Drive chain

Drive chains are also called roller chains.
A mechanical element that transmits power from a motor or other source of power as tension to a driven shaft via a gear-like rotating element called a sprocket.
It consists of 5 parts: inner plate, outer plate, pin, bush and roller, and is generally used in low-speed, high-load power transmission and lifting drives.
Features include: large reduction ratio, high flexibility in the distance between shafts, both sides can be used for multi-axis shaft transmission, etc., and can be used in a variety of situations thanks to its long service life, high strength and corrosion-resistant series.

Features of roller chain transmission

  • ・Large reduction ratio (Usually up to 1:7 )
  • ・Chains can be used with long shaft center distances (normally up to 4m). By changing the number of links, it is possible to freely adjust the shaft center distance.
  • ・The chain can be used on both sides and drive multiple shafts at the same time.
  • ・Easy installation and replacement. (Easy to cut and connect chains )
  • ・If the distance between shafts is short and the chain is guided, it can be driven vertically.
  • ・The sprocket diameter of a chain drive could be smaller than a belt sprocket while transmitting the same torque.
  • ・Transmitting power by meshing many teeth results in less wear of sprocket teeth than gears.
  • ・Chain drives have greater shock absorption than gear drives.

Construction

Drive Chain (Roller Chain) structure diagram

■Basic 3 dimensions of chain

The pitch, roller diameter, and inner width of the inner link are considered the basic three dimensions of a roller chain. When these dimensions are identical, a roller chain and sprocket are dimensionally compatible.

※1 Slip fit

When the shafts (pins and bushes) and holes are fitted together, there is always a loose fit.

This is a fit where the range of hole tolerance is larger than the range of shaft (pin or bushing) tolerance.

※2 Press fit

When the shafts (pins and bushes) and holes are fitted together, there is always an interference fit.

This is a fit where the range of hole tolerance is smaller than the range of shaft (pin or bush) tolerance.

See more about components and their roles

Plate

The plate bears the tension acting on the roller chain during transmission . Usually this is a repetitive load, but sometimes it is accompanied by shock. Therefore, the plate must have not only great static tensile strength, but also must be dynamically

Pin

The pin is subject to shearing and bending forces through the plate. At the same time, it configures a bearing part, together with the bush, when the roller chain articulates and engages the sprocket. Therefore, the pin needs high shear/bending strength

Bush

The bush is subject to complex forces via all parts, especially from the repetition of shock loads when the chain engages the sprocket. Therefore, the bush needs extremely high shock fatigue strength. In addition, the bush acts as a bearing coupled with

Roller

The roller is subject to a repeated shock load as it strikes the sprocket teeth during roller chain engagement with the sprocket. After engagement, the equilibrium position of the roller-sprocket engagement changes according to the tension . It is held b

Inner link

The two bushes are press fitted into two inner plates, and rollers are inserted to allow rotation around the outside of the bush. This is the same for single-strand and multi-strand chain.

Outer link and middle plate

The outer link consists of two pins that have been press fitted into two outer plates. For multistrand roller chain, a middle plate is added to the outer link. Slip fitting is used for the middle plate of standard RS Roller Chain (*1) and press fitting f

See more about connecting parts

Roller Chains are usually made up of a number of connected links in an endless formation, or used by fixing the chain ends, but connecting links are necessary (dedicated connecting links for hanging applications). Although offset links can be used when t

Connecting link


[Click to enlarge ]
Chain type Connecting link type Pin-connecting plate fitting Connecting plate fastening Notes
RS roller chain M-type connecting link
Code: JL
Slip fit
(M)
Spring clip
Cotter pin
Spring pin
For multistrand connecting links, assemble on the outermost RC-processed (Note 3) connecting plate.
The operating speed is indicated by the white areas in the kW ratings table.
F-type connecting link
Code: FJL
Press fit
(F)
Spring clip
Cotter pin
Spring pin
T-pin
Always use in specified applications and within the speed range colored in the kW ratings table.
If a F-type connecting link is needed, make sure to specify that when ordering.
Lambda chain M-type connecting link
Code: JL
Slip fit
(M)
Spring clip
Cotter pin
Can be used in all areas of the kW ratings table for Lambda Chain.
Connecting plates are RC processed.
Super chain M-type connecting link
Code: MJL
Slip fit
(M)
Spring pin Connecting plates are RC-processed.
F-type connecting link
Code: FJL
Press fit
(F)
Spring pin Use in extreme conditions such as large shocks, very large loads, and possible side forces.
Super-H chain
Ultra Super chain
F-type connecting link
Code: JL
Press fit
(F)
Spring pin Use connecting links exclusively for each chain.
RS-HT chain M-type connecting link
Code: MJL
Slip fit
(M)
Cotter pin
Spring pin
Connecting plates are RC-processed.
Use connecting links exclusively for Heavy Duty Chain
F-type connecting link
Code: JL
Press fit
(F)
Cotter pin
Spring pin
Use connecting links exclusively for Heavy Duty Chain
Other roller chains in catalog M-type connecting link
Code: JL
Slip fit
(M)
Cotter pin
Spring clip
Spring pin
T-pin
Z-pin
See the dimensional drawings for each chain. Only NP, NEP, SNS chains use RC-processed connecting plates.
Note)  
1.  The connecting plate fastening methods for each chain size are shown in the dimension tables and table notes.
2.  Only F-type connecting plates for RS Roller Chain and RS-HT Roller Chain marked with * have black appearance.
3.  Ring Coin (RC) Processing:
This Tsubaki original processing adds an area of plastic deformation around pin holes to generate residual stress around the holes. Even with slip fitting, there is no reduction in strength and can be used with the same stre

Ring coin processing

Offset link


[Click to enlarge ]
Note)
1.  Refer to the dimensional tables for roller chain types and sizes applicable for offset links.
2.  The kW ratings and maximum allowable tension of offset links can be reduced compared to the chain itself.

Drive Chain Product Line-up

Tsubaki heavy duty drive chain that achieves both powerful transmission and compactness

Tsubaki heavy duty drive chain that achieves excellent kilowatt ratings, allowable load and tensile strength by increasing the shape and thickness of the plate.

Provides a larger transmission capacity, allowable load and tensile strength than the RS Roller Chain, allowing for the use of models 1 to 2 sizes smaller.
It is widely used for compact and powerful transmission and lifting application, taking advantage of its extensive product lineup and higher maximum allowable load.

Application

  • ・High impact/load applications
  • ・Compact drives for equipment or machinery that must work in tight spaces
  • ・When higher transmission power, allowable load, or tensile strength is required.
  • ・When a lower rate of elastic elongation is required e.g., Construction machinery, farm equipment, lifting mechanisms, port equipment, tower parking, etc.

Features and Use

Item/Model Super chain RS-HT chain Super-H chain Ultra Super chain
Main purpose(s) For heavy-duty transmission, lifting
Features
  • ・High transfer capacity
  • ・High shock absorption
  • ・One size down of RS roller chain is also possible.
  • ・High transfer capacity
  • ・High tensile strength
  • ・High fatigue strength
  • ・High tensile strength
  • ・High shock absorption
  • ・The highest tensile strength and shock absorption of any Tsubaki roller chain. For drives that require compact designs.
  • ・Two size down of RS roller chain is also possible.
Note) Tsubaki Heavy Duty Roller Chains are designed for low to medium speed transmission. In high speed applications that are not described in the kilowatt ratings table of heavy duty roller chain, RS Roller Chain should be used.
Main applications e.g. Construction machinery, farm equipment, lifting mechanisms, port equipment, tower parking, etc.
Offset link 4-pitch offset link is applicable only for single-strand chains Offset links are not available. Use an even number of links.
Sprocket Sprockets for RS Roller Chain can be used for single strand and multi-strand chain.
  • ・Sprockets for RS Roller Chain can be used for single strand chains.
  • ・Sprockets for RS Roller Chain cannot be used for multi-strand of RS-HT and Super-H Roller Chain.
  • ・Small sprockets must have hardened teeth.
  • ・Use sprockets made of S35C or higher carbon steel.
  • ・"Tough Tooth" sprocket is suitable for Heavy Duty DriveChain.

Comparison of min. tensile strengths and max. allowable loads

With RS Roller Chain min. tensile strength and max. allowable loads as benchmark (100%).

Comparison of min. tensile strengths and max. allowable loads

Super chain

Model No.  RS□□-SUP~

View product details

Max. allowable load is 40% higher than RS Roller Chain

  • ・kW ratings is greater
  • ・Fatigue strength is 40% higher than RS Roller Chain
  • ・Shock absorption is greater
  • ・One size down of RS roller chain is also possible.
  • ・Super Roller Chains are designed for low to medium speed transmission. RS Roller Chain should be used for higher speed ranges.
Size

RS80~RS240

RS-HT chain

Model No.  RS□□-HT~

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20% higher tensile strength than RS Roller Chain

  • ・Higher tensile strength (19% greater than RS Roller Chain )
  • ・Ideal for low speed drives up to 50m/min.
  • ・High kW ratings
  • ・Shock absorption is greater
  • ・RS Roller Chain should be used for higher speed ranges.
Size

RS60~RS240

Super-H chain

Model No.  RS□□-SUPH~

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1 size thicker plate than Super Chain

  • ・High fatigue strength. (16% higher than Super Roller Chain )
  • ・High tensile strength (13% higher than Super Roller Chain )
  • ・Shock absorption is greater
  • ・Same maximum allowable load as double strand RS Roller Chain
  • ・Has the highest maximum allowable load of any Tsubaki roller chain
Size

RS80~RS240

Ultra Super chain

Model No.  RF□□-USN~

View product details

Has the highest tensile strength

  • ・Inner and outer link plates are oval and one size thicker than RS Roller Chains.
  • ・Two-size reduction of RS Roller Chain is also possible.
  • ・Has the highest fatigue strength.
  • ・Has the highest tensile strength and shock absorption.
Size

RF100~RF240