JP2010180900A - Chain guide and chain tensioner device - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a chain guide capable of reducing mechanical loss increasingly. <P>SOLUTION: This chain guide 11 includes a tensioner base 12 extending along the extending direction of a timing chain 22, a plurality of shafts 15 disposed at prescribed intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base 12, cylindrical outer rings 18 surrounding outer peripheral faces of the shafts 15, and a plurality of rollers 19 disposed between the outer peripheral faces of the shafts 15 and inner peripheral faces of the outer rings 18. The outer rings 18 press the timing chain 22 in a manner capable of rolling contact and apply tension to the timing chain 22. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a chain guide of a chain tensioner device that presses an endless belt or chain that is wound around two rotating bodies to transmit power and applies tension to the belt or chain.

  The chain tensioner device applies tension to the drive chain that moves at high speed by pressing the chain guide on the middle part of the drive chain wound around the drive sprocket and driven sprocket in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the drive chain. . At this time, there is a problem that sliding resistance is generated between the chain guide and the drive chain, and noise and mechanical loss increase.

  Therefore, as a technique for suppressing noise and mechanical loss, for example, a technique described in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-236157 (Patent Document 1) is known. The chain tensioner device described in Patent Document 1 is provided in an engine valve drive system and applies tension to a timing chain. Of the curved chain guide, the chain tensioner device is provided on a sliding surface portion that contacts the timing chain. A roller is provided, and the sliding resistance is eliminated by pressing the timing chain that moves at a high speed in the longitudinal direction while the roller rolls.

JP-A-9-236157

  However, the conventional chain tensioner device still has problems as described below. That is, since the roller is attached to the chain guide via the sliding bearing, sliding friction is generated as the roller rotates. In addition, since the roller disposed in the chain guide presses the timing chain with a large pressing force, the sliding friction between the roller and the chain guide increases, and mechanical loss still exists.

  An object of this invention is to provide the chain guide which can further reduce mechanical loss in view of the above-mentioned actual condition.

  For this purpose, a chain guide according to the present invention includes a tensioner base extending along the extending direction of the drive chain, a plurality of shafts arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base, and a cylinder surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the shaft. An outer ring having a shape, and a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, and the outer ring presses the drive chain so as to be able to make rolling contact and apply tension to the drive chain.

  According to the present invention, a plurality of shafts arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base, a cylindrical outer ring surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring. A plurality of rolling elements disposed on the chain guide, the chain guide can press the drive chain that moves at high speed via the rolling bearing, and sliding friction is generated between the outer ring and the shaft that supports the outer ring. It does not occur. Therefore, mechanical loss can be made extremely small as compared with the conventional chain guide. A shaft in which the inner ring of the rolling bearing is attached to the outer periphery of the shaft is also included in the category of the shaft in the claims. Further, an endless feeding member other than the chain, for example, an endless belt such as a belt is also included in the category of the chain in the claims.

  The present invention is not limited to one embodiment, and the outer ring may not protrude from the tensioner base, but the tensioner base extends in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base and extends to both ends of the shaft. A pair of side plate members coupled to each other may be provided, and a portion of the outer periphery of the outer ring that is in rolling contact with the drive chain may protrude from between the pair of side plate members toward the drive chain. According to this embodiment, since the outer periphery of the outer ring that is in rolling contact with the drive chain protrudes from between the pair of side plate members to the drive chain side, the drive chain does not contact the side plate member of the tensioner base. Therefore, wear of the tensioner base can be prevented and a long life can be achieved.

  Here, preferably, the shaft is arranged along the edge of the tensioner base facing the drive chain. According to such an embodiment, it is possible to protrude the portion of the outer periphery of the outer ring that is in rolling contact with the drive chain from between the side plate members without having to increase the outer diameter of the outer ring.

  Although the outer ring may be a single member, the outer ring may include a cylindrical metal main body and an annular member coaxially attached to the outer periphery of the main body. According to this embodiment, since the outer ring includes a cylindrical metal main body and an annular member coaxially attached to the outer periphery of the main body, the metal drive chain and the metal main body are in contact with each other. Can be avoided. Therefore, vibration suppression and a silencing effect can be obtained.

  Preferably, the annular member has a pair of flanges protruding in the outer diameter direction at both axial ends, and the drive chain and the annular member are in rolling contact between the pair of flanges. According to this embodiment, it can prevent that a drive chain remove | deviates from an outer ring | wheel.

  Preferably, the protruding height of the flange portion is smaller than the cross-sectional height of the drive chain. According to this embodiment, when the drive chain moves while being in rolling contact with the outer ring, the outer edge of the flange portion does not protrude from the drive chain, and the space saving and weight reduction of the chain guide can be achieved.

  Preferably, the annular member is made of resin. According to this embodiment, vibration and noise when the metal drive chain comes into rolling contact with the resin annular member can be further suppressed.

  Preferably, a plurality of recesses are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring. Specifically, the recess is a dimple or a groove. According to this embodiment, since the dimples and the groove hold the lubricating oil, the lubricating performance is improved.

  A chain tensioner device according to the present invention includes the above-described chain guide and a chain tensioner that presses the chain guide against the drive chain. According to the present invention, a chain tensioner device with extremely small mechanical loss can be realized.

  As described above, the present invention includes a plurality of rolling elements disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring, so that the chain guide presses the moving drive chain via the rolling bearing. It becomes possible. Therefore, sliding friction does not occur between the chain tensioner and the drive chain, and mechanical loss can be extremely reduced as compared with the conventional chain tensioner. For this reason, the fuel consumption rate can be improved by adopting the present invention in the valve drive system of the engine.

It is a perspective view which shows the chain guide which becomes a present Example. It is the side view which looked at the chain guide of the Example from the width direction outer side. It is the front view which looked at the chain guide of the Example from the curve outer side, ie, a timing chain. It is a cross-sectional view of the chain guide of the embodiment. It is a cross-sectional view of the chain guide of a modification.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail based on examples shown in the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing a chain guide according to the present embodiment, FIG. 2 is a side view of the chain guide of the embodiment viewed from the outside in the width direction, and FIG. That is, it is a front view seen from the timing chain, and FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the chain guide of the same embodiment. The chain guide of this embodiment applies tension to a timing chain used in an engine valve drive system.

  First, a timing chain for driving an intake valve and an exhaust valve of an engine will be described. The metal timing chain that becomes the drive chain is configured to be endless by connecting the inner link and the outer link so as to be alternately rotatable so as to form a line. Such a timing chain is flexible and is wound around a crank sprocket fixed to the crankshaft of the engine and an idle sprocket provided on the cylinder head of the engine. The idle sprocket is drivingly coupled to a cam mechanism that uplifts the intake valve and the exhaust valve. When the crankshaft rotates, the timing chain moves in its extending direction and transmits the rotation of the crankshaft to the idle sprocket, thereby opening and closing the intake valve and the exhaust valve.

  While the crank sprocket and the idle sprocket are located in the inner region surrounded by the endless timing chain, the timing chain is pressed to the inner region side between these sprockets in the outer region of the timing chain. There are provided a chain guide for applying tension to the shaft and a chain tensioner for pressing the chain guide toward the inner region. These chain guide, chain tensioner, timing chain, sprocket, and cam mechanism may be conventional ones described in Patent Document 1.

  The chain guide 11 has a curved shape as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, and is arranged along the extending direction of the timing chain 22 whose curved outer edge is indicated by a virtual line. The chain guide 11 includes a tensioner base 12 that extends along the extending direction of the timing chain 22. The tensioner base 12 has a curved shape and has a through hole 13 at one end in the longitudinal direction. The tensioner base 12 is axially supported by the through hole 13, and the other end in the longitudinal direction can swing toward the timing chain 22.

  The chain guide 11 is attached to the inner wall of the engine cover, for example, with the through hole 13 as a base end. A chain tensioner (not shown) is disposed at the other end in the longitudinal direction including the free end. As an example, the chain tensioner has a plunger that moves back and forth in the swinging direction of the chain guide 11 and is attached to the inner wall of the engine cover. The tip of the plunger comes into contact with the curved inner edge of the chain guide 11 and presses the chain guide 11 against the timing chain 22. Of course, the chain tensioner may be provided with an adjuster function capable of adjusting the pressing force of the chain guide 11 or may be a hydraulic type capable of controlling the pressing force of the chain guide 11. The chain tensioner and the chain guide 11 constitute a chain tensioner device. In the chain tensioner device, the chain guide 11 is also referred to as a chain lever.

  The tensioner base 12 has a pair of side plate members 14 and 14 that are separated from each other in the width direction of the chain guide 11. The side plate member 14 extends in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base 12.

  A plurality of shafts 15 are installed between the pair of side plate members 14 and 14. Both ends of the shaft 15 are fixed to a pair of side plate members 14 and 14, respectively. The shaft 15 may be integrally coupled with the side plate member 14. Further, between the adjacent shafts 15 and 15, column members 16 and 17 for connecting the pair of side plate members 14 and 14 are arranged. The column member 17 is a plate-like member disposed on one side in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base 12. The column member 16 is a columnar member disposed on the other side in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base 12. The tensioner base 12 including the side plate member 14 and the column members 16 and 17 is made of metal, and preferably made of a light metal such as aluminum.

  Each of the plurality of shafts 15 penetrates the cylindrical outer ring 18. Accordingly, the outer ring 18 surrounds the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 15. A plurality of rollers 19 are disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 15 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 18. The rollers 19 are rolling elements that roll on the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 15 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 18. The shaft 15, the outer ring 18, and the roller 19 constitute a rolling bearing. Furthermore, you may provide the holder | retainer which hold | maintains the some roller 19 at the circumferential direction predetermined space | interval. Here, the entire outer ring 18 is not completely accommodated between the side plate members 14 and 14, and the outer periphery of the outer ring 18 protrudes between the side plate members 14 and 14. For this reason, when the outer ring 18 protruding from the curved outer edge of the tension base 12 contacts the timing chain, the tension base 12 is separated from the timing chain.

  For this reason, the shaft 15 is disposed on the curved outer edge of the tensioner base 12 facing the timing chain 22. However, when the thickness dimension from the curved inner edge to the curved outer edge of the tensioner base 12 is smaller than the outer diameter of the outer ring 18 as in the present embodiment, the shaft 15 is provided at the approximate center between the curved inner edge and the curved outer edge. Can be arranged.

  Note that a part of the roller 19 protrudes from between the side plate members 14 or 14, or all the rollers 19 are accommodated between the side plate members 14 and 14. Thereby, the side plate member 14 restricts the movement of the roller 19 in the axial direction.

  A plurality of dimples or grooves may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 18. The dimple may be a minute spherical depression. In the case of a groove, it is a groove extending in the axial direction or a groove extending in the circumferential direction.

  The operation of the chain guide 11 of this embodiment will be described.

  When the timing chain 22 moves at a high speed in the extending direction and transmits a driving force, the curved inner edge of the tensioner base 12 receives a pressing force from a chain tensioner (not shown) disposed inside the curved portion. As a result, the chain guide 11 contacts the timing chain 22 with the through hole 13 at one end in the longitudinal direction as a free end and the other end in the longitudinal direction as a free end, and the timing chain 22 extends along the curved outer edge of the chain guide 11. Exists. Then, the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 18 presses while rolling and contacting the side surface of the timing chain 22. As a result, tension is applied to the timing chain. The faster the timing chain moves, the faster the outer ring 18 and the rotational speed. According to the present embodiment, since the shaft 15, the outer ring 18, and the roller 19 constitute a rolling bearing, even when the timing chain 22 moves at a high speed, the timing is reduced with a slightly lower rolling resistance than the conventional chain guide. Tension can be applied to the chain 22. Moreover, even when the pressing force of the outer ring 18 against the timing chain 22 is large, the rolling resistance is slight.

  Next, a modification of the present invention will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a modification of the present invention. With respect to this modification, the same reference numerals are given to the configurations common to the above-described embodiments, and the description thereof will be omitted, and different configurations will be described below. In this modification, as shown in FIG. 5, the annular member 20 is press-fitted and fixed to the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 18. In other words, the outer ring includes a cylindrical metal outer ring main body 18 and an annular member 20 attached coaxially to the outer periphery of the outer ring main body 18. The annular member 20 is made of resin, and has a pair of flange portions 20f and 20f protruding in the outer diameter direction at both ends of the shaft 15. 4 and 5, the axis of the outer ring 18 is indicated by a one-dot chain line. As shown in FIG. 5, the timing chain 22 contacts the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 20 between the flange portions 20f and 20f. The protruding height of the flange portion 20f is smaller than the cross-sectional height of the timing chain 22.

  A plurality of dimples or grooves may be provided on the outer peripheral surface of the annular member 20 located between the flange portions 20f, 20f. The dimple may be a minute spherical depression. In the case of a groove, it is a groove extending in the axial direction or a groove extending in the circumferential direction.

  By the way, according to the chain guide 11 of the present embodiment, the tensioner base 12 extending along the extending direction of the timing chain 22, the plurality of shafts 15 disposed on the tensioner base 12 at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction, A cylindrical outer ring 18 that surrounds the outer peripheral surface, and a plurality of rollers 19 disposed between the outer peripheral surface of the shaft 15 and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring 18 so that the outer ring 18 can contact the timing chain 22 by rolling. Since the tension is applied to the timing chain 22 by pressing, the chain guide 11 can press the timing chain 22 moving at high speed via the rolling bearing, and between the chain guide 11 and the timing chain 22. There is no sliding friction. Therefore, mechanical loss can be made extremely small as compared with the conventional chain guide.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the tensioner base 12 has a pair of side plate members 14 and 14 that extend in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base 12 and are respectively coupled to both ends of the shaft 15. Since the portion in rolling contact with the timing chain 22 protrudes from between the pair of side plate members 14 and 14 to the timing chain 22 side, the timing chain 22 does not contact the side plate member 14 of the tensioner base 12. Therefore, wear of the tensioner base 12 can be prevented and a long life can be achieved. This is particularly useful when the tensioner base 12 is made of a light metal such as aluminum.

  Here, by arranging the shaft 15 along the curved outer edge of the tensioner base 12 facing the timing chain 22, the portion of the outer periphery of the outer ring 18 that makes rolling contact with the timing chain 22 while reducing the outer diameter of the outer ring 18. The timing chain 22 can protrude from the side plate member 14.

  Further, according to the modification shown in FIG. 5, the outer ring includes a cylindrical metal outer ring main body 18 and an annular member 20 that is coaxially attached to the outer periphery of the outer ring main body 18. Contact of metal parts with the metal outer ring main body 18 can be avoided. Therefore, vibration suppression and a silencing effect can be obtained.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, the annular member 20 has a pair of flange portions 20f protruding in the outer diameter direction at both axial end portions, and the timing chain 22 and the annular shape between the pair of flange portions 20f and 20f. Since the member 20 is in rolling contact, the timing chain 22 can be prevented from coming off the outer ring of the rolling bearing.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the protruding height of the flange portion 20f is smaller than the cross-sectional height of the timing chain 22, it is possible to reduce the weight of the outer ring of the rolling bearing and to reduce the weight of the chain guide 11. At the same time, space saving can be achieved.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the annular member 20 is made of resin, vibration and noise when the metal timing chain 22 comes into rolling contact with the annular member 20 can be further suppressed. Alternatively, the annular member 20 may be made of rubber having elasticity.

  Further, according to this embodiment, a plurality of recesses are formed on the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 18 or the annular member 20. Specifically, the recess may be a dimple or a groove. Thereby, since the recess holds the lubricating oil, when the timing chain 22 comes into rolling contact with the outer peripheral surface of the outer ring 18 or the annular member 20, an oil film can be interposed between the two and the lubricating performance is improved. .

  The chain guide 11 of the present embodiment can apply tension to various endless belts or drive chains in addition to the engine timing chain, and can reduce mechanical loss.

  According to the chain tensioner device that includes the chain guide 11 that is swingably supported with the through hole 13 as the base end, and the chain tensioner that presses the chain guide 11 against the timing chain 22, and is attached to the inner wall of the engine cover. The mechanical loss of the engine timing chain can be reduced and the fuel consumption rate can be improved.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described with reference to drawings, this invention is not limited to the thing of embodiment shown in figure. Various modifications and variations can be made to the illustrated embodiment within the same range or equivalent range as the present invention.

  The chain guide and the chain tensioner device according to the present invention are advantageously used in a mechanism that applies tension to the drive chain, such as an engine.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Chain guide, 12 Tensioner base, 13 Through-hole, 14 Side plate member, 15 Axis, 16, 17 Column member, 18 Outer ring, 19 Roller, 20 Annular member, 20f collar part, 22 Timing chain

Claims (11)

A tensioner base extending along the extending direction of the drive chain, a plurality of shafts arranged at predetermined intervals in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base, a cylindrical outer ring surrounding the outer peripheral surface of the shaft, and an outer periphery of the shaft A plurality of rolling elements disposed between a surface and the inner peripheral surface of the outer ring,
A chain guide that applies tension to the drive chain by pressing the drive chain so that the outer ring can roll and contact. The tensioner base has a pair of side plate members that extend in the longitudinal direction of the tensioner base and are respectively coupled to both ends of the shaft.
2. The chain guide according to claim 1, wherein a portion of the outer periphery of the outer ring that is in rolling contact with the drive chain protrudes from between the pair of side plate members toward the drive chain.   The chain guide according to claim 2, wherein the shaft is disposed along an edge of a tensioner base facing the drive chain.   The chain guide according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the outer ring includes a cylindrical metal main body and an annular member attached coaxially to the outer periphery of the main body.   The said annular member has a pair of eaves | protrusions which protruded in the outer-diameter direction at the axial direction both ends, and the said drive chain and an annular member are rolling contact between these 1 pair of eaves. Chain guide.   The chain guide according to claim 5, wherein a protruding height of the flange portion is smaller than a cross-sectional height of the drive chain.   The chain guide according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the annular member is made of resin.   The chain guide according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a plurality of recesses are formed on an outer peripheral surface of the outer ring.   The chain guide according to claim 8, wherein the recess is a dimple.   The chain guide according to claim 8, wherein the recess is a groove. The chain guide according to any one of claims 1 to 10, which is swingably supported,
A chain tensioner device comprising: a chain tensioner that presses the chain guide against the drive chain.

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