A heavy-load push chain

Abstract

A heavy-duty push chain, belonging to the field of push chain technology, includes several chain links connected sequentially by pins. Each chain link includes a set of opposing composite chain plates. The composite chain plates include push chain plates and tension chain plates connected together by rivets. When the push chain plates of adjacent chain links mesh with each other, the push chain is in a straight pushing state, with the push chain plates transmitting the thrust. When the push chain is in a tension state, the tension chain plates transmit the tension. This invention can provide tension like an ordinary chain, and can also exhibit rigidity in a straight state, thereby transmitting thrust. By fixing the tension chain plates and push chain plates to form composite chain plates, and forming first and second chain links through different combinations of composite chain plates, the push chain is formed through further combination and connection of the first and second chain links. This effectively solves the problem of mixed forces on the chain plates of existing push chains, making it difficult to conduct targeted observation, research, and optimization.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of push chain technology, and specifically relates to a heavy-duty push chain. Background Technology

[0002] With the rapid development of industrial automation and logistics warehousing, the application scenarios for linear conveying are becoming increasingly widespread. Currently, linear conveying in industries such as industrial automation is mainly achieved through structures such as hydraulic mechanisms, gear and rack systems, and chain drive systems. However, hydraulic mechanisms often require a large amount of space, and the movement is not smooth enough, most importantly, the movement speed is too slow. Gear and rack mechanisms occupy a large amount of space and have limited pushing stroke. Ordinary chain drive systems can only provide tension and cannot transmit thrust. Traditional linear conveying mechanisms can no longer meet the fast and stable conveying needs of the industrial logistics industry. Existing push chains can better solve the linear conveying problem, but most existing push chains have simple chain plate shapes, and the chain plates bear both tension and thrust, making it difficult to observe, analyze, and improve the stress structure of the chain. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the gaps in existing technologies, this invention discloses a heavy-duty push chain that can provide tension like a regular chain and also exhibit rigidity when in a straight line, thereby transmitting thrust. It forms a combined chain plate by fixing tension and thrust chain plates, and then uses different combinations of these combined chain plates to form first and second chain links. Further combinations of the first and second chain links constitute the push chain. This effectively solves the problem of existing push chains having mixed forces on the chain plates, making targeted observation, research, and optimization difficult.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of the present invention is as follows:

[0005] A heavy-duty push chain includes several chain links connected sequentially by pins. Each chain link includes two sets of opposing combined chain plates. The front and rear ends of the two sets of combined chain plates are respectively connected to the rear or front end of the adjacent chain link by pins. The combined chain plates include a thrust chain plate and a tension chain plate connected together by rivets. When the thrust chain plates of adjacent chain links mesh with each other, the push chain is in a straight pushing state, and the thrust chain plate transmits the thrust force. When the push chain is in a tension state, the tension chain plate transmits the tension force.

[0006] Preferably, the chain link further includes guide rollers, drive rollers, washers, and elastic retaining rings. Guide rollers are installed in the middle of the pins between the oppositely arranged combined chain plates. Drive rollers are provided on the pins on both sides of the guide rollers and between the two sets of oppositely arranged combined chain plates. Washers are provided on the pins between the outer ends of the drive rollers and the inner surfaces of the combined chain plates, as well as on the pins where the outer ends of the combined chain plates are located. Mounting grooves are provided at both ends of the pins, and elastic retaining rings are provided in the mounting grooves. The elastic retaining rings are in contact with the outer surface of the outermost washer of the pin.

[0007] Preferably, the thrust chain plate has a Z-shaped structure. The upper rear part of the Z-shaped structure forms the thrust section, and the lower front part forms the connecting section. The rear end of the thrust section forms a limiting block structure, and the upper end of the connecting section and the front end of the thrust section together form a limiting groove structure. The limiting block and the limiting groove are structurally and dimensionally matched. When the limiting block and the limiting groove are engaged, the adjacent thrust chain plates are pushed in a straight line. The limiting block includes a first plane located at the rear end of the limiting block and a second plane at the bottom. The limiting groove includes a third plane located on the side wall of the limiting groove and a fourth plane at the bottom. When the combined chain plates are connected front and rear, the first plane and the third plane are in contact to transmit the straight thrust. The second plane and the fourth plane are in contact to provide vertical support for the adjacent connected combined chain plates and restrict the relative vertical movement of the adjacent combined chain plates.

[0008] Preferably, the limiting block is a rectangular structure, the limiting groove is an L-shaped groove, the tension chain plate is a long strip chain plate with arc-shaped ends, the rear part of the connecting part is provided with multiple stepped holes, the tension chain plate is provided with through holes arranged opposite to the stepped holes, the thrust chain plate and the tension chain plate are fixedly connected by rivets passing through the stepped holes and through holes, the front end of the connecting part is provided with an arc-shaped structure, the size of the arc-shaped structure at the front end of the tension chain plate is larger than the size of the arc-shaped structure at the front end of the connecting part, when adjacent thrust chain plates mesh, the tension chain plate provides lateral constraint for the contact part of the adjacent thrust chain plates located at the edge of the connecting part, the rear end of the thrust part extends horizontally out of the rear side of the tension chain plate, the front part of the connecting part and the front and rear parts of the tension chain plate are respectively provided with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole for the pin to pass through.

[0009] Preferably, the combined chain plate has two combination forms: a first combined chain plate and a second combined chain plate. The thrust chain plate of the first combined chain plate is fixed to the left side of the tension chain plate by rivets, and the thrust chain plate of the second combined chain plate is fixed to the right side of the tension chain plate by rivets. The first combined chain plate and the second combined chain plate form a mirror structure.

[0010] Preferably, the chain link has two combination forms: a first chain link and a second chain link. Both the first chain link and the second chain link are composed of a first combined chain plate and a second combined chain plate arranged opposite to each other. The difference is that the thrust chain plate of the first chain link is located on the side facing the guide roller, while the thrust chain plate of the second chain link is located on the side away from the guide roller.

[0011] Preferably, in the push chain, the first link and the second link are alternately connected. The pin passes through two opposite second connecting holes at the rear of the first link and through the opposite second connecting holes and the first connecting hole at the front of the adjacent second link, connecting the first link to the adjacent second link at the rear. The pin passes through the opposite second connecting holes and the first connecting hole at the front of the first link and through the opposite second connecting holes at the rear of the adjacent second link, connecting the first link to the adjacent second link at the front.

[0012] Preferably, the pin shaft has a boss in the middle for mounting the guide roller, and mounting grooves at both ends of the pin shaft for mounting the elastic retaining ring; there are three stepped holes and three through holes, and the three stepped holes or three through holes are distributed in an isosceles triangle; the outer surface of the guide roller has a guide groove coaxially provided in the middle; after the rivet rivets the push chain plate and the tension chain plate, the end of the rivet is flush with the outer surface of the push chain plate, which can avoid interference during the chain rotation process.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the pin located on the outer side of the combined chain plate is also provided with a transmission roller.

[0014] Preferably, the push chain is formed by adding chain plate structures on the pins between the relatively arranged combined chain plates to form a double-row or multi-row chain.

[0015] The beneficial effects of the heavy-duty push chain of the present invention are as follows:

[0016] 1. This invention designs the chain plates of the push chain as composite chain plates, which are composed of push chain plates and tension chain plates fixedly connected by rivets. In this way, the push chain plates transmit thrust, and the tension chain plates transmit tension. The chain plate components of the push chain have clear division of labor and are subjected to a single force, allowing for better observation and analysis of the stress state of the push chain. Specifically, since the tension chain plates transmit tension, their structural strength can be rationally designed based on their stress deformation to fully meet the needs of traction operations. Similarly, the push chain plates transmit thrust, and their structural strength and shape can be rationally designed based on their stress deformation to better perform the pushing operation. Because this invention separates the push and tension chain plates, unlike the mixed stress state where the same chain plate bears both thrust and tension in the prior art, the push chain can be better studied and optimized.

[0017] 2. The present invention uses multiple rotating and connected combination chain plates to form a chain. When bent to one side, the chain is flexible and occupies little space. In a straight state, the thrust chain plates mesh with each other, making the chain rigid and enabling linear pushing. Transmission is achieved through the meshing of the sprocket and the chain, resulting in high transmission efficiency and fast, stable, safe and reliable linear pushing.

[0018] 3. This invention uses a combination of chain plates to form chain links. Within each link, multiple chain plates are combined to bear the load. The push chain plate bears the push force, and the pull chain plate bears the pull force, giving the chain strong load-bearing capacity and resistance to lateral bending during linear pushing. The overall force distribution is uniform and stable, resulting in a larger load capacity and more stable and reliable transmission. Furthermore, the chain structure allows for faster linear pushing speeds, unrestricted chain travel, and longer pushing distances. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the overall structure of the present invention;

[0020] Figure 2 A top view of the structure of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the first combined chain plate of the present invention;

[0022] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the second combined chain plate of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the first link of the present invention;

[0024] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the second link of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the thrust chain plate of the present invention;

[0026] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the tension chain plate of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the guide roller of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the pin shaft of the present invention;

[0029] Figure 11 A schematic diagram of the double-row chain structure of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 12 A schematic diagram of the parallel chain structure of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 13 A schematic diagram of the transmission rollers on the outer side of the combined chain plate of the present invention.

[0032] 1. Chain link; 2. Combined chain plate; 3. Guide roller; 3-1. Guide groove; 4. Drive roller; 5. Washer; 6. Elastic retaining ring; 7. Pin; 7-1. Mounting groove; 7-2. Boss; 8. Thrust chain plate; 8-1. Stepped hole; 8-2. Connecting part; 8-3. Thrust part; 8-4. Limiting block; 8-41. First plane; 8-42. Second plane; 8-5. Limiting groove; 8-51. Third plane; 8-52. Fourth plane; 9. Tension chain plate; 9-1. Through hole; 10. Rivet; 11. First combined chain plate; 12. Second combined chain plate; 13. First chain link; 14. Second chain link. Detailed Implementation

[0033] The following description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0034] Example 1:

[0035] A heavy-load push chain, such as Figure 1-10 As shown, the chain includes several chain links 1 connected in sequence by pins 7. Each chain link 1 includes two sets of opposing combination chain plates 2. The front and rear ends of the two sets of combination chain plates 2 are respectively connected to the rear or front end of the adjacent chain link 1 by pins 7. Each combination chain plate 2 includes a push chain plate 8 and a pull chain plate 9 connected together by rivets 10. When the push chain plates 8 of adjacent chain links 1 mesh with each other, the push chain is in a straight pushing state, and the push force is transmitted by the push chain plate 8. When the push chain is in a pulling state, the pull force is transmitted by the pull chain plate 9.

[0036] In this embodiment, the chain plate of the push chain is designed as a composite chain plate, which is composed of a thrust chain plate and a tension chain plate fixedly connected by rivets. This allows the thrust chain plate to transmit thrust, and the tension chain plate to transmit tension. The chain plate components of the push chain have clearly defined functions and are subjected to a single force, thus enabling better observation and analysis of the stress state of the push chain. Specifically, since the tension chain plate transmits tension, its structural strength can be rationally designed based on its stress deformation to fully meet the needs of the traction operation. Similarly, the thrust chain plate transmits thrust, and its structural strength and shape can be rationally designed based on its stress deformation to better complete the pushing operation. Because this invention separates the thrust and tension chain plates, unlike the mixed stress state in existing technologies where the same chain plate bears both thrust and tension, the push chain can be better studied and optimized.

[0037] Example 2:

[0038] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the chain link 1 also includes a guide roller 3, a transmission roller 4, a washer 5, and an elastic retaining ring 6. A guide roller 3 is installed in the middle of the pin 7 between the two opposing sets of combined chain plates 2. A transmission roller 4 is provided on the pin 7 on both sides of the guide roller 3 and located between the two opposing sets of combined chain plates 2. A washer 5 is provided on the pin between the outer end of the transmission roller 4 and the inner surface of the combined chain plate 2, and on the pin where the outer end of the combined chain plate 2 is located. An installation groove 7-1 is provided at both ends of the pin 7. An elastic retaining ring 6 is provided in the installation groove 7-1. The elastic retaining ring 6 is in contact with the outer surface of the outermost washer 5 of the pin 7.

[0039] In this embodiment, the guide roller 3 is used to connect with the guide rail plate to provide guidance for the push chain, and the transmission roller 4 meshes with the teeth of the sprocket to transmit power and drive the chain to move in a straight line.

[0040] Example 3:

[0041] like Figure 7 As shown, the thrust chain plate 8 has a Z-shaped structure. The upper rear part of the Z-shaped structure forms the thrust part 8-3, and the lower front part forms the connecting part 8-2. The rear end of the thrust part 8-3 forms the limiting block 8-4 structure. The upper end of the connecting part 8-2 and the front end of the thrust part 8-3 together form the limiting groove 8-5 structure. The limiting block 8-4 and the limiting groove 8-5 are structurally and dimensionally matched. When the limiting block and the limiting groove are engaged, the adjacent thrust chain plates are pushed in a straight line.

[0042] like Figure 7 As shown, the limiting block 8-4 includes a first plane 8-41 located at the rear end of the limiting block and a second plane 8-42 at the bottom. The limiting groove 8-5 includes a third plane 8-51 located on the side wall of the limiting groove and a fourth plane 8-52 at the bottom. When the combined chain plates 2 are connected front and rear, the first plane 8-41 and the third plane 8-51 are in contact to transmit linear thrust. The second plane 8-42 and the fourth plane 8-52 are in contact to provide vertical support for the adjacent combined chain plates 2 and restrict the relative movement of the adjacent combined chain plates in the vertical direction, making the overall rigidity of the chain stronger.

[0043] Example 4:

[0044] like Figure 7 As shown, the limiting block 8-4 has a rectangular structure, the limiting groove 8-5 is an L-shaped groove, the tension chain plate 9 is a long strip chain plate with arc-shaped ends, and the connecting part 8-2 has multiple stepped holes 8-1 at the rear. Figure 8As shown, the tension chain plate 9 is provided with a through hole 9-1 opposite to the stepped hole 8-1. The thrust chain plate 8 and the tension chain plate 9 are fixedly connected by rivets 10 passing through the stepped hole 8-1 and the through hole 9-1. The front end of the connecting part 8-2 is provided with an arc-shaped structure. The size of the arc-shaped structure at the front end of the tension chain plate 9 is larger than the size of the arc-shaped structure at the front end of the connecting part. When adjacent thrust chain plates 8 are engaged, the tension chain plate 9 provides lateral constraint for the contact part of the adjacent thrust chain plates 8 located at the edge of the connecting part, making the chain stiffness stronger. The rear end of the thrust part 8-3 extends horizontally out of the rear side of the tension chain plate 9. The front part of the connecting part 8-2 and the front and rear parts of the tension chain plate 9 are respectively provided with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole for the pin to pass through.

[0045] Example 5:

[0046] like Figure 1-4 As shown, the combined chain plate 2 has two combination forms: a first combined chain plate 11 and a second combined chain plate 12. The thrust chain plate 8 of the first combined chain plate 11 is fixed to the left side of the tension chain plate 9 by rivets, and the thrust chain plate 8 of the second combined chain plate 12 is fixed to the right side of the tension chain plate 9 by rivets. The first combined chain plate 11 and the second combined chain plate 12 form a mirror structure.

[0047] Example 6:

[0048] like Figure 1 , 5 As shown in Figure 6, the chain link 1 has two combination forms: a first chain link 13 and a second chain link 14. Both the first chain link 13 and the second chain link 14 are composed of a first combined chain plate 11 and a second combined chain plate 12 arranged opposite to each other. The difference is that the thrust chain plate 8 of the first chain link 13 is located on the side facing the guide roller 3, while the thrust chain plate of the second chain link 14 is located on the side away from the guide roller 3.

[0049] Example 7:

[0050] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown in Figures 5 and 6, in the push chain, the first link 13 and the second link 14 are alternately connected. The pin 7 passes through two opposite second connecting holes at the rear of the first link 13 and through the opposite second connecting holes and the first connecting hole at the front of the adjacent second link 14, connecting the first link 13 with the adjacent second link 14. Similarly, the pin 7 passes through the opposite second connecting holes and the first connecting hole at the front of the first link 13 and through the opposite second connecting holes at the rear of the adjacent second link 14, connecting the first link 13 with the adjacent second link 14.

[0051] Example 8:

[0052] like Figure 10 As shown, the pin 7 has a boss 7-2 in the middle for mounting the guide roller 3, and mounting grooves 7-1 at both ends for mounting the elastic retaining ring 6. In addition to mounting the guide roller 3, the boss also provides axial positioning for the transmission roller 4.

[0053] like Figure 7 , 8 As shown, there are three stepped holes 8-1 and three through holes 9-1, and the three stepped holes or three through holes are distributed in an isosceles triangle.

[0054] like Figure 9 As shown, the outer surface of the guide roller 3 is coaxially provided with a guide groove 3-1 in the middle, which is used to roll on the guide plate and provide guidance for the chain movement.

[0055] After the rivet 10 rivets the push chain plate 8 and the tension chain plate 9, the end of the rivet 10 is flush with the outer surface of the push chain plate 8, which can avoid interference during the chain rotation process.

[0056] Example 9:

[0057] like Figure 13 As shown, the pin 7 is also equipped with a drive roller 4 at the outer end of the combined chain plate. The outer drive roller 4 can mesh with the sprocket simultaneously with the inner drive roller, increasing the load-bearing capacity and running stability of the push chain.

[0058] refer to Figure 11 , 12 As shown, the push chain is formed by adding chain plate structures on the pins 7 between the relatively arranged combined chain plates 2 to form a double or multi-row chain, so that the push chain can bear a greater load of push and pull.

Claims

1. A heavy-duty push chain, characterized in that: it includes a plurality of chain links connected sequentially by pins, each chain link including two sets of opposing combined chain plates, the front and rear ends of the two sets of combined chain plates being connected to the rear or front end of adjacent chain links by pins respectively, each combined chain plate including a thrust chain plate and a tension chain plate connected together by rivets, wherein when the thrust chain plates of adjacent chain links mesh with each other, the push chain is in a straight pushing state, with the thrust chain plate transmitting the thrust force, and when the push chain is in a traction state, the tension chain plate transmits the tension force; The chain link further includes guide rollers, drive rollers, washers, and elastic retaining rings. Guide rollers are installed in the middle of the pins between the opposing combined chain plates. Drive rollers are provided on the pins on both sides of the guide rollers and between the two opposing sets of combined chain plates. Washers are provided on the pins between the outer ends of the drive rollers and the inner surfaces of the combined chain plates, as well as on the pins where the outer ends of the combined chain plates are located. Mounting grooves are provided at both ends of the pins. Elastic retaining rings are provided in the mounting grooves. The elastic retaining rings are in contact with the outer surface of the outermost washer of the pin. The thrust chain plate has a Z-shaped structure. The upper rear part of the Z-shaped structure forms the thrust section, and the lower front part forms the connecting section. The rear end of the thrust section forms a limiting block structure. The upper end of the connecting section and the front end of the thrust section together form a limiting groove structure. The limiting block and the limiting groove are structurally and dimensionally matched. When the limiting block and the limiting groove are engaged, the adjacent thrust chain plates are pushed in a straight line. The limiting block includes a first plane at the rear end and a second plane at the bottom. The limiting groove includes a third plane at the side wall and a fourth plane at the bottom. When the combined chain plates are connected front and rear, the first plane and the third plane are in contact to transmit the straight thrust. The second plane and the fourth plane are in contact to provide vertical support for the adjacent connected combined chain plates and restrict the relative vertical movement of the adjacent combined chain plates. The limiting block is a rectangular structure, the limiting groove is an L-shaped groove, the tension chain plate is a long strip chain plate with arc-shaped ends, the rear part of the connecting part is provided with multiple stepped holes, the tension chain plate is provided with through holes arranged opposite to the stepped holes, the thrust chain plate and the tension chain plate are fixedly connected by rivets passing through the stepped holes and through holes, the front end of the connecting part is provided with an arc-shaped structure, the size of the arc-shaped structure at the front end of the tension chain plate is larger than the size of the arc-shaped structure at the front end of the connecting part, when adjacent thrust chain plates mesh, the tension chain plate provides lateral constraint for the contact part of the adjacent thrust chain plates located at the edge of the connecting part, the rear end of the thrust part extends horizontally out of the rear side of the tension chain plate, the front part of the connecting part and the front and rear parts of the tension chain plate are respectively provided with a first connecting hole and a second connecting hole for the pin to pass through; The combined chain plate has two combination forms: a first combined chain plate and a second combined chain plate. The thrust chain plate of the first combined chain plate is fixed to the left side of the tension chain plate by rivets, and the thrust chain plate of the second combined chain plate is fixed to the right side of the tension chain plate by rivets. The first combined chain plate and the second combined chain plate form a mirror structure. The chain link has two combination forms: a first chain link and a second chain link. Both the first chain link and the second chain link are composed of a first combined chain plate and a second combined chain plate arranged opposite to each other. The difference is that the thrust chain plate of the first chain link is located on the side facing the guide roller, while the thrust chain plate of the second chain link is located on the side away from the guide roller.

2. The heavy-duty push chain as described in claim 1, characterized in that: In the push chain, the first link and the second link are alternately connected. The pin passes through two opposite second connecting holes at the rear of the first link and through the opposite second connecting holes and the first connecting hole at the front of the adjacent second link, connecting the first link to the adjacent second link at the rear. The pin passes through the opposite second connecting holes and the first connecting hole at the front of the first link and through the opposite second connecting holes at the rear of the adjacent second link, connecting the first link to the adjacent second link at the front.

3. A heavy-duty push chain as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The pin shaft has a boss in the middle for mounting the guide roller, and mounting grooves at both ends for mounting the elastic retaining ring; there are three stepped holes and three through holes, which are distributed in an isosceles triangle; the outer surface of the guide roller has a guide groove coaxially located in the middle; after the rivet connects the thrust chain plate and the tension chain plate, the end of the rivet is flush with the outer surface of the thrust chain plate.

4. A heavy-duty push chain as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The pin located at the end outside the combined chain plate is also provided with a transmission roller.

5. A heavy-duty push chain as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The push chain is constructed by adding chain plate structures on the pins between the relatively arranged combined chain plates to form a double-row or multi-row chain.

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