Hinged belt conveyor with protective cover

Abstract

The invention relates to an articulated belt conveyor having an endless articulated belt, the articulated belt being formed by chain links. Each link has a lower plate and an upper plate. The lower plates are connected with each other in a hinged mode. In the case of an articulated belt conveyor according to the invention, the lower plate and the upper plate are arranged at a distance from each other. The upper plate forms an outer surface that forms a substantially gapless upper side of the hinge strap. In this case, the "substantially gapless" means that the overlapping regions of two adjacent upper plates are movable relative to each other. For example, cuttings fall to this side of the articulated belt and then are carried away. The upper plate of the chain link is connected to the lower plate in such a way that the upper plate is movable parallel to the lower plate and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the hinge belt.

Description

[0001] The subject matter of the present invention relates to an articulated belt conveyor, preferably for metal waste, such as chips or the like.

[0002] Articulated belt conveyors for metal waste, such as chips or the like, are known. They are used in machine tools for metalworking in order to convey metal waste, such as chips or the like, to a collection container. The articulated belt conveyor has an endless articulated belt which is connected to an actuating device. The articulated belt is formed by links which are interconnected in an articulated manner. The links are at least partially formed by plates made of wear-resistant steel sheets. An embodiment of such an articulated plate conveyor is known, for example, from DE 31 01209 A1. The articulated belt includes individual hinge joints and plates which are offset relative to one another and which are held together in an articulated manner by pins inserted into the hinge joints. The articulated belt conveyor can have a housing of channel design, on the side walls of which guides for the upward and downward runs of the articulated belt are fixed.

[0003] Articulated belt conveyors are also used in particular for feeding semi-finished products, such as sheet metal workpieces, to machine tools. Articulated belt conveyors can also be used to convey away parts or blanks machined by machine tools. This is the case, for example, in the case of laser cutting machines. In the case of such laser cutting machines, the high processing speed has led to the following problem: In some cases, the parts leaving the laser cutting machine have a very high temperature when discharged onto the articulated belt conveyor. If the articulated belt conveyor is arranged below the laser cutting head, there is a risk that the laser beam will hit the links of the endless articulated belt conveyor, which can cause damage to the articulated belt.

[0004] Articulated belt conveyors can have a relatively large width. It is thus known, for example, that the links can have a length of more than 2000 mm in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction of the articulated belt.

[0005] In view of this situation, the fundamental object of the present invention is to specify an articulated belt conveyor having an endless articulated belt, the operating reliability of which is improved, especially when used in combination with laser machine tools.

[0006] This object is achieved by an articulated belt conveyor having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and refinements are specified in the corresponding dependent claims. The features separately set forth in the claims can be combined in any technically feasible way and can be supplemented by the explanatory material in the description, thereby indicating other variant embodiments of the present invention.

[0007] The articulated belt conveyor according to the present invention has an endless articulated belt and an actuating device connected to the articulated belt. The actuating device is adapted and intended to effect the movement of the endless articulated belt. The actuating device can have an electric motor, in particular an electric motor, which is directly or indirectly connected to the articulated belt.

[0008] The articulated belt is formed by links. Each link has a lower plate and an upper plate. The lower plates are connected to each other in an articulated manner. In the case of the articulated belt conveyor according to the invention, the lower plate and the upper plate are arranged at a distance from each other. The upper plate forms an outer surface which forms a substantially gapless upper side of the articulated belt. In this case, substantially gapless means that the overlapping regions of two adjacent upper plates can move relative to each other. For example, chips fall on this side of the articulated belt and are then transported away.

[0009] The upper plate of the link is connected to the lower plate in such a way that the upper plate can move parallel to the lower plate and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the articulated belt.

[0010] The design according to the invention ensures that the thermal load on the articulated belt (e.g. due to the action of a laser beam) basically does not cause deformation of the articulated belt. The substantially gapless upper side of the articulated belt is maintained. Since the upper plate of the link is movably connected to the lower plate, the upper plate has the possibility of expanding when subjected to a thermal load. Therefore, the change in the length of the upper plate caused by thermal expansion does not cause deformation of the link.

[0011] In order to simplify the assembly and provide a defined retention of the articulated belt during the drive of the articulated belt conveyor, it is proposed to firmly connect the end regions of the upper plate of the link to the lower plate of the link. In such an embodiment, it can be said that the end region of the upper plate forms a fixed support with the lower plate, and the other end region of the upper plate forms a floating support with the lower plate, so that the upper plate is floatingly mounted in a sense.

[0012] In order to simplify the assembly and simplify the replacement of the upper plate, according to another embodiment of the articulated belt, it is proposed that the upper plate of the link has a slot hole extending perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the articulated belt, and the fastening mechanism connecting the upper plate and the lower plate passes through the slot hole.

[0013] According to the embodiment of the lower plates connected to each other in an articulated manner, it may be advantageous to provide spacers between the lower plate and the upper plate of the link. The spacers are used to set the distance between the lower plate and the upper plate. The spacers can also be used to compensate for any manufacturing tolerances to ensure that the upper plate forms a substantially gapless upper side of the articulated belt.

[0014] If spacers are provided, it is advantageous that the fastening mechanism passes through the spacers. Thus, the assembly work and the number of components required to obtain the articulated belt are reduced. In addition, this also ensures that no additional auxiliary devices are required to fix the spacers.

[0015] In order to achieve a sufficiently high stability in the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the articulated belt, according to another advantageous embodiment of the articulated belt conveyor, it is proposed that the lower plate of the link is designed with a profiled cross-section. An embodiment in which the lower plate is designed in a U-shape is particularly preferred.

[0016] Another advantageous embodiment of the articulated belt conveyor according to the present invention can be seen in that the upper plate of the link has lugs that are supported on the lower plate of the link, thus ensuring that the link has high bending stiffness.

[0017] In particular, when the articulated belt conveyor is used in combination with a laser machine tool, the upper plate is preferably designed to be laser-resistant. Laser resistance can preferably be achieved by the fact that the surface of the upper plate has a high reflectivity or allows for a high degree of scattering of the laser. The upper plate of the link can also be formed of a material having a high specific heat capacity.

[0018] This embodiment of the articulated belt conveyor also has the advantage that the upper plate can be replaced when needed, which is associated with a high degree of convenience in maintenance.

[0019] Other advantages and details of the present invention are described with reference to the figures shown in the drawings.

[0020] In the drawings:

[0021] Figure 1 schematically shows an exemplary embodiment of the articulated belt conveyor,

[0022] Figure 2 shows details of a first exemplary embodiment of the articulated belt,

[0023] Figure 3 shows details of a second exemplary embodiment of the articulated belt, and

[0024] Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the upper plate.

[0025] Figure 1 A front elevation view of the articulated belt conveyor 1 is schematically shown. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the articulated belt conveyor 1 has a substantially horizontal feed zone 2. The feed zone 2 merges into an inclined zone 3. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the inclined zone 3 merges into a substantially horizontal discharge zone 4. The inclined zone 3 and the discharge zone 4 are held by a support 5.

[0026] An endless articulated belt 7 is arranged within the housing 6 of the articulated belt conveyor 1. The articulated belt 7 has an upward running section 8 and a downward running section 9 on the upper side of the belt. Reference numeral 10 denotes a first return zone in the feed zone 2. A second return zone 11 is provided in the discharge zone 4. An actuating device 12 is arranged in the return zone 11. The actuating device 12 preferably includes an electric motor that is directly or indirectly connected to a drive wheel for driving the articulated belt. Figure 1 The design of the articulated belt conveyor 1 shown in is exemplary. Thus, the articulated belt conveyor can be modified from a straight design to a straight and inclined design.

[0027] Figure 2Shows a first exemplary embodiment of the basic construction of the articulated belt 7. Figure 2 Only the details of the articulated belt are shown.

[0028] The articulated belt is formed by links 13. The links 13 are connected to each other in an articulated manner. As can be seen from the illustration according to Figure 2 , the link 13 has a lower plate 14.1. The lower plate 14.1 of the link 13 is basically of a U-shaped design.

[0029] The lower plate 14.1 has articulated eyes 15.1, 15.2. The articulated eyes 15.1, 15.2 are formed on the longitudinal edges of the lower plate 14.1. The longitudinal edges of the lower plate 14.1 extend transversely to the conveying direction of the articulated belt conveyor.

[0030] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the lower plate 14.1 includes a plurality of articulated eyes 15.1 arranged at a distance from each other. A plurality of articulated eyes 15.2 are provided on the opposite longitudinal edges of the lower plate 14.1. The articulated eyes 15.1, 15.2 are arranged offset relative to each other, so that when two adjacent lower plates 14.1 are connected, the articulated eyes 15.1, 15.2 alternate with each other.

[0031] Extending through the articulated eyes is a pin 16. Each pin 16 is formed as a spindle for the link to enable the link to deflect. The pin 16 is connected, for example, to an endless chain (not shown). The endless chain is driven by an actuating device 12, so that the cyclic operation of the endless belt can be achieved.

[0032] From the illustration according to Figure 2 , it can be seen that the lower plate 14.1 has a substantially U-shaped cross-section. Thus, a high inherent stability of the lower plate is achieved.

[0033] An upper plate 17.1 is connected to the lower plate 14.1. The upper plate 17.1 is connected to the lower plate 14.1 in such a way that the upper plate 17.1 of the link 13.1 is connected to the lower plate 14.1 in a manner that allows it to move parallel to the lower plate 14.1 and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L of the articulated belt 1.

[0034] This connection can be configured such that the upper plate 17.1 has at least one slot extending along the longitudinal direction of the upper plate 17.1. For example, extending through this slot is a pin, which is connected to the lower plate. On the part where it protrudes from the upper plate, the pin can have a thread, so that the connection between the lower plate 14.1 and the upper plate 17.1 is achieved by a nut. The tightening torque of the screw is selected such that the upper plate has a certain play.

[0035] From Figure 2 the exemplary embodiment shown, it can be seen that the upper plate 17.1 has at least one lug 18 connected to the upper plate 17.1. The geometry of the lug 18 is selected such that the edge of the lug supports on the wall of the U-shaped lower plate 14.1.

[0036] From Figure 3 Another exemplary embodiment of the articulated belt can be seen, which shows the details of the articulated belt.

[0037] The basic structure of the articulated belt corresponds to that of the articulated belt according to Figure 2 the structure of the articulated belt.

[0038] In this exemplary embodiment, the link 13 is also formed by the lower plate 14.2 and the upper plate 17.2. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the lower plate 14.2 is basically of a straight design. The lower plate 14.2 has an articulated eye through which the pin 16 passes. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the spindle is additionally connected to the side flange 19.

[0039] Figure 3 It is shown that the upper plate 17.2 is screwed to the lower plate 14.2. In the shown exemplary embodiment, the lower plate 14.1 has an additional layer 19.

[0040] Figure 4 The upper plate 17.1 is shown in perspective. The upper plate 17.1 has a first longitudinal region 20. The first longitudinal region 20 extends longitudinally at the first longitudinal edge 22. The first longitudinal region 20 is of a curved design. The curvature of the longitudinal region is preferably produced by rolling.

[0041] Furthermore, from Figure 4 it can be seen that the upper plate 17.1 has a second longitudinal region 21. The second longitudinal region 21 extends in the longitudinal region of the second longitudinal edge 23. The second longitudinal region 21 is of a curved design.

[0042] The curved longitudinal regions 20, 21 are designed such that the first longitudinal region 20 overlaps with the second longitudinal region 21 of the adjacent plate. In this case, the first longitudinal edge 22 is preferably placed on the upper side 24 and serves as a scraper during the movement of the articulated belt conveyor. The curvature of the upper side of the second longitudinal region preferably corresponds to the curvature of the inner side of the first longitudinal region. However, this is not absolutely necessary. As long as the curvature of the upper side of the second longitudinal region 22 is less than the curvature of the first longitudinal region 2.

[0043] From the view according to Figure 4 it can be seen that the plate 1 has two slots 25 for passing screws.

[0044] During the operation of an articulated belt conveyor, hot waste falls onto the upper plate of the link. Especially in the case of a machine tool operated by laser, there is a risk of laser contacting the upper plate. As a result, heat may be introduced into the upper plate. The expansion and cooling of the upper plate and the resulting change in the length of the upper plate in the longitudinal direction perpendicular to the articulated belt are made possible by the type of connection between the upper plate and the lower plate, thus ensuring that the upper plate does not deform. Given that the upper plate does not undergo permanent deformation, a long service life of the articulated belt conveyor is achieved due to the substantially gap-free upper side of the articulated belt being maintained.

[0045] List of reference numerals

[0046] 1 Articulated belt conveyor

[0047] 2 Feed zone

[0048] 3 Inclined zone

[0049] 4 Discharge zone

[0050] 5 Support

[0051] 6 Housing

[0052] 7 Articulated belt

[0053] 8 Upward section

[0054] 9 Downward section

[0055] 10 Return zone

[0056] 11 Return zone

[0057] 12 Actuating device

[0058] 13 Link

[0059] 14.1, 14.2 Lower plate

[0060] 15.1, 15.2 Articulation eye

[0061] 16 Pin

[0062] 17.1 Upper plate

[0063] 18 Lug

[0064] 19 Side flange

[0065] 20 First longitudinal region

[0066] 21 Second longitudinal region

[0067] 22 First longitudinal edge

[0068] 23 Second longitudinal edge

[0069] 24 Upper side

[0070] 25 slots

Claims

1. An articulated belt conveyor, the articulated belt conveyor having an endless articulated belt (7), and actuating means (12) connected to the articulated belt (7), Among them, wherein the articulated belt (12) is formed by links (13), each link (13) having lower plates (14.1, 14.2) and an upper plate (17), wherein the lower plates (14.1, 14.2) are interconnected in an articulated manner, wherein the lower plates (14.1, 14.2) and the upper plate (17) are arranged at a distance from one another, wherein the upper plate (17) forms a gap-free upper side of the articulated belt (7), and wherein the upper plate (17) of the link (13) is connected to the lower plates (14.1, 14.2) in such a way as to allow the upper plate (17) to move parallel to the lower plates (14.1, 14.2) and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the articulated belt (7).

2. The articulated belt conveyor according to claim 1, wherein, The end regions of the upper plate (17) of the link (13) are firmly connected to the lower plates (14.1, 14.2) of the link (13).

3. The articulated belt conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The upper plate (17) of the link (13) has slots (25) which extend perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L) of the articulated belt (7) and through which fastening means connecting the upper plate (17) and the lower plates (14.1, 14.2) pass.

4. The articulated belt conveyor according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, wherein, Spacers are provided between the lower plates (14.1, 14.2) and the upper plate (17) of the link (13).

5. The articulated belt conveyor according to claims 3 and 4, wherein, The fastening means pass through the spacers.

6. The articulated belt conveyor according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The lower plate (14.1) of the link (13) is designed with a special cross-section.

7. The articulated belt conveyor according to at least one of claims 1 to 6, wherein, The lower plate (14.1) of the link (13) is U-shaped.

8. The articulated belt conveyor according to at least one of claims 1 to 7, wherein, The upper plate (17) of the link (13) has lugs (18) which rest on the lower plate (14.1) of the link.

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