DE202008014282U1 - Magnetic curve guide for a conveyor chain - Google Patents

Abstract

Curve guide (1) for a conveyor chain, with a cornering plane (E) acting lateral guide, characterized in that the side guide is at least partially configured as a magnetic side guide with a force acting on the conveyor chain in the cam plane (E) magnetic field.

Description

The The present invention relates to a cam guide for a conveyor chain, with a side guide acting in the curve plane.

Such a curve guide for a conveyor chain is from the DE 10118324 A1 known. The curve guide consists of a cross-sectionally U-shaped, curved plastic rail, wherein the two U-legs corresponding to the inner guideway and the outer guideway forms. As a conveyor chain, a curved hinge chain is used, the hinge parts are arranged in the groove formed between the guideways. The hinge-forming plate-shaped support elements lie with their underside on each of the inner and outer guideway. Due to the driving tensile force arising within the curve guide in the curve plane acting forces that are directed towards the center of the curve. To absorb these forces, the joint parts are supported on the side wall facing the groove of the inner guideway. To prevent excessive wear of the side wall of the inner guideway due to these relatively large support forces, it is provided with a friction-reducing support. This may be a sliding belt made of metal or a wear-resistant plastic, which is fastened in a suitable manner to the inner guideway.

Furthermore, z. B. from the EP 0286173 B2 a magnetic cam guide is known, in which one or more magnets are arranged in the region of the web of the cross-sectionally U-shaped cam guide, which ensure that the existing part of a ferromagnetic material chain links are held on the two guideways. Indeed, due to the prevailing forces, there is a tendency for a hinge band to tip away from at least the outer track while the opposite ends of the plate members of the chain bear against the inner track. The interaction of the magnetic forces and the ferromagnetic material of the chain links is now chosen so that the chain is held sufficiently stable against tipping in the cam guide; However, there is no too high resistance in the direction of the chain. In the present case, the magnets generate a magnetic field whose main axis is perpendicular to the curve plane. For such magnetic cam guides, there are a number of other developments, such. B. EP 0207577 B1 . EP 0790197 B1 . EP 0916599 B1 , In addition, it has meanwhile become established in practice that the magnets are displaced in the direction of the outer guideway, because this results in more favorable balance of forces against the tilting of the hinge strap chain. Furthermore, instead of the hinge bands also other chains, z. B. mat chains are used.

Next Single-lane curves are also available with multi-lane curves. The following considerations are intended for both as well as for multi-lane curved guides be valid.

Although it is due to in the DE 10118324 A1 described technique already comes to a reduction of wear, of course, continues the effort to bring about here again improvements.

It is therefore the object of the present invention, a curve guide of the type mentioned in terms of their wear behavior to improve again.

This Task is in a generic curve guide solved in that the side guide at least in sections as a magnetic side guide with a on the chain in the cam plane acting magnetic field is designed. sense and purpose here is to provide a side guide, at the magnetic forces help the cornering forces at least reduce or in the manner of a maglev train completely to take over, so that virtually no body friction more is present between side guide and conveyor chain. Here is the expression "with a on the chain in the curve plane acting magnetic field "as widely understood be. Definitely excluded is a magnetic field, where the resulting major axis is perpendicular to the curve plane. It can therefore be understood quite an angular range of ± <90 ° be provided a sufficient resulting magnetic force in Curve plane is generated, the side guide so supports that at least to a 20% reduction the frictional force comes (in comparison to an identical conventional Curved guide). In most cases, however to be preferred that the main axis of the magnetic field in the field of ± 60 °, and more preferably ± 30 °, may be aligned to the curve plane. Ideally and if so a pure lateral guidance is intended, is the main axis of the magnetic field aligned in or parallel to the curve plane. The effect is preferably in the direction of the center of curvature directed the curve guide, that is substantially perpendicular to curved center longitudinal axis of the conveyor chain.

In the prior art, if magnets are used in a curved guide, they are always arranged so that they act exactly perpendicular to the curve plane and hold the chain on the curve guide so that it does not come to a tipping, especially the outside. Such magnets are neither intended nor can they cause a page guidance function.

additionally For example, a magnetic tilt prevention device having one the chain can be provided transversely to the curve plane acting magnetic field. Again, the phrase "a cross on the chain Magnetic field acting on the curve plane "if possible should be understood broadly. Important here is that at least a sufficient magnetic force component is generated, the a tilting of the conveyor chain and thus at least a one-sided release is prevented by the curve guide. For some Applications should therefore be sufficient, if a major axis of the magnetic field in an angular range of ± 60 ° a perpendicular to the curve plane. Next can this angular range is ± 30 ° to a vertical be limited to the curve plane. Ideally, too the major axis is substantially perpendicular to the curve plane.

Under Curve plane is the stretched by the curve guide Level to understand. Geometrically, this z. B. defined by a plane perpendicular to the center axis of the cam guide plane. This definitely includes the plane in which the joint axes the conveyor chain are arranged.

According to one Embodiment may or may not be magnetic Side guide and / or the magnetic tilt prevention device a magnetic device by means of which a substantially continuous magnetic field at least over a curve area generated by 20 °. An essentially continuous one Magnetic field here means that there are no significant fluctuations in the magnetic strength in the respective target direction along of the curve area is coming. This would otherwise be detrimental on the running behavior of the conveyor chain in the curve guide impact. In the prior art, it is often observed that due to spaced apart magnets to a non-uniform (jerking) run of the chain comes. This effect amplifies especially if the chain is slower speed is moved. Due to a gapless as possible Section in which the magnetic field is substantially constant leaves avoid a correspondingly negative effect in this curve area.

Provided a curve guide an inner guideway and an outer guideway may be further provided, which is the magnetic tilt prevention device has a magnetic field with a major axis closer at the outer guideway than at the inner guideway is arranged. Due to the fact, that the chain tends to be from the outer guideway away and wants to tip over the inner guideway leaves tilting due to the laws of leverage with low forces prevent when the magnetic tilt prevention device and / or the major axis of their magnetic field closer to the outer Guideway as lying on the inner guideway. This also leads to a cost reduction, as well as weaker ones Magnets can be used.

Prefers the magnetic device is formed by at least one permanent magnet. This can be both the magnetic device of the magnetic side guide as well as the magnetic tilt prevention device. The use of permanent magnets makes the curve guide independent of electrical connections. About that In addition, modern permanent magnets offer a diverse opportunity the design. For example, these can be an elongated Shape (aspect ratio> 1: 5) they can consist of individual segments (individual parts) exist, they can be arranged upright and one stacked row yielding the cross section of each magnet can be rectangular, round and oval, they can embedded in plastic to ensure corrosion resistance and increase chemical resistance and the individual magnets can be positive or non-positive be attached in or on the curve profile.

Around To strengthen the magnetic field purposefully, the magnetic device have a magnetic return. As a rule Here, a ferromagnetic material is used, which designed in such a way and is shaped, that it is the magnetic field in the direction of the chain is reinforced.

at another particularly advantageous embodiment it is provided that the magnetic device at least one extruded Magnetic strand of an extruded plastic / magnetic material composite material includes. Such a configuration of a magnetic device for a curve guide, be it for the realization of a side guide and / or for a tilt prevention device, may also considered alone, so without the combination be considered separately with the feature of claim 1 and optionally Be the subject of a divisional application. Due to such magnetic strands are simple continuous magnetic fields generated, the one guarantee smooth running in an easy way. About that In addition, such magnetic strands can very easily be brought into appropriate waveforms, so they are very easy for a wide variety of curve radii and curve angle pieces can be used. In particular, a required Cut length very quickly from a longer strand.

In particular, it is advantageous here if the magnetic strand is made slippery and adaptable to the curve shape. In such a Design therefore one and the same magnetic strand can be adapted to any waveforms. In particular, there is also the possibility here of recycling magnetic strands from curve guides that can no longer be used. This is particularly advantageous in the embodiment in which the inner and outer guideway are connected to each other by means of a web and in the web a receiving groove for arranging the magnetic device is provided. In particular, in conjunction with an extruded magnet strand arise here very useful and beyond easy to design options. This type of magnet device and its connection to the guideways makes it possible to keep preformed guideways with web and receiving groove in stock and trim appropriate angle sections as needed and insert the matching magnetic strand. Although chain conveyors are usually manufactured to individual customer requirements, can be constructed by this design of the cam guide for many applications, a stock that can then be accessed in the form of a modular principle.

at A further advantageous embodiment provides that the magnetic side guide and the magnetic tilt prevention device a common magnetic device with a both in the curve plane as well as transverse to the curve plane acting magnetic field. It is conceivable here in particular a corresponding magnetic device whose main axis the magnetic field is placed obliquely to the curve plane, so that both a sufficient resulting magnetic force in or parallel to the curve plane as well as perpendicular thereto. The advantages are obvious, as only a magnetic device must be used. Due to the distance to the chain and the alignment the magnetic force components can be here a almost any division (balance of power) between side guide and tilt prevention.

additional It should be mentioned at this point that a floating side guide both by magnetic attraction and by magnetic repulsion can be brought about, so it depends on the polarity the interacting magnetic components to another arrangement position of the Magnetic device can come. Significantly depends these depend on whether magnetic repulsion and / or attraction is selected. If z. B. the magnetic device more the outer guideway are placed should, in order to improve the leverage, offers itself especially for the side guide magnetic Attraction.

Of Furthermore, the invention relates to a conveyor unit with a cam guide according to one of the claims 1 to 10 and one movable along the curve guide Conveyor chain. The conveyor unit is characterized in particular characterized in that at least some members of the conveyor chain Having areas with magnetic properties, by means of which from the magnetic field of the magnetic side guide and / or the magnetic tilt prevention device a force effect on the conveyor chain in the area of the cam guide exercisable. In many cases it is already enough out when the hinge pin of the chain of a magnetic, in particular ferromagnetic material. But it can also Plastic chains are used where only one area provided with a correspondingly suitable magnetic material is. Advantageously, all chain links such Have areas with magnetic properties.

Especially is suitable for otherwise non-magnetic chain materials one Embodiment in which at least some members of the conveyor chain a permanent magnet for interaction with the magnetic side guide and / or the magnetic tilt prevention device. Also Here, by appropriate arrangement of the permanent magnet (alignment and polarity of the magnetic field) influence the force effect be taken. In particular, the side guide To support, the permanent magnet can turn on a curve Have acting magnetic field. Again, appropriate Angular ranges used for the major axis of the magnetic field be, as already with regard to the magnetic device for the side guide described. Preferably, each chain link have a permanent magnet.

The The invention also relates to a conveyor chain with several means Chain links interconnected chain links. The conveyor chain is characterized in particular by the fact that at least some of the Chain links a permanent magnet with a in or parallel to Have joint axis acting magnetic field. In particular, should by this formulation is an orientation of the major axis of the magnetic field be excluded perpendicular to the hinge axes. The graduation The angular ranges can be made similar to those with regard to on the orientation of the main axis of the magnetic field in the side guide.

in the Following are embodiments of the present Invention explained in more detail. Show it:

1 a perspective view of a cam guide according to the invention with a chain link of a conveyor chain,

2 a plan view of the illustration 1 .

3 a front view of the presentation 1 .

4 a bottom view of a chain link,

5 a perspective top view of a further embodiment of a curve guide,

6 the curve guide 5 in a perspective bottom view and

7 a perspective bottom view of another embodiment of a cam guide.

In the 1 . 2 and 3 illustrated curve guide 1 comprises a cross-sectionally substantially U-shaped main body 2 , which is preferably made of a plastic material. The inner U-leg forms an inner guideway 3 and the outer U-leg an outer track 4 , The guideways 3 and 4 have on their tops correspondingly assigned, ending at the same height sliding surfaces 5 and 6 on. A jetty 7 connects the two guideways 3 and 4 together. Between the guideways 3 and 4 and the jetty 7 is a running groove 8th formed. At the bottom 9 this running groove 8th So in the dock 7 , is adjacent to the outer guideway 4 a receiving groove 10 arranged. The receiving groove 10 also runs arcuately like the directly adjacent outer guideway 4 , In the recording groove 10 is a magnetic device in the form of a magnetic strand 11 added. This magnetic strand 11 consists of an extruded plastic / magnetic material composite and nestles in the receiving groove 10 one.

The inner guideway 3 is narrower than the outer guideway 4 , To compensate for the thickness of the running groove 8th facing inner surface 12 another as a magnetic strand 13 configured magnetic device arranged. This too consists of an extruded plastic / magnetic material composite material. The magnet strand 13 is suitably at this point with the inner guideway 3 connected.

The magnet strand 11 generates a magnetic field whose main magnetic axis M _K extends vertically or substantially parallel to a center axis A of the cam guide 1 or perpendicular to one of the curve guide 1 spanned curve plane E runs. In contrast, the magnet string is 13 aligned by its magnetic field so that the main axis M _{S of} the magnetic field is substantially in the curve plane E or parallel thereto or directed to the main axis A. Accordingly, the main axes M _{K of} the magnetic strand 11 and M _{s of} the magnet string 13 perpendicular to each other. Due to this configuration is with the help of the magnet string 11 a tilt prevention device and with the aid of the magnet string 13 a side guide, generated.

In the curve guide 1 they run over chain joints 14 interconnected chain links 5 the conveyor chain. On the front, each chain link 15 three spaced apart bearing eyes 16.1 . 16.2 . 16.3 and at the rear edge two complementary bearing eyes 17.1 and 17.2 on that in the gaps between the three front bearing eyes 16.1 . 16.2 . 16.3 intervention. These bearing eyes are connected 16.1 . 16.2 . 16.3 with the bearing eyes 17.1 ., 17.2 by means of a chain pin 18 , Every chain joint 14 thus includes the three front bearing eyes 16.1 . 16.2 . 16.3 , a chain pin 18 and two rear bearing eyes 17.1 . 17.2 , Every chain joint 14 defines a hinge axis G. In 4 is the direction of the chain link by means of the arrow P. 15 located. The bearing eyes 16.1 . 16.2 . 16.3 such as 17.1 . 17.2 stand down from a plate 19 in front. Several successively arranged plates together form a hinge or plate band. Below the plate 19 is a permanent magnet 20 placed so offset to the center that he is closer in use to the magnet string 13 as at the magnetic strand 11 is arranged. The main axis M _{D of} the magnetic field of this permanent magnet 20 runs essentially in the direction of the main axis M _{S of} the magnet string 13 or parallel to it. The polarity of the magnet 20 is inverse to the polarity of the magnet string 13 , so that it comes to a rejection. In contrast, in the case of the permanent magnet 20 and the magnet string 11 opposite poles towards each other, so that it comes to an attraction effect.

in the Following is the operation and operation of the above embodiment explained in more detail.

The production of the curve guide described 1 is very simple, because the magnet string 11 and 13 each consist of an extruded plastic / magnetic material composite material and are relatively sluggish and thus can be easily adapted to the corresponding curve shape, in particular, the insertion of the Mag netstrangs 13 in the receiving groove 10 very simple. The strength of the magnetic fields and their orientation are coordinated so that the arranged on the bottom of the conveyor chain permanent magnets 20 make sure it's magnetic 13 to a magnetic side guide, so a floating side guide comes by repulsive forces. If certain Forces are not exceeded, so the chain comes laterally with the inner guideway 3 not in touch, but is only on this. In addition, the permanent magnet 20 from the magnetic field of the magnet string 11 tightened, so that at the same time a tilt preventing device is provided and the chain links 15 in her gliding on the curve guide 1 on the guideways 3 and 4 rest and do not tip over.

The following is based on the 5 and 6 another embodiment of the present invention is described. Only the essential differences from the previous embodiment will be discussed in greater detail. For this reason, the same reference numerals (partly with trailing digit) are used for construction and effect same components and referenced to the above description to supplement.

In the in the 5 and 6 Curve shown is one with a total of three tracks, so that two conveyor chains side by side along the curve guide 1 can be moved. Next to the inner guideway 3 and the outer guideway 4 So there is still a slightly wider designed middle guideway 34 that relate to the inner guideway 3 and the first running groove 8.1 assumes the function of an outer guideway and in relation to the outer guideway 4 and the second running groove 8.2 additionally has the function of an inner guideway. On the middle guideway 34 So run the plates not shown both chains. Another difference is that the recording grooves 10.1 and 10.2 not at the bottom of the grooves 8.1 and 8.2 are arranged, but on the back of the bridge 7 are introduced so that the respective magnetic strand 11.1 and 11.2 from the back of the main body 2 is used ago. That for the main body 2 used plastic material does not affect the magnetic property in an excessive manner.

Based on 7 an additional embodiment will be explained in more detail. It is an embodiment, which from the 5 and 6 very similar. Therefore, only the essential differences will be discussed below.

Instead of magnetic strands 11.1 and 11.2 become in this case cylindrical individual magnets 21 upright in the associated grooves 10.1 and 10.2 used, which in turn can generate a continuous magnetic field.

For the side guide as in the previous embodiments each have a corresponding magnetic strand 13.1 and 13.2 which is in the associated running groove 8.1 and 8.2 is arranged, used.

In particular, the use of later on or in the body 2 attachable elongated magnets simplifies the production of such cam guides. In spaced magnets widely used in the prior art, care had to be taken to ensure that the distance did not in any case correspond to a multiple of the pitch of the chain in order to prevent unwanted vibration effects. The gapless arrangement or design used in the embodiments makes such constructive specifications superfluous.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - DE 10118324 A1 [0002, 0005]
• EP 0286173 B2 [0003]
• EP 0207577 B1 [0003]
• - EP 0790197 B1 [0003]
• - EP 0916599 B1 [0003]

Claims (14)

Curve guide ( 1 ) for a conveyor chain, with a side guide acting in the curved plane (E), characterized in that the lateral guide is designed, at least in sections, as a magnetic lateral guide with a magnetic field acting on the conveyor chain in the curved plane (E). Curve guide ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that a magnetic Kippverhinderungsvorrichtung is provided which has a force acting on the conveyor chain transversely to the curved plane (E) magnetic field. Curve guide ( 1 ) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the magnetic side guide and / or the magnetic tilt preventing device comprises or comprise a magnetic device by means of which a substantially continuous magnetic field is generated at least over a curve range of 20 °. Curve guide ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 3 with an inner guideway ( 3 ) and an outer guideway ( 4 ), characterized in that the magnetic tilt prevention device has a magnetic field with a major axis (M _K ) closer to the outer guideway ( 4 ) than at the inner guideway ( 3 ) is arranged. Curve guide ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic device is formed by at least one permanent magnet or are. Curve guide ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnetic device has a magnetic conclusion for amplifying the magnetic field. Curve guide ( 1 ) according to claim 5, characterized in that the magnetic device comprises at least one extruded magnetic strand ( 11 . 13 ) of extruded plastic / magnetic material composite material. Curve guide ( 1 ) according to claim 7, characterized in that the magnetic strand ( 11 . 13 ) limp and designed adaptable to the curve shape. Curve guide ( 1 ) according to one of claims 4 to 8, characterized in that the inner and outer guideway ( 3 . 4 ) by means of a web ( 7 ) are interconnected and in the bridge ( 7 ) a receiving groove ( 10 ) is provided for arranging the magnetic device. Curve guide ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the magnetic side guide and the magnetic anti-tilt device comprise a common magnetic device with a magnetic field acting both in the curved plane (E) and transverse to the curved plane (E). Feed unit with a curved guide ( 1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 10 and one along the curve guide ( 1 ) movable conveyor chain, characterized in that at least some members ( 15 ) of the conveyor chain regions having magnetic properties, by means of which of the magnetic field of the magnetic side guide and / or the magnetic anti-tilt device, a force on the conveyor chain in the region of the cam guide ( 1 ) is exercisable. Feed unit according to claim 11, characterized in that at least some members ( 15 ) of the conveyor chain have at least one permanent magnet for interaction with the magnetic side guide and / or the magnetic tilt prevention device. Feed unit according to claim 12, characterized in that the permanent magnet ( 20 ) has a magnetic field acting in the curve plane (E). Conveyor chain with several by means of chain links ( 14 ) interconnected chain links ( 15 ), characterized in that at least some of the chain links ( 15 ) a permanent magnet ( 20 ) having a magnetic field acting in or parallel to the hinge axis (G).