JP2002054694A - Self-supporting chain and rectilinear operation device using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a self-supporting chain that can support a vertical or horizontal load by itself, and manufacture a vertical movement device such as an elevator and a table lift via a simple mechanism. SOLUTION: A pair of chain links 1 opposed at a fixed interval is an offset type comprising an inner link element 2 and an outer link element 3. A passive roller 5 is mounted between both inner link elements 2 on a pin coupling the ends of both inner link elements 2 together. Both outer link elements 3 have longitudinally extending elongate holes 8, in which the pin of adjacent chain links 1 is loosely fitted. A rodlike body is formed by a plurality of pairs of chain links 1 that are capable of inflection in an interspaced relation and incapable of inflection in a vertically or horizontally superposed relation.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a self-supporting chain capable of supporting a vertical or horizontal load by the chain itself, and to a linear actuator using the self-standing chain.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art All conventional chains can be bent like a string or a rope and transmit power in a tensioned state. Therefore, the chain itself cannot support vertical or horizontal loads and move vertically or horizontally.

[0003]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a self-supporting chain capable of supporting a vertical or horizontal load by the chain itself, and by using the self-standing chain, an elevator, a table lifter and the like are provided. And the like can be manufactured by a simple mechanism.

[0004]

That is, in the self-standing chain according to the present invention, a pair of chain links opposed to each other at regular intervals are formed in an offset type comprising an inner link piece and an outer link piece, respectively. Passive rollers are mounted between the inner link pieces of the pins connecting the ends of the inner link pieces, and the outer link pieces have elongated holes into which the pins of the adjacent chain links loosely fit. And the receiving recesses in which the inner link pieces of the adjacent chain links are engaged and held on the inner side wall of the outer link piece so as to surround the lower half of the long hole. A step formed at the lower end of the outer link piece is engaged with and supported by the upper end face of the outer link piece of the adjacent chain link, and a plurality of sets of the Chain Links can bend in a state of being separated from each other, and the chain links and forming a Oremagara not rod-shaped body in a state of overlapping each other vertically or horizontally.

It is desirable that both ends of the pin extend outward from the outer link piece, and guide rollers are attached to both ends of the pin.

The linear actuating device using the self-supporting chain according to the present invention is characterized in that a sprocket for driving the self-standing chain engages the passive roller with the tooth bottom with the adjacent chain links separated from each other, thereby providing power. The self-supporting chain has a tooth shape through which transmission is performed, and the self-standing chain is operated from horizontal to vertical on the sprocket, and the vertically operated chain links overlap each other to form a non-bending rod. The rod-shaped body is configured to support a vertical load and move up and down.

It is preferable that the linear actuator has a guide mechanism for preventing a load from a lateral direction from acting on the rod formed by overlapping the chain links that are operated in the vertical direction.

The self-standing chain according to the present invention is basically used for a linear actuator that supports a vertical load and moves up and down. However, the chain can be pushed and moved by receiving a horizontal load. It is. However, when pulling in the horizontal direction, the pulling force is transmitted after the adjacent chain links are separated from each other.

[0009]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIGS. 1 and 2 show a single-piece chain of a self-supporting chain according to the present invention. A pair of chain links 1 and 1 facing each other at regular intervals are each formed as an offset type consisting of an inner link piece 2 and an outer link piece 3. The pin 4 connecting the inner link pieces 2 extends outwardly through the ends of the inner link pieces 2, and the passive roller 5 rotates on the pin 4 between the inner link pieces 2. The inner link pieces 2, 2 are maintained at a fixed interval by the passive roller 5. The lower ends of the inner link pieces 2 and 2 are formed in a semicircular shape substantially equal to the radius of the passive roller 5. Further, guide rollers 6 and 6 are attached to both ends of the pin 4 extending to both outer sides. The guide rollers 6 and 6 are attached to both ends of the pin 4 after fitting the outer link pieces 3 and 3 of the adjacent chain links 1 and 3 to the pin 4 and connecting them as described later. .

The two outer link pieces 3 and 3 are the inner link pieces 2 and 2
Are formed integrally with the walls 7 and 7 and are provided offset to the outside thereof. The pins 4 of the adjacent chain links 1 and 1 are slidably and loosely fitted. Long holes 8, 8 are provided. The long holes 8, 8 extend in the longitudinal direction. Receiving recesses 9, 9 in which the inner link pieces 2, 2 of the adjacent chain links 1, 1 engage and are kept in close contact with the walls 7, 7, are located below the inside of the slots 8, 8. It is provided to surround half. Also, the outer link pieces 3, 3
Steps 10, 10 formed at the lower end of the upper surface 11, 11
And upper end surfaces 11, 1 of both outer link pieces 3, 3 of adjacent chain links 1, 1.
The structure is such that the two step portions 10 are engaged with and supported by 1 (see FIGS. 3 and 4). Further, the outer link pieces 3, 3 are connected to each other by a connecting plate 12, and are maintained at a constant interval.

FIGS. 3 to 5 show a self-contained chain 1 constructed by connecting chains having the above-described structure.
5 shows a linear actuating device 30 according to the invention, using the device 5 of FIG.

The self-contained chain 15 has a state in which both inner link pieces 2, 2 of each chain are engaged with receiving recesses 9, 9 of both outer link pieces 3, 3 of the adjacent chain link 1, 1. A pin 4 for connecting the inner link pieces 2 and 2 passes through the elongated holes 8 and 8 of the outer link pieces 3 and 3 and guide rollers 6 and 6 are attached to projecting portions at both ends, and the adjacent chain unit is 4 to each other. Then, in a state where the chain links 1, 1 of the adjacent chains alone can be bent in a state where they are separated from each other, and the chain links 1, 1 of the adjacent chains alone are closely overlapped with each other in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. It forms a bar that does not bend.

The sprocket 20 for transmitting power to the free-standing chain 15 has a tooth profile 21 as shown in FIG. 3, and has a smooth curved surface from a tooth bottom 22 to which the passive roller 5 of each chain engages to a tooth tip 23. It is formed with. As shown in FIG. 5, the rotating shaft 24 of the sprocket 20 has bearings 25,
The sprocket 20 is rotatably supported by a casing 26 via an interlock 25 and is connected to a rotation driving device (not shown) to rotate the sprocket 20 in the forward and reverse directions. As shown in FIG. 3, the self-standing chain 15 hung on the sprocket 20 is turned 90 degrees from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction, is moved up and down, and is located at the forefront end of the self-standing chain 15 extending in the vertical direction. A support plate 16 that receives a load is attached to the upper end surfaces 11 of the single body.

The horizontally arranged portion of the free-standing chain 15 hung on the sprocket 20 does not serve to receive the load, and the chain links 1, 1 of the adjacent chains alone can be bent apart from each other. In this state, the passive roller 5 engages with the tooth bottom 22 of the tooth profile 21 to transmit power, and the direction is changed from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction.
In the process of turning from the horizontal direction to the vertical direction, the chain links 1, 1 of each adjacent chain unit gradually approach, and when turning in the vertical direction, the chain link 1, 1 of the adjacent chain unit becomes The rods 15A are in close contact with each other and do not bend. The vertical load can be supported by the support plate 16 at the upper end of the rod 15A and vertically moved.

The rod 15A formed by the self-standing chain 15 is a mechanism for receiving a load in the vertical direction, and cannot receive an external force from the lateral direction. It is desirable to have a guide mechanism that prevents external forces from acting.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show an embodiment in which the above-described linear actuator 30 according to the present invention is applied to a driving device of a table lifter 31. FIG.

The lifting table 33 arranged in parallel to the base 32 uses two sets of links 34 and 35 having the same length and connected by pins 36 at the intersections of the center part.
Are supported so as to be able to move up and down in parallel. Link 3
One end of each of the rollers 4 and 35 is pivotally connected to the base 32 and the lifting table 33 via pivot pins 37 and 38, respectively, and rollers 39 and 40 pivotally connected to the other ends are fixed to the base 32 and the lifting table 33, respectively. The guide rails 41 and 42 are slidably connected along guide grooves 41a and 42a.

The linear actuator 30 is installed on a base 32,
The support plate 16 of the self-standing chain 15 is fixed to the lower surface of the lifting table 33. In addition, the rotating shaft 24 is interlocked and connected to a rotating drive device 43 mounted on the base 32 so that the rotating shaft 24 can be rotated forward and backward. In the figure, reference numeral 44 denotes a guide rail for guiding and supporting a portion of the free-standing chain 15 extending in the horizontal direction, and is fixed to the base 32.

The sprocket 20 is driven by the rotary drive 43.
Is rotated forward and reverse, and the sprocket 20 expands and contracts the non-bending rod 15A formed by the individual chains of the self-standing chain 15 moved in the vertical direction overlapping each other in close contact with each other.
Moves up and down between a rising position shown by a solid line in FIG. 6 and a lowering position shown by a virtual line. At this time, since the lifting table 33 is supported on the base 32 via the parallel link mechanisms 34 to 42, no load is applied to the bar 15A of the self-standing chain 15 from the lateral direction.

FIGS. 8 to 11 show an embodiment in which four linear actuators 30 are used as the elevating means of the elevating stage 50. FIG. As shown in FIG. 9, the four linear actuators 30 are installed at four lower corners of the lifting stage 50, and support the lifting stage 50 with four support plates 16. Further, guide rails 44 for guiding and supporting the horizontally extending portions of the free-standing chains 15 of the linear actuators 30 are arranged in parallel. Rotary axis 2 of each linear actuator 30
Reference numeral 4 denotes a bevel gear box 52, intermediate transmission shafts 53, 53, and the intermediate transmission shafts 53, 5 driven by one electric motor 51.
3 are rotatively rotated by worm reducers 54, 54 interlocked and four transmission shafts 55 interlocked with the output shafts of the worm reduction gears 54, 54. Guides 56 are provided at the four bottom corners of the lifting stage 50. Each guide 56 is vertically guided and supported along a column 57 erected at each of the four corners to prevent a lateral load from acting on the lifting stage 50.

Sprockets 2 of four linear actuators 30
0 is synchronously rotated forward and reverse, and the sprocket 20 expands and contracts a non-bending rod 15A formed by the individual chains of the self-standing chain 15 that have been moved in the vertical direction overlapping each other in close contact with each other. Stage 50
Moves up and down between a rising position indicated by a solid line in FIG. 8 and a descending position indicated by a virtual line. At this time, since the four corners of the elevating stage 50 are supported by the columns 57 via the guides 56, no load is applied to the bar 15A of the self-standing chain 15 from the lateral direction.

[0023]

As described above, in the self-standing chain according to the present invention, since the chain links overlap each other in the vertical or horizontal direction to form a bar that does not bend, the chain itself can be used in the vertical or horizontal direction. Load can be supported. Therefore, if the self-standing chain of the present invention is used, a linear actuator as a driving means for an elevator / table lifter or the like can be manufactured.

Further, the linear actuator of the invention according to claims 3 to 5 using the self-standing chain of the present invention can arbitrarily adjust the stroke as compared with a cylinder device or a screw jack used in a conventional linear actuator. It has the great advantage that it can be changed. Moreover, the structure is simple.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a single chain of a self-supporting chain according to the present invention as viewed from above.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the single chain of the self-supporting chain according to the present invention as viewed from below.

FIG. 3 is a partial longitudinal front view of a main part of a linear actuator using the self-standing chain of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a partially longitudinal side view of the same.

FIG. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 in FIG. 3;

FIG. 6 is a front view of a table lifter using a linear actuator according to the present invention as a driving means.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the same.

FIG. 8 is a front view showing an ascending position of a lifting stage device using the linear actuator according to the present invention as a driving means.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of the linear actuator.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing a lowered position of the lift stage device.

FIG. 11 is a side view showing a lowered position of the lift stage device.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Chain link 2 Inner link piece 3 Outer link piece 4 Pin 5 Passive roller 6 Guide roller 7 Wall 8 Elongated hole 9 Reception concave part 10 Step part 11 Upper end face 15 Free-standing chain 15A Rod 20 Sprocket 21 Tooth shape 22 Root 23 Tooth Point 24 Rotary axis 30 Linear actuator 31 Table lifter 43 Rotary drive 50 Elevating stage

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A pair of chain links facing each other at regular intervals, each of which is formed as an offset type including an inner link piece and an outer link piece, and wherein both of the pins connecting the ends of the inner link pieces are formed. A passive roller is mounted between the inner link pieces, and the outer link pieces are provided with elongated holes in which the pins of the adjacent chain links are loosely fitted and extend in the longitudinal direction. A receiving recess in which the inner link piece of the adjacent chain link is engaged and held is provided on the inner side wall of the link piece so as to surround a lower half of the long hole, and a lower end of the outer link piece is further provided. Is formed so as to be engaged with and supported by the upper end surface of the outer link piece of the adjacent chain link, and that a plurality of sets of the chain links can be bent in a state of being separated from each other, and A self-standing chain, wherein the chain links overlap each other in a vertical or horizontal direction to form a bar that does not bend. 2. The self-supporting chain according to claim 1, wherein both ends of the pin extend outward from the outer link piece, and guide rollers are attached to both ends of the pin. 3. A pair of chain links facing each other at regular intervals are formed in an offset type comprising an inner link piece and an outer link piece, and the two inner link pieces are connected to each other by a pair of pins. A passive roller is attached between the link pieces, and the two outer link pieces are provided with elongated holes in which the pins of the adjacent chain links loosely extend in the longitudinal direction. On the inner wall of the piece, a receiving recess in which the inner link piece of the adjacent chain link is engaged and held is provided so as to surround the lower half of the long hole, and further, at the lower end of the outer link piece. The formed step portion is adapted to be engaged with and supported by the upper end surface of the outer link piece of the adjacent chain link, and a plurality of sets of the chain links can be bent in a state of being separated from each other, and A sprocket for driving a self-supporting chain, wherein the chain links form a bar that does not bend in a state where the chain links overlap with each other in the vertical direction or the horizontal direction. The self-supporting chain has a tooth profile in which power is transmitted by engaging a passive roller with a tooth bottom, and the self-standing chain is operated from a horizontal direction to a vertical direction on the sprocket. A linear actuator using a self-supporting chain configured to form a bar that does not bend by being overlapped with each other, to support a vertical load by the bar, and to move up and down. 4. The self-supporting chain according to claim 3, further comprising a guide mechanism for preventing a lateral load from acting on the rod-shaped body formed by overlapping the chain links that are operated in the vertical direction. The linear actuator used. 5. The self-contained chain and a plurality of sprockets for driving the self-contained chain are arranged in parallel, and the plurality of sprockets are configured to rotate synchronously.
Or a linear actuator using the self-supporting chain according to 4.