GB2486571A

GB2486571A - Horizontal chain link for a conveyor chain

Info

Publication number: GB2486571A
Application number: GB1121540.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Rainer Benecke; Torsten Wirtz
Original assignee: Theile JD GmbH and Co KG; JD Theile GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Theile JD GmbH and Co KG; JD Theile GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 2010-12-15
Filing date: 2011-12-15
Publication date: 2012-06-20
Anticipated expiration: 2031-12-15
Also published as: PL223806B1; CN102556591A; CN102556591B; RU2584640C2; GB201121540D0; DE202010017977U1; RU2011150144A; PL397336A1; GB2486571B; DE102010061267A1; DE102010061267B4

Abstract

A horizontal chain link 1 for a conveyor chain of a scraper conveyor has two legs 3, 3.1 connecting the bends 6, 6.1 which, on their sides facing outwards, each have a fastening section 2, 2.1. Each fastening section 2, 2.1 is designed such that an object to be pulled by the horizontal chain link 1, in particular a scraper, can be positively connected thereto in the longitudinal direction of the chain link. The maximum outer width of the horizontal chain link 1 corresponds to that of a standard chain link of the same nominal diameter or is smaller than this. The fastening section 2, 2.1 of a leg 3, 3.1 has at least one pocket 4, 4.1 incorporated into the leg 3, 3.1 and thus reducing its cross-sectional area vis-a-vis adjoining sections of the horizontal chain link 1.

Description

HORIZONTAL CHAIN LINK FOR A CONVEYOR CHAIN

The invention relates to a horizontal chain link for a conveyor chain of a scraper conveyor with two legs linking the bends, said legs each having a fastening section on their sides pointing outwards, wherein each fastening section is designed such that an object, in particular a scraper, to be pulled by the horizontal chain link can be positively connected thereto in the longitudinal direction of the chain link.

Such horizontal chain links are a part of steel link chains, which are typically used as conveyor chains such as for the operation of scraper conveyors in underground coal mining. Scraper conveyors or chain scraper conveyors can have two revolving, motor-driven conveyor chains to which scrapers are attached, said scrapers extending between the chains and interconnecting the chains. In the corresponding application, such conveyor chains can also be arranged as a centre chain, in particular as a double centre chain for a chain scraper conveyor. In operation, the scraper conveyor chains are pulled over a conveyor channel, whereby the slag conveyed by the scrapers, for example coal, is removed and conveyed to a loading station.

From DE 41 24 728 Al, a steel link chain with horizontal chain links is known, to which a scraper can be connected. Such scrapers are typically connected between two parallel conveyor chains to two horizontal chain links running in parallel. The scrapers transported by the conveyor chains predominantly serve to convey e.g. coal in underground mining from the face to a loading station.

Thus, the scrapers installed between two such conveyor chains are pulled by the chains. For the connection of a scraper to such a horizontal chain link, the outside of the chain link is designed, according to DE 41 24 788 Al, like a frame, to thus achieve a positive connection with the scraper as seen in the longitudinal direction of the chain link. The frame-like design in this well-known chain link is achieved in that the chain link bends, in plan view, are designed like an arrow head, providing a straight section from the tip of the chain link pointing in the longitudinal direction and extending outwards. For the straight sections to exhibit enough length in order to have sufficient contact surface at the tooth of a sprocket, the bend sections adjoining the legs are of a hump-like design over the distance of the outside of the legs from one another, thus projecting over the outer width of the chain link in the area of its legs. As the outer width of this well-known chain link in the area of its legs corresponds to the standard width of a round steel chain link of the same nominal diameter, this conception increases the maximum outer width of this chain link. Thus, the distance in this chain link from the apex pointing to the chain link interior to the outside of such a hump is greater than in the area of the centre plane. This in turn entails that a vertical chain link hooked into this well-known horizontal chain link, in the transversal direction to the centre longitudinal plane of the horizontal chain link, can only hinge as intended in the area of the centre plane. I.e.: hinging, as intended, is only possible if the chain links hooked into one another are aligned. Such hingeability is sufficient for driving a conveyor chain, made with such horizontal chain links, via a sprocket. In a suspended chain, however, it can happen that horizontal chain links and vertical chain links are swivelled against one another, out of their aligned arrangement in the longitudinal direction, with the consequence that a vertical chain link is swivelled, with its longitudinal axis, out of the centre plane in the direction towards the legs. In such a position of horizontal chain link and vertical chain link to one another, hingeability, if at all, is only possible to a very limited degree. This, in turn, can lead to unwanted kinking.

Based on this discussed state of the art, the invention is thus based on the task of proposing a horizontal chain link for a conveyor chain, in particular for the connection of a scraper, with said horizontal chain link, despite the presence of a fastening section for the positive connection of a scraper, in respect of the hingeability, capable of being designed with a vertical link hooked therein such that this hingeability is not or only immaterially affected vis-à-vis a round steel chain link.

According to the invention, this task is solved by an above-mentioned, generic horizontal chain link in which the maximum outer width of the horizontal chain link essentially corresponds to that of a standard chain link of the same nominal diameter or is smaller than this and the fastening section of a leg is designed with at least one pocket incorporated into the leg and thus reducing its cross-sectional area vis-à-vis adjoining sections of the horizontal chain link.

The present invention provides a horizontal chain link according to claim 1.

In this horizontal chain link, it is intended that the outer width of the same corresponds to that of the nominal diameter equating to a standard chain link. The notion that the outer width of the horizontal chain link is to correspond to that of a standard horizontal chain link means that this does not exceed the size of a standard chain link by more than 10%. Preferred is a design in which the excess is less than 5% is or the outer width of a standard horizontal chain link is not exceeded.

Consequently, this horizontal chain link has no connecting elements, which protrude the outer width of a standard chain link, for the connection of an object such as a scraper. The German DIN 22252 is referred to as a standard. Vis-à-vis well-known horizontal chain links with fastening sections for the connection of a scraper, it is envisaged in this horizontal chain link that connecting pockets be incorporated into the outside of the legs. Thus, in the area of these pockets, the cross-sectional area of the leg of this horizontal chain link is reduced vis-à-vis adjoining sections. Interestingly and surprisingly, it has become apparent that this cross-sectional area reduction involves no weakening of the horizontal chain link and the desired loads can still be moved with this horizontal chain link.

This was surprising because, in well-known conceptions, it was assumed that, due to the scraper connection, under no circumstances must the cross-sectional area be reduced in the area of the legs, especially vis-à-vis the standard cross-sectional area. The at least one pocket of a leg is incorporated into the leg and thus offers the possibility of inserting an element of the scraper complementary to this pocket into it, whereby the scraper is positively connected to it in the longitudinal direction of the horizontal chain link -and thus in the main loading direction of the scraper connected to the horizontal chain link.

In a preferred design, such a pocket is mirror-symmetrical to the centre of the leg. The length of the pocket in relation to the longitudinal extension of the leg typically is more than 50%, preferably more than 80% and, in particular, about the entire leg length.

According to a preferred execution example, such a fastening section of a leg is formed by two pockets separated from each other by a web that follows the longitudinal extension of the horizontal chain link.

A horizontal chain link, as claimed according to the invention, can be a round steel chain link, into the leg of which the at least one pocket is incorporated as a fastening section. In such a design, it is understood that the vertical chain link hooked into this horizontal chain link can, likewise, hinge over the entire bends.

The concept described above can also be implemented for horizontal chain links which are designed as arrow-head chain links.

Further advantages and designs of the invention arise from the description below of execution examples, by reference to the figures attached, showing: Fig. 1: A perspective view of a horizontal chain link with a fastening section in its legs for the connection of a scraper, Fig. 2: a plan view of the horizontal chain link of Figure 1, Fig. 3: the horizontal chain link of Figure 2 with sectional representations through a half bend of a bend of the chain link, Fig. 4: a photo-quality perspective representation of a horizontal chain link of the preceding Figures in a first perspective, Fig. 5: a photo-quality perspective representation of the chain link described above in a further perspective and Fig. 6: a cut-out of the chain link in a photo-quality representation, showing the fastening section of a leg.

Figure 1 shows, in a perspective view, a horizontal chain link 1 for use as a chain link in a conveyor chain, for example for underground coal mining. The horizontal chain link 1 is a forged chain link.

The horizontal chain link 1 has fastening sections 2, 2.1 on the outsides of its legs 3, 3.1. The fastening sections 2, 2.1 serve to positively connect an object, in particular a scraper, which is fitted between two such horizontal chain links arranged in chains running in parallel. Hereinafter, the fastening section 2 is described. The fastening section 2.1 is identically structured. The fastening section 2 is characterised by two connecting pockets 4, 4.1 running parallel to each other and incorporated into the outside of the leg 3. The connecting pockets 4, 4.1 are separated from each other by a web 5 that follows the longitudinal extension of the horizontal chain link 1. To connect a scraper, a driver element that positively engages each pocket 4, 4.1 is introduced and affixed to the leg 3. It can be clearly seen from Figure 1 that the connecting pockets 4, 4.1 are incorporated into the leg 3, whereby the cross-sectional area of the leg 3 in the area of its fastening section 2 is smaller in the adjoining chain link sections. The web 5 separating the two connecting pockets 4, 4.1 follows, with its outside, the contour defined by the bends 6, 6.1 in the transition to the leg 3.

The plan view of Figure 2 of the horizontal chain link 1 illustrates the function of the web 5 regarding the outer contour of the horizontal chain link 1. This view of the horizontal chain link 1 is called a plan view because it shows, in a plan view of the conveyor chain formed with such horizontal chain links (a view from above), the horizontal chain link in this view. In the execution example shown, the outer contour of the horizontal chain link 1, with the exception of a hardly recognisable deviation in the area of the bend, corresponds to that of a conventional horizontal chain link, made as a round steel chain link, such as known from the standard DIN 22252. Thus, the maximum outer width of the horizontal chain link 1 corresponds to the outer width of such a standard round steel chain link of the same nominal diameter. The plan view of Figure 2 also illustrates that, primarily in the area of the bends 6, 6.1, a vertical chain link hooked into the horizontal chain link 1 can hinge as intended. It should be highlighted that such a hingeability is given and the horizontal chain link 1 still has a fastening section to which, for example, a scraper can be positively connected, primarily without the outside 7, 7.1 of the horizontal chain link 1 being affected by protruding structures. The maximum outer width is thus defined by the outside 7, 7.1 that follows the longitudinal extension of the horizontal chain link 1.

It becomes clear from Figures 1 and 2 that the internal curvature of the horizontal chain link 1 is similarly rotatingly designed such that it points to the interior space 8.

The pockets 4, 4.1 have a depth T that corresponds to about a third of the height H of a leg 3. The depth T of these pockets 4, 4.1 incorporated into the legs 3 illustrates the not insignificant cross-section reduction in respect of the sections of the horizontal chain link 1 that immediately adjoin the fastening section 2.

The horizontal chain link 1 of the execution example shown is designed as a so-called arrow-head chain link. The horizontal chain link 1 thus has, in the area of its bends 6 or 6.1, contact surfaces 9, 9.1 lying opposite each other in respect of the central longitudinal plane of the horizontal chain link 1. In Figures 1 and 2, only the contact surface 9 of the one side is recognisable due to the chosen perspective. The contact surface 9.1 lies on the rear of the horizontal chain link 1, said rear being opposite and not recognisable in the Figures. The two contact surfaces 9, 9.1, however, are recognisable from the sectional representations of Figures 3a to 3g.

In a rear section each bend 6 or 6.1 has, in each half bend, two rear surfaces 11 or 11.1 converging like arrows and forming an edge 10. The further description of the rear surfaces' design is provided by Figure 3 and the sectional representations of Figures 3a to 3g.

The horizontal chain link 1 is mirror-symmetrical in respect of its centre plane 12. Thus, for the description of the bend 6, the description of one of its half bends is sufficient. Below, the lower half of the bend 6 shown in Figure 3 is described in more detail. The bend 6.1 is identically constructed to the bend 6. The bend 6 is, as can be seen from the side view of Figure 3, of arrow-like design in the direction towards the centre plane 12. This is achieved by the outside, of the bend 6 or its half bends, which points from the chain link interior 8 in the longitudinal extension of the horizontal chain link 1, always having a straight section 13, 13.1.

The horizontal chain link 1 shows in its bend tip, as per the sectional representation of Figure 3a, a cross-sectional area geometry in which the width running transversally to the centre plane 12 -said width defining the nominal diameter N of the horizontal chain link 1 -is smaller than the diameter in the transversal direction to the nominal diameter N. The curvature pointing to the chain link interior 8 is designed, in the cross-section of Figure la, with a radius which is greater than the radius defining the nominal diameter N (here: 26 mm). The nominal diameter of the horizontal chain link is 52 mm; in the transversal direction to the nominal diameter N, the diameter of the execution example shown, of Figure 3a, is 54 mm.

The horizontal chain link 1 has, in the half bend viewed, two rear surfaces 11, 11.1 (see Figures 3a, 3c) that are mirror-symmetrical to each other regarding the central longitudinal plane extending parallel to the side surfaces of the chain link 1. The rear surfaces 11, 11.1 adjoin, by interconnecting a transition radius at an angle, a contact surface 9 or 9.1 located on the outside of the half bends.

The rear surfaces 11, 11.1 form functional areas within the bends 5, 5.1 of the horizontal chain link 3.

These functional areas lie within an envelope enveloping the height and the width of the chain link 3 in such a functional area. The envelope is the envelope curve -typically an ellipsis -which interconnects the end points of the height and of the width of the horizontal chain link in such a functional section, wherein the height and width orthogonally border the envelope.

The two contact surfaces 9, 9.1 are plane and parallel to each other. In the area of the centre plane 12, represented by the sectional view of Figure 3a, the rear surface 11 with the contact surface 9 encloses an angle of 60 degrees. Thus, the edge 10 formed by the rear surfaces 9, 9.1 encloses an angle of 120 degrees. In the rear surfaces 11, 11.1 relevant to a force introduction into the horizontal chain link 1, within the respective straight section 13 or 13.1, the two rear surfaces 10, 10.1 which, in respect of the centre longitudinal plane, are opposite also enclose an angle of 60 degrees.

The rear surfaces 11, 11.1 effective for a force introduction through a tooth of a sprocket into the horizontal chain link 1, are in a section of each half bend which is located in the longitudinal axial extension of each leg 3, 3.1, namely in a section adjoining the interior space 8, which extends over about two thirds of the height H of each leg 3, 3.1. The rear surfaces 11, 11.1 converging arrow-like in the area of the tip are without relevance to the thrust force introduction, as a vertical link is arranged in this area and a tooth of a sprocket thus cannot engage in this area. At the rear surfaces 11, 11.1 intended for the actual force transmission, a transitional bend section joins towards the legs 3, 3.1, designed such that a vertical chain link hooked into the horizontal chain link 1 can also freely hinge in this section of the bend 3, 3.1. This is achieved by the height in the bends, which extends transversally to the nominal diameter, being constant over the bends.

The rear surfaces 11, 11.1 are straight in each cross-sectional view and thus offer, in this direction, a straight contact section for the thrust flank of a sprocket.

From the perspective views of the horizontal chain link 1 in Figures 4 and 5, the geometry described above becomes particularly clear. Primarily the representation of Figure 4 illustrates the edge 10 formed by the rear surfaces 11, 11.1 converging at an angle, said edge simultaneously defining the location of the centre longitudinal plane of the horizontal chain link 1.

The geometry of the fastening section 2.1 with the two connecting pockets 4, 4.1 running parallel to each other and the web 5 separating the connecting pockets 4, 4.1 can be gleaned from Figure 6.

Clearly recognisable in this representation is that the edge 10 of the bends 6, 6.1 continues beyond the web. Thus, the outside of the leg outsides 7, 7.1 is formed by two surfaces converging at a small angle.

The invention has been described using execution examples. Without departing from the scope of the applicable claims, numerous further designs for implementing the invention arise for those skilled in the art, without, however, this having to be detailedly explained in the context of these statements. Such designs are also part of the disclosures of these statements.

Reference symbol list 1 horizontal chain link 2, 2.1 fastening section 3,3.1 leg 4, 4.1 connecting pocket web 6, 6.1 bend 7, 7.1 outside S interior space 9, 9.1 contact surface edge 11, 11.1 rear surface 12 centre plane 13, 13.1 straight section H height of a leg T depth of a connecting pocket

Claims

CLAIMS1. Horizontal chain link for a conveyor chain of a scraper conveyor, said link having two legs (3, 3.1) connected with bends (6, 6.1), said legs (3, 3.1) each having, on their sides pointing outwards (7, 7.1), a fastening section (2, 2.1), wherein each fastening section (2, 2.1) is designed such that an object to be pulled by the horizontal chain link (1), in particular a scraper, can be positively connected thereto in the longitudinal direction of the chain link (1), characterised in that the maximum outer width of the horizontal chain link essentially corresponds to that of a standard chain link of the same nominal diameter or is smaller than this and the fastening section (2, 2.1) of a leg (3, 3.1) has at least one pocket (4, 4.1) incorporated into the leg (3, 3.1) and thus reducing its cross-sectional area vis-à-vis adjoining sections of the horizontal chain link (1).
2. Horizontal chain link according to claim 1, characterised in that the at least one pocket (4, 4.1) is of mirror-symmetrical design to the centre of the leg (4, 4.1).
3. Horizontal chain link according to claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the pocket (4, 4.1) follows the longitudinal extension of the leg (3, 3.1) and has a length that corresponds to more than 50% of the leg length.
4. Horizontal chain link according to claim 3, characterised in that the length of the at least one pocket (4, 4.1) essentially extends over the entire leg length.
5. Horizontal chain link according to any of claims 1 to 4, characterised in that a fastening section has two pockets (4, 4.1) that run parallel to each other and are separated by a web (5).
6. Horizontal chain link according to any of claims 1 to 5, characterised in that the horizontal chain link (1) has, in a plan view, an outer contour and outer dimensions which correspond to that of a standard horizontal chain link of the same nominal diameter or are smaller than this.
7. Horizontal chain link according to any of claims 1 to 6, characterised in that the horizontal chain link (1) has, in its legs (3, 3.1) and its bends (6, 6.1), an essentially identical height and an essentially identical width determining the nominal diameter of the horizontal chain link and wherein this horizontal chain link (3) has, at its bend outside pointing away from its interior space, one or several functional areas, said functional areas being located within an envelope enveloping the height and the width of the horizontal chain link in such a functional area.
8. Horizontal chain link according to claim 7, characterised in that the bends (6, 6.1) connecting the two legs (3, 3.1) have, at least in certain areas in their bend halves, plane contact surfaces (9, 9.1) on the two sides opposite each other in respect of the centre longitudinal plane of the chain link (1) and are provided with rear surfaces (11, 11.1) converging arrow-like in the cross-section in the longitudinal direction of the chain link (1) as functional areas, wherein the rear surfaces (11, 11.1), in a cross-sectional view, have a straight contact section for contacting a thrust flank of a tooth of a sprocket.
9. Horizontal chain link according to claim 8, characterised in that the arrow-shaped design of the sides pointing in longitudinal direction, formed by the arrangement of the rear surfaces (11, 11.1), with straight contact section of the half bends essentially extends over the entire half bend.
10. Horizontal chain link according to claim 9, characterised in that the arrow-shaped design of the half bends formed by the arrangement of the rear surfaces (11, 11.1) is essentially limitingly located in the continuation, projected in the bends, of the interior leg sections adjoining the interior space (8) enclosed by the chain link (1).
11. Horizontal chain link for a conveyor chain of a scraper conveyor, said link being substantially as described, with reference to the drawings, hereinbefore.