High-strength impact-resistant conveying chain

Abstract

The invention discloses a high-strength impact-resistant conveying chain, and belongs to the field of chains. The high-strength impact-resistant conveying chain comprises inner chain plates, a sleeve is arranged between every two opposite inner chain plates, and rolling bodies are arranged on the sleeves; the rolling body comprises a first buffering piece arranged on the sleeve in a sleeving mode, a second buffering piece arranged on the first buffering piece and an outer ring fixedly arranged on the second buffering piece, the outer ring is a rigid body, the first buffering piece and the second buffering piece are both elastic bodies, and the second buffering piece is rotationally connected with the outer ring; wave parts are arranged on the side, close to the sleeve, of the first buffering piece, a storage groove used for storing lubricating grease is formed between every two adjacent wave parts, the wave parts located at the two ends make contact with the surface of the sleeve, a cavity is formed in the second buffering piece, and the cavity is filled with damping fluid. By arranging the double-stage impact buffering structure, the chain can effectively buffer the impact load transmitted by the chain wheel, and the reliability and durability of the chain under the continuous impact working condition are improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of chains, and particularly to a high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain. Background Technology

[0002] Chains, as an indispensable core component in mechanical transmission, achieve efficient, stable, and long-distance power and motion transmission through the precise meshing of tightly connected chain links and sprocket teeth. They are not only widely used in power transmission in motorcycles, bicycles, and various industrial equipment, but also play a crucial role in material handling.

[0003] When chains are used in conveyor lines, they serve as the core traction and load-bearing element in the conveying system. By installing various accessories (such as pallets, supports, or special tooling) on ​​the chain, it becomes a continuously moving "conveyor belt," widely used in various industrial automation fields. It plays a crucial role in industries such as manufacturing, automotive, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and mining; applications include precision component assembly lines in the electronics industry, palletized packaging transport in the food industry, and long-distance material handling in warehousing and logistics; it also handles heavy-duty bulk materials in the building materials and metallurgical industries.

[0004] In chain-driven conveyor systems, rigid contact and instantaneous impact typically occur between the sprocket teeth and chain rollers during meshing, especially during start-up, stopping, or heavy-load conditions. The impact force generated by the power transmitted by the sprocket teeth or the material load is not effectively buffered and acts directly on core components such as rollers, bushings, and pins. Over time, the roller surface is prone to pitting, peeling, and even cracking due to repeated impacts, while bushings and pins are prone to wear, micro-cracks, and even deformation due to the pressure from the roller impact load. This rigid impact transmission not only adversely affects the service life of the chain but also impacts the smoothness of transmission and the reliability of conveying. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention provides a high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain that can solve the problem in the prior art where rigid impact transmitted between sprocket teeth and the chain affects the chain's service life and reliability.

[0006] A high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain includes inner chain plates, with a sleeve provided between two opposing inner chain plates, and each sleeve is provided with a roller. The rolling element includes a first buffer element sleeved on the sleeve, a second buffer element disposed on the first buffer element, and an outer ring fixed on the second buffer element. The outer ring is a rigid body, and the first and second buffer elements are both elastic bodies. The second buffer element is rotatably connected to the outer ring. The first buffer member has a wave section on the side near the sleeve, and a storage groove for storing grease is formed between each two adjacent wave sections. The wave sections at both ends are in contact with the surface of the sleeve. The second buffer member has a cavity inside, and the cavity is filled with damping fluid.

[0007] Preferably, it also includes a middle chain plate, and a pin is provided between two opposite middle chain plates. The pin is inserted into the sleeve, and both ends of the pin are movably connected to the adjacent middle chain plate.

[0008] Preferably, it also includes outer chain plates, with bolts inserted between two opposing outer chain plates, the bolts being fixed inside the pin shaft.

[0009] Preferably, each of the outer chain plates is provided with a threaded groove.

[0010] Preferably, each of the middle chain plates is fixedly provided with a first bearing seat, the pin is inserted into the first bearing seat, and the first bearing seat extends outward from the middle chain plate.

[0011] Preferably, each of the inner chain plates is fixedly provided with a second bearing seat, the sleeve is inserted into the second bearing seat, and the second bearing seat extends outward from the inner chain plate.

[0012] Preferably, the wave section has multiple guide grooves circumferentially formed on the side near the sleeve, and the two ends of the guide grooves are connected to the adjacent storage tank.

[0013] Preferably, the damping fluid is silicone oil.

[0014] Preferably, both the first and second buffer components are made of a composite material of nitrile rubber and aramid fiber.

[0015] Preferably, the length of the pin is greater than the total width of the two middle chain plates, and the diameter of the through hole on the middle chain plate is smaller than the diameter of the pin.

[0016] This invention provides a high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain, which has the following advantages: 1. When the chain meshes with the sprocket, the impact force is transmitted from the outer ring to the second buffer. During the compression deformation of the second buffer, the internal damping fluid flows and generates viscous shear damping, consuming some of the impact energy and achieving initial and continuous buffering. Subsequently, the first buffer, in conjunction with the wave-like part on its inner surface, further absorbs energy, achieving two-stage impact buffering. The chain effectively buffers and dissipates the impact load transmitted by the sprocket, effectively reducing the impact of sudden increases in contact stress on chain wear and shortened lifespan. This makes it better suited for chain starting, stopping, or enduring instantaneous strong impacts, improving the chain's reliability and durability under continuous impact conditions.

[0017] 2. When the impact force acts on the first buffer, the first buffer absorbs some of the impact energy through its elastic deformation. At the same time, the grease in the storage tank is squeezed to the contact area between the roller and the sleeve to form a lubricating film, which reduces the friction and wear of the contact surface.

[0018] 3. Insert a pin into one of the outer chain plates, then insert the pin into a sleeve. Install another outer chain plate on the other side, and tighten the nut onto the bolt. This completes the locking of the inner, middle, and outer chain plates. The bolt-nut locking method facilitates the non-destructive and repeated disassembly and reassembly of the chain links. When replacing a single chain link, only the damaged inner or outer chain plate needs to be replaced, while the intact pin, middle chain plate, etc., are retained. Chain link replacement or length adjustment can be completed on-site using only a wrench on the conveyor line, eliminating the need for large pressing equipment and simplifying maintenance.

[0019] 4. When connecting the inner chain plate through the middle chain plate, an outer chain plate is set to strengthen the connection between the middle chain plates; and the threaded groove on the outer chain plate facilitates the installation of conveyor plates, pallets or tooling fixtures and other conveyor carriers, which facilitates the application of the chain on the conveyor line. Attached Figure Description

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure of a high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain provided by the present invention. Figure 1 ; Figure 2 An exploded structural diagram of a high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain provided by the present invention; Figure 3 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain provided by the present invention; Figure 4 This invention provides a high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain. Figure 3 Enlarged structural diagram at point A in the middle; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the roller structure of a high-strength, impact-resistant conveying chain provided by the present invention.

[0021] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures: 100 Inner link plate; 110 Middle link plate; 120 Outer link plate; 200 Roller; 210 Outer ring; 220 First buffer; 221 Wave section; 222 Guide groove; 230 Second buffer; 231 Cavity; 300 Sleeve; 400 Pin; 410 Bolt; 500 Threaded groove; 600 First bearing seat; 700 Second bearing seat. Detailed Implementation

[0022] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below, but it should be understood that the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited to the specific embodiments.

[0023] like Figures 1 to 5 As shown in the figure, an embodiment of the present invention provides a high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain, including an inner chain plate 100, a middle chain plate 110, and an outer chain plate 120. A sleeve 300 is provided between two opposing inner chain plates 100, and each sleeve 300 is provided with a roller 200. The roller 200 includes a first buffer member 220 sleeved on the sleeve 300, a second buffer member 230 provided on the first buffer member 220, and an outer ring 210 fixed on the second buffer member 230. The outer ring 210 is a rigid body. Both the buffer member 220 and the second buffer member 230 are elastic bodies. The second buffer member 230 is rotatably connected to the outer ring 210. The first buffer member 220 has a wave portion 221 on the side near the sleeve 300. A storage groove for storing grease is formed between each two adjacent wave portions 221. The wave portions 221 at both ends are in contact with the surface of the sleeve 300 to prevent the grease from flowing out. The second buffer member 230 has a cavity 231 inside, which is filled with damping fluid.

[0024] During chain transmission, the sprocket teeth first contact the outer ring 210, and the impact force is transmitted through the outer ring 210 to the second buffer 230. The cavity 231 within the second buffer 230 is filled with damping fluid. When compressed by the roller 200, the second buffer 230 first undergoes compression deformation to buffer the impact, and the fluid within the cavity generates a damping effect, achieving continuous buffering of the impact. This buffer structure is particularly suitable for chain starting, stopping, or subjected to sudden strong impacts, effectively reducing the impact of sudden increases in contact stress on chain wear and shortened lifespan.

[0025] Subsequently, the impact force is further transmitted to the sleeve 300 through the first buffer member 220. The inner surface of the first buffer member 220 is provided with corrugated portions 221, which store grease between the corrugated portions 221. The corrugated portions 221 at both ends contact the surface of the sleeve 300 to form a seal, preventing grease loss. During the stress process, the first buffer member 220 further absorbs some of the impact energy through its elastic deformation. At the same time, the grease in the storage groove is squeezed to the contact area between the roller 200 and the sleeve 300, forming a lubricating film and reducing friction and wear on the contact surfaces.

[0026] By combining the grease-lubricated structure inside the first buffer 220 and the wave section 221 with the damping fluid inside the second buffer 230, a two-stage impact buffer is achieved. This not only reduces the risk of brittle fracture or cracking of components such as the sleeve 300 and the pin 400 caused by impact, but also improves the reliability and durability of the chain under continuous impact conditions, making it more suitable for high impact load scenarios.

[0027] In some specific implementations, the wave section 221 is integrally formed with the first buffer member 220. The rotation of the second buffer member 230 and the outer ring 210 can be achieved by providing an annular plate on the second buffer member 230, which is further rotatably mounted on the outer ring 210. When the chain meshes with the sprocket, the sprocket teeth directly act on the outer ring 210 of the roller 200, allowing the outer ring 210 to rotate freely.

[0028] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown. A pin 400 is provided between two opposing middle link plates 110. The pin 400 is inserted inside the sleeve 300, and both ends of the pin 400 are movably connected to the adjacent middle link plate 110. To prevent axial movement of the pin 400 and to achieve reliable connection and convenient disassembly of the chain links, a bolt 410 is inserted between two opposing outer link plates 120. The threaded part of the bolt 410 is provided with a nut, and the bolt 410 is fixed inside the pin 400.

[0029] A pin 400 is inserted inside one of the outer chain plates 120, and the pin 400 is then inserted into the sleeve 300. Another outer chain plate 120 is installed on the other side, and the nut is tightened onto the bolt 410, thus completing the locking of the inner chain plate 100, the middle chain plate 110, and the outer chain plate 120. In traditional chains, the pin 400 and the outer chain plate 120 are usually press-fitted with an interference fit, making disassembly extremely difficult and easily damaging the mating surfaces. This invention uses a bolt-nut locking method, which facilitates the non-destructive and repeated disassembly and reassembly of chain links. When replacing a single chain link, only the damaged inner chain plate 100 (including the roller 200) or outer chain plate 120 can be replaced, while the intact pin 400, middle chain plate 110, and other components are retained. Chain link replacement or length adjustment can be completed on-site at the conveyor line using only a wrench, without the need for large pressing equipment, making maintenance convenient.

[0030] When the nut is engaged with the outer chain plate 120, an anti-loosening structure is provided between the nut and the outer chain plate 120 to prevent the nut from loosening. The anti-loosening structure adopts the form of a slotted nut and a cotter pin.

[0031] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown. Each outer chain plate 120 is provided with a threaded groove 500. When the chain is used for a conveyor line, the threaded groove 500 can be used with screws to install the conveying carrier, such as a conveying plate, hopper, pallet or tooling fixture, etc. It is directly locked onto the chain by the cooperation of the screw and the threaded groove 500 to realize the continuous conveying of materials.

[0032] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, each of the middle chain plates 110 is fixed with a first bearing seat 600. The first bearing seat 600 adopts a tungsten carbide ceramic bushing structure, forming an ultra-hard and ultra-smooth inner surface. A pin 400 is inserted into the first bearing seat 600, and the pin 400 and the first bearing seat 600 are clearance-fitted to ensure that the pin 400 can rotate freely within the first bearing seat 600 to accommodate the relative rotation between adjacent chain links when the chain bends. The first bearing seat 600 extends outward from the middle chain plate 110 to improve the bending strength of the pin 400; the inner chain plate 100 moves between the first bearing seats 600.

[0033] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown. Each inner chain plate 100 is fixedly provided with a second bearing seat 700, and a sleeve 300 is inserted into the second bearing seat 700. The sleeve 300 and the second bearing seat 700 are interference fit, and the second bearing seat 700 extends outward from the inner chain plate 100. The roller 200 moves between the second bearing seats 700.

[0034] Each set of inner chain plates 100 is rigidly connected by pressing the two ends of the sleeve 300 into the inner hole of its respective second bearing 700 with an interference fit. In conventional chains, the mating length between the sleeve 300 and the chain plate hole is limited by the chain plate thickness. In this invention, the outward extension of the second bearing 700 increases the connection contact surface and connection depth between the inner chain plate 100 and the sleeve 300. When the chain is running, the sleeve 300 is subjected to bending moment. The longer mating surface and connection depth improve the sleeve 300's ability to resist bending deformation, reducing the risk of breakage at the root due to excessive bending moment.

[0035] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 5 As shown, the cavity 231 is not completely filled with damping fluid, leaving a certain gap to form a space for damping fluid expansion. Multiple guide grooves 222 are circumferentially formed on the side of the wave section 221 near the sleeve 300, with both ends of the guide grooves 222 communicating with adjacent storage tanks. When the wave section 221 is deformed under pressure, the grease is squeezed through the guide grooves 222 to flow in each storage tank, lubricating the joint between the first buffer member 220 and the sleeve 300, reducing friction and wear between the first buffer member 220 and the sleeve 300, especially at the moment of impact.

[0036] In some specific implementations, the damping fluid is silicone oil. High-viscosity, low-compressibility methyl silicone oil is selected as the damping fluid. Its viscosity changes little with temperature, providing relatively stable damping performance within the common ambient temperature range of the chain, ensuring the stability of the buffering effect. It can effectively buffer impact loads, providing reliable protection for components such as chain plates, pins 400, and sleeves 300. The kinematic viscosity and compressibility of the silicone oil selected in this invention affect the buffering effect. High viscosity ensures that a sufficiently large viscous shear damping force is generated when an impact occurs. The specific limitation of the viscosity range is to quantify the buffering performance into an effective range. Too low a viscosity results in insufficient damping and poor buffering effect; too high a viscosity leads to sluggish response and may lose fluidity at low temperatures.

[0037] When the cavity 231 is filled with damping fluid, an injection port (not shown) can be provided on the second buffer 230. After injecting an appropriate amount of damping fluid into the cavity 231 through this injection port, the injection port can be sealed.

[0038] In some specific implementation schemes, rigid components such as the inner chain plate 100, middle chain plate 110, outer chain plate 120, and outer ring 210 can be made of 40Cr common material; the first buffer 220 and the second buffer 230 are both made of composite material of nitrile rubber and aramid fiber.

[0039] The nitrile rubber matrix provides excellent elastic recovery, effectively absorbing and converting impact energy. The addition of aramid fibers enhances the tensile strength and tear resistance of the buffer component, making it less prone to permanent damage or crack propagation under repeated compression deformation. It exhibits good high strength and tear resistance, improving the fatigue life of the buffer component. The first buffer component 220 has a higher hardness to maintain the required support force; the second buffer component 230 has a lower hardness than the first buffer component 220 to maintain the required softness, thereby effectively compressing the internal fluid.

[0040] In some specific implementation plans, such as Figure 3 As shown. The length of the pin 400 is greater than the total width of the two middle link plates 110, ensuring that when the middle link plate 110 is connected to the outer link plate 120 by bolts 410, a free movement gap is maintained between the middle link plate 110 and the outer link plate 120. The diameter of the through hole on the middle link plate 110 is smaller than the diameter of the pin 400, allowing the middle link plate 110 to be positioned between the nut and the end of the pin 400.

[0041] To facilitate understanding of the embodiments of this solution by those skilled in the art, the working principle of this solution will now be briefly explained in conjunction with specific application scenarios: When the chain engages with the sprocket, the sprocket teeth first act on the rigid outer ring 210 of the roller 200. The impact force is transmitted from the outer ring 210 to the second buffer 230. This buffer is filled with damping fluid that is not completely filled. At the moment of compression, the second buffer 230 first undergoes compression deformation to buffer the impact, and then the damping fluid flows and generates viscous shear damping, consuming part of the impact energy and achieving initial and continuous buffering of the impact. Subsequently, the buffered force is further transmitted to the first buffer member 220, which, together with the wave portion 221 on the inner surface of the first buffer member 220, further absorbs energy. At the same time, the deformation of the wave portion 221 squeezes the grease in the storage groove, causing it to flow and form a lubricating film on the contact surface between the roller 200 and the sleeve 300, reducing friction and wear between the contact surfaces, especially at the moment of impact.

[0042] By cooperating with the second buffer 230 (fluid damping buffer) and the first buffer 220 (elastic deformation and grease storage lubrication), a two-stage impact buffer is achieved. The chain can effectively buffer and dissipate the impact load transmitted by the sprocket, which helps to reduce the risk of brittle fracture or fatigue cracking caused by stress concentration in core load-bearing components such as sleeve 300 and pin 400, and improves the service life of the chain.

[0043] The above-disclosed embodiments are merely a few specific examples of the present invention. However, the embodiments of the present invention are not limited thereto, and any variations that can be conceived by those skilled in the art should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain comprising inner link plates (100), characterized in that, A sleeve (300) is provided between the two opposing inner chain plates (100), and each sleeve (300) is provided with a roller (200). The roller (200) includes a first buffer (220) sleeved on the sleeve (300), a second buffer (230) disposed on the first buffer (220), and an outer ring (210) fixed on the second buffer (230). The outer ring (210) is a rigid body, and the first buffer (220) and the second buffer (230) are both elastic bodies. The second buffer (230) is rotatably connected to the outer ring (210). The first buffer (220) has a wave portion (221) on the side near the sleeve (300), and a storage groove for storing grease is formed between each two adjacent waves (221). The waves (221) at both ends are in contact with the surface of the sleeve (300). The second buffer (230) has a cavity (231) inside, and the cavity (231) is filled with damping fluid.

2. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain as set forth in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a middle chain plate (110), and a pin (400) is provided between two opposite middle chain plates (110). The pin (400) is inserted inside the sleeve (300), and both ends of the pin (400) are movably connected to the adjacent middle chain plate (110).

3. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain as claimed in claim 2, characterized in that It also includes an outer chain plate (120), with a bolt (410) inserted between two opposite outer chain plates (120), the bolt (410) being fixed inside the pin (400).

4. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain according to claim 3, characterized in that Each of the outer chain plates (120) is provided with a threaded groove (500).

5. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain as defined in claim 2, wherein Each of the middle chain plates (110) is fixed with a first bearing seat (600), and the pin (400) is inserted in the first bearing seat (600), and the first bearing seat (600) extends outward from the middle chain plate (110).

6. A high-strength, impact-resistant conveyor chain as described in claim 5, characterized in that, Each inner chain plate (100) is fixed with a second bearing seat (700), and the sleeve (300) is inserted into the second bearing seat (700), and the second bearing seat (700) extends outward from the inner chain plate (100).

7. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain according to claim 1, wherein The wave section (221) is provided with a plurality of guide grooves (222) on the side near the sleeve (300), and the two ends of the guide grooves (222) are connected to the adjacent storage slots.

8. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain according to claim 7, characterized in that The damping fluid is silicone oil.

9. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain as claimed in claim 8, characterized in that Both the first buffer (220) and the second buffer (230) are made of a composite material of nitrile rubber and aramid fiber.

10. A high-strength impact-resistant conveyor chain as defined in claim 2, wherein The length of the pin (400) is greater than the total width of the two middle chain plates (110), and the diameter of the through hole on the middle chain plate (110) is smaller than the diameter of the pin (400).

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