U.S. patent application number 09/355017 was filed with the patent office on 2001-05-31 for load-carrying connecting bar assembly for a conveyor.
Invention is credited to BAKER, JAMES D..
Application Number | 20010001999 09/355017 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 21882501 |
Filed Date | 2001-05-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20010001999 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
BAKER, JAMES D. |
May 31, 2001 |
LOAD-CARRYING CONNECTING BAR ASSEMBLY FOR A CONVEYOR
Abstract
A conveyor (12) is provided that includes a power mechanism
housing (18), a power mechanism (16), a linkage (27), and a
connecting bar (10). The power mechanism housing is formed to
include a power slot (26). The power mechanism is positioned to lie
in the power mechanism housing. The linkage includes a first end
coupled to the power mechanism and a second end spaced apart from
the first end. One of the linkage and power mechanism is positioned
to extend through the power slot. The connecting bar is coupled to
the second end of the linkage and configured to support a product
at a position wherein the power mechanism is positioned to lie
between the power slot formed in the power mechanism housing and
the product.
Inventors: |
BAKER, JAMES D.;
(MARTINSVILLE, IN) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BOSE MCKINNEY & EVANS LLP
135 N PENNSYLVANIA ST
SUITE 2700
INDIANAPOLIS
IN
46204
US
|
Family ID: |
21882501 |
Appl. No.: |
09/355017 |
Filed: |
September 17, 1999 |
PCT Filed: |
January 23, 1998 |
PCT NO: |
PCT/US98/01345 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
198/465.1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 17/32 20130101;
B61B 10/00 20130101; B65G 2201/02 20130101; B65G 17/20
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
198/465.1 |
International
Class: |
B65G 017/12 |
Claims
1. A conveyor comprising a power mechanism housing formed to
include a power slot, a power mechanism positioned to lie in the
power mechanism housing, a linkage having a first end coupled to
the power mechanism and a second end spaced apart from the first
end, one of the linkage and power mechanism being positioned to
extend through the power slot, and a connecting bar coupled to the
second end of the linkage and configured to support a product at a
position wherein the power mechanism is positioned to lie between
the power slot formed in the power mechanism housing and the
product.
2. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the conveyor further includes a
second linkage and the connecting bar includes a first arm having a
first end coupled to the linkage and a second end spaced-apart from
the first end, a second arm coupled to the second linkage, and a
third arm having a first end coupled to the first and second arms
and a second end spaced apart from the first end.
3. The conveyor of claim 2, wherein the connecting bar further
includes a first coupler positioned to lie between the first arm
and second arm and a second coupler positioned to lie between the
third arm and second arm to permit the first, second, and third
arms to move relative to each other.
4. The conveyor of claim 3, wherein the first coupler permits the
third arm to rotate relative to the first arm about a single axis
of rotation.
5. The conveyor of claim 3, wherein the first coupler permits the
third arm to rotate relative to the first arm about a multiple axes
of rotation.
6. The conveyor of claim 3, wherein the connecting bar further
includes a tie rod connected to and extending between the first and
second arms, the tie rod including a first member coupled to the
first arm, a second member coupled to the second arm, and a third
member pivotably coupled to the first and second arms.
7. The conveyor of claim 6, wherein the third arm is pivotable
relative to the first arm about a single axis.
8. The conveyor of claim 6, wherein the third arm is pivotable
relative to the first arm about multiple axes.
9. The conveyor of claim 1, wherein the connecting bar includes an
arm coupled to the second end of the linkage and a stabilizing
mechanism coupled to the arm.
10. The conveyor of claim 9, wherein the conveyor includes a
load-stabilizing plate positioned to extend parallel to the power
mechanism and the stabilizing mechanism includes a slide assembly
configured to engage and slide along the load-stabilizing
plate.
11. A connecting bar assembly for use with a conveyor, the
connecting bar assembly comprising a first arm coupled to the
conveyor, a second arm spaced apart from the first arm and coupled
to the conveyor, a third arm coupled to the first and second arms
and configured to support a product conveyed by the conveyor, and
first and second couplers, the first coupler being positioned to
lie between the first arm and third arm and the second coupler
being positioned to lie between the second arm and third arm so
that the first, second, and third arms can move relative to each
other.
12. The connecting bar assembly of claim 11, wherein the first
coupler is a pivot barrel that permits rotation of the third arm
relative to the first arm along an axis extending through the first
arm.
13. The connecting bar assembly of claim 12, wherein the second
coupler is a pivot barrel that permits rotation of the third arm
relative to the second arm along an axis extending through the
second arm.
14. The connecting bar assembly of claim 11, wherein the third arm
is formed to include an aperture and the first coupler includes a
pivot member having a first end extending through the aperture
formed in the third arm and a second end coupled to the first
arm.
15. The connecting bar assembly of claim 14, wherein the first
coupler further includes a needle bearing positioned to lie between
the first and third arms and the pivot member extends through the
needle bearing.
16. The connecting bar assembly of claim 15, wherein the first
coupler further includes a pivot barrel pivotably coupled to the
first arm and coupled to the second end of the pivot member to
permit the third arm to rotate about an axis extending through the
first arm.
17. The connecting bar assembly of claim 11, wherein the third arm
is formed to include a slot and the second coupler includes a pivot
member having a first end extending through the slot to establish a
pivotable and slidable connection between the pivot member and
third arm and a second end coupled to the second arm.
18. The connecting bar assembly of claim 17, wherein the second
coupler further includes a wear plate positioned to lie between the
second and third arms, the wear plate is formed to include an
aperture, and the pivot member extends through the aperture formed
in the wear plate.
19. A conveyor comprising a power mechanism, a load-stabilizing
plate positioned to extend substantially parallel to the power
mechanism, and a connecting bar assembly including an arm coupled
to the conveyor and a load-stabilizing assembly including a slide
assembly coupled to the arm and configured to engage and slide
along the load-stabilizing plate.
20. The connecting bar assembly of claim 19, wherein the
load-stabilizing assembly further includes a spacer positioned to
lie between the arm and the slide assembly.
21. The connecting bar assembly of claim 19, wherein the slide
assembly includes a slide housing coupled to the arm and a slide
member coupled to the slide housing and the slide is positioned to
engage and slide along the load-stabilizing plate.
22. The connecting bar assembly of claim 21, wherein the slide
assembly includes a second slide member pivotably coupled to the
slide housing and positioned to engage and slide along the
load-stabilizing plate.
23. The connecting bar assembly of claim 19, wherein the
load-stabilizing assembly further includes a slide position
adjuster coupled to the arm.
24. The connecting bar assembly of claim 23, wherein the slide
position adjuster includes an adjuster block formed to include an
extension-receiving aperture and an adjustment device-receiving
aperture in communication with the extension-receiving aperture, an
extension coupled to the slide housing and positioned to lie in the
extension-receiving aperture, and an adjustment device positioned
to lie in the adjustment device-receiving aperture to engage the
extension, the adjustment device being movable to adjust the
position of the slide member relative to the arm.
25. The connecting bar assembly of claim 23, wherein the slide
position adjuster includes an adjustment device coupled to the arm
and the adjustment device is movable to change the position of the
slide assembly relative to the arm.
26. A conveyor having a centerline, the conveyor comprising a power
mechanism housing formed to include a power slot, a power mechanism
positioned to lie in the power mechanism housing, a linkage having
a first end coupled to the power mechanism and a second end spaced
apart from the first end, one of the linkage and power mechanism
being positioned to extend through the power slot, and the linkage
extending along the centerline of the conveyor, and a connecting
bar coupled to the second end of the linkage and configured to
support a product in a position wherein the product is offset from
the centerline of the conveyor.
Description
BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to conveyors. More
particularly, the present invention relates to connecting bar
assemblies for conveyors.
[0002] In general, conveyors support products through a fixture
configured so that the products hang downwardly below the fixture
and conveyor. The movable portions of the conveyor (conveyor chain,
trolleys, etc.) are positioned to lie above the product which can
lead to product contamination by oil, grease, dust, etc. dropping
onto the product being conveyed.
[0003] Some conveyors support products through a fixture configured
so that the products are positioned to lie vertically above the
fixture and conveyor. However, these conveyors invert a
conventional conveyor so that a power slot of the conveyor opens
upwardly toward the product being conveyed. The upwardly-opening
power slot permits various substances and items to be received into
the conveyor which can cause the conveyor to be damaged. For
example, when products are conveyed through a wash station, water
can flood the conveyor chain and wash needed lubricating oil off of
the conveyor chain; when products are being conveyed through a
painting/coating station, paint and powder can enter the conveyor
and build up on the conveyor chain; and at any time, foreign
objects such as nuts and bolts can enter the conveyor and jam the
conveyor track.
[0004] What is needed is a connecting bar assembly for use with a
conveyor that connects to the conveyor through a downwardly-opening
power slot and supports products being conveyed so that they are
positioned to lie above the conveyor. Because the connecting bar
supports the products being conveyed in this manner, substances
cannot fall into the power slot to damage the conveyor and oil,
grease, etc. from the conveyor cannot fall onto the product being
conveyed.
[0005] According to the present invention, a conveyor is provided
that includes a power mechanism housing, a power mechanism, a
linkage, and a connecting bar. The power mechanism housing is
formed to include a power slot. The power mechanism is positioned
to lie in the power mechanism housing. The linkage includes a first
end coupled to the power mechanism and a second end spaced apart
from the first end. One of the linkage and power mechanism is
positioned to extend through the power slot. The connecting bar is
coupled to the second end of the linkage and configured to support
a product at a position wherein the power mechanism is positioned
to lie between the power slot formed in the power mechanism housing
and the product.
[0006] Additional objects, features, and advantages of the
invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon
consideration of the following detailed description of preferred
embodiments exemplifying the best mode of carrying out the
invention as presently perceived.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] The detailed description particularly refers to the
accompanying figures in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective view a portion of a
conveyor and a connecting bar assembly supporting a product for
movement by the conveyor;
[0009] FIG. 2 illustrates a exploded perspective view of several
components of the connecting bar assembly and trolleys of the
conveyor;
[0010] FIG. 3 illustrates a fragmentary, partly sectional end
elevational view of the assembly illustrated in FIG. 1, taken
generally along section lines 3-3 of FIG. 1;
[0011] FIG. 4 illustrates a fragmentary, sectional view of the
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 3, taken generally along section
lines 4-4 of FIG. 3;
[0012] FIG. 5 illustrates a fragmentary, sectional view of the
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 4 taken generally along section lines
5-5 of FIG. 4;
[0013] FIG. 5a illustrates a fragmentary, sectional view similar to
FIG. 5 showing an alternative embodiment;
[0014] FIG. 6 illustrates a fragmentary, sectional view of the
apparatus illustrated in FIG. 2 taken generally along line 6-6 of
FIG. 2;
[0015] FIG. 7 illustrates an exploded, fragmentary, side
elevational view of a portion of the connecting bar assembly;
[0016] FIG. 8 illustrates an exploded perspective view of a portion
of an alternative coupling between portions of the connecting bar
assembly;
[0017] FIG. 9 illustrates a perspective view of a portion of
another preferred embodiment of a connecting bar assembly;
[0018] FIG. 10 illustrates a fragmentary, partly sectional end
elevational view similar to FIG. 3 of another preferred embodiment
of a connecting bar assembly;
[0019] FIG. 11 illustrates an exploded perspective view of yet
another preferred embodiment of a connecting bar assembly;
[0020] FIGS. 12-14 illustrate a series of side elevational views of
the connecting bar assembly of FIG. 11 showing the connecting bar
assembly being moved over a ramp so that the product being conveyed
can be rotated to a desired position;
[0021] FIG. 12 illustrates a side elevational view of the
connecting bar assembly of FIG. 11 showing the position of the
product being conveyed before the connecting bar assembly engages
the ramp;
[0022] FIG. 13 illustrates a side elevational view similar to FIG.
12 showing the rotation of the product being conveyed from a first
position before the product is rotated (shown in solid lines) to a
second position after the product is rotated (phantom lines);
[0023] FIG. 14 illustrates a side elevational view similar to FIGS.
12 and 13 showing the connecting bar assembly after it disengages
the ramp; and
[0024] FIG. 15 illustrates a side elevational view of the
connecting bar assembly of FIG. 11 showing the connecting bar
assembly engaging a large ramp and the position of the product
before it is rotated (solid lines) and the position of the product
after it is rotated (phantom lines).
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0025] A load-carrying connecting bar assembly 10 according to the
present invention is provided for use on a conventional conveyor 12
to support a product 14 being moved by conveyor 12. Conveyor 12 can
be a power and free type conveyor or a continuous flow conveyor
such as an Over-WaY.TM. conveyor produced by Richards-Wilcox of
Aurora, Ill. Conveyors may be used to move products 14 through a
manufacturing plant through various assembly stations, inspections
stations, painting/coating stations, packaging/shipping stations,
etc.
[0026] Conventional conveyor 12 includes a conveyor chain or power
mechanism 16 positioned to lie in a conveyor power track or power
mechanism housing 18 and a plurality of trolleys 20, 22 positioned
to lie in a trolley track 24 that extends substantially parallel to
power track 18 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 1-3. A conveyor
chain link 25 extends downwardly through a power slot 26 formed in
power track 18 to connect conveyor chain 16 and trolley 20 so that
conveyor chain 16 moves trolleys 20, 22 through trolley track 24.
In alternative embodiments, other types of power mechanisms such as
a cable may be used to move the trolleys instead of a conveyor
chain.
[0027] Trolleys 20, 22 include rollers 28 which are positioned to
lie within trolley track 24 and two spaced-apart
downwardly-extending projections 30, 32 as shown, for example, in
FIGS. 2 and 3. Each of the downwardly-extending projections 30, 32
is formed to include bolt-receiving apertures 34. Trolley 20
further includes links 36 extending upwardly toward power slot 26
and engaging conveyor chain link 25 to connect trolley 20 and
conveyor chain 16. In the illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, only trolley 20 is connected to conveyor chain 16. In
alternative embodiments of the present invention, both trolleys may
include links that extend upwardly toward the power slot so that
both trolleys are connected to the conveyor chain.
[0028] Conveyor chain link 25 and trolley 20 can be referred to as
linkage 27 that extends through power slot 26 and connects power
mechanism 16 and connecting bar 10. In alternative embodiments of
the present invention, other types of components can form the
linkage between the power mechanism and the connecting bar.
Conveyor 12 includes a centerline 23 and linkage 27 extends along
the centerline 23 as shown in FIG. 3. In alternative embodiments,
the power mechanism may extend through the power slot and the
linkage extends from the power mechanism to the connecting bar
without extending through the power slot.
[0029] Load-carrying connecting bar assembly 10 includes a first
end 38 connected to conveyor 12 and a second end 40 connected to a
product 14 being conveyed by conveyor 12. Connecting bar 10
supports product 14 so that product 14 is offset from centerline 23
of conveyor 12. The connecting bar 10 supports product 14 at a
position wherein power mechanism 16 is positioned to lie between
power slot 26 formed in power mechanism housing 18 and product 14.
First end 38 of load-carrying connecting bar 10 connects to
conveyor 12 so that power slot 26 of conveyor 12 opens downwardly
away from product 14 being conveyed. Thus, substances and objects
such as water, paint, powder, nuts, etc. cannot easily enter and
damage conveyor 12. In addition, because product 14 is supported
vertically above conveyor 12, oil, grease, and dust from conveyor
12 cannot fall onto product 14.
[0030] Load-carrying connecting bar assembly 10 includes first and
second weldments, trolley connectors, or linkage connectors 42, 44
connected to trolleys 20, 22, respectively, first and second
horizontally-extending bars 46, 48 connected to weldments 42, 44,
respectively, two pivot assemblies 50, 52 connected to
horizontally-extending bars 46, 48, respectively, and a
load-carrying support 54 connected to horizontally-extending bars
46, 48 and pivot assemblies 50, 52. Connecting bar 10 further
includes a tie rod 53 coupled to and positioned to extend between
first and second weldments 42, 44.
[0031] First weldment 42 and first horizontally-extending bar 46
can be referred to as a first arm of connecting bar 10, second
weldment 44 and second horizontally-extending bar 48 can be
referred to as a second arm of connecting bar 10, and load-carrying
support 54 can be referred to as a third arm of connecting bar 10.
In alternative embodiments, other types of third arms other than
load-carrying support 54 may be used so long as the third arm
positions the product being conveyed at a position wherein power
mechanism 16 is positioned to lie between power slot 26 formed in
power mechanism housing 18 and product 14.
[0032] In the illustrated embodiment, two arms are connected to two
trolleys 20, 22. In alternative embodiments of the present
invention, depending on the size and weight of the product being
conveyed, any number of arms may be coupled to trolleys. The size
and shaped of the load-carrying support that connects to these arms
would be modified accordingly.
[0033] Weldments 42, 44 are each formed to include two spaced-apart
trolley-receiving slots 56, 58 configured to receive
downwardly-extending projections 30, 32 of trolleys 20, 22, a
connecting bar-receiving aperture 60, and bolt-receiving apertures
62. Bolt-receiving apertures 62 are aligned with bolt-receiving
apertures 34 formed in trolleys 20, 22 so that bolts 64 may extend
through bolt-receiving apertures 34, 62 to connect weldment 42 to
trolley 20 and weldment 44 to trolley 22.
[0034] Horizontally-extending bars 46, 48 each include a hollow
tube 72, a rod 70 connected to pivot assembly 50, 52 and positioned
to lie in hollow tube 72, and a collar 78 positioned to lie around
rod 70 and abut hollow tube 70 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 2,
3, 5, and 7. Collar 78 is fixed to rod 70 by a setscrew (not
shown).
[0035] Rod 70 includes a first end 90 positioned to abut weldment
42, 44 and a second end 92 connected to pivot assembly 50, 52.
First end 90 is formed to include a bolt-receiving aperture 86.
Bolts 66 extend through connecting bar-receiving apertures 60
formed in weldments 42, 44 and into bolt-receiving apertures 86
formed in rods 70 to connect horizontally-extending bar 46 to
weldment 42 and horizontally-extending bar 48 to weldment 44 as
shown in FIGS. 2 and 7.
[0036] Hollow tube 72 includes a first end 96 connected to weldment
42, 44 and a second end 98 abutting collar 78 as shown, for
example, in FIG. 7. In the illustrated embodiment, first end 96 of
hollow tube 72 is welded to weldment 42, 44. However, in
alternative embodiments, hollow tube 72 may be connected to
weldment 42, 44 in any manner.
[0037] Each pivot assembly 50, 52 includes a pivot barrel body 119
that is formed to include a horizontally-extending rod-receiving
aperture 114 and a shoulder bolt-receiving aperture 116. Rod 70 of
horizontally-extending bar 46, 48 extends through
horizontally-extending rod-receiving aperture 114 formed in pivot
assembly 50, 52 so that pivot assembly 50, 52 abuts collar 78 of
horizontally-extending bar 46, 48 as shown in FIG. 5. Second end 92
of rod 70 is threaded and a nut 118 threads onto threaded second
end 92 of rod 70 to connect pivot assembly 50 to
horizontally-extending bar 46 and pivot assembly 52 to
horizontally-extending bar 48.
[0038] Each pivot assembly 50, 52 includes a bushing 121 positioned
to lie in horizontally-extending rod-receiving aperture 114 between
pivot barrel body 119 and rod 70. Bushing 121 permits load-carrying
support 54 to rotate about axes 110 as shown in FIGS. 1, 2, and 5.
In preferred embodiments, bushing 121 is a pressed-in bronze
bushing.
[0039] In an alternative embodiment, connecting bar 10 includes
pivot assemblies 192 that are identical to pivot assemblies 50, 52
except that pivot assemblies 192 include ball bearings 120
positioned to lie around rod 70 of horizontally-extending bar 46,
48 and snap rings 122 to hold ball bearings 120 in place of bushing
121 as shown in FIG. 5a. Ball bearings 120 permit load-carrying
support 54 to rotate about axes 110.
[0040] Load-carrying support 54 includes a horizontally-extending
portion 124 extending between pivot assembly 50 and pivot assembly
52 as shown, for example, in FIG. 1. Horizontally-extending portion
124 is formed to include shoulder bolt-receiving apertures 126, 127
aligned with shoulder bolt-receiving apertures 116 formed in pivot
assembly 50, 52. Shoulder bolts or pivot members 128 extend through
shoulder bolt-receiving apertures 116, 126, 127 to connect
load-carrying support 54 and pivot assemblies 50, 52.
[0041] A cylindrical bushing 130 is positioned to lie in shoulder
bolt-receiving aperture 126 between shoulder bolt 128 and
load-carrying support 54 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 4 and 5.
An upper thrust washer 132, lower thrust washer 134, and needle
bearing 136 are positioned to lie between horizontally-extending
portion 124 of load-carrying support 54 and pivot assembly 52 as
shown, for example, in FIGS. 2, 4, and 5. Upper thrust washer 132
engages horizontally-extending portion 124 of load-carrying support
54 and lower thrust washer 134 engages a flat upper surface 139 of
pivot barrel body 119 of pivot assembly 52. Needle bearing 136 is
positioned to lie between upper and lower thrust washers 132, 134.
In preferred embodiments of the present invention, thrust bearings
132, 134 are conventional thrust bearings produced by Torrington
Co. of Connecticut.
[0042] Shoulder bolt-receiving aperture 127 can also be referred to
as a shoulder bolt-receiving slot 127. A shoulder bolt 128 extends
through and is permitted to move in direction 176 through shoulder
bolt-receiving slot 127 as shown in FIG. 6. A bushing 178 is
positioned to lie in shoulder bolt-receiving slot 127 as shown in
FIG. 6. A wear plate 141 is positioned to lie between a flat upper
surface 139 of pivot barrel body 119 of pivot assembly 50 and
load-carrying support 54. In alternative embodiments, needle
bearing 136 and thrust washers 132, 134 are positioned to lie
between a flat upper surface 139 of pivot barrel body 119 of pivot
assembly 50 and load-carrying support 54 as shown in FIG. 8. In
alternative embodiments, the load-carrying support is formed to
include two apertures the size and shape of shoulder bolt-receiving
aperture 126 and no apertures the size and shape of shoulder
bolt-receiving aperture 127 to receive shoulder bolts.
[0043] Shoulder bolts 128 are used to connect load-carrying support
54 and pivot assemblies 50, 52 because when shoulder bolts 128 are
threaded into shoulder bolt-receiving apertures 116 formed in pivot
assemblies 50, 52, no load is placed on upper and lower thrust
washers 132, 134 or needle bearings 136. The weight of
load-carrying support 54 places a load on upper and lower thrust
washers 132, 134 and needle bearings 136, but the threaded
engagement of shoulder bolts 128 and pivot assemblies 50, 52 does
not increase the load on upper and lower thrust washers 132, 134
and needle bearings 136.
[0044] Load-carrying support 54 further includes an upright
vertically-extending portion 138 having a first end 140 connected
to horizontally-extending portion 124 and a second end 142
connected to product 14. Vertically-extending portion 138 includes
a U-shaped portion 144 as shown in FIG. 1. Second end 142 of
load-carrying support 54 includes spaced-apart pivot pins 146,
(other not shown) connected to product 14.
[0045] In alternative embodiments of the present invention, the
upright vertically-extending portion may be of any shape required
to support a product in a desired position. Also in alternative
embodiments of the present invention, multiple upright
vertically-extending portions may be connected to a single
horizontally-extending portion if required to properly support a
product in a desired position.
[0046] Tie rod 53 includes first and second plates 55, 57 coupled
to weldments 42, 44, respectively, and a bar 59 having a first end
61 pivotally coupled to first plate 55 and a second end 63
pivotally coupled to second plate 57 as shown in FIG. 2. The
pivotable connection between bar 59 and first and second plates 55,
57 permit bar 59 and weldments 42, 44 to rotate about axes 65, 67
relative to each other. Tie rod 53 also permits weldment 42 to
directly drive weldment 44. This is particularly important in the
illustrated embodiment where only trolley 20 is driven by power
mechanism 16.
[0047] The trolleys 20, 22 and product 14 being conveyed are
permitted to negotiate curves because of the connection between
load-carrying support 54 and pivot assemblies 50, 52 and tie bar
53. The connection between load-carrying support 54 and pivot
assemblies 50, 52 permits load-carrying support 54 to rotate about
axes 112 and tie bar 53 permits weldments 42, 44 to rotate about
axes 65, 67 so that trolleys 20, 22 can negotiate curves. The pivot
assemblies 50, 52 and the connection between load-carrying support
54 and pivot assemblies 50, 52 (i.e. shoulder bolts 128, washers
132, 134, bearing 136, wear plate 141) can be referred to as
couplers.
[0048] If trolleys 20, 22 and product 14 being conveyed need to
negotiate elevation changes in addition to curves, tie rod 53 is
replaced with a tie rod 69 because tie rod 53 does not permit any
elevational difference between trolleys 20, 22. Tie rod 69 is shown
in FIG. 9 and includes first and second plates 71, 73 coupled to
weldments 42, 44, respectively, a rod 74, and first and second rod
end bearings 75, 76. First and second plates 71, 73 include a
horizontally-extending portion 77 connected to weldment 42, 44, a
vertically-extending tab 79, and a horizontally-extending threaded
post 80 connected to tab 79. Rod 74 includes first and second ends
81, 82 and rod end bearings 75, 76 are formed to include threaded
apertures (not shown) to receive first and second ends 81, 82,
respectively. The distance between rod end bearings 75, 76 can be
adjusted via the threaded connection between rod 74 and rod end
bearings 75, 76.
[0049] Rod end bearings 75, 76 include a spherical-shaped member 83
that is formed to include a post-receiving aperture 84. Posts 80 of
first and second plates 71, 73 extend through post-receiving
apertures 84 and locknuts 85 thread onto posts 80 to secure rod 74
and rod end bearings 75, 76 to plates 71, 73.
[0050] The connection between posts 80 and spherical-shaped members
83 permit trolleys 20, 22 to move translationally relative to each
other so that trolleys 20, 22 and connecting bar 10 can negotiate
elevation changes and curves. In addition, pivot assemblies 50, 52
permit load-carrying support 54 to rotate about axes 110 so that
trolley 20 can be situated at a different elevation than trolley
22.
[0051] Conveyor 12 is supported by a plurality of L-shaped supports
150 mounted on a floor 152 as shown in FIG. 3. Conveyor power track
18 and trolley track 24 are connected to a support bracket 154 and
support bracket 154 is connected to L-shaped supports 150 as shown
in FIGS. 1 and 3. L-shaped supports 150 include a conventional
leveling pad 156 to compensate for non-level floors 152.
[0052] Load-carrying connecting bar assembly 10 further includes a
stabilizing assembly 160 to stabilize product 14 as shown, for
example, in FIGS. 2 and 7. Stabilizing assembly 160 includes two
spacers 158, 159 connected to first and second plates 55, 57,
respectively, and roller assemblies or slide assemblies 161, 162
coupled to spacers 158, 159, respectively. Conveyor 12 further
includes a load-stabilizing plate 166 as shown in FIGS. 1-3. Roller
assemblies 161,162 include a roller housing or slide housing 163
attached to spacer 158, 159, two rollers or slide members 164
positioned to lie in housing 163, pins 165 coupling rollers 164 to
roller housing 163, and a roller position adjuster or slide
position adjuster 169. Load-stabilizing plate 166 is connected to
L-shaped supports 150 and extends substantially parallel to
conveyor power track 18 as shown in FIG. 1.
[0053] Rollers 164 engage load-stabilizing plate 166 to support and
stabilize product 14 attached to load-carrying support 54. Rollers
164 roll about pins 165 along load-stabilizing plate 166 as
trolleys 20, 22 move through trolley track 24. In alternative
embodiments of the present invention, the rollers may be replaced
with any type of mechanism that engages the load-stabilizing plate
and maintains contact with the load-stabilizing plate as the power
mechanism moves the trolleys and connecting bar.
[0054] The roller position adjuster 169 includes an adjustment
device 171, an extension 173 coupled to roller housing 163, and an
adjuster block 175 that is formed to include an adjustment
device-receiving aperture 177 and an extension-receiving aperture
179 that communicates with adjustment device-receiving aperture
177. The extension 173 slides into extension-receiving aperture 179
and is held within aperture 179 by the contact between roller 164
and load-stabilizing plate 166 as shown in FIG. 3. Until adjustment
device 171 is threaded into adjustment device-receiving aperture
177, extension 173 protrudes into extension-receiving aperture 179
until roller housing 163 abuts adjuster block 175. Adjustment
device 171 is threaded into adjustment device-receiving aperture
177 and contacts extension 173. The position of adjuster blocks 175
and the rest of connecting bar 10 relative to rollers 161 is
adjusted by how far adjustment devices 171 are threaded into
adjustment device-receiving apertures 177 to move extensions 173
and thus rollers 161.
[0055] In alternative embodiments, the slide assembly includes a
separate housing for each roller and the roller position adjuster
includes separate adjustment devices and extensions coupled to the
separate housings so that each roller is adjusted individually.
[0056] In preferred embodiments of the present invention, a shroud
180 is positioned to cover conveyor 12 and portions of
load-carrying connecting bar assembly 10 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 3.
Shroud 180 reduces the likelihood that any material or substances
enter conveyor 12 and interfere with conveyor chain 16. A shroud
slot 182 is formed in shroud 180 through which
horizontally-extending bars 46, 48 extend as shown in FIGS. 1 and
3. Two rubber strips 184, 186 are connected to shroud 180 and
extend into shroud slot 182 to further reduce the likelihood that
any material or substances enter conveyor 12.
[0057] Another load-carrying connecting bar assembly 210 according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG.
10. Load-carrying connecting bar assembly 210 includes a
load-carrying support 212 that can be raised and lowered vertically
in direction 214 as shown in FIG. 10. All components of
load-carrying connecting bar assembly 210 are identical to
components of load-carrying connecting bar assembly 10 except that
load-carrying support 54 of connecting bar 10 is different than
load-carrying support 212 of connecting bar 210.
[0058] Load-carrying support 212 includes a horizontally-extending
portion 216 identical to horizontally-extending portion 124 of
load-carrying support 54 and a vertically-extending support
assembly 218 connected to horizontally-extending portion 216.
Vertically-extending support assembly 218 includes first and second
vertically-extending shafts 220, 222 and a lifting mechanism 224
that moves second vertically-extending shaft 222 relative to first
vertically-extending shaft 220 in vertical direction 214. First
vertically-extending shaft 220 includes a first end 226 connected
to horizontally-extending portion 216, a second end 228
spaced-apart from first end 226, and a shaft-receiving aperture 230
formed in second end 228. Second vertically-extending shaft 222
extends into shaft-receiving aperture 230 formed in first
vertically-extending shaft 220.
[0059] Second vertically-extending shaft 222 is L-shaped and
includes a vertically-extending portion 232 and a
horizontally-extending portion 234. Vertically-extending portion
232 includes a lower end 236 and an upper end 238 connected to
horizontally-extending portion 234. Horizontally-extending portion
234 includes a first end 240 connected to vertically-extending
portion 232 and a second end 242 spaced apart from first end 240.
Load-carrying support 212 further includes a product connector 244
connected to second end 242 of horizontally-extending portion 234.
Product 14 is connected to product connector 244.
[0060] Lifting mechanism 224 includes an electric motor 246
connected to first vertically-extending shaft 220, a gear reducer
248 connected to first vertically-extending shaft 220, and a spur
gear 250 driven by electric motor 246 through gear reducer 248. Two
pillow block bearings (not shown) are positioned to lie on either
side of spur gear 250 to support rotational movement of spur gear
250. Lower end 236 of vertically-extending portion 232 of second
vertically-extending shaft 222 is formed to include a rack 252
engaging spur gear 250. Rotation of spur gear 250 moves rack 252 to
move second vertically-extending shaft 222 relative to first
vertically-extending shaft 220 in vertical direction 214.
[0061] Movement of second vertically-extending shaft 222 relative
to first vertically-extending shaft 220 is limited by a pin and
slot arrangement 254. In the illustrated embodiment of the present
invention, lower end 236 of vertically-extending portion 232 of
second vertically-extending shaft 222 is formed to include a slot
256 and a pin 258 is fixed to first vertically-extending shaft 220.
Pin 258 extends into slot 256 and is arranged to limit upward
movement of second vertically-extending shaft 222 relative to first
vertically-extending shaft 220. In alternative embodiments of the
present invention, the slot may be formed in the first
vertically-extending shaft and the pin connected to the second
vertically-extending shaft. Electrical power is provided to
electrical motor 246 in a conventional manner by an electrical
conductor 260, collector shoe 262, and tow strap bracket 264.
[0062] Load-carrying support 212 further includes a counterbalance
arm 266 connected to vertically-extending portion 232 of second
vertically-extending shaft 222 and a counterbalance weight 268
positioned to lie on counterbalance arm 266. Counterbalance weight
268 may be moved along counterbalance arm 266 in direction 270. The
position of counterbalance weight 268 on counterbalance arm 266 is
selected to optimize the stability of product 14 being conveyed. A
web 272 extends between second vertically-extending shaft 222 and
counterbalance arm 266 to provide additional structural support for
counterbalance arm 266.
[0063] Another load-carrying connecting bar assembly 310 according
to a preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGS. 11-15. All components of load-carrying connecting bar
assembly 310 are identical to components of load-carrying
connecting bar assemblies 10, 210 except that load-carrying
supports 54, 212 of connecting bars 10, 210, respectively, are
different than load-carrying support 312 of connecting bar 310.
Load-carrying support 312 permits a product 14 being conveyed to be
rotated in directions 314, 315 to a desired position.
[0064] Load-carrying support 312 includes a horizontally-extending
portion 316, a vertically-extending portion 318, a support brace
320 extending between horizontally-extending portion 316 and
vertically-extending portion 318, and a product support member 322.
Horizontally-extending portion 316 is formed to include shoulder
bolt-receiving apertures 326 to receive shoulder bolts 128 and
establish a pivoting relationship between load-carrying support 312
and horizontally-extending bars 46, 48 as in connecting bars 10,
210. Horizontally-extending portion 316 is also formed to include
an aperture 328 through which vertically-extending portion 318
extends.
[0065] Vertically-extending portion 318 includes an inner rod 330
and an outer sleeve 332 as shown in FIGS. 11-15. Inner rod 330 is
movable axially along axis 334 relative to outer sleeve 332 and
horizontally-extending portion 316 so that product 14 positioned to
lie on product support member 322 may be rotated in direction 314
or 315 about axis 334.
[0066] Outer sleeve 332 is connected to horizontally-extending
portion 316 and includes a top side 336, a bottom side 338, and a
rod-receiving aperture 340 that extends from top side 336 to bottom
side 338. The top side 336 of outer sleeve 332 is formed to include
four spaced-apart slots 342. Inner rod 330 is positioned to lie in
rod-receiving aperture 340 and includes a top side 344 coupled to
product support member 322, a bottom side 346, a pin 348, and a
support rotation index 350.
[0067] Conveyor 12 further includes a conveyor frame 352, first and
second plates 354, 356 coupled to conveyor frame 352, plate
supports 358 extending between and coupling conveyor frame 352 and
plates 354, 356, ramps 360 coupled to plates 354, 356, and fixed
members 362 coupled to plates 354, 356. The ramps 360 and fixed
members 362 interact with inner rod 330 to rotate product support
member 322 in direction 314 about axis 334. A shown in FIG. 12,
when bottom side 346 of inner rod 330 is spaced-apart from ramps
360, pin 348 of inner rod 330 is positioned to lie in two of slots
342 so that inner rod 330 and product support member 322 are
prevented from rotating about axis 334 relative to outer sleeve
332.
[0068] As conveyor 12 moves product 12 in direction 364, bottom
side 346 of inner rod 330 engages ramp 360 so that inner rod 330
moves upwardly in direction 366 along axis 334 so that pin 360
disengages slots 342 of outer sleeve 332 to permit inner rod 330
and product support member 322 to rotate about axis 334 as shown in
FIG. 13. As conveyor 12 continues to move load-carrying support arm
312 in direction 364, support rotation index 350 of inner rod 330
engages fixed member 362 to rotate inner rod 330 and product
support member 322 in direction 314 about axis 334 a predetermined
amount from the position shown in solid lines in FIG. 13 to the
position shown in phantom lines in FIG. 13. Once the bottom side
346 of inner rod 330 disengages ramp 360, pin 348 is positioned to
lie in two of slots 342 to prevent inner rod 330 and product
support member 322 from rotating relative to outer sleeve 332 as
shown in FIG. 14.
[0069] In the illustrated embodiment, index support member 350
includes four spaced-apart arms 368 that are properly sized so that
inner rod 330 will rotate 90.degree. each time support rotation
index 350 engages fixed member 362. In alternative embodiments of
the present invention, the support rotation index may include any
number and size of arms to achieve the desired amount of rotation
of the inner rod and product support member relative to the outer
sleeve. In the illustrated embodiment, two ramps 360 are positioned
to lie in close proximity to each other as shown in FIG. 14 to show
how inner rod 330 and product support member 322 can be rotated
180.degree. in one direction in two 90.degree. steps.
[0070] As shown in FIG. 15, a lift 370 that is longer than ramp 360
may be used so that a worker performing work on product 14 may
freely rotate inner rod 330 and product support member 322 to any
desired position. When the worker is finished with product 14,
conveyor 12 moves product 14 in direction 364 off of lift 370 so
that pin 348 once again is positioned to lie in slots 342 of outer
sleeve 332 to prevent rotation of product support member 322.
[0071] Although this invention has been described in detail with
reference to certain embodiments, variations and modifications
exist within the scope and spirit of the invention as described and
as defined in the following claims.
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