Long-life chain with enclosed friction pair

Abstract

A long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs includes outer chain plates, inner chain plates, pins, rollers, sleeves, and seals. Two outer chain plates are tightly fitted with two pins to form an outer chain link. Two inner chain plates and two sleeves are combined to form an inner chain link, which is located between the two outer chain plates of the outer chain link. The sleeve is fitted outside the pins with a clearance fit. The roller is fitted outside the sleeve and located between the two inner chain plates. The seal is located between the inner and outer chain plates and fitted outside the pins or sleeves. The sleeve adopts a rolled and slitted structure, and the joint of the sleeve adopts a stepped overlapping structure. This invention extends the lubricating oil loss path by using a stepped overlapping structure at the joint of the sleeve, thus achieving the sealing of lubricating oil between the friction pair pins and sleeves. The rolled and slitted structure can control the thickness of the sleeve within a tolerance of 0.02 mm, resulting in uniform sleeve wall thickness and high coaxiality.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the field of chain drive technology, specifically relating to a long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs. Background Technology

[0002] The advent of sealed chains has greatly improved chain lifespan and reduced maintenance frequency, expanding the application range of chain drives. Especially in the high-speed motorcycle field, sealed chains are standard drive chains for large-displacement racing motorcycles. Its main structure consists of: two outer chain plates tightly fitted with two pins to form an outer chain link; two bushings tightly fitted with two inner chain plates to form an inner chain link; rollers are fitted outside the outer diameter of the bushings and positioned between the two inner chain plates; the inner diameter of the rollers is larger than the outer diameter of the bushings, allowing free rotation. A seal is placed between the inner and outer chain plates and fitted outside the outer diameter of the bushing or pin. The seal has a cross-section of O-rings or X-rings, etc., and its axial thickness is compressed by approximately 20-30% by the inner and outer chain plates to achieve a seal, sealing the lubricating oil between the bushing and the pin to slow leakage, thereby improving chain lifespan. To achieve a seal, the sleeve parts used are seamless. The processing method involves cutting the steel wire with a cold heading machine and then punching holes. The main disadvantages are low material utilization, which is about 50%, and deviations in the coaxiality and concentricity of the inner and outer diameters during the processing, resulting in unstable chain operation. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To overcome the shortcomings of existing technologies, this utility model proposes a long-life chain with a closed friction pair, which improves the coaxiality of the sleeve, makes the frictional contact area between the chain pin and the sleeve uniform, improves lubrication efficiency, reduces power loss, and reduces manufacturing costs.

[0004] The technical solution adopted in this utility model is:

[0005] A long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs includes outer chain plates, inner chain plates, pins, rollers, sleeves, and seals. Two outer chain plates are tightly fitted with two pins to form an outer chain link. Two inner chain plates and two sleeves are combined to form an inner chain link, which is located between the two outer chain plates of the outer chain link. The sleeve is fitted outside the pins with a clearance fit. The roller is fitted outside the sleeve and located between the two inner chain plates. The seal is located between the inner and outer chain plates and fitted outside the pins or sleeves. The sleeve adopts a rolled and slitted structure, and the joint of the sleeve adopts a stepped overlapping structure. This invention extends the lubricating oil loss path by using a stepped overlapping structure at the joint of the sleeve, thus achieving the sealing of lubricating oil between the friction pair pins and sleeves. The rolled and slitted structure can control the thickness of the sleeve within a tolerance of 0.02 mm, resulting in uniform sleeve wall thickness and high coaxiality.

[0006] Furthermore, the joint cross-section of the sleeve is an L-shaped structure, and the two cross-sections meet to form a stepped overlapping structure.

[0007] Alternatively, the joint of the sleeve has a U-shaped structure, and the two cut surfaces are interlocked to form a stepped overlapping structure.

[0008] Alternatively, the joint of the sleeve has a V-shaped structure, and the two joints are interlocked to form a stepped overlapping structure.

[0009] Furthermore, the surface of the pin has a textured structure. This invention improves lubrication efficiency by adjusting the lubricant application method between the pin and the sleeve through the textured surface of the pin.

[0010] Furthermore, the surface of the pin is provided with a spiral oil reservoir or a spiral oil pit.

[0011] Furthermore, the length of the oil storage tank or oil storage pit is less than the length of the sleeve.

[0012] Furthermore, the seal is made of elastic foam or rubber material, which prevents dust and reduces pressure, reduces the torque of the chain links, and reduces power loss.

[0013] Furthermore, the cross-section of the seal is O-shaped or X-shaped.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0015] 1) Improve the coaxiality of the sleeve to make the frictional contact area between the chain pin and the sleeve uniform;

[0016] 2) By adjusting the surface texture of the pin, the lubricating oil application method between the pin and the sleeve is adjusted to improve lubrication efficiency;

[0017] 3) The foam seal reduces the pressure between the chain plate and the chain link, improves the chain link flexibility, reduces chain link torque, and reduces power loss;

[0018] 4) The material utilization rate of rolled sleeves is close to 100%, which is almost twice that of cold-forged seamless sleeves, reducing manufacturing costs and further expanding the market application of closed friction pair chains; it has outstanding advantages, especially in the field of new energy two-wheeled vehicles. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of this utility model.

[0020] Figure 2 This is a top view of the structure of this utility model.

[0021] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the sleeve structure of this utility model; wherein Figure 3 (1) is the unfolded diagram of the sleeve. Figure 3 (2) is the top view of the sleeve.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the sleeve structure of this utility model; wherein Figure 4 (1) is the unfolded diagram of the sleeve. Figure 4 (2) is the top view of the sleeve.

[0023] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the third embodiment of the sleeve structure of this utility model; wherein Figure 5 (1) is the unfolded diagram of the sleeve. Figure 5 (2) is the top view of the sleeve.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a sealing element according to this utility model; wherein Figure 6 (1) is a sectional view of the seal. Figure 6 (2) is the top view of the sleeve.

[0025] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the first embodiment of the pin structure of this utility model.

[0026] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the second embodiment of the pin structure of this utility model. Detailed Implementation

[0027] The present invention will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to these specific embodiments. Those skilled in the art should recognize that the present invention covers all alternatives, improvements and equivalents that may be included within the scope of the claims.

[0028] In the description of this utility model, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," "clockwise," and "counterclockwise," etc., indicating the orientation or positional relationship, are based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model. 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 indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this utility model, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0029] In this utility model, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0030] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0031] See Figure 1-8 This embodiment provides a long-life chain with a closed friction pair, including an outer chain plate 1, an inner chain plate 2, a pin 4, a roller 5, a sleeve 3, and a seal 6. Two outer chain plates 1 and two pins 4 are tightly fitted together to form an outer chain link. Two inner chain plates 2 and two sleeves 3 are combined to form an inner chain link, which is located between the two outer chain plates 1 of the outer chain link. The sleeve 3 is fitted outside the pin 4 with a clearance fit. The roller 5 is fitted outside the sleeve 3 and located between the two inner chain plates 2. The seal 6 is located between the inner chain plate 2 and the outer chain plate 1 and fitted outside the pin 4 or the sleeve 3. The sleeve 3 adopts a rolled open structure, and the joint of the sleeve 3 adopts a stepped overlapping structure. This invention, by using a stepped overlapping structure at the joint of the sleeve 3, extends the lubricating oil loss path and achieves the sealing of the lubricating oil between the friction pair pin and the sleeve. The rolled slit structure can control the thickness of sleeve 3 within a tolerance of 0.02, and the sleeve has uniform wall thickness and high coaxiality.

[0032] Specifically, the joint section of the sleeve 3 has an L-shaped structure, see... Figure 3 As shown, the two cut surfaces meet to form a stepped overlapping structure. The processing flow of sleeve 3 is as follows: cutting—forging both ends—shaping—rolling into a U-shape—rolling the circumference—extrusion forming; wherein the forging of the two L-shaped sections has a thickness t1 equal to 1 / 2 of the material thickness T; the forging width W is preferably 1 / 2 to 2 / 3 of the material thickness T.

[0033] Of course, the joint cross-section of the sleeve 3 described in this embodiment can be a U-shaped structure, see Figure 4As shown, the two cut surfaces are interlocked to form a stepped overlapping structure. That is, one end is concave and the other end is convex; after being rolled round, the convex end is inserted into the concave end to form a tight circle. The joint cut surface of the sleeve 3 can also be a V-shaped structure, see... Figure 5 As shown, the two cut surfaces are interlocked to form a stepped overlapping structure. That is, one end is concave and the other end is convex. After being rolled up, the convex end is inserted into the groove end to form a tight circle.

[0034] In this embodiment, the surface of the pin 4 has a textured structure. This invention improves lubrication efficiency by adjusting the lubricant application between the pin 4 and the sleeve 3 through the textured surface of the pin 4. The surface of the pin 4 is provided with a spiral oil reservoir 41, see... Figure 7 As shown, or the surface of the pin 4 is provided with a spiral oil reservoir 42, see Figure 8 As shown. The length of the oil reservoir 41 or oil pit 42 is less than the length of the sleeve 3. This utility model increases the oil storage capacity of the friction pair clearance and modifies the flow mode of the lubricating oil under pressure, so that the lubricating oil film flows to the oil reservoir or oil pit in a limited manner when under pressure, thereby delaying wear.

[0035] The seal 6 described in this embodiment is made of elastic foam or rubber material, which prevents dust and reduces pressure, reduces chain link torque, and reduces power loss. The seal 6 described in this embodiment has an X-shaped cross-section, see... Figure 6 As shown, it can also be an O-type structure.

[0036] This invention improves the coaxiality of the sleeve, making the frictional contact area between the chain pin and the sleeve uniform; by adjusting the surface texture of the pin, the lubricating oil coating method between the pin and the sleeve is adjusted, improving lubrication efficiency; the foam seal reduces the pressure between the chain plate, improves the flexibility of the chain links, reduces chain link torque, and reduces power loss; the material utilization rate of the rolled sleeve is close to 100%, which is almost twice that of the cold-forged seamless sleeve, reducing manufacturing costs and further expanding the market application of the closed friction pair chain; it has outstanding advantages, especially in the field of new energy two-wheeled vehicles.

Claims

1. A long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs, comprising outer chain plates, inner chain plates, pins, rollers, sleeves, and seals, wherein two outer chain plates and two pins are tightly fitted together to form an outer chain link, two inner chain plates and two sleeves are combined to form an inner chain link, the inner chain link is located between the two outer chain plates of the outer chain link, the sleeve is sleeved outside the pins and has a clearance fit with the pins, the roller is sleeved outside the sleeve and located between the two inner chain plates, and the seal is located between the inner chain plates and the outer chain plates and sleeved outside the pins or sleeves, characterized in that: The sleeve adopts a rolled and slit structure, and the joint of the sleeve adopts a stepped overlapping structure.

2. The long-life chain with enclosed friction pair according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sleeve has an L-shaped joint, and the two joints are joined to form a stepped overlapping structure.

3. The long-life chain with enclosed friction pair according to claim 1, characterized in that: The joint of the sleeve has a U-shaped cross-section, and the two cross-sections are interlocked to form a stepped overlapping structure.

4. The long-life chain with enclosed friction pair according to claim 1, characterized in that: The joint of the sleeve has a V-shaped structure, and the two cut surfaces are interlocked to form a stepped overlapping structure.

5. A long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: The surface of the pin has a textured structure.

6. A long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs according to claim 5, characterized in that: The surface of the pin is provided with a spiral oil reservoir or a spiral oil pit.

7. A long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs according to claim 6, characterized in that: The length of the oil storage tank or oil storage pit is less than the length of the sleeve.

8. A long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs according to claim 1, characterized in that: The seal is made of elastic foam or rubber.

9. A long-life chain with enclosed friction pairs according to claim 8, characterized in that: The cross-section of the seal is O-type or X-type.

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