US20190329986A1 - Conveyor carrier cart - Google Patents
Conveyor carrier cart Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20190329986A1 US20190329986A1 US15/963,666 US201815963666A US2019329986A1 US 20190329986 A1 US20190329986 A1 US 20190329986A1 US 201815963666 A US201815963666 A US 201815963666A US 2019329986 A1 US2019329986 A1 US 2019329986A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- conveyor
- carrier cart
- pivoting
- pivoting arms
- main frame
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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Classifications
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
- B65G17/30—Details; Auxiliary devices
- B65G17/32—Individual load-carriers
- B65G17/34—Individual load-carriers having flat surfaces, e.g. platforms, grids, forks
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
- B65G17/30—Details; Auxiliary devices
- B65G17/32—Individual load-carriers
- B65G17/34—Individual load-carriers having flat surfaces, e.g. platforms, grids, forks
- B65G17/345—Individual load-carriers having flat surfaces, e.g. platforms, grids, forks the surfaces being equipped with a conveyor
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
- B65G17/16—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising individual load-carriers which are pivotally mounted, e.g. for free-swinging movement
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
- B65G17/16—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising individual load-carriers which are pivotally mounted, e.g. for free-swinging movement
- B65G17/18—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface comprising individual load-carriers which are pivotally mounted, e.g. for free-swinging movement and move in contact with a guiding surface
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
- B65G17/30—Details; Auxiliary devices
- B65G17/32—Individual load-carriers
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G35/00—Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G37/00—Combinations of mechanical conveyors of the same kind, or of different kinds, of interest apart from their application in particular machines or use in particular manufacturing processes
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
- B65G47/34—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor
- B65G47/38—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor by dumping, tripping, or releasing load carriers
- B65G47/40—Devices for discharging articles or materials from conveyor by dumping, tripping, or releasing load carriers by tilting conveyor buckets
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G47/00—Article or material-handling devices associated with conveyors; Methods employing such devices
- B65G47/74—Feeding, transfer, or discharging devices of particular kinds or types
- B65G47/94—Devices for flexing or tilting travelling structures; Throw-off carriages
- B65G47/96—Devices for tilting links or platform
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2207/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional details, configuration and additional features of a handling device, e.g. Conveyors
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2207/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional details, configuration and additional features of a handling device, e.g. Conveyors
- B65G2207/30—Modular constructions
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2812/00—Indexing codes relating to the kind or type of conveyors
- B65G2812/02—Belt or chain conveyors
- B65G2812/02267—Conveyors having endless traction elements
- B65G2812/02415—Conveyors having endless traction elements with load-carrying surfaces supported by traction means
- B65G2812/02425—Continuous or uninterrupted load-carrying surfaces
- B65G2812/02455—Continuous or uninterrupted load-carrying surfaces the surfaces being above, between or beside the traction means
- B65G2812/02554—Continuous or uninterrupted load-carrying surfaces the surfaces being above, between or beside the traction means the load-carrying surfaces being pivotally attached to the traction means
Definitions
- the present disclosure relates in general to material handling systems, and, more specifically, to conveyor carrier carts employed in material handling systems.
- Conventional conveyor systems and assemblies may include multiple conveyor carrier carts that are often used for supporting and transporting objects in industrial and manufacturing contexts.
- An example conveyor assembly may include a sorter conveyor system, a merge conveyor system, an accumulation conveyor system, an induction conveyor system, a loop sorter system, or the like. These conveyor assemblies often use conveyor carrier carts formed as rigid, immovable structures that are assembled during manufacturing of the conveyor systems.
- a conveyor carrier cart including a main body (e.g., frame), a pair of pivoting arms, and a folding mechanism.
- the main frame defines a load carrying surface configured to support one or more objects disposed thereon.
- Each of the pair of pivoting arms includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end pivotally connects each pivoting arm with the main frame via the folding mechanism and the distal end connects with a guide member of a conveyor assembly.
- Each pivoting arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each pivoting arm is configured to engage the guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is movable along the conveyor assembly.
- each pivoting arm In the retracted position, the distal end of each pivoting arm may pivot about the folding mechanism to disengage from the guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is removable from the conveyor assembly.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including a locking mechanism configured to secure each pivoting arm in the deployed position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including one or more pivoting arms, wherein each pivoting arm, when in the retracted position, is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the main body, wherein the bottom surface is opposite the load carrying surface.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including one or more rotatable guide wheels located at the distal end of each pivoting arm.
- a conveyor carrier cart having a main frame that includes a first surface, a second surface, a third surface opposite the second surface, and a fourth surface, wherein the first surface is a top surface of the conveyor carrier cart, the fourth surface is a bottom surface of the conveyor carrier cart, and the second surface and the third surface form a left and a right side surfaces of the conveyor carrier cart, respectively.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart having pivoting arms coupled to the second surface and the third surface respectively via the locking mechanism and the fourth surface via the folding mechanism.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart wherein the folding mechanism includes a pivot pin, a set of apertures, and a hinge block, wherein the set of apertures in combination with the pivot pin and the hinge block facilitate pivotal movement of each of the pivoting arms between the deployed position and the retracted position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart wherein the folding mechanism rotates each pivoting arm in an inward direction until each of the pivoting arms are located substantially parallel with respect to one another, wherein each pivoting arm is subjected to a radial rotation from an initial position ‘x’ to a final position ‘y’.
- the pivot pin is operable to fold each of the pivoting arms about the folding pivot axis in the closed loop path defined by the x-y positions, below the main frame of the conveyor carrier cart.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including a locking mechanism that includes attaching bolts, washer plates, or snap fit locks with push buttons.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart movable between a deployed position and a retracted position.
- the distal end of each of the pivoting arms are spread outwardly away from the main frame and remain substantially parallel with respect to the main frame, and, in the retracted position, the distal end of each of the pivoting arms are folded towards the main frame and remain substantially perpendicular with respect to the main frame.
- a conveyor carrier cart that includes a second pair of pivoting arms.
- the second pair of pivoting arms may define a proximal end configured to connect each of the second pair of pivoting arms with the main frame, and a distal end configured to engage the corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly.
- the conveyor carrier cart may include a second folding mechanism configured to pivotally connect the proximal end of each of the second pair of pivoting arms to the main frame.
- Each of the second pair of pivoting arms may pivot about the second folding mechanism between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each of the second pair of pivoting arms may engage the corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is movable along the conveyor assembly. In the retracted position, the distal end of each of the second pair of pivoting arms pivots about the second folding mechanism to disengage from the corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is removable from the conveyor assembly.
- a conveyor carrier cart including a locking mechanism with a push button that is operated to selectively release the snap fit lock such that each of the second pair of pivoting arms are released to the retracted position.
- a conveyor carrier cart including a conductor plate comprising a plate section and a bracket section.
- the bracket section and the plate section may include a Y-shaped cross section.
- the conveyor assembly includes a conveyor bed to moveably support one or more conveyor carrier carts.
- the conveyor carrier carts may include one or more corresponding guide members.
- Each conveyor carrier cart may include a main body, a pair of pivoting arms, and a folding mechanism.
- the main frame defines a load carrying surface to support one or more objects disposed thereon.
- the pair of pivoting arms each include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end pivotally connects each pivoting arm with the main body through the folding mechanism and the distal end connects with a guide member of a conveyor assembly.
- Each pivoting arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a retracted position.
- each pivoting arm In the deployed position, the distal end of each pivoting arm is configured to engage the guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is movable along the conveyor assembly. In the retracted position, the distal end of each pivoting arm may pivot about the folding mechanism to disengage from the guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is removable from the conveyor assembly.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a material handling system including the carrier cart with one or more pivoting arms.
- the distal end of each pivoting arm includes one or more rotatable guide wheels located at the distal end of each pivoting arm.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a material handling system including the carrier cart with one or more pivoting arms.
- Each pivoting arm when in the retracted position, is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the main body, wherein the bottom surface is opposite the load carrying surface.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a material handling system including the carrier cart having a locking mechanism configured to secure each pivoting arm in the deployed position.
- the method includes providing a conveyor assembly having a conveyor bed movably supporting conveyor carrier carts with one or more corresponding guide members.
- the method further includes providing a conveyor carrier cart including a main body, a pair of pivoting arms and a folding mechanism.
- the main body defines a load carrying surface to support one or more objects disposed thereon.
- the pair of pivoting arms includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end pivotally connects each pivoting arm with the main body through the folding mechanism and the distal end connects with a guide member of a conveyor assembly.
- Each pivoting arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a retracted position.
- the method further includes pivoting each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart into the deployed position such that the conveyor carrier cart is movable along the conveyor assembly and pivoting each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart into a retracted position such that the conveyor carrier cart is removable from the conveyor assembly.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system.
- the method includes engaging the distal end of each pivoting arm to a corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly when in the deployed position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system.
- the method includes disengaging the distal end of each pivoting arm from the corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly when in the retracted position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system.
- the method includes providing one or more rotatable guide wheels at the distal end of each pivoting arm.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system.
- the method includes locking each pivoting arm in the deployed position with a locking mechanism.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a material handling system including multiple conveyor carrier carts, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a conveyor carrier cart of FIG. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the conveyor carrier cart pivoting between a deployed position and a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the conveyor carrier cart in a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the present disclosure relates to a material handling system that includes a conveyor assembly supporting one or more conveyor carrier carts.
- Each conveyor carrier cart may be configured to be removable from the conveyor assembly.
- Each conveyor carrier cart may be removable by retracting one or more pivoting arms of each conveyor carrier cart that engage with one or more guide members of the conveyor assembly.
- the conveyor carrier cart When retracting the one or more pivoting arms, the conveyor carrier cart may be transformed from a deployed position to a retracted position. The transformation may be accomplished via the pivotal movement of each pivoting arm with respect to a main body of the conveyor carrier cart.
- each conveyor carrier cart may include a folding mechanism and a locking mechanism.
- the folding mechanism may be configured to pivotally connect the proximal end of each pivoting arm to the main body.
- Each pivoting arm may be configured to pivot about the folding mechanism between the deployed position and the retracted position.
- the locking mechanism may be configured to secure each pivoting arm in the deployed position.
- the folding mechanism rotates each pivoting arm in an inward direction until each of the pivoting arms are located substantially parallel with respect to one another.
- each pivoting arm undergoes a radial rotation from an initial position ‘x’ to a final position ‘y’.
- Each of the pivoting arms at the final position ‘y’ are substantially parallel with respect to one another.
- the folding mechanism may be operable to fold the pair of pivoting arms.
- the folding mechanism is operable to fold each of the pivoting arms about a folding pivot axis in the closed path defined by x-y positions, below the main body (e.g., frame) of the conveyor carrier cart. Therefore, the conveyor carrier cart may be easily removed from the conveyor assembly without the need of additional tools or incurring additional cost and time during maintenance of the conveyor assembly.
- references within the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments”, or “one or more embodiments” are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the appearance of such phrases in various places within the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments.
- various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.
- various elements are described which may be present for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
- the material handling system 100 may include a conveyor 102 (e.g., sorter, loop sorter, etc.).
- the conveyor 102 may include a conveyor bed 104 (e.g., sorter track, sorter frame, or the like) and one or more conveyor carrier carts 106 .
- the material handling system 100 includes an induction station 108 positioned adjacent to the conveyor 102 at one end.
- the material handling system 100 may further include discharge chutes 110 positioned at an opposing end of the conveyor 102 downstream of the induction station 108 .
- Examples of the conveyor 102 may include, but are not limited to, a sortation conveyor. According to one or more other embodiments, the conveyor 102 may be any of a cross belt loop sorter, a tilt tray sorter, pusher type sorter, or the like.
- the conveyor 102 is configured to transfer a load 112 (e.g., an object disposed thereon) from one location to another location.
- the conveyor bed 104 may be adapted to movably support the one or more conveyor carrier carts, one of which is shown at 106 , on which one or more carriers 114 are supported.
- the one or more carriers 114 are adapted to support the load 112 (e.g., articles, packages, cartons, objects, or the like).
- the one or more conveyor carrier carts may be installed on the conveyor bed 104 along a length of the conveyor 102 .
- the one or more conveyor carrier carts may be endlessly conveyed on the conveyor bed 104 in a looping direction indicated by arrows 115 .
- the one or more conveyor carrier carts carrying the load 112 inducted from the induction station 108 , may deliver the load 112 at the discharge chutes 110 , and, upon delivering the load 112 , the one or more conveyor carrier carts may return to the induction station 108 tracing a closed loop path in the looping direction indicated by the arrows 115 .
- the one or more conveyor carrier carts are endlessly conveyed on the conveyor bed 104 to receive the load 112 and deliver the load 112 to appropriate discharge chutes 110 .
- the general structure of an exemplary carrier cart 106 from among the one or more conveyor carrier carts has been shown in the breakout view in FIG. 1 .
- the detailed construction of the exemplary carrier cart (e.g., carrier cart 106 as shown in FIG. 1 ) will be further described in conjunction with FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a conveyor carrier cart 106 of FIG. 1 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure.
- the conveyor carrier cart 106 includes a main frame 202 , a pair of pivoting arms 204 , a conductor plate 206 , a folding mechanism 208 , and a locking mechanism 209 .
- the main frame 202 defines a load carrying surface configured to support one or more objects disposed thereon.
- the main frame 202 may include a first surface 210 , a second surface 212 , a third surface 214 (not shown), and a fourth surface 216 (not shown).
- the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 may be lateral with respect to the first surface 210 .
- the fourth surface 216 may be located substantially perpendicular with respect to the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 . Still further, the fourth surface 216 may be parallel to the first surface 210 .
- the first surface 210 may form a top surface of the conveyor carrier cart 106
- the fourth surface 216 may form a bottom surface of the conveyor carrier cart 106 , where the bottom surface is opposite the load carrying surface (e.g., the first surface 210 ).
- the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 may form a left and a right-side surfaces of the conveyor carrier cart 106 , respectively, and when viewed from the front of the conveyor carrier cart 106 .
- the left and the right-side surfaces of the conveyor carrier cart 106 may be mirror images of one another (e.g., mirrored about the main frame 202 ).
- the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 may further include a T-shaped recess 202 a extending along the length of the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 (not shown) of the main frame 202 .
- the conductor plate 206 may include a plate section 206 a and a bracket section 206 b .
- the bracket section 206 b and the plate section 206 a may, for example, be dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped) to have a Y-shaped cross section.
- the bracket section 206 b may form an upper section of the conductor plate 206 .
- the bracket section 206 b may, for example, define a V-shaped cross-section extending the length of the fourth surface 216 of the main frame 202 .
- the plate section 206 a forming the bottom part of the conductor plate 206 may include, for example, a downwardly extending rigid plate section of T or I-beam shape that extends the length of the bracket section 206 b.
- the folding mechanism 208 and the locking mechanism 209 that facilitates transformation of the conveyor carrier cart 106 may be partially installed on the main frame 202 and partially installed on each of the pivoting arms 204 .
- the folding mechanism 208 may include a pivot pin 208 a , a set of apertures 208 b , 208 c and a hinge block 208 d .
- the pivot pin 208 a and the hinge block 208 d may be installed at opposite ends of the fourth surface 216 of the main frame 202 proximal to the bracket section 206 b of the conductor plate 206 .
- the set of apertures 208 b , 208 c may be provided on each of the pivoting arms 204 and the hinge block 208 d , respectively.
- the set of apertures 208 b , 208 c in combination with the pivot pin 208 a and the hinge block 208 d facilitate pivotal movement of each of the pivoting arms 204 between a deployed position and a retracted position. For example, in the deployed position, distal end of each of the pivoting arms 204 are spread outwardly away from the main frame 202 and remain substantially parallel with the main frame. In the retracted position, the distal end of each of the pivoting arms 204 are folded towards the main frame 202 and remain substantially perpendicular with respect to the main frame 202 .
- the deployed position corresponds to a position at which the conveyor carrier cart 106 is installed on the conveyor bed 104 and the retracted position corresponds to a position at which the conveyor carrier cart 106 is fully removed from the conveyor bed 104 (e.g., has no contact with the conveyor bed 104 ).
- each pivoting arm 204 may be disposed adjacent a bottom surface 216 of the main frame 202 .
- components such as the pivot pin 208 a , the set of apertures 208 b , 208 c , and the hinge block 208 d together form the folding mechanism 208 that is partially installed on the main frame 202 and partially installed on each of the pivoting arms 204 so as to transform the conveyor carrier cart 106 between the deployed position and the retracted position.
- the locking mechanism 209 that facilitates transformation of the conveyor carrier cart 106 to the deployed position may be partially installed on the main frame 202 and partially installed on each of the pivoting arms 204 .
- the locking mechanism 209 may include attaching bolts 209 a , a set of apertures 209 b , 209 c , and washer plates 209 d .
- the set of apertures 209 b , 209 c are provided at one end of the left and right-side surfaces of the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 (not shown) respectively.
- the set of apertures 209 b , 209 c may be located proximal to the pivot pin 208 a and the hinge block 208 d of the folding mechanism 208 .
- the set of apertures 209 b , 209 c may be provided above the hinge block 208 d on the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 .
- the attaching bolts 209 a and the washer plates 209 d are provided on each of the pivoting arms 204 .
- the set of apertures 209 b , 209 c in combination with the attaching bolts 209 a and the washer plates 209 d may facilitate locking of each of the pivoting arms 204 in the deployed position.
- the deployed position corresponds to a position at which the conveyor carrier cart 106 is installed on the conveyor bed 104 with each of the pivoting arms 204 spread outwardly away from the main frame 202 and engaged with the locking mechanism 209 to lock each of the pivoting arms 204 in the deployed position. Therefore, components such as the attaching bolts 209 a , the set of apertures 209 b , 209 c , and the washer plates 209 d together form the locking mechanism 209 that is partially installed on the main frame 202 and partially installed on each of the pivoting arms 204 to transform the conveyor carrier cart 106 and lock it in the deployed position.
- the hinge block 208 d may be positioned on the fourth surface 216 (not shown) of the main frame 202 .
- the hinge block 208 d may include a protruding portion 208 e that may extend outwardly from the fourth surface 216 of the main frame 202 and perpendicular to the conductor plate 206 .
- the protruding portion 208 e may be partially attached to the fourth surface 216 of the main frame 202 and partially extend out of the fourth surface 216 in a direction away from the fourth surface 216 .
- the protruding portion 208 e of the hinge block 208 d may include a first set of apertures 208 b .
- the first set of apertures 208 b may be provided on an outer face 208 f and an inner face 208 g of the protruding portion 208 e .
- the outer face 208 f of the hinge block 208 d may be a portion of the hinge block 208 d receiving a head portion 220 of the pivot pin 208 b .
- the inner face 208 g of the hinge block 208 d may be a portion of the hinge block 208 d receiving a tail portion 222 of the pivot pin 208 a .
- the tail portion 222 of the pivot pin 208 a may be threaded to facilitate a threaded engagement of the pivot pin 208 a on the inner face 208 g of the hinge block 208 d .
- the hinge block 208 d may include a gap 208 h positioned in between the outer face 208 f and inner face 208 g of the protruding portions 208 d of the hinge block 208 c .
- the pivot pin 208 b may be rotatably received within the first set of apertures 208 b .
- the pivot pin 208 a may be inserted through the first set of apertures 208 b .
- the pivot pin 208 a may pass through the outer face 208 f and may extend beyond the outer face 208 f and engage with the inner face 208 g through the first set of apertures 208 b .
- the pivot pin 208 b extends along the length of the gap 208 h provided between the outer face 208 f and the inner face 208 g.
- the locking mechanism 209 may include attaching bolts 209 a , second set of apertures 209 b , and washer plates 209 d .
- the second set of apertures 209 b may be provided in the T-shaped recess 202 a extending along the length of the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 of the main frame 202 .
- the second set of apertures 209 b may receive the attaching bolts 209 a .
- the second set of apertures 209 b may be threaded apertures that hold a threaded tail portion of the attaching bolts 209 c in a threaded engagement.
- Each of the pivoting arms 204 may be coupled to the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 , respectively, via the locking mechanism 209 and the fourth surface 216 of the main frame 202 via the folding mechanism 208 .
- each of the pivoting arms 204 may include a first end 205 and a second end 207 .
- the first end 205 of each of the pivoting arms 204 is detachably coupled to the fourth surface 216 of the main frame 202 by means of pivot pin 208 a as described below.
- the first end 205 of each of the pivoting arms 204 is detachably coupled to the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 , respectively, by means of attaching blots 209 a and washer plates 208 d as described below.
- the first end 205 may be a proximal end of each of the pivoting arms and the second end 207 may be a distal end of each of the pivoting arms.
- the proximal end may be configured to connect pivoting arms 204 with the main fame 202 and the distal end is configured to engage a corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly.
- each of the pivoting arms 204 may include a pair of top edge portions 205 a , a central portion 205 b , and a pair of bottom edge portions 205 c .
- Each of the bottom edge portions 205 c of each of the pivoting arms 204 may include a third set of apertures 208 c .
- Each of the bottom edge portions 205 c may be coupled to the fourth surface 214 of the main frame 202 via the third set of apertures 208 c and the pivot pin 208 b .
- the third set of apertures 208 c provided on each of the bottom edge portion 205 c may be inserted into the gap 208 h provided in the hinge block 208 c to attached (e.g., engage, secure, etc.) each of the pivoting arms 204 to the main frame 202 .
- the third set of apertures 208 c may receive the pivot pin 208 b .
- each of the pair of pivoting arms 204 is coupled to the main frame 202 using the pivot pin 208 a , hinge block 208 d , and the third set of apertures 208 c to allow radial rotation of each of the pivoting arms 204 with respect to the main frame 202 .
- the pair of top edge portions 205 a and the central portion 205 b of each of the pivoting arms 204 may be coupled to the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 of the main frame 202 , respectively.
- the central portion 205 b may include a fourth set of apertures 209 c configured to receive the attaching bolts 209 a and the washer plates 209 d .
- the central portion 205 b and top edge portion 205 a of each of the pivoting arms 204 may be coupled to the main frame 202 using the attaching bolts 209 a inserted through corresponding holes provided in the washer plates 209 d .
- the pair of top edge portions 205 a and the central portion 205 b are coupled to the main frame 202 using attaching bolts 209 c and the washer plates 209 d to allow locking of each of the pivoting arms 204 with respect to the main frame 202 .
- the second end 207 may correspond to the distal end of each of the pivoting arms 204 and may be pivotally connected to wheel support arms 224 that in turn rotatably support one or more rotatable guide wheels 226 .
- the one or more rotatable guide wheels 226 facilitate the movement of the conveyor carrier cart 106 along the corresponding guide members, for example, guide rails 301 (as shown in FIG. 3 ) provided on the conveyor bed 104 (as shown in FIG. 1 ).
- the folding mechanism 208 that includes the pivot pin 208 a , hinge block 208 d , and the set of apertures 208 b , 208 c facilitates a pivotal movement of each of the pivoting arms 204 .
- the locking mechanism 209 that includes the attaching bolts 209 a with washer plate 209 d , the fourth set of apertures 209 c , and the recess 202 a , including the second set of apertures 209 b , facilitates locking of the pivotal movement of the pair of pivoting arms 204 .
- the folding mechanism 208 is configured to pivotally connect the proximal end of each pivoting arm 204 to the main frame 202 and is configured to pivot each of the pivoting arms 204 between a deployed position and a retracted position.
- the distal end of each pivoting arm 204 may pivot about the folding mechanism 208 to disengage from the corresponding guide members of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart 106 is removable from the conveyor assembly.
- the locking mechanism 209 may be configured to secure each of the pivoting arms 204 in the deployed position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each pivoting arm 204 is configured to engage the corresponding guide members of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart 106 is movable along the conveyor assembly.
- the attaching bolts 209 c of locking mechanism 209 may be removed to permit each of the pivoting arms 204 to be pivoted downwardly and inwardly about the pivot pin 208 a in the direction of arrows 228 defining the folding pivot axis.
- the pivot pin 208 a rotates each pivoting arm 204 in an inward direction until each of the pivoting arms 204 are located substantially parallel with respect to one another. For example, each pivoting arm 204 undergoes a radial rotation from an initial position ‘x’ to a final position ‘y’.
- each of the pivoting arms 204 traces a closed path in an inward direction defined by the initial position ‘x’ and the final position ‘y’.
- the pivot pin 208 a is operable to fold each of the pivoting arms 204 about the folding pivot axis in the closed loop path defined by the x-y positions below the main frame 202 of the conveyor carrier cart 106 .
- each of the pivoting arms 204 are raised in the direction of arrows 228 defining the folding pivot axis away from the main frame 202 to a deployed position and the conveyor carrier cart 106 is positioned such that the one or more rotatable guide wheels 218 fit within the associated guide rails 301 on conveyor bed 104 , as shown in the partially deployed configuration in FIG. 3 .
- each of the pivoting arms 204 are raised in the direction of arrows 228 to the deployed position, (e.g., tracing the closed path from the ‘y’ position to the ‘x’ position), the attaching bolts 209 c of locking mechanism 209 are re-inserted such that each of the pivoting arms 204 may be locked in the deployed position.
- the locking mechanism 209 provided on each of the pivoting arms 204 may move into alignment with one or more apertures provided on the T-shaped recess 202 a such that the attaching bolts by 209 c can be threadedly inserted through washer plate 209 d and then into the corresponding apertures.
- the attaching bolts 209 c may then be tightened to lock each of the pivoting arms 204 into their deployed positions.
- FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the conveyor carrier cart pivoting between a deployed position and a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.
- the conveyor carrier cart 106 may include a locking mechanism 209 , such as a snap fit lock 309 and a push button.
- the snap fit lock 309 may include an elongated male member 309 b having a generally circular cross section attached to an inner surface of each of trussed struts forming pivoting arms 204 by a short elongated offset strip.
- the elongated male member 309 b may be formed on each of the pivoting arms 204 or as a separate part attached to each of the pivoting arm 204 .
- the snap fit lock 309 may also include a pair of generally parallel elongated female locking members 309 c attached on the ends of the second surface 212 and the third surface 214 of the main frame 202 nearest to the folding mechanism 208 .
- Each of the female locking members 309 c may define an inner surface configured such that when these members are in the closed, abutting position they form an elongated slot having a profile of the elongated male member 309 b .
- the female locking members 309 c may be urged toward each other by springs or other biasing means or may be formed in whole or in part of an elastomeric-type material.
- each of the pivoting arms 204 may be securely locked in their deployed position.
- the conveyor carrier cart 106 may include more than one pair of pivoting arms 204 .
- each conveyor carrier cart 106 on the conveyor bed 104 may include two pairs of pivoting arms 204 attached to the main frame 202 of the conveyor carrier cart 106 .
- two pairs of pivoting arms 204 may also be attached on the main frame 202 conveyor carrier cart 106 .
- a first pair of pivoting arms 204 and a second pair of pivoting arms may include pivot pins 208 a that form the folding mechanism 208 for each of the first pivoting arms 204 and the second pivoting arms (not shown).
- first pair of pivoting arms 204 may include snap fit lock 309 that forms the locking mechanism 209 and the second pair of pivoting arms (not shown) may include attachment bolts 209 a and washer plates 209 d that form the locking mechanism 209 .
- first pair of pivoting arms 204 may operate using the snap fit lock 309 and the second pair of pivoting arms (not shown) may operate using the attachment bolts 209 a and washer plates 209 d.
- FIG. 4 a perspective view of the conveyor carrier cart in a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated.
- the conveyor carrier cart 106 is provided with a push button (as shown in FIG. 3 ).
- the push button may be operated to selectively release the snap fit lock 309 .
- the push button may, for example, be any type of conventional spring-loaded push button or the like, that when depressed, rotated, or otherwise actuated will enable elongated male member 309 b to withdraw or to be forced from between female locking members 309 c , thereby permitting each of the pivoting arms 204 to pivot downwardly to a folded position.
- this may be accomplished by spreading female locking members 309 c apart a sufficient distance to permit elongated male member 309 b to move out from entrapment between the female locking members 309 c and pivot into the folded position.
- the snap fit lock 309 may, in some embodiments, further include a retention screw 309 a that operates to secure the female locking member 309 c.
- conventional conveyor systems utilize rigid load supporting arms that are often fixedly connected on top of a conveyor frame. Accordingly, when these conventional carts support a load (e.g., items, packages, etc.), the weight of the load is often concentrated to a greater extent on the rigid support arms than any main body of the carrier cart. In this regard, when a towing force is applied to these conventional carts, the towing force is exerted to a greater extent on the rigid support arms such that these rigid elements support the majority of the weight of the load. In this way, the rigid support arms are susceptible to damage and increased the wear and tear resulting in frequent maintenance.
- a load e.g., items, packages, etc.
- the conveyor carrier cart 106 when the conveyor carrier cart 106 is in the deployed position (e.g., in operation on the conveyor bed 104 ), the conveyor carrier cart 106 may be configured such that the strength requirement of each of the pivoting arms 204 in the vertical direction is maintained. Said differently, each of the pivoting arms 204 may be positioned on a bottom surface of the main frame 202 of the conveyor carrier cart 106 both in the deployed position and the retracted position. In this way, the weight of the load received by the carrier cart 106 as claimed may be concentrated to a greater extent on the main frame 202 as opposed to the pivoting arms 204 .
- the pivoting arms 204 are positioned under the main frame, such that the top surface of the main frame 202 is exposed to the load and the force (e.g., weight) of the load is concentrated on the top surface of the main frame 202 (e.g., a minimal impact on the pivoting arms 204 positioned below the main frame 202 ).
- the force e.g., weight
- the force is transmitted directly through the main frame 202 of the conveyor carrier cart 106 , and therefore, the force has a minimal impact on the pivoting arms 204 (e.g., given that the pivoting arms 204 are hinged from the bottom of the conveyor carrier cart 106 ).
- the main frame 202 of the conveyor carrier cart 106 acts as a keystone to carry the load more efficiently than conventional systems.
- pivoting arms of the present application provide mechanisms for folding and unfolding of each of the pivoting arms and for automatically locking each of the pivoting arms in their deployed position such that the need of additional tools that might otherwise be required for installing and removing the conveyor carrier carts from a conveyor bed are unnecessary. Furthermore, by allowing each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart to pivot between the deployed position and the retracted position, replacement, repair, storage, and shipment of the conveyor carrier cart is greatly improved and shipping costs and storage space are reduced.
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Abstract
Description
- The present disclosure relates in general to material handling systems, and, more specifically, to conveyor carrier carts employed in material handling systems.
- Conventional conveyor systems and assemblies may include multiple conveyor carrier carts that are often used for supporting and transporting objects in industrial and manufacturing contexts. An example conveyor assembly may include a sorter conveyor system, a merge conveyor system, an accumulation conveyor system, an induction conveyor system, a loop sorter system, or the like. These conveyor assemblies often use conveyor carrier carts formed as rigid, immovable structures that are assembled during manufacturing of the conveyor systems.
- Due to the integral nature of conventional conveyor systems, replacement and/or repair of the conveyor carrier carts as well as other conveyor assembly components may be impeded. In particular, traditional conveyor carrier carts are often difficult to extract from conveyor sections due to their rigid geometry and often require disassembly of the conveyor systems. Such a disassembly process may be expensive, time consuming, and impact the operating efficiency of the conveyor systems. Applicant has identified a number of deficiencies and problems associated with conventional conveyor assemblies and other associated systems and methods. Through applied effort, ingenuity, and innovation, many of these identified problems have been solved by developing solutions that are included in embodiments of the present disclosure, many examples of which are described in detail herein.
- The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed conveyor carrier cart. This summary is not an extensive overview and is intended to neither identify key or critical elements nor delineate the scope of such elements. Its purpose is to present some concepts of the described features in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description that is presented later.
- Various aspects described herein relate to a conveyor carrier cart including a main body (e.g., frame), a pair of pivoting arms, and a folding mechanism. The main frame defines a load carrying surface configured to support one or more objects disposed thereon. Each of the pair of pivoting arms includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end pivotally connects each pivoting arm with the main frame via the folding mechanism and the distal end connects with a guide member of a conveyor assembly. Each pivoting arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each pivoting arm is configured to engage the guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is movable along the conveyor assembly. In the retracted position, the distal end of each pivoting arm may pivot about the folding mechanism to disengage from the guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is removable from the conveyor assembly. By allowing each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart to pivot between the deployed position and the retracted position, replacement, repair, storage, and shipment of the conveyor carrier cart is greatly improved and shipping costs and storage space are reduced.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including a locking mechanism configured to secure each pivoting arm in the deployed position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including one or more pivoting arms, wherein each pivoting arm, when in the retracted position, is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the main body, wherein the bottom surface is opposite the load carrying surface.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including one or more rotatable guide wheels located at the distal end of each pivoting arm.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart having a main frame that includes a first surface, a second surface, a third surface opposite the second surface, and a fourth surface, wherein the first surface is a top surface of the conveyor carrier cart, the fourth surface is a bottom surface of the conveyor carrier cart, and the second surface and the third surface form a left and a right side surfaces of the conveyor carrier cart, respectively.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart having pivoting arms coupled to the second surface and the third surface respectively via the locking mechanism and the fourth surface via the folding mechanism.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart wherein the folding mechanism includes a pivot pin, a set of apertures, and a hinge block, wherein the set of apertures in combination with the pivot pin and the hinge block facilitate pivotal movement of each of the pivoting arms between the deployed position and the retracted position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart wherein the folding mechanism rotates each pivoting arm in an inward direction until each of the pivoting arms are located substantially parallel with respect to one another, wherein each pivoting arm is subjected to a radial rotation from an initial position ‘x’ to a final position ‘y’. The pivot pin is operable to fold each of the pivoting arms about the folding pivot axis in the closed loop path defined by the x-y positions, below the main frame of the conveyor carrier cart.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including a locking mechanism that includes attaching bolts, washer plates, or snap fit locks with push buttons.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart movable between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each of the pivoting arms are spread outwardly away from the main frame and remain substantially parallel with respect to the main frame, and, in the retracted position, the distal end of each of the pivoting arms are folded towards the main frame and remain substantially perpendicular with respect to the main frame.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart that includes a second pair of pivoting arms. The second pair of pivoting arms may define a proximal end configured to connect each of the second pair of pivoting arms with the main frame, and a distal end configured to engage the corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly. The conveyor carrier cart may include a second folding mechanism configured to pivotally connect the proximal end of each of the second pair of pivoting arms to the main frame. Each of the second pair of pivoting arms may pivot about the second folding mechanism between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each of the second pair of pivoting arms may engage the corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is movable along the conveyor assembly. In the retracted position, the distal end of each of the second pair of pivoting arms pivots about the second folding mechanism to disengage from the corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is removable from the conveyor assembly.
- Various aspects described herein relate to a conveyor carrier cart including a locking mechanism with a push button that is operated to selectively release the snap fit lock such that each of the second pair of pivoting arms are released to the retracted position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a conveyor carrier cart including a conductor plate comprising a plate section and a bracket section. In such an embodiment, the bracket section and the plate section may include a Y-shaped cross section.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a material handling system including a conveyor assembly. The conveyor assembly includes a conveyor bed to moveably support one or more conveyor carrier carts. The conveyor carrier carts may include one or more corresponding guide members. Each conveyor carrier cart may include a main body, a pair of pivoting arms, and a folding mechanism. The main frame defines a load carrying surface to support one or more objects disposed thereon. The pair of pivoting arms each include a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end pivotally connects each pivoting arm with the main body through the folding mechanism and the distal end connects with a guide member of a conveyor assembly. Each pivoting arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a retracted position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each pivoting arm is configured to engage the guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is movable along the conveyor assembly. In the retracted position, the distal end of each pivoting arm may pivot about the folding mechanism to disengage from the guide member of the conveyor assembly such that the conveyor carrier cart is removable from the conveyor assembly. By allowing each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart to pivot between the deployed position and the retracted position, replacement, repair, storage, and shipment of the conveyor carrier cart is greatly improved and shipping costs and storage space are reduced.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a material handling system including the carrier cart with one or more pivoting arms. The distal end of each pivoting arm includes one or more rotatable guide wheels located at the distal end of each pivoting arm.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a material handling system including the carrier cart with one or more pivoting arms. Each pivoting arm, when in the retracted position, is disposed adjacent a bottom surface of the main body, wherein the bottom surface is opposite the load carrying surface.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a material handling system including the carrier cart having a locking mechanism configured to secure each pivoting arm in the deployed position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system. The method includes providing a conveyor assembly having a conveyor bed movably supporting conveyor carrier carts with one or more corresponding guide members. The method further includes providing a conveyor carrier cart including a main body, a pair of pivoting arms and a folding mechanism. The main body defines a load carrying surface to support one or more objects disposed thereon. The pair of pivoting arms includes a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end pivotally connects each pivoting arm with the main body through the folding mechanism and the distal end connects with a guide member of a conveyor assembly. Each pivoting arm is configured to pivot between a deployed position and a retracted position. The method further includes pivoting each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart into the deployed position such that the conveyor carrier cart is movable along the conveyor assembly and pivoting each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart into a retracted position such that the conveyor carrier cart is removable from the conveyor assembly. By allowing each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart to pivot between the deployed position and the retracted position, replacement, repair storage and shipment of the conveyor carrier cart is greatly facilitated, simplifying the conveyor carrier cart repair and replacement, as well as reducing shipping costs and storage space.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system. The method includes engaging the distal end of each pivoting arm to a corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly when in the deployed position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system. The method includes disengaging the distal end of each pivoting arm from the corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly when in the retracted position.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system. The method includes providing one or more rotatable guide wheels at the distal end of each pivoting arm.
- Various aspects described herein also relate to a method for operating a material handling system. The method includes locking each pivoting arm in the deployed position with a locking mechanism.
- The above summary is provided merely for purposes of summarizing some example embodiments to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the invention. Accordingly, it will be appreciated that the above-described embodiments are merely examples and should not be construed to narrow the scope or spirit of the invention in any way. It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention encompasses many potential embodiments in addition to those here summarized, some of which will be further described below.
- The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, in which:
-
FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view of a material handling system including multiple conveyor carrier carts, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of a conveyor carrier cart ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the conveyor carrier cart pivoting between a deployed position and a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. -
FIG. 4 illustrates a perspective view of the conveyor carrier cart in a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. - The present disclosure relates to a material handling system that includes a conveyor assembly supporting one or more conveyor carrier carts. Each conveyor carrier cart may be configured to be removable from the conveyor assembly. Each conveyor carrier cart may be removable by retracting one or more pivoting arms of each conveyor carrier cart that engage with one or more guide members of the conveyor assembly. When retracting the one or more pivoting arms, the conveyor carrier cart may be transformed from a deployed position to a retracted position. The transformation may be accomplished via the pivotal movement of each pivoting arm with respect to a main body of the conveyor carrier cart. Further, each conveyor carrier cart may include a folding mechanism and a locking mechanism. The folding mechanism may be configured to pivotally connect the proximal end of each pivoting arm to the main body. Each pivoting arm may be configured to pivot about the folding mechanism between the deployed position and the retracted position. The locking mechanism may be configured to secure each pivoting arm in the deployed position.
- In some embodiments, when the conveyor carrier cart is removed from the conveyor assembly, the folding mechanism rotates each pivoting arm in an inward direction until each of the pivoting arms are located substantially parallel with respect to one another. For example, each pivoting arm undergoes a radial rotation from an initial position ‘x’ to a final position ‘y’. The initial position ‘x’ corresponding to the deployed position and the final position ‘y’ corresponding to the retracted position. Therefore, each of the pivoting arm traces a closed path in an inward direction defined by the initial position ‘x’ and the final position ‘y’. Each of the pivoting arms at the final position ‘y’ are substantially parallel with respect to one another.
- The folding mechanism may be operable to fold the pair of pivoting arms. In this regard, the folding mechanism is operable to fold each of the pivoting arms about a folding pivot axis in the closed path defined by x-y positions, below the main body (e.g., frame) of the conveyor carrier cart. Therefore, the conveyor carrier cart may be easily removed from the conveyor assembly without the need of additional tools or incurring additional cost and time during maintenance of the conveyor assembly.
- In the following detailed description, specific representative embodiments in which the disclosure may be practiced are described in sufficient detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the disclosed embodiments. For example, specific details such as specific method orders, structures, elements, and connections have been presented herein. However, it is to be understood that the specific details presented need not be utilized to practice embodiments of the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and that logical, architectural, programmatic, mechanical, electrical and other changes may be made without departing from the general scope of the disclosure. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense, and the scope of the present disclosure is defined by the appended claims and equivalents thereof.
- References within the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “embodiments”, or “one or more embodiments” are intended to indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. The appearance of such phrases in various places within the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Further, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various elements are described which may be present for some embodiments but not for other embodiments.
- It is understood that the use of specific component, device, and/or parameter names and/or corresponding acronyms thereof, are for example only and not meant to imply any limitations on the described embodiments. The embodiments may thus be described with different nomenclature and/or terminology utilized to describe the components, devices, parameters, methods and/or functions herein, without limitation. References to any specific protocol or proprietary name in describing one or more elements, features, or concepts of the embodiments are provided solely as examples of one implementation, and such references do not limit the extension of the claimed embodiments to embodiments in which a different element, feature, protocol, or concept name is utilized. Thus, each term utilized herein is to be given its broadest interpretation given the context in which that terms is utilized. By way of example, description herein is made with reference to conveyor systems in general; however, various elements of the present disclosure may also relate to sorter and/or loop sorter systems.
- With reference to
FIG. 1 , a perspective view of amaterial handling system 100, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure is illustrated. Thematerial handling system 100 may include a conveyor 102 (e.g., sorter, loop sorter, etc.). Theconveyor 102 may include a conveyor bed 104 (e.g., sorter track, sorter frame, or the like) and one or moreconveyor carrier carts 106. In some embodiments, thematerial handling system 100 includes aninduction station 108 positioned adjacent to theconveyor 102 at one end. Thematerial handling system 100 may further includedischarge chutes 110 positioned at an opposing end of theconveyor 102 downstream of theinduction station 108. - Examples of the
conveyor 102 may include, but are not limited to, a sortation conveyor. According to one or more other embodiments, theconveyor 102 may be any of a cross belt loop sorter, a tilt tray sorter, pusher type sorter, or the like. Theconveyor 102 is configured to transfer a load 112 (e.g., an object disposed thereon) from one location to another location. Theconveyor bed 104 may be adapted to movably support the one or more conveyor carrier carts, one of which is shown at 106, on which one ormore carriers 114 are supported. In an example embodiment, the one ormore carriers 114 are adapted to support the load 112 (e.g., articles, packages, cartons, objects, or the like). In an example embodiment, the one or more conveyor carrier carts may be installed on theconveyor bed 104 along a length of theconveyor 102. The one or more conveyor carrier carts may be endlessly conveyed on theconveyor bed 104 in a looping direction indicated byarrows 115. For example, the one or more conveyor carrier carts, carrying theload 112 inducted from theinduction station 108, may deliver theload 112 at thedischarge chutes 110, and, upon delivering theload 112, the one or more conveyor carrier carts may return to theinduction station 108 tracing a closed loop path in the looping direction indicated by thearrows 115. In this manner, the one or more conveyor carrier carts are endlessly conveyed on theconveyor bed 104 to receive theload 112 and deliver theload 112 toappropriate discharge chutes 110. The general structure of anexemplary carrier cart 106 from among the one or more conveyor carrier carts has been shown in the breakout view inFIG. 1 . The detailed construction of the exemplary carrier cart (e.g.,carrier cart 106 as shown inFIG. 1 ) will be further described in conjunction withFIG. 2 . -
FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of aconveyor carrier cart 106 ofFIG. 1 , in accordance with an example embodiment of the present disclosure. Theconveyor carrier cart 106 includes amain frame 202, a pair of pivotingarms 204, a conductor plate 206, afolding mechanism 208, and alocking mechanism 209. - The
main frame 202 defines a load carrying surface configured to support one or more objects disposed thereon. Themain frame 202 may include afirst surface 210, asecond surface 212, a third surface 214 (not shown), and a fourth surface 216 (not shown). Thesecond surface 212 and thethird surface 214 may be lateral with respect to thefirst surface 210. Further, thefourth surface 216 may be located substantially perpendicular with respect to thesecond surface 212 and thethird surface 214. Still further, thefourth surface 216 may be parallel to thefirst surface 210. Thefirst surface 210 may form a top surface of theconveyor carrier cart 106, and thefourth surface 216 may form a bottom surface of theconveyor carrier cart 106, where the bottom surface is opposite the load carrying surface (e.g., the first surface 210). Thesecond surface 212 and the third surface 214 (not shown) may form a left and a right-side surfaces of theconveyor carrier cart 106, respectively, and when viewed from the front of theconveyor carrier cart 106. In some embodiments, the left and the right-side surfaces of theconveyor carrier cart 106 may be mirror images of one another (e.g., mirrored about the main frame 202). Thesecond surface 212 and the third surface 214 (not shown) may further include a T-shapedrecess 202 a extending along the length of thesecond surface 212 and the third surface 214 (not shown) of themain frame 202. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , the conductor plate 206 may include aplate section 206 a and abracket section 206 b. Thebracket section 206 b and theplate section 206 a may, for example, be dimensioned (e.g., sized and shaped) to have a Y-shaped cross section. Thebracket section 206 b may form an upper section of the conductor plate 206. In some embodiments, thebracket section 206 b may, for example, define a V-shaped cross-section extending the length of thefourth surface 216 of themain frame 202. Theplate section 206 a forming the bottom part of the conductor plate 206 may include, for example, a downwardly extending rigid plate section of T or I-beam shape that extends the length of thebracket section 206 b. - According to an example embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2 , thefolding mechanism 208 and thelocking mechanism 209 that facilitates transformation of theconveyor carrier cart 106 may be partially installed on themain frame 202 and partially installed on each of the pivotingarms 204. For example, thefolding mechanism 208 may include apivot pin 208 a, a set ofapertures hinge block 208 d. Thepivot pin 208 a and thehinge block 208 d may be installed at opposite ends of thefourth surface 216 of themain frame 202 proximal to thebracket section 206 b of the conductor plate 206. The set ofapertures arms 204 and thehinge block 208 d, respectively. The set ofapertures pivot pin 208 a and thehinge block 208 d facilitate pivotal movement of each of the pivotingarms 204 between a deployed position and a retracted position. For example, in the deployed position, distal end of each of the pivotingarms 204 are spread outwardly away from themain frame 202 and remain substantially parallel with the main frame. In the retracted position, the distal end of each of the pivotingarms 204 are folded towards themain frame 202 and remain substantially perpendicular with respect to themain frame 202. In an example embodiment, the deployed position corresponds to a position at which theconveyor carrier cart 106 is installed on theconveyor bed 104 and the retracted position corresponds to a position at which theconveyor carrier cart 106 is fully removed from the conveyor bed 104 (e.g., has no contact with the conveyor bed 104). For example, in the retracted position, each pivotingarm 204 may be disposed adjacent abottom surface 216 of themain frame 202. In this way, components such as thepivot pin 208 a, the set ofapertures hinge block 208 d together form thefolding mechanism 208 that is partially installed on themain frame 202 and partially installed on each of the pivotingarms 204 so as to transform theconveyor carrier cart 106 between the deployed position and the retracted position. - According to an example embodiment, as shown in
FIG. 2 , thelocking mechanism 209 that facilitates transformation of theconveyor carrier cart 106 to the deployed position may be partially installed on themain frame 202 and partially installed on each of the pivotingarms 204. For example, thelocking mechanism 209 may include attachingbolts 209 a, a set ofapertures washer plates 209 d. The set ofapertures second surface 212 and the third surface 214 (not shown) respectively. The set ofapertures pivot pin 208 a and thehinge block 208 d of thefolding mechanism 208. For example, the set ofapertures hinge block 208 d on thesecond surface 212 and thethird surface 214. On the other hand, the attachingbolts 209 a and thewasher plates 209 d are provided on each of the pivotingarms 204. The set ofapertures bolts 209 a and thewasher plates 209 d may facilitate locking of each of the pivotingarms 204 in the deployed position. As described above, the deployed position corresponds to a position at which theconveyor carrier cart 106 is installed on theconveyor bed 104 with each of the pivotingarms 204 spread outwardly away from themain frame 202 and engaged with thelocking mechanism 209 to lock each of the pivotingarms 204 in the deployed position. Therefore, components such as the attachingbolts 209 a, the set ofapertures washer plates 209 d together form thelocking mechanism 209 that is partially installed on themain frame 202 and partially installed on each of the pivotingarms 204 to transform theconveyor carrier cart 106 and lock it in the deployed position. - With continued reference to
FIG. 2 , thehinge block 208 d may be positioned on the fourth surface 216 (not shown) of themain frame 202. Thehinge block 208 d may include a protrudingportion 208 e that may extend outwardly from thefourth surface 216 of themain frame 202 and perpendicular to the conductor plate 206. For example, the protrudingportion 208 e may be partially attached to thefourth surface 216 of themain frame 202 and partially extend out of thefourth surface 216 in a direction away from thefourth surface 216. The protrudingportion 208 e of thehinge block 208 d may include a first set ofapertures 208 b. The first set ofapertures 208 b may be provided on an outer face 208 f and aninner face 208 g of the protrudingportion 208 e. The outer face 208 f of thehinge block 208 d may be a portion of thehinge block 208 d receiving ahead portion 220 of thepivot pin 208 b. Theinner face 208 g of thehinge block 208 d may be a portion of thehinge block 208 d receiving atail portion 222 of thepivot pin 208 a. According to an example embodiment, thetail portion 222 of thepivot pin 208 a may be threaded to facilitate a threaded engagement of thepivot pin 208 a on theinner face 208 g of thehinge block 208 d. Further, thehinge block 208 d may include agap 208 h positioned in between the outer face 208 f andinner face 208 g of the protrudingportions 208 d of thehinge block 208 c. In the example embodiment, thepivot pin 208 b may be rotatably received within the first set ofapertures 208 b. Thepivot pin 208 a may be inserted through the first set ofapertures 208 b. For example, thepivot pin 208 a may pass through the outer face 208 f and may extend beyond the outer face 208 f and engage with theinner face 208 g through the first set ofapertures 208 b. In some embodiments, thepivot pin 208 b extends along the length of thegap 208 h provided between the outer face 208 f and theinner face 208 g. - Referring to
FIG. 2 , thelocking mechanism 209 may include attachingbolts 209 a, second set ofapertures 209 b, andwasher plates 209 d. In such an example embodiment, the second set ofapertures 209 b may be provided in the T-shapedrecess 202 a extending along the length of thesecond surface 212 and thethird surface 214 of themain frame 202. The second set ofapertures 209 b may receive the attachingbolts 209 a. For example, the second set ofapertures 209 b may be threaded apertures that hold a threaded tail portion of the attachingbolts 209 c in a threaded engagement. - Each of the pivoting
arms 204 may be coupled to thesecond surface 212 and thethird surface 214, respectively, via thelocking mechanism 209 and thefourth surface 216 of themain frame 202 via thefolding mechanism 208. As illustrated inFIG. 2 , each of the pivotingarms 204 may include afirst end 205 and asecond end 207. Thefirst end 205 of each of the pivotingarms 204 is detachably coupled to thefourth surface 216 of themain frame 202 by means ofpivot pin 208 a as described below. Thefirst end 205 of each of the pivotingarms 204 is detachably coupled to thesecond surface 212 and thethird surface 214, respectively, by means of attachingblots 209 a andwasher plates 208 d as described below. Thefirst end 205 may be a proximal end of each of the pivoting arms and thesecond end 207 may be a distal end of each of the pivoting arms. For example, the proximal end may be configured to connect pivotingarms 204 with themain fame 202 and the distal end is configured to engage a corresponding guide member of the conveyor assembly. - Further, the
first end 205 of each of the pivotingarms 204 may include a pair oftop edge portions 205 a, acentral portion 205 b, and a pair ofbottom edge portions 205 c. Each of thebottom edge portions 205 c of each of the pivotingarms 204 may include a third set ofapertures 208 c. Each of thebottom edge portions 205 c may be coupled to thefourth surface 214 of themain frame 202 via the third set ofapertures 208 c and thepivot pin 208 b. For example, the third set ofapertures 208 c provided on each of thebottom edge portion 205 c may be inserted into thegap 208 h provided in thehinge block 208 c to attached (e.g., engage, secure, etc.) each of the pivotingarms 204 to themain frame 202. After thebottom edge portion 205 c is inserted into thegap 208 h, the third set ofapertures 208 c may receive thepivot pin 208 b. Thus, thebottom edge portions 205 c of each of the pair of pivotingarms 204 is coupled to themain frame 202 using thepivot pin 208 a, hinge block 208 d, and the third set ofapertures 208 c to allow radial rotation of each of the pivotingarms 204 with respect to themain frame 202. - The pair of
top edge portions 205 a and thecentral portion 205 b of each of the pivotingarms 204 may be coupled to thesecond surface 212 and thethird surface 214 of themain frame 202, respectively. Thecentral portion 205 b may include a fourth set ofapertures 209 c configured to receive the attachingbolts 209 a and thewasher plates 209 d. For example, thecentral portion 205 b andtop edge portion 205 a of each of the pivotingarms 204 may be coupled to themain frame 202 using the attachingbolts 209 a inserted through corresponding holes provided in thewasher plates 209 d. Thus, the pair oftop edge portions 205 a and thecentral portion 205 b are coupled to themain frame 202 using attachingbolts 209 c and thewasher plates 209 d to allow locking of each of the pivotingarms 204 with respect to themain frame 202. - In some embodiments, the
second end 207 may correspond to the distal end of each of the pivotingarms 204 and may be pivotally connected towheel support arms 224 that in turn rotatably support one or morerotatable guide wheels 226. The one or morerotatable guide wheels 226 facilitate the movement of theconveyor carrier cart 106 along the corresponding guide members, for example, guide rails 301 (as shown inFIG. 3 ) provided on the conveyor bed 104 (as shown inFIG. 1 ). - The
folding mechanism 208 that includes thepivot pin 208 a, hinge block 208 d, and the set ofapertures arms 204. Thelocking mechanism 209 that includes the attachingbolts 209 a withwasher plate 209 d, the fourth set ofapertures 209 c, and therecess 202 a, including the second set ofapertures 209 b, facilitates locking of the pivotal movement of the pair of pivotingarms 204. Thefolding mechanism 208 is configured to pivotally connect the proximal end of each pivotingarm 204 to themain frame 202 and is configured to pivot each of the pivotingarms 204 between a deployed position and a retracted position. For example, in the retracted position, the distal end of each pivotingarm 204 may pivot about thefolding mechanism 208 to disengage from the corresponding guide members of the conveyor assembly such that theconveyor carrier cart 106 is removable from the conveyor assembly. Thelocking mechanism 209 may be configured to secure each of the pivotingarms 204 in the deployed position. In the deployed position, the distal end of each pivotingarm 204 is configured to engage the corresponding guide members of the conveyor assembly such that theconveyor carrier cart 106 is movable along the conveyor assembly. - In an example embodiment, at any time when the
carrier cart 106 is to be removed from the conveyor bed 104 (as shown inFIG. 1 ), the attachingbolts 209 c oflocking mechanism 209 may be removed to permit each of the pivotingarms 204 to be pivoted downwardly and inwardly about thepivot pin 208 a in the direction ofarrows 228 defining the folding pivot axis. Thepivot pin 208 a rotates each pivotingarm 204 in an inward direction until each of the pivotingarms 204 are located substantially parallel with respect to one another. For example, each pivotingarm 204 undergoes a radial rotation from an initial position ‘x’ to a final position ‘y’. The initial position ‘x’ corresponds to the deployed position and the final position ‘y’ corresponds to the retracted position. Therefore, each of the pivotingarms 204 traces a closed path in an inward direction defined by the initial position ‘x’ and the final position ‘y’. In this regard, thepivot pin 208 a is operable to fold each of the pivotingarms 204 about the folding pivot axis in the closed loop path defined by the x-y positions below themain frame 202 of theconveyor carrier cart 106. - In an example embodiment, when the
conveyor carrier cart 106 is placed on theconveyor bed 104, each of the pivotingarms 204 are raised in the direction ofarrows 228 defining the folding pivot axis away from themain frame 202 to a deployed position and theconveyor carrier cart 106 is positioned such that the one or more rotatable guide wheels 218 fit within the associatedguide rails 301 onconveyor bed 104, as shown in the partially deployed configuration inFIG. 3 . According to an example embodiment, in an instance in which each of the pivotingarms 204 are raised in the direction ofarrows 228 to the deployed position, (e.g., tracing the closed path from the ‘y’ position to the ‘x’ position), the attachingbolts 209 c oflocking mechanism 209 are re-inserted such that each of the pivotingarms 204 may be locked in the deployed position. - According to another example embodiment, in an instance in which the
conveyor carrier cart 106 is pressed downwardly (e.g., receives a force substantially perpendicular with respect to the load carrying surface) or settles downwardly under its own weight (e.g., a resting position), thelocking mechanism 209 provided on each of the pivotingarms 204 may move into alignment with one or more apertures provided on the T-shapedrecess 202 a such that the attaching bolts by 209 c can be threadedly inserted throughwasher plate 209 d and then into the corresponding apertures. The attachingbolts 209 c may then be tightened to lock each of the pivotingarms 204 into their deployed positions. -
FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of the conveyor carrier cart pivoting between a deployed position and a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Theconveyor carrier cart 106 may include alocking mechanism 209, such as a snapfit lock 309 and a push button. The snapfit lock 309 may include an elongatedmale member 309 b having a generally circular cross section attached to an inner surface of each of trussed struts forming pivotingarms 204 by a short elongated offset strip. The elongatedmale member 309 b may be formed on each of the pivotingarms 204 or as a separate part attached to each of the pivotingarm 204. The snapfit lock 309 may also include a pair of generally parallel elongatedfemale locking members 309 c attached on the ends of thesecond surface 212 and thethird surface 214 of themain frame 202 nearest to thefolding mechanism 208. Each of thefemale locking members 309 c may define an inner surface configured such that when these members are in the closed, abutting position they form an elongated slot having a profile of the elongatedmale member 309 b. Thefemale locking members 309 c may be urged toward each other by springs or other biasing means or may be formed in whole or in part of an elastomeric-type material. - Accordingly, when each of the pivoting
arms 204 are in the folded position or retracted position, maleelongated members 309 b are disengaged from the elongated slot formed between female lockingmembers 309 c. However, when the pivotingarms 204 are lowered to the deployed position, themale members 309 b are forced into the slot formed between thefemale locking members 309 c that separate to allow entry of the elongatedmale members 309 b. Once each of the elongatedmale members 309 b is fully engaged with the cooperating slot, the biasing force urging the female locking members together is sufficient to lock the elongatedmale members 309 b in place through a snap fit and prevent the elongatedmale members 309 b from becoming disengaged from thefemale locking members 309 c. In this way, each of the pivotingarms 204 may be securely locked in their deployed position. - In some embodiments, the
conveyor carrier cart 106 may include more than one pair of pivotingarms 204. By way of example, in some embodiments, eachconveyor carrier cart 106 on theconveyor bed 104 may include two pairs of pivotingarms 204 attached to themain frame 202 of theconveyor carrier cart 106. According to an embodiment, two pairs of pivotingarms 204 may also be attached on themain frame 202conveyor carrier cart 106. According to an embodiment, a first pair of pivotingarms 204 and a second pair of pivoting arms (not shown) may include pivot pins 208 a that form thefolding mechanism 208 for each of the first pivotingarms 204 and the second pivoting arms (not shown). Further, the first pair of pivotingarms 204 may include snapfit lock 309 that forms thelocking mechanism 209 and the second pair of pivoting arms (not shown) may includeattachment bolts 209 a andwasher plates 209 d that form thelocking mechanism 209. In this regard, the first pair of pivotingarms 204 may operate using the snapfit lock 309 and the second pair of pivoting arms (not shown) may operate using theattachment bolts 209 a andwasher plates 209 d. - With reference to
FIG. 4 , a perspective view of the conveyor carrier cart in a retracted position, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, is illustrated. Theconveyor carrier cart 106 is provided with a push button (as shown inFIG. 3 ). To facilitate release of each of the pivotingarms 204 to their retracted positions, the push button may be operated to selectively release the snapfit lock 309. The push button may, for example, be any type of conventional spring-loaded push button or the like, that when depressed, rotated, or otherwise actuated will enable elongatedmale member 309 b to withdraw or to be forced from between female lockingmembers 309 c, thereby permitting each of the pivotingarms 204 to pivot downwardly to a folded position. In one embodiment, by way example, this may be accomplished by spreadingfemale locking members 309 c apart a sufficient distance to permit elongatedmale member 309 b to move out from entrapment between thefemale locking members 309 c and pivot into the folded position. The snapfit lock 309 may, in some embodiments, further include aretention screw 309 a that operates to secure thefemale locking member 309 c. - As described above, conventional conveyor systems utilize rigid load supporting arms that are often fixedly connected on top of a conveyor frame. Accordingly, when these conventional carts support a load (e.g., items, packages, etc.), the weight of the load is often concentrated to a greater extent on the rigid support arms than any main body of the carrier cart. In this regard, when a towing force is applied to these conventional carts, the towing force is exerted to a greater extent on the rigid support arms such that these rigid elements support the majority of the weight of the load. In this way, the rigid support arms are susceptible to damage and increased the wear and tear resulting in frequent maintenance.
- As illustrated by the description of the
conveyor carrier carts 106 presented herein, when theconveyor carrier cart 106 is in the deployed position (e.g., in operation on the conveyor bed 104), theconveyor carrier cart 106 may be configured such that the strength requirement of each of the pivotingarms 204 in the vertical direction is maintained. Said differently, each of the pivotingarms 204 may be positioned on a bottom surface of themain frame 202 of theconveyor carrier cart 106 both in the deployed position and the retracted position. In this way, the weight of the load received by thecarrier cart 106 as claimed may be concentrated to a greater extent on themain frame 202 as opposed to the pivotingarms 204. In the deployed position, the pivotingarms 204 are positioned under the main frame, such that the top surface of themain frame 202 is exposed to the load and the force (e.g., weight) of the load is concentrated on the top surface of the main frame 202 (e.g., a minimal impact on the pivotingarms 204 positioned below the main frame 202). Additionally, in an instance in which a tow force is exerted on theconveyor carrier cart 106 for movement along theconveyor bed 104, the force is transmitted directly through themain frame 202 of theconveyor carrier cart 106, and therefore, the force has a minimal impact on the pivoting arms 204 (e.g., given that the pivotingarms 204 are hinged from the bottom of the conveyor carrier cart 106). Accordingly, themain frame 202 of theconveyor carrier cart 106 acts as a keystone to carry the load more efficiently than conventional systems. - Furthermore, the pivoting arms of the present application as described above provide mechanisms for folding and unfolding of each of the pivoting arms and for automatically locking each of the pivoting arms in their deployed position such that the need of additional tools that might otherwise be required for installing and removing the conveyor carrier carts from a conveyor bed are unnecessary. Furthermore, by allowing each pivoting arm of the conveyor carrier cart to pivot between the deployed position and the retracted position, replacement, repair, storage, and shipment of the conveyor carrier cart is greatly improved and shipping costs and storage space are reduced.
- While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope of the disclosure. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular system, device or component thereof to the teachings of the disclosure without departing from the essential scope thereof. For example, the construction of the folding mechanism may be reversed or otherwise modified, so that the pivoting arms pivot upwardly from the deployed operational position. Therefore, it is intended that the disclosure not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed for carrying out this disclosure, but that the disclosure will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.
- In addition, it should be understood that the figures, which highlight the structure, methodology, functionality and advantages of the present disclosure, are presented as examples only. The present disclosure is sufficiently flexible and configurable, such that it may be implemented in ways other than that shown in the accompanying figures.
- Plural instances may be provided for components, operations or structures described herein as a single instance. In general, structures and functionality presented as separate components in the exemplary configurations may be implemented as a combined structure or component. Similarly, structures and functionality presented as a single component may be implemented as separate components. These and other variations, modifications, additions, and improvements are equally contemplated by the present disclosure.
Claims (22)
Priority Applications (4)
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US15/963,666 US10450142B1 (en) | 2018-04-26 | 2018-04-26 | Conveyor carrier cart |
CN201910259491.4A CN110406916B (en) | 2018-04-26 | 2019-04-01 | Carrier vehicle of conveyor |
DE102019109958.7A DE102019109958B4 (en) | 2018-04-26 | 2019-04-15 | CONVEYOR CARRIER |
GB1905774.4A GB2575150B (en) | 2018-04-26 | 2019-04-25 | Conveyor carrier cart |
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US15/963,666 US10450142B1 (en) | 2018-04-26 | 2018-04-26 | Conveyor carrier cart |
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US20190329986A1 true US20190329986A1 (en) | 2019-10-31 |
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US10994941B1 (en) * | 2019-10-17 | 2021-05-04 | Amazon Technologies, Inc. | Removable conveyor cartridge assemblies for mobile carrier units |
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CA989884A (en) * | 1972-04-10 | 1976-05-25 | Richard L. Speaker | Conveying apparatus including tilting support structures |
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DE19845527A1 (en) * | 1998-10-02 | 2000-04-06 | Beumer Maschf Bernhard | Link conveyor (sorter) for sorting piece goods |
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EP1796991B1 (en) * | 2004-10-07 | 2010-08-04 | Pteris Global Limited | Conveyor system |
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DE102009009044A1 (en) * | 2009-02-16 | 2010-08-26 | Beumer Gmbh & Co. Kg | sorting conveyor |
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DE202011106265U1 (en) | 2011-10-04 | 2011-12-23 | Beumer Gmbh & Co. Kg | conveyor |
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JP6094331B2 (en) * | 2013-03-29 | 2017-03-15 | 株式会社ダイフク | Goods transport equipment |
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CN110406916A (en) | 2019-11-05 |
GB2575150B (en) | 2020-09-16 |
DE102019109958B4 (en) | 2023-12-28 |
CN110406916B (en) | 2021-06-25 |
DE102019109958A1 (en) | 2019-10-31 |
GB2575150A (en) | 2020-01-01 |
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