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
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.
Chain tensioner
Model No. CT-TCS,ETS,TA～
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
Chain cutting tools
chain cradle, chain vice, punch, and chain screw
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
Chain connecting tool
Chain Puller
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
End fixtures
Model No. RS□□EB, RS□□EB-JL
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
Roller chain automatic lubricator
Model No. SFM～
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
Chain wear measurement scale
Model No. RS－CES
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
