Belt Formed Of Rigid Links Patents (Class 474/206)
  • Publication number: 20130196804
    Abstract: A link chain has alternating inner and outer chain links connected by a chain articulation, having a direction of motion, wherein each inner chain link has at least one inner plate, and each outer chain link has at least two outer plates and two chain link pins connecting these plates, each pin being rotationally fixed in a pin opening of the associated outer plate and extending through a link opening of the associated inner chain link to form a chain articulation. The inner and/or outer chain links have plate backs contactable with a tensioning rail or guide rail. A forward region of the plate backs in the direction of motion of a part of the inner and/or outer plates extends at an angle to a plane projected between the center lines of the pin openings or link openings. The vertex of the angle points away from the direction of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO., KG
    Inventor: IWIS MOTORSYSTEME GMBH & CO., KG
  • Publication number: 20130190121
    Abstract: A roller chain may include a link having a pair of outer plates connected to a pair of pins, where one of the pins sufficiently extends outside the plate to facilitate connection with a stud and thereby provide connection for attachments.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2013
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: The Timken Company
    Inventors: Vernon Eugene Skipper, James David McLuckie, Donald John Noordt, Garrett James Griffy, Thomas Christopher Paul
  • Patent number: 8491430
    Abstract: A roller chain assembly includes an attachment chain having links that carry bent leg plates extending over a frame. The leg plates each carry a number of roller pins supporting the plate against the frame at predetermined, multiple points on the plate. The chain links have connecting pins extending outwardly from the chain links that are received in grooves formed in the frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Inventor: Kevin Eugene Swartz
  • Patent number: 8485926
    Abstract: A sealing arrangement used to create a seal between a first (12) part of a chain and a second (14) part of a chain, wherein said second part can at least be pivoted in relation to the first part, exhibiting the following features: a sealing ring (40) with an annular sealing lip (42) for sealing a lubricant area between parts which can be pivoted towards each other, an elastic ring (60) which can be fixed to one of the parts and which can be used to exert pressure on the sealing ring; in addition to a supporting ring (50) which is arranged between the sealing ring and the elastic ring; and link of a chain provided with said sealing arrangement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: AB SKF
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Vom Stein, Wolfgang Korte, Marcus Stojek
  • Patent number: 8485927
    Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links respectively having front and rear insertion parts into which pins are inserted, a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins which are arranged in front and back for connecting the links. A plurality of the links includes two types of the links having different pitch lengths, wherein provided that a radius of a pulley shaft is RA, a radius of curvature of a face of the link having a shorter pitch length at an inner diameter side of the chain is RS, and a radius of curvature of a face of the link having a longer pitch length at an inner diameter side of the chain is RL, relation is set to be RA?RS?1.5RA, and RS<RL.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Yoshihisa Miura, Teruko Nakazano
  • Patent number: 8469845
    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: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Toshihiko Miyazawa, Toyonaga Saitoh
  • Publication number: 20130102428
    Abstract: A flyer chain includes outer-, inner-, and intermediate plate-links, and a chain bolt, wherein the outer-, inner-, and intermediate plate-links are arranged in a single-lacing, and wherein a clearance fit is established between the chain bolt and the outer plate-links
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Rexnord Kette GmbH
    Inventor: Rexnord Kette GmbH
  • Publication number: 20130092120
    Abstract: The two and three piece bullet aluminum timing chain cover with removable upper half and adjustable needle bearing idler sprocket is a unique non-conventional timing chain cover and sprocket combination that utilizes a sprocket to allow a longer chain to be used for the additional height separation from crank center to cam center line. It takes up timing chain slack or excessive side play within the chain, and allows it to be mounted and assembled on Dart engineering Chevy Engine Blocks part numbers 31282465 through 31293875.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Inventors: Dominick Joseph Mininni, Mary Elizabeth Mininni
  • Publication number: 20130079183
    Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links respectively having front and rear insertion parts into which pins are inserted, a plurality of first pins and a plurality of second pins which are arranged in front and back for connecting the links A plurality of the links includes two types of the links having different pitch lengths, wherein provided that a radius of a pulley shaft is RA, a radius of curvature of a face of the link having a shorter pitch length at an inner diameter side of the chain is RS, and a radius of curvature of a face of the link having a longer pitch length at an inner diameter side of the chain is RL, relation is set to be RA?RS?1.5 RA, and RS<RL.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventor: JTEKT Corporation
  • Patent number: 8360912
    Abstract: Chain return arrangement and sprocket and chain assembly employed therein with the bow flanks of the horizontal chain links (1) of the chain assembly (10) exhibiting a concave trough at least below an equatorial line (7) and the chain link pockets (52) of the sprocket (50) that receive the horizontal chain links at their tooth flanks (53) in the contact areas (55) to the chain links (1) having a convex crown shape to match the troughed bow flank. This significantly reduces the surface pressures between the two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Caterpillar Global Mining Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Adam Klabisch, Gerhard Merten
  • Patent number: 8250846
    Abstract: A push-pull chain that can bend in one direction only, and is provided with at least two rollers on each of the driving pins, one of the rollers engages a drive sprocket and the other of said at least two rollers engages a chain guide surface. An actuator for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses this dual-roller push-pull chain. A link driven push-pull chain that can bend in one direction only, with links that is shaped as an engagement surface for engaging a drive sprocket. An actuator for e.g. opening and closing a window that uses the link driven push-pull chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Jens Joerren Soerensen
  • Publication number: 20120165144
    Abstract: The invention relates to a chain guide plate, more particularly a chain guide side plate, having a contour profile (1) which has at least one contour profile section (3) of concave configuration and at least one contour profile section (7) of convex configuration situated opposite the contour profile section (3) of concave configuration. An area (22) formed by the contour profile section (7) of convex configuration can be arranged within an area (21) formed by the contour profile section (3) of concave configuration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2009
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Nicolas Dogimont, Christian Poiret
  • Publication number: 20120149512
    Abstract: A torque transmission chain and torque transmission device of which the strength of links is increased by devising lock points that regulate the maximum relative rotation angle between the links are provided. Lock points that contact with pins and interpieces to regulate the maximum relative rotation angles are provided at four portions, that is, a front surface of a link front pillar portion, a rear surface of a link rear pillar portion and a front surface and rear surface of a link intermediate pillar portion. Each of allowable maximum relative rotation angles regulated by the lock points of a link outline portion is set so as to be smaller than each of allowable maximum relative rotation angles regulated by the lock points of the link intermediate pillar portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: JTEKT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seiji Tada, Shigeo Kamamoto
  • Patent number: 8167751
    Abstract: A conveyor belt comprising a plurality of successive belt elements (2), each belt element (2) comprising at least one transverse rod (4) and two opposing side members (3) connected to each other by the at least one transverse rod (4), and a link (6) forming a joint intermediate the lateral edges (7a, 7b) of the conveyor belt between the adjoining transverse rods (4) of each pair of adjoining belt elements (2). Each link (6) comprises a plate (11) in which two successive rod receiving holes (12) are formed, wherein the rod receiving holes (12) have an offset (O) towards a first side (13) of said plate (11) and wherein a recess (16) is formed in said first side (13) of the plate (11), between said rod receiving holes (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies AB
    Inventors: Göran Gramby, Urban Wilthorn
  • Publication number: 20120100946
    Abstract: To provide a chain having a mechanism for preventing backbend which does not cause any reduction in power transmission efficiency when the chain is operating, which can suppress string vibration in the chain spans, and which is highly durable. A mechanism for preventing backbend is provided, in the chain length direction, with a plurality of spring washer structures (5) consisting of a pair of left-right spring washer parts (50, 51) which have linking pins (3) inserted therein, and linking bars (55) for linking the areas between the spring washer parts (50, 51); and adjacent spring washer structures (5) in the chain length direction extend in the length direction of the chain in a state in which the spring washer parts (50, 51) of each are overlapping. When link plates (2) undergo backbend, the spring washer structures (5) flex together with the link plates (2), and the mutual rotation of the spring washer parts (50, 51) causes an increase in the thickness of the spring washer structures (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2010
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Applicant: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventor: Tetsuji Kotera
  • Patent number: 8157246
    Abstract: A deflecting roller for link chains, for example, round link chains or profiled steel chains, presents, on the periphery, chain pockets for lying chain links. Furthermore, chain pockets for standing chain links are provided. The chain pockets for the standing chain links are separated from each other by teeth. The tooth flank surfaces of the teeth, against which a standing chain link bears under the action of a load, are dimensioned and profiled in a specific way. The dimensioning is carried out so that, up to a certain chain loading, the standing chain link does not bear with its nose against the tooth flank. A contact between the tooth flank surface and the nose of the standing chain link concerned occurs only starting at a certain chain loading.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Assignee: Konecranes Plc
    Inventor: Jurgen Weingartner
  • Patent number: 8157683
    Abstract: The invention concerns a chain for a chain transmission with chain links coupled by a parallel chain pins, each chain link having at least one link plate, the chain pins forming pivot axes for the link plates at a pitch distance whereby a chain link axis perpendicularly intersects the two pivot axes, said link plates having towards at least one end side of the link plate a cam surface for supporting the link plate on a cylindrical support surfaces of a sprocket wheel with a pitch angle. In accordance with the invention the cam surface ends in a convex curved plane with near the end side an increasing slope angle with the link axis whereby the slope angle increases to at least half of the pitch angle or to at least seven degrees.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2012
    Inventor: Theodorus Henricus Johannes Carolina Korse
  • Publication number: 20120088619
    Abstract: An outer plate for a chain is disclosed, the outer plate having two bores each adapted to receive an end of a pin. Each one of the bores has an inner wall with a layer of imbedded abrasive material. A chain assembled from the outer plates and the pins is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Horst Adel, Troy Luck
  • Patent number: 8146340
    Abstract: A bush is pressed into a link plate in a turning link rank that turns relatively with a pin. The bush is molded into a seamless cylindrical shape by cold-forging and is coated with a metal carbide layer formed by cementation of chrome, vanadium and other metals and having Vickers hardness of 1300 Hv or more similarly to the pin. Afterwards, the bush is treated by a quenching, tempering or isothermal transformation process. Thereby, wear resistance of the pins and the link plates of a silent (link) chain is improved, productivity is improved and associated costs are reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Assignee: Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yoshihiro Shimada, Nobuyuki Matsui
  • Publication number: 20120035012
    Abstract: To provide a chain which makes it possible to reduce friction loss during operation. [Means of Resolution] An endless silent chain 1 which comprises a plurality of links 2 having respective pairs of pin holes 22, which are linked in such a way as to be able to flex about one another by means of linking pins 3 that are inserted into the pin holes 22, wherein one or more projections 25, 26 is/are provided on one of the main surfaces 2A of the links 2 so that a specific gap C is formed between adjacent links 2 in the width direction of the chain, and these projections 25, 26 come into contact with the main surface 2B of the link 2 which is adjacent to that link 2 in the width direction of the chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Applicant: BORGWARNER, INC.
    Inventor: Daisuke Yoshimura
  • Patent number: 8100794
    Abstract: When disposing pins of different shapes at random, pins of small involute base circle radius are made not to be arranged contiguously, pins of relatively small length are made not to be arranged contiguously, and pins of relatively outward offset are made not to be arranged contiguously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Shigeo Kamamoto, Seiji Tada
  • Patent number: 8096528
    Abstract: A chain sprocket for link chains, for example, round link chains or profiled steel chains, has chain pockets for horizontal chain links. Chain pockets for vertical chain links are also provided. The chain pockets for the vertical chain links are separated from one another by teeth. The tooth flank surface of the tooth that a vertical chain link contacts under the effect of a load is dimensioned and profiled in a special manner. The dimensioning is such that up to a defined chain load the vertical chain link does not contact the tooth flank with its nose. A contact between the tooth flank surface and the nose of the respective chain link occurs only above a defined chain load.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: Konecranes Plc
    Inventors: Jurgen Weingartner, Manfred Finzel, Volker Dietrich
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8066604
    Abstract: The chain comprises a plurality of external links (2), each defined by a pair of parallel external plates (4, 5) and by two rotation pivots (6) interpositioned between the two external plates (4, 5). The chain also comprises a plurality of internal links (3), each defined by a pair of parallel internal plates (7, 8) and by two bushes (9) interpositioned between the plates and each internal link (3). Each of the rotation pivots (6) is inserted coaxially in a bush (9) and so defines an alternated succession of external links (2) and internal links (3) and defines with the bush (9) a spherical coupling surface. The chain also comprises anti-rotation elements (12) for reducing a possibility of rotation with respect to an alignment direction of each pair of adjacent links (2, 3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2011
    Assignee: F.S.A. S.R.L.
    Inventors: Ermanno Righi, Sandro Montanari
  • Patent number: 8057340
    Abstract: A chain has a resin member integrally molded on an inner circumferential surface of a bushing with a strong joining force between the resin member and an inner circumferential surface of the bushing. The chain has an inner link in which both end portions of a pair of front and rear bushings are press-fitted into bushing holes of a pair of right and left inner plates, and an outer link in which both end portions of a pair of front and rear pins are press-fitted into pin holes of a pair of right and left outer plates. The inner and outer links are alternately connected to each other in a longitudinal direction of the chain. The inner circumferential edge portions 112a of both end portions of the bushing 112 are chamfered, and the bushing is lined with the resin member 115 insert-molded on an inner circumferential surface of the bushing 112 to produce flared ends, and a central portion of the lined bushing 112 between the ends thereof becomes thicker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Tomoo Suko, Katsuya Enomoto
  • Patent number: 8057341
    Abstract: A chain drive with at least two sprocket wheels provided with teeth having an evolvent spline, and a toothed chain that engages therewith, especially for a vehicle propulsion system, which toothed chain includes individual rows of link plates that have openings, wherein the link plates are movably connected with each other by rocker pieces penetrating the openings and have chain teeth. The chain drive is characterized in that the tooth flanks of at least one tooth of least one of the sprocket wheels are designed differently.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Stephan Penner, Marcus Junig, Anton Simonov, Michael Pichura
  • Publication number: 20110263369
    Abstract: In a chain comprising interconnected link plates at least some of which come into sliding contact with one or more chain guides, at least some of the link plate edges that come into sliding contact with the guides have a convex curvature with different curvatures on the front and rear sides of an apex at an intermediate location. The radius of curvature on the front side of the apex is greater than the radius of curvature on the rear side of the apex. The front and rear curvatures can be circular or cycloidal. Alternatively, one of the front and rear portions can be circular while the other is cycloidal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.,
    Inventor: Kazuyoshi Kurihara
  • Publication number: 20110263368
    Abstract: In a seal chain, a seal mechanism comprises a pair of mutually facing seal members, a first seal member of the pair being in contact with an inner plate of the chain, and a second seal member of the pair being in contact with an outer plate of the chain. A pair of resilient annular lips formed on the first seal member are in sliding contact with a surface of the second seal member. Each sealing member has lubricant-filled grooves facing the plate with which it is in contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Makoto Fujiwara
  • Patent number: 8038558
    Abstract: Chain return arrangement and sprocket and chain assembly employed therein with the bow flanks of the horizontal chain links (1) of the chain assembly (10) exhibiting a concave trough at least below an equatorial line (7) and the chain link pockets (52) of the sprocket (50) that receive the horizontal chain links at their tooth flanks (53) in the contact areas (55) to the chain links (1) having a convex crown shape to match the troughed bow flank. This significantly reduces the surface pressures between the two parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: DBT GmbH
    Inventors: Adam Klabisch, Gerhard Merten
  • Patent number: 8038559
    Abstract: The end faces of a first pin contain bulging curved faces having an egg-like shape, when viewed along a chain width direction. Each bulging curved face includes a first end portion, a second end portion and a maximum width portion with respect to a chain advancing direction. With respect to perpendicular directions, the distance between the center of the maximum width portion and the first end portion is relatively large, whereas the distance between the center of the maximum width portion and the second end portion is relatively short. It is possible to enlarge the surface area of the bulging curved face.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Tada, Shigeo Kamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110230289
    Abstract: The double-sided inverted tooth chain has inner link plates and middle link plates, which have teeth projecting in both a first direction and a second direction and a pair of pin holes. Also, the double-sided inverted tooth chain has outer link plates, which also contain pin holes, that are fixed to the inner link plates and the middle link plates by pins fitted into the pin holes of the link plates, forming an endless loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Inventors: Bolko SCHUSEIL, Lucian BOTEZ
  • Publication number: 20110220455
    Abstract: A people mover comprising a plurality of steps or palettes to carry and move people. A transmission chain formed into an endless loop is connected to the steps or palettes via which the steps or palettes are moved. The transmission chain comprises consecutive chain links connected in a hinged manner to each other such that the chain links are bendable in relation to each other in a first direction (I) and in a second direction (II). Two turning elements are provided around which the transmission chain is arranged to pass. The consecutive chain links of the transmission chain bend in relation to each other in the first direction (I) when passing around the respective turning elements. A bending limitation mechanism is arranged to limit bending of the transmission chain occurring in the second direction (II).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: Kone Corporation
    Inventors: JORMA MUSTALAHTI, Arttu Hult, Nithil Karimpanackal Natarajan, Raimo Pelto-Huikko, Aki Metsänen
  • Patent number: 8016706
    Abstract: A plate-link chain composed of a plurality of plates that form plate sets, which are connected to an adjacent plate set with a hinge joint. At least some of the plates have a stopping means that limits bending of the plate-link chain in a direction opposite to the bend direction the chain undergoes when it passes over and around a pulley or a gear with which the chain comes into contacting engagement when the pulley or gear rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG
    Inventors: Marcus Junig, Anton Simonov, Olga Ispolatova, Michael Pichura, Martin Vornehm, Aurel Vietoris
  • Publication number: 20110207569
    Abstract: The toothed chain employs tracks of inner plates, a track of middle plates and tracks of outer plates. At least one track of inner plates or the track of middle plates has teeth projecting in both a first direction and a second direction and a pair of pin holes. The teeth are mirrored along a centerline of each link plate. The outer plates also contain pin holes, and can have a symmetrical shape such that the lower portion and the upper portion have the same shape. The outer plates are fixed to the two tracks of inner plates and track of middle plates by pins that are fitted into the pin holes of the plates, forming an endless loop.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Horst ADEL
  • Patent number: 8002658
    Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links and a bending-restraining mechanism. The bending-restraining mechanism includes a wire extending in a lengthwise direction along the chain and engaging at least three adjacent joints of the chain. The wire is formed such that it elastically deforms when an inside link rotates around the inner joint in a first direction from a linearly extending state, the wire thereby applying a bending resistance to the inside link during articulation of the chain. In one embodiment, the wire includes at least one curved section clipped around at least a majority of a circumference of at least one joint. In another embodiment, the wire is formed such that a predetermined bias due to a bending deformation of the wire is applied to the inside link when the chain is extended linearly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Kouji Morishige, Timothy J. Ledvina
  • Publication number: 20110183799
    Abstract: An inverted tooth chain and sprocket drive system in which the initial contact distance ICD, the meshing impact angle Sigma (?), the link plate entrance angle Beta (?), and other aspects of the meshing geometry are controlled and optimized to reduce noise and vibration by using a particular chain link plate form and, in preferred cases, by modifying the sprocket tooth pressure angle. The system can include first and second sprockets for which the pressure angle can be controlled to ensure that the desired values for the initial contact distance ICD, the meshing impact angle Sigma (?), and the link plate entrance angle Beta (?) are equal for both sprockets even though the sprockets have different tooth counts. For a chain pitch P in the range of 6.35 mm to 7.7 mm, the initial contact distance ICD is controlled such that 0.49 P?ICD?0.53 P, the meshing impact angle Sigma (?) is controlled such that ??34°, and the link plate entrance angle Beta (?) is controlled such that ??9°.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventors: James D. Young, Darren J. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20110183800
    Abstract: A link plate for a transmission chain composed of a plurality of link plates flexibly connected to one another has a guide-contacting edge for direct sliding contact with a chain guide. The guide-contacting edge is composed of a plurality of surface portions in alternating relationship with a plurality of grooves along the direction of chain travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO.
    Inventor: Takashi Tohara
  • Patent number: 7967710
    Abstract: The invention relates to a link-plate chain for a v-pulley-continuously variable transmission, especially for motor vehicles, with several cradle thrust pieces configured in pairs and projecting transversely through the link-plate chain, and links which are offset to each other and which connect the cradle thrust pieces in the lengthwise direction of the chain, the cradle thrust pieces adjoining each other with the inner rolling surfaces facing each other and interacting with outer rolling surfaces with openings of the links and on their front sides having friction surfaces which run onto the annular surfaces of the v-pulleys to transmit torque, and furthermore the cradle thrust pieces being made such that the differences of the torque transmitted by way of the cradle thrust piece pairs to the links, which differences are present over the width of the link-plate chain, are at least partially compensated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Audi, AG
    Inventor: Matthias Krause
  • Patent number: 7963872
    Abstract: The plates of transmission chain for an engine are formed with a guide-contacting configuration composed of spaced flat surfaces that come into sliding contact with a flat chain guide, and convex surfaces, continuous with and between the flat surfaces, for sliding contact with a convex chain guide. The convex surfaces are connected by a concave surface that, with the guide surface, forms an oil-retaining clearance. The radius of curvature of the convex curved surfaces of the plate preferably increases gradually from the location where they meet the flat surfaces toward the location where they meet the concave surface. The plates can have the same configuration on the side facing the inside of chain loop as on the side facing the outside of the chain loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Takashi Tohara, Tatsuya Konishi
  • Patent number: 7946941
    Abstract: An outer chain plate is configured to aid in downshifting such that a chain moves more smoothly from an outer chain ring (sprocket) to an inner chain ring (sprocket) with either no downshifting recess being provided on the outer chain ring or at least a shallower than normal downshifting recess being provided on the outer chain ring. At least a bottom part of the outer chain plate that faces a center axis of a sprocket when in use has a portion removed to minimize contact with outer chain ring when downshifting. Preferably, the bottom part of the outer chain plate has a chamfered outer edge portion along a cutout portion that defines a reduced area portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Shimano Inc.
    Inventors: Toshinari Oishi, Yusuke Nishimoto
  • Publication number: 20110118069
    Abstract: A chain for a timing drive or an assembly drive of a drive device of a motor vehicle, which has a plurality of link packs articulatedly connected to one another and formed from middle links and cover links, with corresponding recesses through which chain pins or chain sleeves are inserted, and a plurality of inner links which connect the link packs to one another. At least the inner links and the middle links have different expansion behavior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: SCHAEFFLER TECHNOLOGIES GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Bolko SCHUSEIL, Antonius LUERING, Klaus HAHN
  • Patent number: 7942772
    Abstract: In a silent chain having interleaved guide rows and joint rows, guide plates at the outer sides of the guide rows are connected by engagement pins which extend through overlapping recesses formed on the outer flanks of the guide row plates, and on the inner flanks of the joint row plates. The engagement pins contact sprocket teeth before the outer flanks of the guide row plates contact the sprocket teeth. Cutouts formed in the guide plates adjacent the engagement pins allow the guide plates to deform and thereby absorb the impact imparted to the engagement pins by the sprocket teeth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventors: Masatoshi Sonoda, Takayuki Morimoto
  • Patent number: 7922614
    Abstract: The invention proposes a chain for a machine drive, transport of material in a machine or the like, and also a packaging machine comprising one such chain, this chain being better than known link chains at meeting requirements in respect of hygiene conditions during operation and cleaning. This is achieved according to the invention in that flexible chain links (4) are provided between rigid chain links (2), the flexible chain links (4) being fixed to the rigid chain links (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2011
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmuller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Ivo Ruzic, Elmar Ehrmann
  • Patent number: 7909718
    Abstract: A seal chain in which a sealing member having a shape of a “plus” in section is steadily twisted (turned) and deformed into a shape of an “X” and whose abrasion resistance and flexing torque are improved. The sealing member is formed such that inner diametric side end faces of third and fourth lip portions extending in a transverse direction from a center base portion extend in a direction orthogonal to a radial direction and outer diametric side end faces thereof are formed as tapered faces such that width of the lip portion is widened from an edge face toward the base portion. A diagonal distance of the center base portion is within a range of 0.8 to 1.0 of a clearance between inner and outer link plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2011
    Assignee: Daido Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Akiyoshi Komeya
  • Patent number: 7896766
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a side bow conveyor chain whose respective chain links are interconnected by a chain hinge which is adapted to be pivoted about a first and a second axis, said chain hinge comprising a pivot bolt which is arranged along said first axis, a pivot pin which is arranged along said second axis and through which the pivot bolt extends, and a reception sleeve, which extends along the second axis and in which the pivot pin is pivotable relative to the reception sleeve about said second axis. The reception sleeve is provided with lateral pivot openings which allow the pivot bolt to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: iwis antriebssysteme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Frank Mitzschke, Wolfgang Janzen, Jens Sumpf, Sven Eichhorn, Klaus Nendel
  • Patent number: 7892127
    Abstract: A chain (1) includes plural links (2) and plural pairs of first and second pins (3 and 4) to couple the links each other. The first pin (3) comes into rolling and sliding contact with the second pin (4) at the contact portion (D). The first pin (3) includes a pair of end faces (17) opposing each other in the chain width direction (W), and a contact region (24) that comes into contact with the corresponding sheave surfaces of the pulley is formed in each end face (17). The contact region (24) includes the center point of contact (M). The first pin (3) includes a first type pin (3a) and a second type pin (3b). When the linear region of the chain (1) is viewed in the chain width direction (W), the relative position of the contact portion (D) and the center point of contact (M) is different between the first type pin (3a) and the second type pin (3b).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Tada, Shigeo Kamamoto
  • Patent number: 7874952
    Abstract: A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links aligned in a chain travel direction and a coupling member that includes a first power transmission member and a second power transmission member. The first power transmission member includes an opposing portion that opposes the corresponding second power transmission member and contacts the corresponding second power transmission member on a contact portion that undergoes displacement in association with a change of a bending angle between corresponding links in a contact state including at least one of rolling contact and sliding contact. The opposing portion includes an arc-shaped portion having a predetermined radius of curvature and a rate-of-change increasing portion. The arc-shaped portion includes a portion that forms the contact portion when the bending angle is equal to or greater than zero and equal to or smaller than a predetermined boundary angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: JTEKT Corporation
    Inventors: Seiji Tada, Shigeo Kamamoto
  • Patent number: 7837583
    Abstract: In a silent chain, link plates having two different back heights are arranged so that V-shaped oil guiding walls, opening in the direction of chain travel, are formed on the back of the chain that comes into sliding contact with the shoe of a chain guide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Takashi Tohara
  • Publication number: 20100248879
    Abstract: A chain is constructed by alternately connecting a pair of outer link plates connected together with pins and a pair of inner link plates connected together with bushings into which adjacent pins of adjacent pairs of outer link plates are inserted. On the outer and inner surfaces of component parts of the chain, a lubricant composition for chains containing 95% to 80% by mass of a lubricant which is liquid at room temperature and 5% to 20% by mass of a wax which is solid at room temperature and having a consistency of from 60 to 475 and a dropping point of from 60° C. to 120° C., is adhered.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2008
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: Tsubakimoto Chain Co.
    Inventor: Koji Tanaka
  • Patent number: 7803080
    Abstract: An improved link for a chain for use with a sprocket, the link comprising a body having a pair of apertures for receiving connecting pins and a pair of teeth having outside flanks, and inside flanks between the teeth defining a crotch. The improvement includes an effective outer flank angle between a line tangent to the outer flank of the link at 1.5 P and a vertical line intersecting the tangent line of less than or equal to 29 degrees, an effective inner flank angle between a line tangent to the inner flank of the link at 0.5 P and a vertical line intersecting the tangent line of less than or equal to 29 degrees, and a plurality ratios. The links may be assembled into a chain and connected by a plurality of pins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2010
    Assignee: BorgWarner Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy J. Ledvina, D. Laurence Parks, Shawn McGrogan, Wes Park