Chain support assembly and scraper conveyor

Abstract

This utility model discloses a chain support assembly and a scraper conveyor. The chain support assembly includes: a chute; cross braces distributed longitudinally along the chute; and support plates fixed on the cross braces for supporting the unloaded chain edges of the chain rings. Multiple sets of support plates sequentially provide support surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the chute. Adjacent sets of support plates are partially parallel and have longitudinally overlapping sections. The front end of the overlapping section of the support plate in the later stage is bent downwards. The chain support assembly of this utility model overcomes the problem of the support plate jamming the chain while also solving the problem of uneven wear of the chain components supported on the support plate.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to a chain support assembly for supporting a chain on a scraper conveyor, and also to a scraper conveyor having the chain support assembly. Background Technology

[0002] A scraper conveyor is a bulk material conveying device that includes a chute and a scraper chain extending along the chute's direction. Scrapers perpendicular to the chute's direction are evenly distributed along the chain rings. The scraper chain is the traction component of the scraper conveyor and is fitted with head and tail sprockets to form a chain drive mechanism. When the head drive unit starts, it drives the head sprocket on the head shaft to rotate, causing the scraper chain rings to rotate. This, in turn, causes the scrapers fixed on the chain rings to circulate back and forth between the head and tail of the conveyor, thus conveying the material. Scraper conveyors have relatively high conveying efficiency and cause minimal damage to materials, making them widely used in bulk material conveying.

[0003] A key characteristic of scraper conveyors is their ability to transport materials over relatively long distances. However, it's important to understand that the drive chain in a chain drive mechanism is a typical flexible component, and without intermediate support, sagging in the middle of the chain is quite pronounced. Therefore, when the drive chain is relatively long, auxiliary support is often required for the suspended chain. Furthermore, due to the length of the drive chain, auxiliary supports, such as support plates, often have multiple segments.

[0004] Traditional scraper conveyors consist of support plates in multiple segments, with seams between adjacent segments. Over time, these support plates undergo plastic deformation, causing the middle section to sag and the ends to warp upwards. Under these conditions, the warped ends of later support plate segments can rise above the support surface, easily scraping the drive chain or scraper, potentially causing chain jamming and damaging the drive chain or scraper.

[0005] Furthermore, as mentioned earlier, the support plates are often connected sequentially and arranged along roughly the same path. The parts on the scraper chain or scraper chain links that come into contact with the support plates are often fixed. As the usage time increases, a groove will appear in the fixed part due to wear. In other words, the lower side of the scraper chain or scraper chain links wears unevenly, resulting in a relatively short service life for the corresponding components. Utility Model Content

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of this utility model is to provide a chain support assembly that can overcome the problem of chain jamming on the support plate, and at the same time solve the problem of uneven wear of the chain components supported on the support plate; this utility model also provides a scraper conveyor equipped with the chain support assembly.

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention, a chain support assembly is provided, comprising: chute; Horizontal bracing is distributed longitudinally along the chute. Support plates, fixed to the cross brace, are used to support the unloaded chain edge of the chain ring and have multiple sets. Multiple sets of support plates sequentially provide support surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the chute. The support plates of adjacent sets are partially arranged in parallel and have longitudinal overlapping sections. The front end of the overlapping section of the support plate in the later stage is bent downward.

[0008] Optionally, each set of support plates has two support plates, and the two support plates in the set are symmetrical about the left and right center planes of the chute. The two support plates within the group are arranged parallel to each other or at a predetermined angle. When set in parallel, the support plates are arranged in the chute in a manner that alternates between a wide-spaced group and a narrow-spaced group, with the support plates on the same side of adjacent groups joining laterally. When the predetermined angle is set, one end of the two support plates in the group is the wide end and the other end is the narrow end. The narrow end of the support plate of the current group is laterally accommodated in the wide end of the front or rear group.

[0009] Optionally, the narrow-spacing end is located at the front end of the corresponding set of support plates.

[0010] Optionally, the predetermined included angle is 6.35°~7.39°.

[0011] Optionally, the angle at which the front end of the overlapping section bends downward is 8° to 10°, and the bend forms an upper arc surface.

[0012] Optionally, the chute has multiple segments; The support plate assemblies correspond one-to-one with the segments; Correspondingly, the support plate supported on the corresponding segment protrudes from both ends of the chute, wherein the length of the exposed segment with the downward bending section is 133mm~165mm, and the length of the other exposed segment is 30~40mm. The exposed section with a downward-curving segment is supported on the rear cross brace of the preceding segment.

[0013] Optionally, the length of the straight section reserved in the exposed section with the downward-curving section is the same as the length of the other exposed section.

[0014] Optionally, the support plate includes a rigid substrate and a sliding plate fixed to the upper surface of the substrate to provide the support surface.

[0015] Optionally, the slide plate is fixed to the base plate by countersunk screws.

[0016] According to a second aspect of the present invention, a scraper conveyor is provided, including the chain support assembly described in the first aspect of the present invention.

[0017] According to the chain support assembly of this utility model embodiment, multiple sets of support plates for supporting the unloaded chain edge of the chain ring are configured. These multiple sets of support plates are arranged sequentially in the longitudinal direction of the chute, and there is an overlap section between the multiple sets of support plates in the transverse direction. The overlap section located at the front end of the rear stage bends downward, and the bending causes the edge of the support plate at this end to be lower than the support surface of the support plate. Even if the support plate warps, the problem of chain jamming can be ensured within the range of the downward extension of the support plate at this end due to the bending. At the same time, since the support plates are arranged in parallel in the transverse direction, the friction points of the drive chain or scraper are obviously different between the different sets of support plates in the transverse direction, so that the wear of the drive chain or scraper can be relatively uniform, thereby extending the service life of the drive chain or scraper as a whole. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a segment structure of a scraper conveyor in one embodiment.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the longitudinal connection structure between two sets of support plates in one embodiment.

[0020] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side structure showing the longitudinal connection between two sets of support plates in one embodiment.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the left-side structure of a scraper conveyor segment in one embodiment.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of a segment of a scraper conveyor in one embodiment.

[0023] In the diagram: 1. Unloaded chain edge, 2. Scraper, 3. Cross brace, 4. Support plate, 5. Loaded chain edge, 6. Flange, 7. Chute.

[0024] 41. Fixing hole, 42. Base plate, 43. Wear-resistant plate, 44. Elbow, 45. Overlapping section. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The background section provides a general description of scraper conveyors. Scraper conveyors have a relatively simple structure, featuring a chute 7, which is generally rectangular but can also be an isosceles trapezoidal shape. In a single-drive chain, the chain loops are generally centered in the left-right direction of the chute 7. In a double-drive chain, the two chain loops are symmetrically arranged about the left-right center plane of the chute 7. In a triple-drive chain, the three chain loops are arranged in a left-center-right configuration, but regardless of the arrangement, left-right symmetry is the basic configuration. Therefore, the chute 7 has definite front-back and left-right directions, where front-back refers to the extension direction of the chute 7. The chute 7 is generally a straight chute.

[0026] The front-to-back direction is also called longitudinal, length direction, or head-to-tail direction, as in the aforementioned head and tail of the aircraft.

[0027] The left and right directions are also called the horizontal direction, which is also called the width direction or the side direction.

[0028] Under ideal conditions, the left and right center surfaces of the chain ring and the left and right center surfaces of the chute 7 are coplanar. The upper chain edge of the chain ring is usually the unloaded chain edge 1, and the lower chain edge is usually the loaded chain edge 5. There is also an opposite configuration, that is, the loaded chain edge 5 is on top and the unloaded chain edge 1 is on the bottom.

[0029] Scrapers 2 are installed on the chain links of the chain ring. The scrapers 2, which move with the chain ring, can push the bulk material to move in the chute 7.

[0030] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 The chute 7 shown is a common chute structure, and its cross-section is roughly U-shaped. In the embodiments of this utility model, since it is suitable for scraper conveyors with relatively large conveying distances, the chute 7 is often configured into several separate segments for easy transportation. After being transported to the predetermined location, the segments of the chute 7 are connected sequentially.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown in Figure 4, the two ends of the chute segment have flanges 6, and the segments are generally connected one by one by flange connection.

[0032] Correspondingly, a drive sprocket is provided at the head end of the chute 7, and a driven sprocket is provided at the tail end. The drive sprocket and driven sprocket are adapted to be single sprockets, double sprockets or triple sprockets depending on the number of chain rings.

[0033] The dimensions and specifications of chute 7 are common knowledge in this field and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0034] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated structure, three cross braces 3 are provided in each chute segment. The number of cross braces 3 can be adjusted according to the length of the segment. This is common knowledge in the field and will not be elaborated here.

[0035] In addition, the cross brace 3 is usually fixed to the chute wall by welding.

[0036] exist Figure 1 In the illustrated structure, the cross brace 3 has one cross brace 3 at each end of the segment, so that the support plate 4 installed on the adjacent segment can be placed on the cross brace 3 located at the end of the segment.

[0037] The support plate 4 is installed inside the chute using the cross brace 3 as the mounting base. Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated structure, the support plates 4 are arranged in groups, with each group of support plates 4 corresponding to a segment.

[0038] The support plate 4 can generally be fixed to the cross brace 3 by screws or by welding. If the support plate 4 is made of composite board, maintenance can be performed by replacing only the surface layer instead of the entire plate.

[0039] The support plate 4 is mainly used to support the unloaded chain edge 1 of the chain ring. Accordingly, multiple sets of support plates 4 provide support surfaces sequentially along the longitudinal direction of the chute. As described in the background section, in the longitudinal direction of the chute 7, adjacent support plates 4 are installed sequentially in a one-to-one docking manner. Under this condition, not only will problems such as... Figure 2 The advantages shown are that it provides more support points for the support plate 4, but it is also prone to end warping due to load or plastic deformation. In the embodiment of this utility model, the support plates 4 of adjacent groups are partially arranged in parallel, and there must be a longitudinal overlap between the front and rear support plates 4. That is, there is a long part between the adjacent support plates 4 in the longitudinal direction, which can be supported by the support plate 4 of the next stage before the unloaded chain edge 1 is separated from the support of the current support plate 4.

[0040] Furthermore, the front end of the overlapping section of the support plate 4 located in the rear stage bends downward, so that even if the support plate 4 is bent due to force or plastic deformation, it will not cause the chain to jam.

[0041] Because the support plates of adjacent groups are arranged in parallel rather than sequentially, the support for the chain ring can be distributed in stages laterally, thus making the wear of the chain ring relatively uniform laterally.

[0042] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated structure, each set of support plates 4 has two support plates 4, and the two support plates 4 in the set are symmetrical about the left and right center planes of the chute 7, so that the support of the two support plates 4 in the set to the chain ring is relatively balanced.

[0043] in 1 and Figure 2In the illustrated structure, the two support plates 4 within the group are arranged at a predetermined angle, while in other embodiments, the two support plates 4 within the group are arranged in parallel.

[0044] If two support plates (4 in total) are arranged parallel to each other within a group, and are laid out sequentially in the chute with one group having a wide spacing and the other a narrow spacing, then the wide and narrow spacing are clearly relative concepts. Correspondingly, the support plates (4 in total) on the same side of adjacent groups are joined laterally, i.e., arranged adjacent to each other. Figure 2 The adjacent support plates in the middle are arranged in a similar horizontal manner, with the end of the narrow-spaced group located between the two support plates of the wide-spaced group.

[0045] If the two support plates 4 are set at a predetermined angle within the group, the two support plates 4 will appear as follows: Figure 2 As shown, one end of the two support plates 4 in the group is the wide end and the other end is the narrow end. Obviously, the wide and narrow distances here are also a pair of relative concepts.

[0046] Furthermore, if the two support plates 4 within the group are set at a predetermined angle, the narrow end of the support plate 4 in the current group is laterally accommodated within the wide end of the preceding or following group, thus presenting the following... Figure 2 The arrangement shown.

[0047] Whether the two support plates 4 within the group are arranged parallel to each other or at a predetermined angle, the staggered arrangement—one set with a narrow spacing and the other with a wide spacing—results in more even chain wear. In the embodiment where the support plates 4 are arranged at a predetermined angle, the support plates 4 will inevitably be tilted relative to the central axis of the chute, resulting in relatively even chain wear.

[0048] exist Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated structure, the narrow-spacing end is located at the front end of the corresponding support plate 4, which makes it less prone to slant scraping problems.

[0049] Regarding the included angle between the two support plates 4 within the group, i.e., the aforementioned predetermined included angle, this predetermined included angle should not be too large, otherwise it would be difficult to arrange within the chute 7. Furthermore, the predetermined included angle is 6.35°~7.39°, preferably 6.82°.

[0050] Regarding the front bend of the support plate 4, it does not need to be too large. The main purpose is to facilitate the smooth sliding of the chain by means of the front bend. Therefore, the downward bend angle of the front end of the overlapping section is 8°~10°. It should be known that the bend of the plate will naturally produce an arc surface. The downward bend will inevitably form an upper arc surface. Correspondingly, an upper arc surface is formed at the bend.

[0051] exist Figure 5In the vertical structure, the support plate 4, which is supported on the corresponding segment, protrudes from both ends of the chute 7. The length of the exposed segment with a downwardly curved section is 133mm~165mm, and the length of the other exposed segment is 30~40mm. With the help of the two exposed segments, additional support can be provided for the support plate 4, resulting in the following appearance: Figure 2 As shown, at the end of the support plate 4, it is equivalent to using two horizontal braces 3 for support.

[0052] Correspondingly, the exposed section with a downward curve is supported on the rear cross brace of the preceding segment. Meanwhile, the exposed section at the rear end is supported on the front cross brace of the following segment.

[0053] Furthermore, the length of the straight section reserved in the exposed section with the downward bending section is the same as the length of the other exposed section. That is, both exposed sections have a straight section that can be supported on the corresponding cross brace 3 on the adjacent section, thus playing a role in connecting the front and the back and enabling the chain ring to be smoothly connected.

[0054] In a preferred embodiment, the support plate 4 includes a rigid base plate 42 and a sliding plate fixed to the upper surface of the base plate 42 to provide the support surface, such as... Figure 2 and Figure 3 The wear-resistant plate 43 shown is preferably made of nylon, but other types of wear-resistant plates, such as plates with a polytetrafluoroethylene coating, can also be used.

[0055] Additionally, steel plates, for example, can be directly constructed into skateboards in some implementations, such as the common stainless steel skateboards.

[0056] For substrate 42, steel plate is the primary choice.

[0057] Furthermore, the slide plate is fixed to the base plate 42 by countersunk screws to facilitate quick replacement of the slide plate.

Claims

1. A chain support assembly, characterized by, include: chute; Horizontal bracing is distributed longitudinally along the chute. Support plates, fixed to the cross brace, are used to support the unloaded chain edge of the chain ring and have multiple sets. Multiple sets of support plates sequentially provide support surfaces along the longitudinal direction of the chute. The support plates of adjacent sets are partially arranged in parallel and have longitudinal overlapping sections. The front end of the overlapping section of the support plate in the later stage is bent downward.

2. The chain support assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that, Each set of support plates has two support plates, and the two support plates in the set are symmetrical about the left and right center planes of the chute. The two support plates within the group are arranged parallel to each other or at a predetermined angle. When set in parallel, the support plates are arranged in the chute in a manner that alternates between a wide-spaced group and a narrow-spaced group, with the support plates on the same side of adjacent groups joining laterally. When the predetermined angle is set, one end of the two support plates in the group is the wide end and the other end is the narrow end. The narrow end of the support plate of the current group is laterally accommodated in the wide end of the front or rear group.

3. The chain support assembly of claim 2, wherein, The narrow-spacing end is located at the front end of the corresponding set of support plates.

4. The chain support assembly of claim 2, wherein, The predetermined included angle is 6.35°~7.39°.

5. The chain support assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The angle at which the front end of the overlapping section bends downward is 8°~10°, and the bend forms an upper arc surface.

6. The chain support assembly of any one of claims 1-4, wherein, The chute has multiple segments; The support plate assemblies correspond one-to-one with the segments; Correspondingly, the support plate supported on the corresponding segment protrudes from both ends of the chute, wherein the length of the exposed segment with the downward bending section is 133mm~165mm, and the length of the other exposed segment is 30~40mm. The exposed section with a downward-curving segment is supported on the rear cross brace of the preceding segment.

7. The chain support assembly of claim 6, wherein, The length of the straight section reserved in the exposed section with the downward curving section is the same as the length of the other exposed section.

8. The chain support assembly of claim 1, wherein, The support plate includes a rigid substrate and a sliding plate fixed to the upper surface of the substrate to provide the support surface.

9. The chain support assembly of claim 8, wherein, The slide plate is fixed to the base plate by countersunk screws.

10. A scraper conveyor, characterized in that, Includes the chain support assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 9.

Images