Patent ID: 6558281
Filing Date: 2003-05-06
Classification: B21L,F16G,F16H

Abstract:
A plate-link chain for a continuously variable transmission of a motor vehicle, said chain comprising:a) a plurality of interconnected chain links having side-by-side plate links that are spaced from each other a predetermined distance and that each include a plate-link opening that is at least partially aligned with a corresponding plate-link opening in an adjacent plate link to define a passageway for receiving a transversely-extending plate-link connecting element, wherein the chain links are provided in pairs of side-by-side plate links, and adjacent pairs of chain links are offset from each other in a longitudinal direction of the chain; b) a plurality of plate-link connecting elements in the form of elongated rocker members that each have longitudinal axes that extend within the plate-link openings of each of at least one pair of side-by-side plate links, wherein the rocker members are disposed as two pairs of opposed, parallel rocker members, wherein the respective rocker members of a pair of rocker members each include opposed, convex rocker surfaces that are in contact with each other to allow relative rocking movement between the contacting rocker members as the chain passes around a drive member associated with the transmission; and c) at least one retaining element for engaging at least one rocker member of a pair of contacting rocker members for limiting movement of the rocker members in the direction of their longitudinal axes, wherein the retaining elements engage rocker members that pass through different pairs of side-by-side plate links.