Easy-to-maintain plow-type unloader

Abstract

This utility model discloses a plow-type unloader that is easy to maintain, including a frame and a set of idlers mounted on it for supporting a conveyor belt. A gantry is fixed above the frame, and a rotating shaft seat is fixed on the upper part of the gantry. A hydraulic push-pull cylinder has trunnions on both sides of its cylinder seat, and the trunnions are rotatably connected to the rotating shaft seat. The end of the push-pull rod of the hydraulic push-pull cylinder is connected to the main plow head. A hydraulic power unit is positioned lower than the idler group and is fixed to the frame through a support frame. The hydraulic power unit is connected to the hydraulic push-pull cylinder pipeline and is used to drive the push-pull rod to extend and retract, thereby controlling the raising and lowering of the main plow head. This utility model can solve the problem of high-altitude operation, effectively lower the center of gravity of the equipment, and simplify the maintenance process. It has high safety, maintainability, and operational stability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the technical field of plow-type unloaders, and specifically to a plow-type unloader that is easy to maintain. Background Technology

[0002] The plow-type unloader is a key piece of equipment in belt conveyor systems for achieving targeted material unloading, and is widely used in bulk material conveying fields such as mining, power, ports, and metallurgy. Its core working principle is that an electro-hydraulic actuator drives the plow head to fall and press against the running conveyor belt, thereby scraping the material off the belt surface into a designated hopper or bin.

[0003] In traditional plow-type unloader designs, the motor, hydraulic pump station, and pusher body of the electro-hydraulic actuator are typically mounted as a single unit on the top frame of the unloader body. This high-position installation method results in an installation height typically three meters or more above the ground. This arrangement has revealed numerous drawbacks during actual long-term operation and maintenance.

[0004] First, when the motor, hydraulic station, or related valve assembly needs inspection and maintenance, maintenance personnel must use ladders, scaffolding, or lifting platforms to perform high-altitude operations. This not only makes routine maintenance work time-consuming and labor-intensive, but also makes it extremely difficult to access, disassemble, and install tools and parts in the confined high-altitude environment, severely impacting maintenance efficiency. Second, high-level installation adversely affects the operational stability of the entire equipment. As the heaviest parts of the entire drive system, placing the motor and hydraulic unit at the top of the equipment results in a significantly higher center of gravity for the unloader head. During the start-up, shutdown, or fluctuations in the belt conveyor's operation, this higher center of gravity exacerbates equipment swaying, potentially affecting the reliability of structural connections in the long run. Furthermore, to meet the inspection and maintenance needs of high-level components, process design often necessitates installing the same number of dedicated cross-access maintenance ladders or platforms along the line. These auxiliary facilities not only increase the initial investment of the project but also further complicate the already tight workshop or corridor space layout, squeezing the operation and maintenance passages on both sides of the belt conveyor and causing inconvenience for the inspection and access of other equipment.

[0005] Therefore, there is an urgent need in the field for a plow-type unloader with a new electro-hydraulic actuator layout that can solve the problem of high-altitude operation, effectively lower the center of gravity of the equipment, simplify the maintenance process, and have high safety, maintainability and operational stability. Utility Model Content

[0006] This utility model provides a plow-type unloader that is easy to maintain, which can solve the problem of high-altitude operation, effectively lower the center of gravity of the equipment, simplify the maintenance process, and has high safety, maintainability and operational stability.

[0007] To achieve these objectives and other advantages of this utility model, a plow-type unloader that is easy to maintain is provided, comprising a frame and a set of idlers mounted thereon for supporting a conveyor belt. A gantry is fixed above the frame, and a rotating shaft seat is fixed on the upper part of the gantry. A hydraulic push-pull cylinder has trunnions on both sides of its cylinder seat, and the trunnions are rotatably connected to the rotating shaft seat. The end of the push-pull rod of the hydraulic push-pull cylinder is connected to the main plow head. A hydraulic power unit is positioned below the idler roller set and is fixed to the frame through a support frame. The hydraulic power unit is connected to the hydraulic push-pull cylinder pipeline and is used to drive the push-pull rod to extend and retract, thereby controlling the raising and lowering of the main plow head.

[0008] Preferably, the frame legs are provided with flanges at their ends, and the frame legs are fixed to the ground by bolts.

[0009] Preferably, the support frame is fixed to the frame legs of the frame and located on the side of the frame.

[0010] Preferably, the hydraulic power unit is installed at a height of 200-550mm above the ground.

[0011] Preferably, the support frame includes a track frame and a load-bearing frame. The track frame is fixed between the support legs of the frame and includes two parallel track beams. A row of rollers is provided on the track beams. The load-bearing frame is slidably disposed on the two rows of rollers and can slide to the side of the frame. The hydraulic power unit is fixed on the load-bearing frame.

[0012] Preferably, the rollers are arranged in a row on the inner sides of the two track beams facing each other. The load-bearing frame includes two sliding beams with a U-shaped cross-section to form a channel. The channel is slidably engaged with a row of rollers on the corresponding side. Mounting plates are connected to the two track beams, and the hydraulic power unit is mounted on the mounting plates.

[0013] Preferably, the end of the load-bearing frame is connected to a downwardly extending support leg, and the bottom of the support leg is equipped with a roller for contacting the ground.

[0014] Preferably, the track beam has a row of vertical fixing holes along its length, and the mounting plate has lugs extending horizontally on both sides. The lugs have through holes. When the load-bearing frame slides to the target position, the through holes and the fixing holes are coaxially aligned, and a positioning pin is detachably inserted into the coaxially aligned through holes and fixing holes.

[0015] Preferably, each of the two working ports of the hydraulic push-pull cylinder is connected to a first hose, and each of the two corresponding hydraulic ports of the hydraulic power unit is connected to a second hose. Each first hose and the second hose are connected by a set of hydraulic quick-connect fittings.

[0016] Preferably, the female end of the hydraulic quick-connect fitting is located at the end of the first hose and is fixedly installed on the frame; the male end of the hydraulic quick-connect fitting is located at the end of the second hose.

[0017] This utility model has at least the following beneficial effects: First, by setting the hydraulic power unit below the idler roller assembly, this utility model moves the core components requiring routine maintenance from the traditional high-altitude position to a height close to the ground. Maintenance personnel can directly observe, debug, and repair the hydraulic power unit from the ground, completely avoiding the risk of falling from heights. At the same time, it makes the access to tools and parts more convenient, greatly improving the efficiency and safety of maintenance work.

[0018] Secondly, this invention improves the overall stability of the equipment during operation. The structure moves the weight-concentrated hydraulic power unit down from the upper gantry area of ​​the equipment, significantly lowering the center of gravity of the unloader head. This low-position arrangement reduces the swaying and overturning torque generated when the equipment starts up, stops, or is impacted by materials, making the hydraulic push-pull cylinder drive the main plow head more smoothly and reliably, reducing the dynamic load on the frame and its connecting structures, and helping to extend the service life of the equipment.

[0019] Third, this utility model optimizes the overall structural layout and saves space. Since the hydraulic power unit is independently set at a low position, there is no need to specially configure a maintenance ladder or complex maintenance platform to maintain its status at the top. This makes the layout along the belt conveyor and around the plow unloader more compact and simple, leaving more spacious maintenance passages and operating space for the workshop or corridor.

[0020] Other advantages, objectives and features of this invention will be partly apparent from the following description, and partly understood by those skilled in the art through study and practice of this invention. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall device in one technical solution of this utility model; Figure 2 This is a front view of the device in one technical solution of this utility model; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the pull-out support frame in one technical solution of this utility model; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the disassembly of the support frame in one technical solution of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the hydraulic power unit in one technical solution of this utility model.

[0022] Reference numerals: 1-Hydraulic push-pull cylinder, 10-Ternary shaft, 11-First hose, 12-Push-pull rod, 13-Cylinder seat, 2-Hydraulic power unit, 21-Asynchronous motor, 22-Distribution valve, 23-Oil tank, 24-Second hose, 3-Support frame, 31-Bearing frame, 311-Sliding beam, 312-Mounting plate, 313-Support leg, 32-Rail frame, 321-Connecting beam, 322-Rail beam, 323-Roller, 320-Fixing hole, 33-Positioning pin, 4-Frame, 41-Frame support leg, 42-Roller assembly, 5-Gantry, 51-Rotating shaft seat, 6-Main plow head, 7-Hydraulic quick connector. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, so that those skilled in the art can implement it based on the description.

[0024] It should be understood that terms such as “having,” “comprising,” and “including” as used herein do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other elements or combinations thereof.

[0025] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the experimental methods described in the following embodiments are conventional methods, and the components described are commercially available unless otherwise specified. In the description of this utility model, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly stated and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "setting" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connection or setting, detachable connection or setting, or integral connection or setting. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this utility model based on the specific circumstances. The terms "lateral," "longitudinal," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing this utility model and simplifying the description. They do not indicate or imply that the device or component referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this utility model.

[0026] like Figure 1-5As shown, the technical solution of this application provides a plow-type unloader that is easy to maintain. The plow-type unloader includes a frame 4 and a roller assembly 42 mounted on it for supporting the conveyor belt. A gantry 5 is fixed above the frame 4, and a rotating shaft seat 51 is fixed on the upper part of the gantry 5. A hydraulic push-pull cylinder 1 has trunnions 10 on both sides of its cylinder seat 13. The trunnions 10 are rotatably connected to the rotating shaft seat 51. The end of the push-pull rod 12 of the hydraulic push-pull cylinder 1 is connected to the main plow head 6. A hydraulic power unit 2 is positioned below the roller assembly 42. The hydraulic power unit 2 is fixed to the frame 4 through a support frame 3. The hydraulic power unit 2 is connected to the hydraulic push-pull cylinder 1 through a pipeline and is used to drive the push-pull rod 12 to extend and retract, thereby controlling the raising and lowering of the main plow head 6. The frame 4 serves as the basic support for the entire equipment, and the roller assembly 42 for supporting the conveyor belt is mounted on it. A gantry 5 is fixed above the frame 4. A rotating shaft seat 51 on the upper part of the gantry 5 provides a mounting point for the hydraulic push-pull cylinder 1. The hydraulic push-pull cylinder 1 is rotatably connected to the rotating shaft seat 51 through the trunnions 10 on both sides of its cylinder seat 13. The end of the push-pull rod 12 of the hydraulic push-pull cylinder 1 is connected to the main plow head 6. The lifting and lowering action of the main plow head 6 is achieved by the extension and retraction of the push-pull rod 12. The hydraulic power unit 2 is set at a position lower than the roller group 42 and is fixed to the frame 4 by a specially designed support frame 3. The hydraulic power unit 2 includes an asynchronous motor 21, a distribution valve 22, an oil tank 23, and a gear pump that is driven by the asynchronous motor 21. The distribution valve 22 is connected to the hydraulic push-pull cylinder 1 through a hydraulic pipeline, forming a complete hydraulic transmission system.

[0027] In this technical solution, the low-positioning of the hydraulic power unit 2 significantly improves maintenance conditions, allowing maintenance personnel to complete routine maintenance and troubleshooting without working at heights, greatly enhancing safety and convenience. Secondly, this arrangement effectively lowers the equipment's center of gravity, transferring the weight of the hydraulic power unit 2 from the top to the bottom, enhancing the stability and reliability of the equipment during operation. Finally, the optimized structural layout saves installation space, eliminating the need for a dedicated high-altitude maintenance platform, making the surrounding space more open and facilitating the installation and maintenance of other equipment. This design not only considers the functionality of the equipment but also addresses the user's perspective, effectively solving maintenance challenges in practical applications.

[0028] In another technical solution, the frame support leg 41 of the frame body 4 is provided with a flange at the end. The frame support leg 41 is fixed to the ground by bolts. The flange connection structure is a standard mechanical connection method. By opening bolt holes on the flange and using high-strength bolts, nuts and washers of the corresponding specifications, the frame support leg 41 is firmly installed on the ground foundation or embedded parts.

[0029] In another technical solution, the support frame 3 is fixed to the frame support leg 41 of the frame body 4 and located on the side of the frame body 4. The side mounting allows the hydraulic power unit 2 to be removed from the material drop area directly below the unloader body, avoiding dust accumulation and material spillage that could contaminate or impact the unit. It also provides operators with a ground-level, open, and easily accessible maintenance station.

[0030] In another technical solution, the hydraulic power unit 2 is positioned at a height between 200 and 550 mm above the ground. This height allows maintenance personnel to comfortably observe and operate the motor, hydraulic valve assembly, and oil tank level without having to bend over significantly or adopt an awkward posture, greatly reducing labor intensity. Simultaneously, this height ensures sufficient space between the bottom of the unit and the ground, facilitating foundation cleaning and preventing direct erosion from ground moisture, water accumulation, or minor scouring.

[0031] In another technical solution, the support frame 3 includes a track frame 32 and a load-bearing frame 31. The track frame 32 is fixed between the frame legs 41 and includes two parallel track beams 322. A row of rollers 323 is provided on each track beam 322. The load-bearing frame 31 is slidably mounted on the two rows of rollers 323 and can slide to the side of the frame 4. The hydraulic power unit 2 is fixed to the load-bearing frame 31. The track frame 32 includes two connecting beams 321, with both ends of the connecting beams 321 fixed to the frame legs 41. The track beams 322 are mounted on the connecting beams 321. Through the cooperation of the track beams 322 and the rollers 323, a movable mounting platform is provided for the hydraulic power unit 2. When the equipment needs inspection or maintenance, maintenance personnel can operate directly from the ground, smoothly sliding the entire load-bearing frame 31 along the track beams 322 to the outside of the frame 4. This process allows the hydraulic power unit 2 to be moved to an open space without disassembling any pipes or components, creating convenient operating conditions for maintenance work.

[0032] In another technical solution, the rollers 323 are arranged in rows on the inner sides of the two track beams 322. The load-bearing frame 31 includes two sliding beams 311. The sliding beams 311 have a U-shaped cross-section to form a channel. The channel is slidably engaged with a row of rollers 323 on the corresponding side. Mounting plates 312 are connected to the two track beams 322. The hydraulic power unit 2 is mounted on the mounting plate 312. The rollers 323 are arranged on the inner sides of the track beams 322, and the sliding beams 311 are designed as U-shaped channels with outward openings. This allows the channels to engage with the respective rows of rollers 323 from both sides, forming an effective lateral constraint. This solves the risk of deviation, jamming, and derailment that may occur during the sliding process of the load-bearing frame 31. The mounting plate 312 spans and is fixed to the two sliding beams 311, connecting the sliding beams 311 into a rigid integral frame.

[0033] In another technical solution, the end of the load-bearing frame 31 is connected to a downwardly extending support leg 313. The bottom of the support leg 313 is equipped with a roller for contacting the ground. When the maintenance personnel slide the load-bearing frame 31 and the hydraulic power unit 2 on it from the working position to the outside of the frame 4, the support leg 313 can extend accordingly and use the roller at its bottom to stably contact and support the ground, preventing the frame from sinking or deforming due to excessive front load.

[0034] In another technical solution, the track beam 322 has a row of vertical fixing holes 320 along its length. The mounting plate 312 has horizontally extending lugs on both sides, each lug having a through hole. When the load-bearing frame 31 slides to the target position, the through hole and the fixing hole 320 are coaxially aligned. A positioning pin 33 is detachably inserted into the coaxially aligned through hole and fixing hole 320. The load-bearing frame 31 can be locked in multiple preset positions, providing operational flexibility. After sliding to the target position, simply inserting the positioning pin 33 into the aligned through hole and fixing hole 320 achieves mechanical rigid interlocking, preventing accidental movement of the load-bearing frame 31 due to vibration during operation.

[0035] In another technical solution, each of the two working ports of the hydraulic push-pull cylinder 1 is connected to a first flexible hose 11, and each of the two corresponding hydraulic ports of the hydraulic power unit 2 is connected to a second flexible hose 24. Each first flexible hose 11 and second flexible hose 24 is connected via a hydraulic quick-connect fitting 7. When maintenance personnel slide the hydraulic power unit 2 out along with the support frame 31, the flexible second flexible hose 24 can bend and move freely, avoiding the risk of pipe breakage, connector damage, or oil leakage caused by forced pulling.

[0036] In another technical solution, the female end of the hydraulic quick-connect coupling 7 is located at the end of the first hose 11 and is fixedly installed on the frame 4; the male end of the hydraulic quick-connect coupling 7 is located at the end of the second hose 24. During connection or disconnection operations, all bending and movement occur on the flexible second hose 24, while the female end fixed on the frame 4 remains stable. This not only protects the coupling itself but also makes the operation process simpler and more directional. When the male and female ends are disconnected, they can automatically seal the oil circuit. Combined with the flexibility of the hose itself, they together form a safe, leak-proof, and resilient quick-connection system that can withstand repeated plugging and unplugging, perfectly meeting the maintenance needs of this sliding power unit.

[0037] The number of devices and processing scale described herein are for the purpose of simplifying the description of this utility model. Applications, modifications, and variations of this utility model will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.

[0038] Although the embodiments of this utility model have been disclosed above, they are not limited to the applications listed in the specification and embodiments. They can be applied to various fields suitable for this utility model. For those skilled in the art, other modifications can be easily made. Therefore, without departing from the general concept defined by the claims and their equivalents, this utility model is not limited to the specific details and the illustrations shown and described herein.

Claims

1. A plow-type unloader that is easy to maintain, comprising a frame (4) and a set of idlers (42) mounted thereon for supporting a conveyor belt, characterized in that: A gantry (5) is fixed above the frame (4), and a rotating shaft seat (51) is fixed on the upper part of the gantry (5); The hydraulic push-pull cylinder (1) has trunnions (10) on both sides of its cylinder seat (13). The trunnions (10) are rotatably connected to the rotating shaft seat (51). The end of the push-pull rod (12) of the hydraulic push-pull cylinder (1) is connected to the main plow (6). The hydraulic power unit (2) is positioned below the idler roller group (42). The hydraulic power unit (2) is fixed to the frame (4) via the support frame (3). The hydraulic power unit (2) is connected to the hydraulic push-pull cylinder (1) via pipeline and is used to drive the push-pull rod (12) to extend and retract, thereby controlling the rise and fall of the main plow head (6).

2. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The frame (4) has flanges at the ends of its frame legs (41), and the frame legs (41) are fixed to the ground by bolts.

3. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The support frame (3) is fixed on the frame support leg (41) of the frame body (4) and is located on the side of the frame body (4).

4. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic power unit (2) is installed at a height of 200-550mm above the ground.

5. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The support frame (3) includes a track frame (32) and a load-bearing frame (31). The track frame (32) is fixed between the frame legs (41) and includes two parallel track beams (322). A row of rollers (323) is provided on the track beams (322). The load-bearing frame (31) is slidably disposed on the two rows of rollers (323) and can slide to the side of the frame (4). The hydraulic power unit (2) is fixed on the load-bearing frame (31).

6. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The rollers (323) are arranged in a row on the inner sides of the two track beams (322) respectively. The load-bearing frame (31) includes two sliding beams (311). The sliding beams (311) have a U-shaped cross-section to form a channel. The channel is slidably engaged with a row of rollers (323) on the corresponding side. The two track beams (322) are connected to mounting plates (312). The hydraulic power unit (2) is mounted on the mounting plate (312).

7. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The end of the load-bearing frame (31) is connected to a downwardly extending support leg (313), and the bottom of the support leg (313) is equipped with a roller for contacting the ground.

8. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 6, characterized in that, The track beam (322) has a row of vertical fixing holes (320) along its length. The mounting plate (312) has lugs extending horizontally on both sides. The lugs have through holes. When the load-bearing frame (31) slides to the target position, the through holes and the fixing holes (320) are coaxially aligned. A positioning pin (33) is detachably inserted into the coaxially aligned through holes and fixing holes (320).

9. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The hydraulic push-pull cylinder (1) has two working ports connected to a first hose (11), and the hydraulic power unit (2) has two corresponding hydraulic ports connected to a second hose (24). Each first hose (11) and second hose (24) is connected by a set of hydraulic quick connectors (7).

10. The plow-type unloader as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The female end of the hydraulic quick-connector (7) is located at the end of the first hose (11) and is fixedly installed on the frame (4); the male end of the hydraulic quick-connector (7) is located at the end of the second hose (24).

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