GB2044203A

GB2044203A - An arrangement for connecting groove sections

Info

Publication number: GB2044203A
Application number: GB7909352A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Ruhrkohle AG
Current assignee: RAG AG
Priority date: 1979-03-16
Filing date: 1979-03-16
Publication date: 1980-10-15
Also published as: GB2044203B

Abstract

Two groove sections 1, 1' are connected together by a coupling member 7 which fits into recesses 4 in the sections. The recesses 4 have enlarged end portions 5 which receive enlarged heads 8 of the coupling member. The heads 8 project through the sections into covers behind the working surface 6. The coupling member 7 lies flush with the surface 6 when the sections are connected. Bolts can be provided to secure the coupling members in place. One of the covers can overlap the joint between adjacent sections. The particular application is to joining scraper chain conveyor pan sections. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION An arrangement for connecting groove sections The invention relates to an arrangement for connecting groove sections, in particular for chain scraper conveyors, with coupling members which are each insertable between the ends of two groove sections.

In addition to groove sections which are connected by the insertion into the recesses of the lateral profile, of differently constructed coupling members as referred to above, other kinds of connections are known the presently most frequently used one of which is formed by shell screws or bolts. Openings for shell screws are provided in the recesses of the lateral profile of a chain scraper conveyor in such a manner that easy movement of the conveyor in a horizontal and a vertical direction becomes possible in spite of the connection.

According to the invention, there is provided an arrangement for butt-connecting groove sections for chain scraper conveyors, the arrangement compris ing recesses in the ends of adjacent groove sections, and coupling members adapted to be received in the recesses to connect adjacent groove sections, the recesses being formed in the surfaces of the sections forming an upper run thereof and having enlarged retaining portions spaced from the ends of the sections, the coupling members being shaped so as to lie flush with said surfaces of the sections, when in place, and having enlarged end portions which can be received in and can project through the enlarged retaining portions into respective holder elements, associated with each section, behind said surfaces.

In a preferred form of the invention, the holder element on the groove sections to be connected together consists of two covers which are matched at the respective ends of two groove sections to outer V-shaped recesses in the lateral profile and are welded to the latter, the covers being arranged side-by-side in the interior and engaging around a coupling member, and being constructed as an extension of the recesses in the upper run.

Furthermore, it is found to be particularly advantageous if covers at the end region of the groove sections are provided as holder elements, one cover being set back relatively to the end of the groove section and the cover corresponding with the set back cover being constructed to engage over the adjacent groove section. Taking into account that the mutual displacement of the conveyor grooves which is small in a horizontal and a vertical plane is not restricted, such a construction of the holder element exhibits a particular stability for the groove connections.

The connection of the groove section regions of the upper run may be constructed below the recesses in the form of portions which engage over or under each other respectively.

In order to ensure a continuous adjustment to the surface of the upper run, it must furthermore be preferable for bolts or screws to be provided for securing the coupling members inserted in the recesses.

The technical advance of the invention is to be seen in particular-in the fact that the insertion of the coupling members from the conveyance side is possible, even when the chain is closed, with a saving of time and costs. This constitutes a simplification and an increased security in the performance of these operations.

The invention will now be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure is a perspective illustration of a partial groove section connection, with a coupling member inserted, Figure 2 is an exploded view of the connection of Figure 1, Figure 3 is a perspective illustration from behind of the groove section connection, Figure 4 is an end view of two groove section ends with holders for receiving a coupling member.

As may be seen from the perspective illustration in Figure 1 of a partly illustrated groove connection, a coupling element 7 is inserted in the inclined upper run 3 of a profiled conveyor member.

As may be seen in detail from Figure 2, the partly illustrated groove sections 1, 1' abut end-to-end and have respective recesses 4 in the surfaces 6 with openings 5 enlarged at the end regions, for receiving a coupling member 7. When in position, the member 7 lies flush with the upper run 3. Upon pushing together the ends of the groove sections 1, 1', the portion 13 of the groove section 1 ' engages over the portion 14 of the adjacent groove section 1, below the recess 4.

The holder elements 9 are provided for receiving enlargements 8 at the ends of the coupling member 7.

In the illustrated embodiment, the holder elements 9 consists of covers 11, 12 which are welded into a V-shaped recess 10 behind the inclined surfaces 6.

The cover 11 at the end of the groove section 1 is set back from the end of the section, whereas the cover 12 at the end of the groove section 1' projects beyond the end of the section. After the groove sections 1, 1' have been pushed together, the cover 12 ofthe groove section 1' engages over the adjacent groove section 1 and together with coyer 11 forms the holder element 9. Because the cover 12 overlaps the groove section 1, reinforcement of the connection is obtained. At the same time it must be taken into account that the covers 11, 12 permit a certain play and allow some horizontal and vertical movements between the sections.

As may be seen in particular from Figure 3, in the connected state of two groove sections 1,1' the enlarged ends 8 of a coupling member 7 extend laterally beyond the covers 11, 12. It is clear also from Figure 3 that a certain play is present for horizontal and vertical movements. Since the connecting members 7, 9 are completely accommodated in the lateral profile 2 or in the V-shaped recess 10 of the lateral profile 2 and are releasable and accessible only from the inside of the conveyor, the lateral profile may be built over with conveyor attachments without consequential difficulties.

The arrangement and construction of the covers 11, 12 which constitute together the holder element 9 for the coupling member 7 may be seen from Figure 4.

In Figure 4, the groove section regions which are to be combined to form a connection are illustrated separately and the space for receiving the coupling member 7 in the holder element 9 can be seen. For additionally securing the coupling member 7 in the holder element9 in such a manner that the surface of the coupling member terminates flush with the upper run 3 so that hindrance of the chain or the driver members is excluded, bores 16 are provided in the coupling member 7 which receive diverging, angled bolts 15 or screws. In the drawings, the bores 16 are arranged in the coupling member 7 in such a manner that the bolts 15 wedge the coupling member 7 against the underside of the upper run 3, as may be seen in particular from Figure 3. However, other solutions for securing the coupling member 7 in the upper run 3 may alternatively be used.

Claims

1. An arrangement for butt-connecting groove sections for chain scraper conveyors, the arrangement comprising recesses in the ends of adjacent groove sections, and coupling members adapted to be received in the recesses to connect adjacent groove sections, the recesses being formed in the surfaces of the sections forming an upper run thereof and having enlarged retaining portions spaced from the ends of the sections, the coupling members being shaped so as to lie flush with said surfaces of the sections, when in place, and having enlarged end portions which can be received in and can project through the enlarged retaining portions into respective holder elements, associated with each section, behind said surfaces.

2. An arrangement according to claim 1, characterised in that the holder elements are covers which fit into V-shaped channels behind said sur face, and are welded to the sections, and have internal recesses for receiving the enlarged end portions, the internal recesses being extensions of the recesses in said surfaces.

3. An arrangement according to claim 2, wherein one cover is set back from the end of its groove section and the other cover extends beyond the end of its groove section to engage into the adjacent groove section.

4. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, characterised in that the ends of adjacent groove sections have portions which engage respectively over and under each other.

5. An arrangement according to any preceding claim, characterised in that bolts or screws are provided for securing the coupling members in the recesses.

6. An arrangement for connecting groove sections, substantially as herein described with referenceto and as shown in the accompanying drawings.