Timing chain hydraulic tensioner and chain transmission system
By introducing a variable volume unit into the timing chain tensioner, the internal chamber volume is automatically adjusted, solving the problems of rapid pressure increase and excessively long negative pressure period, thus achieving stability and extended lifespan of the chain drive system.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202423321286.1
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2024-12-31
- Publication Date
- 2025-11-11
- Estimated Expiration
- 2034-12-31
AI Technical Summary
Existing timing chain tensioners experience rapid pressure increases and prolonged negative pressure periods during operation, leading to instability in the chain system and reduced lifespan.
The internal chamber volume is adjusted by using a variable volume unit, and the pressure rise rate and negative pressure period are reduced by the movement of the plunger. This includes the use of elastic hollow parts and elastic columns to automatically adjust the internal chamber volume.
Optimize tensioning to improve the operational stability and extend the service life of the chain drive system.
Smart Images
Figure CN223536864U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of chain drive technology, and more specifically, to a timing chain hydraulic tensioner and a chain drive system. Background Technology
[0002] Tensioners are commonly used retaining devices in belt and chain drive systems. Their function is to maintain appropriate tension on the belt and chain during transmission, thereby preventing belt slippage, timing belt skipping or tooth breakage, chain loosening or detachment, and reducing wear on sprockets and chains. However, existing timing chain tensioners experience a rapid increase in internal pressure during compression, leading to a rapid increase in chain stress. During extension, the chain moves rapidly outward under spring force, causing the oil chamber volume to expand quickly, creating a negative pressure period (the percentage of time the oil pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure within a cycle). When this negative pressure period exceeds 10%, the tensioning effect of the tensioner deteriorates, potentially leading to chain system instability or a significantly reduced lifespan. Utility Model Content
[0003] The purpose of this invention is to provide a timing chain hydraulic tensioner and a chain drive system, which can automatically adjust the volume of the internal chamber according to the movement of the plunger, thereby slowing down the pressure rise rate to avoid excessive pressure increase and reducing the negative pressure period, thus optimizing the tensioning effect and improving the operational stability of the chain drive system.
[0004] The embodiments of this utility model can be implemented as follows:
[0005] In a first aspect, this utility model provides a timing chain hydraulic tensioner, which includes a tensioning housing, a plunger, and a variable volume unit;
[0006] The tensioning housing is equipped with an oil chamber; the plunger is movably connected to the tensioning housing, and the plunger chamber is in communication with the oil chamber;
[0007] The variable volume unit is disposed in the plunger cavity or the oil cavity, and the variable volume unit is used to increase the volume when the plunger is ejected relative to the oil cavity, and to decrease the volume when the plunger is pressed into the oil cavity.
[0008] In an optional implementation, the variable volume unit includes an elastic hollow element disposed within the plunger cavity.
[0009] In an optional embodiment, the variable volume unit includes an elastic column and an elastic element; the elastic column is disposed in the plunger cavity and connected to the elastic element, and the elastic column abuts against the inner wall or inner end face of the plunger cavity under the elastic force of the elastic element.
[0010] In an optional embodiment, the elastic column abuts against the inner end face of the plunger cavity under the elastic force of the elastic element, and the end of the elastic column that abuts against the inner end face of the plunger cavity is provided with a groove, and the groove and the inner end face of the plunger cavity together form a deformation cavity.
[0011] In an optional embodiment, a vent hole is provided at the end of the plunger, and the vent hole communicates with the deformation cavity.
[0012] In an optional embodiment, the elastic element includes a spring, one end of which abuts against the inner wall of the oil chamber, and the other end of which extends into the plunger chamber and is connected to the elastic column.
[0013] In an optional embodiment, the variable volume unit further includes an elastic hollow member disposed within the plunger cavity, the elastic hollow member being located within the area enclosed by the spring.
[0014] In an optional embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the plunger is provided with a mounting groove that mates with the sealing ring.
[0015] In an optional embodiment, the timing chain hydraulic tensioner further includes a one-way valve connected to the tensioning housing.
[0016] Secondly, this utility model provides a chain drive system, which includes a drive chain and the aforementioned timing chain hydraulic tensioner, the timing chain hydraulic tensioner being used to tension the drive chain.
[0017] The beneficial effects of the timing chain hydraulic tensioner and chain drive system provided in this embodiment of the invention include:
[0018] This timing chain hydraulic tensioner is applied in a chain drive system. The tensioner includes a tensioning housing, a plunger, and a variable volume unit. The tensioning housing has an oil chamber. The plunger is movably connected to the tensioning housing, and the plunger chamber communicates with the oil chamber. The variable volume unit is located within either the plunger chamber or the oil chamber. The variable volume unit increases its volume when the plunger is ejected from the oil chamber and decreases its volume when the plunger is pressed into the oil chamber. Thus, by changing the shape of the variable volume unit during the process of the plunger being compressed into the oil chamber or ejected, the internal volume of the timing chain hydraulic tensioner changes. This adjusts the internal pressure of the timing chain hydraulic tensioner, slowing down the pressure rise to avoid excessive pressure increase and reducing the negative pressure period, thereby optimizing the tensioning effect and improving the operational stability of the chain drive system. Attached Figure Description
[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model, the drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. It should be understood that the following drawings only show some embodiments of this utility model and should not be regarded as a limitation on the scope. For those skilled in the art, other related drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.
[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the timing chain hydraulic tensioner provided in this embodiment when the plunger is ejected;
[0021] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the timing chain hydraulic tensioner provided in this embodiment during plunger compression.
[0022] Icons: 100-Timing chain hydraulic tensioner; 110-Tensioning housing; 120-Plunger; 130-Variable volume unit; 131-Elastic hollow component; 132-Elastic column; 133-Elastic component; 134-Groove; 135-Deformation cavity; 121-Ventilation hole; 140-Sealing ring; 122-Mounting groove; 150-Check valve. Detailed Implementation
[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this utility model clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this utility model, and not all embodiments. The components of the embodiments of this utility model described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations.
[0024] Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.
[0025] It should be noted that similar labels and letters in the following figures indicate similar items. Therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it does not need to be further defined and explained in subsequent figures.
[0026] In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "upper," "lower," "inner," or "outer" are used to indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship in which the utility model product is usually placed during use, they are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.
[0027] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish descriptions and should not be interpreted as indicating or implying relative importance.
[0028] It should be noted that, where there is no conflict, the features in the embodiments of this utility model can be combined with each other.
[0029] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment provides a timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100, which includes a tensioning housing 110, a plunger 120, and a variable volume unit 130.
[0030] The tensioning housing 110 is provided with an oil chamber; the plunger 120 is movably connected to the tensioning housing 110, and the plunger 120 cavity communicates with the oil chamber;
[0031] The variable volume unit 130 is disposed in the plunger 120 cavity or the oil cavity, and the variable volume unit 130 is used to increase the volume when the plunger 120 is ejected relative to the oil cavity, and to decrease the volume when the plunger 120 is pressed into the oil cavity.
[0032] Please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The working principle of the timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100 is as follows:
[0033] The timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100 is applied in a chain drive system. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100 includes a tensioning housing 110, a plunger 120, and a variable volume unit 130. The tensioning housing 110 is provided with an oil chamber. The plunger 120 is movably connected to the tensioning housing 110, and the plunger 120 cavity communicates with the oil chamber. The variable volume unit 130 is disposed within the plunger 120 cavity or the oil chamber, and the variable volume unit 130 is used to increase the volume when the plunger 120 is ejected relative to the oil chamber, and to increase the volume when the plunger 120 is relative to the oil chamber. When the oil chamber is pressed in, the volume is reduced. Thus, through the change in shape of the variable volume unit 130 during the compression of the plunger 120 into the oil chamber or the ejection of the plunger 120, the internal volume of the timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100 is changed. This allows the internal pressure of the timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100 to be adjusted, thereby slowing down the pressure rise rate to avoid excessive pressure increase and reducing the negative pressure period, thus optimizing the tensioning effect and improving the operational stability of the chain drive system.
[0034] Specifically, when the plunger 120 is compressed, the variable volume unit 130 can reasonably contract and deform under pressure, thereby increasing the volume of the inner cavity and slowing down the rapid increase in pressure. When the plunger 120 is ejected, the variable volume unit 130 expands and deforms reasonably, thereby reducing the volume of the pressure chamber and reducing the negative pressure period. This improves the tensioning effect of the timing chain tensioner. Moreover, the deformation of the variable volume unit 130 is automatically adjusted according to the displacement and pressure state of the plunger 120, thereby automatically adjusting the volume of the inner cavity.
[0035] It should be noted that the shrinkage deformation and expansion deformation mentioned above refer to the volume reduction and volume increase of the variable volume unit 130, respectively; while its inner cavity refers to the internal volume of the oil cavity and the internal volume of the plunger 120 cavity; in addition, the negative pressure period refers to the percentage of time during which the oil pressure is lower than atmospheric pressure within one cycle.
[0036] Furthermore, based on the above, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, when the variable volume unit 130 is configured, the volume of the variable volume unit 130 can change according to the displacement and pressure state of the plunger 120, that is, increase the volume or decrease the volume. Based on this, the variable volume unit 130 may include an elastic hollow member 131 disposed in the cavity of the plunger 120. The elastic hollow member 131 may be a hollow cavity or a bladder. Its purpose is to change the volume according to the displacement and pressure state of the plunger 120. That is, when the plunger 120 is compressed, the variable volume unit 130 can decrease the volume under the action of pressure, thereby increasing the volume of the inner cavity and slowing down the rapid increase of pressure. When the plunger 120 is ejected, the variable volume unit 130 increases the volume, thereby decreasing the volume of the pressure cavity and reducing the negative pressure period.
[0037] In addition, the variable volume unit 130 may also include an elastic column 132 and an elastic element 133. The elastic column 132 is disposed in the cavity of the plunger 120 and connected to the elastic element 133. Under the elastic force of the elastic element 133, the elastic column 132 abuts against the inner wall or inner end face of the cavity of the plunger 120. Thus, while the elastic element 133 provides the restoring force to the plunger 120, the elastic column 132 abuts against the inner wall or inner end face of the cavity of the plunger 120. Therefore, the volume of the elastic column 132 changes according to the displacement and pressure state of the plunger 120. That is, when the plunger 120 is compressed, the elastic column 132 can reduce its volume under pressure, thereby increasing the volume of the inner cavity and slowing down the rapid increase of pressure; while when the plunger 120 is ejected, the elastic column 132 increases its volume, thereby reducing the volume of the pressure cavity and reducing the negative pressure period.
[0038] Based on the aforementioned elastic column 132, the elastic column 132 can be made to abut against the cavity or inner end face of the plunger 120 under the elastic force of the elastic member 133. A groove 134 is provided at the end of the elastic column 132 that abuts against the inner end face of the plunger 120 cavity. The groove 134 and the inner end face of the plunger 120 cavity together form a deformation cavity 135. Therefore, during deformation, the volume of the inner cavity can be automatically adjusted by the deformation of the elastic column 132, and the volume change of the deformation cavity 135 can also adjust the volume of the inner cavity. Furthermore, a vent hole 121 can be provided at the end of the plunger 120, and the vent hole 121 communicates with the deformation cavity 135. It should be noted that the vent hole 121 allows the deformation cavity 135 to communicate with the outside, and simultaneously has the effects of volume adjustment and venting. This structure can be used alone or in conjunction with the elastic hollow member 131.
[0039] When configuring the elastic element 133, the elastic element 133 may include a spring, one end of which abuts against the inner wall of the oil chamber, and the other end of which extends to the plunger 120 chamber and is connected to the elastic post 132.
[0040] Further, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In this embodiment, the variable volume unit 130 is used, which includes the above-mentioned elastic hollow member 131, elastic column 132 and elastic member 133. Based on this, the elastic hollow member 131 can be located in the area enclosed by the spring.
[0041] It should be noted that both the elastic hollow component 131 and the elastic component 133 in this embodiment are made of elastic material. Moreover, the number and shape of the elastic hollow component 131 can be adjusted according to usage requirements.
[0042] In addition, to improve the sealing of the oil chamber, the outer circumferential surface of the plunger 120 is provided with a mounting groove 122 that mates with the sealing ring 140. Furthermore, to facilitate the injection of hydraulic oil into the oil chamber, the timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100 also includes a one-way valve 150 connected to the tensioning housing 110.
[0043] Based on the above, please refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 ;in, Figure 1 The process of the plunger 120 popping out is shown. As the volume of its oil chamber increases, the pressure in the oil chamber drops rapidly. The corresponding elastic hollow part 131 expands rapidly, and the groove 134 section at the right end of the elastic column 132 deforms, causing the volume of the deformation chamber 135 to expand rapidly as well. This offsets part of the pressure attenuation caused by the increase in the volume of the oil chamber and shortens the negative pressure period.
[0044] Figure 2 The process of compression of plunger 120 is shown. As the volume of the oil chamber decreases, the pressure in the oil chamber increases rapidly. The corresponding elastic hollow component 131 is rapidly compressed and reduced in size. The groove 134 section at the right end of the elastic column 132 deforms, causing the volume of the deformation cavity 135 to also shrink rapidly. This partially offsets the pressure surge caused by the reduction in the volume of the oil chamber and reduces the pressure peak.
[0045] In summary, based on the above information, please refer to... Figure 1 and Figure 2 This embodiment also provides a chain drive system, which includes a drive chain and the aforementioned timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100 is used to tension the drive chain. By employing the aforementioned timing chain hydraulic tensioner 100, this chain drive system can optimize the tensioning effect, thereby improving the operational stability of the chain drive system, preventing the tensioning effect from deteriorating, and thus extending the service life of the chain drive system.
[0046] The above are merely specific embodiments of this utility model, but the protection scope of this utility model is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.
Claims
1. A timing chain hydraulic tensioner, characterized in that: The timing chain hydraulic tensioner includes a tensioning housing, a plunger, and a variable volume unit; The tensioning housing is provided with an oil cavity; the plunger is movably connected to the tensioning housing, and the plunger cavity communicates with the oil cavity; The variable volume unit is disposed in the plunger cavity or the oil cavity, and the variable volume unit is used to increase the volume when the plunger is ejected relative to the oil cavity, and to decrease the volume when the plunger is pressed into the oil cavity.
2. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable volume unit includes an elastic hollow component disposed within the plunger cavity.
3. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner according to claim 1, characterized in that: The variable volume unit includes an elastic column and an elastic element; the elastic column is disposed in the plunger cavity and connected to the elastic element, and the elastic column abuts against the inner wall or inner end face of the plunger cavity under the elastic force of the elastic element.
4. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic column abuts against the inner end face of the plunger cavity under the elastic force of the elastic element, and the end of the elastic column that abuts against the inner end face of the plunger cavity is provided with a groove, and the groove and the inner end face of the plunger cavity together form a deformation cavity.
5. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner according to claim 4, characterized in that: The plunger has a vent hole at its end, and the vent hole is connected to the deformation cavity.
6. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner according to claim 3, characterized in that: The elastic element includes a spring, one end of which abuts against the inner wall of the oil cavity, and the other end of which extends to the plunger cavity and is connected to the elastic column.
7. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner according to claim 6, characterized in that: The variable volume unit further includes an elastic hollow component disposed within the plunger cavity, the elastic hollow component being located within the area enclosed by the spring.
8. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The outer circumferential surface of the plunger is provided with a mounting groove that mates with the sealing ring.
9. The timing chain hydraulic tensioner according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The timing chain hydraulic tensioner also includes a one-way valve connected to the tensioning housing.
10. A chain drive system, characterized in that: The chain drive system includes a drive chain and a timing chain hydraulic tensioner as described in any one of claims 1-9, wherein the timing chain hydraulic tensioner is used to tension the drive chain.