Chain – staple – and horseshoe making – Chains – Conduit
Patent
1994-03-15
1995-08-01
Jones, David
Chain, staple, and horseshoe making
Chains
Conduit
59 5, 474209, F16G 1302
Patent
active
054371481
DESCRIPTION:
BRIEF SUMMARY
TECHNICAL FIELD
This invention relates to an oil free chain.
BACKGROUND ART
One disadvantage that the power transmitting metal chain in general use has, is that it requires lubrication both for the chain roller (for example--roller/chainwheel teeth, roller/pin, roller/link plates) and for the chain link plates (for example--link plate/link plate, inner link plate/roller, inner link plate/pin) in respect of their relative movements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
This invention proposes a novel design in an effort to eliminate completely the `wet` lubrication, at the same time reducing the number of individual components needed to make the chain, bearing in mind the primary function of the chain (for example--the ability to transmit the required forces safely and reliably, having a reasonable service life and some increase in the service life of the mating embodiments such as the driving and driven chainwheels and the ability to function in environments in which existing chains would not be suitable)--To use a modern expression--An Environmentally Friendly Chain.
According to the present invention there is provided a chain comprising a plurality of pairs of inner and outer link plates inter-connected by pivot pins extending through aligned apertures in said inner and outer link plates, and roller means surrounding each pivot pin between said inner link plates characterized in that at least some of said pivot pins are formed integrally with the associated roller means.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention is now explained with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 shows two views of the single link plate employed.
FIG. 2 shows one view, partly in section, to illustrate the method of assembling the link plates.
FIG. 3 shows two views, one partly in section, to illustrate the integral roller and pin employed.
FIG. 4 shows two views to illustrate a two component chain assembled.
FIG. 6 shows two views of the link plate employed in the chain shown in FIG. 7.
FIGS. 5 and 7 show two views to illustrate a four component chain assembled .
Referring to the drawings, as shown in FIG. 4, the two component chain is made from link plate 1--shown in FIG. 1 that is employed to form the chain whose design and manufacture is such that longitudinal forces are carried by the link plates alone--a fundamental difference from existing chains performing similar duties.
The link plate is made from suitable polymer for relatively low working forces and temperatures. Also in applications where its weight, non-magnetic property and ability to function without special surface protection in a wide range of atmospheric and liquid environments, are of paramount importance. The link plate is also made from suitable non-ferrous metals where forces to be supported are higher than those offered to the polymer link plate but not as high as the ferrous link plate can support. The particular non-ferrous metal will be selected according to the environment in which the chain will operate. In an application such as the bicycle, for example, where working stresses are high, the link plate can be made from stainless steels.
Other material (non-metallic and polymeric) will be employed for special applications; the high temperature environment being a typical example.
In FIG. 2 end 2 of one link plate 1 is assembled with end 3 of another similar link plate 1. The difference in size of ends 2 and 3 is to assist in the assembling of the metallic links by the light/swaged head 4, yet maintaining axial clearance 5 necessary for the relative rotational movement of assembled ends 2 and 3.
In the case of the polymer link plate, the head 4 would be moulded since temporary deformation of head 4 will permit assembling. Some polymers, however, will need some heating to produce the head 4.
As a chain has to be shortened or lengthened, ends 2 and 3 will be separated by forcing them apart. Polymer chain link plates are separated and reassembled employing just the necessary relevant forces.
Metallic link plates may require a small amo
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