Preparation method of chain belt and chain belt

Abstract

The invention provides a method for manufacturing a chain belt capable of properly closing a pin hole, and the like. A method for manufacturing a fastener tape in which a plurality of links are connected to each other, the method comprising: a preparation step for preparing a fastener tape in which a pin hole is formed, the pin hole extending in the width direction of the fastener tape and having a small-diameter part and a large-diameter part, the large-diameter part being connected to the outside of the small-diameter part in the width direction and having a larger inner diameter than the small-diameter part; an arrangement step for arranging a cover member on the outside in the width direction of the pin hole, the cover member having a fixed part and a closed part, the closed part being connected to the fixed part and being formed so that the outer diameter becomes smaller toward the fixed part; and a closing step for closing the pin hole by moving the cover member inward in the width direction, in which the fixing portion abuts against the inner wall of the small-diameter portion to fix the cover member with respect to the pin hole, and the closing portion closes the outer end of the large-diameter portion.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method for manufacturing a chain belt and the chain belt itself. Background Technology

[0002] Chains formed by connecting multiple links are commonly used in watches and the like. As a method of decorating such chains, a method is known to use a pin-shaped cover member to close the pin holes used to connect the multiple links. For example, Patent Document 1 describes a method of pressing a pin-shaped member into the pin hole and closing it, the pin-shaped member consisting of a first pressing portion, a second pressing portion, and a neck connecting the first and second pressing portions and having a diameter smaller than that of the first and second pressing portions.

[0003] Existing technical documents

[0004] Patent documents

[0005] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 11-262403 Summary of the Invention

[0006] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0007] If the hardness of the pin member is lower than that of the chain link with the pin hole, the pin will deform and become difficult to press in. Therefore, the pin member is generally formed to have a higher hardness than the chain link. On the other hand, when using a pin member with high hardness, due to errors in the pressing direction, the pin hole may enlarge beyond what is necessary, sometimes creating a gap between the pressed pin member and its periphery. Besides causing the penetration and seepage of liquids such as cleaning fluids used in the chain manufacturing process, these gaps can also make the boundaries between the cover member and the chain link more prominent, detracting from the aesthetics of the chain. Therefore, a method is needed to properly seal the pin hole while suppressing the formation of gaps.

[0008] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to provide a method for manufacturing a chain belt that can properly seal the pin hole, as well as the chain belt itself.

[0009] Methods for solving problems

[0010] The chain belt of the present invention has multiple links and a cover member. Each link has a pin hole that extends in the width direction through two adjacent links and includes a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion. The large diameter portion is connected to the outer side of the small diameter portion in the width direction and has an inner diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion. The cover member has a fixing portion and a closing portion. The closing portion is connected to the fixing portion and is formed such that its outer diameter decreases toward the fixing portion. The fixing portion abuts against the inner wall of the small diameter portion to fix the cover member relative to the pin hole. The closing portion closes the outer end of the large diameter portion.

[0011] In addition, the fixing part is preferably formed as a column with the same outer diameter.

[0012] In addition, the fixing part is preferably formed into a cone shape with a smaller cone angle than the closing part.

[0013] In addition, the chain also has: a friction engagement area formed in the engagement area between the fixed part and the small diameter part, where the chain link and the cover member are frictionally engaged; and a plastic deformation area formed in the engagement area between the closed part and the large diameter part, where the chain link and the cover member undergo plastic deformation.

[0014] In addition, the plastic deformation region is preferably connected to the friction joint region, and also has a protrusion that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the cover member compared to the friction joint region.

[0015] In addition, the cover component is preferably made of the same material as the chain link.

[0016] In addition, titanium is preferred as the material.

[0017] The chain belt manufacturing method according to an embodiment of the present invention is a method for manufacturing a chain belt formed by connecting multiple chain links together, comprising: a preparation step, preparing a chain belt with pin holes extending in the width direction of the chain belt, the pin holes having a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, the large diameter portion being connected to the outer side of the small diameter portion in the width direction and having an inner diameter larger than the small diameter portion; an arrangement step, arranging a cover member on the outer side of the pin hole in the width direction, the cover member having a fixing portion and a closing portion, the closing portion being connected to the fixing portion and being formed such that its outer diameter decreases toward the fixing portion; and a closing step, moving the cover member inward in the width direction to close the pin hole, wherein in the closing step, the fixing portion abuts against the inner wall of the small diameter portion to fix the cover member relative to the pin hole, and the closing portion closing the outer end of the large diameter portion.

[0018] In addition, during the sealing process, it is preferable to press the cover component into the pin hole and press the fixing part into and fix it to the inner wall of the first region.

[0019] In addition, preferably after the sealing process, a removal process is included, in which the portion of the cover member protruding outward from the chain belt in the width direction is removed.

[0020] The effects of the invention

[0021] The manufacturing method of the chain belt and the chain belt of the present invention can properly seal the pin hole. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a top view of the chain conveyor according to the first embodiment.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the process of manufacturing a chain belt according to the first embodiment.

[0024] Figure 3This is a partial perspective view of the pin hole and cover component in the chain belt configuration process of the first embodiment.

[0025] Figure 4 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole and cover component in the chain belt closing process of the first embodiment.

[0026] Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole and cover component in the chain belt closing process of the first embodiment.

[0027] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the chain links and cover members of the chain belt according to the first embodiment.

[0028] Figure 7 (A) is a photograph showing the vicinity of the cover member of the chain belt according to the first embodiment, and (B) is a photograph showing the vicinity of the cover member of the chain belt manufactured by a manufacturing method of the prior art.

[0029] Figure 8 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole and cover component in the chain belt closing process of the second embodiment.

[0030] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole and cover component in the chain belt closing process of the third embodiment.

[0031] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole and cover component in the chain belt closing process of the fourth embodiment.

[0032] Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole and cover component after the sealing process of the chain belt in the fourth embodiment and before the removal process.

[0033] Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the chain links and cover members of the chain belt according to the fourth embodiment.

[0034] Figure 13 This is a photograph showing the cross-section of the chain links and cover member of the chain belt according to the fourth embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Hereinafter, various embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be noted that the scope of the present invention is not limited to these embodiments, but covers the invention described in the claims and its equivalents.

[0036] Figure 1This is a top view of the chain 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The chain 1 has a flat shape extending in a predetermined extending direction D1 and is used in watches, etc. The chain 1 has a plurality of links 2, pins 3, and cover members 4. Hereinafter, in the direction along the chain 1, the direction orthogonal to the extending direction D1 is sometimes referred to as the width direction D2. In particular, the direction toward the center of the width direction D2 of the chain 1 is sometimes referred to as the inner side D3 of the width direction D2, and the direction away from the center of the width direction D2 of the chain 1 is referred to as the outer side D4 of the width direction D2.

[0037] Multiple links 2 are interconnected to form a chain 1. Figure 1 In the example shown, each link 2 is formed as a single unit, with the central portion 21 and the end portion 22 in the width direction D2 having a generally Y-shaped planar shape protruding in different directions along the extension direction of the chain 1. The link 2 is formed of a metallic material. Preferably, the link 2 is formed of pure titanium. A through hole 23 extending through the central portion 21 in the width direction D2 and a through hole 24 extending through the end portion 22 in the width direction D2 are respectively formed on the link 2. When connecting the links 2, the through hole 23 of the central portion 21 of one of two adjacent links and the through hole 24 of the end portion 22 of the other link communicate to form a pin hole 25 extending through the chain 1 in the width direction D2. Figure 1 In the diagram, the pin hole 25 and its internal components are indicated by dashed lines.

[0038] Pin 3 is a shaft-shaped component that is inserted into pin hole 25 and connects to link 2. With pin 3 inserted, link 2 can rotate around pin 3.

[0039] The cover member 4 is disposed at both ends of the pin hole 25 and is used to close the pin hole 25. Preferably, the cover member 4 is formed of a metal material having the same hardness as the link 2. More preferably, the cover member 4 is formed of pure titanium, which is the same material as the link 2.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the manufacturing method for chain belt 1.

[0041] First, a preparation process (step S1) is performed to prepare the chain belt 1 with pin holes 25. A pin 3 is inserted into the pin hole 25 of the prepared chain belt 1, and multiple chain links 2 are connected by the pin 3.

[0042] Next, the process of arranging the cover member 4 on the outside of the pin hole 25 in the width direction is performed (step S2).

[0043] Figure 3 This is a partial perspective view of the pin hole 25 and the cover component 4 in the configuration process.

[0044] like Figure 3As shown, the pin hole 25 is composed of a small-diameter portion 251 and a large-diameter portion 252. Both the small-diameter portion 251 and the large-diameter portion 252 are circular, with the large-diameter portion 252 having an inner diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 251. For example, the inner diameter of the small-diameter portion 251 is 0.98 mm, and the inner diameter of the large-diameter portion 252 is 1.1 mm. The large-diameter portion 252 is coaxially connected to the outer side D4 of the small-diameter portion 251 in the width direction D2.

[0045] The cover member 4 has a fixing portion 41 and a closing portion 42. The fixing portion 41 is formed into a generally cylindrical shape with the same outer diameter. The outer diameter of the fixing portion 41 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter portion 251 and smaller than the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 252. For example, the outer diameter of the fixing portion 41 is 1.0 mm. A chamfer is made on the outer edge of one bottom surface of the fixing portion 41 to form a conical inclined portion 411, so that the cover member 4 can easily enter the small diameter portion 251. The closing portion 42 is formed into a shape in which a truncated cone and a cylinder are coaxially joined, and the upper bottom surface of the truncated cone portion is connected to the fixing portion 41. That is, a portion of the closing portion 42 is formed into a conical shape so that its outer diameter decreases toward the fixing portion 41. The outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the closing portion 42 is larger than the inner diameter of the large diameter portion 252. For example, the outer diameter of the cylindrical portion of the closing portion 42 is 1.3 mm. The cover member 4 is configured such that the fixing part 41 is located inside the width direction D2 on the inner side D3, and the closing part 42 is located outside the width direction D2 on the outer side D4.

[0046] In addition, for ease of explanation of the shape of the cover member 4, the closing part 42 is connected to the fixing part 41 on the upper bottom surface of the truncated cone portion, but the fixing part 41 and the closing part 42 may also be formed integrally. That is, in practice, the closing part 42 may not have an upper bottom surface.

[0047] return Figure 2 Next, a closing process (step S3) is performed to move the cover member 4 inward in the width direction to close the pin hole 25. The cover member 4 is pressed into the pin hole 25 to close the pin hole 25.

[0048] Figure 4 and Figure 5 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole 25 and the cover component 4 during the sealing process. Figure 5 In the diagram, the shape of the pin hole 25 before the sealing process is indicated by a dashed line. When the cover component 4 is pressed into the pin hole 25, firstly, as... Figure 4 As shown, the side of the fixing part 41 contacts the inner wall 253 of the small diameter part 251. At this time, since the outer diameter of the fixing part 41 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter part 251, a large radial force is applied between the fixing part 41 and the inner wall of the small diameter part 251.

[0049] from Figure 4 When the state shown is further pressed into the cover member 4, as... Figure 5As shown, the closing portion 42 contacts the inner wall 254 of the large-diameter portion 252, causing the large-diameter portion 252 to deform. At this time, since the closing portion 42 is formed into a cone shape, the force applied from the closing portion 42 to the inner wall of the large-diameter portion 252 includes a component F1 in the direction that expands the diameter of the large-diameter portion 252 and a component F2 in the direction along the pressing direction D3. Therefore, compared with the case where the closing portion 42 is formed into a column, the force that expands the diameter of the large-diameter portion 252 is weaker. In addition, since the closing portion 42 is formed into a cone shape, even if the diameter of the large-diameter portion 252 expands, the gap between the cover member 4 and the link 2 is filled by the cover member 4 moving inward to the inner side D3 in the width direction D2.

[0050] When the cover member 4 is pressed in, the contact area between the fixing part 41 and the inner wall of the small-diameter part 251 increases, and the pressure generated between the fixing part 41 and the inner wall of the small-diameter part 251 increases. At this position, the cover member 4 comes to rest, and the fixing part 41 is pressed in and fixed to the inner wall of the small-diameter part 251. At the moment the fixing part 41 is pressed in and fixed, as... Figure 5 As shown, the rear end 43 of the closure 42 protrudes from the side of the chain belt 1 outwards to the outside D4 in the width direction D2.

[0051] Thus, during the sealing process, the cover member 4 contacts the inner wall of the pin hole 25 at both the fixing part 41 and the sealing part 42. The contact surface between the fixing part 41 and the small-diameter part 251 is parallel to the width direction D2, which is the pressing direction. Therefore, when the fixing part 41 is pressed in, a large radial force is applied between the fixing part 41 and the small-diameter part 251, and the fixing part 41 is firmly pressed and fixed to the inner wall 253 of the small-diameter part 251. On the other hand, since the sealing part 42 is formed into a cone shape, the contact surface between the sealing part 42 and the large-diameter part 252 is inclined relative to the pressing direction. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the diameter of the large-diameter part 252 from expanding beyond what is necessary, and even if the diameter of the large-diameter part 252 expands, the gap is filled by the cone-shaped sealing part 42, and the pin hole 25 is properly sealed. That is, in the cover member 4, the cover member 4 is firmly pressed in and fixed by the side of the fixing part 41 being parallel to the pressing direction, and the gap is filled by the conical shape of the closing part 42, so the pin hole 25 is properly sealed.

[0052] return Figure 2 The removal process (step S4) is performed, in which the rear end 43 of the cover member 4, which protrudes outward from the side of the chain belt 1 in the width direction, is removed. The rear end 43 is removed by cutting or grinding. The chain belt 1 is manufactured as described above.

[0053] Figure 6 This is a partial cross-sectional view of link 2 of chain belt 1 and cover member 4, showing the state after the removal process. After the removal process, the end face of link 2 of chain belt 1 and the end face of cover member 4 become one piece.

[0054] Figure 7 (A) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the cover member 4 of the chain belt 1 manufactured by the method described in the above embodiment. Figure 7 In (A), because the gap between the cover member 4 and the link 2 is small, the boundary line between the cover member 4 and the link 2 cannot be seen as shown by the dashed rectangle. In addition, since the cover member 4 and the link 2 are formed of pure titanium, which is the same metal material, the end face of the cover member 4 and the end face of the link 2 have roughly the same appearance, and the end face of the link 2 becomes a single piece, resulting in a high aesthetic appeal.

[0055] Figure 7 (B) is an enlarged view of the vicinity of the cover component of the chain belt manufactured by methods using existing technology. Figure 7 In (B), due to the large gap between the cover member and the link, the boundary line between the cover member and the link can be seen as shown by the dashed rectangle. In addition, since the link is made of pure titanium, the cover member is made of titanium alloy, so the end faces of the cover member and the link have different appearances.

[0056] As described above, the manufacturing method of the chain belt 1 includes a placement step of positioning the cover member 4 on the outer side D4 of the pin hole 25 in the width direction D2, and a closing step of pressing the cover member 4 into the pin hole 25 to close the pin hole 25. Furthermore, the pin hole 25 includes a small-diameter portion 251 and a large-diameter portion 252. The large-diameter portion 252 is connected to the outer side D4 of the small-diameter portion 251 in the width direction D2 and has an inner diameter larger than that of the small-diameter portion 251. The cover member 4 has a fixing portion 41 and a closing portion 42. During the closing step, the fixing portion 41 abuts against the inner wall of the small-diameter portion 251 to press and fix the cover member 4. The closing portion 42 is formed in a conical shape with its outer diameter decreasing towards the inner side D3, and during the closing step, it closes the outer end of the large-diameter portion 252. Thus, the chain belt 1 can properly close the pin hole 25.

[0057] Furthermore, the fixing part 41 is formed as a cylinder with the same outer diameter. Thus, the fixing part 41 is firmly pressed and fixed onto the small-diameter part 251. Therefore, the chain belt 1 can more effectively seal the pin hole 25.

[0058] Furthermore, the cover member 4 is made of the same material as the link 2. As a result, the appearance of the cover member 4 and the link 2 is unified, thus improving the aesthetics of the chain 1.

[0059] The chain belt 1 and its manufacturing method can also be adapted to the following variations.

[0060] In the above embodiment, the cover member 4 is formed of the same material as the link 2. However, this is not a limited example; the cover member 4 may also be formed of a different material than the link 2. In this case, since no gap is created between the cover member 4 and the link 2, the chain 1 can properly seal the pin hole. Furthermore, in the above embodiment, since the cover member 4 does not need to have a higher hardness than the link 2, the freedom of material selection is increased.

[0061] In the above embodiment, in step S3 of the method for manufacturing the chain belt 1, the cover member 4 is pressed into the pin hole 25 and fixed relative to the pin hole 25. Not limited to this example, the cover member 4 can also be fixed to the pin hole 25 by other methods. For example, threads can be formed on the fixing portion 41 and the small diameter portion 251 respectively, and the fixing portion 41 can be fixed to the small diameter portion 251 by screwing. In this case, as the cover member 4 moves inward in the width direction by screwing, the closing portion 42 contacts the inner wall of the large diameter portion 252 and closes the pin hole 25. This also ensures a proper closure of the pin hole 25. At this time, in the removal process of step S4, it is preferable that the rear end portion 43 of the closing portion 42 is removed together with the threaded hole formed on the end face of the closing portion 42.

[0062] In the above embodiment, a removal process is performed in step S4 of the manufacturing method of the chain belt 1. However, this is not a limited example, and the removal process may be omitted. In this case, the length of the cover member 4 in the width direction may be pre-adjusted so that, when the cover member 4 is pressed in, the outer end face D4 in the width direction D2 of the cover member 4 aligns with the side surface of the chain belt 1.

[0063] In the above embodiment, a tapered inclined portion 411 is formed on the outer edge of one bottom surface of the fixing portion 41. However, this is not a limited example; the inclined portion 411 may not be formed on the fixing portion 41. This simplifies the manufacture of the cover member 4. Furthermore, generally, without the inclined portion, errors are easily generated in the pressing direction. However, since the closing portion 42 in the cover member 4 is formed in a tapered shape, even if some errors occur in the pressing direction, it is difficult for gaps to form between the cover member 4 and the link 2. Therefore, the cover member 4 can prevent the disadvantages caused by omitting the inclined portion 411.

[0064] In the above embodiment, the closing portion 42 has a shape that combines a frustum of a cone and a cylinder. However, it is not limited to this example; the closing portion 42 may also have a frustum of a cone shape. Additionally, the cover member 4 has a circular cross-sectional shape, but is not limited to this example; it may also have a polygonal cross-sectional shape. In this case, the pin hole 25 may be formed in a polygonal cross-sectional shape to engage with the cover member 4.

[0065] Figure 8This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole and cover member in the closing process of the chain belt according to the second embodiment. The difference between the chain belt of the second embodiment and the chain belt 1 of the first embodiment is that it has a cover member 5 instead of a cover member 4. The other components of the chain belt of the second embodiment are the same as the corresponding components of the chain belt 1, so they are given the same reference numerals and the description is omitted.

[0066] The difference between cover member 5 and cover member 4 is that cover member 5 has a fixing part 51 instead of fixing part 41. The fixing part 51 is formed into a frustum-shaped cone with its outer diameter decreasing towards the inner side D3 in the width direction D2 when cover member 5 is pressed into pin hole 25. The cone angle of fixing part 51 is formed to be smaller than the cone angle of the frustum-shaped portion of closing part 42.

[0067] Because the cone angle of the fixing part 51 is smaller than that of the closing part 42, the radial force generated between the fixing part 51 and the inner wall of the small-diameter part 251 is greater than the radial force generated between the inner wall of the closing part 42 and the inner wall of the large-diameter part 252. Therefore, by having a small cone angle, the fixing part 51 can firmly press the cover member 4 into the pin hole 25.

[0068] The chain in the second embodiment passes through from Figure 8 The state shown is manufactured by performing a removal process, and the end face of link 2 and the end face of cover member 5 become one piece.

[0069] Figure 9 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the cover member and the vicinity of the pin hole during the closing process of the chain belt in the third embodiment. The chain belt in the third embodiment differs from the chain belt 1 in the first embodiment in that it has a link 6 instead of a link 2. The other components of the chain belt in the third embodiment are the same as the corresponding components of the chain belt 1, and therefore are given the same reference numerals and the description is omitted.

[0070] Link 6 differs from link 2 in that it has a pin hole 65 instead of pin hole 25. The pin hole 65 differs from pin hole 25 in that it has an inclined portion 655 whose inner diameter continuously increases towards the outer side D4 in the width direction D2, instead of having a small diameter portion 251 and a large diameter portion 252. Furthermore, in Figure 9 The shape of the pin hole 65 before the cover component 4 is pressed in is illustrated with dashed lines. For example... Figure 9 As shown, the inner wall of the inclined portion 655 has a smaller cone angle than that of the closed portion 42.

[0071] When the cover member 4 is pressed into the pin hole 65, firstly, the side of the fixing part 41 contacts the first portion 656 of the inner wall of the inclined part 655, applying a large radial force between the fixing part 41 and the first portion 656. As the cover member 4 is further pressed in, the closing part 42 contacts the second portion 657 of the inner wall of the inclined part 655, causing the second portion 657 to deform and the pin hole 65 to be closed. The second portion 657 is located further outward (D4) in the width direction (D2) than the first portion 656, and the inner diameter of the second portion 657 of the pin hole 65 is larger than the inner diameter of the first portion 656. Furthermore, the first portion 656 and the second portion 657 are an example of a small-diameter portion and a large-diameter portion.

[0072] Thus, the cover member 4 contacts the inner wall of the inclined portion 655 of the pin hole 65 at both the fixing portion 41 and the closing portion 42. Similar to the case of the pin hole 25, the cover member 4 is firmly pressed in and fixed by the side of the fixing portion 41 being parallel to the width direction D2, which is the pressing direction, and the gap is filled by the conical shape of the closing portion 42, so that the pin hole 65 is properly sealed.

[0073] The chain in the third embodiment passes through from Figure 9 The state shown is manufactured by performing a removal process, and the end face of link 6 and the end face of cover member 4 become one piece.

[0074] Figure 10 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the pin hole 25 and the cover member 4 in the closing process of the chain belt 10 in the fourth embodiment. Figure 11 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the chain belt 10 after the sealing process and before the removal process, showing the pin hole 25 and the cover member 4. Figure 12 This is a partial cross-sectional view of the chain link 2 and the cover member 4 of the chain belt 10 in this embodiment. The difference between the chain belt 10 of the fourth embodiment and the chain belt 1 of the first embodiment is that the force applied to the cover member 4 in the closing process is greater than the force applied in the closing process of the first embodiment. The other components of the chain belt 10 of the fourth embodiment are the same as the corresponding components of the chain belt 1, and therefore are given the same reference numerals and the description is omitted.

[0075] Figure 10 This illustrates the state of the pin hole 25 and the cap member 4 during the pressing-in process. In this embodiment, the link 2 and the cap member 4 are formed of pure titanium, such as titanium. In the sealing process, the cap member 4 is pressed into the pin hole 25 to seal the pin hole 25. Due to the easily plastically deformable nature of pure titanium, the pressing of the cap member 4 into the pin hole 25 is performed in a single press. Furthermore, the pressing force PF of the cap member 4 into the pin hole 25 is greater than the pressing force in the sealing process of the first embodiment.

[0076] During the sealing process, since the outer diameter of the fixing part 41 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the small diameter part 251, a larger radial force is applied between the fixing part 41 and the inner wall 253 of the small diameter part 251, as described above. Here, if a larger pressing force PF than that in the first embodiment is applied, the frictional heat generated by the relative movement of pure titanium while it is in contact with each other under pressure is used as a heat source, and the link 2 and the cover member 4 are frictionally joined.

[0077] Furthermore, if a larger pressing force PF than that in the first embodiment is applied during pressing, the link 2 and the cover member 4 will be frictionally engaged due to the relationship between the outer diameter of the fixing part 41 and the inner diameter of the small diameter part 251, and the formation of the friction engagement region 110. Therefore, the movement of the fixing part 41 inward to the D3 can be suppressed. As a result, the portion of the closing part 42 connected to the fixing part 41 is sandwiched between the fixing part 41 and the force PF, generating a radially outward force F3 on the cover member 4, resulting in plastic deformation. Furthermore, due to the plastic deformation of the cover member 4 caused by the force F3 and the component F2 in the direction along the pressing direction D3, the inner wall 254 of the large diameter part 252 generates a radially inward force F4 on the cover member 4, thereby causing plastic deformation.

[0078] Figure 11 This indicates the state of the pin hole 25 and the cover member 4 after it has been pressed in. After the cover member 4 has been pressed in, a joint area 100 is formed between the connecting link 2 and the cover member 4. Since the joint area 100 is the area where the connecting link 2 and the cover member 4 are joined, it can also be said that the connecting link 2 and the cover member 4 each have a joint area 100.

[0079] The joint area 100 has: a joint area 100 formed on the fixing part 41 and the small diameter part 251, a frictional joint area 110 where the link 2 and the cover member 4 are frictionally joined; and a plastic deformation area 120 formed on the joint area 100 formed on the closing part 42 and the large diameter part 252 where the link 2 and the cover member 4 undergo plastic deformation.

[0080] The friction-bonded region 110 is the area where the pure titanium of the chain link 2 and the cover member 4 are fused together by the frictional heat generated during the sealing process. The friction-bonded region 110 has portions of pure titanium that have melted due to frictional heat, and its cross-section has a whitish color. The friction-bonded region 110 is the part where the chain link 2 and the cover member 4 are in close contact, and it has scratches and is not smooth; it can be described as an area where pure titanium is sintered together.

[0081] The plastic deformation region 120 is formed of pure titanium, which is easily plastically deformable; in other words, it is formed of a material with a low Young's modulus. It is the joint region 100 other than the friction-bonded region 110, which is fused together by frictional heat. The plastic deformation region 120 is connected to the friction-bonded region 110 and has a protrusion 121 that protrudes radially outward from the friction-bonded region 110 in the cover member 4. The protrusion 121 is affected by the forces F3 and F4 described above (see...). Figure 10 )form.

[0082] Figure 12 This indicates the state of link 2 and cover member 4 after the removal process has been performed. After the removal process, the chain belt 10 has an engagement area 100, and the end face of link 2 and the end face of cover member 4 become one.

[0083] Figure 13 This is a photograph showing a cross-section of the chain link 2 and the cover member 4 of the chain belt 10 in this embodiment. The friction engagement region 110 in the engagement region 100 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape and, as described above, has a whitish color. The plastic deformation region 120 has a protrusion 121 at the connection portion connected to the friction engagement region 110, and the region further outward in the width direction of the chain belt than the protrusion 121 expands in diameter towards that outward direction.

[0084] The chain belt 10 of this embodiment has a friction engagement region 110 formed in the engagement region 100 between the fixing portion 41 and the small diameter portion 251, where the chain link 2 and the cover member 4 are frictionally joined; and a plastic deformation region 120 formed in the engagement region 100 between the closing portion 42 and the large diameter portion 252, where the chain link 2 and the cover member 4 have undergone plastic deformation. Therefore, the chain belt 10 can properly seal the pin hole 25 without requiring processes such as using adhesives or heating. Furthermore, by having the friction engagement region 110, the chain belt 10 can prevent the cover member 4 from detaching from the chain link 2.

[0085] Furthermore, in the chain belt 10 of this embodiment, the plastic deformation region 120 is connected to the friction engagement region 110, and has a protrusion 121 that protrudes radially outward from the friction engagement region 110 on the cover member 4. As a result, the chain link 2 and the cover member 4 of the chain belt 10 are engaged, which can further prevent the cover member 4 from disengaging from the chain link 2.

[0086] Furthermore, in the chain belt 10 of this embodiment, the cover member 4 is formed of the same material as the chain link 2, which is pure titanium. Therefore, compared to cases using other metals, the chain link 2 and the cover member 4 are easily joined during the sealing process, and the pin hole 25 can be properly sealed. Additionally, since titanium has biocompatibility, the chain belt 10 can be provided with the user's needs in mind.

[0087] In the fourth embodiment described above, link 2 and cover member 4 are formed of the same material. However, as in the first embodiment, link 2 and cover member 4 may also be made of different materials.

[0088] In the fourth embodiment described above, link 2 and cover member 4 are made of pure titanium. However, link 2 and cover member 4 can be made of titanium alloy or other metallic materials. For example, link 2 and cover member 4 can also be made of brass or gold.

[0089] In the fourth embodiment described above, the joining region 100 has a friction joining region 110 and a plastic deformation region 120, but the joining region 100 may also not have a plastic deformation region 120. In addition, the joining region 100 between the fixing part 41 and the small diameter part 251 may not be a region formed by friction joining, as long as it can suppress the movement of the fixing part 41 in the pressing direction (inner side D3).

[0090] An example of a non-frictional joint is a helical joint where the mating area 100 of the fixing part 41 and the minor diameter part 251 is not a frictional joint. A helical joint is formed, for example, by making one of the fixing part 41 and the minor diameter part 251 into a male thread shape and the other into a female thread shape, and then inserting the cover member 4 helically into the pin hole 25 during the closing process.

[0091] Those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, substitutions, and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. For example, the above-described embodiments and variations can also be implemented in appropriate combinations within the scope of the invention.

[0092] Explanation of symbols

[0093] 1. 10 chain belts

[0094] 2 links

[0095] 25 pin holes

[0096] 251 Small diameter section

[0097] 252 Large diameter part

[0098] 4. Cover components

[0099] 41 Fixing part

[0100] 42. Enclosed section.

Claims

1. A chain belt, characterized in that, have: Multiple chain links having pin holes extending along the width direction through two adjacent chain links, each pin hole having a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, the large diameter portion being connected to the outer side of the small diameter portion in the width direction and having an inner diameter larger than the small diameter portion; and A cover member having a fixing portion and a closing portion, the closing portion being connected to the fixing portion and formed such that its outer diameter decreases towards the fixing portion. The fixing part abuts against the inner wall of the small-diameter part, fixing the cover component relative to the pin hole. The closure portion closes the outer end of the large-diameter portion.

2. The chain belt according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing part is formed as a column with the same outer diameter.

3. The chain belt according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing part is formed into a cone shape with a smaller cone angle than the closing part.

4. The chain belt according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also has: A friction engagement region is formed in the engagement region of the fixed portion and the small diameter portion, wherein the chain link and the cover member are frictionally engaged. as well as A plastic deformation region is formed at the junction of the closure and the large-diameter portion, during which the chain link and the cover member undergo plastic deformation.

5. The chain belt according to claim 4, characterized in that, The plastic deformation region is connected to the friction-joining region and also has a protrusion that protrudes outward in the radial direction of the cover member compared to the friction-joining region.

6. The chain belt according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The cover member is formed of the same material as the chain link.

7. The chain belt according to claim 6, characterized in that, The material is titanium.

8. A method for manufacturing a chain belt, the chain belt being formed by interconnecting multiple chain links, the method being characterized by comprising: The preparation process involves preparing a chain belt with pin holes, wherein the pin holes extend along the width direction of the chain belt and have a small diameter portion and a large diameter portion, wherein the large diameter portion is connected to the outer side of the small diameter portion in the width direction and has an inner diameter larger than that of the small diameter portion. In the configuration step, a cover member is positioned outside the pin hole in the width direction. The cover member has a fixing portion and a closing portion, the closing portion being connected to the fixing portion and formed such that its outer diameter decreases towards the fixing portion; and The sealing process involves moving the cover component inward along its width to close the pin hole. In the sealing process, the fixing part abuts against the inner wall of the small diameter part to fix the cover member relative to the pin hole, and the sealing part seals the outer end of the large diameter part.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, In the sealing process, the cover component is pressed into the pin hole, and the fixing part is pressed into and fixed to the inner wall of the small diameter part.

10. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that, Following the sealing process, a removal process is also included, in which the portion of the cover member protruding outward from the chain belt in the width direction is removed.

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