GB339108A - Improvements relating to motion-transmitting devices - Google Patents

Abstract

339,108. Renold, Ltd., H., and Renshaw, A. Nov. 29, 1929. Driving and like chains with separate joint pins.-In a device wherein a jointed chain comprising link-plates and jointing studs is carried in a longitudinally rigid, bendable guide tube and is capable of transmitting push or pull movements, the jointing studs carry friction reducing rollers which alone contact with the guide tube. In some forms the chain is flexible in more than one plane. As shown in Fig. 8 the chain is supported by rollers which have part-spherical surfaces and the inner diameter of the guide tube 28 is slightly greater than the roller diameter. The chain is secured at each end to rods 14 which transmit the motion over straight spans and have slotted ends to receive the end inner link-plates of the chain. The tube is bent in two directions at right angles and the chain comprises two lengths, with jointing studs at right angles, connected by a swivel jointing member sliding in a straight part of the tube intermediate its bends. This jointing member comprises two cylindrical parts 24, 25 connected by a central axial bolt screwed tightly against a shoulder on member 24 to allow free relative rotary movement between the parts whereby the joint can adjust itself to any angle. In the form shown in Fig. 2, the links of the jointed sections remain in the same plane and they are connected by a member comprising parts 20, 21 connected within the end link-plates, inner or outer, of each section and united by a transverse pin 22. A form of chain shown in Fig. 12 is bendable in all planes and comprises links carrying alternate pairs of rollers joined with their axes at rightangles by members 36 formed by bending fourarmed sheet metal blanks or by machining from the solid. For assembly purposes the casing shown in Fig. 8 is parted at 31. In one form the bends of the casing are split longitudinally and comprise separate lugged castings joined by screws. The ends are internally threaded for connection to the straight parts of the tube. The chain shown in Fig. 12 can be threaded into position. Specification 321,284 is referred to. According to the second Provisional Specification a ball and socket joint may replace the swivel joint shown in Fig. 8.