Chains and chain links with sealing rings

Abstract

A method for manufacturing a link (8) for an abrasive cutting chain comprises: providing a metal blank having an outer profile of the link (8) and a rivet hole (14); and providing a sealing material ring (15) by injection molding a sealing material around at least one rivet hole (14). The method further comprises providing a transfer channel (16) in the metal blank adjacent to the at least one rivet hole (14). The sealing material flows through the transfer channel (16) into at least one cavity portion of an injection mold assembly to form the at least one sealing material ring (15). A grinding chain link comprises at least one rivet hole (14). The transfer channel (16) is provided adjacent to the rivet hole (14).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for manufacturing a link of a cutting chain for a power tool, such as a chain saw or a wall saw, the method comprising: providing a metal blank comprising a first side portion, a second side portion, an outer profile of the link, and comprising a rivet hole for connecting to a rivet of an adjacent link, the rivet hole having a rivet hole opening on each of the first side portion and the second side portion; and providing a ring of sealing material around at least one rivet hole opening.

[0002] The present invention also relates to a link blank for forming an abrasive cutting chain link, the link blank comprising a first side, a second side and at least one rivet hole formed as a through hole having a rivet hole opening on each side of the link blank.

[0003] The present invention further relates to an abrasive cutting chain link comprising a first side portion, a second side portion, and at least one rivet hole for pivotally coupling the link to an adjacent link, the rivet hole having a rivet hole opening on each side portion of a plurality of side portions, and at least one sealing ring of a sealing material surrounding the respective rivet hole opening.

[0004] The present invention also relates to an abrasive cutting chain comprising the above-mentioned chain links, and to a power tool comprising the abrasive cutting chain. Background Art

[0005] US6138658 discloses an abrasive cutting chain having a plurality of drive links and cutting links pivotally connected by rivets. In order to protect the pivot connections from abrasive particles, sealing O-rings or washers are arranged around the rivets between adjacent links.

[0006] The sealing effect may be adequate, but the chain is complex and expensive to manufacture and assemble. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to solve or at least alleviate some or all of the above-mentioned problems. To this end, a method for manufacturing a chain link as mentioned in the introduction above is provided, wherein the metal blank includes a transmission channel adjacent to at least one rivet hole opening; and providing the sealing material ring includes injection molding the sealing material ring onto the metal blank, wherein the injection molding of the sealing material ring onto the metal blank includes injecting the sealing material so that the sealing material flows via the transmission channel into at least one cavity portion of the injection mold assembly to form the sealing material ring. Therefore, a chain link having a sealing ring around at least one rivet hole can be produced in an efficient and cost-effective manner. At the same time, one or more high-quality sealing rings positioned on the chain link can be provided.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method further includes injecting a sealing material such that the sealing material is transferred from the transfer channel into the at least two cavity portions of the injection mold to form a sealing material ring around the at least two rivet hole openings in the chain link, thereby providing an efficient manufacturing method option.

[0009] In another embodiment, the method further comprises injecting the sealing material directly into the transmission channel.

[0010] Injection gate marks on the sealing ring are thereby avoided, and therefore any gate marks will not lead to a reduction in the sealing effect of the sealing ring and do not need to be removed after injection.

[0011] In a further embodiment, the method includes transferring sealing material through a transfer channel to form a sealing material ring around at least two rivet hole openings on the same side of the blank. As described above, the sealing material injected into the transfer channel may be able to flow from the transfer channel into an adjacent cavity portion in the injection mold assembly to form a sealing ring around the rivet hole opening. The sealing rings on the same side of the blank can be formed simultaneously.

[0012] In other embodiments, the method further includes transferring sealing material through a transfer channel to form sealing material rings around at least two rivet hole openings on opposing sides of the blank. Thus, the sealing rings on opposing sides of the blank can be formed simultaneously. These sealing rings can be formed simultaneously with the sealing rings on the same side of the blank. This enables the manufacture of chain links in which all sealing rings are formed simultaneously on the blank.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the method includes surface treating the metal blank of the chain link prior to injection molding.

[0014] The metal blank may be subjected to one or more treatments. The purpose of such treatments may be to provide the metal blank itself with selected properties, such as properties with respect to corrosion, strength or appearance. Examples of such treatments are annealing, hardening, galvanizing, etc. Another purpose of such treatments is to provide a functional basis for the sealing material so that the sealing material adheres to the metal blank. Examples of such treatments are primer coating, sandblasting or grinding, etc. The material in the metal blank or the material in any surface treatment is selected so as not to have an adverse effect on the sealing material, for example, reducing the strength, durability, adhesion of the sealing material to the metal blank. Similarly, the sealing material is selected so as not to have an adverse effect on the material in the metal blank, for example, increasing the risk of corrosion, etc.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the method includes filling the transmission channel with a sealing material.

[0016] In yet a further embodiment, the metal blank is cut from a metal sheet.

[0017] This is one option for providing the metal blank, although other options known to the skilled person may also be utilized.

[0018] According to a second aspect, some or all of the above-mentioned problems are solved or at least alleviated by a chain link blank, the chain link blank comprising a first side, a second side, and at least one rivet hole, the at least one rivet hole being formed as a through hole having a rivet hole opening located on each side of the chain link blank, wherein a transmission channel is arranged adjacent to the rivet hole opening on at least one side of the rivet hole opening. The transmission channel is adapted to communicate with at least one cavity in an injection mold for forming at least one sealing material ring around the at least one rivet hole opening. A single transmission channel located in a suitable position is effective for guiding the injection molded sealing material to one or more different locations where the sealing material is to be arranged. If all the sealing rings included in the chain link can be injection molded simultaneously in a molding tool in a single shot, that is, with as little complexity as possible, then production may be less time-consuming and less costly. The injection molding tool does not need to include more than one injection hole and does not require moving parts.

[0019] In an embodiment of the chain link blank, the transport channel is a recess, the depth of which is smaller than the thickness of the blank.

[0020] Thus, one option for the transfer channel is that it is a recess with a limited depth, which recess acts as a reservoir for sealing material, which can flow onwards into at least one cavity portion of the injection mold assembly to form one or more sealing rings.

[0021] In one embodiment, at least two rivet holes are provided in the chain link blank.

[0022] In a further embodiment, the transmission channel is arranged between the rivet holes.

[0023] Therefore, as described above, the sealing material injected into the transfer channel may be able to flow from the transfer channel into the adjacent cavity portion in the injection mold assembly to form a sealing ring around the rivet hole opening. The sealing rings on the same side of the blank can be formed simultaneously.

[0024] In a still further embodiment, the transport channel is a through hole in the blank.

[0025] A single transfer channel can be connected to a cavity portion in the injection mold assembly on both sides of a link blank via a transfer channel extending through the blank. Sealing material injected into the transfer channel can flow from the transfer channel into an adjacent cavity portion in the injection mold assembly to form a sealing ring around the rivet hole opening. Sealing rings on the same side of the blank can be formed simultaneously.

[0026] Alternatively or simultaneously, the sealing material may flow from the transfer channel into the cavity portion on the opposite side of the blank to simultaneously form sealing rings on both sides of the blank. In combination with forming the sealing rings on the same side of the blank, all sealing rings included in the chain link may be formed on the blank simultaneously.

[0027] In some embodiments, the transmission channel has an elongated shape along a direction extending from one rivet hole to another rivet hole. According to an example, the transmission channel can extend to about half the distance between the rivet holes.

[0028] Therefore, the transfer channel can have an advantageous position close to the expected position of the sealing ring around the rivet hole.The sealing material can easily flow from the channel into the cavity portion in the injection mold assembly.

[0029] In some embodiments, the dimension of the transfer channel transverse to its extension through the blank (ie between the two sides of the blank) ranges from 1 to 5 mm.

[0030] In a third aspect of the present invention, an abrasive cutting chain link is provided, comprising a first side portion, a second side portion, and at least one rivet hole for pivotally coupling the chain link to an adjacent chain link, the rivet hole having a rivet hole opening on each side portion, and at least one sealing ring of a sealing material surrounding the respective rivet hole opening, wherein the sealing ring is disposed on the chain link by injection molding. The abrasive cutting chain link comprises a chain link blank as described above, wherein the sealing material is disposed in the transmission channel.

[0031] Producing chain links using injection-molded sealing rings is a useful option in the field of abrasive cutting. In this area of ​​technology, sealing rings help keep abrasive particles generated by cutting away from the rivets in the joints between chain links. Joints with rivets are particularly sensitive to wear caused by grinding because they experience constant rotational motion. This rotational motion itself can cause wear, which is exacerbated by abrasive particles and can lead to premature failure of the cutting chain.

[0032] The transmission channel filled with sealing material after providing the sealing ring has the effect of providing a sufficient amount of sealing material for the sealing ring.In addition, the excess sealing material in the transmission channel provides such a seal, which prevents abrasive particles from entering the interior of the sealing ring and possibly causing damage to the sealing ring.

[0033] In one embodiment, the abrasive cutting link has at least one sealing ring which forms a continuous body with the sealing material in the transport channel.

[0034] In a further embodiment, the at least one sealing ring comprises at least two sealing rings, each sealing ring being arranged around a corresponding riveted aperture, and the at least two sealing rings forming a coherent body with the sealing material in the transmission channel.

[0035] By arranging the one or more rings and the sealing material in the transport channel to form a coherent body, the stability and integrity of the abrasive cutting link are enhanced.

[0036] In still further embodiments, the at least two sealing rings include two sealing rings disposed on the same side of the abrasive cutting link.

[0037] In still further embodiments, the at least two sealing rings include two sealing rings disposed on opposite sides of the abrasive cutting link.

[0038] In a further embodiment, the sealing ring has a triangular profile.

[0039] Therefore, sufficient contact between the sealing ring and adjacent chain links is achieved under a wide range of possible contact force conditions between the chain link containing the sealing ring and the chain link adjacent to it. In low contact force conditions, only the outer ends of the triangular profile require relatively little force to deform, as these are easily deformed. In high contact force conditions, a larger portion of the sealing ring may deform. In both cases, sufficient sealing is achieved to protect the rivet and the rivet hole.

[0040] In a further embodiment, the diameter of the sealing ring is in the range of 3 to 15 mm.

[0041] In still further embodiments, the sealing material is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber, and any mixtures thereof.

[0042] In a further embodiment, two rivet holes are provided in the grinding and cutting link.

[0043] In a further embodiment, the chain link is a drive link provided with an inwardly extending drive tooth. The drive tooth may be substantially triangular. The drive link may also be provided with an outwardly extending, substantially triangular buffer protrusion.

[0044] By mounting the drive links at both longitudinal ends of the grinding and cutting chain link with the beveled edges of the bumpers facing at least in the direction of motion (and optionally also in the opposite direction), the cutting segments mounted on the cutting chain links are protected from damage. Specifically, the edges of the segments are protected from excessive impact, which could break or jar the segments to the point where they would need to be replaced. In a worst-case scenario, the entire cutting chain would have to be replaced. Given the cost of these segments, adequate protection is desirable.

[0045] In one embodiment, the abrasive cutting link may be a tie strap.

[0046] In one embodiment, the abrasive cutting link is a cutting link.

[0047] In one embodiment, the sealing ring is arranged with a plane of symmetry oriented parallel to the plane of extension of the chain link and passing through this plane of extension.

[0048] In a fourth aspect of the present invention, an abrasive cutting chain comprises at least one chain link as described above.

[0049] In one embodiment, an abrasive cutting chain having chain links as described above comprises a drive link and a cutter link, wherein the sealing ring is arranged on the drive link.

[0050] In an embodiment of the chain, sealing rings are arranged on a first group of links, corresponding circular recesses configured to receive the sealing rings are arranged around rivet holes on a second group of links, and the first and second groups of links are arranged alternately.

[0051] Thus, a sealing effect can be achieved by contact between the sealing ring and the adjacent chain links without significantly increasing the width of the chain.

[0052] In a further embodiment, the pitch of the chain is in the range of 7 to 15 mm.

[0053] In a fifth aspect of the present invention, a power tool comprises the abrasive cutting chain as described above.

[0054] It is noted that embodiments of the present invention can be embodied by all possible combinations of the features recited in the claims. In addition, it is understood that all of the various embodiments described for the method can be combined with the apparatus defined in the second, third and fourth aspects of the present invention, and vice versa. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0055] The above and other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will be better understood through the following illustrative and non-limiting detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used for similar elements and in which:

[0056] Figure 1 is a perspective illustration of a handheld abrasive cutter;

[0057] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 a side view of an abrasive cutting chain included in the abrasive cutter;

[0058] Figure 3a yes Figure 2A perspective view of a drive link included in a cutting chain;

[0059] Figure 3b yes Figure 2 A perspective view of a support plate included in a cutting chain;

[0060] Figure 4 yes Figure 3a A schematic cross-sectional view of a drive chain link in FIG.

[0061] Figure 5 is based on Figure 3a The drive chain and Figure 3b A schematic cross-sectional view of the support plate connection; and

[0062] Figure 6a and Figure 6b is based on Figure 3a and Figure 3b Cross-sectional view of the sealing ring between the drive link and the support plate at two different clearance conditions.

[0063] All the figures are schematic, not necessarily to scale, and generally only show parts which are necessary to elucidate the embodiments, wherein other parts may be omitted. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0064] Figure 1 A handheld abrasive cutter, namely a handheld power cutter 1, is shown, which is configured to cut metal, minerals (such as rock or concrete), etc. by a grinding action. The power cutter 1 includes a power unit 2, which includes a motor such as an internal combustion engine (not visible) or an electric motor (not visible). In the case of an electric motor, the motor is preferably powered by a battery such as an onboard battery or by being connected to the power grid. A guide rod 3 extends from the power unit 2. An abrasive cutting chain 4 is guided along the guide rod 3. The cutting chain 4 is configured as an endless loop and is moved along the circumference of the guide rod 3 by the motor of the power unit 2. A front handle 5 and a rear handle 6 allow the power cutter 1 to be held with two hands, and the rear handle 6 is provided with a trigger 7 for operating the motor (not shown).

[0065] Figure 2 The cutting chain 4 is shown and comprises drive links 8 and support plates 9 connected to one another by rivets 10. Grinding cutting teeth 11 are arranged on a plurality of support plates 9, for example by welding. The grinding cutting teeth 11 may comprise industrial diamonds to achieve high grinding and cutting quality. The drive links 8 are provided with drive teeth 12 that mesh with drive teeth in a drive sprocket in any manner known to those skilled in the art to drive the cutting chain 4 forward. The drive links 8 are provided with buffers 13, which are triangular, outwardly extending protrusions that serve to protect the grinding cutting teeth 11 from excessive impact, particularly in the driving direction.

[0066] The pitch of the cutting chain 4 is defined as half the distance D between the leading edge riveted pivots P of two consecutive drive links 8; a typical pitch may be, for example, 8.0 mm to 11.5 mm. Common pitches are 3 / 8 inch and 0.444 inch pitches.

[0067] The rivet 10 extends through the rivet holes 14 in the drive link 8 and the support plate 9, respectively. Each rivet hole 14 has an opening 21 on each side of the drive link 8 (see FIG. Figure 4 A sealing ring 15 is arranged around the rivet hole opening 21 of the drive link 8 (at Figure 2 The sealing ring 15 (one of which can be seen in the figure) protects the rivet 10 and the chain links 8, 9 from excessive wear in the area of ​​the rivet 10 due to the combined effects of the rotational movement and abrasive particles. The sealing ring 15 prevents abrasive particles from entering the junction between the rivet 10 and the rivet hole 14.

[0068] In order to efficiently manufacture the drive link 8 with the sealing ring 15, a transmission channel 16 is provided in the drive link 8 (at Figure 2 The transfer channel 16 is connected to at least one of the plurality of cavities arranged in the tool for injection molding the sealing ring 15. During manufacturing, the sealing material will pass through the transfer channel 16 and enter at least one of these cavities to form the sealing ring 15. In some embodiments, the transfer channel 16 is connected to all of the cavities so that all of the sealing rings 15 can be formed simultaneously. For clarity, Figure 2 、 Figure 3a 、 Figure 4 and Figure 5 In the view of FIG, the transmission channel is filled with a sealing material, and its outer contour represents the shape of the transmission channel 16.

[0069] Figure 3a A single drive link 8 is shown. A drive tooth 12 for interacting with a drive sprocket (not shown) extends downward in the figure. A generally triangular buffer portion 13 extends upward in the figure. Two rivet holes 14 are arranged through the drive link 8. Each of the openings 21 of the rivet holes 14 is surrounded by a sealing ring 15. The sealing ring 15 shown in the figure is generally circular and is arranged concentrically around the corresponding rivet hole opening 21, thereby allowing the drive link 8 to pivot about the corresponding rivet in the rivet hole 14.

[0070] In many embodiments, each sealing ring 15 has a generally triangular profile. Figure 4As can be seen more clearly in FIG6 , the transmission channel 16 is arranged to be roughly aligned with the center of the rivet hole 14 . At this location, the transmission channel 16 communicates with at least one cavity in the injection mold for forming at least one sealing ring 15 . In many embodiments, the transmission channel 16 communicates with at least two cavities in the injection mold. If the transmission channel 16 is shallow, i.e., its depth is less than the thickness of the drive link 8 , then two sealing rings 15 located on the same side of the drive link 8 can be formed simultaneously. If the transmission channel 16 is a through hole, i.e., extending between two sides of the drive link 8 , then the transmission channel can communicate with two cavities of the mold on opposite sides of the drive link 8 , thereby forming two sealing rings 15 surrounding the rivet hole opening 21 on opposite sides of the drive link 8 . In some advantageous embodiments, the transmission channel communicates with all cavities in the tool used for injection molding. In these embodiments, all sealing rings 15 surrounding the rivet hole opening 21 and located on both sides of the drive link 8 can be formed simultaneously.

[0071] The tool for injection molding the sealing ring 15 will require at least one injection gate to inject the sealing material into the molding tool. This injection gate can be set at any position in the cavity forming the sealing ring 15, because the sealing material will flow from the injection gate via the transfer channel 16 to all cavities connected to the cavity where the injection gate is arranged in an appropriate position. However, it is advantageous to set the injection gate in the transfer channel 16, because the transfer channel 16 is arranged in a central position at a short distance from the cavity forming the sealing ring 15. In this case, the sealing material will flow easily and quickly to all parts of the cavity in the molding tool. In addition, there will be no risk of gate marks forming on the sealing ring 15, so there is no need to remove it.

[0072] Figure 3b The support plate 9 is disclosed separately. Figure 2 The grinding cutting teeth 11 are not yet arranged on the support plate by welding. Similar to the drive link 8 , the support plate 9 has two rivet holes 14 for connecting to adjacent drive links 8 via rivets 10 in the rivet holes 14 .

[0073] Around the rivet hole opening there is a groove 17, approximately circular and concentrically arranged around the respective rivet hole opening 21, allowing the sealing ring 15 of the adjacent drive link 8 to be received in this groove while allowing the drive link 8 to pivot about the respective rivet 10 in the rivet hole 14. The groove 17 can be arranged only on one side of the support plate 9, i.e. on the side of the support plate 9 intended to face the drive link 8. Sealing is only required in the transition area between the drive link 8 and the support plate 9. On the outside of the support plate 9 and the outside of the cutting chain 4, the rivet hole 14 is sealed by the staved up rivet 10 (i.e. the outer end of the rivet is flattened) and will cover the rivet hole 14 from the outside, thus preventing any abrasive particles from entering the pivoting rivet joint.

[0074] The depth of the groove 17 is slightly less than the height of the profile of the sealing ring 15, so that the sealing ring 15 will be slightly compressed when the chain 4 is assembled and thus provide adequate sealing in all practical situations where there is a gap between the drive link 8 and the support plate 9. The bottom of the groove 17 is flat, so that the compression of the sealing ring 15 will not be affected by any slight relative displacement of the sealing ring 15 and the groove 17 in the radial direction. Therefore, a good sealing effect can be achieved in all practical use situations.

[0075] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the drive link 8, in which the transmission channel 16 and the four sealing rings 15 arranged on both sides of the drive link 8 can be clearly seen, as well as the triangular outline of the sealing rings 15. In the disclosed embodiment, the transmission channel 16 is a through hole and is connected to all the sealing rings 15. The sealing material has been able to flow into all the cavities of the injection mold to form the sealing rings 15. Figure 4 It is evident from the view of FIG1 that all sealing rings 15 together with the sealing material in the transfer channel 16 define a single homogeneous, coherent, integral body of sealing material.

[0076] Although the injection gate can be located anywhere in the injection molding tool, in the disclosed embodiment, it is located centrally in the transfer channel 16. As described above, the sealing material will flow into all cavities of the molding tool simultaneously.

[0077] Alternatively, the transmission channel 16 may not be a through hole. Instead, two shallow transmission channels 16 may be arranged on either side of the drive link 8, each communicating with two of the sealing rings 15. Sealing material is injected into each transmission channel 16 through two different injection gates to form the sealing rings 15.

[0078] Also in Figure 4 In FIG. 1 , the triangular outline of the sealing ring 15 can be seen.

[0079] Figure 5 1 is a cross-sectional view of a drive link 8 and two support plates 9 connected by a rivet 10 having a flattened end 18. The flattened end 18 of the rivet 10 prevents abrasive particles from entering the pivot joint 19 between the rivet 10 and the rivet hole 14. A sealing ring 15 prevents abrasive particles from entering the joint from the side (i.e., between the drive link 8 and the support plate 9). The sealing ring 15 is arranged in a groove 17, and the top of the triangular profile of the sealing ring is slightly flattened when it comes into contact with the bottom of the groove 17.

[0080] exist Figure 6a FIGURE 1 shows an enlarged view of a possible situation with maximum clearance between drive link 8 and support plate 9. The sealing ring 15 is arranged to contact the bottom of the groove 17. The tip 20 of the sealing ring 15 is slightly deformed to provide a seal against the abrasive particles. Because the tip 20 is narrow, only a small force is required to achieve deformation. In other words, an effective seal is achieved even when the contact force between the tip 20 of the sealing ring 15 and the groove 17 is low. Therefore, there is no urgent need to press the drive link 8 tightly against the support plate 9 to achieve adequate sealing.

[0081] On the other hand, Figure 6b In the embodiment, the gap between the drive link 8 and the support plate 9 is the smallest. The contact force between the sealing ring 15 and the groove 17 is high, which makes the deformation of the sealing ring 15 larger. Figure 6b As shown, this deformation can be received in the groove 17. Thus, the pivoting movement between the drive link 8 and the support plate 9 is still possible without being hindered by excessive friction between the sealing ring 15 and the inside of the groove 17.

[0082] According to certain aspects, the link 8 includes a first side, a second side, and two rivet holes 14 spaced apart from each other and used to pivotally couple the link 8 to an adjacent link, each of the rivet holes 14 having a rivet hole opening 21 located on both sides of the link 8. The link 8 also includes at least two sealing rings 15, each sealing ring 15 surrounding a corresponding one of the at least two rivet hole openings 21, wherein the sealing rings 15 form part of a single, coherent body of sealing material.

[0083] Preferably, the sealing rings 15 are located on different sides of the chain link 8 .

[0084] Preferably, the chain link 8 comprises four sealing rings 15 , each sealing ring surrounding a respective one of the four rivet hole openings 21 .

[0085] According to certain aspects, a recess is formed in the chain link 8 at a distance from each rivet hole 14 in a region located between a first plane coinciding with the central axis of one rivet hole and a second plane coinciding with the central axis of the other rivet hole, the first and second planes being perpendicular to the plane coinciding with the central axes of the two rivet holes 14. Preferably, the central axes in turn coincide with respective rotation axes for rotating the chain link relative to the adjacent chain link to which it is coupled.

[0086] According to another aspect, the body is partially housed in said recess, and this recess preferably extends all the way through the chain link 8 from one side to the other.

[0087] Preferably, the body has a plane of symmetry oriented parallel to the sides of the chain link 8 and extending through the chain link 8 .

[0088] Optionally, the sealing ring 15 is located on the same side of the chain link 8 .

[0089] Preferably, the body is arranged on the chain link 8 by injection molding.

[0090] According to another aspect, the link 8 includes a first side, a second side, and two rivet holes 14 spaced apart from each other for pivotally coupling the link 8 to an adjacent link. Each of the rivet holes 14 has a rivet hole opening 21 located on both sides of the link 8. The link 8 also includes at least two sealing rings 15 formed of a sealing material, each sealing ring 15 surrounding a corresponding one of the at least two rivet hole openings 21. A recess is formed in the link 8 and accommodates the same sealing material as the sealing rings 15.

[0091] Preferably, the recess extends all the way through the chain link 8 and the sealing material contained in the recess forms a seal between the two sides of the chain link 8 .

[0092] The recess is preferably located in the region between a first plane coinciding with the center axis of one rivet hole and a second plane coinciding with the center axis of the other rivet hole, the first plane and the second plane being perpendicular to a plane coinciding with the center axes of the two rivet holes 14, wherein the center axes in turn coincide with the respective rotational axes for rotating the chain link 8 relative to the adjacent chain link to which it is coupled.

[0093] The invention has been described above mainly with reference to a few embodiments. However, as readily appreciated by a person skilled in the art, other embodiments than the ones disclosed above are also possible within the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended patent claims.

[0094] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a chain link (8) of a cutting chain (4) for a power tool (1), the method comprising: - providing a metal blank comprising a first side, a second side, an outer contour of the chain link (8) and at least one rivet hole for connecting to a rivet (10) of at least one adjacent chain link, at least one rivet hole (14) having a rivet hole opening (21) located on each of the first side and the second side; and - providing a ring of sealing material (15) around the opening (21) of at least one of the riveted holes (14); Its characteristics are: - the metal blank comprises a transport channel (16) adjacent to at least one opening (21) of the rivet hole (14); and wherein: - providing the sealing material ring (15) comprises injection molding the sealing material ring (15) onto the metal blank, wherein injection molding the sealing material ring (15) onto the metal blank comprises injecting sealing material so that the sealing material flows into at least one cavity portion of the injection mold assembly via the transfer channel (16) to form the sealing material ring (15).

2. The method according to claim 1, wherein The method further comprises injecting the sealing material so that the sealing material is transferred from the transfer channel (16) into at least two cavity portions of the injection mold to form the sealing material ring (15) around at least two of the rivet hole openings (21) (14) in the chain link (8).

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein The method further comprises injecting the sealing material directly into the transmission channel (16).

4. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The at least one rivet hole (14) comprises two rivet holes (14), each rivet hole (14) having a corresponding rivet hole opening (21) located on each of the first side and the second side, wherein the method further comprises transferring the sealing material via the transfer channel (16) to form the sealing material ring (15) around the at least two rivet hole (14) openings (21) on the same side of the metal blank.

5. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method further includes transferring the sealing material through the transfer channel (16) to form the sealing material ring (15) around at least two of the rivet hole (14) openings (21) on opposite sides of the metal blank.

6. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method further comprises filling the transmission channel (16) with the sealing material.

7. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The method further comprises performing surface treatment on the metal blank of the chain link (8) before injection molding, wherein the surface treatment comprises at least one of annealing, hardening and galvanizing.

8. The method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: The metal blank is cut from a metal sheet.

9. The method according to claim 1, wherein The power tool (1) is a chain saw or a wall saw.

10. A chain link blank for forming a chain link (8), the chain link blank comprising a first side portion, a second side portion and at least one rivet hole (14), at least one of the rivet holes being formed as a through hole having a rivet hole opening (21) located on each side portion of the chain link blank, wherein: A transfer channel (16) is provided adjacent to the rivet hole (14) opening (21), wherein the transfer channel (16) is adapted to communicate with at least one cavity in the injection mold for forming at least one sealing material ring (15) around at least one of the rivet hole (14) openings (21).

11. The chain link blank according to claim 10, wherein: The transmission channel (16) is a recessed portion, the depth of which is smaller than the thickness of the chain link blank.

12. The chain link blank according to claim 10, wherein: The transmission channel (16) is a through hole that penetrates the chain link blank.

13. The chain link blank according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: At least two of the rivet holes (14) are provided in the chain link blank.

14. The chain link blank according to claim 13, wherein: The transmission channel (16) is arranged between the rivet holes (14).

15. The chain link blank according to claim 14, wherein: The transmission channel (16) has an elongated shape along a direction extending from one of the rivet holes toward the other of the rivet holes.

16. The chain link blank according to any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein: The transmission channel (16) has a transverse dimension in the range of 1 to 5 mm.

17. A chain link (8) comprising a first side portion, a second side portion and at least one rivet hole (14) for pivotally coupling the chain link (8) to an adjacent chain link, the rivet hole (14) having a rivet hole (14) opening (21) on each side portion and at least one sealing material ring (15) surrounding the respective rivet hole opening (21), wherein: The sealing material ring (15) is arranged on the chain link (8) by injection molding, and wherein The chain link (8) comprises a chain link blank according to any one of claims 10 to 16, wherein a sealing material is arranged in the transport channel (16).

18. Chain link (8) according to claim 17, wherein At least one of the sealing material rings (15) forms a continuous body with the sealing material in the transmission channel (16).

19. Chain link (8) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein At least one of the sealing material rings (15) comprises at least two sealing material rings (15), each of which is arranged around an opening (21) of a corresponding rivet hole (14), wherein the at least two sealing material rings (15) form a continuous body with the sealing material in the transmission channel (16).

20. Chain link (8) according to claim 19, wherein The at least two sealing material rings (15) include two sealing material rings (15) arranged on the same side of the chain link (8).

21. Chain link (8) according to claim 19, wherein The at least two sealing material rings (15) include two sealing material rings (15) arranged on opposite sides of the chain link (8).

22. Chain link (8) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The sealing material ring (15) has a triangular profile.

23. Chain link (8) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The sealing material ring (15) has a diameter in the range of 3 to 15 mm.

24. Chain link (8) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The sealing material is selected from the group consisting of natural rubber, synthetic rubber and any mixture thereof.

25. Chain link (8) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein There are two said rivet holes (14).

26. Chain link (8) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The chain link (8) is a drive chain link provided with inwardly extending drive teeth (12).

27. Chain link (8) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The chain link (8) is a support plate.

28. Chain link (8) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein The chain link (8) is a cutting chain link.

29. Chain link (8) according to claim 19, wherein The sealing material ring is arranged to have a symmetry plane oriented parallel to the extension plane of the chain link (8) and passing through the extension plane.

30. A chain link (8) for an abrasive cutting chain, comprising a first side portion, a second side portion and two rivet holes (14) spaced apart from each other and used to pivotally couple the chain link (8) to an adjacent chain link, each of the rivet holes (14) having a rivet hole opening (21) located on two sides of the chain link (8), the chain link (8) further comprising at least two sealing material rings (15), each of the sealing material rings (15) surrounding a corresponding one of the at least two rivet hole openings (21), wherein: The sealing material ring (15) forms part of a single coherent body of sealing material, The chain link (8) comprises a transmission channel (16) adjacent to the rivet hole opening (21), and the transmission channel (16) is adapted to communicate with at least one cavity in the injection mold for forming the sealing material ring (15) around the rivet hole opening (21).

31. A chain link (8) for a grinding cutting chain according to claim 30, wherein: The sealing material rings (15) are located on different sides of the chain link (8).

32. The chain link (8) for an abrasive cutting chain according to claim 31, comprising four sealing material rings (15), each of the sealing material rings surrounding a corresponding one of the four rivet hole openings (21).

33. A chain link (8) for a grinding cutting chain according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein: A recess is formed in the chain link (8) at a distance from each of the rivet holes (14) in an area between a first plane coinciding with the center axis of one of the rivet holes and a second plane coinciding with the center axis of the other rivet hole, the first plane and the second plane being perpendicular to a plane coinciding with the center axes of the two rivet holes (14).

34. Chain link (8) for a grinding cutting chain according to claim 33, wherein The body is partially received in the recess.

35. A chain link (8) for a grinding cutting chain according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein: The body has a plane of symmetry oriented parallel to the sides of the chain link (8) and extending through the chain link (8).

36. The link for grinding a cutting chain according to claim 30, wherein: The sealing material ring (15) is located on the same side of the chain link (8).

37. A chain link (8) for a grinding cutting chain according to any one of claims 30 to 32, wherein: The body is arranged on the chain link (8) by injection molding.

38. A chain link (8) for a grinding cutting chain according to claim 34, wherein: The recess extends all the way through the chain link (8).

39. A chain link (8) for an abrasive cutting chain, comprising a first side portion, a second side portion and two rivet holes (14) spaced apart from each other and used to pivotally connect the chain link (8) to an adjacent chain link, each of the rivet holes (14) having a rivet hole opening (21) located on both sides of the chain link (8), the chain link (8) further comprising at least two sealing material rings (15) made of sealing material, each of the sealing material rings (15) surrounding a corresponding one of the at least two rivet hole openings (21), wherein: A recess is formed in the chain link (8), and wherein the recess accommodates the same sealing material as the sealing material ring (15), The chain link (8) comprises a transmission channel (16) adjacent to the rivet hole opening (21), the transmission channel (16) being adapted to communicate with at least one cavity in the injection mold for forming the sealing material ring (15) around the rivet hole opening (21), The sealing material ring (15) together with the sealing material in the transfer channel (16) defines a single uniform, coherent, integral body of sealing material.

40. Chain link (8) according to claim 39, wherein The recess extends all the way through the link (8), and the sealing material contained in the recess forms a seal between the two sides of the link (8).

41. Chain link (8) according to claim 39 or 40, wherein The recess is located in a region between a first plane coinciding with the central axis of one of the rivet holes and a second plane coinciding with the central axis of the other rivet hole, wherein the first plane and the second plane are perpendicular to a plane coinciding with the central axes of the two rivet holes (14).

42. A cutting chain (4) comprising a chain link (8) according to any one of claims 17 to 41.

43. Cutting chain (4) according to claim 42, wherein The cutting chain (4) comprises a drive link and a cutting link, and a sealing material ring (15) is arranged on the drive link.

44. Cutting chain (4) according to claim 43, wherein Corresponding circular recesses (17) configured to receive the sealing material ring are arranged around the rivet holes (14) on the cutting links, and the driving links and the cutting links are arranged alternately.

45. Cutting chain (4) according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein The pitch of the cutting chain (4) ranges from 7 to 15 mm.

46. ​​A power tool (1) comprising a cutting chain (4) according to any one of claims 42 to 45.

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