Side roller attachment structure and side roller-equipped chain

Abstract

This side roller attachment structure comprises a side roller (40) into which an insertion shaft that is provided in a protruding manner to a side portion of a moving body is inserted from the tip end thereof and which is thereby supported. The side roller (40) is provided with a roller member (42), a bearing (41) which rotatably supports the roller member (42), and a sleeve (33) which is cylindrical and which is mounted to the inner circumferential side of the bearing (41). The insertion shaft (32) has a cylinder part (50) and a slide rod (52). The slide rod (52) is capable of moving inside the cylinder part (50) along the axial direction of a peripheral wall (51a). The side roller attachment structure has a restriction member (55) which restricts the movement of the slide rod (52) such that the slide rod (52) maintains a lock position.

Description

Side roller mounting structure and chain with side rollers

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a side roller mounting structure and a chain with side rollers, and more particularly to a side roller mounting structure and a chain with side rollers that are easy to attach and detach from a moving body such as a chain.

[0002] Conventionally, for example, side rollers have been used that are attached to the side of a moving body such as a chain and that roll to stably move an item, and chains with side rollers that have these side rollers attached to the side of the chain.

[0003] Figure 26 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a side roller 140 attached to an outer link plate 117 of a chain with side rollers 112 described in Patent Document 1, which is a conventional technology. Figure 27 shows a cross-sectional view of the conventional side roller 140 before an insert pin 132 is inserted. Figure 28 is a cross-sectional view showing the side roller 140 shown in Figure 27 with the insert pin 132 inserted.

[0004] As shown in FIG. 26 , in the side roller 140 attached to the chain with side rollers 112 disclosed in Patent Document 1, an insert pin retaining ring 135 is fitted into a sleeve groove 133a on the inner periphery of a sleeve 133 as shown in FIG. 27 . Then, as shown in FIG. 28 , an insert pin groove 132a is formed at the tip of the insert pin 132. When the insert pin 132 is inserted into the sleeve 133, the fixing plate 136 pushes and spreads the insert pin retaining ring 135 along its outer surface. When the insert pin groove 132a reaches the position of the insert pin retaining ring 135, the insert pin retaining ring 135 fits into the insert pin groove 132a due to its elasticity. The insert pin 132 is then fixed by the sleeve 133. The side roller 140 is fixed to the insert pin 132 in this manner.

[0005] International Publication No. 2017 / 103183

[0006] However, in the configuration described in Patent Document 1, the work of attaching the side roller 140 to the insert pin 132 is complicated, for example, by fitting the insert pin retaining ring 135 into the sleeve groove 133a on the inner periphery of the sleeve 133 in advance. Also, since the side roller 140 is fixed by the flexible insert pin retaining ring 135, the fixing strength is weak, and it is desirable to improve the fixing strength.

[0007] The problem that the side roller mounting structure and chain with side rollers disclosed herein aim to solve is to firmly fix side rollers of a moving body such as a chain while facilitating their attachment and detachment.

[0008] A mounting structure for a side roller according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes a side roller that is supported by inserting an insertion shaft protruding from a side portion of a movable body into the side roller from a tip thereof, the side roller including a roller member, a bearing that rotatably supports the roller member, and a cylindrical sleeve attached to the inner circumferential side of the bearing, and the roller member is mounted to the insertion shaft via the sleeve and the bearing, the insertion shaft having a cylinder portion with a cylindrical peripheral wall and a slide rod housed in the cylinder portion, the cylinder portion having a through hole penetrating the peripheral wall and a lock pin inserted into the through hole, the slide rod having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion having an outer diameter smaller than the large diameter portion, and the sleeve having a tip portion of the lock pin protruding from the through hole. the slide rod is movable within the cylinder portion along the axial direction of the peripheral wall, and is configured so that when the slide rod reaches a locked position where the large diameter portion of the slide rod overlaps with the through hole in the radial direction of the peripheral wall, the rear end of the lock pin abuts against the large diameter portion of the slide rod, causing the tip of the lock pin to protrude from the through hole and engage with the engaging portion, and when the slide rod reaches a released position where the small diameter portion of the slide rod overlaps with the through hole in the radial direction of the peripheral wall, the tip of the lock pin can be accommodated within the through hole, and the mounting structure of the side roller has a restricting member that restricts movement of the slide rod so that the slide rod maintains the locked position.

[0009] A mounting structure for a side roller according to another aspect of the present disclosure includes a side roller supported by an insertion shaft protruding from the side of a moving body and inserted from the tip thereof, the side roller including a roller member, a bearing that rotatably supports the roller member, and a cylindrical sleeve attached to the inner periphery of the bearing, and the roller member is mounted to the insertion shaft via the sleeve and the bearing, and the insertion shaft includes a cylinder portion having a cylindrical peripheral wall and a slide rod housed in the cylinder portion. The cylinder portion has a through hole penetrating the peripheral wall and a lock pin inserted into the through hole, the slide rod has a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion having an outer diameter smaller than that of the large diameter portion, the sleeve has an engaging portion that engages with the tip end of the lock pin protruding from the through hole, the slide rod is movable within the cylinder portion along the axial direction of the peripheral wall, and when the slide rod reaches a locked position where the large diameter portion of the slide rod overlaps the through hole in the radial direction of the peripheral wall, the rear end of the lock pin engages with the slide rod. The lock pin is configured to abut against the large diameter portion of the slide rod, causing a tip end thereof to protrude from the through hole and engage with the engaging portion, and when the slide rod reaches a released position in the radial direction of the peripheral wall, where the small diameter portion thereof overlaps with the through hole, the lock pin is displaceable radially inward. The mounting structure of the side roller has a restricting member that restricts movement of the slide rod so that the slide rod maintains the locked position. The engaging portion has a locking hole that is provided on the inner circumference of the sleeve and engages with the tip end of the lock pin. The tip end of the lock pin protrudes radially in the released position. The mounting structure of the side roller has a guide groove that receives and guides the lock pin that protrudes in the released position on the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve from the base end along the central axis to the locking hole. In the locked position, the lock pin displaces further radially outward and is engaged in the locking hole, thereby restricting rotation of the insertion shaft about the central axis relative to the sleeve.

[0010] A chain with side rollers according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes the above-described side roller mounting structure, and the moving body is a chain.

[0011] FIG. 1 is a partially cutaway plan view showing a portion of an example of a chain with side rollers according to an embodiment. FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing a partial cross section before the side rollers are attached to the insert pins. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the side rollers have been attached to the insert pins. FIG. 4 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the side roller attachment structure. FIG. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the insert pin of the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the insert pin of the first embodiment as viewed from a perspective. FIG. 7 is a plan view of the slide rod of the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the slide rod of the first embodiment as viewed from a perspective. FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the sleeve of the first embodiment as viewed from a perspective. FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the side roller of the first embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the beginning of attachment of the side rollers to the insert pins. FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the side rollers are being attached to the insert pins. FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which attachment of the side rollers to the insert pins has been completed. FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the insert pin is about to be removed from the side roller. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the insert pin has been completely removed from the side roller. FIG. 17 is a schematic view showing the lock pin when the slide rod is in the release position. FIG. 18 is a schematic view showing the lock pin when the slide rod is in the lock position. FIG. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve of the second embodiment as viewed from above. FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve of the second embodiment as viewed from the perspective. FIG. 21 is a perspective view showing a partial cross-section of the side roller and insert pin before assembly of the second embodiment. FIG. 22 is a schematic view showing a modified lock pin. FIG. 23 is a schematic view showing a modified lock pin. FIG. 24 is a cross-sectional view of the side roller and insert pin after assembly of the third embodiment. FIG. 25 is a cross-sectional view of the side roller and insert pin during attachment and detachment of the third embodiment. FIG. 26 is a partially cutaway perspective view of a side roller attached to the outer link of a conventional chain. FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of a conventional side roller before an insert pin is inserted. FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in which an insert pin is inserted into the side roller shown in FIG.

[0012] Hereinafter, the mounting structure of the side rollers 40 in the chain 11 with side rollers, in which the side rollers 40 are attached to the chain 12, will be described as first to third embodiments of the side roller mounting structure of the present disclosure with reference to Figures 1 to 25. In the description of these embodiments, the term "tip side" refers to the insertion direction of the insert pin 32, in other words, the outward direction away from the chain 12 in Figure 1. In contrast, the term "base end side" refers to the direction approaching the chain 12.

[0013] <Problems with the Prior Art> The conventional mounting structure of the side roller 140 has the problems described above. However, the present embodiment further addresses the following problem, and therefore, the following explanation will be provided.

[0014] In the conventional technology disclosed in Patent Document 1, an insert pin 132, which is an insertion shaft, is inserted into a side roller 140 shown in Fig. 27, as shown in Fig. 28. A donut-shaped fixing plate 136 with a tapered tip is fastened to the tip of the insert pin 132 by a bolt 134. A recess is formed on the periphery of the base end of this fixing plate 136, and when attached to the insert pin 132 by the bolt 134, an annular insert pin groove 132a is formed around the tip periphery of the insert pin 132.

[0015] Meanwhile, an annular sleeve groove 133a is formed on the inner peripheral surface at the rear side in the insertion direction of the sleeve 133. A flexible insert pin retaining ring 135 is fitted into this annular sleeve groove 133a.

[0016] When the insert pin 132 is inserted into the sleeve 133, the fixing plate 136 pushes and spreads the flexible annular insert pin retaining ring 135 while bending it, allowing the insert pin 132 to enter. When the insert pin groove 132a reaches the position of the insert pin retaining ring 135, the elasticity of the insert pin retaining ring 135 causes it to fit into the insert pin groove 132a. The insert pin 132 is then fixed to the sleeve 133 by the insert pin retaining ring 135. In this manner, the side roller 140 is fixed to the insert pin 132. The roller member 142 can rotate smoothly relative to the insert pin 132 by means of the ball bearing 141.

[0017] In the configuration disclosed in Patent Document 1, the insert pin 132 and the sleeve 133 are fixed together by friction between the insert pin groove 132a and the insert pin retaining ring 135 and friction between the sleeve groove 133a and the insert pin retaining ring 135. However, the ball bearing 141 may experience increased rotational friction due to wear, intrusion of foreign matter, deterioration of the lubricant, and other reasons. In such cases, if the rotational resistance of the ball bearing 141 becomes greater than the frictional force between the insert pin 132 and the sleeve 133, slippage may occur between the insert pin 132 and the sleeve 133. Such slippage can further cause wear on the insert pin 132, the fixing plate 136, the insert pin retaining ring 135, the sleeve groove 133a, and other components.

[0018] Therefore, in Patent Document 1, a rotation prevention device 137 is attached to the base end of the insert pin 132 and engages with a notch in a stop device 133b at the opening of the sleeve 133 to prevent rotation of the sleeve 133. However, the notch position must be aligned at the final stage after the insert pin 132 is inserted into the sleeve 133. In this case, there is no gap between the outer circumferential surface of the insert pin 132 and the outer circumferential surface of the sleeve 133. Furthermore, when the insert pin retaining ring 135 is pushed in while being deflected by the fixed plate 136 of the insert pin 132, the protruding force of the insert pin retaining ring 135 acts strongly on the outer circumferential surface of the fixed plate 136. This creates a problem of large frictional resistance when rotating the insert pin 132, making it difficult to align the notch position.

[0019] Furthermore, the insert pin retaining ring 135 must be flexible in order to be attached to the sleeve groove 133a or the insert pin groove 132a by elastic deformation, and therefore cannot be made strong enough, which poses the problem of it being prone to slippage in the insertion direction.

[0020] <Overview of First Embodiment> Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing a partial cross section of the side roller 40 before it is attached to the insert pin 32. In Fig. 2, the insertion direction of the insert pin 32 (downward in the width direction Y in Fig. 2) is the tip side, and the direction opposite to the insertion direction is the base side. As shown in Fig. 2, in the attachment structure of the side roller 40 of this embodiment, the insert pin 32 has a cylinder 51 having a cylindrical peripheral wall 51a and a slide rod 52 housed in the cylinder 51. The cylinder portion 50 has a through hole 53 penetrating the peripheral wall 51a and a lock pin 54 inserted into the through hole 53. The slide rod 52 has a large-diameter lock portion 52e and a small-diameter release portion 52g whose outer diameter is smaller than that of the lock portion 52e.

[0021] 2, the inner peripheral surface 33i of the sleeve 33 has a circumferentially extending annular locking groove 33d that engages with the tip end 54c of the lock pin 54 protruding from the through-hole 53. The slide rod 52 is movable within the cylinder 51 along the central axis C (width direction Y) of the peripheral wall 51a.

[0022] 3 is a cross-sectional view of the state in which the side roller 40 is attached to the insert pin 32. As shown in Fig. 3, when the locking portion 52e of the slide rod 52 is placed at the locked position where it overlaps with the through-hole 53 in the radial direction of the peripheral wall 51a, the rear end portion 54a of the locking pin 54 abuts against the locking portion 52e of the slide rod 52. This causes the tip portion 54c of the locking pin 54 to protrude from the through-hole 53 and engage with the locking groove 33d.

[0023] When the release portion 52g of the slide rod 52 is displaced to the release position where it overlaps with the through hole 53 in the radial direction of the peripheral wall 51a, the tip portion 54c of the lock pin 54 can be accommodated in the through hole 53 (see FIG. 17). The side roller 40 has a locking magnet 55 which is a restricting member that restricts the movement of the slide rod 52 so that the slide rod 52 maintains the locked position.

[0024] As shown in FIG. 3, in the mounting structure of the side roller 40 of this embodiment, by inserting the insert pin 32 into the sleeve 33, the side roller 40 can be securely fixed to the insert pin 32 with a single touch using the lock pin 54.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2 , when the insert pin 32 begins to be inserted, the lock pin 54 is in an unlocked state at its initial position. That is, the tip 54c of the lock pin 54 is housed in the through-hole 53. When the insert pin 32 in this unlocked state is inserted into the sleeve 33, the stepped portion 32b of the insert pin 32 abuts against the base end 33h of the sleeve 33, as shown in FIG. 3 . In this state, the slide rod 52 is attracted by the magnetic force of the locking magnet 55 and displaced toward the tip within the cylinder 51. As a result, the lock portion 52e of the slide rod 52 is positioned so as to overlap with the through-hole 53. The large-diameter portion of the lock portion 52e abuts against the rear end 54a of the lock pin 54 in the through-hole 53. As a result, the tip 54c of the lock pin 54 protrudes from the through-hole 53 and engages with the locking groove 33d, thereby fixing the side roller 40 to the insert pin 32 with a single touch. The slide rod 52 is maintained in the locked position by the locking magnet 55, maintaining the state in which the side roller 40 is fixed to the insert pin 32.

[0026] First Embodiment A chain with side rollers 11 according to a first embodiment will be described in detail below with reference to FIGS.

[0027] 1, the chain with side rollers 11 includes a chain 12 as an example of a moving body, and side rollers 40 rotatably mounted on insert pins 32 protruding from the sides of the chain 12. The side rollers 40 move in the moving direction X while rolling on rails (not shown) as the chain 12 moves.

[0028] <Chain 12> The chain 12 includes a plurality of inner links 16 and a plurality of outer links 18. Each inner link 16 has a pair of inner link plates 15 arranged opposite and spaced apart from each other in the width direction Y. Each outer link 18 has a pair of outer link plates 17 arranged to sandwich the inner link plates 15 of two adjacent inner links 16 from the outside in the width direction Y. The inner link plates 15 of the inner links 16 and the outer link plates 17 of the outer links 18 are each shaped like a substantially rectangular plate extending along the movement direction X.

[0029] The inner link plates 15 and outer link plates 17 that face each other in the width direction Y are arranged parallel to each other. Therefore, the chain 12 of this embodiment is a so-called flat-type chain that is configured so that the spacing between the inner link plates 15 and the spacing between the outer link plates 17 are equal at one end and the other end of the inner links 16 and outer links 18 in the movement direction X.

[0030] A circular bushing insertion hole 15a is formed at each end of the inner link plate 15 in the movement direction X, penetrating the inner link plate 15 in the width direction Y, which is also the thickness direction of the inner link plate 15. Two cylindrical bushings 19 are assembled between a pair of opposing inner link plates 15 in the inner link 16 so as to maintain the distance between the pair of inner link plates 15. Both end portions of the bushings 19 are fitted into the bushing insertion holes 15a of the pair of inner link plates 15. The bushings 19 are inserted into cylindrical rollers 20 to rotatably support the rollers 20. In other words, the bushings 19 are loosely fitted into the rollers 20.

[0031] <Shaft member 30> Circular pin insertion holes 17a are formed at both ends of the outer link plate 17 in the movement direction X, so as to penetrate in the width direction Y, which is also the thickness direction of the outer link plate 17. A cylindrical shaft member 30 having an outer diameter slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the bushing 19 is inserted into each pin insertion hole 17a.

[0032] The shaft member 30 has a chain pin 31 in the center in the width direction Y. The chain pin 31 functions as a connecting shaft for connecting the outer link plates 17 to each other. In addition, the shaft member 30 has insert pins 32 at both ends in the width direction Y, each of which protrudes from the outer link plates 17.

[0033] The inner link 16 is formed by assembling a bushing 19 between a pair of inner link plates 15. The outer link plate 17 of the outer link 18 is rotatably connected to the inner link plate 15 of the inner link 16 from the outside of the inner link plate 15 via a shaft member 30.

[0034] In this case, the shaft member 30 is in a state in which the chain pin 31 is inserted into the bushing 19 assembled between the pair of inner link plates 15 of the inner link 16. In this state, both ends of the chain pin 31 are fitted into the pin insertion holes 17a of the pair of outer link plates 17 of the outer link 18. Both ends of the shaft member 30 protrude through the pair of outer link plates 17. Furthermore, the inner link plate 15 of the inner link 16 and the outer link plate 17 of the outer link 18 that are adjacent in the movement direction X are rotatably connected at their ends in the movement direction X via the chain pin 31 and the bushing 19. The chain 12 in this embodiment is made of steel.

[0035] <Mounting Structure of Side Roller 40> Figure 4 is an exploded partial cross-sectional view of the main parts of the mounting structure of the side roller 40. As shown in Figure 4, the mounting structure of the side roller 40 includes a shaft member 30 having an insert pin 32. The insert pin 32 includes a cylinder portion 50 having a cylinder 51. The cylinder portion 50 includes a pair of through holes 53, and a lock pin 54 is housed in the through holes 53. A temporary fixing magnet 51i is disposed at the base end of the cylinder 51.

[0036] A slide rod 52 supported by a slide rod sleeve 51e is housed within the cylinder 51 so as to be displaceable in the direction of the central axis C of the cylinder 51. As will be described later, the side roller 40 includes a sleeve 33 into which the insert pin 32 is inserted. A lid member 43 (not shown) is disposed at the tip end of the side roller 40. The lid member 43 closes the opening of the side roller 40. A locking magnet 55, which serves as a restricting member, is fitted into a restricting member accommodating hole 43c in the center of the lid member 43 via an O-ring 55a.

[0037] Each of these will be described below. <Insert pin 32> Fig. 5 is a partial cross-sectional view of the insert pin 32 of the first embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 6 is a partial cross-sectional view of the insert pin 32 of the first embodiment as viewed from a perspective. As shown in Fig. 5, the insert pin 32 is a generally cylindrical portion formed at the tip of a cylindrical shaft member 30. An outer peripheral surface 32a of the insert pin 32 is composed of a large diameter portion 32c, a step portion 32e, and a small diameter portion 32f.

[0038] 6, the large-diameter portion 32c of the insert pin 32 is formed in a generally cylindrical shape, but a portion of the large-diameter portion 32c is cut out generally parallel to the central axis C (see FIG. 5), forming a notch 32d that constitutes a rotation restricting portion. This notch 32d abuts against a rotation stopper 33j (see FIG. 10) that constitutes the rotation restricting portion of the sleeve 33, thereby restricting the rotation of the insert pin 32 relative to the sleeve 33.

[0039] The step portion 32b (see FIG. 5) of the insert pin 32 has a step. The step portion 32b abuts against the base end portion 33h (see FIG. 10) of the sleeve 33, thereby defining the positional relationship between the insert pin 32 and the sleeve 33 during insertion.

[0040] 5, the tip side of the insert pin 32 is provided with a cylinder portion 50. The cylinder portion 50 has a cylinder 51, which is a space with a cylindrical peripheral wall 51a. The central axis C of the cylinder portion 50 coincides with the central axis C of the insert pin 32.

[0041] Approximately one-third of the cylinder 51 from its base end is formed with a cylindrical small-diameter portion 51c with a relatively small inner diameter. A disk-shaped temporary fixing magnet 51i constituting a temporary fixing member is press-fitted into the base end 51b of the cylinder 51. From this portion, a stepped portion 51d leads to a cylindrical portion with a larger diameter. An annular slide rod sleeve 51e is fitted into this portion. The slide rod sleeve 51e is disposed between the cylinder 51 and the slide rod 52 (see FIG. 2) and reduces friction so that the slide rod 52 can move smoothly within the cylinder 51.

[0042] Furthermore, a sloped portion 51f is formed, the diameter of which gradually increases from approximately one-fourth of the way from the tip, and a large-diameter portion 51g, a cylindrical portion with a relatively large inner diameter, is formed approximately one-fifth of the way from the tip. The tip is also provided with an opening 51h.

[0043] <Through holes 53> A pair of opposing through holes 53 are formed in the approximate center of the peripheral wall 51a of the small diameter portion 51c in a radial direction perpendicular to the central axis C. As shown in Fig. 6, the through hole 53 has a through passage 53b having a space with a circular cross section, an inner opening 53a facing the slide rod 52, and an outer opening 53c facing the sleeve 33. The inner diameter of the through hole 53 is large enough to allow the lock pin 54 to slide therethrough.

[0044] <Lock Pin 54> As shown in FIG. 2, a lock pin 54 is disposed in the through hole 53. As shown in FIG. 5, the lock pin 54 is a rod-shaped member made of a magnetic material such as steel or cast iron. The lock pin 54 has a cylindrical shaft portion 54b, a rear end portion 54a facing the slide rod 52, and a front end portion 54c facing the sleeve 33. The shaft portion 54b has an outer diameter that provides a clearance large enough to allow the shaft portion 54b to slide relative to the inner diameter of the through hole 53. The front end portion 54c is hemispherical and shaped to smoothly slide on the inner circumferential surface 33i of the sleeve 33. The rear end portion 54a is also hemispherical and shaped to smoothly slide between the release portion 52g and the lock portion 52e of the slide rod 52 via a transition portion 52f.

[0045] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram showing the lock pin 54 when the slide rod 52 is in the release position. FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram showing the lock pin 54 when the slide rod 52 is in the lock position. As shown in FIG. 17 , the length of the lock pin 54 is such that when the slide rod 52 is in the release position and the rear end 54a abuts against the release portion 52g, which is the small diameter portion, the front end 54c does not protrude radially outward from the outer opening 53c of the through hole 53. Also, as shown in FIG. 18 , the length of the lock pin 54 is such that when the slide rod 52 is in the lock position, the rear end 54a abuts against the lock portion 52e, which is the large diameter portion. At this time, the front end 54c protrudes radially outward from the outer opening 53c of the through hole 53 and is inserted into the locking groove 33d of the sleeve 33.

[0046] <Slide Rod 52> FIG. 7 is a plan view of the slide rod 52 of the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the slide rod 52 of the first embodiment. The slide rod 52 is a round bar-shaped member made entirely of a magnetic metal such as steel or cast iron. The slide rod 52 has a base end 52c and a tip end 52k. The outer diameter of the base end 52c is the same as the outer diameter of the tip end 52k. A step portion 52d is formed approximately one-fifth of the way from the base end, and from this point a lock portion 52e is formed, which is a large-diameter portion whose outer diameter is approximately 1.3 times that of the base end 52c. The length of the lock portion 52e is approximately one-tenth of the total length of the slide rod 52. A transition portion 52f is formed distal to the lock portion 52e, whose diameter gradually decreases at a constant rate as it approaches the tip. The transition portion 52f continues until its outer diameter becomes slightly smaller than that of the base end 52c. The transition portion 52f has a slope of approximately 45 degrees with respect to the central axis C. A release portion 52g is formed from the tip of the transition portion 52f. The release portion 52g is formed by a cylindrical small-diameter portion that is slightly smaller in diameter than the base end portion 52c. In other words, the lock portion 52e and the release portion 52g form a smoothly continuous surface by the transition portion 52f. Therefore, as shown in Figures 17 and 18, when the slide rod 52 is displaced within the cylinder 51, the rear end portion 54a of the lock pin 54 can slide smoothly.

[0047] As shown in Figures 7 and 8, the slide rod 52 has a sloped portion 52h at the tip end of the release portion 52g, which gradually expands in diameter at a constant rate as it approaches the tip. The outer diameter of the sloped portion 52h continuously increases until it reaches approximately the same outer diameter as the locking portion 52e. The sloped portion 52h forms a slope at approximately 45 degrees with respect to the central axis C. A cylindrical locking portion 52i having the same diameter as the locking portion 52e is formed at the tip end of the sloped portion 52h. A step portion 52j having a surface perpendicular to the central axis C is formed at the tip end of the locking portion 52i. Thus, the locking portion 52i is connected to the tip end portion 52k via the step portion 52j. The step portion 52j at the tip end of the locking portion 52i abuts against the slide rod sleeve 51e disposed in the cylinder 51 when the slide rod 52 is displaced to the locked position, thereby restricting the locked position of the slide rod 52.

[0048] The base end surface 52a of the slide rod 52 is made of a magnetic material. The slide rod 52 is temporarily fixed in the release position by being attracted by the temporary fixing magnet 51i. A base end peripheral portion 52b of the base end surface 52a is chamfered to allow the slide rod 52 to slide smoothly.

[0049] The tip surface 52m of the slide rod 52 is also made of a magnetic material. The slide rod 52 is displaced to the locked position by being attracted by the locking magnet 55. A tip peripheral portion 52l of the tip surface 52m is chamfered to allow the slide rod 52 to slide smoothly.

[0050] <Sleeve 33> FIG. 9 is a planar cross-sectional view of the sleeve 33 of the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the sleeve 33 of the first embodiment. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the sleeve 33 has a generally cylindrical shape overall, with omitted portions symmetrical to the cross-section. The sleeve 33 includes a relatively large-diameter portion 33a constituting the base end (the upper end in FIGS. 9 and 10) and a relatively small-diameter portion 33b on the distal side thereof. The large-diameter portion 33a constitutes approximately 30% of the sleeve 33. On the outer peripheral surface 33e, the distal end of the large-diameter portion 33a has a slope inclined at approximately 30 degrees with respect to the central axis C. The slope is connected to a step portion 33c having a surface perpendicular to the central axis C. The step portion 33c is a continuous surface perpendicular to the small-diameter portion 33b. This step portion 33c abuts against the base end side of the seal chamber 46 shown in FIG. 11, and displacement toward the tip side is restricted.

[0051] 9 and 10, a fixing groove 33f is formed in the circumferential direction near the tip of the outer circumferential surface 33e of the small diameter portion 33b. An annular retaining ring 33g is fitted into this fixing groove 33f, as shown in Fig. 11. The sleeve 33 is fixed by the inside of the tip side of the inner ring 41a of the ball bearing 41, and displacement toward the base end is restricted.

[0052] As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the large diameter portion 33a is formed into a cylindrical shape as a whole. A rotation stopper 33j, which constitutes a rotation restricting portion and is formed by cutting out a circular shape, is provided on the inner circumferential surface 33i of the large diameter portion 33a, inside the opening 33k on the base end side of the sleeve 33. This rotation stopper 33j has a shape that corresponds to the cutout 32d (see Figure 6), which serves as the rotation restricting portion of the insert pin 32 when the insert pin 32 is inserted. Therefore, when the insert pin 32 is inserted into the sleeve 33, the rotation stopper 33j and the cutout 32d come into contact with each other so that their surfaces match. Therefore, these components function as a rotation restricting portion that restricts the rotation of the insert pin 32 relative to the sleeve 33.

[0053] The sleeve 33 has a reduced diameter portion 33l whose inner diameter gradually decreases from the large diameter portion 33a on the base end side toward the small diameter portion 33b on the tip end side. As shown in Figure 12, when the insert pin 32 is inserted, the tip end portion 54c of the lock pin 54 abuts against the reduced diameter portion 33l, and the lock pin 54 is displaced in a direction in which the rear end portion 54a abuts against the release portion 52g, which is the small diameter portion of the slide rod 52 in the release position.

[0054] 9 and 10, an annular locking groove 33d is provided in the approximate center of the inner peripheral surface 33i of the small diameter portion 33b. As shown in FIG. 18, the locking groove 33d locks the tip end 54c of the lock pin 54, fixing the insert pin 32 so that it does not come out of the sleeve 33.

[0055] <Side Roller 40> Figure 11 is a cross-sectional plan view of the side roller 40 of the first embodiment. As shown in Figure 11, the side roller 40 is fixed by inserting an insert pin 32. The side roller 40 includes a cylindrical roller member 42 at its outermost portion. The side roller 40 includes a ball bearing 41, which serves as an example of a bearing, inside the roller member 42. The side roller 40 further includes a sleeve 33 inside the ball bearing 41. The roller member 42 is rotatably supported by the insert pin 32 via the ball bearing 41, and rolls in conjunction with movement of the chain 12 (Figure 1) in the movement direction X.

[0056] 11 , in this embodiment, two ball bearings 41 are provided adjacent to each other in the width direction Y, which is also the axial direction of the ball bearings 41. The ball bearing 41 includes an annular inner ring 41a (inner race) fixed to the outer peripheral surface 32a of the insert pin 32 via a sleeve 33. The ball bearing 41 also includes an annular outer ring 41b (outer race) fixed to the inner peripheral surface 42a of the roller member 42. The ball bearing 41 further includes a plurality of balls 41c interposed between the inner ring 41a and the outer ring 41b, arranged in a row at predetermined intervals in the circumferential direction, and held by a cage (not shown).

[0057] 11, of the two ball bearings 41, the ball bearing 41 on the chain 12 side (the upper side in FIG. 11) has its inner ring 41a abutting against the stepped portion 33c of the sleeve 33 via a sealant 43a. Also, its outer ring 41b abuts against an upper corner 42b of the inner circumferential surface 42a of the roller member 42, thereby restricting misalignment in the insertion direction (width direction Y).

[0058] Furthermore, the outer ring 41b of the outer (lower in Figure 11) of the two ball bearings 41 abuts against a circular retaining ring 45 fitted into a circular groove 42c provided on the inner surface 42a of the roller member 42 on the lower side, thereby regulating positional deviation in the insertion direction (width direction Y).

[0059] Furthermore, the inner ring 41a of the outer (lower in Figure 11) of the two ball bearings 41 abuts against a circular retaining ring 33g fitted into a circular fixing groove 33f provided on the outer peripheral surface 33e of the sleeve 33 at the lower side, thereby restricting positional deviation in the insertion direction (width direction Y).

[0060] The ball bearings are lubricated with grease or the like. Alternatively, a synthetic resin impregnated with grease or the like may be used as the lubricant. <Cover Member 43> As shown in FIG. 11 , a step 42d, whose inner diameter decreases from the opening, is provided circumferentially in an annular manner on the inside of the opening at the tip end (the lower side in FIG. 11 ) of the cylindrical roller member 42. A disk-shaped cover member 43 is attached to this step 42d so as to seal the interior of the roller member 42. A sealant groove 42e, which accommodates a sealant 43a, is provided above the step 42d on the inner periphery of the opening of the roller member 42. The cover member 43 is fitted in place with its outer periphery sealed by the sealant 43a accommodated in the sealant groove 42e.

[0061] The lid member 43 seals the opening with its lower peripheral edge abutting against the step 42d. The lid member 43 is prevented from coming off the roller member 42 by a lid member retaining ring 43b that is elastically biased outward and accommodated in an annular retaining ring accommodating groove 42f provided on the inner circumferential surface 42a of the opening of the roller member 42.

[0062] <Locking Magnet 55> As shown in FIG. 11 , a circular through-hole is provided in the center of the cover member 43 as a restricting member accommodating hole 43c. The inner diameter of the restricting member accommodating hole 43c is approximately the same as the outer diameter of the pressing portion 55b of the locking magnet 55, which serves as a restricting member. The pressing portion 55b of the locking magnet 55 slides within the restricting member accommodating hole 43c. An O-ring accommodating groove 43g is provided in the upper portion of the restricting member accommodating hole 43c, circumferentially receiving an O-ring 55a. The O-ring 55a accommodated in the O-ring accommodating groove 43g maintains airtightness between the restricting member accommodating hole 43c and the pressing portion 55b of the locking magnet 55, allowing for sliding movement between the restricting member accommodating hole 43c and the pressing portion 55b of the locking magnet 55.

[0063] The locking magnet 55 has an attraction portion 55c made of a magnet at its base end. The attraction portion 55c is disk-shaped and has a larger diameter than the pressing portion 55b. The attraction portion 55c is exposed on the base end side of the cover member 43 and faces the tip end surface 52m of the slide rod 52 in the locked state, attracting the slide rod 52 by magnetic force.

[0064] <Seal Chamber 46> As shown in Figure 11, an annular seal chamber 46 is formed in the width direction Y between the roller member 42 and the insert pin 32, which is adjacent to the ball bearing 41 on the chain 12 side. The seal chamber 46 is defined by the roller member 42, the sleeve 33, and the ball bearing 41. An oil seal (not shown) is disposed in the seal chamber 46 as an example of a seal member. This seal chamber 46 prevents the intrusion of metal powder and dirty water from the chain side. This oil seal may be a contact-type seal member that utilizes elastic force, a non-contact labyrinth seal, a felt seal, or the like.

[0065] (Operation of the First Embodiment) The chain with side rollers 11 configured as described above operates as follows. <Attaching the Side Rollers 40> Figure 12 is a cross-sectional view showing the initial state when starting to attach the side rollers 40 to the insert pin 32. First, when starting to attach the side rollers 40 to the insert pin 32, the base end surface 52a of the slide rod 52 is attracted to the temporary fixing magnet 51i and is temporarily fixed in the release position. In this state, the insert pin 32 is inserted into the sleeve 33 in the insertion direction indicated by the arrow. At this time, even if the lock pin 54 protrudes outward, the reduced diameter portion 33l of the sleeve 33 displaces the tip end 54c of the lock pin 54 in the direction indicated by the arrow and is accommodated in the through-hole 53.

[0066] 13 is a cross-sectional view showing a state in the middle of attaching the side roller 40 to the insert pin 32. Here, the lock pin 54 is housed in the through hole 53, so it does not interfere with the insertion of the insert pin 32.

[0067] Fig. 14 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the side roller 40 has been attached to the insert pin 32. As shown in Fig. 14, when the stepped portion 32b of the insert pin 32 abuts against the base end portion 33h of the sleeve 33, the insertion of the insert pin 32 into the sleeve 33 is restricted and the position is determined.

[0068] At this time, the notch 32d, which is the rotation restricting portion of the insert pin 32, comes into contact with the rotation stopper 33j (see FIG. 10), which is the rotation restricting portion of the sleeve 33, so that the rotation of the insert pin 32 relative to the sleeve 33 is restricted.

[0069] At this position where insertion is completed, the tip end surface 52m of the slide rod 52 is attracted by the magnetic force of the locking magnet 55, and the slide rod 52 moves away from the base end surface 52a that was attracted to the temporary fixing magnet 51i. The slide rod 52 then moves in the insertion direction indicated by the arrow, and the tip end surface 52m of the slide rod 52 is fixed at a position close to the locking magnet 55. In other words, the slide rod 52 moves from the released position to the locked position.

[0070] When the slide rod 52 is in the locked position, the locking portion 52e of the slide rod 52 overlaps with the through-hole 53 in the radial direction of the peripheral wall 51a of the cylinder 51. When in the locked position, the rear end 54a of the locking pin 54 abuts against the locking portion 52e of the slide rod 52, causing the tip 54c of the locking pin 54 to protrude from the through-hole 53 in the direction shown by the arrow and engage with the locking groove 33d. This restricts displacement of the insert pin 32 relative to the sleeve 33.

[0071] <Removing the Side Roller 40> Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the insert pin 32 begins to be removed from the side roller 40. First, an operator presses the pressing portion 55b of the locking magnet 55, which is exposed in the center of the cover member 43 at the tip of the side roller 40, in the direction of the arrow (the direction opposite to the insertion direction of the insert pin 32). This causes the pressing portion 55b, which is fixed by the frictional force of the O-ring 55a, to displace toward the base end, and the adhesive portion 55c also displaces toward the base end accordingly. In Figure 15, there is a gap between the adhesive portion 55c and the tip end surface 52m of the slide rod 52. However, further pressing the pressing portion 55b causes the adhesive portion 55c to come into contact with the tip end surface 52m. When the adhesive portion 55c comes into contact with the tip end surface 52m, the slide rod 52 itself displaces toward the base end in the direction of the arrow, and the base end surface 52a of the slide rod 52 comes into contact with the temporary fixing magnet 51i and is attached. When the base end surface 52a abuts against the temporary locking magnet 51i, the slide rod 52 is positioned so that the release portion 52g of the slide rod 52 overlaps with the through-hole 53. That is, the slide rod 52 is displaced from the locked position to the released position. As a result, the magnetic force of the slide rod 52 attracts the rear end portion 54a of the lock pin 54 so that it abuts against the release portion 52g of the slide rod 52, and the lock pin 54 is displaced in the direction of the arrow. The tip portion 54c of the lock pin 54 is then housed in the through-hole 53 and is released from engagement with the locking groove 33d. Because the base end surface 52a of the slide rod 52 is attracted to the temporary locking magnet 51i, the slide rod 52 remains in the released state.

[0072] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view showing the state in which the insert pin 32 has been completely removed from the side roller 40. When the tip end 54c of the lock pin 54 is released from the locking groove 33d, the insert pin 32 is free to move toward the base end. In this state, when the side roller 40 is pulled relatively away from the insert pin 32 in the direction of the arrow as shown in Figure 16, the locking magnet 55 is displaced in the direction of the arrow while still attached to the tip end surface 52m of the slide rod 52. This completes the removal of the insert pin 32 from the side roller 40.

[0073] <Reattaching the Side Roller 40> As shown in Figure 16, when the side roller 40 is removed from the insert pin 32, the locking magnet 55 is attracted to the tip surface 52m of the slide rod 52. Therefore, when reattaching the side roller 40, the locking magnet 55 is separated from the tip surface 52m of the slide rod 52 and reinserted into the restricting member accommodating hole 43c of the cover member 43 from the base end side, returning to the state shown in Figure 12. Thereafter, the side roller 40 can be reattached to the insert pin 32 with one touch using the attachment method shown in Figures 12 and 13.

[0074] (Advantages of the First Embodiment) The first embodiment has the following advantages: (1-1) The mounting structure of the side rollers 40 and the chain 11 with side rollers of this embodiment have the advantage that the side rollers 40 of the chain 11, which is a moving body, can be easily attached and detached while being firmly fixed.

[0075] (1-2) In this embodiment, the slide rod 52 is movable axially within the cylinder portion 50. When the locking portion 52e, which is the large-diameter portion of the slide rod 52, overlaps with the through-hole 53, the slide rod 52 is in the locked position. When the slide rod 52 is in the locked position, the rear end 54a of the locking pin 54 abuts against the locking portion 52e of the slide rod 52, causing the tip 54c of the locking pin 54 to protrude from the through-hole 53. The protruding tip 54c engages with the locking groove 33d. This configuration has the effect of facilitating attachment and detachment of the side roller 40 to the chain 11, which is a moving body, while also firmly fixing the side roller 40 to the chain 11.

[0076] (1-3) The side roller 40 has a locking magnet 55 as a restricting member that restricts the movement of the slide rod 52 so that the slide rod 52 maintains the locked position. This has the effect of stably maintaining the slide rod 52 in a locked state.

[0077] (1-4) The slide rod 52 has a transition portion 52f that is a sloped portion that connects the release portion 52g and the lock portion 52e, which has the effect of enabling a smooth transition between the locked state and the released state.

[0078] (1-5) The slide rod 52 is made of a magnetic material. The mounting structure of the side roller 40 of this embodiment includes a locking magnet 55 as a restricting member. This has the effect of maintaining the locked position of the slide rod 52 without friction even if the slide rod 52 and the locking magnet 55 rotate relative to each other.

[0079] (1-6) The insert pin 32 has a temporary fixing magnet 51i at the base end 51b of the cylinder portion 50 as a temporary fixing member that temporarily fixes the slide rod 52 in the release position. Therefore, when the insert pin 32 is inserted into the side roller 40, the release position can be stably maintained.

[0080] (1-7) The sleeve 33 has a reduced diameter portion 33l whose inner diameter gradually decreases from the large diameter portion 33a at the base end toward the small diameter portion 33b at the tip end. When the tip end 54c of the lock pin 54 abuts against the reduced diameter portion 33l, it is displaced in a direction abutting against the release portion 52g. Therefore, even if the tip end 54c of the lock pin 54 protrudes, by accommodating it in the through hole 53, the side roller 40 can be smoothly attached to the insert pin 32.

[0081] (1-8) The slide rod 52 is magnetic, the lock pin 54 is made of a magnetic material, and the tip 54c of the lock pin 54 is biased by magnetic force so as to be accommodated in the through-hole 53. This has the effect of ensuring that the lock pin 54 can be reliably accommodated in the through-hole 53 when the slide rod 52 is in the release position.

[0082] (1-9) The locking magnet 55 is held in the restricting member accommodating hole 43c in the center of the cover member 43 by the friction of an O-ring 55a. When the locking magnet 55 is pressed toward the base end, it displaces the slide rod 52 from the locked position to the unlocked position. This has the effect of making it easy to remove the side roller 40 from the insert pin 32.

[0083] (1-10) The mounting structure of the side roller 40 of this embodiment includes a locking groove 33d that is provided as an engaging portion on the inner peripheral surface 33i of the sleeve 33 and extends in the circumferential direction. This has the effect of allowing the lock pin 54 to be locked in the locking groove 33d regardless of the rotation direction of the insert pin 32.

[0084] (1-11) A notch 32d is formed on the base end side of the cylindrical insert pin 32, and a rotation stopper 33j corresponding to the shape of the notch 32d is provided inside an opening 33k on the base end side of the sleeve 33. Therefore, when the insert pin 32 is inserted, the notch 32d and the rotation stopper 33j can effectively restrict the rotation of the insert pin 32 relative to the sleeve 33.

[0085] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment, which is an example of another aspect of the present disclosure, will be described. Fig. 19 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve 33 of the second embodiment as viewed from above. Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a sleeve 33 of the second embodiment as viewed from a perspective. Fig. 21 is a perspective view showing a partial cross section of a side roller 40 and an insert pin 32 before assembly of the second embodiment.

[0086] The first embodiment includes an annular locking groove 33d formed on the inner periphery of the sleeve 33 as an engagement portion. In contrast, the second embodiment includes a pair of locking holes 33d' formed on the inner periphery of the sleeve 33, corresponding to the shape of the tip 54c of the lock pin 54, as shown in FIGS. 19 and 20 . The second embodiment also includes a guide groove 33m to facilitate insertion of the tip 54c of the lock pin 54 into the locking hole 33d'. In the second embodiment, when the rear end 54a of the lock pin 54 abuts against the release portion 52g in the unlocked position of the slide rod 52, the tip 54c of the lock pin 54 slightly protrudes from the through-hole 53. The amount of protrusion is smaller than the amount of protrusion in the locked position. The guide groove 33m guides the tip 54c of the lock pin 54, which slightly protrudes from the through-hole 53, in the unlocked state. The guide groove 33m receives and guides the tip 54c of the protruding lock pin 54 from the base end on the inner peripheral surface 33i of the sleeve 33 along the central axis direction parallel to the central axis C to the locking hole 33d'.

[0087] (Operation of Second Embodiment) In the first embodiment, when the insert pin 32 is inserted into the sleeve 33, the reduced diameter portion 331 causes the lock pin 54 to be completely housed in the through hole 53. However, in the second embodiment, the reduced diameter portion 331 does not cause the lock pin 54 to be completely housed in the through hole 53, and the tip end 54c of the lock pin 54 protrudes slightly from the small diameter portion 33b, so that the lock pin 54 cannot be inserted into the small diameter portion 33b in principle.

[0088] However, in the second embodiment, the guide groove 33m receives the tip 54c of the protruding lock pin 54 and guides it from the base end to the locking hole 33d' along the central axis C on the inner peripheral surface 33i of the sleeve 33. To achieve this, the tip 54c of the lock pin 54 protruding from the inserted insert pin 32 abuts against the reduced diameter portion 33l as it transitions from the reduced diameter portion 33l to the small diameter portion 33b. At this time, the insert pin 32 is rotated around the central axis C to align the tip 54c of the protruding lock pin 54 with the guide groove 33m. The aligned insert pin 32 is then further inserted. After that, as in the first embodiment, the insert pin 32 is fully inserted into the side roller 40, and the side roller 40 can be easily attached to the insert pin 32 with a single touch.

[0089] (Effects of the Second Embodiment) In addition to the effects common to the first embodiment, the second embodiment has the following effects.

[0090] (2-1) By using the locking hole 33d' as the engaging portion, the lock pin 54 can restrict relative rotation between the insert pin 32 and the sleeve 33. This has the effect of allowing for a simpler shape by omitting the rotation restricting portion formed by the notch 32d of the insert pin 32 and the rotation stopper 33j of the sleeve 33 as in the first embodiment.

[0091] (2-2) Furthermore, the provision of the guide groove 33m has the effect of making it possible to easily introduce the tip 54c of the lock pin 54 into the locking hole 33d'. <Third Embodiment> Figure 24 is a cross-sectional view of the side roller 40 and the insert pin 32 after assembly in the third embodiment. Figure 25 is a cross-sectional view of the side roller 40 and the insert pin 32 when being attached or detached in the third embodiment.

[0092] In the third embodiment, first, in the first embodiment, the slide rod 52 is maintained in the locked position by a locking magnet 55 as a restricting member (see FIG. 3 ). In contrast, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 24 , the slide rod 52 is maintained in the locked position by a return spring 51k as a restricting member. Next, in the first embodiment, a temporary locking magnet 51i is used as a temporary locking member that temporarily locks the slide rod 52 in the released state (see FIG. 12 ). Instead, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 25 , a lock release pin 56 is used as a temporary locking member that temporarily locks the slide rod 52 in the released state. In the third embodiment, the lock release pin 56 maintains the release state of the insert pin 32 during installation. Furthermore, instead of the rod-shaped lock pin 54 (see FIG. 2 ) in the first embodiment, a ball-shaped lock ball 154 is used in the third embodiment as shown in FIG. 24 to maintain the locked state. Note that, regardless of its name, the lock ball 154 has a configuration equivalent to that of the lock pin 54 in the first embodiment and is a modified version thereof. In other words, it can be understood as a pin with the same length and diameter. The third embodiment will be described below, focusing on these features, with reference to Figures 24 and 25. Components similar to those in the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and descriptions thereof will be omitted.

[0093] (When the side roller 40 is in use) As shown in FIG. 24 , in the third embodiment, the cylinder unit 50 has a disk-shaped spring washer 51j arranged at the base end (upper side in FIG. 24 ) of the cylinder 51, and the slide rod 52 has a stepped portion 52d. A return spring 51k, which is a helical spring, is fitted to the base end 52c of the slide rod 52 and is located between the spring washer 51j and the stepped portion 52d. Therefore, the slide rod 52 is biased toward the tip side within the cylinder 51. The tip surface of the stepped portion 52j of the slide rod 52, biased by the return spring 51k, abuts against the base end surface of the slide rod sleeve 51e, thereby positioning the slide rod 52. In this state, the large-diameter locking portion 52e of the slide rod 52 faces the locking ball 154 arranged in the through-hole 53. The locking ball 154 is accommodated in the through-hole 53, which is arranged radially outward of the cylinder 51 and faces the central axis, allowing it to be displaced radially. The opening of the through hole 53 facing the sleeve 33 is formed slightly narrower than the outer diameter of the lock ball 154. More specifically, the opening of the through hole 53 facing the sleeve 33 has an inner diameter that allows the lock ball 154 to protrude slightly toward the sleeve 33 but prevents it from falling out. As a result, part of the lock ball 154 is pushed radially outward by the lock portion 52e, and part of it enters the locking hole 33d' (see FIG. 25), which is the engaging portion of the sleeve 33. In other words, the slide rod 52 is placed in the locked position by the return spring 51k, which is a restricting member, and the locked state of the insert pin 32 is maintained.

[0094] As described above, when the side roller 40 is in use, the slide rod 52 is always in the locked position by the return spring 51k, which is a restricting member, and the insert pin 32 is maintained in a locked state.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 24 , the opening at the tip end (bottom in FIG. 24 ) of the side roller 40 is closed by a cover member 43. An attachment / detachment operation hole 43e is open in the center of the cover member 43, and an operation hole cover 43f is inserted into this hole from the outside. The operation hole cover 43f is cylindrical overall, with a large-diameter head 43i formed at its tip. The operation hole cover 43f is accommodated in a recess 43d formed around the periphery of the outer opening of the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e. Therefore, when the operation hole cover 43f is inserted into the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e from the outside, the head 43i abuts against the recess 43d, restricting its position. At this time, with the head 43i accommodated in the recess 43d, the cover member 43 and the operation hole cover 43f are generally flush with each other. An O-ring accommodation groove 43g is carved along the circumferential direction on the inner surface of the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e. The operation hole cover 43f is kept watertight by an O-ring 43h fitted in the O-ring receiving groove 43g. The O-ring 43h also prevents the operation hole cover 43f from accidentally falling off.

[0096] (Removing the Side Roller 40) To remove the side roller 40, as shown in FIG. 25 , remove the operation hole cover 43f and insert the unlocking pin 56 into the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e. The unlocking pin 56 has an outer diameter smaller than the operation hole cover 43f, allowing it to smoothly move in and out of the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e. When the unlocking pin 56 is inserted into the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e, the abutment surface 56a on the base end side of the unlocking pin 56 first abuts against the tip end surface 52m on the tip end side of the slide rod 52. When the unlocking pin 56 is further inserted into the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e, the slide rod 52 compresses the return spring 51k against the biasing force of the return spring 51k. As a result, the slide rod 52 is displaced toward the base end (upward in FIG. 25 ) within the cylinder 51. As a result, the large-diameter locking portion 52e of the slide rod 52 and the locking ball 154 arranged in the through-hole 53 are displaced from their opposing positions, and the small-diameter releasing portion 52g and the locking ball 154 arranged in the through-hole 53 are positioned opposing each other. In other words, the slide rod 52 changes from the locked position to the released position, and the insert pin 32 changes from the locked state to the released state. In other words, the insert pin 32 can be freely displaced relative to the side roller 40 in the up and down directions indicated by the arrows.

[0097] At this time, the outer diameter of the lock ball 154 disposed in the through hole 53 is large enough to easily overcome the step and escape from the locking hole 33d'. Therefore, the lock ball 154 leaves the locking hole 33d' and slides within the guide groove 33m formed in the inner peripheral surface 33i of the sleeve 33 in the direction of the central axis C. In the first embodiment, the slide rod 52 and the lock pin 54 are configured to attract each other by magnetic force. In contrast, the lock ball 154 in the third embodiment has a sufficient outer diameter, so it easily overcomes the step of the locking hole 33d' and displaces in the direction of the central axis (inward) without being biased in the direction of the central axis by magnetic force. As long as the lock release pin 56 presses the slide rod 52, the insert pin 32 remains in the released state, allowing the side roller 40 to be pulled out of the insert pin 32.

[0098] (Attaching the Side Roller 40) Attaching the side roller 40 to the insert pin 32 involves the reverse procedure of removing the side roller 40 from the insert pin 32 shown in FIG. 25 . First, remove the central operation hole cover 43f of the cover member 43 of the side roller 40, and insert the unlock pin 56 into the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e. Next, insert the unlock pin 56 into the tip of the insert pin 32 until it penetrates through. Then, press the unlock pin 56 against the tip surface 52m of the slide rod 52. Before pressing the unlock pin 56 against the tip surface 52m of the cylinder portion 50, the slide rod 52 is in the locked position due to the biasing force of the return spring 51k, as in FIG. 24 . Now, by pressing the unlock pin 56 against the tip surface 52m of the slide rod 52, the slide rod 52 compresses the return spring 51k and moves to the unlocked position, as shown in FIG. 25 , and the insert pin 32 enters the unlocked state. That is, the insert pin 32 is free to move relative to the side roller 40 in the vertical direction indicated by the arrow. While maintaining the lock release pin 56 pressed against the tip surface 52m of the slide rod 52, the insert pin 32 is inserted into the side roller 40. The lock ball 154 is pushed axially through the through hole 53 by the reduced-diameter portion 33l of the sleeve 33. The lock ball 154 then abuts against the release portion 52g. In the third embodiment, as in the second embodiment, the lock ball 154 protrudes slightly outward from the outer circumferential surface 32a of the insert pin 32. Then, as shown in FIG. 25 , when the lock ball 154 moves from the reduced-diameter portion 33l of the sleeve 33 to the inner circumferential surface 33i of the small-diameter portion 33b, the lock ball 154 abuts against the inner circumferential surface 33i of the small-diameter portion 33b. A guide groove 33m is formed on the inner peripheral surface 33i of the small diameter portion 33b of the sleeve 33, parallel to the central axis and symmetrical about the central axis. By rotating the insert pin 32 and the side roller 40 relative to each other, the lock ball 154 coincides with the end of the guide groove 33m. When the positions are coincident, the outwardly protruding portion of the lock ball 154 is accommodated within the guide groove 33m, allowing the insert pin 32 to be inserted into the side roller 40.Furthermore, while the lock release pin 56 continues to press the slide rod 52, the lock ball 154 reaches the position of the lock hole 33d'. Then, as shown in FIG. 24, the step portion 32b (see FIG. 5) of the insert pin 32 abuts against the base end 33h (see FIG. 10) of the sleeve 33, restricting insertion and defining the relative positions of the insert pin 32 and the sleeve 33. In this state, the lock release pin 56 releases the slide rod 52 from its pressing position. Then, the return spring 51k displaces the slide rod 52 to the locked position, and the lock portion 52e of the slide rod 52 causes the lock ball 154 to enter the lock hole 33d', locking the insert pin 32. This completes the attachment of the side roller 40 to the insert pin 32. The lock release pin 56 is then pulled out of the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e, and the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e is closed with the operation hole cover 43f, preparing the insert pin for use.

[0099] (Operation of the Third Embodiment) In the third embodiment, when attaching the side roller 40 to the insert pin 32, first, remove the operation hole cover 43f at the center of the cover member 43 of the side roller 40, and insert the unlock pin 56 into the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e. Next, insert the abutment surface 56a, which is the tip of the unlock pin 56, into the cylinder 51 from the tip of the insert pin 32. This puts the cylinder portion 50 of the insert pin 32 into a released state. If further insertion is attempted while maintaining this state, resistance will occur and insertion will be impossible. At this time, by rotating the sleeve 33 relative to the insert pin 32, the lock ball 154 will be introduced into the guide groove 33m of the sleeve 33 at a predetermined position, allowing further insertion. Then, insert the sleeve 33 until it stops and then pull out the unlock pin 56, completing the attachment of the side roller 40 to the insert pin 32. Finally, by replacing the operation hole cover 43f on the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e, the side roller 40 can be used without foreign objects entering the interior.

[0100] To remove the side roller 40 from the insert pin 32, remove the operation hole cover 43f at the center of the cover member 43 of the side roller 40 and insert the unlocking pin 56 into the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e. Next, press the unlocking pin 56 while it is inserted. This releases the cylinder portion 50 of the insert pin 32, and removing it is completed by pulling it out while maintaining that state. Finally, pull out the unlocking pin 56 and replace the operation hole cover 43f on the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e to complete the removal.

[0101] (Effects of the Third Embodiment) In addition to the effects common to the first and second embodiments, the third embodiment has the following effects.

[0102] (3-1) The return spring 51k constantly maintains the slide rod 52 in the locked position where the lock ball 154 is positioned in the locking hole 33d'. This has the effect of stably maintaining the locked state.

[0103] (3-2) Simply inserting the unlocking pin 56 into the attachment / detachment operation hole 43e and pressing it against the slide rod 52 moves the slide rod 52 to the unlocked position. This has the effect of allowing the side roller 40 to be attached to the insert pin 32 with a single touch, or the side roller 40 to be detached from the insert pin 32 with a single touch, with a simple operation.

[0104] (3-3) The locked state cannot be released unless the unlocking pin 56 is inserted, which has the effect of preventing the side roller 40 from being accidentally removed from the insert pin 32.

[0105] (3-4) Because the lock ball 154 has a relatively large diameter, it can smoothly transition from the locking hole 33d' of the sleeve 33 or the release portion 52g of the slide rod 52 to the lock portion 52e compared to the rod-shaped lock pin 54. Therefore, even without the transition portion 52f (see FIG. 7) as in the first embodiment, the insert pin 32 can be smoothly switched between the locked state and the released state.

[0106] <Modifications> This embodiment can be modified as follows: The first to third embodiments and the following modifications can be combined with each other to the extent that they are not technically inconsistent.

[0107] FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram showing a modified example of the lock pin 54. The lock pin 54 in the first embodiment was a rod-shaped member with both ends spherical and of the same diameter. In this modified example, the rear end of the lock pin 54 is provided with a head 54d. The head 54d has a cylindrical shape with a larger diameter than the shaft 54b. The shape of the head 54d is not limited to a cylindrical shape and may be a hemispherical shape, for example. The through-hole 53 of the cylinder 50 is provided with a head accommodating portion 53d so that the head 54d can be accommodated in the peripheral wall 51a. In FIG. 22, the lock pin 54 is in the unlocked state shown by the solid line. In the locked state, the head 54d is displaced by the lock portion 52e to the position shown by the two-dot chain line and accommodated in the head accommodating portion 53d.

[0108] This configuration has the effect of preventing the lock pin 54 from falling out of the through-hole 53. Figure 23 is a schematic diagram showing another modified example of the lock pin 54. The lock pin 54 itself is basically the same as the one shown in Figure 22. This modified example also includes a head accommodation portion 53d in the through-hole 53 so that the head 54d can be accommodated in the peripheral wall 51a, and further includes a spring accommodation portion 53e that is continuous with the head accommodation portion 53d. The spring accommodation portion 53e has a space with the same diameter as the head accommodation portion 53d extending to the vicinity of the outer peripheral surface 32a of the insert pin 32. The space in the spring accommodation portion 53e accommodates a spring 54e, which is a compression coil spring fitted onto the shaft portion 54b of the lock pin 54. The spring 54e is disposed between the head 54d and the outer end of the spring accommodation portion 53e and biases the head 54d in a direction pressing it against the slide rod 52.

[0109] With this configuration, even if the slide rod 52 and the lock pin 54 are not attracted to each other by magnetic force, the head 54d at the rear end of the lock pin 54 can always abut against the release portion 52g when the slide rod 52 is in the release position. Therefore, the slide rod 52 and the lock pin 54 can be made of a non-magnetic material.

[0110] In this embodiment, the engaging portion is exemplified by the locking groove 33d and the locking hole 33d′ that engage with the tip portion 54c of the lock pin 54, but is not limited to such a configuration, and various configurations can be adopted by those skilled in the art.

[0111] In the present embodiment, the restricting member maintains the locked state using the locking magnet 55. However, in order to restrict the movement of the insert pin 32 relative to the sleeve 33, the movement may be restricted by a ratchet structure using a leaf spring as the restricting member.

[0112] - In this embodiment, the rotation control portion is composed of the notch 32d of the insert pin 32 and the rotation stopper 33j of the sleeve 33, but the rotation control portion is not limited to this configuration, and various configurations can be adopted by those skilled in the art.

[0113] Either one of the two ball bearings 41 may be omitted. Also, three or more ball bearings 41 may be used. The bearings disclosed herein are not limited to any type, and roller bearings, fluid bearings, etc. may be used instead of the ball bearings 41. Furthermore, other types of bearings may also be used.

[0114] The moving body of the present disclosure is not limited to the chain 12, and may be a belt conveyor, a tray or case for transport, etc. The drawings are schematic drawings for explaining the configuration of this embodiment, and the quantity, shape, dimensions, etc. do not reflect the actual form.

[0115] The numerical values, numerical ranges, shapes, materials, etc., such as the quantity, shape, and dimensions, are merely examples and do not limit the present disclosure. It goes without saying that these may be optimized as appropriate by those skilled in the art. In this disclosure, magnetic metal parts are used, but any suitable metal type may be used depending on the component, and resin parts may also be used when the load is small. Furthermore, the roller member 42 may be made of rubber or the like.

[0116] In addition, it goes without saying that those skilled in the art can add, delete, or modify the configuration of this disclosure without departing from the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A side roller comprising an insertion shaft protruding from the side of a movable body and supported by being inserted from its tip, the side roller comprising a roller member, a bearing for rotatably supporting the roller member, and a cylindrical sleeve attached to the inner periphery of the bearing, an attachment structure for a side roller in which the roller member is attached to the insertion shaft via the sleeve and the bearing, the insertion shaft comprising a cylinder portion having a cylindrical peripheral wall and a slide rod housed within the cylinder portion, the cylinder portion having a through hole penetrating the peripheral wall and a lock pin inserted into the through hole, the slide rod having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion having an outer diameter smaller than the large diameter portion, the sleeve having an engagement portion that engages with the tip of the lock pin protruding from the through hole, the slide rod being movable within the cylinder portion along the axial direction of the peripheral wall, a side roller mounting structure in which, when the slide rod reaches a locked position where the large diameter portion overlaps with the through hole in the radial direction of the peripheral wall, the rear end of the lock pin abuts against the large diameter portion of the slide rod, causing the tip of the lock pin to protrude from the through hole and engage with the engaging portion, and when the slide rod reaches a released position where the small diameter portion of the slide rod overlaps with the through hole in the radial direction of the peripheral wall, the tip of the lock pin is receivable within the through hole, and the side roller mounting structure has a restricting member that restricts movement of the slide rod so that the slide rod maintains the locked position.

2. The side roller mounting structure according to claim 1, further comprising a transition portion consisting of a sloped surface that connects the small diameter portion and the large diameter portion.

3. The side roller mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the slide rod is made of a magnetic material, and the regulating member is a magnet disposed on the side roller.

4. The side roller mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the cylinder portion has a temporary fixing member that temporarily fixes the slide rod in the release position.

5. The side roller mounting structure according to claim 4, wherein the slide rod is made of a magnetic material, and the temporary fastening member is a magnet disposed at the base end of the cylinder portion.

6. A side roller mounting structure as described in claim 1, wherein the sleeve has a reduced diameter portion whose inner diameter gradually decreases in the direction from the base end to the tip end, and the lock pin is displaced in a direction to be accommodated in the small diameter portion of the slide rod in the released position when the tip end of the lock pin abuts against the reduced diameter portion.

7. The side roller mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the small diameter portion of the slide rod biases the tip of the lock pin so as to be housed within the through hole.

8. A side roller mounting structure as set forth in claim 7, wherein the slide rod is magnetic and the lock pin is made of a magnetic material, attracting the lock pin to the slide rod and biasing the tip of the lock pin to fit within the through hole.

9. A side roller mounting structure as described in claim 3, wherein the magnet is arranged at the tip side of the insertion shaft, the magnet is configured to be movable in the direction opposite to the insertion direction in which the insertion shaft is inserted, and the magnet is configured to be pressed in the opposite direction to displace the slide rod from the locked position to the released position, thereby making it possible to remove the side roller from the insertion shaft.

10. The side roller mounting structure according to claim 1, wherein the engaging portion comprises a locking groove provided on the inner periphery of the sleeve and extending in the circumferential direction.

11. A side roller mounting structure as described in claim 10, in which a notch is formed on the base end side of the cylindrical insertion shaft, and a rotation stopper corresponding to the shape of the notch is provided inside the opening on the base end side of the sleeve, and a rotation regulating section is provided that, when the insertion shaft is inserted, regulates the rotation of the insertion shaft relative to the sleeve by means of the notch and the rotation stopper.

12. A side roller is provided which is supported by inserting an insertion shaft protruding from the side of a moving body into the insertion shaft from its tip, the side roller comprising a roller member, a bearing for rotatably supporting the roller member, and a cylindrical sleeve attached to the inner periphery of the bearing, and a mounting structure for a side roller which mounts the roller member to the insertion shaft via the sleeve and the bearing, the insertion shaft having a cylinder portion with a cylindrical peripheral wall and a slide rod housed in the cylinder portion, the cylinder portion having a through hole penetrating the peripheral wall and a lock pin inserted into the through hole, the slide rod having a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion having an outer diameter smaller than the large diameter portion, the sleeve having an engaging portion which engages with the tip of the lock pin protruding from the through hole, the slide rod being movable within the cylinder portion along the axial direction of the peripheral wall, When the slide rod reaches a locked position where the large diameter portion overlaps the through hole in the radial direction of the peripheral wall, the rear end of the lock pin abuts against the large diameter portion of the slide rod, causing the tip end of the lock pin to protrude from the through hole and engage with the engaging portion, and when the slide rod reaches a released position where the small diameter portion overlaps the through hole in the radial direction of the peripheral wall, the lock pin is displaceable radially inward, the mounting structure of the side roller has a restricting member that restricts movement of the slide rod so that the slide rod maintains the locked position, the engaging portion has a locking hole that is provided on the inner circumference of the sleeve and engages with the tip end of the lock pin, the tip end of the lock pin protrudes radially at the released position, and the mounting structure of the side roller has a guide groove that receives and guides the lock pin that protrudes at the released position so that it reaches the locking hole from the base end on the inner peripheral surface of the sleeve along the central axis direction, In the locked position, the lock pin is displaced further radially outward and engaged with the engagement hole, thereby restricting rotation of the insertion shaft relative to the sleeve about the central axis.

13. A chain with side rollers, comprising the side roller mounting structure according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the moving body is a chain.

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