8 Tension Linkage Chains

Tension linkage chains are a series of chain products that are both catalog standard and manufactured for special purposes. The main use of a tension linkage chain is to move a load slowly or intermittently over a given distance. They also are used to reliably hold a load in position when it is not moving. Tension linkage chains generally move back and forth rather than through a complete revolution. Tension linkage chains are used in a variety of ways. They may be used for hoisting, supporting counterweights, or pulling objects through forming operations. The loads in these applications can range from a few ounces to several thousand pounds. The wide range of loads requires many different sizes and types of products to meet the different requirements. Examples of the different sizes of tension linkage chains can be seen in Figure 8-1. Speed and frequency of movement will often determine the type of product that is used. Applications that move frequently and faster may require a product that has features that reduce wear. On the other hand, applications with slow and infrequent movements may not need the same features. Both types of applications will be discussed later. Special types of roller chain, leaf chain, and block chain can be used as tension linkages. Some of these products are described in the American National Standards, but many are manufacturers specials and can only be found in their catalogs or by contacting them directly. Some of these products will be discussed in greater detail. Engineering steel chains in various styles of bar-link or block and bar chain are used for tension linkages. These types of chains will be discussed later.

ROLLER CHAINS AS TENSION LINKAGES

Standard and special roller chains are often used for static or slow-moving tensile applications. They are used where compactness and exibility or engagement with a sprocket is needed. Some examples of these applications are for supporting a oating machine head, manual and electric hoists, and steering mechanisms on lift trucks. A standard series of roller chains is available for use on overhead hoists. These chains are covered by the ASME B29.24 standard. This series of load chains for overhead hoists has the same dimensions as the drive chains in ASME B29.1, but they must meet higher performance requirements. It is best to contact the hoist manufacturer about replacement chain for a hoist, and the hoist designer should consult the chain manufacturer directly when selecting a roller load chain for an overhead hoist. A roller load chain on an overhead hoist is shown in Figure 8-2. Rollerless chains are also used as tension linkages where a chain with the wear resistance of a hardened bushing is needed. Most of these chains have the same basic dimensions as standard roller chain, but they do not have the free-turning roller over the bushings. Because of this feature, these chains usually do not run on sprockets. Rollerless chains are not described by an American National Standard. However, they may be identied with numbers taken from ASME B29.1. The chain number ends with a 5, indicating the rollerless feature. For example, a 3/4 -in. pitch no. 60 chain without a roller becomes a no. 65 chain. Tension linkage chains generally experience high loads at low speeds. They do not fall within the published horsepower tables given in chapter 5. Do not attempt to use horsepower ratings to select tension linkage chains. There are many types and sizes of chains available for use as tension

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FIGURE 8-1 Comparison of chains showing sizes of tension linkage chains.

linkages. One should contact the chain manufacturer for help in choosing a chain type and size. Figure 8-3 shows several roller chains being used for actuation.

TENSION LINKAGES USING LEAF CHAIN

Leaf chain probably is the chain most commonly used for tension linkages. Leaf chain is designed specically for use where the chain does not engage a sprocket or travel through a complete chain revolution. Leaf chain was briey described in chapter 2 and an example is shown in Figure 8-4. Complete information on leaf chain is contained in the ASME B29.8 standard. Figure 8-5 shows the most common use of leaf chain, a lift truck or fork lift. The chain is used to lift a load by transferring the motion from a hydraulic cylinder to the movable forks. The chain is anchored at one end to the rigid mast, while the other end is attached to the movable forks. The hydraulic cylinder pushes against the chain using a sheave that rotates as the cylinder moves upward. The mechanical advantage of this system is that the load moves at twice the speed of the cylinder. Figure 8-6 shows a leaf chain used as a counterbalance chain on a large machine tool and Figure 8-7 shows a special type of leaf chain used in a pipe vise.

DIMENSIONS AND ARRANGEMENTS OF LEAF CHAIN

Figure 8-8 shows the standard leaf chain lacings and Table 8-1 gives the basic dimensions of leaf chains contained in the ASME B29.8 standard. The chain number describes both the pitch size and lacing. The letters BL indicate heavy series chain is the basis for link thickness and pin diameter. The rst number represents the pitch size, the same as for standard roller chain. The next two numbers describe the lacing. For example, BL 422 is 1/2 -in. pitch with 2 2 lacing. The tensile strength for leaf chain is specied in ASME B29.8. It should never be used as the working load. Working loads should always be obtained from the leaf chain manufacturer. Toler-

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FIGURE 8-2 Roller load chain on an overhead hoist.

FIGURE 8-3 Roller chains used for actuation.

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FIGURE 8-4 Typical leaf chain.

FIGURE 8-5 Leaf chain on a hydraulic lift truck.

ances for chain length and other specic dimensional features should be obtained from either ASME B29.8 or the leaf chain manufacturer. Clevises are normally used to connect the ends of a leaf chain. They are available in either outside or inside designs. Basic dimensions can be obtained by using the information found in Figure 8-9. However, the more detailed dimensions for designing a clevis must be obtained from ASME B29.8. Clevises must be manufactured to ensure equal load distribution across the entire width of the chain. Clevis connections to the equipment must also be designed to avoid misalignment. Materials of adequate strength are to be specied for both the clevis and the connecting pin. This information can be obtained from the leaf chain manufacturer. Sheaves that allow the leaf chain to travel around a corner should be designed according to the requirements in ASME B29.8. Figure 8-10 gives the general dimensions. Using sheaves with less than the recommended diameter of ve times the pitch should be veried by extensive testing. Sheaves should always be mounted with bushings or bearings that allow free rotation. The sheaves must be mounted rigidly enough to maintain good alignment and prevent unequal loading of the chain. The sheave must never interfere with the smooth operation of the chain. Other styles of leaf chain are available from some manufacturers. These chains are special and do not conform to any industry or American National Standards. Examples of these types are wrench chains and laminated block chains. One feature of wrench chain is the extended pins that are used to clamp the chain in position. Some types of laminated block chains have openings that allow the chain to be used with a toothed device similar to a sprocket. These and all other special types of chains can be found in manufacturers catalogs. Pictures of the two special-purpose types of leaf chain mentioned can be found in Figure 8-11.

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FIGURE 8-6 Leaf chain used on a machine tool as a counterbalance chain.

FIGURE 8-7 Pipe vise using a special leaf chain.

TENSION LINKAGES USING ENGINEERING STEEL CHAINS

The engineering steel chains normally used in tension linkages are relatively heavy chains. They are usually the bar-link or block and bar types of chain, and they are much larger in size and much stronger than the leaf and other chains used for lighter tension linkages. Some tension linkage chains of the engineering steel bar-link type are among the heaviest, most massive, and durable chains ever built. Their effectiveness depends on strength and not speed.

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FIGURE 8-8 Standard leaf chain lacings and dimensions.

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FIGURE 8-8 (Continued)

Chains of this type have been designed and built with an ultimate strength of more than 3 million pounds. Figure 8-12 shows how massive chains of this type must sometimes be. Some engineering steel chains used for tension linkages were shown in Figure 1-22, Figure 2-24, and Figure 2-25. These chains are not covered by any standards, but extensive listings of smaller sizes are contained in engineering steel chain catalogs. These smaller sizes are still some very heavy chains. Larger sizes are usually designed for an application and built to order. Most heavy tension linkage chains are simple designs. They usually consist of heavy blocks, bars, and leaves with heat-treated pins. The other components are not always hardened. Barlink and leaf chains are very similar in concept and function, but manufacturing methods differ greatly.

CHARACTERISTICS OF ENGINEERING STEEL CHAIN TENSION LINKAGES

There usually are no rigid rules to guide the engineer in choosing the type of tension linkage to be used in a given instance, but chain has the following advantages: Chain action is positive when it meshes with a sprocket. Chain articulation (or exing) is conned to specially treated bearing surfaces.

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TABLE 8-1 Leaf chains: general dimensions

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Connecting link with interference fit cover plates

Outside Clevis

Inside Clevis

FIGURE 8-9 Clevises for leaf chains.

FIGURE 8-10 General dimensions of leaf chain sheaves.

FIGURE 8-11 Two special-purpose types of leaf chain.

FIGURE 8-12 Huge tension linkage chain for dam gates.

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Chains are often a better choice for very heavy tension linkages because they can be designed to handle very heavy loads. Chains used in tension linkage applications are easy to lubricate, and regular lubrication extends the chains life. Chains are easy to install. End terminals, or connectors, simplify attaching the chain to the load.

DRAW BENCH APPLICATIONS

Draw benches (Figure 8-13) are machines used to draw wire and tubular shapes from materials such as steel, copper, and aluminum. On continuous benches, a heavy block with a hook that engages the chain slowly draws the metal through a series of dies to produce the desired size of wire or tubing. At the end of the stroke, the hook disengages from the chain and the draw block returns to its starting position. In this application, the chain operates continuously, picking up the load with each pass of the draw block. On reversing benches (Figure 8-14), the block is connected to and pulled with a high-capacity chain (lower chain), then it is retracted with a smaller, less costly chain (above). Most draw bench chains are heavy-duty types of bar-link chain. In chains intended for draw bench service, all parts are hardened, bearing surfaces are machined, and pins are securely riveted to endure the stresses of draw bench operation. Figure 8-15 shows typical draw bench chains. As shown in Figure 2-24, designs with a single block alternating with two sidebars are used for the least rigorous kinds of draw bench work. Their ultimate strength range is from 30,000 lb to 200,000 lb. Designs in which two and three sidebars alternate may have an ultimate strength well in excess of 3 million pounds and are used for very heavy duty work. The pitches of bar-link chains used in draw bench service may be as short as 2 in. or as long as 12 in. The weights of such chains may run from 4 lb/ft to 400 lb/ft. Giant bushed rollerless chains (Figure 8-1) are being used more often on high-speed draw benches. This construction provides larger wear areas that are hardened to high levels for maximum

FIGURE 8-13 Draw bench using special engineering steel chain.

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FIGURE 8-14 Reversing draw bench using bar-link ES chain.

FIGURE 8-15 Typical draw bench chains.

wear resistance. The construction also allows the use of a full complement of sprocket teeth for smoother operation or more compact drives.

TENSION LINKAGE CHAINS FOR DAM AND LOCK GATES

Tension linkage chains are widely used to raise and lower dam gates and draw bridges and to open and close canal lock gates. Bar-link chain has been popular for these uses because of its simple design and relatively low cost, but other types of tension linkage chain are being used with increasing frequency. The giant roller chain shown in Figure 8-16 has a relubrication feature. This allows greasing of the inner chain joint for protection against corrosion and wear. It is installed to lift and hold a frequently used navigation lock gate that weighs one million pounds.

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FIGURE 8-16 Tension linkage chain used in locks on the Mississippi River.

FIGURE 8-17 ES chains moving steel billets in an inspection operation.

OTHER APPLICATIONS
Engineering steel tension linkage chains are used in the hold-down apparatus of rock drills and the ladle-tilting devices in steel mills and foundries. They are used in hydraulic lifts and counterweight balances on the arms of radial drills. And they are used in transmission systems between doubleacting hydraulic cylinders and their shafts. Two such unusual applications are shown in Figure 8-17 and Figure 8-18. The kinds of chain that are chosen for these applications depend on the circumstances. When chain movement is infrequent, a bar-link chain should be considered. When the chain rotates

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FIGURE 8-18 Bar-link chain operates a clamshell digging mechanism.

FIGURE 8-19 Diagram of catenary to maintain correct tension on draw bench.

frequently relative to the sprockets, rollers, and sheaves, a bushed roller chain, with its smoother sprocket action, may be the better choice. The environment and access for lubrication are also factors. There are many variables to be considered when selecting engineering steel chains for tension linkages. The designer should consult with manufacturers for more information.

CATENARY TENSION AND CHAIN SAG

The return strands of heavy bar-link chains must be considered carefully when they run over sprockets and are horizontally arranged. Most steel mill installations are in this category. Generally the numbers of teeth in the drive sprocket are very small and loads are very high, and the surroundings are usually soaked with good high-pressure lubricants. In such a situation, it is essential that adequate slack-side chain tension at the drive be maintained so that the chain cannot jump teeth at peak loads. Slack-side tension is usually maintained with a deep catenary at the head shaft end of the return strand, as shown in Figure 8-19. In most steel mills, doing so is relatively easy, as ample space usually exists in the basement under the mill main oor. The chain manufacturer should inform the user about the amount of sag needed to maintain adequate tension on the slack side of the drive sprocket. A method for calculating the tension produced by a given amount of sag is given in chapter 10.

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