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.
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
Assembly and maintenance accessories for drive chain.
Chain peripheral products that meets the needs of chain maintenance.
Chain tensioners for adjusting chain slack, cutting/connecting tools, end fixtures, automatic lubricators and chain wear measurement scales are available.
For information on how to use the equipment, click here to see the videos on maintenance/handling page.
Adjust slackness in the chain to enable continuous and proper chain operation.
- ・Excessive chain sag can cause vibration and excessive noise, and prevent the chain from properly engaging the sprocket, which prevents the chain from operating smoothly.
- ・To eliminate the chain slackness, we provide four types of chain tensioners: TH type, TCS type, ETS type and TA type.
Model No.
CT-TCS40～CT-TCS80
CT-ETS40～CT-ETS80
CT-TA40～CT-TA80
CT-TH1～CT-TH2
Several tools for cutting chain to the desired length.
- ・Chain cradles ・Chain vises
- ・Punch (Primary Punch )
- ・Punch (Secondary Punch )
- ・Chain Breaker
- ・Poly Steel Chain Cutting Tools
- ・Lambda chain cutting tools
Model No.
RS-CR1～RS-CR3
RS-CV1～RS-CV3
RS-P11～RS-P16
RS-P21～RS-P26
RS-CS-A1～RS-CS-A4
RS-CS-B3
RS-CS-C1～RS-CS-C3
RS-LMD01-AST～
RS-LMD08-AST
Tools to pull the two ends of a chain together when installing it on a machine.
- ・Provide Chain Pullers to pull the two ends of a chain together when installing it on a machine.
Model No.
RS-CP01～RS-CP03
The end fitting bolts and the special connecting links for lifting/hanging equipments, etc.
- ・Available for RS Roller Chain and Super Chain.
- ・Strength when the end fitting bolt and the special connecting link are connected is the same as the main chain.
- ・Create reliable hanging equipment.
- ・Connected to a chain with the appropriate clearance, they fully demonstrate RS Roller Chain's capabilities.
Model No.
RS40EB～RS120EB
Automatic lubrication by means of a gas generator.
- ・Eliminate manual lube. Reduced maintenance time
- ・High safety and reliability
- ・Usable in explosion-proof applications
- ・Easily set the service life between 1 to 12 months
- ・Compact and can be installed in any direction.
- ・Certified IP68 as dust and waterproof
Model No.
SFM68
SFM-ST2034
SFM-ST2010
Allows quick checks of chain pitch elongation limits.
- ・Use to check the amount of wear to determine when chain replacement is necessary.
- Applicable chains are as follows.
- Roller chain ：RS40～RS240
BS Roller Chain ：RS08B～RS40B
Leaf chain (AL・BL)：#4～#16
Small size conveyor chain ：RF2040～RF2120
Model No.
RS-CES
