DE202020106208U1 - Module for a conveyor and corresponding connecting bolts for the components of each module - Google Patents

Abstract

Module (10) for a conveyor, in particular a chain conveyor, comprising:
- at least one gripping element (12) provided with at least one base body (12A) which provides at least one first communication through hole (16);
- At least one carrier element (14) for the gripping element (12), which is provided with two protruding elements (14A, 14B) each having an inner wall (30A) and an outer wall (30B), the gripping element (12) at least partially is received between the inner walls (30A) and wherein each of the cantilevered members (14A, 14B) includes at least one second communication through hole (18A, 18B); and
- At least one connecting bolt (20) which is prepared to fall in an axial direction (A) into the first connecting through hole (16) and the second connecting through hole (18A, 18B) in order to provide each gripping element (12) with the protruding elements (14A, 14B), the connecting bolt (20) comprising locking means (22) to prevent the connecting bolt from being released during use of the module (10) (20) moves along the axial direction (A), the connecting bolt (20) having a predetermined length (L1) measured in the axial direction (A) and a predetermined average width (L2) measured at right angles to the axial direction (A) , characterized in that the blocking means (22) consist of at least one first widened section (22) with a maximum width (L3) measured at right angles to the axial direction (A), which is between approx. 1.03 times to approx. 14 times, preferably between approx. 1.05 times to approx. 1.07 times the average width (L2) of the connecting bolt (20) and / or between approx. 1.03 times to approx , 14 times, preferably between approx. 1.05 times to approx. 1.07 times the average width (L10) of the second connecting through hole (18A, 18B), and in that the first widened section (22) is provided in a position in which when the connecting pin (20) the gripping strap t (12) with the carrier element (14) connects, at least a part (22A) of the first widened section (22) with a maximum width (L3) is essentially Contact with either the inner wall (30A) or the outer wall (30B) of at least one of the cantilevered elements (14A, 14B), so that the connecting bolt (20) is prevented from moving along the axial direction during use of the module (10) (A) moves.

Description

The present invention relates to a conveyor of bulk objects in general and to a module for a conveyor and a connecting bolt associated therewith for the components of each module in particular.

As is known, a conveyor of bulk items defines a movement area for generic items to be conveyed. A special type of conveyor provides that the conveyor consists of a plurality of modular elements connected to one another and / or a feed device of the conveyor, for example a drive system. This conveyor can be of the closed or open circuit type and can be prepared to move along a straight or curved feed direction.

Even more particularly, conveyors are known which carry out the lifting of the objects along a substantially vertical direction of movement. Each module of these conveyors, which are also referred to as lifting conveyors, is consequently provided with a respective gripping element with which it is possible to hold one or more objects while the lifting conveyor is moving upwards. A lifting conveyor of this type is for example in the document DE 20 2005 007 138 U1 described. Elevating conveyors of this type can be used to transport objects with a not particularly high specific weight, such as empty containers (bottles, cans, boxes, etc.) upwards.

In lifting conveyors of known type, each module generally consists of a gripping element and a respective carrier element. The gripping element, as it is for example in the document DE 20 2005 007 138 U1 shown can consist of a clamp made of a resilient material (rubber or the like), so that the respective jaws can grip objects of different sizes and shapes thanks to their elastic deformability. The carrier element, on the other hand, is prepared with the feed device of the conveyor, such as that in the document DE 20 2005 007 138 U1 drive system shown to be connected.

The one in the document DE 20 2005 007 138 U1 described lifting conveyor, the gripping element and the respective carrier element of a single module are combined by means of a connecting bolt which falls into corresponding connecting through holes which are provided both on the gripping element and on the respective carrier element. This connecting bolt is characterized in that it is elastically deformable so that it can be inserted into corresponding connecting through holes. In other words, this connecting bolt has an outer diameter that is larger than the inner diameter of the corresponding connecting through holes, so that only elastic deformation or constriction that is obtainable along a transverse direction of the connecting bolt allows insertion into the corresponding connecting through holes.

An advantage of the in the document DE 20 2005 007 138 U1 described lifting conveyor consists in the fact that the bolt of each module is practically protected from unintentional and undesired falling out of the corresponding connecting through holes after being inserted into the corresponding connecting through holes. A disadvantage, however, is that the modules of the lifting conveyor are difficult to assemble with such a bolt, since each bolt of the conveyor must always be correctly deformed before the respective assembly, but without being damaged in the process. Another disadvantage is that the bolt itself, which is internally hollow and must be provided with an axial slot in order to be deformable, is complicated and expensive to manufacture.

Another connection system between the gripping element and the respective carrier element of an individual module provides for the use of a non-deformable bolt, the outer surface of which is corrugated. The insertion and holding of the bolt in the respective communication through-holes is therefore carried out by friction. The disadvantage of this bolt, however, is due to the fact that the bolt, which is normally made of steel, is heavy and expensive to manufacture. In addition, despite its corrugated surface, the bolt can inadvertently move axially in the corresponding connecting through-holes and finally even fall completely out of the holes, so that there is an undesirable decoupling between the gripping element and the respective carrier element.

The object of the present invention is therefore to present a module for a conveyor and a corresponding connecting bolt for the components of each module, which are able to overcome the above-mentioned disadvantages of the known technology in an extremely simple, inexpensive and particularly functional manner .

More precisely, it is the object of the present invention to present a module for a conveyor in which the connection of the components of this module made by means of a bolt can be established simply, quickly and safely.

Another object of the present invention is to present a module for a conveyor in which the connecting bolt of the components of this module can be manufactured easily and inexpensively.

These and other purposes according to the invention are achieved by realizing a module for a conveyor and an associated connecting bolt for the components of each module, as set out in claim 1.

Further features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims, which form a part of the present description.

• 1 eine Explosionszeichnung der Bauteile eines erfindungsgemäßen Moduls für einen Förderer;
• 2 eine Montageansicht in Durchsicht der Bauteile des Moduls aus 1;
• 3 eine Draufsicht eines Verbindungsbolzens des Moduls aus 1;
• 4 eine vergrößerte Ansicht eines Teils des Verbindungsbolzens aus 3;
• die 5, 6 und 7 jeweilige Phasen des Einsetzens des Verbindungsbolzens aus 3 in die Bauteile des Moduls aus 1; und
• 8 eine vergrößerte Ansicht des mit VIII gekennzeichneten Details aus 7.

The features and advantages of a module according to the invention for a conveyor and an associated connecting bolt for the components of each module emerge from the following description, which is purely exemplary and has no restrictive effect, reference being made to the accompanying schematic drawings. Show it:

• 1 an exploded view of the components of a module according to the invention for a conveyor;
• 2 an assembly view through the components of the module 1 ;
• 3 a plan view of a connecting bolt of the module 1 ;
• 4th an enlarged view of part of the connecting bolt 3 ;
• the 5 , 6th and 7th respective phases of the insertion of the connecting bolt 3 into the components of the module 1 ; and
• 8th an enlarged view of the detail marked VIII 7th .

With reference to the figures, a preferred embodiment of the module according to the invention for a conveyor, in particular a chain conveyor, is shown. The module is in its entirety with the reference number 10 marked. The module 10 comprises, in a manner known per se, at least one gripping element 12th , that with at least one base body 12A is provided, the at least one first communication through hole 16 provides. As in the 1 and 2 is shown, the gripping element 12th two or more (e.g. three) jaws 12B which are made of a resilient material (rubber or the like) so that the jaws can grip objects of different sizes and shapes thanks to their elastic deformability. This way the module 10 be used for example in a vertically upwardly movable conveyor, which is also referred to as a lifting conveyor.

The module 10 further comprises at least one carrier element 14th for the gripping element 12th . The carrier element 14th is with two cantilevered elements 14A , 14B provided, each with an inner wall 30A and an outside wall 30B have so that the gripping element 12th at least partially between the inner walls 30A of the cantilevered elements 14A , 14B is recorded. Any cantilevered element 14A , 14B further comprises at least one second communication through hole 18A , 18B .

The module 10 also includes at least one connecting bolt 20th ( 3 ff.), which is prepared for this, in an axial direction A into the first connecting through hole 16 and into the second communication through holes 18A , 18B invade to each gripping element 12th with the cantilevered elements 14A , 14B of the carrier element 14th to unite. The connecting bolt 20th includes blocking agents 22nd to prevent that while using the module 10 the connecting bolt 20th can move along the axis direction A. This connecting bolt 20th has a predetermined length L1 measured along the axial direction A and a predetermined average width L2 measured along a perpendicular to the axial direction A.

vorzugsweise: $$\mathrm{1,05}\le \frac{L3}{L2}\mathrm{1,07}\text{ und/oder 1}\text{,05}\le \frac{L3}{L10}\le \mathrm{1,07.}$$

According to the invention, the blocking means exist 22nd of the connecting bolt 20th from at least one first widened section 22nd with a maximum width L3 measured at right angles to the axial direction A, which is between about 1.03 times to about 1.14 times, preferably between about 1.05 times to about 1.07 times the average width L2 of the connecting bolt 20th is and / or between about 1.03 times to about 1.14 times, preferably between about 1.05 times to about 1.07 times the average width L10 of the second connecting through holes 18A , 18B lies. These second communication through holes 18A , 18B actually have an average width L10 substantially equal to the average width L2 of the connecting pin 20th is. In other words: $$1.03\le \frac{\mathrm{L.}3}{\mathrm{L.}2}1.14\text{and / or 1}\text{, 03}\le \frac{\mathrm{L.}3}{\mathrm{L.}10}\le \mathrm{1.14,}$$

preferably: $$1.05\le \frac{\mathrm{L.}3}{\mathrm{L.}2}1.07\text{and / or 1}\text{, 05}\le \frac{\mathrm{L.}3}{\mathrm{L.}10}\le \mathrm{1.07.}$$

In addition, the first widened section is 22nd of the connecting bolt 20th provided in such a position that when the connecting bolt 20th the gripping element 12th with the carrier element 14th connects, at least a part 22A of first widened section 22nd with maximum width L3 is essentially in contact with either the inner wall 30A or the outside wall 30B of at least one of the cantilevered elements 14A , 14B is located so that it prevents the connecting bolt 20th during the use of the module 10 can move along the axial direction A and unintentional and undesirable decoupling between the gripping element 12th and the carrier element 14th can cause.

The connecting bolt is advantageously 20th made in one piece from an internally solid material, so that production by means of molding processes is facilitated. The connecting bolt 20th is in fact preferably made from a polymer material, more preferably from a material selected from polyoxymethylene (POM) and glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP). These polymer materials guarantee both an adequate hardness of the connecting bolt 20th that is required during use of the module, as well as sufficient elasticity that is required during insertion of the connecting bolt 20th into the communication through holes 16 , 18A and 18B of the gripping element 12th and the support element 14th is required.

Preferably - as in 3 shown - the first widened section 22nd of the connecting bolt 20th a length L4 which, measured along the axial direction A, is between approx. 3% and approx. 4% of the length L1 of the connecting bolt 20th lies. Preferably the connecting bolt is 20th with at least a second widened section 24 provided, with a maximum width measured along a perpendicular to the axial direction A. L5 that is greater than or equal to the maximum length L3 of the first widened section 22nd is. This second widened section 24 is at one end portion 26th of the connecting bolt 20th worked out and has a length L6 measured along the axial direction A, which is between approx. 9% and approx. 10% of the length L1 of the connecting bolt 20th can lie.

On the basis of the aforementioned characteristics of the connecting bolt 20th the connecting bolt is located 20th when the module 10 is in the assembled configuration (configuration of the 2 and 7th and the enlarged view in 8th ) in such a position that at least one of the cantilevered elements 14A , 14B of the carrier element 14th , in this case the cantilevered element 14A , between the first widened section 22nd and the second widened section 24 of the connecting bolt 20th is included and blocked. In this way, during the use of the module 10 a decoupling of the connecting bolt 20th from the second communication through hole 18A in the respective cantilevered element 14A is received, and consequently an unintentional falling out of this connecting bolt 20th along the axial direction A from all the connecting through holes 16 , 18A , 18B prevented. In any case, thanks to the elasticity of the polymer material from which the connecting bolt 20th is established, the connecting bolt 20th using a specially designed pointed tool from all connection through-holes 16 , 18A , 18B be decoupled if this is necessary, for example, to carry out maintenance work on the conveyor.

Between the first widened section 22nd and the second widened section 24 of the connecting bolt 20th can be a bolt section 28 be inserted, which has a length L7 measured along the axial direction A, which is between approximately 9% and approximately 10% of the length L1 of the connecting bolt 20th and a maximum width L8 measured at right angles to the axial direction A, which is essentially equal to the average width L2 of the connecting bolt 20th is. In other words, the average width is L8 of this bolt section 28 smaller than the maximum widths L3 and L5 of the first widened section 22nd or the second widened section 24 of the connecting bolt 20th . This bolt section 28 is actually the portion that is in the second communication through hole without being elastically deformed 18A of the cantilevered element 14A , between the first widened section 22nd and the second widened section 24 of the connecting bolt 20th is included and blocked. The length L7 of the bolt section 28 is actually substantially equal to the length L9 of the second communication through hole 18A , 18B that is in a corresponding cantilevered element 14A , 14B is worked out.

Advantageously, according to the preferred embodiment of the module shown in the figures 10 both the connecting bolt 20th and the first communication through hole 16 of the gripping element 12th and the second communication through holes 18A , 18B that are in the corresponding cantilevered elements 14A , 14B of the carrier element 14th are worked out, in each case a cross-sectional shape which, when measured along a direction perpendicular to the axial direction A, is substantially circular. As a result, the widened portion 22nd of the connecting bolt 20th be essentially frusto-conical, with a long base 22A that the part 22A and has a diameter that is substantially equal to the maximum width L3 of the first widened portion 22nd is. The short base 22B of the widened section 22nd however, has a diameter which is substantially equal to the average width L2 of the Connecting bolt 20th is. The long base 22A also unites the first widened section 22nd with the bolt section 28 that is in the second communication through hole 18A of the cantilevered element 14A is included.

On the basis of the mentioned features of the connecting bolt 20th is the insertion ( 5 ) of this connecting bolt 20th into the respective communication through holes 16 , 18A , 18B from the short base 22B of the widened section 22nd out. When the widened section 22nd at the second communication through hole 18A located in the respective cantilevered element 14A is preserved ( 6th ), it allows a certain, on the connecting bolt 20th applied pressure to the widened section 22nd thanks to its truncated cone shape the projecting element 14A to overcome due to elastic deformation. This is how you get to the 7th and 8th shown, assembled configuration in which, as already explained, the cantilevered element 14A between the first widened section 22nd and the second widened section 24 of the connecting bolt 20th is included and blocked, the bolt portion 28 into the second communication through hole 18A of the cantilevered element 14A occurs without having experienced elastic deformation.

According to a preferred aspect of the invention, the frustoconical surface of the first enlarged portion is 22nd of the connecting bolt 20th with respect to the cylindrical surface of the connecting bolt 20th inclined at an angle α which is between approx. 5 ° and approx. 6 °. This particular angle α allows the first widened section 22nd collapsing in the form of a truncated cone in the stage of assembling under pressure and the second communication through hole 18A of the cantilevered element 14A to overcome.

Also according to a preferred embodiment of the module shown in the figures 10 can the second widened section 24 of the connecting bolt 20th have a substantially cylindrical shape and a diameter substantially equal to the maximum width L5 of this second enlarged portion 24 is. This second widened section 24 of the connecting bolt 20th is actually not prepared to pass through any of the communication through holes 16 , 18A , 18B going through and ensured in this way, along with the first widened section 22nd in the shape of a truncated cone that the bolt section 28 in the second communication through hole 18A of the cantilevered element 14A in the assembled configuration of the module 10 held in position. As mentioned before, it is always possible to use the connecting bolt 20th if necessary, with the help of a specially designed pointed tool in a relatively simple manner from the module 10 to decouple by looking at the relative elasticity of the connecting bolt 20th makes use of.

• - der Verbindungsbolzen 20 ist aus einem inwendig vollen Polymermaterial einstückig hergestellt, mit deutlichen Vorteilen bezüglich Einfachheit und Wirtschaftlichkeit bei der Herstellung;
• - alle verbreiterten und/oder profilierten Abschnitte des Verbindungsbolzens 20 können in einer einzigen Formungsphase des Verbindungsbolzens 20 erhalten werden, ohne folglich das Herstellungsverfahren zu komplizieren;
• - alle verbreiterten und/oder profilierten Abschnitte des Verbindungsbolzens 20 sind derart bemessen, dass ein einfacher Zusammenbau des Verbindungsbolzens 20, ein stabiles In-Position-Halten in der eingebauten Ausgestaltung des Moduls 10 sowie gleichzeitig die Möglichkeit gewährleistet ist, ihn, wenn notwendig, vom Modul 10 mithilfe eines eigens hierfür geeigneten spitzen Werkzeugs zu entkoppeln.

It was thus shown that the module according to the invention for a conveyor fulfills the tasks set out above and in particular achieves the following advantages:

• - the connecting bolt 20th is made in one piece from an internally full polymer material, with clear advantages in terms of simplicity and economy in manufacture;
• - all widened and / or profiled sections of the connecting bolt 20th can be done in a single forming phase of the connecting bolt 20th can be obtained without consequently complicating the manufacturing process;
• - all widened and / or profiled sections of the connecting bolt 20th are sized so that a simple assembly of the connecting bolt 20th , a stable hold in position in the built-in design of the module 10 and, at the same time, the possibility is guaranteed, if necessary, of it from the module 10 to decouple using a specially designed pointed tool.

The module designed in this way for a conveyor can in any case undergo numerous changes and include variants, all of which fall within the scope of the same innovative concept; In addition, all details can be replaced by technically equivalent elements. In practice, the materials used, as well as the shapes and sizes, can be selected as desired according to the technical requirements.

The scope of protection according to the invention is therefore defined by the appended claims.

QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list of the documents listed by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the better information of the reader. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions.

Patent literature cited

• DE 202005007138 U1 [0003, 0004, 0005, 0006]

Claims (13)

Module (10) for a conveyor, in particular a chain conveyor, comprising: - at least one gripping element (12) which is provided with at least one base body (12A) which provides at least one first connecting through hole (16); - At least one carrier element (14) for the gripping element (12), which is provided with two protruding elements (14A, 14B) each having an inner wall (30A) and an outer wall (30B), the gripping element (12) at least partially is received between the inner walls (30A) and wherein each of the cantilevered members (14A, 14B) includes at least one second communication through hole (18A, 18B); and - at least one connecting bolt (20) which is prepared to collapse in an axial direction (A) into the first connecting through hole (16) and the second connecting through hole (18A, 18B) in order to provide each gripping element (12) with the protruding elements (14A , 14B), the connecting bolt (20) comprising blocking means (22) in order to prevent the connecting bolt (20) from being displaced along the axial direction (A) during use of the module (10), the connecting bolt (20 ) has a predetermined length (L1) measured in the axial direction (A) and a predetermined average width (L2) which is measured at right angles to the axial direction (A), characterized in that the blocking means (22) consist of at least one first widened section ( 22) with a maximum width (L3) measured at right angles to the axial direction (A), which is between approx. 1.03 times to approx. 1.14 times, preferably between approx. 1.05 times to approx. 1.07- times the average width (L2) of the connecting bolt (20) and / or between about 1.03 times to about 1.14 times, preferably between about 1.05 times to about 1.07 times the average width (L10) of the second connecting through hole (18A, 18B), and in that the first widened portion (22) is provided in a position in which, when the connecting bolt (20), the gripping element (12) with connecting the carrier element (14), at least a part (22A) of the first widened portion (22) with a maximum width (L3) is substantially in contact with either the inner wall (30A) or the outer wall (30B) of at least one of the cantilevered ones Elements (14A, 14B) is located, so that it is prevented that the connecting bolt (20) shifts along the axial direction (A) during use of the module (10). Gripping unit (10) Claim 1 , characterized in that the connecting bolt (20) is made in one piece from an internally solid material. Gripping unit (10) Claim 2 , characterized in that the material is a polymer material, preferably selected from: - polyoxymethylene (POM); - glass fiber reinforced polypropylene (PP). Gripping unit (10) after one of the Claims 1 to 3 , characterized in that the first widened section (22) has a length (L4) measured in the axial direction (A), which is between approx. 3% and approx. 4% of the length (L1) of the connecting bolt (20). Gripping unit (10) after one of the Claims 1 to 4th , characterized in that the connecting bolt (20) is provided with at least one second widened section (24) which has a maximum width (L5) measured at right angles to the axial direction (A) and which is greater than or equal to the maximum length (L3) of the first widened section (22) is. Gripping unit (10) Claim 5 , characterized in that the second widened section (24) is worked out at an end section (26) of the connecting bolt (20). Gripping unit (10) Claim 5 or 6th , characterized in that the second widened section (24) has a length (L6) measured in the axial direction (A) which is between approximately 9% and approximately 10% of the length (L1) of the connecting bolt (20). Gripping unit (10) after one of the Claims 5 to 7th , characterized in that a bolt section (28) is inserted between the first widened section (22) and the second widened section (24) which has the following: - a length (L7) measured in the axial direction (A) which is between approx. 9% and approx. 10% of the length (L1) of the connecting bolt (20), and - an average width (L8) measured at right angles to the axial direction (A), which is essentially equal to the average width (L2) of the connecting bolt (20 ) is. Gripping unit (10) Claim 8 , characterized in that the length (L7) of the bolt portion (28) is substantially equal to the length (L9) of the second communication through hole (18A, 18B). Gripping unit (10) Claim 8 or 9 , characterized in that the connecting bolt (20), the first connecting through hole (16) and the second connecting through hole (18A, 18B) each have a cross-sectional shape which is substantially circular as measured at right angles to the axial direction (A). Gripping unit (10) Claim 10 , characterized in that the first widened section (22) has substantially the shape of a truncated cone, with a long base (22A) corresponding to the part (22A) and having a diameter substantially equal to the maximum width (L3) of the first widened portion (22), and having a short base (22B) having a diameter substantially equal to the average width (L2) of the connecting bolt (20), the long base (22A) widening the first Section (22) combined with the bolt section (28). Gripping unit (10) Claim 11 , characterized in that the frustoconical surface of the first widened portion (22) is inclined with respect to the cylindrical surface of the connecting bolt (20) at an angle (α) which is between approximately 5 ° and approximately 6 °. Gripping unit (10) after one of the Claims 10 to 12th , characterized in that the second enlarged portion (24) has a substantially cylindrical shape with a diameter which is substantially equal to the maximum width (L5) of the second enlarged portion (24).

Images