Roller chains and chain drives

Abstract

The present application relates to a roller chain and a chain transmission device. The roller chain includes an outer link, an inner link, a first roller, and a second roller. The outer link includes two outer link plates and a pin fixedly connecting the two outer link plates. The inner link includes two inner link plates and a sleeve fixedly connecting the two inner link plates. The inner link and the outer link are alternately connected along the length of the roller chain via a pin, and the sleeve is mounted on the outside of the pin. The first roller is mounted on the outside of the sleeve and is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. Each two second rollers are mounted on the outside of the sleeve and are distributed on both sides of the first roller. The second rollers are configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. By mounting the first and second rollers on the outside of the sleeve, when the sprocket is engaged with the roller chain, rolling friction occurs between the sprocket and the first and second rollers, thereby reducing wear of the roller chain on the shock-absorbing rubber and the like on the sprocket, thereby reducing noise between the chain and the sprocket.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the technical field of chain transmission, and in particular to a roller chain and a chain transmission device. Background Art

[0002] A chain drive is a mechanical transmission that uses the meshing of a chain and sprocket teeth to transmit power and motion. A roller chain is a type of chain drive used to transmit mechanical power and is widely used in household, industrial, and agricultural machinery, including conveyors, plotters, printing presses, automobiles, motorcycles, and bicycles. It consists of a series of cylindrical rollers linked together and driven by a gear called a sprocket. It is a simple, reliable, and efficient power transmission device.

[0003] In actual use, in order to reduce the chain noise caused by the collision between the chain and the sprocket, a shock-absorbing rubber is set on the sprocket. However, due to the sliding friction between the chain and the sprocket, the shock-absorbing rubber is prone to wear and even failure, which increases the noise between the chain and the sprocket. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, the present application proposes a roller chain and a chain transmission device to reduce the noise between the chain and the sprocket.

[0005] The first aspect of the present application proposes a roller chain, comprising an outer link, an inner link, a first roller and a second roller; the outer link comprises two outer link plates and a pin shaft fixedly connecting the two outer link plates; the inner link comprises two inner link plates and a sleeve fixedly connecting the two inner link plates, the inner link and the outer link are alternately connected through the pin shaft along the length direction of the roller chain, and the sleeve is sleeved on the outside of the pin shaft; the first roller is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve, and the first roller is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve; every two of the second rollers are sleeved on the outside of the sleeve and distributed on both sides of the first roller, and the second rollers are configured to rotate relative to the sleeve.

[0006] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the first roller is smaller than the outer diameter of the second roller, and the outer diameter of the first roller is larger than the inner diameter of the second roller.

[0007] In some embodiments, a first pin hole is provided on the outer link plate, and the first pin hole is interference fit with the pin shaft; a second pin hole is provided on the inner link plate, and the second pin hole is interference fit with the sleeve.

[0008] In some embodiments, the sleeve and the pin are in a clearance fit, and the first roller and the second roller are in a clearance fit with the sleeve.

[0009] In some embodiments, both ends of the sleeve are respectively in contact with the outer link plates.

[0010] In some embodiments, the second roller is made of the same material as the first roller, or the second roller is made of Teflon material.

[0011] The second aspect of the present application proposes a chain transmission device, comprising the roller chain described in the first aspect and a sprocket meshing and connected to the roller chain, the sprocket comprising a sprocket body and two annular elastic bodies fixed on both sides of the sprocket body, the two annular elastic bodies being in corresponding contact with the two second rollers.

[0012] In some embodiments, the outer circumferential surface of the annular elastic body contacts the outer circumferential surface of the second roller.

[0013] In some embodiments, the sprocket body is provided with a plurality of through holes spaced apart along the first circumferential direction, a plurality of connecting columns are passed through the plurality of through holes in a one-to-one correspondence, and the two ends of each connecting column are respectively connected to the two annular elastic bodies.

[0014] In some embodiments, annular bosses are respectively provided at both ends of the sprocket body, the central axis of the annular bosses coincides with the central axis of the sprocket body, and the inner circular surface of the annular elastomer is in contact with the outer circular surface of the annular bosses; a mounting hole is provided at the center of the sprocket body, and the mounting hole is used to install the power output shaft.

[0015] The roller chain provided by the present application includes an outer link, an inner link, a first roller, and a second roller. The inner link and the outer link are alternately connected by a pin along the length of the roller chain, and a sleeve is mounted on the outside of the pin. The first roller is mounted on the outside of the sleeve and is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. Every two second rollers are mounted on the outside of the sleeve and distributed on both sides of the first roller, and are configured to rotate relative to the sleeve. In this way, when the sprocket is engaged with the roller chain, rolling friction occurs between the sprocket and the first and second rollers of the roller chain, thereby reducing the wear of the roller chain on the shock-absorbing rubber on the sprocket, thereby reducing the noise between the chain and the sprocket. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the roller chain in some embodiments of the present application;

[0017] Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of a roller chain in some embodiments of the present application;

[0018] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the structure of the inner / outer link plates of the roller chain in some embodiments of the present application;

[0019] Figure 4Schematic diagram of the structure of the chain transmission device in some embodiments of the present application at a first viewing angle;

[0020] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the structure of the chain transmission device in some embodiments of the present application at a second viewing angle;

[0021] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the structure of the sprocket in some embodiments of the present application;

[0022] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the sprocket body in some embodiments of the present application;

[0023] Figure 8 Schematic diagram of the structure of the annular elastomer and connecting column in some embodiments of the present application.

[0024] Description of reference numerals:

[0025] 1. Chain transmission device;

[0026] 10. Roller chain; 20. Sprocket;

[0027] 101, outer link; 102, inner link; 103, first roller; 104, second roller;

[0028] 1011, outer link plate; 1012, pin; 1013, first pin hole; 1021, inner link plate; 1022, sleeve; 1023, second pin hole;

[0029] 201, sprocket body; 202, annular elastic body; 203, connecting column;

[0030] 2011, through hole; 2012, annular boss; 2013, mounting hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present application more clearly understood, the specific embodiments of the present application are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following description sets forth many specific details to facilitate a full understanding of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many other ways than those described herein, and those skilled in the art can make similar improvements without violating the scope of the present application. Therefore, the present application is not limited to the specific embodiments disclosed below.

[0032] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", "axial", "radial", "circumferential" and the like indicate orientations or positional relationships based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0033] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of the technical features being referred to. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of such features. Throughout the description of this application, "plurality" means at least two, for example, two, three, etc., unless otherwise specifically defined.

[0034] In this application, unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "installed," "connected," "connect," "fixed," etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, they can refer to fixed connection, detachable connection, or integration; mechanical connection or electrical connection; direct connection or indirect connection through an intermediate medium; internal communication between two elements or interaction between two elements, unless otherwise specified. Those skilled in the art will understand the specific meanings of the above terms in this application based on specific circumstances.

[0035] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified or limited, when a first feature is "above" or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first and second features are in direct contact, or the first and second features are in indirect contact through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, when a first feature is "above," "above," or "above" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a higher level than the second feature. When a first feature is "below," "below," or "below" a second feature, it may mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply means that the first feature is at a lower level than the second feature.

[0036] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "fixed to" or "disposed on" another element, it may be directly on the other element or there may be an intermediate element. When an element is considered to be "connected to" another element, it may be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intermediate element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only implementation methods.

[0037] In the related art, in order to reduce the chain noise caused by the collision between the chain and the sprocket, shock-absorbing rubber is provided on both sides of the sprocket, and the buffering effect of the shock-absorbing rubber is utilized to reduce the noise between the chain and the sprocket.

[0038] The inventor noticed that during the use of the chain and sprocket, the inner link plate of the chain is always in contact with the shock-absorbing rubber on the sprocket, and there is sliding friction between the inner link plate and the shock-absorbing rubber. After a certain period of use, the shock-absorbing rubber is prone to wear, and the shock-absorbing effect of the shock-absorbing rubber is reduced or even fails, which increases the chain sound and other noises between the chain and the sprocket.

[0039] Based on the above problems, the present application proposes a roller chain and a chain transmission device to reduce the noise between the chain and the sprocket. The roller chain and the chain transmission device disclosed in the embodiments of the present application can be used in conveyors, plotters, printing machines, cars, motorcycles, bicycles, etc.

[0040] See also Figure 1 , Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a roller chain 10 in an embodiment of the present application is shown. An embodiment of the first aspect of the present application provides a roller chain 10, comprising an outer link 101, an inner link 102, a first roller 103 and a second roller 104; the outer link 101 comprises two outer link plates 1011 and a pin 1012 fixedly connecting the two outer link plates 1011; the inner link 102 comprises two inner link plates 1021 and a sleeve 1022 fixedly connecting the two inner link plates 1021, the inner link 102 and the outer link 101 are alternately connected through the pin 1012 along the length direction of the roller chain 10, and the sleeve 1022 is sleeved on the outside of the pin 1012; the first roller 103 is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 1022, and the first roller 103 is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve 1022; every two second rollers 104 are sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 1022 and distributed on both sides of the first roller 103, and the second rollers 104 are configured to rotate relative to the sleeve 1022.

[0041] The roller chain 10 provided in the present application includes an outer link 101, an inner link 102, a first roller 103 and a second roller 104. The inner link 102 and the outer link 101 are alternately connected through a pin 1012 along the length direction of the roller chain 10, and the sleeve 1022 is sleeved on the outside of the pin 1012; the first roller 103 is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 1022, and the first roller 103 is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve 1022; every two second rollers 104 are sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 1022 and distributed on both sides of the first roller 103, and the second rollers 104 are configured to rotate relative to the sleeve 1022. In this way, when the sprocket is engaged with the roller chain 10, the shock-absorbing rubber on the sprocket contacts the second roller 104 of the roller chain 10, and the sliding friction between the inner link plate 1021 and the shock-absorbing rubber on the sprocket in the related art is changed to the rolling friction between the shock-absorbing rubber on the sprocket and the second roller 104 of the roller chain 10, thereby greatly reducing the wear of the shock-absorbing rubber on the sprocket, extending the service life of the shock-absorbing rubber on the sprocket, and reducing the noise between the chain and the sprocket.

[0042] In some embodiments, combined Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 A partial cross-sectional view of the roller chain 10 in some embodiments of the present application is shown. The first roller 103 may be a hollow cylindrical structure, and the second roller 104 may be an annular structure.

[0043] In some embodiments, the outer diameter of the first roller 103 is smaller than the outer diameter of the second roller 104, and the outer diameter of the first roller 103 is larger than the inner diameter of the second roller 104. Thus, the second roller 104 can be effectively confined between the first roller 103 and the inner link plate 1021, thereby achieving effective position restriction of the second roller 104.

[0044] In some embodiments, combined Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 The schematic diagram shows the structure of the inner and outer link plates 1011 / 1021 in some embodiments of the present application. The outer link plate 1011 is provided with a first pin hole 1013, which is interference-fitted with the pin shaft 1012. The inner link plate 1021 is provided with a second pin hole 1023, which is interference-fitted with the sleeve 1022. This facilitates the fixed connection between the outer link plate 1011 and the pin shaft 1012, and the fixed connection between the inner link plate 1021 and the sleeve 1022.

[0045] In some embodiments, the sleeve 1022 is loosely fitted with the pin 1012, and both the first roller 103 and the second roller 104 are loosely fitted with the sleeve 1022. When the inner links 102 flex and extend relative to each other, the sleeve 1022 rotates relative to the pin 1012. When the sprocket engages with the roller chain 10, the first roller 103 and the second roller 104 rotate relative to the sleeve 1022, thereby reducing friction between the sprocket and the roller chain 10.

[0046] In some embodiments, both ends of the sleeve 1022 are respectively in contact with the outer link plate 1011 , thereby effectively limiting the sleeve 1022 and the outer link plate 1011 , thereby improving the structural stability of the roller chain 10 .

[0047] In some embodiments, the second roller 104 and the first roller 103 are made of the same material, which can reduce the production cost of the roller chain 10. Alternatively, the second roller 104 is made of Teflon material, and the excellent physical and chemical properties of Teflon material are utilized to extend the service life of the roller chain 10.

[0048] Please refer to Figures 4 to 6 As shown, Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a chain transmission device 1 in some embodiments of the present application at a first viewing angle is shown; Figure 5 A schematic structural diagram of the chain transmission device 1 in some embodiments of the present application at a second viewing angle is shown; Figure 6 A structural schematic diagram of the sprocket 20 in some embodiments of the present application is shown; in the second aspect of the present application, a chain transmission device 1 is proposed, comprising the roller chain 10 described in the first aspect and a sprocket 20 meshing and connected to the roller chain 10, the sprocket 20 comprising a sprocket body 201 and two annular elastic bodies 202 fixed on both sides of the sprocket body 201, the two annular elastic bodies 202 being in corresponding contact with the two second rollers 104.

[0049] The chain transmission device 1 provided in the present application includes a roller chain 10 and a sprocket 20. The roller chain 10 includes an outer link 101, an inner link 102, a first roller 103 and a second roller 104. The inner link 102 and the outer link 101 are alternately connected through a pin 1012 along the length direction of the roller chain 10, and the sleeve 1022 is sleeved on the outside of the pin 1012; the first roller 103 is sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 1022, and the first roller 103 is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve 1022; every two second rollers 104 are sleeved on the outside of the sleeve 1022 and distributed on both sides of the first roller 103, and the second rollers 104 are configured to rotate relative to the sleeve 1022; the sprocket 20 includes a sprocket body 201 and two annular elastomers 202 fixed on both sides of the sprocket body 201, and the two annular elastomers 202 are in corresponding contact with the two second rollers 104. In this way, when the sprocket 20 is engaged with the roller chain 10, the buffering effect of the annular elastomer 202 can be utilized to reduce the noise of the roller chain 10 and the sprocket 20. The annular elastomer 202 on the sprocket 20 contacts the second roller 104 of the roller chain 10, and the sliding friction between the inner link plate 1021 and the annular elastomer 202 on the sprocket 20 in the related technology is changed to the rolling friction between the annular elastomer 202 on the sprocket 20 and the second roller 104 of the roller chain 10, thereby greatly reducing the wear of the annular elastomer 202 on the sprocket 20, extending the service life of the annular elastomer 202 on the sprocket 20, reducing the noise between the roller chain 10 and the sprocket 20, and then reducing the noise of the chain transmission device 1 and extending the service life of the chain transmission device 1.

[0050] In some embodiments, the outer cylindrical surface of the annular elastomer 202 contacts the outer cylindrical surface of the second roller 104, thereby ensuring the rolling friction between the annular elastomer 202 and the second roller 104, which can reduce the wear of the annular elastomer 202, extend the service life of the annular elastomer 202, and effectively reduce the noise between the roller chain 10 and the sprocket 20.

[0051] In some embodiments, combined Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the structure of the sprocket body 201 in some embodiments of the present application is shown. Figure 8 A schematic structural diagram of the annular elastic body 202 and the connecting column 203 in some embodiments of the present application is shown; a plurality of through holes 2011 spaced apart along a first circumferential direction are provided on the sprocket body 201, and a plurality of connecting columns 203 are passed through the plurality of through holes 2011 in a one-to-one correspondence, and two ends of each connecting column 203 are respectively connected to two annular elastic bodies 202, thereby making it convenient to fix the two annular elastic bodies 202 on the sprocket body 201.

[0052] In some embodiments, combined Figure 7 As shown, annular bosses 2012 are provided at both ends of the sprocket body 201 , the central axis of the annular boss 2012 coincides with the central axis of the sprocket body 201 , and the inner circular surface of the annular elastic body 202 is in contact with the outer circular surface of the annular boss 2012 .

[0053] In some embodiments, the annular elastomer 202 and the connecting column 203 can both be made of rubber. When making the annular elastomer 202 and the connecting column 203, the sprocket 20 body can be placed in a mold, and melted rubber can be poured into the outer cylindrical surface of the annular boss 2012 to form the annular elastomer 202 and the connecting column 203. In this way, the molding of the annular elastomer 202 and the connecting column 203 can be facilitated.

[0054] In some embodiments, combined Figure 7 As shown, the center of the sprocket body 201 is provided with a mounting hole 2013, and the mounting hole 2013 is used to install the power output shaft. The mounting hole 2013 can facilitate the connection of the sprocket 20 with the power output shaft of the power output unit (such as an engine).

[0055] The technical features of the above-mentioned embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above-mentioned embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0056] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation methods of the present application. While the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the patent application. It should be noted that a person of ordinary skill in the art may make various modifications and improvements without departing from the spirit of the present application, and these modifications and improvements fall within the scope of protection of the present application. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present patent application shall be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A chain transmission device (1), characterized in that: It comprises a roller chain (10) and a sprocket (20) meshingly connected to the roller chain (10); The roller chain (10) comprises: An outer chain link (101) comprises two outer chain plates (1011) and a pin shaft (1012) fixedly connecting the two outer chain plates (1011); An inner chain link (102) comprises two inner chain plates (1021) and a sleeve (1022) fixedly connecting the two inner chain plates (1021); the inner chain link (102) and the outer chain link (101) are alternately connected along the length direction of the roller chain (10) via the pin shaft (1012); and the sleeve (1022) is sleeved on the outside of the pin shaft (1012); a first roller (103) sleeved on the outside of the sleeve (1022), wherein the first roller (103) is configured to rotate relative to the sleeve (1022); Second rollers (104), two of the second rollers (104) are sleeved outside the sleeve (1022) and distributed on both sides of the first roller (103), and the second rollers (104) are configured to rotate relative to the sleeve (1022); The sprocket (20) comprises a sprocket body (201) and two annular elastic bodies (202) fixed on both sides of the sprocket body (201), and the two annular elastic bodies (202) are in corresponding contact with the two second rollers (104).

2. The chain transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer diameter of the first roller (103) is smaller than the outer diameter of the second roller (104), and the outer diameter of the first roller (103) is larger than the inner diameter of the second roller (104).

3. The chain transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer link plate (1011) is provided with a first pin hole (1013), and the first pin hole (1013) is interference-fitted with the pin shaft (1012); the inner link plate (1021) is provided with a second pin hole (1023), and the second pin hole (1023) is interference-fitted with the sleeve (1022).

4. The chain transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sleeve (1022) and the pin shaft (1012) are in clearance fit, and the first roller (103) and the second roller (104) are both in clearance fit with the sleeve (1022).

5. The chain transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Both ends of the sleeve (1022) are respectively in contact with the outer link plate (1011).

6. The chain transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The second roller (104) is made of the same material as the first roller (103), or the second roller (104) is made of Teflon material.

7. The chain transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The outer circumferential surface of the annular elastic body (202) contacts the outer circumferential surface of the second roller (104).

8. The chain transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that The sprocket body (201) is provided with a plurality of through holes (2011) spaced apart along a first circumferential direction, a plurality of connecting columns (203) are passed through the plurality of through holes (2011) in a one-to-one correspondence, and the two ends of each connecting column (203) are respectively connected to two of the annular elastic bodies (202).

9. The chain transmission device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that Annular bosses (2012) are respectively provided at both ends of the sprocket body (201), the central axis of the annular boss (2012) coincides with the central axis of the sprocket body (201), and the inner circular surface of the annular elastic body (202) is in contact with the outer circular surface of the annular boss (2012); a mounting hole (2013) is provided at the center of the sprocket body (201), and the mounting hole (2013) is used for mounting a power output shaft.

Images