The Complete Guide to Chain

2.1.4 Hollow Pin Chain

Conveyance, simplified attachment installation, general uses

Construction and Features

In Hollow Pin Chain, the pin has a hole, allowing for the installation of various attachments (Figure 2.7). Usually these chains are used for conveyors (Figure 2.8). Sizes are shown in Tables 2.3 and 2.4.

The advantages of installing attachments into the hollow pin include the following:

  1. The hollow pin is at the center of articulation, and always keeps the pitch length. Regardless of whether the chain is straight or wrapping around the sprocket, the center distance of attachments is always the same. Figure 2.8 shows an example of installing a mesh net. Even when the chains bend, the mesh net does not expand or contract.

Figure 2.7 Hollow Pin Chain
Figure 2.7 Hollow Pin Chain

Figure 2.8 Installing Attachments
Figure 2.8 Installing Attachments

  1. With a crossrod over two chains, the load from the attachments is distributed to both sides of plates equally. The chain can fully use its strength and not twist.
  2. It is easy to change, maintain, and adjust attachments.

Sprockets

Standard sprockets are used for the small pitch series. For double pitch series, standard sprockets for Double Pitch Roller Chain are used.

Selection and Handling

  1. These chains are selected using the same methods as other conveyor chains. Care must be taken since the maximum allowable tension of hollow pin chains is less than that of the same-sized standard chains.
  2. Retaining rings are used on the pin head for connecting links. When an attachment link is to be added to an HP connecting link, the attachment link pin must be longer than those used in the rest of the chain.
  3. The pin is not riveted in this chain. The lower maximum allowable load and the high rigidity of the pin make it difficult for the link plates to come off.
  4. The small pitch series and the S-roller (standard) types in the double pitch series are bushing chains, which do not have rollers.
Table 2.3 Sizes for Hollow Pin Chain1
Chain No. Pitch (mm) Pin Minimum Inner Diameter (mm) Maximum Allowable Load (kN)
RS40HP 12.70 4.00 1.76
RS50HP 15.875 5.12 3.14
RS60HP 19.05 5.99 4.21
RS80HP 25.40 8.02 7.64

1These dimensions are from Tsubaki. Other manufactures' products may vary.

Table 2.4 Sizes for Double Pitch Hollow Pin Chain1
Chain No. Pitch (mm) Pin Minimum Inner Diameter (mm) Maximum Allowable Load (kN)
RF2040HP 25.40 4.00 1.76
RF2050HP 31.75 5.12 3.14
RF2060HP 38.10 5.99 4.21
RF2080HP 50.80 8.02 7.64

1These dimensions are from Tsubaki. Other manufactures' products may vary.

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