Abstract:
An improved conveyor chain formed from a plurality of modular links arranged in rows and each associated with at least two elongated transverse connectors is disclosed. In one embodiment, the connectors together create a substantially open, planar support surface intermediate of the links in each row. Each link in a first row includes apertures for receiving a first of the connectors extending through a slot in the links of an adjacent row, as well as a receiver having a closed end and an open end for receiving one end of a second one of the connectors. The chain with the connectors associated with each row is thus capable of side-flexing to negotiate curves or bends, as well as longitudinal compression/expansion, while at all times providing full and even article support.
Abstract:
A unitary modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. The link section includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector maybe provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure.
Abstract:
A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.
Abstract:
A modular conveyor system having an improved side flexing conveyor belt and improved active guide rail is provided. One or more roller assemblies replace the passive inside or outside guide rails in a curved section of the conveyor system for reducing the drag force on the conveyor belt as it negotiates the curve. Pairs of articulated members interconnect roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted. The improved side flexing conveyor belt includes side links having a curved skirt which bridges the gap between the side links, thereby providing a continuous bearing surface for smooth operation. The skirts of adjacent links engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent the tendency to sag, as well as assisting the conveyor belt in ramping up and down and the retention of the conveyor belt along a return run.
Abstract:
An external guide assembly for reducing the frictional drag force acting on a side-flexing modular link conveyor belt, particularly along curves or bends in the conveyor system. The guide assembly is formed from one or more roller assemblies, each having first and second rollers that provide external bearing surfaces for the forward and return runs of the belt. The rollers prevent the belt from drifting to the inside of the curve, and thus serve to reduce the frictional drag force between the belt and the guide rail on the outside of the curve. To form the guide assembly, pairs of articulated members interconnect the roller assemblies and allow the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted for mounting along any curve. The rollers may optionally include a peripheral lip which provides additional support for the guide links of the belt.
Abstract:
A conveyor system is provided including a modular link conveyor belt forming an endless loop and requiring no inverted return run. The conveyor belt is comprised of a plurality of modular links with at least one of the modular links having an angled cleat depending downwardly therefrom. A screw driving means is provided for engaging the angled cleat(s). Specifically, the screw driving means includes a screw having a thread wherein the thread advantageously engages the angled cleat(s) for providing a positive driving force to the conveyor belt.
Abstract:
A product retaining/support frame assembly is provided for a conveyor system utilizing a conveyor belt formed from a plurality of modular links mounted by a plurality of transverse cross rods that retain the links together. The modular links include side link portions that are adapted to engage conveyor guide rails integral with the support frame assembly. The frame assembly further includes side rails attached to side rail brackets. These are provided adjacent the peripheral edges of the conveyor belt to maintain the transported product on the conveyor belt. The side rail brackets include a horizontally extending leg passing through a cross bar that supports the attached guide rails. The bore of the cross bar has grooved side surfaces to mate with ridged surfaces included on the horizontal leg of the side rail brackets. Support brackets provided at strategic positions assist in supporting the weight of the entire conveyor system.
Abstract:
A conveyor system utilizing a plurality of modular links mounted by a plurality of transverse cross rods that retain the links together, forming the conveyor belt. The modular links include a plurality of apex portions, a plurality of leg portions extending therefrom and a plurality of foot portions. The apex portions include an elongated slot receiving the cross rod to allow longitudinal freedom of movement to the conveyor belt. The modular links further include side link portions that are adapted to engage conveyor guide rails integral with a support frame. Each side link portion is formed by including a depending arm having a transversely extending tab. A locking tab including resilient prongs is placed within a corresponding slot in each side link to retain the cross rod. Side rails attached to side rail brackets are provided adjacent the peripheral edges of the conveyor belt to maintain the transported product on the conveyor belt. The side rail brackets include a horizontally extending leg passing through a cross bar that supports the attached guide rails. The bore of the cross bar has grooved side surfaces to mate with ridged surfaces included on the horizontal leg of the side rail bracket. Support brackets provided at strategic positions assist in supporting the weight of the entire conveyor system. The combination of the shape of the modular links and the longitudinal freedom of movement of the conveyor allows substantially unrestricted motion through curves and bends.
Abstract:
A modular link or link section for use in forming a rodless conveyor belt or a section thereof is provided. In one embodiment, the link section is unitary and includes a plurality of laterally-repeating link-shaped portions, each including an apex portion and a pair of leg portions. Each apex portion includes a receiver for receiving an integral first connector extending between the leg portions of a next-adjacent link or link section, preferably in snap-fit engagement, such that relative pivoting movement is established. A second integral connector may be provided between the leg portion of each adjacent apex portion to create an engagement surface for a tooth of a drive or idler sprocket. The underside surface of each link section may also be specially contoured or curved to facilitate smooth passage over a guide structure, such as a small diameter, cylindrical nosebar or the like.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat maybe mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.