Claims:We claim:

1. A method for interlocking a conveyor belt (102) with a plurality of conveyor guards (104), the method comprising:

interlocking the plurality of conveyor guards (104) with the conveyor belt (102), wherein the plurality of conveyor guards (104) are interlocked around the conveyor belt (102) with facilitation of an electric cable (108), wherein the plurality of conveyor guards (104) are interlocked in 360 degrees around the conveyor belt (102);

arranging the electric cable (108) with the plurality of conveyor guards (104), wherein the electric cable (108) is arranged with the plurality of conveyor guards (104) in zig-zag manner;

detecting disturbance in tension of the electric cable (108), wherein the detection is performed using one or more pull cord sensors (110), wherein the one or more pull cord sensors (110) detects tension upon removal of any of the plurality of conveyor guards (104), wherein the one or more pull cord sensors (110) are connected with the electric cable (108) through the conveyor guard using one or more eye bolts (106); and

sending command for halting operation of the conveyor belt (102), wherein the command is sent after detection of the disturbance in tension of the electric cable (108), wherein the command is sent for spontaneously halting of the conveyor belt (102).

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein length of the electric cable (108) varies based on number of the one or more pull cord sensors (110).

3. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein each of the one or more eye bolts (106) are situated at a distance, wherein the distance is in range of about 0.5 meter to 2 meter.

4. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein disturbance in tension comprising at least one of elongation, shortening, pulling, pushing, and breaking of the electric cable (108).

5. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more pull cord sensors (110) sends command to a switch (112), wherein the switch (112) halts the conveyor belt (102).

6. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the electric cable (108) comprising spring, wherein spring retains tension in the electric cable (108).

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein length of the electric cable (108) depends on length of the plurality of conveyor guards (104).

8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more pull cord sensors (110) are situated at distance from the one or more eye bolts (106), wherein the one or more pull cord sensors (110) are situated at distance from the one or more eye bolts (106).

9. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the one or more pull cord sensors (110) are connected with the electric cable (108) using the one or more eye bolts (106) at a pre-defined angle of at least 10 degree between two of the plurality of conveyor guards (104) with respect to horizontal plane of the plurality of conveyor guards (104).
, Description:METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INTERLOCKING CONVEYOR GUARD WITH CONVEYOR BELT

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of industrial application, and, provides a method and system for interlocking conveyor guard with conveyor belt.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Conveyor belts are used to transfer articles from end to another inside a warehouse or a plant. Conveyor belts are surrounded with conveyor guards to avoid unwanted injuries or accidents. However, the conveyor belts are operated without utilization of the conveyor guards due to negligence of operators as well as because of human error to guard conveyor back after work completion. This poses a safety threat to operators/ maintenance crew operating/ working on the conveyor belt to transfer articles. Currently, techniques such as laser curtains, proximity sensor, hinge switches and pull cord sensors are used for protection of operators during working of the conveyor belt. However, laser curtain is suitable for indoor activities only and not suitable for outdoor applications. This is because of unwanted entry of animals such as pigeons, dogs and the like. Also, laser curtain gives unnecessary alarms and leads to unwanted halting of the conveyor belt. Moreover, proximity sensor is non-sustainable because it can easily be bypassed. This is because proximity sensor uses distance calculation of object irrelevant of its intactness. Also, hinge switches are non-sustainable for outdoor applications, especially in dusty areas. This is due to frequent disturbance in its calibration and high maintenance requirement. This results in easy bypassing of the hinge switches. Also, the pull cord sensor is unable to detect if the conveyor guards are missing because of no link with guard’s presence.

[0003] Considering the above stated discussion, there is a need for a method and system to interlock conveyor guard with conveyor belt to avoid injury which is reliable, acceptable and feasible.

OBJECT OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0004] A primary object of the present disclosure is to provide a method and system for zigzag interlocking of conveyor belt with a line of center and plurality of conveyor guards to sense the missing of any guard.

[0005] Another object of the present disclosure is to avoid unwanted injury to an operator/ maintenance crew during working of the conveyor belt.

[0006] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to avoid removal of the plurality as well as of conveyor guards during working of the conveyor belt.

[0007] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to avoid man-machine intervention during working of the conveyor belt.

SUMMARY

[0008] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for interlocking a conveyor belt with respect to plurality and line of centre of conveyor guards. The method includes a first step of interlocking the plurality of conveyor guards with the conveyor belt. The method includes another step of arranging an electric cable with the conveyor guards at some angle i.e. no straight connection of cable from one guard to other. The method includes yet another step of detecting disturbance in tension of the electric cable. The method includes yet another step of sending command for halting of the conveyor belt. The conveyor guards are interlocked around the conveyor belt with facilitation of the electric cable. The conveyor guards are interlocked in 360 degree around the conveyor belt. The electric cable is arranged with the plurality of conveyor guards in zig-zag manner. The detection is performed using one or more pull cord sensors. The one or more pull cord sensors detects tension upon removal of any of the plurality of conveyor guards. The one or more pull cord sensors relate to the electric cable through the conveyor guard using one or more eye bolts. The command is sent after detection of disturbance in tension of the electric cable. Sending command results in spontaneous halting of the conveyor belt.

[0009] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, length of the electric cable varies based on number of the one or more pull cord sensors.

[0010] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more eye bolts are situated at a distance. The distance in range of about 0.5 meter to 2 meter.

[0011] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, disturbance in tension includes elongation, shortening, pulling, pushing, and breaking of the electric cable.

[0012] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors sends commands a switch. The switch halts operation of the conveyor belt.

[0013] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric cable includes spring. The spring retains tension in the electric cable.

[0014] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, length of the electric cable depends on length of the plurality of conveyor guards.

[0015] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors are situated at distance from the one or more eye bolts, wherein distance between the one or more pull cord sensors and the one or more eye bolts is defined based on dimensions of the plurality of conveyor guards.

[0016] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors are connected with the electric cable using the one or more eye bolts at a pre-defined angle of at least 10 degree between two of the plurality of conveyor guards with respect to horizontal plane of the plurality of conveyor guards.

STATEMENT OF DISCLOSURE

[0017] The present disclosure provides a method for interlocking a conveyor belt with a plurality of conveyor guards. The method includes a first step of interlocking the plurality of conveyor guards with the conveyor belt. The method includes another step of arranging an electric cable with the plurality of conveyor guards. The method includes yet another step of detecting disturbance in tension of the electric cable. The method includes yet another step of sending command for halting of the conveyor belt. The plurality of conveyor guards is interlocked around the conveyor belt with facilitation of the electric cable. The plurality of conveyor guards is interlocked in 360 degree around the conveyor belt. The electric cable is arranged with the plurality of conveyor guards in zig-zag manner. The detection is performed using one or more pull cord sensors. The one or more pull cord sensors detects tension upon removal of any of the plurality of conveyor guards. The one or more pull cord sensors relate to the electric cable through the conveyor guard using one or more eye bolts. The command is sent after detection of disturbance in tension of the electric cable. Sending command results in spontaneous halting of the conveyor belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0018] Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily drawn to scale, and wherein:

[0019] FIG. 1A illustrates a general overview of a conveyor guard interlocking system performing a method for interlocking a conveyor belt with a single layer of a plurality of conveyor guards, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0020] FIG. 1B illustrates a general overview of a conveyor guard interlocking system performing a method for interlocking a conveyor belt with a double layer of a plurality of conveyor guards, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure; and

[0021] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of method for interlocking the conveyor belt with the plurality of conveyor guards, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0022] It should be noted that the accompanying figures are intended to present illustrations of exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure. These figures are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure. It should also be noted that accompanying figures are not necessarily drawn to scale.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] In the following description, for purposes of explanation, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present technology. It will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the present technology can be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, structures and devices are shown in block diagram form only to avoid obscuring the present technology.

[0024] Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” means that a feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. The appearance of the phrase “in one embodiment” in various places in the specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodiments mutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features are described which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others. Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirements for some embodiments but no other embodiments.

[0025] Reference will now be made in detail to selected embodiments of the present disclosure in conjunction with accompanying figures. The embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, and the present disclosure should not be construed as limited to the embodiments described. This disclosure may be embodied in different forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The accompanying figures are intended and provided to illustrate embodiments of the disclosure described below and are not necessarily drawn to scale. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout, and thicknesses and dimensions of some components may be exaggerated for providing better clarity and ease of understanding.

[0026] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", and the like, herein do not denote any order, quantity, or importance, but rather are used to distinguish one element from another. Further, the terms "a" and "an" herein do not denote a limitation of quantity, but rather denote the presence of at least one of the referenced item.

[0027] FIG. 1A illustrates a general overview of a single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 performing a method for interlocking a conveyor belt 102 with the single layer of a plurality of conveyor guards 104, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 includes the conveyor belt 102, the plurality of conveyor guards 104 and one or more eye bolts 106. In addition, the single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 includes an electric cable 108, one or more pull cord sensors 110 and a switch 112. The above stated elements of the single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 operate coherently and synchronously to interlock the conveyor belt 102 with the plurality of conveyor guards 104.

[0028] The single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 includes the conveyor belt 102 to transport any product. The conveyor belt 102 carries medium that holds product for transportation. The conveyor belt 102 is used in large scale and medium scale industries to transport product inside industries. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the conveyor belt 102 is used to transport product in straight line. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the conveyor belt 102 is used to transport product through change in elevation or direction. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the conveyor belt 102 transports product from one place to other with facilitation of pulleys.

[0029] The single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 includes the plurality of conveyor guards 104. The plurality of conveyor guards 104 interlocks the conveyor belt 102 with facilitation of the electric cable 108. The plurality of conveyor guards 104 are arranged to form the single layer of the plurality of conveyor guards 104. The plurality of conveyor guards 104 protect workers from injuries due to pinch point, abrasions and falling material. The plurality of conveyor guards 104 are interlocked in 360 degree around the conveyor belt 102 to eliminate man-machine intervention to avoid injury. In addition, the single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 is easy to calibrate and install.

[0030] The length of the electric cable 108 depends on length of the plurality of conveyor guards 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, length of the plurality of conveyor guards 104 is in range of 1000 millimeter to 2000 millimeter. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, length of the plurality of conveyor guards 104 may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the plurality of conveyor guards 104 is made up of iron. Further, each of the plurality of conveyor guards 104 is coated with paint. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, material of the plurality of conveyor guards 104 may vary.

[0031] The single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 includes the electric cable 108. The electric cable 108 is thin, flexible string made from several twisted strands. In addition, the electric cable 108 is arranged with the plurality of conveyor guards 104. The electric cable 108 is arranged with the plurality of conveyor guards 104 in zig-zag manner.

[0032] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric cable 108 is made up of any suitable metal protected/ covered with an insulating material. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, material of the electric cable 108 may vary. The length of the electric cable 108 varies based on number of the one or more pull cord sensors 110. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric cable 108 has length of about 50 meters if number of the one or more pull cord sensors 110 is one. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the length of the electric cable 108 may vary based on number of the one or more pull cord sensors 110.

[0033] The single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 includes the one or more pull cord sensors 110. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 are calibrated with the electric cable 108. The one or more pull cord sensors 110 detect disturbance or change in tension of the electric cable 108. The one or more pull cord sensors 110 detects tension upon removal of any of the plurality of conveyor guards 104. The change in tension may be caused by multiple factors. The multiple factors include at least one of elongation, shortening, pulling, pushing, and breaking of the electric cable 108. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the disturbance or change in tension of the electric cable 108 may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the tension in the electric cable 108 is set using tensioning jack. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the tension in the electric cable 108 is set using any other tool of the like.

[0034] The one or more pull cord sensors 110 relate to the electric cable 108 though the conveyor guard using the one or more eye bolts 106. The one or more pull cord sensors 110 sends command to the switch 112. The switch 112 halts the conveyor belt 102 to avoid injury. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 sends command to halt the conveyor belt 102. In addition, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 commands the switch 112 to halt the conveyor belt 102. The one or more pull cord sensors 110 send command after detection of disturbance or change in tension of the electric cable 108. The command results in spontaneous halting of the conveyor belt 102. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 relate to the electric cable 108 using accessories such as thimble and wire clamp, and the like.

[0035] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 sends command to halt operation of the conveyor belt 102 when the electric cable 108 is pulled. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 sends command to halt operation of the conveyor belt 102 when the electric cable 108 is pushed. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 sends command to halt operation of the conveyor belt 102 when the electric cable 108 is shortened. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 sends command to halt operation of the conveyor belt 102 when the electric cable 108 is elongated. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 sends command to halt operation of the conveyor belt 102 when any of the plurality of conveyor guards 104 is missing.

[0036] The one or more pull cord sensors 110 are connected with the electric cable 108 using the one or more eye bolts 106 at a pre-defined angle of at least 10 degree between two of the plurality of conveyor guards 104 with respect to horizontal plane of the plurality of conveyor guards 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the pre-defined angle may vary. The one or more pull cord sensors 110 detect disturbance or change in tension with change in neutral and preset position of the electric cable 108. The one or more pull cord sensors 110 signals the switch 112 to halt the conveyor belt 102.

[0037] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric cable 108 includes spring. The spring retains tension in the electric cable 108. Each of the one or more eye bolts 106 is a bolt with a loop at one end. The one or more eye bolts 106 are used to firmly attach securing eye to a structure to tie ropes or cables.

[0038] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more eye bolts 106 are firmly attached to the plurality of conveyor guards 104 in zig-zag manner. Zig-zag manner arrangement ensures that each of the plurality of conveyor guards 104 is intact before running of the conveyor belt 102. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more eye bolts 106 are made up of any suitable metal which is having smooth curvy inner surface for ease of cable to bend to get longer life. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, material of the one or more eye bolts 106 may vary.

[0039] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more eye bolts 106 are situated at a distance from each other. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more eye bolts 106 are situated at distance in a range of about 0.5 meter to 2 meter from each other. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the distance of position of the one or more eye bolts 106 from each other may vary. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more eye bolts 106 is used for each of the plurality of conveyor guards 104. The one or more eye bolts 106 connects the electric cable 108 to the plurality of conveyor guards 104.

[0040] The one or more pull cord sensors 110 are situated at distance from the one or more eye bolts 106. The distance between the one or more pull cord sensors 110 and the one or more eye bolts 106 is defined based on dimensions of the plurality of conveyor guards 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 are situated at distance of about 500 millimeter from the one or more eye bolts 106. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 may be situated at any other distance from the one or more eye bolts 106 based on dimensions of the plurality of conveyor guards 104. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, each of the one or more pull cord sensors 110 are situated at about 20 meters from each other. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, distance between each of the one or more pull cord sensors 110 may vary.

[0041] The single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 allows the conveyor belt 102 to run if and only if the plurality of conveyor guards 104 is intact around the conveyor belt 102. The single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 is sustainable in harsh environmental conditions.

[0042] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 is sustainable in dusty environment. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 is sustainable in outdoor applications. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 is sustainable in heavy duty applications. In yet another embodiment of the present disclosure, the single layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 is sustainable in any other environment of the like.

[0043] In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch 112 halts operation of the conveyor belt 102. In general, switch is a device that makes or breaks electric circuit to control machine. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the switch 112 includes spring connected to circuit breaker to break the circuit when the tension of the electric cable 108 is disturbed or changes and halts the conveyor belt 102. Further, the switch 112 receives signal from the one or more pull cord sensors 110 to halt the conveyor belt 102 with facilitation of the electric cable 108. Furthermore, the electric cable 108 attached to the one or more sensors 110 pulls spring to halt the conveyor belt 102. In an embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric cable 108 is a 6 core * 1.5 square millimeter shielded arm cable. In another embodiment of the present disclosure, the electric cable 108 may vary.

[0044] FIG. 1B illustrates a general overview of a double layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 performing a method for interlocking a conveyor belt 102 with the plurality of conveyor guards 104, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. The plurality of conveyor guards 104 are arranged to form the double layer of the plurality of conveyor guards 104. The plurality of conveyor guards 104 interlocks the conveyor belt 102 with facilitation of the electric cable 108. The plurality of conveyor guards 104 protect workers from injuries due to pinch point, abrasions and falling material. The plurality of conveyor guards 104 are interlocked in 360 degree around the conveyor belt 102 to eliminate man-machine intervention to avoid injury. In addition, the double layer conveyor guard interlocking system 100 is easy to calibrate and install.

[0045] FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart 100 of method for interlocking the conveyor belt 102 with the plurality of conveyor guards 104, in accordance with various embodiments of the present disclosure. It may be noted that references may be made to elements of FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B to explain process steps of flowchart 200.

[0046] The flowchart initiates at step 202. At step 204, the plurality of conveyor guards 104 are interlocked with the conveyor belt 102. In addition, the electric cable 108 is arranged with the plurality of conveyor guards 104 in zig-zag manner, at step 206. Further, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 detects disturbance in tension of the electric cable 108, at step 208. Furthermore, the one or more pull cord sensors 110 sends command to halt the conveyor belt 102, at step 210. The flowchart 200 terminates at step 212.

[0047] It may be noted that the flowchart 200 is explained to have above stated process steps; however, those skilled in the art would appreciate that the flowchart 200 may have more or less number of process steps which may enable all the above stated embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0048] The present disclosure provides various advantages over the prior arts. The present disclosure provides a conveyor guard interlocking system. The conveyor guard interlocking system provides elimination of man-machine intervention. In addition, the conveyor guard interlocking system cannot be bypassed. Further, the conveyor guard interlocking system is easier to implement and calibrate. Moreover, the conveyor guard interlocking system is cost efficient.

[0049] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present technology have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present technology to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible considering the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described to best explain the principles of the present technology and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the present technology and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is understood that various omissions and substitutions of equivalents are contemplated as circumstance may suggest or render expedient, but such are intended to cover the application or implementation without departing from the spirit or scope of the claims of the present technology.

[0050] While several possible embodiments of the invention have been described above and illustrated in some cases, it should be interpreted and understood as to have been presented only by way of illustration and example, but not by limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments.