MXPA98009277A - Easy assembly roller blocks for transportable transfer set - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor system having an improved easy / releasable mounting conveyor transfer assembly is provided for transferring articles from the end of the first conveyor to the beginning of a second aligned conveyor. The conveyor surface of the transfer assembly is formed by rollers driven by a magnetic coupling assembly that supplies power from an independent power source. This coupling system is formed of first and second opposed magnets, each having matching tapered drive faces, thereby causing the magnets to be self-aligning in drive gear. The rollers are detachably secured in a tray which forms the frame of the transfer assembly by means of divided assembly block assemblies. This allows easy separation to provide service or for replacement of the rollers

Description

"EASY MOUNTING ROLLER BLOCKS FOR CONVEYOR TRANSFER SET" TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates generally to conveyors, and more particularly, to an improvement in the mounting of the rollers in a conveyor transfer assembly that is positioned between the end of a first conveyor and the beginning of a second conveyor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION In a conveyor system, it is common for there to be two or more conveyors strategically placed in an end-to-end relationship, in order to move the articles along a feeding path. These systems are especially beneficial in the food processing and packaging industries, where it is often necessary to provide various lengths and sizes of conveyors that are faced to carry out a desired function. As is known in the art, a conveyor transfer assembly is placed between the conveyors to assist in feeding the articles from one conveyor to the next. However, a prevalent problem in end-to-end conveyor systems is to provide a transfer assembly that can be lifted and released easily in the event an article is jammed. A conveyor transfer assembly that fulfills these requirements is disclosed in U.S. Patent Application Number 5,584,373, issued May 26, 1995, entitled "Conveyor System With Passive Roller Transfer Assembly". This patent discloses a releasable conveyor transfer assembly that rests between the first and second conveyors and includes a conveyor surface that is either passive (i.e., driven by gravity) or active (i.e., positively driven by a power source). Independent) . Even though the conveyor transfer assembly, in the passive or active versions, is already known and has proven to be satisfactory, it is desirable and additional improvements have been made in the active version. More particularly, there was a need for an improved means to more efficiently drive the rollers forming the conveyor surface, while at the same time improving the particularity of the package liberality. Towards these aims, copending applicant's Application Serial No. 08 / 642,030 discloses the use of magnetic coupling assemblies that provide a releasable power or power connection for driving the rollers. These sets of first and second opposing magnets are formed underneath the matching surface boxes to form the magnetic coupling. Even though these magnetic coupling assemblies provide releasable capacity to the transfer assembly, it was found that it was difficult to realign the first and second boxes when mounting the transfer assembly in the operating position. Therefore, a magnetic coupling assembly was developed which allows the transfer assembly to be easily mounted on the conveyor system, especially after the release caused by an article that has become stuck. These coupling assemblies and those for similar applications using the same innovative principles, provide optimal power transfer through the connection, while keeping the assemblies simple and economical to manufacture, easy to install and operate reliably in day-to-day operations . With further reference to U.S. Patent No. 5,584,373, issued by the applicant, the disclosed transfer assembly is provided with a pair of mounting blocks for holding the ends of the arrows carrying the rollers, which comprise the conveyor surface of the assembly. transfer. These integral mounting blocks are adapted to be secured in a recessed tray that extends below the conveyor surface. Nevertheless, if a roller requires service or replacement, the transfer assembly must be removed entirely from the conveyor system, the mounting block separated from the transfer assembly and the roller sliding out of the blocks. This is also the case if an article is inadvertently stuck between the rollers of the transfer set. Of course, it is desirable to remove this stuck article as quickly as possible to avoid production work stoppage time. Correspondingly, there is a need for a new and reliable means to detachably mount or hold the rollers and the conveyor transfer assembly. Such as the releasable power or power connection, it is important that the means for providing the detachable support be simple and inexpensive to manufacture, however, be durable and easy to install and operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Therefore, focusing on the aforementioned need, a main object of the present invention is to provide an improved conveyor transfer assembly that incorporates the quick and easy release capability in case an article or the like is jammed, and it also provides easy maintenance of the rollers. Another important, and more specific, object of the present invention is to provide a conveyor transfer assembly and a component mounting block assembly wherein the arrows that hold the rollers of the conveyor surface can easily gain access for easy removal. The objects advantages and other additional novel features of the invention will be pointed out in part in the description that follows and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art when examining the following or can be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention can be acquired and obtained by means of the instruments and combinations that are pointed out with particularity in the appended claims. To obtain the aforementioned and other objects and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a conveyor transfer assembly with improved assembled blocks is provided to be placed downstream of a supply portion of a first conveyor and upstream of the receiving portion of a second conveyor. The conveyor transfer assembly includes a conveyor surface for moving the articles between the conveyors. More specifically, the conveyor surface includes a plurality of rollers that help the articles to transition between the conveyors. These rollers are supported on arrows that extend transversely through the transfer assembly, and which remain in position at the opposite ends of the transfer assembly, in the mounting blocks. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, these mounting blocks are actually assemblies since they are divided to form a base adapted to be fixed to the transfer assembly and a cover that is detachably secured to the base. Specifically, in the preferred embodiment, the cover is provided with coextensive protuberances corresponding to the matching recesses formed in the base. Each protrusion is provided with an opening corresponding to and aligned with an aperture formed opposite each recess in the base. Once they have been aligned, the openings accept a slidable gear pin to secure the cover to the base. The pin is provided with an external holding portion that allows for removal and replacement. Preferably, the base and cover are molded from an appropriate plastic such as polyacetal / polyamide / polyolefin or a compound thereof. When the rollers need service or replacement, the pins are removed from the assembly assembly assembly and the cover is separated from the base, thereby allowing access to lift and remove the arrows. Advantageously, this operation can be completed very quickly to minimize the time of production work stoppage. It should also be appreciated that the conveyor transfer assembly is releasable. In case of article lock, such as when an article / foreign object is housed under the transfer set or similar, it is easily lifted in a fast manner and is thus released before any appreciable damage to the carrier or to the carrier can occur. articles . To provide release capability, a magnetic coupling assembly is placed on one end of each roller. This magnetic coupling assembly for driving the rollers provides the ability to release this power or energy connection when the interlocking of an article occurs. The magnetic coupling assembly consists of first and second opposed boxes having matching tapered drive faces. Specifically, the first box is provided with a tapered driving face and a magnet. The driving face of the second box or the opposite box includes an inverted tapered recess and a pole magnet opposite to attract the driving face of the first box. The tapered drive face causes the boxes to be self-aligned and self-locking in drive coupling, when the conveyor transfer assembly is in the operating position. In addition, the singular magnets and the tapered drive faces of the coupling assembly provide a large contact surface area, thereby increasing the transfer of power or energy through the connection. Still other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art of the following description, wherein a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown and described, simply by way of illustration of one of the most suitable modes for carrying the invention. As will be understood, the invention is capable of other different modalities and its different details are capable of modification in several evident aspects all without deviating from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions will be construed as illustrative and not restrictive in nature.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming part of the specification, illustrate various aspects of the present invention, and together with the description serve to explain the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a perspective view showing a short diagram of the conveyor transfer assembly of the present invention that is placed in the operating position in the conveyor system, including the magnetic coupling assembly and the side plate of the conveyor system frame on which the transfer assembly rests; Figure la is a perspective view showing a similar short scheme of the conveyor transfer assembly in the operating position, including the coincidence of the tapered drive faces of the magnetic coupling assemblies; Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the coincidence of each half of the magnetic coupling assembly in the operating position including the reduced magnets and the arrows of the roller; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view showing the self-aligning and self-locking of the tapered drive faces of the magnetic coupling assembly, including the individual recessed magnets for supplying power or power to the conveyor surface; Figure 4 is a detailed perspective view showing the preferred embodiment of the split mounting block assembly of the present invention, including a sectional view of the rollers and support arrows forming the conveyor surface of the transfer assembly; and Figure 4a is an enlarged cross-sectional view showing the coincidence of the base and the cover of the split mounting assembly, including a pin having an external fold to removably secure the cover to the base; Reference will now be made in detail to the present preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY Reference is now made to Figure 1 which shows one side of a releasable conveyor transfer assembly 10 for illustrating the environment which the assembly block assembly of the present invention is used. As illustrated, the transfer assembly 10 includes a tray 12 recessed as the total support frame. A mounting block assembly 14 is provided at each end of the tray 12 to support the rollers forming the conveyor surface, as will be described in greater detail below. At the ends of the recessed tray 12, two pairs of support tongues 16, 18 are provided. Coincident with the tabs 16, 18 are the respective pairs of the notches N in the vertical side plates S of the conveyor system frame. It should be appreciated that a complete description of the releasable conveyor transfer assembly 10 and its operation in a conveyor system are set forth in Applicant's US Patent Number 5,584,373, issued May 26, 1995, entitled "Conveyor System With Passive Roller Transfer Assembly", and also in co-pending Applicant Application Serial No. 08 / 642,030, entitled "Conveyor System With Driven Roller Transfer Assembly", the disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference. In the operation of the conveyor system, when the interlocking occurs or an article is jammed, the transfer assembly 10 is able to rise quickly and free to prevent damage to the conveyor system and the articles transported therein. It is also important that the transfer assembly 10 is aligned and mounted securely in the conveyor system without significant effort, both during assembly and in reassembly after release. This function is achieved through a magnetic coupling assembly generally designated by the reference number 20. The magnetic coupling assembly 20 is shown placed at one end of the tray 12 recessed, even though it should be recognized that a similar magnetic coupling assembly could be placed at the other end as well. The magnetic coupling assembly serves for the purpose of actively propelling the rollers 24 from a rotary power source (not shown).

As best shown in Figures 2 and 3, the magnetic coupling assembly 20 includes a plurality of magnetic couplings 28, i.e., there is a magnetic coupling 28 which is provided by rollers 24. More specifically, each magnetic coupling 28 includes a first axially aligned and opposite case 30 and a second case 32. Each first case 30 is fixed to a driving arrow 34, which in turn is connected to the rotary energy source or driving means, such as a belt and pulley arrangement or a gear and chain arrangement (not shown). Each second box 32 is attached to an arrow 36 of the roller to hold each roller 24 of the conveyor surface. Each pair of boxes 30, 32 is provided with opposite taper faces 40, 42 which coincide to form the magnetic coupling 28. Specifically, the driving face 40 of the first case 30 extends outwardly from the body of the case, in a frusto-conical manner. The second box 32 is provided with a similar but inverted matching driving face 42; that is, it is recessed below the outer surface of the box. As will be appreciated, when pushed to remain in contact, the corresponding matching tapered spherical faces 40, 42 create an interface, generally designated by the reference number 44 (see Figure 2). The magnets 46, 48 having opposite poles are contained within the boxes 30, 32, thus creating the magnetic force of attraction as shown by the action arrow in Figure 3. As for the boxes 30, 32 are driven together to form the interface 44, a secure connection is formed to effect the transfer of energy between the couplings 28. The slight recess of the magnets 46, 48 creates the peripheral edges 50, 52. These edges 50, 52 cause the boxes 30, 32 to be locked in contact during the operation while preventing a direct contact between the magnets 46, 48. In addition to providing the particularity of self-locking, this limited contact surface prevents wear and the deterioration of the magnets 46, 48, during extended periods of use. Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the improved mounting block assembly 14 is disclosed to support the arrows 36 of the rollers and accompanying rollers 24 that comprise the conveyor surface. In the preferred embodiment, the assembly block assembly 14 is divided into a base 60 and a matching cover 62. The bottom of the base is secured in the tray 12 recessed. The base 60 is provided with arrow support channels 64 spaced apart by the recesses 66. The protrusions 68 extend downwardly from the upper surface of the cover 62 so as to be hermetically aligned with the recesses 66. The support channels 70 are formed. arrow on the cover 62 corresponding to the arrow support channels of the base 64. Therefore, when the cover 62 is adjusted in the base 60, the corresponding but opposite pairs of the arrow support channels 60, 62 they form an essentially circular opening for tightly holding and holding each corresponding roller arrow 36. The recesses 66, the protuberances 68 and the channels 70 all are molded directly into the plastic material forming the base 60 and the cover 62. The channels 70 form the bearing surfaces to allow the rotation of the roller support arrows 36. . As illustrated, a wall 72 is also integrally formed in the base 60. This wall 72 is provided with openings 74 corresponding to the openings 76 formed in each protrusion 70 of the cover 62. As more specifically shown in Figure 4a , each of these matching openings 74, 76 receives a pin 78 to detachably secure the cover 62 to the base 60. The pins 78 are preferably forcedly fitted into the openings 74., 76 corresponding, in such a way that they are not accidentally dislodged due to vibrations or similar factors. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the pin 78 is provided with an external fold essentially in the form of a "z". These bends provide the advantageous function of allowing the pin to be held by pliers, or similar devices, for removal, thereby allowing the cover to be easily lifted to have access to the arrows of the roller. It should now be appreciated that the smooth molded surfaces of the cover 62 and the base 60 of the assembly block assembly, and the mechanical tightness between these components and the arrows 36, tend to be that the assembly is free of interstitial spaces where small pieces of the food product, or the like, may be caught during the operation of the conveyor system. In addition, the forced-fit pins 78 are detachably secured in the cover 62 in the base 60, they are adjusted by similarly eliminating the tendency for the loose food product or a similar product to be trapped. Also, in the preferred embodiment, the cover 62 is preferably formed with a low profile such that the height of the base 60 and the cover 62, when matched, is lower than the outer diameter of the boxes 32 and the internal diameters of the rollers 24. Advantageously, this prevents the articles being fed along the conveyor system from being stopped in the upper part of the assembly block assembly. Referring again to Figures 1 and 1, during operation, the conveyor transfer assembly 10 is mounted on the conveyor system by connecting the opposing boxes 30, 32 to form the magnetic couplings 28. Specifically, the transfer assembly 10 is positioned at an angle above the side plate S and the boxes 32 extending from the roller arrows 36 are positioned in alignment with the boxes 30. The transfer assembly 10 is then left falling into position, thereby moving the outer tapered driving faces 42 in alignment with the similar but inverted driving faces. The opposite pole magnets 46, 48 are attracted towards each other while the tapered thrust faces 40, 42 push the magnets in proper alignment. In this way, it will now be appreciated that the magnetic coupling assemblies are self-aligned and that the conveyor transfer assembly is easily and efficiently mounted on the conveyor system, being ready >; for its funtionability.

This feature of easy assembly for the transfer assembly 10 is beneficial when the removal of jammed items is necessary. More specifically, after the transfer assembly is lifted and released and the article lock is cleared, the transfer assembly 10 is returned to the conveyor system using the assembly operation described above. As mentioned above, the magnets forming the magnetic coupling assemblies are easily aligned and locked in the operating position, thus allowing the operation of the transformers almost uninterrupted. Further, if during operation a roller 24 or the roller arrow 36 requires service or replacement, the split assembly block assembly 14 allows the roller 24 to be easily removed and replaced. Specifically, the pins 78 are simply removed by being made to slide from the openings 74, 76. A simple tool, such as pliers, can be used to hold the outer fold (see Figure 4a). After the removal of the pins 78, the cover 62 is easily removed from its position in the matching upper part of the base 62, thereby allowing access to the release of the arrows 36.

Since the split assembly block assembly supports the arrows of the roller without the use of bearings or the like, and low cost molded parts are desirable, the preferred embodiment of the assembly block assembly is formed of a plastic material such as the polyacetal / polyamide / polyamide groups or compounds thereof. A good selection of a material that has a high degree of lubricity and excellent wear properties, for these purposes as well as for excellent chemical resistance, is the nylon of the polyamide group, even when the use of other plastic materials including known compounds in the technique, it is also proposed. In summary, it will be understood that an improved conveyor transfer assembly 10 is provided wherein the arrows 36 holding the rollers 24 are secured in the assembly block assemblies 14, each having a separable cover 62. This allows easy removal for service or replacement of the rollers 24. The arrows 36 are driven through the magnetic coupling assembly 20. Therefore, when interlocking of the articles adjacent to the transfer assembly 10 occurs, the individual magnetic couplings 28 are released between the power source and the rollers. The transfer assembly 10, including the rollers 24 secured in assembly 14 of the mounting block, is physically lifted by a rapid action to prevent damage to the articles and rollers. This particularity of release also allows easy manual removal and reinstallation of the transfer set 10, during the service. The foregoing description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed. Modifications or obvious variations are possible as a result of the aforementioned teachings. The modality was selected and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application, in order to allow a person skilled in the art to use the invention in the different modalities and with various modifications that are appropriate for the specific use proposed. All modifications and variations within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims, when interpreted in accordance with the latitude to which they are entitled to regulate, legally and equitably.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS;

1. A conveyor transfer assembly for moving articles that are fed along a conveyor system, including a first conveyor having a feeding portion, a second conveyor having a receiving portion, and a frame between the portions, comprising: plurality of rollers extending transverse to the frame of the conveyor system; an arrow that holds each of the rollers; a pair of split assembly assemblies each having a base for holding the arrows in the transfer assembly, a matching removable cover and a means for detachably securing the cover at the base; whereby the removable cover allows easy access to lift and remove arrows during service provision.

The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 1, wherein the cover and base coincide to form a plurality of arrow support channels.

3. The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 2, wherein the cover is provided with a plurality of protuberances to coincide with the corresponding recesses in the base.

The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 3, wherein at least two of the protuberances are provided with openings.

The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 4, wherein the base includes a wall adjacent the recesses, the wall having openings that align with the openings of the protuberances.

The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 5, wherein the securing means comprises at least one slide for sliding insertion through the aligned apertures in order to detachably secure the cover on the base.

The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 6, wherein the pin is forcibly adjusted in the assembly block assembly.

The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 7, wherein the bend is formed in the portion of the pin external to the assembly block assembly, whereby the bend assists in securing and removing the pin from the openings.

The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 8, wherein the bend is essentially "z" shaped.

10. The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 1, including a recessed tray positioned below the rollers and supported by the conveyor system frame.

The conveyor transfer assembly of claim 10, wherein the base of each assembly block assembly is secured at each end of the recessed tray.

12. A mounting block assembly for holding the arrows of the roller in a conveyor transfer assembly comprising: a base for securing the conveyor transfer assembly, the base having a plurality of arrow support channels; a cover to match the base, the cover having corresponding arrow support channels; And a means to detachably secure the cover at the base; whereby the cover allows easy access to lift and remove the arrows from the roller. The assembly block assembly of claim 12, wherein the detachable securing means includes at least two pins that extend transversely through the corresponding openings formed in the base and the cover. The assembly block assembly according to claim 13, wherein the pins are forcibly adjusted in the assembly block assembly. The assembly block assembly of claim 14, wherein a fold is formed in a portion of each of the pins to the outside of the assembly block assembly, whereby the bend helps to secure and remove the pins from the openings. The assembly block assembly according to claim 12, wherein the cover is provided with protuberances to coincide with the corresponding recesses formed in the base.