GB2134477A

GB2134477A - Single-chain or multiple-chain conveyor

Info

Publication number: GB2134477A
Application number: GB08403131A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Hans Dalferth
Original assignee: RUD Kettenfabrik Rieger und Dietz GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: RUD Kettenfabrik Rieger und Dietz GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 1983-02-08
Filing date: 1984-02-07
Publication date: 1984-08-15
Also published as: GB2134477B; ATA30684A; IT1175322B; DE3304601C2; DE3304601A1; AT390595B; IT8420784V0; GB8403131D0; IT8419513A0; DE3348396C2

Abstract

A single-chain or multiple-chain conveyor has drags or other conveying elements connected to the endless chain or chains by coupling elements (3), engaging into the clear interior space of connecting links. Two coupling elements connected mutually directly or through an intermediate piece are associated with each connecting link (1), and, in each case, the two coupling elements include a projection 4 which is pivotable into a connecting link (1), and which form positive retaining means (10) for the longitudinal members (5, 6) of the connecting links (1) at least partially embraced by them. The projection 4 may be on an intermediate piece connected to the conveying element. Various profiles for the projection 4 are shown in the drawings. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Single-chain or multiple-chain conveyor The invention relates to a single-chain or multiple-chain conveyor, wherein the conveying elements, particularly drags, are connected to the endless chains by coupling elements engaging into the clear interior space of connecting links.

Multiple-chain conveyors of the abovementioned type are known, wherein the conveying elements are connected to the connecting links by so-called insertable dogs. One form of construction of such insertable dogs exhibits peg-like projections which are inserted into the interior of the connecting links and are then secured in their position by adapter sleeves. However, such insertable dogs are at best conditionally suitable for use in singlechain conveyors due to the inadequate support of the conveying elements. In another multiple-chain conveyor, the insertable dogs have ends cranked in peg fashion, which can be likewise introduced each into the clear interior space of a connecting link. These crimped insertable dogs are totally unsuitable for use in single-chain conveyors.They also have the disadvantage that the connecting links connected to them can execute pivotal movements to a direction about their longitudinal axis, and the reliability of the connection leaves something to be desired.

The underlying aim of the invention is to produce a chain conveyor of the type in question which is extremely simple in construction, wherein a reliable connection between the connecting links and the conveying elements is ensured and wherein a connecting system is used which is equally suitable for use on single-chain and multiple-chain conveyors. This aim is achieved according to the invention when two coupling elements connected mutually directly or through an intermediate piece are associated with each connecting link, and when in each case the two coupling elements pivotable into a connecting link form positive retaining means for the longitudinal members of the connecting links at least partially embraced by them.

The chain conveyor according to the invention presents the advantage that, by the use of two inwardly pivotable coupling elements per connecting link, a rapid and largely playfree connection between the conveying element and the endless chains can be achieved, by positioning the coupling elements before their mutual connection so that they abut the longitudinal members of the connecting links in at least two positions forming a prismatic support. Because the coupling elements form positive retaining means for the longitudinal members of the connecting links, no additional securing elements are required, nor is a disturbing tilting of the connecting links possible. The selected construction can also be realised for different pitches of the links of the endless chains.It is applicable both to chain conveyors with sprocket wheels and to chain conveyors with pocket wheels.

It is found particularly economical if the coupling elements have the same shape and if they are mutually connected by welding, either directly or through an intermediate piece. Although the latter necessitates undoing the weld joints with a parting wheel or with a cutting torch when a conveying element is dismantled, this fact is found to be of secondary importance in practice.

An additional advantage of the chain conveyor according to the invention, which should not be under-estimated, is that the coupling elements can be utilised for support, particularly of the endless chains. This is possible particularly if, according to a further proposal, they are provided with additional support surfaces, which permits them to fulfill the dual function indicated.

The invention is explained more fully below with reference to the accompanying diagrammatic drawings, wherein: Figure 1 shows the pivoting of a coupling element into a vertical link of an endless chain of a single-chain conveyor; Figure 2 shows a coupling element according to Fig. 1 after pivoting in; Figure 3 shows the pivoting in of a second coupling element; Figure 4 shows the elevation of the coupling elements pivoted in and mutually connected; Figure 5 shows the parts illustrated in Fig.

4, viewed from below; Figure 6 shows the elevation of a modified coupling element; Figure 7 shows a view of the coupling element according to Fig. 6 from below; Figure 8 shows the elevation of two coupling elements of the type illustrated in Figs.

6 and 7, pivoted in and mutually connected; Figure 9 shows the parts illustrated in Fig.

8 from below; Figure 10 shows the side elevation of a further coupling element; Figure ii shows a coupling element according to Fig. 10 from below; Figure 12 shows two coupling elements according to Figs. 10 and 11 pivoted into a horizontal link of an endless chain and mutually connected; Figure 13 shows the parts illustrated in Fig.

12 from below; Figure 14 shows the elevation of a further coupling element; Figure 15 shows a view of the coupling element according to Fig. 14 from below; Figure 16 shows two coupling elements according to Figs. 14 and 1 5 pivoted into a horizontal link and mutually connected; Figure 1 7 shows the parts illustrated in Fig.

16 from below; Figure 18 shows the elevation of a modified coupling element; Figure 19 shows a view of the coupling element according to Fig. 1 8 from below; Figure 20 shows two coupling elements according to Figs. 1 8 and 1 9 pivoted into a vertical link; Figure 21 shows the part illustrated in Fig.

20 from below; Figure 22 shows a further coupling element; Figure 23 shows the partial side elevation of a conveying element, constructed as a drag, with retaining grooves; Figure 24 shows a conveying element according to Fig. 23 introduced into a vertical link and retained by two coupling elements according to Fig. 22; Figure 25 shows a view of the parts illustrated in Fig. 24 from below; Figure 26 shows the plan of a single-chain conveyor with a plurality of conveying elements formed by drags connected in various manners; Figure 27 shows the elevation of a conveying element connected to an external endless chain of a multiple-chain conveyor; Figure 28 shows the plan of the parts according to Fig. 27; Figure 29 shows a variant of Fig. 28; Figure 30 shows the side elevation of the connection point of a conveying element to an external endless chain of a multiple-chain conveyor;; Figure 31 shows the plan of the parts illustrated in Fig. 30; Figure 32 shows a modified mode of connection of a conveying element to the vertical link of an endless chain and Figure 33 shows the plan of a two-chain conveyor with conveying elements attached to its endless chain in various manners.

In Figs. 1 to 5, the reference numeral 1 designates a connecting link, constructed as a vertical link, of a single-chain conveyor, the endless chains of which can pass over sprocket wheels. Conveying elements 2, the ends of which form coupling elements 3, are connected to the connecting links 1. Each of the coupling elements 3 is provided with a projection 4 which is pivotable into the clear interior space bounded by the longitudinal members 5 and 6 of the connecting links 1, namely in the direction of the arrows 7 and 8.

After the projections 4 are pivoted in, the coupling elements 3 are pressed against the mutually opposite sides of the longitudinal members 5 and 6 and then mutually connected by weld seams 9. Afterwards the coupling elements form retaining means 10 for the longitudinal members 5 and 6, in which the latter are guided virtually without play.

A particularly advantageous mode of guiding the connecting links 1 is obtained in the embodiment according to Figs. 7 to 9. Coupling elements 11 with projections 1 2 and abutment surfaces 1 3 and 14 are used here, which, as may be seen best from Fig. 8, form prismatic bearings for the longitudinal members 5 and 6 of the respective connecting link. In this case also, the coupling elements again form positive retaining means for the longitudinal members 5 and 6.

Figs. 10 to 1 3 illustrate coupling elements 1 5 which each exhibit two projections 16 and 1 7. The projections 1 6 and 1 7 in this case form a fork which is pivotable into a connecting link 1, constructed as a horizontal link, of a single-chain conveyor, the endless chain of which is guided over pocket wheels.

Coupling elements 18 with an arcuate projection 1 9 and with a further projection 20 are also used in the single-chain conveyor illustrated in Figs. 14 to 1 7. In this case both projections 1 9 and 20 of the one coupling element 1 8 are connected to the respective other coupling element 18 by weld seams 9.

A guide rail 21, against which support surfaces 22 formed by the coupling elements 18 and by the projections 20 are supported, is indicated by chain-dotted lines in Figs. 1 6 and 1 7. Particularly good conditions of support are obtained by using coupling elements 23 of the type illustrated in Figs. 18 to 21.

The coupling elements 23 are of angular construction. They again have only one projection 24, which is formed by a first member 25 which is adjoined at an angle of 90 by a member 26 which forms an additional support surface 27. Whereas, in the exemplary embodiment previously described, the coupling elements in each case were parts of the conveying elements 2, in this case they are connected to the conveying elements by weld seams 9.

Figs. 22 to 25 show an exemplary embodiment of a single-chain conveyor with particularly coarse-pitched connecting links. In this case a conveying element 28 constructed as a drag is used, which is provided with retaining grooves 29. The conveying element 28 is first of all introduced into the connecting link 1 and then pivoted through 90 into a position in which the retaining grooves 29 embrace the longitudinal members 5 and 6 of the connecting link. After this coupling elements 30, each having an arcuate projection 31, are pivoted into the connecting links 1 on each side of the conveying element 28 and connected to the conveying element 28 by weld seams 9.

Fig. 26 shows a single-chain conveyor constructed as a drag conveyor, with an endless chain 32, to the connecting links 1, constructed as vertical links, of which conveying elements 2 of varying construction are attached. The two lower conveying elements 2 are connected to coupling elements 3 and 23 respectively by welding. In the two upper examples, on the other hand, the conveying elements 2 are attached to the coupling elements 23 and 3 by screws 33.

Figs. 27 to 33 illustrate that the described system of connection is also applicable to the multiple-chain conveyors.

Figs. 27 and 28 show the connection of a conveying element 2 to the connecting link 1 of an endless chain with a coupling element 3 and with a coupling element 30. Whereas in Figs. 27 and 28 the coupling element 3 is connected to the conveying element by a weld seam 9, in the case of Fig. 29 it is formed by a part of the conveying element 2.

In Figs. 30 and 31 a conveying element 2 is connected to a connecting link 1 by means of two coupling elements 3. The conveying element 2 here assumes the function of an intermediate piece. It presses with its end face against the longitudinal members 5 and 6 of the connecting link 1 and presses them against the projections 4 of the coupling e!e- ments 3. Fig. 32 shows a construction corresponding to the construction according to Figs. 30 and 31, which is realised by the use of coupling elements 30 with projections 31.

Lastly, Fig. 33 illustrates a two-chain conveyor with endless chains 34 and 35, between which various conveying elements 2 constructed as drags are again arranged, mainly using coupling elements of various types.

The above statements clearly show that a virtually play-free connection between the conveying elements and the connecting links of the endless chains is possible by the use of at least two coupling elements in each case to connect conveying elements to the endless chains of single-chain and multiple-chain conveyors. The construction selected for the coupling elements makes it possible furthermore to utilise the latter for supporting the endless chains and conveying elements on guide rails provided for that purpose. By an appropriate choice of the coupling elements, or by the insertion of intermediate pieces, the clear interior space of the connecting links in the longitudinal direction of the endless chains can be largely filled, whilst parts of the conveying elements can also be utilised as intermediate pieces.

Claims

1. A single-chain or multiple-chain conveyor wherein drags or other conveyor elements are connected to the endless chain or chains by coupling elements engaging into the clear interior space of connecting links, in which two coupling elements connected mutually directly or through an intermediate piece are associated with each connecting link, and in which the two coupling elements, are, in each case, pivotable into a connecting link and form positive retaining means for longitudinal members of the connecting links at least partially embraced by them.

2. A chain conveyor according to claim 1, in which, in each case, the two coupling elements associated with a connecting link have the same shape.

3. A chain conveyor according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the coupling elements are mutually connected by welding.

4. A chain conveyor according to any one of claims 1-3, in which the coupling elements are provided with arcuate projections pivotable into the connecting links before their connection.

5. A chain conveyor according to claim 4, in which the coupling elements are provided with a further projection which forms the tines of a fork conjointly with the arcuate projection.

6. A chain conveyor according to claim 5, in which the two projections of the one coupling element are connected to the respective other coupling element.

7. A chain conveyor according to any preceding claim, in which each longitudinal member of the connecting link is supported against the coupling elements in at least two positions.

8. A chain conveyor according to claim 7, in which the coupling elements form prismatic abutment surfaces for the longitudinal members.

9. A chain conveyor according to any preceding claim, in which the coupling elements substantially fill the clear interior space of the connecting links.

10. A chain conveyor according to any preceding claim, in which the coupling elements are fastened to the conveying element.

11. A chain conveyor according to any one of claim 1 to 9, in which the coupling elements are formed by parts of the conveying elements.

1 2. A chain conveyor according to any preceding claim, in which the coupling elements form support surfaces to support the endless chain or chains, and/or the conveying elements, on guide rails.

13. A chain conveyor according to claim 12, in which the coupling elements are of angular construction and comprise a first member serving to retain the longitudinal members of the connecting links, and a second member aligned substantially parallel to the longitudinal members of the connecting links and forming an additional support surface.

14. A chain conveyor according to any preceding claim, in which the conveying ele ments are provided with retaining grooves for the longitudinal members of the connecting links and a coupling element is arranged on each side of each of the conveying elements.

1 5. A chain conveyor substantially as described herein with reference to the accom panying drawings.