JPH08219237A - Roller chain assembly and sprocket assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve strength by reducing the width of a roller chain assembly, decreasing the width of a phased chain assembly, and using a larger number of links in the chain with the same width. SOLUTION: In phased chains 100, 102 respectively formed by outer links 104, 116 and inner links 110, 122, the projection amount of pins 128, 134 toward one end of the chain is set zero, that is, the pin end face is flush with the outer link surface.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to power transmission chains, and more particularly to roller chains.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art The corresponding US application which forms the basis of priority claim of the present application is US patent application No. 08 / 361,432.
No. (hereinafter referred to as "the former") and its partial continuation application US Patent Application No. 08 / 434,975 (hereinafter referred to as the "latter")
However, the former said, "Chain Assemblies With Minimal Pin Projecti
on) ”was filed on December 21, 1994,
The content of the application is included in the specification of the latter application by reference.

Further, the former application is a US patent application Ser. No. 08/13, filed on October 4, 1993 under the name of "Phased Chain Assemblies".
No. 1,473, which is a continuation-in-part application, and the application content of the application is included in the specification of the latter application by reference. Further, the US patent application Ser.
It is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 07 / 885,194, filed May 19, 2014, and is now abandoned, and that patent application is also incorporated by reference in the latter application.

The present invention is particularly applicable to a roller chain among power transmission chains. The roller chain is
It is mainly used for timing of automobile engines, but also when transmitting power from a torque converter to a transmission and in a transfer case of a four-wheel drive vehicle.

One type of chain is known as a "roller chain." A typical roller chain is
It is composed of alternating inner and outer links. Inner links, also known as "bush" links, consist of spaced sidebars, with an aperture or hole in each end of the sidebar,
Bush is pressed in. The outer links, also known as "pin" links or "guide" links, consist of spaced sidebars that have pins press-fit into the apertures or holes at each end of the sidebar. Has been done. The bushes are free to rotate about the pins to alternately pivotally connect the outer links to the inner links. A roller is provided on the bush.

When the roller chain is wrapped around a sprocket, the sprocket teeth are received between side bars spaced in the width direction of the chain and rollers spaced in the longitudinal direction of the chain. Examples of roller chains are US Pat. No. 4,186,617 and US Pat. No. 5,2.
No. 26,856, which patents are incorporated herein by reference.

Roller chain drives include both "true roller" designs and rollerless types. The roller type includes the above-mentioned rollers mounted around the bush. The rollerless type includes bushings that directly contact the sprockets. Both types of roller chains are commonly characterized industrially as British Standard Chains and American Patent Standards Institute (ANSI) chains.

In conventional roller chains, the outer links or pin links are press fit into the pins. The pins generally extend beyond the edges of the outer links in the width direction of the chain, ie in the direction transverse to the movement of the chain about the sprocket in the longitudinal direction of the chain.

As explained below, in one embodiment of the invention, the pin is flush with the outer edge or side of the outer link or pin link, or protrudes from the side of the outer link. It is configured to minimize the amount. Minimizing the amount of protrusion of the pins allows for a narrow chain structure and the outer links of two side-by-side chains are joined together or contact each other in a single assembly. Implementations such as those involved can be realized. In another embodiment, the pins of the two adjacent chains are in contact with each other,
Alternatively, the pin of one chain contacts the side surface of the outer link of the adjacent chain.

The present invention applies in particular to chain assemblies in which the chain and sprockets are offset or phased for modification of impact noise spectrum and chordal action (string vibration) noise spectrum. In a phased chain system (hereinafter "phased chain system"), a single chain assembly is typically split or replaced by two side-by-side chains that are 1/2 pitch phased or offset. There is. In one embodiment of the present invention, a configuration that minimizes the amount of pin protrusion is used on each side of the two chains in a side-by-side relationship. By arranging two chains in parallel and in contact with each other, a phased chain system with a narrower width than the conventional phased chain system can be realized.

A conventional roller chain driving device is composed of an endless roller chain wound around at least two sprockets supported by a shaft.
The rotation of the drive sprocket causes the transmission of power through the chain, which in turn rotates the driven sprocket.
In engine timing drive applications, the drive sprocket is fixed on the engine crankshaft and the driven sprocket is fixed on the camshaft. Various types of engine timing systems and configurations suitable for roller chains and inward toothed chain assemblies are also shown in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 131,473 filed October 4, 1993. Which is incorporated herein by reference.

Noise is inherent in the chain drive. The noise is generated by various sources, but in the roller chain drive device, the noise is partly caused by the collision noise generated by the collision between the chain and the sprocket at the start of meshing. The loudness of the impact sound is influenced, inter alia, by the impact velocity between the chain and the sprocket and the mass of the chain link in contact with the sprocket at a particular moment or time increment.

In automotive chain drives, much effort has been made to reduce the overall noise level and pitch period noise distribution in order to minimize the unpleasant effects of pure tones. Some of these efforts are described in the aforementioned US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 131,473, filed October 4,1993. The present invention
It applies with some of the concepts for noise reduction discussed in the above application, including randomization and phasing of the chain assembly. On the other hand, the present invention is also widely applied to chain systems including, for example, non-phased sprockets.

By phasing the chain and sprocket relationship, the number (or mass) of chain rollers that impact the sprocket during a given time increment.
Can be reduced. Similarly, by adjusting the phase of the chain and sprocket, the chordal action or bending motion of the chain and sprocket can be changed.
Alternatively, the phase can be adjusted.

However, in particular, in the case where a single chain is replaced by two chains which are in parallel and have a phase adjustment relationship, due to a demand for reducing the width of the chain assembly, which is particularly found in the recent engine timing system. Have made it difficult to use phased chain systems. In order to juxtapose two phasing chains (hereinafter "phased chains") in the same width occupied by a single chain, it is necessary to remove some links or use thin inner links. Required.

Such a modification requires either a reduced number of links along the width direction of the chain or the use of thin links along the chain, resulting in a large number of links along the width direction of the chain. This is disadvantageous because the strength of the chain assembly is lower than that of the chain assembly having the links.

The phased chain system, like the non-phase adjusting chain system (hereinafter referred to as "non-phased chain system") arranged in parallel, is generally composed of two chains which are in a relationship of being arranged at intervals. Has been done. A gap is provided between the two chains so that they do not come into contact with each other during operation. In high speed automotive applications, significant movement occurs in the portion of each chain that extends in the space between the drive and driven sprockets of each assembly. The widthwise gap between the two chains is provided to prevent contact between the two chains during such movement.

It is also generally recommended that clearance be provided between the chain and other structures to avoid contact caused by longitudinal or widthwise movement of the chain during operation. The gap between the chains also affects the size or overall width of the chain assembly.

As mentioned above, the present invention uses a pin configured to minimize the amount of protrusion from the side of the chain. An example of a roller chain with side bars welded to prevent the pins from protruding from the edges of the outer links is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,036,072 to Machion et al. In the chain of Machion et al., The pin end surface is welded in contact with the inner surface of the side bar.

An example of a phase adjusted roller chain system (hereinafter "phased roller chain system") is disclosed in Hill US Pat. No. 3,029,654. In the Hill patent, three roller chains are arranged in parallel in an offset or phased relationship. The three chains are shown with pins protruding widthwise from the links. The three chains are shown in spaced relationship in the width direction to avoid contact between the chains and pins.

Another example of the phased roller chain system is disclosed in Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 3-28348 (Kaihei No. 1-51359). In the Kawakami system, four chains are arranged in parallel and quarter-pitch offset or phase adjustment is performed. According to the teaching of this publication, the chains are not connected to each other and are independent of each other.

In FIG. 3, the pins appear to be in contact with adjacent chains, but considering Kawakami's teachings of independent chains, this contact is merely an incidental contact. Also, due to the 1/4 pitch offset, the pins do not overlap each other and do not contact the links of adjacent chains. Kawakami's chain structure is very similar to the system of Kaikaidai 5-17251 (Application No. 3-90363).

Third Phased Roller Chain System
Is an example of Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-76944 (Japanese Patent Application No. 63-227318).
No.) gazette. Fukumoto's application discloses two phase-adjusted roller chains (hereinafter "phased roller chains") that are connected to each other by protruding pins. 2 shows the chains in close proximity, while FIG. 4 shows the chains spaced apart but connected to each other by a protruding pin. Fukumoto teaches interconnecting two chains, and does not show chains that are unconnected or independent.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a roller chain assembly having a narrow width. Yet another object of the present invention is to reduce the width of the phased chain assembly and further improve strength by allowing more links to be used in chains of the same width. To provide a roller chain assembly capable of

[0025]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A roller chain assembly in accordance with the invention of Claim 1 comprises a set of alternating inner and outer links, each outer link being secured to spaced pin members. Has a pair of outer link plates,
Each outer link plate has a pair of apertures for receiving the pin members, and each inner link has a pair of bushes mounted for rotation on the pin members of the outer links, The inner link has an inner link plate fixed to the bush, each inner link plate has a pair of apertures for receiving the bush, and each of the inner link and the outer link has a sprocket tooth. The outer link has a pin member extending through at least a portion of the aperture of the outer link plate, the pin member having a first outer link plate. Extending beyond the edge of the member and beyond the edge of a second outer link in the outer link plate pair, wherein the pin member comprises A second outer link plate extending beyond the edge of the first outer link plate by a distance greater than the distance extending beyond the edge of the second outer link plate.

A roller chain assembly according to a second aspect of the present invention is the roller chain assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the first outer link plate has a first thickness, and the pin member is of the first outer link plate. It is characterized in that it extends beyond the edge of the first outer link plate by an amount of not more than 10% of the first thickness.

A roller chain assembly according to a third aspect of the present invention is the roller chain assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the first outer link plate has a first thickness and the pin member is formed of the first outer link plate. It is characterized in that it extends beyond the edge of the first outer link plate by an amount of 50% or less of the first thickness.

A roller chain assembly according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the roller chain assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the pin member extends beyond the edge of the first outer link plate member and then the second outer link plate member. It is characterized in that it extends only to the position within the aperture.

A roller chain assembly according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the roller chain assembly according to the first aspect, wherein the pin member is substantially flush with an outer edge portion of the second outer link plate member. It has a feature.

A roller chain assembly according to a sixth aspect of the present invention further comprises the first and second roller chains according to the first aspect, wherein each chain has a plurality of sets of links arranged alternately. , The chains are arranged in juxtaposed relation around a set of sprockets, each chain being arranged on an inner side closest to the other chain and on an opposite side of the inner side of the chain. And each chain has a pin member that connects a pair of adjacent links, and each link has a pair of apertures for receiving the pin member.
Each chain has some of the sets of links including rollers, each of the rollers being provided in contact with a sprocket tooth, and the position of the rollers of the first chain being
Offset to the rollers of the second chain, each of the chains having a set of outer and inner links, the set of outer links having a first outer link on the inner portion of the chain. A plate having a second outer link plate on the outer portion of the chain, the outer link having the pin member extending through at least a portion of the aperture of the outer link plate; A pin member extends beyond the edge of the first outer link plate to beyond the edge of the second outer link plate in the set of outer links, the pin of the first chain Some of the members depend on how many of the first outer link plates of the second chain are engaged while the chain is engaged with the sprocket during operation. It is characterized in that to come into contact with.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the roller chain assembly according to the sixth aspect, some of the pin members of the second roller chain are the number of the first outer link plates of the first chain. The feature is that it comes in contact with the car.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the roller chain assembly according to the sixth aspect, the position of the roller of the first chain is offset by ½ pitch with respect to the roller of the second chain. Is characterized by.

A roller chain assembly according to a ninth aspect of the present invention is the roller chain assembly according to the eighth aspect, wherein the pin member of the first chain is fitted between the pin members of the second chain. It has a feature.

A sprocket assembly according to a tenth aspect of the present invention is a sprocket assembly for use with the roller chain assembly according to the sixth aspect, comprising first and second drive sprockets connected to a drive shaft. , The first
And a second drive sprocket having a plurality of spaced teeth, the drive sprocket being disposed in parallel along the drive axis, and the arrangement of the teeth of the first drive sprocket being the second First and second driven sprockets that are circumferentially offset with respect to the teeth of the drive sprocket and are connected to the driven shaft.
The driven sprocket has a plurality of spaced teeth, the driven sprocket is disposed parallel to the driven axis, and the arrangement of the teeth of the first driven sprocket is the second driven sprocket. Is circumferentially offset with respect to the teeth of, said drive shaft being drive connected to the input shaft,
The driven shaft is drivingly connected to the output shaft, the first drive sprocket is aligned with the first driven sprocket, and the first driving sprocket is drivingly connected to the first driven sprocket. The first drive chain and the second drive sprocket having the second chain.
The second driven sprocket and the second chain drivingly connecting the second drive sprocket to the second driven sprocket.

The roller chain assembly according to the invention of claim 11 is characterized in that, in claim 10, the first and second drive sprockets are offset by about ½ pitch.

A roller chain assembly according to a twelfth aspect of the present invention comprises a set of alternating inner and outer links, each outer link being fixed to a pair of spaced pin members. Each outer link plate has a pair of apertures for receiving the pin members, and each inner link is a pair of bushings mounted for rotation on the pin members of the outer links. And the inner link has an inner link plate fixed to the bush, each inner link plate having a pair of openings for receiving the bush, the inner link and the outer link of Each of which is adapted to receive a sprocket tooth, the outer links extending through at least a portion of the apertures of the outer link plate; A pin member extending from beyond the edge of the first outer link plate to beyond the edge of the second outer link plate in the pair of outer link plates; Project beyond the edge of the second outer link plate by the same length as the length of the first outer link plate projecting beyond the edge of the first outer link plate. , 10% or less of the thickness of the second outer link plate.

[0037]

Overview of Detailed Description of the Invention] This invention relates to a chain assembly pins to minimize the amount of protrusion beyond the outer links of the chain are provided. That is, the pin end face is preferably flush with at least one side face in the chain width direction, or the pin does not extend beyond the edge of the outer link. The extension of the pin beyond the outer link is preferably limited to 50% or less of the thickness of the outer or outermost link, and more preferably 10% or less of the thickness of the outer or outermost link.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the phased chain system includes two chains juxtaposed in offset or phase adjusted relationship. The amount of pin protrusion is limited to the side surface of the two chains in a side-by-side relationship. Minimizing the amount of protrusion of the pins allows the pins to be in contact as well as the outer links of the two chains. Such a contact relationship is significantly different from the conventional chain assembly in which contact between the juxtaposed chains is prevented.

Two side-by-side chain assemblies are placed in close proximity by making the pin substantially flush with the link, or by protruding by a minimum length beyond the outer edge of the link. , The outer links of the two chains will contact each other. By placing the two chains in close proximity, the overall system width can be reduced.

By pushing the pin toward the center in the width direction of the chain, the pin is arranged flush with the outer link. Alternatively, the pin hole opening is slightly expanded outside the chain, and the pin is seated in the opening. Since the pins project more toward the one side surface than the other side surface of the chain, the pins are arranged asymmetrically with respect to the chain longitudinal direction.

The pin need not be flush with the outer surface of the link, but preferably should not project too far outward in the width direction of the chain. In one embodiment, the pin protrusion is limited to 50% or less of the innermost link thickness. Further, in a more preferred embodiment, the pin protrusion amount is limited to 10% or less of the thickness of the innermost link.

Here, the innermost link ("innermost"
The term "link") is used, for example, to define a link on the side of a chain that has a side-by-side relationship with adjacent chains. In a non-phased chain system or a system without side-by-side chains Is
Either side of the chain is defined as the "inner" side that contains the innermost link.

The present invention provides several advantages in reducing the width of the chain assembly. Eliminating the gap between two chains in a phased chain system provides package size advantages in reducing the package size required for modern automotive engine timing chains.

The present invention also provides a new form for assembling two chains in side-by-side relationship. In conventional chain systems, two juxtaposed chains are placed in a spaced relationship, i.e. with a specific clearance, so that contact between the two chains does not occur due to movement in the lengthwise or widthwise direction of the chain. Has been done. On the other hand, in the present invention, two chains are arranged in contact with each other so that each chain contacts another chain. This approach is contrary to the conventional teachings of avoiding contact.

The invention applies in particular to phased chain assemblies or systems.
It is a high speed automotive transmission, transfer case or engine timing system in which the sprockets are divided into two parts or separate assemblies, each sprocket part being wound by a single or multiple chains. When applied, they are offset or phase adjusted with respect to each other.

Each of these embodiments has a plurality of chain assemblies, including chain assemblies of two, three or four chains, among other embodiments. The sprockets are 1/4 tooth, 1/3 tooth, 1
/ 2 teeth or other various pitch amounts are phase adjusted. Similarly, the chain assembly is 1/4 pitch, 1 /
The phase is adjusted by 3 pitches, 1/2 pitch or another pitch.

In each chain assembly, the links are
They are arranged alternately so as to form a set of links. Each link has a pair of apertures, and the aperture of a set of links is
It is arranged to be combined with the apertures of adjacent sets of links. A pivot member in the form of a round pin or rocker joint is used to connect adjacent pairs of links through an aperture and to allow the pairs of links to pivot relative to the adjacent pairs of links. There is. In the case of roller chains, the links are interconnected and either the rollers or the bushes contact the sprockets.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment FIG. 1 illustrates at 10 a portion of a conventional chain. The chain is composed of a set of links, pins, bushes and rollers. The chain has a set of alternating outer links 12 and inner links 14, each link being more clearly shown in FIG. The outer link is composed of a pair of outer link plates 16 and 18 or side bars. The inner link is similarly constituted by a pair of inner link plates 20 and 22.

The outer link plates 16 and 18 are fixed to the pair of pins 24 and 26. The pins are spaced and the outer link plate apertures 28 are
Is mounted inside. Pins are generally
Alternatively, it may be secured to the outer link plate by welding, staking, or any other means known in the art.

The inner links 20 and 22 have a pair of bushes 3
It is fixed at 0. The bushes, which are generally cylindrical in shape, are spaced apart and mounted within the apertures 28 in the inner link plate. The bushing is generally secured to the inner link plate by press fitting or by welding, staking, or any other means known in the art.

The bush is attached around the pin so that it can freely rotate around the pin. Rotation of the bushing about the pin allows the outer link to pivot relative to the inner link. In the conventional chain shown in FIG. 1, the roller 34 is attached around the bush so as to be rotatable around the bush. The rollers are generally cylindrical in shape and contact the sprocket teeth. In the conventional chain shown in FIG. 2A, the bush directly contacts the sprocket.

The stepped bush 31 is shown in FIG. 2 (b). The stepped bush 31 has a large diameter portion that engages with the sprocket and a small diameter portion that is press-fitted into the link plate.

Thus, the chain of FIG. 1 is constructed by inserting the pin into the bush and the bush into the roller, respectively. The bush and the roller are generally formed with a split, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2A. The bush is fixed to the pair of inner link plates, and the pin is fixed to the pair of outer link plates. The inner link and the outer link are continuously and alternately arranged so as to form an endless chain.
The length of the chain and the exact number of links are determined, inter alia, by the application and the center-to-center distance between the sprockets.

The rollers of the chain come into contact with the sprocket teeth. The rollers sit at the base between the sprocket teeth. The outer and inner links are configured so that sprocket teeth are received between each link plate and each roller.

The present invention seeks to provide a chain having a pin with a minimum protrusion amount in the width direction of the chain.
FIG. 5 shows a pair of phase adjustment chains (phased chains) 40 and 42 in a side-by-side relationship. The two chains include guide or outer links 44 located along the outside and an inner link 46 with rollers 48, 50 for driving contact with the sprockets. The two sprockets are approximately 1/2 pitch phasing or offset. A pair of phased sprockets for roller chains (hereinafter "phased sprockets") are shown in FIG.

In the conventional chain assembly shown in FIG. 3, the pins 24 and 26 project outward from both sides of the chain assembly. The pins are generally symmetrical (within manufacturing tolerances) with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chain. Typical two phased chains in conventional construction are in a separated and spaced relationship. A gap is provided between the chains so that the guide links of one chain do not come into contact with the guide links of the adjacent chain.

FIG. 5 shows a pair of phased chains adopting the feature of the minimum pin protrusion amount of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the two chains include outer links or pin links located along the outside of each chain. The outer link is formed by the link plate pair, and the inner link is also formed by the link plate pair. In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the outer links of each chain 40, 42 are
2, 53 on the side of the chain 40 and the outer link plate 5
4, 55 are provided on the chain 42 side, respectively.

The inner link 56 of the chain 40 has inner link plates 58 and 60, and the inner link 62 of the chain 42 has inner link plates 64 and 66. The contact state between the two chains is achieved by projecting the pins of one chain to the link plates of the adjacent chains. That is, the pin 68 of the chain 40 extends to the plate 54 of the chain 42. Similarly, the pin 72 of the chain 42 extends to the plate 73 of the chain 40.

The "edge" of the outer link plate is
It is a flat surface on the side of the link plate in the chain width direction. The distance between the two edges is the link plate thickness. The thickness is shown, for example, in FIGS. 3, 5 and 6. The pin extends beyond the outer edge of the same outer link plate. The pins are press fit into the outer link plates in a conventional manner.

Thus, a first embodiment according to the present invention is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, each chain has an outer link 44 and an inner link 46 and rollers 50 for contacting the sprocket teeth. The two chains are placed side by side and have a 1/2 pitch phase adjustment or pitch offset. Therefore, the sprockets on which the two chains are wound are also arranged side by side, and the 1/2 pitch phase is adjusted. The phased sprocket is shown in FIG.

In the embodiment of FIG. 5, the pins extend beyond the outer link plates on either side of each chain. In this embodiment, the pins of one chain fit between the pins of the other chain. Also,
In this embodiment, the pins of one chain are provided so as to come into contact with the link plates of the other chain, and such overlapping allows the width of the chain to be narrowed. Pins are superposed with a 1/2 pitch offset. In other words, the pins of one chain are arranged between the pins of the other chain.

In FIG. 5, the protruding amount of the pin beyond the edge portion of the link plate is exaggeratedly shown. In order to reduce the package size of the chain system and utilize the teaching of the present invention, the pin protruding amount is reduced. The quantity is made smaller.

Another embodiment shown in FIG. 6 is similar to the previous embodiment, but includes contacting the link plates of each chain. That is, each chain 10
Although 0 and 102 are independent, they are in contact with each other through the respective outer link plates. The chain 100 includes an outer link 104 having an outer link plate pair 106, 108 and an inner link 110 having an inner link plate pair 112, 114. Similarly, the chain 102 includes an outer link 116 having outer link plate pairs 118, 120 and an inner link plate pair 124,
And an inner link 122 having 126.

Chain 100 also includes pins 128 and rollers 130,132. Similarly, the chain 102 includes pins 134 and rollers 136,138. The pin 128 of the chain 100 is connected to the outer link plate 108 on the side of the adjacent chain 102.
The amount of protrusion beyond the edge of the is limited. Similarly, the pin 134 of the chain 102 has a limited amount of protrusion over the edge of the outer link plate 120 on the side of the adjacent chain 100. On the other hand, these pins
It may be possible to project a certain distance toward the side of the adjacent chains so that the link plates of the two chains come into contact with each other.

Mounting the pin in the outer link to minimize pin protrusion is accomplished in many possible ways. Three manufacturing methods are shown in FIGS. Of course, other manufacturing methods are possible, and the present invention is
It is not limited to the method shown and described herein.

In the method of FIG. 7, until the pin 140 projects to the outside of the outer link, as shown in FIG.
It is pushed through the link 142. After the head of the pin is riveted, the pin is pushed into the guide link to the position where the desired protruding condition is obtained, as shown in (b). The head of the pin may project from the end of the link, but is preferably substantially flush with the link,
Or you are immersed in the link. The pin may be pushed into the recess of the link aperture, or the link itself may be plastically deformed.

In one embodiment, the pin projects from the link surface by an amount of 10% or less of the thickness of the link. In another embodiment, the pin projects from the link surface by an amount of 50% or less of the thickness of the link. Although other protrusions are possible, the intent of the present invention is to limit the pin protrusion to facilitate the advantages of the invention including, for example, reduced chain width.

When the pin is mounted in the link, the pin is arranged asymmetrically with respect to the longitudinal direction of the chain. That is, the pin projects more on one side surface side than on the other side surface side of the chain along the width direction of the chain assembly.

The second manufacturing method is shown in FIG. In this method, the pin 144 causes the opening 1 of the link 148 to
It is pressed into a recess in 46. It is sufficient that the size of the recess is such that the desirable relationship of the pin protrusion amount from the link edge can be maintained.

The third manufacturing method is shown in FIG. In this method, the pin 150 is recessed in the aperture and the upper end of the pin is welded by a weld 156 to maintain the position of the pin within the link 152. As shown in Figure (a), welding is also used in the conventional traditional link to maintain the position of the pin in the link, but in this case, the welded part is outward from the link. It is protruding.

In the present invention, as shown in FIG. 9B, the welded portion 156 is located in the recess between the pin head and the outer edge of the link, whereby the outer edge of the link is formed. The amount of protrusion of the welded portion exceeding 10 mm is suppressed to the minimum. Other means of fastening or securing the pins are also contemplated by the present invention, such as chemical treatment.

Thus, by placing the two chains in close proximity, the feature of the present invention, the minimum pin protrusion, allows the two chains in the system to be placed in a narrower package. be able to. In one embodiment, the innermost outer links of two juxtaposed chains contact one another during operation of the chain system. Alternatively, the minimum pin protrusion of the present invention allows a chain with more links to be placed in a package as wide as a conventional chain.

By placing the two chains in close proximity, more links can be arranged along the chain. Arranging a number of links along the width of the chain generally provides a stronger chain than a chain with fewer links along the width of the chain.

In another embodiment, the width of one chain link is narrower than the width of the other chain link, which allows the two chains to be applied to different width phased systems. Narrow chains are realized by narrow inner and outer links.

The features of the present invention are best applied to high speed specification chains for automotive engine timing and transfer cases, or transmission chains. The invention is applicable to a variety of timing system configurations such as those shown in US patent application Ser. No. 08 / 131,473 filed Oct. 4, 1993.

Two phased sprockets 34, 35
And a portion of the roller chain 36 is shown in FIG. 4, with each sprocket being 1/2 pitch phase adjusted.

In practicing the phased system of the present invention, the two phased roller chains may be replaced by a single roller chain system. For a standard 0.375 inch pitch roller chain, certain restrictions are needed on the chain in order to successfully obtain a phased roller chain drive. In the case of a phased system that replaces a 0.375 inch pitch roller chain, the parameters shown in Table 1 below are necessary.

[Table 1]

For a standard 0.315 inch (8 mm) pitch roller chain, certain restrictions are required on the chain in order to successfully obtain a phased roller chain drive. In the case of a phased system that replaces an 8 mm pitch roller chain, the parameters shown in Table 2 below are especially required.

[Table 2]

These parameters are for obtaining the optimum chain drive when implementing the present invention. Each table starts from the specification range ("Spec. Range per Chain") of each parameter of each chain for two chains in the phased chain system. The preferred magnitude of each parameter is listed in the table as the "Best Method Single Chain".

The phased chain system uses two side-by-side offset chains instead of the single chain of the conventional system. This allows the preferred embodiment of the two chains ("Phased Assembly Tota
l (2 chain) ") is compared with a typical conventional single chain system (" Comparable 3SR Heavy Duty Chain "). These parameters and comparison results are
It is not intended to limit the invention but is provided as an illustration of the invention.

The package size of the two chains is limited by many factors. The pin length determines the overall width of the chain. For this reason, the total pin length of the two phased chains must be within the range of the package size or the total pin length of the conventional single chain. For roller chains of 0.375 inch pitch, the preferred pin length is 0.300 inch or less, and the most preferred pin length is 0.285 inch.

The overall width of the outer and inner links must be within the above pin length. Therefore, the thickness of the pin link (that is, the outer link) and the thickness of the bush link (that is, the inner link) are limited in relation to the roller length, but at the same time, sufficient thickness is required to obtain sufficient link strength. Must have. The indicated thickness is expected to increase the thickness of the bushing over the bushing of conventional standard chains and, as a result, improve fatigue resistance.

For a 0.375 inch pitch chain,
In order to obtain high strength in narrow chains, the link height of the two chains in the phased system has been increased.
Further, since the load carried by the two chains is reduced as compared with the load carried by the conventional single chain, the pin diameter is reduced for the two chains in the phased system. By reducing the pin diameter, it is possible to increase the roller thickness for the same roller outer diameter. The bearing surface, which is the projection surface between the pin and the bush, is approximately equal for the two phased chains and the conventional single chain.

Although some embodiments of the present invention have been shown, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains may construct variations and other embodiments utilizing the principles of the present invention, especially in light of the above teachings.

[0085]

As described in detail above, according to the roller chain assembly of the present invention, there is an effect that a narrow chain structure can be obtained. The present invention also allows the width of the phased chain assembly to be reduced, and more links to be used within a chain of the same width, which improves strength. be able to.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall perspective view of a conventional roller chain, a part of which is shown in an exploded state.

FIG. 2A is an overall perspective view of a conventional roller (bush) chain, a part of which is shown in an exploded state.
(B) is a plan view of a stepped bush which is a modified example of the bush of (a).

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a conventional roller chain showing a state in which a pin projects beyond an edge portion of an outer link.

FIG. 4 is a partial side view of a roller chain that comes into contact with one sprocket of a pair of phased sprockets (partially shown in broken section).

FIG. 5 is a plan partial view of a pair of phased roller chains having a minimum pin protrusion according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a plan partial view of a pair of phased roller chains having a minimum pin protrusion according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing the manufacturing method of the present invention, showing how the pin is pushed from the position (a) to the position (b) substantially flush with the outer edge of the link. .

FIG. 8 is a schematic view showing the manufacturing method of the present invention, showing a state in which the pin is mounted in the recess in the link opening.

9 (a) is a schematic view of a conventional welded pin, and FIG. 9 (b) is a schematic view showing a manufacturing method of the present invention, in which the pin is welded at a position where the pin is recessed. FIG.

[Explanation of symbols]

 40,42 Phased chain 52,53,54,55 Outer link plate 58,60,64,66 Inner link plate 68,72 pin

 ─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued Front Page (72) Inventor David Sea White, New York, USA 13053, Dry Road, Lake Road 16 (72) Inventor Timoshi Jay Redina, New York, USA 13073, Groton, Trock Road 30

Claims (12)

[Claims] 1. A roller chain assembly comprising a set of alternating inner and outer links, each outer link having a pair of outer link plates secured to spaced pin members, An outer link plate having a pair of apertures for receiving the pin members, each inner link having a pair of bushes mounted for rotation on the pin members of the outer links; The inner link has an inner link plate fixed to the bush, each inner link plate has a pair of apertures for receiving the bush, and each of the inner link and the outer link has a sprocket tooth. Is configured to receive and wherein the outer link extends the pin member extending through at least a portion of the aperture in the outer link plate. The pin member extends from beyond the edge of the first outer link plate member to beyond the edge of the second outer link in the outer link plate pair, the pin member comprising: A roller chain, wherein the pin member extends beyond the edge of the first outer link plate by a distance longer than a distance extending beyond the edge of the second outer link plate. Assembly. 2. The amount according to claim 1, wherein the first outer link plate has a first thickness, and the pin member has an amount of 10% or less of the first thickness of the first outer link plate. A roller chain assembly, wherein the roller chain assembly only extends beyond the edge of the first outer link plate. 3. The amount according to claim 1, wherein the first outer link plate has a first thickness, and the pin member is 50% or less of the first thickness of the first outer link plate. A roller chain assembly, wherein the roller chain assembly only extends beyond the edge of the first outer link plate. 4. The pin member according to claim 1, wherein the pin member extends only beyond the edge portion of the first outer link plate member to a position within the opening of the second outer link plate member. A roller chain assembly characterized in that 5. The roller chain assembly according to claim 1, wherein the pin member is substantially flush with an outer edge portion of the second outer link plate member. 6. The method of claim 1, further comprising first and second roller chains, each chain having a plurality of interleaved sets of links, wherein the chains are aligned about a set of sprockets. Arranged in an established relationship, each chain having an inner portion which is arranged closest to the other chain and an outer portion which is arranged opposite the inner portion of the chain, A chain having pin members connecting adjacent sets of links, each link having a pair of apertures for receiving the pin members, each chain having some of the sets of links including rollers, Each of the rollers is provided in contact with a sprocket tooth, and the position of the rollers of the first chain is
Offset to the rollers of the second chain, each of the chains having a set of outer and inner links, the set of outer links having a first outer link on the inner portion of the chain. A plate having a second outer link plate in the outer portion of the chain, the outer link having the pin member extending through at least a portion of the aperture of the outer link plate; A pin member extends beyond the edge of the first outer link plate and beyond the edge of the second outer link plate in the set of outer links, the pin of the first chain Some of the members extend over the first outer link plate of the second chain while the chain engages the sprocket during operation. To come into contact with either the roller chain assemblies, characterized in that. 7. The method of claim 6, wherein some of the pin members of the second roller chain are in contact with some of the first outer link plates of the first chain. Characteristic roller chain assembly. 8. The roller chain assembly according to claim 6, wherein the positions of the rollers of the first chain are offset from the rollers of the second chain by 1/2 pitch. 9. The roller chain assembly according to claim 8, wherein the pin members of the first chain are fitted between the pin members of the second chain. 10. A sprocket assembly for use with the roller chain assembly according to claim 6, comprising first and second drive sprockets coupled to a drive shaft, said first and second drive sprockets. Have a plurality of spaced teeth, the drive sprocket is disposed parallel to the drive axis, and the arrangement of the teeth of the first drive sprocket is such that the teeth of the second drive sprocket are Further circumferentially offset, further comprising first and second driven sprockets coupled to the driven shaft, the first and second driven sprockets having a plurality of spaced teeth, The driven sprocket is disposed parallel to the driven axis and the tooth arrangement of the first driven sprocket is circumferentially offset relative to the teeth of the second driven sprocket. The drive shaft is drivingly connected to the input shaft, the driven shaft is drivingly connected to the output shaft, the first drive sprocket is aligned with the first driven sprocket, The second drive sprocket is aligned with the second driven sprocket and has the first chain for drivingly connecting the first drive sprocket to the first driven sprocket. A sprocket assembly having the second chain drivingly connecting the drive sprocket to the second driven sprocket. 11. The sprocket assembly of claim 10, wherein the first and second drive sprockets are offset by about 1/2 pitch. 12. A roller chain assembly comprising a set of alternating inner and outer links, each outer link having a pair of outer link plates secured to spaced pin members, each outer link. A link plate having a pair of apertures for receiving the pin members, each inner link having a pair of bushes mounted for rotation on the pin members of the outer links; A link has an inner link plate secured to the bush, each inner link plate having a pair of apertures for receiving the bush, each of the inner link and the outer link receiving a sprocket tooth. And the outer link has the pin member extending through at least a part of the opening of the outer link plate. ,
The pin member extends from beyond the edge of the first outer link plate to beyond the edge of the second outer link plate in the pair of outer link plates, the pin member comprising: The first outer link plate projects beyond the edge portion of the second outer link plate by the same length as the projecting length beyond the edge portion of the first outer link plate. 2. A roller chain assembly, characterized in that it is 10% or less of the thickness of the outer link plate of 2.