface defined by a radius of curvature, said chain comprised of a plurality of interleaved sets of links, pivot means connecting adjacent sets of links, each link defining a pair of apertures for receiving said pivot means,
- some of the links of said chain having an upper portion and a lower portion, each lower portion having at least one toe, said toe being adapted to contact said sprocket,
- said upper portions of at least some of said links having a concave edge, said concave edge having a radius of curvature that substantially matches the curvature of said tensioner surface.
A chain assembly and sprocket combination, comprising an assembly of interleaved chain links and a plurality of toothed sprockets,
- a chain tensioning device, said chain tensioning device having a contacting surface with a predetermined radius of curvature, said tensioning device being located externally of the interleaved assembly of links,
- said chain links being formed with a back surface having a concave curvature that substantially matches the curvature of said tensioner surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.