An air cushion conveyor

Abstract

The application discloses an air cushion conveyor, which aims at cleaning the air holes of the upper disc groove through air flow, avoiding the air hole blockage from affecting the generation of the air film, and relates to the technical scheme that the air cushion conveyor comprises a shell and a conveying rubber belt arranged in the shell, the shell is provided with an upper disc groove, a first air chamber and a hole cleaning device, the first air chamber is located below the upper disc groove, the upper disc groove is provided with a first air hole, the first air hole is communicated with the first air chamber, so that an air film is formed between the conveying rubber belt and the upper disc groove, and the hole cleaning device comprises a gas supply unit and a gas blowing unit, the gas outlet end of the gas blowing unit is located in the first air chamber and used for cleaning the first air hole, and the gas inlet end of the gas blowing unit is connected with the gas supply unit, and belongs to the technical field of conveying equipment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of transportation equipment technology, and more specifically, relates to an air cushion conveyor. Background Technology

[0002] An air cushion conveyor is a belt conveyor that uses an air film to support the conveyor belt and the material on it. It replaces the idlers of the idler belt conveyor with perforated discs. When the air source provides air with a certain pressure and flow rate into the air chamber, the air in the air chamber escapes through the small holes on the disc, forming a layer of air film with a certain pressure between the conveyor belt and the disc to support the conveyor belt and the material on it.

[0003] In practice, material may fall off the conveyor belt and enter the space between the conveyor belt and the trough, thus clogging the holes in the trough. This prevents the gas in the air chamber from being smoothly discharged to form an air film, affecting the movement of the conveyor belt. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide an air cushion conveyor that can clean the air holes in the upper tray groove through airflow, thereby preventing the air holes from becoming blocked and affecting the formation of the air film.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, an air cushion conveyor is provided, comprising a housing and a conveyor belt disposed in the housing, the housing having an upper tray groove, a first air chamber and a cleaning device, the first air chamber being located below the upper tray groove, the upper tray groove having a first air hole communicating with the first air chamber to form an air film between the conveyor belt and the upper tray groove;

[0006] The cleaning device includes an air supply unit and an air blowing unit. The air outlet of the air blowing unit is located in the first air chamber and is used to clean the first air hole. The air inlet of the air blowing unit is connected to the air supply unit. The air blowing unit can output high-pressure airflow to blow out foreign objects in the first air hole, prevent the first air hole from being blocked, and ensure that the air film can be formed smoothly.

[0007] In the above-mentioned air cushion conveyor, the housing is provided with a surrounding plate, the surrounding plate is located below the upper plate groove, and the surrounding plate, the housing and the upper plate groove cooperate to form the first air chamber;

[0008] The air blowing unit includes an air distribution pipe, which is fixedly connected to the housing and passes through the enclosure. One end of the air distribution pipe is connected to the air supply unit, and the other end of the air distribution pipe is used to clean the first air hole.

[0009] In the aforementioned air cushion conveyor, a nozzle is provided at the end of the air distribution pipe, and the nozzle is used to output airflow to clean the first air hole.

[0010] In the aforementioned air cushion conveyor, a gap is left between the nozzle and the upper tray groove.

[0011] In the aforementioned air cushion conveyor, one of the nozzles is directly opposite one of the first air holes.

[0012] In the aforementioned air cushion conveyor, an electromagnetic valve is provided at the end of the air distribution pipe away from the nozzle. The electromagnetic valve is connected to the air supply unit via a hose and is used to control the opening and closing of the hose and the air distribution pipe.

[0013] In the air cushion conveyor described above, the end of the air distribution pipe away from the nozzle extends to the outside of the housing.

[0014] In the aforementioned air cushion conveyor, the air supply unit includes an air distribution bag fixed to the housing, which is used to store gas.

[0015] In the aforementioned air cushion conveyor, the hole-cleaning device is a plurality of devices arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the conveying belt.

[0016] In the aforementioned air cushion conveyor, the housing is provided with a lower plate groove, and the air distribution bag is located below the lower plate groove.

[0017] One of the above-described technical solutions of the present invention has at least one of the following advantages or beneficial effects:

[0018] In this invention, a hole cleaning device is provided for the air cushion conveyor. The air supply unit supplies air to the air blowing unit, which can output high-pressure airflow to clean the first air hole. Under the action of high-pressure airflow, foreign objects in the first air hole can be blown out to prevent the first air hole from being blocked, ensuring that the air film can be formed smoothly and the conveyor belt can run stably. Attached Figure Description

[0019] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments;

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 2 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 1 AA section view;

[0022] Figure 3 This is the first embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 A magnified view of part B.

[0023] The figure labels for each figure are as follows:

[0024] 1. Shell; 11. Enclosure; 2. Conveyor belt; 3. Upper tray trough; 31. First air hole; 4. First air chamber; 5. Orifice cleaning device; 51. Air supply unit; 51. Air distribution manifold; 52. Air blowing unit; 521. Air distribution pipe; 522. Nozzle; 53. Solenoid valve; 54. Hose; 6. Lower tray trough. Detailed Implementation

[0025] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0026] The following disclosure provides many different implementations or examples for different ways of implementing the present invention.

[0027] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown, an air cushion conveyor includes a housing 1 and a conveyor belt 2 disposed in the housing 1. The housing 1 is provided with an upper tray groove 3, a first air chamber 4 and a cleaning device 5. The first air chamber 4 is located below the upper tray groove 3. The upper tray groove 3 is provided with a first air hole 31, which communicates with the first air chamber 4 to form an air film between the conveyor belt 2 and the upper tray groove 3. The air film is used to support the conveyor belt 2 and the material above it.

[0028] The cleaning device 5 includes an air supply unit 51 and an air blowing unit 52. The air outlet of the air blowing unit 52 is located in the first air chamber 4 and is used to clean the first air hole 31. The air inlet of the air blowing unit 52 is connected to the air supply unit 51. The air supply unit 51 supplies air to the air blowing unit 52. The air blowing unit 52 can output high-pressure airflow to clean the first air hole 31. Under the action of high-pressure airflow, foreign objects in the first air hole 31 can be blown out to prevent the first air hole 31 from being blocked, ensuring that the air film can be formed smoothly and the conveyor belt 2 can operate stably.

[0029] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is provided with a surrounding plate 11, which is located below the upper plate groove 3. The surrounding plate 11, the housing 1, and the upper plate groove 3 cooperate to form the first air chamber 4.

[0030] The air blowing unit 52 includes an air distribution pipe 521, which is fixedly connected to the housing 1 and passes through the enclosure 11. One end of the air distribution pipe 521 is connected to the air supply unit 51, and the other end of the air distribution pipe 521 is used to clean the first air hole 31.

[0031] Supported by the housing 1 and the surrounding plate 11, the air distribution pipe 521 can maintain its posture. Part of the air distribution pipe 521 is located inside the first air chamber 4, and the part located outside the first air chamber 4 is convenient to connect to the air supply unit 51.

[0032] The contact point between the gas distribution pipe 521 and the enclosure plate 11 needs to be sealed, which can be achieved by using sealant, sealing rings, etc.

[0033] In this embodiment, a nozzle 522 is provided at the end of the air distribution pipe 521. The nozzle 522 is used to output airflow to clean the first air hole 31. After the airflow enters the nozzle 522, it will accelerate rapidly, so that the nozzle 522 can output high-pressure airflow.

[0034] In practice, the air cushion conveyor is equipped with a fan, which supplies gas into the first air chamber 4, and the gas is then output from the first air hole 31, thereby forming an air film.

[0035] The cleaning device 5 can only operate when the equipment is unloaded. When the equipment is in operation, the first air chamber 4 still needs to supply gas to the first air hole 31 to generate an air film. Therefore, the arrangement of the nozzle 522 should not affect the supply of gas from the first air chamber 4 to the first air hole 31. So, a gap is left between the nozzle 522 and the upper plate groove 3, so that the first air chamber 4 can supply gas to the first air hole 31 normally, ensuring that the air film can be generated normally. When cleaning is required, the nozzle 522 will output high-pressure airflow to clean the first air hole 31.

[0036] Preferably, the distance between the nozzle 522 and the upper plate groove 3 is 5~8mm. If the distance is too large, it will affect the high-pressure airflow from entering the first air hole 31.

[0037] In this embodiment, the upper plate groove 3 is arranged with multiple rows of first air holes 31 at intervals along the conveying direction. Each row of first air holes 31 includes multiple first air holes 31. In order to ensure that the airflow pressure output by the nozzle 522 is high enough, multiple air distribution pipes 521 are arranged for each row of first air holes 31. Each air distribution pipe 521 has only one nozzle 522. One nozzle 522 is directly opposite one first air hole 31, so that the nozzle 522 can output high-pressure airflow along the axial direction of the first air hole 31, resulting in better cleaning effect.

[0038] The axial direction of each of the first air holes 31 in a row is different. Therefore, the nozzles 522 of each air distribution pipe 521 should also be able to adjust their orientation. During installation, the orientation of the nozzle 522 should be set for the first air hole 31 corresponding to the nozzle 522 so that the nozzle 522 can face the first air hole 31 so that the high-pressure airflow can smoothly enter the first air hole 31.

[0039] In practice, it is not necessary to arrange corresponding air distribution pipes 521 for all the first air holes 31 in the same row. Instead, the corresponding air distribution pipes 521 can be arranged for only a few of the first air holes 31 to clean specific first air holes 31.

[0040] In this embodiment, a solenoid valve 53 is provided at the end of the air distribution pipe 521 away from the nozzle 522. The solenoid valve 53 is connected to the air supply unit 51 through a hose 54. The solenoid valve 53 is used to control the opening and closing between the hose 54 and the air distribution pipe 521. When the first air hole 31 needs to be cleaned, the solenoid valve 53 connects the hose 54 to the air distribution pipe 521, and the nozzle 522 can output airflow. When the first air hole 31 is not cleaned, the solenoid valve 53 disconnects the hose 54 from the air distribution pipe 521, and the nozzle 522 will not output airflow.

[0041] For ease of installation and maintenance, the end of the air distribution pipe 521 away from the nozzle 522 extends to the outside of the housing 1. The solenoid valve 53 and the hose 54 can be installed outside the housing 1, and it is also convenient to observe whether the hose 54 and the solenoid valve 53 are damaged, and replacement is also relatively convenient.

[0042] In this embodiment, the gas supply unit 51 includes a gas distributor 51 fixed on the housing 1, which is used to store gas; preferably, the gas distributor 51 is also installed on the outside of the housing 1 to facilitate the connection of the hose 54 and the maintenance of the gas distributor 51.

[0043] The equipment site is generally equipped with a compressed air system. The air distribution manifold 51 is equipped with an air inlet. The compressed air system is connected to the air inlet to input gas into the air distribution manifold 51.

[0044] In this embodiment, the housing 1 is provided with a lower plate groove 6, and the air distribution manifold 51 is located below the lower plate groove 6, which can protect the air distribution manifold 51.

[0045] In this embodiment, in order to clean the first air holes 31 of different rows, multiple cleaning devices 5 can be arranged. In this way, the air distribution manifold 51 can provide more air volume, ensuring that the nozzle 522 can output high-pressure airflow. Generally speaking, multiple cleaning devices 5 are arranged at intervals in the conveying direction of the conveying belt 2.

[0046] In practice, it is not necessary to equip the first vent 31 of each row with a vent cleaning device 5. The vent cleaning device 5 can be arranged in the location where blockage frequently occurs, depending on the actual situation.

[0047] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will understand that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. An air cushion conveyor, characterized in that, The device includes a housing and a conveyor belt disposed in the housing. The housing is provided with an upper tray groove, a first air chamber and a cleaning device. The first air chamber is located below the upper tray groove. The upper tray groove is provided with a first air hole. The first air hole communicates with the first air chamber to form an air film between the conveyor belt and the upper tray groove. The cleaning device includes an air supply unit and an air blowing unit. The air outlet of the air blowing unit is located in the first air chamber and is used to clean the first air hole. The air inlet of the air blowing unit is connected to the air supply unit.

2. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a surrounding plate, which is located below the upper plate groove. The surrounding plate, the housing, and the upper plate groove cooperate to form the first air chamber. The air blowing unit includes an air distribution pipe, which is fixedly connected to the housing and passes through the enclosure. One end of the air distribution pipe is connected to the air supply unit, and the other end of the air distribution pipe is used to clean the first air hole.

3. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 2, characterized in that, The end of the air distribution pipe is provided with a nozzle, which is used to output airflow to clean the first air hole.

4. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 3, characterized in that, A gap is left between the nozzle and the upper plate groove.

5. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 3, characterized in that, One of the nozzles is directly opposite one of the first air holes.

6. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The end of the gas distribution pipe away from the nozzle is equipped with a solenoid valve. The solenoid valve is connected to the gas supply unit through a hose. The solenoid valve is used to control the opening and closing between the hose and the gas distribution pipe.

7. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the gas distribution pipe away from the nozzle extends to the outside of the housing.

8. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gas supply unit includes a gas distributor fixed to the housing, which is used to store gas.

9. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hole-cleaning device is a plurality of devices arranged at intervals along the conveying direction of the conveying belt.

10. The air cushion conveyor according to claim 8, characterized in that, The housing is provided with a lower plate groove, and the air distribution manifold is located below the lower plate groove.

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