阅读说明：本技术 链式输送机及其链节 (Chain conveyor and chain link thereof ) 是由 A·P·沃克 C·G·斯图尔特 于 2018-03-06 设计创作，主要内容包括：一种用于输送机链条的链节,所述链节包括第一部分和与所述第一部分横向隔开的第二部分。所述第一部分包括第一链轮接合销,所述第二部分包括第二链轮接合销。所述第一链轮接合销和所述第二链轮接合销彼此远离横向突出。所述第一链轮接合销和所述第二链轮接合销中的每个链轮接合销可具有椭圆形截面。至少一个保持器可固定连接销以防止相对于所述第一部分和所述第二部分中的至少一个部分进行运动,且每个保持器可基本位于所述第一部分和所述第二部分中的一个部分内。(A link for a conveyor chain, the link comprising a first portion and a second portion laterally spaced from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket engagement pin and the second portion includes a second sprocket engagement pin. The first and second sprocket engagement pins project laterally away from each other. Each of the first and second sprocket engagement pins may have an oval cross-section. At least one retainer may secure the connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first and second portions, and each retainer may be located substantially within one of the first and second portions.)

1. A link for a conveyor chain, comprising:

A first portion and a second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced from the first portion, the first portion including a first sprocket engagement pin, the second portion including a second sprocket engagement pin, the first and second sprocket engagement pins projecting laterally away from each other, the first and second sprocket engagement pins being aligned with each other along an axis that is transverse relative to a direction of travel, each of the first and second sprocket engagement pins having an elliptical cross-section.

2. The link of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are integrally formed with one another by a bridge extending between the first portion and the second portion.

3. the link of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separate from one another.

4. The link of claim 1, wherein during operation, an opening extends through the bridge in a direction parallel to a direction of travel of the link.

5. The link of claim 1, further comprising a pair of first holes oriented transversely through the first portion and a pair of second holes oriented transversely through the second portion, the second holes aligned with the first holes, wherein the first sprocket engagement pin is located between the pair of first holes, wherein the second sprocket engagement pin is located between the pair of second holes.

6. The link of claim 1, wherein the first portion and the second portion include a lower surface configured to slide along a conveying deck surface, wherein the first sprocket engagement pin includes a lower edge that is coplanar with the lower surface, and the second sprocket engagement pin includes a lower edge that is coplanar with the lower surface to form a continuous lower surface that engages the conveying deck along a width of the link at least between a tip of the first sprocket engagement pin and a tip of the second sprocket engagement pin.

7. The link of claim 1, further comprising a first flight located near a distal end of the first sprocket engagement pin and a second flight located near a distal end of the second sprocket engagement pin.

8. The link of claim 7 wherein the first flight is integrally formed with the first sprocket engagement pin and the second flight is integrally formed with the second sprocket engagement pin.

9. A conveyor chain, characterized in that it comprises:

A first link comprising a first portion and a second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced from the first portion, the first portion comprising a first sprocket engagement pin and the second portion comprising a second sprocket engagement pin, the first and second sprocket engagement pins projecting laterally away from each other;

A second link;

A connecting pin for coupling the first and second links, the connecting pin extending between the first and second portions of the first link; and

At least one retainer for securing the connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first and second portions, each retainer being located substantially within one of the first and second portions.

10. The conveyor chain of claim 9, wherein at least one retainer comprises a retaining ring located near one end of the connecting pin to prevent movement of the connecting pin.

11. a conveyor chain as in claim 9 wherein the first portion includes a transversely oriented first bore and the second portion includes a transversely oriented second bore aligned with the first bore, the first sprocket engagement pin being offset from the first bore in a direction of travel and the second sprocket engagement pin being offset from the second bore in the direction of travel, wherein one end of the connecting pin is located within the first bore and the other end of the connecting pin is located within the second bore.

12. The conveyor chain of claim 11, wherein the first bore includes a counterbore, a portion of the first bore proximate an outside surface of the first portion having a diameter that is less than a diameter of a portion of the first bore proximate an inside surface of the first portion, wherein the retainer is located in the second bore.

13. A conveyor chain according to claim 9, wherein at least one retainer comprises a pin located near one end of the connecting pin.

14. The conveyor chain of claim 9, wherein the connecting pin includes an outer surface and a groove extending along at least a portion of a perimeter of the outer surface, wherein the first portion includes a first hole for receiving a portion of the connecting pin and an opening intersecting the first hole and aligned with the groove, wherein the at least one retainer includes an elongated member positioned within the opening and extending along at least a portion of the groove to secure the connecting pin within the first hole.

15. The conveyor chain of claim 9, wherein the first and second portions are integrally formed with one another by a bridge extending between the first and second portions.

16. The conveyor chain of claim 9, wherein the first portion and the second portion are separate from each other.

17. A conveyor chain as in claim 9 wherein the first portion includes a transversely oriented pair of first holes and the second portion includes a transversely oriented pair of second holes aligned with the first holes, the first sprocket engagement pin being located between the pair of first holes and the second sprocket engagement pin being located between the pair of second holes.

18. The conveyor chain of claim 9, further comprising a first flight located near a distal end of the first sprocket engagement pin and a second flight located near a distal end of the second sprocket engagement pin.

19. The conveyor chain of claim 18, wherein the first flight is integrally formed with the first sprocket engagement pin and the second flight is integrally formed with the second sprocket engagement pin.

20. a conveyor chain according to claim 9, wherein the second link includes a first end and a second end, the first end being coupled to the first link and located between the first portion and the second portion, wherein the connecting pin extends through the second link adjacent the first end.

21. A chain link for a chain conveyor, comprising:

A first portion comprising a first sprocket engagement pin;

A second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced from the first portion, the second portion including a second sprocket engagement pin, the first and second sprocket engagement pins aligned with one another along an axis that is transverse relative to a direction of travel of the link, the first and second sprocket engagement pins projecting in a direction that is laterally away from the central axis; and

An intermediate portion extending between and integrally formed with the first portion and the second portion, the intermediate portion being laterally aligned with the first sprocket engagement pin and the second sprocket engagement pin.

22. The link of claim 21, wherein the intermediate portion includes an opening extending parallel to the central axis.

23. The link of claim 21, wherein the first portion includes a pair of first holes oriented transversely therethrough, wherein the second portion includes a pair of second holes oriented transversely therethrough, each of the second holes being aligned with an associated one of the first holes, wherein the first sprocket engagement pin is located between the pair of first holes, wherein the second sprocket engagement pin is located between the pair of second holes.

24. the link of claim 21 further comprising a first flight located near a distal end of the first sprocket engagement pin and a second flight located near a distal end of the second sprocket engagement pin.

25. The link of claim 24 wherein the first flight is integrally formed with the first sprocket engagement pin and the second flight is integrally formed with the second sprocket engagement pin.

26. The link of claim 21 wherein the first sprocket engagement pin has an oval cross-section and the second sprocket engagement pin has an oval cross-section.

Technical Field

The invention discloses a material conveyor, and particularly relates to a chain plate type conveyor.

Disclosure of Invention

Mining machines such as continuous miners and chain conveyors may include a chain conveyor that is laterally deflectable to travel by lateral tipping. The chain conveyor may comprise scraper members for pushing or driving the material along the discs. The chain may be driven by one or more sprockets.

In a separate aspect, a link for a chain conveyor includes a first portion and a second portion. The second portion is oriented parallel to and laterally spaced from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket engagement pin and the second portion includes a second sprocket engagement pin. The first and second sprocket engagement pins project laterally away from each other. The first and second sprocket engagement pins are aligned with each other along an axis that is transverse relative to a direction of travel. Each of the first and second sprocket engagement pins has an oval cross-section.

In another independent aspect, a conveyor chain includes a first link, a second link, a connecting pin for coupling the first and second links, and at least one retainer. The first link includes a first portion and a second portion oriented parallel to and laterally spaced from the first portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket engagement pin and the second portion includes a second sprocket engagement pin. The first and second sprocket engagement pins project laterally away from each other. The connecting pin extends between the first portion and the second portion of the first link. The at least one retainer secures the connecting pin against movement relative to at least one of the first portion and the second portion. Each retainer is located substantially within one of the first and second portions.

In yet another independent aspect, a link for a chain conveyor includes a first portion, a second portion, and an intermediate portion. The first portion includes a first sprocket engagement pin. The second portion is oriented parallel to and laterally spaced from the first portion, the second portion including a second sprocket engagement pin. The first and second sprocket engagement pins are aligned with each other along an axis that is transverse relative to a direction of travel of the chain link. The first and second sprocket engagement pins project in a direction laterally away from the central axis. The intermediate portion extends between and is integrally formed with the first and second portions. The intermediate portion is laterally aligned with the first sprocket engagement pin and the second sprocket engagement pin.

Other aspects will become apparent by consideration of the detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the mining machine with a portion of the gathering head cut away.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the front end of the mining machine of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is an exploded view of the conveyor drive assembly.

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the chain conveyor.

fig. 5 is an exploded view of the chain conveyor of fig. 4.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a connecting link.

Fig. 7 is a front view of the connecting link of fig. 6.

FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting link taken along section 8-8 shown in FIG. 5.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a connecting link according to another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the connecting link of FIG. 9 including a chain pin and retainer, taken along section 10-10.

FIG. 11 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the connecting link of FIG. 9 including the chain pin and retainer, taken along section 10-10.

FIG. 12 is a perspective cross-sectional view of the connecting link of FIG. 9 including a chain pin and retainer, taken along section 10-10.

FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view of the connecting link of FIG. 4 taken along section 13-13 including a retainer according to another embodiment.

Fig. 14 is an exploded view of a portion of the connecting link and retainer of fig. 13.

Fig. 15 is a top view of the connecting link coupled to the rotating link of fig. 6.

Fig. 16 is another perspective view of the connecting link of fig. 6.

Fig. 17 is a front view of the chain conveyor in fig. 4.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a chain conveyor according to another embodiment.

Fig. 19 is an exploded view of the chain conveyor of fig. 18.

Before any individual embodiments of the disclosure are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The disclosure is capable of other independent embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways.

also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "coupled" are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mounting, connecting, and coupling. Further, "connected" and "coupled" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings, and can include electrical or fluid connections or couplings, whether direct or indirect. Additionally, electronic communication and notification may be performed using any known means, including direct connections, wireless connections, and the like.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates a mining machine 10, such as a continuous mining machine. In the illustrated embodiment, the mining machine 10 includes a frame or chassis 18, a boom 22 pivotally coupled to the chassis 18, and a cutter head 26 supported on the boom 22. The chassis 18 may be supported for movement relative to a support surface (not shown) by a traction mechanism (e.g., tracks 30).

As shown in fig. 1 and 2, the collection mechanism or head 34 is located near a first or front end 38 of the chassis 18, and the conveyor 42 extends in a continuous loop from the front end 38 of the chassis 18 toward a second or rear end 46 of the chassis 18. The collection head 34 is located below the cutter head 26 and includes a platform 50 and a pair of pivot arms 54, the pivot arms 54 engaging and directing the cut material onto the conveyor 42. The conveyor 42 transports the cut material from the forward end 38 toward a rear end 46 (fig. 1) of the chassis 18, from an area below the cutter head 26 to another conveyor or tractor (not shown) located proximate the rear end 46 of the chassis 18.

As shown in fig. 2, the conveyor 42 is a chain conveyor formed by links connected in series in a continuous loop. The conveyor 42 drives the cut material along a chain wheel or platform 58. The conveyor 42 is driven by a drive assembly that includes a shaft 62 located adjacent the collection head 34 of the chassis 18. As shown in fig. 3, the shaft 62 is oriented transversely relative to the chassis 18 (fig. 2) and is driven (e.g., by one or more motors) to rotate relative to the chassis 18. A pair of sprockets 66 engage and move the conveyor 42. In the illustrated embodiment, each sprocket 66 includes four teeth or projections 70 spaced about the shaft 62, with the recesses between the projections 70 receiving and driving the conveyor 42.

Fig. 4 and 5 show the means of forming the chain 82 of the conveyor 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the chain 82 includes a first link or scraper link 86, a second link or connecting link 90, a coupler link or swivel link 94 that couples the scraper link 86 to the connecting link 90, and scrapers or scraper bars (flights) 98 positioned laterally outward from the scraper link 86. Another rotary link 94 may couple the connecting link 90 to another scraper link (not shown), and thus the conveyor chain 82 may include a sequence of alternating scraper links and connecting links, each joined to one another by a rotary link. In other embodiments, the chain 82 may include different sequences of links, for example, a plurality of connecting links may be located between one scraper link and a subsequent scraper link. Various permutations of the link sequence are possible.

In the illustrated embodiment, the scraper link 86 includes a pair of lugs or sides 106 (a first side 106a and a second side 106b) and a bridge 110 extending between the inner surfaces of the sides 106. Each side portion 106 includes a pair of apertures 114 extending through the inner and outer surfaces of each side portion 106.

As shown in fig. 5, the scraper link 86 further includes a pair of scraper pins 122, each scraper pin 122 extending outwardly from an outer surface of one of the sides 106. In the illustrated embodiment, the flight pins 122 are aligned with one another (i.e., along a common axis), with each of the flight pins 122 being located between chain pins 222 (described further below). In other words, the flight pins 122 extend laterally or transversely relative to the direction of travel 126 of the conveyor 42. Each of the flight pins 122 is located between the holes 114 of the associated side 106. In the illustrated embodiment, each flight 98 is removably coupled to one of the flight pins 122 (e.g., via a bolt 130 and a nut 134). The sprocket engaging portion or drive portion 138 of each flight pin 122 is located between the side portion 106 and the associated flight 98. In the illustrated embodiment, the end 142 of each flight pin 122 is located within an opening 146 of one of the flight bars 98.

As shown in fig. 5, each connecting link 90 includes a pair of lugs or sides 170 (a first side 170a and a second side 170b) and a bridge 174 extending between the inner surfaces of the sides 170. Each side portion 170 includes a pair of apertures 178 extending through the inner and outer surfaces of each side portion 170. In addition, a drive pin 182 extends outwardly from an outer surface of each side portion 170. In other words, each drive pin 182 extends laterally or transversely with respect to the direction of travel 126 of the chain 82. Each drive pin 182 is located between the apertures 178 of the associated side portion 170. The sprocket 66 (fig. 3) engages the drive pins 182 and the drive portions 138 of the flight pins 122 to drive the chain 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the bridge portion 174 connecting the links includes an opening 186.

As shown in fig. 6-8, the bridge portion 174 of the connecting link 90 includes a concave surface 184 and an opening 186. The bridging portion 174 extends between the side portions 170 in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of travel 126 (fig. 6). Concave surface 184 and opening 186 provide clearance to allow pivotal movement of rotary link 94 (fig. 8). Concave surface 184 and opening 186 allow the tip of swivel link 94 to be thicker, thereby increasing the strength and wear life of swivel link 94. In addition, openings 186 provide a path for material to pass through, thereby preventing accumulation of material, which may cause connecting link 90 and rotating link 94 to bind and/or wear. In other embodiments, such as the example shown in fig. 9, the bridge 174 may include only the recessed surface 184 without an opening.

Referring again to fig. 5, the rotating link 94 includes a first end 190, a second end 194, and a pair of openings 198, the pair of openings 198 extending laterally from one side of the rotating link 94 to the other, opposite side of the rotating link 94. A swivel link longitudinal axis 200 extends between the first end 190 and the second end 194. Under nominal operating conditions, the rotating link longitudinal axis 200 is aligned with the direction of travel 126 of the chain 82. In the illustrated embodiment, the rotary links 94 are formed as vertical open links with openings 198 separated by gussets or reinforcement members 202. The reinforcement member 202 extends between a first or upper wall 204 and a second or lower wall 208 of the swivel link 94. Each rotary link 94 further includes a pair of support members or bearings, such as spherical bearings 206. Each bearing 206 is located in a notch 210 (fig. 5), the notch 210 being formed in an associated one of the openings 198 of the rotary link 94.

One of the openings 198 is aligned with the parallel hole 178 in the side portion 170 of the connecting link 90, while the other openings 198 are aligned with the parallel holes 114 in the side portion 106 of the scraper link 86. A first connecting or chain pin 214 is inserted through the hole 178 of the connecting link side 170 and through one of the openings 198 of the rotating link 94, thereby coupling the rotating link 94 to the connecting link 90. Similarly, a second connecting pin or second chain pin 222 is inserted through the hole 114 of the scraper link side 106 and through the other opening 198 of the rotary link 94, thereby coupling the rotary link 94 to the scraper link 86. Each of the chain pins 214, 222 is supported for pivotal movement relative to the rotary link 94 by one of the bearings 206 located in the connected rotary link 94.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first chain pin 214 is inserted through the connecting link side 170 in a first lateral direction, while the second chain pin 222 is inserted through the flight link side 106 in a second lateral direction opposite the first lateral direction. The chain pins 214, 222 are secured against movement relative to the connecting link 90 and scraper link 86 by retainers (described below). Additionally, in some embodiments, the outer side of one of the sides 170 may include a hole having a reduced diameter such that each pin 214 may only be inserted from one side of the connecting link to the other. The holes of the scraper links may be configured in the same way.

The chain pins 214, 222 are secured against movement relative to the connecting link 90 and scraper link 86 by a retainer mechanism. As shown in fig. 10, the retainer mechanism may include a self-locking retaining ring 230, the self-locking retaining ring 230 being secured within the bore 178 near one side of the connecting link 90 and abutting the end of the chain pin 214. Alternatively, or in addition to self-locking retaining ring 230, as shown in FIG. 11, the retainer mechanism may include a clip-type retaining ring 234, with clip-type retaining ring 234 being received in a slot 238 extending around the inner diameter of bore 178 near one side of connecting link 90 to abut the end of chain pin 214. The clip-on retaining ring 234 may be compressed to position the ring 234 within the groove 238 and then biased outwardly to secure the ring 234 within the groove 238. Alternatively, or in addition to the retainer mechanism described above, as shown in FIG. 12, the retainer mechanism may include a hole 242 extending through the side 170 and through the hole 178, and a pin 246 located within the hole 242 to abut the end of the chain pin 214.

Unlike conventional chains that incorporate an external retainer mechanism (prone to failure and requiring additional machining), the retainer mechanism is located internally (within the bore 178 of the connecting link 90) to prevent the chain pin 214 from moving within the bore 178. Thus, it is simpler to use stronger chain pins, simplifying the manufacture and machining of the chain element. While connecting link 90 as shown in fig. 9 illustrates the above retainer mechanism, it should be understood that a similar mechanism may be incorporated into the connecting links of fig. 7-9. Additionally, although the retainer mechanism is illustrated with respect to connecting link 90 and chain pin 214, it should be understood that a similar mechanism may be incorporated into scraper link 86 to retain chain pin 222.

Fig. 13 and 14 illustrate a retainer according to another embodiment. Openings or holes 250 are formed in the side portions 170a of the connecting links 90 and communicate with or align with slots 254 extending around the perimeter of the holes 178 (fig. 14) in which the chain pins 214 are positioned. In addition, a groove 258 is formed on the outer surface of the chain pin 214. When the pin 214 is positioned in the hole 178 and the recess 258 is aligned with the slot 254, the wire 262 is inserted through the hole 250 of the side portion 170 a. When the wire 262 is pressed into the hole 252, the wire 262 passes through the slot 254 and the groove 258 to wrap around the chain pin 214. The wire 262 can be easily and quickly pressed into the bore 250 to secure the chain pin 214 in place without additional machining and to minimize material costs. The wire 262 also fills the excess space between the chain pin 214 and the hole 178 (e.g., due to tolerance stack-up). While the retainer mechanism in fig. 13 and 14 is illustrated with respect to connecting link 90 and chain pin 214, it should be understood that a similar mechanism may be incorporated into scraper link 86 to retain chain pin 222. It should be understood that any combination of the retainer mechanisms described herein may be used to incorporate into the scraper links 86 and/or connecting links 90 of the chain.

As shown in fig. 15, the connecting link 90 is formed as a single member. In other words, the side portions 170, the bridge portion 174, and the drive pin 182 are integrally formed with one another. Thus, the connecting link 90 is less expensive to manufacture and easier to assemble than conventional chains. In addition, the connecting links 90 are stronger than conventional chains and reduce the risk of breakage or failure associated with multi-part chain assemblies. The integrated drive pin 182 increases the strength of the drive portion that engages the sprocket 66 and avoids engagement between the chain pins 214 and the sprocket 66 (fig. 3).

As shown in fig. 16, the drive pins 182 have an elliptical profile at least along the surface where the drive pins 182 engage or contact the sprocket 66. As used herein, "elliptical" refers to a non-circular shape having a perimeter that is at least partially curvilinear. Wherein the elliptical profile may comprise a profile having, for example, an elliptical or eccentric shape. Unlike conventional line contact interaction between a chain and a sprocket, the non-circular profile allows for "patch" contact between the drive pin 182 and the tooth 70 of the sprocket 66 to reduce contact stresses and wear rates on the pin 182 and the sprocket 66. In addition, the profile allows the drive pin 182 to extend through the entire height of the connecting link 90. In other words, a first or lower edge of each pin 182 is coplanar with the lower surfaces of the side portions 170 and the bridge portion 174. The drive portion 138 (fig. 5) of the flight pin 122 has a similar profile. As shown in fig. 17, the elongated pin 182 and the drive portion 138 provide a chain profile in which the entire width of the chain contacts and scrapes against the conveyor platform 58, as opposed to a traditional chain that leaves a portion of the gap where material may accumulate. In some embodiments, a second or upper edge of each pin 182 is coplanar with the upper surface of the side 170 of the connecting link. Similarly, the upper edge of the drive portion may be coplanar with the upper surface of the side portion 106 of the scraper link 86.

Fig. 18 and 19 illustrate a chain 882 according to another embodiment. The features of chain 882 are similar to those of chain 82 and are identified with similar reference numerals increased by 800. At least some of the differences and/or at least some of the similarities between chains 82 and 882 are described below. In addition, features or characteristics described only in relation to one or some embodiments described herein are equally applicable to any other embodiment described herein.

The chain 882 includes a flight link 886 that includes a pair of sides 906 that are separated from one another and not directly connected. In other words, scraper links 886 do not include a bridge between sides 906. Instead, sides 906 are coupled to one another by connecting pins 1022 (fig. 19), which connecting pins 1022 extend between sides 906 and through rotary link 894. Similarly, connecting link 890 includes a pair of side portions 970 that are separate from and not directly connected to each other. In other words, connecting link 886 does not include a bridge between sides 970, which sides 970 are then formed as separate components 970a, 970 b. Instead, sides 970 are coupled to one another by a connecting pin 1014 (fig. 19), which connecting pin 1014 extends between sides 970 and through rotary link 894.

Additionally, a scraper 898 is integrally formed with each side 906 of scraper links 886. In the illustrated embodiment, a drive portion 938 projects from each side 906, and a wiper 898 extends laterally outward from the end of the drive portion 938. Drive portion 938 is located between side 906 and wiper 898. It should be understood that aspects of chain 882 may be incorporated into other disclosed embodiments. For example, an integral flight may be incorporated into the flight links 86 described above with respect to fig. 4 and 5.

Although the conveyor is described above with respect to a continuous miner, it should be understood that the conveyor may be incorporated into other types of machines, including but not limited to roadheader and entry drives, as well as loading and traction machines, including but not limited to shuttle cars, battery trucks, or other types.

Although aspects have been described in detail with reference to certain preferred embodiments, variations and modifications exist within the scope and spirit of one or more of the independent aspects described.