Belt Guide Has Surface In Sliding Contact With Belt Patents (Class 474/140)
  • Patent number: 8371973
    Abstract: A chain tensioner includes a cylindrical cylinder having an open end and a bottom, a cylindrical plunger axially slidably inserted in the cylinder and having a bottom and an open end located in the cylinder, a screw rod mounted in the cylinder and having an external thread on an outer periphery thereof, wherein the plunger has a protrusion on an inner periphery thereof which is in threaded engagement with the external thread of the screw rod, and wherein the external thread has a pressure flank for receiving pressure when a force is applied that tends to push the plunger into the cylinder, and a clearance flank, the pressure flank having a larger flank angle than the clearance flank, whereby the external thread is serration-shaped, and a return spring mounted between the plunger and the screw rod and biasing the plunger in a direction to protrude from the cylinder, thereby pressing a chain with the plunger, wherein the protrusion extends only a limited arcuate range of the inner periphery of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: NTN Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Sato, Tasuku Furukawa
  • Patent number: 8360908
    Abstract: An expandable pulley comprising a plurality of adjacent segments, each segment being radially moveable, each segment slidingly engaged with a pin member, each pin member having an engagement with each segment such that each segment is moveable in a direction substantially at an angle (?) to a radial along each pin member, a moveable guide member engaged with each segment for spatially locating each segment with respect to another segment, a counterweight cooperatively connected to each segment and cooperatively engageable with each pin member, each counterweight exerting a force opposing a segment centripetal force, and each pin member connected to a hub.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: The Gates Corporation
    Inventor: Alexander Serkh
  • Patent number: 8317643
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensioning system (1), which is used in traction mechanism drives, particularly chain drives of internal combustion engines, is provided. The tensioning system (1) includes a piston (3), which is designed in the shape of a crucible, subjected to a pressure by a pressure spring (8), guided in a linearly displaceable manner in a housing (2) and spring-loaded against a traction mechanism. Hydraulic fluid can flow out of a pressure chamber (5) depending on an actuating direction of the piston (3) via an overpressure valve (11) forming a damper and associated with the piston (3) or can enter via a one-way valve (7) of the housing (2) into the pressure chamber (5). The overpressure valve (11) encloses a valve plate (15) that is integrated in the piston (3), and a pressure spring (8) of the piston (3) surrounds an outside of the valve housing (12) of the overpressure valve (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dominik Hofmann, Roman Kern
  • Publication number: 20120295747
    Abstract: An elongated stationary guide for a traveling transmission chain in an engine such as a timing chain has a narrow reinforcing groove formed along the longitudinal direction of a metal base plate of the guide by surface-pressing, whereby the base plate exhibits plastic deformation. The narrow reinforcing groove extends toward the ends of the base plate past the locations at which the base plate is mounted on an engine block by mounting bolts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Yuichiri Ishikawa, Atsushi Hayami, Tadashi Shintani
  • Publication number: 20120270689
    Abstract: A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Applicant: EKO SPORT, INC.
    Inventors: Ryan K. Cranston, James K. Rogers
  • Patent number: 8267822
    Abstract: A belt drive is provided which includes a circulating belt (8) which is driven by at least one drive element (9) and which drives at least one driven element (10). At least one first tensioning device (20) acts upon the belt (8) in the slack strand and at least one second tensioning device acts in the tightened strand. To prevent or reduce jumps and/or transverse oscillations of the belt (8), the second device (21) guides the belt (8) and at least one third device (22) which is arranged radially inside the belt drive, which is suitable, optionally, limits deviations of the belt (8). The second device (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100) also tensions the belt (8) in such a manner that it is subjected to a force (F1) which is smaller than the force (F2) which is oriented counter thereto during the operation of the belt (8) on the second tensioning device (30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90, 100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Schaeffler Technologies AG & Co. KG
    Inventors: Bolko Schuseil, Michael Bogner, Roman Kern
  • Patent number: 8262521
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tensioner assembly for a traction medium drive, specifically a chain drive, with at least two traction medium wheels and a flexible traction medium, comprising a tensioning rail which can be pressed against the traction medium by means of a tensioning device, wherein the tensioning rail is applied against at least one sliding guide and can be displaced along the at least one sliding guide by means of the tensioning device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: iwis motorsysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Christian Bauer, Heiner Hegering
  • Patent number: 8235849
    Abstract: A combined chain guide and chain ring protector for a bicycle for off-road use having a lower bracket sleeve, a chain ring around which a drive chain extends and a chain ring outer radius. The protector includes a mounting bracket secured at the lower bracket sleeve and a guard mounted thereto. An outer edge of the guard extends beyond the outer radius of the chain ring, thereby protecting a portion of the chain ring from inadvertent impacts. The chain guide extends from the mounting bracket along a path of the drive chain, and preferably includes an upper guide having an inner barrier positioned inboard of the bicycle chain an outer barrier positioned outboard of the inner barrier and an upper barrier positioned above the bicycle chain for preventing the chain from derailing from the chain ring in an upward direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: Eko Sport, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan K. Cranston, James K. Rogers
  • Publication number: 20120172164
    Abstract: A chain catcher device for bicycle chains, provided for preventing the bicycle chain from slipping off from an inner chain ring (34), comprises a fastening element (10) and a catching element (12). The fastening element serves for fastening the chain catcher device to the bicycle frame (24), particularly to fasteners for a bottle holder. For this purpose, the fastening element comprises two fastening means (14, 16; 18, 20) arranged at mutual distances on the fastening element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Inventor: Stephan Vogt
  • Publication number: 20120122620
    Abstract: A chain guide that contacts a chain connecting a cam sprocket and a crank sprocket, and has a contact portion contacting the back of the chain in a length direction of the chain and a convex curved line in a cross-section of the contact portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicants: Kia Motors Corporation, Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Seung Woo Lee, Sung Hwan Oh, Hong Kil Baek
  • Patent number: 8172709
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a tensioning rail or a guide rail for tensioning and/or guiding a drive chain, comprising an opening for receiving a retaining bolt and a retaining bolt which can be inserted into the opening, wherein a lock device working between the retaining bolt and the opening is provided with a lock projection at the opening and a lock recess at the retaining bolt or vice versa, which lock device secures the retaining bolt in a mounting position relative to the opening and at least temporarily releases the retaining bolt in order to move it to a fixing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2012
    Assignee: IWIS Motorsysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Martin Bodensteiner, Henning Geibel
  • Publication number: 20120094794
    Abstract: The present invention is a tensioner for securing a loop of roller blind chain to a window frame and to a wall adjacent the window frame. The tensioner includes a member having a top portion with a peripheral edge, a bottom portion, opposite end portions, opposite side portions, and a central aperture passing through the opposite side portions and positioned between the opposite end portions and between the top and bottom portions. The central aperture is dimensioned to permit the roller blind chain to pass there through. The member has a first thickness separating the opposite first and second sides of the member and a second thickness between the central aperture and the peripheral edge, the first thickness and the second thickness each being greater than the distance separating the beads of the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Inventor: Philip Ng
  • Publication number: 20120065010
    Abstract: [Issue] To allow deviation of a chain to be reliably restricted during travel, and also to allow friction loss to be easily reduced when the chain is operating. [Means of Resolution] A guide plate 4 is disposed on the outermost side in the width direction of a silent chain 1 comprising link plates 2 which are pivotably linked by means of linking pins 3. The guide plate 4 has a pair of pin holes 41 into which the linking pins 3 are inserted, and also has side end parts 42 which are disposed at both ends in the longitudinal direction thereof, and an upper end part 43 and a lower end part 44 which link the side end parts 42 in the longitudinal direction. The upper end part 43 and the lower end part 44 are formed with a tapered transverse section, and become steadily thinner toward the tip end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Applicant: BorgWarner
    Inventor: Toshikazu Tokita
  • Publication number: 20120015769
    Abstract: One exemplary embodiment includes a U-shaped chain guide bracket including a base wall extending in a longitudinal direction from an upstream end to a downstream end of the base wall, and a pair of laterally opposed side walls extending away from the base wall and having laterally opposed mounting pads and apertures. The base wall and opposed side walls establish an upstream end, a downstream end, a central portion between the upstream and downstream ends, and a general U-shaped cross-section at least at each of the upstream and downstream ends and at the central portion. The bracket is formed from sheet metal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2010
    Publication date: January 19, 2012
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Bradley F. Adams
  • Patent number: 8088029
    Abstract: In a chain transmission, the guide-contacting portions of inner and outer plates of a chain each comprise a pair of front and rear flat surfaces, an intermediate concave oil-retaining surface and convex connecting surfaces. The lengths of the flat surfaces are such that adjacent flat surfaces of overlapping inner and outer plates overlap even when the plates in contact with the portion of a convex guide surface having the smallest radius of curvature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takashi Tohara, Tatsuya Konishi, Toyonaga Saitoh
  • Publication number: 20110306449
    Abstract: One embodiment may include an automotive timing chain system component (10, 12) such as a tensioner arm (10) or a chain guide (12) that, during use, bears directly or indirectly against a chain (22) of an automotive timing chain system (14). The component (10, 12) may have an elongated body (16, 116) made into a generally hollow shape by a hydroforming process. The body may have a first open free end (26, 126) and a second open free end (28, 128).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: BORGWARNER INC.
    Inventor: Bradley F. Adams
  • Publication number: 20110251002
    Abstract: In a chain guide mechanism having a guide bridge for integrally holding two chain guides, a chain and a driving sprocket for more efficient assembly and maintenance, the guide bridge has a oil inlet on a surface of its sprocket-pressing base for receiving oil from an oil supply port in an engine block on which the guide bridge is mounted. The oil inlet communicates, through an internal passage within the base of the guide bridge, with an oil discharge port within a groove in which teeth of the driving sprocket travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Kaori Mori, Masahiko Konno
  • Publication number: 20110244999
    Abstract: A continuously variable chain-belt transmission (chain-belt CVT) housed in a transmission casing formed by a transmission case and a side cover, has a pair of conical disk pairs, each pair of which is rotatably supported by disk supporting portions provided in the transmission case and the side cover; a chain wound around the pair of conical disk pairs; a chain guide attached to the chain to restrain movement of the chain and having an annular guide portion that encloses an entire circumference, in cross section, of the chain; and a chain guide supporting portion supporting the chain guide between the transmission case and the side cover. The chain guide supporting portion has a fixing side chain guide supporting portion fixed to the transmission case and a connecting side chain guide supporting portion connecting to the fixing side chain guide supporting portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: Takayuki NAKAMURA, Hidekazu YAGI, Kazutaka IMAI
  • Publication number: 20110230287
    Abstract: A lateral travel limiter for the chain of a chain drive assembly as commonly seen on multi-speed bicycles. The chain lateral travel limiter attached to a bicycle frame proximate to a front derailleur and the front chain rings, and is positioned with respect to the front derailleur and the front chain rings so that during a shifting event, and in the event that the front derailleur shifts the chain laterally from a first plane defined by an outer chain ring to second plane defined by an inner chain ring and the chain travels laterally beyond the second plane defined by the inner chain ring, the chain is caught against the chain lateral travel limiter and guided in a manner that redirects the chain to the plane of rotation defined by the chain when engaged and rotating on the inner chain ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Joseph Savola, Eric L. Jensen, Albert Savola, Lawrence A. Rupe
  • Publication number: 20110218068
    Abstract: A stationary guide for an engine timing chain is mounted by engagement of two longitudinally space mounting holes with two pins protruding from an engine block. At least one of the holes is formed with a stop wall positioned to prevent improper reverse mounting of the guide, and preferably positioned so that its abutment with the end of a mounting pin positions the guide in proper alignment with the normal path of travel of the timing chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Koichi Shimosaka, Atsushi Kawano, Atsushi Kumakura
  • Patent number: 8007385
    Abstract: In a sliding contact chain guide of the kind used in the timing transmission of an internal combustion engine, the back of the guide shoe, which engages a metal guide base, is formed with two, spaced longitudinal ribs, having between them a set of ribs formed in a lattice. The longitudinal ribs are wider than the ribs of the lattice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Manabu Hirayama, Toyonaga Saitoh, Kaori Mori, Fumio Asami
  • Publication number: 20110203867
    Abstract: A chain guide device wherein it is unnecessary to make a chain guide body a thick and heavy member to enhance the productivity of the chain guide body. The chain guide body is split into a left guide half having a left-side upper split surface and a left-side lower split surface which are formed along a longitudinal direction of a chain and a right guide half having a right-side upper split surface and a right-side lower split surface. The guide bodies, which are roughly U-shaped, can be easily demolded after injection molding to enhance productivity. The contact of the chain with the split surfaces is lessened, as compared with the case where split surfaces are inclined at an angle relative to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Accordingly, wearing of the split surfaces is restrained, and it is unnecessary to make the chain guide body greater in thickness and weight.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventors: Takaya KAKIMOTO, Mikio UCHIYAMA
  • Patent number: 7967708
    Abstract: A chain guide is composed of a resin shoe engageable with an aluminum base frame. The shoe has a hook formed at a chain entry end for engagement with a chain entry end of the base frame, and a C-shaped hook at the chain exit end engageable with a side edge of the base frame. The shoe is engaged with the base by first engaging the C-shaped hook with the side edge of the base frame, then flexing the chain entry end of the shoe until the hook at the chain entry end can receive the chain entry end of the base. The shoe is moved a short distance toward the chain exit end of the base until a projection formed on a back surface of the shoe near the chain entry end snaps into a depression formed on a front surface of the base frame, locking the shoe and base together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayami, Tomoya Iwata
  • Patent number: 7955206
    Abstract: A tensioner that includes a blade shoe (106), at least one blade spring (112), a ramp 122), and a brake (132). The blade shoe has a curved chain sliding face, an underside, opposite the chain sliding face, a proximal end pivotally attached to ground and a distal end. The ramp is fixed to ground and has a ramp surface (122a) for contacting the chain sliding face or the underside of the blade shoe. The brake is self-energizing, pivotally fixed to ground and has a friction contact surface (132a) for contacting the distal end portion (106c) of the chain sliding face, the blade spring, or the underside of the blade shoe for restricting movement of the distal end of the blade shoe in one direction and allowing movement in the opposite direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Michael Smart
  • Patent number: 7951029
    Abstract: In an engine timing chain guide composed of a synthetic resin shoe supported on a frame by L-shaped and strip-shaped engagement members integrally molded as unitary parts of the shoe, the L-shaped members are formed with oblique tongues that resiliently engage side edges of the frame member, and the strip-shaped engagement members include surfaces that extend obliquely toward, and resiliently engage, a side edge of the frame member. Laterally extending legs of the L-shaped members are also formed with bulged portions, and the frame member is sandwiched between the bulged portions and a back side of the shoe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Haruhisa Oota, Junya Kurohata
  • Patent number: 7951031
    Abstract: A straddle type all terrain vehicle is provided with a chain guide for covering an outer peripheral edge of at least an engaged portion of a driven sprocket with a drive chain from outside in a radial direction inside a chain cover. A rear axle housing is formed with upper and lower flange portions extending upward and downward at opposite end portions in the vehicle width direction of the rear axle housing. The rear axle housing is coupled to a rear end portion of the rear swing arm for swinging forward and rearward about mounted portions of the upper flange portion. The chain cover is mounted on the swing arm side and the chain guide is mounted on the rear axle housing side, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Suzuki Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yuzo Hioki, Tetsuharu Nojiri
  • Patent number: 7946939
    Abstract: A sprocket (3A, 3B) is fixed onto a crank shaft (2) projecting outward from a cylinder block (1) of an internal combustion engine (100). A timing chain (7A, 7B) is looped around the sprocket (3A, 3B). A slippage prevention mechanism (10) which prevents slippage of the timing chain (7A, 7B) with respect to the sprocket (3A, 3B) comprises an arm (10C) extending from a base portion (10A) fixed to the cylinder block. A slippage prevention rail (10B) in the form of an arc-shaped recess is formed on the arm (10C) so as to face the engaging part between the sprocket (3A, 3B) and the timing chain (7A, 7B) with a clearance smaller than the height of a tooth of the sprocket (3A, 3B) therebetween. The slippage prevention rail (10B) thus constructed does not interfere with other members fixed onto the crank shaft (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Nissan Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takuya Hirata, Noriyoshi Maruyama
  • Patent number: 7942770
    Abstract: A tensioner assembly for a drive system, including a chain, of an internal combustion engine, includes a housing that is fixedly secured to the internal combustion engine. A piston is disposed within the housing. The piston is moveable between retracted and extended positions. The piston generates a force. A pivoting guide operatively extends between the chain of the drive system and the piston. The pivoting guide applies a first portion of the force against the chain. A lever is operatively connected to the piston between the piston and the pivoting guide. The lever translates the force from the piston to the pivoting guide. The tensioner assembly also includes a cam member that is pivotally coupled to the housing and is slidingly engaged with the pivoting guide. The cam member abuts the lever such that movement of the lever by the piston pivots the cam member in a manner that applies a second portion of the force against the pivoting guide in a varying magnitude.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Litens Automotive Partnership
    Inventors: Jacek S. Komorowski, Witold Gajewski
  • Publication number: 20110105259
    Abstract: A guide member, such as a guide rail or a tensioning rail, of a traction mechanism drive, for use on an internal combustion engine. The rail-like guide member, which is preferably manufactured from plastic, has at least one through opening into which a preferably metallic sleeve is inserted and which sleeve has a first end which, projecting out of the through opening, is arranged such that it can be brought into contact with an engine part. The first end of the sleeve has a larger circumference than a second end of the sleeve, which is opposite the first end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Rainer FUHRMANN
  • Publication number: 20110105258
    Abstract: In a chain guide mechanism, fixed and movable guides are attached to a guide bridge by cooperation of bosses on the guides with boss-receiving holes formed in spaced-apart elements of arms of the bridge. A fixed guide is held against rotation by cooperation of a projection on its mounting boss with a notch in a boss-receiving hole in a guide bridge arm element. A base, extending from an intermediate location at which the arms come together has a pressing structure that engages bosses on a driving sprocket, and a groove for receiving teeth of the driving sprocket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Masahiko Konno, Kaori Mori, Yuji Kurematsu, Akira Kobara, Manabu Hirayama
  • Patent number: 7922613
    Abstract: A hollow yoke is inserted into a bore section of a frame. The yoke is connected to a slider via a slit in the frame. A timing belt is inserted into a belt hole of the yoke. Further, a pair of guide members are provided on both side surfaces of the yoke, which engage with guide grooves of the frame. The yoke is displaced along the guide grooves by the timing belt, under a driving action of a driving section. Accordingly, the slider is displaced in the axial direction along the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: SMC Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Kazuhiro Iida
  • Patent number: 7892125
    Abstract: A device for tensioning a flexible drive member includes a pair of opposing contact elements adapted to simultaneously engage upper and lower spans of the flexible drive member. The device further includes a connecting member to draw the contact elements together and position the contact elements at a selected distance from each other to provide a predetermined tension to the flexible drive member. The tensioning device may be implemented in a print substrate transport subsystem adapted to move media through a print system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventors: Aaron T. Nelson, Ng Boon Hang, Alan Boo Keng Aik, Brent R. Jones
  • Patent number: 7874949
    Abstract: In a power unit, a counter shaft of a transmission and a crank shaft of an internal combustion engine, both located below a main shaft of the transmission, are arranged parallel to each other on a separating plane H of a crankcase. In a transmission mechanism T which drives an oil pump located below the separating plane H, a drive sprocket is placed on the main shaft of the transmission and a driven sprocket is placed on a drive shaft of the oil pump. An endless chain slidably touches a slender long chain guide along the running direction of the endless chain. The chain guide is fitted only to an end wall of an upper crankcase at its fitting part. The chain guide stretches across the end wall of the upper crankcase and an end wall of a lower crankcase, and effectively suppresses vibration of the endless chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yuichi Tawarada
  • Publication number: 20110011363
    Abstract: An internal combustion engine having a crankshaft and first and second balance shafts which are gear driven from one to the other, as a unilateral tensioning system applied to a flexible drive extending between the engine's crankshaft and a first one of the balance shafts, with the unilateral tensioning system being applied to the tension side alone of the flexible and inextensible drive element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2009
    Publication date: January 20, 2011
    Applicant: FORD GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventor: Vince Paul Solferino
  • Publication number: 20100267504
    Abstract: In a transmission chain having link plates with convex edges for sliding contact with a guide surface, the plates are asymmetric in shape so that the distance from a line connecting the centers of the connecting holes and the convex edge is greatest at a position other than at the midpoint between the connecting holes. A pivoting action of the link plates takes place as they slide over a guide surface, changing the abutment point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Miyazawa, Toyonaga Saitoh
  • Publication number: 20100234154
    Abstract: The invention relates to the guidance of chains on bicycles. In this context, a chain stay is provided on a rear section of a bicycle, which chain stay is set up by means of a receiving device in such a manner that a chain guide can be fixed firmly on the chain stay. Furthermore, the chain guide is designed in such a manner that with regard to the guidance of the chain, it is possible to respond to a lateral position change of the chain due to a derailleur gear in such a manner that the desired guidance of the chain is achieved in any lateral position of the chain. The chain is thus held in the desired position in any operating state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2010
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jochen Klieber
  • Publication number: 20100222170
    Abstract: A silent chain using double-sided driving link plates having symmetrical upper and lower teeth has a problem that it is unable to assure a required risky sectional area of the plates because a width between upper and lower crotches is narrow. The invention provides a silent chain using double-sided driving link plates whose required risky sectional area is maintained by using link plate whose back side is undercut and whose upper and lower parts are unsymmetrical even though its front side has a shape of a normal link plate. A distance from a line connecting centers of pin holes to a bottom of an upper-side crotch is equal to or more than ½ of a diameter of the pin hole to assure the risky sectional area. Teeth of the back side are cut away to form a flat surface to assure a contact area with a shoe and others.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Inventors: Mitsura Yasuta, Yukihiro Kishi, Nobuyuki Matsui
  • Publication number: 20100203991
    Abstract: A chain guiding element (1) for a timing chain (7) of a timing chain drive, with the guiding element having a rigid base body (3) is provided. A spring element (4) is arranged on the base body (3). The side of the spring element (4) facing the control chain has a guiding surface (6) for the timing chain (7), and a space is created between the base body (3) and the side of the spring element opposite the guiding surface (6).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER KG
    Inventor: Simon Xunnan He
  • Patent number: 7771303
    Abstract: A chain guide for guiding a chain includes a chain passage formed by an outer side wall and an inner side wall for surrounding the chain passage. A front end portion of the inner side wall is retracted to and is positioned at a rear side of a vehicle body than a front end portion of the outer side wall. Guide ribs are formed on an upper wall and a bottom wall and are brought into sliding contact with upper and lower sides of the chain. A discharge recessed portion which is opened frontwardly from the front end portion is formed in the inner side wall, wherein the chain passage is in communication with the outside through the discharge recessed portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomohiro Fuse, Shinya Nishiyama
  • Patent number: 7753815
    Abstract: A bicycle chain wheel assembly is provided with a chain wheel and a chain wheel cover. The chain wheel has a central mounting portion and an outer gear with a plurality of outer gear teeth. The chain wheel cover is disposed on an exteriorly facing side of the chain wheel. The chain wheel cover has a mounting portion coupled to the chain wheel and an outer peripheral portion with a chain drop prevention protrusion projecting outwardly from the outer peripheral portion at a location that is radially inward of the outer gear teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Shimano Components (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd.
    Inventors: Muhd Àdi Saifuddin, Noor Adian Bin Mohsin, Masahiro Hanatani
  • Patent number: 7740554
    Abstract: A chain guide for guiding a chain traveling around a sprocket supported on a frame of a motorcycle is disclosed. Typically, the chain guide includes a plastic chain guide support having a substantially U-Shaped body with a channel formed along an inner surface of the body. The body typically includes an outer surface and a ridge structure protruding outward from the outer surface so as to reinforce the chain guide support. The body of the plastic chain guide support is generally configured with at least one mounting hole sized to receive a fastener for securing the chain guide to the frame of the motorcycle. Typically the plastic chain guide support further is configured to house a chain guide insert in at least a portion of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2010
    Assignee: T.M. Designworks, LLC
    Inventor: Timothy McGarry
  • Patent number: 7708662
    Abstract: Vehicle apparatus for a vehicle including a chain guide device which can be easily mounted to the vehicle with a reduced number of parts. The chain, guide device for guiding a chain in the vehicle includes a main frame and a rear swing arm extending rearward from the main frame. The chain guide device also includes a stay extending downward from the rear swing arm, a sectionally U-shaped plate member fastened to the stay using fastening members, and a chain guide member mounted in the plate member. The chain guide member has a chain guide hole through which the chain passes through to be guided. The chain guide member is fixed by fitting the lower surface and the right and left side surfaces of the chain guide member to the plate member and by fitting the upper surface of the chain guide member to the stay.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 4, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Mikio Uchiyama, Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Patent number: 7695384
    Abstract: A belt device that is provided with an endless belt having a projection on an inner surface of the endless belt, the projection extending parallel to a running direction of the endless belt; and a support roller having a guide member that contacts the projection, the support roller supporting the endless belt so as to run the endless belt, wherein the guide member is separately provided from the support roller and nonrotatably supported between the support roller and the projection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2010
    Assignee: Brother Kogyo Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Yasushi Okabe
  • Patent number: 7691019
    Abstract: A chain guide, including a chain guide member and a guide holder, in which deformation and/or scarring of the guide holder can be controlled, and which is easy to assemble and disassemble, is described. The position of a front end of the guide holder is brought in contact with a flange provided at the front end of the chain guide member. Left and right side surfaces of the chain guide member are formed on the backside of the flange. The leading edge of the front end of the guide holder abuts and confronts the left and right side surface of the backside of the flange of the chain guide member so that a chain entering the chain guide contacts the chain guide member rather than the guide holder. A method of manufacturing the guide holder is presented.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Kazuhiko Gogo
  • Patent number: 7691018
    Abstract: A blade tensioner system for a chain that imparts tension to a chain that drivingly connects to a driven shaft to a drive shaft in an engine. The blade tensioner comprises a blade shoe and mating block. The blade shoe has an arcuately curved chain sliding face, a proximal end portion, and a distal end portion having a pair of tapered sides joined by a bottom and at an angle. The mating block has a channel with a pair of tapered sides joined by a bottom and at a second angle for receiving the distal end portion. When load on the chain increases, the tapered sides of the distal end portion and the bottom contact and wedge with the tapered sides of the channel of the mating block, damping chain vibration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: BorgWarner, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Christian Haesloop, Sam A. Kuznets
  • Patent number: 7691017
    Abstract: A hydraulic tensioner comprising a piston slidably inserted in a piston bore of a housing having rack teeth on an outer circumference thereof, a piston spring biasing the piston in a protruding direction, a pawl member having teeth engageable with the rack teeth of the piston to permit protruding movement of the piston but to block reverse movement of the piston provided in a pawl hole of the housing, and a pawl spring in a pawl spring hole of a generally elliptical cross-section that biases the pawl member in an engaging direction of the teeth of the pawl member with the rack teeth of the piston. A long axis of the generally elliptical cross-sectional shape of the pawl spring is oriented toward an axial direction of the piston. Wire portions of the pawl spring substantially follow the long axis that contacts an upper surface of the pawl member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: BorgWarner Morse TEC Japan K.K.
    Inventors: Shin Seungpyo, Simon Barrette
  • Patent number: 7632200
    Abstract: A chain tensioning device links multiple tensioning arms to a common link, causing the tensioning arms to rotate into and displace chain strands with a single applied force and motion. The two tensioning arms rotate and tension proportionally, and when the pivot pin distances are equal, the two tensioning arms rotate and tension equally. The chain tensioner is preferably used to tension two slack chains flanking an auxiliary drive shaft. The chain tensioner is biased against the chain by a hydraulic tensioning assembly in one embodiment and by a spring tensioning assembly in another embodiment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: George L. Markley, Sam A. Kuznets
  • Publication number: 20090305829
    Abstract: In a pocket-type chain wheel comprising two groups of pockets (3) for chain links (10) of a chain strand which pass through the wheel at an angle ? relative to the wheel axis (8), said groups of pockets (3) being disposed next to and offset from each other, the angle ? is determined exclusively by the material diameter d and the internal width bi of the chain links (10) at a given number of teeth of the wheel in that it is ensured that the contact between the chain links (10) and the pockets (3) is limited to the area of the flanks of the teeth.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventors: Rolf Sinz, Heribert Herzog
  • Patent number: 7628719
    Abstract: A tensioner for a closed loop power transmission system for an internal combustion engine having a drive shaft terminating in a sprocket and at least one camshaft, each terminating in a sprocket, with a single continuous chain wrapping around all of the sprockets. The tensioner contains a pair of elongated tensioning arms, each one in slidable contact with one of the two strands of chain that traverses between the driving sprocket and the driven sprocket(s). Each tensioning arm contains a wear face that remains in constant slidable contact with the strand of chain to which it is adjacent. An adjusting arm connects one of the ends of the tensioning arms. The adjusting arm has a ratchet means that adjusts for the backlash in the system and takes up any slack in the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Borgwarner, Inc.
    Inventor: George L. Markley
  • Publication number: 20090281007
    Abstract: A sliding member formed of a resinous material is in sliding contact with a steel member in an automotive internal combustion engine. The resinous material includes a thermoplastic resin composition which includes a fluororesin in an amount ranging from 5 to 40 parts by weight, and a thermoplastic resin other than the fluororesin, in an amount ranging from 95 to 60 parts by weight. The fluororesin contains crosslink formed between at least a part of carbon atoms forming part of a molecule chain of the fluororesin and at least a part of carbon atoms forming part another molecular chain of the fluororesin, and active end group formed at least a part of the molecule chain of the fluororesin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventors: Tomohito OTA, Tomihito HASHIMOTO