Method and tool for fastening connecting plates of a chain using connecting links

Abstract

A method for fastening connecting plates of a chain with connecting links that are fabricated from an antifriction bearing steel 100Cr6. At least part of the connecting link is heated and is acted upon by a predetermined shaping force to attach a chain pin to the connection plate. The tool is in the form of a rotatable hard metal pin that is pressed with a predetermined pressing force against the connecting pin to be attached to the connecting plate.

1 . A method for connecting plates of a plate-link chain by connecting links, said method comprising the steps of: fabricating connecting links from antifriction bearing steel 100Cr6; and heating and applying a predetermined shaping force to at least part of the connecting link.  
   
   
       2 . A method in accordance with  claim 1 , including the steps of: providing a chain pin for joinder to a connecting plate; and applying a predetermined pressing force to each end surface of the chain pin with a rotating tool.  
   
   
       3 . A method in accordance with  claim 2 , wherein the rotating tool is a hard metal pin.  
   
   
       4 . A method in accordance with  claim 2 , including the step of rotating the tool at a speed of about 3000 to 4000 revolutions per minute.  
   
   
       5 . A method in accordance with  claim 2 , including the step of moving a tip surface of the tool against an end surface of the chain pin with a predetermined pressing force.  
   
   
       6 . A method in accordance with  claim 5 , including the step of deforming at least parts of an edge area of each end surface of the chain pin with the tip of the tool.  
   
   
       7 . A tool for attaching chain pins to chain connection links by rotary and linear movement of the tool against a chain pin, said tool comprising a rotatable hard metal pin for pressing with a predetermined pressing force against the chain pin to be attached to a connection link.  
   
   
       8 . A tool in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the hard metal pin has a tip for deforming an end surface of a chain pin forming part of a connecting link.  
   
   
       9 . A tool in accordance with  claim 7 , wherein the hard metal pin has a diameter of about 5 mm.  
   
   
       10 . A tool in accordance with  claim 8 , wherein the tip that faces the chain pin has an outer end diameter of about 0.5 mm.  
   
   
       11 . A tool in accordance with  claim 7 , including a drive device with which the hard metal pin is driven at a rotational speed of about 3000 to 4000 revolutions per minute.