GB878418A - A comb plate for a conveyor of the kind having an endless longitudinally grooved load-carrying element - Google Patents

Abstract

878,418. Endless-band conveyers; escalators and travelators. STEPHENS-ADAMSON MFG CO. Oct. 27, 1958, No. 34331/58. Class 78 (1) In a moving sidewalk, escalator, or other endless conveyer of the kind including an endless load-carrying element having a grooved load-supporting surface, a self-aligning comb plate is provided at each terminal of the conveyer, each comb plate including projections received in the grooves of the load-carrying element and being mounted for movement sideways thereof, and spaced guide elements being secured to the comb plate and extending longitudinally to engage opposite sides of the loadcarrying element whereby the comb plate is caused to move laterally with the load-carrying element should the latter shift sideways. As shown, a moving sidewalk comprises an endless belt 21 provided with grooves 20. The comb plate comprises a series of vertically arranged plates 30, 32 arranged alternately, the upper edges of the plates 30 being at a level above those of the plates 32, and having pointed end portions 18 which project beyond the ends of the plates 32 and engage the grooves 20 in the belt 21. Each of the plates 30, 32 is provided with a pair of apertures by which the plates are mounted on a pair of sleeves 40. The ends of the sleeves 40 are threaded and a nut 42 engages the threaded portions to secure the assembly of plates in position thereon. Within each of the sleeves 40 is positioned at each end a bush 52. A pair of stationary rods 44 passes through the bushes of the two sleeves 40 and is secured by nuts 48 to a framework 46. A ball bearing cage 54, equipped with ball bearings 56, is interposed between a machined portion of each bush 52 and the corresponding rod 44, the cage 54 being held in position by retaining means 58. A pair of arms 22 are welded to the outermost plates 32 and extend longitudinally towards the conveyer belt 21. Rollers 70 carried on the ends of the arms 22 engage the outer edges of the belt 21. The ends of the plates 30, 32 remote from the conveyer belt 21 are grooved to receive a stationary platform 66. In operation, when the belt 21 moves sidewise, this movement is transmitted via the rollers 70 and arms 22 to the assembly of plates 30, 32 so that the comb plate follows the lateral movement of the belt 21.