Chain for a work implement, method for producing a stud for a chain and method for producing a driving member for a chain

US9573294B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• Andreas Stihl AG & Co. KG · DE

Inventors

• Jochen Buchholtz · Waiblingen, DE
• Matthias Schulz · Westerstetten, DE
• Oliver Gerstenberger · Ditzingen, DE
• Thomas Lux · Welzheim, DE
• Norbert Apfel · Waiblingen, DE
• Nina Regnet · Waiblingen, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Mar 25, 2015
• Grant date: Feb 21, 2017
• Expiry date: Apr 22, 2035

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T83/909
• WIPO field: Machine tools
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

A chain for a work implement has lateral connecting members connected to central driving members via studs. The stud has two lateral portions spaced apart from one another by a collar. A driving member is mounted pivotably on the collar. At the collar the stud has a surface layer harder than the base material. For a high chain service life, the stud has a diffusion layer above a surface layer above the base material. To produce the stud, the stud is provided with a diffusion layer at least at the collar, and a surface region of the collar is hardened, such that a surface layer is formed between the diffusion layer and the base material of the stud. For a method for producing a driving member, the driving member is provided with a diffusion layer at least at a circumferential surface of a hole and the driving member is hardened.