Material conveying chain and conveying device equipped with said chain

Abstract

To provide a material conveying chain and a conveying device equipped with said chain that are highly reliable and simultaneously low-noise. [Solution] A closed-loop chain 3 for conveying material along a direction of movement, comprising a plurality of cardan joints 12 and a plurality of links 10, each link comprising a connecting portion configured to be connected by its respective cardan joint to the respective connecting portion 14 of an adjacent link, and a support portion 15 integral with the connecting portion and configured to define a plane for supporting the material being conveyed, each connecting portion extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a head and a tail projecting laterally from the head and defining an inner receiving seat formed to accommodate the head of the connecting portion of an adjacent link, the tail being formed to define two sides 28 substantially transverse to the plane of the support portion, each side being formed to define first and second contact surfaces 29a, 29b configured to cooperate with the teeth of a sprocket of a conveying device when in use.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross - reference to related applications This utility model registration application claims priority based on Italian Utility Model Registration Application No. 202025000002353 filed on May 28, 2025, and the entire disclosure thereof is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to a material conveying chain. The present invention also relates to a conveying device for an automated plant. [[ID=??]]

[0003] The related technical field of the present invention relates to chains and devices for material conveyance in the industrial field. In other words, the present invention belongs to the technical field of industrial conveying systems and, more generally, the technical field of mechanical engineering applied to industrial automation.

Background Art

[0004] As is well known, there are various types of chains for material conveyance in the industrial field.

[0005] One type of material - conveying chain, often referred to as a "slat conveyor chain", comprises a plurality of links connected to each other, and each link is provided with respective flat wing portions also known as support portions. The wing portions are formed so as to respectively define a plane for supporting the conveyed material, and in a state where the links are connected to each other, the wing portions define a conveying surface. The shape of the wing portions and the distance between one wing portion and the other wing portion during use can be changed according to the application and the type of material to be conveyed.

[0006] The links of the chain are usually formed so as to be meshed with at least two toothed sprockets of a conveying device.

[0007] It should be noted that there seems to be a typo in the original text where "<00?0010> " has an unclear "??" in the ID. The above translation is based on the best understanding of the text.These chains are used on straight and / or curved paths and are widely used for conveying all kinds of materials, such as containers, parts and components in industrial production lines and assembly lines, and materials in packaging lines for all kinds of products.

[0008] In some cases, chains may be arranged in parallel to transport materials whose dimensions exceed the width of a single chain's wing (understood as the dimension in the direction transverse to the direction of movement). [Overview of the Initiative] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] However, this type of chain often has several drawbacks.

[0010] For example, the engagement with the sprocket is not always reliable and may not be suitable for bidirectional chain operation. Furthermore, if there is excessive clearance between the links of one chain and the other, collisions between the links can occur, resulting in increased noise, especially as the chain's operating speed increases, and a decrease in the chain's mechanical capacity to withstand stress.

[0011] Therefore, the object of this invention is to provide a material conveying chain that is not affected by the aforementioned drawbacks of the prior art, and in particular, to provide a chain that is highly reliable, low-noise, and overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks in a simple and economical manner from both a functional and structural standpoint. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] In accordance with these objectives, the present invention relates to the material conveying chain described in claim 1.

[0013] A further objective of this invention is to provide a material handling device that is more reliable and features reduced noise compared to prior art solutions.

[0014] To these purposes, the present invention also relates to the material conveying device described in claim 14. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0015] Further features and advantages of the present invention will be best understood by carefully reading the following description of non-limiting embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0016] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the material transport device according to the present invention in the first configuration. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the material transport device according to the present invention in a second configuration. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a schematic view of the chain according to the present invention, with some parts omitted for clarity, from above. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a schematic view of the chain from below, with some parts omitted for clarity. [Figure 5] Figure 5 is a schematic perspective view showing the details of the chain in Figure 4. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is a perspective view of the chain from Figure 3, with some parts removed for clarity. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the material transport device according to this disclosure in a radial meshing operation configuration, with the cross-sectional portion and some parts excluded for clarity. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the material transport device according to this disclosure in a tangential meshing operation configuration, with some parts excluded for clarity. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0017] In Figure 1, reference numeral 1 indicates a material 2 (sketched schematically) conveying device comprising a closed-loop chain 3 moved by a moving system 4 to define a conveyor belt.

[0018] In the example of FIG. 1, the moving system 4 includes at least one driving sprocket 5 that rotates about the rotation axis O1 and is coupled to a motor 6 (schematically shown in FIG. 1), and at least one idler sprocket 8 that rotates about the rotation axis O2 and is configured to guide the chain 3 and maintain the chain 3 in a tensioned state. The driving sprocket 5 and the idler sprocket 8 mesh with the chain 3 in a tangential direction. In other words, the teeth around the driving sprocket 5 and the idler sprocket 8 are connected to the chain 3 in a tangential direction with respect to the moving direction D of the chain 3.

[0019] Therefore, the rotation axes O1 and O2 are orthogonal to the moving direction D and to the conveying surface T defined by the chain 3.

[0020] FIG. 2 shows a second example of the material conveying device 1, and the moving device 4 includes a driving sprocket 5 and an idler sprocket 8 that mesh with the chain 3 in a radial direction. In other words, the teeth around the driving sprocket 5 and the idler sprocket 8 are connected to the chain 3 in a direction orthogonal to the conveying surface T defined by the chain 3.

[0021] In this configuration, the rotation axis O3 of the driving sprocket 5 and the rotation axis O4 of the idler sprocket 8 are parallel to the conveying surface T defined by the chain 3.

[0022] It should be understood that the configurations shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 are merely exemplary and are intended to schematically show two different types of connections between the driving sprocket 5 / chain 3 and / or the idler sprocket 8 / chain 3, which will be described in detail below. According to a variant, the idler sprocket in the configurations of FIGS. 1 and 2 does not have teeth.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the direction of movement D substantially indicates the path that chain 3 follows as it unfolds into a closed loop, and may include straight sections and / or curved sections. The direction of movement is not important in this description. Therefore, the direction of movement D is represented by a double-headed arrow indicating travel in both directions along the path of chain 3.

[0024] Referring to Figures 3 to 5, which show a portion of the chain 3 according to the present invention, the chain 3 comprises a plurality of links 10 connected to each other by a cardan-type joint 12 (more clearly visible in Figures 4 and 5).

[0025] Each link 10 comprises a connecting section 14 (more clearly visible in Figures 4 and 5) and a support section 15, which is integral with the connecting section 14 and is configured to form a plane 16 (more clearly visible in Figure 3) designed to support the material 2 being conveyed (not visible in Figures 3 to 5). The planes 16 of the interconnected links 10 substantially define the conveying surface T of the chain 3.

[0026] Referring particularly to Figures 4 and 5, each articulated section 14 extends along the longitudinal axis A. During use, the longitudinal axis A substantially coincides with the direction of movement D.

[0027] Each articulated section 14 is equipped with a head 17 and a tail 18.

[0028] The head 17 preferably has a spherical outer surface 20 and an inner seat portion 21 which is preferably open in the axial direction and preferably has a cylindrical wall 22.

[0029] The head 17 further preferably comprises two through slots 24 arranged radially opposite to each other along the cylindrical wall 22.

[0030] The tail 18 protrudes laterally relative to the head 17 and is formed to define an preferably axially open inner receiving seat 26 for accommodating the head 17 of an adjacent link.

[0031] Preferably, the inner seat portion 21 of the head 17 and the inner housing seat portion 26 of the tail 18 are connected.

[0032] The tail 18 further has two sides 28 that substantially transverse the plane 16 of the support portion 15.

[0033] Preferably, the side surface 28 is substantially perpendicular to the plane 16.

[0034] Each side surface 28 is provided with two contact surfaces 29a and 29b, which are formed to cooperate with the teeth (not shown) of the sprocket (drive sprocket 5 or idle sprocket 8) of the conveying device 1.

[0035] Referring to Figure 6, the contact surfaces 29a and 29b of each side 28 are arranged so as not to face each other and to converge toward the outside of the chain 3.

[0036] The contact surfaces 29a and 29b of each side 28 define a meshing seat 30 for each tooth (not shown) of the sprocket (drive sprocket 5 or idle sprocket 8) of the conveying device 1. The meshing seat 30 is substantially defined by the contact surface 29a of the tail 18 of the first link 10 and the contact surface 29b of the tail of link 10, whose head 17 is housed in the tail 18 of the first link 10. In other words, the meshing seat is substantially defined by the contact surfaces of the tails of two consecutive links, with the head of one link housed in the tail of the other.

[0037] Basically, the interlocking seat portion 30 is generated when the links 10 are connected to each other.

[0038] Preferably, the contact surfaces 29a, 29b of each side surface 28 form different angles with the adjacent side surface portion so as to define a converging wall, preferably a wall with a different incline.

[0039] The contact surface 29a is defined by the end portion of the side surface 28 of the tail 18, and the contact surface 29b is defined by the beginning portion of the side surface 28 of the tail 18 (basically, the side surface 28 that defines the "spread" of the tail relative to the head 17). When the links 10 are connected to each other during use, the contact surface 29a of one link 10 faces the contact surface 29b of the adjacent link so as to define the meshing seat 30.

[0040] During use, the teeth of the sprocket engage with the meshing seat 30 and cooperate with at least one of the contact surfaces 29a and 29b to determine the traction of the chain 3.

[0041] The teeth cooperate by contacting either one contact surface 29a or the other contact surface 29b, depending on the rotational direction and path of the chain 3 as it moves.

[0042] This configuration of the side surface 28 of the tail 18 makes it possible to form a meshing seat 30 that guarantees reliable tangential meshing in both directions.

[0043] Referring again to Figures 4 and 5, each cardan joint 12 is configured to provide two degrees of rotational freedom, namely a first axis of rotation P1 (preferably perpendicular to the direction of movement D) and a second axis of rotation P2 (perpendicular to the first axis of rotation P1 and similarly preferably perpendicular to the direction of movement D).

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, each joint 12 includes a pin 33 and a pivot 34.

[0045] The pin 33 extends along the first axis of rotation P1 and passes through the tail 18 of one link 10 and the head 17 of the adjacent link 10, which is housed in the inner housing seat 26.

[0046] In particular, the pin 33 passes through two holes 35 that are arranged radially opposite each other in the tail 18, leading to the inner housing seat 26.

[0047] The pivot 34 is pivotally attached to the pin 33 and housed in the inner seat 21 of the head 17. In particular, the pivot 34 has an outer surface 36 comprising at least one cylindrical portion, and is housed in the inner seat 21 of the head 17 such that the cylindrical portion of the outer surface 36 faces the cylindrical wall 22 of the inner seat 21.

[0048] During use, the pin 33 engages with the slot 24 of the head 17. The dimensions of the slot 24 determine the angle of rotation of the pivot 34 around the second axis of rotation P2.

[0049] By rotating the pivot 34 around the second axis of rotation P2, the chain 3 can adapt to straight and curved paths with small clearances and minimal noise.

[0050] The pivot 34 preferably comprises a free base 37 having an inclined surface 36, which, when in use, is configured to contact and cooperate with the teeth of each sprocket in the case of radial meshing.

[0051] The arrangement of link 10 and cardan-type coupling 12 ensures smooth and quiet transmission of motion even at high speeds.

[0052] Referring to Figure 3, the plane 16 defined by the support portion 15 is preferably formed according to a so-called "safety finger" design, which reduces the opening area on the upper surface of the chain when the link 10 is connected, thereby improving worker safety.

[0053] Basically, the plane 16 comprises a first edge 38 that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis A and the direction of movement D, and a second edge 39 that is transverse with respect to the longitudinal axis A and the direction of movement D. The first edge 38 is formed to have a shape substantially complementary to the second edge 39 so as to define the minimum free space between the first edge of one link 10 and the second edge of the adjacent link 10 when the links 10 are connected to each other.

[0054] Preferably, the first edge 38 substantially covers the head 17 of the articulated section 14, and the second edge 39 substantially covers the tail 18 of the articulated section 14.

[0055] The second edge 39 is preferably concave and is formed to define a curved portion 41 that is dimensioned to allow movement of the head 17 as the chain 3 moves along the path, particularly when the chain 3 is curved in a curved section.

[0056] In the non-limiting examples described and illustrated herein, the articulated section 14 and the support section 15 are preferably manufactured as a single, integral part formed from a plastic material.

[0057] Figure 7 shows the chain 3 according to the present invention in a radial meshing configuration of the sprocket (drive sprocket 5 or idle sprocket 8). In this configuration, the pivot 34 cooperates with the teeth of the sprocket to obtain traction for the chain 3. In practice, the teeth enter the inner seat portion 21 of the head 17 and cooperate with the pivot 34.

[0058] Figure 8 shows a chain 3 according to the present invention in a tangential meshing configuration of a sprocket (drive sprocket 5 or idle sprocket 8). In this configuration, as previously noted, the teeth of the sprocket engage with a meshing seat 30 defined by two contact surfaces 29a and 29b in order to obtain traction for the chain 3.

[0059] Advantageously, the chain 3 according to the present invention can be used in existing conveying devices and ensures stable, low-noise, bidirectional operation.

[0060] The aforementioned chain 3 and conveying device 1 have a modular structure that simplifies maintenance and can be adapted to various industrial configurations, including changes in link width.

[0061] Finally, it is clear that the chains and apparatus disclosed and illustrated herein may be modified and transformed without exceeding the scope of protection of this disclosure as defined in the attached utility model claims.

Claims

1. A closed-loop chain for transporting material along the direction of movement (D), Multiple cardan-type joints (12) and It comprises multiple links (10), and each link (10) is Each articulated section (14) of an adjacent link (10) is configured to be connected by a Cardan-type joint (12), Each of the aforementioned articulated sections (14) is integrated with a support section (15) configured to define a plane (16) for supporting the material (2) being transported, A closed-loop chain, wherein each articulated section (14) extends along a longitudinal axis (A) and comprises a head (17) and a tail (18) projecting laterally from the head (17) and defining an inner receiving seat (26) formed to accommodate the head (17) of an adjacent link (10), the tail (18) being formed to define two sides (28) substantially transverse to the plane (16) of the support section (15), each side (28) being formed to define first and second contact surfaces (29a, 29b) configured to cooperate with the teeth of the sprockets (5;8) of the conveying device (1) when in use.

2. The chain according to claim 1, wherein the first and second contact surfaces (29a, 29b) of each side surface (28) of the tail (18) are not facing each other.

3. The chain according to claim 2, wherein the first and second contact surfaces (29a, 29b) of each side surface (28) of the tail (18) converge toward the outside of the chain (3).

4. The chain according to claim 1, wherein a first contact surface (29a) is defined by the end portion of the side surface (28) of the tail (18), and a second contact surface (29b) is defined by the start portion of the side surface (28) of the tail (18), and when the links (10) are connected to each other during use, the first contact surface (29a) of one link (10) faces the second contact surface (29b) of an adjacent link (10) to define an interlocking seat (30).

5. The chain according to claim 1, wherein the longitudinal axis (A) substantially coincides with the direction of movement (D) when in use.

6. The chain according to claim 1, wherein the first and second contact surfaces (29a, 29b) of each side surface (28) are substantially perpendicular to the plane (16) of the support portion (15).

7. The chain according to claim 1, wherein each cardan-type coupling (12) is configured to define two degrees of rotational freedom about a first axis of rotation (P1) and a second axis of rotation (P2), and the first and second axes of rotation (P1, P2) are perpendicular to the direction of movement (D).

8. The aforementioned cardan-type joint (12) is A pin (33) extends along the first axis of rotation (P1) and passes through the tail (18) of one articulated section (14) and the head (17) of the adjacent articulated section (14) housed in the tail (18), The chain according to claim 7, comprising: a pivot (34) housed in the inner seat portion (21) of the head (17) and pivotally attached to the pin (33).

9. The chain according to claim 8, wherein the inner seat portion (21) of the head (17) is open and has a cylindrical wall (22), and the pivot (34) has an outer surface (36) including at least one cylindrical portion, and the cylindrical portion of the outer surface (36) is housed in the inner seat portion (21) of the head (17) such that it faces the cylindrical wall (22) of the inner seat portion (21).

10. The chain according to claim 8, wherein the pivot (34) is at least partially rotatable about the second axis of rotation (P2).

11. The chain according to claim 8, wherein the head (17) is arranged radially opposite to the other and has two slots (24) into which the pin (33) engages.

12. The chain according to claim 1, wherein the head (17) has a substantially spherical outer surface (20).

13. The chain according to claim 12, wherein the plane (16) comprises a first edge (38) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) and the direction of movement (D), and a second edge (39) transverse to the longitudinal axis (A) and the direction of movement (D), the first edge (38) being formed to have a shape substantially complementary to the second edge (39), thereby defining a minimum free space between the first edge of one link (10) and the second edge of an adjacent link (10) during use.

14. A conveying device for transporting materials, At least one chain (3) as described in claim 1, At least one motor (6) and A conveying device comprising at least one sprocket (5; 8) driven by the motor (6).

15. The conveying device according to claim 14, wherein the sprocket is configured to rotate about an axis perpendicular to the conveying surface (T) to which the plane (16) of the link (10) of the chain (3) belongs, and has a plurality of teeth, each tooth cooperating with at least one of the contact surfaces (29a; 29b) to determine the traction of the chain (3).

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