Relationship between Oil Film Thickness between Timing Chain Plate and Guide and Friction Force under Sliding Condition

Abstract

With the recent demand for improvement of fuel efficiency in cars, friction reduction between timing chain and its guide is strongly required. To optimize the chain shapes and dimensions for the demand, understanding of friction mechanism between the link plate of chain and guide is necessary. From these backgrounds, oil film thickness formed between the link plate of timing chain and its guide was measured by means of optical interferometry in this study. In addition, the friction force under sliding condition was also measured, and the relationship between the oil film thickness and friction force was finally discussed.