JP2004269259A - Conveying chain - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conveying chain, facilitating assembling and reducing the manufacturing cost. <P>SOLUTION: This conveying chain includes two or more links which are the same and connected in the longitudinal direction to be related to the similar one. In the conveying chain, the respective links are composed of a head 3 projected on the front of a body 6 supporting a contact plate 7, two blade parts 8 projected in the rear, a pivot 9 removably stored in a groove of a complementary shape formed in the direction of diameter on the outside surface of the head 3 of the adjacent link 2, and a bush 12 disposed by engagement in the head 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention relates to a conveyor chain, for example, for providing conveyor belts and the like, especially industrial handling mechanisms.

Currently used transport chains are provided with a plurality of identical links sequentially arranged on one plane to form an operating axis of the chain.
Utilizing a universal joint based mechanism, each link is associated with an adjacent link, which not only allows the various links to be driven, but also preferably two perpendicular to each other and perpendicular to the operating axis. Mutual rotation about the axis is possible.
In this regard, Italian patent no. 1, 152,656 are known. In this disclosure, the two stems protrude from the main portion, the rear of the head, to surround the head of the next link.

The first cylindrical bore is formed in the head along an axis generally perpendicular to the direction of operation. The first cylindrical bore forms a seat in which the cylindrical element constituted by the rotating bush is rotated and associated.
The pivot can be located in a second blind hole provided transversely to the bush along an axis substantially perpendicular to the axis of operation, allowing pivoting of two adjacent links Designed to be. Thus, the pivot is engaged between the head of one link, which can be referred to as the rear link, and the handle of the adjacent link, which can be referred to as the front link.
And two sleeve-shaped parts project outside with respect to the said handle-shaped part of a front link, and surround and accommodate the end part of a pivot.

A major drawback of the known transport chains is that they consist of three components, which adds to the work required to assemble the length of the chains. That is, in order to associate each link with an adjacent link, in fact, two other components must be interposed.
Another disadvantage of these known types is due to the cost of manufacturing these components.
In addition, the lateral pivot is usually made of steel. As a result, not only the cost for purchasing the pivot is increased, but also the weight of the transport chain is increased.
This results in structural and energy related disadvantages due to the greater energy consumption to move the chain.
Another significant disadvantage is that the disposal of the transport chain at the end of its useful life is very complicated.
In addition, steel pivots must be inserted in an interlocked manner, which involves very laborious and difficult operations and can lead to rejects.

The present invention aims to solve the above problems and eliminate the above-mentioned disadvantages of the prior art by providing a transport chain that is very easy to assemble and reduces the manufacturing costs.
Within this intent, it is an object of the invention to provide a transport chain in which the production costs of the individual links in particular are low and thus the production costs of the components of the entire chain are low.
Another object is to provide a transport chain that is light in weight and thus has structural advantages and reduced energy consumption to move the transport chain.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an invention that makes it possible to easily and quickly dispose of a transport chain at the end of its operational life.
Yet another object is to provide an invention that facilitates the positioning and interconnection of the components of the transport chain.
Still another object is to provide a transport chain which is simple in structure and can be manufactured with conventionally known machinery and equipment.

The invention as claimed in claim 1, wherein the transport chain comprises a plurality of links (2) which are successively associated with one another, each one of said links (2, 2a) supporting a contact plate (7). A head (3, 3a) protruding at the front of the main body (6), and two wings (8) protruding toward the rear of the main body (6). Complementary wings (8) formed integrally with each other and formed axially with respect to said links (2, 2a) to be diametrically formed on the outer surface of the head (3b) of the adjacent link (2b). A pivot (9) which can be removably received in a groove (11) of different shape and a bush (12) which can be arranged by interlocking connection in said head (3b) of said adjacent link (2b). For mutual rotation coupling consisting of etc. (9, 12).
The invention according to claim 2 comprises a mutually identical link (2) having a blind hole (5) on the flat lower surface of the cylindrical head (3) and the head (3), respectively. ) Form a seat which is provided substantially centrally with respect to said head (3) along an axis perpendicular to the operating axis, said head (3) being in a plane substantially perpendicular to said operating axis. Projecting at the front of the support for the contact plate (7), the two wings (8) projecting from the body (6) at the rear and branching off from each other and being integral with the two wings (8) 2. The transport chain according to claim 1, wherein the transport chains are connected by horizontal pivots formed in the transport chain.

The invention as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the head (3) forms on its lower surface a blind-hole (preferably a substantially cylindrical seat, obtained along an axis substantially perpendicular to the operating axis). 5) A transport chain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a blind hole (5) and is connected to the groove (11).
The invention according to claim 4 is characterized in that an outer surface of the head (3) facing away from the main body (6) is provided on the outer surface of the head (3) along a diameter surface substantially parallel to a surface on which the contact plate (7) is arranged. 11) are formed, said grooves (11) giving said head (3) a substantially C-shaped groove shape in a diametrical section cut along a plane perpendicular to said contact plate (7), 3. The transport chain according to claim 1, wherein a temporary engagement seat for a further link pivot (9) is formed.

The invention according to claim 5 is characterized in that the diameter of the pivot (9) is approximately equal to or slightly smaller than the width of the groove (11), and the pivot (9) is A transport chain according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that it constitutes first connecting means for the mutual rotational connection of the adjacent links (2, 2a) and (2b).
The invention according to claim 6, wherein two adjacent links (2a, 2b) are arranged side by side, the pivot (9) of one of the links (2a) being the groove of the other link (2b). Opposing (11), moving the two links (2a, 2b) by moving them along the longitudinal axis of the link until they are located approximately half way along the diameter of the blind hole (5). 6. The transport chain according to claim 1, wherein the transport chains are interconnected.

The invention according to claim 7, wherein the pivot (9) of one of the links (2a) and the groove (11b) of the link (2b) adjacent to the pivot (9) are engaged by a second coupling means for mutual rotational coupling. And the second coupling means is constituted by the cylindrical bush (12) having a shape substantially complementary to the blind hole (5). The transfer chain according to claim 1 or 6, wherein
The invention according to claim 8, wherein the bush (12) can be accommodated in the blind hole (5b) formed in the head (3b) of the adjacent link (2b), and the bush (12) 2. The device according to claim 1, further comprising a groove (13) formed diametrically along a part of the length of the bush (12) starting from the upper end and receiving a part of the pivot (9). A transport chain as described above.

The invention of claim 9 wherein the bush (12) provides a stable rotational interconnection between the pivot (9) of the link (2a) and the head (3b) of the adjacent link (2b), A transport chain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said bush (12) constitutes said second coupling means for mutual rotational coupling.
The invention according to claim 10, characterized in that the pivot (9) is made of the same plastic material as the link (2) and is manufactured together with the link (2) in a single molding. A transport chain as described in one or more.
A transport chain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot (9) is made of a metallic material and is co-moulded with the link (2). It is.

This and other objects, which will become more apparent in the following description, are achieved by the following transport chains. The transport chain is a transport chain comprising a plurality of links that are successively interconnected with each other, said links each comprising a head projecting at a front portion of a main body to support a contact plate, and a rear portion of the main body. Two wings protrude toward. In this configuration, the present transport chain is characterized in that it has a means for mutual rotational connection. The means for mutual rotational coupling may comprise, for example, the pair of wings integral with each other, and a complementary movement diametrically formed on the outer surface of the head of an adjacent link by axial movement relative to the link. It comprises a pivot that can be removably received in a shaped groove and a bush that can be arranged by mating connection within the head of an adjacent link.
Further features and advantages of the present invention are illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, and will be more apparent from the following detailed description of certain but non-limiting embodiments.

In the following embodiments, individual features provided in connection with the examples may in fact be replaced by other different but compatible features present in other embodiments.
Referring to FIG. 4, reference numeral 1 represents a transport chain that can be used, for example, to move a conveyor belt.
The chain comprises a plurality of links, each of which is generally designated by the reference numeral 2.
Advantageously, the links 2 are identical to one another and each have a head 3. The head 3 is preferably cylindrical and has on its flat lower surface 4 preferably a blind hole 5, which forms a substantially cylindrical seat and extends along an axis perpendicular to the axis of operation. And is formed substantially at the center with respect to the head 3.
To support a contact plate, designated by the reference numeral 7, the head 3 protrudes at the front of the body 6, which contact plate lies in a plane substantially perpendicular to the operating axis.
In particular, the contact plate 7 is flat and the front edge and the rear edge are substantially tooth-shaped, and can guide the rotation of the chain 1 on a plane parallel to the contact plate 7.
The two wings, generally designated by the reference numeral 8, project from the body 6 at the rear and diverge from one another and are joined by a coupling means for a rotational connection, such as a horizontal pivot 9 integrally comprising the wings.

The pivot 9 is substantially cylindrical and extends along an axis substantially perpendicular to the plane formed by the axis of motion and the axis of the hole 5.
The pivot 9 may, for example, be made of the same plastic material used to manufacture the link 2 in a single molding operation, or alternatively, if necessary for a particular use, for example. The link 2 and the pivot 9 may be made of a metal material or a different plastic material by co-molding.
The groove 11 is formed on the outer surface 10 of the head 3 facing away from the main body 6 along a diameter surface substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the contact plate 7, and along a plane perpendicular to the contact plate 7. The head is given a substantially C-shaped groove shape in a cut-away diametrical sectional view, forming a temporary engagement seat for the pivot 9 of the further adjacent link 2.
The diameter of the pivot 9 is substantially equal to or slightly smaller than the diameter of the groove 11 so that the pivot 9 can be detachably connected to the groove 11. That is, the pivot 9 constitutes first coupling means for mutually rotating coupling of the link 2 and the adjacent link.

In particular, in FIGS. 1 and 4, reference numerals 2a and 2b denote a first link and an adjacent second link, which are advantageously identical to link 2 described above.
The first link 2a has a first head 3a having a first groove 11a and a first hole 5a, and similarly, the second link 2b has a second head 3b having a second groove 11b and a second hole 5b.
The two links are arranged side by side, until the first pivot 9a is arranged at a position facing the second groove 11b of the second link 2b, and is arranged almost at the middle point along the diameter of the second hole 5b. The links 2a and 2b are connected to each other by a simple movement of the links along the longitudinal axis.
The first pivot 9a and the second head 3b are stably associated with each other by a mechanism of engagement by engagement of second coupling means for mutual rotational coupling. Advantageously, this second coupling means is constituted by a bush 12 which is cylindrical and has a shape which is substantially complementary to the second hole 5b.
A groove 13 is formed in the bush and is diametrically provided along a portion of its length starting from the bush upper end 14 to receive a portion of the pivot.

Therefore, the operation is as follows. That is, referring to the figure, the links are arranged on the same plane, and the pivot of one link is inserted into the groove of the other link, and the links are axially moved until the bush can be inserted into the center hole. The addition indicates that each individual link is associated with a preceding link.
As described above, since the pivot is integrated and the connection is enabled by the presence of the opening groove 11, the present invention achieves the intended purpose, and is constituted by only two components, specifically, a link and a bush. It can be seen that a transport chain has been devised.
Therefore, the chain can be assembled very quickly and easily, and the manufacturing cost can be greatly reduced.
Providing the head, body, plate, wing and link each comprising a pivot can be supplied collectively in a single molding operation, so providing the two separate components is very economical.
Alternatively, if a chain with very strong interconnecting pivots is required, it is also possible to co-mould, for example, a link with a steel pivot, as described above.
The present invention is light in weight and compact, thus providing significant structural advantages and, inter alia, significant savings in the energy augmented to move the transport chain.
Furthermore, at the end of the operating life, the chain can be disposed of more simply and quickly.

Of course, many modifications and variations can be made to the present invention, all of which are within the scope of the same inventive concept.
It goes without saying that the dimensions constituting the individual components of the invention and the materials used may be more suitable according to the specific requirements.
Those skilled in the art will be able to conceive other technical means for performing the functions described above in the description of the preferred embodiments shown, which are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims. it is conceivable that.

FIG. 4 is a bottom perspective view of two links and a bush arranged side by side. It is a top view of a link. It is a side view of a link. FIG. 5 is a bottom perspective view of two interconnected links. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the link of FIG. 4 along a longitudinal plane. It is a top view of the bush of FIG. It is a side view of the bush of FIG.

Explanation of reference numerals

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Chain 2, 2a, 2b Link 3, 3a, 3b Head 5, 5a, 5b Bore 6 Main body 7 Contact plate
8 Two wings 9, 9a, 9b Pivot 11, 13 Groove
12 Bush

Claims (11)

A transport chain comprising a plurality of links (2) which are successively interconnected with one another, each one of said links (2, 2a) of a body (6) for supporting a contact plate (7). In a transport chain comprising a head (3, 3a) projecting at a front part and two wings (8) projecting toward a rear part of the main body (6), the pair of wings (8) are integrated. In a complementary shaped groove (11) formed diametrically with respect to the outer surface of the head (3b) of an adjacent link (2b) by axial movement with respect to said link (2, 2a). A pivot (9) that can be removably accommodated in the head (3b) and a bush (12) or the like that can be arranged by meshing connection in the head (3b) of the adjacent link (2b). Means (9, 12) A transport chain, comprising: It comprises a cylindrical head (3) and a mutually identical link (2) having a blind hole (5) on the flat lower surface of said head (3), said blind hole (5) being perpendicular to the operating axis. Forming a seat which is provided substantially centrally with respect to the head (3) along a suitable axis, wherein the head (3) is in a plane substantially perpendicular to the operating axis for the contact plate (7). Protruding at the front of the support, the two wings (8) project from the body (6) at the rear and branch off from each other to form a horizontal pivot (9) integrally formed with the two wings (8). 2. The transport chain according to claim 1, wherein the transport chains are joined by a). Said head (3) having, at its lower surface, said blind hole (5) forming a substantially cylindrical seat, preferably obtained along an axis substantially perpendicular to said operating axis, Transport chain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a hole (5) is connected to the groove (11). The groove (11) is formed on an outer surface of the head (3) facing away from the main body (6) along a diameter surface substantially parallel to the arrangement surface of the contact plate (7), (11) gives the head (3) a substantially C-shaped groove shape in a diametrical cross section cut along a plane perpendicular to the contact plate (7), and the pivot (9) of the adjacent further link 3. A transport chain according to claim 1, wherein the transport chain forms a temporary engagement seat for the transport chain. The diameter of the pivot (9) is approximately equal to the width of the groove (11) or slightly smaller than the width of the groove (11), the pivot (9) being the link (2, 2a) and the adjacent link 5. The transport chain according to claim 1, wherein the first and second connecting means for the mutual rotational connection of (2b) are constituted. Two adjacent links (2a, 2b) are arranged side by side, the pivot (9) of one link (2a) facing the groove (11) of the other link (2b), Interconnecting the two links (2a, 2b) by moving them along the longitudinal axis of the links until they are located approximately half way along the diameter of the blind hole (5). The transport chain according to claim 1. The pivot (9) of one of the links (2a) and the groove (11b) of the link (2b) adjacent to each other are stably connected to each other by a meshing connection mechanism of a second coupling means for mutual rotational coupling. 7. The associated second coupling means is constituted by the cylindrical bush (12) having a shape substantially complementary to the blind hole (5). Transport chains. The bush (12) can be accommodated in the blind hole (5b) formed in the head (3b) of the adjacent link (2b), and the bush (12) starting from the upper end of the bush (12). A transport chain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that it has a groove (13) formed diametrically along part of its length and for receiving a part of the pivot (9). . The bush (12) provides a stable rotational interconnection between the pivot (9) of the link (2a) and the head (3b) of the adjacent link (2b), and the bush (12) rotates Transport chain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second coupling means for coupling are constituted. Transport according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot (9) is made of the same plastic material as the link (2) and is manufactured together with the link (2) in a single molding. chain. Transport chain according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pivot (9) is made of a metallic material and is co-moulded with the link (2).

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