MX2008006722A - Conveyor plate withintegrated roller - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor support plate (28) includes an upper transport surface (36) configured to receive objects arranged for travel on a conveyor system and a lower surface (34) arranged opposite the upper transport surface (36). A pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side wall (39) connect the upper transport surface (36) and the lower surface (34). A plurality of cavities (30) are formed in the lower surface (34) between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls (39) that terminate below the upper transport surface. The cavities (30) are configured to receive a roller (32) that extends through the lower surface (34) to support the support plate (28) during travel on the convey system.

Description

CONVEYOR PLATE WITH INTEGRATED ROLLER FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention is directed to a conveyor, and more particularly, to a support plate for a conveyor having integrated rollers to promote displacement along a desired path by reducing the torsional, supporting, load and resistance on the conveyor. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Conveyors are subjected to many forces when transporting products along a path. Helical conveyor systems, for example, are common in a wide variety of industries because they provide an efficient means through which products, parts, and the like are moved along vertical distances. However, by traversing a spiral path between vertical distances, these helical conveyor systems are subjected to a variety of forces. For example, during operation, these systems are subjected to torsion forces caused by following the spiral path, vertical load forces caused by following a vertically ascending or descending path, and horizontal load forces caused by following the horizontal component of the path . These forces can also be combined to carry significant loads and especially Ref .: 191242 find an accumulation of waste along the spiral path. Over time, these forces can cause significant wear on the helical conveyor system and / or interfere with the operation of the conveyor system. In an effort to reduce the stresses associated with these forces, various bearing designs have been used. For example, some helical conveyor systems employ a base chain disposed in the spiral path that includes bearings mounted thereon to create an abutting surface between the base chain and the spiral path. In some cases, these bearings can be roller bearings mounted on the base chain to couple the spiral path and reduce the frictional forces between the base chain and the spiral path. Although these bearing systems mounted to the base chain can reduce some torques, vertical and horizontal, the base chain forms a small portion of the helical conveyor system as a whole and, therefore, significant forces are still applied to the system. helical conveyor in set. Accordingly, significant power is required to overcome these forces and move the helical conveyor along the spiral path and over time significant wear occurs. Therefore, it would be desirable to have a system for further reduce the torsion, friction and load forces in a conveyor system that travels along a path.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The present invention overcomes the aforementioned disadvantages by providing a support plate for a helical conveyor system that includes a plurality of integrated roller bearings. In particular, a plurality of cavities is formed in each support plate in which rollers extending below the support plate can be arranged and rotate against a guide path of a spiral path along which the conveyor moves. helical. According to one aspect of the invention, a conveyor support plate includes an upper surface configured to receive objects arranged for displacement in a conveyor system and a lower surface disposed opposite the upper surface. The conveyor support plate also includes a front wall and a rear wall as well as a pair of side walls connecting the top surface and the bottom surface. A plurality of cavities is formed in the lower surface that terminates below the upper surface and is disposed between the anterior and posterior walls and the pair of walls lateral Additionally, the plurality of cavities is designed to receive a roll therein that extends through the bottom surface to support the support plate during the movement of the conveyor system. According to another aspect of the invention, a conveyor system includes a displacement path having a horizontally oriented guide surface. A plurality of support plates having at least two cavities extending below a top surface and through a bottom surface are included. At least one roller is supported in each of the cavities to rotatably engage the horizontally oriented guide surface. Accordingly, the rollers support the support plates above the horizontally oriented guide surface as the conveyor system traverses the displacement path. According to another aspect of the invention, a conveyor system is designed to travel along a spiral path. The conveyor system includes a base chain having pairs of side bars rotatably connected by corresponding pins. A plurality of support plates is coupled with the base chain having an upper transport surface and a lower surface extending along the spiral path. At least one cavity is formed in the plurality of support plates extending through the bottom surface but ending before the transport surface. Also the conveyor system includes at least one roller coupled within each cavity to roll against a guide surface of the spiral path as the conveyor system advances along the spiral path. The above and other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description. In the description reference is made to the appended figures which form part of the present, and in which an embodiment of the invention is shown by way of illustration.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Figure 1 is a side view of a spiral path forming guide surfaces for a helical conveyor system of the present invention; Figure 2 is a bottom perspective view of a helical conveyor system according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a top perspective view of the helical conveyor system of Figure 2; Figure 4 is a bottom perspective view of a single support plate and linkage of the base chain of the helical conveyor system of Figures 2 and 3; Figure 5 is a partial bottom exploded perspective view of the sole support plate of Figure 4 showing a fastening system for the roller bearings; Figure 6 is a partial bottom perspective view of a support plate showing an alternative clamping system for the roller bearings according to the present invention; Figure 7 is a partial bottom perspective view of the support plate of Figure 6 showing coupled and uncoupled roller bearings; Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of the assembled support plate of Figure 4 along the lines 8--8, shown in engagement with the guide surfaces of the spiral path of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a plan view of a modular articulated conveyor system in accordance with the present invention; and Figure 10 is a side elevational view of the modular articulated conveyor system of Figure 9.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figure 1, a spiral path 10 is shown having guide surfaces for a helical conveyor system of the present invention. That is, as will be described, the helical conveyor system of the present invention is configured to traverse the spiral path 10 either in an upward or downward direction. With reference now to figure 2, the helical conveyor system 12 includes a base chain 14 having side bars in pairs 16 rotatably connected through a plurality of pins 18. A pair of arms 20 extends transverse from one of the pair of side bars 16. A bearing in the form of a roller 24 extends between the pair of arms 20 and is fixed thereon by a pin 22. In this regard, the roller bearing 24 is configured to be supported by the pair of arms 20 and rotate about an axis extending along the pin 22. Coupled with the base chain 14 through an adjoining surface 26 is a plurality of support plates 28. Each support plate 28 extends transversely in either the two directions away from the adjoining surface 26 and includes a lower surface 34 and an upper transport surface 36 joined by a leading edge 35, a trailing edge 37, and a pair of side walls 39. A plurality of downwardly opening passages or cavities 30 is formed within the lower surface 34 of each support plate 28. Arranged within each of the cavities 30 there is a support bearing in the form of a roller 32. As shown in Figure 2, the cavities 30 extend through the lower surface 34 of each support plate such that the rollers 32 extend below the bottom surface 34 of each support plate 28. However, as shown in Figure 3, the cavities 30 do not extend above an upper transport surface 36 of the support plates 28. Therefore, with reference to Figures 2 and 3, the cavities 30 are formed in the plurality of support plates 28 so that they extend through the bottom surface 34 of the support plates 28 but terminate before spreading to the surface of the substrate. transp The upper part 36 of the support plates 28. As will be described, this configuration allows the helical conveyor system 12 to move with reduced friction when traversing a spiral path as shown in Figure 1, but will not interfere with objects that are transported. on the upper transport surface 36 of the plurality of support plates 28. Additionally, as shown in Figure 3, it is contemplated that the upper transport surface 36 may include a variety of features that favorably facilitate both the transport of objects disposed on the upper transport surface 36 and the movement of the helical conveyor 12 along a spiral path. For example, substances that increase the coefficient of friction of the upper transport surface 36, such as rubber 38, can be arranged in a variety of patterns to assist in fixing objects placed on the upper transport surface 36 at a given position. In addition, a plurality of interlacing projections 40 may be placed on the upper conveying surface 36 or, more specifically, form an upper surface of the upper conveying surface 36 to provide a more uniform and substantial upper conveying surface 36 while at Simultaneously, it allows the bending of the adjacent support plates 28 necessary to traverse a spiral path, as shown in Figure 1. That is, the reciprocally contoured design of the projections 40 as provided in the support plates 28. it forms a more substantial upper transport surface 36 as well as allows the support plates 28 to flex as the base chain 14 curves around a spiral path. With reference now to figure 4, a single plate 28 is shown coupled with a portion of the base chain 14. As shown, the abutment surface 26 between the support plate 28 and the base chain 14 is formed as a snap connection configured to engage the pins 18 that joining the side bars 16 of the base chain 14. In this regard, the individual support plate 28 can be quickly and easily removed from the coupling with the base chain 14 for maintenance or replacement. Additionally, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 4, the plurality of rollers 32 is retained within the respective cavities 30 by means of a pin or shaft 42 extending through a transverse passage 44 formed within the plate support between the upper transport surface 36 and the lower surface 34. More particularly, the pin 42 is disposed in the transversely extending passageway 44, which extends between the pair of sidewalls 39 that join the upper transport surface 36 and the lower surface 34. Thus, the pin 42 extends parallel to the transversely extending leading edge 35 and the trailing edge 37 which also connect the upper conveying surface 36 and the lower surface 34. In particular, with reference to figure 5, as the pin 42 is passed through the transversely formed passageway 44, it extends through each of the cavities 30 formed in the support plates 28. Accordingly, each of the rollers 32 includes an opening 46 formed therein which, when disposed within a cavity 30, is aligned coaxially with the transversely extending passageway. 44 so that the pin 42 can extend through the transversely extending passageway 44 and pass through each of the openings 46 formed within the rollers 32. Therefore, the rollers 32 are rotatably secured within of the cavities 30. In addition, an insurance mechanism 48 can be used that includes a plug or tab 50 configured to engage a depression 52 formed in the support plate 28. That is, once the pin 42 is extended through the transversely extending passages 44 and each respective aperture 46 of the plurality of rollers 32, the lock mechanism 48 can be positioned within the end of the transversely extending passageway 44 of so that the tongue 50 engages the depression 52 of the support plate 28 to secure the pin 42 within the transversely extending passage 44. Alternatively, it is contemplated that the lock mechanism 48 may be integrally formed at one end 54 of the pin 42. Referring now to the embodiment shown in figures 6 and 7, the support plate 28 includes a system alternative to secure the rollers 32 within the cavities 30. Specifically, as best shown in FIG. 7, the support plate 28 may include a pair of fasteners 56 formed integrally within each cavity 30. Accordingly, these fasteners or press fittings 56 are configured to engage a series of pins 58 formed integrally with the roller 32 and extending therefrom on either of the two sides. In this regard, the roller 32 can be aligned with the cavity 30 and sunk in the passage through which the pins 58 slide in the snap fittings 56 to be coupled therewith. Once the roller is placed within the cavity 30, the snap fittings 56 allow the roller to rotate about an axis 60 that extends along the pins 58 while retaining the rollers 32 within the cavity 30. Referring now to Figure 8, a cross-sectional view taken along the lines 8--8 of Figure 4 is shown with the support plate 28 and the base chain 14 coupled with the spiral path 10 of the Figure 1. As shown, the spiral path 10 includes a depression 62 within which the base chain 14 and associated components are arranged. Accordingly, the spiral path 10 includes a first guide surface 64 which is engaged by the rollers 32 and a second guide surface 66 coupled by the roller bearing 24 supported by the pair of arms 20 extending from the side bar 16 of the base chain 14. As the helical conveyor system 12 traverses along the spiral path 10, the plate of support 28 is supported on the rollers 32 against the first horizontally oriented guide surface 64. In this regard, most of the weight of the objects placed in the helical conveyor system 12 is supported by the rollers 32 through the plates. Accordingly, the load forces associated with the objects placed on the upper transport surface 36 and the friction forces associated with traversing the spiral path 10 are significantly reduced by the rollers 32 that roll on the first surface of the vehicle. guide 64 of the spiral path 10. To further reduce the torsion and friction forces associated with traversing the spiral path 10, the roller The bearing 24 is configured to roll along the second vertically oriented guide surface 66 of the spiral path 10. Additionally, in an effort to resist the vertical and horizontal forces that would promote uncoupling of the helical conveyor system 12 from the spiral path 10, the bearing roller 24 can have a contoured surface such as a lip 68 formed thereon and configured to be received by a reciprocating contoured surface 70 formed on the second bearing surface 66. Although a rotational shaft 72 of the bearing roller 24 is shown as substantially vertical, it is contemplated that the rotational shaft 72 may be angled to further facilitate coupling with the second guide surface 66 contoured in a reciprocal manner. For example, if the bearing roller 24 includes a less dramatic contour than the lip 68 shown in FIG. 8, such as a sharp angle depression, it may be desirable to adjust the axis of rotation of the vertical position shown in FIG. more securely coupling the bearing roller 24 with the second guide surface 66. Accordingly, through the rollers 32 formed in the support plates 28 as well as the contoured roller bearing 24 extending from the base chain 14, the torsion, load and friction forces are significantly reduced, which reduces the amount of power required to make the helical conveyor system 12 cross along the spiral path 10. Likewise, wear and susceptibility The residues placed in the spiral path 10 are significantly reduced. Accordingly, the maintenance and maintenance costs associated with operating the helical conveyor system 12 are also reduced. It is also contemplated that the configurations of the cavities 30 and roller 32 can be used with a modular band. For example, with reference now to Figures 9 and 10, there is shown a modular articulated band 74 designed to follow a straight path incorporating the roller system of the present invention. Of course, the modular band can be designed to follow a curved path without departing from the scope of the invention. In particular, the modular band 74 also includes a plurality of support plates 28, or band modules. However, instead of being joined by a base chain, the support plates 28 include link ends 76 along the leading edge 35 configured to engage reciprocally arranged link ends 76 disposed along the trailing edge 37. of an adjacent support plate 28. A pin 78 is then passed through coaxially aligned passages formed through the link ends 76 to secure together the adjacent support plates 28. Again, as described above, the Support plates 28 include the lower surface 34 and the upper transport surface 36 joined by the leading edge 35, trailing edge 37, and pair of side walls 39. In this regard, the plurality of passages or cavities that open downwardly. is formed again within the lower surface 34 of each support plate 28 to receive a roller 32. As shown in Figures 9 and 10, the pin 42 can be used to secure rollers 32 within each cavity 30. However, as described with respect to Figures 6 and 7, fasteners or other similar restraint systems can be used in place of pin 42. As shown in Figure 10, it is contemplated that additional rollers 80, 82 may be disposed within the links 76 arranged along the leading edge 35 and the trailing edge 37, respectively. Accordingly, three separate series of rollers 32, 80, 82 can be formed on each support plate 28. However, as shown, none of the rollers 32, 80, 82 extend through the upper transport surface 36. Therefore, a conveyor system is created that significantly reduces the torsion, load and friction forces experienced as the conveyor belt traverses a given path. As such, the amount of power required to operate the conveyor system is reduced. Similarly, wear and susceptibility to settled debris encountered during the operation of the conveyor system are significantly reduced. Accordingly, maintenance and conservation costs associated with operating the conveyor system are also reduced. Although they have been shown and described what is currently considered the preferred modalities of the invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that many changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention defined by the appended claims. It is noted that in relation to this date, the best method known to the applicant to carry out the aforementioned invention, is that which is clear from the present description of the invention.

Claims (23)

1. CLAIMS Having described the invention as above, the content of the following claims is claimed as property: 1. A conveyor system designed to travel along a path characterized in that it comprises: a base chain having pairs of connected side bars rotating shape by corresponding pins; a plurality of support plates coupled with the base chain and having an upper transport surface and a lower surface extending along the path; at least one cavity formed in the plurality of support plates extending through the lower surface and ending before the transport surface; and at least one roller coupled in at least one cavity for rolling against a path guide surface as the conveyor system advances along the path. The conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a transverse passage formed in the plurality of support plates between the upper transport surface and the lower surface and extending through at least one cavity; a pin extending coaxially through the transverse passage and an opening formed in at least one roller to rotatably secure at least one roller in at least one cavity. 3. The conveyor system according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a tongue extending from the pin for coupling a depression extending from the transverse passage to fix the pin within the transverse passage. 4. The conveyor system according to claim 2, characterized in that it further comprises a removable plug configured to fix the pin within the transverse passage. The conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a pair of fasteners arranged in at least one cavity for rotatably coupling a pair of pins extending from at least one roller. The conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of projections disposed on the plurality of support plates to form the upper transport surface. 7. The conveyor system in accordance with claim 1, characterized in that the plurality of support plates is configured to removably couple the base chain through a snap connection configured to engage the pins extending through the pairs of side bars. The conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises a pair of arms that extend transversely from at least one of the side bars and at least one roller of the bearing supported by the pair of arms to couple another surface of the route guide. The conveyor system according to claim 8, characterized in that at least one bearing roller includes a contoured surface configured to engage a reciprocally contoured surface of the other guide surface to prevent the conveyor system from disengaging from the spiral path. The conveyor system according to claim 1, characterized in that the spiral path is a helicoidal path that extends vertically and horizontally. 11. A conveyor system characterized in that it comprises: a displacement path having a guide surface; a plurality of support plates having at least two cavities extending below an upper surface and through a lower surface; at least one roller supported in each of the at least two cavities for rotatably coupling the guide surface; and wherein at least one roller supports the support plates above the guide surface as the conveyor system traverses the path of travel. The conveyor system according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a snap fit disposed within each of the at least two cavities configured to rotatably secure at least one roller in each of the at least two cavities The conveyor system according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises a transverse passage extending coaxially through the at least two cavities and a pin extending through the transverse passage and an opening formed in each roller to secure each roller in a corresponding cavity. The conveyor system according to claim 11, characterized in that the upper surface is configured to support objects placed in the conveyor system. 15. The conveyor system according to claim 11, characterized in that the plurality of support plates forms an endless conveyor belt. The conveyor system according to claim 11, characterized in that it further comprises: a base chain extending along the path of travel and coupled with the plurality of support plates near a center of the lower surface; and wherein the at least two cavities are arranged on opposite sides of the base chain. The conveyor system according to claim 16, characterized in that it further comprises: at least one pair of arms extending from the base chain; at least one bearing roller supported by each pair of arms for coupling a vertically oriented and contoured guide surface of the displacement path; and wherein at least one roller of the bearing is configured to prevent the conveyor system from uncoupling from the path of travel through an abutting surface of at least one roller of the bearing with the contoured guide surface. 18. A carrier support plate characterized in that it comprises: an upper transport surface configured to receive objects arranged for displacement in a conveyor system; a lower surface disposed opposite the upper transport surface; a pair of transversely extending walls and a pair of side walls connecting the upper transport surface and the lower surface; a plurality of cavities formed in the lower surface and ending below the upper transport surface and disposed between the pair of transversely extending walls and the pair of side walls; and wherein the plurality of cavities is configured to receive a roller therein that extends through the lower surface to support the support plate during the displacement of the conveyor system. The conveyor support plate according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises a shaft passage extending between the upper transport surface and the lower surface and connecting each of the plurality of cavities to receive an axis which extends through each of the plurality of cavities and a coaxially aligned passage formed in each roller to securely rotate each roller in respective cavities. The conveyor support plate according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises a snap fit disposed within each of the plurality of cavities to rotatably secure the roller therein. The conveyor support plate according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises an abutting surface disposed on the bottom surface configured to engage a base chain joining adjacent support plates in a helical conveyor system. 22. The conveyor support plate according to claim 18, characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of links extending from each of the pair of transversely extending walls for coupling a plurality of links, arranged in a reciprocal manner, which they extend from an adjacent conveyor support plate. 23. The conveyor support plate according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises a pin configured to extend through passages formed in each of the plurality of links to secure the adjacent carrier support plates together to form a modular belt conveyor.