초록 ▼

A noise preventing roller chain structure greatly reduces noise generated when a roller chain engages a sprocket or travels on a chain guide. The roller chain has a roller whose axial length is less than the space between opposed inner plates of the chain. A circumferentially continuous ridge portio

A noise preventing roller chain structure greatly reduces noise generated when a roller chain engages a sprocket or travels on a chain guide. The roller chain has a roller whose axial length is less than the space between opposed inner plates of the chain. A circumferentially continuous ridge portion is formed on the outer peripheral surface of the roller. A groove is formed in either the toothed surface of the sprocket or in the roller bearing surface of the chain guide. The ridge portion is fitted in the groove to guide and hold both end faces of the roller in a position spaced from the respective inner plates. An elastic member is embedded in the groove. It is thus possible to prevent the rubbing of the roller end faces with the surfaces of the inner plates and, concomitantly, the sound generated when the roller of the roller chain engages the sprocket or travels on the chain guide.

대표청구항 ▼

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A chain drive mechanism for suppressing noise, comprising:a roller chain including a roller and a pair of side plates, said roller extending between said pair of side plates and having an axial length which is less than a spacing between said side plates and an outer peri

[ What is claimed is:] [1.] A chain drive mechanism for suppressing noise, comprising:a roller chain including a roller and a pair of side plates, said roller extending between said pair of side plates and having an axial length which is less than a spacing between said side plates and an outer peripheral surface having a circumferential ridge provided substantially midway across said axial length;a sprocket engaging said roller chain, wherein said sprocket has a toothed surface engaging said outer peripheral surface of said roller;a circumferential groove is formed in said toothed surface substantially transversely midway across a width of said sprocket, wherein said circumferential groove fittedly receives said circumferential ridge of said roller to restrict movement of said roller relative to said sprocket in a direction parallel to an axis of said roller when said roller engages said sprocket and thereby maintains a spacing between an end of said roller and a respective adjacent one of said side plates; andan elastic member embedded in said circumferential groove in said sprocket, wherein said elastic member elastically engages said cirumferential ridge of said roller to buffer an engagement of said roller and said sprocket.