A chain roller having grooves which prevent axial expansion when the roller is pressed through a sizing die

摘要

A chain roller 16 is manufactured from cut strip steel (10, figs 1 and 2) into which blind grooves 22 have been, for example, rolled-formed. The strip is formed into a cylindrical shape, with the grooves on the inside, and then the unsized roller 16 is pressed through die 20. Grooves 22 plastically deform, as the roller 16 passes though the die, which prevents the roller from increasing in length. The shape, number and orientation of the grooves 22 may be varied (see figs 10 to 12). When being assembled to form a chain the roller (24, fig 5) is press-fitted into inner plates (26, fig 5) and a pin (28, fig 5) is inserted through the roller. Lubrication pockets are created by the grooves (see figs 6 to 9). The roller may be used as a bushing fitted into a roller made of resin provided in a centre roller chain or a top roller chain.