Power transmission chain, and power transmission system having the same

Abstract

A chain is provided with a plurality of links, and connecting members for connecting those links such that the links are relatively bendable to each other. A first pin of the connecting member is clamped between pulleys thereby to transmit the power between itself and said pulleys. The chain includes a central area with respect to chain width directions, and side areas located on the sides of the central area. In the central area, links adjoining in the chain width directions are pushed to contact with each other, and rotate relative to each other while exerting frictional forces on each other as the chain is bent. In each of the side areas, the links adjoining in the chain width directions are arrayed through a predetermined clearance.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a constitution of an essential portion of a chain type continuously variable transmission acting as a power transmission system, which is provided with a power transmission chain according to one mode of embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged section of a portion of a drive pulley (or a driven pulley) and a chain 1 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a section of an essential portion of the chain.

FIG. 4 is a section taken along line IV-IV of FIG. 3, and shows a straight area of the chain.

FIG. 5 is a section of a bent area of the chain.

FIG. 6A to 6C are schematic diagrams for explaining individual misalignments.

FIG. 7 is a partially sectional view of an essential portion of another mode of embodiment of the invention.

Claims

1. A power transmission chain comprising: a plurality of links arranged in a chain advancing direction; andconnecting members extending in a chain width direction perpendicular to the chain advancing direction, for connecting the plural links such that the links are relatively bendable to each other;wherein the connecting members include power transmission parts having pulley engaging power transmitting portions individually at a pair of end portions;said plural links include at least two pressure contact links contacting with each other so as to be mutually pressed in the chain width direction; andsaid at least two pressure contact links are selectively arranged in a predetermined area containing a center of the power transmission chain with respect to the chain width direction, so that said two pressure contact links are relatively rotated while exerting a frictional force on each other as the power transmission chain is bent.

2. A power transmission chain according to claim 1, wherein said connecting members include a first power transmission part having a pulley engaging power transmitting portions individually at a pair of end portions, and a second power transmission part paired with the first power transmission part; and each of the links includes first and second through holes arranged in the chain advancing direction;in one of the first and second through holes of each of the links, the corresponding first power transmission part is so fitted as can relatively move, and the corresponding second power transmission part is so fitted as is restricted in the relative movement; andin the other of the first and second through holes of each of the links, the corresponding first power transmission part is so fitted as is restricted in the relative movement, and the corresponding second power transmission part is so fitted as can relatively move.

3. A power transmission system comprising: first and second pulleys individually including a plurality of conical sheave faces confronting each other; and a power transmission chain according to claim 1 looped between the pulleys and engaging with the sheave faces for transmitting a power.