MXPA06005292A - Conveyor with movable gripper, and related conveyor link - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor is disclosed suitable for conveying objects along a transport direction. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links (912), each link (912) having a length (L) extending across the direction of transport (T) and a width (W) extending along the direction of transport (T). Each link (912) has a conveying surface and two opposed gripping members (932) extending from the conveying surface of the link (912). Each gripping member (932) is movable from a first opened position to a second gripping position. The gripping members (932) each include a gripping arm having a pivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, and a cam follower (952) extending outward from the gripping arm between the pivot point and the gripping end. At least on gripping member (966) urges the gripping members (932) forward the second position.

Description

CONVEYOR WITH MOVABLE HANDLES AND RELATED CONVEYOR LINK Field of the Invention The present invention relates generally to a conveyor and to a link for such conveyor including at least one movable gripping member on a given link for grasping objects such as containers. More particularly, the invention relates to grip conveyors and links that include graspable center grip members that rotate in a grip position.

Background of the Invention Several types of conveyors have been used to transport objects in industrial production lines. Objects can be transported from a workstation to a workstation individually or in groups, depending on the object and the task to be performed. It may or may not be important to maintain any spacing or control of the objects during some or all of the displacement. For example, apples being transported can simply be stacked randomly on a conveyor, while refill bottles can be held rigidly in place by a filling machine that has received the bottles from a conveyor.

Certain transport bands (sometimes called chains) are made of a plurality of interconnected links, driven by motors that engage the conveyor belt. Such transportation systems are commonly used in the transportation of manufactured goods and articles, and for containers. With these typical systems, the motor drives a driving chain gear that engages by complementing impulse recesses or "dogs" formed on the conveyor belt. These pulse units may be arranged at any number along the length of the transport band. Such a drive unit and transport system are described in U.S. Patent No. 6,119,848, which is assigned to the assignee of the present invention, and is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Link-type conveyor belts are sometimes designed to have a bushing / hinge joint arrangement where one part of the link has a rounded hinge and the opposite side has a bushing formed by two extended edges. The hinge of a link fits into the cap of a neighboring link. The hinge is able to move in several directions within the bushing that allows the conveyor system as a whole to bend and move.

The interconnecting links typically have a platform member connected to or formed integral with the top surface of the link (transport). The platform member is generally formed to equalize the neighboring platform members in other links in such a way that the links can rotate in a plane or twist while moving around the curved sections of the transport system, however they are also formed of so that the slots and spaces formed between the links are minimized. Platform members can connect to the links in several different ways. For example, the platforms may have pins extending from them that are matched to corresponding grooves on the links. Alternatively or additionally, the platforms may have instantaneous springs that close in place on corresponding sections of the links. Such a hinge link with a platform surface member is described in U.S. Patent No. 6,209,716, which is owned by the assignee of the present invention and incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Often times, it is the case that objects move or change locations on the conveyor belt during transportation. This may be due to vibrations in the operation of the conveyor system, centrifugal or tangential forces on the object when the conveyor belt enters a curved section, or simply hit by other objects placed on the conveyor belt. One way to prevent objects from moving on the surface of a conveyor belt is to apply a high friction surface element that keeps the objects in place. Such a technique is taught in U.S. Patent No. 4,925,013, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

Even when the application of a friction surface element will minimize the aforementioned problems associated with the transportation of goods, collateral problems may also be created. For example, an object placed on a high friction surface element will not move to a desired point on the conveyor unless another mechanical force is provided to move the object. Often it is sometimes desired to specifically locate an object on a conveyor belt, and this can not be achieved if the object on a high friction surface is not initially placed at the desired location.

In addition, it can also be the case of a particular application in which a friction or high friction surface is disadvantaged. This can be true if heavy objects are to be removed from the conveyor belt by the use of a bar or other means to slide the objects out of the belt. Having heavy objects on the high friction surface may need a need to generate increased amounts of force to move the object of the conveyor belt, or it may at least prevent the movement of the object from the belt. Additionally, it may be the case that a particular application requires that the object be placed in a particular location on the surface of the conveyor belt. Having a friction surface again will prevent or impede the movement of the object from one location on the surface platform of one conveyor belt to another.

Another problem associated with some conveyor systems is the vibration that causes objects to rotate from one orientation to another. Modes used in the prior art to prevent this include adding guide rails to either side of the conveyor to hold the object in place. These guide rails are stationary with respect to the moving conveyor. Even though it is effective, this solution may be impractical in certain parts of the conveyor system in which space restrictions do not allow the installation of guide rails.

A solution for securing transported objects is a conveyor system where the conveyor surface is inclined and a fixed rail is provided at the bottom of the slip on the platform member, as described in United States of America patent number 6,601,697, which is owned by of the. transferee of the present invention and incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. This arrangement works well to hold certain types of objects transported in a given position for their intended applications, but the fixed rail and the tilt can inherently prevent the loading or unloading of the conveyor in certain orientations. Therefore, additional machinery may be required to load and / or unload the conveyor. In addition, the conveyor platform members are configured in a given size, such that the conveyor usage capacity for different container sizes may require the use of different sizes of platform members.

Patent applications of the United States of America serial numbers 10 / 712,405; 10 / 712,406; 10 / 712,407; and 10 / 847,214, all describe and claim various different conveyor and link designs where transported objects such as containers can be gripped by conveyors. The present application describes and claims certain variations and improvements in such conveyors and gripping links.

Synthesis of the Invention In accordance with certain aspects of the invention, the conveyor is described as suitable for transporting objects along a transport direction.

The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length extending through the transport direction and a width extending along the transport direction. Each link has a transport surface and at least one movable grip member extending from the link transport surface. Each grip member is movable from a first open position to a second grip position. The grip members each include a grip arm that has a pivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, and a tracking cam extending outwardly from the gripping arm between the pivot point and the gripping end. The grip arm is located so as to be able to connect one of the objects via the grip end when the grip member is in the second position to hold the object in relation to the link during transport. Each link includes at least one spring member urging the grip member to the second position. Several options and modifications are possible.

For example, the spring member may be a tension spring, a compression spring, or a leaf spring. The links may include two of the gripping members movable towards and away from each other. The conveyor may include two cam members for contacting the cam followers to move the grip members to the first position, the cam members disposed on opposite sides of the links. The conveyor may include at least one cam member to contact the cam followers to move the grip members to the first position.

The conveyor can be configured in such a way that the gripping members can grip and transport the objects with the objects located substantially below the links. If the object is a bottle having a neck, the grip members can be configured to grip the bottle by the neck. Each grip member can independently rotate about an axis substantially parallel to the transport direction when moving from the first position to the second position. The second position can be self-adjusting depending on the size of the object, and each of the grip members can include a flexible adapter for contacting the object. The links can be configured to be spaced along the conveying direction so that at least two grip members that are adjacent links can contact an object.

The conveyor can also include connecting elements when connecting the links. The connecting elements can be configured to allow movement in three dimensions of one side of the links relative to an adjacent link. Connection elements can include universal joints. Each link can include an extension and a cavity. The extension of a given link can be arranged within a cavity of an adjacent link. Universal joints may comprise ball joints and bushings. The conveyor can include a track and the links can be configured to follow the track. Also, the conveyor may further include a drive mechanism for driving the links in a given direction.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, a link is described by a suitable conveyor for transporting objects along a transport direction. The link includes a body that has a length that extends through the direction of transport and a width that extends along the direction of transport. Each body has a transport surface and at least one movable grip member extending from the body transport surface, each grip member is movable from a first open position to a second grip position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm having a pivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, and a cam follower extending outward from the gripping arm between the pivot point and the pivot point. grip end. The grip arm is located so as to be able to contact one of the objects via the grip end when the grip member is in the second position to support the object relative to the body during transport. At least one spring member urges the grip member to the second position. As above, several options and modifications are possible.

In accordance with certain other aspects of the invention, a link is described so that a suitable conveyor carries objects along a transport direction, a plurality of links being able to hold to form the conveyor, and the link being slidable as long one way. The link includes a body that has a length that extends through the direction of transport and a width that extends along the direction of transport. The body has a transport surface. Two opposing grip members extend from the transport surface. Each grip member is movable from a first open position to a second grip position. The grip members each include a grip arm that has a pivot point, a grip end spaced from the pivot point and a cam follower extending outwardly from the grip arm between the pivot point and the grip end. The gripper arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects via the grip end when the grip members are in the second position to support the object relative to the body during transport. At least one spring member urges the grip members to the second position. Universal joint components are provided including an extension and a cavity. The extension is disposable in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and the cavity can receive an extension of a second adjacent link. As above, several options and modifications are possible.

In accordance with other aspects of the invention, the conveyor is described as suitable for transporting objects along a transport direction. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length extending through the transport direction and a width extending along the transport direction. The link has a transport surface. Each link also has two opposing gripping members extending from the transport surface. Each grip member is movable from a first open position to a second grip position. The gripping members each include a gripping arm having a pivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, and a cam follower extending outwardly from the gripping arm between the pivot point and the gripping arm. the grip end. The gripping arms are located so as to be able to contact one of the objects via the gripping end when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object relative to the link during transport. Each link further has at least one spring member urging the grip members to the second position. Each link also has components of a universal joint including an extension and a cavity. The extension is disposable in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and the cavity can receive an extension of a second adjacent link. Again, several options and modifications are possible.

Brief Description of the Drawings Figure 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the invention showing a conveyor having links with grip members attached to hinge and platform drive members; Figure 2 is a perspective view of a single link of the conveyor of Figure 1, with the grip members arranged in a gripping position; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a link as in Figure 2, with the grip members arranged in an open position; Figure 4 is a partial cut away view of the link of Figure 2; Figure 5 is a perspective view of the conveyor of Figure 1 showing an orientation where the objects can slide laterally on or off the conveyor to an adjacent conveyor or platform; Figure 6 is a top diagram view showing movement of individual links within the conveyor from a grip position to an open position via a cam member; Figure 7 is a bottom diagram view of individual links within the conveyor from an open position to a grip position via a cam member; Figure 8 is a top diagram view showing movement of individual links within the conveyor from an open position to a grip position via an alternative cam member; Figure 9 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a conveyor link having a fixed wall fencing member; Figure 10 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a conveyor link having flat plates attached to the grip members; Figure 11 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a conveyor link having curved plates attached to the grip members; Figure 12 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a conveyor link having a fixed wall member and flat plates attached to the grip members; Figure 13 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a link member as in Figure 12; Figure 14 is a perspective view of a conveyor link of Figure 13 with gripping members moved to the open position; Figure 15 is another embodiment of a conveyor link, in accordance with the present invention in a gripping position.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the link of Figure 15 in an open position; Figure 17 is a diagrammatic representation of another embodiment of a conveyor link with a grip member in the open position; Figure 18 is a diagrammatic representation of the conveyor link of Figure 17 with the grip member in the grip position; Figure 19 is a partial cut-away view of another embodiment of the conveyor link in accordance with the present invention and including a rack and pinion driver for the grip member in a gripping position; Figure 20 is a partial cutaway view of the conveyor link of Figure 19 in an open position; Figure 21 is a perspective view of a modified version of the conveyor link of Figure 19 with two gripping arms angled on the gripping member in a gripping position; Figure 22 is a partial cut away view of the conveyor link of Figure 21 in an open position; Figure 23 is a perspective view of three links of a link conveyor "according to another embodiment of the invention that includes a grip member capable of rotating and sliding; Figure 24 is an enlarged perspective view of a link as shown in Figure 23 showing movement of a grip member from an open position to a grip position; Figure 25 is a top diagram view of another embodiment of a conveyor link in accordance with the present invention including a pivot grip member driven by a cam member; Figure 26 is a side diagram view of the conveyor link taken along line 26-26 in Figure 25; Figure 27 is a top diagram view of an alternative conveyor link as in Figure 25, except that the conveyor link includes two opposing grip members; Figure 28 is a perspective view of a conveyor including a plurality of links having opposed and slidable grip members with a flexible fencing member attached to the grip members; Figure 29 is a sectional view through the device of Figure 28 taken along lines 29-29; Figure 30 is a perspective view of a conveyor including a plurality of links having opposite and sliding grip members as in Figure 28, but without the flexible fencing member; Figure 31 is a bottom perspective view of another embodiment of a conveyor in accordance with the present invention; Figure 32 is an enlarged view of a link of the conveyor of Figure 31 in a gripping position; Figure 33 is a partial cutaway view of the link of Figure 32 in a gripping position; Figure 34 is a partial cutaway view of the link of Figure 32 in a partially open position; Figure 35 is a partial cutaway view of the link of Figure 32 in a fully open position; Figure 36 is a top perspective view of the conveyor of Figure 31 showing loading or unloading the conveyor; Figure 37 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a conveyor according to the present invention, optionally including a drive mechanism and a track; Figure 38 is a top perspective view of a link of the conveyor of Figure 37 in a first open position; Figure 39 is a top perspective view of a link of the conveyor of Figure 37 in a second closed position; Figure 40 is a partially enlarged perspective bottom view of a link of the conveyor of Figure 37; Figure 41 is a bottom perspective view of a link of the conveyor of Figure 37 holding an object such as a container; Figure 42 is a bottom perspective view of a plurality of connected links of the conveyor of Figure 37 disposed on a track; Figure 43 is a top perspective view of a plurality of connected links of the conveyor of Figure 37 disposed on a track, and activated with a cam track; Figure 44 is a top perspective view of a link for yet another embodiment; Figure 45 is a perspective view of the upper end of a link for another embodiment; Figure 46 is a perspective view of the opposite upper end of the link of Figure 44; Figure 47 is a top perspective view of a plurality of links connected as shown in Figure 45 driven by a friction pulse; Figure 48 is a top perspective view of another conveyor and link incorporation, having center grips capable of acting; Figure 49 is a top front perspective view of a link as in Figure 48; Figure 50 is a bottom rear perspective view of a link as in Figure 48; Figure 51 is an enlarged perspective view of a link as in Figure 48; Y Figure 52 is a partially broken away top perspective view of another conveyor and link incorporation having integrally formed portions.

Detailed Description of Preferred Additions Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, and does not mean a limitation of the invention. For example, the features illustrated or described as part of an embodiment may be used with another embodiment to still produce a third embodiment. It is the intention that the present invention includes these and other modifications and variations. In the description of several additions, the same or similar numerical references are used below with the same or similar parts of several additions.

As shown in the various figures, numerous embodiments of a grip conveyor and conveyor link with a grip member are described. It should be understood that the present invention embraces both the gripper conveyor of the chain type structure and individual links for such a chain. It should be understood that several different methods of joining such links together in the conveyor belt or chain for driving are possible. The examples shown here are for explanatory purposes only, and are not intended to limit the invention only for that shown and described.

With particular reference to Figures 1-8, a first embodiment of a conveyor and conveyor link conveyor is shown. In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, a conveyor 10 includes a plurality of links 12 and a drive mechanism 14. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the drive mechanism 14 includes a hinge conveyor 16 attached to a platform member. 18, which may be constructed as set forth in U.S. Patent No. 6,601,697 or in various other forms. It should be understood that the drive mechanism 14 can have many shapes and figures in accordance with the present invention. For example, instead of a hinge conveyor 16, other types of conveyors, belts, or chains such as roller chains, or roller chains with accessories, can be used for pulse mechanism 14.

In the example shown, the hinge conveyor 16 is driven within rails 22, and is guided by fins 24 extending from the hinge conveyor 16 in channels 26 defined by walls 28 of the rails 22. As is known in the art , the impulse mechanism can traverse a straight or curved line from one end of a production line to another, or from station to station within a production line. There should be no limitation on the type or arrangement of the drive mechanism 14, in accordance with the present invention.

As shown, the links 12 can be attached to the platform members 18 via intermediate joining members 20, which may include blocks, screws, rivets, etc. Accordingly, there must also be no implicit limitation to the link joining method 12 to the drive mechanism 14, rather to join it as shown in Figure 1. The links 12 can be thinned slightly to be narrower at their ends, as It is shown, to facilitate the movement of the conveyor around curved trajectories.

As shown in Figure 1, each of the individual links 12 is identical to the others. Although such an arrangement is a preferable embodiment, such an arrangement is not required in accordance with the scope of the present invention. Therefore, a conveyor in accordance with the present invention may include a plurality of connected links, but the links do not need to be all identical, there may be spacers, bolts, connecting members, etc., located between certain of the links to suit to various applications. All these matters must therefore be considered within the scope of the present invention.

Turning now to the individual links, with particular reference to Figures 2-4, each link 12 includes a body 30. For reference purposes here, the links 12 can be said to be arranged along a transport direction T, and each link 12 has a length L extending through the transport direction and a width extending along the transport direction (see Figure 1). In accordance with this embodiment of the invention, the link 12 has at least one grip member 32 that is movable along at least a portion of the length of the link 12 from a first position 34 (as shown in Figure 3). ) to a second position 36 (as shown in Figure 2). When the grip members 32 are located in the first position 34, the grip members 32 can be arranged below a conveying surface 38 of the link 12. When the grip members 32 are located in the second position 36, the grip members they are located above the surface of the conveyor 38 in a position suitable for contacting an object, such as a container C, during transport.

"Up" and "down" are used to describe the relative position of the link members to the link and the transport surface with the link in the orientation shown in Figures 2 and 3. If the link was upside down, with the link in the position shown in Figure 3, the gripping members can still be considered relatively below the transport surface 32 for the purposes of the present description, even though in relation to the ground the gripping members can be located above the surface Of transport. Therefore, the terms "above" and "below" used here are relative terms, and not absolutes.

The link 12 includes a body 30 and a slider 40 configured to slide along the body 30. As shown, the slider 40 may include a main part of the body 42 and fins 44 that extend into the slots 46 in the body 30. The transport surface 38 may include parts 38a disposed on the body 30 and portions 38b disposed on the slider 40. Preferably, the transport surface 38 is substantially continuous through the upper part of the link 12 in the transport direction T. As described below with reference to further incorporations , the slider 40 can alternatively be completely housed within the body 30 so that the transport surface 38 is completely located on the body 30. Alternatively, the transport surface can be configured to rest on the slider 40.

If desired, a bolt 48 extending from the body 30 (see Figure 4) can slide within a slot 50 in the slider 40 to align and / or restrict the movement of the slider 40. As shown, a cam follower 52 is mounted on the slider 40 at one end, and a second cam follower 54 is mounted on the slider 40 at another end. Cam followers 52, 54 and their locations are optional, and may be subject to various configurations and operations, as will be described below.

The slider 40 functions to position the grip member 32 in various ways. As shown in Figure 4, each grip member 32 includes an extended grip arm 56 and a positioning arm 58. The grip member 32 can slide and / or rotate relative to the body 30 within the slots 60 defined in FIG. the body 30. The slots 60 are particularly shaped to allow the grip member 32 to slide, rotate, or remain fixed relative to the body 30 in various situations. The grip member 32 includes a shaft 62 extending therein, which fits within opposing channels 64 of the slots 60. The spring members 66 are attached to the shaft 62 of the grip member 32 at one end and the body 30. at the other end so as to urge the grip members 32 into the second position 36, as shown in Figures 2 and 4. The spring members 66 may comprise tension coil springs.

Each grip member 32 may also include a tang 68 that extends into one of the channels 64 to assist in guiding the grip member while sliding through the body 30. The pin 68 and the shaft 62 hold the grip member in its substantially vertical orientation (as shown in Figure 4) until the pin 68 leaves the end of the channel 64. The slots 60 also each include a cut 70 opposite the transport surface 38. The cuts 70 allow the grip members 32 to rotate from the position shown in Figure 2 to the position shown in Figure 3, and back, under the influence of the slider 40. Shoulder portions 72 at the end of the slider 40 contact the grip members 32, except when the grip members are in the first position, as shown in Figure 3.

A slider 40 moves from the orientation shown in Figure 2 to that shown in Figure 3, typically by virtue of a cam contacting the cam follower 52 (see Figure 6), shoulders 72 contacting the grip members 32. , pushing the grip members to the right into the slots 60. The pins 68 and the shafts 62 hold the grip members 32 in the substantially vertical position (as shown) until the pins 68 exit their respective channels 64. At that point, the positioning arm 58 of the grip members 32 will begin to rotate in the cuts 70 of the slots 60, essentially rotating about the axes 62. As the slider 40 moves further and further to the Right, grip members 32 continue to rotate in a left-to-right direction (as shown) until grasping arms 56 extend substantially horizontally. At this point, a bottom surface 74 of the slider 40 holds the grip members 32 in a first position 34 (see Figure 3). The bolt 48 can then be at one end of the slot 50, if such elements are used. The friction between the bottom surface 74 and the grip arm 56 caused by the spring member 66 may be sufficient to hold the slider 40 in place, or a cam may be used to contact the cam follower 52. Preferably, no cam It is required to maintain such a position.

Moving the slider 40 from the back to the left (as shown in Figures 2 and 3) essentially reverses the process. Once the slider 40 has sufficiently retracted, the spring members 66 cause the grip members 32 to begin to rotate in a right-to-left direction (as shown). Accordingly, the positioning arm 58 begins to move out of the cuts 70 and the spring members 66 essentially pull the pins 68 back to their respective channels 64. A camming function or simply the spring members 66, can then move to the slider 40 and the grip members 32 to a second position 36. If the bolt 48 and the slot 50 are used, the bolt and slot can define the second position 36. Alternatively, the second position 36 can be self-adjusting, defined by the size and / or orientation of the object being transported, such as a container C.

As shown in Figures 1-5, the links 12 preferably each include an enclosure 76 of some kind, and grip members 32 can grip an object such as a container C between the grip members and the enclosure when the members of gripper are in a second position 36. As best shown in Figure 1, the fencing 76 may comprise a plurality of bolts 78. As shown in Figures 2 and 3, each body 30 may include two such bolts 78. If If desired, the location, size and properties of the pins 78 can be adjusted to adjust certain applications. For example, the pins can be located at different points along the length L, depending on the size of the object to be transported. If desired, the body 30 may include a plurality of sets of openings for receiving the bolts or may be adjusted in location via a set of screws, such as to make the location of the bolts adjustable between predetermined positions. As will be described below, the enclosure 76 may comprise several other members, joints, etc., if desired. The use of spaced pins 78 as fencing 76 allows the slider 40 to move between the bolts without obstruction.

The bolts 78 should be spaced in such a way that they will hold the object being transported as desired without proper orientation and spacing. Since the grip members 32 are independently capable of being placed in different locations when a transported object is gripped, the location of the bolts 78 will more easily define the location relative to the body 30 in which the transported object is held. As indicated in Figure 2, if the object is a substantially cylindrical article such as a bottle, the bottle can be transported in such a way that the center is spaced at the middle of the slider 40 (along the transport direction T) , already half between the bolts 78. In such a situation, if the bottle is cylindrical, the grip members 32 will be substantially adjacent to one another while holding the container. However, in a transport in which the bottles are transported side by side, it is possible that the center line of the conveyor may not align with the center line of the link. In such a situation, the grip members 32 can grip an object at any position between the end of the body 30 and the sliding limit of the slider 40. Thus, it can be said that the grip members 32 are self-adjusting to fit the size and / or the orientation of the transported object. If two such gripping members 32 are used on a given link 12, the gripping member may, when a round container is gripped, not therefore be directly adjacent to each other, as different parts may be gripped around the circumference of a container. Thus, a line of containers can be securely transported whether or not they are perfectly aligned and / or spaced along the conveyor 10. The adjacent links 12 can be arranged in such a way that the grip members 32 on the adjacent links can contact an object given, as to provide a continuous grip area. Therefore, an object does not need to precisely align itself on any single link in order to be safely transported. The adjacent links, using the adjacent fencing 76 and the grip members 32, can therefore securely support and transport a given object according to the invention if desired.

Moving from the position shown in Figure 2 to the position shown in Figure 3, grip members 32 first slide and then rotate. In other embodiments described below, all within the scope of the invention, the grip members can move by slipping, turning, or any combination of relative movement. As shown in Figure 3, the grip member 32 rotates about an axis substantially parallel to the transport direction T in movement between the first and second positions 34, 36.

Turning now to the various possibilities for the cam slider 40, the slider 40 as shown includes two cam followers 52, 54. The cam follower 52 includes a wheel 80 mounted on a pole 82. The cam follower 52 can interact with the cam 84 (Figure 6) to move the slider 40 in one direction to thereby move the grip members 32 from the first position 34 (Figure 3) to the second position 36 (Figure 2). As shown in Figure 3, when the slider 40 is moved to the bottom by the cam 84, the cam follower 52 can be arranged by passing the bolts 78 of the fencing 76. Alternatively, as shown in Figure 6, the follower The cam 52 can remain outside the bolts 78. However, in this orientation, friction between the bottom surface 74 of the slider 40 and the grip members 32 can hold the slider 40 in place.

The slider 40 can move in the opposite direction in one of several ways. First, an object being transported such as a container C can be placed on the body 30 and can contact the cam follower 52 (if oriented as in Figure 3), under the influence of a cam surface, flight bar, etc. ., and may itself cause the slider to move to the left (as shown in Figure 3) to such an extent that the grip members 32 begin to rotate toward the erect position and slide to the second position 36 thereby contact the object. Thus, in some situations, the cam follower 52 can be used to move the slider 40 in both directions, either under the influence of a cam such as the cam 84, or under the influence of the transported object such as a container C.

Alternatively, a second cam 86 can be used to move the slider 40 back to the position shown in Figure 2. As noted in Figure 7, such cam 86 merely contacts the cam follower 52 and then moves it out of the enclosure 76 As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the cam follower 52 remains outside the enclosure 76 in such a way as to allow the second cam 86 to operate in this way. It should be possible to have a cam extending past the fence 76, for example from above, and located within the enclosure 76.

In another alternative, a third cam 88 is shown in Figure 8. This cam is a thin cam member that contacts the small cam follower 54 extending from the slider 40 (see Figure 3). The cam member 88 is used to move the slider 40 past the point where the grip members 32 will begin to rotate under the influence of the spring member 66. The cam member 88 may be used where the use of a cam such as the cam 86 is not possible or desired due to the orientation of the conveyor, the size or shape of the objects being transported, the location of the fence 76 relative to the cam follower 52, etc. Therefore, numerous opinions for moving the slider 40 between the first and second positions 34, 36 using followers of cam 52 and / or 54 and cams 84, 86, and / or 88, as well as the transported objects themselves, are all possible depending on with the desired applications. It should also be possible in different locations along a line to use different combinations of such elements to open and close the grip members 32. It should be understood that several possible cam followers on or connected to the slider 40 or grip members 32 are possible. For example, the cam followers may be disposed on a bottom surface of the slider 40, thereby avoiding the enclosure 76. All such alternatives are within the scope of the present invention.

As shown in Figure 5, one of the benefits of having gripping members 32 disposed below the transport surface 38 when the gripping members 32 are in a first position 34, is that the conveyor 10 can be loaded or unloaded at least partially in a single sliding movement. Thus, an adjacent platform or conveyor generally designated P in Figure 5 can be provided adjacent the conveyor 10, and the objects being transported can simply slide laterally (or diagonally, taking into account the movement of the conveyors) on or off the 10 conveyor without the use of complicated equipment. The containers do not need to be grasped and placed, placed on discs, or otherwise handled as in the past, in order to achieve an orderly and secure row of objects along the conveyor 10. Also, it is simpler to achieve a row of objects, such as containers with centers that are aligned using such a conveyor 10. In addition, once grasped by the conveyor 10, objects such as containers can move along the entire length of the production line, can be reversed, etc., at a high rate of speed, while the containers are securely held with the centers aligned. Also objects such as containers held in such a manner along the conveyor 10 can inherently be quieter than in the prior art devices where the conveyor containers are transported looser, or are conveyor between fixed rails that do not move as far as possible. long with the conveyor or between the non-grip side walls of a conveyor. Therefore, several potential advantages are provided by the structure described.

It should be understood that even other modifications are possible. For example, it is possible for the objects to be removed vertically or horizontally from the links without retracting the grip members 32 at all. Therefore, the grip members 32 may be in the second position 36 of Figure 2, when the objects are lifted. A lifting force should be able to overcome the force of any spring member 66 or cam that holds the grip members 32 against the object to remove the object in such a situation. Several benefits of grabbed transport can still be achieved in such an operation.

Also, it may be possible to load the links vertically or horizontally while the grip members are in the second grip position 36. Such loading or unloading may require additional machinery to place or remove the objects so as to confidently locate the objects and overcome the spring forces, but such operations are a possibility with the present invention.

The spring force of the spring members 66 and the design of the links 12 in general can be such that the conveyor can be used to carry inverted objects (for example, objects can "hang" from the conveyor below the transport surface). The conveyor can achieve such an inversion by twisting in the manner of a plow or by rotation around a turning wheel or the like. In such a case, the transport surface can be arranged on top of the objects while the conveyor is inverted, and the preceding description of retraction of the grip member to a position "below" the transport surface can be reversed in such a way as to Place the gripping member "up" on the gripping surface. Additionally, it may be possible to load and unload conveyors in accordance with the present invention in such an "inverted" orientation using the embodiments described with the grip members partially or fully retracted.

The links 12 can be made of several different types of materials within the scope of the invention, and depending on the intended application. For example, the body 30, the slider 40, and the grip members 32 can be made of a plastic such as Super Hard nylon, available from DuPont, delrin, acetel, Norel ™, available from General Electric, the pins 78 can be made from a metal such as stainless steel or any other suitable metal, or a plastic such as the above, even when other materials may be used within the scope of the invention, depending on the application, durability, cost, etc. If desired, the links 12 can be designed in such a way that different parts are individually replaceable if they are damaged or worn out in some way. Thus, the body 30 can be removed and replaced from the drive mechanism 14. Also, a conveyor can be created by retro-fitting an existing drive mechanism of some type with a plurality of links 12. Thus, the present invention includes individual links, as well as a conveyor that includes such links for all or some of the conveyor, both as original manufactured, for retro-adjustment or replacement.

Variations in certain of the described elements are shown in Figures 9-12. As shown in Figure 9, an enclosure 76 includes bolts 78, as well as an optical adapter 90 mounted on the bolts 78. As shown, the adapter 90 may have a slightly flattened shape depressed enough to guide a conveying object such as A container for focusing on top of link 12. Such adapter 90, as well as such a link design 12 may be useful in situations where it is desired to have a link per object with unequal spacing of objects in each link. In such applications, the width and spacing of the adjacent links may be selected so as to achieve reliable orientation of spacing of the transported objects. The adapter 90 must be high enough to reliably secure the transported object when the grip members 32 grasp the object. It should be noted that with the design of Figure 9, the cam follower 52 can not go beyond the location of the adapter 90.

As shown in Figure 10, the grip members 32 have been augmented with flat plates 92. The plates 92 are wider than the grasping arms 56, thereby providing a wider surface for contact or possible contact depending on the spacing of the plates. the objects being transported.

As shown in Figure 11, the curved plates 94 can also be used on gripping arms 56 of the gripping members 32. The curved plates 92 allow a safer location of an object being transported in the center of the body 30. Alternatively, the adapter 90 as shown in Figure 9 may have such a shape or curved surface plates 94 may have an inclined rather than round shape. As a further alternative, both the contoured adapter 90 and the contoured plates, such as the plates 94 can be used if desired, again depending on the application.

Another example of a link is shown in Figure 12, where flat plates 92 are used on gripping members 32, and the enclosure 76 comprises a flat plate 96. Here, the use of flat plates does not necessarily cause a centering of a plate. conveyor object on the link 12. If desired, the flat plate 96 can be formed integral with or attached to the body 30, or it can be formed as an adapter attached to the pins 78, as described above. In addition, several of the different options for holding the grip members 32, and the various different options for fencing 76 can be mixed and matched in any different way depending on the desired application.

Figures 13 and 14 show an additional alternative embodiment in which a link 112 includes a body 130, a slider 140, and grip members 132. The grip members 132 include integrally formed plates 192, a fence 176 comprising a flat plate 196. An additional positioning slot 131 is disposed above the body 130 and receives a rib 141 extending from the slider 140. A single cam follower 152 is disposed on the slider 140. The operation of this incorporation is substantially similar to the operation of previous incorporations. As shown in Figure 14, the use of a flat plate 192 on the gripping members 132 provides an additional platform through which the objects can slide on the link 112, as may also be possible with the embodiments shown in FIGS. Figures 10 and 12.

Another alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 15 and 16. In this embodiment, the links 212 include a body 230, a fence 276, and a single grip member capable of sliding 232. The member is movable between a first position 234 (shown in Figure 16) to a second position 236 (shown in Figure 15). When in the second position 234, the gripping member 232 is disposed below a transport surface 238 of the link 12, as with the previous embodiments. The grip member 232 includes a grip part 256 mounted via a shaft 262 to the body 230. The grip member 232 is urged into the second position 236 via a spring member (not shown) and can be movable toward the position shown in Figure 16 by direct contact with the cam (not shown).

Figures 17 and 18 show another alternative embodiment of a link 312 in accordance with the present invention. In this embodiment, the link 312 includes a body 330 with a gripping member 332 attached. The gripping member 332 rotates relative to the body 330 from a first position 334 (as shown in Figure 17) to a second position 336 (as shown in Figure 18) through a slot (not shown) in the body 330. Spring member 366 urges grasping member 332 to second position 336.

When the gripping member 332 is in the first position 334, the gripping member is below the transport surface 338 of the body 330. A grasping arm 356 of the grasping member 332 contacts the object to be transported, such as a container C, and a positioning arm 358 is attached to the spring member 366. A cam member (not shown) can contact and urge the gripping member 332, such as via the positioning arm or a cam follower mounted thereon (not shown) back to the position shown in the Figure 17. In this embodiment, the grip member 332 rotates about an axis substantially parallel to the transport direction T (shown in Figure 1).

Another alternative embodiment is shown in Figures 19 and 20. In this embodiment, a gear mechanism is provided to move a grip member 432 and a slider 440 relative to a body 430 of a link 412.

As shown, a spring member 466 urges the slider 440 to the left, and a cam follower 452 is disposed at the end of the slider 440. A cam (not shown) can move the slider from the position shown in Figure 19 to the right, and finally to the position shown in FIG. Figure 20, thereby rotating the grip member 432 downwardly below the transport surface 438. The grip member 432 can be mounted on a shaft 462 within the body 430 so as to be capable of extending from a slot 460. As shown in FIG. shows, the gear mechanism comprises a "rack" 441 provided on a slider 440, and a "pinion" 433 that is provided on the grip member 432. If desired, another engagement arrangement may be possible, including intermediate gears. A fixed fence 476 is shown with this embodiment but, as above, other fence designs can also be used. Also, only one grip member 432 is shown on link 412, but multiple grip members can, of course, also be used. Also, multiple rack and pinion arrangements on multiple sliders and grip members can be used on a single link. As shown, the slider 440 is disposed below a transport surface 438 of the body 430.

Depending on factors such as the number and arrangement of the teeth of the rack 441 and the pinion 433, as well as the length of the slider 440, and the dimensions of the cam (not shown) used with the cam follower, the placement of the grip member 432 relative to the body 430 when contacted by the cam is capable of being selected. Therefore, the gripping member 432 need not be pushed all the way to the position shown in Figure 20 to open the gripping member, if desired for certain applications. This is also true for the aforementioned additions. Therefore, while it may be desirable in some situations to open the gripping members of several embodiments to the point that they are "below" the respective transport surfaces (where the links are erect), this is not a requirement of all aspects of the present invention.

Figures 21 and 22 show variations of rack and pinion incorporation shown in Figures 19 and 20. In Figures 21 and 22, link 412a includes a body 430a, slider 440a, spring member 466a, and a member grip 432a. The grip member 432a is slid from the rack 441a and the pinion 433a. Optionally, a second grip member 432b can also be used extending from the side portion 412b of the body 412a. The slots 460a and 460b, if used, are spaced from the rack 441a and the pinion 433a, so as to keep any lost materials from entering the body 430a in the slots and potentially interfere with the rack and pinion operation or the spring member 466a. Such a sliding groove can also be used with a single-arm grip incorporation, as in Figures 19 and 20, or with several of the process additions as well. The fences 476a and 476b, as well as the grip members 432a and 432b have a flexible material 493 on their contact surfaces to securely grip the transported objects.

Figures 23 and 24 show yet another alternative embodiment. In this incorporation, the links 512 include an integral slider and grip member mechanism. The links 512 include a body 530, a fence 576 comprising bolts 578, and a slider / grip 513 that includes a slider portion 540 and a gripper arm 556. A spring member 566 urges the slider / grip 513 in the direction shown in Figure 24. A bolt 552 extending from one end of the slider / grip 513 serves both as a cam follower and a shoulder for the spring member 566. When the slider / grip 513 is in the position shown in FIG. Figure 23, gripper arm 556 is disposed below transport surface 538 of link 512. Thus, as above, objects to be transported such as containers can slide laterally on links 512, even when the slider / gripper 513 it does not need to move to the position shown in Figure 23 to allow loading or unloading for all applications.

The slider / grip 513 is held in place (as shown in Figure 23) by friction between the grip arm 556 and a shoulder 531 on the body 530 due to the spring member 566. With the contact of a cam surface (not shown), the cam follower 552 rotates, as indicated in Figure 24. Such rotation rotates the slider / grip 513 until the grip arm 556 is released from the shoulder 531. At that point, under the influence of the member of spring 566, slider / grip 513 slides along link 512 until grip arm 556 reaches end 533 of slot 535, until it stops, or until it contacts a transported object. To move the slider / grip 513 from the position shown in Figure 24 back to the position shown in Figure 23, several different cam options are possible. For example, it is possible for the cam grip arm 556 to slide and then turn back into place. Alternatively, the cam follower 552, or simply the adjacent end of the slider / grip 513 can be raised and rotated in place.

As shown in Figure 24, the slider / grip 513 can rotate about an axis substantially perpendicular to the transport direction T when moving from the first position (shown in Figure 23) to the second position (shown in the Figure). 24). The slider / grip 513 also slides when moving between these two positions.

Each of the embodiments described above in Figures 1-24 includes certain common elements and concepts. First, each includes a plurality of links with grip members that can be placed in an orientation below the transport surface of the links. Such orientation allows (but does not require) loading and unloading slider of the conveyor laterally. The links can be reversed with or without a grabbed object, and the links can still be loaded or unloaded in an inverted position. Also, the links provide for reasonable insured and optionally self-adjustable positioning of the gripping members as to hold the objects being transported during transport. As indicated above, many of these characteristics of the different embodiments can be altered or combined in different ways depending on the particular desired application. The gripping members can be opened so as to move under the transport surface, partially open, and / or closed by various functions of the raised type or even by transporting the objects themselves. The present invention is therefore not limited to any of the particular embodiments noted above in terms of each of the specific characteristics of any of the given additions, but the description as a whole should be considered to determine the various options that are possible.

Also, even when the above embodiments provide beneficial orientations where the grip members can be "opened" so as to place the grip member below a transport surface of a link, such orientation is not required for the invention. Such orientation provides benefits such as sliding side loading, but such loading is not required, and simply opening the grip members in some way is sufficient for many applications. Therefore, any gripping member that opens or flexes enough to allow the loading and unloading of the link by virtue of the camming function or contact with a transported object are all within the scope of the invention.

Also, it may be possible to fix certain of the incorporations in such a way that any fixed fence is movable, or even replaced by the duplicate of the movable grip members 32. While that may add some complexity to the links, such design is considered to be very within the reach of one with skill in art to perform. In such a case, the link may include two grip members, arranged opposite so as to be able to grip a container in the middle. The gripping members can then move towards each other as they move from the first position to the second position.

The remaining embodiments of the invention described below include alternative embodiments of a gripper conveyor. In the immediately following embodiments, the various grip members described can not, however, move to a position below the transport surface of the individual links. Instead, the grip members are linear or arched able to slide relative to the link bodies. As described above, such placement provides certain benefits, but may not be required in all applications.

As shown in Figures 25-27, a conveyor 610 includes a plurality of links 612. The individual links 612 include a body 630 and a grip member 632 that is movable from a first open position 634 to a second grip position 636. The grip member 632 includes a grip arm 656, a positioning arm 658 and a cam follower 652. The grip member 632 is mounted which rotates the body 630 around pivot points 633. The grip member 632 is extends from below the body 630 through the curved slot 660.

It should be understood, as in the above embodiments, that the first open position 634 and the second grip position 636 need not be defined by the displacement limits of the grip arm 656 within the slot 660. Thus, the grip position 636 can be defined by the size and / or orientation of the object to be transported, or by some other stop, and the open position 634 may be any wide enough position to release the grip member 632.

A cam 684 is shown in Figure 25 to influence the position of the grip member 632. If the conveyor 610 moved to the right, the cam 684 can open the grip member 632, and if the conveyor 612 moves to the left , the cam 684 may allow the gripping member 632 to close the grip of the transported object, as urged in that direction by the spring members 666. As shown, the transported objects may be gripped between the gripping members 632 of the links adjacent 612 and fences 676. Fences 676 may have several different shapes, other than the flat plate as shown, and different joints and shapes are possible for use on the end of grip arm 656, if desired. The conveyor of Figures 25 and 26 therefore shows an alternate manner of securely transporting objects while grasping a conveyor.

Figure 27 shows a variation of the conveyor of Figures 25 and 26, in which opposingly arranged grip members and related parts are shown on the link 612a. Thus, in Figure 27, the fencing 676 is replaced by another grip member 632 and related elements. Such orientation may be desirable in some applications.

Figures 28-30 show another embodiment including a link 712 that includes sliding grip members 732. As with Figure 27, the grip members' 732 are arranged in opposite pairs, even when a single set of grip members and Fixed fencing can alternatively be used. The grip members 732 include grip arms 756 extending from slider parts 740. The spring members 766 urge the grip members 732 toward the center of the link 712. The grip members 732 slide into slots 760 within bodies. 730 of the links 712. The sliders 740 (see Fig. 29) are disposed substantially inside the link 712 to contact the spring members 766. The sliders 740 slide in a wide portion 761 of the slots 760 to thereby place members of grip 732. As with previous incorporations, the second grip position 736 is self-adjusting, either to the limit of the slot 760 or depending on the size and orientation of the transported object. A cam 784 may contact a cam follower 752 attached to the bottom of grip members 732 to move the grip members between a first open position 734 and a second grip position 736.

As shown in Figures 28 and 29, an optional flexible enclosure 776 extending between a plurality of grip members 732 can be provided. Such a flexible enclosure 776 can provide a more secure container grip in certain applications. However, as shown in Figure 30, such flexible fencing 776 need not be used within the scope of the invention.

Therefore, the further additional embodiments described above include conveyors having gripping members that are slidable relative to the respective lengths of the conveyor. Some of these incorporations include grip members that slide along an arc while attaching to a member capable of turning, and others slide along a straight line. The additions also provide a self-adjusting mechanism for contacting and grasping objects to be transported. The adjacent linkage grip members can contact individual transported objects and can move to different positions to contact different parts of these objects and keep them secured. The transported objects can therefore be safely transported in an aligned manner, if desired, for various types of procedures.

Still another embodiment of a conveyor 810 is shown in Figures 31-36. The conveyor 810 includes several elements of certain embodiments previously described, but also includes certain different features. For example, conveyor 810 includes a plurality of links 812 connected to a pulse mechanism (not shown). Each link 812 includes a body 830, a grip member 832 and a slider 840. A cam follower 852 is disposed at one end of the slider 840, and a spring member 866 is disposed within the body 830. An adapter 892 is disposed at one end of a grip member 832, and a fence 876 is attached to the body 830.

The grip member 832 is movable between a first open position, shown either in Figure 34 (a partially open position) or Figure 35 (a fully open position), and a second grip position, as shown in the Figures 31-33. When in the grip position, the grip members 832 can grip an object, such as a container C. As shown, the conveyor 810 can be used to grip a maintained object spaced from the surface 838 of the body 830. Therefore, if desired, the conveyor 810 can be used as an overhead conveyor to grip bottles through its collars during transport. The conveyor 810 can load or unload containers from above while the containers move along an additional conveyor or platform P, as shown in Figure 36. The cam 884 can influence the slider 840 to move in or out of the body 830, thereby opening or closing the gripping member 832 around the neck of the container C. In Figure 36, if the conveyor 810 moved to the right, the conveyor can be released from the containers; if the conveyor 810 moved to the left, the conveyor can grab the containers.

As with the previous incorporations, several modifications are possible with the incorporation of Figures 21-36. First, the configuration of the grip member 832 can be modified in various ways described above, or multiple grip members can be provided for each body, etc. It should also be possible to invert objects using the embodiment of Figures 31-36, such that the containers are placed on top of the conveyor during travel, or the conveyor can be loaded as described above with the containers contacting the surface 838 of the body. 830. It should be understood that, as with the embodiments of Figures 31-36, the first open position may be either in the position shown in Figures 34 or 35, depending on the desired application or loading method. Also, it should be understood that any of the previously described incorporations can potentially be used in such overhead loading, unloading, or transport application, or with the transported object spaced from the surface of the link body, as shown in Figures 31-36. .

Figures 37-43 show another embodiment of a conveyor 910 in accordance with certain other aspects of the invention. As shown, the conveyor 910 includes a plurality of connected links 912 for transporting objects such as containers C along a Transport direction T. Like the conveyor of Figures 31-36, the conveyor 910 can be used to grip spaced objects. of the transport surface 938 of the links 912. The conveyor 910 is therefore suitable for catching and transporting bottles by the neck, whether erect or inverted.

Each link 912 has a length L extending through the transport direction T and a width W extending along the transport direction T (see Figure 38). Each link 912 has a body 930, at least two opposing grip members 932, and at least one spring member 966. Cam follower members 952 can be located on one or both grip members 932, which are selectively movable between a first open position (as shown in Figure 38) and a second grip position (as shown in Figure 39). The spring member 966 urges the grip members toward the second grip position. The grip members 932 can therefore contact one of the transported objects C to hold the object during transport when in the second position (see Figure 41). Cam members such as the cams or, as shown by the rails 984, can be provided to move the grip members 932 toward the first open position against the force of the springs 966. Even though the grip members 932 are shown As independently operative, if desired, their movements can be more directly joined by the use of circular interaction gears, sliders, rack and pinion arrangements, or the like.

Movable grip members can be joined in various ways. For example, as shown, each link 912 may include two bolts 933 about which the grip members 922 rotate. As shown, the spring members 966 comprise tension springs. However, if desired, the compression springs located on the opposite side of the bolts 933 can be used, or the leaf springs can also be replaced. The spring constant of the spring members 966 can be selected in accordance with the application to be able to keep the desired object securely, whether full or empty, moving and / or moving around curves. If it is desired to achieve a certain result, multiple spring members 966 may also be used.

One or both gripping members 932 may include a flexible adapter 992 to more securely hold the gripped objects at a particular location relative to link 912. In addition, if desired (but not shown) adapter 992 or grip member 932 can be formed so that adjacent containers C can be gripped "to the center" with predetermined spacing for interaction with other machinery (see for example Figure 11 or the enclosure fixed of Figure 9). The size and shape of the 992 adapters can be altered to suit the application and / or the objects transported. The links 912 and / or the adapters 992 may also be particularly configured to allow the grip members 932 to grip bottlenecks, or to grip objects spaced from the links or with the inverted links, as shown.

The grip members 932 on the adjacent links 912 can be connected via connection elements such as a flexible connection member 901 (see Figures 37 and 40-42). The connection elements are configured to allow the movement in three dimensions of a given link in relation to an adjacent link. As used herein, the movement in three dimensions means the relative movement between the links around three axes; one parallel to the transport direction, and two axes perpendicular to the transport direction (for example, horizontally and vertically, as shown in Figure 37).

The flexible connection member 901 may comprise a braided wire cable 903 made of stainless steel, or any other suitable material, or the like, with the mounting members 905 secured thereto at given intervals. The mounting members 905 may comprise cylindrical stamps, as shown, made of aluminum, stainless steel, or any other suitable material or the like, secured to the 903 cable by a set of screws, stamp, welding, brass welding, or any another suitable form of subjection. If such a flexible connection member 901 is used, a slot 907 can be formed on the transport surface 938 of the size-sized link 912 so that the cable 903 can slide in the slot. A retaining portion 909 of the slot 907 may be provided to receive the mounting member 905. The retaining portion 909 may be a large portion of the slot 907 configured to receive the mounting member 905. If desired a retainer 911 may slide. on top of the mounting member 905 and in a slot 913 in the slot 907 adjacent the body 912 to retain the mounting member in the retaining portion 909. The retainer 911 may be a spring-type member having edges of the type of Leaf spring if you want to keep it in place. Alternatively, a set of screws, a bolt, etc., may be used to secure the mounting member 905 within the retainer portion 909. Depending on the arrangement and displacement of the conveyor 910, a retainer or the like may not be necessary. As tension and friction caused by the arrangement and displacement may be sufficient to hold the link 912 in place on the flexible connection member 901. In the configuration shown, individual links 912 may be removed from the flexible connection member 901 for service, repair , cleaning, or change of the transported object or the application, if desired. While such a removable assembly is not necessary for all aspects of the invention, such an arrangement may be useful in certain applications. Alternatively, the links 912 can be connected via an array as shown in Figure 1, with a drive mechanism including a hinge conveyor or the like.

As shown, the conveyor 910 may include a track 913, links 912 being configured to follow the track. Track 913 may have a T-shaped cross section 915 (see Figure 37) and each link 912 may include a T-shaped channel 917 to receive and follow the track. The conveyor 910 may use other guides instead of the track 913, if desired, and the links 912 may be reconfigured accordingly.

The conveyor 910 may also include a wheel capable of rotating 919 to contact the links 912 to direct the links around any curves in the track 913, such as the curve 921 shown in Figure 37. The use of a wheel 919 reduces friction which may occur between links 912 and track 913 along a curve. Such a wheel can also be used in non-curved parts of the displacement. Also, track 913 can be bent laterally or twisted along the direction of travel, if desired.

An impulse mechanism can also be provided to drive the links 912 in a given direction. As shown, the drive mechanism may comprise a motor and motor control 923, and at least one pulse gear 925 having teeth 927. The teeth 927 are configured to fit between the adjacent links 912 in a rack and pinion arrangement to drive the links. The links 912 can accordingly include side cuts 912a configured to receive the teeth 927 of the gear 925. The drive mechanism can include two of the pulse gears 925 arranged on opposite sides of the links 912, and can also include intermediate gears 929 configured for driving gears 925 at a given speed, as well as other intermediate gears (not shown) between the output of the motor 923 and the gears 929. Thus, the conveyor 910 can be promptly driven by direct contact with the gears 925.

Alternatively, the gears 925 can be replaced with wheels (not shown) which frictionally contact the outer ends of the links 912. If so, the wheels can have flexible materials around their edges, and / or the links 912 can have similar materials , for a secure friction hitch such as to drive links 912 reliably.

Figure 44 shows a link 1012 for a conveyor according to other aspects of the invention. As shown in this figure, the conveyor includes a plurality of links 1012 each having a body 1030. Four opposing grip members 1032 are provided on each link, in pairs. As indicated above, a cam follower member 1052 is movable to selectively move each grip member 1032 between a first open position and a second grip position. A spring mechanism 1066 is provided between each pair of grip members 1032.

The links 1012 are similar to the links 912 in many ways. However, the links 1012 have two pairs of grip members 1032 per link, rather than one. As indicated above, grip members 1032 may include flexible adapters 1092 which may be made of materials such as rubber, plastic or the like.

The spring members 1066 are compression springs as indicated above, for pushing the grip members toward the second closed position. A cam member (not shown) can make contact with each cam follower member 1052 to move the grip members 1032 in the opposite direction. Of course, the position of the spring member and / or the cam member can be reversed so as to push the grip members 1032 in opposite directions. Also, the compression spring members can be replaced with tension springs on the opposite side of the pivot bolts 1033 or with the leaf springs. As with the above embodiments, the links 1012 can be modified in various other ways, such as by means of the modifier 1092 adapter, etc.

The links 1012 may include slots 1017 for receiving a rail, which may comprise two opposing rails (not shown). Also, the links may include a T-shaped slot 917 as indicated above. Either way, the links 1012 can be guided along the lane. As indicated above, the links 1012 may be connected through a flexible connector such as a wire cable, a knuckle conveyor (not shown) or other structures depending on the application.

Figures 45-47 show a link 1112 for a conveyor 1110 according to other aspects of the invention. As shown, the conveyor 1110 includes a plurality of links 1112 each having a body 1130. The links 1112 are similar to the links 912 indicated above, in many ways. For example, grip members 1132 are provided on each link 1112, and cam follower members 1152 are moved to selectively move each grip member 1132 between a first open position and a second grip position. A spring mechanism 1166 is provided to push the grip members 1132 toward the grip position. Such spring mechanism 1166 comprises a leaf spring in this embodiment. However, if desired, the compression or tension springs may be replaced, as indicated above, with the corresponding changes in the structure, cam, etc.

The connection elements of the embodiments of Figures 45-47 differ from those of Figures 37-44.

As shown, the connecting elements may include universal joints, generally referred to as 1101. Each link 1112 may therefore include an extension 1103 and a cavity 1105. The extension of a given link may be placed within a cavity of an adjacent link, so as to form a universal joint 1101. As shown, the extension 1103 includes a surface 1107 having an arcuate shape. The surface 1107 may be spherical, if desired. The cavity 1105 includes a surface 1109 configured to receive and marry the surface 1107. A slot 1111 may be provided in the link body 1112 to allow the extension 1103 to be slid into the cavity 1105. Once connected and placed under tension as to form a conveyor, the interference between the tail edge 1113 of the surface 1109 and the surface 11107 is such that the universal joint 1101 can not be easily disassembled inadvertently. However, when it is not under tension it is a fairly simple matter to pivot one link 1112 in relation to the other in order to fasten or detach links. The dimensions of the slot 1111 provide limits of a three-dimensional movement between the adjacent links. Therefore, the allowable amount of movement can be defined by the dimensions of the slot 1111 and the neck portion 1115 of the extension 1101, if desired.

The body links 1130 can be easily molded or machined into a unitary part of a material such as acetel, nylon or any suitable plastic.

Alternatively, if desired, the extensions 1103 can be manufactured separately and fastened.

The links 1112 can be mounted to follow a rail, such as those shown with the above embodiments. As shown in Figures 45-47, links 1112 include a T-shaped channel 1117 to receive and follow a rail. Alternatively, opposite slots or other structures may be substituted as described above.

The conveyor 1110 can be driven using a drive mechanism such as that shown in Figures 37-43. Alternatively, a drive mechanism can be provided where the gears 925 (of FIGS. 37-43) can be replaced by a friction drive connecting the outer portions of the links 1112. Such a friction drive can include one or more wheels 1125 (see Figure 47) having a grip material 1127 on an outer periphery thereof, for grasping and urging the outer portions 1129 of the links 1112. The grip material 1127 may comprise a flexible material such as rubber. Parts 1129 may themselves be texturized or otherwise modified. If desired, or the grip material can be placed in these locations. Such a frictional drive system can also be used with several of the previous incorporations if desired.

Figures 48-51 show a link 1212 for the conveyor 1210 according to other aspects of the invention. The conveyor 1210 includes a plurality of links 1212 each having a body 1230 and at least one movable gripping member 1232 having a gripping end 1231. As shown, two opposing gripping members 1232 are provided for each link 1212. spring mechanism 1266 is provided to push grip members 1232 into the second grip position, as shown for example in figure 48. Spring mechanism 1266 comprises a compression spring spring as shown (figure 51) , but other springs can be substituted, as described above. Each spring mechanism 1266 is located within a cavity 1267 defined within the link body 1230. The cavities 1267 are dimensioned to allow the pivoting of the grip members 1132 against the force of the spring mechanisms 1266 partially within the cavity. Each cavity 1267 may have a further extension 1268 to receive one end of the spring mechanism 1266 as desired. Using the compression springs within the cavity 1207 since the spring mechanisms 1266 protect the spring mechanisms from damage, and if they break, protect any loose spring mechanism piece from falling to the open containers. However, one skilled in the art can easily design the spring mechanisms by selecting a suitable spring constant and a working cycle in view of the size and weight of the container, and the displacement of the conveyor, to avoid the issues of breaking. The shoulders 1234 extending from the gripping members 1232 define a stop point for the gripping members and further maintain the spring mechanisms 1266 and / or the loose parts within the cavities 1267. In any case, it should be understood that Tension springs or leaf springs, not necessarily located in a cavity, may be substituted by the spring mechanisms shown 1266 according to certain aspects of the invention.

As with the devices of Figures 45-47, the links 1212 include the connecting elements that comprise universal joints, generally referred to as 1201. Each link 1212 may therefore include an extension 1203 and a cavity 1205. The extension 1203 includes a surface 1207 that has an arched shape, which can be spherical if desired. The cavity 1205 includes a surface 1209 configured to receive and marry the surface 1207. A link 1211 may be provided in the link body 1212 to allow the extension 1203 to be slid into the cavity 1205. The universal joints 1201 function as seals. universal 1101, as discussed above. As shown in Figure 51, the extension 1203 can be formed separately and fastened to the link body 1230 through the bolt 1230 through the holes 1214 and 1215 if desired.

Alternatively, the extensions 1203 can be unitarily formed with the link bodies 1230 (see figure 52 given below).

The links 1212 can be mounted, to follow a rail 1213, as described above. As shown, the T-shaped channel 1217 is provided to receive and follow the lane 1213, even though other structures may be substituted, as described above. The conveyor 1210 can be driven using a pair of gear drive mechanism, as shown in Figs. 37-43, a friction drive mechanism as shown in Fig. 47, or by other suitable mechanisms.

As best shown in Figure 49, the gripping arms 1232 pivot about a pivot point, in this case, the center of the bolt 1233 (Figure 51) extending through the holes 1235 and 1236 in the body 1230 and the grasping arm 1232. Cam members 1284 (Figure 48) comprising rails or the like are provided to interact with cam followers 1252 to move gripping members 1232 from the second grip position to the first open position. The cam members 1284 move the cam followers 1252 generally upwards when they are oriented as shown in Figure 49 (see arrow A) to pivot the grip members 1232 around the pins 1233 (see arrow B). The cam followers 1252 therefore extend upward relative to the rest of the gripper arms 1232 between the pins 1233 and the gripper end 1231. Such an orientation "which can be actuable in the center" allows for general space savings and lack of interference around links 1212.

For example, the channel 1217 may interact with the rail 1213 and a drive mechanism of some kind may interact with the sides of the link bodies 1212, all without interference from the cam followers 1252. Said alternatively, the cam followers 1252 they may be located so that the cam members 1288 are located out of the way of any rail or drive mechanism for the conveyor. Therefore, the configuration of Figures 48-51 provides a useful and compact arrangement having certain operational benefits. The conveyor 1210 is well suited for gripping the containers located under the links 1212 (as shown in Figure 48), and also very suitable for carrying the separate objects from the transport surface 1238.

The adapters 1290 can be fastened to the gripping ends 1231 of the clamp members 1232, for example through the screws 1292 or by adhesive, over-molding, etc. The adapters 1290 may include the parts 1291 made of rubber or flexible plastic to provide a secure grip of the transported object, and may be cored to fit the objects, as described above. Alternatively, the adapters 1290 and / or the parts 1291 may be unitarily formed as part of the grip members 1232. (See Figure 52).

The link bodies 1230 can be easily molded or machined from materials such as acetal, nylon or any suitable plastic, or can be made from combinations of such materials. Also, the metals can be used for some or all of the 1230 link bodies.

Figure 52 shows a modified version of a conveyor and link similar to those shown in Figures 48-51 in many ways. In Figure 52, the conveyor 1310 includes a plurality of links 1312 each having a body 1330 and at least one movable gripping member 1232 having a gripping end 1331. The spring mechanism 1366 is provided within a cavity 1367 for making contact with the man 1334 of the grasping member 1332, as with the previous incorporation. As indicated above, the connecting elements comprising the universal joints, generally referred to as 1301 are provided including the extensions 1303 and the cavities 1305. In this embodiment, the extensions 1303 are formed integral with the link bodies 1312, for example to through molding. Otherwise, the universal joints of Figure 52 are similar to those of Figures 48-51.

The grip members 1332 have a slightly different configuration than that of the grip members 1232. First, the cam follower members 1352 extend essentially straight and include a follower cam part widened at a distal end. Also, the adapters 1390 are formed integrally with the gripping arms 1232. The contact portions 1391 can be formed separately and placed inside the adapters 1390 if desired. Alternatively, overmoulding can be used to place the contact parts 1391 within the adapters 1390. Also, it should be remembered that the use of such contact parts is optional, so that a contact piece, a molded grip arm 1332 can be shaped and used according to various aspects of the invention.

As indicated above, the links 1312 can be driven in numerous ways along a rail 1313 which includes a t-shaped cross section. A channel 1317 may be provided at links 1312 to interact with lane 1313 and follow it as discussed above.

The conveyor and link designs described in Figure 52 include the "centrally operable" orientation discussed above, wherein cam follower 1352 extends outward relative to the rest of grip arm 1332 between pins 1333 and the end. 1331. The benefits of such structure described above with reference to Figures 48-51 apply to the structures of Figures 52 as well.

The conveyors and links in Figures 37-52 have a particular utility for picking up and moving bottles. The bottles can be inverted, if desired, to pass them through a squeegee or a labeler as to allow them to drain. Moving the lightweight plastic bottles is also carried out reliably, since the bottles are securely gripped during travel. The inclination of such lightweight bottles is not a problem when the bottles are grasped from above. Therefore, it is possible in some applications to move transported objects very quickly.

As indicated above, the transports and links of Figures 37-52 may be modified in various ways to incorporate the teachings of the incorporations of other embodiments within Figures 37-52 or Figures 1-36 if desired. It should be understood that various other modifications and combinations of the above embodiments are contemplated and are within the scope of the present invention. For example, the spring members shown as compression springs can be replaced with the tension springs, and vice versa, with corresponding modifications of other related elements. In such cases, the movement of the cam followers and of the cams from one side of a link to the other may be required among other changes. Also, it can include only one grip member or multiple grip members. Each grip member may include only one or multiple grip arms. The multiple grip arms can be actuated by a single slider on a link, or each of the grip arms can be operated by a single slider on a link, or each grip arm can have its own slider. The shape of the link body, the method of attachment to the drive mechanism, the type of drive mechanism and the described uses of the conveyor here are also examples only and limitations of the description should not be derived. Therefore, the present invention contemplates any and all specific matter that is included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims (44)

R E I V I N D I C A C I O N S

1. A link for a conveyor suitable for carrying objects along a transport direction, the link comprises: a body having a length extending through the transport direction and a width extending through the transport direction, the body having a transport surface; two gripping members extending from the transport surface, each gripping member being moved from a first open position to a second gripping position, the gripping members each including a gripping arm configured to be pivoted in relation to the When the gripping members move from the first position to the second position, the gripping arms are located so as to allow contact of one of the objects when the gripping members are in the second position to hold the object in place. relationship to the body during transport; Y at least one spring member that pushes the grip members towards the second position.

2. The link as claimed in clause 1, characterized in that the spring member is selected from the group consisting of: a tension spring, a compression spring and a leaf spring.

3. The link as claimed in clause 1 or 2, characterized in that in addition the link includes at least one cam follower for the contact of at least one cam member for pushing the grip members towards the first position.

4. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the link is configured so that the grip members can grip and transport the objects in an inverted position with the objects located essentially below the links.

5. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the object is a bottle having a neck, and the grip members are configured to grip the bottle by the neck.

6. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the grip member independently pivots about an axis essentially parallel to the transport direction when moving from the first position to the second position.

7. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the second position is self-adjusting depending on the size of the object.

8. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that each of the grip members includes a flexible adapter for contacting the object.

9. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the link is configured for clamping through connecting elements to connect a plurality of the links to form a conveyor, the connecting elements being configured as for allow a three-dimensional movement of the link in relation to an adjacent link in the conveyor.

10. The link as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the connecting elements include a knuckle conveyor.

11. The link as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the connection elements include a cable.

12. The link as claimed in clause 11, characterized in that the link body defines a slot there having a retaining part, the cable being slidable within the slot, the mounting members placed on the cable being slidable in the part retention.

13. The link as claimed in clause 12, characterized in that it includes a retainer for retaining the mounting member in the link member.

14. The link as claimed in clause 13, characterized in that the retainer is slidable within the slot defined in the link body.

15. The link as claimed in clause 11-14, characterized in that the link and the cable are configured so that the link is removably attached to the cable.

16. The link as claimed in clause 9, characterized in that the connection elements include components of a universal joint.

17. The link as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the link includes an extension and a cavity, the extension being placed in a cavity of a first adjacent link, and the cavity for receiving an extension of a second adjacent link.

18. The link as claimed in clause 16, characterized in that the universal joint is a ball and socket joint.

19. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the link is configured to follow a rail.

20. The link as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that the link includes a T-shaped channel for receiving and following the rail.

21. The link as claimed in clause 19, characterized in that the link includes two grooves extending outward to receive and follow the rail.

22. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that the link includes two pairs of grip members.

23. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that it also includes a gear drive mechanism interconnecting the slider and the grip member, the slider moves selectively at least one of the grip members between a first position and a second position through the gear drive mechanism.

24. The link as claimed in clause 23, characterized in that the gear drive mechanism is a rack and pinion arrangement with a pinion part being located on the grip member and a rack part being located on the pinion member. slider.

25. The link as claimed in any one of the preceding clauses, characterized in that at least one of the gripping members includes a gripping arm having a pivot point, a gripping end spaced from the pivot point, and a cam follower extending outwardly from the grip arm between the pivot point and the grip end.

26. A conveyor comprising a plurality of the links as claimed in one of the preceding clauses, connected together to form a conveyor.

27. The conveyor as claimed in clause 26, characterized in that the conveyor includes at least one cam member for pushing the grip members towards the first position.

28. The conveyor as claimed in clause 26 or 27, characterized in that the links are configured to be spaced along the conveying direction so that at least two gripping members on the adjacent links can make contact with the conveyor. an object .

29. The conveyor as claimed in clause 26-28, characterized in that the conveyor includes a rail and the links are configured to follow the rail.

30. The conveyor as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the rail has a T-shaped cross section and each link includes a T-shaped channel for receiving and following the rail.

31. The conveyor as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that the rail comprises two opposite rails and each link includes two slots that extend outwards to receive and follow the rails.

32. The conveyor as claimed in clause 29, characterized in that it includes a rotating wheel for making contact with the links to direct said links around a curve in the rail.

33. The conveyor as claimed in clause 26, characterized in that it also includes a drive mechanism for driving the links in a given direction.

34. The conveyor as claimed in clause 33, characterized in that the driving mechanism includes at least one driven gear having teeth, the teeth are configured to fit between the adjacent links in a rack and pinion arrangement to drive the links

35. The conveyor as claimed in clause 34, characterized in that the drive mechanism includes two of the driven gears placed on opposite sides of the links.

36. The conveyor as claimed in clause 33-35, characterized in that the drive mechanism includes a friction pulse which makes contact with the outer parts of the links.

37. A link for a conveyor suitable for carrying objects along a transport direction, the link comprises: a link body having a length extending through the transport direction and a width extending along the transport direction; a slider that can slide along the length of the link body; at least one gripping member that can be moved relative to the slider and the link body; a gear drive mechanism interconnecting the slider and grip member, the slider selectively moves the grip member between a first position and a second position through the gear drive mechanism, the grip member when in the first position being placed in an open position, and the gripping member when in the second position being placed in a gripping position for contact of one of the objects to hold the object during transport; Y connection elements for connecting a plurality of the link elements to form a conveyor, the connecting elements being configured as to allow a three-dimensional movement of the link in relation to an adjacent link on a conveyor, the connecting elements include components of a joint universal

38. The link as claimed in clause 37, characterized in that the gear drive mechanism is a rack and pinion arrangement with a pinion part being located on the grip member and a rack part being located on the slider.

39. The link as claimed in clause 37, characterized in that it also includes a spring member for pushing the grip member towards one of the first and second positions.

40. The link as claimed in clause 37, characterized in that each link includes a cam follower.

41. The link as claimed in clause 37, characterized in that it further includes a fencing member, the gripping member grasps the object between the fencing member and the gripping member when the gripping member is in the second position.

42. The link as claimed in clause 41, characterized in that the link body defines a conveyor surface and the grip member and the fence member are configured to grip the object so that the object is spaced from the transport surface .

43. The link as claimed in clause 41, characterized in that the gripping member and the fence member are configured to grip and carry an object with the object located essentially below the link.

44. The link as claimed in clause 41, characterized in that the gripping member and the fencing member are configured to grip a container neck. E S U M E N A suitable conveyor is described for carrying objects along a transport direction. The conveyor includes a plurality of connected links, each link having a length that extends through the direction of transport and a width that extends along the direction of transport. Each link has a transport surface and at least one mobile grip member extending from the link transport surface. Each grip member can move from a first open position to a second grip position. The gripper members each include a grip arm having a pivot point, a grip end separated from the pivot joint, and a cam follower extending outwardly from the grip arm between the pivot point and the end. of grip. Related conveyor and link designs are also described.