Multi-purpose chain conveyor

Abstract

The utility model belongs to chain conveyor technical field, concretely relates to one line multiple use chain conveying equipment. Motor is installed on the conveying table, the sprocket is installed at the output end of motor, and the chain is engaged with the sprocket transmission along the conveying path distribution, and the tray is placed in the upper of the chain; Multiple stations are equipped along the conveying path on both sides of the conveying table; The chain includes: the fixture, the roller and the cylinder that are engaged with the sprocket transmission and contact with the tray, the cylinder and the roller coaxial rotation are installed on the fixture, and the outer diameter of the cylinder is greater than the outer diameter of the roller. Compared with the prior art, the utility model has the beneficial effects: the chain is provided with the conveying chain and the transmission chain, the cylinder and the roller rotate and install and exist height difference, the roller does not contact with the tray, the cylinder can rotate freely, realizes single production line single drive can not stop line multi-station continuous operation, reduces the investment of driving equipment, and the abrasion is small, improves the operation efficiency, and is very suitable for multi-station operation scene.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model belongs to the technical field of chain conveyors, specifically relating to a multi-purpose chain conveyor equipment. Background Technology

[0002] A chain conveyor is an industrial equipment that uses a chain as the core transmission element to transport materials. It is widely used in production lines in industries such as electronics, food, and logistics. A chain conveyor mainly consists of: a drive unit that provides power; a transmission chain connecting the drive unit and the load-bearing components; and sprockets mounted on the drive unit and meshing with the chain. The load-bearing components, such as pallets or trays, support and secure the materials. They are placed on the chain and rely on the friction between themselves and the chain to move the materials along a predetermined path as the chain circulates.

[0003] In multi-station conveyor applications, each station corresponds to a process, and each process requires processing time. During processing, materials and carriers arriving at that station need to stop for operation. Traditional methods use a stop-and-go conveyor system. Since different processes have different operation times, the workstations in a multi-line solution interfere with each other, resulting in low production efficiency. Current solutions generally use multi-line conveyors, which set up multiple sets of drive equipment to drive the conveyed materials to their respective workstations, thus improving production efficiency. For ease of understanding, let's take a heliostat assembly line as an example. It has multiple stations such as lens loading, adhesive application, backplate loading, and material transfer. The adhesive application process is time-consuming. In a multi-line solution, the long dwell time at the adhesive application station reduces the utilization rate of equipment such as the material transfer machine. Therefore, separate conveyors are set up at the lens loading, adhesive application, backplate loading, and material transfer stations, with each drive equipment operating independently. The disadvantages of this are the multiple drive equipment, resulting in high equipment investment; and the process involves stop-and-go conveying, meaning each drive equipment needs to be constantly started and stopped, which usually has a negative impact on the lifespan of the drive equipment.

[0004] To address this, a multi-purpose, non-stop solution was proposed. However, in existing chains, if the chain is not stopped, the carrier and its material need to be stopped when it reaches the corresponding workstation. To ensure the normal transport of other materials, the chain must always be in a cyclical state. At this time, sliding friction occurs between the stopped carrier and the chain, resulting in significant wear on both the chain and the carrier. Utility Model Content

[0005] To address the problems existing in the prior art, this utility model provides a chain conveyor device that can be used for multiple purposes on a single production line. It enables continuous operation of multiple workstations without interruption by a single drive, reducing the investment in drive equipment, improving operating efficiency, and minimizing wear.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by this utility model to solve its technical problem is as follows: a multi-purpose chain conveyor device, including: a conveyor table, a roller chain, a sprocket, a motor and a tray. The motor for providing power is installed on the conveyor table, the sprocket is installed at the output end of the motor, the roller chain distributed along the conveying path meshes with the sprocket for transmission, and the tray is placed above the roller chain; multiple workstations are provided on both sides of the conveyor table along the conveying path; the roller chain includes: a locking and fixing component, a roller that meshes with the sprocket for transmission and a drum that contacts the tray, the drum and the roller are coaxially mounted on the locking and fixing component, and the outer diameter of the drum is larger than the outer diameter of the roller.

[0007] Furthermore, the rollers are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the drum.

[0008] Furthermore, the roller chain also includes: a sleeve, which is rotatably mounted on the locking and fixing component along the same axis as the roller, and the roller is fitted on the outside of the sleeve.

[0009] Furthermore, the locking and fixing components are provided with limiting grooves at both ends, and the retaining springs are installed in the limiting grooves.

[0010] Furthermore, adjacent links of the conveyor chain are connected by connecting plates.

[0011] Furthermore, in the links of the conveyor chain, a roller and a sleeve are installed between the left and right inner chain plates.

[0012] Furthermore, the conveyor is equipped with stoppers, and the number of stoppers is no less than the number of workstations, where the number of workstations refers to the number of workstations distributed along the conveyor path next to the conveyor.

[0013] Furthermore, the stopper is a lift-type device.

[0014] Furthermore, the stopper is installed at the middle position of the second direction on the conveyor platform, which is perpendicular to the conveying path.

[0015] Furthermore, proximity sensors are installed on the conveyor platform, and detection blocks are installed on the tray.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0017] 1. The chain conveyor equipment of this utility model has a conveyor chain and a transmission chain in the roller chain. The roller and the wheel are rotated and installed with a height difference. The wheel does not contact the pallet, and the roller can rotate freely. It can realize single-line single-drive continuous operation of multiple workstations without stopping the line, which reduces the investment in drive equipment, has less wear, and improves work efficiency; it does not require frequent start and stop of drive equipment, which helps to increase its service life.

[0018] 2. When the roller is rotated and the pallet is stopped, the sliding friction between the traditional chain and the pallet is changed to the rolling friction between the roller and the pallet in this application. Compared with the traditional chain that contacts the pallet, the wear of the conveyor chain in this utility model is reduced.

[0019] 3. The rollers are installed in a rotating manner, which changes the sliding friction into rolling friction during operation, greatly reducing the damage to the chain itself during chain rotation and increasing the overall service life of the conveyor equipment.

[0020] 4. Install barriers on the conveyor table to stop the pallets and facilitate operation at the corresponding workstations;

[0021] 5. The proximity sensor and detection block are designed to facilitate accurate positioning control;

[0022] In summary, the chain conveyor of this utility model achieves the function of multiple uses on one line without interrupting production. It has the advantages of low cost, low wear, simple structure and strong practicality, and is very suitable for multi-station operation scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0023] Figure 1 This is a top view of the multi-purpose chain conveyor device of this utility model.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a partial detail drawing of the chain conveyor device for multiple uses in one line, as described in this utility model.

[0025] Figure 3 This is a 3D view of the roller chain.

[0026] Figure 4 This is the main view of the rolling chain.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the links in a conveyor chain in a roller chain.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the locking and fixing components in a rolling chain.

[0029] Figure 7 This is an application illustration of the multi-purpose chain conveyor equipment of this utility model.

[0030] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the assembly of the rolling chain and sprocket in this utility model.

[0031] In the picture:

[0032] 1. Conveyor table, 2. Chain roller, 3. Sprockets, 4. Motor, 5. Pallet

[0033] 101. Stopper; 102. Proximity sensor.

[0034] 201. Roller; 202. Drum; 203. Locking and fixing component; 204. Sleeve; 205. Limiting groove; 206. Snap ring; 207. Connecting plate; 208. Inner chain plate.

[0035] 501. Detector block. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To facilitate understanding of this utility model, it will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. However, this utility model can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described in this specification. Rather, these embodiments are provided to provide a more thorough and complete understanding of the disclosure of this utility model.

[0037] Example: Combining Figure 1-2 The chain conveyor system, which is used for multiple purposes, includes: a conveyor platform 1 with multiple workstations on both sides along the conveying path, and a stopper 101 installed on the conveyor platform 1 at the corresponding workstation; a roller chain 2, which is distributed along the conveying path in the conveyor platform 1, transmitting power and carrying materials, usually two of which are set on the conveyor platform 1. The roller chain 2 includes: a locking and fixing part 203, a roller 201 that meshes with the sprocket 3 for transmission, and a roller 202 that contacts the tray 5. The roller 202 and the roller 201 are coaxially mounted on the locking and fixing part 203. Both the roller 202 and the roller 201 can roll freely, replacing the sliding friction in the traditional chain with rolling friction, resulting in less wear; a sprocket 3, which is installed at the output end of the motor 4, and meshes with the roller chain 2 to drive and guide the roller chain 2; a motor 4, which is installed on the conveyor platform 1, usually including a motor and a reducer, to provide power and drive the roller chain 2 to perform cyclical motion; and a tray 5, which is placed above the roller chain 2.

[0038] Working principle description: The stopper 101 is used to stop the pallet 5. The stopper 101 needs to be installed on the conveyor table 1 corresponding to the work station. The rollers 201 meshing with the sprocket 3 form a transmission chain for transmitting power; the rollers 202 in contact with the pallet 5 form a conveyor chain for carrying materials. The rollers 201 are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the rollers 202, and the outer diameter of the rollers 202 is larger than the outer diameter of the rollers 201. With the help of the stopper 101, when the pallet 5 is stopped, the transmission chain does not contact the pallet 5, and the rollers 202 can rotate freely. The sliding friction between the traditional chain and the pallet is changed to the rolling friction between the rollers 202 and the pallet 5 in this application. Compared with the traditional chain that contacts the pallet, the wear of the conveyor chain in this utility model is reduced, enabling single-line single-drive continuous operation of multiple stations without stopping, reducing the investment in drive equipment and improving work efficiency. Moreover, the rollers 201 are rotatably installed, and the rollers 201 can roll during operation, changing the sliding friction into rolling friction, which greatly reduces the damage to the roller chain 2 itself during chain rotation and increases the overall service life of the conveyor equipment.

[0039] Generally, in the chain link design of a roller chain, the inner link plate refers to a metal plate manufactured by stamping forming process, with positioning holes at both ends. The sleeve refers to a cylindrical hollow component, which is fixedly connected to the holes of the inner link plate through an interference fit. The roller refers to a cylindrical rotatable component outside the sleeve, which is clearance-fitted with the sleeve, allowing the roller to rotate freely around the sleeve; the inner and outer links are hinged by a pin to form a chain link unit that can rotate relative to each other. Referring to the structural setup and assembly in this application, the conveyor chain part is fixedly connected by an interference fit (interference amount 0.02-0.05mm) between the sleeve 204 and the inner link plate 208, and a clearance fit (0.1-0.3mm clearance) between the roller 202 and the sleeve 204 to form an inner link, and the roller 202 can roll freely; the inner link and the connecting plate 207 are hinged by a locking fastener 203 as a pin to form a chain link unit that can rotate relative to each other. In the transmission chain, the roller 201 and the locking fastener 203 (which runs horizontally through the conveyor chain and has both ends exposed for assembling the transmission chain) are in clearance fit (0.1-0.3mm clearance), allowing the roller 201 to roll freely. Based on the roller chain, this application innovatively separates conveying and transmission, designing a new type of chain with a horizontal layout, significantly reducing wear during chain transmission and conveying. Combined with the stopper 101, the overall structure and function of the conveying equipment are improved to achieve multi-purpose functionality on a single line, meeting the needs of multiple workstations and improving the overall production efficiency of the production line.

[0040] Combination Figure 2 and Figure 8 Understand the application of the rolling chain 2 in this utility model. Among them, Figure 8 The assembly between the roller chain 2 and the sprocket 3 is shown. The transmission chains on both sides mesh with the two sprockets 3 respectively, and the two sprockets 3 are coaxial. Figure 2The main focus is on demonstrating the application of the roller chain 2, specifically that the roller 202 in the intermediate conveyor chain is in contact with and bears the load on the pallet 5, while the roller 201 is at a distance from and does not contact the pallet 5. The conveyor platform 1, roller chain 2, and pallet 5 are not fully shown in this diagram. Figure 1 , Figure 3-4 and Figure 7 This is for illustrative purposes. When both sides of the conveyor table 1 are equipped with roller chains 2, coaxial transmission can also be used to maintain a smooth conveying process. This can be achieved using existing technology, and will not be elaborated upon in this application.

[0041] In one embodiment, the roller chain 2 further includes a sleeve 204, which is rotatably mounted coaxially with the roller 201 on the locking fastener 203, and the roller 202 is fitted onto the outside of the sleeve 204. Visually, the sleeve 204 and roller 202 are spaced apart along the conveying path, and the outer diameter of the sleeve 204 is smaller than the outer diameter of the roller 202. This spaced arrangement maintains a lightweight design for the roller chain 2 while reducing the contact area between the pallet 5 and the roller chain 2. While still meeting the strength requirements, the spacing can be increased, meaning that more than two sleeves 204 can be spaced between two rollers 202; in that case, two different chain link structures might be required.

[0042] In one embodiment, combined Figure 6 It is understood that the locking and fixing component 203 has limiting grooves 205 at both ends, and the retaining spring 206 is installed in the limiting grooves 205. This structural design fixes the connection between the roller 201 and the adjacent chain links. The structure is simple and ingenious, and the installation is stable, preventing the roller 201 from coming off laterally.

[0043] In one embodiment, adjacent links of the conveyor chain are connected by a connecting plate 207, similar to the link connection structure in a conventional chain.

[0044] In one embodiment, combined Figure 5 It is understood that in the links of the conveyor chain, a roller 202 and a sleeve 204 are installed between the two inner chain plates 208 on the left and right sides.

[0045] In one embodiment, a proximity sensor 102 is also installed on the conveyor table 1, and a detection block 501 is installed on the tray 5. When the tray 5 approaches, the proximity sensor 102 interacts with the detection block 501 to detect the approach of the tray 5, and transmits the information to the controller so as to control the action of the stopper 101.

[0046] In one embodiment, the stopper 101 is a lifting type. The lifting stopper has a pneumatically driven, upwardly extending piston rod and a horizontally positioned damper. The piston rod of the damper faces the feeding direction, slowly stopping the tray 5 through damping. When the vertical piston rod extends, the damper stops the tray 5; when the vertical piston rod retracts, the tray 5 is released. This lifting stopper is prior art, and its internal structure will not be described in detail here. Furthermore, the stopper 101 is connected to a controller for control.

[0047] In one embodiment, the blocker 101 is installed at the middle position on the conveyor table 1 in a second direction, which is perpendicular to the conveying path. The blocker 101 is used to block the pallet 5, and its installation position does not interfere with the operation of the roller chain 2. Being located in the middle, it applies even force when stopping, preventing the pallet 5 from deflecting.

[0048] In one embodiment, the number of stoppers 101 installed is not less than the number of workstations, where the number of workstations refers to the number of workstations distributed along the conveyor path next to the conveyor table 1. Redundant stoppers 101 can be set to facilitate maintenance operations of the workstations.

[0049] Combination Figure 1-2 and Figure 7 As the material conveying line of the heliostat production line, the heliostats, as the conveyed material, need to be transported to different workstations (A, B, C, etc.) for processing, and the processing time at each workstation is not exactly the same. The heliostats and their frames are placed on this conveyor line, in direct contact with the rollers 202. When the motor 4 is started, the conveyor chain and drive chain in the roller chain 2 run synchronously, driving the heliostats and their frames through friction. When the proximity sensor 102 at workstation B detects this, it transmits the information to the controller. The controller sends a stop command to the stopper 101 at workstation B, which actuates to stop the heliostats and their frames, allowing processing to continue at workstation B. At this time, the stopped heliostats and their frames experience rolling friction with the rollers 202, which rotate around the sleeve 204, reducing friction between the material and the chain. During this process, the conveyor line continues to transport other heliostats and their frames located on the conveyor line to their corresponding workstations for processing, without interfering with each other. This invention enables continuous operation of multiple workstations on a single production line with a single drive, which not only accelerates production efficiency but also optimizes the performance and structure of the production line. This invention is not only applicable to material conveying in heliostat production lines but also to other industrial production lines using chain conveyor chains. With the addition of a stop mechanism, it can achieve simultaneous operation of multiple workstations on a single drive and single chain without chain stops. This means the drive equipment will not frequently start and stop, thus extending its service life.

[0050] In this invention, the roller 201 is also rotatably mounted. During meshing transmission, it rolls, avoiding hard friction and changing the sliding friction of the traditional chain to rolling friction, which greatly reduces the wear of the profiles in the conveying equipment and also helps to extend the service life.

[0051] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

Claims

1. Multi-purpose chain conveyor equipment, including: The system comprises a conveyor table (1), a roller chain (2), a sprocket (3), a motor (4), and a tray (5). The motor (4) providing power is mounted on the conveyor table (1), and the sprocket (3) is mounted at the output end of the motor (4). The roller chain (2), distributed along the conveying path, meshes with the sprocket (3) for transmission. The tray (5) is placed above the roller chain (2). Multiple workstations are provided on both sides of the conveyor table (1) along the conveying path. Its characteristic is that… The roller chain (2) includes: a locking fastener (203), a roller (201) that meshes with the sprocket (3) for transmission, and a roller (202) that contacts the pallet (5). The roller (202) and the roller (201) are coaxially mounted on the locking fastener (203), and the outer diameter of the roller (202) is larger than the outer diameter of the roller (201).

2. The multi-purpose chain conveyor equipment according to claim 1, characterized in that, Rollers (201) are symmetrically distributed on both sides of the drum (202).

3. The multi-purpose chain conveyor equipment according to claim 2, characterized in that, The rolling chain (2) also includes: a sleeve (204), which is coaxially mounted on the locking fastener (203) with the roller (201), and the roller (202) is fitted on the outside of the sleeve (204).

4. The multi-purpose chain conveyor according to claim 3, characterized in that, The locking fastener (203) has limiting grooves (205) at both ends, and the snap ring (206) is installed in the limiting grooves (205).

5. The multi-purpose chain conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Adjacent links of the conveyor chain are connected by a connecting plate (207).

6. The multi-purpose chain conveyor according to claim 5, characterized in that, In the chain links of the conveyor chain, a roller (202) and a sleeve (204) are installed between the two inner chain plates (208) on the left and right sides.

7. The multi-purpose chain conveyor according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, A stopper (101) is installed on the conveyor table (1), and the number of stoppers (101) installed is not less than the number of workstations. The number of workstations refers to the number of workstations distributed along the conveyor path next to the conveyor table (1).

8. The multi-purpose chain conveyor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stopper (101) is a lifting type.

9. The multi-purpose chain conveyor according to claim 7, characterized in that, The stopper (101) is installed at the middle position of the second direction on the conveyor table (1), which is perpendicular to the conveying path.

10. The multi-purpose chain conveyor according to claim 7, characterized in that, A proximity sensor (102) is also installed on the conveyor (1), and a detector block (501) is installed on the tray (5).

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