A modular chain component, a conveyor belt, and a design method

Abstract

This application discloses a modular chain assembly, which includes connectors disposed on the left and right sides. Each connector includes a left connector and a right connector extending axially. Multiple sets of elastic connectors are disposed between the left and right connectors. These elastic connectors are adapted to bend, thereby achieving an arc-shaped connection between the left and right connectors. The multiple sets of elastic connectors are distributed along the front-back direction, and adjacent elastic connectors define a space suitable for accommodating chain teeth on a sprocket assembly. Self-locking grooves are provided on the outer side of each connector along the vertical direction, with the groove openings facing outwards. Multiple self-locking grooves are spaced apart along the front-back direction, and adjacent self-locking grooves are spaced apart to define self-locking teeth. The self-locking grooves are adapted to abut against and connect with the self-locking teeth of another modular chain assembly to form a conveyor belt. One objective of this application is to provide a modular chain assembly with low operation and maintenance requirements, high efficiency, and low cost.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of transportation, and in particular to a modular chain component, a conveyor belt, and a design method. Background Technology

[0002] A modular chain is a unit element of a chain conveyor belt. Several groups of modular chains are connected in series and parallel through pins passing through pin holes to form a chain conveyor belt. In the prior art of plastic chain conveyor belts, see Chinese patent: A plastic modular chain assembly with a descaling groove (application number: 201410410519.7). Under the drive of the sprocket, the pins and pin holes, in addition to their connecting function, also need to withstand the force of rotation and bending. Due to the friction of rotation under force, the pins and pin holes are prone to wear in actual work. Damaged modular chains need to be replaced from time to time, or the entire plastic chain conveyor belt needs to be updated regularly. The service life is difficult to extend, and the maintenance time and cost are high. Therefore, the prior art has the problems and shortcomings of short service life and high cost. To address this issue, there is currently a rubber-plastic composite modular chain (application number: 201711067079.X) in the prior art, which consists of a rubber chain connecting a left plastic body and a right plastic body. Both the left and right plastic bodies are provided with working teeth and working grooves. The modular chains are combined by inserting the working teeth and working grooves on adjacent modular chains, and the rubber chain reduces the wear of the axle pins and axle pin holes.

[0003] In practical applications, existing rubber-bonded modular chains suffer from aging and fatigue, causing working teeth to detach from individual broken or damaged working slots. This leads to a chain reaction of damage, affecting other intact modular chains and accelerating the overall conveyor belt breakage process. Consequently, the overall durability of the conveyor belt is poor, requiring extensive operation and maintenance, resulting in low efficiency and high costs. This is a problem that those skilled in the art need to solve. Summary of the Invention

[0004] One objective of this application is to provide a modular chain component that requires minimal operation and maintenance, is highly efficient, and has low cost.

[0005] Another objective of this application is to provide a conveyor belt that requires minimal operation and maintenance, is highly efficient, and has low cost.

[0006] Another objective of this application is to provide a design method that is low in operation and maintenance, highly efficient, and low in cost.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted in this application is as follows:

[0008] A modular chain assembly includes connectors disposed on left and right sides. Each connector includes a left connector and a right connector extending axially. Multiple sets of elastic connectors are disposed between the left and right connectors. These elastic connectors are adapted to bend, thereby achieving an arc-shaped connection between the left and right connectors. The multiple sets of elastic connectors are distributed along a front-rear direction, and adjacent elastic connectors define receiving spaces suitable for accommodating chain teeth on a sprocket assembly. Self-locking grooves are provided on the outer sides of each connector along a vertical direction, with the groove openings facing outwards. The self-locking groove has multiple grooves spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. The spaced-apart adjacent self-locking grooves are adapted to define the self-locking teeth. The self-locking groove is adapted to abut against and connect with the self-locking teeth of another module chain assembly to form a conveyor belt. The projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove on the vertical plane has an angle between the vertical line and the horizontal line. The connector is also provided with a pin hole in the front-to-back direction. The pin hole is respectively provided through the self-locking groove and the self-locking teeth. The pin hole is adapted to install a pin. The pin is adapted to limit the radial displacement of the left connector and the right connector when they are connected in an arc.

[0009] It is worth mentioning that the left and right connectors are connected by an arc-shaped elastic connector, which allows for a certain curvature between the left and right connectors, facilitating drive by the sprocket assembly. In actual use, the modular chain assembly that interlocks to form a conveyor belt has two types of connections: a straight connection and an arc-shaped connection. A straight connection means that the mounting planes of the left and right connectors are on the same plane, and this straight connection includes the path from the start point to the end point of the conveyor belt, as well as the path from the start point to the end point of the return journey. An arc-shaped connection means that the left and right connectors have a certain curvature, and this arc-shaped connection includes the path from the end point of the conveyor belt to the start point of the return journey, as well as the path from the end point of the return journey back to the start point of the conveyor belt. As is well known, a conveyor belt includes a working path and a return path. The working path includes a working start point and a working end point, and the return path includes a return start point and a return end point. The working end point and the return start point are connected to each other, forming a complete conveyor belt loop. The conveyor belt body travels from the working start point to the working end point, transporting the objects to be conveyed on the conveyor belt body from the working start point to the working end point. Then, the conveyor belt body returns to the working start point along the return path, and this cycle repeats.

[0010] The self-locking groove of the left connector faces outwards. In this specific embodiment, the groove of the left connector faces left, and the groove of the right connector faces right. The projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove onto the vertical plane forms an angle with both the vertical line and the horizontal line, thus excluding the case where the angle is zero. It is easy to understand that the vertical plane refers to a plane that is perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and this plane is perpendicular to the axes of the left and right connectors.

[0011] It is worth mentioning that the modular chain assembly of this application is suitable for assembling into a conveyor belt and is applicable to particulate matter conditions, including the following situations: (1) direct application to transporting substances containing particulate matter (including generating dust, etc.); or (2) participation in processes containing liquids, where particulate matter precipitates after the liquid dries. For example, in conveyor belts used to transport and stack rubber sheets, a release agent is applied to the rubber sheets to prevent them from sticking together during stacking. This application process is carried out on the conveyor belt, and the release agent is an aqueous solution of a powder, the main component of which is calcium carbonate. It easily enters the gaps of the conveyor belt, and after drying, particulate matter precipitates, aggravating wear. Therefore, in conventional modular chain assemblies using pins and pin holes for connection, the pins and pin holes are prone to entering the gaps under particulate matter conditions, aggravating the wear of the pins and pin holes, thus leading to failure of the modular chain assembly. Although the modular chain assembly using rubber chain connections in the new technology uses rubber chains to replace pins and pin holes, it is still possible for working teeth to detach from individual broken working slots due to aging and fatigue, leading to a chain reaction of damage. This damage can affect other intact modular chains, accelerating the process of overall conveyor belt breakage. As a result, the modular chain assembly has high operating and maintenance costs under actual working conditions.

[0012] Further research by the inventors revealed that the forces acting on the self-locking groove and self-locking teeth of the modular chain assembly differ depending on their position on the conveyor belt. Specifically, when in a straight connection, there is only a force in the left-right direction between the self-locking groove and the self-locking teeth, which does not cause separation between them. However, when in an arc connection, there is a relatively small relative movement between the self-locking groove and the self-locking teeth, resulting in wear and causing the self-locking teeth to separate from the groove. Furthermore, the forces acting on the self-locking groove and the self-locking teeth are not the same at different positions in an arc connection. Further investigation revealed that the force between the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth in the arc connection is due to the elastic deformation of the elastic connector, which drives the self-locking groove or the self-locking tooth to move relative to each other. When the elastic connectors on both sides of the modular chain assembly are arc connections and both undergo elastic deformation, the relative motion tendency between the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth is the same, making separation of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth less likely. However, when one side of the modular chain assembly is arc connection and the other side is straight connection, the relative motion tendency between the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth is different, making separation of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth more likely. Furthermore, separation of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth is more likely to occur when the modular chain assembly is on the working path of the conveyor belt (there is a load on the working path).

[0013] Based on this, the inventors further improved the modular chain assembly by setting the projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove on the vertical plane to have an angle with the vertical line and the horizontal line (to avoid the projection coinciding with the vertical line or the horizontal line). Since the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth are prone to separation, one side of the modular chain assembly is connected by an arc and the other side is connected by a straight line. Furthermore, since there is a load on the working path, the load force will act on the bottom of the self-locking groove and the outer tooth surface of the self-locking tooth, thereby locking the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth. This prevents the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth from separating at the intersection of the straight line connection and the arc connection on the working path, thus avoiding the failure of the modular chain assembly.

[0014] Furthermore, due to the elastic deformation of the elastic connector caused by the arc connection, the module chain assembly is driven by an upward driving force at the beginning and end of the working path. Since there is a downward load in the vertical direction on the working path, the driving force and the load force are set relative to each other and balanced, which further facilitates the separation of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth.

[0015] Furthermore, by setting a pin to pass through the pin hole, the relative rotation tendency of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth during movement is further reduced, thereby further reducing the possibility of separation of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth, and further improving the durability of the module chain assembly of this application (of course, due to the setting of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth, the groove walls on the front and rear sides of the self-locking groove are suitable to abut against the outer wall of the self-locking tooth, thereby generating friction, which can limit the relative displacement between adjacent module chain assemblies in the left and right directions).

[0016] In a further preferred embodiment, the bottom of the self-locking groove abuts against the outer tooth surface of the self-locking tooth on the adjacent module chain assembly, and the angle between the projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove and the outer tooth surface of the self-locking tooth onto the vertical plane and the horizontal line is α.

[0017] Further preferably, the projection of the self-locking groove in the horizontal section is T-shaped, with the horizontal axis of the T-shape arranged along the front-to-back direction and the vertical axis of the T-shape arranged along the left-to-right direction. The shape of the self-locking tooth matches the shape of the self-locking groove in another adjacent module chain component and is suitable for snapping into the self-locking groove of another adjacent module chain component.

[0018] Further preferably, the left and right sides of the horizontal axis of the T-shaped self-locking groove are the groove bottom and the first limiting surface, respectively, and the left and right sides of the horizontal axis of the T-shaped self-locking tooth are the outer tooth surface and the second limiting surface, respectively. The groove bottom abuts against the outer tooth surface, the first limiting surface abuts against the second limiting surface, and the angle between the projection of the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface on the vertical plane and the horizontal line is β, which satisfies β = 90°.

[0019] Further preferably, the module chain assembly includes an end module chain assembly and an extension module chain assembly. The front or rear end of the end module chain assembly is provided with a closed end, and the end module chain assembly is offset from another end module chain assembly or extension module chain assembly in the front-back direction and interlocks with it. The end of the extension module chain assembly is adapted to abut against the end of the closed end and form a closed structure in the front-back direction. The extension module chain assembly has multiple sets and has different lengths in the front-back direction, thereby expanding to form conveyor belts of different lengths as needed.

[0020] Further preferably, the closed end is provided with a connecting hole communicating with the pin hole along the front-back direction, and the closed end is provided with a plug hole communicating with the connecting hole along the up-down direction. A plug is installed in the plug hole, and the plug is suitable for sealing the connecting hole and the plug hole. The module chain assembly includes a virtual central axis, and the left connector and the right connector are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the central axis. The left connector and the right connector are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis, and the length of the elastic connector is equal to the width of the chain tooth.

[0021] Further preferably, the slope of the projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove onto the vertical plane is k. When k > 0, the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point to the working end point; when k < 0, the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point to the working end point.

[0022] The inventors further investigated this technical problem and found that the force on the interlocking modular chain assembly forming the conveyor belt is inconsistent at its working start and end points. Specifically, when the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start to the working end point, and when k > 0, the working teeth of the modular chain assembly are more likely to disengage from the working slot at the working end point, causing a chain reaction of damage. The reason for this is that since the elastic connector is generally made of rubber, it controls the elastic deformation during bending (i.e., when connected in an arc) and provides a large elastic force, while controlling it to not undergo elastic deformation in the left-right direction, thus controlling its left-right... The elastic force in the direction of the sprocket assembly causes the module chain assembly to be subjected to a force along the sprocket direction when the sprocket assembly drives the module chain assembly to move. In this specific embodiment, when the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point to the working end point, the module chain assembly is subjected to a force to the left. When k > 0, at the working end point, the component of this force to the left along the bottom of the self-locking groove moves downward along the slope. At this position, the force of the elastic connector with the arc connection moves upward along the slope, which will cause the self-locking tooth and the self-locking groove to separate. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the conveyor belt from moving to the right from the working start point to the working end point when k > 0.

[0023] Similarly, when the conveyor belt moves to the right from the starting point to the ending point, and when k < 0, the working teeth of the module chain assembly are more likely to disengage from the working groove when it is at the starting point, causing a chain reaction of damage. This is because when the conveyor belt moves to the right from the starting point to the ending point, the module chain assembly is subjected to a rightward force. When k < 0, at the starting point, the component of this rightward force along the bottom of the self-locking groove is downward along the slope. At this position, the force of the elastic connector with the arc connection is upward along the slope, which will cause the self-locking teeth and the self-locking groove to separate. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the conveyor belt from moving to the left from the starting point to the ending point when k < 0.

[0024] Furthermore, for the same conveyor belt, when its working surface is facing upwards, rotating the conveyor belt along the vertical axis allows the orientation of the bottom of its self-locking groove to be switched to different directions. This enables the same conveyor belt to be used in different directions and satisfies the following conditions: when k > 0, the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point to the working end point; when k < 0, the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point to the working end point. This ensures that the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth are not easily disengaged.

[0025] Based on this, a design method for module chain components was further developed, including the following steps:

[0026] S100. Determine the operating conditions of the module chain component, including whether it contains particulate matter and the diameter of the particulate matter, so as to determine the size of the angle α between the bottom of the self-locking groove and the horizontal line.

[0027] S100 also includes the following steps:

[0028] S101. Based on the running direction of the conveyor belt, select the sign of the k value of the projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove onto the vertical plane.

[0029] S200. Based on the load condition of the module chain assembly, determine the maximum friction between the bottom of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth when adjacent module chain assemblies are in arc connection and straight connection respectively, thereby determining the maximum elastic force of the elastic connector, and then determining the arc size of the arc connection, and finally determining the sprocket diameter and chain tooth width used.

[0030] S300. Determine the length of the elastic connector based on the width of the chain teeth on the sprocket assembly.

[0031] In S100, the smaller the angle α between the bottom of the self-locking groove and the horizontal line, the larger the volume of the module chain, and the less likely particles are to enter the gap between the self-locking groove and the self-locking teeth. In addition, the larger the particles, the larger the angle α, and the easier it is for particles to enter the gap between the self-locking groove and the self-locking teeth. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the size of the angle α between the bottom of the self-locking groove and the horizontal line based on the operating conditions and empirical values. It also includes S101, which is to select the sign of the projection k value of the bottom of the self-locking groove on the vertical plane according to the running direction of the conveyor belt. Specifically, when k > 0, the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point to the working end point; when k < 0, the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point to the working end point.

[0032] Next, by determining the maximum frictional force between the bottom of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth when adjacent module chain components are in arc connection and straight connection respectively (at this position, the self-locking groove and self-locking tooth are most easily separated), the maximum elastic force of the elastic connector is determined. With the elastic coefficient determined, the elastic force is only related to the deformation. Therefore, the maximum deformation can be determined based on the determined maximum elastic force, that is, the arc size of the arc connection is determined. Based on the arc size, the sprocket diameter and chain tooth width can be determined. Finally, the length of the elastic connector is determined based on the chain tooth width.

[0033] It's also worth mentioning that since this location is the intersection of the arc connection and the straight connection, it can be approximated as the tangent point of the arc and straight connection. Therefore, the curvature can be estimated by the deformation, thus determining the sprocket diameter. The relationship between the sprocket diameter and the tooth width can be determined by national standards. Therefore, the tooth width can be determined based on the sprocket diameter. Since the length of the elastic connector is equal to the tooth width, the length of the elastic connector can be determined.

[0034] A conveyor belt includes any of the above-mentioned modular chain components. The modular chain components are in multiple sets and are arranged sequentially along the movement direction of the conveyor belt from the starting point to the ending point. Adjacent modular chain components are interlocked with each other through self-locking grooves and self-locking teeth, and are connected end to end to form a complete conveyor belt.

[0035] Further preferably, the conveyor belt is formed by inserting the modular chain assemblies that are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis, and the receiving spaces on adjacent modular chain assemblies are staggered in the front-back direction; the conveyor belt includes a sprocket assembly, the teeth on the sprocket assembly are also distributed circumferentially and staggered in the front-back direction and inserted into the receiving space.

[0036] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0037] (1) By setting the projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove on the vertical plane to have an angle with the vertical line and the horizontal line (to avoid the projection coinciding with the vertical line or the horizontal line), since the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth are prone to separation, one side of the module chain assembly is an arc connection and the other side is a straight connection. And since there is a load on the working path, the load force will act on the bottom of the self-locking groove and the outer tooth surface of the self-locking tooth, thereby locking the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth, thus avoiding the separation of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth at the intersection of the straight connection and the arc connection on the working path, thereby causing the module chain assembly to fail.

[0038] (2) By setting a pin to pass through the pin hole, the relative rotation tendency of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth during movement is further reduced, thereby further reducing the possibility of separation of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth, and further improving the durability of the module chain assembly of this application (of course, since the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth are set, the groove walls on the front and rear sides of the self-locking groove are suitable to abut against the outer wall of the self-locking tooth, thereby generating friction, which can limit the relative displacement between adjacent module chain assemblies in the left and right directions). Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating one embodiment of the conveyor belt of this application;

[0040] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the conveyor belt of this application, showing the working path and return path;

[0041] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a sprocket assembly according to one embodiment of the conveyor belt of this application, showing the chain teeth;

[0042] Figure 4a This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing the end module chain component;

[0043] Figure 4b This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, illustrating another end module chain component;

[0044] Figure 5a This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing an extended module chain component with a shorter length;

[0045] Figure 5b This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing an extended module chain component that is relatively long;

[0046] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing the closed end and the plug;

[0047] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing a self-locking groove;

[0048] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing self-locking teeth;

[0049] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, illustrating a conventional technique that does not use self-locking slots and self-locking teeth;

[0050] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing a linear connection;

[0051] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, illustrating an arcuate connection;

[0052] Figure 12a This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing that one end is in an arc connection and the other end is in a straight connection, and k>0, with the conveyor belt moving to the right at the working starting point;

[0053] Figure 12b This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing that one end is in an arc connection and the other end is in a straight connection, where k > 0, the conveyor belt moves to the right, and is located at the working end point;

[0054] Figure 12c This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing that one end is in an arc connection and the other end is in a straight connection, where k>0, the conveyor belt moves to the left and is located at the working end point;

[0055] Figure 13aThis is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing that one end is in an arc connection and the other end is in a straight connection, where k < 0, and the conveyor belt moves to the right at the working starting point.

[0056] Figure 13b This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing that one end is in an arc connection and the other end is in a straight connection, where k < 0, the conveyor belt moves to the right and is located at the working end point;

[0057] Figure 13c This is a schematic diagram of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing that one end is connected by an arc and the other end is connected by a straight line, where k < 0, and the conveyor belt moves to the left at the working starting point.

[0058] Figure 14 This is a front view of one embodiment of the module chain component of this application, showing the central axis;

[0059] Figure 15 This is one embodiment of the module chain component of this application. Figure 14 A sectional view of section AA in the image;

[0060] Figure 16 This is one embodiment of the module chain component of this application. Figure 14 Sectional view of section BB.

[0061] In the diagram: 1. Module chain assembly; 11. Connector; 111. Left connector; 112. Right connector; 113. Self-locking groove; 1131. Groove bottom; 1132. First limiting surface; 114. Self-locking tooth; 1141. External tooth surface; 1142. Second limiting surface; 115. Pin hole; 12. Elastic connector; 121. Accommodation space; 13. Central axis; 110. End module chain assembly; 1101. Sealing. 1102. Closed end; 1103. Connecting hole; 1104. Plug; 120. Extension module chain assembly; 2. Pin; 100. Sprocket assembly; 101. Chain tooth; 200. Conveyor belt head; 300. Conveyor belt tail; 400. Working path; 401. Working start point; 402. Working end point; 500. Return path; 501. Return start point; 502. Return end point; 600. Load. Detailed Implementation

[0062] The present application will be further described below with reference to specific embodiments. It should be noted that, without conflict, the various embodiments or technical features described below can be arbitrarily combined to form new embodiments.

[0063] In the description of this application, it should be noted that the directional terms such as "center", "lateral", "longitudinal", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", "clockwise", and "counterclockwise" indicate the orientation and positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. They should not be construed as limiting the specific protection scope of this application.

[0064] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification and claims of this application are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence.

[0065] The terms “comprising” and “having”, and any variations thereof, in the specification and claims of this application are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0066] The modular chain assembly 1 of this application is suitable for assembling into a conveyor belt and is applicable to particulate matter conditions, including the following situations: (1) direct application to transporting substances containing particulate matter (including generating dust, etc.); or (2) participation in processes containing liquids, where particulate matter precipitates after the liquid dries. For example, in conveyor belts used to transport and stack rubber sheets, a release agent is applied to the rubber sheets to prevent them from sticking together during stacking. This application process is carried out on the conveyor belt, and the release agent is an aqueous solution of a powder, the main component of which is calcium carbonate. It easily enters the gaps of the conveyor belt, and after drying, particulate matter precipitates, aggravating wear. Therefore, in conventional modular chain assemblies 1 using pins and pin holes for connection, the pins and pin holes are easily exposed to gaps under particulate matter conditions, aggravating wear of the pins and pin holes, thus causing the modular chain assembly 1 to fail. Although the modular chain assembly 1 using rubber chain connection in the new technology uses rubber chain to replace pin shaft and pin hole, it is still possible that due to aging and fatigue, the working teeth will detach from individual broken working slots, causing a chain reaction of damage, affecting other intact modular chains, and accelerating the process of overall conveyor belt breakage. As a result, the modular chain assembly 1 has high operating costs and high maintenance costs under actual working conditions.

[0067] Further research by the inventors revealed that the forces between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 of the modular chain assembly 1 are not the same when it is in different positions on the conveyor belt. Specifically, when in a straight connection (such as...), the forces are different. Figure 10 As shown), there is only a force in the left-right direction between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114, and this force will not cause the self-locking tooth 114 and the self-locking groove 113 to separate; when in a curved connection (such as... Figure 11 and Figure 12a As shown), there is a relatively small relative movement between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114, resulting in wear between them. This causes the self-locking tooth 114 to separate from the self-locking groove 113 and be positioned at various points along the arc connection. The forces between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 are not the same. Further investigation revealed that the force between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 in the arc connection is due to the elastic deformation of the elastic connector 12, which drives the relative movement of either the self-locking groove 113 or the self-locking tooth 114. When both the left and right elastic connectors 12 of the module chain assembly 1 are arc connections and both undergo elastic deformation (e.g., ...), the force is different. Figure 11 As shown), the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 have the same relative motion tendency, making it less likely for the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 to separate; however, when one side of the module chain assembly 1 is an arc connection and the other side is a straight connection (as shown), Figure 12a As shown), due to the different relative motion tendencies between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114, separation of the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 is likely to occur; and as... Figure 2 As shown, when module chain assembly 1 is on the working path 400 of the conveyor belt, separation is more likely to occur between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 (there is a load 600 on the working path 400). Specifically, as Figure 9 As shown, when a vertical load is applied to the module chain assembly 1, the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 move relative to each other in the direction of the dashed arrow due to the influence of the load gravity and the elastic force of the elastic connector 12. This causes the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 to separate. The greater the load gravity, the higher the possibility of separation, which makes it easy for the self-locking tooth 114 to detach from the self-locking groove 113, causing the entire module chain assembly 1 to fail.

[0068] Based on this, the inventors of this application have developed a module chain component 1, one embodiment of which is, for example... Figures 1 to 16As shown, the modular chain assembly 1 includes connectors 11 disposed on the left and right sides. Each connector 11 includes a left connector 111 and a right connector 112 extending axially. Multiple sets of elastic connectors 12 are disposed between the left connector 111 and the right connector 112. The elastic connectors 12 are adapted to bend, thereby achieving an arc connection between the left connector 111 and the right connector 112. The multiple sets of elastic connectors 12 are distributed in the front-back direction, and adjacent elastic connectors 12 define a receiving space 121 suitable for accommodating the chain teeth 101 on the sprocket assembly 100. Self-locking grooves 113 are provided on the outer side of each connector 11 in the up-down direction, with the openings of the self-locking grooves 113 facing outwards. Furthermore, the self-locking grooves 113 are multiple and spaced apart along the front-to-back direction. Adjacent self-locking grooves 113 are appropriately positioned to define self-locking teeth 114. Each self-locking groove 113 is adapted to abut against and connect with the self-locking teeth 114 of another module chain assembly 1 to form a conveyor belt. The projection of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 onto the vertical plane forms an angle with both the vertical and horizontal lines. A pin hole 115 is also provided on the connector 11 along the front-to-back direction. The pin hole 115 passes through both the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking teeth 114. A pin 2 is suitable for installation within the pin hole 115, and the pin 2 is suitable for limiting the radial displacement of the left connector 111 and the right connector 112 during arc-shaped connection. In this specific embodiment, the elastic connector 12 can be a rubber chain. In this specific embodiment, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a vertical plane refers to a plane that is parallel to the paper in the diagram.

[0069] It is worth mentioning that the left connecting member 111 and the right connecting member 112 are connected by an arc-shaped elastic connecting member 12, which allows for a certain arc between the left connecting member 111 and the right connecting member 112, thus facilitating drive by the sprocket assembly 100. In actual use, the modular chain assembly 1, which is formed by interlocking to create a conveyor belt, has connections between its left connecting member 111 and right connecting member 112 including straight connections and arc-shaped connections, where straight connections (such as...) Figure 10 (As shown) refers to the fact that the mounting planes of the left connector 111 and the right connector 112 are on the same plane, and the straight connection between the left connector 111 and the right connector 112 includes the path from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402 of the conveyor belt, and from the return start point 501 to the return end point 502 (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown); The arc connection refers to the fact that the left connector 111 and the right connector 112 have a certain arc. The arc connection of the left connector 111 and the right connector 112 includes the path from the working end point 402 of the conveyor belt to the return start point 501, and the path from the return end point 502 to the working start point 401 (as shown). Figure 2(As shown). It is well known that a conveyor belt includes a working path 400 and a return path 500. The working path 400 includes a working start point 401 and a working end point 402, and the return path 500 includes a return start point 501 and a return end point 502. The working end point 402 and the return start point 501 are interconnected, and the return end point 502 and the working start point 401 are also interconnected, forming a complete conveyor belt loop. The conveyor belt body travels from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402, transporting the object to be conveyed, which is placed on the conveyor belt body, from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402. Then, the conveyor belt body returns to the working start point 401 along the return path 500, and this cycle repeats. In this specific embodiment, as shown... Figure 2 As shown, the working path 400 is set at the top, and the load 600 is loaded on the top of the conveyor belt.

[0070] The opening of the self-locking groove 113 of the left connector 111 faces outward. In this specific embodiment, the opening of the left connector 111 faces left, and the opening of the right connector 112 faces right. The projection of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 onto the vertical plane forms an angle with both the vertical line and the horizontal line, thus excluding the case where the angle is zero. It is easy to understand that the vertical plane refers to a plane perpendicular to the horizontal plane, and this plane is perpendicular to the axes of the left connector 111 and the right connector 112. In this specific embodiment, as... Figure 7 and Figure 8 As shown, a vertical plane refers to a plane that is parallel to the paper in the diagram.

[0071] The inventor further improved the modular chain assembly 1 by setting the projection of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 onto the vertical plane at an angle to the vertical and horizontal lines (to avoid the projection coinciding with the vertical or horizontal lines). Since the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 are prone to separation, one side of the modular chain assembly 1 is connected by an arc, and the other side by a straight line (e.g., ...). Figure 12a , Figure 12b , Figure 13a and Figure 13b As shown), and because there is a load 600 on the working path 400, the load force will act on the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the outer tooth surface 1141 of the self-locking tooth 114, thereby locking the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114, thereby preventing the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 from separating at the intersection of the straight connection and the arc connection on the working path 400, thereby causing the failure of the module chain component 1;

[0072] And as Figure 12b and Figure 13bAs shown, due to the elastic deformation of the elastic connector 12 caused by the arc connection, the driving module chain assembly 1 experiences an upward driving force at the start and end of the working path 400. Since the working path 400 has a downward vertical load 600, this driving force and load force are relatively balanced, further facilitating the separation of the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114. Figure 12b As shown, when the elastic connector 12 on the right undergoes elastic deformation, it drives the self-locking tooth 114 on the right to move upward, thereby forming a self-locking state between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114. The greater the load, the stronger the self-locking force; similarly... Figure 13b As shown, when the elastic connector 12 on the left undergoes elastic deformation, it will drive the self-locking tooth 114 on the left to move upward, thereby forming a self-locking state between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114.

[0073] Furthermore, by setting the pin 2 to pass through the pin hole 115, the relative rotation tendency of the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 during movement is further reduced, thereby further reducing the possibility of separation of the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114, and further improving the durability of the module chain assembly 1 of this application (of course, since the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 are provided, the groove walls on the front and rear sides of the self-locking groove 113 are suitable to abut against the outer wall of the self-locking tooth 114, thereby generating friction, which can limit the relative displacement between adjacent module chain assemblies 1 in the left and right directions).

[0074] Further optimization, such as Figures 12a to 12b As shown, the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 abuts against the outer tooth surface 1141 of the self-locking tooth 114 on the adjacent module chain assembly 1. The angle between the projections of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the outer tooth surface 1141 of the self-locking tooth 114 on the vertical plane and the horizontal line is α. In this specific embodiment, α is 95°. Setting the angle between the projections of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the outer tooth surface 1141 of the self-locking tooth 114 on the vertical plane and the horizontal line to be α is beneficial for the installation and disassembly of the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114, preventing them from being stuck and unable to be disassembled. Making the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 detachable is beneficial for the module chain assembly 1 to be damaged during actual use, thus preventing the damaged module chain assembly from being destroyed.

[0075] Further optimization, such as Figures 14 to 16As shown, the projection of the self-locking groove 113 in the horizontal section is T-shaped, with the horizontal axis of the T-shape along the front-to-back direction and the vertical axis along the left-to-right direction. The shape of the self-locking tooth 114 matches the shape of the self-locking groove 113 in the adjacent module chain assembly 1 and is suitable for engaging and inserting into the self-locking groove 113 of the adjacent module chain assembly 1. The T-shaped self-locking groove 113 and its matching self-locking tooth 114 facilitate limiting the displacement in the left-to-right direction, thereby enabling the driving of all module chain assemblies 1 by controlling the movement of several module chain assemblies 1, and ultimately driving the conveyor belt.

[0076] Further optimization, such as Figure 15 and Figure 16 As shown, the left and right sides of the horizontal axis of the T-shaped self-locking groove 113 are the groove bottom 1131 and the first limiting surface 1132, respectively. The left and right sides of the horizontal axis of the T-shaped self-locking tooth 114 are the outer tooth surface 1141 and the second limiting surface 1142, respectively. The groove bottom 1131 abuts against the outer tooth surface 1141, and the first limiting surface 1132 abuts against the second limiting surface 1142. The angle between the projection of the first limiting surface 1132 and the second limiting surface 1142 onto the vertical plane and the horizontal line is β, which satisfies β = 90°. It is worth mentioning that for a module chain component 1, the first limiting surface 1132 and the second limiting surface 1142 are the same surface. Since the angle between the projection of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the outer tooth surface 1141 of the self-locking tooth 114 on the vertical plane and the horizontal line is α, and the angle between the projection of the first limiting surface 1132 and the second limiting surface 1142 on the vertical plane and the horizontal line is β, satisfying β=90°, the installation process of the self-locking tooth 114 and the self-locking groove 113 becomes simple. During the installation process, the self-locking groove 113 will not be displaced in the left and right directions due to the inclined surface of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113. In actual use, the deformation force received by the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 is limited, preventing them from breaking due to excessive deformation force.

[0077] Further optimization, such as Figure 4a , Figure 4b , Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the module chain assembly 1 includes an end module chain assembly 110 and an extension module chain assembly 120. The end module chain assembly 110 has a closed end 1101 at its front or rear end (in this specific embodiment, Figure 4a The end module chain assembly 110 is shown to have a closed end 1101 at its rear end. Figure 4bThe diagram shows an end module chain assembly 110 with a closed end 1101 at its front end. The end module chain assembly 110 is offset from another end module chain assembly 110 or an extension module chain assembly 120 in the front-rear direction and interlocked with it. The end of the extension module chain assembly 120 is adapted to abut against the end of the closed end 1101, forming a closed structure in the front-rear direction. Figure 5a and Figure 5b As shown, the extension module chain assembly 120 has multiple sets with different lengths in the front-to-back direction, thereby expanding to form conveyor belts of different lengths as needed. In this specific embodiment... Figure 5a The shorter extension module chain component 120 was demonstrated. Figure 5b The long extension module chain component 120 is shown.

[0078] like Figure 1 As shown, the closed end 1101 on the end module chain assembly 110 can abut against the end of the extension module chain assembly 120, forming a closed structure in the front-back direction, thereby restricting the entry of dust or particles. Furthermore, the closed structure formed by the end module chain assembly 110 and the extension module chain assembly 120 results in a better connection tightness and higher strength between them, preventing stress concentration caused by the self-locking groove 113 and thus preventing breakage of the self-locking teeth and groove. In this specific embodiment, since the angle between the projection of the first limiting surface 1132 and the second limiting surface 1142 onto the vertical plane and the horizontal line is β, satisfying β = 90°, and the angle between the projection of the groove bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the outer tooth surface 1141 of the self-locking tooth 114 onto the vertical plane and the horizontal line is α, the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 are not equal in size along the vertical direction, i.e., they are T-shaped with the top smaller than the bottom or vice versa. Therefore... Figure 4a and Figure 4b The two end module chain assemblies 110 shown are not interchangeable.

[0079] Further optimization, such as Figure 6 As shown, the closed end 1101 has a connecting hole 1102 along the front-to-back direction, which connects to the pin hole 115. The closed end 1101 also has a plug hole 1103 along the up-down direction, which connects to the connecting hole 1102. A plug 1104 is installed in the plug hole 1103, and the plug 1104 is suitable for sealing the connecting hole 1102 and the plug hole 1103. The module chain assembly 1 includes a virtual central axis 13 (e.g., ...). Figure 14 As shown, the left connector 111 and the right connector 112 are respectively located on the left and right sides of the central axis 13. The left connector 111 and the right connector 112 are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis 13. The length of the elastic connector 12 is equal to the width of the chain tooth 101.

[0080] A connecting hole 1102 connecting to the pin hole 115 is provided on the closed end 1101 along the front-to-back direction. A plug hole 1103 connecting to the connecting hole 1102 is provided on the closed end 1101 along the up-down direction. A plug 1104 is installed in the plug hole 1103. The plug 1104 is suitable for sealing the connecting hole 1102 and the plug hole 1103. The plug hole can fix the position of the pin 2 and restrict particles from entering from the plug hole 1103 or the connecting hole 1102. In addition, the left connector 111 and the right connector 112 are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis 13, which makes the design and manufacture of the modular chain assembly more convenient. In addition, the length of the elastic connector 12 is set to be equal to the width of the chain tooth 101, which can facilitate the movement of the modular chain assembly 1 by driving the movement of the elastic connector 12, and finally achieve the purpose of driving the conveyor belt through the chain tooth 101.

[0081] Further preferably, the slope of the projection of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 onto the vertical plane is k. When k > 0, the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402. Figure 12a and Figure 12b (as shown); when k < 0, the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402 (as shown). Figure 13a and Figure 13b (As shown).

[0082] The inventors further investigated this technical problem and found that the force conditions of the interlocking modular chain assembly 1, which forms a conveyor belt, are inconsistent at the working start point 401 and working end point 402 of the conveyor belt. Specifically, when the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402, and when k > 0, when the modular chain assembly 1 is at the working end point, its self-locking teeth 114 are more likely to disengage from the self-locking groove 113, causing a chain reaction of damage, such as... Figure 12c As shown, the reason is that: since the elastic connector 12 is generally made of rubber, it controls its elastic deformation when bent (i.e., when connected in an arc) and provides a large elastic force, while controlling it to not undergo elastic deformation in the left-right direction, thereby controlling its elastic force in the left-right direction. Therefore, as Figure 12c As shown, when the sprocket assembly 100 drives the module chain assembly 1 to move, the module chain assembly 1 will be subjected to a force along the sprocket direction due to the action of the sprocket assembly 100. In this specific embodiment, when the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402, the module chain assembly 1 will be subjected to a force to the left. When k > 0 (e.g. Figure 12c As shown), at the working endpoint 402, the force to the left (as shown) Figure 12c(As indicated by the arrow) The component of the force along the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 is downward along the slope, and at this position, the force of the curved elastic connector 12 is upward along the slope. Therefore, this will cause the self-locking tooth 114 and the self-locking groove 113 to separate. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the conveyor belt from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402 to the right when k > 0 (e.g., Figure 12a and Figure 12b (As shown).

[0083] Similarly, such as Figure 13c As shown, the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402. When k < 0, when the module chain assembly 1 is located at the working start point 401, its self-locking tooth 114 is more likely to disengage from the self-locking groove 113, causing a chain reaction of damage. This is because when the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402, the module chain assembly 1 is subjected to a rightward force. When k < 0, at the working start point 401 (e.g., Figure 13c (As shown) The component of the rightward force along the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 is downward along the slope, and at this position, the force of the curved elastic connector 12 is upward along the slope. Therefore, it will cause the self-locking tooth 114 and the self-locking groove 113 to separate. Therefore, it is necessary to restrict the conveyor belt from moving to the left from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402 when k < 0 (as shown). Figure 13c (As shown).

[0084] When according to such Figure 12a and Figure 12b as well as Figure 13a and Figure 13b When setting the direction of the conveyor belt movement and the sign of the k value of the projection of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 onto the vertical plane, since both have the same movement trend, the self-locking tooth 114 and the self-locking groove 113 are not easily separated; it is also worth mentioning that, Figure 12a and Figure 13b It is not easy to separate because the contact surface of the self-locking tooth 114 and the self-locking groove 113 has a self-locking effect and thus self-locks. Figure 12b and Figure 13a The reason why they are not easy to separate is that the self-locking tooth 114 and the self-locking groove 113 have the same direction of movement.

[0085] Additionally, for the same conveyor belt, when its working surface is kept upward, the conveyor belt is rotated along the vertical axis (in this specific implementation, for example...). Figure 12aAs shown, the conveyor belt can be rotated via a vertical axis parallel to the paper (i.e., the axis is set in the up-down direction), with the working surface always facing upwards during the rotation. This allows the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 to be switched to different directions, thus enabling the same conveyor belt to be used in different directions. Furthermore, when k > 0, the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402; when k < 0, the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402, ensuring that the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 are not easily disengaged.

[0086] Based on this, a design method for module chain component 1 was further developed, including the following steps:

[0087] S100. Determine the operating conditions of the module chain component 1, including whether it contains particulate matter and the diameter of the particulate matter, so as to determine the size of the angle α between the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the horizontal line.

[0088] S100 also includes the following steps:

[0089] S101. Based on the running direction of the conveyor belt, select the sign of the k value of the projection of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 onto the vertical plane.

[0090] S200. Based on the load condition of the module chain assembly 1, determine the maximum friction between the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 when adjacent module chain assemblies 1 are in arc connection and straight connection respectively, thereby determining the maximum elastic force of the elastic connector 12, and then determining the arc size of the arc connection, and finally determining the sprocket diameter and chain tooth 101 width used.

[0091] S300. Determine the length of the elastic connector 12 based on the width of the chain teeth 101 on the sprocket assembly 100.

[0092] In S100, the smaller the angle α between the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the horizontal line, the larger the volume of the module chain assembly 1, and the less likely particles are to enter the gap between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114. In addition, the larger the particles, the larger the angle α, and the easier it is for particles to enter the gap between the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114. Therefore, it is necessary to determine the size of the angle α between the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the horizontal line based on the operating conditions and experience. It also includes S101, that is, according to the running direction of the conveyor belt, the sign of the projection k value of the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 on the vertical plane is selected. Specifically, when k>0, the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402; when k<0, the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point 401 to the working end point 402.

[0093] Next, by determining the maximum frictional force between the bottom 1131 of the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 when adjacent module chain components 1 are in arc connection and straight connection respectively (at this position, the self-locking groove 113 and the self-locking tooth 114 are most easily separated), the maximum elastic force of the elastic connector 12 is determined. With the elastic coefficient determined, the elastic force is only related to the deformation. Therefore, the maximum deformation can be determined based on the determined maximum elastic force, that is, the arc size of the arc connection is determined. Based on the arc size, the sprocket diameter and the width of the chain tooth 101 can be determined. Finally, the length of the elastic connector 12 is determined based on the width of the chain tooth 101.

[0094] It is also worth mentioning that, since this location is the intersection of the arc connection and the straight connection, it can be approximately considered as the tangent point of the arc connection and the straight connection. Therefore, the arc size can be estimated by the deformation, thereby determining the sprocket diameter. The relationship between the sprocket diameter and the width of the chain tooth 101 can be determined by national standards. Therefore, the width of the chain tooth 101 can be determined based on the sprocket diameter. Since the length of the elastic connector 12 is equal to the width of the chain tooth 101, the length of the elastic connector 12 can be determined.

[0095] A conveyor belt includes any one of the above-mentioned modular chain components 1. The modular chain components 1 are in multiple sets and are arranged sequentially along the movement direction of the conveyor belt from the starting point to the end point. Adjacent modular chain components 1 are inserted into each other through self-locking grooves 113 and self-locking teeth 114 and are connected end to end to form a complete conveyor belt.

[0096] Connecting end to end to form a complete conveyor belt, such as Figure 1 As shown, the conveyor belt includes a conveyor belt head 200 and a conveyor belt tail 300. By interlocking the conveyor belt head 200 and the conveyor belt tail 300, the following can be achieved: Figure 2 The completed conveyor belt is shown.

[0097] Further optimization, such as Figures 1 to 3 As shown, the conveyor belt is formed by inserting modular chain assemblies 1 that are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis 13, and the receiving spaces 121 on adjacent modular chain assemblies 1 are staggered in the front-to-back direction. The conveyor belt includes a sprocket assembly 100, and the chain teeth 101 on the sprocket assembly 100 are also distributed circumferentially and staggered in the front-to-back direction and inserted into the receiving spaces 121. By matching the positions of the chain teeth 101 and the receiving spaces 121, even though the chain teeth 101 are staggered in the front-to-back direction, the uneven force distribution in the front-to-back direction can be reduced, making the conveyor belt run more smoothly.

[0098] The basic principles, main features, and advantages of this application have been described above. Those skilled in the art should understand that this application is not limited to the above embodiments. The embodiments and descriptions in the specification are merely the principles of this application. Various changes and modifications can be made to this application without departing from its spirit and scope, and all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of the claims. The scope of protection claimed by this application is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A module chain component, characterized in that: The modular chain assembly includes connectors on the left and right sides. Each connector includes a left connector and a right connector extending axially. Multiple sets of elastic connectors are provided between the left and right connectors. These elastic connectors are adapted to bend, thereby achieving an arc-shaped connection between the left and right connectors. The multiple sets of elastic connectors are distributed along the front-rear direction, and adjacent elastic connectors define a space suitable for accommodating chain teeth on the sprocket assembly. Each connector has a self-locking groove on its outer side along the vertical direction, with the groove opening facing outwards. The slot has multiple slots spaced apart in the front-to-back direction. The adjacent slots spaced apart are adapted to define self-locking teeth. The self-locking slots are adapted to abut against and connect with the self-locking teeth of another module chain assembly to form a conveyor belt. The projection of the bottom of the self-locking slot on the vertical plane has an angle between the vertical line and the horizontal line. The connector is also provided with a pin hole in the front-to-back direction. The pin hole is respectively provided through the self-locking slot and the self-locking tooth. The pin hole is adapted to install a pin. The pin is adapted to limit the radial displacement of the left connector and the right connector when they are connected in an arc.

2. A module chain component as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the self-locking groove abuts against the outer tooth surface of the self-locking tooth on the adjacent module chain assembly, and the angle between the projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove and the outer tooth surface of the self-locking tooth onto the vertical plane and the horizontal line is α.

3. A module chain component as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The projection of the self-locking groove in the horizontal section is T-shaped, with the horizontal axis of the T-shape set along the front-to-back direction and the vertical axis of the T-shape set along the left-to-right direction. The shape of the self-locking tooth matches the shape of the self-locking groove in the adjacent module chain assembly and is suitable for snapping into the self-locking groove of the adjacent module chain assembly.

4. A module chain component as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The left and right sides of the horizontal axis of the T-shaped self-locking groove are the groove bottom and the first limiting surface, respectively. The left and right sides of the horizontal axis of the T-shaped self-locking tooth are the outer tooth surface and the second limiting surface, respectively. The groove bottom abuts against the outer tooth surface, the first limiting surface abuts against the second limiting surface, and the angle between the projection of the first limiting surface and the second limiting surface on the vertical plane and the horizontal line is β, which satisfies β=90°.

5. A module chain component as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The modular chain assembly includes an end modular chain assembly and an extension modular chain assembly. The end modular chain assembly has a closed end at its front or rear end, and the end modular chain assembly is offset from another end modular chain assembly or extension modular chain assembly in the front-back direction and interlocks with it. The end of the extension modular chain assembly is adapted to abut against the end of the closed end and form a closed structure in the front-back direction. The extension modular chain assembly has multiple sets and has different lengths in the front-back direction, thereby expanding to form conveyor belts of different lengths as needed.

6. A module chain component as described in claim 5, characterized in that: The closed end is provided with a connecting hole in the front-to-back direction that connects to the pin hole, and the closed end is provided with a plug hole in the up-down direction that connects to the connecting hole. A plug is installed in the plug hole and the plug is suitable for sealing the connecting hole and the plug hole. The module chain assembly includes a virtual central axis. The left connector and the right connector are respectively arranged on the left and right sides of the central axis. The left connector and the right connector are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis. The length of the elastic connector is equal to the width of the chain tooth.

7. A module chain component as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The slope of the projection of the bottom of the self-locking groove onto the vertical plane is k. When k > 0, the conveyor belt moves to the right from the working start point to the working end point; when k < 0, the conveyor belt moves to the left from the working start point to the working end point.

8. A conveyor belt, characterized in that: The conveyor belt includes a modular chain assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the modular chain assembly comprises multiple sets and is arranged sequentially along the movement direction of the conveyor belt from the starting point to the ending point, and adjacent modular chain assemblies are interlocked with each other by self-locking grooves and self-locking teeth, and are connected end to end to form a complete conveyor belt.

9. A conveyor belt as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The conveyor belt is formed by inserting the modular chain assemblies that are centrally symmetrical with respect to the central axis, and the receiving spaces on adjacent modular chain assemblies are staggered in the front-back direction; the conveyor belt includes a sprocket assembly, the teeth on the sprocket assembly are also distributed circumferentially and staggered in the front-back direction and inserted into the receiving space.

10. A design method for a modular chain component, characterized in that: Includes the following steps: S100. Determine the operating conditions of the module chain component, including whether it contains particulate matter and the diameter of the particulate matter, so as to determine the size of the angle α between the bottom of the self-locking groove and the horizontal line. S200. Based on the load condition of the module chain assembly, determine the maximum friction between the bottom of the self-locking groove and the self-locking tooth when adjacent module chain assemblies are in arc connection and straight connection respectively, thereby determining the maximum elastic force of the elastic connector, and then determining the arc size of the arc connection, and finally determining the sprocket diameter and chain tooth width used. S300. Determine the length of the elastic connector based on the width of the chain teeth on the sprocket assembly.

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