CHAIN TENSIONER DEVICE

Abstract

A chain tensioner device includes: a threaded bolt (3) for adjusting tension on a chain, that remains inserted in a part (4) integral with the wheel shaft (5), arranged in horizontal position, so that the tip (3a) of the bolt (3), presses on a second part (6) integral at the opposite end of the gear, so that tightening or loosening the bolt (3) determines a gap between both parts (4, 6) to regulate the tension and a discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) that includes at least a retractable element (8) either in the bolt (3) or in the first part (4) that contacts and is fitted in one of the series of slots (11) provided either in the bolt (3) or in the first part (4) so that it is possible to know the tightening or loosening of the bolt (3) applicable in each action.

Claims

1. A chain tensioner device that, applicable to be dually incorporated on both sides of the rear wheel (2) of the motorcycle or vehicle on which it is installed, comprises: a threaded bolt (3) for adjusting tension on a chain, that remains inserted in a part (4) integral with a wheel shaft (5), arranged in horizontal position, so that the tip (3a) of the threaded bolt (3) presses on a second part (6) integral at the opposite end of a gear, so that tightening or loosening the threaded bolt (3) determines a gap between both parts (4, 6) to regulate the tension of the chain, and a discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) comprises at least a retractable element (8) either in the threaded bolt (3) or in the first part (4) that contacts and is fitted in one of the series of slots (11) provided either in the threaded bolt (3) or in the first part (4) so that it is possible to know the tightening or loosening of the threaded bolt (3) applicable in each action.

2. The chain tensioner device, according to the claim 1, characterized in that the discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) comprises: in the first part (4), a retractable ball (8) inserted in the end of a plunger (9) with an internal spring (10) that tends to push the retractable ball (8) outwards the plunger (9); and in the threaded bolt (3) one of the series of slots (11) in which the retractable ball (8) contacts and is fitted.

3. The chain tensioner device, according to the claim 1, characterized in that the discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) comprises: in the threaded bolt (3), two retractable balls (8) inserted in the ends of a plunger (9) with an internal spring (10) that tends to push the said balls (8) outwards the plunger (9), and in the first part (4) one of the series of slots (11) in which the two retractable balls (8) contact and are fitted.

4. The chain tensioner device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the threaded bolt (3) is a headless bolt and provided at its base (3b) with a machined recess for inserting a tool.

5. The chain tensioner device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the threaded bolt (3) remains fully inserted in the part (4) integral with the wheel shaft (5) and a wheel shaft base (3b) is accessible from a rear part of the wheel shaft (5), though a hole (4a) pierced in the part (4).

6. The chain tensioner device, according to claim 1, characterized in that the tip (3a) of the threaded bolt (3) is flat.

7. The chain tensioner device, according to claim 4, wherein the tool is a Torx tool.

8. The chain tensioner device, according to claim 4, wherein the tool is a hex tool.

Description

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] To complement the description being carried out and in order to assist to best understanding the characteristics of the invention, attached to this specification, as an integral part thereof, there is set of drawings in which, for illustration and no limitation purpose, the following has been represented:

[0020] FIG. 1.—It shows a side elevation view of an example of rear wheel of a motorcycle with chain gear in which an example of the chain tensioner device of the invention has been incorporated, the general arrangement of the device on one of the sides of the wheel can be seen in a sectional portion of the said area;

[0021] FIG. 2—It shows an enlarged view of the detail A appearing in the FIG. 1 and that shows the sectional portion of the area of the wheel in which the device object of the invention is incorporated, the parts and elements it comprises can be seen as well as their configuration and arrangement; and

[0022] FIG. 3.—It shows an enlarged view of the retractable ball mechanism and the bolt that comprises the device of the invention their configuration being seen with more details.

PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0023] Seen the said figures, and according to the numerals adopted, a non-limiting example of embodiment of the chain tensioner device of the invention can be seen, which comprises what is described in detail below.

[0024] Thus, as it can seen in the said figures, the tensioner device (1) of the invention, applicable to be dually incorporated on both sides of the rear wheel (2) of the motorcycle or vehicle on which it is installed, essentially comprises: [0025] a threaded bolt (3) for adjusting the chain, that remains inserted in a part (4) integral with the wheel shaft (5), arranged in horizontal position, so that the tip (3a) of the said bolt (3), that is preferable flat, presses on a second part (6) integral at the opposite end of the gear, so that tightening or loosening the bolt (3) determines the gap between both parts (4, 6) to regulate the chain tension (not shown), and [0026] a discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) comprises at least a retractable element (8) either in the bolt (3) or in the first part (4) that contacts and is fitted in one of the series of slots (11) provided either in the bolt (3) or in the first part (4) so that it is possible to know the tightening or loosening of the bolt (3) applicable in each action.

[0027] In a first preferred embodiment, as it is shown in the FIGS. 1-3, the discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) comprises in the first part (4), a retractable ball (8) inserted in the end of a plunger (9) with an internal spring (10) that tends to push the said ball (8) outwards the plunger (9); and [0028] in the bolt (3) one of the series of slots (11) in which the ball contacts (8) and is fitted.

[0029] In a second preferred embodiment, the discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6) comprises [0030] in the bolt (3), two retractable balls (8) inserted in the ends of a plunger (9) with an internal spring (10) that tends to push the said balls (8) outwards the plunger (9), and [0031] in the first part (4) one of the series of slots (11) in which the balls (8) contact and are fitted.

[0032] In this manner, the said discretization mechanism of the gap between the first part (4) and the second part (6), in addition to keep the bolt (3) in its place, provokes a noise of “click” each time the bolt (3) rotates and the ball (8) passes from one slot (11) to another, when it is screwed or unscrewed through a tool inserted at its base (3b), allowing that the user controls the number of “clicks” to repeat it in an identical manner on each side of the wheel (2).

[0033] Preferably, the bolt (3) is a headless bolt that remains completely inserted in the part (4) integral with the wheel shaft (5), being provided at its base (3b) with a machined recess for inserting the tool, for example a Torx or hex tool, and that is accessible from the rear part of the shaft (5), though a hole (4a) pierced in the said part (4).

[0034] Sufficiently disclosed the nature of this invention, as well as the manner of implementing it, it is not deemed necessary to extend anymore its explanation in order that any person skilled in the art understands its extends and the advantages arising from it.