Reduced friction roller support for modular link conveyor chain

• US 20060175181A1
• Filed: 02/06/2006
• Published: 08/10/2006
• Est. Priority Date: 02/04/2005
• Status: Abandoned Application

• Current Assignee: Span Tech LLC
• Original Assignee: Span Tech LLC
• Inventors: Layne, James L., McDaniel, Michael D.
• Application Number:
  US11/347,864
• Publication Number:
  US 20060175181A1
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 198/841
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 17/086 specially adapted to follow a curved path for individual load carriers B65G17/22
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 17/48 Controlling attitudes of load-carriers during movement B65G17/18 takes precedence; guides B65G21/20; inverting or tilting load carriers to discharge contents B65G47/38
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 21/22 Rails or the like engaging sliding elements or rollers attached to load-carriers or traction elements
• CPC Class Codes: B65G 2201/02 Articles

Abstract

A conveyor system moves one or more articles in at least a conveying direction along an endless path having a forward run and a return run. The system includes an endless chain having lateral side edges spaced apart in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, and at least one link having a surface intermediate of the side edges. A chain support positioned between the side edges includes an axle extending in the transverse direction for rotatably supporting a roller for engaging the surface of the link. The roller provides enhanced, low friction support for the chain intermediate of the side edges.

Claims

1. A conveyor system intended for use in moving one or more articles in at least a conveying direction along an endless path having a forward run and a return run, comprising:

an endless chain having lateral side edges spaced apart in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and including at least one link having a surface intermediate of the side edges; and

a chain support positioned between the side edges and including an axle extending in the transverse direction for rotatably supporting a roller for engaging the surface of the link;

whereby the roller provides enhanced, low friction support for the chain intermediate of the side edges.

2. The conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the chain support comprises a rail extending in the conveying direction and a plurality of spaced apart axles, each carrying a roller for engaging the surface of the link as the chain moves in the conveying direction.

3. The conveyor system according to claim 2, wherein each axle comprises a stub shaft projecting outwardly from the rail and includes a retainer at one end for retaining the associated roller.

4. The conveyor system according to claim 2, wherein the axles are spaced apart a distance in the conveying direction less than twice the diameter of the associated roller.

5. The conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the link for engaging the roller is opposite a conveying surface of the chain.

6. The conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the link for engaging the roller is the conveying surface and the support is positioned along the return run.

7. The conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the chain includes side guide links for engaging corresponding side guide rails extending in the conveying direction and spaced apart in the transverse direction.

8. The conveyor system according to claim 7, wherein the side guide rails carry the chain support.

9. The conveyor system according to claim 7, wherein each side guide link includes a transverse tab for engaging a corresponding one of the side guide rails.

10. The conveyor system according to claim 7, wherein each side guide rail includes at least one roller for providing low friction support along the side edge of the chain.

11. A conveyor system intended for use in moving one or more articles in at least a conveying direction along an endless path having a forward run and a return run, comprising:

an endless chain having lateral side edges formed by rows of modular links, including side and intermediate links, interconnected by a connector extending in a direction transverse to the conveying direction; and

a chain support including an axle extending in the transverse direction for rotatably supporting a roller for engaging a surface of at least one intermediate link as the chain traverses the endless path;

whereby the roller provides enhanced, low friction support for the chain intermediate of the side edges to help prevent sagging.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the surface of the at least one intermediate link is opposite a conveying surface.

13. The system of claim 11, wherein the surface of the at least one intermediate link is the conveying surface along the return run.

14. The system of claim 11, wherein the support comprises a guide rail extending in the conveying direction.

15. The system of claim 14, wherein the guide rail carries a plurality of closely spaced rollers to provide low friction support for the chain by engaging the surface of the intermediate links as the chain traverses the endless path.

16. The conveyor system according to claim 11, wherein the chain includes side guide links for engaging corresponding side guide rails extending in the conveying direction and spaced apart in the transverse direction.

17. The conveyor system according to claim 16, wherein the side guide rails carry the chain support.

18. The conveyor system according to claim 16, wherein each side guide link includes a depending arm and an inwardly extending transverse tab.

19. The conveyor system according to claim 16, wherein each side guide rail includes at least one roller for providing low friction support along the side edge of the chain.

20. A support arrangement for a modular conveyor chain moving in a conveying direction and including at least one link, comprising:

a longitudinally extending rail including a plurality of rollers spaced in the conveying direction for engaging the chain and providing direct, low-friction support,

wherein a space between the rollers in the conveying direction is less than a dimension of the link in the conveying direction.

21. A support arrangement for a modular conveyor chain moving in a conveying direction and including at least one link, comprising:

a longitudinally extending rail including a plurality of rollers spaced in the conveying direction for engaging the chain and providing direct, low-friction support,

wherein the plurality of rollers simultaneously contact the at least one link.

22. A support arrangement for a modular conveyor chain, comprising:

a support frame including first and second spaced apart side members for at least supporting the chain; and

an intermediate rail positioned between the spaced rails, said rail supporting at least one axle carrying at least one roller for engaging the chain.

23. The support arrangement of claim 22, wherein the intermediate support rail carries a plurality of axles spaced apart in the conveying direction, each carrying a roller for engaging the chain.

24. The support arrangement of claim 22, wherein the side members include wear strips for engaging the conveyor chain.

25. The support arrangement of claim 22, wherein the side members include rollers for engaging the conveyor chain.

26. The support arrangement of claim 22, wherein each axle is a stub axle and includes a retainer for retaining the corresponding roller.

27. The support arrangement of claim 22, wherein the intermediate support rail is carried by the side members.

30. A method of moving articles, comprising conveying the articles using the conveyor system of claim 22.

28. A method of manufacturing a support arrangement for a modular conveyor chain having side edges, comprising:

positioning a longitudinally extending rail between the side edges of the chain, the rail including an axle supporting at least one roller for engaging the chain.

29. A method of manufacturing a conveyor system, comprising:

forming an endless conveyor chain of a plurality of modular links, including by passing a transverse connector through the links to form a row; and

supporting the endless chain, including with a longitudinally extending rail positioned between the side edges of the chain and having an axle supporting a roller for engaging the chain.