Rigid chain

Abstract

The invention relates to a rigid chain, and belongs to the technical field of transmission chains, the rigid chain comprises a first chain and a second chain, the opposite sides of the first chain and the second chain are mutually engaged to form a rigid chain body, and the opposite sides of the first chain and the second chain are respectively provided with a first rack groove and a second rack groove along the length direction; by the adoption of the structure, the first rack groove and the second rack groove are formed in the opposite sides of the first chain and the second chain, so that the first chain and the second chain can be matched with the driving gear in a meshed mode, and the transmission mode that a traditional rigid chain uses a chain wheel to be meshed with a hole between a splicing shaft is abandoned; by adopting the meshing transmission of the rack groove and the gear, the meshing contact range is expanded, the stress balance in the transmission process is improved, the torsional rigidity in the transmission process can be enhanced, the shaking or tooth disengagement phenomenon in the operation process is avoided, the overall bearing capacity and transmission stability are remarkably improved, and the large-load and high-stability transmission requirements can be met.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of transmission chain technology, and specifically relates to a rigid chain. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of mechanical transmission, rigid chains are widely used in heavy-duty push-pull and lifting drive scenarios due to their combination of rigid load-bearing and motion adaptability. Existing interlocking rigid chains use the splicing shaft connecting two chain links as the main load-bearing point. The sprocket meshes in the gap between the two splicing shafts, thereby transmitting the load to drive the rigid chain. During movement, the force is concentrated in the local contact area where the splicing shaft and the sprocket mesh, and the load-bearing area is limited. As a result, the overall load-bearing capacity of the rigid chain is still relatively weak, making it difficult to adapt to the transmission requirements of large loads and high stability.

[0003] Therefore, a rigid chain with stronger load-bearing capacity and more stable transmission is urgently needed. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This invention provides a rigid chain to solve the technical problems of weak load-bearing capacity and unstable transmission caused by the small contact area between the splicing shaft and the gear in the existing rigid chain.

[0005] The present invention is achieved through the following technical solution: a rigid chain, including a first chain and a second chain, wherein the opposite sides of the first chain and the second chain mesh with each other to form a rigid chain body, and the opposite sides of the first chain and the second chain are respectively provided with a first rack groove and a second rack groove along the length direction, the first rack groove and the second rack groove being used to mesh with a drive gear.

[0006] To better realize the present invention, further optimizations are made to the above structure. The first chain includes a first link and a first axle, and the second chain includes a second link and a second axle. Two adjacent first links are rotatably connected through the first axle, and two adjacent second links are rotatably connected through the second axle. When the first chain and the second chain are engaged, the first link engages sequentially with the corresponding second link.

[0007] To better realize the present invention, the above structure is further optimized. The first link includes a plurality of first chain plates and a plurality of second chain plates that are interlocked. Both ends of the first chain plates and the second chain plates are provided with shaft holes for mounting the first chain shaft. In the same first link, the opposite ends of the first chain plates and the second chain plates are interlocked in sequence and rotatably connected by the first chain shaft. In two adjacent first links, the opposite ends of the adjacent second chain plates and the first chain plates are interlocked in sequence and rotatably connected by the first chain shaft. The side of the first chain plates and the second chain plates facing away from the second link are provided with a plurality of first tooth grooves. When the plurality of first link plates are linked by the first chain shaft to form the first chain, the first tooth grooves on the first chain plates and the first tooth grooves on the second chain plates are respectively horizontally aligned to form the first rack groove.

[0008] To better realize the present invention, the above structure is further optimized. The second link includes a plurality of third chain plates and a plurality of fourth chain plates that are interlocked. Both ends of the third chain plates and the fourth chain plates are provided with shaft holes for mounting the second chain shaft. In the same second link, the opposite ends of the third chain plates and the fourth chain plates are interlocked in sequence and rotatably connected by the second chain shaft. In two adjacent second links, the opposite ends of the adjacent fourth chain plates and the third chain plates are interlocked in sequence and rotatably connected by the second chain shaft. The side of the third chain plates and the fourth chain plates facing away from the first link is provided with a plurality of second tooth grooves. When the plurality of second links are linked by the second chain shaft to form the second chain, the second tooth grooves on the third chain plates and the second tooth grooves on the fourth chain plates are respectively horizontally aligned to form the second rack groove.

[0009] To better realize the present invention, further optimization is made to the above structure. The first chain piece is provided with a first groove on the side away from the first rack groove, and the third chain piece is provided with a first protrusion adapted to the first groove on the side away from the second rack groove. When the first chain and the second chain are engaged, the first protrusion is engaged in the first groove.

[0010] To better realize the present invention, the above structure is further optimized. The end of the first protrusion is provided with a first protrusion, and the end of the first chain piece is provided with a first limiting groove that matches the first protrusion. When the first protrusion engages with the first groove, the first protrusion is fitted into the first limiting groove of the adjacent first chain piece.

[0011] To better realize the present invention, further optimization is made to the above structure. The second chain piece is provided with a second groove on the side opposite to the first rack groove, and the fourth chain piece is provided with a second protrusion adapted to the second groove on the side opposite to the second rack groove. When the first chain and the second chain are engaged, the second protrusion is engaged in the second groove.

[0012] To better realize the present invention, the above structure is further optimized. The end of the second protrusion is provided with a second protrusion, and the end of the second chain piece is provided with a second limiting groove that matches the second protrusion. When the second protrusion engages with the second groove, the second protrusion is fitted into the second limiting groove of the adjacent second chain piece.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: The rigid chain provided by this invention includes a first chain and a second chain. The opposite sides of the first chain and the second chain mesh with each other to form a rigid chain body. The opposite sides of the first chain and the second chain are respectively provided with a first rack groove and a second rack groove along the length direction. The first rack groove and the second rack groove are used to mesh with a drive gear. By setting the first rack groove and the second rack groove on the opposite sides of the first chain and the second chain, they can mesh with the drive gear. This eliminates the traditional rigid chain transmission method of using a sprocket to mesh with a hole between the coupling shaft. The meshing transmission of the rack groove and the gear not only expands the meshing contact range and improves the force balance during the transmission process, but also enhances the torsional stiffness during the transmission process, avoiding shaking or tooth slippage during operation. This significantly improves the overall load-bearing capacity and transmission stability, and can adapt to the transmission requirements of large loads and high stability. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the rigid chain in this invention; Figure 2 It is an exploded view of two first links connected in series meshing with two second links connected in series. Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the engagement of the first and third chain links.

[0016] In the picture: 1-First chain; 2-Second chain; 3-First rack groove; 4-Second rack groove; 5-Drive gear; 6-First chain link; 7-First chain shaft; 8-Second chain link; 9-Second chain shaft; 10-First chain piece; 11-Second chain piece; 12-First tooth groove; 13-Third chain piece; 14-Fourth chain piece; 15-Second tooth groove; 16-First groove; 17-First protrusion; 18-First protrusion; 19-First limiting groove; 20-Second groove; 21-Second protrusion; 22-Second protrusion; 23-Second limiting groove. Detailed Implementation

[0017] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0018] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more; the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "inner," "outer," "front end," "rear end," "head," "tail," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the invention 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 the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," "third," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0019] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "joining" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0020] Example 1: In this embodiment, a rigid chain, such as Figures 1 to 3As shown, it includes a first chain 1 and a second chain 2. Specifically, the opposite sides of the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 mesh with each other to form a rigid chain body. The opposite sides of the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 are respectively provided with a first rack groove 3 and a second rack groove 4 along the length direction. The first rack groove 3 and the second rack groove 4 are used to mesh with a drive gear 5. When the drive gear 5 rotates, it drives the rigid chain body to move through the rack grooves. It is suitable for single-sided single-gear drive or double-sided double-gear or multi-gear drive.

[0021] By adopting this structure, the first rack groove 3 and the second rack groove 4 are provided on the opposite sides of the first chain 1 and the second chain 2, so that they can mesh with the drive gear 5. This eliminates the traditional transmission method of using sprockets and interlocking shaft holes to mesh with rigid chains. The meshing transmission of rack grooves and gears not only expands the meshing contact range and improves the force balance during transmission, but also enhances the torsional stiffness during transmission, avoiding shaking or tooth slippage during operation. This significantly improves the overall load-bearing capacity and transmission stability, and can adapt to the transmission requirements of large loads and high stability.

[0022] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the first chain 1 includes a first link 6 and a first chain shaft 7, and the second chain 2 includes a second link 8 and a second chain shaft 9. Two adjacent first links 6 are rotatably connected through the first chain shaft 7, and two adjacent second links 8 are rotatably connected through the second chain shaft 9. That is, the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 are respectively composed of multiple first links 6 and multiple second links 8 connected in series. When the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 are engaged, the first links 6 are engaged with the corresponding second links 8 in sequence. The rotatable connection between each link gives the rigid chain the ability to adapt to motion and can flexibly adapt to different transmission paths. The engagement of the first links 6 and the second links 8 ensures that the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 can only rotate in one direction towards opposite sides, ensuring the fit and synchronization of the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 in linear rigid meshing transmission, reducing gap sway during transmission, and enhancing the overall stability and reliability of transmission.

[0023] Furthermore, such as Figure 2As shown, the first link 6 includes multiple first chain plates 10 and multiple second chain plates 11 that are interlocked. Both ends of the first chain plates 10 and 11 are provided with shaft holes for mounting the first chain shaft 7. In the same first link 6, the opposite ends of the first chain plates 10 and 11 are interlocked sequentially and rotatably connected by the first chain shaft 7, allowing a single first link 6 to be bent. In two adjacent first links 6, the opposite ends of adjacent second chain plates 11 and first chain plates 10 are interlocked sequentially and rotatably connected by the first chain shaft 7, allowing adjacent first links 6 to be bent. Each of the first chain plates 10 and 11 has multiple first toothed grooves 12 on the side facing away from the second link 8. When multiple first links 6 are linked by the first chain shaft 7 to form the first chain 1, the first chain plates 10... The first tooth groove 12 and the first tooth groove 12 on the second chain piece 11 are respectively aligned laterally to form the first rack groove 3. This arrangement strengthens the connection strength of a single first chain link 6 and two adjacent first chain links 6 through the staggered interlocking structure of multiple first chain pieces 10 and second chain pieces 11. Furthermore, the precise alignment of the first tooth groove 12 forms a continuous and complete meshing surface of the first rack groove 3, which greatly increases the meshing contact area between the first chain link 6 and the drive gear 5. This avoids the defects of small contact area, large local stress, and insufficient load-bearing capacity when the traditional sprocket meshes with the interlocking hole of the shaft. At the same time, two adjacent first chain links 6 can rotate through the staggered interlocking of adjacent second chain pieces 11 and first chain pieces 10, so that the rigid chain has more flexible motion adaptability while maintaining high load-bearing capacity, adapting to transmission paths with different curvatures, and taking into account both transmission stability and structural flexibility.

[0024] Furthermore, such as Figure 2As shown, the second link 8 includes multiple interlocking third chain plates 13 and multiple fourth chain plates 14. Both ends of the third chain plates 13 and fourth chain plates 14 are provided with shaft holes for mounting the second chain shaft 9. In the same second link 8, the opposite ends of the third chain plates 13 and fourth chain plates 14 are interlocked sequentially and rotatably connected by the second chain shaft 9, allowing a single second link 8 to bend. In two adjacent second links 8, the opposite ends of adjacent fourth chain plates 14 and third chain plates 13 are interlocked sequentially and rotatably connected by the second chain shaft 9, allowing adjacent second links 8 to bend. Each of the third chain plates 13 and fourth chain plates 14 has multiple second toothed grooves 15 on the side facing away from the first link 6. When multiple second links 8 are linked by the second chain shaft 9 to form the second chain 2, the second toothed grooves 15 on the third chain plates 13 and the second toothed grooves 15 on the fourth chain plates 14... The second tooth grooves 15 are aligned laterally to form the second rack grooves 4, thus forming a symmetrical fit with the structure of the first chain link 6. The staggered interlocking of the third chain plate 13 and the fourth chain plate 14 strengthens the rigidity of the second chain link 8 itself and the connection between adjacent second chain links 8, ensuring the force balance during double chain meshing. Furthermore, the precise alignment of the second tooth grooves 15 forms a continuous and complete meshing surface of the second rack grooves 4, ensuring the contact stability when meshing with the drive gear 5. The flexible second chain link 8 enables the second chain 2 to have the same flexible movement adaptation capability as the first chain 1, and together with the first chain 1, it achieves smooth bending and transmission throughout the entire length of the rigid chain body, further improving the overall structure's adaptability to complex transmission paths. Moreover, the symmetrical double chain rack groove design makes the force on both sides of the drive more uniform, effectively avoiding wear or tooth stripping problems caused by uneven load on one side of the transmission, and significantly enhancing the transmission reliability and service life under heavy load conditions.

[0025] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the first chain link 10 has a first groove 16 on the side opposite to the first rack groove 3, and the third chain link 13 has a first protrusion 17 on the side opposite to the second rack groove 4 that matches the first groove 16. When the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 are engaged, the first protrusion 17 engages in the first groove 16. Through the cooperation of the first protrusion 17 and the first groove 16, the opposite sides of the first chain link 10 and the third chain link 13 are engaged sequentially to form a precise engagement limit, eliminating the engagement gap between the first chain 1 and the second chain 2, avoiding the problem of slippage or deviation during transmission, and increasing the contact area between the first chain link 10 and the third chain link 13 to distribute the load to more engagement points, further improving the overall load-bearing rigidity after the double chain is engaged.

[0026] As an optimization, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the end of the first protrusion 17 extends with a first protrusion 18, and the end of the first chain link 10 is provided with a first limiting groove 19 adapted to the first protrusion 18. When the first protrusion 17 engages with the first groove 16, the first protrusion 18 is fitted into the first limiting groove 19 of the adjacent first chain link 10. The engagement of the first protrusion 18 and the first limiting groove 19 forms a double limiting, further restricting the first chain link 10 based on the longitudinal engagement limiting achieved by the first protrusion 17 and the first groove 16. The relative displacement of the first chain link 10 and the third chain link 13 in the lateral and circumferential directions eliminates the risk of chain link misalignment and disengagement caused by load fluctuations or vibrations during transmission. At the same time, the adjacent first chain link 10 and third chain link 13 form a unified force, further improving the overall structural rigidity and load-bearing stability after the double chain meshes. Through the guiding effect of the first protrusion 18 and the first limiting groove 19, the meshing alignment accuracy of the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 is further optimized, reducing the calibration difficulty during the assembly process.

[0027] In this embodiment, as Figure 2 As shown, the second chain link 11 has a second groove 20 on the side opposite to the first rack groove 3, and the fourth chain link 14 has a second protrusion 21 on the side opposite to the second rack groove 4 that matches the second groove 20. When the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 are engaged, the second protrusion 21 engages in the second groove 20, thus complementing the engagement structure of the first chain link 10 and the third chain link 13. Through the engagement of the second protrusion 21 and the second groove 20, the engagement gap between the second chain link 11 and the fourth chain link 14 is effectively eliminated, avoiding lateral movement and longitudinal offset during transmission. At the same time, the contact area between the second chain link 11 and the fourth chain link 14 is increased, so that the load is evenly distributed to more engagement points, further improving the overall load-bearing capacity and rigidity of the rigid chain body.

[0028] As an optimization, such as Figure 2As shown, the end of the second protrusion 21 extends with a second protrusion 22, and the end of the second chain piece 11 is provided with a second limiting groove 23 that matches the second protrusion 22. When the second protrusion 21 engages with the second groove 20, the second protrusion 22 is fitted into the second limiting groove 23 of the adjacent second chain piece 11, thus echoing the limiting structure of the first protrusion 18 and the first limiting groove 19. Under the premise that the second protrusion 21 and the second groove 20 achieve longitudinal limiting, the engagement of the second protrusion 22 and the second limiting groove 23 further restricts the relative movement of the second chain piece 11 and the fourth chain piece 14 in the lateral and circumferential directions. This eliminates the risk of chain link misalignment and tooth breakage under heavy load transmission or vibration conditions; at the same time, it ensures that the second chain link 11 and the fourth chain link 14 form a stable integrated force-bearing structure, significantly improving the structural rigidity and load transmission efficiency of the double chain meshing area. Combined with the double limiting structure on one side of the first chain link 10, it makes the load-bearing force of the entire rigid chain body more uniform; in addition, the engagement of the second protrusion 22 and the second limiting groove 23 also plays an auxiliary guiding role, further improving the accuracy and efficiency of the meshing assembly of the first chain 1 and the second chain 2. By dispersing the meshing stress, it reduces the local wear of the second protrusion 21 and the second groove 20, and extends the service life of the entire rigid chain.

[0029] The aforementioned rigid chain, through the intermeshing of the first chain 1 and the second chain 2, has a first rack groove 3 and a second rack groove 4 on opposite sides to accommodate the drive gear 5, supporting single-sided or double-sided drive. It abandons the traditional meshing method of the sprocket and the interlocking shaft hole, expanding the contact range through the meshing of the rack groove and the gear, thereby improving force balance and rigidity. This effectively solves the problems of weak load-bearing capacity and easy tooth dislodgement in traditional rigid chains, meeting the requirements of high load and high stability transmission. In terms of chain structure, both the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 are formed by chain links connected in series via a chain shaft. The chain links adopt a rotatable design with multiple chain plates interlocking, and the chain plate tooth grooves are precisely aligned to form... The continuous rack and pinion meshing surface not only strengthens the connection strength of the chain links but also has the ability to flexibly adapt to transmission paths with different curvatures. The symmetrical structure of the double chain further ensures uniform force on both sides of the drive and avoids the risk of wear due to uneven load. To improve meshing stability, the first chain link 10 and the third chain link 13, and the second chain link 11 and the fourth chain link 14 respectively adopt a groove and a protrusion meshing limiting structure. The protrusion and the limiting groove are interlocked to form a double limiting, eliminating meshing gaps, limiting the lateral and circumferential movement of the chain links, realizing the integrated force on the chain links, greatly improving the overall load-bearing rigidity and transmission reliability of the rigid chain, while reducing the difficulty of assembly and calibration and extending the service life of the product.

[0030] The above description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention 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 the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A rigid chain, characterized in that: It includes a first chain (1) and a second chain (2), the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) mesh with each other on opposite sides to form a rigid chain body, and the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) are respectively provided with a first rack groove (3) and a second rack groove (4) along the length direction on opposite sides. The first rack groove (3) and the second rack groove (4) are used to mesh with a drive gear (5).

2. A rigid chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first chain (1) includes a first link (6) and a first axle (7), and the second chain (2) includes a second link (8) and a second axle (9). Two adjacent first links (6) are rotatably connected through the first axle (7), and two adjacent second links (8) are rotatably connected through the second axle (9). When the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) are engaged, the first link (6) is engaged with the corresponding second link (8) in sequence.

3. A rigid chain according to claim 2, characterized in that: The first link (6) includes a plurality of first chain pieces (10) and a plurality of second chain pieces (11) that are interlocked. Both ends of the first chain pieces (10) and the second chain pieces (11) are provided with shaft holes for mounting the first chain shaft (7). In the same first link (6), the opposite ends of the first chain pieces (10) and the second chain pieces (11) are interlocked in sequence and rotatably connected by the first chain shaft (7). In two adjacent first links (6), the adjacent second chain pieces (11) and the first chain pieces are interlocked in sequence. The opposite ends of (10) are interlocked and rotatably connected by the first chain shaft (7). The first chain piece (10) and the second chain piece (11) are provided with multiple first tooth grooves (12) on the side away from the second chain link (8). When multiple first chain links (6) are linked by the first chain shaft (7) to form the first chain (1), the first tooth grooves (12) on the first chain piece (10) and the first tooth grooves (12) on the second chain piece (11) are aligned laterally to form the first tooth groove (3).

4. A rigid chain according to claim 3, characterized in that: The second link (8) includes a plurality of interlocking third chain plates (13) and a plurality of fourth chain plates (14). Both ends of the third chain plates (13) and the fourth chain plates (14) are provided with shaft holes for mounting the second chain shaft (9). In the same second link (8), the opposite ends of the third chain plates (13) and the fourth chain plates (14) are interlocked sequentially and are rotatably connected by the second chain shaft (9). In two adjacent second links (8), the adjacent fourth chain plates (14) and the third chain plates are interlocked. The opposite ends of (13) are interlocked and rotatably connected by the second chain shaft (9). The third chain piece (13) and the fourth chain piece (14) are provided with multiple second tooth grooves (15) on the side away from the first chain link (6). When multiple second chain links (8) are linked by the second chain shaft (9) to form the second chain (2), the second tooth grooves (15) on the third chain piece (13) and the second tooth grooves (15) on the fourth chain piece (14) are aligned laterally to form the second rack grooves (4).

5. A rigid chain according to claim 4, characterized in that: The first chain piece (10) has a first groove (16) on the side away from the first rack groove (3), and the third chain piece (13) has a first protrusion (17) on the side away from the second rack groove (4) that is adapted to the first groove (16). When the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) are engaged, the first protrusion (17) is engaged in the first groove (16).

6. A rigid chain according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end of the first protrusion (17) is provided with a first protrusion (18), and the end of the first chain piece (10) is provided with a first limiting groove (19) that is adapted to the first protrusion (18). When the first protrusion (17) and the first groove (16) are engaged, the first protrusion (18) is fitted into the first limiting groove (19) of the adjacent first chain piece (10).

7. A rigid chain according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second chain piece (11) has a second groove (20) on the side away from the first rack groove (3), and the fourth chain piece (14) has a second protrusion (21) on the side away from the second rack groove (4) that is adapted to the second groove (20). When the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) are engaged, the second protrusion (21) is engaged in the second groove (20).

8. A rigid chain according to claim 7, characterized in that: The end of the second protrusion (21) is provided with a second protrusion (22), and the end of the second chain piece (11) is provided with a second limiting groove (23) that is adapted to the second protrusion (22). When the second protrusion (21) and the second groove (20) are engaged, the second protrusion (22) is fitted into the second limiting groove (23) of the adjacent second chain piece (11).

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