Product Info Drive chain
Drive chains are also called roller chains.
A mechanical element that transmits power from a motor or other source of power as tension to a driven shaft via a gear-like rotating element called a sprocket.
It consists of 5 parts: inner plate, outer plate, pin, bush and roller, and is generally used in low-speed, high-load power transmission and lifting drives.
Features include: large reduction ratio, high flexibility in the distance between shafts, both sides can be used for multi-axis shaft transmission, etc., and can be used in a variety of situations thanks to its long service life, high strength and corrosion-resistant series.
Contents
Drive chain Related information
Features of roller chain transmission
- ・Large reduction ratio (Usually up to 1:7 )
- ・Chains can be used with long shaft center distances (normally up to 4m). By changing the number of links, it is possible to freely adjust the shaft center distance.
- ・The chain can be used on both sides and drive multiple shafts at the same time.
- ・Easy installation and replacement. (Easy to cut and connect chains )
- ・If the distance between shafts is short and the chain is guided, it can be driven vertically.
- ・The sprocket diameter of a chain drive could be smaller than a belt sprocket while transmitting the same torque.
- ・Transmitting power by meshing many teeth results in less wear of sprocket teeth than gears.
- ・Chain drives have greater shock absorption than gear drives.
Construction
■Basic 3 dimensions of chain
The pitch, roller diameter, and inner width of the inner link are considered the basic three dimensions of a roller chain. When these dimensions are identical, a roller chain and sprocket are dimensionally compatible.
※1 Slip fit
When the shafts (pins and bushes) and holes are fitted together, there is always a loose fit.
This is a fit where the range of hole tolerance is larger than the range of shaft (pin or bushing) tolerance.
※2 Press fit
When the shafts (pins and bushes) and holes are fitted together, there is always an interference fit.
This is a fit where the range of hole tolerance is smaller than the range of shaft (pin or bush) tolerance.
See more about components and their roles
Plate
The plate bears the tension acting on the roller chain during transmission . Usually this is a repetitive load, but sometimes it is accompanied by shock. Therefore, the plate must have not only great static tensile strength, but also must be dynamically
Pin
The pin is subject to shearing and bending forces through the plate. At the same time, it configures a bearing part, together with the bush, when the roller chain articulates and engages the sprocket. Therefore, the pin needs high shear/bending strength
Bush
The bush is subject to complex forces via all parts, especially from the repetition of shock loads when the chain engages the sprocket. Therefore, the bush needs extremely high shock fatigue strength. In addition, the bush acts as a bearing coupled with
Roller
The roller is subject to a repeated shock load as it strikes the sprocket teeth during roller chain engagement with the sprocket. After engagement, the equilibrium position of the roller-sprocket engagement changes according to the tension . It is held b
Inner link
The two bushes are press fitted into two inner plates, and rollers are inserted to allow rotation around the outside of the bush. This is the same for single-strand and multi-strand chain.
Outer link and middle plate
The outer link consists of two pins that have been press fitted into two outer plates. For multistrand roller chain, a middle plate is added to the outer link. Slip fitting is used for the middle plate of standard RS Roller Chain (*1) and press fitting f
See more about connecting parts
Roller Chains are usually made up of a number of connected links in an endless formation, or used by fixing the chain ends, but connecting links are necessary (dedicated connecting links for hanging applications). Although offset links can be used when t
Connecting link
[Click to enlarge ]
| Chain type | Connecting link type | Pin-connecting plate fitting | Connecting plate fastening | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS roller chain | M-type connecting link Code: JL |
Slip fit (M) |
Spring clip Cotter pin Spring pin |
For multistrand connecting links, assemble on the outermost RC-processed (Note 3) connecting plate. The operating speed is indicated by the white areas in the kW ratings table. |
| F-type connecting link Code: FJL |
Press fit (F) |
Spring clip Cotter pin Spring pin T-pin |
Always use in specified applications and within the speed range colored in the kW ratings table. If a F-type connecting link is needed, make sure to specify that when ordering. |
|
| Lambda chain | M-type connecting link Code: JL |
Slip fit (M) |
Spring clip Cotter pin |
Can be used in all areas of the kW ratings table for Lambda Chain. Connecting plates are RC processed. |
| Super chain | M-type connecting link Code: MJL |
Slip fit (M) |
Spring pin | Connecting plates are RC-processed. |
| F-type connecting link Code: FJL |
Press fit (F) |
Spring pin | Use in extreme conditions such as large shocks, very large loads, and possible side forces. | |
| Super-H chain Ultra Super chain |
F-type connecting link Code: JL |
Press fit (F) |
Spring pin | Use connecting links exclusively for each chain. |
| RS-HT chain | M-type connecting link Code: MJL |
Slip fit (M) |
Cotter pin Spring pin |
Connecting plates are RC-processed. Use connecting links exclusively for Heavy Duty Chain |
| F-type connecting link Code: JL |
Press fit (F) |
Cotter pin Spring pin |
Use connecting links exclusively for Heavy Duty Chain | |
| Other roller chains in catalog | M-type connecting link Code: JL |
Slip fit (M) |
Cotter pin Spring clip Spring pin T-pin Z-pin |
See the dimensional drawings for each chain. Only NP, NEP, SNS chains use RC-processed connecting plates. |
| Note) | |
| 1. | The connecting plate fastening methods for each chain size are shown in the dimension tables and table notes. |
| 2. | Only F-type connecting plates for RS Roller Chain and RS-HT Roller Chain marked with * have black appearance. |
| 3. | Ring Coin (RC) Processing: This Tsubaki original processing adds an area of plastic deformation around pin holes to generate residual stress around the holes. Even with slip fitting, there is no reduction in strength and can be used with the same stre |
Ring coin processing
Offset link
[Click to enlarge ]
| Note) | |
| 1. | Refer to the dimensional tables for roller chain types and sizes applicable for offset links. |
| 2. | The kW ratings and maximum allowable tension of offset links can be reduced compared to the chain itself. |
Drive Chain Product Line-up
- General use drive chain
- Lube-free drive chain
- Heavy duty drive chain
- Environment resistant drive chain
- Miniature drive chain
(Extra-small roller chain ) - Specialty chain
- Drive chain accessories
Drive chain for other special applications
Chain for special applications used for lifting applications, curved drives and pin gear drives.
Leaf chain
Model No. AL, BL～
Chain consisting of just plates and pins.
- ・Also called balance chain. JIS standard compliant.
- ・This chain is mainly used for lifting, counterweights, and motion drives.
- ・Comes in two types: AL Series for light loads, and BL Series for heavy loads. Their dimensions and link plate formations are different.
- ・Special clevises and sheaves are required when using Leaf Chain.
Size
AL422～AL1666
BL423～BL1646
RS curved chain
Model No. RS□□-CU～
RS Roller Chain for large lateral bending.
- ・Roller chain with a unique pin-bush construction and wider clearance between plates for large lateral bending.
- ・Can use RS Sprockets for easy curved power transmission.
- ・Perfect for curved conveyors and curved conveyor drives.
(※Requires a guide along the curve. )
Size
RS40～RS80
Pin gear attachment chain
Model No. RS□□-1LK1,SK1,WK2
This chain is for a pinion gear drive.
- ・Uses an attachment chain and special sprocket instead of a rack and pinion gear.
- ・Wrap the chain around the inner/outer circumference of a drum and bolt the attachments to install, or install linearly.
- ・Use a heat treated bolt for attachment.
- ・Requires a special sprocket.
Size
RS40-K1～RF400-T-K1
RS40-SK1～RS240-SK1
RS40-WK2～RS100-WK2
RS200-WK2, RS240-WK2
