Chains and Gears

Chain drive consists of an endless chain whose links

mesh with toothed wheels known as sprockets. Shafts
center distances for chain drives are relatively
unrestricted. Chains are easily installed. Chain drives do
not slip or creep. As a result, chains maintain a positive
speed ratio and are more efficient because of no slippage.
Chain drives are more compact than belt drives. For a
given capacity, a chain will be narrower and sprockets
will be smaller in diameter, thus occupying less overall
space. Chains do not deteriorate with age and can operate
at higher temperatures. They are more practical for low
speeds.

Roller Chains
These chains are assembled from roller links and pin links (as shown
in the figure). For joint wear life, these chains should be lubricated.

Table shows the Roller chain

dimensions. (Dimensions are in mm)

Inverted Tooth or Silent Chains

Sprockets
It is a general practice to use a minimum size of sprocket of 17 teeth in order to obtain smooth
operation at high speeds. The normal maximum number of teeth is 120. The practice indicates
that the ratio of driver to driven sprockets should not be more than 6. Centre distances must be
more than one half of the diameter of the smaller sprocket plus one half of the diameter of the
larger sprocket. Eighty times pitch is considered the maximum.
The chain length is a function of number of teeth in both sprockets and of center distance. In
addition, the chain must consists of integer number of pitches; preferably with an even number.

Gears
Gears are machine elements, which are used for
power transmission between shafts, separated by
small distance. Irrespective of the type, each gear
is provided with projections called teeth and
intermediate depressions called tooth spaces.
While two gears are meshing, the teeth of one
gear enter the spaces of the other. Thus, the drive
is positive and when one gear rotates, the other
also rotates; transmitting power from one shaft to
the other.

Types of Gears
Gears are classified on the basis of the shape of
the tooth profile and the relative position of the
shafts between which, power transmission takes
place. The pictorial views of some of the most
commonly used gear trains, are shown in the
figure.

Tooth Profiles

Gears and Gearing

1- Spur gear

2- Spur Gearing

Helical Gear and Helical Gearing

Bevel Gear

Bevel Gearing

Exercise
1. Sketch (a) sectional view from the front and (b)
view from the side of a spur gear with a web.
2. Sketch the views of two gears, a pinion and gear
in mesh. Indicate the required parameters.
3. Sketch a helical gearing, following the
conventional representation.
4. Sketch a bevel gear, indicating the various terms
and parameters.
5. Sketch (a) sectional view from the front and (b)
view from the side of a bevel gearing. Indicate the
required parameters .

Exercise:
The assembly drawing of a speed reducer is shown in the figure. Draw
the details of the following, to suitable scale:
(i) End support 2, (ii) Shaft 4, (iii) Spur gear 7, (iv) Bevel gear 9, and
(v) Bearing cover 15.