A new pipe chain conveyor structure

Abstract

This utility model discloses a novel tubular chain conveyor structure, relating to the field of conveying equipment technology. It includes a power unit, a conveying pipeline, a feed inlet, and a scraper device. The power unit is located at the far end of the feed inlet, and the conveying pipeline connects the two, forming the scraper running channel. The scraper device consists of a steel wire rope and multiple detachable scrapers mounted on its outer side. Driven by the power unit, the steel wire rope drives the scrapers to circulate within the pipeline. The scrapers adopt a split design, with the steel wire rope clamped by bushings, and supplemented by a diagonal friction-enhancing and positioning convex strip structure to improve connection reliability and anti-slip capability. This structure solves the problems of unstable scraper fixing, concentrated stress, and difficult replacement in traditional equipment, and has the advantages of convenient maintenance, stable operation, and wide applicability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of conveying equipment technology, specifically a novel tubular chain conveyor structure. Background Technology

[0002] A tubular chain conveyor is a continuous conveying equipment for transporting bulk materials such as powders, small granules, and small lumps. It can be used for horizontal, inclined, and vertical combined conveying and can be applied in fine chemical, pesticide and ore, building materials, and food industries.

[0003] Existing tubular chain conveyors, such as the novel tubular chain conveyor transmission structure disclosed in patent CN211894773U, have the following drawbacks: the mounting plate is fixed to the transmission steel wire rope by at least two symmetrically distributed locking screws. This fixing method has problems of insufficient fit and concentrated force. Moreover, once the screws fall off and the scraper is damaged, since the scraper is installed as a whole on the transmission steel wire rope, the damaged scraper is blocked on both sides, making it difficult to replace and affecting the transmission efficiency.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to design a new type of tubular chain conveyor structure to solve the problems of insufficient fit, concentrated stress, and difficulty in replacing scrapers in the existing technology. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In view of this, the purpose of this application is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and propose a novel tubular chain conveyor structure.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is: a novel tubular chain conveyor structure, including a power box, a conveying pipe, a feed inlet, and a scraper device. The power box is located at the far end of the feed inlet, and the conveying pipe is used to connect the power box and the feed inlet and provide a travel channel for the scraper device. The scraper device includes a steel wire rope and several scrapers that are detachably fixed to the outside of the steel wire rope. The steel wire rope is used to cooperate with the power box to drive the scrapers to move in the conveying pipe.

[0007] Preferably, the scraper includes a first semi-annular plate, a second semi-annular plate, a first bushing, and a second bushing. The first semi-annular plate and the second semi-annular plate are arranged opposite to each other to form a receiving space I for accommodating the first bushing and the second bushing. The first bushing and the second bushing are arranged opposite to each other to form a receiving space II for accommodating the wire rope.

[0008] Preferably, both the first bushing and the second bushing include an upper fixing ring, a lower fixing ring, and a bushing cylinder. The bushing cylinder is located between the upper fixing ring and the lower fixing ring. Both the upper fixing ring and the lower fixing ring are provided with fixing seats. The first bushing and the second bushing pass through the fixing seats with bolts and form a crimp connection with the wire rope.

[0009] Preferably, the inner walls of both bushing cylinders are provided with a plurality of oblique stripes, which abut against the wire rope; the outer walls of both bushing cylinders are provided with a plurality of protruding strips, which are aligned with the axial direction of the bushing cylinders; the inner walls of the first semi-annular plate and the second semi-annular plate are provided with a plurality of grooves, which can be embedded in the corresponding grooves.

[0010] Preferably, both ends of the first semi-annular plate and the second semi-annular plate are provided with at least one fixing hole. When the plurality of the protrusions are embedded in the corresponding grooves, the first semi-annular plate and the second semi-annular plate can be connected by bolts through the fixing hole plate to form a pressing connection between the two bushing cylinders.

[0011] Preferably, the power box includes a rotatable sprocket, on which a plurality of chain teeth are evenly arranged, and each of the chain teeth is provided with a tooth groove, the width of the plurality of tooth grooves gradually narrowing, and the narrowing direction of the plurality of tooth grooves being consistent with the traveling direction of the wire rope.

[0012] Preferably, the power box is also provided with a discharge port, which is located below the sprocket.

[0013] Preferably, the conveying pipeline is also provided with an inspection port and a transparent tube, which are arranged opposite to each other and located on both sides of the feed inlet.

[0014] Due to the adoption of the above technical solution, the beneficial effects achieved by this utility model are as follows: by designing the scraper as a detachable structure, and using the combination of split semi-circular plate and bushing to clamp the wire rope, a single scraper can be quickly replaced without disassembling adjacent parts, which significantly improves maintenance efficiency; at the same time, the oblique stripes between the bushing and the wire rope enhance the friction and anti-slip performance, and, together with the tapered toothed sprocket, achieve self-locking traction, effectively avoiding slippage and improving transmission stability and operational safety. Attached Figure Description

[0015] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a novel tubular chain conveyor according to the present invention; Figure 2 This is an exploded view of the scraper structure of a novel tubular chain conveyor according to this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of the power box of a novel tubular chain conveyor according to this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the chain teeth of a novel tubular chain conveyor structure according to this utility model.

[0016] The attached diagram lists the components represented by each number as follows: 1. Power box; 11. Sprocket; 12. Chain tooth; 13. Tooth groove; 14. Discharge port; 2. Conveying pipe; 21. Inspection port; 22. Transparent tube; 3. Feed inlet; 4. Scraper; 41a. First semi-annular plate; 41b. Second semi-annular plate; 411. Groove; 412. Fixing hole; 413. Fixing hole plate; 42a. First bushing; 42b. Second bushing; 421. Upper fixing ring; 422. Lower fixing ring; 423. Bushing cylinder; 424. Fixing seat; 425. Diagonal stripe; 426. Raised stripe; 5. Steel wire rope. Detailed Implementation

[0017] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0018] The core of this utility model is to provide a novel tubular chain conveyor structure to solve problems such as insufficient fit, concentrated stress, and difficulty in replacing scrapers.

[0019] The present invention will be described in detail with the following embodiments: Example

[0020] refer to Figure 1-4 A novel tubular chain conveyor structure includes a power box 1, a conveying pipe 2, a feed inlet 3, and a scraper device. The power box 1 is located at the far end of the feed inlet 3. The conveying pipe 2 is used to connect the power box 1 and the feed inlet 3 and provides a travel channel for the scraper device. The scraper device includes a steel wire rope 5 and several scrapers 4 that are detachably fixed to the outside of the steel wire rope 5. The steel wire rope 5 is used to cooperate with the power box 1 to drive the scrapers 4 to move in the conveying pipe 2.

[0021] By designing the scraper 4 as a modular structure that can be detachably fixed to the wire rope 5, and combining it with a reasonable overall machine layout, the maintainability and operational stability of the equipment are effectively improved. The scraper device, as the core execution unit for material pushing, continuously propels material from the inlet 3 to the outlet direction by circulating the wire rope 5 within the enclosed conveying pipe 2. The power box 1, as the drive source, is located at the far end of the inlet 3, avoiding direct impact of material on the drive mechanism during feeding, thus improving the system's operational safety and environmental adaptability.

[0022] The scraper 4 is detachably fixed to the outside of the wire rope 5, meaning that each scraper can be installed or removed independently without disconnecting adjacent scrapers. This structural design breaks through the limitations of the traditional integrated fixing mode, allowing for quick location and replacement of individual scrapers in the event of wear, deformation, or breakage, greatly shortening maintenance time and improving equipment availability.

[0023] The scraper 4 itself can be made of wear-resistant metal materials (such as high manganese steel and stainless steel) or engineering plastics (such as ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene), and the material selection and adaptation are based on the abrasiveness, temperature characteristics and hygiene requirements of the conveyed material.

[0024] like Figure 2 As shown, specifically, the scraper 4 includes a first semi-annular plate 41a, a second semi-annular plate 41b, a first bushing 42a, and a second bushing 42b. The first semi-annular plate 41a and the second semi-annular plate 41b are arranged opposite to each other to form a receiving space I for accommodating the first bushing 42a and the second bushing 42b. The first bushing 42a and the second bushing 42b are arranged opposite to each other to form a receiving space II for accommodating the wire rope 5.

[0025] The first semi-annular plate 41a and the second semi-annular plate 41b together form the outer bearing shell, which not only protects the internal components but also participates in transmitting push and pull forces. When they are radially joined together, they form a nearly closed annular structure. This annular structure defines a space, known as the receiving space I, for accommodating the first bushing 42a and the second bushing 42b. The inner contour of this receiving space I matches the outer shape of the two bushings, ensuring that the bushing assembly does not rotate or move axially during operation. The first semi-annular plate 41a and the second semi-annular plate 41b can be opened and closed via bolts or other detachable fastening methods (such as clips, pins, etc.), allowing users to install or remove the entire scraper assembly from the side to a designated position without cutting the wire rope. This split design greatly simplifies the on-site maintenance process and is particularly suitable for repairing localized faults in long-distance continuous conveying systems.

[0026] The first bushing 42a and the second bushing 42b serve as intermediate transition components, clamping the surface of the wire rope 5 and undertaking the main functions of friction transmission and stress dispersion. When the two bushings are arranged opposite each other, their inner walls together form a clamping cavity surrounding the wire rope 5, namely the receiving space II. The diameter of this space is slightly smaller than the actual outer diameter of the wire rope to ensure a certain interference fit under pre-tension, thereby enhancing the efficiency of friction transmission. The design of the receiving space II ensures that the wire rope is completely enclosed inside the bushings, avoiding direct metal-to-metal contact between the scraper body and the wire rope, effectively reducing fatigue damage and wire breakage risks caused by hard friction. At the same time, the elastic deformation capacity of the bushing material can absorb some vibration energy under dynamic loads, further improving operational stability. The entire structure forms a stable mechanical connection system through multi-level nested fit.

[0027] Preferably, both the first bushing 42a and the second bushing 42b include an upper fixing ring 421, a lower fixing ring 422, and a bushing cylinder 423. The bushing cylinder 423 is located between the upper fixing ring 421 and the lower fixing ring 422. Both the upper fixing ring 421 and the lower fixing ring 422 are provided with fixing seats 424. The first bushing 42a and the second bushing 42b are connected to the steel wire rope 5 by bolts passing through the fixing seats 424.

[0028] The upper fixing ring 421 and the lower fixing ring 422 are respectively disposed at both ends of the bushing cylinder 423 along the axial direction, forming an integral frame structure for transmitting the externally applied clamping force to the bushing cylinder 423. The bushing cylinder 423 is a hollow cylindrical structure, and its inner cavity size is adapted to the outer diameter of the wire rope 5, ensuring that it can evenly cover the surface of the wire rope under pressure and achieve good contact fit. The bushing cylinder 423 can be made of wear-resistant metal materials such as alloy steel or stainless steel, or high-strength engineering plastics such as polyoxymethylene or polyamide. The specific material selection can be adjusted according to the degree of wear, corrosion and temperature conditions in the working environment. In addition, the fixing seat 424 can also be designed with countersunk holes or threaded holes to allow the use of hexagonal socket head cap screws or self-locking nuts to further prevent loosening.

[0029] The inner walls of both bushing cylinders 423 are provided with a plurality of oblique stripes 425, which abut against the wire rope 5; the outer walls of both bushing cylinders 423 are provided with a plurality of protrusions 426, which are aligned with the axial direction of the bushing cylinders 423. The inner walls of the first semi-annular plate 41a and the second semi-annular plate 41b are provided with a plurality of grooves 411, and the plurality of protrusions 426 can be embedded in the corresponding grooves 411.

[0030] The oblique stripes 425 are disposed on the inner wall surface of the bushing cylinder 423, evenly distributed along its circumference, and the stripe extension direction is inclined relative to the axis of the bushing cylinder 423, with an inclination angle ranging from 30° to 60°, and optionally 45°. This oblique structure is neither a ring-shaped protrusion perpendicular to the axis nor a straight stripe parallel to the axis, but is arranged in a spiral or staggered array, so that when the wire rope 5 is subjected to traction force, the stripes and the metal wires on the surface of the wire rope form multi-point staggered engagement. This engagement generates reverse resistance in the direction of tension, thereby significantly improving the anti-slip capability.

[0031] In one specific embodiment, the height of the oblique stripes 425 is 0.1 to 0.5 mm, the width is 0.3 to 1.0 mm, and the spacing between adjacent stripes is 0.5 to 1.5 mm. They can be integrally formed on the inner wall of the bushing cylinder 423 by injection molding or precision machining.

[0032] Multiple raised strips 426 are located on the outer wall of the bushing cylinder 423, extending along the axial direction and parallel to the axis of the bushing cylinder 423. The cross-section of the raised strips 426 is rectangular, trapezoidal, or semi-circular, with a height of 0.2–0.8 mm and a width of 0.5–2.0 mm. They can be arranged in two or more groups symmetrically distributed around the outer periphery of the bushing cylinder 423, with each group containing 2–4 strips, spaced apart circumferentially. The main function of this structure is to achieve mechanical interlocking between the bushing and the scraper body, preventing the bushing from rotating relative to the scraper due to uneven torque transmission during equipment start-up, shutdown, or speed changes.

[0033] The groove 411 is provided on the inner wall of the first semi-annular plate 41a and the second semi-annular plate 41b, with its position corresponding one-to-one with the protrusion 426. Its shape matches the protrusion 426, and its depth is greater than or equal to the height of the protrusion 426 to ensure that there is no significant step difference after the two are fully engaged. The groove 411 also extends axially, its length covering the entire effective mating area of ​​the semi-annular plate, so that the bushing is guided and constrained along its entire length. During assembly, the operator can achieve rapid alignment based on the guiding fit between the protrusion 426 and the groove 411, reducing installation errors and improving assembly efficiency.

[0034] In the above structure, the contact between the oblique stripes 425 and the wire rope 5 is a micro-scale surface-line composite contact mode, which can achieve a high friction coefficient increase under relatively small clamping force. Meanwhile, the engagement between the convex stripes 426 and the grooves 411 constitutes a macro-scale directional limiting mechanism. Both act on different levels of the connection interface, jointly ensuring the structural integrity of the entire scraper device under complex stress conditions. For example, at the moment the conveyor starts, the wire rope 5 is subjected to inertial force caused by a large acceleration. At this time, the oblique stripes 425 effectively prevent bushing slippage by increasing shear resistance. During operation in curved or changing-direction sections, the scraper may be subjected to lateral force. The cooperation between the convex stripes 426 and the grooves 411 can resist the resulting torsional torque and maintain the stability of the scraper's posture.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, at least one fixing hole 412 is provided at both ends of the first semi-annular plate 41a and the second semi-annular plate 41b. When the several protrusions 426 are embedded in the corresponding grooves 411, the first semi-annular plate 41a and the second semi-annular plate 41b can be pressed through the fixing hole plate 413 by bolts, and form a pressing connection between the two bushing cylinders 423.

[0036] like Figure 2 and 3 As shown, the power box 1 includes a rotatable sprocket 11, on which a plurality of chain teeth 12 are evenly arranged, and each of the plurality of chain teeth 12 is provided with a tooth groove 13. The width of the plurality of tooth grooves 13 gradually narrows, and the narrowing direction of the plurality of tooth grooves 13 is consistent with the traveling direction of the wire rope 5.

[0037] Each chain tooth 12 is provided with a groove 13, which is a concave structure opened at the end of the chain tooth 12 to accommodate and clamp the wire rope 5. The cross-section of the groove 13 is trapezoidal or wedge-shaped, and its width gradually decreases from the entrance to the inside, forming a "constriction" structure. This design allows the wire rope 5 to enter the groove 13 from the wide end, and as it is driven by the rotation of the sprocket 11, the space in the groove 13 is continuously compressed as it moves forward, thereby applying increasing radial pressure to the wire rope 5 and achieving an automatic clamping effect.

[0038] The contraction direction of the tooth 13 is consistent with the travel direction of the wire rope 5, which means that the wire rope 5 can be smoothly embedded and clamped only when it moves in the preset direction. If there is a reverse pull or a tendency to retreat, the inclined surface of the tooth 13 will further compress the wire rope 5, enhance the locking ability, and prevent slippage.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the power box 1 is also provided with a discharge port 14, which is located below the sprocket 11. The structural design of the sprocket 11, together with the position layout of the discharge port 14, optimizes the material separation environment.

[0040] like Figure 1 As shown, the conveying pipe 2 is also provided with an inspection port 21 and a transparent pipe 22. The inspection port 21 and the transparent pipe 22 are arranged opposite to each other and are located on both sides of the feed inlet 3, which can detect faults in time and facilitate maintenance.

[0041] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such process, method, article, or apparatus.

[0042] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, substitutions and alterations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A novel tubular chain conveyor structure, characterized in that, It includes a power box (1), a conveying pipe (2), a feed inlet (3) and a scraper device. The power box (1) is located at the far end of the feed inlet (3). The conveying pipe (2) is used to connect the power box (1) and the feed inlet (3) and provides a travel channel for the scraper device. The scraper device includes a wire rope (5) and several scrapers (4) that are detachably fixed to the outside of the wire rope (5). The wire rope (5) is used to cooperate with the power box (1) to drive the scrapers (4) to move in the conveying pipe (2).

2. The novel tubular chain conveyor structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The scraper (4) includes a first semi-annular plate (41a), a second semi-annular plate (41b), a first bushing (42a), and a second bushing (42b). The first semi-annular plate (41a) and the second semi-annular plate (41b) are arranged opposite to each other to form a receiving space I for accommodating the first bushing (42a) and the second bushing (42b). The first bushing (42a) and the second bushing (42b) are arranged opposite to each other to form a receiving space II for accommodating the wire rope (5).

3. The novel tubular chain conveyor structure according to claim 2, characterized in that, The first bushing (42a) and the second bushing (42b) each include an upper fixing ring (421), a lower fixing ring (422) and a bushing cylinder (423). The bushing cylinder (423) is located between the upper fixing ring (421) and the lower fixing ring (422). The upper fixing ring (421) and the lower fixing ring (422) are each provided with a fixing seat (424). The first bushing (42a) and the second bushing (42b) are connected by bolts through the fixing seat (424) to form a crimp connection with the wire rope (5).

4. The novel tubular chain conveyor structure according to claim 3, characterized in that, The inner walls of both bushing cylinders (423) are provided with a plurality of oblique stripes (425), which abut against the wire rope (5); the outer walls of both bushing cylinders (423) are provided with a plurality of protruding strips (426), which are aligned with the axial direction of the bushing cylinders (423). The inner walls of the first semi-annular plate (41a) and the second semi-annular plate (41b) are provided with a plurality of grooves (411), and a plurality of the protrusions (426) can be embedded in the corresponding grooves (411).

5. The novel tubular chain conveyor structure according to claim 4, characterized in that, Both ends of the first semi-annular plate (41a) and the second semi-annular plate (41b) are provided with at least one fixing hole (412). When the several protrusions (426) are embedded in the corresponding grooves (411), the first semi-annular plate (41a) and the second semi-annular plate (41b) can be connected by bolts through the fixing hole plate (413) to form a pressing connection between the two bushing cylinders (423).

6. The novel tubular chain conveyor structure according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power box (1) includes a rotatable sprocket (11), on which a plurality of chain teeth (12) are evenly arranged, and each of the plurality of chain teeth (12) is provided with a tooth groove (13). The width of the plurality of tooth grooves (13) gradually narrows, and the narrowing direction of the plurality of tooth grooves (13) is consistent with the traveling direction of the wire rope (5).

7. The novel tubular chain conveyor structure according to claim 6, characterized in that, The power box (1) is also provided with a discharge port (14), which is located below the sprocket (11).

8. The novel tubular chain conveyor structure according to claim 5 or 7, characterized in that, The conveying pipe (2) is also provided with an inspection port (21) and a transparent pipe (22), which are arranged opposite to each other and located on both sides of the feed inlet (3).

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