JP5824259B2 - Chain and lubrication method for the chain - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a chain and the like that can be easily refueled.

  Conventionally, a chain is configured by a plurality of outer plates and inner plates being flexibly connected via pins and bushes. Such a chain is used for an escalator or the like.

  When the chain is used, the outer surface of the pin and the inner surface of the bush slide as the chain is bent. For this reason, it is necessary to periodically lubricate between the pin and the bushing in order to prevent wear of this part and to make the bending operation of the chain smooth.

  Since the refueling operation requires man-hours, it is desirable that the refueling interval be long. For this reason, a method of holding the lubricant on the pin itself has been proposed. As such a chain, for example, there is a method in which a bush is formed of a porous body such as a sintered metal and a lubricant is held in a hole (Patent Document 1).

  Further, there is a method in which a recess is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pin and the lubricant is held in the recess. In this case, an oil supply hole is formed inside the pin, and the oil supply hole and the recess are communicated inside the pin, whereby oil can be supplied to the recess from the outside of the oil supply hole (Patent Document 2).

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-351338 JP 2008-106901 A

  However, as in Patent Document 1, configuring the bushing or the like with a special material increases the cost of the chain. Further, since the holes are fine, the holes are clogged, and there is a possibility that sufficient lubrication characteristics cannot be obtained.

  Further, the chain of Patent Document 1 is not always easy to refuel. For this reason, since it is difficult to supply the lubricant into the pin, there is a risk of running out of oil.

  Further, as in Patent Document 2, it is possible to supply oil to the concave portion of the pin by applying special processing to the inside of the pin. However, such a method is difficult to process the pin and costs the chain. Cause an increase. Further, since the hole is formed in the center of the pin, there is a problem that the strength of the pin is lowered. However, if such an oil supply hole is not formed, it is difficult to supply oil between the pin and the bush.

  The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a chain or the like that is excellent in oil supply work and that is excellent in pin workability and that can easily supply lubricant.

  In order to achieve the above object, the first invention is a pair of outer plates having pin fitting holes at both ends, a pair of inner plates having bush fitting holes at both ends, and both ends fitted into the bush fitting holes. And a bush having a through hole, and a pin inserted into the through hole and having both ends fitted into the pin fitting hole, and a lubricant holding portion and a lubricant on the outer surface of the pin A supply groove is formed, the lubricant holding portion is a recess provided on the outer surface of the pin, and the lubricant supply groove is provided on the outer surface of the pin, from the vicinity of the fitting portion with the outer plate The chain is a concave groove communicating with the lubricant holding portion.

  The lubricant holding portion and the lubricant supply groove are preferably formed on the outer surface of the pin in a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the chain.

  It is desirable that the lubricant supply groove is formed so that the depth gradually increases from the end side toward the lubricant holding portion. The lubricant holding portion may be provided with a lubricant holding member for holding the lubricant. A groove may be formed along the lubricant supply groove on the inner surface of the bush facing the lubricant supply groove in a state where the chain is straight.

  According to the first invention, since the lubricant holding portion is formed on the outer surface of the pin, it is possible to hold the lubricant on the outer peripheral surface of the pin. For this reason, the refueling interval can be lengthened. In addition, since the lubricant supply groove, which is a concave groove, is formed so as to communicate with the lubricant holding portion from the end of the pin, the lubricant is applied to the vicinity of the end of the pin via the lubricant supply groove. A lubricant can be supplied to the lubricant holder.

  In addition, the lubricant supply groove and the lubricant holding portion are formed on the outer surface of the pin in a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the chain, so that the lubricant supply groove and the lubricant holding member are maintained when the chain travels. A large stress is not applied to the pin where the portion is formed. Further, since the lubricant supply groove and the lubricant holding portion are located above the chain, it is easy to supply the lubricant to the lubricant supply groove.

  In addition, if the lubricant supply groove is formed so that the depth gradually increases from the end side toward the lubricant holding portion, the lubricant dropped on the end portion of the pin will be in the lubricant supply groove. Since it flows to the lubricant holding part side, it can be supplied efficiently.

  In addition, by providing the lubricant holding member in the lubricant holding portion, the lubricant can be more reliably held by the lubricant holding portion. In addition, by forming a groove along the lubricant supply groove on the inner surface of the bush that faces the lubricant supply groove when the chain is straight, it is possible to increase the flow area of the lubricant and At the time of bending, the lubricant supply groove and the bush groove are displaced from each other, so that backflow of the lubricant can be prevented.

  A second invention is a method for supplying oil to a chain, wherein a pair of outer plates having pin fitting holes at both ends, a pair of inner plates having bush fitting holes at both ends, and the bush fitting holes at both ends. And a bush having a through hole, and a pin inserted into the through hole and having both ends fitted into the pin fitting hole, and on the outer surface of the pin, a lubricant holding portion, A lubricant supply groove is formed, the lubricant holding portion is a recess provided on the outer surface of the pin, and the lubricant supply groove is provided on the outer surface of the pin and is a fitting portion with the outer plate Using a chain which is a concave groove communicating from the vicinity to the lubricant holding portion, the lubricant holding portion and the lubricant supply groove are formed on the outer surface of the pin in a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the chain. In the gap between the outer plate and the inner plate Ri dropwise lubricant through the lubricant supply groove, a refueling process of a lubricant to the chain and supplying the lubricant holding portion.

  According to the second invention, it is possible to obtain an oil supply method for a chain that is excellent in workability, can reliably supply the lubricant to the pins, and can increase the oil supply interval.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the chain etc. which are excellent in the oil supply operation | work which are excellent in the workability of a chain and can lubricate a lubricant easily can be provided.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view showing the chain 1. (A) is an assembly perspective view which shows the chain 1, (b) is the sectional view on the AA line of (a). It is a figure which shows the pin 9, (a) is a top view, (b) is a side view. 3A and 3B are diagrams showing the pin 9, in which FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 3A, and FIG. Sectional drawing which shows the chain 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the pin 9a, (a) is a top view, (b) is the FF sectional view taken on the line of (a). It is a figure which shows the chain 1a, (a) is sectional drawing of the chain 1a, (b) is the GG sectional view taken on the line of (a).

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing a chain 1, and FIG. 2 (a) is an assembled perspective view. The chain 1 is mainly composed of outer plates 3a and 3b, inner plates 5a and 5b, bushes 7, pins 9, and the like.

  The outer plates 3a and 3b are plate-like members, and pin holes 13 that are through holes are provided in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction. Similarly, the inner plates 5a and 5b are plate-like members having substantially the same outer shape as the outer plates 3a and 3b, and bush holes 17 as through holes are provided in the vicinity of both ends in the longitudinal direction.

  The bush 7 is a cylindrical member in which a hole 11 that is a through hole is provided. The pin 9 is a rod-like member that is slightly longer than the bush 7. Further, the outer diameter of the pin 9 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of the bush 7 (hole 11). Details of the pin 9 will be described later.

  FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view taken along line AA in FIG. The chain 1 is configured such that a pair of outer plates 3 a and 3 b are arranged to face each other, a pair of inner plates 5 a and 5 b are arranged to face each other, and are connected by a bush 7 and a pin 9. .

  Both end portions of the bush 7 are fitted and fixed in the bush holes 17 in the opposing portions of the inner plates 5a and 5b. A pin 9 is inserted into the hole 11 of the bush 7. Both end portions of the pin 9 protruding from both ends of the bush 7 are fitted and fixed to the pin holes 13 of the opposing portions of the outer plates 3a and 3b.

  That is, the outer plates 3 a and 3 b are connected and fixed by the pin 9, and the inner plates 5 a and 5 b are connected and fixed by the bush 7. At this time, since the outer diameter of the pin 9 is smaller than the inner diameter of the bush 7, the pin 9 can freely rotate with respect to the bush 7. Therefore, the chain 1 in the connected state can freely rotate and bend at the connecting portion.

  The outer plates 3a and 3b, the inner plates 5a and 5b, the bush 7 and the pin 9 only have to have a certain degree of strength, and for example, stainless steel can be used.

  Next, details of the pin 9 will be described. 3 is a view showing the pin 9, FIG. 3 (a) is a plan view of the pin 9, and FIG. 3 (b) is a side view. 4A is a cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 3A, and FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view taken along line CC in FIG. 3A.

  Outer plate fitting portions 23 are provided at both ends of the body portion 19 of the pin 9. The outer plate fitting portion 23 has a slightly smaller outer diameter than the main body portion 19 and is a portion that fits into the pin holes 13 of the outer plates 3a and 3b described above.

  On the outer peripheral surface of the main body 19, a lubricant holding part 25 and a lubricant supply groove 21 are provided. The lubricant holding part 25 is a part that holds the lubricant, and is a recess formed on the outer peripheral surface of the pin 9 (main body part 19). The lubricant holding part 25 is formed, for example, by cutting a part of the outer surface of a cylindrical pin material. That is, the lubricant holding part 25 has a shape in which a part thereof is cut out substantially straight in the cross section. The shape and size of the lubricant holding portion 25 are not limited to the illustrated example, and are appropriately set according to workability, the amount of lubricant to be held, and the like.

  The lubricant supply groove 21 is a portion that becomes a flow path of the lubricant, and is a concave groove that communicates from the end of the main body 19 to the lubricant holding portion 25. That is, the lubricant supply groove 21 has a groove shape surrounded by three directions of the bottom surface of the groove and both side surfaces of the groove in the cross section. Note that the lubricant supply groove 21 may not be formed on both sides of the lubricant holding portion 25 but may be formed only on one side. Further, the lubricant supply groove 21 does not have to be completely communicated with the end portion of the main body portion 19, and may be communicated from the vicinity of the end portion of the main body portion 19 to the lubricant holding portion 25. In any case, it is desirable to form the end of the lubricant supply groove 21 so as to be exposed outward from the end of the bush 7.

  As shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the lubricant supply groove 21 gradually increases in depth from the end portion side of the main body portion 19 toward the lubricant holding portion 25 side. It is formed in a tapered shape. The bottom surface height of the end portion of the lubricant supply groove 21 on the end portion side of the main body portion 19 does not have to be the same height as the outer surface of the outer plate fitting portion 23 as illustrated. It is set appropriately between the upper surface.

  Next, a method for supplying oil to the chain 1 will be described. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a method for supplying oil to the chain 1. As described above, the outer plate fitting portions 23 at both ends of the pin 9 are fitted and fixed to the outer plates 3a and 3b. A bush 7 is provided on the outer periphery of the main body 19 of the pin 9. Both ends of the bush 7 are fitted and fixed to the inner plates 5a and 5b.

  Here, in a state where the chain 1 is straight, the lubricant holding portion 25 and the lubricant supply groove 21 formed on the pin 9 are arranged so as to face upward of the chain 1. That is, the lubricant holding portion 25 and the lubricant supply groove 21 formed on the pin 9 are formed in a direction perpendicular to the traveling direction of the chain 1. Note that when the chain 1 is annular and used as an endless track, the lubricant holding portion 25 and the lubricant supply groove 21 are preferably located in the outer circumferential direction of the track.

  As shown in FIG. 5, a gap is formed between the inner plate 5a (5b) and the outer plate 3a (3b). A lubricant is dropped from above the chain 1 into the gap (in the direction of arrow D in the figure). The lubricant flows downward between the inner plate 5a (5b) and the outer plate 3a (3b). When the lubricant reaches the outer peripheral surface of the pin 9, the lubricant supply groove is exposed in the gap and provided above the pin 9. 21 flows in.

  Further, the lubricant that has flowed into the end portion of the lubricant supply groove 21 flows along the lubricant supply groove 21 in the axial center direction of the pin 9 and flows into the lubricant holding portion 25 (in the direction of arrow E in the figure). ). At this time, since the taper is formed in the lubricant supply groove 21, the lubricant can efficiently flow toward the lubricant holding portion 25.

  As the lubricant, grease or the like can be used, and a solid lubricant such as liquid or gel-like oil, carbon, or molybdenum disulfide can be used.

  The lubricant supplied to the lubricant holder 25 is held between the pin 9 and the bush 7. The lubricant is scattered or diffused on the inner surface of the bush 7 by centrifugal force when the chain 1 rotates at the connecting portion. Therefore, the lubricant is applied to the sliding portion between the inner surface of the bush 7 and the outer surface of the pin 9. For this reason, the wear of the sliding portion between the pin 9 and the bush 7 can be suppressed, and the operation of the chain 1 can be made smooth.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the lubricant holding portion 25 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the pin 9 and the lubricant is held by the lubricant holding portion 25. Lubricating between can be performed. For this reason, the refueling interval can be lengthened.

  Further, since the lubricant supply groove 21 communicating with the lubricant holding part 25 is provided, the lubricant can be easily supplied to the lubricant holding part 25. At this time, since the lubricant supply groove 21 and the lubricant holding portion 25 are located above the chain 1, it is easy to supply the lubricant. Further, since the lubricant supply groove 21 is formed in a tapered shape toward the lubricant holding portion 25, the lubricant can be efficiently supplied to the lubricant holding portion 25.

  Further, since a force is applied to the chain 1 in its traveling direction, there is a possibility that a force is applied to the surface of the chain 9 in the traveling direction of the chain 1. However, in this embodiment, since the concave portions such as the lubricant holding portion 25 of the pin 9 are formed on the surface perpendicular to the traveling direction of the chain 1, the strength of the pin 9 is reduced in the direction in which the force is applied. The influence is small, and the strength of the pin 9 can be ensured.

  In particular, in the present invention, the lubricant holding portion 25 that holds the lubricant sufficiently secures the volume to hold the lubricant, and the lubricant supply groove 21 as a flow path for flowing the lubricant includes: Each of the grooves is formed separately to ensure a lubricant flow path even if the volume is small. That is, the cross-sectional area of the concave portion (lubricant supply groove 21) at both ends of the body portion 19 of the pin 9 is small, and the cross-sectional area of the concave portion (lubricant holding portion 25) at the center portion is formed large. Therefore, a reduction in strength of the pin 9 can be minimized, and a chain that is excellent in oil supply and easy to manufacture can be obtained.

  Further, the pin 9 may be easily processed by cutting the lubricant holding portion 25 and the lubricant supply groove 21 on the outer peripheral surface. Moreover, it is not necessary to form a hollow part inside the pin 9, the processing is good, and the strength can be ensured. Therefore, the chain 1 using such pins 9 is excellent in cost and reliability.

  Next, another embodiment will be described. 6A and 6B are diagrams showing a pin 9a according to another embodiment, in which FIG. 6A is a plan view and FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view taken along line FF in FIG. 6A. In the following embodiments, the same functions as those of the pins 9 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the redundant description is omitted.

  The pin 9a has substantially the same structure as the pin 9, but the form of the lubricant holding portion is different. A pair of lubricant holding portions 25a is provided on the pin 9a. That is, the lubricant holding part 25 a has a shape separated at the center of the main body part 19. Therefore, no recess is formed in the central portion of the pin 9 in the axial direction.

  Thus, even if the pin 9a is used, the same effect as the pin 9 can be obtained. In addition, since a concave portion such as a lubricant holding portion is not formed in the approximate center of the pin 9a in the axial direction, the strength of the pin 9a can be ensured without any deterioration in the strength of the central portion of the pin 9a that has the largest deformation amount. .

  Next, still another embodiment will be described. 7A and 7B are diagrams showing the chain 1a, where FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view of the chain 1a, and FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line GG of FIG. 7A. In the following embodiments, the same functions as those of the chain 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 and FIG.

  The chain 1a has substantially the same configuration as the chain 1, but the form of the bush is different. In the chain 1a, a bush 7a is used. Unlike the bush 7, the bush 7 a has a groove 27 formed on a part of its inner surface.

  The groove 27 is formed in a predetermined range from the end of the bush 7a. In addition, the formation range of the groove | channel 27 may be formed over the full length of the bush 7a. As shown in FIG. 7B, the groove 27 of the bush 7a is formed on the inner surface in the direction (upward) substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the chain 1a. That is, the groove 27 is provided at a position facing the lubricant supply groove 21 of the pin 9 in a state where the chain 1a is straight. Therefore, in the cross section, the position of the groove 27 of the bush 7a and the position of the lubricant supply groove 21 coincide.

  In this state, when the lubricant is dropped from above the chain 1a as described above, the lubricant flows into the lubricant supply groove 21. At this time, the size of the inlet of the lubricant depends on the lubricant supply. This is the sum of the openings of the grooves 21 and 27. Therefore, the cross-sectional area of the inflow hole of the lubricant can be increased. For this reason, it is possible to flow the lubricant into the lubricant supply groove 21 more reliably.

  Further, in the portion where the chain 1a is bent, the lubricant inside the lubricant holding portion 25 scatters on the inner surface of the bush 7a. At this time, the positions of the lubricant supply groove 21 and the groove 27 change, so The opening cross-sectional area is reduced, and the lubricant can be prevented from flowing out through the lubricant supply groove 21.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described referring an accompanying drawing, the technical scope of this invention is not influenced by embodiment mentioned above. It is obvious for those skilled in the art that various modifications or modifications can be conceived within the scope of the technical idea described in the claims. It is understood that it belongs.

  For example, the present invention may combine the above-described embodiments with each other. Moreover, the chain of this invention should just have the pin etc. which were mentioned above, and also may use other structures, such as a roller.

  Further, a lubricant holding member may be disposed in the lubricant holding portion. As the lubricant holding member, a sponge-like member or a non-woven fabric that can absorb and hold the lubricant can be used. By disposing the lubricant holding member in the lubricant holding portion, the lubricant can be more reliably held in the lubricant holding portion, and the lubricant can be prevented from flowing out.

1, 1a ......... Chains 3a, 3b ......... Outer plates 5a, 5b ......... Inner plates 7, 7a ......... Bushings 9, 9a ......... Pin 11 ......... Hole 13 ......... Pin hole 17 ... ...... Bushing hole 19 ......... Main body 21 ......... Lubricant supply groove 23 ......... Outer plate fitting part 25, 25a ......... Lubricant holding part 27 ......... Groove

Claims (6)

A pair of outer plates having pin fitting holes at both ends;
A pair of inner plates having bush fitting holes at both ends;
A bush having both ends fitted into the bush fitting hole and having a through hole;
A pin that is inserted through the through hole and has both ends fitted into the pin fitting hole;
Have
On the outer surface of the pin, a lubricant holding portion and a lubricant supply groove are formed,
The lubricant holding portion is a recess provided on the outer surface of the pin,
The lubricant holding part has a shape separated into a pair of the lubricant holding parts at the center of the outer surface of the pin,
The chain is characterized in that the lubricant supply groove is a concave groove that is provided on the outer surface of the pin and communicates from the vicinity of the fitting portion with the outer plate to the lubricant holding portion. A pair of outer plates having pin fitting holes at both ends;
A pair of inner plates having bush fitting holes at both ends;
A bush having both ends fitted into the bush fitting hole and having a through hole;
A pin that is inserted through the through hole and has both ends fitted into the pin fitting hole;
Have
On the outer surface of the pin, a lubricant holding portion and a lubricant supply groove are formed,
The lubricant holding portion is a recess provided on the outer surface of the pin,
The lubricant supply groove is a concave groove that is provided on the outer surface of the pin and communicates from the vicinity of the fitting portion with the outer plate to the lubricant holding portion.
The chain is characterized in that a groove is formed along the lubricant supply groove on the inner surface of the bush facing the lubricant supply groove when the chain is straight. 3. The chain according to claim 1, wherein the lubricant holding portion and the lubricant supply groove are formed on an outer surface of the pin in a direction substantially perpendicular to a traveling direction of the chain. The said lubricant supply groove | channel is formed so that a depth may become deep gradually from the edge part side toward the said lubricant holding part, The Claim 1 characterized by the above-mentioned. chain. The chain according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein the lubricant holding portion is provided with a lubricant holding member for holding the lubricant. A method of refueling the chain,
A pair of outer plates having pin fitting holes at both ends;
A pair of inner plates having bush fitting holes at both ends;
A bush having both ends fitted into the bush fitting hole and having a through hole;
A pin that is inserted through the through hole and has both ends fitted into the pin fitting hole;
Have
On the outer surface of the pin, a lubricant holding portion and a lubricant supply groove are formed,
The lubricant holding portion is a recess provided on the outer surface of the pin,
The lubricant holding part has a shape separated into a pair of the lubricant holding parts at the center of the outer surface of the pin,
The lubricant supply groove is provided on the outer surface of the pin, and uses a chain that is a concave groove communicating from the vicinity of the fitting portion with the outer plate to the lubricant holding portion,
The lubricant holding portion and the lubricant supply groove are formed on the outer surface of the pin in a direction substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the chain, and the lubricant is dropped from above into the gap between the outer plate and the inner plate. And supplying the lubricant to the lubricant holding portion via the lubricant supply groove.

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