JP2006308106A - Combined transmission chain and sprocket assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change generated noise patterns by phase-adjusting contact of a link of a chain and a sprocket tooth. <P>SOLUTION: A silent chain 10 and the sprocket assembly comprise a random chain assembly, and a pair of phase-adjusted sprockets. One embodiment of the chain assembly comprises a link having a pair of dag portions 30, 32 and a link 24 having a single dag portion 46. The altered sprocket is isolated, and comprises several layers of teeth. The layers of teeth are arranged zigzag to adjust phases. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates generally to transmission chains. The present invention relates to a chain with inward teeth that is used for engine timing as it is used to transmit power from a torque converter to a transmission or in a transmission case of a four-wheel drive vehicle. Or, it applies especially to transmission chains of the silent chain type.

  The present invention relates to tuning of chain assemblies and sprockets to alter the impact noise spectrum and the chordal action noise spectrum. In particular, the present invention involves the use of a hybrid chain in conjunction with a phased or phased sprocket to alter these noise spectra. One splice of the present invention includes a combination of a single toe link and two toe links in a chain assembly having inward teeth.

  Transmission chains are widely used in the automotive industry. These chains are used for engine timing or timing as well as for transmission of power from the torque converter to the transmission or for transmission of power in the transmission case. Transmission chains are also widely used for industrial applications.

  One form of transmission chain is called a “silent chain”. Such a chain comprises a plurality of side-by-side link sets having inwardly facing teeth. A set or row of links is assembled from a number of links arranged next to each other laterally. The links are connected by a pivot device, which is typically a circular pin received in a pair of holes. An example of a silent chain is shown in US Pat. No. 4,342,560, which is incorporated herein by reference.

  A typical silent chain typically includes a guide link and an inwardly toothed link. Guide links are located on the outer edges of every other link set. The guide link typically serves to position the chain laterally on the sprocket. Guide links typically do not engage with sprockets.

  Inwardly toothed links, or sprocket engagement links, transmit power between the chain and the sprocket. Each inwardly toothed link typically includes a pair of holes and a pair of depending toes or teeth. Each toe is defined by an inner flank and an outer flank. The inner flank is joined at the crotch or crotch. Inwardly toothed links are typically designed such that the links contact the sprocket teeth to transmit power between the chain assembly and the sprocket. The inwardly toothed link or drive link contacts the sprocket teeth along its inner link flank or outer link flank or both flank. The contact between the link and the sprocket teeth may be in the form of power transmission, or may be of an incidental contact nature, or may include root contact or side contact.

  A typical silent chain drive includes an endless silent chain hung on at least two sprockets supported by a shaft. When the drive sprocket is rotated, power is transmitted through the chain, and finally the driven sprocket moves. In application to an engine timing drive, the drive sprocket is attached to the engine crankshaft and the driven sprocket is attached to the camshaft. The rotation of the camshaft is controlled by the rotation of the crankshaft via the chain and depends on the rotation. A chain for an engine timing drive is shown in US Pat. No. 4,758,210, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

  A typical chain drive includes a wide chain assembly to provide greater strength to the chain. Alternatively, two chain assemblies can be placed side-by-side between a pair of sprockets to achieve the same power transmission as a single wide chain.

  Noise or noise is associated with the chain drive. Although noise is generated by various sources, in a silent chain drive, the noise is caused in part by the impact sound generated by the collision of the chain and sprocket at the start of meshing. The loudness of the impulsive sound is affected, among other things, 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 increase.

  The meshing impact sound is generally a periodic sound in a chain drive. The impact sound is repeated with a period approximately equal to the period of the chain engaging the sprocket. The period is related to the number of sprocket teeth and the speed of the sprocket. The impact generates a sound with an unpleasant pure sonic tone.

  Another cause of noise in the chain drive is the chord action between the chain and the sprocket as the chain is driven around the sprocket. String action occurs when the chain link wraps around the sprocket from the free chain. Chain and sprocket meshing during the chain meshing cycle is due to the fact that the free chain or span (the part between the chain sprockets) moves in the same plane as the chain and sprocket but in a direction perpendicular to the chain movement. . This vibration generates a pure sonic tone at the chain engagement period or at its derivative.

  Many efforts have been made to reduce the noise level and pitch period distribution in silent chain type chain drives to minimize the unpleasant effects of pure sonic tones. The problem of noise reduction in a silent chain drive is that in U.S. Pat. No. 4,342,560, the contact between the silent chain link flank and the sprocket teeth is transferred to different sets of chain flank. Use and go by changing. The above-mentioned U.S. patent modifies the pattern of sound generated from the chain that contacts the sprocket by mixing different flank shaped links, thereby altering the form of the link and thereby changing the contact point and contact rhythm. I tried to do that.

  U.S. Pat. No. 4,915,675, incorporated herein by reference, utilized the same concept of changing the pattern of sound generated from the chain by changing the format of the link outline. This US patent teaches the use of an asymmetrically formed link from which sound is generated in two different directions in the chain assembly to change the point and rhythm of chain-to-sprocket contact.

  Another attempt to change the rhythm of contact between the silent chain drive and the sprocket is to change the spacing of the sprocket teeth on the sprocket. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,377,875 and U.S. Pat. No. 3,495,468, incorporated herein by reference, reduce noise in the contact between the silent chain link and the sprocket teeth. To accomplish, it teaches changing certain sprocket teeth or removing certain teeth.

  The present invention utilizes the general concept of disordering to reduce noise in both the chain and sprocket structures. The present invention is intended to reduce noise by changing the impact sound pattern and string action sound pattern generated by the contact between the chain and the sprocket. The present invention attempts to change these sound patterns by providing a combination of chain and sprocket contact irregularities with various phasing relationships between the chain assembly and the sprocket. It was. By phasing the relationship between the chain and the sprocket, the number of chain link teeth (or chain mass) that collide with the sprocket during a given time increment can be reduced. Similarly, by adjusting the phase of the relationship between the chain and the sprocket, the string action or joint motion of the chain and the sprocket can be changed or phase adjusted. By changing both of these phase adjustments, the pattern of the sound generated by the impact or string action is changed in connection with the irregularity of the chain and sprocket contact.

  With regard to using the prior art phasing relationship, the prior art manual transmission of the Saab 99 car used three individual roller chains in parallel with three separate sprockets. These roller chains differ from the inwardly toothed chain of the present invention, have different power transmissions and have different noise characteristics, and utilize a disordering concept different from the present invention. Three equivalent roller chains move in parallel with each other, and each chain and sprocket is phased 1/3 pitch with respect to the adjacent chain and sprocket.

  Jensen Interceptor's prior art four-wheel drive transmission case has two identical inward toothed transmission chain shapes, the chain being a rocker joint and all links of the same shape and orientation In parallel with a pair of spaced sprockets. The sprockets are half geared to each other. It is known whether the tolerance between the sprocket and the shaft spline is small enough to prevent loosening between the sprocket and the shaft, and whether the empirical chain has phase adjusted the string action. Absent.

  One spin sheath of the present invention is a combination of an inwardly toothed link having a single toe and a normal inwardly toothed link having two toes in a single chain assembly or a double chain assembly. It is intended to provide a phasing relationship by using a silent chain assembly that has achieved randomization by using. The combination of a link with a single toe and a link with two toes makes the link and sprocket tooth contact pattern in the chain and sprocket assembly irregular and change. A single toe link is provided in the chain assembly in cooperation with a split sprocket with or without a phase adjustment relationship.

  Prior art chains used a single toe link, but not in a double chain or phased chain assembly. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 959,046 shows a single toe guide link. However, the guide link serves only to hold the chain assembly on the sprocket. The guide link does not transmit power directly to or from the sprocket and therefore does not collide with the sprocket during the chain engagement period. Thus, the use of a single toe guide link does not affect the noise spectrum generated by the link in contact with the sprocket teeth or the articulating link.

  US Pat. No. 579,742 shows a chain having a single toe link that is slightly off-centered. This link engages the sprocket via an anti-friction ball received within the sprocket cavity. All links in the chain have a single toe.

  U.S. Pat. No. 6,37,056 shows a chain having a single toe link located approximately centrally. This patent shows a chain having cylindrical sprocket teeth that contact the toes of the link at the base. Contact between the link and the cylindrical toe occurs on both sides of the toe. All links in the chain have a single toe.

  As part of a phased chain and sprocket assembly, the present invention provides a modified sprocket structure. The deformed sprocket can be used with a random or hybrid chain assembly or with a single toe link chain assembly. A single toe link and sprocket have been utilized in an attempt to change the contact pattern between the chain and the sprocket and to minimize the link sprocket problem when the link leaves the sprocket teeth.

  An object of the present invention is to provide a chain and sprocket assembly in which the noise pattern is changed by adjusting the phase of contact between the chain link and the sprocket teeth.

One invention of the present application is a single toe link for a chain assembly, the chain assembly comprising a plurality of side-by-side articulated links, wherein the articulating link is a single link. A single link comprising one toe link and two toe links, wherein a pivot device connects a set of adjacent chain links and the single toe link is aligned with the chain link; In the link with toe,
A link body having a pair of holes for receiving the pivot device;
A single toe portion depending from the link body;
Wherein the single toe is disposed between the pair of holes and has a plurality of flank, wherein at least one of the flank is in driving contact with the sprocket when aligned in the chain assembly. Configured.
Another invention of the present application is a sprocket for use with a chain assembly, wherein the chain assembly comprises a plurality of side-by-side link sets, and a pivot device connects adjacent link sets, and the link A sprocket having a pair of holes for receiving the pivot device;
A plurality of tooth layers are provided, each of the layers being configured to have a plurality of spaced teeth that are in contact with the chain assembly.
Another invention of the present application comprises a plurality of chain assemblies, the chain assembly having a plurality of side-by-side articulating link sets, wherein the links contact sprocket teeth; In a compound transmission chain assembly in which a pivot device connects a set of adjacent links and each link defines a pair of holes for receiving the pivot device;
A first chain assembly comprising an articulating link having a pair of toes separated by a crotch;
A second chain assembly comprising an articulating link having a single toe;
It is configured with.
Yet another invention of the present application is a composite chain assembly according to claim 8, for use with a sprocket, wherein the sprocket comprises a plurality of layers of teeth, each of the layers contacting a link of the chain assembly. In a composite chain assembly having a plurality of spaced teeth,
The sprocket includes a first portion having teeth arranged to contact a link of the first chain assembly, and the sprocket is arranged to contact a link of the second chain assembly. A second portion having teeth, wherein the position of the teeth of the second portion is offset with respect to the position of the teeth of the first portion.

Action

  The present invention provides a phase adjustment relationship between a pair of random or hybrid chain assemblies and a pair of sprockets. Phase adjustment is provided to change the stringing noise spectrum as well as the shocking noise spectrum. While the prior art has made such changes by both chain links or sprocket tooth spacing, the present invention makes such changes by the positioning relationship between the chain assembly and the sprocket. Yes. The phase adjustment of the present invention includes the relationship between the chain structure, the sprocket structure and the positioning of the chain assembly and the sprocket.

  Chain and sprocket phasing can reduce the number (or mass) of chain link teeth that impinge on the sprocket during a given time increase. Similarly, by phasing the relationship between the chain and the sprocket, the chain action or articulation of the chain and sprocket can be altered or phased. Chain irregularization or randomization and modification of sprocket phasing changes the sound pattern generated by impact and string action.

  The phase adjustment of the present invention is accomplished by modification of the chain assembly and by modification of the sprocket. Sprocket modifications or changes include using split or split sprockets that are half-tooth, or half-pitch phase adjusted. Changing the chain assembly includes randomization or randomization by using a single toe link and two toe links in the same or double chain assembly.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, one or two random (or hybrid) chains are provided with split sprockets with one side advanced 1/2 tooth from the other side. The random or hybrid chain comprises a set of two differently shaped links, or a first set of links different from the second set of links. The links in the two link pairs are: contour, flank shape, leading inner flank shape, outer flank shape, pitch, orientation (as in asymmetric links), type of drive contact with sprocket teeth, or other type Is different in the randomization of

  Such an embodiment effectively collides with a sprocket tooth during a given time increment change compared to a single chain with randomization and a wide width of two chain assemblies. To adjust the phase of the shock noise spectrum. In this embodiment, the chain action of the chain is phased by offsetting or offsetting the two chain pins by 1/2 pin. Randomization increases the effect of sprocket phase adjustment on the shock and string action noise spectrum.

  In a second embodiment of the present invention, one or two second random or hybrid chains are provided with split sprockets that are phase adjusted with one side advanced 1/2 tooth from the other side, and the sprocket teeth Is randomized. Sprocket tooth irregularization can be any method such as changing spacing, tooth escape or tooth removal.

  Each of these embodiments, like the other embodiments described below, may include a plurality of chain assemblies that include two, three, or four chain strand assemblies. Including. In addition, the sprocket may be phase adjusted by 1/4 tooth, 1/3 tooth, or 1/2 tooth, and may similarly be phase adjusted by other pitch values. Further, the double chain assembly may be spaced along the axis and need not be part of a split sprocket. In such a configuration, care must be taken that the sprocket is closely splined to the shaft to allow string phase adjustment.

  In addition, modifications or changes are made to the chain assembly. In one embodiment of the invention, the randomization is achieved by providing two chain assemblies with different pitches. In another embodiment of the invention, the irregularization of the chain assembly is accomplished by a combination of a pair of depending toe links and a single depending toe link. In other embodiments, the chain assembly comprises a combination having fewer links in the guide link row than in the non-guide link row.

  In each chain assembly, the links are arranged to form a link set. Each link includes a pair of holes, and one link set hole is aligned with an adjacent link set hole for connection. Pivot devices in the form of circular pins or rocker joints are used to connect adjacent link sets through holes and to allow pivoting movement between adjacent link sets. Guide links are arranged in alternating pairs to align the chain with the sprocket.

  An exemplary chain assembly having a single toe link and two toe links uses two different links in a row extending across the set of links, i.e., the width of the chain. The links are arranged in patterns for each set in order to change the contact pattern of the links with the sprocket teeth. Thus, one or two toe links are included in one or more two toe links for each set of chain assemblies of single toe links or in a single set. Subsequently, the link is followed by one or more toe links to form a set across the width of the chain.

  In a column of links extending along the length of the chain assembly, one column includes only two toe links and the other column includes only a single toe link. In one embodiment, the two toe links and the single toe link are arranged in a chain of chains and a particular link column running in the length of the chain is two toe links or Includes any one toe link. In one particular embodiment, multiple columns of two toe links are formed outside the width of the chain, and a single toe link forms a single or multiple columns of chain width. Arranged inside. A single toe link in the center acts as an inner guide link to hold the chain along the sprocket. Thus, the use of a guide link that is flanked on the outer edge of the chain is eliminated in certain embodiments. The toes of a single toe link may be placed symmetrically about the center of the link, or may be placed slightly offset or asymmetric with respect to the center of the link.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the chain and sprocket assembly comprises a split sprocket and two chains arranged on the sprocket. One chain of the chain assembly is assembled with a single toe link. The second chain of the assembly is assembled with the usual two toe links.

  In this embodiment, the sprocket is split and has a chain assembly portion having a single toe link on the first chain or one side, and two toe links on the second chain or other side. It is built to match the chain assembly portion it has, and the sprocket teeth on one side are phase adjusted approximately one-half step ahead of the sprocket teeth on the other side. In such a chain assembly, the articulation point of one chain is approximately one-half step ahead of the articulation point of the other chain. Instead, the sprocket portion is not phased but the teeth are aligned.

  This embodiment is combined into a single chain assembly, as in the previously described embodiment. In such a composite chain assembly, a single toe link is on one side along the length of the chain and two toe links are on the other side along the length of the chain. Composite chain assemblies are used with split sprockets.

  Through the use of a silent chain assembly and sprocket made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, a chain and sprocket with all of the same links and two hanging toes or teeth, or a phased chain and sprocket. It is expected to generate a modified noise pattern compared to the noise pattern generated by chain and sprocket assemblies that do not utilize the relationship. The chain assembly of the present invention is suitable for use with various types of chain assemblies and various sprocket tooth configurations.

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
In the drawings, the present invention is intended to provide phasing of a random chain assembly and its associated sprocket. The phase adjustment is performed to change the string motion generation noise spectrum together with the shock generation noise spectrum.

  The present invention modifies the impact sound spectrum by changing the collision pattern of the chain link teeth with the sprocket teeth. In a typical chain assembly in which a particular set of links or link rows are links of the same shape or pitch, the row link teeth flank all contact the sprocket teeth at approximately the same moment. In a random or hybrid chain assembly, the link set comprises links of different shapes, contours, orientations or pitches. In a random chain, the flank of a row of link teeth all contact the sprocket teeth at about the same time or at the same moment, but the pattern of contact between the links and the sprocket teeth is modified between the sets. By phasing or modifying the timing or mass of the chain link that contacts the sprocket during a particular moment or time increment, the impact sound generated by the chain and sprocket contact is further reduced and generated by the contact. Pure sonic tones are also reduced or eliminated.

  The present invention provides collision phase adjustment in several different ways. In some described embodiments, the chain assembly is divided into several parts and the sprocket for each part is adjacent to the chain assembly by 1/4 tooth spacing, 1/3 tooth spacing or 1/2 tooth spacing. The phase is adjusted with respect to the part to be performed. In this way, the mass of the link in contact with the sprocket during a given time increment change is reduced and the contact repetition is further changed.

  The present invention further phase adjusts or modifies the string action of the chain and sprocket to modify the sound pattern or spectrum generated by the string action. String action occurs when the chain link wraps around the sprocket from the free span of the chain. The link is pivoted with respect to free span when the link contacts the sprocket teeth and sits around the sprocket. The string action causes the chain to move in a vertical direction with respect to the linear motion of the chain and generate an unpleasant pure sonic tone. The string action causes a speed change in the linear motion of the chain, and the speed action changes the tension acting on the sprocket.

  The present invention provides string phase adjustment in several ways. In an embodiment in which the random chain assembly is divided into several parts and the sprocket is placed in a phased relationship between these parts, the chain string action is the pin placement in each part of the chain assembly. Is adjusted in phase. By offsetting the pins in adjacent portions of the chain (this is a result of sprocket tooth phasing), the string motion of the chain that wraps around the sprocket is phased with respect to the adjacent portions of the chain assembly.

  In some embodiments of the present invention, only the collision between the chain link and the sprocket is phased. In other embodiments, only the string motion between the chain assembly and the sprocket is phased. In some embodiments, both collision and string motion are phased.

  FIG. 1 shows a portion of one embodiment of the chain assembly of the present invention generally at 10. The chain assembly may be hybrid or random, where the links are provided as a set of two different types of links as shown in US Pat. No. 4,342,560. The chain specifically shown in FIG. 1 is a splice of the present invention, which comprises a link set having two inward teeth and a link set having a single inward tooth, as described below. This will be described in detail.

  The chain assembly comprises a set of links or rows 12, 14 which are shown in greater detail in FIG. One set or row of links extends across the width of the chain and comprises several aligned links. The link sets are then plugged into adjacent link sets to form an endless chain assembly.

  The chain assembly is used, for example, to drive an engine timing assembly having a camshaft (not shown) and a crankshaft (not shown). Sprockets such as sprockets 18 and 19 shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are attached to the shaft. The sprocket provides a device for transmitting power between the chain and the two shafts. The sprocket 19 of FIG. 4 is divided into two parts 86, 88, which are phased or offset by a 1/2 tooth spacing. The sprocket 18 of FIG. 3 is divided into three portions 70, 72, 74 that are offset by a 1/2 tooth spacing. Alternatively, the portion of sprocket 18 may be offset by 1/3 tooth spacing for each of the sprockets.

  The parts of the sprocket may be placed adjacent to each other and may be formed as a single piece or joined together. Alternatively, the sprocket parts may be separate and spaced along the longitudinal direction of the shaft. However, it should be noted that when the sprocket is separated, the sprocket is closely splined to the shaft. Excessive tolerance between the sprocket and the spline will spoil the chording phase of the assembly.

  In one embodiment of the invention, a pair of hybrid or random chain assemblies that are chain assemblies with links having links with different contours, shapes, orientations and pitches are phased as shown in FIG. Used with sprocket parts 86, 88. By phasing or offsetting the sprocket portion by ½ tooth spacing, the impact noise spectrum and the chord action spectrum are phase adjusted. Randomization or randomization of the chain link further modifies the impact sound and string action sound spectra, which allows the chain to be less noisy than a normal chain and sprocket assembly. In a second embodiment, three random chain assemblies are used with the phased sprocket portions shown in FIG. 3 or with three sprocket portions phased by 1/3 tooth spacing. Other similar embodiments are possible in which different chains are used with different sprocket portions, and the phase adjustment relationship of the sprocket portions can be changed to vary the tooth spacing relationship.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the above random chain is used with a random or hybrid sprocket as a phase adjusted sprocket. Hybrid sprockets use unevenly spaced teeth. The tooth spacing can be changed by missing certain parts of a tooth or by changing the shape of the sprocket tooth flank. The hybrid sprocket can be used with a pair of hybrid sprockets with standard sprockets or in combination with any of the above embodiments.

  In another embodiment of the invention, the randomization is achieved by use with two chains of different pitch than the sprockets of FIGS. For example, a 3/8 inch pitch chain can be used with the sprocket portion 86 of FIG. 4 and a 1/2 inch pitch chain can be used with the sprocket portion 88 of FIG. . By using different pitched chains, the pattern of contact between the chain and the sprocket is further made irregular or altered, thereby altering the shock-generated sound spectrum and the string action generated sound spectrum. The sprocket is phased by using different numbers of teeth in the sprocket to fit different pitch chains.

  In operation, the chain assembly of the present invention changes the contact pattern of the chain with the sprocket. The collision of the link with the sprocket is modified by using a random chain with a phased sprocket in the chain assembly. In addition, sprocket chording is altered and reduced due to chain modifications or changes that engage the sprocket. Changing the chain and sprocket in the manner described will change the contact pattern, thereby changing the noise spectrum for the chain.

  The use of a chain assembly or sprocket made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, compared to the noise pattern generated by the chain and sprocket where all links are the same shape and there is no phase adjustment relationship between the sprockets of the assembly. To generate a corrected noise pattern. The chain assembly of the present invention is suitable for use with various types of chain and sprocket tooth configurations. Of course, the combination pattern of the chain assembly and sprocket phase adjustment relationship has less undesirable noise characteristics than the other combinations.

Hybrid chain assembly with a single toe link In another series of embodiments of the present invention, phasing is achieved by combining a single toe link and two toe links in the chain assembly. Achieved. The combination may be included in a single assembly or may be included by combining the two parts of the assembly with the split sprocket shown in FIGS. The spicy sheath of the present invention shown in FIG. 1 comprises a single toe link set 12 and two toe link sets 14.

  One set of links, shown as set 12, includes guide links 20 that are flanked on the outer edge. Guide links 20 are included in every other set of links and serve to position the chain assembly on the sprocket. The guide link does not have a hanging member or tooth that contacts the sprocket. An inner guide link can also be used, in which case a groove is provided in the sprocket to maintain the position of the guide link. In certain embodiments of the present invention, as will be shown below, the central link acts as the central or inner guide link, so the guide links on the outer side need not align the chain with the sprocket.

  The link set 12, 14 also includes side-by-side drive links 22, 24, or inwardly toothed links. The inwardly toothed links are provided in several shapes or shapes as shown in FIGS. 7, 8, 9 and 10. FIG. The two toe links 22 shown in FIG. 8 are known in the prior art and are used in the previously described random chain embodiment. The link 22 includes a pair of holes 28 and 29 and a pair of depending toe portions 30 and 32. The toes are defined by outer flank 34,36 and inner flank 38,40. The inner flank is connected at the crotch portion 41. The inner flank and outer flank of the link 22 may have several shapes including straight lines or arcs. The link may be targeted around the vertical centerline between holes 28 and 29, or may be untargeted about the centerline.

  The single toe link of the present invention includes the links 24, 26 shown in FIGS. The link 24 shown in FIG. 9 has a pair of holes 42, 44 and a single depending toe 46. The toe portion 46 has two flanks 48, 49, one of which is designed to contact the sprocket teeth. Alternatively, a single toe can be designed to contact the sprocket teeth and thus eliminate contact with the sprocket teeth. The flank can be in several shapes including straight or arc and can be designed to contact or not contact the sprocket teeth.

  The link has a pitch 50 measured between the centers of the holes 42, 44. The tooth height 52 is from the horizontal center line to the base of the toe 46. The teeth are constructed to minimize interference with the sprocket teeth as they move away from the sprocket. The tooth geometry is calculated based on the number of teeth, pitch, tip radius, flank contact radius, toe height and tooth angle, and acceptable amount of interference.

  The single toe link 26 shown in FIG. 10 includes a pair of holes 56, 58 and a single depending toe 60. The toes are arranged asymmetrically or slightly offset with respect to the vertical centerline of the link between the holes. The toe portion includes two flank 62, 64 for contacting the sprocket. As in other link embodiments, the flank may have several shapes including straight lines or arcs, and may be designed to contact or not contact the sprocket teeth.

  The aligned link sets 22, 24, 26 are shown in FIGS. The set of links may include a mix of links 22 and 24, or a mix of links 22 and 26, or a mix of three types of links and additional links. As shown in FIG. 2 and shown in detail in the cross-sectional views of FIGS. 5 and 6, the link set across the width of the chain consists of several two toe links 22 and a single toe link. Can be formed. As shown in FIG. 7, the column or column of links comprises several aligned two toe links 22 as in columns 67 and 68. The aligned column 69 may comprise several aligned single toe links 24.

  When assembling the chain of the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the two toe link columns 67, 68 are formed by a conventional array of links 22. Similarly, a single toe link column 69 is formed by a conventional array of links 24. The columns 67, 68, 69 are then joined to form a chain assembly. Thus, a single toe link 24 is placed between the two toe links 22. Due to the combination in the assembly, the single toe link acts as the inner guide link, and in this embodiment the use of the outer guide link is eliminated.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the single toe link 24 is of the form shown in FIG. That is, the single toe portion 46 is disposed in the center between the two holes of the link. In the second embodiment, the single toe is of the form shown in FIG. That is, the single toe 60 is slightly offset from the vertical centerline between the two holes. In this second embodiment, a single toe link 26 acts as an inner link, eliminating the need for a separate guide link 20.

  In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the column 67 of two toe links has a single link 22a aligned with the link 22b, and the link 22b is aligned with the single link 22c. . Similarly, in column 68 on the opposite side of the chain, a single link 22d is aligned with link 22e, and that link 22e is aligned with link 22f. In the central column of single toe links, the single link 24a is aligned with the two links 24b and 24c, and the links 24b and 24c are aligned with the link 24d. The above-mentioned lacing pattern continues over the entire length of the chain.

  In other embodiments, some of the links in FIG. 7 may be modified to provide alternative combination patterns. For example, either of the links 24b or 24c is replaced with a combination pattern with two links 24 with toes. Many other patterns and combinations of single toe links and two toe links are possible within the scope of the present invention.

  FIGS. 5 and 6 show the predicted contact between the chain links of FIG. 7 and the sprocket teeth when the chain wraps around the sprocket during operation. Some or all flanks of the two toe links and the flank of the single toe link are in contact with the sprocket teeth. The exact contact depends on the shape of the link and the arrangement of the links in the chain assembly. Alternatively, a single toe link can be designed to eliminate contact with the sprocket teeth or simply to contact the sprocket teeth.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the modified sprocket is provided for use with the assembly of FIGS. As already described in connection with other embodiments, the sprocket 18 is provided with three layers 70, 72, 74, each layer having spaced sprocket teeth 76, 78, 80. The sprocket teeth are staggered to mate with a combination of a single toe link and two toe links in the chain assembly of FIG. The sprocket may be in several layers to fit two toe links or a single toe link column provided in the chain assembly, but preferably the center layer has a 1/2 tooth spacing. Are three layers offset by only. The layers are formed as a single layer and then combined to provide a sprocket. When joining three layers, one layer of sprocket teeth is staggered with respect to the other layers of teeth. Therefore, each layer is staggered at 1/3 pitch. The single toe link chain assembly of the present invention can be used with sprockets of various shapes and is not limited to use with the sprocket of FIG.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, where the chain assembly comprises a side-by-side combination of two chain assemblies. This embodiment combines the above embodiment of the dual chain assembly and phased sprocket with a single toe link. The first chain assembly 82 is preferably formed entirely of a single toe link. The second chain assembly 84 is preferably formed of two conventional toe links such as links 22g, 22h, 22i, 22j. A single toe link chain assembly 82 includes the link 24 of FIG. 9 with the toe portion centrally located, such as links 24e, 24f, 24g, 24h. Pins interconnect the links of the separate chain assemblies.

  The split sprocket 19 is provided for use with the two chain assembly embodiment as shown in FIG. The sprocket is constructed with the sprocket teeth on one side 86 of the sprocket being indexed a 1/2 distance ahead of the sprocket teeth on the other side 88. Thus, the articulation point of one chain assembly is advanced by approximately ½ interval from the articulation point of the other chain assembly.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 13, 14, 15 and 16. FIG. This embodiment comprises a chain assembly in two parts. The parts are separated and separated or combined into a single chain assembly. As shown in FIG. 15, the chain may be a single assembly with pins 99 extending across the entire width of the chain. One part of the chain assembly utilizes a single toe link 100 shown in FIG. 13A, which has a single toe 101 centrally located between the holes 102,104. Yes. The second part of the chain assembly uses the usual two toe links 106 shown in FIG. 13B. If the chain assembly is split into two parts, then the pins are aligned.

  The chain assembly is shown in side view in FIG. As shown in FIG. 14, in this embodiment, the single toe portion 101 is longer than the toe portion 107 of the two toe link 106. The assembly is shown in cross section in FIG. The cross-sectional view shows the center position of the single toe portion 101 and the positions of the two toe portions 107 of the two toe link 106.

  The chain assembly is shown in connection with sprocket 110 in FIG. FIG. 16 illustrates the predicted contact with the chain sprocket teeth. As shown, the long single toe portion 101 sits deeply on the sprocket by positioning both flank of the toe portion 101 with respect to the sprocket teeth.

  Another embodiment of the present invention having a phase adjusted sprocket is shown in FIGS. 17, 18, 19 and 20. FIG. As shown in FIG. 18, the chain assembly is divided into a first portion 112 and a second portion 114 that are phase-adjusted at 1/2 pitch. Phase adjustment is accomplished by offsetting the two sprocket portions 116, 118 by ½ teeth as shown in FIG. The chain assembly is made up of three types of links: an inner link 120, an inner guide link 122 and an outer guide link 124. A preferred embodiment of this construction utilizes a rocker joint that includes an hourglass shaped hole 126 and a pair of pivot pins 128,130. Holes and pins are shown in US Pat. No. 4,911,682, which is hereby incorporated by reference.

  The combined pattern for the embodiment of FIG. 19 across the width of the chain comprises a single inner guide link 122 in the center and a pair of outer guide links 124 on each side. There are a plurality of inner links 120 between the inner guide links 122 and the outer guide links 124. The inner links may be the same shape or irregular. The outer guide link 124 has a pair of depending toes that are made to contact the sprocket teeth. The outer guide link is provided with a hole 132 into which a pin 128 is tightly fitted. The outer guide links may be the same shape or irregular.

  The inner guide link has a flat bottom 134 with no crotch or crotch. The flat bottom is designed to enter a groove 136 formed in the sprocket. The inner guide link holds the chain assembly in place with respect to the sprocket. The inner guide link includes a hole 138 that allows articulation of the link with respect to the pin 130. The inner link 120 includes a hole 126 that allows articulation of the link with respect to the pin. The outer guide link has a hole for receiving an interference fit pin and therefore does not allow articulation of the pin relative to the link.

  This construction of the inner and outer guide links has several advantages. For one, the inner guide link 122 has no crotch and is therefore inherently stronger than a link having inward teeth separated by the crotch. Secondly, the outer guide link with the pin fitted is stronger than the link with the hole allowing articulation of the link with respect to the pin. Using strong guide links can reduce the number of guide row links in the combination pattern to obtain the same strength chain. When the number of guide row links is reduced, the number of chain links can be minimized.

  In addition, the outer guide link 124 includes inward teeth that are made to contact the sprocket teeth. Providing the outer guide links with inward teeth allows more links to contact the sprocket compared to similar chains having outer guide links that do not contact the sprocket. Thus, more links are in contact with the sprocket for a given number of links and chain width in the chain. The embodiment shown in FIGS. 18, 19, and 20 can be used as a separate chain assembly without a phased sprocket and can achieve some of the advantages described above.

  Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. The embodiment comprises two chain assemblies, or the chain assembly comprises two separate parts. One part of the assembly shown in FIG. 21A and FIG. 21B uses a single toe link 140. The other parts of the assembly shown in FIG. 22 [A] and FIG. 22 [B] use two toe links 142. The sprocket structure is a double or split sprocket having one portion 144 made to receive two toe links and another portion 146 made to receive a single toe link.

  The sprocket portion has aligned teeth. In the portion of the single toe link of the chain assembly, the pin 148 is centered on the sprocket teeth. In the portion of the two toe links of the chain assembly, the pin 150 is centered between the sprocket teeth. In this way, the pins are offset and the string motion of the two chain assembly parts is phased. However, when the link collides with the two parts of the sprocket teeth at about the same time, the impact sound patterns of the parts of the two chain assemblies are not phased.

  In operation, the chain assembly of the present invention changes the contact pattern between the chain and the sprocket. The collision of the link with the sprocket is modified by using a single toe link and two toe links in the chain assembly. With different types of links with different numbers of toes, the links collide with the sprocket teeth at varying time intervals. Thus, the stringing action of the sprocket is altered and reduced by changing the chain meshing with the sprocket. Changing the chain in the manner described above changes the pattern of contact, thereby changing the noise spectrum of the chain.

[The invention's effect]
Using a chain assembly made in accordance with the teachings of the present invention, the noise pattern generated is less than that generated by chains and sprockets where all links have the same shape and the same number of toes. Will be corrected. The chain assembly of the present invention can be used with a variety of sprocket tooth types. Of course, certain patterns of link combinations have less unpleasant noise characteristics than other patterns of links.

  Although several embodiments of the present invention have been described, the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various improvements and modifications using the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a part of a chain assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, showing a form of two links connected to each other by a round pivot device. FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a part of the chain of FIG. 1. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a portion of a sprocket for use with the chain assembly of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a portion of another example sprocket for use with the chain assembly of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the chain assembly taken along line 5-5 of FIG. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the chain assembly taken along line 6-6 of FIG. FIG. 4 is a development view of a part of a chain assembly, showing a pattern of a chain link assembly. It is a link top view with two toe parts of chain. It is a top view of the link with a single toe part of this invention. FIG. 6 is a plan view of another embodiment of a single toe link of the present invention having teeth slightly offset from the vertical centerline of the link. FIG. 5 is a side view of a two toe link chain assembly for use in combination with a single toe link assembly. 12 is a side view of a single toe link chain assembly for use in combination with the two toe assembly of FIG. 11. FIG. [A] is a plan view of a single toe link according to one embodiment of the present invention, and [B] is a plan view of two toe links according to one embodiment of the present invention. 1 is a side view of one embodiment of a chain of the present invention having a single toe link and two toe links. FIG. It is sectional drawing of the chain cut | disconnected along line AA of FIG. It is a side view explaining the contact with the sprocket of the chain of FIG. FIG. 6 is a side view of a double sprocket assembly having two portions phased by ½ pitch and ½ tooth offset. It is a side view explaining two parts of a chain assembly and two parts of a sprocket assembly. It is a side view explaining the link of three types of chains of FIG. It is a side view explaining the arrangement | sequence of the three links of FIG. [A] is a side view for explaining the engagement between a link having a single toe and a sprocket, and [B] is a plan view of the link. [A] is a side view for explaining the engagement between a link having two toe portions and a sprocket, and [B] is a plan view of the link. FIG. 23 is a side view of the sprocket for the link chain assembly of FIGS. 21 and 22 showing the sprocket for the link of FIG. 21 with the teeth aligned with dashed lines;

Explanation of symbols

10 Chain assembly 12, 14 Link assembly
18, 19 Sprocket 20 Guide link 22, 24 Drive link 26 Link 28, 29 Hole 30, 32 Toe
34, 36 Outer flank 38, 40 Inner flank
41 Crotch part 42, 44 hole 46 toe part 48, 49 flank 56, 58 hole 60 toe part 67, 68, 69 column 70, 72, 74 layer 76, 78, 80 sprocket tooth 86, 88 sprocket part 82 chain assembly 99 Pin 100, 106 Link 102, 104 Hole 101, 107 Toe 110 Sprocket 112, 114 Chain assembly part 116 118 Sprocket part
120 inner link 122 inner guide link
124 Outer guide link 126 Hole
128, 130 Pivot pin

Claims (9)

A single toe link for a chain assembly, the chain assembly comprising a plurality of side-by-side articulated links, wherein the articulating link is a single toe link A single toe link, comprising two toe links, wherein a pivot device connects a set of adjacent chain links, and the single toe link is aligned with the chain link;
A link body having a pair of holes for receiving the pivot device;
A single toe portion depending from the link body;
Wherein the single toe is disposed between the pair of holes and has a plurality of flank, wherein at least one of the flank is in driving contact with the sprocket when aligned in the chain assembly. Link.   2. A single toe link according to claim 1 wherein each of said flank is in driving contact with a sprocket when aligned in said chain assembly.   2. A single toe link according to claim 1, wherein the single toe is formed symmetrically about the vertical centerline of the link between the holes.   The single toe link of claim 1, wherein the single toe is formed asymmetrically in the vertical centerline of the link between the holes. A sprocket for use with a chain assembly, wherein the chain assembly comprises a plurality of side-by-side link sets, a pivot device connecting adjacent link sets, and the link receiving the pivot device In sprockets with holes
A sprocket having a plurality of spaced teeth, each having a plurality of tooth layers, each of the layers being in contact with the chain assembly.   6. A sprocket according to claim 5, wherein said teeth are equally spaced. The sprocket according to claim 5, wherein the chain assembly comprises a plurality of single toe links, the single toe links having a pair of flank on the toe portions,
A sprocket wherein the sprocket teeth of at least one of the layers of the sprocket are in contact with the flank of the single toe link. A plurality of chain assemblies, the chain assembly having a plurality of side-by-side articulating link sets, wherein the links are in contact with the teeth of the sprocket, and a pivot device is provided for adjacent links; In a combined transmission chain assembly that connects pairs and each link defines a pair of holes for receiving the pivot device,
A first chain assembly comprising an articulating link having a pair of toes separated by a crotch;
A second chain assembly comprising an articulating link having a single toe;
A composite chain assembly comprising: 9. The composite chain assembly of claim 8 for use with a sprocket, wherein the sprocket comprises a plurality of layers of teeth, each of the layers being in contact with a link of the chain assembly. In a composite chain assembly having a defined tooth,
The sprocket includes a first portion having teeth arranged to contact a link of the first chain assembly, and the sprocket is arranged to contact a link of the second chain assembly. A composite chain assembly comprising a second portion having teeth, wherein the position of the teeth of the second portion is offset with respect to the position of the teeth of the first portion.

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