Claims:WE CLAIM :
1. A conveyor system (100) comprising:
• a track (110) positioned above ground level, said track (110) comprising a pair of rails (110a, 110b) disposed parallel to each other in a spaced apart configuration, defining a gap (125) therebetween;
• an endless chain (140) slidably disposed on said track (110);
• a plurality of carriage bolts (150) supported on said chain (140) in a spaced apart configuration, and extending downwards through said gap (125) towards ground;
• a plurality of carriages (160), wherein each carriage (160) suspended from a free end of a carriage bolt (150), and configured to be attached to an article to be transported; and
• a driving mechanism (170) configured to move said chain (140), thereby displacing said carriage (160).
2. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said rails (110a, 110b) of said track (110) has a support profile (115) configured to support said chain (140) and said gap (125) is defined between said support profiles (115).
3. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 2, which includes a sleeve (130) mounted on each of said support profiles (115).
4. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carriage (160) is secured to said carriage bolt (150) via a nut (156).
5. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said carriage (160) includes:
• an attaching member (162) connected to said carriage bolt (150); and
• a pair of arms (164) extending from said attaching member (162), and configured to be attached to said article.
6. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said conveyor system (100) includes a plurality of support brackets (130) supporting said rails (110a, 110b) of said track (110).
7. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 6, wherein said brackets (130) are connected to an operative outer surface of said walls of said track (110), said brackets (130) having an inner profile (132) which defines lateral shapes which are geometrically similar to that of the profiles of the rails (110a, 110b) and are configured to support said rails (110a, 110b).
8. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 6, which includes a plurality of support brackets (130) connected to the operative inner surfaces of said rails (110a, 110b) of said track (110), and configured to maintain a predetermined orientation of said chain (140).
9. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein each of said support brackets (120) has a recess (122) configured to receive an operative top portion of vertical links (142) of said chain (140).
10. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said carriage bolts (150) is connected to horizontal links (144) of said chain (140).
11. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein each of said carriage bolts (150) has a head (152) configured to rest on an operative top surface of a horizontal link (144) of said chain (140) and an elongated body (154) configured to extend downwards from said head (152) through said horizontal link (144).
12. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein said driving mechanism (170) includes:
• a prime mover (172); and
• a transmission mechanism configured to transmit power from said prime mover (172) to said chain (140).
13. The conveyor system (100) as claimed in claim 12, wherein said transmission mechanism includes:
• a gearbox (173) receiving power from said prime mover (172);
•
• a push belt drive (174) which configured to continuously push said chain (140) forward along said track (110).
, Description:FIELD
The present disclosure relates to the field of conveyors.
BACKGROUND
The background information herein below relates to the present disclosure but is not necessarily prior art.
Typically, a carriage conveyor system is used to convey articles from one place to other. A conventional conveyor system includes a conveyor with various types of linked chains which are fitted with carriage systems using wheels or rolls with bushes or bearings to support the articles to be transported from one place to other. Typically, the conveyor is coupled to pulleys which are rotated using an electric/mechanical drive. The rotational displacement of the pulleys causes displacement of the conveyor, and thus, transports the articles which are fitted on the carriage and supported by a linked chain from one place to another. For conveying articles over long distance, the conventional conveyor system includes a plurality of bearings and rollers that support the conveyor over its entire length. However, over time, the bearings and rollers are subjected to wear and tear which results in improper support to the conveyor, and increasing down time and maintenance cost.
Therefore, there is felt a need for a conveyor system that alleviates the abovementioned drawbacks of the conventional conveyor systems.
OBJECTS
Some of the objects of the present disclosure, which at least one embodiment herein satisfies, are as follows:
An object of the present disclosure is to provide a conveyor system that eliminates the need of bearings and rollers in carriage type conveyor.
Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a conveyor system that efficiently transports articles from one place to other with minimum down time and maintenance cost.
Other objects and advantages of the present disclosure will be more apparent from the following description, which is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
SUMMARY
The present disclosure envisages a conveyor system. The conveyor system comprises a track, an endless chain, a plurality of carriage bolts, a plurality of carriages, and a driving mechanism. The track is positioned above ground level. The track comprises a pair of rails disposed parallel to each other in a spaced apart configuration, defining a gap therebetween. The endless chain is slidably disposed on the track. The carriage bolts are supported on the chain in a spaced apart configuration, and extend downwards through the gap towards ground. Each carriage is suspended from a free end of a carriage bolt, and is configured to be attached to an article to be transported. The driving mechanism is configured to move the chain, thereby displacing the carriage.
Each of the rails of the track has a support profile configured to support the chain and the gap is defined between the support profiles. A sleeve is mounted on each of the support profiles.
The carriage is secured to the carriage bolt via a nut. The carriage includes an attaching member and a pair of arms. The attaching member is connected to the carriage bolt. The arms extend from the attaching member, and are configured to be attached to the article to be transported.
The conveyor system includes a plurality of support brackets supporting the rails of the track. In an embodiment, the support brackets are connected to an operative outer surface of the walls of the track. The support brackets have an inner profile which defines lateral shapes which are geometrically similar to that of the profiles of the rails and are configured to support the rails. In another embodiment, the support brackets are connected to operative inner surfaces of the rails of the track, and are configured to maintain a predetermined orientation of the chain. Each of the support brackets of the embodiment has a recess configured to receive an operative top portion of vertical links of the chain.
The driving mechanism includes a prime mover and a transmission mechanism configured to transmit power from the prime mover to the chain. In an embodiment, the transmission mechanism includes a gearbox and a push belt drive. The gearbox receives power from the prime mover. The push belt drive is configured to continuously push the chain forward along the track.
Each of the carriage bolts is connected to horizontal links of the chain.
Each of the carriage bolts has a head configured to rest on an operative top surface of a horizontal link of the chain and an elongated body configured to extend downwards from the head through the horizontal link.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE ACCOMPANYING DRAWING
A conveyor system, of the present disclosure, will now be described with the help of the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figure 1 illustrates an isometric view of the conveyor system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a side view of a conveyor system of Figure 1;
Figure 4 illustrates an isometric view of the chain and carriage bolts according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 5 illustrates a side view of the chain and carriage bolts of Figure 5;
Figure 6 illustrates an isometric view of the conveyor system, in accordance with another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 7 illustrates a side view of a conveyor system of Figure 6;
Figure 8 illustrates an isometric view of the chain and carriage bolts according to another embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 9 illustrates a side view of the chain and carriage bolts of Figure 6;
Figure 10 illustrates an isometric view of the drive mechanism according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;
Figure 11 illustrates a top view of the drive mechanism of Figure 8; and
Figure 12 illustrates a transparent top view of the drive mechanism of Figure 8.
List of Reference Numerals
100 – Conveyor system
110 – Track
110a – Left rail
110b – Right rail
112 – Wall of track
114 – Hanger portion of track
116 – Support profile of track
120 – Sleeve
125 – Gap
130 – Support bracket
132 – Inner profile of support bracket
134 – Outer profile of support bracket
136 – Fastening means
140 – Chain
142 – Vertical link of chain
144 – Horizontal link of chain
150 – Carriage bolt
152 – Head of the carriage bolt
154 – Body of the carriage bolt
156 – Carriage nut
160 – Carriage
162 – Attaching member
164 – Arm
170 – Drive mechanism
171 – Housing of drive mechanism
172 – Prime Mover
173 – Gearbox
174 – Push belt mechanism
175 – Push belt drive mounting plate
176 – Push belt
177a – Push belt driver shaft
177b – Push belt driven shaft
178 – Push belt drive chain
179 – Push belt drive motor
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
Embodiments, of the present disclosure, will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawing.
Embodiments are provided so as to thoroughly and fully convey the scope of the present disclosure to the person skilled in the art. Numerous details are set forth, relating to specific components, and methods, to provide a complete understanding of embodiments of the present disclosure. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the art that the details provided in the embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure. In some embodiments, well-known processes, well-known apparatus structures, and well-known techniques are not described in detail.
The terminology used, in the present disclosure, is only for the purpose of explaining a particular embodiment and such terminology shall not be considered to limit the scope of the present disclosure. As used in the present disclosure, the forms “a”, “an”, and “the” may be intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly suggests otherwise. The terms “comprises”, “comprising”, “including”, and “having” are open ended transitional phrases and therefore specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, modules, units and/or components, but do not forbid the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. The particular order of steps disclosed in the method and process of the present disclosure is not to be construed as necessarily requiring their performance as described or illustrated. It is also to be understood that additional or alternative steps may be employed.
When an element is referred to as being “mounted on”, “engaged to”, “connected to”, or “coupled to” another element, it may be directly on, engaged, connected or coupled to the other element. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed elements.
The terms first, second, third, etc., should not be construed to limit the scope of the present disclosure as the aforementioned terms may be only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another component, region, layer or section. Terms such as first, second, third etc., when used herein do not imply a specific sequence or order unless clearly suggested by the present disclosure.
Terms such as “inner”, “outer”, “beneath”, “below”, “lower”, “above”, “upper”, and the like, may be used in the present disclosure to describe relationships between different elements as depicted from the figures.
The present disclosure envisages a conveyor system. The conveyor system is now described with reference to Figure 1 through Figure 12.
The conveyor system 100 comprises a track 110 positioned above the ground level. The configuration of the track 110 is determined as per the application requirement. One of the configurations of the track 110 is shown in Figure 1 and another configuration is shown in Figure 6.
The track 110 comprises an operative left rail 110a and an operative right rail 110b. More specifically, each of the operative left rail 110a and the operative right rail 110b of the track 110 has a support profile 116. A sleeve 120 is mounted on each of the support profiles 116. A plurality of support brackets 130 are configured to hold the rails 110a, 110b in position. The support brackets 130 separate the rails 110a, 110b by a predetermined distance such that the sleeves 120 are separated by a predetermined ‘gauge’ distance. Each of the support brackets 130 has an opening on operative lower side thereof. A gap 125 is defined between the left rail 110a and the right rail 110b. Specifically, the gap 125 is defined between the support profiles 116 of the rails 110a, 110b. More specifically, the gap 125 is defined between the sleeves 120. The support brackets 130 are attached to the rails 110a, 110b using a pair of fastening means 136. The fastening means 136 comprises a round-headed bolt and a nut. The rails 110a, 110b are provided with holes at predetermined distances for attaching the support brackets 130. An endless chain 140 is slidably disposed on the track 110. In an embodiment, the chain 140 is formed by joining a plurality of links 142, 144 to each other (as shown in Figures 4-5 and 8-9). The chain 140 is disposed on the sleeves 120. Particularly, horizontal links 144 of the chain 140 remain in frictional contact with the sleeves 120 and the vertical links 142 pass through the space defined between the sleeves 120. The sleeves 120 offer reduced friction to the chain 140 as compared to bare support profiles 116.
In an embodiment, the sleeves 120 are of a material having nylon and molybdenum disulphide (MoS2).
In an embodiment, each of the rails 110a and 110b of the track 110 is defined by a profile, an exemplary embodiment of which is shown in Figures 1-3. The profile of the rails 110a, 110b has a wall 112. Further, each of the rails 110a and 110b has a hanger portion 114. The support bracket 130 has an outer profile 132 and an inner profile 134. The inner profile 134 defines lateral shapes which is geometrically similar to that of the profiles of the rails 110a, 110b. Thus, the assembly of the support brackets 130 with the rails 110a, 110b of the track 110 is performed by sliding the inner profiles 134 of the support brackets 130 along the rails 110, 110b simultaneously. The brackets 130 are brought adjacent to the appropriate holes on the walls 112 of the rails 110a, 110b and the assembly is completed by using the fastening means 136. Thus, through the hanger portion 114, each of the rails 110a, 110b is held in place by the support bracket 130. In the embodiment of Figures 2-3, the support profiles 116 are shaped such that after assembling the rails 110a, 110b with the support brackets 130, the support profiles 116 face each other. The shape of the support brackets 130 is approximately of an inverted U, wherein a gap is defined between the sides of the support brackets 130.
In another embodiment, the system 100 includes at least one support bracket 130 disposed between the rails 110a, 110b of the track 110. In an embodiment, the system 100 includes a plurality of support bracket 130 arranged within the track 110 in a spaced apart configuration. The support brackets 130 are connected to an operative inner surface of the walls of the track 110, through fastening means (not shown in Figures). The support bracket 130 of this embodiment is configured to maintain a predetermined orientation of the chain 140 and to prevent twisting of the chain 140 when the chain 140 is moving. The support bracket 130 has a recess 132 configured to receive an operative top portion of the top links 142 of the chain 140 as shown in Figure 6. The dimensions of the recess are determined such that there is very small clearance between the walls of the recess 132 and the links received therein. Thus, the orientation of the chain 140 is maintained.
The system 100 further comprises a plurality of carriage bolts 150 connected to the chain 140 in a spaced apart configuration. The carriage bolts 150 extend downwards through the gap 125 towards the ground. The support profiles 116 are configured such that the gap 125 defined therebetween is sufficient enough to allow the arms 150 to pass therethrough.
In an embodiment, the carriage 160 includes an attaching member 162 and a pair of arms 164. More specifically, the attaching member 162 is connected horizontally to the carriage bolt 150. Two arms 164 extend from operative ends of the attaching member 162. The arms 164 of the carriage 160 can have any suitable shape for carrying the hanging objects. In an embodiment, as shown in Figures 4-5, each of the arms 164 has a hooking element on an operative inward side. In another embodiment, as shown in Figures 8-9, each of the arms 164 has a hooking element on an operative outward side.
The carriage bolts 150 can have any suitable shape for supporting the carriage 160 on the links 144 of the chain 140. In an embodiment, each of the carriage bolts 150 has a round head 152, as shown in Figure 4. The hexagonal head rests on an operative top surface of a horizontal link 144 of the chain 140. In another embodiment, each of the carriage bolts 150 has a head 152 and an elongated body 154, as shown in Figure 8. The head 152 rests on an operative top surface of a horizontal link 144 of the chain 140. The body 154 extends downwards from the head 152 through the link 144 on which the head 152 is resting.
The carriage 160 can be suspended from the carriage bolt 150 by any suitable means. In an embodiment, each of the carriage bolts 150 has an external threading configured on a free end of the body 154 of the carriage bolt 150 and the carriage 160 is secured to the carriage bolt 150 via a nut 156.
The carriage 160 is configured to be attached to an article. Depending upon the configuration of the article, the configuration of the carriage 160 is determined. The pair of arms 164 extends from the attaching member 162, and is configured to be attached to an object to be supported.
The system 100 further includes driving mechanism 170 for displacing the chain 140 within the track 110, thereby displacing the carriages 160.
In an embodiment, the driving mechanism 170 includes a winching mechanism configured to displace the chain 140.
In another embodiment, as shown through Figures 10-12, the driving mechanism includes a prime mover 172, a transmission mechanism and a control unit (not shown in Figures), supported over a housing 171. In an embodiment, the prime mover 172 is an electric motor. The transmission mechanism comprises a gearbox 173 coupled to an output shaft of the electric motor 172. A sprocket (not shown in Figures) is housed in the housing 171 and is configured to mesh with the chain 140. In an embodiment, the transmission mechanism further comprises a push belt mechanism 174 that includes a pair of pulleys (not shown in Figures) rotatably mounted on driver and driven shafts 177a, 177b respectively which are in turn supported by push belt drive mounting plates 175, as shown in Figure 12. The belt 176 is wound around the pulleys. The driver shaft 177a is configured to be driven by a push belt drive motor 178 through a push belt drive chain 178. The belt 176 is configured to be engaged from an operative top side with the chain 140 and is configured to push the chain 140 in a forward direction.
The control unit is in communication with prime mover 172, the gearbox 173 and the push belt drive motor 179, and is configured to vary the speed of the chain 140 by controlling the prime mover 172 and the gearbox 173. The gearbox 173 rests on top of the housing 171, and is fixed in place by fixing a flange on the upper plate with threaded fasteners. The casing of the prime mover 172 is rested on top of the casing of the gearbox 173 and fixed in place by using threaded fasteners.
In an operative configuration, an article to be transported is connected to the carriage 160. Further, the system 100 is actuated. Actuation of the system 100 operates the prime mover 172, which in turn displaces the chain 140 via the gearbox 173 and the sprocket (not shown in Figures) housed in the housing 171. Further impetus is provided through the push belt 176 of the push belt drive 174. The speed and start-stop of the chain 140 can be controlled using the control unit.
The system 100 efficiently transports articles from one place to other. Multiple articles can be transported by connecting them to a plurality of carriages 160.
By using the sleeves 120 that offer reduced friction to the chain 140, the system 100 eliminates the need of bearings and/or rollers.
Further, the conveyor system 100 is washable. Thus, the system 100 can be used in industries which demands hygiene conditions such as food, pharmaceuticals and poultry industry. Further, the track 110, of the system 100, supports anti-perching feature to protect the track and the drive mechanism.
The foregoing description of the embodiments has been provided for purposes of illustration and not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. Individual components of a particular embodiment are generally not limited to that particular embodiment, but, are interchangeable. Such variations are not to be regarded as a departure from the present disclosure, and all such modifications are considered to be within the scope of the present disclosure.
TECHNICAL ADVANCEMENTS
The present disclosure described herein above has several technical advantages including, but not limited to, the realization of a conveyor system that:
• eliminates the need of bearings and rollers;
• efficiently transports articles from one place to other; and
• has reduced downtime and maintenance cost.
The embodiments herein and the various features and advantageous details thereof are explained with reference to the non-limiting embodiments in the following description. Descriptions of well-known components and processing techniques are omitted so as to not unnecessarily obscure the embodiments herein. The examples used herein are intended merely to facilitate an understanding of ways in which the embodiments herein may be practiced and to further enable those of skill in the art to practice the embodiments herein. Accordingly, the examples should not be construed as limiting the scope of the embodiments herein.
The foregoing description of the specific embodiments so fully reveal the general nature of the embodiments herein that others can, by applying current knowledge, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments without departing from the generic concept, and, therefore, such adaptations and modifications should and are intended to be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. Therefore, while the embodiments herein have been described in terms of preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that the embodiments herein can be practiced with modification within the spirit and scope of the embodiments as described herein.
The use of the expression “at least” or “at least one” suggests the use of one or more elements or ingredients or quantities, as the use may be in the embodiment of the disclosure to achieve one or more of the desired objects or results.
Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like that has been included in this specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the disclosure. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form a part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the disclosure as it existed anywhere before the priority date of this application.
The numerical values mentioned for the various physical parameters, dimensions or quantities are only approximations and it is envisaged that the values higher/lower than the numerical values assigned to the parameters, dimensions or quantities fall within the scope of the disclosure, unless there is a statement in the specification specific to the contrary.
While considerable emphasis has been placed herein on the components and component parts of the preferred embodiments, it will be appreciated that many embodiments can be made and that many changes can be made in the preferred embodiments without departing from the principles of the disclosure. These and other changes in the preferred embodiment as well as other embodiments of the disclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the disclosure herein, whereby it is to be distinctly understood that the foregoing descriptive matter is to be interpreted merely as illustrative of the disclosure and not as a limitation.