Chain-driven sliding rigid push chain

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a rigid push chain that can be operated with a chain drive.

[0002] Such push chains are intended to transmit push forces in a straight line, at least over a push chain section, without bending in a direction transverse to the push direction and requiring complex guidance as a countermeasure.

[0003] On the other hand, such rigid chains are designed to be deflected in a given deflection position with the least possible force, and then run in a different linear direction. The deflection position of the rigid chain is also, in particular, its drive position, where a sprocket of a chain drive engages the rigid chain.

[0004] Such push chains are used, for example, to operate windows, doors, flaps, and skylights, especially in smoke and heat extraction systems in buildings. In principle, all possible linear push and pull movements on opening or closing elements, as well as lifting or lowering devices, are possible to change the position of the device to be operated.

[0005] A known rigid chain that largely meets the above requirements is known from EP 3 404 290 A1. The individual chain links are held together pivotably by bolts that are fixed in their axial position at their projecting ends by nuts and / or retaining rings. This results in a relatively wide design of the rigid chain. Furthermore, some of the toothed segment pulleys are provided with cams that protrude from the pulley plane, which, when extended, serve as end stops to prevent overextension. This makes the manufacturing effort relatively high.

[0006] The present invention is based on the task of designing the chain links of the rigid chain in such a way that the narrowest possible design can be achieved while maintaining the highest possible stability and good power transmission, as well as good deflection and smooth running characteristics. Furthermore, a goal is to further simplify production and manufacture the rigid chain as cost-effectively as possible.

[0007] To achieve this object, the invention is based on a push chain that can be actuated with a chain drive and has the features of claim 1.

[0008] Accordingly, the invention relates to a rigid push chain that can be actuated by a chain drive, said push chain comprising an inner part composed of toothed segment discs, an intermediate part composed of toothed segment discs, and an outer part composed of chain tie rods. The intermediate part sandwiches the inner part and the outer part sandwiches the intermediate part. The toothed segment discs and the chain tie rods have aligned bolt receiving holes and are connected to one another by means of bolts inserted through the bolt receiving holes. According to the invention, the length of the bolts is dimensioned such that they do not protrude, or at most protrude very slightly, beyond the lateral outer surfaces of the chain tie rods. Rather, the end faces of the bolts are flush with the outer surfaces of the chain tie rods or are even slightly countersunk in relation to them.By eliminating protruding parts, a particularly narrow design is possible and the push chain cannot get caught on surrounding system components or projections.

[0009] In order to ensure secure axial fixation of the bolts without additional clamping or fixing means, the bolts are advantageously pressed immovably into the bolt receiving holes of the chain tension anchors with a press fit (frictional or force-locking connection).

[0010] This type of axial and radial adjustment lock can be implemented alternatively using laser welding and / or by caulking the hole edges of the chain tie rods. Such fixation can also be provided in addition to or in support of the aforementioned interference fit. It is also possible to select the hole bearing in accordance with the riveting technique to ensure a secure fit of the bolt after installation.

[0011] Furthermore, it is an advantage that the connection of the tooth segment parts can be made much more cost-effectively by means of a mechanical frictional connection of the bolts in the chain tension anchors.

[0012] Alternatively, the bolts can be secured against axial displacement by at least partial positive locking in the associated bolt receiving holes of the chain tension anchors. For this purpose, the respective bolt can be provided with an annular groove and a flat bolt head at both ends. During assembly, the bolt is pressed into the associated bolt receiving hole of the chain tension anchor so that the annular groove sits in the bolt receiving hole, either with a press fit as described above or with a clearance fit, and may even be rotatable. The bolt head is preferably compressed by machining or external pressure in such a way that it secures or locks the assembly against displacement in the axial direction. This is achieved by the compressed bolt head projecting slightly radially beyond the edge of the bolt receiving hole.Furthermore, as a result of the compression, the axial projection of the bolt receiving head beyond the outer surface of the chain tie is preferably extremely small and practically imperceptible. By countersunk arrangement of the bolt heads in the outer surfaces of the respective chain tie, achieved by reducing the wall thickness of the chain tie in the affected areas, the projection can even be eliminated completely. This also enables a compact, narrow design of the push chain, essentially with no externally protruding parts. The positive axial lock for the bolts prevents the assembly from falling apart under heavy loads even more reliably than with purely force-locking fixation (through a pure press fit).

[0013] To ensure the desired pivotability of the chain links against each other in the bending direction of the push chain, the bolts are advantageously seated with a clearance fit in the bolt receiving holes of the toothed segment discs of the intermediate part so that they can rotate.

[0014] There is freedom of choice regarding the seating of the bolts in the inner part, with the bolts either being rotatably seated with a clearance fit or immovably seated with a press fit in the bolt receiving holes of the toothed segment discs of the inner part.

[0015] To simplify production, all toothed segment pulleys of the rigid chain advantageously have the same shape. This includes both the toothed segment pulleys of the inner part and the intermediate part. One particular advantage is that using multiple identical toothed segment parts is significantly more cost-effective to manufacture.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the shape and arrangement of the toothed segment discs is selected such that two toothed segment discs lying next to each other in one plane form an end stop and thus an overstretch protection for the push chain when the push chain is in the stretched state.

[0017] In order to increase the load-bearing capacity of the push chain in the pulling direction, it may be advantageous to use additional toothed segment discs in such a way that not only the minimum number of toothed segment discs but also additional toothed segment discs are used in such a way that the supporting cams, which in the stretched state serve as an end stop to prevent overstretching, are mounted.

[0018] It can also be advantageous to use additional toothed segment discs to improve stability against buckling in any direction transverse to the axial movement of the push chain.

[0019] The respective toothed segment disc expediently has a straight edge section extending in the longitudinal direction of the push chain and, opposite it, an arcuate edge section from which teeth protrude outwards in a diverging manner.

[0020] In order to achieve the said end stop, it is preferred that the respective toothed segment disc has a laterally projecting projection on one of its two end faces and a complementarily shaped recess on the other end face.

[0021] Furthermore, it is preferred that the respective toothed segment disc be completely flat and have no protruding or projecting elements from the disc plane. This makes its production, for example as a stamped or cast part, or as a 3D-printed part, particularly easy.

[0022] For analogous reasons, all chain tension rods of the push chain advantageously have the same shape.

[0023] The shape and arrangement of the chain tie rods are preferably selected such that at least two chain tie rods lying next to each other in the same plane form an end stop when the push chain is extended, thus providing overextension protection for the push chain. This overextension protection advantageously exists in addition to the overextension protection provided by the toothed segment discs of the inner part and the toothed segment discs of the intermediate part, thereby achieving particularly high stability when transmitting thrust forces.

[0024] Similar to the toothed segment discs, it is preferred if the respective chain tension anchor is disc-shaped or flat and has no element protruding or projecting from the disc plane.

[0025] The toothed segment discs of the inner part are conveniently arranged in the same position as the chain tension rods, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the push chain. The toothed segment discs of the intermediate part, however, are conveniently offset or shifted by half the length of a toothed segment disc relative to the toothed segment discs of the inner part, as seen in the longitudinal direction of the push chain.

[0026] The above chain link designs are suitable for driving the rigid chain formed from them with a drive-side spur gear. The drive-side spur gear is positioned on the outside of a driven and deflected rigid chain section so that it can engage the teeth of the toothed segment pulleys. The straight edge sections of these toothed segment pulleys rest on a common deflection pulley, which is positioned on the inside opposite the drive-side gear and the rigid chain. This arrangement of the spur gear makes it possible to keep the lever arm, on which the chain force of the rigid chain drive acts, very small, thus achieving a deflection with low power loss.

[0027] To drive the rigid chain, an electric motor is advantageously connected to the drive-side spur gear via a gearbox. The motor, together with the associated control or regulation electronics, can be located in an encapsulated or sealed housing at one end of the drive train, while such encapsulation is not absolutely necessary for the gearbox at the other end of the drive train.

[0028] The invention is explained below using an exemplary embodiment of a toothed segment disc and a chain tie rod that can be used to assemble a chain link, an exemplary embodiment of a push chain section composed of such chain links, and an exemplary embodiment of an associated drive train. The figures show: Figure 1 shows a side view of a toothed segment disc, Figure 2 shows a side view of a chain anchor, Figure 3 shows a partially sectioned or transparent side view of a push chain section composed of toothed segment discs and chain anchors, Figure 4 shows a perspective view of the push chain section according to Figure 3 , Figure 5 a top view of the push chain section according to the Figures 3 and 4 , Figure 6 a section through the push chain section according to Figure 5 in section plane AA, Figure 7 a perspective view of a bolt for connecting toothed segment discs and chain anchors in a push chain section according to the Figures 3 to 6, Figure 8 a lateral top view of a rigid chain section driven and deflected within a housing in a drive and deflection area with a drive-side spur gear that engages in the rigid chain section, Figure 9 a schematic representation of a rigid chain section with an associated drive train, Figure 10 a perspective view of a Figure 7 slightly modified bolt, and Figure 11a to Figure 5 analogous top view of a push chain section with a bolt according to Figure 10 .

[0029] Identical or equivalent parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0030] The inventive push chain 2 comprises, as an essential element, chain links in the form of toothed segment discs. The shape of the toothed segment disc 4, which resembles a toothed segment of a gear wheel, is derived from Figure 1The shape is characterized by a straight edge section 6 running in the longitudinal direction of the toothed segment disc 4, which is flat over the thickness of the toothed segment disc 4, as well as by a Figure 1 characterized by an interrupted, arcuate edge section 8 opposite the top, from which three teeth 10, 12 and 14 diverge upwards. The arcuate edge section 8 forms, so to speak, an imaginary base line from which the teeth 10, 12 and 14 protrude upwards. The teeth 10, 12 and 14 diverging upwards from the arcuate edge section 8 of the toothed segment disc 4 converge in the opposite direction to a point which corresponds to the center of a gear, which the gear segment disc 4 is partially modeled after. The toothed segment disc 4 further has two longitudinally spaced bolt receiving holes 16, 18, which, when a chain link is mounted, each receive one of the bolts 20 to 22, the end faces of which are in Figure 3 are visible. The outer shape of the toothed segment disc 4 is closed by supporting surfaces 24 and 26 which are located opposite one another on the outside and extend essentially perpendicularly to the longitudinal direction of the toothed segment disc 4, and by arcuate sections 28 and 30 which adjoin these and end at the straight edge section 6.

[0031] At the Figure 1 A projection 32 protrudes laterally from the right support surface 26 - within the plane of the disk - which is congruent or complementary to a corresponding recess 34 in the Figure 1 left support surface 24. If several toothed segment discs 4 of the same shape are used as described below in connection with Figure 3described are arranged next to one another in a push chain 2, the lateral projection 32 of a toothed segment disc 4 engages precisely in the associated recess 34 of the immediately adjacent toothed segment disc 4 in the extended state. This creates an end stop in the extended state that prevents overextension or deflection of the push chain 2 beyond the extended state in the locking direction 36. Bending or curving of the push chain 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is only possible in the other direction, namely the bending direction 38.

[0032] Figure 2 shows in a side view as a further essential element of the push chain 2 according to the invention a plate- or disc-shaped chain anchor 40, the outline of which has a substantially rectangular contour with straight edge sections 90, 92 aligned in the longitudinal direction and with rounded corners. The chain anchor 40 has in a Figure 2lower area further comprises two longitudinally spaced bolt receiving holes 42, 44, which each receive one of the bolts 20, 22 when a chain link is mounted, the end faces of which are in Figure 3 are visible. The center distance of the bolt receiving holes 42, 44 corresponds to the center distance of the bolt receiving holes 16, 18 in the toothed segment discs 4. On the front sides of the chain anchor 40, Figure 2 upper area flat support surfaces 46, 48, while underneath there is a rounded recess 50, 52. If several identically shaped chain anchors 40 are arranged next to each other in a push chain 2 as described below, in the stretched state of the push chain 2 the support surface 48 of one chain anchor 40 rests against the support surface 46 of the immediately adjacent chain anchor 40. As a result, in the stretched state of the push chain according to Figure 3An end stop is implemented that prevents overextension or deflection of the push chain 2 beyond the extended state in the locking direction 36. Bending of the push chain 2 perpendicular to the longitudinal direction is only possible in the bending direction 38. This freedom of movement is ensured by the lateral recesses 50, 52 in the outer contour of the chain tie rod 40. The overextension protection provided by the chain tie rods 40 exists in the fully assembled push chain 2 in a sense parallel to or in addition to that provided by the toothed segment discs 4 (diversified redundancy), whereby particularly high thrust forces can be reliably handled.

[0033] From the Figures 3, 4 , 5 and 6the structure of the assembled rigid chain is shown in Figure 2. The rigid chain comprises an inner part 54 and an intermediate part 56 which encloses the inner part 54 in a sandwich-like manner and consists of two spaced-apart individual rows of identically shaped toothed segment disks 4 arranged next to one another in the longitudinal direction. To increase the thickness of the inner part 54, two or more toothed segment disks 4 can be arranged congruently on top of one another. In the present example, the inner part 54 comprises two layers or rows of toothed segment disks 4. It would also be conceivable to provide thicker toothed segment disks 4 in the inner part 54 than in the intermediate part 56, but if the entire rigid chain 2 consists only of toothed segment disks 4 of one and the same type, the manufacturing outlay can be kept lower.The two rows of toothed segment discs 4 of the intermediate part 56 are each offset by half the length of a toothed segment disc 4 relative to the row of toothed segment discs 4 of the inner part 54. This means that, for example, a bolt 22 inserted through the right bolt receiving hole 18 of the toothed segment disc 4 of the inner part 54 engages through the left bolt receiving hole 16 of the toothed segment disc 4 of the intermediate part 56 located above or below it, etc. The teeth 10, 12, 14 of all toothed segment discs 4 point in the same direction, and the distances between the bolt receiving holes 16, 18 in the longitudinal direction are dimensioned such that the aforementioned overstretch protection is realized both by the toothed segment discs 4 of the inner part 54 and by the toothed segment discs 4 of the intermediate part 56.

[0034] Instead of the described sandwich arrangement with a double-layered inner part 54, a single-layered inner part 54 can be provided if the push chain 2 is to be kept particularly narrow. To improve stability, however, the outer rows of toothed segment discs 4 forming the intermediate part 56 can also be designed with two layers. Furthermore, a double or multiple sandwich configuration with even more rows offset from one another is conceivable, although this would then be quite wide. For a narrow design, the various rows lie against one another with the smallest possible gap when viewed in the transverse direction, but without significantly impairing the mobility of the push chain 2 at the joints formed by the bolts 20, 22.

[0035] The outer end of the push chain 2, seen in the transverse direction, is formed by two rows of identically shaped chain anchors 40, which are arranged one behind the other in the longitudinal direction and which sandwich the intermediate part 56, as can be seen from the Figures 3, 4 , 5 and 6 is evident. According to Figure 3The respective chain tension anchor 40, with respect to its outer contour, is essentially congruent with a toothed segment disc 4 of the inner part 54 assigned to it, wherein both are spaced apart from one another in the transverse direction by the intervening toothed segment discs 4 of the intermediate part 56. In particular, the bolt receiving holes 42, 44 of the chain tension anchor 40 are congruent with the bolt receiving holes 16, 18 of the toothed segment disc 4 of the inner part 54 assigned to it and with the bolt receiving holes 16, 18 of the toothed segment discs 4 of the intermediate part 56, wherein the latter, as already mentioned, are shifted in the longitudinal direction by half a chain link length due to the offset arrangement. The arrangement is pivotally held together by bolts 16, 18, which are inserted through the aligned bolt receiving holes 16, 18, 42, 44 of the various chain components.When the rigid chain 2 is extended, the edges, and in particular the teeth 10, 12, 14, of the respective toothed segment disc 4 do not extend beyond the associated chain anchor 40. The chain anchor can thus also be viewed and described as an outer link plate that defines or limits the outer contour of the rigid chain 2. The entirety of the chain anchors 40 forms an outer part of the rigid chain 2.

[0036] As already mentioned, the chain tie rods 40 are dimensioned and arranged such that the overextension protection provided by the support surfaces 46, 48 supports the overextension protection provided by the toothed segment discs 4. The sandwich-like attachment of the chain tie rods 40 on both sides further symmetrizes the transmission of thrust and tensile forces. It also serves to prevent the push chain 2 from bending transversely to the transport direction. To ensure a narrow design of the push chain 2, each chain tie rod 40 rests flat on the outside against the two toothed segment discs 4 of the intermediate part 56 assigned to it, effectively bridging the gap between them in a movable manner.

[0037] As already mentioned, the push chain is held together by bolts 20, 22, which are inserted through the bolt receiving holes 16, 18 of the toothed segment discs 4 of the inner part 54 and the intermediate part 56, which are aligned around a common axis, as well as through the bolt receiving holes 42, 44 of the chain tension anchors 40. The bolts 20, 22 are, according to the perspective illustration in Figure 7expediently, round bolts, which are preferably designed as solid cylinders. The respective bolt 20, 22 preferably sits with a clearance fit in the bolt receiving holes 16, 18 of the toothed segment discs 4 of the inner part 54 and the intermediate part 56. Alternatively, an interference fit can also be provided in the bolt receiving holes 16, 18 of the toothed segment discs 4 of the inner part 54. An interference fit is preferred in the bolt receiving holes 42, 44 of the outer chain tension anchors 40. This means that the respective bolt 20, 22 is immovable relative to the chain tension anchor 40 and possibly also immovable relative to the associated toothed segment disc 4 of the inner part 54, but that the respective chain link of the intermediate part 56 is rotatable relative to the rigid assembly of the chain tension anchor 40 and the associated toothed segment disc 4 of the inner part 54.Since this rigid connection is already enforced for geometric reasons by the two associated bolts 20, 22, a press fit in the bolt receiving holes 16, 18 of the toothed segment discs 4 of the inner part 54 is possible, but not absolutely necessary. However, the press fit or press fit is preferably in the bolt receiving holes 42, 44 of the chain tension anchors 40 in order to ensure the cohesion of the push chain 2 without additional auxiliary or fastening elements such as nuts.

[0038] At the Figure 10In the variant shown, the respective bolt 20, 22 has circumferential recesses or annular grooves 94 on both sides (in the respective end region), each of which separates a flat bolt head 96 from the remaining bolt shaft 98 in the sense of a section division. During assembly of the push chain 2, the bolt heads 96 are preferably compressed or "flattened" from the outside and pressed into corresponding recesses or wall recesses in the area surrounding the bolt receiving holes 42, 44 of the chain tension anchor 40, so that there is no noticeable outward projection, i.e. in the axial direction. Figure 11 The exaggerated radial projection of the bolt heads 96 relative to the edge of the bolt receiving holes 42, 44 ensures secure axial fixing or locking of the bolts 20, 22 in the assembly of the components.

[0039] The respective clearance fit or, alternatively, interference fit can be achieved by appropriately selecting the diameters of the bolt receiving holes 16, 18, 42, 44 in relation to the advantageously constant bolt diameter. During assembly of the push chain 2, the chain links of the inner part 54 and the intermediate part 56 are expediently first connected to one another by inserting the bolts 20, 22 through them, and then the outer chain tension anchors 40 are attached by pressing the protruding bolt sections into the bolt receiving holes 42, 44.

[0040] In addition, the length of the bolts 20, 22 can advantageously be selected so that they do not protrude beyond the outer surfaces of the chain tension anchors 40 in the assembled push chain 2, but that, as shown in the Figures 5 and 6This clearly shows a flush finish or even a slightly countersunk arrangement. On the other hand, the length of the bolts 20, 22 is chosen to be large enough to achieve the described interference fit in the bolt receiving holes 42, 44 of the chain tie rods 40. By avoiding protruding parts, the push chain 2 can be constructed particularly narrowly. Furthermore, unwanted snagging on surrounding system components during operation is avoided.

[0041] For further illustration of how chain links of a push chain 2 are made of toothed segment discs 4 of identical shape with shape features according to Figure 1 and of identically shaped chain anchors 40 with shape characteristics according to Figure 2 composed, is Figure 8Reference is made therein. Several chain links of a driven and deflected rigid chain section 58 are shown in the drive and deflection positions, to which a straight rigid chain section can be connected at the bottom right and top left.

[0042] Out of Figure 8 It can also be seen how the push chain 2 with the push chain section 58 is driven in the drive and deflection position by means of a drive-side spur gear 60, in that the spur gear 60 can engage between the teeth 10, 12, 14 of successive toothed segment discs 4 of the inner part 54. As a result, the chain link is well guided laterally and the thrust is transmitted evenly. Figure 8also that the spur gear 60, which can in particular be a component of an electric motor or otherwise driven spur gear, acts on the outer side of the push chain 2 with regard to the deflection or deflection thereof, while on the opposite inner side, the chain links roll on their partially straight edge sections 6, 92 on a suitably dimensioned deflection roller 62. Additional guidance of the push chain 2 can be achieved within the surrounding housing 64 by suitably shaped housing wall sections or internal guide elements and, if necessary, by additional rollers.

[0043] Figure 9shows a highly simplified, purely schematic representation of the push chain 2 with an associated drive train. An electric motor 72 is housed as a drive motor, optionally together with associated control or regulating electronics 74, in a delimited motor housing 70 that is sealed against liquid, in particular water and / or oil. The drive shaft 76 of the electric motor 72 is led out of the motor housing 70 via a shaft seal 78 arranged in the housing wall and drives a push chain 2 via a gear 80. The gear 80 can have a spur gear 60 engaging in the push chain 2 as a drive gear for the push chain 2 at the end of the drive train and can thereby have a deflection section as in Figure 8The gear 80 is advantageously arranged in a gear housing 82 flanged to the motor housing 70, which does not need to be sealed, or at least not to the same extent as the motor housing 70. Beyond the gear housing 82, depending on the application, extends a chain space 84 for the push chain 2, which may be open or closed by means of another housing.

[0044] As mentioned at the beginning, push chains according to the invention are preferably used for operating windows, doors, flaps, and skylights, particularly in smoke and heat extraction systems in buildings. In principle, all possible linear pushing and pulling movements on opening or closing elements, as well as lifting or lowering devices, are possible for changing the position of the device to be operated. List of reference symbols

[0045] 2 Push chain 4 Toothed segment disc 6 Straight edge section 8 Curved edge section 10 Tooth 12 Tooth 14 Tooth 16 Pin hole 18 Pin hole 20 Pin 22 Pin 24 Support surface 26 Support surface 28 Curved section 30 Curved section 32 Projection 34 Recess 36 Locking direction 38 Bending direction 40 Chain anchor 42 Pin hole 44 Pin hole 46 Support surface 48 Support surface 50 Recess 52 Recess 54 Inner part 56 Intermediate part 58 Push chain section 60 Spur gear 62 Deflection pulley 64 Housing 70 Motor housing 72 Electric motor 74 Control and regulation electronics 76 Drive shaft 78 Shaft seal 80 Gearbox 82Gear housing 84Chain space 90Straight edge section 92Straight edge section 94Ring groove 96Bolt head 98Bolt shank

Claims

1. A push-resistant thrust chain (2) activated with a chain drive, which has an inner part (54) made up of toothed segment discs (4), an intermediate part (56) made up of toothed segment discs (4) and an outer part made up of chain tension anchors (40), wherein the intermediate part (56) surrounds the inner part (54) in a sandwich-like manner and the outer part surrounds the intermediate part (56) in a sandwich-like manner, and wherein the toothed segment discs (4) and the chain tension anchors (40) have aligned pin receiving holes (16, 18, 42, 44) and are connected to one another by means of pins (20, 22) inserted through the pin receiving holes (16, 18, 42, 44), characterized in that the respective pin (20, 22) respectively has a circumferential annular groove (94) and a flat pin head (96) on both ends, wherein the respective annular groove (94) is seated in an associated pin receiving hole (42, 44) of a chain tension anchor (40), and wherein the respective pin head (96) is compressed or flattened in such a way that the pin (20, 22) is secured against axial displacement through at least partial form fit, and in that thanks to a recessed arrangement of the pin heads (96) in the outer surfaces of the respective chain tension anchor (40), achieved by a reduction in the wall thickness of the chain tension anchor (40) in the respective regions, the pins (20, 22) do not protrude beyond the outer surfaces of the chain tension anchors (40) .

2. The thrust chain (2) according to Claim 1, wherein the pins (20, 22) are seated immovably in the pin receiving holes (42, 44) of the chain tension anchors (40) with an interference fit.

3. The thrust chain (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pins (20, 22) are seated in the pin receiving holes (16, 18) of the toothed segment discs (4) of the intermediate part (56) with a clearance fit so as to be rotational.

4. The thrust chain according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the pins (20, 22) are seated in the pin receiving holes (16, 18) of the toothed segment discs (4) of the inner part (54) with a clearance fit so as to be rotational or immovably with an interference fit.

5. The thrust chain (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all toothed segment discs (4) have the same shape.

6. The thrust chain (2) according to Claim 5, wherein the shape and arrangement of the toothed segment discs (4) is selected in such a way that two toothed segment discs (4) lying next to each other in a plane form an end stop and thus an overstretch protection for the thrust chain (2) when the thrust chain (2) is stretched.

7. The thrust chain (2) according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the respective toothed segment disc (4) has a straight edge section (6) extending in the longitudinal direction of the thrust chain (2), and opposite it a curved edge section (8), from which teeth (10, 12, 14) protrude diverging outwards.

8. The thrust chain (2) according to either one of Claims 5 or 7, wherein the respective toothed segment disc (4) has a laterally projecting protrusion (32) on one of its two end faces and a matching recess (34) on the other end face.

9. The thrust chain (2) according to one of Claims 5 to 8, wherein the respective toothed segment disc (4) has no element projecting or protruding from the disc plane.

10. The thrust chain (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein all chain tension anchors (40) have the same shape.

11. The thrust chain (2) according to Claim 10, wherein the shape and arrangement of the chain tension anchors (40) is selected in such a way that two chain tension anchors (40) lying next to each other in a plane form an end stop and thus an overstretch protection for the thrust chain (2) when the thrust chain (2) is stretched.

12. The thrust chain (2) according to Claim 10 or 11, wherein the respective chain tension anchor (40) is disc-shaped has no element projecting or protruding from the disc plane.

13. The thrust chain (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toothed segment discs (4) of the inner part (54) are arranged at the same position as the chain tension anchors (40) when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the thrust chain (2).

14. The thrust chain (2) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the toothed segment discs (4) of the intermediate part (56) are arranged offset by half the length of a toothed segment disc (4) relative to the toothed segment discs (4) of the inner part (54) when viewed in the longitudinal direction of the thrust chain (2) .

15. A chain drive having a thrust chain (2) according to one of the preceding claims, which has an electric motor (72), which drives a spur gear (60) engaging in teeth (10, 12, 14) of the toothed segment discs (4) of the inner part (54), wherein the spur gear (60) is arranged in a deflection section on the outer radius of the thrust chain (2).