SE540797C2 - A conveyor system - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a channel (28) for accommodation of an endless conveyor element (18). Said channel (28) and said endless conveyor element (18) have a substantially longitudinal extension. Said endless conveyor element (18) comprises a feeding portion (24) and a return portion (26). The return portion (26) of the endless conveyor element (18) is arranged underneath the feeding portion (24) of the endless conveyor element (18). The channel (28) comprises opposite and substantially parallel delimiting means (32) and a bottom surface (34) arranged between the delimiting means (32). The height of the delimiting means (32) is in an interval between the height of the return portion (26) of the endless conveyor element (18) and the height of the return portion (26) and the feeding portion (24) of the endless conveyor element (18), so that the endless conveyor element (18) is prevented from moving in a direction in a horizontal plane, which direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension, by the delimiting means (32) and so that the feeding portion (24) of the endless conveyor element (18) reaches above the delimiting means (32). The invention also relates to a conveyor system (16).

Description

A conveyor system TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a conveyor system according to the preamble of claim 1.

BACKGROUND ART A conveyor is a mechanical apparatus that transports materials, packages, or items being assembled from one place to another. A conveyor can also be used during handling of crates or in restaurants for conveying trays with dishes from the canteen to the scullery.

The conveyor comprises an endless conveyor element or several endless conveyor elements arranged in parallel. The endless conveyor element is arranged to convey loads supported upon it and can for example be a chain or a belt. Each endless conveyor element is arranged about a supporting means. The supporting means has a substantially longitudinal extension and carries the weight of the endless conveyor element. Thus, the endless conveyor element also has a substantially longitudinal extension. The endless conveyor element is arranged about a drive element and a gear wheel and rotates about a first point and an opposite second point. The drive element is arranged at the first point and the gear wheel is arranged at the second point.

The endless conveyor element comprises a feeding portion and a return portion. The feeding portion is arranged upon the supporting means and the return portion is arranged underneath the supporting means. The supporting means can for example be a beam with a first channel on the upper side of the beam and a second channel on the underside of the beam. In that case, the feeding portion of the endless conveyor element is arranged in the first channel and the return portion of the endless conveyor element is arranged in the second channel. The feeding portion of the endless conveyor element is moving in a first direction and the return portion of the endless conveyor element is moving in a second direction which is opposite the first direction.

An example of a known conveyor system is shown in document GB767567. The conveyor system comprises one endless conveyor chain. The feeding portion of the endless conveyor chain is arranged in a first channel and the return portion of the endless conveyor chain is arranged in a second channel underneath the first channel. The conveyor system has several drawbacks. One drawback is that it is expensive to manufacture the channels of the conveyor and thus also expensive to manufacture the conveyor system. Yet two drawbacks are that the channels and thus also the conveyor system are bulky and difficult to clean.

As a consequence, in light of the above drawbacks, there is a need of an improved conveyor system that is less expensive to manufacture, less bulky and easier to clean.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The subject of the present invention is to eliminate the drawbacks according to prior art.

This subject has been fulfilled with the conveyor system according to the claims.

More specifically, the conveyer system comprises a channel for accommodation of an endless conveyor element, said endless conveyor element, a drive element, and a gear wheel. The endless conveyor element is arranged about the drive element and the gear wheel and rotates about a first point and an opposite second point, wherein the drive element is arranged at the first point and the gear wheel is arranged at the second point. Even more specifically, the channel and the endless conveyor element have a substantially longitudinal extension. Said endless conveyor element comprises a feeding portion and a return portion. The return portion of the endless conveyor element is arranged underneath the feeding portion of the endless conveyor element. The channel comprises opposite and substantially parallel delimiting means and a bottom surface arranged between the delimiting means. The height of the delimiting means is in an interval between the height of the return portion of the endless conveyor element and the height of the return portion and the feeding portion of the endless conveyor element, so that the endless conveyor element is prevented from moving in a direction in a horizontal plane, which direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension, by the delimiting means and so that the feeding portion of the endless conveyor element reaches above the delimiting means. Further, the return portion and the feeding portion are arranged in contact with each other when the endless conveyor element is accommodated in the channel.

Thereby it is possible to provide a single channel that can accommodate both the feeding portion and the return portion of the endless conveyor element and thereby two channels are not required. One channel instead of two channels is less bulky and easier to clean. It is also less expensive to manufacture one channel (by for example bending a metal sheet) instead of two channels (by for example manufacture a beam with one channel on its upper side and one channel on its lower side).

In a further aspect of the invention the endless conveyor element comprises an outer surface. The outer surface of the feeding portion is arranged to support products that are to be conveyed and the outer surface of the return portion is arranged to slide on the bottom surface of the channel. The cross sectional profile of the channel's bottom surface corresponds to the cross sectional profile of the outer surface of the endless conveyor element and/or to the cross sectional profile of at least one carrier arranged on the outer surface of the endless conveyor element.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a channel that can accommodate an endless conveyor element with or without carrier(s).

In another aspect of the invention the cross sectional profile of the channel's bottom surface is substantially straight.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a channel that can accommodate an endless conveyor element without any carrier.

In yet another aspect of the invention the cross sectional profile of the channel's bottom surface is substantially V-shaped.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a channel that can accommodate an endless conveyor element with at least one carrier having a V-shaped cross sectional profile.

In a further aspect of the invention the cross sectional profile of the channel's bottom surface is substantially U-shaped.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a channel that can accommodate an endless conveyor element with at least one carrier having a U-shaped cross sectional profile.

In another aspect of the invention the cross sectional profile of the channel's bottom surface has a substantially rectangular shape, preferably elongated and tapered.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a channel that can accommodate an endless conveyor element with at least one carrier having a rectangular, elongated and tapered cross sectional profile.

In yet another aspect of the invention the bottom surface and the delimiting means of the channel comprises a wear resistant material.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a channel which is more wear resistant. Thus, the channel's life time will be extended.

In a further aspect of the invention the wear resistant material comprises steel.

In another aspect of the invention the bottom surface and the delimiting means of the channel comprises a coating of low friction material.

Thereby, the friction between the bottom surface and the endless conveyor element and also between the delimiting means and the endless conveyor element is reduced. Thus, it is easier for the endless conveyor element to slide within the channel and the endless conveyor element can be moved faster.

In yet another aspect of the invention the low friction material comprises HDPE (High-density polyethylene).

In a further aspect of the invention the conveyor system comprises a control unit, which control unit is arranged for activation and deactivation of the drive element.

Thereby, it is possible to provide a conveyor system that is easier to operate because the operator does not need to manually activate and deactivate the drive element.

Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention are evident from the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS In the following prior art and the invention are described with reference to embodiments of the present invention and the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a conveyor system according to prior art, Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the conveyor system according to the present invention, Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the channel for accommodation of an endless conveyor element according to the present invention, and Figs. 4a-d show a cross sectional profile of the channel' bottom surface according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Fig. 1 shows a schematic side view of a conveyor system 1 according to prior art. The conveyor system 1 comprises an endless conveyor element 2, a drive element 4 and a gear wheel 6. The endless conveyor element 2 is arranged about and is engaged with the drive element 4 and the gear wheel 6. The endless conveyor element 2 also rotates about a first point X and an opposite second point Y. The drive element 4 is arranged at the first point X and the gear wheel 6 is arranged at the second point Y.

Said endless conveyor element 2 comprises a feeding portion 8 and a return portion 10. The feeding portion 8 of the endless conveyor element 2 is arranged to support products that are to be conveyed. The return portion 10 of the endless conveyor element 2 is arranged underneath the feeding portion 8 of the endless conveyor element 2. The feeding portion 8 of the endless conveyor element 2 is arranged in a first channel 12 and moves in a first direction Q. The return portion 10 of the endless conveyor element 2 is arranged in a second channel 14 and moves in a second direction Z. The first direction Q. is a direction opposite to the second direction Z. Said channels 10, 12 and said endless conveyor element 2 have a substantially longitudinal extension.

The endless conveyor element 2 is in contact with the drive element 4, the gear wheel 6, the first channel 12 and the second channel 14, but for clarity purposes the endless conveyor element 2 illustrated in fig. 1 is spaced apart from the drive element 4, the gear wheel 6, the first channel 12 and the second channel 14.

Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the conveyor system 16 according to the present invention. The conveyor system 16 comprises an endless conveyor element 18, a drive element 20 and a gear wheel 22. The endless conveyor element 18 is arranged about and is engaged with the drive element 20 and the gear wheel 22. The endless conveyor element 18 can be a chain or a belt and rotates about a first point P1 and an opposite second point P2. The drive element 20 is arranged at the first point P1 and the gear wheel 22 is arranged at the second point P2.

Said endless conveyor element 18 comprises a feeding portion 24 and a return portion 26. The feeding portion 24 is arranged to support products that are to be conveyed. The products can, for example, be boxes, bottles, cans, crates or trays. The return portion 26 of the endless conveyor element 18 is arranged underneath the feeding portion 24 of the endless conveyor element 18. The feeding portion 24 moves in a first direction D1 and the return portion 26 moves in a second direction D2. The first direction D1 is opposite the second direction D2. The feeding portion 24 and the return portion 26 of the endless conveyor element 18 are arranged in the same channel 28. Thus, the conveyor system 16 only comprises one channel 28. Said channel 28 and said endless conveyor element 18 have a substantially longitudinal extension.

The endless conveyor element 18 is in contact with the drive element 20, the gear wheel 22, and the channel 28, but for clarity purposes the endless conveyor element 18 in fig. 2 is spaced apart from the drive element 20, the gear wheel 22 and the channel 28.

It is possible for the conveyor system 16 to comprise several, for example two, endless conveyor elements 18. In that case, the endless conveyor elements 18 are arranged in parallel, are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension by less than the width of the products to be carried and are driven in unison. If the conveyor system 16 only comprises one endless conveyor element 18, a tray, for example, will "balance" on the endless conveyor element 18. Thereby, it is a higher risk that the tray will tip to one side of the tray. If that happens, it will be harder to feed the tray in the first direction D1. Thus, the conveyor system 16 preferably comprises at least two endless conveyor elements 18.

If the conveyor system 16 comprises, for example, two endless conveyor elements 18, a tray, for example, can be placed stably on both the endless conveyor elements 18. Thereby, the risk that the tray will tip to one side of the tray is reduced and it is easier to feed the tray in the first direction D1. If the products are wide or the conveyor system 16 is used for products of varying widths, the conveyor system 16 preferably comprises more than two endless conveyor elements 18 because it is desirable to support the products at more than two points.

The drive element 20 of the conveyor system 16 can be manually controlled. Preferably, the conveyor system 16 comprises a control unit 30, which is arranged for activation and deactivation of the drive element 20. A motor (not shown) drives the drive element 20.

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the channel 28 for accommodation of the endless conveyor element 18 according to the present invention. Fig. 3 further illustrates a section between the lines A-B in fig. 2 and is fragmentary for clarity purposes. The channel 28 has a straight extension. It is also possible for the channel 28 to have a curved extension or that one section of the channel 24 has a straight extension and that another section of the channel 28 has a curved extension (in for example a bend of the channel 28). The endless conveyor element 18 is a chain comprising a plurality of links 23 being hinged to each other. However, as an alternative, the endless conveyor element 18 could be a belt. Said channel 28 and said endless conveyor element 18 have a substantially longitudinal extension. The endless conveyor element 18 comprises a feeding portion 24 and a return portion 26. The return portion 26 of the endless conveyor element 18 is arranged underneath the feeding portion 24 of the endless conveyor element 18. Thus, the return portion 26 and the feeding portion 24 are arranged in contact with each other and the return portion 26 and the channel 28 are arranged in contact with each other. The feeding portion 24 moves in a first direction D1 and the return portion 26 moves in a second direction D2. The first direction D1 is opposite to the second direction D2.

The channel 28 comprises opposite and substantially parallel delimiting means 32 and a bottom surface 34 arranged between the delimiting means 32. Each delimiting means 32 is a continuously arranged side wall of the channel 28. It is also possible to use several projecting means, for example studs, arranged in parallel and projecting from the bottom surface 34 as delimiting means. The height of the delimiting means 32 is in an interval between the height of the return portion 26 of the endless conveyor element 18 and the total height of both the return portion 26 and the feeding portion 24 of the endless conveyor element 18. Thereby, the endless conveyor element 18 is prevented from moving in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal extension by the delimiting means 32 and the feeding portion 24 of the endless conveyor element 18 reaches above the delimiting means 32 so that the feeding portion 24 can be in contact with the bottom of the conveyed product(s).

The endless conveyor element 18 comprises an outer surface 36. The outer surface 36 of the feeding portion 24 (i.e. the outer surface 36 of each link 23 of the feeding portion 24) is, as mentioned above, arranged to support products that are to be conveyed and the outer surface 36 of the return portion 26 (i.e. the outer surface 36 of each link 23 of the return portion 26) is arranged to slide on the bottom surface 34 of the channel 28. The cross sectional profile of the channel's 28 bottom surface 34 corresponds to the cross sectional profile of the outer surface 36 of the endless conveyor element 18. This will be described in more detail in figs. 4a-d.

A carrier 38 is arranged on the outer surface 36 of the endless conveyor element 18. But a carrier 38 does not need to be arranged on the outer 36 of the endless conveyor element 18. The carrier 38 protrudes from the outer surface 36 of the endless conveyor element 18. The carrier 38 has a cross sectional profile which is V-shaped. The carrier 38 could have another cross sectional profile, for example a U-shaped cross sectional profile or a rectangular, elongated and tapered cross sectional profile.

When a tray, for example, is handled by the conveyor system 16, the tray will be placed upon the carrier 38. Preferably, the carrier 38 comprises a high-friction material, such as rubber. The high-friction material reduces the risk that the tray will slip from the endless conveyor element 18 and thereby it is easier to move the tray in the first direction D1. In one embodiment, the first direction D1 and the opposite second direction are essentially horizontal, but in other embodiments with slightly or even substantially inclined directions, the mentioned carriers 38 of high-friction material may be indispensable for the function of the conveyor system 16 and its comprised elements according to the invention.

It is also possible for the endless conveyor element 18 to comprise several carriers 38. Each link 23 or every second link 23 or every third link 23 or every fourth link 23 or every fifth link 23 or every sixth link 23 or every seventh link 23 or every eighth link 23 or every ninth link 23 or every tenth link 23 could, for example, comprise a carrier 38. It is also possible for each link 23 to comprise several, for example two, carriers 38.

Each link 23 comprises a head portion 40 from which a pair of bifurcated legs 42 extends. The pair of bifurcated legs 42 is arranged to receive and being coupled to the head portion 40 of an adjacent link 23. The carrier 38 can be arranged on the head portion 40 and/or on the pair of bifurcated legs 42.

The carrier 38 of the endless conveyor element's 18 return portion 26 will be in contact with the bottom surface 34 of the channel 28 and carry away dirt from the channel 28 when the return portion 26 is moving in the second direction D2. Thereby, the conveyor system 16 is selfcleaning. Even if the carrier 38 will not carry away all dirt from the channel 28, it will be less dirt in the channel 28 and thereby it will take less time to clean the channel 28.

The cross sectional profile of the channel's 28 bottom surface 34 corresponds to the cross sectional profile of the outer surface 36 of the endless conveyor element 18 and/or the cross sectional profile of the at least one carrier 38 arranged on the outer surface 36 of the endless conveyor element 18. This will be described in more detail in figs. 4a-d.

Fig. 3 also shows two plates 44 on each side of the delimiting means 32. As mentioned before, it is less expensive to manufacture one channel (by for example bending a metal sheet) instead of two channels (by for example manufacture a beam with one channel on its upper side and one channel on its lower side, which beam also has to be attached to the plates 44).

Figs. 4a-d show the cross sectional profile of the channel's 28 bottom surface 34. Fig. 4a is a cross sectional view of fig. 3, but does not show the carrier 38. It is also possible for the channel's 28 bottom surface 34 to have other cross sections. This is shown in figs. 4b-d which is schematic figures and which do not show the endless conveyor element 18.

As shown in fig. 4a the cross sectional profile of the channel's 28 bottom surface 34 can be substantially V-shaped. That is the case, when the carrier 38 is V-shaped. The cross sectional profile of the channel's 28 bottom surface 34 can also be substantially U-shaped, which is shown in fig. 4b. This is the case, when the carrier 38 is U-shaped. As shown in fig. 4c, the cross sectional profile of the channel's 28 bottom surface 34 can also be substantially rectangular, elongated and tapered. This is the case, when the carrier 38 is substantially rectangular, elongated and tapered. As shown in fig. 4d, the cross sectional profile of the channel's 28 bottom surface 34 can have a substantially straight extension. This is the case, when the endless conveyor element 18 does not comprise any carrier 38. It is also possible for the cross sectional profile of the channel's 28 bottom surface 34 to have other shapes.

The bottom surface 34 and the delimiting means 32 of the channel 28 preferably comprise a wear resistant material to minimize the wear of the channel 28. The wear resistant material can comprise steel, for example stainless steel. Further, the bottom surface 34 and the delimiting means 32 of the channel 28 preferably comprise a coating of a low friction material. The low friction material can comprise HDPE.

The present invention is of course not in any way restricted to the preferred embodiments described above, but many possibilities to modifications, or combinations of the described embodiments, thereof should be apparent to a person with ordinary skill in the art without departing from the basic idea of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims (11)

1. A conveyor system (16) comprising: a channel (28) for accommodation of an endless conveyor element (18), said endless conveyor element (18), a drive element (20), and a gear wheel (22), wherein the endless conveyor element (18) is arranged about the drive element (20) and the gearwheel (22) and rotates about a first point (P1) and an opposite second point (P2), and wherein the drive element (20) is arranged at the first point (P1) and the gear wheel (22) is arranged at the second point (P2), wherein said channel (28) and said endless conveyor element (18) have a substantially longitudinal extension, said endless conveyor element (18) comprises a feeding portion (24) and a return portion (26), wherein the return portion (26) of the endless conveyor element (18) is arranged underneath the feeding portion (24) of the endless conveyor element (18), the channel (28) comprises opposite and substantially parallel delimiting means (32) and a bottom surface (34) arranged between the delimiting means (32), characterized in that the height of the delimiting means (32) is in an interval between the height of the return portion (26) of the endless conveyor element (18) and the height of the return portion (26) and the feeding portion (24) of the endless conveyor element (18), so that the endless conveyor element (18) is prevented from moving in a direction in a horizontal plane, which direction is perpendicular to the longitudinal extension, by the delimiting means (32) and so that the feeding portion (24) of the endless conveyor element (18) reaches above the delimiting means (32), and in that the return portion (26) and the feeding portion (24) are arranged in contact with each other when the endless conveyor element (18) is accommodated in the channel (28).

2. The conveyor system (16) according to claim 1, wherein the endless conveyor element (18) comprises an outer surface (36), wherein the outer surface (36) of the feeding portion (24) is arranged to support products that are to be conveyed and the outer surface (36) of the return portion (26) is arranged to slide on the bottom surface (34) of the channel (28), and the cross sectional profile of the channel's (28) bottom surface (34) corresponds to the cross sectional profile of the outer surface (36) of the endless conveyor element (18) and/or to the cross sectional profile of at least one carrier (38) arranged on the outer surface (36) of the endless conveyor element (18).

3. The conveyor system (16) according to claim 2, wherein the cross sectional profile of the channel's (28) bottom surface (34) is substantially straight.

4. The conveyor system (16) according to claim 2, wherein the cross sectional profile of the channel's (28) bottom surface (34) is substantially V-shaped.

5. The conveyor system (16) according to claim 2, wherein the cross sectional profile of the channel's (28) bottom surface (34) is substantially U-shaped.

6. The conveyor system (16) according to claim 2, wherein the cross sectional profile of the channel's (28) bottom surface (34) has a substantially rectangular shape, preferably elongated and tapered.

7. The conveyor system (16) according to any of the above claims, wherein the bottom surface (34) and the delimiting means (32) of the channel (28) comprises a wear resistant material.

8. The conveyor system (16) according to claim 7, wherein the wear resistant material comprises steel.

9. The conveyor system (16) according to any of the above claims, wherein the bottom surface (34) and the delimiting means (32) of the channel (28) comprises a coating of low friction material.

10. The conveyor system (16) according to claim 9, wherein the low friction material comprises HDPE.

11. The conveyor system (16) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the conveyor system (16) comprises a control unit (30), which control unit (30) is arranged for activation and deactivation of the drive element (20).