Borgwarner Inc.

Borg-Warner Automotive, K.k.

Borgwarner Morse Tec Japan K.k.

Kouji Morishige

Timothy J Ledvina

Tetsuji Kotera

Tomonori Okuda

ISSUE To reduce operating noise and further improve durability in a cushioning structure for a sprocket used in a roller chain or bush chain. MEANS OF RESOLUTION Annular first and second cushion ringsare provided in such a way as to be able to slide against each other around groovesin a sprocket. The first cushion ringconsists of a single wire and has a wave-like shape comprising a plurality of projections. The second cushion ringconsists of a single wire and has a circular shape running around the outer circumference of the sprocket. When a roller chainmeshes with the sprocket, the rollersmake contact with the second cushion ringcausing the second cushion ringto elastically deform, then causing the first cushion ringto elastically deform. At this point, the first and second cushion ringsslide against each other. As a result, the impact noise of the rollersand the sprocket teethis effectively reduced.

Cushioning structure for a sprocket

A power transmission chain includes a plurality of links and a bending-restraining mechanism. The bending-restraining mechanism includes a wire extending in a lengthwise direction along the chain and engaging at least three adjacent joints of the chain. The wire is formed such that it elastically deforms when an inside link rotates around the inner joint in a first direction from a linearly extending state, the wire thereby applying a bending resistance to the inside link during articulation of the chain. In one embodiment, the wire includes at least one curved section clipped around at least a majority of a circumference of at least one joint. In another embodiment, the wire is formed such that a predetermined bias due to a bending deformation of the wire is applied to the inside link when the chain is extended linearly.

Chains for power transmission

A silent chain includes a plurality of inside links each having a pair of teeth and pin apertures and connected to each other by connecting pins inserted into the pin apertures. At least three adjacent connecting pins have a wire extending substantially along the length of a chain. The wire is engaged with the connecting pins in such a way that bending resistance due to elastic deformation of the wire is applied to the chain during articulation of the chain.

In a silent chain, guide link plates are installed in a row along the sides of the link plates. The guide link plates are provided with central openings having rounded corners. The width of the inner beam portion of the central opening is limited by the inner edge of the central opening and the inner edge of the guide link. The width of the outer beam portion of the central opening is limited by the outer edge of the opening and the outer edge of the guide link plate. The width of the inner beam portion is equal to or less than the width of the outer beam portion. Alternatively, the guide link plates are provided with slits extending from the inner edge, and the inner edges of said slits are curved.

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Nabari, Japan

Kouji Morishige