Abstract:
The present invention pertains to a lubricating arrangement of a chain assemblage serving to coat chain components. Particularly, the lubricating arrangement includes a first non-electrolytic nickel layer and a second PTFE alloy layer that possess 3 to 35 vol % PTFE, whereby the present invention conduces to attain an automatically lubricating capability, increase the surface hardness of the chain assemblage, and prolong the utilization thereof without affecting the tensile strength.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention relates to a lubricating arrangement of a chain assemblage, in particular to one applied to coat the chain components of the chain assemblage with layers of non-electrolytic nickel and Polytetrafluoroethylene alloy to attain effects of automatically lubricating and increasing the surface hardness and durability of the chain without burdening the tensile strength. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0004]    Generally, the assemblage of the chain is required to be immersed in a heat and liquefied lubricating liquid. When the liquefied lubricating liquid gradually becomes thick lubricant oil at room temperature, the chain assemblage is homogenized to be coated with the lubricant oil. In the long term, the critical occurrence attendant on the lubricant-coated chain is the large consumption of the lubricant oil caused by the wrapping of soil, mud, or sand on the chain components and the combination thereof with the redundant oil. Such difficulty not only decreases the efficiency of the chain operation but obstructs the further addition of the liquid lubricant into the chain shaft. Therefore, the conventional chain configuration is still in a rugged operation. The conventional chain also facilely incurs the problems of the rusty chain shaft and the oil stains on user&#39;s clothes while operating the chain. 
         [0005]    A closed prior is cited by Taiwanese Patent No. M275160, shown in  FIG. 8 , also exists the aforementioned deficiencies, in which mainly discloses to embed inner protrusions A 1  of chain plates A into respective chain hubs B. Such configuration also renders the lubricating oil unable to drip into chain axles C, and the chain axles C would facilely become rusty and result in the premature abrasion and exhaustion of the chain plates A. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0006]    The object of the present invention is to provide a lubricating arrangement that coats every chain component with layers of non-electrolytic nickel and Polytetrafluoroethylene alloy to obtain an automatic lubrication and to increase the surface hardness and durability of the chain without burdening the tensile strength. 
         [0007]    The present invention in conformity with the lubricating arrangement of chain assemblage applied to components thereof mainly comprises a first lubricating layer coating the surface of the chain assemblage and a second lubricating layer covering the surface of the first lubricating layer; wherein, the first lubricating layer is preferably fabricated of a non-electrolytic nickel layer in a thickness of 2 to 5 micrometers (i), and the second lubricating layer is preferably made of a Polytetrafluoroethylene alloy (PTFE alloy) layer in a thickness of 2 to 8 micrometers (i) and provided with the volume of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE, namely Teflon) ranging from 3 to 35 vol %. 
         [0008]    Further, the chain assemblage comprises one of a chain hub, a chain axle, an interior chain plate, an exterior chain plate and a bushing or the combination of the above. 
         [0009]    The chain assemblage is preferably constituted of the eighth group of periodic element. 
         [0010]    The non-electrolytic nickel layer preferably has components in weight (wt %) ranging from 6 to 13 wt % phosphorus (P) and 87 to 94 wt % nickel (Ni). 
         [0011]    The PTFE alloy layer preferably contains ranging from 20 to 35 vol % PTFE and provides the density ranging from 5.9 to 6.8 g/cm 3 , equating with 6 to 12.5 wt %. The PTFE alloy layer further comprises components in weight (wt %) ranging from 7.5 to 10 wt % phosphorus (P) and 77 to 86 wt % nickel (Ni). 
         [0012]    The second lubricating layer is further overlaid with either a reinforcing layer or a painting, wherein the reinforcing layer is a layer of titanium nitride (TiN). 
         [0013]    Accordingly, the advantages of present invention set forth below:
   1. In view of the first non-electrolytic nickel layer possessing the properties of an even coating, a great adhesion, a high hardness, favorable wear and corrosion resistances, and available welding and coating hardness higher than 500 HV (HRC50). The coating hardness would preferably obtain 1000 HV (HRC70) via processing a specific treatment, so as to efficiently enhance the hardness of the chain assemblage.   2. The present invention renders the particles of PTFE ranging from 3 to 35 vol % to be dispersed eutectoidly with respect to the non-electrolytic nickel layer for the purpose of lubricating the chain assemblage. Such layer substantially provides the merits:
       (1) a favorable lubrication with a lower friction coefficient;   (2) a broad temperature endurance;   (3) a great corrosion resistance to attain a strong chemical stability;   (4) a non-adhesive surface;   (5) a favorable electric insulation with a minimum value of dielectric constant within the wide frequency;   (6) a great ageing retardation without being subject to the erosion of Oxygen, Ozone, and ultraviolet rays;   (7) a precious incombustibility; and   (8) a diminutive absorption capability.   
       3. The components of the chain assemblage, which would be alternatively made of the eighth group of periodic element as well as the alloy thereof, stainless steel, copper (Cu) as well as the alloy thereof, titanium (Ti) as well as the alloy thereof, and magnesium (Mg) as well as the alloy thereof, can be coated with the non-electrolytic nickel layer, hence attaining a wide application.   
 
         [0025]    The advantages of the present invention over the known prior arts will become more apparent to those of ordinary skilled in the art by reading the following descriptions with the relating drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0026]      FIG. 1  is a cross-sectional view showing chain components according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an interior chain plate according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 2A  is a local cross-sectional view showing the interior chain plate according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 3  is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of an exterior chain plate according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 3A  is a local cross-sectional view showing the exterior chain plate according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a chain hub according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 4A  is a local cross-sectional view showing the chain hub according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a chain axle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0034]      FIG. 5A  is a local cross-sectional view showing the chain axle according to the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0035]      FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view showing chain components according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0036]      FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view showing a structure of a bushing according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0037]      FIG. 7A  is a local cross-sectional view the bushing according to the second preferred embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0038]      FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional view showing a conventional chain assemblage. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0039]    Before describing in greater detail, it should note that the like elements are denoted by the similar reference numerals throughout the disclosure. 
         [0040]      FIG. 1  shows a first preferred embodiment of the present invention, a chain assemblage of the present invention is primarily constituted of the eighth group of periodic element, namely elements of ferrum (F), cobalt (Co), nickel (Ni), ruthenium (Ru), rhodium (Rn), palladium (Pd), osmium (Os), iridium (Ir), platinum (Pt) and the alloy thereof. Further, the chain assemblage includes a pair of interior chain plates  1 , a pair of exterior chain plates  2 , a chain hub  3 , and a chain axle  4 . 
         [0041]    The pair of interior chain plates  1  are disposed in relative positions. Each interior chain plate  1  includes a first pivot bore  11  arranged thereon, a first lubricating layer  12 , and a second lubricating layer  13  as illustrated in  FIGS. 2 and 2A . The first lubricating layer  12  coats the surface of the interior chain plate  1  and has a thickness of 2 to 5 micrometers (i). Particularly, the first lubricating layer  12  is preferably fabricated of a non-electrolytic nickel layer containing in weight (wt %) of 6 to 13 wt % phosphorus (P) and 87 to 94 wt % nickel (Ni). It is adopted in the first embodiment that the non-electrolytic nickel layer having components in weight of 11 wt % phosphorus and 89 wt % nickel. The physical properties of the non-electrolytic nickel layer in different proportions of phosphorus and nickel are depicted in Table 1: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 1 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Physical characteristics of the non-electrolytic nickel layer in different 
               
               
                 proportions of P and Ni. 
               
               
                   
               
             
             
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 Specification 
                 9151 
                 115 
                 754 
               
               
                 Configuration 
                 piece particle 
                 particle 
                 particle 
               
               
                 Lustrous 
                 brilliant 
                 half- 
                 half- 
               
               
                   
                   
                 brilliant 
                 brilliant 
               
               
                 Proportion of P 
                 6-9 wt % 
                 11-13 wt % 
                 7-9 wt % 
               
               
                 Melting point 
                 960° C. 
                 860° C. 
                 890° C. 
               
               
                 Specific gravity 
                 8.2 
                 7.9 
                 8.0 
               
               
                 Electrical Resistance (μΩ/cm) 
                 60 
                 60 
                 60 
               
               
                 Coefficient of Thermal 
                 13-15 
                 13 
                 15 
               
               
                 Expansion 
               
               
                 (μm/m * ° C.) 
               
               
                 Hardness (HV) 
                 619 
                 556 
                 594 
               
               
                 Hardness after heat at 350° C. 
                 1009 
                 1002 
                 1130 
               
               
                 for one hour (HV) 
               
               
                 Stress 
                 half- 
                 compress 
                 compress 
               
               
                   
                 compress 
               
               
                 Magnetism 
                 micro- 
                 non- 
                 non- 
               
               
                   
                 magnetic 
                 magnetic 
                 magnetic 
               
               
                 Density (psi) 
                 50000-70000 
                 50000-70000 
                 50000-70000 
               
               
                 Corrosion Resistance 
                 good 
                 excellent 
                 excellent 
               
               
                 Chemical Resistance 
                 good 
                 excellent 
                 excellent 
               
               
                 Consistency 
                 below ± 5% 
                 below ± 5% 
                 below ± 5% 
               
               
                 Precipitation Velocity (μm/hr) 
                 22 
                 15 
                 15 
               
               
                 Plumbum (Pb) Inclusion 
                 non 
                 100 ppm 
                 650 ppm 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0042]    In addition, the chain assemblage, which is alternatively made of the eighth group of periodic element as well as the alloy thereof, stainless steel, copper (Cu) as well as the alloy thereof, titanium (Ti) as well as the alloy thereof, and magnesium (Mg) as well as the alloy thereof, can be coated with the non-electrolytic nickel layer, hence attaining a wide application. 
         [0043]    Furthermore, the second lubricating layer  13  coats the surface of the first lubricating layer  12  and has a thickness of 2 to 8 micrometers (μ). The second lubricating layer  13  is preferably made of a Polytetrafluoroethylene alloy (PTFE alloy) layer that contains particles of Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) ranging from 3 to 35 vol % for being dispersed eutectoidly among the non-electrolytic nickel layer. It is adopted in the first preferred embodiment that the PTFE alloy layer, which includes the proportion in weight (wt %) ranging from 7.5 to 10 wt % phosphorus (P) and 77 to 86 wt % nickel (Ni), possesses 20 to 35 vol % PTFE and a density ranging from 5.9 to 6.8 g/cm 3 , equating with 6 to 12.5 wt %. A subsequent layer of titanium nitride (TiN) can serve as a reinforcing layer or process through the painting treatment for coating the surface of the second lubricating layer  13 . The physical characteristics of the PTFE alloy layer with different proportions addition to PTFE particles and the non-electrolytic nickel layer are herein shown in Table 2: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 2 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparisons between physical characteristics of the PTFE alloy layer in 
               
               
                 proportions and the non-electrolytic nickel layer. 
               
             
          
           
               
                   
                   
                   
                 non- 
               
               
                 Type 
                 Low 
                 High 
                 electrolytic 
               
               
                 Item 
                 PTFE alloy 
                 PTFE alloy 
                 nickel 
               
               
                   
               
               
                 Ni (wt %) 
                 83-86 
                 77-83 
                 88-92 
               
               
                 P (wt %) 
                 7.5-9   
                  8-10 
                  8-12 
               
               
                 PTFE (wt %) 
                   6-8.5 
                  9.5-12.5 
                 0   
               
               
                   
                 (20-25 vol %) 
                 (29-35 vol %) 
               
               
                 PTFE 
                 0.2-0.4 
                 0.2-0.4 
                 non 
               
               
                 aggregates (μm) 
               
               
                 Density (g/cm 3 ) 
                 6.4-6.8 
                 5.9-6.3 
                 7.9 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Hard-ness 
                 before heat 
                 250-350 
                 200-300 
                 500-550 
               
               
                 (HV) 
                 treatment 
               
               
                   
                 after heat 
                 400-500 
                 350-450 
                 550-900 
               
               
                   
                 treatment 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0044]    Table 3 further performs the comparisons between the friction coefficients of PTFE alloy layer and that of the conventional material with lower friction coefficients as set forth below: 
         [0000]    
       
         
               
             
               
               
               
             
               
               
               
             
           
               
                 TABLE 3 
               
             
             
               
                   
               
               
                 Comparisons between lubricating layers and typical materials 
               
             
          
           
               
                 Item 
                   
                 Dynamic friction 
               
               
                 Type 
                 Static friction coefficient 
                 coefficient 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
           
               
                 PTFE alloy 
                 0.134 
                 0.097 
               
               
                 Non-electrolytic nickel 
                 0.191 
                 0.144 
               
               
                 Steel-Plate-Coldrolled-Coil 
                 0.507 
                 0.427 
               
               
                 (SPCC) 
               
               
                 Copper (Cu) 
                 0.232 
                 0.146 
               
               
                 Aluminum (Al) 
                 0.171 
                 0.106 
               
               
                   
               
             
          
         
       
     
         [0045]    Referring to  FIGS. 3 and 3A , the pair of exterior chain plates  2  relatively overlaps the pair of interior chain plates  1 . Each exterior chain plate  2  also has a second pivot bore  21  relative to the first pivot bore  11 . Each exterior chain plate  2  is also coated with a first lubricating layer  22  and a second lubricating layer  23 . The characters of the lubricating layers have been described as above and herein are omitted. 
         [0046]    Referring to  FIGS. 4 and 4A , the chain hub  3  is disposed between the pair of the interior chain plates  1  and has a circular contour, on which a hub orifice  31  is defined. The chain hub  3  is also coated with a first lubricating layer  32  and a second lubricating layer  33 . The characters of the lubricating layers have been described as above and herein are omitted. 
         [0047]    Referring to  FIGS. 5 and 5A , the chain axle  4  penetrates through the hub orifice  31  of the chain hub  3  and pivots to the second pivot bores  21  of adjacent exterior chain plates  2  and the first pivot bores  11  of adjacent interior chain plates  1 . The chain axle  4  is also coated with a first lubricating layer  41  and a second lubricating layer  42 . The characters of the lubricating layers have been described as above and herein are omitted. 
         [0048]      FIG. 6  shows a second preferred embodiment of the present invention, which is substantially similar to the first preferred embodiment with the exception described hereinafter. The chain assemblage further comprises a bushing  5 , in which a bushing orifice  51  is defined. The bushing  5  densely embeds among the pair of the interior chain plates  1  and disposed within the chain hub  3  for permitting turning. As illustrated in  FIGS. 7 and 7A , the bushing  5  is also coated with a first lubricating layer  52  and a second lubricating layer  53 . The characters of the lubricating layers have been described as above and herein are omitted. 
         [0049]    To sum up, the present invention mainly coat every component of the chain assemblage with dual lubricating layers, that is, the first non-electrolytic nickel layers  12 ,  22 ,  32 ,  41 ,  52  possessing the characteristics of a homogeneous coating, a great adhesion, a high hardness, a favorable wear resistance, a preferable anti-corrosion, and available welding and coating hardness higher than 500 HV (HRC50). The coating hardness would preferably obtain 1000 HV (HRC70) via processing a specific treatment, so as to efficiently enhance the hardness of the chain assemblage. Further, in view of the second lubricating layers  13 ,  23 ,  33 ,  42 ,  53  is the PTFE alloy layer having a friction coefficient lower than the conventional materials (see Table 3). The second lubricating layer substantially provides the merits of a favorable lubrication and a non-adhesive surface, thereby avoiding the wrapping of the dirt on the components and the rugged operation of the chain assemblage. Further, the second lubricating layer also possesses the properties of a strong temperature endurance, a favorable electric insulation, a great ageing retardation, a precious incombustibility, a great corrosion resistance to enhance the chemical stability, and a diminutive absorption capability. Consequently, the present invention facilitates to attain a durable utilization without frequent renewals, an automatic lubricating effect, and an increment of the surface hardness of the chain assemblage without burdening the tensile strength. 
         [0050]    While we have shown and described the embodiment in accordance with the present invention, it should be clear to those skilled in the art that further embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention.