Engagement chain and engagement chain unit
The engaging chain with interlocking chain elements and restricted movement surfaces addresses the issues of reduced tensile strength and bending rigidity, enhancing structural stability and load-bearing capacity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TSUBAKIMOTO CHAIN CO
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-19
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-18
Smart Images
Figure JP2025022182_18062026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
Engaging Chain and Engaging Chain Unit 【0001】 The present disclosure relates to an engaging chain having a pair of chain members capable of moving forward and backward, wherein the pair of chain members mesh with each other and integrate as they move in the advancing direction, while they disengage from each other and branch as they move in the retreating direction from the integrated engaged state, and an engaging chain unit having the engaging chain. 【0002】 Conventionally, an engaging chain having a pair of chain members capable of moving forward and backward, wherein the pair of chain members mesh with each other and integrate as they move in the advancing direction, while they disengage from each other and branch as they move in the retreating direction from the integrated engaged state, and an engaging chain unit having the engaging chain are known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). 【0003】 The engaging chain described in Patent Document 1 has a first chain member and a second chain member which are a pair of chain members capable of meshing with each other. Each of the first chain member and the second chain member has a plurality of chain elements arranged in series. A block portion is formed by sequentially connecting adjacent chain elements in the series direction. The engaging chain is configured such that when the first chain member and the second chain member move in the forward and backward movement directions, adjacent block portions abut against each other and integrate into a straight bar shape. 【0004】 At this time, a state is reached in which the first side surface on the advancing direction side of each block portion abuts against the second side surface on the retreating direction side of the opposing block. Further, the movable body moving device described in Patent Document 1 includes an engaging chain capable of moving forward and backward along the length direction, and a housing portion capable of housing the engaging chain, and is configured such that when the sprocket is rotationally driven, the movable body moves forward and backward together with the engaging chain. 【0005】 Japanese Patent No. 7207494 【0006】 The chain element described in Patent Document 1 has an elastically deformable bending portion having a strip shape with a predetermined length. When the chain element moves in the housing portion, the bending portion is configured to bend along the curved portion of the guide groove. 【0007】 Therefore, there is a risk that the tensile strength of the flexible portion of the first and second chain members may decrease. Furthermore, when the first and second chain members interlock to form an interlocking chain, the flexible portions are arranged in series on the outside in the branching direction, which may reduce the bending rigidity of the flexible portion and reduce the buckling strength when a compressive load is applied to the movable body. 【0008】 Furthermore, when a compressive load is applied to the movable body, the load acts on the first and second surfaces that are in contact with each block section. However, since the first and second surfaces are not perpendicular to the direction of the compressive load, the component force of the compressive load acts in the direction of the branching direction. As a result, there is a risk that play may occur due to displacement of the first and second chain members in the direction of the branching direction, and that the compressive strength of the meshing chain may decrease. 【0009】 This disclosure aims to solve these problems and provides an interlocking chain and interlocking chain unit with a simple configuration that does not cause a decrease in tensile strength and can suppress the occurrence of bending and looseness when a compressive load is applied during interlocking. 【0010】 An interlocking chain according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a pair of chain members that are movable forward and backward, and the pair of chain members interlock and become one when they move in the forward direction, and disengage and branch out when they move in the backward direction from the integrated interlocked state, wherein each chain member comprises a plurality of rotatably connected chain elements, each chain element has a base portion having connecting rotating portions on both sides in the forward and backward direction, and an interlocking portion provided on the base portion, the interlocking portion has a pressing surface formed on the forward and backward direction side, and an engaging portion that constitutes a part of the pressing surface, the pair of chain members are arranged so that the pressing surfaces of the opposing interlocking portions are in contact and can interlock, and the engaging portions of the pair of chain members are formed to restrict the movement of the pair of chain members in the opposing direction when they are interlocked. 【0011】According to this configuration, each chain member comprises a plurality of rotatably connected chain elements, each chain element having a base portion with connecting and rotating parts on both sides in the forward and backward directions, and an engagement portion provided on the base portion, each engagement portion having a pressing surface formed on the forward and backward direction side, and an engaging portion that constitutes a part of the pressing surface, and since a pair of chain members are arranged so that the pressing surfaces of the opposing engagement portions come into contact and can engage, the chain members can be bent by the rotation of the chain elements, thus eliminating the need to flex the chain elements and resulting in a structure with high tensile strength. 【0012】 Furthermore, the engagement portion of the pair of chain members is formed to restrict the movement of the pair of chain members in the opposing direction when they are engaged, thereby suppressing misalignment and looseness of the chain elements. 【0013】 In the above-described meshing chain, it is preferable that the pressing surface has a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the chain members. With this configuration, since the load applied to the plane does not generate a force component other than the direction of movement of the chain members, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of play between chain elements and to improve the compressive strength of the meshing chain. 【0014】 In the above-described interlocking chain, it is preferable that the engaging portion is formed in a part of the width direction of the pressing surface and extends over the entire opposing direction of the pair of chain members on the pressing surface. 【0015】 This configuration ensures bending rigidity in the width direction of the meshing chain while suppressing misalignment and looseness of the chain elements. In the above-described meshing chain, the engaging portion is composed of a convex portion that protrudes and a concave portion that retracts on the pressing surface, and it is preferable that the pair of chain members are configured so that when meshing, the convex portion and concave portion of one chain element can engage with the concave portion and convex portion of the other chain element that meshes from the opposite direction. 【0016】This configuration allows for a greater difference in height between the convex and concave shapes, thereby more reliably suppressing misalignment and looseness of the chain elements. In the above-described meshing chain, it is preferable that the meshing portion is configured such that, when the pair of chain members mesh and become one, at least a portion of the pressing surface is compressed in the forward and backward direction. 【0017】 With this configuration, when a pair of chain members mesh, the meshing portion is elastically deformed and meshes more firmly, thus further suppressing the play that occurs between the meshing chain elements. 【0018】 In the above-described meshing chain, it is preferable that the area occupied by the engaging portion on the pressing surface, as viewed from the direction of the chain member's movement, is 50% or less. This configuration allows for sufficient cross-sectional area to bear the compressive load while suppressing misalignment and looseness of the chain elements. 【0019】 An meshing chain unit according to one aspect of the present disclosure comprises a meshing chain having chain members that are driven to move forward and backward, a chain housing portion for housing the chain members, a chain guide mechanism for guiding the chain members and guiding them out of the chain housing portion into an integrated meshing state, and a chain drive mechanism for driving the chain members forward and backward, wherein the meshing chain is composed of the above-described meshing chain. 【0020】 This configuration allows for the enjoyment of similar effects and benefits to those enjoyed in the meshing chain configuration described above. 【0021】Figure 1 is a perspective view of a meshing chain unit having a meshing chain according to one embodiment. Figure 2 is a rear perspective view of the meshing chain unit of Figure 1. Figure 3 is a perspective view of the meshing chain unit of Figure 1 with some parts removed. Figure 4 is a front view of the meshing chain unit of Figure 1 with some parts removed. Figure 5 is a cross-sectional view in the width direction of the meshing chain unit of Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view of a meshing chain according to the same embodiment. Figure 7 is a front view of the meshing chain of Figure 6. Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view in the width direction of the meshing chain of Figure 6. Figure 9 is a perspective view of the chain elements constituting the meshing chain according to the same embodiment. Figure 10 is a perspective view of Figure 9 from the second pressing surface side. Figure 11 is a front view of the pin hole of the chain element of Figure 9 from the axial direction side. Figure 12 is a front view of the chain element of Figure 9 from the restricted surface side. Figure 13 is a perspective view of a modified chain element. Figure 14 is a perspective view of Figure 13 from the second pressing surface side. Figure 15 is a perspective view of another modified chain element. Figure 16 is a perspective view of Figure 15 from the second pressing surface side. Figure 17 is a perspective view of a chain element in another modified example. Figure 18 is a perspective view of Figure 17 from the second pressing surface side. Figure 19 is a perspective view of a chain element in another modified example. Figure 20 is a perspective view of Figure 19 from the second pressing surface side. Figure 21 is a perspective view of a chain element in another modified example. Figure 22 is a perspective view of Figure 21 from the second pressing surface side. 【0022】 Below, an interlocking chain unit 100 having an interlocking chain 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 1 to 5, the interlocking chain unit 100 has an interlocking chain 200 having a pair of chain members (first chain member 201, second chain member 202) that are driven to move back and forth in the forward and backward direction Y, a chain housing section 110 that houses the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202, a chain guide mechanism 120 that guides the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 and leads them out of the chain housing section 110 into an integrated interlocking state, and a chain drive mechanism 130 that drives the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 to move back and forth. 【0023】 As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the chain housing section 110 includes a first chain housing section 111 for housing a first chain member 201, which is one of the pair of chain members, and a second chain housing section 112 for housing a second chain member 202, which is the other chain of the pair of chain members. 【0024】 As shown in Figures 3 to 5, the chain guide mechanism 120 includes a first chain guide groove 121 for guiding the first chain member 201, a second chain guide groove 122 for guiding the second chain member 202, a fixed guide 123 that restricts movement toward the opposing direction X so that the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 move in the forward / backward direction Y while interlocked and integrated with each other, and a movable body 124 attached to the forward-direction Y1 end of the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202. 【0025】 The first chain guide groove 121 is a groove provided continuously with the first chain housing 111 and is configured to hold the first chain member 201 from the width direction Z. The second chain guide groove 122 is a groove provided continuously with the second chain housing 112 and is configured to hold the second chain member 202 from the width direction Z. 【0026】 In this embodiment, the first chain member 201 is configured to be guided by the engagement of the first boss portion 322 of the chain element 300 constituting the first chain member 201 (described later) with the first chain guide groove 121. Similarly, the second chain member 202 is configured to be guided by the engagement of the first boss portion 322 of the chain element 300 constituting the second chain member 202 (described later) with the second chain guide groove 122. 【0027】 The chain drive mechanism 130 includes a drive shaft 131 and a sprocket 132. The sprocket 132 rotates integrally with the drive shaft 131 and engages with the first chain member 201 at the point where the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 mesh together and become one unit. 【0028】Next, the meshing chain 200 and the chain elements 300 constituting the meshing chain 200, which are part of the meshing chain unit 100, will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in Figures 6 to 8, the meshing chain 200 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure has a pair of chain members (first chain member 201, second chain member 202) that can move forward and backward, and the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 move in the direction of travel Y1 to mesh with each other and become one, while moving in the direction of retreat Y2 from that integrated meshing state to disengage from each other in the direction of disengagement X2 and branch out. 【0029】 Each of the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 is composed of a plurality of chain elements 300 that are rotatably connected by pins 203. Therefore, each of the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 is equipped with a plurality of chain elements 300 that are rotatably connected by pins 203. 【0030】 Furthermore, when the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 interlock and become one, the first convex portion 333 and the first concave portion 334 of one chain element 300 (described later) are configured to engage with the second concave portion 338 and the second convex portion 337 of the other chain element 300, which interlocks from the opposing direction X. 【0031】 As shown in Figures 9 to 12, the chain element 300 has a base portion 310, connecting and rotating portions 320 provided on both sides of the base portion 310 in the forward and backward direction Y, and an interlocking portion 330 provided on the base portion 310. 【0032】 The base portion 310 is formed to extend in the forward / backward direction Y and has a rotation restricting surface 311 that restricts the rotation of the chain element 300 toward the meshing direction X1 when the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 mesh, and a rack portion 312 that can engage with the sprocket 132. 【0033】The rotation restricting surface 311 is formed on the meshing direction X1 side such that it is parallel to the forward / backward direction Y when the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 are meshed. The rack portion 312 is formed such that when the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 are meshed, teeth of the same shape are arranged at equal intervals in the forward / backward direction Y on the disengagement direction X2 side. 【0034】 The connecting pivot section 320 has a first connecting pivot section 321 provided at the end on the Y1 side in the direction of travel and a second connecting pivot section 325 provided at the end on the Y2 side in the direction of reversal. The first connecting pivot section 321 has first boss sections 322 formed on both sides in the width direction Z so as to protrude from the base section 310, and a pin groove section 324 formed in the center in the width direction Z. A pin hole 323 is provided in the first boss section 322. 【0035】 The second connecting pivot portion 325 has a second boss portion 326 formed at a position in the width direction Z that is moved from the central portion in the width direction Z by the width of the pin groove portion 324 of the first connecting pivot portion 321. A pin hole 327 is provided in the second boss portion 326. 【0036】 Furthermore, when the chain elements 300 are arranged in a line in the same direction, the second boss portion 326 of the second connecting rotating portion 325 is placed between the first boss portion 322 and the pin groove portion 324 of the first connecting rotating portion 321, and the pins 203 are inserted through the pin holes 323 of the first boss portion 322 and 327 of the second boss portion 326, thereby enabling the rotatable connection of multiple chain elements 300. 【0037】 As a result, when the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 are housed in the first chain housing section 111 and the second chain housing section 112, respectively, each chain element 300 is housed in a state where it can rotate without bending. 【0038】As shown in Figures 9 to 11, the meshing portion 330 is provided on the first connecting rotating portion 321 side of the base portion 310 so as to protrude from the base portion 310 toward the meshing direction X1, and has a first pressing surface 331 formed toward the direction of travel Y1, a first engaging portion 332 which constitutes a part of the first pressing surface 331, a second pressing surface 335 formed toward the direction of retraction Y2, and a second engaging portion 336 which constitutes a part of the second pressing surface 335. 【0039】 Furthermore, on the meshing direction X1 side of the meshing portion 330, there is a restricted surface 341 parallel to the rotation restricting surface 311, a boss engaging portion 342 that can engage with the first boss portion 322 and the second boss portion 326, and a pin engaging portion 343 that can engage with the pin 203. 【0040】 Here, the restricted surface 341 is located on the first pressing surface 331 side, the boss engagement portion 342 is located on both sides in the width direction Z on the second pressing surface 335 side, and the pin engagement portion 343 is located on the center side in the width direction Z on the second pressing surface 335 side. 【0041】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, as shown in Figure 11, if P is the distance in the forward / backward direction Y between the pin hole 323 of the first boss portion 322 and the pin hole 327 of the second boss portion 326, and L is the distance in the forward / backward direction Y between the first pressing surface 331 and the second pressing surface 335, then L is configured to be 1 / 2 or more of P. 【0042】 As a result, the distance in the forward / backward direction Y from the second pressing surface 335 to the first pressing surface 331 between the rotatably connected chain elements 300 is less than or equal to the distance L between the pressing surfaces in the forward / backward direction Y. 【0043】 Therefore, when the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 mesh and become one, the first pressing surface 331 and the second pressing surface 335 of the meshing portion 330 are compressed in the forward / backward direction Y. 【0044】The first pressing surface 331 is a plane perpendicular to the forward and backward direction Y when the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 are engaged and integrated. In the present embodiment, the first engaging portion 332 is composed of a first convex-shaped portion 333 protruding from the first pressing surface 331 and a first concave-shaped portion 334 recessed therein. The first convex-shaped portion 333 is provided on the meshing direction X1 side of the first pressing surface 331, and the first concave-shaped portion 334 is provided on the disengaging direction X2 side of the first pressing surface 331, respectively. 【0045】 As shown in FIG. 9, when the first engaging portion 332 is viewed along the width direction Z, the first convex-shaped portion 333 has a curved shape in which the central portion in the facing direction X protrudes most in the traveling direction Y1. Further, the first concave-shaped portion 334 has a curved shape in which the central portion in the facing direction X is recessed most in the retreating direction Y2. The dimension of the first convex-shaped portion 333 along the width direction Z is constant. Similarly, the dimension of the first concave-shaped portion 334 along the width direction Z is constant. 【0046】 Further, the first engaging portion 332 is formed over the entire facing direction X at the central portion in the width direction Z which is a part of the width direction Z on the first pressing surface 331. Thereby, since the first pressing surface 331 is disposed on both sides in the width direction Z of the first engaging portion 332, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of displacement and play of the chain element 300 while ensuring the bending rigidity on both sides in the width direction Z of the meshing chain 200 when engaged and integrated. 【0047】 Further, the area occupied by the first engaging portion 332 as viewed from the forward and backward direction Y is formed to be 50% or less, and in the present embodiment, the area is about 10%. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of displacement and play of the chain element 300 when engaged and integrated while sufficiently securing the area of the first pressing surface 331 that bears the load. 【0048】 In the present embodiment, when the first convex-shaped portion 333 is viewed from the width direction Z side, the maximum protrusion amount on the traveling direction Y1 side of the first convex-shaped portion 333 is formed smaller than the maximum recess amount on the traveling direction Y1 side of the second concave-shaped portion 338 described later. 【0049】The second pressing surface 335 is a plane perpendicular to the forward / backward direction Y when the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 are engaged and integrated. In this embodiment, the second engaging portion 336 consists of a second convex portion 337 that protrudes from the second pressing surface 335 and a second concave portion 338 that is recessed. The second convex portion 337 is provided on the side of the second pressing surface 335 in the engagement direction X1, and the second concave portion 338 is provided on the side of the second pressing surface 335 in the disengagement direction X2. 【0050】 As shown in Figure 10, when the second engaging portion 336 is viewed along the width direction Z, the second convex portion 337 has a curved shape in which the central part in the opposing direction X protrudes most in the retraction direction Y2. Similarly, the second concave portion 338 has a curved shape in which the central part in the opposing direction X is most recessed in the direction of travel Y1. The dimensions of the second convex portion 337 along the width direction Z are constant. Likewise, the dimensions of the second concave portion 338 along the width direction Z are constant. 【0051】 Furthermore, the second engaging portion 336 is formed in the central part of the width direction Z, which is a part of the width direction Z of the second pressing surface 335, and extends over the entire opposing direction X. As a result, the second pressing surface 335 is positioned on both sides of the width direction Z of the second engaging portion 336, so that bending rigidity on both sides of the width direction Z of the meshing chain 200 when meshed and integrated can be ensured while suppressing misalignment and looseness of the chain elements 300. 【0052】 Furthermore, the area occupied by the second engaging portion 336 as viewed from the forward / backward direction Y is 50% or less, and in this embodiment, that area is approximately 10%. This ensures sufficient area for the second pressing surface 335 that bears the load, while suppressing misalignment and looseness of the chain element 300 when they mesh and become one. 【0053】 Furthermore, in this embodiment, when viewed from the width direction Z side, the second convex portion 337 is formed such that the maximum protrusion amount of the second convex portion 337 in the retraction direction Y2 side is smaller than the maximum recess amount of the first concave portion 334 in the retraction direction Y2 side. 【0054】Next, the meshing of the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 in the meshing chain unit 100 will be explained based on the drawings. First, when the drive shaft 131 and the sprocket 132 rotate clockwise in Figure 4, the first chain member 201, which is engaged with the sprocket 132 by the rack portion 312, is guided by the first chain guide groove 121 and moves toward the direction of travel Y1. 【0055】 At this time, the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 on the Y1 side of the fixed guide 123 are interlocked and integrated with each other. Therefore, as the first chain member 201 moves toward the Y1 direction, the second chain member 202 is also guided by the second chain guide groove 122 and moves toward the Y1 direction. 【0056】 As a result, the chain elements 300 of the first chain member 201, which are not yet engaged, move toward the direction of travel Y1 and rotate so that the engaging portion 330 faces toward the engagement direction X1. Similarly, the chain elements 300 of the second chain member 202, which are not yet engaged, move toward the direction of travel Y1 and rotate so that the engaging portion 330 faces toward the engagement direction X1. 【0057】 When a chain element 300 rotates, the first pressing surface 331 of that chain element 300 comes into contact with the second pressing surface 335 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of travel Y1. 【0058】 Furthermore, the first convex portion 333 and the first concave portion 334 of the chain element 300 engage with the second concave portion 338 and the second convex portion 337 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of travel Y1. 【0059】 As a result, the first engaging portion 332 and the second engaging portion 336 engage with a large difference in height in the forward / backward direction Y, which suppresses misalignment and looseness of the chain element 300 when they mesh and become one. 【0060】The rotation of the chain element 300 is restricted by the contact between the restricted surface 341 of the chain element 300 and the rotation-restricting surface 311 of the adjacent chain element 300 on the side of the chain element 300 in the direction of travel Y1. 【0061】 Furthermore, the boss engagement portion 342 of the chain element 300 engages with the second boss portion 326 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of travel Y1 and the first boss portion 322 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of reversal Y2, and the pin engagement portion 343 of the chain element 300 engages with the pin 203 that connects the chain elements 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of travel Y1 and the direction of reversal Y2. 【0062】 Subsequently, the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the reversing direction Y2 rotates and repeats the above operation, thereby completing the meshing of the chain element 300. At this time, the meshing portion 330 of the chain element 300 is compressed by the first pressing surface 331 and the second pressing surface 335 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of travel Y1 and the first pressing surface 331 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the reversing direction Y2. 【0063】 As a result, the meshing portions 330 of the chain elements 300 are compressed from both sides in the forward and backward direction Y, causing them to mesh more firmly in an elastically deformed state, thus suppressing play in the meshing chain elements 300. 【0064】The meshing operation of the meshing chain 200 is completed when the above meshing operation is performed sequentially between the chain elements 300 of the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202. At this time, the first pressing surface 331 and the second pressing surface 335 of each chain element 300 come into contact with the second pressing surface 335 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of travel Y1 and the first pressing surface 331 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of reversal Y2, forming a plane perpendicular to the direction of advancement Y. Therefore, for example, when a load is applied to the movable body 124 in the direction of reversal Y2, the load acts perpendicularly to the first pressing surface 331 which has an area of the first engaging portion 332 or more and the second pressing surface 335 which has an area of the second engaging portion 336 or more, thereby improving the compressive strength of the meshing chain 200 and suppressing misalignment and looseness of the chain elements 300. 【0065】 Furthermore, as shown in Figures 5 and 8, the first convex portion 333 and the first concave portion 334 of the first engaging portion 332, and the second convex portion 337 and the second concave portion 338 of the second engaging portion 336 are formed to have a small gap when engaged and engage facing each other, restricting the movement of the first chain member 201 and the second chain member 202 in the opposing direction X and the width direction Z. Therefore, misalignment and looseness of the chain element 300 when engaged can be suppressed. 【0066】 Furthermore, because the rotation-restricting surface 311 of each chain element 300 is in contact with the restricted surface 341 of the chain element 300 adjacent to that chain element 300, for example, when a load is applied to the movable body 124 in the direction of travel Y1 or the direction of reversal Y2, that load also acts on the rotation-restricting surface 311, thereby improving the tensile strength and compressive strength of the meshing chain 200. 【0067】 Although embodiments of this disclosure have been described in detail above, this disclosure is not limited to the above embodiments, and various design modifications can be made without departing from the disclosure as described in the claims. 【0068】In the embodiment described above, the rack portion 312 is formed on the side in the disengagement direction X2, but the embodiment is not limited to this. The rack portion 312 may be formed on the width direction Z side of the meshing portion 330, and may engage with the sprocket 132 from the width direction Z side and be driven in the forward and backward direction Y. 【0069】 Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when meshing, the first pressing surface 331 and the second pressing surface 335 of each chain element 300 come into contact with the second pressing surface 335 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of travel Y1 and the first pressing surface 331 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the chain element 300 in the direction of reversal Y2, and the first engaging portion 332 and the second engaging portion 336 are configured to engage facing each other with a small gap between them, but the embodiment is not limited to this configuration. When viewed from the width direction Z side, the maximum protrusion amount of the first convex shape portion 333 on the direction of travel Y1 side is formed to be greater than the maximum recess amount of the second concave shape portion 338 on the direction of travel Y1 side, and the maximum protrusion amount of the second convex shape portion 337 on the direction of retraction Y2 side is formed to be greater than the maximum recess amount of the first concave shape portion 334 on the direction of retraction Y2 side, so that when meshing, the first engaging portion 332 and the second engaging portion 336 of each chain element 300 come into contact with and engage with the second engaging portion 336 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the direction of travel Y1 side and the first engaging portion 332 of the chain element 300 adjacent to the direction of retraction Y2 side. 【0070】 Furthermore, the distance L between the pressing surfaces of the chain element 300 in the forward / backward direction Y is half the distance P between the pin holes in the forward / backward direction Y, and the maximum protrusion amount of the first convex portion 333 is greater than the maximum indentation amount of the second concave portion 338, and the maximum protrusion amount of the second convex portion 337 is greater than the maximum indentation amount of the first concave portion 334, so that when meshing, only the first engaging portion 332 and the second engaging portion 336 are compressed in the forward / backward direction Y. 【0071】 Furthermore, the shapes of the convex and concave portions are not limited to those of the embodiment. For example, they may consist of a simple pin-shaped projection and a hole into which the projection can be inserted, and any number of these convex and concave portions may be arranged at any position on the pressing surface. 【0072】Furthermore, the convex portion may be configured to be slightly elastically deformed in directions other than the forward and backward direction when the convex portion and the concave portion engage, ensuring secure engagement without any looseness. In the embodiments of this disclosure, the dimensions of the first convex portion 333, the first concave portion 334, the second convex portion 337, and the second concave portion 338 along the width direction Z were constant, but the invention is not limited to this embodiment. 【0073】 As shown in Figure 13, the first convex portion 333 may have a smaller dimension along the width direction Z as it protrudes in the direction of travel Y1. That is, the first convex portion 333 may have a tapered shape. Similarly, the first concave portion 334 may have a smaller dimension along the width direction Z as it retracts in the direction of retraction Y2. That is, the first concave portion 334 may have a tapered shape. 【0074】 As shown in Figure 14, the second convex portion 337 may have a smaller dimension along the width direction Z as it protrudes in the retraction direction Y2. In other words, the second convex portion 337 may have a tapered shape. Similarly, the second concave portion 338 may have a smaller dimension along the width direction Z as it retracts in the direction of travel Y1. In other words, the second concave portion 338 may have a tapered shape. 【0075】 In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first engaging portion 332 was formed in the center of the first pressing surface 331 in the width direction Z, but the invention is not limited to this configuration. The first engaging portion 332 may be formed at a location other than the center of the first pressing surface 331 in the width direction Z. Furthermore, the first engaging portion 332 is not limited to one, but may be two or more. 【0076】 As shown in Figure 15, the first engaging portion 332 may be formed at both ends in the width direction Z of the first pressing surface 331. Similarly, the second engaging portion 336 was formed in the center of the width direction Z of the second pressing surface 335, but is not limited to this configuration. The second engaging portion 336 may be formed at a location other than the center of the width direction Z of the second pressing surface 335. Furthermore, the second engaging portion 336 is not limited to one, but may be two or more. 【0077】As shown in Figure 16, the second engaging portion 336 may be formed at both ends in the width direction Z of the second pressing surface 335. As shown in Figure 17, the first engaging portion 332 is formed at both ends in the width direction Z of the first pressing surface 331, and the first convex portion 333 and the first concave portion 334 may be tapered, similar to Figure 13. 【0078】 As shown in Figure 18, the second engaging portion 336 is formed at both ends in the width direction Z of the second pressing surface 335, and the second convex portion 337 and the second concave portion 338 may be tapered, as in Figure 14. 【0079】 In the embodiments of this disclosure, the first engaging portion 332 was formed over the entire opposing direction X on the first pressing surface 331, but is not limited to this configuration. The first engaging portion 332 may be formed over a portion of the opposing direction X on the first pressing surface 331. Furthermore, the shape of the first engaging portion 332 is not limited to a curved shape, but may be straight, or a combination of curves and straight lines. Similarly, the second engaging portion 336 was formed over the entire opposing direction X on the second pressing surface 335, but is not limited to this configuration. The second engaging portion 336 may be formed over a portion of the opposing direction X on the second pressing surface 335. Furthermore, the shape of the second engaging portion 336 is not limited to a curved shape, but may be straight, or a combination of curves and straight lines. Note that "straight" means a shape in which multiple straight lines are combined when the first engaging portion 332 or the second engaging portion 336 is viewed along the width direction Z. 【0080】 As shown in Figure 19, the first engaging portion 332 may have a square pyramidal first convex portion 333 on the meshing direction X1 side of the first pressing surface 331. The first engaging portion 332 may have a square pyramidal first concave portion 334 on the disengagement direction X2 side of the first pressing surface 331. 【0081】As shown in Figure 20, the second engaging portion 336 may have a square pyramidal second convex portion 337 on the meshing direction X1 side of the second pressing surface 335. The second engaging portion 336 may have a square pyramidal second concave portion 338 on the disengagement direction X2 side of the second pressing surface 335. The square pyramidal shape may be a polygonal pyramidal shape other than a square, or a cone. It may also be a frustum of a polygon, or a frustum of a cone. 【0082】 As shown in Figure 21, the first convex portion 333 may be triangular prismatic in shape when viewed along the width direction Z. The surface on the meshing direction X1 side of the prismatic shape may be parallel to the restricted surface 341. The first convex portion 333 may or may not straddle both ends of the first pressing surface 331 in the width direction Z. Similarly, the first concave portion 334 may be triangular prismatic in shape when viewed along the width direction Z. The surface on the disengagement direction X2 side of the prismatic shape may be parallel to the rotation restricting surface 311. The first concave portion 334 may or may not straddle both ends of the first pressing surface 331 in the width direction Z. 【0083】 As shown in Figure 22, the second convex portion 337 may be triangular prism-shaped when viewed along the width direction Z. The surface on the meshing direction X1 side of the prism shape may be parallel to the restricted surface 341. The second convex portion 337 may or may not straddle both ends of the second pressing surface 335 in the width direction Z. Similarly, the second concave portion 338 may be triangular prism-shaped when viewed along the width direction Z. The surface on the disengagement direction X2 side of the prism shape may be parallel to the rotation restricting surface 311. The second concave portion 338 may or may not straddle both ends of the second pressing surface 335 in the width direction Z. The above triangular prism shape may be a polygonal prism shape other than a triangle. 【0084】100 ... Engaged chain unit 110 ... Chain housing section 111 ... First chain housing section 112 ... Second chain housing section 120 ... Chain guide mechanism 121 ... First chain guide groove 122 ... Second chain guide groove 123 ... Fixed guide 124 ... Movable body 130 ... Chain drive mechanism 131 ... Drive shaft 132 ... Sprocket 200 ... Engaged chain 201 ... First chain member 202 ... Second chain member 203 ... Pin 300 ... Chain element 310 ... Base section 311 ... Rotation restricting surface 312 ... Rack section 320 ... Connecting rotating section 321 ... First connecting rotating section 322 ... First boss section 323 ... Pin hole 324 ... Pin groove section 325 ... Second connecting rotating section 326...Second boss portion 327...Pin hole 330...Engaging portion 331...First pressing surface 332...First engaging portion 333...First convex portion 334...First concave portion 335...Second pressing surface 336...Second engaging portion 337...Second convex portion 338...Second concave portion 341...Restricted surface 342...Boss engaging portion 343...Pin engaging portion P...Distance between pin holes in the forward and backward direction L...Distance between pressing surfaces in the forward and backward direction X...Opposite direction X1...Engaging direction X2...Disengaging direction Y...Forward and backward direction Y1...Forward direction Y2...Reverse direction Z...Width direction
Claims
1. An interlocking chain having a pair of chain members that can move forward and backward, wherein the pair of chain members interlock and integrate with each other when moving in the direction of travel, and disengage and branch out from each other when moving in the direction of retreat from the integrated interlocked state, wherein each chain member comprises a plurality of chain elements that are rotatably connected, each chain element has a base portion having connecting rotational portions on both sides in the direction of advancement and retreat, and an interlocking portion provided on the base portion, the interlocking portion has a pressing surface formed on the side in the direction of advancement and retreat, and an engaging portion that constitutes a part of the pressing surface, the pair of chain members are arranged so that the pressing surfaces of the opposing interlocking portions are in contact and can interlock, and the engaging portions of the pair of chain members are formed to restrict the movement of the pair of chain members in the opposing direction when they are interlocked.
2. The interlocking chain according to claim 1, wherein the pressing surface has a plane perpendicular to the direction of movement of the chain member.
3. The engaging portion is formed on a part of the width direction of the pressing surface and extends over the entire opposing direction of the pair of chain members on the pressing surface, according to claim 1.
4. The engaging portion is composed of a convex portion that protrudes and a concave portion that retracts on the pressing surface, and the pair of chain members are configured so that when meshing, the convex portion and the concave portion of one chain element can engage with the concave portion and the convex portion of the other chain element that meshes from the opposite direction.
5. The meshing chain according to claim 1, wherein the meshing portion is configured such that when the pair of chain members mesh and become one, at least a portion of the pressing surface is compressed in the forward and backward direction.
6. The interlocking chain according to claim 1, wherein the area occupied by the engaging portion on the pressing surface, as viewed from the direction of advancement of the chain member, is 50% or less.
7. An meshing chain unit comprising: an meshing chain having a chain member that is driven to move forward and backward; a chain housing portion for housing the chain member; a chain guide mechanism for guiding the chain member and leading it out of the chain housing portion into an integrated meshing state; and a chain drive mechanism for driving the chain member forward and backward, wherein the meshing chain is composed of the meshing chain described in any one of claims 1 to 6.