Patent ID: 6488602
Filing Date: 2002-12-03
Classification: B62M,F16H

Abstract:
A tensioning and damping element for chain drives, comprising:an elastically deformable ring part; and a toothed rim arranged at the periphery of the elastically deformable ring part; wherein the ring part has a cross-sectional profile that is circular in a stress-free state and has an elliptical shape in a stressed state and is provided between a non-loaded strand and a loaded strand of the chain drive; and wherein the toothed rim engages with the non-loaded strand and the loaded strand and in so doing transmits to the two strands a tensioning force which is caused by the ellipse-like deformation of the ring part; and wherein said elastically deformable ring part is structured in cross-section so as to exhibit, with increasing flection, a decreasing flexural resistance owing to its deformation, and, in a maximally deformed state, a height to width ratio of the cross-section is at least 4% smaller than in the stress-free state.