GB2257221A

GB2257221A - Chain pin.

Info

Publication number: GB2257221A
Application number: GB9114372A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Chia Long Wu
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1991-07-03
Filing date: 1991-07-03
Publication date: 1993-01-06
Anticipated expiration: 2011-07-03
Also published as: GB2257221B; GB9114372D0

Abstract

A chain pin (1) is punched by a relatively small force at one or both of its ends to enlarge the end or ends to securely connect links. The or each end of the pin (5 or 1) is formed with a cavity (51 or 11), a rim (52 or 12) around the cavity (51 or 11), and a plurality of clefts (53 or 13) in the rim (52 or 12). <IMAGE>

Description

TITLE: CHAIN PIN The present invention relates to a chain pin.

A chain comprises plural links which are connected by pins. Conventionally, referring to FIG. 7, a chain pin includes identical sections along its length and two flat ends. Firstly, the pin is inserted through two adjacent links. Then, the pin is punched by a longitudinal force at both pin ends thereof, thereby enlarging both pin ends thereof. As a result, the pin is secured between the links, so that the links are connected.

A first problem of the conventional chain pin is that the longitudinal force might be too small to adequately enlarge the pin ends. Therefore, the links might slide out of their normal position, i.e., the links are not securely connected.

A second problem of the conventional chain pin is that the activity of the chain which functions as a part of a transmission system might be reduced. Referring to FIG. 8, if the longitudinal force is too large, the pin ends might crack. More seriously, it might cause the links to deform, thereby connecting the links too tightly, thus reducing activity of the chain.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a pin which can be punched by a relatively small force at its two ends to adequately enlarge the two ends to securely connect links.

This and additional objects, if not specifically set forth herein, will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art from the detailed description of embodiments below, with reference of the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a chain pin in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view, showing a chain pin co-operating with links before being punched in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 3 is a top view of a chain pin, showing an end thereof being partially punched in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 4 is a top view of a chain pin, showing an end thereof being fully punched in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view, showing a chain pin co-operating with links after being punched in accordance with the first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a chain pin in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention;; FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a chain pin according to prior art; and FIG. 8 is a top view of a chain pin after being punched according to prior art.

Referring to FIG. 1, a chain pin 1 in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention has a substantially cylindrical configuration. The chain pin 1 includes two ends each including a cavity 11, a rim 12 extending around the cavity 11, and plural clefts 13 arranged on the rim 12.

Referring to FIG. 2, a link includes a pair of inner chain plates 2, a collar 3, and a pair of outer chain plates 4. The chain pin 1 is inserted through the pair of outer chain plates 4 and the pair of inner chain plates 2. Each rim 12 protrudes from a corresponding outer chain plate 4.

Referring to FIG. 3, the chain pin 1 is punched at both ends, thereby retro-reflecting a portion of the rims 12, thus enlarging both pin ends. Therefore, the chain pin 1 is retained in a normal position.

Referring to FIG. 4, the chain pin.1 is punched at both ends, thereby fully retro-reflecting the rim 12, thus enlarging both pin ends. Therefore, the chain pin 1 is retained in a normal position.

Referring to FIG. 5, the rims 12 are punched flat, thus securely connecting the links. It is found that a smaller force is required to enlarge the pin ends of the chain pin 1 for securely connecting the links, as only the rims 12 are punched flat. As a result, there is no risk of breaking the chain pin 1, while adequately enlarging the pin ends of the chain pin 1 to securely connect the links.

Referring to FIG. 6, a chain pin 5 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention comprises an enlarged first end and a second end. The second end includes a cavity 51, a rim 52 around the cavity 51, and plural clefts 53 on the rim 52.

While the present invention has been explained in relation to its preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that various variations thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading this specification.

Therefore, the invention disclosed herein is intended to cover all such variations as shall fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. A chain pin comprising: a first end; and a second end including a cavity, a rim extending around said cavity, and a plurality of clefts on said rim.

2. A chain pin comprising: an enlarged first end; and a second end including a cavity, a rim extending around said cavity, and a plurality of clefts on said rim.

3. A chain pin comprising two ends each including a cavity, a rim extending around said cavity, and a plurality of clefts on said rim.

4. A chain pin substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to and as shown in the accompanying drawings.