Gear switch and trolley stop for a conveyor assembly

Abstract

A switch assembly for a conveyor is provided. The switch assembly includes a rail section forming a portion of the conveyor assembly. The switch assembly has a first gear assembly pivotable about a first pivot axis and carrying a first gate and a first gear, and a second gear assembly pivotable about a second pivot axis and carrying a second gate and a second gear, the second pivot axis being positioned below a plane extending perpendicular to the rail section from the first pivot axis, and the second gear in rotational engagement with the first gear. A trolley stop assembly for a conveyor is also provided. The trolley stop includes a body having a first side portion and a second side portion arranged to be disposed on first and second sides of a rail section. A pivot member extends through the body and at least a portion of the rail section. A stop member is carried by an upper portion of the body, the stop member including a rail section portion and a stop portion. A weighted member is also carried by the body arranged to position the stop member for engagement with a trolley. A conveyor assembly including a switch assembly and trolley stop is also disclosed.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 185,505, filed on Aug. 4, 2008, entitled GEAR SWITCH FOR A CONVEYOR ASSEMBLY, the contents of which is hereby incorporated in its entirety by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to switch mechanisms for conveyors, and in particular gear switches and trolley stops for use with conveyor assemblies.BACKGROUND[0003]It is known to use overhead rail systems along which trolleys travel in order to move goods during processing or manufacture. The systems are used for transporting various types of merchandise, including hanging meat, garments and other products, through manufacturing, warehousing and distribution facilities. One typical overhead conveyer system pushes heavy, metal trolleys along a track system. The trolleys carry loads of products. The overhead rail systems are designed and installed so that goods may be suspended from the trolley...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The solution eliminates binding issues and enhances the precision and ease of operation by providing a lower travel path for the second gate, reducing interference with trolleys, pusher dogs, and drive chains, and allows the trolley stop to rotate smoothly without binding.

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, current switching mechanisms, due to the travel path and location of the gear assemblies carrying the gate members, are prone to catch or bind with the pusher dog if the gate is switched at the wrong time.

Unfortunately, due to the side attachment of the trolley stop to the rail, and the position of the weight, these trolley stops are prone to bind.

Moreover, the gate member must be precisely closed, coming over the top of the mechanism, or the gate may become wedged in place in the gate receptor, inhibiting the switching of the rails.

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