Chain Drive Basics
A chain drive is a system that includes two or more sprockets and a chain. One sprocket is driven, and its teeth mesh with the gaps in the links of the chain. When the sprocket is turned, it catches the chain and transfers the force of the input to the rest of the system. The purpose of a chain drive is to transmit power from one place to another. This interactive, online course covers the common components of chain drives as well as several procedures that can be performed to optimize chain drive performance.
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Course Details
Learning Objectives
By the end of this course, you will be able to:
- Describe the purpose of a chain drive system and identify its components
- Describe the advantages of chain drives compared to other drive systems
- Identify safety hazards and safety guidelines while performing chain drive adjustments
- Describe how to check for sprocket straightness, sprocket misalignment, and sprocket wear
- Discuss the importance of chain lubrication
- Explain what to look for when inspecting for chain wear
Specs
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of chain drives?
The advantages of chain drives compared to other drive systems include very little friction loss and slipping which leads to high efficiency as well as easy installation and reconfiguration to larger or smaller sprockets to vary sprocket ratios
What is the pitch of a chain?
The distance between the centers of the pins is called the pitch of a chain. All chains are manufactured to standardized two-digit chain pitch sizes
What is the sprocket ratio?
How is chain elongation measured?
Chain elongation can be measured by stretching the chain, and then measuring the distance of the inside and outside of rollers at both ends. With this measurement, chain elongation can be calculated by taking the difference of the measured length and the original length of the chain then dividing the difference by the original length.
Sample Video Transcript
A chain is a series of links held together with pins. The chain in a chain drive system is typically a metal roller chain. Roller chains consist of outer links called “pin links” placed on both sides of every roller link. These roller and pin links are then assembled in a loop and connected using a connecting, or master, link. This link typically has removable cotter pins which keep the master link in place. The distance between the centers of the pins is called the “pitch” of a chain. All chains are manufactured to standardized two-digit chain pitch sizes. The first digit indicates the pitch of the chain in eighths of an inch, and the second digit indicates the type of chain. When determining pitch size, the torque and RPM being acted on the shafts and sprockets must be taken into consideration. A higher torque and RPM requires a larger pitch.
