Enhanced double-buckle push chain automatic connection joint

Abstract

A reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection joint belongs to the technical field of chain transmission and comprises an engaged push chain end connected to the tail end of a push chain, engaged protrusions arranged at the upper end and the lower end of the end and a clamp mechanism used for being connected with the engaged protrusions. A fixed arm fixedly connected with the fixed shaft and a rotating arm rotationally connected with the fixed shaft are arranged at the upper end and the lower end of the fixed shaft respectively, the fixed arm and the rotating arm form a clamping structure for clamping meshing type protrusions at the upper end or the lower end of the end, the rotating arm rotates under the control of a driving mechanism, and the rotating arm is driven by the driving mechanism to rotate when the rotating arm rotates. The rotating arm rotates in the direction close to or away from the fixed arm, and then opening and closing of the clamping structure are achieved. According to the automatic connecting joint structure, the problem that a pushing chain and a connected object cannot be automatically connected is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of chain drive technology, specifically relating to a reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection joint. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, with the development of high-end equipment automation, push chains, as an emerging transmission component, have many advantages such as large load capacity, high speed, high precision, and small storage space. Due to their efficient and stable performance, they are increasingly widely used in transmission applications in various fields, including logistics, nuclear power, aerospace, construction, military, and medical fields. They are mainly used for lifting, raising, and pushing of objects.

[0003] In the market, both the push chain and the pushed object are fixedly connected, using fasteners to secure the connector to the object. This method cannot achieve automatic connection and disconnection, such as needing to connect or disconnect the pushed item after the push chain extends. This connection method limits the expansion of its application range. Designing an automatic connection connector that meets the device's movement requirements while ensuring connection strength has become a challenge. Utility Model Content

[0004] This invention discloses a reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector. The application scenario of this connector can be referenced in "CN117383166A A Multidirectional Horizontal Push Chain Transmission Device," which details the operating principle of the double-buckle push chain within a multidirectional horizontal transmission device. However, this patent document does not provide a connection connector capable of automatic connection and disconnection. This invention solves the problem of the push chain and the object being connected not being able to automatically connect through an automatic connection connector structure.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution of this utility model is as follows:

[0006] A reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector includes an engaging push chain end connected to the end of the push chain, engaging protrusions at the upper and lower ends of the end, and a clamping mechanism for connecting with the engaging protrusions. The clamping mechanism includes a fixed shaft, with a fixed arm fixedly connected to the fixed shaft and a rotating arm rotatably connected to the fixed shaft at the upper and lower ends, respectively. The fixed arm and the rotating arm constitute a clamping structure for clamping the engaging protrusions at the upper or lower ends of the end. The rotating arm rotates under the control of a drive mechanism. When rotating, the rotating arm rotates towards or away from the fixed arm, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the clamping structure.

[0007] Preferably, the push chain is a single-row, double-row, or multi-row push chain formed by the meshing connection of chain one and chain two. The meshing protrusion includes: a first protrusion structure and a second protrusion structure provided on two adjacent outer chain plates of chain one or chain two at the upper and lower ends of the end head. The opposite ends of the first protrusion structure and the second protrusion structure are respectively provided with tooth one and tooth two. A third protrusion structure is provided on the outer chain plate of chain two or chain one between two adjacent outer chain plates. The two ends of the third protrusion structure are respectively provided with tooth three that meshes with tooth one and tooth two. The meshing protrusions at the upper and lower ends of the end head are symmetrically arranged.

[0008] Preferably, the end head has the same structure as the push chain, including an extension portion at one end of the chain and an extension portion at the other end of the chain. The difference is that the outer chain plates at the upper and lower ends of the end head are thickened, and the pin at the end head is an extended and thickened end pin with a stepped head. One end of the end pin with the stepped head is located in the stepped connecting hole of the corresponding outer chain plate, and the other end is located in the connecting hole of the corresponding outer chain plate and locked by a stop pin.

[0009] Preferably, the difference also includes: the end is replaced by a thickened stepped sleeve instead of the sleeve and roller of the push chain.

[0010] Preferably, the differences also include: the end is provided with a first protrusion structure, a second protrusion structure, and a third protrusion structure; the first protrusion, the second protrusion, and the third protrusion are respectively formed by the protrusion structure of one or both ends of the corresponding outer chain plate extending away from the outer chain plate; the outer chain plate corresponding to the third protrusion is the outer chain plate at the very end of chain one or chain two; the very end of the outer chain plate is provided with the third protrusion at both ends, forming a double-buckle outer chain plate structure; the inner side of the double-buckle outer chain plate structure is also provided with a thickened outer chain plate on chain one or chain two; the outer chain plate with the first protrusion structure is also a double-buckle outer chain plate structure; in the end structure, the outer chain plate and the inner chain plate and middle chain plate opposite to it have the same structure.

[0011] Preferably, both the fixed arm and the rotating arm have a through hole in the center. The fixed shaft passes through the through hole and is fixedly connected to the fixed arm and rotatably connected to the rotating arm, respectively. The fixed arm has a U-shaped groove at both ends, and the rotating arm has an L-shaped plate structure at both ends. The L-shaped plate structure is used to close or open the opening end of the U-shaped groove.

[0012] Preferably, a drive rod is fixedly connected to one side of the rotating arm, and the end of the drive rod is provided with a mounting hole for connecting to the drive mechanism. A torsion spring for resetting the rotating arm is connected between the rotating arm and the fixed shaft.

[0013] Preferably, the driving mechanism is an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0014] Preferably, the drive rod is located on the side of the rotating arm away from the fixed axis.

[0015] Preferably, the top end of the fixed shaft is used to connect to the object being pushed.

[0016] The beneficial effects of this new type of reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector are as follows:

[0017] (1) This invention solves the problem that the push chain and the connected object cannot be automatically connected by an automatic connection connector structure, thus expanding the application of the push chain in automation scenarios;

[0018] (2) By improving the end structure of the push chain body and applying it to the connecting joint, the strength of the connecting joint is greatly improved, giving it higher static strength and fatigue strength.

[0019] (3) This new type uses a multi-step stop end pin to prevent the joint from falling off under bending moment;

[0020] (4) This new type of device uses a stop pin to replace the riveting structure, which increases the pin shaft pressing force;

[0021] (5) In this new end structure, a stepped sleeve is used instead of a sleeve and a roller, which not only ensures the assembly accuracy but also increases the strength of the chain link.

[0022] (6) The automatic connection control part of this new type is symmetrical in structure, and automatic connection can be realized on both sides. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the structure for achieving clamping connection and opening of the connector in this novel invention.

[0024] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the novel end cap and engaging protrusion. Figure 1 .

[0025] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the three-dimensional structure of the novel end cap and engaging protrusion. Figure 2 .

[0026] Figure 4 A top view of the novel end cap and engaging protrusion.

[0027] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the AA-direction cross-sectional structure of the novel end cap and interlocking protrusion.

[0028] Figure 6 A three-dimensional structural diagram of this novel clamping mechanism.

[0029] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of the structure of this novel end pin.

[0030] Figure 8 1. Structural diagram of the last segment of this novel end cap.

[0031] Figure 9 1. Structural diagram of the middle segment of this novel end cap.

[0032] Figure 10 1. Diagram of the bottom segment structure of this novel end cap.

[0033] Figure 11 The structural diagrams show the bottom segments of the chain extending from one end and the bottom segments extending from the other end.

[0034] Figure 12 The structural diagrams show the intermediate segments extending from one end of the chain and the intermediate segments extending from the other end of the chain.

[0035] Figure 13 1. Structural diagram of this novel thickened outer chain plate.

[0036] Figure 14 The new type of outer chain plate has a first protruding structure diagram.

[0037] Figure 15 The new type of outer chain plate has a third protruding structure.

[0038] Figure 16 The new type of outer chain plate has a second protruding structure diagram.

[0039] 001. Chain 1; 002. Chain 2; 01. Push chain; 02. Engaging protrusion; 03. Clamping mechanism; 1. Thickened outer chain plate; 2. Outer chain plate with a third protrusion structure; 3. Outer chain plate with a second protrusion structure; 4. Outer chain plate with a first protrusion structure; 41. First protrusion structure; 42. Protruding tooth 1; 43. Outer chain plate with double buckle structure; 5. Middle segment of the end extending from the end of chain 1; 6. Middle segment of the end extending from the end of chain 2; 7. Bottom segment of the end extending from the end of chain 1; 8. Bottom segment of the end extending from the end of chain 2; 9. Outer chain plate with a first protrusion structure at the bottom of the end; 10. Thickened outer chain plate at the bottom of the end; 11. Outer chain plate with a second protrusion structure at the bottom of the end; 12. Outer chain plate with a third protrusion structure at the bottom of the end. 13. Outer chain plate; 14. End segment at the very end; 15. Middle chain plate; 16. End pin; 17. Stop pin; 18. Bottom segment section of the end; 19. Middle segment section of the end; 20. Fixed arm; 21. Fixed shaft; 22. Mounting hole; 23. Rotating arm; 24. Stepped sleeve; 25. Annular small chain plate; 26. Middle segment inner chain plate of the end; 27. Bottom segment inner chain plate of the end; 28. Roller; 51. Sleeve; 61. Middle segment inner chain plate of the end extending from one end of the chain; 71. Bottom segment inner chain plate of the end extending from one end of the chain; 81. Bottom segment inner chain plate of the end extending from both ends of the chain; 111. Double-buckle outer chain plate structure; 112. Third protrusion structure; 191. U-shaped groove. Detailed Implementation

[0040] The following description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0041] The following embodiments can be understood as representing a part of the local structure or method of the present invention, or as a combination of embodiments explaining the broader structure or method of the present invention.

[0042] Example 1

[0043] A reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector, such as Figure 1-16As shown, the device includes an engaging push chain end connected to the end of the push chain 01, engaging protrusions 02 located at the upper and lower ends of the end, and a clamping mechanism 03 for connecting with the engaging protrusions 02. The clamping mechanism 03 includes a fixed shaft 20, with a fixed arm 19 fixedly connected to the fixed shaft 20 and a rotating arm 22 rotatably connected to the fixed shaft 20 at the upper and lower ends, respectively. The fixed arm 19 and the rotating arm 22 constitute a clamping structure for clamping the engaging protrusions 02 at the upper or lower ends of the end. The rotating arm 22 rotates under the control of the drive mechanism. When rotating, the rotating arm 22 rotates towards or away from the fixed arm 19, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the clamping structure.

[0044] The application scenario of this novel device can be referenced in "CN117383166A A Multidirectional Horizontal Push Chain Drive Device", in which the push chain moves within a track. When the end approaches the clamping mechanism, under the control of the control system, the clamping mechanism opens, and the engaging protrusions at the upper and lower ends of the end enter the U-shaped grooves of the upper and lower fixed arms. Then, driven by the drive mechanism, the fixed arms and rotating arms close, realizing the automatic connection of the joint. Conversely, the joint can be automatically unlocked. The process can be referred to... Figure 1 As shown. The determination of the end position in the above content can be achieved by relying on sensor data acquisition or by calculating based on the rotation speed of the servo motor driving the push chain.

[0045] Example 2

[0046] like Figure 1 As shown, the push chain 02 is a single-row, double-row, or multi-row push chain formed by the meshing connection of chain one 001 and chain two 002. The meshing protrusion 02 includes: a first protrusion structure 41 and a second protrusion structure (e.g., ...) on two adjacent outer chain plates of chain one 001 or chain two 002 at the upper and lower ends of the end. Figure 1 , 16 As shown in the figure (not marked), the opposite ends of the first and second protruding structures are respectively provided with protruding teeth 42 and 42, and a third protruding structure 112 is provided on the outer chain plate of chain 2002 or chain 1001 between two adjacent outer chain plates. The two ends of the third protruding structure 112 are respectively provided with protruding teeth 3 (e.g., teeth 42 and 42) that mesh with protruding teeth 42 and 42. Figure 1 , 15 As shown in the figure; the meshing protrusions 02 at the upper and lower ends of the end are symmetrically arranged.

[0047] In this embodiment, the structure and principle of the push chain can be referred to a meshing push chain system disclosed in patent CN220131061U. A columnar structure is formed by the meshing of a first protrusion structure, a second protrusion structure and a third protrusion structure, and a clamping mechanism is used to clamp the columnar structure.

[0048] Example 3

[0049] like Figure 1-5 As shown, the end cap has the same structure as the push chain, including an extension portion at the end of chain 1 (001) and an extension portion at the end of chain 2 (002). The difference is that the outer chain plates at the upper and lower ends of the end cap are thickened, and the pin at the end cap is an extended and thickened end cap pin 15 with a stepped head. One end of the end cap pin 15 with the stepped head is located in the stepped connecting hole of the corresponding outer chain plate, and the other end is located in the connecting hole of the corresponding outer chain plate and locked by a stop pin 16. This prevents the two ends of the end cap pin from protruding from the outer chain plate and interfering with the clamping mechanism.

[0050] like Figure 8-12 As shown, the difference also includes: the end is replaced by a thickened stepped sleeve 23 instead of the sleeve 28 and roller 27 of the push chain.

[0051] The structural design of this embodiment is to enhance the structural strength of the end, making it suitable for connection with a clamping mechanism.

[0052] Example 4

[0053] like Figure 1-16 As shown, the differences also include: the end is provided with a first protrusion structure, a second protrusion structure, and a third protrusion structure; the first tooth 42, the second tooth, and the third tooth are respectively formed by the protrusion structure of one or both ends of the corresponding outer chain plate extending away from the outer chain plate; the outer chain plate corresponding to the third tooth is the outer chain plate at the very end of chain 1 001 or chain 2 002 (e.g., Figure 4 As shown), both ends of the outermost chain plate are provided with protruding teeth, forming a double-buckle outer chain plate structure 111. A thickened outer chain plate 1 is also provided on the chain 1 001 or chain 2 002 located inside the double-buckle outer chain plate structure 111, such as... Figure 1 , 6 As shown, the upper and lower fixed arms are clamped on the thickened outer chain plate 1, and the interlocking protrusion 02 is constrained in the U-shaped groove 191. The outer chain plate with the first protrusion structure is also a double-buckle outer chain plate structure (outer chain plate 4 with the first protrusion structure and outer chain plate 9 with the first protrusion structure at the bottom of the end). In the end structure, the outer chain plate (referring to the outer chain plate part excluding the protrusion structure) and its upper and lower corresponding middle chain plates have the same structure, and the thickness of the outer chain plate is greater than that of the middle chain plate.

[0054] Patent document CN220131061U discloses an interlocking push chain system, which describes a method for setting up double-row or multi-row interlocking push chains, such as... Figure 2-5As shown, the multi-row chain of this novel invention operates on the same principle: According to the document, "Chain 1 and Chain 2 form a double-row chain structure by setting a middle chain plate. The double-row chain structure includes several sets of two opposing inner chain links. The sleeves of the two inner chain links are opposite each other, and pins pass through the opposing sleeves. The outer ends of the adjacent pins of two adjacent inner chain links are respectively press-fitted with the connecting holes of the outer chain plate. The middle chain plate and the outer chain plate are oppositely arranged between the inner ends of adjacent inner chain links. The two connecting holes of the middle chain plate are clearance-fitted with the corresponding two pins. There are two middle chain plates, and clearance-fitting exists between the two middle chain plates and between the middle chain plate and the inner chain plate of the adjacent inner chain link." The appendix of this invention... Figure 2-5 The connector for the three-row chain is given, from... Figure 5 It can be seen that it has two rows of middle chain plates, which are opposite to the upper and lower outer chain plates and connected in series by end pins. The end pins also connect to three adjacent sets of stepped sleeves of the inner single section. The outer chain plate (referring to the outer chain plate part excluding the protruding structure) and its upper and lower opposite middle chain plates have the same structure. The thickness of the outer chain plate is greater than that of the middle chain plate, and the thickness of the middle chain plate at the end is the same as that of the middle chain plates of chain one and chain two.

[0055] Example 5

[0056] like Figure 6 As shown, both the fixed arm 19 and the rotating arm 22 have through holes in their centers. The fixed shaft 20 passes through the through holes and is fixedly connected to the fixed arm 19 and rotatably connected to the rotating arm 22. The fixed arm 19 has U-shaped grooves 191 at both ends, and the rotating arm 22 has L-shaped plate structures at both ends. The L-shaped plate structures are used to close or open the opening ends of the U-shaped grooves 191.

[0057] like Figure 6 As shown, a drive rod is fixedly connected to one side of the rotating arm 22, and the end of the drive rod is provided with a mounting hole 21 for connecting with the drive mechanism. A torsion spring for resetting the rotating arm 22 is connected between the rotating arm 22 and the fixed shaft 20.

[0058] like Figure 6 As shown, the driving mechanism is an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

[0059] like Figure 6 As shown, the drive rod is located on the side of the rotating arm away from the fixed axis.

[0060] like Figure 6 As shown, the top of the fixed shaft is used to connect to the object being pushed.

[0061] In this embodiment, before the engaging protrusion 02 enters the U-shaped groove 191, the drive mechanism drives the drive rod to rotate the rotating arm and open the clamping mechanism. After the engaging protrusion 02 enters the U-shaped groove 191, the drive mechanism unloads, and under the action of the torsion spring, the rotating arm resets to lock and fix the engaging protrusion. The object being pushed can be connected to the top of the fixed shaft through a connector. In the usage scenario, after being pushed to the designated position by the push chain, the clamping mechanism opens, and the push chain retracts.

[0062] Example 6

[0063] like Figure 1-15 As shown, a scenario with a reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection joint is depicted in the three-row push chain configuration. The structure of the three-row push chain can be referenced from a meshing push chain system disclosed in patent CN220131061U and a multi-directional horizontal push chain drive device disclosed in CN117383166A.

[0064] It should be noted that, as Figure 3 , 8 As shown, to match the structure of the outer chain plate, a terminal segment 13 is provided at the very end of the end. This terminal segment 13 is formed by interference fitting of small annular chain plates 24 at both ends of a stepped sleeve 23. The end pin 15 passes through multiple (or one if in a single row) stacked terminal segments of the stepped sleeve, and through the chain plate holes of the middle chain plate located between adjacent terminal segments and the corresponding chain plate holes of the upper and lower outer chain plates. Both ends of the end pin are fixed to the chain plate holes of the outer chain plates. The chain plate holes of the middle chain plate and the stepped sleeves are respectively clearance-fitted with the end pin. Additionally, as... Figure 11 , 12 As shown, the middle segment 5 extending from one end of the chain, the middle segment 6 extending from the other end of the chain, the bottom segment 7 extending from one end of the chain, and the bottom segment 8 extending from the other end of the chain are all connected to the ends of the first and second chains. Therefore, the chain plate holes at the connection points still adopt the connection form of sleeve and roller to realize the transition between the first and second chains and the ends.

Claims

1. A reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector, characterized in that: The device includes an engaging push chain end connected to the end of the push chain, engaging protrusions at the upper and lower ends of the end, and a clamping mechanism for connecting with the engaging protrusions. The clamping mechanism includes a fixed shaft, with a fixed arm fixedly connected to the fixed shaft and a rotating arm rotatably connected to the fixed shaft at the upper and lower ends, respectively. The fixed arm and the rotating arm constitute a clamping structure for clamping the engaging protrusions at the upper or lower ends of the end. The rotating arm rotates under the control of a drive mechanism. When rotating, the rotating arm rotates towards or away from the fixed arm, thereby realizing the opening and closing of the clamping structure.

2. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 1, characterized in that: The push chain is a single-row, double-row, or multi-row push chain formed by the meshing connection of chain one and chain two. The meshing protrusions include: a first protrusion structure and a second protrusion structure provided on two adjacent outer chain plates of chain one or chain two at the upper and lower ends of the end head. The opposite ends of the first protrusion structure and the second protrusion structure are respectively provided with tooth one and tooth two. A third protrusion structure is provided on the outer chain plate of chain two or chain one between two adjacent outer chain plates. The two ends of the third protrusion structure are respectively provided with tooth three that meshes with tooth one and tooth two. The meshing protrusions at the upper and lower ends of the end head are symmetrically arranged.

3. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 2, characterized in that: The end cap has the same structure as the push chain, including an extension at one end of the chain and an extension at the other end of the chain. The difference is that the outer chain plates at the top and bottom of the end cap are thickened, and the pin at the end cap is a longer and thicker pin with a stepped head. One end of the pin with the step is located in the stepped connecting hole of the corresponding outer chain plate, and the other end is located in the connecting hole of the corresponding outer chain plate and locked by a stop pin.

4. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 3, characterized in that: The differences also include: the end caps use thickened stepped sleeves instead of the push chain sleeves and rollers.

5. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 4, characterized in that: The differences also include: the end has a first protrusion structure, a second protrusion structure, and a third protrusion structure. The first, second, and third protrusions are formed by the protrusions of one or both ends of the corresponding outer chain plate extending away from the outer chain plate. The outer chain plate corresponding to the third protrusion is the last outer chain plate of chain one or chain two. The last outer chain plate has the third protrusion at both ends and forms a double-buckle outer chain plate structure. The chain one or chain two on the inner side of the double-buckle outer chain plate structure also has a thickened outer chain plate. The outer chain plate with the first protrusion structure is also a double-buckle outer chain plate structure. In the end structure, the outer chain plate and the corresponding middle chain plates above and below it have the same structure, and the thickness of the outer chain plate is greater than the thickness of the middle chain plate. At the very end of the end, there is a segment at the very end of the end. The segment at the very end of the end is composed of small annular chain plates with interference fit at both ends of a stepped sleeve. The end pin passes through one or more stepped sleeves of the segment at the very end of the end, which are stacked one above the other, and passes through the chain plate holes of the middle chain plate and the chain plate holes of the corresponding outer chain plates located between adjacent segments at the very end of the end. The two ends of the end pin are fixed to the chain plate holes of the outer chain plates. The chain plate holes of the middle chain plate and the stepped sleeve are respectively clearance fit with the end pin.

6. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 5, characterized in that: Both the fixed arm and the rotating arm have a through hole in the center. The fixed shaft passes through the through hole and is fixedly connected to the fixed arm and rotatably connected to the rotating arm. The fixed arm has a U-shaped groove at both ends, and the rotating arm has an L-shaped plate structure at both ends. The L-shaped plate structure is used to close or open the opening end of the U-shaped groove.

7. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 6, characterized in that: A drive rod is fixedly connected to one side of the rotating arm, and the end of the drive rod is provided with a mounting hole for connecting to the drive mechanism. A torsion spring for resetting the rotating arm is connected between the rotating arm and the fixed shaft.

8. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 7, characterized in that: The driving mechanism is an electric push rod, a hydraulic cylinder, or a pneumatic cylinder.

9. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 8, characterized in that: The drive rod is located on the side of the rotating arm away from the fixed axis.

10. The reinforced double-buckle push chain automatic connection connector as described in claim 9, characterized in that: The top of the fixed shaft is used to connect to the object being pushed.

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