Chain

Abstract

A chain (11) is provided with a plurality of inner link plates (14), a plurality of cylindrical sleeves (16), a plurality of pins (18) respectively inserted into the plurality of sleeves (16), and a plurality of outer link plates (15). Each sleeve (16) connects a corresponding pair of inner link plates (14) to each other. The two outer link plates (15) in each pair are disposed so as to sandwich the two inner link plates (14) adjacent to each other from the outside. The two ends of each pin shaft (18) are provided with two corresponding centered outer chain plates (15). The plurality of sleeves (16) and the plurality of pins (18) are arranged such that two pins (18) are positioned between two outer link plates (15) in each pair. The distance (P1) between the axes of adjacent pin shafts (18) is 0.8 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure involves a chain. Background Technology

[0002] Patent Document 1 describes a roller chain with a pitch of 12.7 mm. It specifies the outer chain plate's length La = 22 (-1.5 to +0.5), width Ma = 9 (-1.5 to +0.5), and necking Na = 5 (-1 to +1). It also specifies the inner chain plate's length Lb = 23 (-1.5 to +0.5), width Mb = 10.5 (-1.5 to +0.5), and necking Nb = 6.5 (-1.5 to +0.5). Furthermore, it specifies the thickness T of both the inner and outer chain plates as 1.2 (-0.1 to +0.25). The document states that by having the above dimensions, the roller chain is lightweight, does not easily stretch, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0003] Patent Document 2 describes an endoscope having a handle and a probe that is detachably connected to the handle. The probe is equipped with a probe for mounting a camera or the like. It describes that when the handle is operated, the probe can be moved up and down or left and right via a chain connected to the handle. Existing technical documents Patent documents

[0004] Patent Document 1: Utility Model Registration No. 3232838 Patent Document 2: International Publication No. 2019 / 203593 Summary of the Invention The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0005] However, in recent years, there has been an attempt to use chains in smaller devices. There is a demand for ultra-small chains that can also be appropriately used in even smaller devices. Solution for solving the problem

[0006] One aspect of the chain disclosed herein includes: multiple pairs of inner chain plates, with two inner chain plates in each pair arranged opposite each other; multiple cylindrical sleeves, each sleeve located between two inner chain plates in a corresponding pair, connecting the inner chain plates to each other; multiple pins, each rotatably inserted into one of the multiple sleeves; and multiple outer chain plates, with two outer chain plates in each pair arranged to sandwich two adjacent pairs of inner chain plates from the outside, and two corresponding outer chain plates arranged at both ends of each pin, the multiple sleeves and the multiple pins being arranged such that two pins are located between two outer chain plates in each pair, and the distance between the axes of adjacent pins is 0.8 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a portion of the chain in this embodiment. Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of the chain in this embodiment. Figure 3 This is an exploded perspective view schematically showing a portion of a modified chain. Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view schematically showing a portion of a modified example of a chain. Detailed Implementation

[0008] The chain 11 that embodies one embodiment of this disclosure will be described. like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the chain 11 of this embodiment includes a plurality of inner links 12 and a plurality of outer links 13 arranged along the length direction X of the chain 11. The plurality of inner links 12 and the plurality of outer links 13 are arranged alternately in the length direction X.

[0009] The inner link 12 has a pair of inner link plates 14, which are arranged opposite each other in the width direction Y, which is orthogonal to the length direction X of the chain 11, with a gap D1 between them. Therefore, the chain 11 has multiple pairs of inner link plates 14. In addition, the inner link 12 has a cylindrical sleeve 16 and a cylindrical roller 17 rotatably inserted into the sleeve 16. The sleeve 16 is located between the pairs of inner link plates 14, connecting those inner link plates 14 to each other.

[0010] The outer link 13 has one pair of chain plates 15, which are arranged opposite each other in the width direction Y, which is orthogonal to the length direction X of the chain 11, with a gap D2 between them. Therefore, the chain 11 has multiple pairs of chain plates 15. In addition, the outer link 13 has a rod-shaped pin 18, which is rotatably inserted into the sleeve 16. The two pairs of outer chain plates 15 are arranged such that they sandwich two adjacent pairs of inner chain plates 14 from the outside, and are disposed at both ends of the pin 18. The two pins 18 are located between the two pairs of outer chain plates 15, and the distance P1 between the centers of these adjacent pins 18 is 0.8 mm or more and 3 mm or less. The distance P2 between the centers of adjacent pins 18 in the adjacent outer chain plates 15 in the length direction X is also 0.8 mm or more and 3 mm or less. Hereinafter, the distances P1 and P2 between the centers of adjacent pins 18 are also referred to as the pitch of the chain 11. The distance P1 between the centers of adjacent pins 18 between two pairs of outer chain plates 15 and the distance P2 between the centers of adjacent pins 18 in adjacent outer chain plates 15 in the length direction X are preferably the same.

[0011] The following is a detailed description of chain 11. <Inner Link Plate> like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the inner link plate 14 is made of sheet metal. The two ends of the long side of the inner link plate 14 are semi-circular shapes that bulge outwards in the long side direction. The central part of the long side of the inner link plate 14 has a curved necking shape that tapers from the two outer sides in the short side direction towards the center.

[0012] The inner link plate 14 has a through hole 14a on each of its two outer sides in the long side direction of its central portion. In other words, the inner link plate 14 has two through holes 14a arranged side by side along the long side direction of the inner link plate 14.

[0013] The thickness T1 of the inner link plate 14 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. By keeping the thickness T1 of the inner link plate 14 within the above-mentioned range, it is possible to achieve lightweighting while maintaining the mechanical strength of the inner link plate 14.

[0014] The width of the inner link plate 14 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.9 mm or more and 2.8 mm or less. Furthermore, the width of the inner link plate 14 refers to the length of its short side, excluding the necked portion, at its longest point. By keeping the width of the inner link plate 14 within the aforementioned range, the size of the chain 11 can be relatively reduced in directions orthogonal to both the length direction X and the width direction Y of the chain 11.

[0015] The inner diameter of the through hole 14a of the inner chain plate 14 is configured to be slightly smaller than the outer diameter of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16, which will be described later. As will be described later, the two inner chain plates 14 are pressed into the through holes 14a of the inner chain plate 14 through both ends of the sleeve 16, so that the two inner chain plates 14 are arranged opposite each other with a gap D1 between them.

[0016] The spacing D1 between the two inner chain plates 14 in a pair is not particularly limited, but is preferably more than 1 mm and less than 3 mm. <External Link Board> like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the outer link plate 15 is made of sheet metal. The two ends of the long side of the outer link plate 15 are semi-circular shapes that bulge outwards in the long side direction. The central part of the long side of the outer link plate 15 has a curved necking shape that tapers from the two outer sides in the short side direction towards the central part.

[0017] The outer link plate 15 has a pin insertion hole 15a on each of its two outer sides along the long side of its central portion. In other words, the outer link plate 15 has two pin insertion holes 15a arranged side by side along the long side of the outer link plate 15.

[0018] There is no particular limitation on the distance between the centers of the two pin insertion holes 15a, but it is preferred to be the same as the pitch mentioned above. There is no particular limitation on the thickness T2 of the outer link plate 15, but it is preferably the same as the thickness T1 of the inner link plate 14 described above.

[0019] There is no particular limitation on the width of the outer link plate 15, but it is preferred to have the same width as the inner link plate 14 described above. The inner diameter of the pin insertion hole 15a is configured to be slightly smaller than the diameter T5 of the pin 18 described later.

[0020] As described later, the two ends of the pin 18 are pressed into the pin insertion holes 15a of the outer chain plate 15, so that the two outer chain plates 15 are arranged opposite each other in the width direction Y, which is orthogonal to the length direction X of the chain 11, with a gap D2 between them. In addition, the aforementioned gap D2 is also referred to as the separation distance of the two outer chain plates 15.

[0021] The spacing D2 between the paired outer chain plates 15 is not particularly limited, but it is slightly larger than the separation distance D3 between the outer sides of the paired inner chain plates 14. The spacing D2 between the paired outer chain plates 15 is preferably 0.9 mm or more and 3 mm or less, and more preferably 1.8 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0022] With the spacing D2 between the paired outer chain plates 15 being 0.9 mm or more, even if there is a misalignment between the chain teeth, the misalignment can be easily absorbed. This suppresses wear on the chain 11 caused by misalignment of the chain teeth. Furthermore, with the spacing D2 between the paired outer chain plates 15 being 3 mm or less, the width Y dimension of the chain 11 becomes smaller.

[0023] <Sleeve> like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the sleeve 16 is configured as a cylinder. Specifically, the sleeve 16 has a cylindrical peripheral wall in a cross-section along the radial direction.

[0024] The sleeve 16 and a pair of inner chain plates 14 are separate components, with their two axial ends pressed into the through holes 14a of the inner chain plates 14 respectively. The thickness of the sleeve 16, i.e. the thickness T3 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16, is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less. By keeping the thickness T3 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16 within the above-mentioned range, it is possible to achieve lightweight while maintaining the mechanical strength of the sleeve 16.

[0025] Furthermore, the ratio of the thickness T3 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16 to the pitch of the chain 11 is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.05 or more and 0.2 or less. By ensuring that the ratio of the thickness T3 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16 to the pitch of the chain 11 is 0.05 or more, the dimensional accuracy of the sleeve 16 can be easily improved. Additionally, by ensuring that the ratio of the thickness of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16 to the pitch of the chain 11 is 0.2 or less, the chain 11 can be made lighter.

[0026] There is no particular limitation on the outer diameter of the sleeve 16, that is, the outer diameter of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16, but it is preferably 0.4 mm or more and 1.3 mm or less. There is no particular limitation on the inner diameter of the sleeve 16, that is, the inner diameter of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16, but it is preferably 0.3 mm or more and 1.0 mm or less.

[0027] <Roller> like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, roller 17 is configured as a cylinder. Specifically, roller 17 has a cylindrical peripheral wall in a cross-section along the radial direction.

[0028] The roller 17 can be rotatably inserted into the sleeve 16. That is, the inner diameter of the peripheral wall of the roller 17 is configured to be larger than the outer diameter of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16, and the roller 17 is fitted into the sleeve 16.

[0029] The thickness of roller 17, i.e. the thickness T4 of the peripheral wall of roller 17, is not particularly limited, but is preferably 0.08 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less. By ensuring that the thickness T4 of the peripheral wall of roller 17 is within the aforementioned range, weight reduction can be achieved while maintaining the mechanical strength of roller 17.

[0030] There is no particular limitation on the outer diameter of the roller 17, that is, the outer diameter of the peripheral wall of the roller 17, but it is preferably 0.5 mm or more and 1.8 mm or less. There is no particular limitation on the inner diameter of the roller 17, that is, the inner diameter of the peripheral wall of the roller 17, but it is preferably 0.4 mm or more and 1.4 mm or less.

[0031] The length of roller 17, that is, the axial length of the peripheral wall of roller 17, is slightly smaller than the distance D1 between the paired inner chain plates 14. <Pin> like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the pin 18 is configured as a rod. Specifically, the pin 18 is a cylinder with a circular cross-section along the radial direction. Furthermore, in Figure 2 , 4 In the middle, the pin 18 is shown in a side view.

[0032] The two ends of the pin 18 in the axial direction are respectively inserted into the pin insertion holes 15a of the outer chain plate 15, and are pressed into the pin insertion holes 15a. In addition, the top parts of the two ends of the pin 18 in the axial direction protrude outward from the width direction Y of the chain 11 through a pin insertion hole 15a of the outer chain plate 15.

[0033] The pin 18 can be rotatably inserted into the sleeve 16. That is, the diameter T5 of the pin 18 is configured to be smaller than the inner diameter of the through hole 14a of the inner chain plate 14 and the inner diameter of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16. The pin 18 is configured to be able to rotate inside the sleeve 16.

[0034] There is no particular limitation on the diameter T5 of the pin 18, but it is preferably 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less. By keeping the diameter of the pin 18 within the above range, it is possible to achieve weight reduction while maintaining the mechanical strength of the pin 18.

[0035] The upper limit of the distance P1, P2 between the centers of adjacent pins 18, i.e., the upper limit of the pitch, is preferably 2.9 mm, more preferably 2.6 mm, further preferably 2.3 mm, and most preferably 2.0 mm. By keeping the upper limit of the pitch within the above-mentioned range, a smaller chain 11 can be provided. Furthermore, a chain 11 with a pitch of 3 mm or less is referred to as an ultra-small chain 11.

[0036] There is no particular limitation on the lower limit of the pitch, but it is preferably 0.8 mm, and more preferably 0.9 mm. By keeping the lower limit of the pitch within the above-mentioned range, the chain 11 can be easily manufactured, thereby improving production efficiency.

[0037] The pin 18 is preferably a cold-drawn part formed by cold drawing metal wire. Because the pin 18 is a cold-drawn part, the dimensional accuracy of the pin 18 can be easily improved.

[0038] The materials of each component constituting the chain 11 are described below. <Materials of the chain's components> The materials of the inner chain plate 14, outer chain plate 15, sleeve 16, roller 17 and pin 18, which are components of the chain 11, are not particularly limited, and any known materials can be used as the material of the chain 11.

[0039] Commonly known materials include, for example, metals and resins. Among these, metals are preferred because they offer higher mechanical strength. As a metallic material, a work-hardening material whose hardness is increased by cold working rather than by heat treatment such as quenching is preferred. Using a work-hardening material whose hardness is increased by cold working can suppress dimensional changes caused by heat treatment such as quenching. Therefore, compared to methods involving heat treatment such as quenching, the dimensional accuracy of each component of the chain 11 can be improved.

[0040] Furthermore, work-hardening materials refer to metallic materials that harden when subjected to stress through cold working and subjected to plastic deformation. Additionally, cold working refers to the process of applying plastic deformation to metallic materials at room temperature or below their recrystallization temperature.

[0041] Specific examples of cold working include cold rolling, cold drawing, cold extrusion, cold pressing, and cold forging. The degree of work hardening of a work-hardening material is expressed by a value of 0 or higher and 1 or lower, known as the work hardening index. A work hardening index close to 1 indicates a high degree of work hardening, meaning that it is easy to harden during cold working. In the chain 11 of this embodiment, a work-hardening material with a work hardening index of 0.3 or higher is preferably used.

[0042] There are no particular limitations on specific examples of work-hardening materials; for example, stainless steel can be cited. Stainless steel is preferably used for springs. When stainless steel is used as the work-hardening material, corrosion resistance is improved. Furthermore, by cold working, the hardness of stainless steel can be increased, resulting in a core hardness of 310 Hv or higher according to Vickers hardness standards. The Vickers hardness of stainless steel is preferably 370 Hv or higher.

[0043] Furthermore, there are no particular restrictions on the type of stainless steel used; for example, martensitic stainless steel with a work hardening index of 0.15 or higher, or austenitic stainless steel with a work hardening index of 0.35 or higher, can be used. Austenitic stainless steel ensures higher hardness and is therefore preferred.

[0044] Specific examples of austenitic stainless steel include SUS301, SUS302, and SUS304. When using austenitic stainless steel to manufacture plate-shaped or cylindrical components, such as inner link plate 14, outer link plate 15, sleeve 16, or roller 17, stainless steel strip for springs is preferred. Specific examples of stainless steel strip for springs include SUS301-CSP and SUS304-CSP.

[0045] When using austenitic stainless steel to manufacture rod-shaped components, such as pin 18, it is preferable to use stainless steel wire for springs. Specific examples of stainless steel wire for springs include SUS302-WPB, SUS304-WPB, and SUS301N1-WPB.

[0046] Each component of the chain 11 may be made using only one of the aforementioned work-hardening materials. That is, each component may be made using the same type of work-hardening material. Alternatively, at least one of the components of the chain 11 may be made using a different type of work-hardening material than the other components.

[0047] The manufacturing method of chain 11 will be described below. <Chain Manufacturing Method> The manufacturing method of chain 11 includes the following steps: a hardening step, which hardens the work-hardening material; a forming step, which uses the work-hardening material obtained in the hardening step to form each component; and an assembly step, which assembles the component obtained in the forming step. Each step will be described below.

[0048] (Hardening process) In the hardening process, the work-hardening material is cold-worked to harden it. When manufacturing plate-shaped or cylindrical components, such as inner link plate 14, outer link plate 15, sleeve 16, or roller 17, the stainless steel strip for springs, such as SUS301-CSP, is cold-rolled to achieve a Vickers hardness of 310Hv or higher in the core.

[0049] When manufacturing rod-shaped components, such as pin 18, the stainless steel wire used for springs, such as SUS302-WPB, is cold-drawn to achieve a Vickers hardness of 310 Hv or higher in the core. Furthermore, the cold-drawing process performed during the manufacturing of pin 18 can also be part of the forming process of pin 18, as described later. When the cold-drawing process of pin 18 is also part of the forming process, the manufacturing process of pin 18 can be simplified. Cold working processes, such as cold drawing, are more likely to improve dimensional accuracy compared to machining.

[0050] (Forming process) In the forming process, the work-hardened material obtained in the hardening process is used to form each component. When forming the inner link plate 14 and the outer link plate 15, for example, the work-hardened material after cold rolling in the above-mentioned hardening process can be punched into a predetermined shape. The through hole 14a of the inner link plate 14 and the pin insertion hole 15a of the outer link plate 15 can also be provided by punching.

[0051] Furthermore, during the forming of the sleeve 16 and roller 17, for example, the work-hardened material that has been cold-rolled in the aforementioned hardening process is punched into a predetermined shape and then bent into a cylindrical shape. In other words, it is rolled into a cylindrical shape. Further, after being rolled, the ends of the work-hardened material are joined together. Here, joining the ends of the work-hardened material together means that the ends of the work-hardened material are brought into contact with each other.

[0052] When forming the pin 18, the work-hardened material that has undergone cold drawing in the above-mentioned hardening process is cut to a predetermined length. (Assembly process) In the assembly process, the chain 11 is made by assembling the constituent components obtained in the forming process.

[0053] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, firstly, multiple inner chain plates 14 are prepared, and then the sleeve 16 is pressed into the two through holes 14a of each inner chain plate 14. The sleeve 16 is installed on the inner chain plate 14 with its first axial end pressed into the through hole 14a.

[0054] Next, the roller 17 is inserted from the second end side of the sleeve 16 into the sleeve 16 mounted on each inner link plate 14. Further, another inner link plate 14 is installed from the second end side of the sleeve 16 with the inserted roller 17. Specifically, the second end of the sleeve 16 with the inserted roller 17 is pressed into the two through holes 14a of the other inner link plate 14.

[0055] The inner link 12 can be manufactured through the above steps. The first and second ends of the sleeve 16 are pressed into the through holes 14a of a pair of inner link plates 14, thus the through holes 14a formed in the pair of inner link plates 14 are connected to each other by the sleeve 16. By repeating the same steps, a plurality of inner link 12 can be manufactured.

[0056] Next, prepare multiple outer link plates 15, and press the pins 18 into the two pin insertion holes 15a of each outer link plate 15. The pins 18 are installed on the outer link plate 15 with the top end of the first axial end protruding from the pin insertion hole 15a.

[0057] Next, prepare the two inner link 12 made above. For one of the two inner link 12, insert one of the two pins 18 mounted on the outer link plate 15 into the sleeve 16 of that inner link 12.

[0058] Furthermore, relative to the other of the two inner link links 12, the other pin 18 of the two pins 18 mounted on the aforementioned outer link plate 15 is inserted into the sleeve 16 of that inner link link 12. Further, another outer link plate 15 is mounted on the two pins 18 inserted into the sleeve 16 of the two inner link links 12. Specifically, the second ends of the two pins 18 inserted into the sleeve 16 of the two inner link links 12 are pressed into the two pin insertion holes 15a of the other outer link plate 15.

[0059] Through the above steps, the pin 18 is engaged with the two pin insertion holes 15a of each of the outer link plates 15. This allows the outer link 13 to be manufactured. Furthermore, the two inner link plates 12 are connected by one outer link 13.

[0060] The above steps are repeated, connecting the inner link 12 and the outer link 13 in a manner where they are alternately located in the length direction X. Further, the ends of the alternately located inner link 12 and outer link 13 in the length direction X are connected to each other, making the whole loop. Therefore, the two outer link plates 15 in each pair are arranged such that they sandwich two adjacent pairs of inner link plates 14 from the outside. In addition, a plurality of sleeves 16 and a plurality of pins 18 are arranged such that two pins 18 are located between the two outer link plates 15 in each pair.

[0061] The chain 11 can be manufactured by following the above steps. The order in which the components of the chain 11 are assembled can be changed as appropriate. <Uses of Chains> There are no particular limitations on the application of chain 11, but it can be used in smaller devices. Examples of smaller devices include medical devices and industrial robots. A specific example of a medical device is a medical endoscope. It can be used to operate the movement of a probe mounted on a probe section of a medical endoscope and equipped with a video oscilloscope or camera. A specific example of an industrial robot is an inspection robot used inside a containment container in a nuclear power plant.

[0062] <Functions and Effects> The function and effect of chain 11 in this embodiment will be explained. (1) The chain 11 comprises multiple pairs of inner chain plates 14, multiple cylindrical sleeves 16, multiple pins 18, and multiple outer chain plates 15. Two inner chain plates 14 in each pair are arranged opposite each other. Each sleeve 16 is located between two inner chain plates 14 in a corresponding pair, connecting the inner chain plates 14 to each other. Each pin 18 is rotatably inserted into a corresponding sleeve 16. Two corresponding outer chain plates 15 are arranged at both ends of each pin 18. The two outer chain plates 15 in each pair are arranged such that they sandwich two adjacent pairs of inner chain plates 14 from the outside. The multiple sleeves 16 and multiple pins 18 are arranged such that two pins 18 are located between two outer chain plates 15 in each pair. The pitch of the chain 11 is 0.8 mm or more and 3 mm or less.

[0063] By using a pitch of 3mm or less, an ultra-compact chain 11 can be provided. This chain 11 can be appropriately used in smaller equipment. In addition, by using a pitch of 0.8mm or more, the chain 11 is easy to manufacture, thus improving the production efficiency of the chain 11.

[0064] (2) The thickness T1 and T2 of at least one of the inner link plate 14 and the outer link plate 15 is 0.1 mm or more and 0.4 mm or less. Therefore, it is possible to achieve lightweight while maintaining the mechanical strength of the inner link plate 14 and the outer link plate 15.

[0065] (3) The diameter T5 of the pin 18 is 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less. Therefore, it is possible to achieve lightweight while maintaining the mechanical strength of the pin 18. (4) The thickness T3 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16 is 0.05 mm or more and 0.2 mm or less. Therefore, it is possible to achieve lightweight while maintaining the mechanical strength of the sleeve 16.

[0066] (5) The ratio of the thickness T3 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16 to the pitch of the chain 11 is 0.05 or more and 0.2 or less. Having a ratio of the thickness T3 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16 to the pitch of the chain 11 of 0.05 or more makes it easier to improve the dimensional accuracy of the sleeve 16. Furthermore, having a ratio of the thickness T3 of the peripheral wall of the sleeve 16 to the pitch of the chain 11 of 0.2 or less allows for a lighter chain 11.

[0067] (6) The separation distance between the two pairs of outer chain plates 15, that is, the interval D2 between the pairs of outer chain plates 15, is 0.9 mm or more and 3 mm or less. By having the interval D2 between the pairs of outer chain plates 15 be 0.9 mm or more, wear on the chain 11 caused by misalignment of the chain teeth can be suppressed. In addition, by having the interval D2 between the pairs of outer chain plates 15 be 3 mm or less, the dimension Y in the width direction of the chain 11 becomes smaller.

[0068] (7) The thickness T4 of the peripheral wall of roller 17 is 0.08 mm or more and 0.3 mm or less. Therefore, it is possible to achieve lightweight while maintaining the mechanical strength of roller 17. (8) The sleeve 16 and the two inner chain plates 14 are separate components. Since the sleeve 16 and the inner chain plates 14 can be manufactured separately, it is easy to improve the dimensional accuracy of the sleeve 16 and the inner chain plates 14.

[0069] (9) Pin 18 is a cold-drawn part. Therefore, it is easy to improve the dimensional accuracy of pin 18. (10) At least one of the inner link plate 14 and the outer link plate 15 is cold rolled, thereby easily improving dimensional accuracy.

[0070] <Variation Example> This embodiment can be implemented in the following variations. This embodiment and the following variations can be combined with each other within the scope of technical non-contradiction.

[0071] • In this embodiment, the chain 11 has rollers 17, but the rollers 17 may be omitted. like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, for example, the chain 11 may omit the roller 17, and the inner link 12 of the chain 11 may be formed by a pair of inner link plates 14 and a sleeve 16 located between the pair of inner link plates 14.

[0072] In this embodiment, the paired inner chain plates 14 and sleeves 16 are separately configured, but this is not a limitation. At least one of the paired inner chain plates 14 and the sleeve 16 can also be integrally formed. That is, at least one of the paired inner chain plates 14 and the sleeve 16 can also be integrally formed. In the state where at least one of the paired inner chain plates 14 and the sleeve 16 are integrally formed, the sleeve 16 can also be located between the two inner chain plates 14 and connect the inner chain plates 14 to each other.

[0073] In this embodiment, the manufacturing method of the chain 11 includes a hardening process, a forming process, and an assembly process, but is not limited to this method. For example, if the chain 11 is used for an application where excessive hardness is not required, the hardening process can be omitted. Alternatively, a pre-hardened commercially available component can be prepared, and the forming and assembly processes can be performed on that component. That is, the forming and assembly processes can be performed separately on a component that has already undergone a hardening process.

[0074] In this embodiment, the sleeve 16 is installed in a state where it is pressed into the through hole 14a of the inner link plate 14, but it is not limited to this method. The sleeve 16 can be installed into the through hole 14a of the inner link plate 14 by welding or by using adhesive material. The pin 18 can also be installed into the pin insertion hole 15a of the outer link plate 15 in the same way.

[0075] • This is not limited to the case where the distance P1 between the centers of adjacent pins 18 between two pairs of outer link plates 15 is the same as the distance P2 between the centers of adjacent pins 18 in adjacent outer link plates 15 in the length direction X. The distances P1 and P2 between the centers can also be different.

Claims

1. A chain, comprising: Multiple pairs of inner link plates, with two inner link plates in each pair arranged opposite each other; Multiple cylindrical sleeves, each sleeve located between two corresponding centered inner chain plates, connecting the inner chain plates to each other; Multiple pins are rotatably inserted into multiple sleeves; as well as There are multiple outer link plates, and the two outer link plates in each pair are arranged in such a way that they sandwich two adjacent pairs of inner link plates from the outside. Two corresponding outer chain plates are provided at both ends of each pin. The plurality of sleeves and the plurality of pins are arranged such that two of the pins are located between two outer chain plates in each pair. The distance between the centers of adjacent pins is more than 0.8 mm and less than 3 mm.

2. The chain according to claim 1, wherein, The thickness of at least one of the inner and outer chain plates is more than 0.1 mm and less than 0.4 mm.

3. The chain according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The diameter of the pin is 0.2 mm or more and 1 mm or less.

4. The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, The thickness of the sleeve is greater than 0.05 mm and less than 0.2 mm.

5. The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The thickness of the sleeve is greater than or equal to the distance between the centers of adjacent pins, which is between 0.05 and less than 0.

2.

6. The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The separation distance between the two outer chain plates in each pair is more than 0.9 mm and less than 3 mm.

7. The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, It also includes rollers, which are fitted into the sleeve.

8. The chain according to claim 7, wherein, The thickness of the roller is greater than 0.08 mm and less than 0.3 mm.

9. The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein, Each sleeve is composed of two separate inner chain plates corresponding to the sleeve.

10. The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein, The pin is a cold-drawn part.

11. The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, At least one of the inner chain plate and the outer chain plate is formed by cold rolling.

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