Silent self-lubricating roller chain

Abstract

The invention discloses a mute self-lubricating roller chain, which comprises a roller chain body assembled by inner chain plates, outer chain plates, rollers, pin shafts, sleeves and connecting chain links, wherein the inner chain plates, the sleeves and the rollers are assembled into inner chain links, the pin shafts and the outer chain plates are assembled into outer chain links, the inner chain links and the outer chain links are connected into a chain structure in an interlaced mode, and the chain structure is connected in a ring mode at both ends through the connecting chain links; the roller comprises a metal base body, a POM composite outer buffer body and a POM composite inner buffer body; the pin shaft is of a stepped structure; and the inner wall of the sleeve is provided with a taper hole wall structure at both ends. The mute self-lubricating roller chain can reduce the dynamic load impact strength generated when the sleeve roller chain is engaged with the chain wheel, and solve the noise problem generated when the chain runs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of chain drive technology, specifically to a silent self-lubricating roller chain. Background Technology

[0002] Roller chains are a common type of mechanical transmission chain, widely used in motorcycles, bicycles, industrial and agricultural machinery, construction machinery, and many other fields, and have become a fundamental mechanical component. Chain drives offer many advantages over belt drives, including constant, inelastic slippage, high load-bearing capacity, greater environmental adaptability, longer lifespan, lower maintenance costs, and a compact structure, making them suitable for space-constrained applications.

[0003] A typical bushing roller chain mainly consists of multiple inner links (roller links), multiple outer links (pin links), and connecting links. Each inner link is assembled from a bushing, inner chain plate, and rollers; the bushing of the inner link passes through the rollers and is fixed to the inner chain plate at both ends with an interference fit. The pin passes through the inner hole of the bushing and the outer chain plate, with its two ends protruding to form the outer link, which is locked to the connecting hole of the outer chain plate using an interference fit and a riveting method. After the chain is assembled, connecting links connect the entire chain. In such a bushing roller chain, a meshing impact is generated during the engagement of the chain with the sprocket due to the polygonal effect. This impact is first absorbed by the rollers and then transmitted to the bushings, pins, and other chain components. Therefore, unavoidable noise is generated during chain operation, and the noise will be even greater if the chain lacks maintenance.

[0004] In addition, to solve the noise caused by non-coplanar sprockets, when the axial offset of two or more sprockets (i.e., the non-overlapping degree of the sprocket center planes) is too large, the inner side of the inner chain plate will collide with the sprocket teeth and generate noise. In severe cases, it may break the sprocket teeth or cause the chain to break. Utility Model Content

[0005] This invention discloses a silent self-lubricating roller chain, the purpose of which is to reduce the dynamic load impact intensity generated when the existing sleeve roller chain described in the background section meshes with the sprocket, thereby solving the noise problem generated during chain operation from the root cause.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this invention is as follows:

[0007] A silent, self-lubricating roller chain includes a roller chain body assembled from an inner chain plate, an outer chain plate, rollers, a pin, a sleeve, and connecting links. The inner chain plate, sleeve, and rollers are assembled to form an inner chain link, and the pin and outer chain plate form an outer chain link. The inner and outer chain links are interleaved to form a chain structure, and the two ends of the chain structure are connected by connecting links. In the roller chain body, the rollers include a metal matrix, a POM composite outer buffer, and a POM composite inner buffer. The pin has a stepped structure, and the inner wall of the sleeve has tapered hole structures at both ends.

[0008] Preferably, annular POM composite outer buffers are coaxially embedded at both ends of the outer surface of the metal substrate, and annular POM composite inner buffers are coaxially embedded in the middle of the inner hole of the roller substrate, with the POM composite inner buffers and the sleeve having a clearance fit.

[0009] Preferably, the center of the connecting hole of the outer link plate and the inner link plate is shifted inward relative to the center of the head contour of the outer link plate and the inner link plate, and a through hole is provided at the center of the waist of the inner link plate.

[0010] Preferably, the inner side waist edge and head edge of the inner chain plate are respectively provided with guide grooves, and when the inner chain link is press-fitted, the end of the sleeve protrudes 0.15-0.20mm relative to the outer surface of the inner chain plate.

[0011] Preferably, the guide groove is a sloping curved surface structure that is inclined to the outer edge of the inner chain plate, and the guide groove engages with the teeth of the sprocket.

[0012] Preferably, the middle part of the pin and the inner hole of the sleeve are enlarged to form a protrusion, and the two ends of the pin and the outer chain plate are reduced in diameter to form a reduced diameter part. The difference in outer diameter between the protrusion and the reduced diameter part is 0.1-0.2mm.

[0013] Preferably, the length of the end of the pin protruding from the outer surface of the outer chain plate is within 0.8 mm, and countersunk holes are opened at both ends of the pin for implementing expansion rivets.

[0014] Preferably, the inner wall of the sleeve gradually expands outward at both ends to form a tapered hole wall structure, the ratio of the depth of the tapered hole wall structure to the total length of the sleeve is 19%-21%, and the taper of the tapered hole wall structure is in the range of 1°-2°.

[0015] Preferably, the diameter of the part where the outer wall of the sleeve meets the inner wall of the roller is thickened to form an expanded diameter section, and the diameter of the parts where the outer walls of the sleeve meet the inner chain plate is reduced to form an annular limiting groove. The difference between the outer diameter of the expanded diameter section and the annular limiting groove is in the range of 0.1-0.2 mm.

[0016] This novel silent self-lubricating roller chain has the following beneficial effects:

[0017] This novel design effectively reduces impact noise generated when the roller chain engages with the sprocket, as well as side-wear noise generated when the sprocket and chain engage without being coplanar. By embedding POM composite buffers on the inner and outer walls of the rollers, noise generation is suppressed at its source. This also achieves self-lubrication during the transmission of the rollers, bushings, and sprockets, extending the service and maintenance cycle of the chain system. The inner chain plate (i.e., the inner side of the inner chain link) has guide grooves. When the sprocket's axial offset is excessive, the sprocket teeth and the guide grooves of the inner chain plate cooperate to effectively buffer the impact generated during side-wearing engagement of the sprocket and chain, achieving noise reduction from non-coplanar side-wearing. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 A top view of the structure of this novel invention;

[0019] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of this novel invention (B in the figure is an enlarged view of a local structure from another angle).

[0020] Figure 3 , this new type Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the cross-sectional structure along the AA direction;

[0021] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the exploded structure of this novel roller;

[0022] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the outer angle structure of the inner chain plate of this novel invention (in the figure, R3 is the inner diameter of the inner chain plate connecting hole; R4 is the inner diameter of the inner chain plate head arc, showing that the center of the inner chain plate connecting hole is offset inward).

[0023] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the inner angle structure of the new inner chain plate;

[0024] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the outer angle structure of the new type of outer chain plate (in the figure, R2 is the inner diameter of the connecting hole of the outer chain plate; R1 is the inner diameter of the arc of the head of the outer chain plate, showing that the center of the connecting hole of the outer chain plate is offset inward).

[0025] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the inner angle structure of the new outer chain plate;

[0026] Figure 9 The intention behind the breakage of a conventional roller chain plate;

[0027] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of this novel pin;

[0028] Figure 11 A three-dimensional structural diagram of this novel pin shaft;

[0029] Figure 12A cross-sectional view of the novel sleeve (α is the taper; L is the total length of the sleeve; I is the depth of the tapered hole wall structure; φ is the inner diameter of the sleeve).

[0030] Figure 13 A three-dimensional structural diagram of this novel sleeve;

[0031] Figure 14 A schematic diagram illustrating the principle of noise reduction using this novel roller.

[0032] Figure 15 A schematic diagram of the new type of sprocket and roller chain assembly;

[0033] Figure 16 A schematic diagram of the meshing of the novel roller chain with a non-coplanar sprocket;

[0034] Figure 17 A schematic diagram of a conventional roller chain meshing with a non-coplanar sprocket;

[0035] Figure 18 A schematic diagram of the new pin-shaft expansion riveting forming method.

[0036] Markings in the diagram: 001, Inner chain plate; 002, Outer chain plate; 003, Pin; 004, Sleeve; 005, Roller; 051, POM composite inner buffer; 052, Metal matrix; 053, POM composite outer buffer; 006, Sprocket; 010, Guide groove; 011, Conventional inner chain plate without guide groove; 012, Riveting die; 013, Sprocket rotation direction; 014, Chain travel direction; 015, Chain side wear direction; 020, Pin rivet; 03 0. Through hole; 040. Countersunk hole; 041. Reduced diameter section; 042. Protrusion; 043. Pin end face; 044. Step structure formed between the protrusion and the reduced diameter section; 0041. Annular limiting groove; 0042. Expanded diameter section; 0043. Step structure formed between the expanded diameter section and the annular limiting groove; 091. Direction based on chain link: longitudinal; 092. Direction based on chain link: transverse; 093. Transverse effective cross-sectional area of ​​chain link; 094. Easily broken area of ​​chain plate. Detailed Implementation

[0037] The following is a detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention in a step-by-step manner. This description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0038] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or a specific orientational structure and operation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention.

[0039] Example 1:

[0040] A silent, self-lubricating roller chain, such as Figure 1-18 As shown, the roller chain body is assembled from an inner link plate 001, an outer link plate 002, rollers 005, pins 003, sleeves 004, and connecting links (a common structure, not shown in the figure). The inner link plate 001, sleeves 004, and rollers 005 form an inner link (two opposing inner link plates are connected by two sleeves, with both ends of the sleeves having an interference fit with the corresponding inner link plate connecting holes, and rollers having a clearance fit on the outside of each sleeve). The pins and outer link plates form an outer link (two outer link plates are arranged opposite each other, and two pins pass through the inner holes of the sleeves of adjacent inner link plates and have a clearance fit with the sleeves, with both ends of the two pins having an interference fit with the corresponding outer link plate connecting holes). The inner and outer link links are interleaved to form a chain structure, and the two ends of the chain structure are connected by connecting links. This is a common structure for roller chains; details not mentioned are addressed using existing solutions. The improvement of this invention is that: in the roller chain body, the roller 005 includes a metal matrix 052 (i.e. the main structure constituting the roller), a POM composite outer buffer body and a POM composite inner buffer body made of POM composite material respectively, the pin 003 has a stepped structure, and the sleeve 004 has tapered hole wall structures at both ends of its inner wall.

[0041] Example 2:

[0042] Based on Example 1, this example discloses:

[0043] like Figure 3 , 4 As shown, annular POM composite outer buffer bodies 053 are coaxially embedded at both ends of the outer surface of the metal substrate 052, and annular POM composite inner buffer bodies 051 are coaxially embedded in the middle of the inner hole of the roller substrate 052. The POM composite inner buffer bodies are clearance-fitted with the sleeve. Figure 14As shown, when the chain engages with the sprocket, the POM composite outer buffer first contacts the sprocket and undergoes elastic deformation, buffering the impact and reducing noise. The POM composite inner buffer further blocks the indirect impact between the roller and the bushing, achieving quiet operation. The POM composite outer and inner buffers balance the overall strength and self-lubricating properties of the rollers, extending the chain's lifespan. Furthermore, the use of POM composite buffers embedded in the inner and outer sides of the metal roller matrix enables chain weight reduction.

[0044] Example 3:

[0045] Based on Examples 1-2, this example discloses:

[0046] like Figure 5-9 As shown, the centers of the connecting holes of the outer link plate 002 and the inner link plate 001 are shifted inward relative to the centers of the head contours of the outer link plate and the inner link plate, thereby increasing the effective cross-sectional area of ​​the chain plates in the lateral direction (e.g., Figure 9 As shown, taking the chain plate as a reference, along the midpoint of the chain plate's transverse 092, the cross-section of the chain plate at the line connecting the outer end of the chain plate's connecting hole to the outer end of the chain plate is the transverse effective chain piece cross-section. When the center of the connecting hole of the outer chain plate 002 and the inner chain plate 001 shifts inward relative to the center of the head contour of the outer chain plate and the inner chain plate, the area of ​​the transverse effective chain piece cross-section of the chain plate is increased, improving the chain plate's tensile strength and ensuring the overall chain strength. A through hole 030 is provided at the center of the waist of the inner chain plate 001. The through hole 030 serves as a chain venting hole, allowing foreign objects such as mud and sand to be quickly removed during chain operation. The through hole also serves as a weight reduction hole, reducing the overall chain weight and achieving lightweighting.

[0047] Example 4:

[0048] Based on Examples 1-3, this embodiment discloses:

[0049] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 5-8, the inner chain plate 001 has guide grooves 010 on its inner waist edge and head edge, respectively. During the press-fitting of the inner chain link, the end of the sleeve 004 protrudes 0.15-0.20mm relative to the outer surface of the inner chain plate. The guide groove on the inner chain plate (i.e., the inner side of the inner chain link) helps to buffer the impact generated when the sprocket axial offset is too large and the sprocket teeth mesh with the guide groove on the inner chain plate, thus achieving noise reduction from non-coplanar side wear. In addition, the 0.15-0.20mm protrusion of the sleeve end relative to the outer surface of the inner chain plate effectively improves the robustness of the inner chain link frame.

[0050] like Figure 1 , 2As shown in Figures 5-8, the guide groove 010 is a sloping curved surface structure that inclines outward from the edge of the inner chain plate. The guide groove engages with the teeth of the sprocket 006. By guiding the axial displacement of the teeth of the inner chain link (i.e., when the sprockets are not axially coplanar), hard collisions between the teeth and the inner chain plate are avoided, thereby reducing noise.

[0051] Example 5:

[0052] Based on Examples 1-4, this example discloses:

[0053] like Figure 2 , 10 As shown in Figure 11, the middle part of the pin 003, where it mates with the inner hole of the sleeve 004, forms a protrusion 042 through diameter expansion. The two ends of the pin 003, where they mate with the outer chain plate, form a reduced diameter part 041 (the purpose of which is to ensure the axial positional accuracy of the outer chain plate 002 and increase the strength of the chain frame). The overall appearance of the pin is a stepped structure that is thicker in the middle and thinner at both ends. The difference in outer diameter between the protrusion 042 and the reduced diameter part 041 is 0.1-0.2 mm.

[0054] like Figure 1-3 As shown, the length of the end of the pin 003 protruding from the outer surface of the outer chain plate 002 is within 0.8mm, and the two ends of the pin 003 are provided with countersunk holes 040 for implementing expansion rivets.

[0055] During the press-fitting of the outer link, a pair of pins axially pass through the inner holes of any sleeves of the front and rear inner links, and a pair of outer link plates are pressed in parallel at both ends of the pins. During the press-fitting of the outer link plates, the end faces of the pins on both sides protrude 0.8mm from the outer plane of the outer link plates, leaving machining allowance for the expansion riveting of the pins. Countersunk holes 040 are drilled on the end faces of the pins at both ends. After the outer link is assembled, expansion riveting heads are used on the end faces 043 of the pins.

[0056] Example 6:

[0057] Based on Examples 1-5, this embodiment discloses:

[0058] like Figure 11 As shown, the inner wall of the sleeve 004 gradually expands outward at both ends to form a tapered hole wall structure. The ratio of the depth I of the tapered hole wall structure to the total length L of the sleeve is 19%-21%, and the taper α of the tapered hole wall structure is in the range of 1°-2°. This design can solve the problem of the sleeve end diameter reduction caused by the interference fit between the inner wall of the sleeve and the inner chain plate connection hole after chain assembly, and avoid the excessive wear between the sleeve and the pin caused by the diameter reduction.

[0059] Example 7:

[0060] Based on Examples 1-6, this embodiment discloses: Figure 12 , 13As shown, the diameter of the section where the outer wall of sleeve 004 mates with the inner wall of roller 005 is thickened to form an expanded diameter section 0042. The diameter of the sections where the outer walls of sleeve 004 mate with inner chain plate 001 is reduced to form an annular limiting groove 0041. The overall appearance of sleeve 004 is a stepped structure that is thicker in the middle and thinner at both ends. The difference in outer diameter between the expanded diameter section and the annular limiting groove is in the range of 0.1-0.2mm. When the inner chain plate 001 is pressed into the annular limiting groove, the assembly accuracy of the axial position of the inner chain plate 001 can be guaranteed.

Claims

1. A silent, self-lubricating roller chain, comprising a roller chain body assembled from an inner chain plate, an outer chain plate, rollers, pins, bushings, and connecting links, wherein, The inner chain plate, sleeve, and roller are assembled into an inner chain link, and the pin and outer chain plate form an outer chain link. The inner and outer chain links are interleaved to form a chain structure, and the two ends of the chain structure are connected by connecting links. The characteristic is that: in the roller chain body, the roller includes a metal matrix, a POM composite outer buffer body and a POM composite inner buffer body, the pin has a stepped structure, and the inner wall of the sleeve is provided with tapered hole wall structure at both ends.

2. The silent self-lubricating roller chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that annular POM composite outer buffers are coaxially embedded at both ends of the outer surface of the metal substrate, and annular POM composite inner buffers are coaxially embedded in the middle of the inner hole of the roller substrate, wherein the POM composite inner buffers are clearance-fitted with the sleeve.

3. A silent self-lubricating roller chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The center of the connecting hole of the outer link plate and the inner link plate is shifted inward relative to the center of the head contour of the outer link plate and the inner link plate, and a through hole is provided at the center of the waist of the inner link plate.

4. A silent self-lubricating roller chain as described in any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, The inner chain plate has guide grooves on its inner waist edge and head edge, respectively. When the inner chain link is press-fitted, the end of the sleeve protrudes 0.15-0.20mm relative to the outer surface of the inner chain plate.

5. A silent self-lubricating roller chain as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The guide groove is a sloping curved surface structure that is inclined to the outer edge of the inner chain plate, and the guide groove is engaged with the teeth of the sprocket.

6. A silent self-lubricating roller chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The middle part of the pin shaft and the inner hole of the sleeve are enlarged to form a protrusion, and the diameter of the two ends of the pin shaft and the outer chain plate are reduced to form a reduced diameter part. The difference between the outer diameter of the protrusion and the reduced diameter part is 0.1-0.2mm.

7. A silent self-lubricating roller chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The length of the end of the pin protruding from the outer surface of the outer chain plate is within 0.8mm, and countersunk holes are opened at both ends of the pin for implementing expansion rivets.

8. A silent self-lubricating roller chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner wall of the sleeve gradually expands outward at both ends to form a tapered hole wall structure. The ratio of the depth of the tapered hole wall structure to the total length of the sleeve is 19%-21%, and the taper of the tapered hole wall structure is in the range of 1°-2°.

9. A silent self-lubricating roller chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the part where the outer wall of the sleeve meets the inner wall of the roller is thickened to form an expanded diameter section, and the diameter of the parts where the outer walls of the sleeve meet the inner chain plate is reduced to form an annular limiting groove. The difference between the outer diameter of the expanded diameter section and the annular limiting groove is in the range of 0.1-0.2mm.

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