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WO2006036142A1 - Systeme de transport et son procede d'utilisation - Google Patents

Systeme de transport et son procede d'utilisation Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2006036142A1
WO2006036142A1 PCT/US2004/031602 US2004031602W WO2006036142A1 WO 2006036142 A1 WO2006036142 A1 WO 2006036142A1 US 2004031602 W US2004031602 W US 2004031602W WO 2006036142 A1 WO2006036142 A1 WO 2006036142A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
conveyor
belt
module
frame
conveyor system
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/US2004/031602
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Joseph R. Pahlow
Alan R. Sumner, Jr.
Dennis A. Vanderhoeven
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Arrowhead Conveyor LLC
Original Assignee
Arrowhead Conveyor LLC
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Arrowhead Conveyor LLC filed Critical Arrowhead Conveyor LLC
Priority to PCT/US2004/031602 priority Critical patent/WO2006036142A1/fr
Publication of WO2006036142A1 publication Critical patent/WO2006036142A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/22—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors
    • B65G47/26—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles
    • B65G47/261—Accumulating articles
    • B65G47/268—Accumulating articles by means of belt or chain conveyor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
    • B65G47/22—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors
    • B65G47/26—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles
    • B65G47/28—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a single conveyor
    • B65G47/29—Devices influencing the relative position or the attitude of articles during transit by conveyors arranging the articles, e.g. varying spacing between individual articles during transit by a single conveyor by temporarily stopping movement

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to conveyors and methods of operating conveyors and, more particularly, to modular conveyor systems and methods of assembling and operating modular conveyor systems to move products between locations.
  • Conveyors are routinely used in warehouses, manufacturing facilities, storage facilities, and distribution centers to transport products between two locations, hi a typical conveyor, an endless chain or belt is supported by a frame and is driven by a drive assembly for movement relative to the frame. Generally, the belt or chain supports products and moves the products between upstream and downstream locations.
  • the present invention provides a conveyor system for carrying products, hi some constructions and in some aspects, the conveyor system generally includes a frame, a conveyor supported on the frame for movement in a travel direction relative to the frame, and an elevator assembly supported on the frame and including a shuttle positioned adjacent to the belt.
  • the shuttle includes an upper surface and is moveable relative to the frame between a first position, in which the upper surface is positioned to allow product to travel along the conveyor, and a second position, in which the upper surface is spaced a distance from the conveyor in a direction substantially normal to the travel direction to remove product from the conveyor.
  • the present invention also provides a frame assembly for carrying a conveyor belt.
  • the frame assembly generally includes a pair of side supports and an intermediate support extending between the side supports.
  • the intermediate support has a surface and is securable to the side supports in a first orientation to support a first belt and a second orientation to support a second belt.
  • the present invention provides a frame assembly for carrying a conveyor belt.
  • the frame assembly generally includes first and second side supports and two or more intermediate supports positionable between the first and second side supports, each intermediate support having a surface.
  • the surface includes a forwardly extending tongue and defines notches on opposite sides of the tongue.
  • the frame assembly also includes a chute having a leading edge and a trailing edge. The leading edge includes a lip defining an opening. The chute is securable to the intermediate supports.
  • the present invention further provides a conveyor system generally including a first module having a frame and an elevator assembly supported on the frame.
  • the elevator assembly includes shuttles positioned on opposite sides of the belt supported on the frame for movement in a travel direction.
  • the shuttles include an upper surface and are movable relative to the frame between a first position, in which the upper surface is positioned to move product along the belt, and a second position, in which the upper surface is spaced a distance from the belt in a direction substantially normal to the travel direction to remove product from the belt.
  • the elevator assembly also includes a second module for supporting the belt and transporting product from an upstream end of the second module to a downstream end of the second module.
  • the elevator assembly further includes a third module for supporting the belt and transporting product.
  • the third module has a drive assembly for driving the belt across the first module, the second module, and the third module.
  • the present invention also provides a method for selectively removing products from a conveyor of a conveyor system.
  • the method generally includes the act of providing a conveyor system having a frame, a conveyor supported on the frame for movement in a travel direction relative to the frame, and support surfaces positioned on opposite sides of the conveyor. The support surfaces are in a first position to allow movement of product with the conveyor.
  • the method also includes the acts of lifting the support surfaces to a second position in which the support surfaces are spaced a distance above the conveyor in a direction substantially normal to the travel direction to remove product from the conveyor and retracting the support surfaces to the first position.
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a conveyor system including a first module, a second module, a third module, and a chain extending therebetween.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the first module shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 3 is a top view of the first module shown in Fig. 1 with the chain removed.
  • Fig. 4 is a side view of the first module shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken generally along line 5 — 5 in Fig. 3.
  • Fig. 6 is a rear view of the first module shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 7 is a perspective view of a drive assembly of the first module shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 8 is cross-sectional view taken generally along line 8 — 8 in Fig. 7.
  • Fig. 9 is a front view of the drive assembly shown in Fig. 7.
  • Fig. 10 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of the first module of the conveyor system of the present invention.
  • Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a drive assembly of the first module shown in Fig. 10.
  • Fig. 12 is a perspective view of another alternate construction of the first module with a portion of the chain removed.
  • Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a support bracket of the first module shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 14 is a front view of the support bracket shown in Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 15 is a top view of the support bracket shown in Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 16 is an end view of the support bracket shown in Fig. 13.
  • Fig. 17 is a perspective view of a conveyor return bracket of the first module shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 18 is a front view of the conveyor return shown in Fig. 17.
  • Fig. 19 is a top view of the conveyor return bracket shown in Fig. 17.
  • Fig. 20 is a perspective view of a channel of the conveyor shown in Fig. 1.
  • Fig. 21 is a top view of the channel shown in Fig. 20.
  • Fig. 22 is a side view of the channel shown in Fig. 20.
  • Fig. 23 is a front view of the channel shown in Fig. 20.
  • Fig. 24 is a perspective view of the second module of the conveyor system of the present invention.
  • Fig. 25 is a top view of the second module shown in Fig. 24.
  • Fig. 26 is a front view of the second module shown in Fig. 24.
  • Fig. 27 is a perspective view of an alternate construction of the second module of the conveyor system of the present invention.
  • Fig. 28 is a top view of the second module shown in Fig. 27.
  • Fig. 29 is a front view of the second module shown in Fig. 27.
  • Fig. 30 is a perspective view of an another alternate construction of the second module of the conveyor system of the present invention. -A-
  • Fig. 31 is a front perspective view of a third module of the conveyor system of the present invention.
  • Fig. 32 is a rear perspective view of the third module shown in Fig. 31.
  • Fig. 1 illustrates a conveyor system 10 capable of transporting products P (e.g., boxes, tubes, cases, assemblies, subassemblies, packages, containers, etc.) between two or more locations.
  • the conveyor 10 includes a first module 14, a second module 16, a third module 18, and a conveyor, such as a belt or a chain, 20 extending across and between the first, second, and third modules 14, 16, 18.
  • the conveyor system 10 can include combinations of one, two, four, or more of the first, second, and third modules 14, 16, 18.
  • the first module 14 includes a frame 24 having side supports 26, 28 and intermediate supports 30 extending between the side supports 26, 28.
  • the side supports 26, 28 include lower flanges 34, upper flanges 36, and web portions 38 extending between the lower and upper flanges 34, 36.
  • the lower flanges 34 define apertures 40 for receiving fasteners to secure the side supports 26, 28 to legs, tabletops, shop floors, and the like.
  • Any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the side supports 26, 28 as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • the upper flanges 36 also define apertures 40 for receiving fasteners to secure guide rails 42 (shown in Fig. 1) to the side supports 26, 28.
  • the side supports 26, 28 have substantially similar shapes and sizes and the apertures 40 are similarly positioned along the lower and upper flanges 34, 36 so that the side supports 26, 28 are interchangeable, thereby simplifying the manufacture and assembly of the conveyor 10.
  • each of the web portions 38 defines two lateral openings 46.
  • each of the side supports 26, 28 can define one, three, or more lateral openings 46 for receiving a corresponding number of elevator bodies 132.
  • the first module 14 includes three intermediate supports 30 extending between the side supports 26, 28 and located at an upstream end of the first module 14, at a downstream end of the first module 14, and in a central portion of the first module 14 between the upstream and downstream ends.
  • the first module 14 can include one, two, four, or more intermediate supports 30 extending between the side supports 26, 28 and located between the upstream and downstream ends.
  • the intermediate supports 30 include upper surfaces 50, lower surfaces 52, and ends 54, 56.
  • the upper surfaces 50 include couplers 60 having an outwardly extending tongue 62 and notches 64 extending through the upper surfaces 50 and located on opposite sides of the tongues 62.
  • each of the ends 54, 56 includes two pairs of mounting apertures 68 for securing the intermediate supports 30 in either of two orientations with respect to the side supports 26, 28.
  • fasteners can secure the intermediate supports 30 to the side supports 26, 28 in a first orientation (shown in Fig. 6), in which the upper surfaces 50 of the intermediate supports 30 are spaced a first distance from an imaginary plane 70 extending through the upper flanges 36 of the side supports 26, 28, and in a second orientation, in which the upper surfaces 50 of the intermediate supports 30 are spaced a second, larger distance from the imaginary plane 70.
  • the first module 14 can be assembled in either of two configurations to support either of two differently sized chains.
  • the intermediate supports 30 can support either of the two differently sized chains so that the upper surfaces of the differently sized chains are spaced the same distance from the imaginary plane 70.
  • the intermediate supports 30 can include three or more pairs of mounting apertures 68 for mounting the intermediate supports 30 in three or more orientations with respect to the side supports 26, 28 so that the first module 14 of the conveyor 10 can be assembled in any one of three or more configurations to support any one of three or more differently sized chains.
  • Any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the intermediate supports 30 as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • the first module 14 also includes conveyor return brackets 72 having outwardly extending flanges 74 and couplers 76 (shown in Figs. 17-19) positioned between the flanges 74.
  • fasteners extend through apertures in the flanges 74 and secure the conveyor return brackets 72 to the lower surfaces 52 of the intermediate supports 30.
  • Any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the flanges 74 as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • the couplers 76 include outwardly extending tongues 78 and notches 80 extending through the conveyor brackets 72 and located on opposite sides of the tongues 78.
  • the couplers 76 of the conveyor return brackets 72 are substantially similar to the couplers 60 of the intermediate supports 30. In this manner and as explained in greater detail below, couplers 106 of channel sections 90 are securable to both the couplers 60 of the intermediate supports 30 and the couplers 76 of the conveyor return brackets 72.
  • the first module 14 includes tracks 84, which extend between two or more intermediate supports 30 and support the chain 20.
  • upper surfaces of the tracks 84 prevent the chain 20 from sagging and define relatively smooth wear surfaces 86 (shown in Fig. 3).
  • Any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the tracks 84 to the intermediate supports 30 as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • the chain 20 is an endless member.
  • the first module 14 also includes a belt return area 88.
  • the chain 20 moves across the tracks 84 in a travel direction (represented by arrow 82) and moves through the belt return area 88 in an opposite travel direction (represented by arrow 83).
  • the belt return area 88 includes a number of chutes or channel sections 90 supported on and secured to the conveyor return brackets 72.
  • the channel sections 90 include first and second ends 92, 94, a base section 96, sides 98, 100, and openings 104 extending through the base section 96 so that dust and debris can pass through the channel sections 90.
  • the first end 92 includes a coupler 106 having an outwardly extending lip 108, which defines an opening 110.
  • the second end 94 defines apertures for receiving fasteners to secure the second end 94 to a second conveyor bracket 72.
  • Any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the second end 94 as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • the first module 14 also includes an accumulation station 114 and elevator assemblies 116 located in the accumulation station 114.
  • the first module 14 includes two elevator assemblies 116.
  • the first module 14 can include one, three, or more elevator assemblies 116. In operation, the elevator assemblies 116 are operable to remove products P from the chain 20 to alter the spacing between products P or to accumulate a number of products P in the accumulation station 114.
  • the chain 20 includes a first section 118 and a second section 120 and each of the elevator assemblies 116 include three shuttles 122, 124, 126.
  • the first section 118 of the chain 20 is supported on the first module 14 between shuttles 122, 124 and the second section 120 is supported on the first module 14 between shuttles 124, 126.
  • the elevator assemblies 116 can include one, two, four or more shuttles positioned between or adjacent conveyor sections 118, 120.
  • the conveyor 10 can include a chain 20 having a single section (as shown in Figs. 1 and Fig.
  • the elevator assemblies 116 can include shuttles positioned between or adjacent to the conveyor sections.
  • the elevator assemblies 116 also include a drive assembly 130 having a body 132.
  • the bodies 132 are removeably inserted in lateral openings 46 of the side supports 26, 28 and are supported between the intermediate supports 30.
  • the bodies 132 can also include handles 133 (shown in Fig. 7). hi the illustrated construction of Figs.
  • each of the bodies 132 includes at least one actuator 134 (e.g., an air cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a servo motor, a solenoid, etc.), which can be located on an external side of the bodies 132 to facilitate maintenance.
  • actuator 134 e.g., an air cylinder, a pneumatic cylinder, a servo motor, a solenoid, etc.
  • two drive shafts 136 extend through the body 132 to the actuator 134.
  • Links 135 connect the undersides of the shuttles 122, 124, 126 and the drive shafts 136.
  • the actuators 134 are operable to pivot one or both of the drive shafts 136 about their axes, thereby moving the shuttles 122, 124, 126 between a first or recessed position, in which the upper surfaces of the shuttles 122, 124, 126 are substantially aligned with the upper surface of the chain 20, and a second or raised position, in which the upper surfaces of the shuttles 122, 124, 126 are spaced above the upper surface of the chain 20.
  • the shuttles 122, 124, 126 are moveable between a first position, in which the upper surfaces of the shuttles 122, 124, 126 are recessed below the upper surface of the chain 20, and a second or raised position, in which the upper surfaces of the shuttles 122, 124, 126 are spaced above the upper surface of the chain 20.
  • the chain 20 moves products P in the travel direction 82.
  • the elevator drive assemblies 130 are selectively activated to move the shuttles 122, 124, 126 between first and second positions and to selectively remove products P from the chain 20, thereby sorting products P, altering the flow of products P through the first module 14, and/or accumulating a number of products P in the accumulation station 114.
  • Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate an alternate construction of the first module 14A according to the present invention.
  • the first module 14A in Figs. 10 and 11 is similar in many ways to the illustrated constructions of Figs. 1-9 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the constructions of Figs. 10 and 11 and the construction of Figs. 1-9, reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the construction of Figs. 1-9 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the construction of Figs. 10 and 11.
  • Features and elements in the construction of Figs. 10 and 11 corresponding to features and elements in the construction of Figs. 1-9 are identified by the same reference number and the letter "A".
  • the chain 2OA includes a single section and each of the elevator assemblies 116A include two shuttles 122A, 124A located on opposite sides of the belt 2OA to guide the chain 2OA on the first module 14A.
  • the actuator 134 A is operable to pivot one or both of the drive shafts 136 A about their axes, thereby moving the shuttles 122 A, 124 A, between a first or recessed position, in which the upper surfaces of the shuttles 122 A, 124A are substantially aligned with the upper surface of the chain 2OA, and a second or raised position, in which the upper surfaces of the shuttles 122 A, 124A are spaced above the upper surface of the chain 2OA.
  • the shuttles 122 A, 124A are moveable between a first position, in which the upper surfaces of the shuttles 122 A, 124 A are recessed below the upper surface of the chain 2OA (not shown), and a second or raised position, in which the upper surfaces of the shuttles 122A, 124A are spaced above the upper surface of the chain 20.
  • Fig. 12 illustrates another alternate construction of the first module 14B according to the present invention.
  • the first module 14B in Fig. 12 is similar in many ways to the illustrated constructions of Figs. 1-11 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the constructions of Fig. 12 and the construction of Figs. 1-11, reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the constructions of Figs. 1-11 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the construction of Fig. 12.
  • Features and elements in the construction of Fig. 12 corresponding to features and elements in the constructions of Figs. 1-11 are identified by the same reference number and the letter "B".
  • the first module 14B includes tracks 84B extending across and between intermediate supports 3OB.
  • the tracks 84B have first and second ends 138, 140 and define apertures (not shown) for receiving fasteners to secure the tracks 84B to the intermediate supports 30B.
  • any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the tracks 84B to the intermediate supports 30B as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • threaded fasteners are used to secure the first and second ends 138, 140 of the tracks 84B to one or more intermediate supports 30B.
  • Z-shaped clips are used to secure the first ends 138 and/or the second ends 140 of the tracks 84B to the intermediate supports 3OB and to allow limited relative movement between the tracks 84B and the intermediate supports 30B caused by thermal expansion of the tracks 84B and other elements of the conveyor 10.
  • the tracks 84B include inwardly extending rails 144. Together, the rails 144 define guide slots 146, which extend along each of the tracks 84B between upstream and downstream ends of the tracks 84B.
  • a chain 2OB is supported on the tracks 84B and is moveable along the tracks 84B in the travel direction 82B.
  • the chain 2OB of the illustrated construction of Fig. 12 includes a follower 148, which extends downwardly from an upper portion of the chain 2OB and is engageable in the guide slot 146 between the rails 144. In these constructions and in these aspects, the rails 144 maintain the chain 2OB in position on the tracks 84B.
  • the conveyor 10 can also include a second module 16 for supporting the chain 20 or a portion of the chain 20 and for moving products P between two or more locations.
  • the second module 16 includes a frame 224 having side supports 226, 228 and intermediate supports 230 extending between the side supports 226, 228.
  • the intermediate supports 230 include upper surfaces 250, lower surfaces 252, ends 254, 256, and couplers 260 positioned on the upper surfaces 250.
  • each of the ends 254, 256 includes two pairs of mounting apertures 268 for securing the intermediate supports 230 in either of two orientations with respect to the side supports 226, 228.
  • fasteners can secure the intermediate supports 230 to the side supports 226, 228 in a first orientation, in which the upper surfaces 50 of the intermediate supports 230 are spaced a first distance from an imaginary plane 270 (shown in Fig.
  • each of the ends 254, 256 can include three or more pairs of mounting apertures 268 for securing the intermediate supports 230 in any one of three or more orientations with respect to the side supports 226, 228.
  • the second module 16 also includes conveyor return brackets 272.
  • the conveyor return brackets 272 are secured to the lower surfaces 252 of the intermediate supports 230 and include couplers 276.
  • the second module 16 also includes chutes or channel sections 290 having first and second ends 292, 294.
  • the first ends 292 include couplers 306 having an outwardly extending lip 308 defining an opening 310.
  • channel sections 290 extend between and across the intermediate supports 230 to support an upper portion of the chain 20.
  • Other channel sections 290 extend across and between conveyor return brackets 272 to support a return or lower portion of the chain 20.
  • the couplers 276 of the conveyor return brackets 272 are substantially similar to the couplers 260 of the intermediate supports 230.
  • the couplers 306 of channel sections 290 are securable to both the couplers 260 of the intermediate supports 230 and the couplers 276 of the conveyor return brackets 272.
  • an operator lockingly engages the coupler 276 of a conveyor return bracket 272 and the coupler 306 of a channel section 290.
  • an operator lockingly engages the coupler 260 of a intermediate support 230 and the coupler 306 of a channel section 290.
  • the second end 294 defines apertures for receiving fasteners to secure the second ends 294 of the channels 290 to a conveyor return bracket 272 or an intermediate support 230.
  • Any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the second end 294 as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • Figs. 27-29 illustrate another construction of the second module 16C according to the present invention.
  • the second module 16C in Figs. 27-29 is similar in many ways to the illustrated constructions of Figs. 1-26 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the constructions of Figs. 27-29 and the construction of Figs. 1-26, reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the construction of Figs. 1-26 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the construction of Figs. 27-29.
  • Features and elements in the construction of Figs. 27-29 corresponding to features and elements in the construction of Figs. 1-26 are identified by the same reference number and the letter "C".
  • the second module 16C includes tracks 284C, which extend across and between intermediate supports 230C.
  • the tracks 284C have first and second ends 338C, 340C and define apertures 342 for receiving fasteners to secure the tracks 284C to the intermediate supports 230C.
  • any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the tracks 284C to the intermediate supports 230C as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • threaded fasteners are used to secure the first and second ends 338C, 340C of the tracks 284C to one or more intermediate supports 230C.
  • Z-shaped clips are used to secure the first ends 338C and/or the second ends 340C of the tracks 284C to the intermediate supports 230C and to allow limited relative movement between the tracks 284C and the intermediate supports 230C caused by thermal expansion of the tracks 284C and other elements of the conveyor 10.
  • the tracks 284C include inwardly extending rails 344C. Together, the rails 344C define guide slots 346C, which extend along each of the tracks 284C between upstream and downstream ends of the tracks 284C.
  • a chain 2OC is supported on the tracks 284C and is moveable along the tracks 284C in the travel direction 282C.
  • the chain 2OC of the illustrated construction of Fig. 29 includes a follower 348C, which extends downwardly from an upper portion of the chain 2OC and is engageable in the guide slot 346C between the rails 344C.
  • the rails 344C maintain the chain 2OC in position on the tracks 284C.
  • Fig. 30 illustrates another construction of the second module 16D according to the present invention.
  • the second module 16D in Fig. 30 is similar in many ways to the illustrated constructions of Fig. 1-29 described above. Accordingly, with the exception of mutually inconsistent features and elements between the constructions of Fig. 30 and the constructions of Figs. 1-29, reference is hereby made to the description above accompanying the constructions of Figs. 1-29 for a more complete description of the features and elements (and the alternatives to the features and elements) of the construction of Fig. 30.
  • Features and elements in the construction of Fig. 30 corresponding to features and elements in the constructions of Figs. 1-29 are identified by the same reference number and the letter "D".
  • the second module 16D is a curved or angled module.
  • the second module 16D includes a frame 224D having side supports 226D, 228D and intermediate supports 230D.
  • Tracks 284D extend across and between intermediate supports 230D and supports a chain 2OD, which is moveable along the tracks 284D in a travel direction 282D between an upstream side 350D and a downstream side 352D of the second module 16D.
  • the downstream side 352D of the second module 16D is oriented at an angle of about 90 degrees with respect to the upstream side 350D of the second module 16D. In other constructions and in other aspects, the downstream side 352D of the second module 16D can be oriented at an angle of between about one degree and about 89 degrees with respect to the upstream side 350D of the second module 16D.
  • the tracks 284D include inwardly extending rails 344D. Together, the rails 344D define a guide slot 346D, which extends along the tracks 284D between upstream and downstream ends 35OD, 352D of the tracks 284D.
  • the rails 344D maintain the chain 2OD in position on the tracks 284D.
  • the conveyor 10 can also include a third module 18.
  • the third module 18 includes a frame 424 having side supports 426, 428 and intermediate frame supports 430 extending between the side supports 426, 428.
  • the frame 424 defines upstream and downstream ends 550, 552 for supporting chains 20, 520 (portions of which are shown in Figs. 31 and 32), respectively.
  • the frame 424 can support one or more chains extending across the upstream and downstream ends 550, 552.
  • the intermediate supports 430 include upper surfaces 450, lower surfaces 452, ends 454, 456, and outwardly extending couplers 460. hi these constructions and in these aspects, each of the ends 454, 456 includes two pairs of mounting apertures 468 for securing the intermediate supports 430 in either of two orientations with respect to the side supports 426, 428.
  • fasteners can secure the intermediate supports 430 to the side supports 426, 428 in a first orientation, in which the upper surfaces 450 of the intermediate supports 430 are spaced a first distance from an imaginary plane 570 extending through upper ends of the side supports 426, 428, and in a second orientation, in which the upper surfaces 450 of the intermediate supports 430 are spaced a second, larger distance from the imaginary plane 570.
  • the third module 18 of the conveyor 10 can be assembled in either of two configurations to support either of two differently sized chains.
  • the intermediate supports 430 can support either of the two differently sized chains so that the upper surfaces of the differently sized chains are spaced the same distance from the imaginary plane 570.
  • two intermediate supports 430 are secured to the side supports 426, 428 in a first orientation to support belt 20 and three supports are secured to the side supports 426, 428 in a second orientation to support belt 520 in a second orientation.
  • the upper surfaces of two differently sized belts or chains i.e., chain 20 and chain 520
  • the intermediate supports 430 can include three or more pairs of mounting apertures 468 for mounting the intermediate supports 430 in three or more orientations with respect to the side supports 426, 428.
  • Any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the intermediate supports 430 as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • the third module 18 also includes conveyor return brackets 472, which can be secured to the lower surfaces 452 of the intermediate supports 430 and can include couplers 476.
  • the third module 18 also includes chutes or channel sections 490 having first and second ends 492, 494.
  • the first ends 492 include couplers 506 having an outwardly extending lip 508 defining an opening 510.
  • a channel section 490 extends between and across the intermediate supports 430 to support an upper portion of chain 20.
  • Another channel section 490 extends across and between conveyor return brackets 472 to support a return or lower portion of the chain 20.
  • the couplers 460 of the intermediate supports 430 and the couplers 476 of the conveyor return brackets 472 are substantially similar so that the channels 490 can be connected to the intermediate supports 430 and/or the conveyor return brackets 472.
  • the third module 18 can include tracks 484, which extend across and between intermediate supports 430.
  • the tracks 484 extend across the downstream end 552 of the frame 524 and support chain 520.
  • the tracks 484 have first and second ends 538, 540 and define apertures 542 for receiving fasteners to secure the tracks 484 to the intermediate supports 430.
  • any conventional fastener can be employed to secure the tracks 484 to the intermediate supports 430 as just described, such as screws, nails, rivets, pins, posts, clips, clamps, inter-engaging elements, and any combination of such fasteners.
  • threaded fasteners are used to secure the first and second ends 538, 540 of the tracks 484 to one or more intermediate supports 430.
  • Z-shaped clips are used to secure the first ends 538 and/or the second ends 540 of the tracks 484 to the intermediate supports 430 and to allow limited relative movement between the tracks 484 and the intermediate supports 430 caused by thermal expansion of the tracks 484 and other elements of the conveyor 10.
  • the tracks 484 include inwardly extending rails 544.
  • the rails 544 define guide slots 546, which extend along each of the tracks 484 between upstream and downstream ends of the tracks 484.
  • the chain 520 of the illustrated construction of Figs. 31 and 32 includes a follower 548, which extends downwardly from an upper portion of the chain 520 and is engageable in the guide slot 546 between the rails 544. In these constructions and in these aspects, the rails 544 maintain the chain 520 in position on the track 484.
  • the third module 18 includes a drive assembly 560.
  • the drive assembly 560 includes an actuator 562 (e.g., an electric motor, an air motor, an internal combustion engine, etc.) and a drive shaft 564.
  • Drive wheels 568 are secured to the drive shaft 564 for rotation with the drive shaft 564 about the drive shaft axis.
  • the chain 20 extends across and is drivingly engageable with drive wheels 568 so that rotation of the drive shaft 564 causes the chain 20 to move in the first travel direction 482. As shown in Fig. 1, an opposite end of the chain 20 extends across and is supported on an idler shaft 592.
  • the third module 18 includes a transfer station 574 defined between chains 20, 520.
  • the third module 18 includes guide plates 594 located in the transfer station 574 between the belts 20, 520.
  • the guides 594 direct products P between chains 20, 520 and across the transfer station 574.
  • other guides including rollers, slides, chutes, and the like can also or alternately be used to direct products P across the transfer station 574.
  • the third module 18 also includes intermediate conveyors 580 positioned between the conveyors 20, 520 to transfer products between chains 20, 520 and across the transfer station 574.
  • the intermediate conveyors 580 can include drive wheels 582 fixedly coupled to the drive shaft 564 or drive shaft 565. Chains or belts 584 extend across and between the drive wheels 582 and idler wheels 583 so that rotation of the drive shaft 564 moves the intermediate conveyors 580 in a travel direction 586.
  • the chains 584 of the intermediate conveyors 580 move products P between the chains 20, 520 and prevent the products P from accumulating or becoming stuck in the transfer station 574.
  • a number of common elements are used in the first, second, and third modules 14, 16, 18 to simplify assembly of the first, second, and third modules 14, 16, 18.
  • side supports 26, 28 of the first module 14, side supports 226, 228 of the second module 16, and side supports 426, 428 of the third module 18 are substantially similar and are interchangeable
  • the intermediate supports 30 of the first module 14, the intermediate supports 230 of the second module 16, and the intermediate supports 430 of the third module are substantially similar and are interchangeable
  • the conveyor return brackets 72 of the first module 14, the conveyor return bracket 272 of the second module 16, and the conveyor return bracket 472 of the third module 18 are substantially similar and are interchangeable
  • the channel sections 90 of the first module 14, the channel sections 290 of the second module 16, and the channel sections 490 of the third module 18 are substantially similar and are interchangeable.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Framework For Endless Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système de transport pour une bande transporteuse (20). Ce système de transport comprend un premier module (14) ayant un cadre (28) et un ensemble élévateur (116) comprenant des navettes placées des deux côtés opposés de la bande et pouvant se déplacer par rapport au cadre entre une première position dans laquelle la surface supérieure est placée de manière à déplacer un produit le long de la bande, et une seconde position dans laquelle la surface supérieure est placée à une certaine distance de la bande dans une direction sensiblement perpendiculaire à la direction de déplacement, permettant d'enlever le produit de la bande. Le système de transport comprend en outre un deuxième module (16) destiné à soutenir la bande et à transporter le produit d'une extrémité amont du deuxième module à une extrémité aval de celui-ci, et un troisième module comportant un ensemble d'entraînement permettant d'entraîner la bande à travers le premier, le deuxième et le troisième modules.
PCT/US2004/031602 2004-09-24 2004-09-24 Systeme de transport et son procede d'utilisation Ceased WO2006036142A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/031602 WO2006036142A1 (fr) 2004-09-24 2004-09-24 Systeme de transport et son procede d'utilisation

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
PCT/US2004/031602 WO2006036142A1 (fr) 2004-09-24 2004-09-24 Systeme de transport et son procede d'utilisation

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2006036142A1 true WO2006036142A1 (fr) 2006-04-06

Family

ID=36119188

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/US2004/031602 Ceased WO2006036142A1 (fr) 2004-09-24 2004-09-24 Systeme de transport et son procede d'utilisation

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2006036142A1 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006114231A3 (fr) * 2005-04-23 2007-03-01 Knapp Logistik Automation Procede et dispositif pour transporter une marchandise sur une bande rotative d'un convoyeur a bande plate
CN111874528A (zh) * 2020-08-06 2020-11-03 山东中煤工矿物资集团有限公司 一种新型输送机

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6062376A (en) * 1996-04-19 2000-05-16 Nercon Engineering & Manufacturing Zero back-pressure conveyor system
US6612426B1 (en) * 2000-10-24 2003-09-02 Autopak Engineering Corporation Conveyor belt assembly

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US6062376A (en) * 1996-04-19 2000-05-16 Nercon Engineering & Manufacturing Zero back-pressure conveyor system
US6612426B1 (en) * 2000-10-24 2003-09-02 Autopak Engineering Corporation Conveyor belt assembly

Cited By (3)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2006114231A3 (fr) * 2005-04-23 2007-03-01 Knapp Logistik Automation Procede et dispositif pour transporter une marchandise sur une bande rotative d'un convoyeur a bande plate
CN111874528A (zh) * 2020-08-06 2020-11-03 山东中煤工矿物资集团有限公司 一种新型输送机
CN111874528B (zh) * 2020-08-06 2021-11-19 山东中煤工矿物资集团有限公司 一种输送机

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