JP3105419B2 - Seal chain device - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a seal chain device used for power transmission of a motorcycle or the like or transport of a conveyor or the like, and more particularly, to the structure of a seal portion of the seal chain device.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Generally, as shown in FIG. 23, a seal chain is formed between an outer link plate 1 and an inner link plate 2 so as to retain lubricating oil sealed between a pin 3 and a bush 4. The seal member (O-ring) 17 is sandwiched.

[0003]

However, when an O-ring seal member is applied to a large roller chain, a conveyor chain, or the like, such a large chain has a low dimensional accuracy of each part and a large manufacturing error. As shown in FIG. 23 (a), it is difficult to set the squeeze allowance of the seal member to a neutral state, and the following problem occurs. That is, the sealing member 17 is moved to the position shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 2, when the seal member 17 is excessively crushed, the seal member 17 having a high friction coefficient acts like a brake between the outer link plate 1 and the inner link plate 2 to hinder smooth bending of both links. In addition to the rigidity of the chain, the energy loss is increased and the transmission efficiency is reduced.
7 also has a shorter life. Further, as shown in FIG. 23 (c), when the crushing margin of the seal member 17 is completely eliminated, the sealing function of the seal member 17 between the outer link plate 1 and the inner link plate 2 is impaired, and Oil leakage occurs.

Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a seal chain device which can always follow the movement of a link without hindering smooth bending of the link due to friction, and has excellent durability. Things.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and the invention according to claim 1 is, for example, as shown in FIGS. And an outer link plate (1) and an inner link plate (2) connected via a pin (3), and a first formed between the outer link plate (1) and the inner link plate (2). First seal mechanism (10A) in gap (6)
In the seal chain device (9), the first seal mechanism (10A) is provided with a ring-shaped seal plate (62, 63, 6) made of a low friction material.
4, 65, 66, 67) and a ring-shaped sealing member (72, 73, 74, 75, 75 ') made of an elastic body, wherein the sealing plate is formed in a ring-shaped sealing material holding groove. (62s-65s), and the sealing material has at least a pair of lip portions (72b, 73b, 73c, 74).
b, 75b, 75b ') and flat surfaces (72a, 73a, 74a, 75a,
75a ′), the sealing material is arranged in the sealing material holding groove such that the lip portion comes into contact with the first sealing mechanism, and the sealing plate is press-fitted into the bush and A sealing material is arranged so that the flat surface is in contact with the outer link plate.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the seal chain device (9) according to the first aspect, a roller (5) rotatably supported by the bush (4) is provided, and the inner link plate is provided. A second seal mechanism (10B) is disposed in a second gap (7) formed between (2) and the roller, and the second seal mechanism is made of a low-friction material provided in an annular shape. Seal plate (82, 83, 84, 8)
5) and an annular sealing material (72, 73, 7) made of an elastic body.
4, 75, 75 ′), the seal plate has a seal material holding groove (62s to 65s) formed in a ring shape, and the seal material has at least a pair of lip portions (72).
b, 73b, 73c, 74b, 75b, 75b ′), and the sealing material is arranged in the sealing holding groove so that the lip portion comes into contact with the sealing member. The seal member is press-fitted to the roller, and the sealant is arranged so that the opposite side of the lip portion contacts the inner link plate.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the seal chain device (9) according to the first or second aspect, for example, as shown in FIGS.
2s, 82s) have a V-shaped cross section, and the sealing material (7
2) is a V facing the sealing material holding groove (62s, 82s).
It is characterized by having a pair of lip portions (72b, 72b) facing outward with respect to each other so as to form a letter shape.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the seal chain device (9) according to the first or second aspect, for example, as shown in FIGS. (73s) large lip portions (73s) facing each other
b) and a small lip portion (73c).

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the seal chain device (9) according to the first or second aspect, for example, as shown in FIGS. 10, 11, and 12, the sealing material holding groove (64s, 84s) has a V-shaped cross section, and the sealing material (74) is provided at the bottom of the sealing material holding groove (64s, 84s) with a pair of large lip portions (7) arranged with the groove (74s) interposed therebetween.
4b, 74b) and a pair of small lip portions (74c, 74c) disposed on the inside and outside of the large lip portion (74b, 74b) with the groove (74s, 74s) interposed therebetween. Features.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the seal chain device (9) according to the first aspect, for example, FIG.
3, As shown in FIGS. 14 and 15, the sealing material holding groove (65s, 85s) has a semicircular cross section, and the sealing material (75, 75) is closer to the sealing material holding groove (65s, 85s). It is characterized by having a pair of lip portions (75b, 75b ') facing each other so as to draw an arc having a small radius of curvature.

[0011]

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the seal chain device (9) according to the first or second aspect, as shown in, for example, FIGS.
7) has a pair of lip portions (77b, 77b) facing each other.
b) is characterized by being formed in two rows so as to be arranged concentrically.

Note that the numbers in parentheses indicate the corresponding elements in the drawings for the sake of convenience, and therefore, the present description is not limited to the description on the drawings. The same applies to the following operation columns.

[0014]

According to the above construction, the invention according to claim 1 is
Sealing materials (72, 73, 74, 7) during the chain bending operation
5, 75 ') are seal plates (62, 63, 64, 6).
5, 66, 67), (62, 82), (63, 83),
(64, 84), slides smoothly with little frictional resistance, thereby maintaining the sealing material in close contact with the outer link plate (1). At this time, the sealing material has a flat surface (7).
2a, 73a, 74a, 75a) are in contact with the outer link plate (1), and the large contact area prevents the sealing material from rotating together with the outer link plate, thereby maintaining the sealing property and the lip portion thereof. (72b, 73b, 73
c, 74b, 75b, and 75b ') are in contact with the sealant holding grooves (62s to 65s) of the seal plate, and utilize the fact that the seal plate is made of a low-friction material and the lubricity of the oils and fats stored in the holding grooves. As a result, the seal member smoothly slides relative to the seal plate, and the performance of the seal member can be maintained for a long time.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, the second gap (7) between the roller (5) and the inner link plate (2) is also provided with a second seal mechanism comprising a seal plate and a sealing material. By disposing (10b), the sealed state between the roller and the inner link plate can be maintained without hindering the rotation of the roller.

Further, according to a third aspect of the present invention, when the width of the first and second gaps (6) and (7) is increased or decreased due to the lateral swing of the chain, the sealing material (72) is provided with a lip portion. (72
b, 72b), the sealant holding groove (62s,
82s), the flat surface (72a) is kept connected to the outer link plate (1) or the inner link plate (2).

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the small lip portion (73c) is quickly deformed for a small movement of the chain, and the large lip portion (73) for a further large movement.
b) is also greatly deformed and follows.

Further, according to the present invention, a pair of large lip portions (74b, 74b) and small lip portions (74c, 74b) are provided.
The flat surface (74a) becomes wider by the amount of the arrangement of c), and as a result, the adhesion between the sealing material (74) and the outer link plate (1) or the inner link plate (2) increases.

Further, the invention according to claim 6 provides a sealing material (7
Even if 5) is displaced with respect to the sealing material holding groove (65s, 85s), the radius of curvature of the lip portion (75b) is smaller than the sealing material holding groove (65s, 85s). The sliding resistance with the seal plates (65, 85) does not greatly change.

[0020]

Further, according to the present invention, the sealing material (7
Four lip portions (77b, 77b, 77) are used as portions that slide with the seal plates (67, 87) in 7).
b, 77b) are arranged side by side, and the durability is improved accordingly.

Note that the reference numerals in parentheses are for comparison with the drawings, but do not limit the configuration of the present invention.

[0023]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

The seal chain device 9 applicable to the present invention
As shown in FIG. 22, the inner link plate 2, a bush 4 projecting partly outward from the inner link plate 2 and being press-fitted and fixed, and a roller 5 rotatably fitted into the bush 4 And a pin link 12 comprising an outer link plate 1 and a pin 3 fixed to the outer link plate 1 by crimping. The pin 3 of the pin link 12 is fitted to the bush 4 of the roller link 11. And is endlessly configured. Therefore, the outer link plate 1 and the inner link plate 2 are connected to each other via the pin 3 and the bush 4.

Outer link plate 1 and inner link plate 2
A first gap 6 to be sealed is formed between the inner link plate 2 and the roller 5, and a second gap 7 to be sealed is formed between the inner link plate 2 and the roller 5. The mechanism 10A is sandwiched between the outer and inner link plates 1 and 2, and the second gap 7 has a seal mechanism 10A.
B are provided so as to be sandwiched between the inner link plate 2 and the roller 5. As shown in FIG. 1, the seal chain device 9 has an oil / fat filling space 13 between the pin 3 and the bush 4 and between the bush 4 and the roller 5, which can be filled with oil or grease such as grease. Seal mechanism 10
In a form sealed by A and 10B, it is provided so as to communicate with the greasing port 3a through a cavity 3b provided in the pin 3.

As shown in FIG. 2 (a), the seal mechanism 10A is a resin or composite material press-fitted into the seal plate 61 having a low coefficient of friction and press-fitted therein so as to annularly surround the outside of the protrusion 4a of the bush 4. FIG. 2A of the seal plate 61.
And a ring-shaped sealing member 71 made of an elastic body and fitted in a groove 61s formed in a ring shape in a cross-sectional shape quadrangular on the upper surface portion of. On the other hand, the sealing mechanism 10B
At both ends (FIG. 1) of the roller 5, a seal plate 81 made of the same material as the seal plate 61 is press-fitted into the roller 5 so as to surround the bush 4 in a ring shape, and the seal plate 81 has the same shape as the groove 61s. The sealing member 71 of the sealing mechanism 10B is made of a sealing member 71 fitted in the groove 81s formed in a shape.
Since the members are the same as those shown in FIG. 1, 2, 3, 16, 1
7, FIG. 18 does not have all the components defined in the claims, but will be described as an embodiment for convenience of explanation.

As shown in FIG. 2B, the sealing material 71
The groove 61s (or 81) of the seal plate 61 (or 81)
s), a pair of lip portions 71a, 7 each having a substantially circular cross-sectional shape with a slightly protruding upper portion from the lower portion of the entire cross-section, and forming a groove 71s having a circular cross-section at the lower portion of the entire cross-section.
1a, and the tip of each lip portion 71a is formed to be slightly rounded. In addition, the sealing material 71
By being sandwiched between the outer (or inner) link plate 1 (or 2) and the seal plate 61 (or 81), a compression force is urged in the direction of the arrow shown in FIG. Therefore, the sealing member 71 in the no-load state has a cross-sectional shape slightly enlarged in the vertical direction in FIG.

According to the above configuration, when bending occurs between the outer link plate 1 and the inner link plate 2 when the seal chain device 9 is used, the seal mechanism 10A follows the inner link plate 2 and is displaced relative to the outer link plate 1. It takes shape. (At this time, the seal mechanism 10B follows the roller 5 and is relatively displaced with respect to the inner link plate 2.)
The sealing material 71 smoothly slides on the seal plate 61 or 81 in the groove 61s or 81s. This is because the frictional resistance of the seal plates 61 and 81 is small. In addition, the oil and fat in the oil and oil filling space 13 is retained in the groove 71s of the sealing material 71, and the tip of the oil and fat filling space 13 has a rounded curvature. This is for further lubricating the lip portions 71a, 71a having low contact resistance. The oils and fats in the groove 71s also have an effect of preventing foreign matter from entering from outside, and thereby the life of the sealing performance is extended.

On the other hand, when the chain is bent, the sealing material 7
1 is in contact with the outer link plate 1 or the inner link plate 2, but the link plates 1 and 2 are not particularly polished or the like. Therefore, the sealing member 71 and the link plates 1 and 2 do not slide. For this reason, the chain freely swings while the sealing member 71 maintains its sealing function and the sealing member 71 does not act as a brake (relative bending operation of the outer and inner link plates 1 and 2). It becomes possible.

The seal mechanisms 10A and 10B are also effective for swinging the chain in the left-right direction. Since the functions of the sealing mechanisms 10A and 10B are the same, the sealing mechanism 1
Taking 0A as an example, first, as shown in FIG.
There is a slight gap between the outer link plate 1 and the seal plate 61, and the seal member 71 is designed to be in a neutral state in a state where the seal member 71 is in contact with the outer link plate 1 on the outer periphery and has a slight crushing margin. From this state, as shown in FIG. 3B, when the outer and inner link plates 1 and 2 relatively approach each other due to the left and right swing of the chain (the vertical movement in FIG. 3), the width of the gap 6 is reduced. Sealing material 71 having a shape narrowing and projecting from groove 61s.
Has a shape that is crushed between the outer and inner link plates 1 and 2, and at this time, the lip portions 71a, 71a formed to have rounded ends are easily deformed toward the grooves 71s. I can do it. As shown in FIG. 3 (c), when the outer and inner link plates 1 and 2 are relatively separated from each other, the width of the gap 6 also increases.
Reference numeral 1 denotes a shape in which the elastic body from which the compression force is released is restored, and the lip portions 71a, 71a are deformed so as to expand the groove 71s, and are quickly and smoothly expanded.

As described above, the sealing member 71 can not only rely on its elastic deformation but also accurately follow the left-right swing of the chain by the deformation and displacement of the lip portion 71a utilizing the groove 71s. I can do it. For this reason, the sealing function of the sealing mechanisms 10A and 10B is always maintained without being impaired even when the chain is bent or swung right and left as described above. The sealing material 71 also has an arc shape on the inner circumference side (groove 71s side) together with the outer circumference side and the tip of the lip portion 71a, so that stress concentration at the time of deformation is eased, so that the sealing material 71 withstands repeated deformation. Good durability.

As a second example of the seal mechanisms 10A and 10B, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, annular seal plates 62 and 82 having V-shaped grooves 62s and 82s are provided. There is a thing using. A sealing member 72 made of a ring-shaped elastic body whose cross section is formed in a wing nut shape is fitted into the grooves 62s and 82s.
A flat surface 72a is formed on the side protruding from 2s (82s). In addition, the groove 62s (82
A groove 72s is formed on the side fitted and accommodated in s), and a pair of lip portions are formed so as to open outward with respect to each other with the groove 72s interposed therebetween and formed so that the ends thereof are circular. 72
b, 72b are provided, whereby the lip 7
The inner surface 72c connecting the 2b and 72b is formed in an arc shape having a relatively gentle radius of curvature. In addition, as shown in FIG. 2 (b), the greasing grooves 62a and 82a are formed in the seal plates 62 and 82 of this embodiment at several locations in the circumferential direction.

Accordingly, the sealing mechanism 10 according to the second embodiment
5A, the widths of the gaps 6 and 7 are in a neutral state, and the outer link plate 1 and the seal plate 62 or the inner link plate 2 and the seal plate 82 are shown in FIG.
Are separated from each other, each flat surface 72a comes into contact with the outer or inner link plate 1 or 2 with a large area, thereby preventing the sealant 72 from rotating together with the link plate 1 or 2. (That is, good sealing properties). On the other hand, the sealing material 72 has a sealing plate 62 (or 82) having a rounded shape of the lip portions 72b, 72b shown in detail in FIG. 5B and a groove 72s having a large sectional area. Utilizing the lubricating properties of the oils and fats stored in the grooves 62s (or 82s) of the seal plate 62,
82 can be smoothly slid.

Further, by swinging the chain from side to side, FIG.
As shown in (a), when the widths of the gaps 6 and 7 become narrower, the outer link plate 1 and the seal plate 62 or the inner link plate 2 and the seal plate 82 approach, and the groove 62s is formed.
(82s) The sealing member 72 fitted and restrained between the bottom portion and the link plates 1 and 2 is compressed in the vertical direction in FIG. At this time, the sealing material 72 is provided with lip portions 72b, 72b.
6B, the left and right lip portions 72b are bent in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. 6B, and the seal plates 62 and 82 are formed as shown in FIG. 6A.
It can be easily elastically deformed so as to enter into the bottom of the. Further, since the tip of each lip portion 72b has a rounded shape, it is easily displaced with respect to the groove 62s (82s). Therefore, when the chain swings right and left of the chain, the sealing material 72 is turned off as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 6A, the groove 62s
(82s), it follows the swing of the chain while being fitted shallowly or deeply, and the gaps 6 and 7 can always be suitably sealed. Furthermore, the sealing material 7
2 has a high durability against repetitive deformation because the gradual curvature of the inner surface portion 72c connecting the lip portions 72b, 72b results in buffering stress concentration during lip deformation.

As a third example of the seal mechanisms 10A and 10B, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, grooves 63s and 83s whose cross-sections form a single taper on the outer peripheral side are respectively formed in a ring shape. Some use annular seal plates 63 and 83 provided. A sealing member 73 made of an elastic body having a flat surface 73a similar to the sealing member 72 of the second embodiment is fitted in the grooves 63s and 83s in a ring shape.
On the opposite side of the flat surface 73a (the side fitted and housed in the groove 63s or 83s), a large lip portion 73b is provided on the inner peripheral side and a small lip portion 73c is provided on the outer peripheral side so as to sandwich the groove 73s. The large lip 73b and the small lip 73c are connected by an arcuate inner surface 73d.

Therefore, in the third embodiment, the sealing material 73 is used.
8A, as shown in FIG. 8A, the flat surface 73a comes into contact with the outer (or inner) link plate 1 (or 2) with a large area.
Is prevented from rotating together with the link plate 1 or 2 (i.e., has good sealing properties). On the other hand, the seal plate 6
3 and 83, the tips of the large lip portion 73b and the small lip portion 73c have a round shape.
Since s is an oil reservoir, the sealing member 73 and the seal plates 63 and 83 can slide smoothly during the bending operation of the chain link.

The sealing member 73 has both functions, with the large lip portion 73b functioning as an O-ring and the small lip portion 73c functioning as a dust seal. That is, when the outer link plate 1, the inner link plate 2, and the roller 5 relatively approach and separate from each other due to the lateral swing of the chain, the sealing member 73 is elastically deformed.
First, for small deformation, the small lip 73c is
The large lip 73b follows in a form that bends toward s, and also follows a large deformation in a form that also deforms. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 9A, when the gaps 6 and 7 are narrowed, the small lip portion 73c is quickly deformed while bending in the direction of the arrow as shown in FIG. Since the portion 73b can be easily deformed largely by being crushed, the followability to the chain swing is high. Further, the small lip portion 73c is deformed by sliding along the taper of the groove 63s (83s), so that smooth deformation is possible. Further, the sealing material 73 has a groove 63s (83
The lip portions 73b and 73c facing s) and the curvature of the inner surface 73d connecting them reduce stress concentration at the time of deformation and have good durability because the sealing material 71,
Same as 72.

Further, the fourth of the sealing mechanisms 10A, 10B
As shown in FIGS. 10A and 10B,
V-shaped groove 6 similar to sealing material 72 according to the second embodiment.
There is one using annular seal plates 64 and 84 in which 4s and 84s are provided in a ring shape, respectively. Groove 64s, 84s
The sealing member 74 having a flat surface 74a wider than that of the embodiment described above is fitted and mounted in a ring shape. On the side opposite to the flat surface 74a, a groove 64s,
Two large lip portions 74b, 74b are provided in the middle in contact with the bottom portions of the 84s, and one small lip portion 74c, 74c is provided on each side thereof. A total of four lip portions are provided. The grooves 74s are arranged concentrically with each other having a groove 74s formed between the lip portions. The lip portions 74b, 74
The tip 74d of c (see FIG. 11B) is formed in a rounded shape, similarly to the lip of the embodiment described above.

Therefore, as shown in FIG. 11 (a), the sealing member 74 has a wider flat surface 74a and more securely comes into close contact with the outer link plate 1 or the inner link plate 2, and the link plate bending operation. Sometimes, this and the sealing member 74 are prevented from rotating together, and a high sealing function is maintained. In addition, by the right and left swing of the chain,
When the outer link plate 1, the inner link plate 2 and the roller 5 approach as shown in FIG. 12A and the gaps 6 and 7 are narrowed, the sealing material 74 is removed as shown in FIG. The four lip portions 74b, 74b, 74c, 74c are easily deformed greatly just by slightly bending in the direction of the arrow,
The seal plates 64, 84 can be appropriately deformed so as to enter the bottoms of the grooves 64s, 84s. Therefore, followability is good.

Further, the fifth of the sealing mechanisms 10A, 10B
As shown in FIGS. 13A and 13B,
A groove 65 having a semicircular cross section so that the bottom part draws an arc.
Some use annular seal plates 65 and 85 in which s and 85s are provided in a ring shape, respectively. A sealing material 75 having a wide flat surface 75a like the sealing material 74 is fitted into the grooves 65s and 85s.
A pair of lip portions 75b, 75b facing each other with the groove 75s interposed therebetween and having rounded tips are provided on the side fitted and accommodated in the groove 65s (85s) of the 5 (85). The outer peripheral side of the lip portion 75b is formed so as to draw an arc having a smaller radius of curvature than the groove 65s (85s) of the seal plate 65 (85). As a modified example of the sealing material according to the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13C, there is a sealing material 75 'in which the groove 75s' has a cross-sectional shape that is more round than the groove 75s.

Accordingly, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the outer link plate 1 is more reliably provided with the wide flat surface 75a as in the fourth embodiment.
Alternatively, the seal member 75 can be in close contact with the inner link plate 2 to prevent the seal member 75 from rotating together, that is, to maintain a high sealing function. Further, since the outer peripheral sides of the lip portions 75b, 75b of the sealing material 75 have an arc shape having a smaller radius of curvature than the bottom of the groove 65s (85s), the gap between the sealing material 75 and the sealing plate 65 (85) is increased. Is smoothly performed. In addition, since the seal 75 has a shape in which a large oil grease is formed in the groove 65s (85s) of the seal plate 65 (85) by the groove 75s, sliding between the seal 75 and the seal plate 65 (85) is performed. To make it even smoother. Further, since both the lip portion 75b and the groove 65s (85s) are formed in an arc shape, even if the chain deviates from a neutral state (a state in which the outside and inside links are on the same line), it slides. Resistance does not fluctuate. It should be noted that these facts also indicate that the sealing material 75 ′ (the cross-sectional shape is shown in FIG. 14C) according to the above-described modified example has a flat surface, and the outer peripheral side of the lip portion is the same as the sealing material 75. The same is true for the same shape. FIG. 14D and FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4E, there is also an example in which unevenness is formed on the outer peripheral side of the lip portions 75b and 75b 'to further reduce the sliding resistance.

In the fifth embodiment, the outer link plate 1 and the inner link plate 2
When the rollers 5 approach each other as shown in FIG. 15A and the gaps 6 and 7 become narrower, the sealing material 75
As shown in (b), the lip 75
The b and 75b bend in the direction of the arrow and can easily follow and deform, but at this time, the lip portion 75b is wider at the root (upper portion in FIG. 15) than at the tip (lower portion in FIG. 15). Small deformation can be received at the tip, and large deformation can be received near the root. Therefore, since it can be deformed without difficulty, the durability is good. Also, in the case of the sealing material 75 ', as shown in FIG.

Further, the sixth of the sealing mechanisms 10A, 10B
As shown in FIGS. 16A and 16B,
Some use seal plates 66 and 86 having annular grooves 66s and 86s having a rectangular cross section. Groove 66s,
86 s is fitted with a sealing material 76 having a wide flat surface 76 a similar to the sealing materials 74 and 75, and the sealing material 76 is formed to be slightly narrower than the grooves 66 s and 86 s. A base 76b is provided in the upper part of FIG. 16, and inner and outer sides 76e, 76e of the base 76b are
It is slidable on the side surface of 6s (86s). on the other hand,
On the side of the sealing material 76 which is fitted and accommodated in the grooves 66s and 86s, a lip portion 7 whose tip is formed to be rounded is provided.
6c is provided so as to be connected to the base 76b via a flexure 76d narrower than the lip 76c.
A groove 76s is formed by b and the lip portion 76c.

Therefore, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 17 (a), the wide flat surface 76a is securely brought into close contact with the outer link plate 1 or the inner link plate 2, thereby causing the chain bending operation. At this time, the seal member 76 is prevented from rotating together, that is, a high sealing function is maintained. Further, since the tip of the lip portion 76c is formed to be round, the sealing material 76 and the seal plate 66 (86)
Slides smoothly, and the chain bending operation is not hindered. Further, when the outer link plate 1, the inner link plate 2, and the roller 5 approach as shown in FIG. 18A due to the left and right swing of the chain, and the gaps 6 and 7 become narrower, the sealing material 76 As shown in FIG. 18B, the lip portion 76c is bent in the direction of the arrow via the bent portion 76d, so that the lip portion 76c can be easily deformed by following. When the sealing member 76 is deformed, the side portions 76e and 76e of the base portion 76b are
s and slides into the grooves 66s and 86s, thereby preventing the sealing material 76 from tilting. Therefore,
Stable sealability is maintained. 16 to FIG.
In FIG. 8, the sealing material 76 has a shape in which the tip of the lip 76c faces the inside (the bush side), but the direction of the lip may be outward.

Further, the seventh of the sealing mechanisms 10A, 10B
As an example, as shown in FIG. 19, seal plates 67, 87 in which grooves 67s, 87s having a W-shaped cross section are formed.
A sealing material 77 having a flat surface 77a formed on the side that comes into contact with the link plate is fitted into the grooves 67s and 87s. Flat surface 7 of sealing material 77
On the side opposite to 7a, a pair of lip portions 77 facing each other are provided.
b, 77b are arranged in two rows so as to be concentrically arranged, that is, four lip portions 77b, 77b, 77b, 77b are formed concentrically so as to form a rounded tip. , The four lip portions 77b, 77b, 77b, 77
b, grooves 77s, 77s, 77s
Are formed in Article 3.

Therefore, in the seventh embodiment, as shown in FIG. 20 (a), the sealing material 77 is in close contact with the outer link plate 1 or the inner link plate 2 by the flat surface 77a to maintain the sealing property. Each lip 77b slides with the seal plates 67 and 87 to follow the chain bending operation.
Due to the presence of the strip, the life is long and it is suitable for application to large chains. Further, since the oil grease is tripled by the three grooves 77s, the lubricity of the lip portion 77b is improved, and the effect of preventing foreign matter from entering is improved.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the case where the lip portion is provided at the portion of the sealing material used for the sealing mechanisms 10A and 10B that comes into contact with the seal plate has been described. The shape may be another shape, and for example, the cross section may be formed in a V, X, Y shape, or the like. Further, the groove shape of the seal plate may be changed according to the cross-sectional shape of the sealing material.

[0048]

As described above, according to the present invention,
According to the first aspect of the present invention, the flat surface of the seal contacts the outer link plate during the bending operation of the chain, and the lip portion of the seal slides smoothly with little frictional resistance with the seal plate. The state of close contact with the plate can be maintained, whereby the sealing material is
The seal performance can always be exerted without acting as a brake on the outer link plate and the inner link plate. Therefore, the chain link in the seal chain device according to the present invention can be smoothly bent without being hindered by frictional force, and since the sealing material is not consumed by friction, the durability is excellent. In addition, since the first seal mechanism has a configuration including both the seal plate and the sealing material, the cross-sectional shape of the sealing material can be selected to be a shape corresponding to the sealing material holding groove, and is formed into an O-ring shape. This eliminates the necessity, and as a result, it is possible to avoid the problem that the crushing margin is increased or decreased due to the swinging of the chain, which is inevitable in the conventional O-ring.
The problems of rigidity of the chain and oil leakage caused by the sealing mechanism are also solved. As a result, a dust-proofing effect and an environmental pollution effect (because oils and fats are not scattered) can be obtained while reducing oil supply of the oils for chain lubrication. Also, since the sealing material is not exposed, it can withstand washing with water. Also,
The chain device has a simple structure, can be manufactured by making a slight design change to the conventional specifications, and has a good durability as described above, and thus has a long life and is therefore excellent in versatility.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, there is provided the first aspect.
In addition to the effects of the described invention, since the second seal mechanism having the sealing material and the seal plate is disposed between the roller and the inner link plate, the sealing property of the second seal mechanism is maintained for a long time. Can hold.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the first aspect is provided.
In addition to the effect of the invention described in (2), when the width of the first and second gaps (6) and (7) is increased or decreased due to the lateral swing of the chain, the sealing material (72) is attached to the lip portion (72b). ),
Due to the deformation of (72b), the grooves (62s) and (82s)
Etc., so as to fit shallowly and deeply into the sealing material holding groove, etc.
During this time, the flat surface (72a) is the outer link plate (1).
Alternatively, it can be in a state of being connected to the inner link plate (2). Therefore, the sealing material (72) can quickly follow and deform even the fine movement of the chain. And even if the sealing material (72) is deformed in this way, the flat surface (72a) has the outer or inner link plates (1), (2).
The sealing material (72)
Are prevented from rotating together with the outer or inner link plates (1) and (2), and therefore the sealing performance is high. In addition, a large amount of fats and oils is held in the sealant holding groove having a V-shaped cross section between the sealant and the sealant, so that the lubricity and the effect of preventing foreign matter from entering are further improved. Also, since the pair of lips (72b) and (72b) of the sealing material (72) face outward with respect to each other, the inner surface between the pair of lips (72b) and (72b) gradually forms an arc. The sealing member can be formed in a drawing shape, thereby preventing stress concentration at the time of deformation of the sealing member, preventing fatigue rupture of the sealing member, and improving durability.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect,
In addition to the effect of the invention described in the item 2 or 3, the small lip portion (73c) is rapidly deformed for a small movement of the chain, and the large lip portion (73b) is also greatly deformed for a large movement. In addition, the sealing material can efficiently follow and deform the movement of the chain. For this reason, followability is high. Further, the groove (73s) between the large lip portions (73b) and (73c) serves as an oil reservoir for smooth sliding, similarly to the sealing material according to the second and third aspects of the present invention. Since the flat surface (73a) also has an effect of closely contacting the outer or inner link plates (1) and (2), the chain is smoothly bent while maintaining the sealing performance.

According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the first aspect,
Or, in addition to the effect of the invention described in 2, the pair of large lip portions (74b) and (74b) and the small lip portions (74c) and (7)
The flat surface (74a) is wider by the amount of the arrangement of 4c), and as a result, the adhesion between the sealing material (74) and the outer link plate (1) or the inner link plate (2) increases. Therefore, the sealing performance is better. Further, since the number of large and small lip portions is four in total, the chain is easily deformed to follow small movements of the chain. Furthermore, four large and small lip parts (7
4b), (74b), (74c), and (74c)
Grooves (74s), (74s), (74s) are arranged
Since this becomes an oil reservoir, each lip (74b), (7
Not only is the slidability of 4c) excellent, but also the effect of preventing foreign matter from entering is improved.

According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the first aspect.
Or, in addition to the effect of the invention described in 2 above, even when the sealing material (75) is displaced from the sealing material holding groove such as the groove (65s) or (85s), the radius of curvature of the lip portion (75b) is changed. By being smaller than the material holding groove, the sliding resistance between the sealing material (75) and the seal plates (65) and (85) does not fluctuate greatly, and therefore, the sealing material (7) is always stably provided.
5) can slide with respect to the seal plates (65) and (85). As a result, there is no concern that a sliding force acts on the outer or inner link plates (1) and (2) on the flat surface (75a) opposite to the lip portion (75b), and the flat surface (75a) is always present. ) And the outer or inner link plates (1) and (2) are in close contact with each other, and a good sealing function is maintained. The lip portions (75b), (7
The groove (75s) between 5b) serves as an oil reservoir to provide lubricity, and the lip portions (75b) and (75b) are always deformed to provide a suitable follow-up deformability to the swing of the chain. Of course.

[0054]

According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, four lip portions (77b), (7) are used as portions of the sealing material (77) that slide with the seal plates (67), (87).
7b), (77b) and (77b) are arranged side by side, and the durability is improved accordingly. In addition, it is possible to absorb a large deformation. The flat surface (77a) has four lips (77b), (77b), (77b), and (77).
b) has a wide shape corresponding to the arrangement of the sealing materials (7).
7) and the outer or inner link plates (1) and (2) are more firmly adhered to each other, so that a higher sealing property is obtained. On the other hand, a seal plate (67),
The sides that slide with (87) are lip portions (77b) each having a tip, and therefore have smooth sliding properties. For this reason, even when applied to a large chain, high sealing performance and smooth chain bending can be obtained. Also, the four lip portions (77b), (77b), (77)
b) and (77b), the triple grooves (77s) and (77s)
s) and (77s) are formed, each of which becomes an oil reservoir, and thus has excellent lubricity and an effect of preventing foreign matter from entering.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an assembled sectional view showing a first embodiment of a seal chain device according to the present invention.

FIGS. 2A and 2B are partially enlarged views of FIG. 1, wherein FIG. 2A is an enlarged view of a seal mechanism portion, and FIG.

FIG. 3 is a series of diagrams showing a deformed state of a sealing material when the seal chain device shown in FIG. 1 swings.

FIGS. 4A and 4B are views showing a second embodiment of the seal chain device according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 4A is an assembled sectional view, and FIG. 4B is an enlarged perspective view of a seal mechanism.

FIG. 5 is a view showing a neutral state of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 4, wherein FIG.
(B) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

6 is a view of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 4 in a left-right swing state, in which (a) is a view showing a seal mechanism portion,
(B) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

FIGS. 7A and 7B are views showing a third embodiment of the seal chain device according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 7A is an assembled sectional view, and FIG. 7B is an enlarged perspective view of a seal mechanism.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a neutral state of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 7, wherein FIG.
(B) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

9A and 9B are diagrams illustrating a left and right swing state of the seal chain device illustrated in FIG. 7, wherein FIG. 9A illustrates a seal mechanism;
(B) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are views showing a fourth embodiment of the seal chain device according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 10A is an assembled sectional view, and FIG. 10B is an enlarged perspective view of a seal mechanism.

11 is a diagram showing a neutral state of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 10, (a) is a diagram showing a seal mechanism portion,
(B) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

12 is a view of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 10 in a left-right swinging state, in which (a) is a view showing a seal mechanism portion, and (b) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

13A and 13B are views showing a fifth embodiment of the seal chain device according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 13A is an assembled cross-sectional view, and FIGS. 13B and 13C are enlarged perspective views of a seal mechanism.

14 is a diagram showing a neutral state of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 13, (a) is a diagram showing a seal mechanism portion,
(B) and (c), (d), (e) are enlarged sectional views of the sealing material.

15 is a view of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 13 in a left-right swinging state, where (a) is a view showing a seal mechanism portion, and (b) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a sealing material.

16A and 16B are views showing a sixth embodiment of the seal chain device according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 16A is an assembled sectional view, and FIG. 16B is an enlarged perspective view of a seal mechanism.

17 is a diagram showing a neutral state of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 16, in which (a) is a diagram showing a seal mechanism portion,
(B) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

18 is a view of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 16 in a left-right swinging state, in which (a) is a view showing a seal mechanism portion, and (b) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

19A and 19B are views showing a seventh embodiment of the seal chain device according to the present invention, wherein FIG. 19A is an assembled sectional view, and FIG. 19B is an enlarged perspective view of a seal mechanism.

20 is a diagram showing a neutral state of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 19, (a) showing a seal mechanism portion,
(B) is an enlarged sectional view of a sealing material.

FIGS. 21A and 21B are diagrams of the seal chain device shown in FIG. 19 in a left-right swinging state, in which FIG. 21A is a diagram illustrating a seal mechanism portion, and FIG.

FIG. 22 is a sectional view showing a configuration of a seal chain device according to the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a series of views showing a deformed state of an O-ring in a conventional seal chain device.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Outer link plate 2 Inner link plate 3 Pin 4 Bush 5 Roller 6 1st gap 7 2nd gap 9 Seal chain device 10A, 10B Seal mechanism 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 81, 8
2, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 Seal plate 61s, 62s, 63s, 64s, 65s, 66s, 6
7s, 81s, 82s, 83s, 84s, 85s, 86
s, 87s Sealing material holding groove (groove) 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77 Sealing material 71a Lip portion 71s Groove 72a Flat surface 72b Lip portion 73a Flat surface 73b Large lip portion 73c Small lip portion 73s groove 74a Flat surface 74b Large lip portion 74c Small lip portion 74s Groove 75a Flat surface 75b Lip portion 75c Small lip portion 76a Flat surface 76b Base 76c Lip portion 76d Deflection inducing portion (bending portion) 77a Flat surface 77b Lip portion

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuation of the front page (56) References JP-A-1-238734 (JP, A) JP-A-8-200452 (JP, A) Fully open 1953-83936 (JP, U) Really open 6- 76218 (JP, U) Japanese Utility Model 5-1717 (JP, U) Japanese Patent Publication No. 44-427 (JP, B1) Japanese Utility Model Publication No. 40-13772 (JP, Y1) US Patent 4,882,366 (US, A) European Patent Application Publication 587299 (EP, A1) European Patent Application Publication 601469 (EP, A1) (58) Fields investigated (Int. Cl. ⁷ , DB name) F16G 13/00-13/10 F16J 15/16-15 / 52

Claims (7)

(57) [Claims] An outer ring connected via a bush and a pin.
A link plate and an inner link plate, wherein the outer link
First gap formed between plate and inner link plate
Chain device in which a first seal mechanism is disposed
In the above, the first sealing mechanism may be a low friction material provided in an annular shape.
Plate made of materialAnd a ring-shaped dense
Sealing materialHaving the seal plateIs, Formed in a ring shapeSealed sealant
A holding groove, and the sealing material has at least a pair of lids.
And the flat surface formed on the opposite side of the lip
The lip portion comes into contact with the sealing material holding groove.
Place the sealing material as follows, The first sealing mechanism is provided by the seal plate;
And the sealing material presses the flat surface.
To be placed in contact with the outer link plate
Characterized by Seal chain device. A second seal mechanism disposed in a second gap formed between the inner link plate and the roller, the second seal mechanism including a roller rotatably supported by the bush; The mechanism has a ring-shaped seal plate made of a low-friction material and a ring-shaped sealing material made of an elastic body, the seal plate having a ring-shaped sealing material holding groove formed in a ring shape, And the sealing material has at least a pair of lip portions, and the sealing material is arranged in the sealing holding groove so that the lip portion is in contact with the second sealing mechanism. The seal chain according to claim 1, wherein the seal is press-fitted and the seal is arranged such that the opposite side of the lip portion is in contact with the inner link plate. 3. The sealing material holding groove has a V-shaped cross section,
The sealant is characterized by having a pair of lip portions facing the outer relative to each other in a manner that can make V-shape facing the said sealing material holding groove, sealing chain device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein. Wherein said sealant is characterized by having a large lip portion and a small lip facing each other across the groove, sealing chain device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein. 5. The sealing material holding groove has a V-shaped cross section.
The sealing material is a pair of large lips disposed on the bottom of the sealing material holding groove with the groove interposed therebetween, and a pair of small lips disposed on both the inside and the outside of the large lip with the groove interposed therebetween. and having a part, sealing chain device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein. 6. The sealing material holding groove has a semicircular cross section,
3. The seal chain device according to claim 1, wherein the sealing material has a pair of lip portions facing each other in a shape of drawing an arc having a smaller radius of curvature than the sealing material holding groove. 7. A pair of lips facing each other are formed in the sealing material in two rows so as to be concentrically arranged.
Comprising Te, sealing chain device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein.