Rigid chain for elevating platforms

Abstract

The application provides a rigid chain for a lifting platform, which comprises a first chain and a second chain arranged at intervals, the first chain and the second chain each comprise a plurality of chain links connected in sequence, each chain link comprises a first chain plate and a second chain plate arranged oppositely, adjacent chain links are movably connected through a pin shaft, the first chain plate and the second chain plate each have a first arc surface, a second arc surface and a third arc surface arranged towards the other chain, a plurality of clamping teeth are arranged at intervals on the third arc surface, when the first chain and the second chain are converted between a horizontal storage state and a vertical bearing state, in the vertical bearing state, the clamping teeth on the first chain and the clamping teeth on the second chain are engaged with each other to limit the first chain and the second chain from separating in a direction away from each other, and the application solves the problems of insufficient stability of the existing rigid chain in the vertical bearing state and poor tightness of the double-chain connection.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of rigid chains, and more particularly to a rigid chain for a lifting platform. Background Technology

[0002] Lifting platforms are widely used in logistics transportation, equipment maintenance, warehousing and transfer, and industrial automation. Existing lifting platforms commonly use hydraulic cylinders, lead screws, scissor mechanisms, or chain drive mechanisms to achieve lifting. Among these, rigid chains are increasingly being used in lifting platforms that require low-level storage and high-level lifting due to their advantages such as flexibility, ability to form a support structure when vertically extended, and smaller footprint.

[0003] However, existing rigid chains for lifting platforms still have certain shortcomings in use: on the one hand, when a single rigid chain is subjected to vertical load, it mainly relies on the abutment between the chain links to form support, and its lateral stability and resistance to off-center loads are limited, making the lifting platform prone to swaying or local deformation when subjected to off-center loads; on the other hand, some double-chain structures only achieve support by being close to each other, and there is a lack of reliable meshing and locking structure between the two chains, resulting in insufficient tightness of connection and difficulty in forming a rigid support body with strong integrity.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a new rigid chain for lifting platforms to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Summary of the Invention

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a rigid chain for lifting platforms, which solves the problems of insufficient stability of existing rigid chains under vertical load and poor tightness of double chain connection.

[0006] The rigid chain for the lifting platform provided by the present invention includes a first chain and a second chain arranged at intervals, and both the first chain and the second chain include a plurality of chain links that are hinged in sequence. Each of the chain links includes a first chain plate and a second chain plate arranged opposite to each other, and adjacent chain links are movably connected by a pin. A wear-resistant roller sleeve is movably sleeved on the pin shaft, and the wear-resistant roller sleeve is used to make rolling contact with the tooth groove of the drive sprocket. Both the first chain plate and the second chain plate have a first arc surface, a second arc surface, and a third arc surface facing the other chain, and a plurality of teeth are spaced apart on the third arc surface; When the first chain and the second chain switch between a horizontal storage state and a vertical load-bearing state, the locking teeth on the first chain gradually engage or gradually disengage with the locking teeth on the second chain; in the vertical load-bearing state, the locking teeth on the first chain and the locking teeth on the second chain engage with each other to restrict the first chain and the second chain from separating in a direction away from each other.

[0007] In a preferred embodiment, the first chain plate and the second chain plate are chain plates with the same structure.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the first arc surface and the second arc surface are respectively disposed at both ends of the corresponding chain plate. When the first chain and the second chain are in a vertical bearing state, the first arc surface and the second arc surface on the adjacent chain link abut against each other to support and limit the adjacent chain link.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the third arc surface is a transitional arc surface used to guide the locking teeth into engagement or disengagement, and a plurality of the locking teeth are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the third arc surface.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the third arc surface on the first chain is disposed opposite to the third arc surface on the second chain, and the teeth on the first chain can enter the gap between adjacent teeth on the second chain.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, a needle roller bearing is provided between the pin and the wear-resistant roller sleeve, and the wear-resistant roller sleeve rotates relative to the pin via the needle roller bearing.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the outer peripheral surface of the wear-resistant roller sleeve is a micro-arc surface, and the micro-arc surface has an arc-shaped profile with a central outward convexity along the axial direction of the wear-resistant roller sleeve.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a limiting step is provided on the pin shaft, the limiting step being located on the axial side of the wear-resistant roller sleeve, for limiting the axial movement of the wear-resistant roller sleeve along the pin shaft.

[0014] The beneficial effects of this invention are: 1. The present invention sets up a first chain and a second chain, and sets teeth on opposite sides of the two chains, so that the two chains can mesh and lock with each other in a vertical load-bearing state, thereby improving the connection tightness between the two chains and making them together form a more rigid support structure with stronger integrity.

[0015] 2. The present invention improves the axial load-bearing capacity and vertical support stability of the rigid chain by setting a first arc surface and a second arc surface on the chain plate, so that adjacent chain links can abut against each other in a vertical state, restricting the chain links from continuing to bend.

[0016] 3. By designing one side of the locking teeth as a third arc surface, the locking teeth can gradually enter the meshing state under the guidance of the third arc surface when the chain changes from a horizontal to a vertical state, reducing jamming, collision and impact, and improving the smoothness of the lifting process.

[0017] 4. This invention provides a wear-resistant roller sleeve on the pin shaft, which enables rolling contact between the drive sprocket and the chain, reducing sliding friction between the sprocket and the pin shaft, reducing wear and noise, and improving transmission stability.

[0018] 5. The present invention sets a limiting step to axially limit the wear-resistant roller sleeve, which can prevent the wear-resistant roller sleeve from axially moving under the impact of sprocket meshing, and ensure a stable fit between the sprocket tooth groove and the wear-resistant roller sleeve. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 The main structural stereoscopic view of the rigid chain for the lifting platform provided by the present invention Figure 1 ; Figure 2 The main structural stereoscopic view of the rigid chain for the lifting platform provided by the present invention Figure 2 ; Figure 3 A plan view of the two chains provided for this invention; Figure 4 The structural view of the wear-resistant roller sleeve and pin provided by the present invention.

[0020] The following are the labels in the diagram: 1. First chain; 2. Second chain; 3. First chain plate; 4. Second chain plate; 5. Pin; 6. Wear-resistant roller; 7. Limiting step; 8. First arc surface; 9. Second arc surface; 10. Third arc surface; 11. Clamping tooth. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] Please refer to the following: Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 as well as Figure 4 ,in Figure 1 The main structural stereoscopic view of the rigid chain for the lifting platform provided by the present invention Figure 1 ; Figure 2 The main structural stereoscopic view of the rigid chain for the lifting platform provided by the present invention Figure 2 ; Figure 3 A plan view of the two chains provided for this invention; Figure 4 The structural view of the wear-resistant roller sleeve and pin provided by the present invention.

[0023] In the specific implementation process, such as Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a rigid chain for a lifting platform, including a first chain 1 and a second chain 2 arranged at intervals. The first chain 1 and the second chain 2 cooperate with each other in actual use to form a rigid support structure that can be gradually converted from a horizontal storage state to a vertical bearing state.

[0024] Both the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 include several links connected in sequence, each link consisting of opposing chain plates. Specifically, each link includes a first chain plate 3 and a second chain plate 4, which are respectively disposed on both sides of the link and movably connected to adjacent links via pins 5, thereby allowing the links to rotate relative to each other. In this embodiment, the first chain plate 3 and the second chain plate 4 adopt the same structural design, which facilitates processing and manufacturing, reduces mold costs and spare parts types, and also facilitates assembly and subsequent maintenance.

[0025] A wear-resistant roller sleeve 6 is fitted onto the pin 5. The wear-resistant roller sleeve 6 is movably mounted on the outer circumference of the pin 5 via a needle roller bearing, allowing it to rotate freely relative to the pin 5. During actual operation, the wear-resistant roller sleeve 6 contacts the tooth grooves of the drive sprocket. When the drive sprocket rotates, it does not directly slide against the outer surface of the pin 5, but rather forms a rolling contact with the wear-resistant roller sleeve 6. Therefore, it effectively reduces the frictional resistance between the drive sprocket and the chain, reduces localized wear and impact, improves transmission smoothness, and extends the service life of the pin 5 and the sprocket.

[0026] To further improve the stability of the wear-resistant roller sleeve 6 during meshing with the drive sprocket, the outer circumferential surface of the wear-resistant roller sleeve 6 is designed with a micro-arc surface structure. Specifically, the outer surface of the wear-resistant roller sleeve 6 along the axial direction has an arc-shaped profile that is slightly convex in the middle and slightly concave at both ends. This structure can reduce edge contact phenomena when there are slight assembly errors, force deviations, or changes in chain posture between the sprocket and the chain, maintaining a relatively stable contact state between the drive sprocket teeth and the wear-resistant roller sleeve 6, thereby improving meshing stability and reducing uneven wear and abnormal vibration.

[0027] In this embodiment, a limiting step 7 is also provided on the pin 5, and the limiting step 7 is located on the axial side of the wear-resistant sleeve 6. By providing the limiting step 7, the wear-resistant sleeve 6 can be axially limited, preventing the wear-resistant sleeve 6 from moving axially along the pin 5 during sprocket meshing impact, vibration or long-term operation, ensuring that the sprocket tooth groove always matches the predetermined contact area of ​​the wear-resistant sleeve 6, thereby further improving the stability and reliability of the transmission process.

[0028] In this embodiment, the first chain plate 3 and the second chain plate 4 have the same structural shape. The following description takes the first chain plate 3 as an example. The top of the first chain plate 3 is provided with a first arc surface 8, the bottom is provided with a second arc surface 9, and the side facing the other chain is provided with a third arc surface 10. Several teeth 11 are provided at intervals on the third arc surface 10.

[0029] The first arc surface 8 and the second arc surface 9 are mainly used for load-bearing support and posture limitation between adjacent chain links. As the chain gradually changes from a bent state to a vertical state, the relative angle between adjacent chain links gradually decreases until the first arc surface 8 and the second arc surface 9 on the adjacent chain links abut against each other. At this point, the adjacent chain links cannot continue to bend in the load-bearing direction, thus forming an approximately rigid support chain segment. In other words, the cooperation of the first arc surface 8 and the second arc surface 9 can limit the chain links from continuing to bend under vertical load conditions, transforming the chain from a flexible, bendable structure into a rigid support structure capable of withstanding axial pressure, thereby meeting the load-bearing rigidity requirements of the lifting platform during lifting.

[0030] The third arc surface 10 and its teeth 11 are mainly used for the meshing between the first chain 1 and the second chain 2. Preferably, the third arc surface 10 on the first chain 1 is oriented towards the second chain 2, and the third arc surface 10 on the second chain 2 is oriented towards the first chain 1, so that when the two chains approach each other, their respective teeth 11 can gradually enter the gap between adjacent teeth 11 of the other chain, forming a meshing engagement.

[0031] It should be noted that the third arc surface 10 is set as an arc surface rather than a straight surface, which has the following functions: First, the third arc surface 10 can form an introductory transition surface. When the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 gradually transition from a horizontal state to a vertical state, the two chains do not mesh instantly, but rather approach and gradually engage link by link under the continuous drive of the drive sprocket. At this time, if the side of the chain plate has a simple straight line structure, the locking teeth 11 are prone to interference, collision, or even jamming when approaching. By setting this side as the third arc surface 10, the two chain plates can first form a smooth transition contact during the approach process, guiding the corresponding locking teeth 11 to gradually align and enter the meshing position along a predetermined path, thereby reducing impact and avoiding jamming.

[0032] Secondly, the third arc surface 10 helps compensate for minor angular errors generated by the chain during movement. Because the posture of each link changes continuously during the transition from horizontal to vertical, there is often a certain angular difference between the two chains when they approach engagement. The arc-shaped third arc surface 10 provides better guidance and containment, allowing the two chains to smoothly complete the engagement of the locking teeth 11 even with slight posture deviations, thus improving the fault tolerance and stability of the device.

[0033] Third, the third arc surface 10 makes the meshing process smoother. As the drive sprocket continues to output, the third arc surface 10 can guide the locking teeth 11 from initial contact and partial meshing to full meshing, avoiding abrupt hard contact, thereby reducing noise and impact and improving the smoothness of the lifting process.

[0034] In the actual operation, the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 are driven by their respective drive sprockets; that is, the first chain 1 is driven by one drive sprocket, and the second chain 2 is driven by the other drive sprocket, with the two drive sprockets rotating synchronously. Initially, the two chains are in a horizontal, stowed state, extending along their respective guide paths. After the two drive sprockets rotate synchronously, the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 are output segment by segment under the drive of their respective drive sprockets, gradually flipping upwards from their horizontal state.

[0035] During this flipping process, as the chain links continue to move upward, the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 gradually approach each other, and their opposing third arc surfaces 10 first come into contact, guiding their respective locking teeth 11. Subsequently, the locking teeth 11 on the first chain 1 and the locking teeth 11 on the second chain 2 gradually engage with each other. As the ascent continues, more and more chain links' locking teeth 11 complete the engagement, transforming the two chains from a separate state into an integrated structure that is interlocked along the height direction.

[0036] As the chain continues to output power to a vertical position, on the one hand, the first arc surface 8 and the second arc surface 9 between adjacent chain links abut against each other, supporting and limiting each chain link and restricting further bending within the same chain; on the other hand, the locking teeth 11 between the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 engage with each other, preventing the two chains from separating. Thus, the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 not only form longitudinal rigid support within their respective chains, but also form a transverse locking structure between the two chains, significantly improving overall rigidity and enabling them to stably withstand the load of the lifting platform.

[0037] Compared to existing technologies, this invention, by setting up an interlocking double-chain structure, can effectively improve the overall stability and bending resistance of the support chain segment. Many existing rigid chain structures rely on a single chain for load-bearing, resulting in relatively weak overall lateral stability. In contrast, this invention uses a method where the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 interlock in the vertical segment, forming a reliable connection between the two chains. This improves the overall support strength and resistance to eccentric loads, reducing swaying during the operation of the lifting platform.

[0038] Furthermore, the first chain plate 3 and the second chain plate 4 in this invention adopt the same structural design, giving each chain plate strong versatility. That is, in some scenarios where the load-bearing capacity requirement is low or only a single chain is needed, the first chain plate 3 and the second chain plate 4 can also be used as components of a separate chain, thereby improving the product's applicability, reducing the types of parts and manufacturing costs, and providing better flexibility and economy.

[0039] During the descent and recovery process, the two drive sprockets rotate in opposite directions, and the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 descend link by link under the drive of their respective drive sprockets. As the chain links gradually recover downwards, the originally meshing teeth 11 gradually disengage under the guidance of the third arc surface 10, and the chain smoothly transitions from a vertical bearing state to a horizontal storage state. At the same time, the abutment relationship between the first arc surface 8 and the second arc surface 9 between adjacent chain links gradually disengages, and each chain link regains its relative rotational capacity, thus returning to a bendable state and completing the recovery process sequentially.

[0040] In summary, by setting a chain plate structure with a first arc surface 8, a second arc surface 9, and a third arc surface 10 in a double-chain structure, and by setting a wear-resistant roller sleeve 6, a limiting step 7, and a locking tooth 11, the present invention not only realizes the smooth conversion between the horizontal storage state and the vertical bearing state of the chain, but also forms a rigid support structure with high stability and bearing capacity in the vertical state, thus making it particularly suitable for the field of lifting platforms.

[0041] The working principle of this invention is as follows: two drive sprockets drive the first chain 1 and the second chain 2 respectively, causing the two chains to gradually flip from a horizontal storage state to a vertical state. During the flipping process, adjacent chain links within the chain form rigid support through the abutment of the first arc surface 8 and the second arc surface 9, while the chains gradually engage through the locking teeth 11 guided by the third arc surface 10 to form a locking connection. Finally, the two chains together form a high-rigidity support in the vertical section, which is used to achieve stable lifting of the lifting platform. When it is necessary to lower, the drive sprockets rotate in the opposite direction, and the two chains gradually disengage and return to a bendable state, returning to the horizontal position.

[0042] The above description is merely an embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A rigid chain for a lifting platform, comprising a first chain (1) and a second chain (2) spaced apart, wherein the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) each comprise a plurality of chain links that are hinged together in sequence; Each of the chain links includes a first chain plate (3) and a second chain plate (4) arranged opposite to each other, and adjacent chain links are movably connected by a pin (5); A wear-resistant roller sleeve (6) is movably sleeved on the pin (5), and the wear-resistant roller sleeve (6) is used to make rolling contact with the tooth groove of the drive sprocket. The first chain plate (3) and the second chain plate (4) each have a first arc surface (8), a second arc surface (9) and a third arc surface (10) facing the other chain. The third arc surface (10) is provided with a plurality of teeth (11) at intervals. When the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) switch between a horizontal storage state and a vertical load-bearing state, the locking teeth (11) on the first chain (1) and the locking teeth (11) on the second chain (2) gradually engage or gradually disengage; in the vertical load-bearing state, the locking teeth (11) on the first chain (1) and the locking teeth (11) on the second chain (2) engage with each other to restrict the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) from separating in a direction away from each other.

2. The rigid chain for the lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first chain plate (3) and the second chain plate (4) are chain plates with the same structure.

3. The rigid chain for the lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first arc surface (8) and the second arc surface (9) are respectively disposed at both ends of the corresponding chain plate. When the first chain (1) and the second chain (2) are in a vertical bearing state, the first arc surface (8) and the second arc surface (9) on the adjacent chain links abut against each other to support and limit the adjacent chain links.

4. The rigid chain for the lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The third arc surface (10) is a transitional arc surface used to guide the locking teeth (11) into engagement or disengagement, and a plurality of the locking teeth (11) are arranged at intervals along the extension direction of the third arc surface (10).

5. The rigid chain for the lifting platform according to claim 4, characterized in that, The third arc surface (10) on the first chain (1) is arranged opposite to the third arc surface (10) on the second chain (2), and the teeth (11) on the first chain (1) can enter the gap between adjacent teeth (11) on the second chain (2).

6. The rigid chain for the lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, A needle roller bearing is provided between the pin (5) and the wear-resistant roller sleeve (6), and the wear-resistant roller sleeve (6) rotates relative to the pin (5) through the needle roller bearing.

7. The rigid chain for the lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer circumferential surface of the wear-resistant roller sleeve (6) is a micro-arc surface, and the micro-arc surface has an arc-shaped profile with a central outward convexity along the axial direction of the wear-resistant roller sleeve (6).

8. The rigid chain for the lifting platform according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting step (7) is provided on the pin (5). The limiting step (7) is located on the axial side of the wear-resistant roller sleeve (6) and is used to restrict the wear-resistant roller sleeve (6) from moving axially along the pin (5).

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