WO2022195068A1

WO2022195068A1 - Chain link and plate-link chain

Info

Publication number: WO2022195068A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/057135
Authority: WO
Inventors: Andreas Schuetz
Original assignee: Schenck Process Europe Gmbh
Priority date: 2021-03-19
Filing date: 2022-03-18
Publication date: 2022-09-22
Also published as: DE102021106748A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a chain link (1) for a plate-link chain (2) of a chain conveyor (3), having two substantially flat side walls (4) which are spaced-apart from, and parallel to, each other in a transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link (1), and having two connecting elements (5) which are spaced-apart from, and parallel to, each other in a longitudinal direction of the chain link (1), wherein every side wall (4) has connecting holes (6) with which the connecting elements (5) engage in order to securely interconnect the side walls (4), and wherein the connecting holes (6) taper in the through-thickness direction of the corresponding side wall (4). The invention also relates to a plate-link chain (2) having a multitude of chain links (1).

Description

Chain link and plate chain

The invention relates to a chain link for a plate-link chain of a chain conveyor, in particular a slat conveyor, with two essentially plate-shaped side walls/plates spaced parallel to one another in a transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link and two in a longitudinal direction (z-direction) of the chain link to one another parallel spaced fasteners, the side walls each having fastener holes into which the fasteners engage to firmly connect the side walls together. Furthermore, the invention relates to a link chain with a large number of such chain links.

Chain conveyors and in particular slat conveyors are continuous conveyors for transporting piece goods or bulk goods. Such slat conveyors are used in particular in the heavy-duty area of bulk material transport in order to transport large and/or sharp-edged bulk materials. The slat conveyor has a large number of conveyor slats, which can usually have a width of 800 mm to 2000 mm and a length of 100 mm to 300 mm. The conveyor plates are mounted on rails over (non-driven) rollers in order to be able to absorb the high weight of the bulk material. The slat conveyor is driven via the link chain, which transmits a tensile force in the direction of chain circulation via the chain links of the link chain to the individual conveyor plates and thereby drives them. The chain links are usually fastened to the individual conveyor plates from below via connecting elements such as screws. This is done by force introduction components/support brackets of the chain links, which protrude in the transverse direction (x-direction) from the side walls/(flaup) plates/plate bodies of the chain link and preferably have a through hole through which the chain links can be screwed to the individual conveyor plates.

In general, such chain links or link chains with such chain links are already known from the prior art.

For example, EP 1 236661 A1 discloses a chain in the manner of a pin chain, the link chain having cup-shaped outer bushes in which a pin end section is arranged, and serving as a conveyor chain for a cell conveyor, which consists of the chain and a large number of in row conveyor cells fastened one behind the other, consisting of an endless conveyor line that runs around two deflection wheels arranged at the ends of the conveyor section, one of which is driven and the other acts as a tensioning wheel. The chain has a large number of inner plates arranged in pairs with mutual transverse spacing parallel to one another and to the longitudinal axis of the chain and mirror-symmetrically to this, which are each connected to one another to form an inner chain link by two bolts running at right angles to the longitudinal axis of the chain, which are each connected by the two extend their assigned inner plates of a pair of plates. In addition, the chain has two outer link plates with a substantially L-shaped cross section, which in each case articulately connect two inner link plates, which are adjacent to one another in the longitudinal direction of the chain, of two inner chain links which are adjacent to one another. The chain is to be firmly connected to the conveyor cells of the cell conveyor on their rear wall, with the one leg of each outer plate running parallel to the inner plates being penetrated by two adjacent bolts of two adjacent inner chain links, and in the assembled state parallel to the outside of the rear wall of the screw connections in question to a conveyor cell rear wall or a mounting plate or the like, and in each case the middle section of a bolt has a larger diameter than the two bolt end sections. Accordingly, the outer plates of EP 1 236661 A1 form L-shaped, outwardly bent fastening brackets, through which the chain can be connected to the conveyor cell rear wall.

A chain for a chain conveyor is also known from EP 0284595 A1, for example, with elongated chain links arranged in parallel planes, which are connected to one another by transverse bolts, with two adjacent transverse bolts being connected to one another by two spaced link pairs to form a link link and each pair of link plates consists of at least one inner link plate and one outer link plate, with adjacent link links being connected to one another by round or profiled steel links which engage directly with the insides of their link curves or with the interposition of bearing means on the transverse bolts of the link links, with at least a round steel member is arranged. In the case of the chain disclosed in EP 0284595 A1, the outer plates are angled plates designed in which a web on the outer link plate is bent outwards by 90°.

In the case of the previously known chain links, it is crucial that high-strength steels are used to increase the strength of the chain links, which have an increased breaking load, for example due to appropriate heat treatment. However, the precise production/processing of such chain links is problematic because they cannot be produced by stamping, for example, and high-precision design, in particular the geometry of the side walls, is required in order to be able to firmly connect the side walls of a chain link to one another.

It is therefore the object of the present disclosure to avoid or at least reduce the disadvantages of the prior art. In particular, the strength of a chain link should be increased without impairing its functionality, in particular with regard to its connection between the side walls and the connecting elements.

The object is achieved by a chain link with the features of patent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments are claimed in the dependent claims and are explained in more detail below.

Accordingly, the object is achieved according to the invention with a generic chain link in that the connecting holes taper in the material thickness direction of the associated side wall. This means that a cross section of the connection hole varies over its extension in the material thickness direction, in particular continuously increases or decreases. The connecting holes are preferably designed as through-holes, so that the side walls have opening cross-sections of different sizes on their opposite sides.

This has the advantage that when the connecting elements are inserted, which usually have a constant cross-section at least over the sections that engage in the connecting holes, the connecting elements and/or the connecting holes deform in the tapered area, so that there is a play-free, particularly strong connection between the connecting elements and the side walls arises. More precisely, the chain link has two essentially plate-shaped side walls/plates, which are spaced parallel to one another in a transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link. In this case, the transverse direction (x-direction) corresponds to a direction transverse to a chain revolving direction. The chain link can be designed, for example, as an inner plate/an inner plate chain link or an outer plate/an outer plate chain link, this being explained later with reference to the plate-link chain.

In addition, the chain link has two connecting elements spaced parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction of the chain link, the side walls each having connecting holes into which the connecting elements engage in order to firmly connect the side walls to one another. The longitudinal direction (z-direction) of the chain link corresponds to the direction of rotation of the chain.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting holes can taper in the material thickness direction (x-direction) from an inside of the side wall, i.e. a side facing the respective other side wall, to an outside of the side wall, i.e. a side facing away from the respective other side wall. This means that the opening cross section on the inside is larger than the opening cross section on the outside. In other words, the connecting holes taper from the inside to the outside or enlarge from the outside to the inside. This has the advantage that the connecting elements that are usually inserted into the connecting holes from the inside are guided through the larger opening on the inside when plugging in, and the firm connection between the side walls and the connecting elements is produced primarily in the tapered area. This makes assembly easier.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting holes can be essentially funnel-shaped or cone-shaped. This means that the connecting holes preferably have an essentially circular cross section and the cross section preferably tapers continuously over the extension of the connecting holes in the material thickness direction, ie with a constant pitch. This has the advantage that a force acting through the connection between the connecting holes and the connecting elements, evenly with the Taper increases so that the risk of damaging the fasteners or the fastener holes is reduced.

According to a preferred embodiment, the side walls can be designed as laser-cut components. In contrast to production by stamping, laser cutting can also be used to process high-strength steels, which can be used for such side walls in the heavy-duty area due to their high strength. In addition, the processing by means of a laser beam has the effect that the laser beam is already flared due to its physical properties, so that the taper of the connection hole can be produced in a particularly simple and efficient manner.

According to a preferred embodiment, the side walls and/or the connecting elements can consist of steel with a material strength of 700 N/mm ² to 1600 N/mm ² . This has the advantage that the chain link has increased strength.

The connecting members may have a main body arranged between the side walls and two connecting portions protruding on both axial sides of the main body and inserted into the connecting holes. That is, the length of the main body corresponds to a distance between the two side walls of the link. The connecting sections can be inserted into the connecting holes of the side walls and, for example, end flush with them. In particular, a chain link designed as an inner chain link/inner link plate can have connecting sections that end flush with the side walls. Alternatively, the connecting sections can be inserted into the connecting holes of the side walls and reach through them, so that the connecting sections protrude (outwards) in sections over the side walls. In particular, a chain link designed as an outer chain link/outer plate can have connecting sections that reach through the side walls.

According to a preferred embodiment, the outer diameter of the connecting element can increase radially outwards over a step from the connecting sections to the main body. This means that the connecting sections have a preferably essentially constant outer diameter, which increases stepwise to the outer diameter of the main body. This has the Advantage that the step serves as an axial stop surface for the side wall, so that it can be prevented that the side walls pinch a component that is rotatably mounted, for example with respect to the connecting element, and thus restrict its ability to rotate.

According to a preferred embodiment, the connecting sections and/or the connecting holes can have a surface which is profiled at least in sections. For example, the connecting sections and/or the connecting holes can have a surface having grooves at least in sections, for example aligned in the axial direction of the connecting elements. As a result, the non-rotatable connection between the connecting sections and the side walls can advantageously be reinforced, in that the grooves/profiling enable a form-fitting force transmission.

The connecting elements can be sleeves/bushings/hollow bolts. A chain link designed as an inner chain link/inner plate can preferably be connected to one another via sleeves.

According to a preferred embodiment, the sleeves can be pressed into the connecting holes of one side wall and the connecting holes of the other side wall with plastic deformation of the sleeves and/or the side walls. This has the advantage that when the sleeves are inserted, the sleeves and/or the connecting holes are deformed, so that there is a play-free, particularly strong press connection between the sleeves and the side walls.

The connecting elements can be bolts/rolling bolts. A chain link designed as an outer chain link/outer plate can preferably be connected to one another via bolts.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bolts can be pressed into the connecting holes of one side wall and into the connecting holes of the other side wall with plastic deformation of the bolts and/or the side walls. This has the advantage that when the bolts are inserted, the bolts and/or the connecting holes are deformed, so that there is a play-free, particularly strong press connection between the bolts and the side walls. According to a preferred embodiment, the sleeves can have an annular groove formed on the inner circumference on one or both of their axial end faces. The annular groove can advantageously serve to accommodate a seal, such as an O-ring. In addition, the provision of the annular groove has the advantage that the sleeves have a smaller material thickness in the area of the annular groove compared to an area of the sleeve that is spaced (axially) therefrom, making them easier to deform and thus easier to insert or press into the connecting holes. Accordingly, it is preferred if the annular groove is arranged in an area of the connecting holes in which the smallest cross-section of the connecting holes is present, ie on the outside of the side walls/in an outer area of the side walls.

Alternatively or additionally, the connecting sections of the bolts can each have a section that extends through the associated side wall and in which a securing hole is formed into which a securing element is or can be inserted such that the securing element engages material of the associated side wall from behind. This can prevent the bolts from coming off the connection holes. Preferably, the securing hole is formed as a through hole. In addition, the chain link can have an annular washer/washer, for example, arranged between the securing hole and the side wall. As a result, the power transmission for securing the position of the bolts on the associated side wall between the securing element and the side wall can be improved.

According to a preferred embodiment, the bolts can have an essentially circular cross-section and/or have a flattened area for positively locking prevention of twisting. The opening cross section of the connecting hole in the associated side wall preferably corresponds to the cross section of the bolts. The planar flattening can prevent relative torsion between the bolt and the side wall about the bolt axis.

In one embodiment, the chain link can have two force introduction components/support brackets, each force introduction component extending outwards in the transverse direction (x-direction) from an associated side wall for attachment to a conveyor belt of the chain conveyor, in particular the slats of the slat conveyor protrudes. In particular, the force introduction components each protrude at right angles to the associated side wall. Each side wall thus forms an L-shaped cross section, ie an angle, together with the force introduction component. Each force introduction component can preferably have at least one fastening hole in a vertical direction of the chain link, through which the chain link can be fastened to the plate slats. In particular, each force introduction component can be fastened to the slats by means of connecting elements, such as screws, which reach through in the vertical direction (y-direction) of the chain links. For example, the fastening hole can have a rectangular cross section, so that the force introduction component can be attached in a form-fitting manner, secured against twisting, by means of a carriage bolt or the like.

Each force introduction component can preferably be designed as a component that is separate from the side walls. In particular, the force introduction components can be essentially plate-shaped. This means that the force introduction component is essentially planar and can therefore be produced in a simple manner, for example, from a semi-finished sheet metal product. According to a preferred embodiment, each force introduction component can be positively connected to the associated plate, at least in the longitudinal direction (z-direction) of the chain link, preferably in the longitudinal direction (z-direction) and a vertical direction (y-direction) of the chain link. For example, each force introduction component can have a main body and a pin protruding from the main body. The pin of the force introduction component can be inserted into a preferably slot-shaped opening in the associated side wall in the transverse direction (x-direction). In particular, the opening can be designed as a through hole (in the material thickness direction of the link plate, which corresponds to the transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link in the assembled state) and the pin can be arranged reaching through the side wall. According to a further preferred embodiment, the two force introduction components can be inserted into the associated side wall in mutually opposite directions of the transverse direction (x-direction).

The invention also relates to a plate-link chain for a chain conveyor, with a large number of chain links, a first number of chain links being designed as inner plates whose connecting elements are designed as sleeves, and a second number of chain links being designed as outer plates whose Connecting elements are designed as bolts. In this case, the inner plates and the outer plates are arranged alternately in a chain circulation direction. A pin of an outer plate is rotatably mounted in a sleeve of an inner plate adjacent in the direction of chain circulation for the articulated connection of the outer plate to the inner plate. The side walls of the inner flaps are arranged in the transverse direction (x-direction) between the side walls of the outer flaps. The inner plates and/or the outer plates are each designed as the described chain link. The pins and/or sleeves can be grease lubricated.

According to a preferred embodiment, the link chain can have rollers which are each arranged coaxially to a sleeve and a pin and are each rotatably mounted on the associated sleeve. This has the advantage of reducing wear when rolling on a sprocket. The rollers can be grease lubricated.

According to a preferred embodiment, the rollers can have an annular groove formed on the inner circumference on one or both of their axial end faces. The annular groove can advantageously serve to accommodate a seal, such as an O-ring.

The present disclosure also relates to a chain conveyor, in particular a slat conveyor, with a link chain described and a multiplicity of conveyor plates which can be driven via the link chain in the direction of chain circulation and on which the chain links are fastened via the force introduction components in a vertical direction of the chain links.

The invention is explained below with the aid of figures. Show it:

1 is a perspective view of two articulated chain links according to the invention for a link chain,

Fig. 2 is a side view of the two chain links from Fig. 1,

Fig. 3 is a front view of the two chain links from Fig. 1, Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV of Fig. 2;

Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V of Fig. 2;

6 shows a schematic representation of a cross section of a side wall of the chain link according to the invention,

Fig. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII of Fig. 2, and

Figure 8 is a side view of part of a slat conveyor with the link chain.

The figures are only of a schematic nature and serve to understand the invention. Identical elements are marked with the same reference symbols.

1 shows two chain links 1 for a link chain 2 of a chain conveyor, in particular a slat conveyor 3 (cf. FIG. 8). The structure of such a chain link 1 is described below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7 described.

The chain link 1 has two essentially plate-shaped side walls/plates 4, which can also be referred to as a first side wall 4 and a second side wall 4 and which are spaced parallel to one another in a transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link 1 and are firmly connected to one another are. In this case, the transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link 1 corresponds to a direction transverse to a chain revolving direction. A longitudinal direction (z-direction) of the chain link 1 thus corresponds to the chain revolving direction. Each side wall 4 can have a symmetrical structure. The side walls 4 of a chain link 1 can be designed as identical parts.

The chain link 1 has two connecting elements 5 which are spaced parallel to one another in a longitudinal direction (z-direction) of the chain link 1 . The side walls 4 of a chain link 1 each have connecting holes 6 into which the connecting elements 5 engage in order to firmly connect the side walls 4 to one another. A structure of a cross section of the side walls 4 is shown schematically in particular in FIG. 4 . The connecting holes 6 taper in the material thickness direction of the associated side wall 4. The taper shown in FIG. 4 is only for understanding the invention and is exaggerated/not drawn to scale. The connecting holes 6 are preferably designed as through-holes, so that the side walls 4 have opening cross-sections of different sizes on their opposite sides. In particular, the connecting holes 6 can taper in the material thickness direction from an inside 7 of the side wall 4, ie a side facing the respective other side wall 4, to an outside 8 of the side wall 4, ie a side facing away from the respective other side wall 4. Thus, the opening cross section on the inside 7 can be larger than the opening cross section on the outside 8, so that the connecting holes 6 taper from the inside to the outside or enlarge from the outside to the inside.

For example, the connecting holes 6 (as in the illustrated embodiment) can be essentially funnel-shaped or cone-shaped. This means that the connecting holes 6 preferably have a substantially circular cross-section and the cross-section preferably tapers continuously, i.e. with a constant pitch, over the extension of the connecting holes 6 in the material thickness direction.

In particular, the side walls 4 can be designed as laser-cut components. In addition, the side walls 4 and/or the connecting elements 5 can be made of steel that has a material strength of 700 N/mm ² to 1600 N/mm ² .

The connecting elements 5 can have a main body 9 arranged between the side walls 4 and two connecting sections 10 protruding on both axial sides of the main body 8 and inserted into the connecting holes 6 (cf. in particular FIGS. 4 and 5). The connecting sections 10 can be inserted into the connecting holes 6 of the side walls 4 . The connecting sections 10 can, for example, terminate flush with the side walls 4 (cf. FIG. 4). Alternatively, the connecting sections 10 can be pushed through the side walls 4 reach through, so that the connecting sections 10 protrude in sections over the side walls 4 (to the outside) (cf. FIG. 5).

The outer diameter of the connecting element 5 can preferably increase radially outwards from the connecting sections 10 to the main body 9 via a step 11 . This means that the connecting sections have a preferably essentially constant outer diameter, which increases stepwise to the outer diameter of the main body. The step 11 can in particular serve as an axial stop surface for the associated side wall 4 .

For example, the connecting sections 10 and/or the connecting holes 6 can have a surface that is profiled at least in sections. For example, the connecting sections 10 and/or the connecting holes 6 can have a surface having grooves at least in sections, for example aligned in the axial direction of the connecting elements, even if this is not shown in the figures.

The chain link 1 can be designed as an inner chain link/an inner plate 12 or as an outer chain link/an outer plate 13. To form the link chain 2, a multiplicity of chain links 1 are connected to one another in an articulated manner. In this case, the inner plates 12 and the outer plates 13 are arranged alternately in a chain circulation direction. Inner link plates 12 and outer link plates 13 that are adjacent in the direction of chain rotation are connected to one another in an articulated manner. That is, the link chain 2 has a plurality of those shown in FIG

Chain link pairs / plate pairs from an inner plate 12 and an outer plate 13 is constructed. The side walls 4 of the inner plates 12 are arranged between the side walls 4 of the outer plates 13 in the connected state of the chain links 1 in the transverse direction (x-direction).

The connecting elements 5 can be sleeves/bushings/hollow bolts 14.

The side walls 4 of a chain link 1 designed as an inner plate 12 can preferably be connected to one another via sleeves 14 . The connecting sections 10 of the sleeves 14, ie the inner plates 12, preferably end flush with the side walls 4 (cf. FIG. 4). In particular, the sleeves 14 in the connecting holes 6 of a side wall 4 and the connecting holes 6 of the other Side wall 4 be pressed under plastic deformation of the sleeves 14 and / or the side walls 4.

In particular, the sleeves 14 can have an annular groove 15 formed on the inner circumference on one or both of their axial end faces. The annular groove 15 can be used to accommodate a seal, such as an O-ring. In addition, the annular groove 15 reduces the strength of the sleeve 14 and thus increases the deformability of the sleeve 14 in the area in which the annular groove 15 is formed. Thus, the annular groove 15 can preferably be arranged in an area of the connecting holes 6 in which the smallest cross-section of the connecting holes is present, i.e. on the outside 8 of the side walls 4/in an outer area of the side walls 4.

The connecting elements 5 can be bolts/solid bolts 16 . The side walls 4 of a chain link 1 designed as an outer plate 13 can preferably be connected to one another via bolts 16 . The connecting sections 10 of the bolts 16 preferably reach through the side walls 4 (cf. FIG. 5). In particular, the bolts 16 can be pressed into the connecting holes 6 of one side wall 4 and into the connecting holes 6 of the other side wall 4 with plastic deformation of the bolts 16 and/or the side walls 4 . The connecting sections 10 of the bolts 16 can preferably each have a section which extends through the associated side wall 4 and in which a securing hole 17 is formed. A securing element 18 can be or can be inserted into the securing hole 17 in such a way that the securing element 18 engages material of the associated side wall 4 from behind. Preferably, the securing hole 17 is formed as a through hole. In addition, the chain link 1 can have an annular disc/washer 19 arranged between the securing hole 17 and the side wall 4 .

Preferably, the studs 16 may have a substantially circular cross-section. Alternatively or additionally, the bolts 16 can have a flattened area 20 to prevent twisting in a form-fitting manner (cf. FIGS. 1 and 2). The opening cross section of the connecting hole 6 in the associated side wall 4 preferably corresponds to the cross section of the bolts 16. In the illustrated embodiment, the chain link 1 can have two force introduction components/support brackets 21, each force introduction component protruding outwards in the transverse direction (x-direction) from an associated side wall 4 for attachment to a conveyor belt of the chain conveyor, in particular the slats of the slat conveyor 3. In particular, the force introduction components 21 each protrude at right angles to the associated side wall. Each side wall 4 thus forms an L-shaped cross section, ie an angle, together with the force introduction component. Preferably, each force introduction component can have at least one fastening hole in a vertical direction (y-direction) of the chain link, through which the chain link can be fastened to the slats. In particular, each force introduction component can be fastened to the slats by means of connecting elements, such as screws, which reach through in the vertical direction (y-direction) of the chain links. For example, the fastening hole can have a rectangular cross section, so that the force introduction component can be attached in a form-fitting manner, secured against twisting, by means of a carriage bolt or the like.

Each force introduction component 21 can preferably be designed as a component separate from the side walls 4 . In particular, the force introduction components 21 can be essentially plate-shaped. This means that the force application component is essentially flat. According to a preferred embodiment, each force introduction component 21 can be positively connected to the associated side wall 4, at least in the longitudinal direction (z-direction) of the chain link 1 , preferably in the longitudinal direction (z-direction) and a vertical direction (y-direction) of the chain link 1 be. For example, each force introduction component 21 can have a main body and a pin protruding from the main body.

The pin of the force introduction component can be inserted into a preferably slot-shaped opening in the associated side wall 4 in the transverse direction (x-direction). In particular, the opening can be designed as a through hole (in the material thickness direction of the side wall 4, which corresponds to the transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link 1 in the assembled state) and the pin can be arranged reaching through the side wall 4. According to a further preferred embodiment, the two force introduction components 21 can be inserted into the associated side wall 4 in mutually opposite directions of the transverse direction (x-direction). To form the link chain 2, a large number of chain links are connected to one another in an articulated manner. The inner plates 12 and/or the outer plates 13 can each be designed with the features of the chain link 1 described. For the articulated connection of adjacent chain links 1 in the chain revolving direction, the pin 16 of the outer link plate 13 is rotatably mounted in the sleeve 14 of the inner link plate 12 adjacent in the chain revolving direction for the articulated connection of the outer link plate 13 with the inner link plate 12 . The sleeve and/or the bolt 16 can be lubricated with grease.

The link chain 2 can preferably have rollers 22 which are each arranged coaxially with an associated sleeve 14 and an associated pin 16 and are each mounted rotatably on the associated sleeve 14 . In particular, the rollers 22 can have an annular groove 23 formed on the inner circumference on one or both of their axial end faces. The annular groove 23 can be used to accommodate a seal 24, such as an O-ring.

FIG. 8 shows a side view of the slat conveyor 3 and the link chain 2 . The slat conveyor 3 has a multiplicity of conveyor slats 25 . The conveyor plates 25 can be driven via the link chain 2 in the direction of chain circulation. The chain links 1 are attached to the conveyor plates 25 via connecting elements (not shown), which pass through the force introduction components 21 in the vertical direction of the chain links 1 . In addition, the slat conveyor 3 has non-driven rollers 26, via which the weight of the bulk material to be conveyed can be absorbed.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS Chain link Plate chain Slat conveyor Side wall Connection element Connection hole Inside Outside Main body Connection section Step Inner link Outer link Sleeve Ring groove Bolt Securing hole Securing element Disc Flattened area Force introduction component Roller Ring groove Gasket Conveyor plate roller

Claims

Expectations

1. Chain link (1) for a link chain (2) of a chain conveyor (3), with two essentially plate-shaped side walls (4) spaced parallel to one another in a transverse direction (x-direction) of the chain link (1) and two in a longitudinal direction ( z-direction) of the chain link (1) connecting elements (5) spaced parallel to one another, the side walls (4) each having connecting holes (6) into which the connecting elements (5) engage in order to firmly connect the side walls (4) to one another, characterized in that the connecting holes (6) taper in the material thickness direction of the associated side wall (4).

2. Chain link (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the connecting holes (6) taper in the material thickness direction from an inside (7) to an outside (8) of the associated side wall (6).

3. Chain link (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the connecting holes (6) are essentially funnel-shaped or cone-shaped.

4. Chain link (1) according to one of Claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the side walls (4) are designed as laser-cut components and/or that the side walls (4) and/or the connecting elements (5) consist of steel, which has a material strength of 700 N/mm ² to 1600 N/mm ² .

5. Chain link (1) according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the connecting elements (5) have a main body (9) arranged between the side walls (4) and two protruding, on both axial sides of the main body (9), in the connecting holes (6) has inserted connecting sections (10), wherein the outer diameter of the connecting elements (5) increases radially outwards from the connecting sections (10) to the main body (9) via a step (11) and/or wherein the connecting sections (10 ) and/or the connecting holes (6) have a surface which is profiled at least in sections.

6. Chain link (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the connecting elements (5) are sleeves (14) which fit into the connecting holes (6) of one side wall (4) and the connecting holes (6) of the other Side wall (4) are pressed under plastic deformation of the sleeves (14) and / or the side walls (4).

7. Chain link (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the sleeves (14) have an annular groove (15) formed on the inner circumference on one or both of their axial end faces.

8. Chain link (1) according to one of claims 5 to 7, characterized in that the connecting elements (5) are bolts (16), the bolts (16) in the connecting holes (6) of one side wall (4) and the connecting holes (6) the other side wall (4) are pressed in with plastic deformation of the bolts (16) and/or the side walls (4) and/or wherein the connecting sections (10) of the bolts (16) each have a through the associated side wall (4) have a section that extends through, in which a securing hole (17) is formed, into which a securing element (18) is inserted or can be inserted in such a way that the securing element (18) engages behind material of the associated side wall (4).

9. Chain link (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the bolts (16) have a substantially circular cross-section and/or a flattened area (20) for positively locking prevention of twisting.

10. Plate-link chain (2) for a chain conveyor (3), with a plurality of chain links (1), a first number of chain links (1) being designed as inner plates (12) whose connecting elements (5) are designed as sleeves (14). a second number of chain links (1) are designed as outer plates (13), the connecting elements (5) of which are designed as bolts (16), the inner plates (12) and the outer plates (13) being arranged alternately in a chain circulation direction and a bolt (16) of an outer plate (13) is rotatably mounted in a sleeve (14) of an inner plate (12) adjacent in the direction of chain circulation for the articulated connection of the outer plate (13) to the inner plate (12), and wherein the side walls (4 ) of the inner flaps (12) are arranged in the transverse direction between the side walls (4) of the outer flaps (13), the inner flaps (12) and / or the outer plates (13) are each designed as a chain link (1) according to one of claims 1 to 9.