CA2365073A1 - Drive roller for moving heavy structures - Google Patents
Drive roller for moving heavy structures Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2365073A1 CA2365073A1 CA002365073A CA2365073A CA2365073A1 CA 2365073 A1 CA2365073 A1 CA 2365073A1 CA 002365073 A CA002365073 A CA 002365073A CA 2365073 A CA2365073 A CA 2365073A CA 2365073 A1 CA2365073 A1 CA 2365073A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- drive roller
- shaft
- roller
- rollers
- sprocket
- 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.)
- Abandoned
Links
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
- B65G7/00—Devices for assisting manual moving or tilting heavy loads
- B65G7/02—Devices adapted to be interposed between loads and the ground or floor, e.g. crowbars with means for assisting conveyance of loads
- B65G7/04—Rollers
Landscapes
- Devices For Conveying Motion By Means Of Endless Flexible Members (AREA)
- Transmission Devices (AREA)
Abstract
A drive roller for moving heavy structures includes a body having a load bearing surface and a roller engaging surface. Rollers supported by endless link chains are moveable about the roller engaging surface of the body. A shaft is rotatably mounted on the body. A worm wheel is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft. A worm gear engages the worm wheel. Rotation of the worm gear imparts a rotary motion to the worm wheel thereby rotating the shaft. A
sprocket is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft. The sprocket engages the endless link chains. Rotation of the shaft results in the sprocket driving the endless link chains and rollers about the body.
sprocket is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft. The sprocket engages the endless link chains. Rotation of the shaft results in the sprocket driving the endless link chains and rollers about the body.
Description
TITLE OF THE INVENTION:
Drive Roller For Moving Heavy Structures FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a drive roller for moving heavy structures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Patent 5,492,436 (Suksumake) discloses a drive roller assembly which includes a frame with rollers supported by endless link chains moveable about the frame. Also mounted on the frame are a motor and a worm gear. The motor rotates the worm gear about a substantially horizontal axis perpendicular to the drive rollers. As the worm gear turns, the fighting of the worm gear push against the rollers which move about the frame causing the drive roller assembly to move.
The drive roller assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the Suksumake reference loses significant energy to the forces of friction. As well as significant energy loss due to friction, the Suksumake reference does not possess the mechanical advantage to operate manually under load. The Suksumake reference requires additional equipment in the form of a motor and/or a gear reducer which reduces portability while increasing operating costs.
SU1~IARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a more efficient configuration of drive roller for moving heavy structures.
According to the present invention there is provided a drive roller for moving heavy structures, which includes a body having a load bearing surface and a roller engaging surface.
Rollers supported by endless link chains are moveable about the roller engaging surface of the body. A shaft is rotatably mounted on the body. A worm wheel is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft. A worm gear engages the worm wheel. Rotation of the worm gear imparts a rotary motion to the worm wheel thereby rotating the shaft. A sprocket is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft. The sprocket engages the endless link chains. Rotation of the shaft results in the sprocket driving the endless link chains and rollers about the body.
With the Suksumake drive roller, the fighting of the worm gear must engage the rollers. There is a significant energy loss due to friction between the fighting of the worm gear and the rollers. If resistance is encountered, such resistance tends to push the worm gear out of engagement with the rollers or results in a pinching of the rollers between the worm gear and the frame. In contrast, the drive rollers described above, provide a more efficient usage of the worm gear.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the worm gear, as described above, all drive rollers tend to follow the path of least resistance. This means that there is a frequent need to have the direction of the roller corrected as it moves along support rails. This involves removing the load from the roller, repositioning the roller and replacing the load, before transfer can resume. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when rail engaging tracking guides are positioned on each side of the body. It is preferred that the spacing between the rail tracking guides be made adjustable, in order to adjust to the various sizes of rails that may be encountered and ensure a proper gripping action as wear occurs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA~nIINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a right side elevation view of a drive roller constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a rear end elevation view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a bottom plan view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 5 is a left side elevation view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 6 is a front end elevation view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 7 is a side elevation view, in section, of the drive roller taken along section lines A-A of FIGURE
6.
FIGURE 8 is a side elevation view, in section, of the drive roller taken along section lines B-B of FIGURE
6.
FIGURE 9 is a bottom plan view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1, with chain tensioner and rail tracking guides.
FIGURE 10 is a front end elevation view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE
9.
FIGURE 11 is a side elevation view, in section, of the drive roller taken along section lines C-C of FIGURE
10.
FIGURE 12 is a top plan view of the rollers illustrated in FIGURE
9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a drive roller for moving heavy structures generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 12.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIGURE 1, there is provided a drive roller for moving heavy structures 10 which includes a body 12 that has a load bearing surface 14 and a roller engaging surface 16.
Referring to FIGURE 2, body 12 has a first end 18, a second end 20 and opposed sides 22. Referring to FIGURE 9, rail engaging tracking guides 24 are positioned on each of opposed sides 22.
Guide wheels 26 are provided on rail engaging tracking guides 24.
Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, rollers 28 which are supported by endless link chains 30 are moveable about roller engaging surface 16 of body 12. Referring to FIGURES 5 and 6, chain tensioners 32 engage endless link chains 30. Adjusting screws 33 are provided for adjusting chain tensioners.
Peripheral chain guides 34 are also provided on opposed sides 22 of body 12.
Referring to FIGURE 8, a shaft 36 with a shaft bearing 38 is rotatably mounted at second end 20 of body 12. Referring to FIGURE 8, a worm wheel 40 is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with shaft 36. A worm gear 42 engages with worm wheel 40, such that rotation of worm gear 42 imparts a rotary motion to worm wheel 40 thereby rotating shaft 36. Worm gear 42 is mounted on a drive shaft 44 inside of a gear housing 46 located at second end 20 of body 12.
Referring to FIGURE 7, a first sprocket 48 is also non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with shaft 36. First sprocket 48 engages with endless link chains 30, such that rotation of shaft 36 results in first sprocket 48 driving endless link chains 30 and rollers 28 about engaging surface 16. Rollers 28 have axles 29 around which rollers 28 rotate.
Link chains 30 are secured to axles 29 of rollers 28.
Referring to FIGURE 11, a second sprocket 50 engages with endless link chains 30 and rollers 28 toward first end 18 of body 12. A handle 52 is provided at second end 20 of body 12 although it will be appreciated that handle 52 could be placed at either first end 18, second end 20, or both.
Operation:
The use and operation of drive roller for moving heavy structures 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES
1 through 12. Referring to FIGURE 10, to transport a load on drive roller 10, rail engaging tracking guides 24 on opposed sides 22 of drive roller 10 are engaged with a support rail 54.
Rail engaging tracking guides 24 are adjustable to accommodate the various sizes of support rails 54 which may be encountered.
Guide wheels 26 are mounted on a bracket 56 which slides adjustable along a cross bar 58 that extends between rail engaging tracking guides 24. Guide wheels engage with support rail 54 to ensure a proper tracking movement of drive roller along support rail 54. Rail engaging tracking guides 24 serve to maintain drive roller 10 in position with support rail 54 to keep drive roller 10 advancing in the desired direction.
This eliminates the need to otherwise interrupt the transfer in order to correct the direction of drive roller 10.
Referring to FIGURE 12, endless link chain with rollers 28 can articulate a sufficient amount in either direction order to accommodate minor deviations in tracking. Referring to FIGURE
Drive Roller For Moving Heavy Structures FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a drive roller for moving heavy structures BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
U.S. Patent 5,492,436 (Suksumake) discloses a drive roller assembly which includes a frame with rollers supported by endless link chains moveable about the frame. Also mounted on the frame are a motor and a worm gear. The motor rotates the worm gear about a substantially horizontal axis perpendicular to the drive rollers. As the worm gear turns, the fighting of the worm gear push against the rollers which move about the frame causing the drive roller assembly to move.
The drive roller assembly constructed in accordance with the teachings of the Suksumake reference loses significant energy to the forces of friction. As well as significant energy loss due to friction, the Suksumake reference does not possess the mechanical advantage to operate manually under load. The Suksumake reference requires additional equipment in the form of a motor and/or a gear reducer which reduces portability while increasing operating costs.
SU1~IARY OF THE INVENTION
What is required is a more efficient configuration of drive roller for moving heavy structures.
According to the present invention there is provided a drive roller for moving heavy structures, which includes a body having a load bearing surface and a roller engaging surface.
Rollers supported by endless link chains are moveable about the roller engaging surface of the body. A shaft is rotatably mounted on the body. A worm wheel is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft. A worm gear engages the worm wheel. Rotation of the worm gear imparts a rotary motion to the worm wheel thereby rotating the shaft. A sprocket is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft. The sprocket engages the endless link chains. Rotation of the shaft results in the sprocket driving the endless link chains and rollers about the body.
With the Suksumake drive roller, the fighting of the worm gear must engage the rollers. There is a significant energy loss due to friction between the fighting of the worm gear and the rollers. If resistance is encountered, such resistance tends to push the worm gear out of engagement with the rollers or results in a pinching of the rollers between the worm gear and the frame. In contrast, the drive rollers described above, provide a more efficient usage of the worm gear.
Although beneficial results may be obtained through the use of the worm gear, as described above, all drive rollers tend to follow the path of least resistance. This means that there is a frequent need to have the direction of the roller corrected as it moves along support rails. This involves removing the load from the roller, repositioning the roller and replacing the load, before transfer can resume. Even more beneficial results may, therefore, be obtained when rail engaging tracking guides are positioned on each side of the body. It is preferred that the spacing between the rail tracking guides be made adjustable, in order to adjust to the various sizes of rails that may be encountered and ensure a proper gripping action as wear occurs.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRA~nIINGS
These and other features of the invention will become more apparent from the following description in which reference is made to the appended drawings, the drawings are for the purpose of illustration only and are not intended to in any way limit the scope of the invention to the particular embodiment or embodiments shown, wherein:
FIGURE 1 is a right side elevation view of a drive roller constructed in accordance with the teachings of the present invention.
FIGURE 2 is a top plan view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 3 is a rear end elevation view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 4 is a bottom plan view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 5 is a left side elevation view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 6 is a front end elevation view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 7 is a side elevation view, in section, of the drive roller taken along section lines A-A of FIGURE
6.
FIGURE 8 is a side elevation view, in section, of the drive roller taken along section lines B-B of FIGURE
6.
FIGURE 9 is a bottom plan view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE 1, with chain tensioner and rail tracking guides.
FIGURE 10 is a front end elevation view of the drive roller illustrated in FIGURE
9.
FIGURE 11 is a side elevation view, in section, of the drive roller taken along section lines C-C of FIGURE
10.
FIGURE 12 is a top plan view of the rollers illustrated in FIGURE
9.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
The preferred embodiment, a drive roller for moving heavy structures generally identified by reference numeral 10, will now be described with reference to FIGURES 1 through 12.
Structure and Relationship of Parts:
Referring to FIGURE 1, there is provided a drive roller for moving heavy structures 10 which includes a body 12 that has a load bearing surface 14 and a roller engaging surface 16.
Referring to FIGURE 2, body 12 has a first end 18, a second end 20 and opposed sides 22. Referring to FIGURE 9, rail engaging tracking guides 24 are positioned on each of opposed sides 22.
Guide wheels 26 are provided on rail engaging tracking guides 24.
Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, rollers 28 which are supported by endless link chains 30 are moveable about roller engaging surface 16 of body 12. Referring to FIGURES 5 and 6, chain tensioners 32 engage endless link chains 30. Adjusting screws 33 are provided for adjusting chain tensioners.
Peripheral chain guides 34 are also provided on opposed sides 22 of body 12.
Referring to FIGURE 8, a shaft 36 with a shaft bearing 38 is rotatably mounted at second end 20 of body 12. Referring to FIGURE 8, a worm wheel 40 is non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with shaft 36. A worm gear 42 engages with worm wheel 40, such that rotation of worm gear 42 imparts a rotary motion to worm wheel 40 thereby rotating shaft 36. Worm gear 42 is mounted on a drive shaft 44 inside of a gear housing 46 located at second end 20 of body 12.
Referring to FIGURE 7, a first sprocket 48 is also non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with shaft 36. First sprocket 48 engages with endless link chains 30, such that rotation of shaft 36 results in first sprocket 48 driving endless link chains 30 and rollers 28 about engaging surface 16. Rollers 28 have axles 29 around which rollers 28 rotate.
Link chains 30 are secured to axles 29 of rollers 28.
Referring to FIGURE 11, a second sprocket 50 engages with endless link chains 30 and rollers 28 toward first end 18 of body 12. A handle 52 is provided at second end 20 of body 12 although it will be appreciated that handle 52 could be placed at either first end 18, second end 20, or both.
Operation:
The use and operation of drive roller for moving heavy structures 10 will now be described with reference to FIGURES
1 through 12. Referring to FIGURE 10, to transport a load on drive roller 10, rail engaging tracking guides 24 on opposed sides 22 of drive roller 10 are engaged with a support rail 54.
Rail engaging tracking guides 24 are adjustable to accommodate the various sizes of support rails 54 which may be encountered.
Guide wheels 26 are mounted on a bracket 56 which slides adjustable along a cross bar 58 that extends between rail engaging tracking guides 24. Guide wheels engage with support rail 54 to ensure a proper tracking movement of drive roller along support rail 54. Rail engaging tracking guides 24 serve to maintain drive roller 10 in position with support rail 54 to keep drive roller 10 advancing in the desired direction.
This eliminates the need to otherwise interrupt the transfer in order to correct the direction of drive roller 10.
Referring to FIGURE 12, endless link chain with rollers 28 can articulate a sufficient amount in either direction order to accommodate minor deviations in tracking. Referring to FIGURE
5, chain tensioners 32 allow for the adjustment of the tension in endless link chain 30 to ensure optimal operation, although it will be appreciated that drive roller 10 can operate without this feature.
Referring to FIGURE 10, once positioned on support rails 54, a load may be placed on load bearing surface 14 of drive roller 10. Referring to FIGURE 8, drive shaft 44 can be rotated either by a manually operated crank or by a drive motor. Worm gear 42 rotates with drive shaft 44. As worm gear 42 is engaged with worm wheel 40, rotation of worm gear 42 imparts a rotary motion to worm wheel 40. As worm wheel 40 rotates, so does shaft 36. Referring to FIGURE 7, rotation of shaft 36 results in first sprocket 48 driving endless link chains 30 and rollers 28 about engaging surface 16 to move a load placed on load bearing surface 14.
Referring to FIGURE 10, once positioned on support rails 54, a load may be placed on load bearing surface 14 of drive roller 10. Referring to FIGURE 8, drive shaft 44 can be rotated either by a manually operated crank or by a drive motor. Worm gear 42 rotates with drive shaft 44. As worm gear 42 is engaged with worm wheel 40, rotation of worm gear 42 imparts a rotary motion to worm wheel 40. As worm wheel 40 rotates, so does shaft 36. Referring to FIGURE 7, rotation of shaft 36 results in first sprocket 48 driving endless link chains 30 and rollers 28 about engaging surface 16 to move a load placed on load bearing surface 14.
In this patent document, the word "comprising" is used in its non-limiting sense to mean that items following the word are included, but items not specifically mentioned are not excluded. A reference to an element by the indefinite article "a" does not exclude the possibility that more than one of the element is present, unless the context clearly requires that there be one and only one of the elements.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
It will be apparent to one skilled in the art that modifications may be made to the illustrated embodiment without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as hereinafter defined in the Claims.
Claims (6)
1. A drive roller for moving heavy structures, comprising:
a body having a load bearing surface and a roller engaging surface;
rollers supported by endless link chains moveable about the roller engaging surface of the body;
a shaft rotatably mounted on the body;
a worm wheel non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft;
a worm gear engaging the worm wheel, such that rotation of the worm gear imparts a rotary motion to the worm wheel thereby rotating the shaft; and a sprocket non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft, the sprocket engaging the endless link chains, such that rotation of the shaft results in the sprocket driving the endless link chains and rollers about the body.
a body having a load bearing surface and a roller engaging surface;
rollers supported by endless link chains moveable about the roller engaging surface of the body;
a shaft rotatably mounted on the body;
a worm wheel non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft;
a worm gear engaging the worm wheel, such that rotation of the worm gear imparts a rotary motion to the worm wheel thereby rotating the shaft; and a sprocket non-rotatably secured to and rotatable with the shaft, the sprocket engaging the endless link chains, such that rotation of the shaft results in the sprocket driving the endless link chains and rollers about the body.
2. The driver roller as defined in Claim 1, wherein rail engaging tracking guides are positioned on each side of the body.
3. The drive roller as defined in Claim 2, wherein the spacing between the rail tracking guides is adjustable.
4. The drive roller as defined in Claim 1, wherein the body has a handle.
5. The drive roller as defined in Claim 1, wherein chain tensioners engage the chains.
6. The drive roller as defined in Claim 1, wherein the body has peripheral chain guides.
Priority Applications (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002365073A CA2365073A1 (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2001-12-14 | Drive roller for moving heavy structures |
| US10/321,828 US20030136297A1 (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2002-12-16 | Drive roller for moving heavy structures |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002365073A CA2365073A1 (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2001-12-14 | Drive roller for moving heavy structures |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2365073A1 true CA2365073A1 (en) | 2003-06-14 |
Family
ID=4170844
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002365073A Abandoned CA2365073A1 (en) | 2001-12-14 | 2001-12-14 | Drive roller for moving heavy structures |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| US (1) | US20030136297A1 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA2365073A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114132584A (en) * | 2021-11-26 | 2022-03-04 | 凉山瑞禾新材料有限公司 | Manual packing plant of PET tie |
Families Citing this family (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN103896002A (en) * | 2013-04-15 | 2014-07-02 | 申凌峰 | Weight transfer device |
| CN111801261B (en) * | 2019-07-10 | 2021-08-06 | 长谷川光男 | Heavy object moving trolley |
Family Cites Families (3)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3029086A (en) * | 1959-06-25 | 1962-04-10 | Stokvis Samuel R John | Dolly |
| US3020059A (en) * | 1960-04-14 | 1962-02-06 | Stanray Corp | Lift conveyor |
| US3392681A (en) * | 1964-12-14 | 1968-07-16 | Trakwork Equipment Company | Convertible rail-tractor vehicle |
-
2001
- 2001-12-14 CA CA002365073A patent/CA2365073A1/en not_active Abandoned
-
2002
- 2002-12-16 US US10/321,828 patent/US20030136297A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN114132584A (en) * | 2021-11-26 | 2022-03-04 | 凉山瑞禾新材料有限公司 | Manual packing plant of PET tie |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| US20030136297A1 (en) | 2003-07-24 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FZDE | Discontinued |