JP2010038208A - Plastic lever - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a plastic lever that appropriately maintains tension of a chain by a lightweight member, prevents itself from deviating from the pressing direction of a tensioner and inclining without the following property to the chain from being lowered, and suppresses an increase in the manufacturing cost by simplifying the structure of a mold. <P>SOLUTION: The plastic lever 110 has a projection part 130 around a tensioner abutting part 120 on which the tensioner T for applying tension in the chain direction abuts. The projection part 130 is divided in a plurality and is disposed at a position perpendicular to the chain running direction and not overlapping. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention provides a plastic having a tensioner abutting portion that supports a sliding rail body that is slidably in contact with a chain, abuts a tensioner that applies tension in the chain direction, and a protrusion provided around the tensioner abutting portion Plastics used for chain tensioner levers of timing systems such as automotive engines that transmit power by a chain such as a roller chain or silent chain that circulates around the drive side sprocket and driven side sprocket. It is about the lever.

Conventionally, it has a tensioner abutting part that abuts a tensioner that applies tension in the direction of the chain while supporting the sliding rail body that is slidably in contact with the chain, and the chain tension is properly held by a lightweight member. Plastic levers are well known.
And in order to prevent inclining with respect to the pressing direction of a tensioner, the plastic lever which provided the protrusion part around the tensioner contact part is well-known.

  As shown in FIGS. 15 to 17, the known plastic lever 510 is attached to the engine block wall with a sliding rail body 512 having a substantially arc-shaped sliding contact surface 511 on which the circulating chain slides. A boss 515 having a mounting hole 514 for functioning as a movable guide, a tensioner abutting portion 520 for abutting a tensioner that applies an appropriate tension to the circulating chain, and a reinforcing function and weight reduction are provided. Reinforcing ribs 516 are integrally formed.

As shown in FIG. 16, the tensioner abutting portion 520 is protruded by three side walls, ie, side walls 531 and 532 at both ends in the chain running direction and a side wall 533 at one end parallel to the chain running direction. As shown in FIG. 17, the protruding portion 530 is formed of four side walls, ie, side walls 531 and 532 at both ends in the chain running direction and side walls 533 and 534 at both ends parallel to the chain running direction. Is formed to prevent the plastic lever 510 from being inclined with respect to the pressing direction of the tensioner (see, for example, Patent Document 1).
Japanese Patent No. 3352669 (page 4, FIG. 2)

  However, when the known plastic lever 510 is formed with a protruding portion 530 having three side walls, the tensioner cannot be prevented from being relatively displaced on the side where the protruding portion 530 is not provided. As described above, it is necessary to separately provide a side projection 513 on the side surface of the plastic lever 510 and contact the engine block or cover to prevent the plastic lever 510 from tilting. There was a problem to do.

  Further, when the protruding portion 530 having four side walls is formed, as shown in FIG. 18, the number of divisions of the mold 550 used for manufacturing is increased by one from the three-way division to the four-way division (sliding rail). If the body 512 is not integral, it has to be increased from one two-way division to one three-way division), resulting in a complicated mold structure and increased manufacturing costs. Further, as shown in FIG. 19, when the thickness of the side walls 533 and 534 at both ends parallel to the chain running direction is reduced, deformation (so-called “sink”) occurs after molding, and the pressing surface of the tensioner becomes the tensioner contact portion 520 There was a problem that contact could not be made.

  The present invention solves the problems of the prior art as described above. That is, the object of the present invention is to maintain the chain tension properly with a lightweight member and to reduce the followability to the chain. In addition, it is possible to provide a plastic lever that prevents the tilter from being inclined and deviates from the pressing direction of the tensioner and that simplifies the mold structure and suppresses an increase in manufacturing cost.

  The invention according to claim 1 supports a sliding contact rail body that is in sliding contact with a chain, and a tensioner contact portion that contacts a tensioner that applies tension in the chain direction, and a protrusion provided around the tensioner contact portion. In the plastic lever having a portion, the projecting portion is divided into a plurality of portions, and the plurality of projecting portions are arranged at positions that do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the chain traveling direction. To do.

  In the invention according to claim 2, in addition to the structure of the plastic lever according to claim 1, the plurality of protrusions are provided in rotational symmetry at both ends of the tensioner contact portion in the chain traveling direction. By comprising two L-shaped side walls, the above-mentioned problem is further solved.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the plastic lever according to the first aspect, the plurality of projecting portions are provided with two L-shaped portions provided at both ends of the tensioner contact portion in the chain traveling direction. The above-mentioned problem is further solved by comprising a side wall and one or more straight side walls provided at both ends of the tensioner contact portion parallel to the chain running direction.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the plastic lever according to the first aspect, the plurality of projecting portions include one end portion of the tensioner abutting portion in the chain traveling direction and the tensioner abutting portion. The above-mentioned problem is further solved by providing two side walls that are linearly connected to one end portion parallel to the chain traveling direction.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the plastic lever according to the first aspect, the plurality of projecting portions include one end portion of the tensioner abutting portion in the chain traveling direction and the tensioner abutting portion. The above-mentioned problem is further solved by providing two side walls that are curvedly connected to one end parallel to the chain traveling direction.

  In addition to the structure of the plastic lever according to claim 1, the invention according to claim 6 has a cylindrical shape in which the plurality of projecting portions are in a staggered shape at both ends parallel to the chain running direction of the tensioner contact portion. By the arrangement, the above-mentioned problem is further solved.

  In the invention according to claim 7, in addition to the structure of the plastic lever according to claim 1, the plurality of projecting portions are linear and staggered at both end portions parallel to the chain running direction of the tensioner contact portion. By the arrangement, the above-mentioned problem is further solved.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the structure of the plastic lever according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, a part or all of the plurality of projecting portions may be formed of the tensioner contact portion as a concave portion. Thus, the above-mentioned problem is further solved.

  In the invention according to claim 9, in addition to the configuration of the plastic lever according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the sliding contact rail body is integrally formed, so that the problem is further improved. It is a solution.

  The plastic lever of the present invention supports a sliding contact rail body that is in sliding contact with the chain, and a tensioner contact portion that contacts a tensioner that applies tension in the chain direction, and a protrusion provided around the tensioner contact portion. In addition to being able to properly maintain the chain tension with a lightweight member, the following special effects are achieved.

  That is, in the plastic lever of the invention according to claim 1, the protrusion is divided into a plurality of parts, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged at positions that do not overlap in the direction perpendicular to the chain traveling direction. Since it is possible to provide protrusions at both ends parallel to the chain running direction without further dividing the mold, it is possible to prevent tilting from being deviated from the tensioner pressing direction without reducing the followability to the chain. The mold structure can be simplified to prevent an increase in manufacturing cost.

  Further, in the plastic lever according to the second aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect achieved by the plastic lever according to the first aspect, a plurality of projecting portions are provided rotationally symmetrically at both ends of the tensioner contact portion in the chain traveling direction. Furthermore, since the shape of the protruding portion is simplified by comprising two L-shaped side walls, the mold structure can be further simplified to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost.

  The plastic lever according to the third aspect of the invention has the two L-shapes in which a plurality of protrusions are provided at both ends of the tensioner abutting portion in the chain running direction in addition to the effect achieved by the plastic lever according to the first aspect. The side wall of the tensioner abutment part and one or more straight side walls provided at both ends of the tensioner abutment part parallel to the chain travel direction project at both end parts of the tensioner abutment part parallel to the chain travel direction. Since the portion where the portion is largely missing is reduced, it is possible to further prevent the inclination from being shifted from the pressing direction of the tensioner.

  In the plastic lever according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in addition to the effect achieved by the plastic lever according to the first aspect, the plurality of projecting portions are connected to one end of the tensioner contact portion in the chain traveling direction and the tensioner contact portion. The side wall that connects one end parallel to the chain running direction in a straight line and is provided with two rotationally symmetric shapes, which simplifies the shape of the protrusions, further simplifying the mold structure To increase the manufacturing cost.

  In the plastic lever of the invention according to claim 5, in addition to the effect exerted by the plastic lever according to claim 1, the plurality of projecting portions are provided at one end of the tensioner contact portion in the chain running direction and the tensioner contact portion. The side wall connecting one end parallel to the chain running direction of the chain in a curved shape and having two rotationally symmetric shapes simplifies the shape of the protruding portion. Simplification can suppress an increase in manufacturing cost.

  The plastic lever of the invention according to claim 6 has a staggered shape at both ends parallel to the chain running direction of the tensioner abutting portion, in addition to the effect exerted by the plastic lever according to claim 1. Since the shape of the protrusion is simplified, the mold structure can be further simplified to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost, and both ends of the tensioner contact portion parallel to the chain running direction can be suppressed. Since the portion where the protruding portion is largely missing in the portion is reduced, it is possible to further prevent the inclination from being shifted from the pressing direction of the tensioner.

  The plastic lever according to the seventh aspect of the present invention has a staggered shape at both ends parallel to the chain running direction of the tensioner abutting portion in addition to the effect of the plastic lever according to the first aspect. Since the shape of the protrusion is simplified, the mold structure can be further simplified to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost, and both ends of the tensioner contact portion parallel to the chain running direction can be suppressed. Since the portion where the protruding portion is largely missing in the portion is reduced, it is possible to further prevent the inclination from being shifted from the pressing direction of the tensioner.

  The plastic lever according to the eighth aspect of the present invention has the effect that the plastic lever according to any one of the first to seventh aspects exhibits, in addition, a part or all of the plurality of projecting portions have the tensioner contact portion as a concave portion. Since the shape of the projecting portion is simplified by forming the mold structure, the mold structure can be further simplified to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost.

  The plastic lever according to the ninth aspect of the invention has the sliding contact rail body formed integrally with the effect of the plastic lever according to any one of the first to eighth aspects. Since the step of fixing the body can be omitted, an increase in manufacturing cost can be suppressed.

  The present invention provides a plastic lever having a tensioner abutting portion that supports a sliding contact rail body that is slidably in contact with a chain and a tensioner abutting portion that abuts a tensioner that applies tension in the chain direction and a protrusion provided around the tensioner abutting portion The protrusions are divided into a plurality of parts, and the plurality of protrusions are arranged at positions that do not overlap in the direction perpendicular to the chain traveling direction, and the chain tension is appropriately adjusted with a lightweight member. It is possible to prevent the tilting from deviating from the pressing direction of the tensioner without lowering the followability to the chain, and simplifying the mold structure to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost. Any specific embodiment may be used as long as the effect of being able to be achieved is obtained.

The sliding contact rail body of the plastic lever of the present invention may be formed as a separate member and fixed to the plastic lever, or may be integrally formed.
Further, the protruding portion of the plastic lever of the present invention only has to protrude relative to the tensioner contact portion, and a protruding portion that actually protrudes may be provided around the tensioner contact portion. It is good also considering the wall part which can be made by making a part into a recessed part into a protrusion.

Below, the plastic lever which is an Example of this invention is demonstrated based on drawing.
FIG. 1 is an explanatory view of a usage form of a plastic lever of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a plastic lever as a first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 is a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a front view of the plastic lever according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 5 is an abutment of the tension lever of the plastic lever according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional explanatory view of the mold of the plastic lever according to the first embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line AA of FIG. 6, and FIG. FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a tensioner contact portion of a plastic lever according to a second embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 9 is an explanatory view of a tensioner contact portion of a plastic lever according to a third embodiment of the present invention. 10 is a plastic according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a tensioner contact portion of a bar, FIG. 11 is an explanatory view of a tensioner contact portion of a plastic lever which is a fifth embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 12 is a sixth embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a tensioner contact portion of a plastic lever, FIG. 13 is an explanatory view of a tensioner contact portion of a plastic lever according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 14 is an eighth embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is an example.

The plastic lever 110 of the present invention is used, for example, as a chain guide for a chain of an engine timing system.
As shown in FIG. 1, the engine timing system 100 is configured to transmit power by a chain C that circulates around the driving side sprocket S1 and the driven side sprocket S2, and the plastic lever 110 is The tension is applied to the chain C side by the tensioner T while the chain C is running in a sliding contact state, and tension is applied.
The tensioner T and the fixed guide member G are fixed to the engine room.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the plastic lever 110 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a sliding contact rail body 112 having a substantially arc-shaped sliding contact surface 111 on which the circulating chain C is in sliding contact, and a sliding contact rail body 112. A boss portion 115 having an attachment hole 114 for attaching to the engine block wall and functioning as a movable guide, and a tensioner abutting portion 120 for abutting a tensioner T for applying appropriate tension to the circulating chain C The reinforcing rib 116 having both a reinforcing function and a light weight is integrally formed.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, around the tensioner abutting portion 120, an L-shape formed by one end of the chain running direction and one half of the one end parallel to the chain running direction. A protruding portion 130 is formed which includes a side wall 131 and an L-shaped side wall 132 formed by substantially the other end in the chain running direction and the other end parallel to the chain running direction.

For this reason, the tensioner T is regulated by the protrusion 130 from both directions orthogonal to the chain travel direction of the tensioner abutting portion 120, and the plastic lever 110 is prevented from being inclined with respect to the pressing direction of the tensioner T.
Further, since the side walls 131 and 132 are configured so that there is no overlapping portion in the direction perpendicular to the chain traveling direction, as shown in FIGS. It can be formed with only two of the molds 150B, and there is no need to increase the number of mold divisions.

Next, the protrusion part 130 of the plastic lever 110 which is another Example of this invention is demonstrated.
As shown in FIG. 8, the protruding portion 130 of the plastic lever 110 of the second embodiment is a part of one end portion of the tensioner contact portion 120 in the chain traveling direction and one end portion parallel to the chain traveling direction. An L-shaped side wall 133 formed, an L-shaped side wall 134 formed of the other end in the chain traveling direction and a part of the other end parallel to the chain traveling direction, and parallel to the chain traveling direction The two side walls 133 and 134 are separated from both side walls 133 and 134, and the side walls 135 and 136 are linear. Moreover, each side wall 133,134,135,136 is comprised so that there may be no overlapping part in the direction orthogonal to a chain running direction.

For this reason, even if the position of the tensioner T moves in the chain travel direction, the tensioner T is surely restricted by the protruding portion 130 from both directions orthogonal to the chain travel direction, and the plastic lever 110 is tilted away from the pressing direction of the tensioner T. Is prevented.
Further, each side wall 133, 134, 135, 136 can be formed by only two of the mold 150A and the mold 150B, and it is not necessary to increase the number of mold divisions.

As shown in FIG. 9, the protrusion 130 of the plastic lever 110 of the third embodiment has a linear shape with one end of the tensioner contact portion 120 in the chain running direction and one end parallel to the chain running direction. And a side wall 138 that linearly connects the other end of the tensioner contact portion 120 in the chain traveling direction and the other end parallel to the chain traveling direction.
Further, the side walls 137 and 138 are arranged in a rotationally symmetric manner so that there are no overlapping portions in the direction orthogonal to the chain traveling direction.

For this reason, the tensioner T is reliably regulated by the protrusion 130 from both directions orthogonal to the chain traveling direction, and the plastic lever 110 is prevented from being tilted out of the pressing direction of the tensioner T.
Further, the side walls 137 and 138 can be formed by only two molds 150A and 150B, and it is not necessary to increase the number of mold divisions, and the simple and short shape reduces the manufacturing cost of the mold. Is done.

As shown in FIG. 10, the protruding portion 130 of the plastic lever 110 of the fourth embodiment is curved at one end of the tensioner contact portion 120 in the chain traveling direction and one end parallel to the chain traveling direction. And a side wall 140 that connects the other end of the tensioner contact portion 120 in the chain traveling direction and the other end parallel to the chain traveling direction in a curved shape.
Further, the side walls 139 and 140 are arranged so as to be rotationally symmetric and have no overlapping portion in a direction perpendicular to the chain traveling direction.

For this reason, the tensioner T is reliably regulated by the protrusion 130 from both directions orthogonal to the chain travel direction, and the plastic lever 110 is prevented from being tilted out of the pressing direction of the tensioner T, and the tensioner T in the chain travel direction. There is a margin in the position where the two come into contact, and there is no friction with the side walls 139, 140.
Further, the side walls 137 and 138 can be formed by only two molds 150A and 150B, and it is not necessary to increase the number of mold divisions, and the simple and short shape reduces the manufacturing cost of the mold. Is done.

As shown in FIG. 11, the protrusion 130 of the plastic lever 110 of the fifth embodiment is formed of cylindrical protrusions 141, 142, and 143, and is staggered at both ends parallel to the chain travel direction of the tensioner contact portion 120. Arranged in a shape.
Moreover, each protrusion 141, 142, 143 is comprised so that there may be no overlapping part in the direction orthogonal to the chain running direction.

As shown in FIG. 12, the protruding portion 130 of the plastic lever 110 of the sixth embodiment has a larger number of cylindrical protrusions 144 than those of the fifth embodiment.
Although the number is five in FIG. 12, any number may be used as long as each protrusion 144 is configured so as not to overlap in the direction orthogonal to the chain traveling direction.

As shown in FIG. 13, the protrusion 130 of the plastic lever 110 of the seventh embodiment is composed of short linear protrusions 145 and 146, and is staggered at both ends of the tensioner abutment 120 parallel to the chain travel direction. Is arranged.
Further, both the projecting portions 145 and 146 are configured so that there is no overlapping portion in the direction orthogonal to the chain traveling direction.

As shown in FIG. 14, the protruding portion 130 of the plastic lever 110 of the eighth embodiment has a larger number of short linear protrusions 147 than those of the fifth embodiment.
Although there are three in FIG. 14, any number may be used as long as each protrusion 147 is configured so as not to overlap in the direction perpendicular to the chain travel direction.

In the fifth to eighth embodiments, the tensioner T is reliably regulated by the protruding portion 130 from both directions orthogonal to the chain travel direction, and the plastic lever 110 is prevented from being inclined with respect to the pressing direction of the tensioner T. .
In addition, each of the protrusions 141 to 147 can be formed by only two of the mold 150A and the mold 150B, and it is not necessary to increase the number of mold divisions, and the simple shape reduces the manufacturing cost of the mold. Is done.

  As described above, the present invention supports the sliding contact rail body that is in sliding contact with the chain, and makes the tensioner contact portion contact the tensioner that applies tension in the chain direction, and the protrusion provided around the tensioner contact portion. In the plastic lever having a portion, the protruding portion is divided into a plurality of portions, and the plurality of protruding portions are arranged at positions that do not overlap in the direction orthogonal to the chain traveling direction, so that the tension of the chain is reduced with a lightweight member. Can be held properly, and can be prevented from tilting and deviating from the pressing direction of the tensioner without lowering the followability to the chain, and the mold structure can be simplified to suppress an increase in manufacturing cost. The effect is enormous.

Explanatory drawing of the usage form of the plastic lever of this invention. The perspective view of the plastic lever which is 1st Example of this invention. The side view of the plastic lever which is 1st Example of this invention. The front view of the plastic lever which is 1st Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is 1st Example of this invention. Sectional explanatory drawing of the metal mold | die of the plastic lever which is 1st Example of this invention. AA sectional drawing of FIG. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is 2nd Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is 3rd Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is 4th Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is 5th Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is 6th Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is 7th Example of this invention. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the plastic lever which is 8th Example of this invention. The side view of the conventional plastic lever. The front view of the conventional plastic lever. The front view of the other conventional plastic lever. Sectional explanatory drawing of the metal mold | die of the other conventional plastic lever. Explanatory drawing of the tensioner contact part of the other conventional plastic lever.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 ... Timing system 101 ... Travel guide surface 110, 510 ... Plastic lever 111,511 ... Sliding contact surface 112,512 ... Sliding contact rail body 513 ... Side protrusion 114,514 .... Mounting holes 115, 515 ... Boss parts 116, 516 ... Reinforcing ribs 120, 520 ... Tensioner contact parts 130, 530 ... Projection parts 131, 531 ... Side walls 132, 532 ... -Side walls 132, 533 ... Side walls 133, 534 ... Side walls 141 ... Protrusions 150, 550 ... Mold S1 ... Drive side sprocket S2 ... Drive side sprocket C ... Chain G ... Fixed guide member T ... Tensioner

Claims (9)

In a plastic lever having a tensioner abutting portion that abuts a tensioner that applies tension in the chain direction and a protrusion provided around the tensioner abutting portion while supporting a sliding contact rail body that is in sliding contact with the chain.
A plastic lever, wherein the protruding portion is divided into a plurality of portions, and the plurality of protruding portions are arranged at positions that do not overlap in a direction perpendicular to the chain traveling direction.   2. The plastic lever according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projecting portions include two L-shaped side walls provided in rotational symmetry at both ends of the tensioner contact portion in the chain traveling direction.   The plurality of projecting portions are provided at two end portions of the tensioner abutting portion parallel to the chain traveling direction of the two L-shaped side walls provided at both ends of the tensioner abutting portion in the chain traveling direction. The plastic lever according to claim 1, comprising at least two straight side walls.   The plurality of projecting portions are side walls that linearly connect one end portion of the tensioner contact portion in the chain travel direction and one end portion of the tensioner contact portion parallel to the chain travel direction, and rotate. The plastic lever according to claim 1, wherein two symmetrically provided.   The plurality of protrusions are side walls that connect one end portion of the tensioner contact portion in the chain travel direction and one end portion of the tensioner contact portion parallel to the chain travel direction in a curved shape, and rotate The plastic lever according to claim 1, wherein two symmetrically provided.   2. The plastic lever according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projecting portions are arranged in a zigzag manner at both ends parallel to the chain travel direction of the tensioner abutting portion in a cylindrical shape.   2. The plastic lever according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of projecting portions are arranged in a staggered manner at both end portions that are linear and parallel to the chain travel direction of the tensioner contact portion.   The plastic lever according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a part or all of the plurality of projecting portions are formed by using the tensioner contact portion as a concave portion.   The plastic lever according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the sliding contact rail body is integrally formed.

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