Steering mechanism of pipe chain machine

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of pipe chain conveyors, in particular to a pipe chain conveyor steering mechanism which comprises a box shell, a conveying chain and a chain wheel, the conveying chain is meshed with the chain wheel, and the chain wheel is installed inside the box shell through a rotating shaft. The conveying chain is composed of a plurality of chain links, and every two adjacent chain links are connected through a tray hook to form an end-to-end closed-loop structure. Two groups of oppositely arranged correction pipe hubs are arranged in the box shell, the correction pipe hubs are in a horn mouth shape, the chain wheel is clamped between the two groups of correction pipe hubs, and a semicircular annular channel used for bearing a material disc is formed between the two groups of correction pipe hubs. Due to the existence of the correction pipe hub, the chain is always restrained and guided to a certain degree in the moving process, even if tiny direction deviation occurs, the chain can be corrected in time, and therefore the risk of chain disengaging is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of tubular chain conveyor technology, and in particular to a tubular chain conveyor steering mechanism. Background Technology

[0002] A tubular chain conveyor is a tubular conveyor system that uses a chain to drive chain links, transporting materials forward within a closed pipe. The chain links act as the transmission mechanism, moving the material along the pipe. The steering mechanism is crucial for its flexible layout and steering capabilities. A housing containing bearings, wheel chocks, and other auxiliary equipment drives the chain, enabling turning, including right-angle turns.

[0003] Existing tubular chain conveyors often experience hard contact between the chain plate and the sprocket during the turning process. The chain plate and sprocket are severely worn, and the conveyor chain may even become jammed, causing the entire chain to become disconnected from the sprocket. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of this utility model is to provide a steering mechanism for a tubular chain machine, which aims to solve the technical problems of easy chain detachment and easy collision of the inner wall of the rotating box in the prior art.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a steering mechanism for a tubular chain machine, including a housing, a conveyor chain, and a sprocket. The conveyor chain engages with the sprocket, and the sprocket is installed inside the housing via a rotating shaft. The conveyor chain consists of several chain links, and adjacent chain links are connected by material tray hooks to form a closed loop structure with the ends connected. Two sets of opposing correction hubs are provided inside the housing. The correction hubs are flared, and the two sets of correction hubs sandwich the sprocket in the middle. A semi-circular ring channel for supporting the material tray is formed between the two sets of correction hubs.

[0006] Preferably, the material tray includes a tray body, a pressure ring, and a rubber ring. One end of the outer edge of the tray body has an annular groove extending to the other end. The rubber ring is fitted into the annular groove. The pressure ring is fixedly connected to the tray body to clamp the rubber ring. The outer edge of the rubber ring protrudes from the outer edge of the tray body.

[0007] Preferably, hooks for hooking chain links are provided at the middle of both ends of the disc body.

[0008] Preferably, the disc body and the pressure ring are connected by threads, the inner circumferential surface of the pressure ring is provided with internal threads, and the circumferential surface of the ring groove is provided with external threads adapted to the internal threads.

[0009] Preferably, the end of the corrected hub facing the sprocket is provided with a fixed flange, and the fixed flange is fixedly connected to the sprocket by a fixing bolt.

[0010] Preferably, the end of the corrected hub facing away from the sprocket is provided with several reinforcing ribs.

[0011] Preferably, the tips of the sprocket teeth taper inward to form guide teeth.

[0012] After adopting the above technical solution, the beneficial effects of this utility model are:

[0013] The semi-circular track formed by the corrective hub provides precise guidance for the material tray during transport. As the tray moves with the conveyor chain, it conforms to the track and moves smoothly along the predetermined path, reducing collisions and friction caused by directional deviations. The presence of the corrective hub ensures that the chain is always constrained and guided during movement, and even minor directional deviations can be corrected promptly, thus avoiding the risk of chain derailment. Attached Figure Description

[0014] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this utility model or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the steering mechanism;

[0016] Figure 2 To revise the structural schematic diagram of the hub;

[0017] Figure 3 To correct the cross-sectional view of the tube hub;

[0018] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the material tray structure.

[0019] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached drawings: 1. Box shell, 2. Conveyor chain, 3. Conveyor pipe, 4. Material tray, 5. Correction hub, 6. Sprocket, 7. Fixed flange, 8. Reinforcing rib, 9. Through hole, 10. Fixing bolt, 11. Guide tooth, 12. Ring groove, 13. Hook lock, 14. Pressure ring, 15. Rubber ring. Detailed Implementation

[0020] The features and exemplary embodiments of various aspects of this utility model will now be described in detail. To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the following description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, will provide a further detailed description. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of this utility model and are not intended to limit it. Those skilled in the art will recognize that this utility model can be implemented without some of these specific details. The following description of the embodiments is merely intended to provide a better understanding of this utility model by illustrating examples of it.

[0021] The directional terms used in the following description refer to the directions shown in the figures and are not intended to limit the specific structure of this utility model. It should also be noted in the description of this utility model that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0022] like Figure 1 As shown, an embodiment of this utility model provides a steering mechanism for a tubular chain conveyor. This steering mechanism mainly consists of a housing 1, a conveyor chain 2, and a sprocket 6. The sprocket 6, as the power transmission component of the steering mechanism, is installed inside the housing 1 via a rotating shaft. The conveyor chain 2 consists of several chain links, with adjacent links hooked together by a material tray 4. The material tray 4 acts as a connector, hooking adjacent chain links together to form a closed-loop structure, enabling continuous and cyclical material conveying. The teeth of the sprocket 6 mesh with the chain links of the conveyor chain 2. When the rotating shaft on the sprocket 6 is driven by an external power source (such as a motor), the sprocket 6 rotates and drives the conveyor chain 2 to move. As the sprocket 6 continues to rotate, the conveyor chain 2 is gradually pulled along a predetermined path, achieving continuous material conveying.

[0023] The housing 1 has two sets of working pipe sections connecting its internal cavity. The central axes of these two sets of working pipe sections can be parallel or form an angle (such as the common 90-degree angle). The conveyor chain 2 enters the housing 1 along one of the conveying pipes 3 and engages with the sprocket 6 installed inside. The rotation of the sprocket 6 drives the conveyor chain 2 to move along the working pipe section. As the conveyor chain 2 moves within the working pipe section, it gradually changes direction. If the central axes of the two sets of working pipe sections form a 90-degree angle, then the conveyor chain 2 will also turn 90 degrees accordingly. After completing the turn, the conveyor chain 2 will leave the housing 1 through the other conveying pipe 3 and continue to convey materials along the predetermined path.

[0024] The material tray 4 is a key component on the conveyor chain 2; it is responsible for carrying materials and moving them within the conveyor pipe 3 along with the conveyor chain 2. Figure 4 As shown, the material tray 4 consists of a tray body, a pressure ring 14, and a rubber ring 15. Hook locks 13 are provided at the center of both ends of the tray body. These hook locks 13 can firmly hook onto the chain links, ensuring that the material tray 4 and the conveyor chain 2 form a complete closed-loop structure. An annular groove 12 extending to the other end is formed on the outer edge of one end of the tray body. The rubber ring 15 is fitted onto the annular groove 12, and the outer edge of the rubber ring 15 protrudes beyond the outer edge of the tray body. The outer diameter of the rubber ring 15 is slightly larger than the inner diameter of the conveying pipe 3, allowing it to make tight contact with the inner wall of the conveying pipe 3.

[0025] As the material tray 4 moves within the conveying pipe 3 along with the conveyor chain 2, the rubber ring 15 comes into close contact with the inner wall of the conveying pipe 3, forming an effective sealing layer. This effectively reduces material residue and accumulation within the conveying pipe 3. Simultaneously, the close contact between the rubber ring 15 and the inner wall of the conveying pipe 3 acts as a wiping or scraping mechanism. This helps clean material residue adhering to the inner wall of the conveying pipe 3, reducing material accumulation and adhesion, and helping to maintain the cleanliness and unobstructed flow of the conveying pipe 3.

[0026] A rubber ring 15 is fitted into an annular groove 12 on the disc body, providing it with a stable support surface. A pressure ring 14 is fixedly connected to the disc body, its main function being to clamp the rubber ring 15, ensuring it does not fall off or shift during operation. The pressure ring 14 is fixed to the disc body via a threaded connection; the inner circumferential surface of the pressure ring 14 has internal threads, and the circumferential surface of the annular groove 12 has external threads that adapt to the internal threads. The threaded connection facilitates installation and disassembly, allowing for convenient maintenance or replacement of the rubber ring 15 when needed. The threaded connection design makes the installation and disassembly of the pressure ring 14 very simple. When maintenance or replacement of the rubber ring 15 is required, simply rotate the pressure ring 14 to disengage it from the annular groove 12, allowing the rubber ring 15 to be easily removed for necessary inspection, cleaning, or replacement. Similarly, a new rubber ring 15 can be easily installed into the annular groove 12 and locked in place by rotating the pressure ring 14.

[0027] like Figure 3 As shown, the tips of the teeth of the sprocket 6 taper inward on both sides, forming a unique guide tooth 11 structure. The design of the guide tooth 11 can accurately align with the links of the conveyor chain 2, enhance the meshing effect, reduce chain jumping and slippage during meshing, and prevent chain derailment.

[0028] like Figure 2 and Figure 3As shown, two sets of opposing correction hubs 5 are provided inside the housing 1, with the sprocket 6 sandwiched between them. The correction hubs 5 are flared, wider at the outside and narrower at the inside, forming a semi-circular channel between the two sets of correction hubs 5 to support the material tray 4. The inner diameter of this semi-circular channel is the same as the inner diameter of the conveying pipe 3, providing a stable support surface for the material tray 4 and ensuring its stability during conveying.

[0029] A fixing flange 7 is provided at the end of the corrected hub 5 facing the sprocket 6. The fixing flange 7 is fixedly connected to the sprocket 6 by fixing bolts 10. The sprocket 6 is provided with through holes 9 adapted to the fixing flange 7. These through holes 9 are used to accommodate the fixing bolts 10, thereby realizing the fixed connection between the sprocket 6 and the corrected hub 5. Several reinforcing ribs 8 are provided at the end of the corrected hub 5 facing away from the sprocket 6, which enhances the structural strength of the corrected hub 5 and enables it to better withstand various external forces during the conveying process.

[0030] The embodiments described above are not exhaustive, nor do they limit the invention to specific implementations. Clearly, many modifications and variations can be made based on the above description. These embodiments are selected and specifically described in this specification to better explain the principles and practical applications of the invention, enabling those skilled in the art to effectively utilize the invention and its modifications. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made within the spirit and principles of the invention should be included within the protection scope of the invention.

Claims

1. A steering mechanism for a tubular chain conveyor, characterized in that: The system includes a housing (1), a conveyor chain (2), and a sprocket (6). The conveyor chain (2) meshes with the sprocket (6), and the sprocket (6) is installed inside the housing (1) via a rotating shaft. The conveyor chain (2) consists of several chain links, and adjacent chain links are connected by hooks on a material tray (4) to form a closed loop structure. The housing (1) is provided with two sets of opposing correction hubs (5). The correction hubs (5) are flared, and the two sets of correction hubs (5) sandwich the sprocket (6) in the middle. A semi-circular ring is formed between the two sets of correction hubs (5) to support the material tray (4).

2. The steering mechanism of the tubular chain machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The material tray (4) includes a tray body, a pressure ring (14) and a rubber ring (15). One end of the outer edge of the tray body is provided with an annular groove (12) extending to the other end. The rubber ring (15) is fitted into the annular groove (12). The pressure ring (14) is fixedly connected to the tray body to clamp the rubber ring (15). The outer edge of the rubber ring (15) protrudes from the outer edge of the tray body.

3. The steering mechanism of the tubular chain machine according to claim 2, characterized in that: Both ends of the disc are equipped with hook locks (13) for hooking chain links.

4. The steering mechanism of the tubular chain machine according to claim 3, characterized in that: The disc body and the pressure ring (14) are connected by threads. The inner circumferential surface of the pressure ring (14) is provided with internal threads, and the circumferential surface of the ring groove (12) is provided with external threads that are adapted to the internal threads.

5. The steering mechanism of the tubular chain machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modified hub (5) is provided with a fixed flange (7) at one end facing the sprocket (6), and the fixed flange (7) is fixedly connected to the sprocket (6) by a fixing bolt (10).

6. The steering mechanism of the tubular chain machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The modified hub (5) has several reinforcing ribs (8) on one end facing away from the sprocket (6).

7. The steering mechanism of the tubular chain machine according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tips of the sprocket (6) taper inward to form guide teeth (11).

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