U.S. patent application number 09/930683 was filed with the patent office on 2002-03-07 for conveyor for continuous proofing and baking apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to SASIB North America, Inc.. Invention is credited to Hoekstra, Joop Frans, Kilby, Leonard R., Lucido, John M..
Application Number | 20020027061 09/930683 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23603073 |
Filed Date | 2002-03-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020027061 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kilby, Leonard R. ; et
al. |
March 7, 2002 |
Conveyor for continuous proofing and baking apparatus
Abstract
In one embodiment, a conveyor comprises identical carriages and
apparatus for connecting the carriages end. The carriages each
include first wheel pairs supported for a rotation about spaced
apart parallel axes and a second wheel pair supported for rotation
about a perpendicular axis. The first and second wheel pairs are
rotatably supported by self-lubricated bearings. The connection
apparatus may comprise either connection rods or a wire rope. In
another embodiment, the conveyor comprises identical links each
including first and second link portions. The link portions are
pivotally interconnected by a first connecting pin which also
supports a first pair of wheels. Adjacent links are interconnected
by a second connecting pin which also supports a second wheel pair.
The first and second wheel pairs are rotatably supported by
self-lubricated bearings.
Inventors: |
Kilby, Leonard R.; (Plano,
TX) ; Lucido, John M.; (Garland, TX) ;
Hoekstra, Joop Frans; (Medfield, MA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Michael A. O'Neil
MICHAEL A. O'NEIL, P.C.
Suite 1030
5949 Sherry Lane
Dallas
TX
75225
US
|
Assignee: |
SASIB North America, Inc.
|
Family ID: |
23603073 |
Appl. No.: |
09/930683 |
Filed: |
August 15, 2001 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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09930683 |
Aug 15, 2001 |
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09792096 |
Feb 23, 2001 |
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6293390 |
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09792096 |
Feb 23, 2001 |
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09405294 |
Sep 23, 1999 |
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6257397 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
198/793 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 2201/02 20130101;
B65G 17/385 20130101; A21C 13/02 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
198/793 |
International
Class: |
B65G 017/12 |
Claims
We claim:
1. For use in a conveyor track of the type comprising a bottom
wall, opposed side walls, and a top wall having a slot formed
therein, a conveyor chain comprising: a plurality of substantially
identical carriages each comprising: (a) an elongate body extending
between first and second ends; (b) two first wheel pairs supported
on the body for rotation about first and second axes located
adjacent the first and second ends of the body, respectively; (c)
self-lubricated bearings supporting the first wheel pairs for
rotation relative to the body; (d) a second wheel pair supported on
the body at a location between the two first wheel pairs for
rotation about an axis extending perpendicularly to the axes of
rotation of the first wheel pairs; (e) self-lubricated bearings
supporting the second wheel pair for rotation relative to the body;
and connection apparatus connected between the first end of one of
the carriages and the second end of the next adjacent carriage in
the conveyor chain.
2. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein each of the
carriages includes at least one boss extending upwardly through the
slot in the top wall of the conveyor track for supporting a
conveyor grid.
3. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pairs for
rotation relative to the body each comprise at least one
self-lubricating plastic bearing.
4. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pairs for
rotation relative to the body comprise self-lubricated
anti-friction bearings.
5. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair for
rotation relative to the body comprise at least one
self-lubricating plastic bearing.
6. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair for
rotation relative to the body comprise permanently lubricated
anti-friction bearings.
7. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pairs for
rotation relative to the body each comprise at least one
self-lubricating graphite bearing.
8. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair for
rotation relative to the body comprise at least one
self-lubricating graphite bearing.
9. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 further including
spherical bushings mounted at the first and second ends of each of
the carriages and wherein the connection apparatus comprises
connection members having end portions receiving the spherical
bushings on the carriages to facilitate movement of the conveyor
chain along inclined and curved portions of the conveyor track.
10. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the connection
apparatus comprises a wire rope extending through all of the
carriages and members mounted on the wire rope for locating the
carriages thereon.
11. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the first wheel
pairs engage the bottom wall of the conveyor track to support the
conveyor chain for movement along the conveyor track, and wherein
the second wheel pair centers the conveyor chain within the
conveyor track.
12. The conveyor chain according to claim 1 wherein the second
wheel pair engages the bottom wall of the conveyor track to support
the conveyor chain for movement along the conveyor track, and
wherein the first wheel pairs center the conveyor chain in the
conveyor track.
13. A conveyor apparatus comprising: A. a conveyor track including
a bottom wall, opposed side walls, and a top wall having a slot
formed therein; B. a conveyor chain including a plurality of
carriages each comprising: (a) an elongate body extending between
first and second ends; (b) connection apparatus mounted on the body
at the first and second ends thereof; (c) two first wheel pairs
supported on the body for rotation about first and second axes
located adjacent the first and second ends of the body,
respectively; (d) a second wheel pair supported on the body at a
location between the two first wheel pairs for rotation about an
axis extending perpendicularly to the axes of rotation of the first
wheel pairs; (e) self-lubricated bearings supporting the first and
second wheel pairs for rotation relative to the body; and
connection members connected between the connection apparatus of
the first end of one of the carriages and the connection apparatus
at the second end of the next adjacent carriage in the conveyor
chain.
14. The conveyor system according to claim 13 wherein each of the
carriages includes at least one boss extending upwardly through the
slot in the top wall of the conveyor track for supporting a
conveyor grid.
15. The conveyor system according to claim 14 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the first and second
wheel pairs for rotation relative to the body each comprise at
least one self-lubricating plastic bearing.
16. The conveyor system according to claim 14 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the first and second
wheel pairs for rotation relative to the body each comprise at
least one self-lubricating graphite bearing.
17. The conveyor chain according to claim 14 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the first and second
wheel pairs for rotation relative to the body comprise permanently
lubricated anti-friction bearings.
18. The conveyor chain according to claim 13 wherein the connection
apparatus comprises spherical bushings mounted at the first and
second ends of each of the carriages and wherein connection members
have end portions which receive the spherical bushings on the
carriages to facilitate movement of the conveyor chain along
inclined and curved portions of the conveyor track.
19. The conveyor chain according to claim 13 wherein the first
wheel pairs engage the bottom wall of the conveyor track to support
the conveyor chain for movement along the conveyor track, and
wherein the second wheel pair centers the conveyor chain within the
conveyor track.
20. The conveyor chain according to claim 13 wherein the second
wheel pair engages the bottom wall of the conveyor track to support
the conveyor chain for movement along the conveyor track, and
wherein the first wheel pairs center the conveyor chain in the
conveyor track.
21. For use in a conveyor track of the type comprising a bottom
wall, opposed side walls, and a top wall having a slot formed
therein, a conveyor chain comprising: a plurality of substantially
identical carriages each comprising: (a) an elongate body extending
between first and second ends; (b) two first wheel pairs supported
on the body for rotation about first and second axes located
adjacent the first and second ends of the body, respectively; (c) a
second wheel pair supported on the body at a location between the
two first wheel pairs for rotation about an axis extending
perpendicularly to the axes of rotation of the first wheel pairs;
(d) self-lubricated bearings supporting first and second wheel
pairs for rotation relative to the body; an elongate flexible
member extending through all of the carriages; and apparatus
mounted on the elongate flexible member for positioning the
carriages thereon.
22. The conveyor chain according to claim 21 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the first and second wheel
pairs for rotation relative to the body each comprise at least one
self-lubricating plastic bearing.
23. The conveyor chain according to claim 21 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings are graphite bearings.
24. The conveyor chain according to claim 21 wherein the elongate
flexible member is a wire rope and wherein the positioning
apparatus comprises compression sleeves mounted on the wire rope
and engaging the first and second ends of each carriage.
25. For use in a conveyor track of the type comprising a bottom
wall, opposed side walls, and a top wall having a slot formed
therein and characterized by predetermined interior dimensions, a
conveyor chain comprising: a plurality of substantially identical
conveyor links each including: (a) a first link portion having
first and second ends; (b) a second link portion having first and
second ends; (c) the first end of the first link portion adapted
for engagement with the second end of the second link portion of
the next preceding link to connect the links one to another; (d) a
first pivot pin connecting the second end of the first link portion
to the first end of the second link portion for pivotal movement
about a nominally horizontal axis; (e) a first pair of wheels
pivotally supported on the first connecting pin and engaging the
bottom wall of the track for supporting the conveyor chain for
movement along the track; (f) self-lubricated bearings supporting
the first wheel pair on the first connecting pin for rotation
relative to the link portions; (g) a second pin connecting the
first end of each first link portion to the second end of the
second link portion of the next preceding link for pivotal movement
about a nominally vertical axis; (h) a second pair of wheels
pivotally supported on the second connecting pin for centering the
conveyor chain within the conveyor track; and (i) self-lubricated
bearings supporting the second wheel pair on the second connecting
pin for rotation relative to the link portions.
26. The conveyor chain according to claim 25 wherein each link
includes at least one boss extending upwardly through the slot in
the top wall of the conveyor track for supporting a conveyor
grid.
27. The conveyor chain according to claim 25 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pair for
rotation relative to the link portions comprise at least one
self-lubricating plastic bearing.
28. The conveyor chain according to claim 25 wherein the
self-lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pair for
rotation relative to the link portions comprise at least one
self-lubricating graphite bearing.
29. The conveyor chain according to claim 25 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise permanently
lubricated anti-friction bearings.
30. The conveyor chain according to claim 25 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise at least one
self-lubricating plastic bearing.
31. The conveyor chain according to claim 25 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise at least one
self-lubricating graphite bearing.
32. The conveyor chain according to claim 25 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise permanently
lubricated anti-friction bearings.
33. The conveyor chain according to claim 25 wherein the wheels
comprising the first and second pairs of wheels have diameters that
are closely matched to the interior dimensions of the conveyor
track thereby preventing bending and tipping of the conveyor
chain.
34. A conveyor apparatus comprising: A. A conveyor track including
a bottom wall, opposed side walls, and a top wall having a slot
formed therein, and characterized by predetermined interior
dimensions; B. A conveyor chain including a plurality of
substantially identical conveyor links each including: (a) a first
link portion having first and second ends; (b) a second link
portion having first and second ends; (c) the first end of the
first link portion adapted for engagement with the second end of
the second link portion of the next preceding link to connect the
links one to another; (d) a first pivot pin connecting the second
end of the first link portion to the first end of the second link
portion for pivotal movement about a nominally horizontal axis; (e)
a first pair of wheels pivotally supported on the first connecting
pin and engaging the bottom wall of the track for supporting the
conveyor chain for movement along the track; (f) self-lubricated
bearings supporting the first wheel pair on the first connecting
pin for rotation relative to the link portions; (g) a second pin
connecting the first end of each first link portion to the second
end of the second link portion of the next preceding link for
pivotal movement about a nominally vertical axis; (h) a second pair
of wheels pivotally supported on the second connecting pin for
centering the conveyor chain within the conveyor track; and (i)
self-lubricated bearings supporting the second wheel pair on the
second connecting pin for rotation relative to the link
portions.
35. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 34 wherein each link
includes at least one boss extending upwardly through the slot in
the top wall of the conveyor track for supporting a conveyor
grid.
36. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise at least one
self-lubricating plastic bearing.
37. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise at least one
self-lubricating graphite bearing.
38. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the first wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise permanently
lubricated anti-friction bearings.
39. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise at least one
self-lubricating plastic bearing.
40. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise at least one
self-lubricating graphite bearing.
41. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the
permanently lubricated bearings which support the second wheel pair
for rotation relative to the link portions comprise permanently
lubricated anti-friction bearings.
42. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the wheels
comprising the first and second pairs of wheels have diameters that
are closely matched to the interior dimensions of the conveyor
track thereby preventing bending and tipping of the conveyor
chain.
43. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 42 wherein the first
and second wheel pairs are supported for rotation by
self-lubricating plastic bearings.
44. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 42 is wherein the
first and second wheel pairs are supported for rotation by
self-lubricating graphite bearings.
45. The conveyor apparatus according to claim 42 wherein the first
and second wheel pairs are supported for rotation by
self-lubricating anti-friction bearings.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] Modern large-scale commercial bakeries of the type utilized
in the production of bread, sandwich buns, and similar dough
products are frequently equipped with continuous proofing and
baking apparatus. In the operation of a continuous proofer and/or
oven, dough to be baked is received in bakery pans. The bakery pans
are transported on grids which are supported on the links of a
continuous chain. A drive mechanism actuates the chain to transport
the bakery pans and the dough contained therein through a proofer
wherein the dough is allowed to rise and/or through an oven wherein
the dough is baked.
[0002] FIGS. 1, 2, and 3 illustrates a link 20 of the type
comprising a prior art conveyor chain utilized in continuous
proofing and baking apparatus. Each link 20 of the conveyor chain
includes a first connection member 22, a second connection member
24, and a pair of spaced, parallel plates 26. The first connection
member 22 of a particular link 20 is connected to the second
connection member 24 of the next preceding link in the chain by a
pin 28 (FIG. 3) which facilitates pivotal movement between adjacent
links in the nominally vertical plane. The plates 26 are connected
to the first connection member 22 and to the second connection
member 24 by pins 30 which facilitate relative pivotal movement
between adjacent links in the nominally horizontal plane.
[0003] The first connection member 32 of each link 20 is provided
with a pair of wheels 32. The wheels 32 support the link 20 for
movement along a conveyor track 36 (FIG. 3). A wheel 34 is
positioned between the plates 26. The wheel 34 functions to center
the link 20 in the conveyor track 36.
[0004] Conveyor chains of the type illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 have
gained widespread acceptance in the commercial baking industry and
other industries. Notwithstanding this fact, such conveyor chains
incorporate various deficiencies. For example, the wheels 32 which
support each link 20 for moving along the conveyor track comprise
anti-friction bearings which require periodic lubrication.
Lubricating the chain is time consuming and expensive, and is
frequently overlooked by bakery operators. Lack of lubrication
leads to bearing failure which, at a minimum, requires the conveyor
to be taken out of service to facilitate replacement of the failed
bearings. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art,
substantially more serious consequences can and do result from
bearing failure which can require the replacement of multiple links
of the conveyor chain, entire sections of the conveyor track,
etc.
[0005] Various factors lead to improper conveyor chain maintenance
and lubrication. One of the most important involves the demands
made on commercial bakeries by their customers for continuous high
level production leaving no time for maintenance and lubrication
procedures. An equally important factor is the lack of technicians
having the training and experience necessary to properly perform
conveyor chain maintenance and lubrication procedures. When
untrained and inexperienced personnel are employed to maintain and
lubricate the conveyor chains used in continuous proofers and
ovens, improper and inadequate maintenance and lubrication
result.
[0006] A related problem attendant to the use of conveyor chains
comprising links of the type shown in FIGS. 1-3 relates to the
cleaning thereof. The lubricants which are used in the
anti-friction bearings of the wheels 32 of the links 20 are
incompatible with the use of water and detergents to clean the
conveyor chain. It is therefore necessary to employ other, more
costly, techniques in order to attain the level of cleanliness
required in food manufacturing operations.
[0007] Even when proper lubrication and cleaning procedures are in
place, the problems inherent in the use of the prior art chain are
not resolved. Lubricant from the chain combines with debris from
the dough products being baked to form a sludge which cannot be
disposed of except pursuant to strict EPA guidelines. When the
chain is used in an oven the high temperature environment causes
the lubricant to thicken to the point that the bearings seize
causing increased load on the conveyor drive system and increased
chain and track wear.
[0008] The design of the link 20 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2 also
involves difficulties in changing the pitch of the conveyor chain
incorporating the link, that is, the distance between identical
points on adjacent links. The inability to easily change the pitch
of the conveyor chain in turn means that the conveyor chain cannot
be readily customized to specific load profiles, for example,
lengthening the pitch for light load applications and reducing the
pitch for heavy load applications.
[0009] Yet another problem involves the fact that the wheels 34
positioned between the plates 26 do not restrain the links of the
chain from bending and tipping. When tipping occurs, the wheels 34
act as can openers cutting slits into the side walls of the
conveyor track. Tipping also tilts the grids supported on the
conveyor chain which can cause displacement of the bakery pans
carried by the grids.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention comprises improvements in the design
of conveyor chains adapted for use in conveyorized proofers,
conveyorized ovens, and similar applications which overcome the
foregoing and other difficulties long since associated with the
prior art. In accordance with one feature of the invention,
conveyor chains intended for use in baking operations are provided
with bearings which do not require lubrication. For example, when
used in proofers, the bearings of the conveyor chain may comprise
sleeve bearings formed from plastic materials which are
self-lubricating and adapted for utilization in high temperature
environments of the type encountered in a bakery oven. Conveyor
chains used in ovens may be equipped with self-lubricating graphite
bearings of the type sold by Graphite Metallizing Corporation of
Yonkers, New York, under the trademark GRAPHALLOY.RTM..
Alternatively, the conveyor chain may be provided with sealed
self-lubricating anti-friction bearings suitable for high
temperature applications.
[0011] The use of bearings which do not require lubrication in
conveyor chains intended for bakery applications is advantageous
for at least two reasons. First, by eliminating the lubrication
function which heretofore has proven to be problematical,
substantial cost savings are effected. Of equal importance is the
elimination of conveyor chain failures stemming from improper
lubrication. The elimination of the lubrication requirement also
facilitates the cleaning of the conveyor track by simply attaching
a scraper to the conveyor chain. The scraper pushes bakery debris
along the track to an opening in the bottom wall thereof where the
debris is accumulated for disposal as ordinary refuse.
[0012] Those skilled in the art will understand that some types of
self-lubricating bearings useful in the practice of the present
invention may initially having a higher coefficient of friction as
compared with the anti-friction bearings currently in use.
Depending on the geometries of the components, a higher coefficient
of friction can result in higher loads imposed on the conveyor
drive system. However, the coefficient of friction of the currently
used anti-friction bearings tends to increase over time,
particularly in the absence of proper lubrication. Thus, the use of
self-lubricating bearings is advantageous in that the loading of
the conveyor drive system remains substantially constant throughout
the life of the conveyor.
[0013] Another feature of the invention comprises the use of
compact carriages to support the bakery pan receiving grids.
Adjacent carriages are connected one to the other by connection
members which can comprise either connection rods or connecting
cables. The compact carriage/connection member design is
advantageous in that it is readily adapted to changes in pitch,
whereby the conveyor chain in the present invention can be easily
customized to a range of conveyor loading situations.
[0014] In accordance with the preferred embodiment of the
invention, the conveyor chain is comprised of a plurality of
identical links having spaced apart pairs of vertically disposed
and horizontally disposed wheels. The diameters of the wheels are
closely matched to the interior dimensions of the track whereby the
wheels prevent the chain from bending or twisting. Another
important feature is the fact that the chain is economical to
manufacture and assemble.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] A more complete understanding of the invention may be had by
reference of the following Detailed Description when taken in
conjunction with the accompanying Drawings, wherein:
[0016] FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view of a link of a prior
art conveyor chain;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the link of FIG. 1;
[0018] FIG. 3 is a top view of a conveyor chain comprising links of
the type shown in FIGS. 1 and 2;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a side view of a conveyor chain comprising a first
embodiment of the present invention in which certain parts have
been broken away more clearly to illustrate certain features of the
invention;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing the conveyor
chain of FIG. 4 operating in a vertically curved section of
conveyor track;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top view of the conveyor chain of FIG. 4 showing
the conveyor chain operating in a horizontally curved section of
conveyor track;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a transverse sectional view of the conveyor chain
of FIG. 4;
[0023] FIG. 8 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 4;
[0024] FIG. 9 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 6;
[0025] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 4 showing a conveyor chain
having a shorter pitch as compared with that of the conveyor chain
of FIG. 4;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a side view similar to FIG. 4 showing a conveyor
chain having a longer pitch as compared with that of the conveyor
chain of FIG. 4;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a side view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating a
conveyor chain comprising a second embodiment of the invention;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a side view similar to FIG. 4 illustrating a
conveyor chain comprising a third embodiment of the invention;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a side view of a conveyor chain comprising a
fourth and preferred embodiment of the invention in which certain
parts have been broken away more clearly to illustrate certain
features of the invention;
[0030] FIG. 15 is a side view of the conveyor chain of FIG. 14
showing the conveyor chain operating in a vertically curved section
conveyor track;
[0031] FIG. 16 is a top view of the conveyor chain of FIG. 14
showing the conveyor chain operating in a horizontally curved
section of conveyor track;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a transverse sectional view of the conveyor chain
of FIG. 14;
[0033] FIG. 18 is an enlargement of a portion of FIG. 14;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a view similar to FIG. 14 illustrating a conveyor
chain having a longer pitch as compared with that of the conveyor
chain of FIG. 14;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a diagrammatic illustration of a conveyor chain
drive mechanism useful in the practice of the invention;
[0036] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic illustration of a conveyor chain
drive mechanism comprising a variation of the conveyor chain drive
mechanism of FIG. 20;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a diagrammatic illustration of the conveyor chain
drive mechanism of FIG. 21 showing the utilization thereof in
conjunction with a conveyor chain having a longer pitch as compared
with that of the conveyor chain of FIG. 18;
[0038] FIG. 23 is an illustration similar to FIG. 18 showing a
variation of the preferred embodiment of the invention; and
[0039] FIG. 24 is a diagrammatic illustration of a conveyor chain
drive mechanism useful in conjunction with the apparatus of FIG.
23.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0040] Referring now to the Drawings, and particularly to FIGS. 4,
5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 thereof, there is shown a conveyor chain 50
comprising a first embodiment of the invention. The conveyor chain
50 comprises a plurality of identical compact carriages 52 which
are connected end to end by a plurality of identical connection
members 54. The conveyor chain 50 operates in a conveyor track 56
comprising a solid bottom wall 58; opposed, solid side walls 60;
and a top wall 62 having a center slot 64 formed therein.
[0041] Each of the compact carriages 52 comprises a unitary
structure which may be manufactured from a variety of materials
utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques. For example, the
compact carriages 52 may be manufactured from steel and/or other
metals by means of die casting, investment casting, or other well
known manufacturing processes. Alternatively, the compact carriages
52 may be formed from various plastic materials suitable for high
temperature applications, and may be manufactured utilizing
conventional processes such as injection molding. Preferably, the
material and the process used in the manufacture of compact
carriages 52 are selected such that few if any machining operations
are required in order to complete the manufacture thereof.
[0042] Each compact carriage 52 comprises a elongate body 74 having
identical openings 76 formed in the opposite ends thereof. Each
opening 76 receives a spherical bushing 78 which in turn receives
the end portion of one of the connection members 54. The spherical
bushings 78 are retained in the openings 76 by pins 80.
[0043] Axles 82 extend through the body 74 at points situated
inwardly from the opening 76. The axles 82 support pairs of wheels
84 which in turn support the conveyor chain 54 for movement along
the track 56. Bosses 86 extend upwardly from the body 74 and in
turn support a grid (not shown) which receives and transports
bakery pans having dough received therein along the length of the
track 56. The bosses 86 may be provided with drilled and tapped
apertures 88 which received threaded fasteners to secure the grid
thereto. Examples of grids which may be used in the practice of the
invention are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,729,470,
4,760,911, and 4,836,360, all of which are owned by the assignee
hereof and incorporated herein by reference.
[0044] Each of the bosses 86 may have a dimensionally reduced
portion 90 at the upper end thereof. Top plates 92 are supported on
the bosses 86 and receive the portions 90 therethrough. The top
plates 92 function to prevent debris from entering the track 56
through the slot 64.
[0045] Each compact carriage 52 is further provided with a pair of
wheels 100. The wheels 100 function to locate the compact carriage
52 relative to the side walls 60 of the track 56. The wheels 100
are rotatably supported on a pin 102 extending through the body 74
of the compact carriage 52. As is best shown in FIG. 7, the wheels
100 cooperate with the wheels 84 to completely prevent bending and
tipping of the conveyor chain 50.
[0046] Referring particularly to FIG. 9, the wheels 84 are secured
to the axle 82 for rotation therewith. The axles 82 of conveyors
intended for use in proofers may be supported by a self-lubricating
plastic bearing 104 which may be of the type manufactured by Igus
Spritzgussteile fur die Industrie GmbH (Igus) of Koln (Cologne),
Germany and sold under the trademark IGLIDE.RTM.. In oven
applications the self-lubricating bearings 104 may be of the type
sold by Graphite Metallizing Corporation of Yonkers, New York,
under the trademark GRAPHALLOY.RTM.. The bearings 104 do not
require lubrication in order to rotatably support the axles 82 and
the wheels 84 supported thereon. Therefore, by means of the present
invention, the need for lubrication of the wheels which support the
carriages 52 is eliminated as are the problems attended to the
failure to provide required lubrication and difficulties associated
with cleaning conveyor chains in which lubricating fluids are used.
As is shown in FIG. 4, the wheels 84 may be rotatably supported by
sealed self-lubricating anti-friction bearings 105 in lieu of the
plastic bearings 104.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 8, the wheels 100 are rotatably supported
on the pin 102. In conveyors used in proofers, self-lubricating
plastic bearings 106 also manufactured by Igus are provided at the
opposite ends of the pin 102 and in turn rotatably support the
wheels 100 thereon. Conveyors for oven use may have bearings 106 of
the type sold by Graphite Metallizing. Again, the use of
self-lubricating bearings 106 to rotatably support the wheels 100
on the pin 104 eliminates the need for lubrication.
[0048] As is best shown in FIGS. 6 and 9, each connector member 54
has an eye 108 at each end thereof. Each eye 108 receives the
spherical bushing 78 of one of the compact carriages 52. In this
manner, the eyes 108 of the connection members 54 and the spherical
bushings 78 of the compact carriages 52 facilitate the movement of
the conveyor chain 50 along inclined and curved portions of the
track 56. For example, FIG. 5 illustrates the movement of the
conveyor chain 50 along a vertically curved portion 110 of the
track 56. FIG. 6 illustrates the movement of the conveyor chain So
along a horizontally curved portion 112 of the track 56. As will be
appreciated by reference to FIGS. 5 and 6, the movement of the
conveyor chain 50 along vertically and horizontally curved portions
of the track 56 is accomplished without interference between the
conveyor chain 50 and the track 56.
[0049] FIG. 7 illustrates the relationship between the wheels 84
and 100 of the conveyor chain 50 and the track 56. The wheels 84
travel along the bottom wall 58 of the track 56 and support the
conveyor chain 50 of the movement through the track 56. The wheels
100 serve to center the conveyor chain 50 in the track 56 and to
prevent interference of the conveyor chain 50 with the track 56 as
the conveyor chain 50 moves therethrough. Again, the wheels 84 and
100 cooperate to prevent bending and tipping of the conveyor chain
50.
[0050] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11, one of the advantages in the
use of the conveyor chain in the present invention comprises the
adaptability thereof to changes in pitch. Thus, in FIG. 10 the
compact carriages 52 are connected end to end by connection members
54' which are substantially shorter than the connection members 54
of the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5, and
6. The use of the connection members 54' in lieu of the connection
members 54 results in a conveyor chain 50 having a substantially
shorter pitch. The use of a conveyor chain having a shorter pitch
is advantageous in those instances in which the conveyor chain is
used to transport either heavier bakery pans or bakery pans
carrying heavier loads as compared with the loading of a conveyor
chain having a longer pitch.
[0051] Referring to FIG. 11, there is shown a conveyor chain 50
wherein the compact carriages 52 are connected end to end by
connection members 54" which are substantially longer than the
connection members 54 of the conveyor chain 50 illustrated in FIGS.
4, 5, and 6. The use of the longer connection members 54" in the
conveyor chain 50 of FIG. 9 results in the conveyor chain having a
substantially longer pitch as compared with the pitch of the
conveyor chain 50 shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6. The use of a conveyor
chain having a longer pitch is advantageous in those instances in
which the conveyor chain is called upon to carry either lighter
bakery pans or bakery pans carrying lighter loads as compared with
the loading of the conveyor chain 50 of FIGS. 4, 5, and 6.
[0052] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown a conveyor chain 150
comprising a second embodiment of the invention. The conveyor chain
150 comprises a plurality of identical compact carriages 152 which
are connected end to end by a plurality of identical connection
members 154. The conveyor chain 150 operates in a conveyor track
156 comprising a solid bottom wall 158; opposed, solid side walls
160; and a top wall 162 having a center slot formed therein.
[0053] Each of the compact carriages 152 comprises a unitary
structure which may be manufactured from a variety of materials
utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques. For example, the
compact carriages 152 may be manufactured from steel and/or other
metals by means of die casting, investment casting, or other well
known manufacturing processes. Alternatively, the compact carriages
152 may be formed from various plastic materials adapted for high
temperature applications, and may be manufactured utilizing
conventional processes such as injection molding. Preferably, the
materials and the process used in the manufacture of compact
carriages 152 are selected such that few if any machining
operations are required in order to complete the manufacture
thereof.
[0054] Each compact carriage 152 comprises a elongate body 174
having identical openings 176 formed in the opposite ends thereof.
Each opening 176 receives a spherical bushing 178 which in turn
receives the end portion of one of the connection members 154. The
spherical bushings 178 are retained in the openings 176 by pins
180.
[0055] Axles 182 extend through the body 174 at points situated
inwardly from the opening 176. The axles 182 support pairs of
wheels 184 which center the conveyor chain 154 in its movement
along the track 156. The axles are extended downwardly to prevent
excess tipping of the compact carriages. A boss 186 extends
upwardly from the body 174 and in turn support a grid (not shown)
which receives and transports bakery pans having dough received
therein along the length of the track 176. The boss 186 may be
provided with a drilled and tapped aperture 188 which receives a
threaded fastener to secure the grid thereto. Examples of grids
which may be used in the practice of the invention are shown and
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,729,470, 4,760,911, and 4,836,360,
all of which are owned by the assignee hereof and incorporated
herein by reference.
[0056] Each boss 186 may have a dimensionally reduced portion 190
at the upper end thereof. A top plate 192 is supported on each boss
186 and receives the portion 190 therethrough. The top plates
function to prevent debris from entering the track 156 through the
slot in the top wall 162.
[0057] Each compact carriage 152 is further provided with a pair of
wheels 200. The wheels 200 function to support the compact carriage
152 for movement along the bottom wall 158 of the track 156. The
wheels 200 are rotatably supported on a pin 202 extending through
the body 174 of the compact carriage 152.
[0058] The wheels 184 are secured to the axle 182 for rotation
therewith. Each axle 182 is rotatably supported by a
self-lubricating bearing 204. The bearings 204 do not require
lubrication in order to rotatably support the axles 182 and the
wheels 184 supported thereon. Therefore, by means of the present
invention, the need for lubrication of the wheels which support the
carriages 152 is eliminated as are the problems attendant to the
failure to provide required lubrication and difficulties associated
with cleaning conveyor chains in which lubricating fluids are
used.
[0059] Like the rotational support for the wheels 184, the wheels
200 are secured to the pin 202. A self-lubricating bearing 206
rotatably supports the pin 202 and the wheels 200 mounted thereon.
Again, the use of the self-lubricating bearings 206 to rotatably
support the wheels 200 and the pin 202 eliminates the need for
lubrication.
[0060] Each connector member 154 has an eye 208 at each end
thereof. Each eye 208 receives a spherical bushing 178 of one of
the compact carriages 152. In this manner, the eyes 208 of the
connection members 154 and the spherical bushings 178 of the
compact carriages 152 facilitate the movement of the conveyor chain
150 along vertically and horizontally curved portions of the track
156.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 13, there is shown a conveyor chain 250
comprising a third embodiment of the invention. The conveyor chain
250 comprises a plurality of identical compact carriages 252 which
are connected at equally spaced intervals along a wire rope 254.
The conveyor chain 250 operates in a conveyor track 256 comprising
a solid bottom wall 258; opposed, solid side walls 260; and a top
wall 262 having a center slot formed therein.
[0062] Each of the compact carriages 252 comprises a unitary
structure which may be manufactured from a variety of materials
utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques. For example, the
compact carriages 252 may be manufactured from steel and/or other
metals by means of die casting, investment casting, or other well
known manufacturing processes. Alternatively, the compact carriages
252 may be formed from various plastic materials suitable for high
temperature applications, and may be manufactured utilizing
conventional processes such as injection molding. Preferably, the
material and the process used in the manufacture of compact
carriages 252 are selected such that few if any machining
operations are required in order to complete the manufacture
thereof.
[0063] Each compact carriage 252 comprises a elongate body 274
having an opening 276 extending axially therethrough. The opening
276 receives the wire rope 254. Compression sleeves 278 mounted on
the wire rope 254 locate and secure each compact carriage 252
thereon.
[0064] Axles 282 extend outwardly from the body 274 at points
situated inwardly from ends thereof. The axles 282 support pairs of
wheels 284 which center conveyor chain 254 for moving along the
track 256. A boss 286 extends upwardly from the body 274 and in
turn supports a grid (not shown) which receives and transports
bakery pans having dough received therein along the length of the
track 276. The boss 286 may be provided with a drilled and tapped
aperture which receives a threaded fastener to secure the grid
thereto. Examples of grids which may be used in the practice of the
invention are shown and described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,729,470,
4,760,911, and 4,836,360, all of which are owned by the assignee
hereof and incorporated herein by reference.
[0065] The boss 286 may have a dimensionally reduced portion at the
upper end thereof. A top plate may be supported on the boss 286 and
receive the dimensionally reduced portion therethrough. If used,
the top plates function to prevent debris from entering the track
256 through the slot in the top wall 262.
[0066] Each compact carriage 252 is further provided with a pair of
wheels 300. The wheels 300 function to support the compact carriage
52 for movement along the bottom wall of the track 256. The wheels
300 are rotatably supported on pins 302 extending from the body 274
of the compact carriage 252.
[0067] The wheels 284 are each rotatably supported by a
self-lubricating bearing. The self-lubricating bearings do not
require lubrication in order to rotatably support the wheels 284.
Therefore, by means of the present invention, the need for
lubrication of the wheels which support the carriages 252 is
eliminated as are the problems attended to the failure to provide
required lubrication and difficulties associated cleaning conveyor
chains in which lubricating fluids are used. The wheels 300 are
also rotatably supported by self-lubricating bearings.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, 16, 17, and 18, there is shown a
conveyor chain 350 comprising a fourth and preferred embodiment of
the invention. The conveyor chain 350 comprises a plurality of
identical links 352 which are connected end to end to form the
chain 350. The conveyor chain 350 comprising the links 352 is
adapted for movement along the length of a conveyor track 356
comprising a solid bottom wall 358; opposed, solid side walls 360;
and a top wall 362 having a central slot formed therein.
[0069] Each component of the links 352 comprises a unitary
structure which may be manufactured from a variety of materials
utilizing conventional manufacturing techniques. For example, the
links 352 may be manufactured from steel and/or other metals by
means of die casting, investment casting, or other well known
manufacturing processes. Alternatively, the links may be formed
from various plastic materials adapted for high temperature
applications, and may be manufactured utilizing conventional
processes such as injection molding. Preferably, the material and
the process used in the manufacture of links are selected such that
few if any machining operations are required in order to complete
the manufacture thereof.
[0070] Each link 352 comprises a first link portion 364 and a
second link portion 366. Each first link portion 364 is connected
to its corresponding second link portion 366 by a pin 368 which
facilitates relative pivotal movement between the link portions in
the nominally vertical plane. Each pin 368 also has mounted thereon
a pair of wheels 370 which support the link 352 for movement along
the bottom wall 358 of the track 356.
[0071] The second link portion 366 of each link 352 is connected to
the first link portion 364 of the immediately following link 352 by
a pin 372. Thus, the pins 372 facilitate relative pivotal movement
the links 352 of the conveyor chain 350 in the nominally horizontal
plane. Each pin 372 also supports two wheels 374 which serve to
center the conveyor chain 350 and the track 356. As is best shown
in FIG. 17, the diameters of the wheels 370 and 374 are closely
matched to the interior dimensions of the track 356 whereby the
wheels 370 and 374 completely prevent bending or tipping of the
chain 350.
[0072] The pins 368 and 372 of the links 352 facilitate the
movement of the conveyor chain 350 along inclined and curved
portions of the track 356. For example, FIG. 15 illustrates the
movement of the conveyor chain 350 along a vertically curved
portion of the track 356. FIG. 16 illustrates the movement of the
conveyor chain 350 along a horizontally curved portion of the track
356. As will be appreciated by reference to FIGS. 15 and 16, the
movement of the conveyor chain 350 along inclined and curved
portions of the track 356 is accomplished without interference
between the conveyor chain 350 and the track 356.
[0073] Referring particularly to FIGS. 14, 16, 17, and 18, the
wheels 370 are rotatably supported on the pins 368 by
self-lubricating bearings 376. Likewise, the wheels 374 are
rotatably supported on the pins 372 by self-lubricating bearings
378. The use of the self-lubricating bearings 376 and 378 to
rotatably support the wheels 370 and 374, respectively, eliminates
the need for lubrication. As is shown in FIG. 14, the wheels 370
and 374 may be supported by sealed self-lubricating anti-friction
bearings 379 adapted for high temperature applications in lieu of
the bearings 376 and 378.
[0074] Each first portion 364 of each link 362 includes a boss 380
extending upwardly therefrom and through the slot in the top wall
362 of the track 356. Each boss 380 supports a grid (not shown)
which receives and transports bakery pans having dough received
therein along the length of the track 356. Each boss 380 may be
provided with a drilled and tapped aperture 382 which receives a
threaded fastener to secure the grid thereto. Examples of grids
which may be used in the practice of the invention are shown and
described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,729,470; 4,760,911; and 4,836,360,
all of which are owned the assignee hereof and incorporated herein
by reference.
[0075] Each boss 380 may have a dimensionally reduced portion 384
at the upper end thereof. Top plates 386 are supported on the
bosses 380 and receive the portions 384 therethrough. The top
plates function to prevent debris from entering the track 356
through the slot in the top wall 362 thereof.
[0076] Referring to FIG. 19, one of the advantages of the use of
the conveyor chain in the present invention comprises the
adaptability thereof to changes in pitch. Thus, in FIG. 19 there is
shown a conveyor chain 350 having links 352' which are
substantially longer than the links 352 of the conveyor chain 350
illustrated in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16. The use of the longer links
352' in the conveyor chain of FIG. 19 results in the conveyor chain
having a substantially longer pitch as compared with the pitch of
the conveyor chain 350 shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16. The use of a
conveyor chain having a longer pitch is advantageous in those
instances in which the conveyor chain is called upon to carry
either lighter bakery pans or bakery pans carrying lighter loads as
compared with the loading of the conveyor chain 350 of FIGS. 14,
15, and 16.
[0077] Referring now to FIG. 20, there is shown a drive mechanism
400 useful in conjunction with all of the conveyor chains
illustrated in FIGS. 4 through 19, inclusive, and described
hereinabove in conjunction therewith. The drive mechanism 400
includes a drive chain 402 which is trained around an idler
sprocket 404, an idler sprocket 406, and a drive sprocket 407. The
drive sprocket 407 is actuated by a suitable drive mechanism to
cause the drive chain 402 to move around the course defined by the
sprockets 404 and 406.
[0078] A plurality of chain engaging members 408 are supported on
the drive chain 402 for engagement therewith. Each chain engaging
member 408 includes a forward roller 410 which is rotatably
supported on a pin 412 secured in the drive chain 402 and a
rearward roller 414 which follows the surface of a cam 416
extending adjacent to the path of the drive chain 402.
[0079] Referring particularly to the portion of the cam 416
extending adjacent to the idler roller 406, if the rollers 410 and
412 were both secured to the drive chain 402, the chain engaging
members 408 would accelerate during movement around the idler
roller 406. However, the means of the engagement of the roller 414
with the cam 416, each chain engaging member 408 remains parallel
to its corresponding surface on the conveyor chain until the chain
engaging member 408 has moved downwardly far enough to disengage
from the conveyor chain. In this manner operating power is applied
to the conveyor chain evenly and without periodic intervals of
acceleration as would otherwise be the case.
[0080] FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative drive mechanism 420 which
may be utilized in the practice of the invention. The drive
mechanism 420 includes a drive chain 422 which extends around a
course defined by a drive sprocket 424 and two idler sprockets 426
and 428.
[0081] The drive mechanism further includes a plurality of conveyor
chain engaging members 430 each dimensioned to fully fill the space
between adjacent links of a conveyor chain. In this manner the
drive mechanism 420 may be utilized to apply a breaking force to
the conveyor chain. This is accomplished by slowly reducing the
operating power that is supplied to the drive sprocket 424 or by
completely reversing the direction of operation of the drive
sprocket 424 depending upon the requirements of particular
circumstances.
[0082] Each conveyor chain engaging member 430 is secured to the
drive chain 422 by a pin. Each conveyor chain engaging member 430
is provided with a forward roller 434 and a rearward roller 436.
The rearward roller 436 follows a cam which is substantially
identical in shape and function to the cam 416 illustrated in FIG.
20. Thus, the rearward roller 436 causes the conveyor chain
engaging member 430 to disengage from the conveyor chain without
applying acceleration thereto.
[0083] The forward roller 434 of each conveyor chain engaging
member 430 follows a track 438. The movement of the forward roller
434 in the track 438 causes each conveyor chain engaging member 430
to enter into the space between adjacent links of the conveyor
chain without applying either acceleration forces or deceleration
forces thereto. Thus, the conveyor chain engaging member moves
smoothly into the gap between adjacent links of the conveyor chain
and into engagement with both of the adjacent links without
applying forces thereto which otherwise would tend to change the
speed of travel of the conveyor chain.
[0084] FIG. 22 illustrates the use of the drive mechanism 420 in
those instances in which the pitch of the conveyor chain is too
long for the conveyor engaging members 430 to fill the entire gap
between adjacent links of the conveyor chain. In such instances a
spacer 440 is mounted on each connection member of the conveyor
chain at a suitable location between adjacent links thereof so as
to receive the chain engaging member 430 between the spacer 440 and
the link of the conveyor chain situated forwardly thereof. In this
manner the drive mechanism 420 functions identically to the manner
in which it functions as illustrated in FIG. 21 but without the
necessity of employing conveyor engaging members which are unduly
long.
[0085] Referring to FIGS. 23 and 24, there is shown a conveyor
chain 450 comprising a variation of the conveyor chain 350
illustrated in FIGS. 14 through 18, inclusive, and described
hereinabove in conjunction therewith. The conveyor chain 450 is
identical to the conveyor chain 350 except that it comprises
identical links 352' each having upper and lower drive cams 452 and
454 secured thereto by fasteners 456.
[0086] FIG. 24 illustrates a drive mechanism 460 useful in
conjunction with the drive chain 450. The drive mechanism 460
includes a drive motor 462 which actuates a drive sprocket 464. A
drive chain 466 is trained around the drive sprocket 464 and two
idler sprockets 468 and 470.
[0087] A drive chain cam 472 extends between the idler sprockets
468 and 470. The drive chain 466 carries a plurality of drive forks
476. Upon actuation by the drive motor 462, the drive sprocket 464
actuates the drive chain 466 to move the drive forks 476 around a
course extending from the drive sprocket 464 around the idler
sprocket 468, across the drive chain cam 472, around the idler
sprocket 470, and back to the drive sprocket 464.
[0088] As each drive fork 476 moves into engagement with the drive
chain cam 472 it is gradually lifted into engagement with one of
the drive cams 452 on one of the links 352' of the conveyor chain
450, being understood that an identical drive fork engages the
drive cam 454 on the opposite side of the particular link 352'. As
will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the drive chain
466 and the conveyor chain 450 move at the same speed. Therefore,
the drive forks of the conveyor chain 466 engage the drive cams of
the conveyor chain 450 without applying any acceleration force or
any deceleration to the conveyor chain 450. Subsequently, the drive
chain cam 472 gradually lowers each drive fork 476 out of
engagement with the drive cam 452 with which it has been engaged.
Again, the disengagement between the drive forks and the drive cams
is accomplished without applying any acceleration force or
deceleration force to the conveyor chain 450.
[0089] Although preferred embodiments of the invention as
illustrated in the accompanying Drawings and described in the
foregoing Detailed Description, it will be understood that the
invention is not limited to the embodiments disclosed, but is
capable of numerous rearrangements, modifications, and
substitutions of parts and elements without departing from the
spirit of the invention.
* * * * *