Method for optimizing plates of a plate link chain, and plate for a plate link chain

US8052561B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• LuK Lamellen und Kupplungsbau Beteiligungs KG · DE

Inventors

• Wolfgang Oberle · Nassau (Lahn), DE
• Andre Teubert · Bogen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Apr 10, 2003
• Grant date: Nov 8, 2011
• Expiry date: Dec 9, 2025

Classification

• Technology area (CPC F): Mechanical Engineering; Lighting; Heating
• CPC primary: F16H57/04
• WIPO field: Mechanical elements
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A method for optimizing the link plates of a plate-link chain drive chain for use in a variable speed unit of a belt-driven conical-pulley transmission. The chain includes plate links formed from pairs of plates that have openings through which pairs of rocker members extend. The plates include longitudinally-extending legs that extend in the chain movement direction and vertical legs that extend perpendicular to the chain movement direction. The method is directed to minimizing bending stresses in the longitudinal and vertical legs of the plates as the chain passes around a pulley, and as the rocker members and the chain tension impose forces on the plates. The stress minimization results in minimal material usage and minimal weight of the chain.