A tank chain

Abstract

The application relates to the technical field of intelligent equipment, in particular to a tank chain. The application provides a tank chain structure which comprises a first chain link and a second chain link. The first chain link and the second chain link are alternately connected and rotationally matched, so that a single chain realizes XY bidirectional movement under the guidance of a slide, without needing two independent chains, thereby saving equipment installation space. The slide rigidly restricts the chain track, the complex support structure of the traditional double chain is omitted, the chain link modular design and the slide inflection point guidance are combined, bidirectional movement coupling can be naturally realized without additional synchronous control, the equipment installation and debugging difficulty and the structural design complexity are reduced. A single chain needs only one set of basic support system, a large number of parts are reduced compared with the traditional scheme, the hardware configuration is simplified, the manufacturing cost is reduced, and the maintenance convenience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of intelligent equipment technology, specifically to a tank chain. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as industrial automation equipment, precision instruments, and intelligent equipment, the transmission chain, as a key component for transmitting mechanical motion, directly affects the operating accuracy and reliability of the equipment. As the manufacturing industry develops towards high-precision, multi-dimensional motion control, equipment places higher demands on the motion flexibility and spatial adaptability of the transmission mechanism.

[0003] Currently, the mainstream drive chain products on the market are uniaxial tank chains. These drive chains typically consist of several links connected sequentially via a hinged structure. Each link can bend around the hinge axis in one direction, thus achieving reciprocating motion in a straight line. When equipment requires bidirectional XY motion, the existing solution is to arrange independent uniaxial tank chains in two orthogonal directions, indirectly achieving planar motion through the coordinated movement of the two chains.

[0004] During operation, uniaxial tank chains lack effective guidance and restriction of the transmission chain's trajectory. They rely solely on the chain's structural rigidity to maintain the direction of motion. Under high-speed motion or load changes, problems such as chain deviation and twisting can easily occur, making it impossible to guarantee the stability and controllability of the motion trajectory. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the technical problems mentioned in the background section, this application provides a tank chain comprising a plurality of first links, a plurality of second links, and a slide. The first and second links are both disposed within the slide. The plurality of first links are interconnected, and at least one second link is spaced apart between the plurality of first links. The first and second links are rotatably connected. The slide has at least one inflection point, and the chain formed by the connection of the second and first links moves along the trajectory of the slide.

[0006] According to one embodiment of this application, the first link has at least two first plates and at least two second plates, with the second plates disposed between the first plates, and the surface of the first plates abutting against the slide rail.

[0007] According to one embodiment of this application, a first plate has a connecting plate extending along the length direction of a first link, and a through hole is provided on the first plate. The connecting plate is connected to the through hole of the first plate of another first link, and / or the connecting plate is connected to a second link.

[0008] According to one embodiment of this application, at least two first plates extending beyond the second plate are connected to a connecting plate, and multiple connecting plates of the same first link are symmetrically arranged.

[0009] According to one embodiment of this application, the second link includes at least two third plates and at least two fourth plates, the third plates are connected to each other through the fourth plates, and the third plates abut against the surface of the slide.

[0010] According to one embodiment of this application, the portion of the third plate extending beyond the fourth plate has at least three holes, one of which is connected to a connecting plate. The tail of the first plate has a groove, the width of which is greater than the portion where the third plate connects to the connecting plate, and / or the width of which is greater than the portion where the first plate connects to the connecting plate.

[0011] According to one embodiment of this application, two other holes are connected to rotating shafts, both ends of which abut against the third plate, and the side of the rotating shaft abuts against the inner wall of the slide rail.

[0012] According to one embodiment of this application, a groove is provided in the middle of the fourth plate, and a partial rotating shaft is provided in the groove. The two sides of the fourth plate are flush with the front and rear end faces of the third plate.

[0013] According to one embodiment of this application, the space formed by the first plate and the second plate is connected to the space formed by the third plate and the fourth plate, and the fourth plate has the same length as the second plate.

[0014] According to one embodiment of this application, the system further includes a power source, which is disposed on either the first link or the second link.

[0015] Compared with existing technologies, the significant technical advantages of this application are as follows: This application achieves bidirectional XY motion of a single chain under the guidance of a slide rail through alternating connection and rotational engagement of the first and second links, eliminating the need for two independent chains and saving equipment installation space. The rigid constraint of the slide rail on the chain trajectory eliminates the need for the complex support structure of traditional double chains. Combined with the modular design of the links and the guide at the slide rail inflection points, bidirectional motion coupling can be naturally achieved without additional synchronous control, reducing the difficulty of equipment installation and debugging and the complexity of structural design. A single chain requires only one basic support system, reducing a large number of parts compared to traditional solutions, simplifying hardware configuration, reducing manufacturing costs, and improving maintenance convenience. Attached Figure Description

[0016] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application 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 some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tank track provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first link provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second link provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0020] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0021] 100 - First link; 110 - First plate; 120 - Second plate; 130 - Connecting plate; 140 - Groove; 200 - Second link; 210 - Third plate; 220 - Fourth plate; 230 - Rotating shaft; 300 - Slide.

[0022] The accompanying drawings illustrate specific embodiments of this application, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the concept in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0023] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0024] First, those skilled in the art should understand that these embodiments are merely for explaining the technical principles of this application and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art can make adjustments as needed to adapt to specific application scenarios.

[0025] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "front", "rear", "left", "right", "up", "down", "inner", "outer", etc., which indicate the direction or positional relationship, are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation of this application.

[0026] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0027] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "illustrative embodiment," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this disclosure. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0028] In fields such as industrial automation equipment, precision instruments, and intelligent equipment, the transmission chain, as a key component for transmitting mechanical motion, directly affects the operating accuracy and reliability of the equipment. As the manufacturing industry develops towards high-precision, multi-dimensional motion control, equipment places higher demands on the motion flexibility and spatial adaptability of the transmission mechanism.

[0029] Currently, the mainstream drive chain products on the market are uniaxial tank chains. These drive chains typically consist of several links connected sequentially via a hinged structure. Each link can bend around the hinge axis in one direction, thus achieving reciprocating motion in a straight line. When equipment requires bidirectional XY motion, the existing solution is to arrange independent uniaxial tank chains in two orthogonal directions, indirectly achieving planar motion through the coordinated movement of the two chains.

[0030] During operation, uniaxial tank chains lack effective guidance and restriction of the transmission chain's trajectory. They rely solely on the chain's structural rigidity to maintain the direction of motion. Under high-speed motion or load changes, problems such as chain deviation and twisting can easily occur, making it impossible to guarantee the stability and controllability of the motion trajectory.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a tank track provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first link provided in an embodiment of this application; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the second link provided in an embodiment of this application.

[0032] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3As shown, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a tank chain, which includes a plurality of first links 100 and a plurality of second links 200 and a slide rail 300. The first links 100 and the second links 200 are both disposed in the slide rail 300. The plurality of first links 100 are interconnected, and at least one second link 200 is disposed at intervals between the plurality of first links 100. The first links 100 and the second links 200 are rotatably connected. The slide rail 300 has at least one inflection point. The chain formed by the connection of the second links 200 and the first links 100 moves along the trajectory of the slide rail 300.

[0033] It should be noted that through the alternating connection and rotational engagement of the first link 100 and the second link 200, a single chain can achieve bidirectional movement in the XY plane under the guidance of the slide rail 300. This changes the technical approach that relies on two independent tank chains, fundamentally reducing the number of tank chains required. The single chain provided in this application simplifies the orthogonal arrangement of two chains into a single chain moving along the trajectory of the slide rail 300 containing the inflection point, saving installation space for the equipment.

[0034] Secondly, this solution uses the rigid constraint of the slide rail 300 on the chain's motion trajectory, replacing the complex coordination of two independent support structures in the traditional double-chain solution, significantly simplifying the installation structure of the transmission system. The modular design of the first link 100 and the second link 200, combined with the pre-set inflection point guide structure within the slide rail 300, enables bidirectional motion coupling without the need for additional synchronous control mechanisms, significantly reducing the difficulty of alignment and debugging during equipment installation and the complexity of structural design. Compared to the cumbersome design that requires separate drive, guide, and tensioning mechanisms for two chains, the single-chain structure of this application only requires one basic support system, reducing a large number of components from a hardware configuration perspective, thus lowering manufacturing costs and improving the convenience of equipment maintenance.

[0035] Furthermore, the coordinated design of the rotatable connection between the first link 100 and the second link 200 and the inflection point of the slide rail 300 reduces the resistance of the chain in the XY plane compared to the double-chain solution. Combined with the movable roller structure that may be added inside the slide rail 300, low-friction motion characteristics can be further achieved, improving transmission efficiency and motion accuracy.

[0036] According to one embodiment of the present application, the first link 100 has at least two first plates 110 and at least two second plates 120, with the second plates 120 disposed between the first plates 110, and the surface of the first plates 110 abutting against the slide rail 300.

[0037] It should be noted that the surface of the first plate 110 directly abuts against the inner wall of the slide 300. The planar structure of the first plate 110 increases the contact area with the slide 300. By uniformly distributing the contact stress, it effectively avoids the problem of local wear caused by single-point force, so that the movement trajectory of the chain in the slide remains precise and controllable. The spaced arrangement of the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 ensures the overall rigidity of the chain while providing the necessary rotational freedom for the chain, so that the chain can smoothly turn at the inflection point of the slide 300, avoiding the jamming or twisting phenomenon caused by insufficient rigidity of the uniaxial chain.

[0038] Furthermore, since the surface of the first plate 110 can be adaptively designed according to the cross-sectional shape of the slide rail 300, it can form a constraint with the slide rail 300, thereby replacing the complex external guide device. This built-in guide structure not only reduces the installation of additional parts, but also reduces sliding friction through the surface contact between the plate and the slide rail, further reducing the resistance of the chain during bidirectional movement. Especially in heavy-load or high-frequency reciprocating motion scenarios, it can effectively improve the durability of the transmission system. In addition, the configuration of the second plate 120 provides a reliable support structure for the rotational connection between the first link 100 and the second link 200, which can suppress lateral swaying during movement while ensuring the flexible rotation of the link, thereby achieving a systematic improvement in motion accuracy in the XY plane.

[0039] According to one embodiment of this application, the first plate 110 has a connecting plate 130 extending along the length direction of the first link 100. The first plate 110 has a through hole, and the connecting plate 130 is connected to the through hole of the first plate 110 of another first link 100, and / or the connecting plate 130 is connected to the second link 200.

[0040] It should be noted that in the structural design of the first plate 110, the connecting plate 130 extending along the length of the first link 100 engages with the through hole. The connecting plate 130 is hinged to the through hole of the adjacent first link 100, or hinged to the second link 200. The extension design of the connecting plate 130 enables the first link 100 to form a continuous support structure in the length direction. Through the positioning of the through hole, the axial displacement of the chain during movement can be effectively suppressed, ensuring the consistency of the movement trajectory in the XY plane. When the connecting plate 130 is connected to the second link 200, controllable rotational freedom is allowed between the links, enabling the chain to achieve smooth turning at the inflection point of the slide 300, avoiding motion lag or trajectory deviation caused by insufficient connection stiffness of the chain.

[0041] Furthermore, as the core component for force transmission, the connecting plate 130, with its extension along the chain length direction, can evenly distribute the tensile and bending loads during the movement.

[0042] According to one embodiment of this application, at least two first plates 110 are connected to the connecting plate 130 for portions exceeding the second plate 120, and multiple connecting plates 130 of the same first link 100 are symmetrically arranged.

[0043] It should be noted that in the structural design of the first link 100, at least two first plates 110 are connected to the connecting plate 130 beyond the second plate 120, and multiple connecting plates 130 are symmetrically arranged. The symmetrically distributed connecting plates 130 are rigidly connected to the extension of the first plates 110, which makes the force distribution of the link in the XY plane more uniform, effectively suppressing the lateral offset or twisting of the chain caused by unilateral force, and ensuring that the chain always maintains precise alignment with the trajectory direction when moving in the slide 300. Especially under high-speed turning or variable load conditions, it can improve the stability of the motion trajectory.

[0044] According to one embodiment of this application, the second link 200 includes at least two third plates 210 and at least two fourth plates 220, the third plates 210 are connected to each other through the fourth plates 220, and the third plates 210 abut against the surface of the slide 300.

[0045] It should be noted that the second link 200 is connected by at least two third plates 210 and a fourth plate 220. The surface of the third plate 210 directly abuts against the inner wall of the slide 300, forming a double-guide interface that cooperates with the first link 100. The planar structure of the third plate 210 precisely fits the trajectory surface of the slide 300. By dispersing the contact load through multi-point support, it effectively avoids tilting or overturning problems that may occur when guiding with a single link, ensuring that the movement posture of the chain in the XY plane remains stable. At the same time, the fourth plate 220 connects the adjacent third plates 210. While ensuring the overall rigidity of the link, it reserves the necessary space for the rotational connection between the links, ensuring that after the second link 200 and the first link 100 are hinged, they can achieve smooth multi-directional bending at the inflection point of the slide 300, avoiding movement jamming caused by insufficient structural rigidity of the link.

[0046] According to one embodiment of this application, the third plate 210 has at least three holes extending beyond the fourth plate 220, one of which is connected to a connecting plate 130. The tail of the first plate 110 has a groove 140, the width of which is greater than the portion where the third plate 210 is connected to the connecting plate 130, and / or the width of which is greater than the portion where the first plate 110 is connected to the connecting plate 130.

[0047] It should be noted that when the second link 200 is hinged to the first link 100 via the connecting plate 130, the groove 140 can accommodate the connection section between the third plate 210 and the connecting plate 130, avoiding the jamming problem caused by insufficient fit clearance in traditional rigid connections, and making the rotation of the link in the XY plane more flexible and smooth. This structure ensures the stability of the hinge point and allows the link to produce slight deflections in multiple directions, thereby adapting to the attitude changes in the complex trajectory of the slide 300. Especially in high-frequency reversing or changing direction motion scenarios, it can significantly reduce the chain motion resistance.

[0048] According to one embodiment of this application, two other holes are connected to rotating shafts 230. Both ends of the rotating shafts 230 abut against the third plate 210, and the side of the rotating shafts 230 abuts against the inner wall of the slide rail 300.

[0049] It should be noted that the symmetrical arrangement of the two rotating shafts forms a rolling guide structure that complements the sliding guide of the first link 100, keeping the deviation of the chain's trajectory in the XY plane within a minimal range. When the chain passes the inflection point of the slide, the rotating shaft 230 can automatically adjust its rolling direction according to the curvature of the trajectory. Combined with the rotational freedom between the links, this achieves smooth, seamless steering, avoiding the trajectory deviation or speed fluctuation problems caused by uneven frictional resistance in traditional sliding guides. Furthermore, the rigid support of the rotating shaft 230 enhances the anti-tipping capability of the second link 200.

[0050] According to one embodiment of this application, a groove is provided in the middle of the fourth plate 220, and a portion of the rotating shaft 230 is provided in the groove. The two sides of the fourth plate 220 are flush with the front and rear end faces of the third plate 210.

[0051] It should be noted that the design of the groove to partially accommodate the rotating shaft 230 ensures the free rolling of the rotating shaft 230 while suppressing its radial displacement through the rigid support of the fourth plate 220. This results in a uniform distribution of contact pressure between the rotating shaft 230 and the inner wall of the slide 300, avoiding abnormal wear or noise problems caused by shaft wobbling. The two sides of the fourth plate 220 are flush with the front and rear end faces of the third plate 210, forming a smooth and continuous outer contour. When the chain moves within the slide 300, the end faces of adjacent links fit tightly, effectively reducing the risk of motion interference caused by structural irregularities. This ensures smooth chain operation, especially in tracks with multiple inflection points or in confined spaces.

[0052] According to one embodiment of this application, the space formed by the first plate 110 and the second plate 120 is connected to the space formed by the third plate 210 and the fourth plate 220, and the fourth plate 220 has the same length as the second plate 120.

[0053] It should be noted that the continuous through space formed by the first plate 110 and the second plate 120, and the third plate 210 and the fourth plate 220 can be used to integrate and arrange objects such as pipelines and cables in this space.

[0054] According to one embodiment of this application, it further includes a power source, which is disposed on either the first link 100 or the second link 200.

[0055] It should be noted that the power source is directly integrated into either the first link 100 or the second link 200. This integrated design combines the power unit with the link body, eliminating complex external transmission components and making the overall system structure more compact and efficient. The direct coupling between the power source and the link reduces intermediate links in power transmission, significantly reducing energy loss and transmission lag, and improving the response speed and control accuracy of the chain in XY bidirectional motion.

[0056] Other embodiments of this application will readily occur to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the application disclosed herein. This application is intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of this application that follow the general principles of this application and include common knowledge or customary techniques in the art not disclosed herein. The specification and examples are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0057] It should be understood that this application is not limited to the precise structure described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from its scope. The scope of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A tank chain, characterised in that, It includes multiple first links (100) and multiple second links (200) and a slide (300). The first links (100) and the second links (200) are both disposed in the slide (300). The multiple first links (100) are interconnected. At least one second link (200) is disposed at intervals between the multiple first links (100). The first links (100) and the second links (200) are rotatably connected. The slide (300) has at least one inflection point. The chain formed by the connection between the second links (200) and the first links (100) moves along the trajectory of the slide (300).

2. A tank chain according to claim 1, characterised in that The first link (100) has at least two first plates (110) and at least two second plates (120), with the second plates (120) disposed between the first plates (110), and the surface of the first plates (110) abutting against the slide (300).

3. A tank chain as claimed in claim 2, wherein The first plate (110) has a connecting plate (130) extending along the length direction of the first link (100). The first plate (110) has a through hole. The connecting plate (130) is connected to the through hole of the first plate (110) of another first link (100), and / or the connecting plate (130) is connected to the second link (200).

4. A tank chain according to claim 3, wherein, At least two of the first plates (110) are connected to the connecting plate (130) for portions extending beyond the second plate (120), and multiple connecting plates (130) of the same first link (100) are symmetrically arranged.

5. A tank chain as claimed in claim 2, wherein The second link (200) includes at least two third plates (210) and at least two fourth plates (220), the third plates (210) being connected to each other via the fourth plates (220), and the third plates (210) abutting against the surface of the slide (300).

6. A tank chain according to claim 5, wherein, The third plate (210) has at least three holes extending beyond the fourth plate (220), one of which is connected to a connecting plate (130). The first plate (110) has a groove (140) at its tail end. The width of the groove (140) is greater than the portion where the third plate (210) is connected to the connecting plate (130), and / or the width of the groove (140) is greater than the portion where the first plate (110) is connected to the connecting plate (130).

7. A tank chain as claimed in claim 6, wherein The other two holes are connected to rotating shafts (230), both ends of which abut against the third plate (210), and the side of the rotating shaft (230) abuts against the inner wall of the slide (300).

8. A tank chain according to claim 7, wherein, The fourth plate (220) has a groove in the middle, and a portion of the rotating shaft (230) is provided in the groove. The two sides of the fourth plate (220) are flush with the front and rear end faces of the third plate (210).

9. A tank chain as claimed in claim 5, wherein, The space surrounded by the first plate body (110) and the second plate body (120) is connected with the space surrounded by the third plate body (210) and the fourth plate body (220), and the fourth plate body (220) has the same length as the second plate body (120).

10. A tank chain as claimed in claim 1, characterised in that, A power source is further included, which is arranged on any one of the first chain link (100) or the second chain link (200).

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