An adaptive modular splint chain

Abstract

The utility model discloses a kind of self-adapting modularization clamping plate chain, it is related to mechanical transmission technical field.The chain includes a plurality of modularization units sequentially connected by hinge shaft.Each modularization unit includes main clamping plate and sub-clamping plate hinged by spring damping structure, and sub-clamping plate is equipped with locking mechanism.Main, sub-clamping plate inside is embedded buffer layer.Hinge shaft is hollow shaft with inner lubricating oil channel, and is equipped with angle compensation bearing.The chain is also provided with torque sensing module, for detecting chain load and with locking mechanism signal connection, when load is over limit, control locking mechanism action, lock sub-clamping plate.The utility model can automatically switch between flexible buffering and rigid bearing state according to load, with good angle compensation ability and long-acting lubrication characteristics, effectively improve the reliability, adaptability and service life of chain under complex working conditions such as heavy load, impact.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of mechanical transmission technology, specifically to a chain structure for heavy equipment, lifting machinery or conveying systems. Background Technology

[0002] Chains, as a common transmission and traction component, are widely used in many industrial fields such as mining, ports, and metallurgy. Traditional chains, such as bushing roller chains, while structurally mature, still have some shortcomings in practical use. First, the links of traditional chains are mostly rigid structures, lacking effective buffering and self-adaptive capabilities when subjected to impact loads or traversing irregular tracks. This easily leads to significant stress concentration, causing premature fatigue damage to components such as chain plates and pins. Second, the lubrication conditions at the hinge points of traditional chains are limited, making them prone to wear under heavy loads and harsh conditions, thus affecting their service life. Furthermore, traditional chains lack the ability to automatically adjust their structural stiffness according to load changes, and cannot intelligently switch between different working conditions requiring flexible buffering and rigid locking.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a new type of chain structure that can adapt to load changes, has buffering capabilities and angle compensation functions, thereby extending service life and improving operational stability. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide an adaptive modular clamp chain that can automatically adjust its rigidity according to the load size and has good buffering and deflection compensation capabilities.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides the following technical solution: An adaptive modular clamp chain includes multiple modular units connected sequentially via hinge axes.

[0006] The modular unit includes a main clamping plate and a secondary clamping plate hinged to the main clamping plate via a spring-damped structure. The secondary clamping plate is rotatable relative to the main clamping plate about the hinge point and is equipped with a locking mechanism for locking its rotation angle. This design allows the chain to have a certain degree of flexibility during normal operation, while quickly transforming into a rigid structure under heavy loads.

[0007] The inner surfaces of both the main clamping plate and the auxiliary clamping plate are embedded with a buffer layer to provide cushioning when clamping or contacting the object being moved, thereby reducing impact and noise.

[0008] The hinge shaft is a hollow shaft with internal lubrication channels to facilitate the introduction of lubricating oil into the hinge friction pair for continuous lubrication. Furthermore, an angle-compensating bearing is installed on the hinge shaft, allowing for a certain radial deflection between adjacent modular units to accommodate uneven tracks or uneven load distribution.

[0009] The chain also includes a torque sensing module, which is located at the connection point of adjacent modular units and is used to detect the load on the chain in real time. This torque sensing module is signal-connected to the locking mechanism. When the detected load exceeds a set value, it immediately sends a control signal to the locking mechanism, causing it to activate and lock the sub-clamp plate onto the main clamp plate, preventing further rotation and thus enhancing the rigidity of that chain section.

[0010] Furthermore, the main clamping plate is made of high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite material, and the surface is hardened to enhance wear resistance. The interior has a hollow honeycomb structure designed through topology optimization, which achieves lightweight while ensuring strength.

[0011] Furthermore, the rotation adjustment range of the sub-clamp is 0°~30°, and the locking mechanism is an electromagnetic clutch located on the main clamp or the sub-clamp. When the electromagnetic clutch is energized, it generates magnetic attraction or mechanical locking, thereby achieving rapid locking of the sub-clamp.

[0012] Furthermore, the buffer layer is made of polyurethane elastomer material, which has excellent wear resistance, elasticity, and tear resistance.

[0013] Furthermore, the angle-compensating bearing allows for radial deflection between adjacent modular units within a range of ±5°, effectively compensating for installation errors and trajectory deviations during operation.

[0014] Furthermore, the torque sensing module includes a strain gauge mounted on the hinge shaft or main clamping plate and a signal processor for processing the strain gauge signals. When the deformation signal detected by the strain gauge indicates that the load exceeds a set threshold, the signal processor outputs a locking control signal to the locking mechanism.

[0015] Furthermore, the hinge shaft is made of 42CrMo alloy steel and has undergone quenching and tempering treatment, with a hardness of HRC45 and 55, possessing high strength and high toughness.

[0016] Furthermore, the modular unit has a length of 50-100mm and a single section load-bearing capacity of 50-500kg, and can be designed and combined in series according to actual application requirements.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this utility model are: 1. Adaptive stiffness: Through the linkage between the torque sensing module and the locking mechanism, the chain stiffness is automatically adjusted. It provides flexible buffering under light loads and rigid locking under heavy loads, protecting both the chain itself and the transmission system.

[0018] 2. Modular and lightweight: The modular unit design facilitates production, maintenance and replacement; the use of lightweight and high-strength materials and topology optimization structure significantly reduces the weight of the chain while ensuring load-bearing capacity.

[0019] 3. Excellent buffering and compensation performance: The built-in buffer layer and spring damping structure effectively absorb shocks; the angle-compensated bearing allows for slight deflection, reducing edge wear and additional stress caused by misalignment.

[0020] 4. Long-lasting lubrication and high reliability: The lubrication channels inside the hinge shaft ensure continuous lubrication of the core friction pair. Combined with high-strength materials and heat treatment processes, the wear resistance and overall service life of the chain are significantly improved. Attached Figure Description The accompanying drawings are provided to further illustrate the present invention and form part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of the present invention to explain the present invention, but do not constitute a limitation thereof. In the drawings: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a modular unit structure according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0021] In the diagram: 1. Modular unit; 11. Main clamping plate; 12. Sub-clamping plate; 13. Spring damping structure; 14. Buffer layer; 15. Electromagnetic clutch; 2. Hinge shaft; 3. Torque sensing module. Detailed Implementation

[0022] 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.

[0023] See Figure 1The adaptive modular clamping chain of this invention includes multiple modular units 1, which are connected sequentially via hinge shafts 2. The core of each modular unit 1 is a main clamping plate 11 and a secondary clamping plate 12. The main clamping plate 11 is preferably made of high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite material, with a hardened surface and a hollow honeycomb structure inside, ensuring both structural strength and lightweight design. The secondary clamping plate 12 is hinged to one end of the main clamping plate 11 via a spring damping structure 13 with a built-in spring, allowing the secondary clamping plate 12 to swing freely relative to the main clamping plate 11 within a range of 0° to 30°. Within the rotational adjustment range of the secondary clamping plate 12, the user can adjust the clamping angle according to actual working conditions. A buffer layer 14 is embedded on the inner side of both the main clamping plate 11 and the secondary clamping plate 12. This buffer layer 14 is made of polyurethane material with a thickness of 3-5mm. The buffer layer 14 has good elasticity and wear resistance, effectively absorbing impact loads, reducing noise during transmission, and enhancing the fit with the workpiece, thus improving clamping stability.

[0024] The locking mechanism employs an electromagnetic clutch, with its stator mounted on the main clamping plate 11 and its rotor connected to the auxiliary clamping plate 12. Under normal conditions, the electromagnetic clutch is de-energized and disengaged, allowing the auxiliary clamping plate 12 to move freely.

[0025] Hinge shaft 2 is made of 42CrMo alloy steel with a hardness of HRC35-40. After tempering, it possesses high strength and moderate hardness. The shaft is hollow, with internal lubrication channels running axially throughout the entire hinge shaft to provide lubrication to all connected parts. Hinge shaft 2 is equipped with an angle-compensating bearing, which allows the two connected modular units 1 to radially deflect within a range of ±5°, enabling the chain to adapt to non-linear drive paths and improving application flexibility.

[0026] The torque sensing module 3 is located at the connection point of adjacent modular units 1, including the root of the hinge shaft 2 or the stress-bearing part of the main clamping plate 11. Its core is a strain gauge attached to a metal surface and a miniature signal processor. The strain gauge can sensitively sense the minute deformation of the chain caused by the load and convert it into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the signal processor 32.

[0027] The locking mechanism employs an electromagnetic clutch, mounted on either the main clamping plate 11 or the auxiliary clamping plate 12. Upon receiving a locking control signal, the electromagnetic clutch is energized to generate magnetic force, locking the auxiliary clamping plate 12 in its current position and preventing further rotation, thereby achieving reliable clamping of the workpiece. When the load decreases below a set threshold, the electromagnetic clutch is de-energized and released, and the auxiliary clamping plate 12 returns to its initial position under the action of the spring damping structure 13.

[0028] The modular unit 1 of this invention has a length of 50-100mm and a single section load capacity of 50-500kg. Users can select different specifications of modular units according to actual working conditions and adjust the chain length by increasing or decreasing the number of units to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0029] The working principle of this utility model is as follows: When the chain is running normally, the load is small, and the signal detected by the torque sensing module 3 does not reach the preset threshold. At this time, the electromagnetic clutch is not working, and the sub-clamp 12 is in a floating state under the action of the spring damping structure 13. The entire chain has a certain degree of flexibility and can effectively absorb vibrations and impacts from the transmission or conveying process.

[0030] When the chain is suddenly subjected to a heavy load or impact load (e.g., a sudden start or jamming of a hoist), the stress on the hinge shaft 2 and the main clamping plate 11 increases sharply, and strain gauges detect this change. The signal processor quickly processes the signal, and once it determines that the load exceeds the safety threshold, it immediately sends a pulse current to the electromagnetic clutch. The electromagnetic clutch engages instantaneously, rigidly locking the auxiliary clamping plate 12 and the main clamping plate 11, preventing them from continuing to rotate relative to each other. This makes that section of the chain instantly become a rigid whole, greatly enhancing its bending and tensile strength, and effectively preventing chain deformation or breakage due to overload. When the load returns to normal, the signal processor cuts off the current, the electromagnetic clutch disengages, and the chain returns to its flexible state.

[0031] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is merely a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is not intended to limit the utility model. Although the utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model.

Claims

1. An adaptive modular clamp chain, comprising a plurality of modular units (1) connected sequentially via hinge shafts (2), characterized in that: The modular unit (1) includes a main clamping plate (11) and a secondary clamping plate (12) hinged to the main clamping plate (11) via a spring damping structure (13). The secondary clamping plate (12) can rotate relative to the main clamping plate (11) around the hinge point and is provided with a locking mechanism for locking its rotation angle. The inner surfaces of the main clamping plate (11) and the secondary clamping plate (12) are both embedded with a buffer layer (14). The hinge shaft (2) is a hollow shaft with a lubricating oil channel (21) inside, and an angle compensation bearing (22) is installed on the hinge shaft (2). The chain also includes a torque sensing module (3). The torque sensing module (3) is located at the connection of adjacent modular units (1) and is used to detect the load on the chain and is connected to the locking mechanism. When the load exceeds the set value, the locking mechanism is controlled to operate.

2. The adaptive modular clamp chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The main clamping plate (11) is made of high-strength aluminum alloy or carbon fiber composite material, with a hardened surface and a hollow honeycomb structure with topology optimization design inside.

3. The adaptive modular clamp chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rotation adjustment range of the sub-clamp plate (12) is 0°-30°, and the locking mechanism is an electromagnetic clutch (15) provided on the main clamp plate (11) or the sub-clamp plate (12).

4. The adaptive modular clamp chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The buffer layer (14) is made of polyurethane elastomer material.

5. The adaptive modular clamp chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The angle-compensating bearing (22) allows radial deflection between adjacent modular units (1) within a range of ±5°.

6. The adaptive modular clamp chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The torque sensing module (3) includes a strain gauge (31) disposed on the hinge shaft (2) or the main clamping plate (11) and a signal processor (32) for processing the signal of the strain gauge (31). When the detected load exceeds the set threshold, the signal processor (32) outputs a locking control signal to the locking mechanism.

7. The adaptive modular clamp chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hinge shaft (2) is made of 42CrMo alloy steel and has been quenched and tempered, with a hardness of HRC35-40.

8. The adaptive modular clamp chain according to claim 1, characterized in that: The length of the modular unit (1) is 50-100mm, and the load-bearing capacity of a single section is 50-500kg.

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