A large bandwidth belt conveyor hydraulic automatic anti-belt drifting device
By using a hydraulic cylinder and a belt pressing device to dynamically adjust the pressure, the problems of small contact area of the belt pressing wheel and fixed pressure are solved, thus achieving stable operation and extended service life of the conveyor belt.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Utility models(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- CHENGDU GONGBEI INTELLIGENT TECH CO LTD
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-24
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-28
AI Technical Summary
In existing anti-slip belt devices, the small contact area between the pressure roller and the conveyor belt leads to stress concentration, and the pressure cannot be dynamically adjusted, affecting the life and safety of the conveyor belt.
A hydraulic automatic anti-slip belt device is adopted, which is hinged to the belt pressing device through a hydraulic cylinder. The pressure is dynamically adjusted to adapt to changes in the condition of the conveyor belt, increasing the contact area and reducing stress concentration.
It achieves stable bonding between the belt pressing device and the conveyor belt, extends the service life of the conveyor belt, improves the anti-slip effect, and adapts to complex working conditions.
Smart Images

Figure CN224563399U_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This utility model relates to the field of belt conveyor anti-slip device, and in particular to a hydraulic automatic anti-slip device for a wide belt conveyor. Background Technology
[0002] Wide-band belt conveyors, with their superior conveying capacity, have become the backbone of modern industry. Their core advantage lies in their ultra-wide conveyor belt design (up to 3 meters or more), achieving a single-unit conveying capacity exceeding 10,000 tons per hour, more than 50% higher than traditional models. High-strength steel cord conveyor belts, combined with a high-power drive system, enable continuous conveying at angles up to 30° while reducing energy consumption by 20%. Modular design facilitates installation and maintenance, while the intelligent control system precisely adjusts belt speed and tension, and is equipped with multiple protections against belt slippage and misalignment. Particularly suitable for efficient transportation of bulk materials in mines, ports, and other similar scenarios, they combine long-distance, high-capacity, and low-power characteristics, resulting in significant overall operating cost advantages.
[0003] To adapt to more complex working conditions and meet more usage requirements, the layout of belt conveyors has become increasingly complex, including horizontal turns and concave and convex arcs in the vertical plane. In the concave arc sections, when the belt conveyor is running unloaded, problems such as belt slippage and flying belts are prone to occur, posing significant safety hazards. To ensure the safe and stable operation of the belt conveyor, anti-slippage devices are installed in the concave arc sections.
[0004] Existing anti-slip belt devices have two pressure rollers that contact the conveyor belt vertically downwards. For example, Chinese Utility Model Patent CN213536147U discloses an anti-slip belt pressure device for a belt conveyor. The specification and drawings show that the pressure rollers 2 change the running angle of the conveyor belt at uneven or slope-changing points in the roadway to prevent problems such as belt slippage and deviation. The pressure rollers 2 are fixed to the pressure device frame 1 with bolts, meaning that the pressure rollers 2 contact the two sides of the conveyor belt vertically downwards. However, concave arc section conveyor belts are usually trough-shaped. This contact method results in a small contact area between the conveyor belt and the pressure rollers, leading to stress concentration on the conveyor belt, damage to the conveyor belt surface, and affecting its service life. Furthermore, and most importantly, during transport, the conveyor belt will vibrate up and down. The pressure rollers usually remain in a fixed state and do not dynamically adjust the pressure on the conveyor belt according to its condition. This may cause the conveyor belt to detach from the pressure rollers when moving downwards, losing its anti-slip function, while when moving upwards, the contact pressure with the pressure rollers may be too great, causing severe squeezing damage to the surface of the conveyor belt. Utility Model Content
[0005] To overcome the problems in the aforementioned background technology, such as the small contact area between the conveyor belt and the pressure roller leading to damage due to stress concentration, and the inability of existing pressure rollers to dynamically adjust the pressure applied to the conveyor belt according to its condition, this utility model provides a hydraulic automatic anti-slip device for a wide-band belt conveyor. This device enables the pressure roller to maintain appropriate pressure and fit against the conveyor belt at all times, increasing the contact area between the conveyor belt and the pressure roller, reducing concentrated stress, dynamically adjusting the contact pressure between the pressure roller and the conveyor belt, adapting to changes in the conveyor belt's condition, achieving better anti-slip performance, and extending the conveyor's service life.
[0006] The technical solution of this utility model is as follows: A hydraulic automatic anti-drift belt device for a wide-width belt conveyor is installed on a frame and includes a belt pressing device pressed on the surface of the conveyor belt. The belt pressing device is connected to a power unit. The power unit dynamically adjusts the pressure transmitted to the belt pressing device according to the changes in the state of the conveyor belt. The belt pressing device presses down the conveyor belt under the action of the power unit.
[0007] Compared with existing technologies, the beneficial effects of this technical solution are as follows: This anti-slip belt device, by incorporating a power unit connected to the belt pressing device and capable of dynamically adjusting the pressure transmitted to the belt pressing device according to changes in the conveyor belt's condition, ensures that the belt pressing device maintains appropriate pressure and contact with the conveyor belt at all times. This solves the problem in the prior art where the belt pressing wheel remains fixed, unable to dynamically adjust the pressure on the conveyor belt according to its condition. This results in the conveyor belt detaching from the belt when moving downwards, losing its anti-slip belt function, while the excessive contact pressure with the belt pressing wheel when moving upwards causes severe crushing damage to the conveyor belt surface. The device dynamically adjusts the contact pressure between the belt pressing device and the conveyor belt, adapting to changes in the conveyor belt's condition, achieving better anti-slip belt performance, and extending the service life of the conveyor belt.
[0008] Preferably, the pressing device is hinged to the power device, and both are simultaneously hinged to the frame.
[0009] Its beneficial effect is that this hinge method allows the power units to mutually restrict each other and rotate slightly around the hinge point when adjusting the pressure applied to the pressure belt device, so as to adapt to the force adjusted by the power unit.
[0010] More preferably, the power unit is located above the belt pressing device, and the output end of the power unit extends downward and is hinged to the belt pressing device to press the belt pressing device onto the surface of the conveyor belt.
[0011] Its beneficial effect is that the power unit can press the belt pressing device down and make it fit against the surface of the conveyor belt.
[0012] Preferably, the power unit is a hydraulic cylinder, with the cylinder base hinged to the frame and the movable end of the piston rod hinged to the pressing device.
[0013] Its beneficial effect is that, through this hinged method, the hydraulic cylinder can slightly adjust its own angle according to the actual situation, and adapt to change the pressure applied to the pressing device.
[0014] In a further preferred embodiment, a pressure sensor is provided at the outlet of the main oil circuit of the hydraulic cylinder. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to the control system, and the control system is also electrically connected to the alarm device and the hydraulic cylinder respectively.
[0015] Its beneficial effects are as follows: the control system can control the hydraulic system to increase or decrease the corresponding output pressure according to the specific detection value to adapt to the changes in the condition of the conveyor belt, so that the belt pressing device can always maintain a suitable force and fit the conveyor belt; when an abnormal situation occurs that causes a huge pressure change that exceeds the pressure alarm range, the control system controls the alarm device to issue an alarm, which can monitor the usage status of this anti-slip belt device to a certain extent.
[0016] Preferably, the belt pressing device includes a connecting shaft and a belt pressing wheel. One end of the connecting shaft is hinged to the frame, and the other end is fixedly connected to the belt pressing wheel. The belt pressing wheel is perpendicular to the conveyor belt, and its wheel surface is in contact with the surface of the conveyor belt.
[0017] Its advantages are as follows: with this hinged connection, the belt pressing device can be lifted when changing the conveyor belt without disassembling the entire anti-slip device, which is very convenient to operate; the belt pressing wheel is perpendicular to the conveyor belt, which can greatly increase the contact area between the belt pressing wheel and the conveyor belt and reduce concentrated stress.
[0018] More preferably, the frame is a steel channel structure, vertically fixed on the intermediate frame, with diagonal braces connected to the intermediate frame fixed on both sides.
[0019] Its beneficial effects are: this connection method greatly enhances the structural strength of the frame and increases the connection stability between the frame and the intermediate frame.
[0020] More preferably, the frame is arranged on the intermediate frame at the head, middle and tail of the concave arc section of the belt conveyor.
[0021] Its beneficial effect is that by installing this anti-slip belt device at both ends and the main positions in the middle of the concave arc section of the belt conveyor, it can play a comprehensive and effective role in preventing the conveyor belt in the concave arc section from slipping.
[0022] More preferably, the frame is arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt, and the number of belt pressing devices and power devices is the same as the number of frames, and they are connected one-to-one.
[0023] Its beneficial effects are as follows: by setting this anti-slip device on each side of the conveyor belt, the conveyor belt can be stably pressed onto the idler roller group, and the two pressure rollers can be controlled and operated independently, which can adapt to more complex working conditions according to the different slipping conditions on both sides of the conveyor belt.
[0024] More preferably, the frames on both sides of the conveyor belt are fixedly connected by connecting rods.
[0025] Its beneficial effect is that the connecting rod connects the two sides of the frame into a whole, further improving the structural stability of the frame. Attached Figure Description
[0026] This utility model will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the frame structure of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pressing device of this utility model.
[0027] Reference numerals: Intermediate frame 1, machine frame 10, diagonal brace 11, steel plate 12, angle steel 13, connecting rod 14, conveyor belt 2, idler roller group 21, belt pressing device 3, connecting shaft 31, belt pressing wheel 32, rotating wheel 33, bearing 34, hydraulic cylinder 41, cylinder barrel 42, base 43, piston rod 44, mounting seat 5, pin 51. Detailed Implementation To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the present utility model.
[0028] Example 1: As Figures 1 to 3 The diagram shows a hydraulic automatic anti-slip device for a wide-band belt conveyor. This anti-slip device is installed on the frame 10 of the belt conveyor and includes a belt pressing device 3 pressed onto the surface of the conveyor belt 2. The conveyor belt 2 is laid on the idler roller group 21. The belt pressing device 3 is connected to a power unit. The power unit transmits pressure to the belt pressing device 3. Under the action of the power unit, the belt pressing device 3 presses down on the edge of the surface of the conveyor belt 2. The power unit can dynamically adjust the pressure transmitted to the belt pressing device 3 according to the changes in the state of the conveyor belt 2, so that the belt pressing device 3 can maintain a suitable force and fit against the surface of the conveyor belt 2.
[0029] Therefore, this anti-slip device, by setting up a power device connected to the belt pressing device 3 and capable of dynamically adjusting the pressure transmitted to the belt pressing device 3 according to the changes in the state of the conveyor belt 2, enables the belt pressing device 3 to always maintain an appropriate force in contact with the conveyor belt 2. This solves the problem in the prior art where the belt pressing wheel 32 remains in a fixed state and cannot dynamically adjust the pressure on the conveyor belt 2 according to the state of the conveyor belt 2. This causes the conveyor belt 2 to detach from the conveyor belt 2 when moving downwards, losing its anti-slip function, while the contact pressure with the belt pressing wheel 32 is too large when moving upwards, causing severe squeezing damage to the surface of the conveyor belt 2. It has the beneficial effects of being able to dynamically adjust the contact pressure between the belt pressing device 3 and the conveyor belt 2, adapting to the changes in the state of the conveyor belt 2, achieving a better anti-slip effect, and extending the service life of the conveyor belt 2.
[0030] Example 2: Based on Example 1, the connection method of the pressing device 3 and the power device is optimized. The pressing device 3 and the power device are hinged, and both are simultaneously hinged to the frame 10. This hinge method allows the power device to mutually restrict each other and rotate slightly around the hinge point when adjusting the pressure applied to the pressing device 3, so as to adapt to the force adjusted by the power device.
[0031] Specifically, both the power unit and the belt pressing device 3 are arranged at an angle, and the ends of both connected to the frame 10 are higher than the other end. The power unit is located above the belt pressing device 3, and the output end of the power unit extends downward and is hinged to the upper surface of the belt pressing device 3. Thus, the power unit can press the belt pressing device 3 downward and make it fit against the surface of the conveyor belt 2.
[0032] Example 3: Based on Example 1, the power unit is optimized. A hydraulic cylinder 41 is selected as the power unit. The hydraulic cylinder 41 mainly includes a cylinder barrel 42 and a piston rod 44 extending from the cylinder barrel 42. The base 43 of the cylinder barrel 42 is hinged to the frame 10, and the movable end of the piston rod 44 is hinged to the pressing device 3. Specifically, a mounting seat 5 for mounting the hydraulic cylinder 41 is fixed on the frame 10. The base 43 of the cylinder barrel 42 extends into the mounting seat 5, and the two are connected by a pin 51, that is, the pin 51 passes through the connection point between the two, allowing the hydraulic cylinder 41 to rotate around the pin 51. Similarly, a mounting seat 5 for connecting the hydraulic cylinder 41 is fixed on the pressing device 3. The movable end of the piston rod 44 of the hydraulic cylinder 41 extends into the mounting seat 5, and the pin 51 passes through the connection point between the two, allowing both to rotate around the pin 51. Through this hinged connection, the hydraulic cylinder 41 can slightly adjust its angle according to the actual situation, adaptively changing the pressure applied to the pressing device 3.
[0033] Preferably, the hydraulic cylinder 41 drives the piston rod 44 to generate mechanical force. A pressure sensor is provided at the outlet of its main oil circuit (i.e., the working oil port of the hydraulic cylinder 41). The pressure at this point is the manifestation of the energy input to the hydraulic cylinder 41. The pressure sensor at this point can detect the reaction force (i.e., the reaction force applied by the conveyor belt 2 to the piston rod 44), which can reflect the pressure applied by the hydraulic cylinder 41 to the surface of the conveyor belt 2 through the belt pressing device 3. The pressure sensor is electrically connected to the PLC (programmable logic controller) in the control system, and the control system is electrically connected to the hydraulic system in the hydraulic cylinder 41 to adjust the output pressure of the piston rod 44. The pressure applied by the belt pressing device 3 to the conveyor belt 2 is not equal to the actual value measured by the pressure sensor, but the two are positively correlated. Therefore, the detection range of the pressure sensor can be set according to the maximum and minimum pressure values that the conveyor belt 2 bears during normal operation of this anti-slip device. When the pressure detected by the pressure sensor is within the detection range, there is no need to adjust the pressure of the hydraulic cylinder 41 on the belt pressing device 3. When the pressure exceeds the detection range, the control system controls the hydraulic system to increase or decrease the corresponding output pressure according to the specific detection value to adapt to changes in the state of the conveyor belt 2, ensuring that the belt pressing device 3 always maintains appropriate force in contact with the conveyor belt 2. When the conveyor belt 2 slips in the concave arc section, the reaction force applied by the conveyor belt 2 to the piston rod 44 is not constant. Through the hydraulic cylinder 41 and the control system, it can be achieved that while the belt pressing device 3 is in close contact with the conveyor belt 2, the belt pressing roller 32 will not exert excessive pressure on the conveyor belt 2, reducing damage to the conveyor belt 2. The specific detection range value of the pressure sensor is set according to the different conveyor belts 2 and the actual operating conditions of the belt conveyor.
[0034] The control system is also electrically connected to the alarm device, allowing for the setting of pressure alarm ranges for the pressure sensors. When an abnormal situation occurs causing a significant pressure change exceeding this alarm range, the control system activates the alarm device to sound an alarm. This allows for monitoring of the anti-slip belt device's operational status to a certain extent. For example, if the anti-slip belt function is lost or excessive pressure is applied to the conveyor belt 2, the alarm will sound, alerting personnel. An audible and visual alarm can be selected for easier attention through sound and light.
[0035] Example 4: Based on Example 1, the belt pressing device 3 is optimized. The belt pressing device 3 includes a connecting shaft 31 and a pressing wheel 32. One end of the connecting shaft 31 is hinged to the frame 10, and the other end is fixedly connected to the pressing wheel 32. Specifically, a mounting base 5 for mounting the belt pressing device 3 is fixed on the frame 10. One end of the connecting shaft 31 extends into the mounting base 5, and a pin 51 passes through the connection between the two, allowing the connecting shaft 31 to rotate around the pin 51. The mounting base 5 for connecting the hydraulic cylinder 41 of the belt pressing device 3 is fixed to the upper surface of the connecting shaft 31, allowing the hydraulic cylinder 41 and the connecting shaft 31 to rotate slightly around the connecting shaft 31. All pins 51 in this anti-slip belt device extend along the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 2.
[0036] This hinge design allows for easy replacement of the conveyor belt 2 by simply lifting the belt pressing device 3 without disassembling the entire anti-slip device. Furthermore, if any component of the anti-slip device is damaged, only the pin 51 at the hinge point of that component needs to be removed and replaced, eliminating the need to replace the entire device. This ensures long-term use of the anti-slip device and reduces operating costs.
[0037] In addition, the belt pressing wheel 32 in the belt pressing device 3 is the belt pressing wheel 32 commonly used in the existing anti-belt-drift device. The belt pressing wheel 32 is the core component of the anti-belt-drift device. Its function is to force the conveyor belt 2 to run within a predetermined track by applying pressure. It includes components such as a rotating wheel 33, bearing 34, bearing end cover, bearing cover, bushing and washer assembled by fasteners. One end of the connecting shaft 31 is fixed in the bearing 34 of the belt pressing wheel 32. The rotating wheel 33 is sleeved around the bearing 34 and can rotate freely around the bearing 34. The belt pressing wheel 32 rotates when the conveyor belt 2 moves.
[0038] The pressure roller 32 is perpendicularly connected to the conveyor belt 2, with its surface in contact with the conveyor belt 2. This connection method greatly increases the contact area between the pressure roller 32 and the conveyor belt 2, reducing stress concentration. This avoids the problem in the prior art where the vertically arranged pressure roller 32 has a small contact area with the conveyor belt 2, leading to stress concentration on the conveyor belt 2, damage to the surface of the conveyor belt 2, and affecting its service life. It should be noted that under normal circumstances, when belt slippage occurs, the reaction force of the conveyor belt 2 on the piston rod 44 will not be too large. Under the constraint of the hinge points at various positions of the pressure device 3 and the power device, even if belt slippage occurs and the pressure applied to the conveyor belt 2 needs to be adjusted, the position and angle of the pressure roller 32 itself will not change or will only undergo a slight change in angle. This change only adjusts its contact pressure. The surface of the pressure roller 32 can always maintain a suitable force and stably contact the surface of the conveyor belt 2. Once the surface of the pressure roller 32 detaches from the conveyor belt 2 and loses its pressing function, or if the pressure on the conveyor belt 2 is too large, an alarm device will be triggered.
[0039] Example 5: Based on the above examples, the frame 10 is optimized. The frame 10 is a steel channel structure, vertically fixed to the intermediate frame 1. Diagonal braces 11 are fixed to both sides by welding. Specifically, horizontally arranged steel plates 12 are welded to the bottom of both the diagonal braces 11 and the frame 10. One side of the bottom surface of the steel plate 12 is welded to the surface of the intermediate frame 1, and an angle steel 13 is fixed to the other side. The upper surface of the angle steel 13 is welded to the steel plate 12, and the side of the angle steel 13 is welded to the side of the intermediate frame 1. This connection method greatly enhances the structural strength of the frame 10 and increases the connection stability between the frame 10 and the intermediate frame 1.
[0040] Preferably, the frame 10 is arranged on the intermediate frame 1 at the head, middle and tail of the concave arc section of the belt conveyor. The anti-slip device is installed in a one-to-one correspondence with the frame 10. By setting the anti-slip device at both ends and the main position in the middle of the concave arc section of the belt conveyor, it can play a comprehensive and effective anti-slip role on the conveyor belt 2 located in the concave arc section.
[0041] Preferably, the frame 10 is arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt 2. The number of belt pressing devices 3 and power devices is the same as that of the frame 10, and they are connected one-to-one. The belt pressing devices 3 press down on the edges of both sides of the conveyor belt 2. The control system can control the pressure applied to the conveyor belt 2 according to the actual situation on both sides of the conveyor belt 2. By setting this anti-slip device on each side of the conveyor belt 2, the conveyor belt 2 can be stably pressed onto the idler roller group 21. Moreover, the belt pressing rollers 32 on both sides can be controlled and operated independently, which can adapt to more complex working conditions according to different slipping conditions on both sides of the conveyor belt 2. The top ends of the corresponding frames 10 on both sides of the conveyor belt 2 are fixedly connected by connecting rods 14. The connecting rods 14 are made of angle steel structure. The two ends of the connecting rods 14 are welded and fixed to the frames 10 on both sides, connecting the frames 10 on both sides into a whole, further improving the structural stability of the frame 10.
[0042] When installing this anti-slip device, first manually control the extension length of the piston rod 44 of the hydraulic cylinder 41 so that the pressure roller 32 can make just perpendicular contact with the side of the conveyor belt 2 and maintain a stable connection. Then start the control system, which automatically adjusts the pressure applied by the pressure roller 32 to the surface of the conveyor belt 2 according to the feedback value of the pressure sensor.
[0043] The above embodiments merely illustrate specific implementation methods of this application, and their descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, but they should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make several modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the technical solution of this application, and these all fall within the scope of protection of this application.
Claims
1. A large-belt-width belt conveyor hydraulic automatic anti-belt-sway device, which is installed on a rack (10), characterized in that: It includes a belt pressing device (3) pressed on the surface of the conveyor belt (2), and the belt pressing device (3) is connected to the power device; the power device dynamically adjusts the pressure transmitted to the belt pressing device (3) according to the changes in the state of the conveyor belt (2), and the belt pressing device (3) presses down the conveyor belt (2) under the action of the power device.
2. A large-belt-width belt conveyor hydraulic automatic anti-belt-derailment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pressing device (3) is hinged to the power device, and both are hinged to the frame (10).
3. A large-belt-width belt conveyor hydraulic automatic anti-belt-derailment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The power unit is located above the belt pressing device (3), and the output end of the power unit extends downward and is hinged to the belt pressing device (3) to press the belt pressing device (3) onto the surface of the conveyor belt (2).
4. A large-belt-width belt conveyor hydraulic automatic anti-belt-derailment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The power unit is a hydraulic cylinder (41). The cylinder barrel (42) base (43) of the hydraulic cylinder (41) is hinged to the frame (10), and the movable end of its piston rod (44) is hinged to the pressing device (3).
5. A large-belt-width belt conveyor hydraulic automatic anti-belt-derailment device according to claim 4, characterized in that: A pressure sensor is provided at the outlet of the main oil circuit of the hydraulic cylinder (41). The pressure sensor is electrically connected to the control system. The control system is also electrically connected to the alarm device and the hydraulic cylinder (41) respectively.
6. A high-capacity belt conveyor hydraulic automatic anti-belt-creeping device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The belt pressing device (3) includes a connecting shaft (31) and a belt pressing wheel (32). One end of the connecting shaft (31) is hinged to the frame (10), and the other end is fixedly connected to the belt pressing wheel (32). The belt pressing wheel (32) is perpendicularly connected to the conveyor belt (2), and its wheel surface is in contact with the surface of the conveyor belt (2).
7. A hydraulic automatic anti-drift belt device for a wide-band belt conveyor according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that: The frame (10) is a steel channel structure, which is vertically fixed on the intermediate frame (1), and diagonal braces (11) connected to the intermediate frame (1) are fixed on both sides.
8. A hydraulic automatic anti-drift belt device for a wide-band belt conveyor according to claim 7, characterized in that: The frames (10) are respectively arranged on the intermediate frames (1) at the head, middle and tail of the concave arc section of the belt conveyor.
9. A hydraulic automatic anti-drift belt device for a wide-band belt conveyor according to claim 8, characterized in that: The frame (10) is arranged on both sides of the conveyor belt (2), and the number of belt pressing device (3) and power device is the same as that of the frame (10), and they are connected one by one.
10. A hydraulic automatic anti-drift belt device for a wide-band belt conveyor according to claim 9, characterized in that: The frames (10) on both sides of the conveyor belt (2) are fixedly connected by connecting rods (14).