A pipeline machine wheel assembly for a conveyor

Abstract

The application discloses a pipeline machine wheel assembly of a conveyor, which comprises a chain rope, a plurality of chain discs fixed on the chain rope at equal intervals, a machine wheel body, a driving motor and a plurality of positioning pushers fixed on the machine wheel body at equal intervals. The first side of the chain disc is provided with an inclined surface, and a plurality of convex structures are arranged on the inclined surface; the second side is a plane for bearing materials; and the chain disc is further provided with a fixing structure. When the machine wheel body rotates, the positioning pushers slide with the inclined surface to generate axial thrust, so that the chain rope generates axial displacement, dynamic tensioning and deviation prevention are realized; meanwhile, the positioning pushers and the convex structures intermittently interact to generate vibration, and accumulated materials on the plane of the chain disc are vibrated and fallen. The application integrates tensioning, deviation correction and material vibration cleaning, and has compact structure and linkage cooperation.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of conveyor technology, and more specifically, to a pipeline wheel assembly for use in chain conveyors to achieve dynamic tensioning of the chain rope, prevention of deviation, and self-cleaning of the chain disc. Background Technology

[0002] In equipment such as chain conveyors, overhead conveyor chains, and scraper conveyors, conveying elements are often composed of chain ropes (steel wire ropes, chains, etc.) and multiple chain discs fixed at equal intervals. The flat surface of the chain discs is used to bear the material. In traditional structures, the chain ropes are driven by sprockets, and the chain discs move with the chain ropes. However, long-term operation has the following problems: Chain slack and misalignment: Under load, the chain is prone to plastic elongation, which leads to a decrease in tension, causing the chain to come out of the sprocket groove or the chain discs to collide with each other, and it has poor wear resistance.

[0003] Tension adjustment is difficult: most existing tensioning devices are screw or counterweight type, which can only be adjusted statically and cannot dynamically compensate for tension fluctuations during operation.

[0004] Material accumulation and wear on the chain conveyor: Dust, debris, or wet material easily adheres to the surface of the chain conveyor during material transport. If not cleaned in time, this will accelerate the wear of the chain conveyor, guide rails, and sprockets, and contaminate subsequent materials. Existing cleaning methods mostly use external scrapers or air blowing devices, which are complex in structure and cannot be linked with the conveying motion.

[0005] Unreliable fixing of chain rope and chain disc: Traditional fixing methods (such as pressure sleeve) are prone to loosening under long-term vibration, causing the chain disc to shift, affecting the conveying accuracy and equipment operation.

[0006] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an integrated wheel assembly that can achieve dynamic tensioning, active anti-deviation, linked material cleaning, and reliable fixation. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The present invention aims to provide a conveyor pipeline wheel assembly to solve the problems of non-dynamic adjustment of chain rope tension, easy deviation, easy material accumulation and wear of chain disc, and unreliable fixation in the prior art, so as to achieve the linkage and coordination of tensioning, deviation correction and material cleaning.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution: A conveyor wheel assembly comprising: The chain rope is a ring-shaped flexible traction component; Multiple chain discs are fixedly installed on the chain rope at equal intervals along the length of the chain rope; each chain disc has a first side and a second side, wherein the first side is provided with an inclined surface and the second side is a flat surface, for directly bearing or supporting materials; the chain rope passes through the center of the chain disc and is fixedly connected to the chain disc. The wheel body is rotatably mounted on the frame of the conveyor; A drive motor is connected to the wheel body for driving the wheel body to rotate around its axis. Multiple positioning pushers are fixedly installed on the wheel body at equal intervals along the circumference of the wheel body; each positioning pusher has a contact part that cooperates with the inclined surface of the chain disc; The first inclined surface of the chain disk is provided with multiple protruding structures; The chain disc is also provided with a fixing structure for fixing the chain rope to the chain disc; When the wheel body rotates, the contact part of the positioning pusher contacts the inclined surface of the chain disc in sequence and slides relative to it. At the same time, due to the guiding effect of the inclined surface, the positioning pusher applies an axial thrust to the chain disc, causing the chain disc and chain rope to generate axial displacement. Furthermore, during the sliding process, the contact part of the positioning pusher and the protruding structure interact intermittently, and the two work together to make the chain disc vibrate. This vibration is used to shake off the material attached to the second side plane of the chain disc.

[0009] By adopting the above technical solution, the positioning and pushing component simultaneously performs three functions: guiding the chain, axial pushing (tensioning and correction), and generating vibration through the raised structure. The intermittent interaction between the raised structure and the contact part generates high-frequency vibration, which can clean the accumulated material on the chain disc plane without an additional power source, achieving coordinated operation. The creep generated by the axial displacement also helps to loosen the accumulated material, working together with the vibration to improve the cleaning effect.

[0010] Furthermore, the protruding structure consists of multiple protruding ribs evenly distributed along the circumference of the inclined surface, with the height of the ribs ranging from 0.5mm to 3mm and the spacing between adjacent ribs ranging from 5mm to 20mm.

[0011] By adopting the above technical solution, the height and spacing design of the convex ribs ensure that sufficient impact acceleration is generated when the contact surface passes through, so that the accumulated material overcomes the adhesion force and falls off; at the same time, excessive impact is avoided to prevent damage to the chain or positioning pusher.

[0012] Furthermore, the cross-sectional shape of the convex rib is semi-circular, triangular or trapezoidal, and its top is provided with a wear-resistant coating.

[0013] By adopting the above technical solutions: the semi-circular cross-section provides gentle impact, the triangular cross-section provides strong impact, and the trapezoidal cross-section has good wear resistance. The wear-resistant coating extends the service life of the raised ribs.

[0014] Furthermore, the fixing structure includes inner grooves on both sides of the central hole of the chain disc, and wire clamps and fixing components built into the inner grooves; the wire clamps are C-shaped or U-shaped elastic clamps, which clamp the chain rope after being embedded in the inner grooves and are locked by the fixing components; Alternatively, the fixing structure may include a fixing sleeve pressed and fixed to the chain rope, with the chain disc injection molded at the fixing sleeve, and after the chain disc is injection molded, the chain rope and the fixing sleeve are located at the center of the chain disc.

[0015] By adopting the above technical solution: the inner groove provides space for the wire clamp, preventing the wire clamp from protruding from the chain disc surface and affecting material conveying. The wire clamp and the fixing components work together to achieve reliable axial and circumferential fixation between the chain rope and the chain disc, preventing relative slippage or rotation.

[0016] The fixing sleeve is pre-connected to the chain rope via a pressing process, forming a reliable initial positioning. Subsequently, the chain disc is directly injection molded onto the outside of the fixing sleeve, integrating the chain disc, fixing sleeve, and chain rope into a single unit. This solution offers the following principles and effects: The fixing sleeve, acting as an intermediate connector, has an interference fit between its inner hole and the chain rope, generating a strong clamping force after pressing, capable of transmitting axial and torsional loads. During injection molding, the molten plastic material (or other injection-moldable material) fully encapsulates the outer surface and both end faces of the fixing sleeve, forming a mechanical interlocking structure after solidification, completely encasing the chain rope-fixing sleeve assembly in the center of the chain disc. Due to the integrated nature of injection molding, there is no relative movement gap between the chain disc and the fixing sleeve, fundamentally eliminating problems such as loosening and material accumulation that may occur with traditional bolt or press-fit fixing.

[0017] Furthermore, the positioning pusher has a fixed end and a free end. The fixed end is fixedly connected to the wheel body, and the free end extends obliquely away from the surface of the wheel body, and a chain positioning groove is provided on the free end; the contact part is a contact surface provided on the obliquely extended part.

[0018] By adopting the above technical solution, the inclined extension structure allows the free end of the positioning pusher to simultaneously approach the inclined surface of the chain rope and the chain disc, facilitating the matching of the chain rope positioning groove with the chain rope and the matching of the contact surface with the inclined surface.

[0019] Furthermore, the free end of the positioning pusher extends radially outward and inclined to one side along the wheel body, with an inclination angle of 20° to 60°. Alternatively, the positioning and pushing components may be flat plates evenly distributed around the wheel body, with the fixed end of the flat plate fixedly connected to the wheel body and the other end being a free end.

[0020] By adopting the above technical solution, the reasonable range of tilt angle ensures the effective transmission of force and the effective generation of vibration.

[0021] The positioning and pushing component adopts a flat plate structure, evenly distributed along the circumference of the wheel body. One end of the flat plate is fixedly connected to the wheel body, while the other end is a free end. This flat plate rotates along with the wheel body, and the side or end face of its free end contacts the inclined surface of the sprocket, generating relative sliding and thus applying axial thrust. As a positioning and pushing component, the flat plate is a flat plate with a certain thickness and width. The fixed end can be connected to the wheel body by welding, bolting, or integral molding. The free end extends outward, with its side facing the inclined surface of the sprocket machined into a smooth contact surface. When the wheel body rotates, the free end of the flat plate sequentially encounters the moving inclined surface of the sprocket, and the contact surface and the inclined surface generate sliding friction (or rolling friction, if rollers are installed on the free end). Due to the inclination angle of the inclined surface, the normal pressure applied to the inclined surface by the contact surface is decomposed into a component force along the axial direction of the chain rope. This component force pushes the sprocket and chain rope to generate axial displacement, achieving dynamic tensioning and preventing deviation. Meanwhile, during the sliding process, the free end of the flat plate intermittently impacts the protruding structure (protruding ribs) on the inclined surface, causing the chain to vibrate at high frequency, thus achieving material cleaning.

[0022] Furthermore, the chain positioning groove is opened at the end or side of the free end, and the groove shape is semi-circular, V-shaped or U-shaped, and the inner surface of the groove is provided with a wear-resistant coating.

[0023] By adopting the above technical solution, the chain positioning groove plays a role in limiting and guiding the chain rope in motion, preventing the chain rope from coming off during radial jumping, while the wear-resistant coating extends the service life of the groove.

[0024] Furthermore, the inclined plane is a continuous annular inclined plane or an intermittent inclined plane, and the angle between the inclined plane and the chain drive axis is 10° to 40°.

[0025] By adopting the above technical solution: the continuous annular inclined surface ensures that the positioning pusher can obtain smooth thrust regardless of the contact angle; the intermittent inclined surface reduces the contact time, making it suitable for high-speed, light-load applications. The included angle range ensures sufficient axial force is generated without self-locking.

[0026] Furthermore, the second side plane of the chain disc is provided with anti-slip textures or rubber pads to increase the friction of material conveying.

[0027] By adopting the above technical solutions, the anti-slip texture or rubber pads significantly improve the static friction between the material and the chain, preventing the material from slipping, piling up or falling, and are especially suitable for inclined conveying or easily rolling materials.

[0028] Furthermore, it also includes a speed sensor and a controller, wherein the speed sensor is used to detect the rotational speed of the wheel body, and the controller adjusts the rotational speed of the drive motor according to the speed of the main chain of the conveyor.

[0029] By adopting the above technical solution, closed-loop control ensures that the relative speed between the positioning pusher and the inclined surface of the chain remains constant under different conveying speeds, thereby obtaining uniform and stable axial thrust and stable vibration frequency, achieving optimal tension and cleaning effect under all working conditions.

[0030] The working principle and beneficial effects of this application are as follows: 1. Multifunctional integration and linkage: The positioning and pushing component simultaneously realizes three functions: chain rope guidance, axial pushing (tensioning and correction), and material vibration through the protruding structure. It is driven by the same drive motor, with a compact structure and low cost.

[0031] 2. Dynamic tensioning and active anti-deviation: The inclined plane is used to generate periodic axial thrust, which compensates for chain slack in real time and automatically corrects deviation. It has a fast response and does not require additional sensors.

[0032] 3. Linked vibration effectively removes accumulated material: The intermittent interaction between the raised structure and the positioning pusher generates high-frequency vibration, which shakes off the material adhering to the chain plate. No additional scraper or air source is required, avoiding scratching the surface. It is especially suitable for conveying sticky materials or powders.

[0033] 4. Reliable chain rope fixation: The inner groove has built-in wire clamps and fixing components to achieve a firm connection between the chain rope and the chain disc, preventing loosening caused by long-term vibration.

[0034] 5. Purely mechanical adaptive adjustment: No hydraulic or electrical control system required (except for optional speed regulation), high reliability, suitable for harsh environments such as dust and humidity.

[0035] 6. Extend equipment life: Axial displacement causes the contact point between the chain and the guide rail to change continuously, avoiding fixed-point wear; the vibration function prevents abrasive wear, significantly extending the overall life. Attached Figure Description

[0036] The present application will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall assembly of the pipeline wheel assembly in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the side structure of the chain disk in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the cooperation structure between the chain rope and the chain disc in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the overall side structure in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] The features in the attached diagram are labeled as follows: 1-Chain rope; 2-Chain disc; 21-Rope hole; 22-Inner groove; 23-Wire clamp; 24-Fixing component; 25-Beveled surface; 26-Raised structure; 27-Flat surface; 28-Rubber pad or anti-slip texture; 3-Wheel body; 31-Bearing; 4-Drive motor; 5-Positioning pusher; 51-Fixed end; 52-Free end; 53-Chain rope positioning groove; 54-Contact surface or contact part. Detailed Implementation

[0039] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0040] Example 1 like Figures 1-4 As shown, this embodiment provides a pipeline wheel assembly for a conveyor. This assembly is installed on the conveyor frame and is used to simultaneously achieve dynamic tensioning of the chain rope, active anti-deviation, material carrying, and self-vibrating material discharge from the chain disc. The assembly of this embodiment mainly includes: chain rope 1, multiple chain discs 2, wheel body 3, drive motor 4, and multiple positioning and pushing components 5.

[0041] I. Specific Structure and Fixing Method of Chain Rope and Chain Disc Chain rope 1 is a ring-shaped flexible traction component, made of galvanized steel wire rope with a nominal diameter of 8mm. The steel wire rope is twisted into a 6-strand × 19-wire structure, which has high tensile strength and flexibility. The two ends of chain rope 1 are connected to form a closed loop through aluminum alloy sleeves, and it passes around the main drive wheel and tension wheel of the conveyor.

[0042] Reference Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 Multiple chain discs 2 are made by casting or forging, and the material is ductile iron QT500-7. Each chain disc 2 is generally disc-shaped, and a rope hole 21 with a diameter of 10mm is opened in the center to pass through the first and second sides, so that the chain rope 1 can pass through.

[0043] Inner Grooves and Fixing Structure: A pair of inner grooves 22 are symmetrically arranged on both sides of the central hole 21 of the chain disc 2 (i.e., at both ends along the axial direction of the chain rope 1). The inner groove 22 is a rectangular groove with threads on its inner wall, communicating with the central hole 21. It has a depth of 8mm, a width of 10mm, and a length (along the axial direction) of 12mm. The inner groove 22 is used to house the wire clamp 23 and the fixing component 24. The wire clamp 23 is a C-shaped elastic steel clamp with an inner diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the chain rope 1. After the chain rope 1 passes through the central hole 21, the wire clamp 23 is inserted into the inner groove 22 from both sides, and the elastic force of the wire clamp 23 holds the chain rope 1 tightly. Then, the fixing component 24 (including an M4 set screw and a washer) is screwed in from the side of the chain disc 2 to tighten the wire clamp 23 and prevent it from coming out. With this structure, the chain rope 1 and the chain disc 2 are reliably fixed in the axial and circumferential directions, preventing relative slippage or rotation. The distance between two adjacent chain discs 2 is fixed at 150mm.

[0044] Each chain disk 2 has a first side (in this embodiment, it is...) Figure 3 (as shown on the upper side) and the second side (for) Figure 3 (As shown on the lower side). Among them: The first side is provided with an inclined surface 25: the inclined surface 25 is a continuous annular inclined surface, that is, it gradually slopes from the edge of the first side of the chain disc 2 towards the rope hole 21, forming a complete conical surface. The angle θ between the inclined surface 25 and the axis of the chain disc 2 is 15°. The surface of the inclined surface 25 is carburized and quenched to a surface hardness of HRC55, and then further ground to a surface roughness Ra of no more than 0.8μm.

[0045] Reference Figure 3 Protruding structure 26: Multiple protruding ridges are evenly arranged circumferentially on the inclined surface 25. In this embodiment, the number of ridges is 3-5, and the ridges are arc-shaped protrusions extending from the inner edge to the outer edge of the inclined surface 25. The cross-sectional shape of each ridge is semi-circular, and the surface of the ridges is also quenched and coated with a tungsten carbide wear-resistant coating with a thickness of 0.1mm.

[0046] The second side has a flat surface 27: Flat surface 27 is a precision-machined surface used to directly support or lift materials. To increase the friction during material conveying, a rubber pad 28 is fixed on flat surface 27 through a vulcanization process. The rubber pad 28 is 3mm thick and has a diamond-shaped anti-slip pattern on its surface with a pattern depth of 0.5mm.

[0047] II. Specific Structure and Installation Method of Wheel Body and Drive Motor The wheel body 3 is a steel hub structure, made of 45# steel that has undergone quenching and tempering. The wheel body 3 has a central shaft hole, through which two deep groove ball bearings are mounted on a fixed shaft. This fixed shaft is bolted to the conveyor frame via a flange plate. Therefore, the wheel body 3 can rotate freely around its own axis, but its axial position is restricted by the inner ring locating circumference of the bearings, making the wheel body 3 essentially stationary in the axial direction.

[0048] The drive motor 4 is a servo motor, and its output shaft is connected to the wheel body 3. When the drive motor 4 is powered on and rotates, it drives the entire wheel body 3 to rotate around its axis through the gear pair. The rotation direction of the drive motor 4 is the same as the movement direction of the chain rope 1, that is, the two have the same linear velocity direction in the contact area.

[0049] III. Specific Structure and Fixing Method of Positioning and Pushing Components Multiple positioning pushers 5 are fixedly installed at equal intervals on the end face of the wheel body 3 along the circumference of the wheel body 3. In this embodiment, there are 6 positioning pushers 5, and the included angle between two adjacent positioning pushers 5 is 60°.

[0050] Each positioning pusher 5 is an integral rod-shaped structure, made of wear-resistant alloy steel (such as 40Cr) through forging and machining. Its specific structure is as follows: Fixed end 51: Located at the root of the positioning pusher 5, it is a flat block structure with two bolt through holes. The fixed end 51 is locked to the end face of the wheel body 3 by two M8 hex socket head cap screws to achieve reliable fixation.

[0051] Free end 52: Extends obliquely from fixed end 51 away from the surface of wheel body 3. The oblique direction is: radially outward along wheel body 3, while deflecting axially to one side (i.e., the side where chain 2 is located). The oblique angle (the angle between the axis of free end 52 and the end face of wheel body 3) is 40°. Free end 52 is generally elongated, with a rectangular cross-section measuring 12mm × 8mm.

[0052] Chain positioning groove 53: Located at the end of the free end 52, on the side of the free end 52 facing the chain 1. The chain positioning groove 53 is a semi-circular groove with a semi-circular diameter equal to the diameter of the chain 1 (8mm) and a groove depth of 5mm. The inner surface of the groove is coated with a tungsten carbide wear-resistant coating with a thickness of 0.1mm. When the chain 1 moves, the chain 1 can fall into the chain positioning groove 53 and be laterally restrained by the groove wall to prevent it from falling out.

[0053] Contact surface 54: Located on the side of the free end 52 facing the inclined surface 25 of the chain disc 2 (i.e., the lower side of the inclined extension). The contact surface 54 is a plane, and its inclination angle relative to the axis of the wheel body 3 is the same as the angle θ (15°) between the inclination angle and the inclined surface 25 of the chain disc 2, to ensure that the two can achieve surface contact sliding. The surface of the contact surface 54 is ground to a roughness Ra of 0.4 μm.

[0054] IV. Component Working Process and Dynamic Effects The dynamic process of the components in this embodiment during operation is described in detail below.

[0055] Step 1: Initial Motion and Chain Rope Introduction. After the main drive system of the conveyor starts, chain rope 1 begins to move along the conveying direction (assuming it is...). Figure 1 The chain 1 moves from left to right. Multiple chain discs 2 move together, with the flat surface 27 of each chain disc 2 facing upwards (or towards the material side) and the inclined surface 25 facing downwards (or towards the wheel body 3). Simultaneously, the controller 9 sends a command to the drive motor 4, which drives the wheel body 3 to rotate via a gear pair. The rotation direction of the wheel body 3 is set to be the same as the direction of movement of the chain 1, and the speed of the drive motor 4 is adjusted so that the linear velocity of the outer edge of the wheel body 3 is slightly higher than the running speed of the chain 1 (e.g., 5% to 10%), ensuring that the positioning pusher 5 can catch up with and actively contact the inclined surface 25 of the chain disc 2. At the same time, the chain 1 gradually enters the chain positioning groove 53 on the free end 52 of the positioning pusher 5 during movement. The chain positioning groove 53 radially limits the chain 1, preventing it from jumping out.

[0056] Step 2: Contact, sliding, and axial thrust between the positioning pushers and the inclined surface of the chain disc. When the wheel body 3 rotates, the six positioning pushers 5 fixed to its end face move in a circular motion. When the contact surface 54 of one of the positioning pushers 5 rotates to a position where it meets the inclined surface 25 of the moving chain disc 2, the contact surface 54 comes into contact with the inclined surface 25. Because the linear velocity of the wheel body 3 is higher than the velocity of the chain 1, the contact surface 54 has a forward relative sliding (along the direction of movement of the chain 1) relative to the inclined surface 25. Since the inclined surface 25 is inclined (angle 15°), the normal force exerted by the contact surface 54 on the inclined surface 25 can be decomposed into radial and axial components. The axial component is transmitted to the entire chain disc 2 through the inclined surface 25, in a direction from the first side of the chain disc 2 to the second side (i.e., from left to right). Since the chain disc 2 and the chain rope 1 are firmly connected by the clamp 23 and the fixing component 24 in the inner groove 22, the chain disc 2 cannot slide relative to the chain rope 1. Therefore, the axial component force ultimately acts on the chain rope 1, forcing the chain rope 1 to produce a small elastic deformation and displacement along its length. In actual operation, since the two ends of the chain rope 1 are connected to the main drive wheel and the tension wheel respectively, the axial displacement manifests as a small extension and contraction of the chain rope 1 at the tension wheel, as well as the lateral creep of the chain rope 1 as a whole.

[0057] Step 3: Vibration-induced material drop caused by the protruding structures. As the contact surface 54 slides along the inclined plane 25, it continuously passes over the evenly distributed protruding structures 26 (protruding ribs) on the inclined plane 25. Each time the contact surface 54 crosses a protruding rib, due to the height of the protrusion (1.5mm), the gap between the contact surface 54 and the inclined plane 25 changes abruptly, generating a vertical impact (perpendicular to the inclined plane). This impact causes the chain disc 2 to generate a high-frequency, low-amplitude vibration (vibration frequency equal to the rotational speed of the wheel body 3 × the number of positioning pushers × the number of protruding ribs on each inclined plane 25 / chain disc spacing, etc.). This vibration is transmitted through the chain disc 2 body to the second-side plane 27 and rubber pad 28. Dust, wet material, or debris adhering to the plane 27 overcomes the adhesion force under the action of vibration acceleration and falls off the plane 27 under the action of gravity or centrifugal force, thus achieving self-cleaning.

[0058] At the same time, the axial displacement itself will also cause the chain disc 2 to produce axial peristalsis. This peristalsis helps to loosen the material that has adhered tightly. In combination with the high-frequency vibration, it further improves the cleaning effect.

[0059] Step 4: Periodic Pushing and Dynamic Adjustment Effect. As the wheel body 3 rotates continuously, the contact surface 54 disengages from the inclined surface 25 of the current chain disc 2, and then the next positioning pusher 5 contacts the inclined surface 25 of the next chain disc 2, generating axial thrust and vibration again. This cycle repeats, with each chain disc 2 being pushed and vibrated once in sequence as it passes near the wheel body 3. This periodic axial thrust causes the chain rope 1 to generate axial vibration or creep with a frequency of (wheel body rotation speed × number of positioning pushers).

[0060] The effect of this axial creep is reflected in two aspects: dynamic tensioning - when the chain rope 1 becomes plastically elongated due to long-term load or loosens due to temperature rise, the axial thrust can push the chain rope 1 towards the tensioning wheel to compensate for the excess length, thereby keeping the tension of the chain rope 1 within the set range and fluctuating by no more than ±5%; active anti-deviation - when the chain rope 1 deviates due to conveyor frame deformation, sprocket wear or off-center load, the centering component of the axial thrust will automatically push the chain rope 1 back to the center position.

[0061] Step 5: Closed-loop control (optional). The speed sensor collects the rotational speed of the wheel body 3 in real time and feeds it back to the controller. The controller dynamically adjusts the rotational speed of the drive motor 4 according to the speed signal of the main chain of the conveyor, ensuring that the contact frequency between the positioning pusher 5 and the inclined surface 25 of the chain disc 2 remains constant at any conveying speed, preventing excessive or insufficient thrust due to speed mismatch, and also ensuring that the frequency and intensity of vibration are within the ideal range.

[0062] Example 2 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the distribution pattern and cross-sectional shape of the protruding structure 26, as well as the specific structure of the inner groove fixing component, making it suitable for conveying materials with high viscosity.

[0063] The raised structure 26 employs spiral (Archimedean spiral) ridges, extending along the spiral line from the inner edge to the outer edge of the inclined surface 25, with a total of 4 ridges evenly distributed circumferentially. Each ridge has a triangular cross-section, with a height of 2mm and a base width of 3mm. The spiral ridges generate continuous and stronger impacts on the contact surface 54 during sliding, resulting in a higher vibration frequency, which is beneficial for removing sticky materials.

[0064] Inner groove 22 and fixing components: The inner groove 22 is a T-shaped groove, and the wire clamp 23 is a split wedge block, which is locked by a double-ended stud and nut screwed in from the side. Suitable for heavy-duty working conditions. The rest of the structure is the same as in Embodiment 1.

[0065] Example 3 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 is that the inclined plane 25 is an intermittent inclined plane, and the protruding structure 26 is only set on the working surface of the inclined block, which is suitable for high-speed and light-load occasions.

[0066] Inclined surface 25: On the first side circumferential direction of chain disc 2, an independent inclined block is set at 90° intervals, for a total of 4 inclined blocks. The included angle of the working inclined surface of each inclined block is 20°, and the axial length of the inclined surface is 10mm. There is a planar transition zone between adjacent inclined blocks.

[0067] Protruding structure 26: Two protruding ribs are provided on the working inclined surface of each inclined block, for a total of eight ribs. The cross-section of the protruding ribs is trapezoidal, and the height is 1mm. The rest of the structure is the same as in Example 1.

[0068] Example 4 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the fixing structure of the chain disc 2 and the chain rope 1. This embodiment adopts an integrated fixing scheme of compression sleeve + injection molding, which is suitable for conveyor chain disc assemblies for large-scale standardized production.

[0069] Specific implementation methods of fixed structures: First, the retaining sleeve is pre-fixed to the chain rope 1 using a pressing process. The retaining sleeve, made of metal or rigid plastic, has an inner diameter slightly smaller than the diameter of the chain rope 1. A hydraulic pressing machine is used to radially compress the retaining sleeve, ensuring it tightly grips the chain rope 1 and forms a reliable initial connection. The outer surface of the retaining sleeve is provided with annular grooves, knurling, or protrusions to enhance adhesion to the subsequent injection molding material.

[0070] Then, the chain rope 1 with the fixed sleeve pressed on is placed into the chain disc injection mold, and the chain disc 2 is directly formed on the outside of the fixed sleeve through the injection molding process. The injection material (such as nylon, polyurethane or reinforced engineering plastic) flows in the mold and completely covers the outer surface and two end faces of the fixed sleeve 24. After curing, the chain disc 2, the fixed sleeve and the chain rope 1 are fused into one.

[0071] Work process and results: In this structure, the fixed sleeve serves as an intermediate connector, and its inner hole is interference-fitted with the chain rope 1 to provide initial axial and circumferential fixation. The injection-molded chain disc 2 and the fixed sleeve form a mechanical interlock and partial material fusion, completely eliminating the possibility of relative movement. When the positioning pusher 5 applies an axial thrust to the chain disc 2, the thrust is transmitted through the chain disc 2 to the fixed sleeve, and then to the chain rope 1. Since there are no gaps between the three, the thrust transmission efficiency is close to 100%.

[0072] This solution has the following beneficial effects: Extremely high connection reliability: After injection molding, the chain and the fixed sleeve form an integrated structure, eliminating the risk of loosening, making it especially suitable for long-term high-load and high-vibration conveying environments.

[0073] Excellent sealing and dustproof performance: The injection molding material completely seals the gap between the fixed sleeve and the chain, preventing material dust from entering the connection area and avoiding material accumulation and corrosion.

[0074] Simplified manufacturing and assembly: No additional screws, clamps, or other fasteners are required, reducing the number of parts and assembly steps, making it suitable for mass automated production.

[0075] Compact structure: The fixing sleeve and injection molded part are completely embedded in the center of the chain disk, without occupying external space, and the surface of the chain disk is flat.

[0076] Weight reduction: Compared to the metal clamp + screw solution, the injection molded material has a lower density, which can appropriately reduce the weight of the chain and reduce the load on the chain rope.

[0077] The remaining structures (chain rope 1, inclined surface 25 of chain disc 2, protruding structure 26, plane 27, wheel body 3, drive motor 4, positioning and pushing component 5, etc.) are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0078] Example 5 The difference between this embodiment and Embodiment 1 lies in the structural form of the positioning pusher 5. In this embodiment, the positioning pusher 5 is a flat plate structure, suitable for conveyor models that are cost-sensitive or for large-scale production.

[0079] The specific structure of the positioning pusher: Multiple positioning pushers 5 are fixedly installed at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the wheel body 3 on its peripheral edge. Each positioning pusher 5 is a flat plate made of steel plate or engineering plastic through cutting, stamping, or injection molding. The flat plate has a fixed end 51 and a free end 52. The fixed end 51 is fixed by welding, bolting, or integral casting with the wheel body 3. The free end 52 extends outward, and its side facing the inclined surface 25 of the chain sprocket 2 is machined into a smooth contact surface 54. The length is determined according to the distance between the wheel body 3 and the chain sprocket 2. The flat plate can remain straight as a whole, or it can be slightly bent at the free end 52 as needed to adjust the contact angle.

[0080] Work process: When the wheel body 3 rotates, the flat plate rotates along with it. The contact surface 54 of the free end 52 contacts and slides relative to the inclined surface 25 of the moving chain disc 2. Due to the inclination angle of the inclined surface 25, the normal pressure applied by the contact surface 54 to the inclined surface 25 is decomposed into a component force along the axial direction of the chain rope 1, which pushes the chain disc 2 and the chain rope 1 to produce axial displacement, thereby achieving dynamic tensioning and preventing deviation. At the same time, during the sliding process, the contact surface 54 intermittently impacts the protruding structure 26 (protruding ribs) provided on the inclined surface 25, causing the chain disc 2 to generate high-frequency vibration, which shakes off the accumulated material on the flat surface 27.

[0081] The main technical effects of this embodiment are as follows: simple structure and low processing cost: the flat plate is cut or stamped from conventional sheet metal, without the need for complex rod-shaped, L-shaped or T-shaped structures, resulting in high material utilization and a reduction of more than 30% in unit cost.

[0082] High rigidity and direct thrust transmission: The flat plate has high bending stiffness and small deformation when subjected to inclined plane reaction force, and the thrust transmission efficiency can reach more than 95%.

[0083] Facilitates multi-specification design: By adjusting the thickness, width, length, and fixed end installation angle of the flat plate, it can be flexibly adapted to conveyors of different specifications.

[0084] Easy to add features: The flat surface of the flat part makes it easy to open chain positioning grooves or add cleaning devices such as scrapers and brushes.

[0085] Easy maintenance: When bolted, the flat plate can be disassembled and replaced separately; when cast integrally with the wheel body, there is no risk of loosening and maintenance is not required.

[0086] Lightweight: Flat parts can have weight-reducing holes or hollow designs while ensuring strength, thereby reducing rotational inertia and energy consumption.

[0087] The remaining structures (chain rope 1, chain disc 2, wheel body 3, drive motor 4, fixing structure 22, etc.) are the same as in Embodiment 1, and will not be described again here.

[0088] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural modifications made based on the description and drawings of the present invention, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A pipeline wheel assembly for a conveyor, characterized in that, include: Chain (1); Multiple chain discs (2) are fixedly installed on the chain rope (1) at equal intervals along the length direction of the chain rope (1); each chain disc (2) has a first side and a second side, the first side is provided with an inclined surface (25), and the second side is a plane (27); the chain rope (1) passes through the center of the chain disc (2) and is fixedly connected to the chain disc (2); The wheel body (3) is rotatably mounted on the frame; A drive motor (4) is connected to the wheel body (3) for driving the wheel body (3) to rotate; Multiple positioning pushers (5) are fixedly installed on the wheel body (3) at equal intervals along the circumferential direction of the wheel body (3); each positioning pusher (5) has a contact part that cooperates with the inclined surface (25) of the chain disc (2); The first side slope (25) of the chain disk (2) is provided with multiple protruding structures (26). A fixing structure (22) is also provided between the chain rope (1) and the chain disc (2) for fixing the chain rope (1) and the chain disc (2); When the wheel body (3) rotates, the contact part of the positioning pusher (5) contacts the inclined surface (25) of the chain disk (2) in sequence and slides relative to it. At the same time, due to the guiding effect of the inclined surface (25), the positioning pusher (5) applies an axial thrust to the chain disk (2), causing the chain disk (2) and the chain rope (1) to generate axial displacement. In addition, during the sliding process, the contact part of the positioning pusher (5) and the protruding structure (26) interact intermittently, and the two work together to make the chain disk (2) vibrate. This vibration is used to shake off the material attached to the second side plane (27) of the chain disk (2).

2. The pipeline wheel assembly of a conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The protruding structure (26) consists of multiple protruding ribs, which are evenly distributed along the circumference of the inclined surface (25). The height of the protruding ribs is 0.5mm to 3mm, and the spacing between adjacent protruding ribs is 5mm to 20mm.

3. The pipeline wheel assembly of a conveyor according to claim 2, characterized in that: The cross-sectional shape of the convex rib is semi-circular, triangular or trapezoidal, and its top is provided with a wear-resistant coating.

4. The pipeline wheel assembly of a conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The fixing structure (22) includes an inner groove on both sides of the central hole of the chain disc (2), and a wire clamp (23) and a fixing component (24) built into the inner groove; the wire clamp (23) is a C-shaped or U-shaped elastic clamp, and the wire clamp (23) clamps the chain rope (1) after being embedded in the inner groove, and is locked by the fixing component (24); Alternatively, the fixed structure (22) includes a fixed sleeve pressed and fixed on the chain rope (1), and the chain disc (2) is injection molded at the fixed sleeve. After the chain disc (2) is injection molded, the chain rope (1) and the fixed sleeve are located at the center of the chain disc (2).

5. The pipeline wheel assembly of a conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The positioning pusher (5) has a fixed end (51) and a free end (52). The fixed end (51) is fixedly connected to the wheel body (3). The free end (52) extends obliquely away from the surface of the wheel body (3), and a chain positioning groove (53) is provided on the free end (52). The contact part is a contact surface (54) provided on the obliquely extended part.

6. The pipeline wheel assembly of a conveyor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The free end (52) of the positioning pusher (5) extends radially outward and axially to one side along the wheel body (3), with an inclination angle of 20° to 60°. Alternatively, the positioning pusher (5) may be a flat plate evenly distributed around the wheel body (3), with the fixed end (51) of the flat plate fixedly connected to the wheel body (3) and the other end being a free end (52).

7. The pipeline wheel assembly of a conveyor according to claim 5, characterized in that: The chain positioning groove (53) is opened at the end or side of the free end (52), and the groove is semi-circular, V-shaped or U-shaped, and the inner surface of the groove is provided with a wear-resistant coating.

8. The pipeline wheel assembly of a conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The inclined plane (25) is a continuous annular inclined plane or an intermittent inclined plane, and the angle between the inclined plane (25) and the axis of the chain disk (2) is 10° to 40°.

9. The pipeline wheel assembly of a conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that: The second side plane (27) of the chain disc (2) is provided with anti-slip texture or rubber pad (28).

10. A pipeline wheel assembly for a conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a speed sensor and a controller, wherein the speed sensor is used to detect the rotational speed of the wheel body (3) and the controller adjusts the rotational speed of the drive motor (4) according to the rotational speed.

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