Product Info Drive chain
Drive chains are also called roller chains.
Drive chains are mechanical elements that transmit the power of a motor or other driver as tension to a driven shaft via gear-like rotating elements called sprockets.
It consists of five parts: an inner plate, an outer plate, a pin, a bushing, and a roller, and is generally used for low-speed, heavy-load power transmission and hanging drives.
It has excellent features such as a large reduction ratio, high flexibility in shaft distance, and double-sided use for multi-axis shaft transmission. It also has long life, high strength, and corrosion resistance, making it suitable for use in a variety of situations.
table of contents
Drive chain Related Information
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Selection
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Materials
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Operation
Drive chain transmission features
- ・A large reduction ratio can be achieved (generally up to 1:7).
- ・Long shaft distances (usually 4m or less) are possible. Another feature is the high degree of freedom in shaft distance.
- - Both sides of the chain can be used, allowing for multi-axis shaft transmission.
- - Easy to install and replace (easy to cut and connect)
- - If the chain is supported with a short shaft distance, it can be driven even if the shaft is vertical.
- - Compared to belt drive, the sprocket diameter can be smaller for the same torque.
- - Since force is transmitted through a large number of teeth, wear on the sprocket teeth is more advantageous than with gears.
- - It has a higher shock absorption capacity than gears.
Structure
■The three basic dimensions of chains
Pitch, roller diameter, and Inner link width are called the three basic dimensions of a roller chain. When these dimensions are the same, the roller chain and sprocket are dimensionally compatible.
*1 slip fit
When a shaft and a hole are fitted together, there is always a gap.
A fit in which the tolerance area of the hole is entirely above the tolerance area of the shaft (pin or bush).
*2 press fit
A fit that always creates an interference when the shaft and hole are combined.
A fit in which the tolerance range of the hole is completely below the tolerance range of the shaft (pin or bush).
Learn more about the components and their functions
Plate
Plates are members that bear the tension applied to the roller chain during power transmission. This tension is usually a repeated load, but can sometimes be accompanied by impact. Therefore, plates are required to have not only static tensile strength, but also high fatigue strength, impact strength, and dynamic toughness.
Pin
The pins are subjected to shear and bending forces through the plate, and at the same time, when the roller chain bends and meshes with the sprocket, they form the bearing together with the bushing. Therefore, they need to have shear strength, bending strength, toughness, and wear resistance.
Bush
The bushing receives complex forces through various parts, but in particular, when it engages with the sprocket, it receives repeated impact loads through the rollers, so it must have high impact fatigue strength.In addition, it must be wear-resistant because it acts as a bearing when mated with the pin.
Roller
When the roller chain engages with the sprocket, the roller is subjected to repeated impact loads due to collisions with the front teeth. In addition, after engaging, the equilibrium position of engagement with the teeth changes depending on the magnitude of tension, so the roller moves along the tooth surface while being pinched between the teeth and the bushing, and is subjected to compressive loads and frictional forces. Therefore, impact fatigue strength, compressive strength, and abrasion resistance are required.
Note: RS11-SS, 15, 25, and 35 do not come with rollers.
Inner link
Two bushings are press fit fitted into two inner plates, and rollers are fitted to the outside of the bushings so that they can rotate. The same design is used for both single- and multiple-strand chains.
Outer link and intermediate plate
outer link has two pins press fit into two outer plates. In the case of multiple strand roller chain, an intermediate plate is added to outer link. The intermediate plate of RS roller chain is slip fit (*1), while that of Super chain is press fit (*2).
Learn more about connecting parts
Roller chains are usually made up of many connected links and are used either as endless chains or with the ends fixed, but in either case a connecting link is required (and special connecting links are used for hanging applications, etc.). Also, if a roller chain has an odd number of links, offset links can be used, but it is best to design it with an even number of links whenever possible.
Connecting Link
[Click to enlarge]
| Chain Type | Connecting link name | Between pin and connecting link plate |
Connecting link plate Fastening method |
Precautions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RS roller chain | M-type connecting link Model: JL |
slip fit (M) |
spring clip pin Cotter pin Spring pin |
For multiple strand connecting links, install connecting link plate with RC processing (Note 3) on the outermost side. The operating speed is within the range indicated by the white area on kW ratings table. |
| F-type connecting link* Model: FJL |
press fit (F) |
spring clip Cotter pin Spring pin T-pin |
Be sure to use the product for the specified purpose and within the speed ranges indicated in the colored sections of kW ratings table. If you require an F-type connecting link, please be sure to specify this when ordering. |
|
| Lambda Chain | M-type connecting link Model: JL |
slip fit (M) |
spring clip Cotter pin |
Can be used across the entire range of Lambda Chain kW ratings table. connecting link plate is RC processed. |
| Super chain | M-type connecting link Model: MJL |
slip fit (M) |
Spring pin | connecting link plate is RC processed. |
| F-type connecting link Model: FJL |
press fit (F) |
Spring pin | Use in harsh conditions such as transmissions with large impacts, especially transmissions with large loads or where side forces may be applied. | |
| Super-H chain Ultra Super chain |
F-type connecting link Model: JL |
press fit (F) |
Spring pin | Please use the dedicated connecting links for each chain. |
| RS-HT chain | M-type connecting link Model: MJL |
slip fit (M) |
Split pin Spring pin |
connecting link plate is RC processed. Use the special connecting links for RS-HT chain. |
| F-type connecting link* Model: JL |
press fit (F) |
Split pin Spring pin |
Use the special connecting links for RS-HT chain. | |
| Catalogue description Other roller chains |
M-type connecting link Model: JL |
slip fit (M) |
Cotter pins and spring clip Spring pin T-pins and Z-pins |
Please refer to the dimension diagram for each chain. Please note that only NP, NEP and SNS chains have RC processed connecting link plate. |
| Note) | |
| 1. | connecting link plate fastening style for each chain size is as shown in the dimension drawings and respective notes. |
| 2. | *Only the F-type connecting link plate for RS roller chain and RS-HT chain have a black exterior color. |
| 3. | ring coin (RC) processing is a unique Tsubaki process that creates a plastically deformed area along the pin hole in the connecting link plate, with the aim of generating residual stress around the hole.Even with slip fit, there is no reduction in strength and the chain can be used with the same strength as the main chain. |
ring coin processing
Offset Link
[Click to enlarge]
| Note) | |
| 1. | Please refer to the dimension drawing for the types and sizes of roller chains that can be used with offset links. |
| 2. | The transmission capacity and maximum allowable load of offset links may be lower than that of the main chain. |
Drive chain product list
- General-purpose Drive chain
- Lube-free Drive chain
- Heavy duty drive chain
- Environmentally resistant Drive chain
- Miniature Drive chain
(Miniature roller chain) - Special Chain
- Drive Chain Accessories
Drive chain assembly and maintenance accessories
Chain peripheral equipment that meets your chain maintenance needs.
We offer tensioners to adjust chain slack, cutting and connecting tools, End fixture, automatic oilers, easy Easy Laser to adjust misalignment, and chain wear measurement scales.
Please also see the instruction video posted on Maintenance / handling page for instructions on how to use the product.
Chain tensioner
Model number CT-TCS,ETS,TA~
Adjusts chain slack to maintain normal chain transmission
- - Excessive chain slack can cause vibration and noise, and can lead to poor meshing with the sprocket.
Otherwise, smooth chain transmission will not be possible. - - To eliminate chain slack, four types of chain tensioners are available: TH type, TCS type, ETS type, and TA type.
We have a lineup.
Model number
CT-TCS40～CT-TCS80
CT-ETS40～CT-ETS80
CT-TA40～CT-TA80
CT-TH1～CT-TH2
Chain cutting tool
Cradle, chain vises, punch, and chain screw
Tools for cutting chains to the required length.
- ・Chain cradle ・Chain vise
- ・Punch (primary punch)
- ・Punch (secondary punch)
- ・Chain screw
- ・Cutting tools for Poly-steel chain
- ・ Lambda Chain cutting tool
Model number
RS-CR1～RS-CR3
RS-CV1～RS-CV3
RS-P11～RS-P16
RS-P21～RS-P26
RS-CS-A1～RS-CS-A4
RS-CS-B3
RS-CS-C1～RS-CS-C3
RS-LMD01-AST～
RS-LMD08-AST
Chain connecting tool
Chain Puller
A tool used to pull both ends of a chain together when attaching it to a machine
- When attaching a chain to a machine, Chain Puller is used to pull both ends of the chain together.
We have it available.
Model number
RS-CP01～RS-CP03
End fixture
Model number RS□□EB, RS□□EB-JL
End bolts and connecting links used in hanging devices, etc.
- -Can be used with RS roller chain and Super chain.
- - When the end bolts and dedicated connecting links are connected, the strength is the same as that of the main chain.
- - A reliable suspension device is realized.
- - Connected to the chain with appropriate clearance, it fully demonstrates the performance of the roller chain.
Model number
RS40EB～RS120EB
Automatic roller chain lubricator
Model number SFM~
Automatic lubricating by gas generator
- ・No manual work required, reducing maintenance man-hours.
- -High safety and reliability.
- - Also suitable for explosion-proof applications.
- ・You can freely set the usage period (1 to 12 months).
- -Compact and can be installed in any direction.
- - Dustproof and waterproof rated IP68.
Model number
SFM68
SFM-ST2034
SFM-ST2010
Chain wear measurement scale
Model number RS-CES
Chain pitch elongation limit can be checked at a glance.
- - You can check the amount of chain wear and be notified when it is time to replace it.
- The applicable chains are as follows:
- Roller chain: RS40 to RS240
BS roller chain: RS08B to RS40B
Leaf chain (AL/BL): #4 to #16
Small size conveyor chain: RF2040 to RF2120
Model number
RS-CES
