U.S. patent application number 16/259258 was filed with the patent office on 2019-05-23 for method and apparatus for driving a conveyor.
The applicant listed for this patent is Imperial Technologies, Inc.. Invention is credited to Richard W. Tschantz.
Application Number | 20190152707 16/259258 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 60294451 |
Filed Date | 2019-05-23 |
United States Patent
Application |
20190152707 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Tschantz; Richard W. |
May 23, 2019 |
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DRIVING A CONVEYOR
Abstract
A conveyor belt assembly may include a conveyor belt having an
elastomeric layer, a chain adjacent a side edge of the conveyor
belt and a flexible bridge extending between and connected to the
chain and the conveyor belt along the side edge. The chain, bridge
and conveyor belt may be driven to revolve by a sprocket engaging
the chain.
Inventors: |
Tschantz; Richard W.;
(Louisville, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Imperial Technologies, Inc. |
Canton |
OH |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
60294451 |
Appl. No.: |
16/259258 |
Filed: |
January 28, 2019 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
15590355 |
May 9, 2017 |
10221016 |
|
|
16259258 |
|
|
|
|
62334148 |
May 10, 2016 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 17/02 20130101;
Y10S 198/957 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65G 17/02 20060101
B65G017/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a conveyor belt comprising an
elastomeric layer and having first and second side edges; a chain
adjacent the first side edge; and a flexible bridge extending
between and connected to the chain and the conveyor belt along the
entire first side edge.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible bridge comprises
an elastomer.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the flexible bridge overlaps
the conveyor belt along the first side edge.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible bridge forms a
flexible bridge closed loop.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the flexible bridge comprises
an elastomeric layer which forms an elastomeric layer closed
loop.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the flexible bridge comprises a
serpentine seal.
7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the flexible bridge comprises
an essentially flat wall which forms a closed loop and an
upstanding wall which extends outwardly from the essentially flat
wall.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the first side edge defines a
first side edge closed loop; and the flexible bridge closed loop
extends along the entirety of the first side edge closed loop.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the chain comprises a first
chain link having an inner link plate adjacent the first side edge
and a tongue which extends from the inner link plate toward the
flexible bridge and which is connected to the flexible bridge.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 further comprising a first fastener
which extends from the tongue to the flexible bridge.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the first chain link has an
outer link plate spaced from the inner link plate, and first and
second pins which are spaced from one another and extend from the
inner link plate to the outer link plate.
12. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the inner link plate and
tongue are formed of a piece of metal which has a bend at which the
tongue is secured to the inner link plate.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a first fastener
which extends from the flexible bridge to the conveyor belt.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first fastener serves as
a pivot about which the flexible bridge is pivotable relative to
the conveyor belt.
15. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the first fastener comprises
a threaded portion.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the threaded portion
threadedly engages one of the conveyor belt and a nut.
17. The apparatus of claim 13 further comprising a second fastener
which extends from the flexible bridge to the chain.
18. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the flexible bridge comprises
a plurality of flexible bridge segments which are spaced from one
another.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein each of the flexible bridge
segments comprises an elastomer.
20. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising a first fastener
which extends from a first one of the flexible bridge segments to
the conveyor belt; and a second fastener which extends from the
first one of the flexible bridge segments to the chain.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 15/590,355, filed on May 9, 2017, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.
62/334,148, filed on May 10, 2016. Each of the above applications
are incorporated herein by reference
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Technical Field
[0002] The present invention is related generally to conveying
systems. More particularly, the present invention is related to
chain driven conveyor belts.
Background Information
[0003] Amongst the many types of conveyors are those which use a
conveyor belt. Various types of conveyor belts are available
including those which may include a rubber or other elastomeric
layer. While chain driven conveyor belts have been developed for
certain types of metal conveyor belts, there is a need in the art
for a chain driven conveyor belt comprising an elastomeric
layer.
SUMMARY
[0004] In one aspect, the invention may provide an apparatus
comprising a conveyor belt comprising an elastomeric layer and
having first and second side edges; a chain adjacent the first side
edge; and a flexible bridge extending between and connected to the
chain and the conveyor belt along the first side edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] A sample embodiment of the invention is set forth in the
following description, is shown in the drawings and is particularly
and distinctly pointed out and set forth in the appended
claims.
[0006] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a conveyor belt assembly with
portions cut away showing the conveyor belt, chains for driving the
conveyor belt and respective flexible bridges extending between the
conveyor belt and chains.
[0007] FIG. 1A is a sectional view taken on line 1A-1A of FIG.
1.
[0008] FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken on line 2-2 of FIG. 1.
[0009] FIG. 3 is a sectional view taken on line 3-3 of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the encircled portion of FIG.
1.
[0011] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of one of the chain links.
[0012] FIG. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6-6 of FIG. 4.
[0013] FIG. 7 is a sectional view taken on line 7-7 of FIG. 4.
[0014] FIG. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8 of FIG. 1.
[0015] FIG. 9 is an enlarged view similar to FIG. 4 showing an
alternate flexible bridge extending between one of the drive chains
and conveyor belt.
[0016] Similar numbers refer to similar parts throughout the
drawings.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0017] FIG. 1 shows a conveyor belt system or assembly generally at
1. Conveyor belt assembly 1 may include a flexible conveyor belt 2,
rollers 4, sprockets 6, shafts 8, bearing mounts 10, a motor 11,
left and right chains 12 and left and right flexible bridges 14.
Assembly 1 has an upstream end 16 and a downstream end 18 defined
therebetween a longitudinal direction, and left and right sides 20
and 22 defined therebetween an axial direction.
[0018] Conveyor belt 2 has a first or left side edge 24, a second
or right side edge 26, and outer and inner surfaces 28 and 30 each
of which extend in a continuous manner from side edge 24 to side
edge 26. Conveyor belt 2 is an endless belt or forms a closed loop
such that each of side edges 24 and 26 and each of outer and inner
surfaces 28 and 30 likewise form closed loops. Belt 2 includes an
upper generally flat segment 32, a lower generally flat segment 34,
an upstream end curved segment 36 and a downstream end curved
segment 38. Curved segments 36 and 38 respectively define upstream
and downstream ends 40 and 42 of belt 2. Outer surface 28 serves as
an upwardly facing top surface of upper segment 32, while inner
surface 30 serves as a downwardly facing bottom surface of upper
segment 32. Outer surface 28 serves as a downwardly facing bottom
surface of lower segment 34, while inner surface 30 serves as an
upwardly facing top surface of lower segment 34. When belt 2 is
revolving, upper segment 32 moves in a downstream direction (Arrow
A) and lower segment 34 moves in an upstream direction (Arrow B).
Belt has a center which is midway between left and right side edges
24 and 26 and which lies along or may be represented by a
longitudinally extending vertical central plane CP which intersects
belt 2 midway between side edges 24 and 26.
[0019] Belt 2 may include a plurality of axially elongated cleats
44 which extend from adjacent left side edge 24 to adjacent right
side edge 26. Cleats 44 may be generally straight and perpendicular
to the downstream direction or may have various configurations,
such as a chevron configuration or any other configuration known in
the art. In the sample embodiment, cleats 44 are serpentine cleats
which may have a sinoidal configuration. Each cleat 44 may have a
left end 46 which is adjacent and axially spaced inwardly from left
side edge 24, and a right end 48 which is adjacent and spaced
axially inwardly from right side edge 26. Each cleat 44 is secured
at an axially elongated inner edge 49 thereof and extends outwardly
therefrom to an axially elongated outer edge 50 which extends from
left end 46 to right end 48. Cleats 44 may have various heights
defined between inner and outer edges 49 and 50. By way of example,
the distance or height between inner and outer edges 49 and 50 may
be in a range of 1/2 or 1 inch to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 inches or more
depending upon the specific scenario.
[0020] As previously noted, cleats 44 may be a serpentine cleat or
wall. Thus, each cleat 44 may include upstream U-shaped segments 47
and downstream U-shaped segments 51 which are secured to segments
47 to form this serpentine configuration which may be a sinoidal
configuration. More particularly, segments 47 and 51 are U-shaped
as viewed from above along upper segment 32. U-shaped segments 47
are inverted relative to U-shaped segments 51. When cleat 44 has
such a serpentine configuration, the tips of upstream U-shaped
segments 47 define upstream edge 43, while the tips of downstream
U-shaped segments 51 define downstream edge 45. A given U-shaped
segment 47 which is secured to an adjacent U-shaped segment 51
forms an S-shaped configuration as viewed from above along the
upper segment 32. The noted tips of the given segments 47 and 51
are defined by convexly curved surfaces of the respective segments
47 and 51. For the right bridge 14, the tips of the upstream
segments 47 face upstream while the tips of the downstream segments
51 face downstream.
[0021] Belt 2 is typically formed primarily of a rubber or
elastomeric layer which defines side edges 24 and 26 and outer and
inner surfaces 28 and 30. This elastomeric layer may have various
other materials embedded therein, wherein these other materials are
different than the elastomer of which the elastomeric layer is
formed. For instance, there may be various types of fibers, which
may be formed into various sized strands and often as belted
layers. In addition, these embedded materials may include embedded
metal strands or strips or other configurations. These embedded
materials may include any other suitable materials known in the
art. Cleats 44 may be formed of various materials also known in the
art. In the sample embodiment, each cleat 44 is formed of an
elastomeric material which may be the same material as that which
forms the elastomeric layer or belt 2. Thus, the primary material
of which belts 2 and cleats 44 are formed may be compressible and
flexible. In addition, cleats 44 and belt 2 may be formed
integrally with continuous elastomeric material.
[0022] Rollers 4 are typically rigid and may be formed of various
rigid materials, and may be formed of metal. Each of rollers 4 has
a first or left end 52 and a second or right end 54 with a
cylindrical outer surface 56 extending from adjacent left end 52 to
adjacent right end 54. Left end 52 is adjacent left side edge 24 of
belt 2, while right end 54 is adjacent right side edge 26. The
curved inner surface 30 along curved segments 36 and 38 of belt 2
is in contact with the respective cylindrical outer surfaces 56 of
the upstream and downstream rollers 4. Upper segment 32 of belt 2
extends from an upper portion of the upstream roller 4 outer
surface 56 to an upper portion of the downstream roller 4 outer
surface 56. Lower segment 34 extends from a lower portion of
upstream roller 4 outer surface 56 to a lower portion of downstream
roller 4 outer surface 56. Each shaft 8 may be a single shaft which
extends through roller 4 and outwardly on either side thereof or
may be two separate shafts each extending outwardly from the
respective left and right ends 52 and 54 of the given roller. More
particularly, shaft 8 extends outwardly to the left from left end
52 of the given roller 4 in the axial direction to a terminal end,
and shaft 8 likewise extends outwardly to the right from right end
54 of the given roller 4 in the axial direction to a terminal
end.
[0023] Sprockets 6 and shafts 8 are typically rigid and formed of a
rigid material which may be metal. Sprockets 6 include a pair of
upstream sprockets and a pair of downstream sprockets each of which
includes left and right sprockets. The upstream set of sprockets 6,
the upstream shaft 8 and the upstream roller 4 are all rotatable
together as a unit about an axis X1 which may be essentially
horizontal. Likewise, the downstream set of sprockets 6, the
downstream shaft 8 and downstream roller 4 are all rotatable
together as a unit about an axis X2 which may also be essentially
horizontal and parallel to axis X1. Axes X1 and X2 may extend in
the axial direction and pass respectively through the upstream and
downstream shafts 8. The upstream shaft 8 is rotatably mounted via
bearings of the respective upstream bearing mounts 10, while the
downstream shaft 8 is rotatably mounted on respective bearings of
the left and right downstream bearing mounts 10. Bearing mounts 10
are typically secured to a rigid frame or fixed structure.
[0024] Each sprocket 6 is rigidly secured to one of shafts 8 and
extends radially outwardly therefrom away from the respective axis
X1 or X2. Each sprocket 6 has a plurality of teeth 58 which extend
radially outwardly away from respective axis X1 or X2. Each
adjacent pair of teeth 58 defines therebetween a link receiving
space 60 so that each sprocket 6 defines a plurality of spaces 60.
Motor 11 has a rotational output which is rotationally coupled to
the upstream shaft 8 in order to drive rotation of the upstream
shaft 8, the upstream sprockets 6, and the upstream roller 4,
thereby causing revolution of chains 12 via the engagement of
chains 12 with the upstream sprockets 6, thereby causing rotation
of the downstream sprockets 6, downstream shaft 8 and downstream
roller 4 via engagement between the downstream sprockets 6 and
chains 12 respectively. Rotation of the upstream and downstream
rollers 4, sprockets 6 and shafts 8 is shown at Arrows C in FIG.
1A. The revolving movement of chains 12 likewise causes the
revolving movement of bridges 14 and conveyor belt 2.
[0025] Each chain 12 includes a plurality of chain links 62 and 64.
FIG. 1 shows that chain links 62 may include links 62A-G and that
chain links 64 may include links 64A-G, and FIG. 2 shows additional
links 62 and 64. Links 62 are longitudinally spaced from one
another such that various of links 62 are upstream or downstream of
other of said links 62. Links 64 are likewise longitudinally spaced
from one another such that a given link 64 may be upstream or
downstream from another one of links 64. In the sample embodiment,
each link 62 is coupled or linked to one of links 64 such that
every other link is a link 62 and every other link is a link 64. In
the configuration shown, each link 62 is coupled or linked directly
to two links 64 respectively upstream and downstream of the given
link 62. For example, link 62B is directly coupled to link 64A
upstream thereof and link 64B downstream thereof. Similarly, each
link 64 is directly connected to a pair of links 62 which are
respectively upstream and downstream of the given link 64. For
example, link 64C is directly coupled to link 62C upstream thereof
and link 62D downstream thereof. However, this specific
configuration may vary. For instance, two or more links 64 may be
disposed between a given pair of links 62 such that there are no
other links 64 between that given pair of links 62. One skilled in
the art will understand that various configurations in this regard
may be used.
[0026] With primary reference to FIG. 4, each link 64 has a rigid
inner link plate 66 and a rigid outer link plate 68. Each link 64
has a rigid inner link plate 70 and a rigid outer link plate 72.
Each chain 12 also includes a plurality of rigid pins 74 and may
further include a plurality of rigid rollers 76. Each of link
plates 66, 68, 70 and 72, and pins 74 and rollers 76 are formed of
rigid materials, typically a metal, which may be steel or other
suitable metal. Each link 62 includes a pair of pins 74. Likewise,
each link 64 includes a pair of pins 74. Each adjacent pair of
links 62 and 64, namely those that are directly coupled to one
another, include a common pin 74 and may include a common roller
76. Pins 74 are axially elongated and longitudinally spaced from
one another, as are rollers 76. Each of inner and outer link plates
66, 68, 70 and 72 are longitudinally elongated. The inner and outer
link plates 66 and 68 of a given link 64 are axially spaced from
one another to define therebetween a sprocket tooth-receiving space
78. Space 78 is also defined between the two pins 74 of a given
link 64 and may likewise be defined between the two rollers 76 of a
given link 64. The inner and outer link plates 70 and 72 of each
link 62 are axially spaced from one another to define therebetween
a sprocket tooth-receiving space 80, which is also defined between
the two pins 74 of the given link 62. A given space 80 may also be
defined between the two rollers 76 of a given link 62. Each pin 74
extends between and is connected to one inner link plate 70, one
inner link plate 66, one outer link plate 68 and one outer link
plate 72 so that the inner and outer plate 66 and 68 of a given
link 64 are pivotable relative to the inner and outer link plates
70 and 72 of a given link 62 which is coupled by the given pin 74
about an axis X3 which extends in the axial direction, which passes
through the given pin 74, and which may be essentially horizontal
and parallel to axes X1 and X2. During this pivotal movement, link
plates 66 and 70 may slidably engage one another, as may outer link
plates 68 and 72. Each pin 74 may have a cylindrical outer surface.
Each roller 76 is typically a hollow cylinder having a cylindrical
inner surface defining a passage in which is received pin 74. Each
roller 76 may have a cylindrical outer surface. Each roller 76 is
freely rotatable with pin 74 within the passage of the given roller
76 about axis X3 of the given pin 74.
[0027] Referring now primarily to FIG. 5, the inner and outer link
plates 70 and 72 each have first and second opposed ends 82 and 84
which are longitudinally spaced from one another, an upwardly
facing top or top edge 86, a downwardly facing bottom or bottom
edge 88, a first side surface 90 and a second side surface 92 which
faces away from surface 90. Each of surfaces 90 and 92 extend from
adjacent the respective first end 82 to adjacent the second end 84
and from adjacent top 86 to adjacent bottom 88. Surfaces 92 face
away from conveyor belt 2 and bridges 14, while surfaces 90 face
toward conveyor belt 2 and bridges 14. Inner link plate 70 is part
of a link plate assembly 93 which includes a rigid tongue 94 which
is rigidly secured to and extends axially away from plate 70 toward
belt 2 and bridges 14. Tongue 94 thus also extends from link plate
70 in a direction away from link plate 72. Tongue 94 has a base 96
which is rigidly secured to link plate 70 and extends axially
outwardly therefrom to a tip or terminal end or edge 98 which faces
toward conveyor belt 2 and bridges 14. Link plate 70 and tongue 94
may be formed as essentially flat plates which may be perpendicular
to one another. Tongue 94 has top and bottom surfaces 100 and 102
which may be essentially parallel to one another and essentially
perpendicular to surfaces 90 and 92 of plate 70. A pair of holes
104 may be formed in tongue 94 which are longitudinally spaced from
one another and which extend from the upwardly facing top surface
100 to the downwardly facing bottom surface 102 whereby holes 104
are through holes. Link plate assembly 93 may be formed as a single
piece of metal including link plate 70 and tongue 94 which is bent
at a longitudinally elongated bend along base 96 and top 100.
Unlike link plate assembly 93 in which tongue 94 extends outwardly
to the side in the axial direction from link plate 70, in the
sample embodiment no such tongue or other structure extends axially
away from link plates 66, 68 and 72 beyond their respective side
surfaces.
[0028] With reference to FIGS. 1, 1A, 4 and 6-8, bridges 14 will be
described in greater detail. Left and right bridges 14 may be
essentially mirror images of one another although this may vary.
Each bridge 14 may include a base wall or layer 106 and an
upstanding seal or wall 108 which is secured to layer 106 and
extends outwardly therefrom. Bridge 14 may have a cross section
which is T-shaped (or inverted T-shaped), as shown in FIGS. 6-8.
Each bridge 14 forms a closed loop which in its entirety extends
along the entire closed loop formed by the given side edge 24 or 26
of conveyor belt 2. Each of walls 106 and 108 likewise forms a
closed loop which in its entirety extends along the given closed
loop of the corresponding side edge 24 or 26 along which the given
bridge 14 is secured to conveyor belt 2. Each bridge 14 has an
inner side edge 110, an outer side edge 112, an outer surface 114
and an inner surface 116. Each of edges 110 and 112 and surfaces
114 and 116 forms a closed loop which in its entirety extends along
the given side edge 24 or 26 of belt 2 to which the given bridge 14
is secured. The inner and outer side edges 110 and 112 of a given
bridge 14 face in the axial direction away from one another. The
inner side edges 110 of each bridge 14 face toward one another and
toward the center or center plane CP of conveyor belt 2. Each inner
side edge 110 also faces toward the opposite side edge 24 or 26 and
the opposite bridge 14 and opposite chain 12 on the opposite side
of assembly 1. Each outer side edge 112 faces away from the
opposite side edge of belt 2, the opposite bridge 14 and the
opposite chain 12. For a given bridge 14, the side edge 110 thereof
faces the chain 12 to which the given bridge is connected.
[0029] Each bridge 14 has a longitudinally elongated upper
generally flat segment 118, a longitudinally elongated lower
generally flat segment 120, an upstream end curved segment 122 and
a downstream end curved segment 124. Outer and inner surfaces 114
and 116 along upper segment 118 are respectively upwardly facing
and downwardly facing surfaces. Outer and inner surfaces 114 and
116 along lower segment 120 are respectively downwardly facing and
upwardly facing surfaces. Outer surface 114 along upstream curved
segment 122 faces generally upstream in the longitudinal direction.
Inner surface 116 along upstream curved segment 122 faces generally
downstream in the longitudinal direction. Outer surface 114 along
downstream curved segment 124 faces downstream in the longitudinal
direction, while inner surface 116 along segment 124 faces upstream
in the longitudinal direction. Inner surface 116 along its entire
length is closely adjacent or in contact with outer surface 28 of
conveyor belt 2 along the entire closed loop formed by outer
surface 28 adjacent the given side edge 24 or 26 along which the
given bridge 14 is connected to belt 2. Thus, along any given
portion of bridge 14 and a corresponding portion of belt 2 along
which the portion of bridge 14 extends, inner surface 116 faces
outer surface 28, while outer surface 114 faces away from outer
surface 28. However, it is noted that while the bridge 14 as shown
in the sample embodiment has a longer closed loop than that of
conveyor belt 2, the closed loop of bridge 14 may be smaller than
that of conveyor belt 2 such that base wall 106 is connected to the
conveyor belt 2 with the endless loop of wall 106 within the
endless loop of belt 2, whereby the outer surface 114 of bridge
wall 106 would face and be closely adjacent or abutting inner
surface 30 of belt 2.
[0030] Each bridge 14 in its entirety extends along a given left
side or right side 20 and 22 of assembly 1 and also along the given
left or right side edge 24 or 26 and also along the corresponding
left or right chain 12. Layer or wall 106 overlaps conveyor belt 2
along a given side edge 24 or 26 such that wall 106 has an overlap
portion 126 and a non-overlap portion 128. Overlap portion 126 thus
overlaps belt 2 along the given side edge 24 or 26 while
non-overlap portion 128 does not overlap belt 2 along the given
side edge. Thus, inner side edge 110 of a given bridge 14 is closer
(normal distance) to the opposite side of assembly 1, the opposite
bridge 14, the opposite chain 12 and the center or center plane CP
of belt 2 than is the corresponding belt 2 side edge 24 or 26,
which is likewise closer (normal distance) to the opposite side of
assembly 1, opposite bridge 14, opposite chain 12 and the center or
center plane CP of belt 2 than is outer side edge 112 of the given
bridge 14. It may also be said that conveyor belt 2 extends
outwardly in the axial direction away from the center or center
plane CP beyond the inner side edge 110 of each bridge 14, whereby
conveyor belt 2 extends outwardly farther in this manner to the
left of inner side edge 110 of the left bridge 14 and outwardly to
the right beyond the inner side edge 110 of the right bridge 14. It
may also be said that each bridge 14, namely the non-overlapping
portion 128, extends outwardly in the axial direction away from the
center or center plane CP of belt 2 beyond the given side edge 24
or 26, whereby the non-overlapping portion 128 of the left bridge
14 extends outwardly to the left beyond left side edge 24 and the
non-overlapping portion 128 of right bridge 14 extends outwardly to
the right beyond right side edge 26.
[0031] Seal or wall 108 has a base or inner end or edge 130 and an
outer edge or terminal edge 132. Wall 108 may have various heights
defined between inner and outer edges 130 and 132. By way of
example, the distance or height between inner and outer edges 130
and 132 may be in a range of 1/2 or 1 inch to 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6
inches or more depending upon the specific scenario. Base or inner
edge 130 is secured to outer surface 114 of wall 106 to secure wall
108 to wall 106. Wall 108 extends outwardly from outer surface 114
to terminal outer edge 132. Each of edges 130 and 132 are
longitudinally elongated and typically extend in a continuous
fashion along the entire length of wall 108, thereby forming
respective closed loops. Wall 108 has an inner side edge 134 which
faces the center or center plane CP of belt 2 and the opposite side
of assembly 1 and the opposite side bridge and chain. Wall 108 has
an outer side edge 136 which faces away from the center plane CP
and the opposite side of assembly 1 and the opposite side belt and
chain. Inner side edge 134 of wall 108 of a given bridge 14 faces
away from the chain 12 to which the given bridge 14 is connected.
Outer side edge 136 of wall 108 of a given belt faces the chain 12
which is connected to the given bridge.
[0032] As previously noted, wall 108 may be a serpentine wall or
seal. Thus, wall 108 may include inner U-shaped segments 138 and
outer U-shaped segments 140 which are secured to segments 138 to
form this serpentine configuration which may be a sinoidal
configuration. More particularly, segments 138 and 140 are U-shaped
as viewed from above along upper segment 118 of a given bridge 14.
U-shaped segments 138 are inverted relative to U-shaped segments
140. When wall 108 has such a serpentine configuration, the tips of
inner U-shaped segments 138 define inner side edge 134, while the
tips of outer U-shaped segments 140 define outer side edge 136. A
given U-shaped segment 138 which is secured to an adjacent outer
U-shaped segment 140 forms an S-shaped configuration as viewed from
above along the upper segment 118. The noted tips of the given
segments 138 and 140 are defined by convexly curved surfaces of the
respective segments 138 and 140. For the right bridge 14, the tips
of the inner segments 138 face leftward while the tips of the outer
segments 140 face rightward. For the left bridge 14, the tips of
the inner segments 138 face rightward and the tips of the outer
segments 140 face leftward.
[0033] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 4 and 6-8, each bridge 14 is
connected to the corresponding chain 12 by a plurality of fasteners
142, and to conveyor belt 2 by a plurality of fasteners 144. In the
sample embodiment, there are sets of fasteners which include one
fastener 144 and two fasteners 142 which are all adjacent one
another. Each of these sets of fasteners 142, 144 is associated
with a respective one of links 62 and tongues 94. Thus, these
fastener sets are longitudinally spaced from one another as are
links 62 and tongues 94. The fasteners 142 within a given one of
these sets is longitudinally spaced from one another and axially
spaced from the fastener 144 within the given set. Bridge 14 may
thus be part of a bridge assembly which includes fasteners 142 and
144, and may also be part of a chain and bridge assembly which may
include the chain 12 to which bridge 14 is connected and fasteners
142 and 144.
[0034] Each of fasteners 142 and 144 may include a bolt or screw
having an elongated shaft 146 with an externally threaded portion
148, an enlarged head 150 which extends outwardly from shaft 146 at
a head end thereof, an internally threaded nut 152 which threadedly
engages threaded portion 148, and one or more washers 154. The
shafts 146 of fasteners 142 and 144 may be elongated in a direction
which is essentially parallel to one another and which is
essentially perpendicular to each of axes X1, X2 and X3 and each of
outer and inner surfaces 28 and 30 of belt 2, outer and inner
surfaces 114 and 116 of wall 106, and top and bottom surfaces 100
and 102 of tongue 94. The shafts 146 of fasteners 142 and 144 may
also be elongated in a direction which is essentially perpendicular
to the downstream direction of the conveyor belt, bridges and
chains.
[0035] The shaft 146 of each of the chain fasteners 142 extends
from tongue 94 to non-overlap portion 128 of wall 106 of a given
bridge 14 to connect tongue 94 to non-overlap portion 128 of wall
106 of the given bridge 14. In the sample embodiment, this shaft
146 extends through one of holes 104 in tongue 94 and through an
aligned through hole 156 formed in non-overlap portion 128
extending from outer surface 114 to inner surface 116 adjacent
outer side edge 112. Bottom surface 102 of tongue 94 faces and is
closely adjacent or in contact with outer surface 114 of wall 106.
Head 150 may be closely adjacent or in contact with top surface 100
of tongue 94 although a washer such as washer 154 may also be
disposed between head 150 and top surface 100. Washer 154 of
fastener 142 may be closely adjacent or abut inner surface 116 of
wall 106. Nut 152 may be adjacent surface 116. Of course, fastener
142 may be inverted such that head 150 is adjacent surface 116,
while nut 152 is adjacent or in contact with surface 100. Thus, the
head 150 or nut 152 of fastener 142 may be respectively above or
below tongue 94 and surfaces 100 and 102 thereof. Whether fastener
142 is in the form of a bolt or screw, the threaded portion 148 may
threadedly engage belt 2 within hole 156. Tongue 94 may be
essentially parallel to each of wall 106 and belt 2. Thus, surfaces
100 and 102 of tongue 94 may be essentially parallel to each of
wall 106 surfaces 114 and 116 and belt 2 surfaces 28 and 30.
Although the figures show tongue 94 atop wall 106 along the upper
segments of belt 2 and bridge 14 and beneath wall 106 along the
lower segments of belt 2 and bridge 14, some or all of chain links
62 may be inverted relative to the position shown so that tongue 94
is beneath wall 106 along the upper segments of belt 2 and bridge
14 and atop wall 106 along the lower segments of belt 2 and bridge
14.
[0036] Each of the conveyor belt fasteners 144 extends from overlap
portion 126 to conveyor belt 2. In the sample embodiment, the shaft
146 of each fastener 144 extends through a pair of aligned holes
158 and 160 respectively formed in overlap portion 126 and conveyor
belt 2 adjacent the respective side edge 24 or 26. Each hole 158 is
a through hole extending from outer surface 114 to inner surface
116 of overlap portion 126. Each hole 160 is a through hole
extending from outer surface 28 to inner surface 30 of belt 2.
Holes 158 and 160 are axially spaced from holes 104 and 156. In the
sample embodiment, the upper or outer washer 154 of each fastener
144 is closely adjacent or abuts outer surface 114 of overlap
portion 126 adjacent hole 158. The head 150 of each fastener 144
may be adjacent or in contact with this washer 154 or surface 114.
The sample embodiment also shows that the lower or inner washer 154
of each fastener 144 is closely adjacent or in contact with inner
surface 30 of belt 2. The nut 152 of each fastener 144 may be
closely adjacent or in contact with this washer 154 or surface 30.
Of course, each fastener 144 may be reversed such that head 150 is
adjacent surface 30 and nut 152 is adjacent surface 114. Thus, the
head 150 or nut 152 of fastener 144 may be respectively above or
below belt 2 and surfaces 28, 30 thereof and wall 106 and surfaces
114, 116 thereof. Whether the fastener 144 is in the form of a bolt
or screw, the threaded portion 148 of each fastener 144 may
threadedly engage belt 2 within hole 160 and/or overlap portion 126
within hole 158.
[0037] Each fastener 144 may serve as a pivot which allows for
pivotal movement of bridge 14 and the chain 12 connected thereto
relative to conveyor belt 2 about a longitudinal axis X4 of shaft
146 of the given fastener 144. This pivotal movement is illustrated
at Arrows D in FIG. 4 and is allowed by the flexibility of the
given bridge 14 as well as the flexibility of conveyor belt 2.
Although the pivotal movement about each axis X4 is limited due to
the fact that there are multiple fasteners 144, nonetheless this
pivotal movement allows for some adjustable movement between the
given chain 12 and the conveyor belt 2 as the conveyor belt 2,
bridges 14 and chains 12 revolve during the operation of assembly
1. Axis X4 may be essentially perpendicular to each of axes X1, X2
and X3 and each of outer and inner surfaces 28 and 30 of belt 2,
outer and inner surfaces 114 and 116 of wall 106, and top and
bottom surfaces 100 and 102 of tongue 94. Axis X4 may also be
essentially perpendicular to the downstream direction of the
conveyor belt, bridges and chains.
[0038] FIG. 9, which is similar to FIG. 4, shows an alternate
embodiment of a bridge 14A which is analogous to bridge 14, but
includes multiple bridge segments 162. FIG. 9 shows only two of
such bridge segments at 162A and 162B. It should be understood that
bridge segments 162 may be attached to each of the tongues 94 of a
given belt 12 such that segments 162 are longitudinally spaced from
one another and are positioned generally along the entire length of
the given chain 12 and the given side edge 24 or 26 of conveyor
belt 2. Thus, for example, each bridge 14A may easily include 10,
20, 30, 40, 50 or more bridge segments 162. Each bridge segment 162
may be formed of the same or similar materials as discussed above
with respect to conveyor belt 2 and layer 106 of bridge 14, such as
an elastomeric material with possible embedded materials. In the
sample embodiment, each bridge segment 162 is formed primarily of
an elastomeric layer which may or may not have such embedded
materials. Bridge 14A may be part of a bridge assembly which
includes one or more bridge segments 162 and fasteners 142 and 144,
and may also be part of a chain and bridge assembly which may
include the chain 12 to which bridge 14A segments 162 are connected
and fasteners 142 and 144.
[0039] Each bridge segment 162 includes some of the similar
surfaces and edges described with respect to bridge 14. Thus for
example, each segment 162 has an inner side edge 110A and an outer
side edge 112A, an outer surface 114A and an inner surface 116A
which are analogous to edges 110 and 112 and surfaces 114 and 116.
Thus, these edges 110A and 112A and surfaces 114A and 116A face in
the same directions as described above with respect to the
analogous edges and surfaces of bridge 14. Each bridge segment 162
has axially elongated first and second ends or edges 164 and 166
which may also respectively be referred to as upstream and
downstream ends or edges. Each edge 164, 166 extends from adjacent
inner edge 110A to adjacent outer edge 112A. As shown in FIG. 9,
segment 162A is upstream of segment 162B, or in other words,
segment 162B is downstream of segment 162A. Upstream edge 164 faces
in the upstream direction and downstream edge 166 faces in the
downstream direction. The upstream edge 164 of the more downstream
segment 162B faces downstream edge 166 of the more upstream segment
162A. Similar to bridge 14, each segment 162 has an overlap portion
126 and a non-overlap portion 128. In the sample embodiment, outer
and inner surfaces 114A and 116A are essentially flat and extend
from adjacent edge 110A to adjacent edge 112A and from adjacent
edge 164 to adjacent edge 166. Thus, bridge 162 has a generally
flat configuration as viewed in the downstream direction and has a
cross-sectional appearance which is analogous to that of layer or
wall 106 of bridge 14, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, with the
upstanding wall or seal 108 removed. Thus, each segment 162 may be
formed of a single wall or layer having flat outer and inner
surfaces 114A and 116A. As seen in a sectional view analogous to
FIG. 6, surfaces 114A and 116A can be essentially straight from
adjacent edge 110A to adjacent edge 112A, just as are edges 114 and
116 of wall 106 from adjacent edge 110 to adjacent edge 112.
[0040] Each of bridge segments 162 is connected to one of tongues
94 of chain 12 in the same manner as described previously with
respect to bridge 14 using fasteners 142 extending through holes
formed in non-overlap portion 128 analogous to the holes 156 shown
in FIG. 7. Likewise, each bridge segment 162 is connected to
conveyor belt 2 by a fastener 144 extending through one of holes
160 formed in belt 2 and an aligned through hole formed in segment
162 analogous to hole 158 shown in FIG. 7. Similar to bridge 14,
each fastener 144 may serve as a pivot which allows the pivotal
movement of the corresponding belt segment 162 and chain 12 or the
attached chain link 62 relative to conveyor belt 2 about the
longitudinal axis X4 of fastener 144. This pivotal movement is
illustrated at Arrows D in FIG. 9. Because bridge 14A is formed of
multiple longitudinally spaced segments 162, the ability for the
segments 162 and chain 12 to pivot about axes X4 relative to belt 2
is increased compared to the pivotal movement described with
respect to bridge 14.
[0041] With respect to both bridge 14 and bridge 14A, it is noted
that various components are axially outward of the respective ends
52 and 54 of each roller 4/outer surface 56, as may be seen in FIG.
1 and FIG. 8. That is, these components are a greater normal
distance from the center CP of belt 2 than are the respective ends
52 or 54. This normal distance may be, for example, measured
horizontally in the axial direction or parallel to axis X1 or axis
X2, or perpendicular to the downstream direction. These components
may include chains 12 in their entirety, belt 14 or 14A in its
entirety and fasteners 142 and 144 in their entirety. Thus, for
instance, these components may include all walls of the bridge or
bridge segment and all surfaces and edges thereof; the various
bolts or screws, washers and nuts of any of these fasteners; and
the various links of the chains. Thus, the left chain 12, the left
belt 14 or 14A, and the left sets of fasteners 142, 144 may be
axially outward to the left of the left end 52 of each roller
4/outer surface 56, or a greater normal distance to the left from
center CP of belt 2 than is of the left end 52 of each roller
4/outer surface 56. Likewise, the right chain 12, the right belt 14
or 14A, and the right sets of fasteners 142, 144 may be axially
outward to the right of the right end 54 of each roller 4/outer
surface 56, or a greater normal distance to the right from center
CP of belt 2 than is of the right end 54 of each roller 4/outer
surface 56.
[0042] The operation of assembly 1 is now described with primary
reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 1A. Motor 11 may be turned from an off
position or state to an on position or state to cause rotation of
its rotational output, which causes rotation of the upstream shaft
8, roller 4 and sprockets 6 (Arrow C at left of FIG. 1A). The
rotational movement of sprockets 6 cause the revolution of chains
12 around their respective upstream and downstream sprockets 6 with
teeth 58 received respectively in teeth-receiving spaces 78 and 80
and with pins 74 and rollers 76 received within respective spaces
60 of sprockets 6. As is understood in the art, teeth 58 of
upstream sprockets 6 engage rollers 76 of the various chain links
of the respective chains 12 and push them to force the revolving
movement of chains 12. The revolving movement of each chain 12
causes the rotational movement of the downstream sprockets 6 via a
similar engagement between the chain rollers and the teeth of the
downstream sprockets. The revolving movement of chains 12 also
causes the rotational movement of the downstream roller 4 and shaft
8 since the downstream shaft, roller and sprockets all rotate
together (Arrow C at right of FIG. 1A). The rotational movement of
the upstream sprockets also drives the revolving movement of
bridges 14 and conveyor belt 2 via the connection between the
chains 12 and bridges 14 and between the bridges 14 and conveyor
belt 2. During the revolving movement of the chains 12, bridges 14,
14A and conveyor belt 2 and the rotational movement of the
sprockets 6, shafts 8 and rollers 4, inner surface 30 of belt 2
engages outer surface 56 of each roller 4 with a rolling engagement
therebetween. This revolving movement of the chains 12, bridges 14,
14A and conveyor belt 2 includes downstream movement of the upper
segments of chains 12, bridges 14, 14A and conveyor belt 2 and
upstream movement of the lower segments of chains 12, bridges 14,
14A and conveyor belt 2. Also during this revolving movement and
rotation, the chains and bridge 14 or bridge segments 162 of bridge
14A may pivot about the various axes X4 relative to conveyor belt
2, whereby there may be a sliding engagement between the outer
surface 28 of belt 2 and the inner surfaces 116 or 116A of bridge
14 or bridge segments 162. As with a standard conveyor belt,
various loads may be placed atop the outer surface 30 of belt 2
along the upper segment 32 in order to transport or convey these
materials in the downstream direction indicated by Arrow A in FIG.
1 and FIG. 1A. The cleats 44 may facilitate the movement of such
materials with the downstream edges of the cleats 44 engaging such
materials. During the revolving movement and rotational movement
noted above, bridge 14 or segments 162 of bridge 14A may also flex
upwardly and downwardly due to the elastomeric material of which
the bridge is primarily formed.
[0043] In the foregoing description, certain terms have been used
for brevity, clearness, and understanding. No unnecessary
limitations are to be implied therefrom beyond the requirement of
the prior art because such terms are used for descriptive purposes
and are intended to be broadly construed.
[0044] Moreover, the description and illustration set out herein
are an example and the invention is not limited to the exact
details shown or described.
* * * * *