Sanitary conveyor roller

Abstract

A sanitary, cleanable conveyor roller for use in a conveyor includes a segmented hub, a plurality of spokes, and a rim for contacting a conveyor belt. The segmented hub includes a plurality of arcuate segments in different axial planes that are connected to one another. The conveyor roller is mounted on and rotatable about a mounting shaft, which can axially constrain the roller. All surfaces of both the conveyor roller and the mounting shaft are fully exposed during a rotation of the conveyor roller about the mounting shaft, allowing the surfaces to be cleaned in place without requiring removal of the conveyor roller from the mounting shaft.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to an electric conveyor. More specifically, the present invention relates to rollers that are used to support a conveyor belt at a return, a feed or another location where the belt needs support. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conveyor belts are used in many industries to transport products from a first location to a second location. The conveyor belt generally forms a looped belt circuit that is trained around drive sprockets and idler sprockets or rollers at each end of the conveyor path. The articles being conveyed on top of the conveyor belt are supported along an upper run. The conveyor belt returns along a lower run. To minimize the maximum sag of the conveyor belt in the return, return boots or rollers are often used. Multiple return rollers typically extend across the width of the conveyor belt at a number of selected locations along the return. Rollers can also be used to support the conveyor belt at the feed end and / or another location of the looped conveyor belt circuit. Traditionally, many applications use full-width rollers that extend along the width of the conveyor belt. However, in food-related applications, full-width rollers contact the entire surface of the conveyor belt and can smear and mix residual food on the conveyor belt surface, compromising food safety.

[0003] One option in use is a fixed stainless steel mounting shaft with multiple journal diameters that decrease. A plastic disc with a hole similar in diameter to the shaft can slide over the shaft and be positioned into the journal. The advantage of this solution is that the conveyor belt is supported but has limited contact between the roller and the belt surface, improving food safety.

[0004] The disadvantage of the roller disc is that it creates potential crevices between the inner diameter of the roller and the outer diameter of the journal. These crevices cannot be cleaned in place when the belt is running and must be manually lifted and removed to clean the entire surface of both the shaft and the roller disc.

[0005] To simplify the in-place cleaning of these rollers, gaps have been added along the length of the hole of the roller or the journal. While this does not enable a complete in-place solution cleaning, it does enable some cleaning of the roller while it is still on the shaft. However, these additional gaps also enable the roller to move axially and also tilt when exposed to lateral forces, creating instability. SUMMARY

[0006] A sanitary, cleanable conveyor roller for use in a conveyor, the conveyor roller including a segmented hub, a plurality of spokes, and a rim for contacting a conveyor belt. The segmented hub includes a plurality of arc segments in different axial planes connected to one another to form a hub with an axial bore for receiving a mounting shaft. The conveyor roller is mounted on and rotatable about the mounting shaft, which can axially constrain the roller. All surfaces of both the conveyor roller and the mounting shaft are fully exposed during a revolution of the conveyor roller about the mounting shaft, allowing the surfaces to be cleaned in place without requiring removal of the conveyor roller from the mounting shaft.

[0007] According to an aspect, a roller for a conveyor, the roller comprising: a segmented hub formed from a plurality of overlapping and connected segments to form an opening for receiving a shaft about which the conveyor roller is mounted; at least one spoke extending radially from the segmented hub; and a rim connected to the segmented hub via the at least one spoke.

[0008] According to another aspect, a roller assembly for a conveyor, the roller assembly comprising: a mounting shaft including a cylindrical body extending along an axis and a mounting region formed in the body; and a conveyor roller rotatably mounted in the mounting region. The conveyor roller includes a segmented hub formed from a plurality of overlapping and connected segments to form an opening for receiving the mounting shaft, at least one spoke extending radially from the segmented hub, and a rim connected to the segmented hub via the at least one spoke. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] Figure 1 is an axial side view of a conveyor roller according to an embodiment, the conveyor roller including a segmented hub mounted on a mounting shaft;

[0010] Figure 2 is an axial side view of a conveyor roller according to an embodiment, the conveyor roller including a segmented hub mounted on a mounting shaft; Figure 1

[0011] Figure 3 is an axial side view of a segmented hub of a conveyor roller according to an embodiment; Figure 1

[0012] Figure 4 is an axial side view of a mounting shaft having a mounting region adapted to mount a conveyor roller according to an embodiment; Figure 2

[0013] Figure 5 is an axial side view of a conveyor roller according to an embodiment, the conveyor roller including a segmented hub mounted on a mounting shaft; Figure 1

[0014] is an axial side view of a conveyor roller according to an embodiment, the conveyor roller including a segmented hub mounted on a mounting shaft;​​​Figure 6 is a cross-sectional front view of Figure 5 ;

[0015] Figure 7 is a cross-sectional front view of Figure 1 ;

[0016] Figure 8 is a side view of the conveyor roller and mounting shaft of Figure 1 ;

[0017] Figure 9 is an axial side view of the conveyor roller and mounting shaft of Figure 1 before the conveyor roller is mounted on the mounting shaft;

[0018] Figure 10 is an axial side view of the conveyor roller and mounting shaft of Figure 1 during mounting of the conveyor roller on the mounting shaft;

[0019] Figure 11 is an axial side view of the conveyor roller and mounting shaft of Figure 1 in a first position;

[0020] Figure 12 is an axial side view of the conveyor roller and mounting shaft of Figure 11 after the conveyor roller has been rotated a quarter of a turn around the mounting shaft;

[0021] Figure 13 is an axial side view of the conveyor roller and mounting shaft of Figure 11 after the conveyor roller has been rotated a half of a turn around the mounting shaft;

[0022] Figure 14 is an axial side view of the conveyor roller of Figure 2 during mounting of the conveyor roller on the mounting shaft according to a further embodiment;

[0023] Figure 15 is an axial side view of the conveyor roller of Figure 14 in a first mounting position on the mounting shaft;

[0024] Figure 16 is a front view of the conveyor roller and mounting shaft of Figure 15 ;

[0025] Figure 17 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyor roller and mounting shaft of Figure 16 . DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0026] A sanitary conveyor roller includes a segmented hub connected to a rim with spokes. The present invention will be described below with respect to certain illustrative embodiments, but one skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments.

[0027] Referring to Figures 1 to 8 Conveyor roller 100 is mounted on and rotatable about a mounting shaft 10 in a conveyor. In one embodiment, the conveyor roller is a return roller mounted in a return of a conveyor for guiding and / or supporting a conveyor belt as the conveyor belt travels from a discharge end back to an intake end of the conveyor. As the conveyor belt moves over the outer edge 160 of conveyor roller 100, the conveyor belt can cause conveyor roller 100 to rotate about shaft 10. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the illustrative conveyor roller 100 can be implemented in any suitable location in a conveyor, such as an intake location or other suitable location where support of the conveyor belt is useful.

[0028] Conveyor roller 100 includes a segmented hub 110 mounted on and rotatable about shaft 10 in a dedicated mounting area 20. Segmented hub 110 includes multiple segments in different axial planes that are connected to and overlap one another to form a complete integral hub that can encircle mounting shaft 10 and allow conveyor roller 100 to rotate about mounting shaft 10.

[0029] Spokes 150 extend radially from segmented hub 110 and connect segmented hub 110 to outer rim 160, the outer surface 161 of which contacts and supports the conveyor belt. The illustrative conveyor roller 100 includes two spokes 150 that are in line and parallel to one another and radially offset 180° from one another, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, more spokes can be used to connect segmented hub 110 to rim 160. Alternatively, a band or another suitable connector can connect segmented hub 110 to rim 160.

[0030] The illustrative segmented hub 110 includes a first arcuate segment 111 and a second arcuate segment 112 that is parallel and spaced apart from the first arcuate segment 111. The first and second arcuate segments are equidistantly spaced from the central vertical plane 50 of the barrel 100 and mirror each other across the central vertical plane 50. A third arcuate segment 121 is radially and axially offset from the first arcuate segment 111 such that the ends of the first arcuate segment 111 overlap and connect with the ends of the third arcuate segment to form first and second overlap portions 140, 141. A fourth arcuate segment 122 is radially and axially offset from the second arcuate segment 112 such that the ends of the second arcuate segment 112 overlap and connect with the ends of the fourth arcuate segment 122 to form third and fourth overlap portions 142, 143.

[0031] In this illustrative embodiment, the arcuate segments are substantially identical in shape and size, with each segment spanning greater than 180°, such that the overlapping and offset segments 111, 112, 121, 122 form a complete circumference to allow the segmented hub 110 to slide over the body of the mounting shaft 10, with an axial bore having a substantially circular cross-section with a slightly larger outer diameter than the shaft 10.

[0032] Alternatively, three, four, or more offset, overlapping, and connected segments can form a complete circumference that forms an axial bore for receiving the mounting shaft 10.

[0033] A first bridging segment 146 extends between the first arcuate segment 111 and the second arcuate segment 112. The illustrative first bridging segment 146 extends between the first overlap portion 140 and the third overlap portion 142 to connect the first and second arcuate segments 111, 112 to the third and fourth arcuate segments 121, 122. However, the first bridging segment 146 can be radially offset from the overlap portions 140, 142, and / or extend between any suitable locations of the arcuate segments 111, 112, 121, 122.

[0034] A second bridging segment 147 extends the first arcuate segment 111 and the second arcuate segment 112 at a second location. The illustrative second bridging segment 147 extends between the second overlap portion 141 and the fourth overlap portion 143 to further connect the first and second arcuate segments 111, 112 to the third and fourth arcuate segments 121, 122 at opposite ends. The second bridging segment 147 can be radially offset from the overlap portions 142, 143, and / or extend between any suitable locations to connect the arcuate segments 111, 112, 121, 122 together.

[0035] Each illustrative spoke 150 extends from a radially outer side of an associated bridging segment 146, 147. Alternatively, spokes 150 or other suitable segmented hub-rim connectors can be located at different locations or various locations, and the present invention is not limited to spokes extending from bridging segments on the segmented hub 110.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2 , a radially inner surface 145 of each of the bridging segments 146, 147 is radially offset outward from the radially inner surface of the arcuate segments to provide a gap.

[0037] The illustrative conveyor roller 100 has mirror symmetry across a plane 50 that bisects the rim 160.

[0038] Figure 3 An isolated arcuate segment 170 representing each arcuate segment 111, 112, 121, and -or 122 according to an embodiment is shown. The illustrative arcuate segment 170 includes a radially outer surface 171, a radially inner surface 172, an axially outer surface 173, an axially inner surface 174, and end surfaces 175, 176. The illustrative arcuate segment spans greater than 180°, such that the ends 175, 176 are separated by less than 180°, although the present invention is not limited thereto. The illustrative arcuate segment has a rectangular or square cross-section, with flat axially inner and outer surfaces 173, 174. Shaped connecting surfaces can connect the arcuate segment to adjacent arcuate segments to prevent cracking and to smooth the interface between segments. The illustrative end surfaces 175, 176 extend parallel to a line 178 that extends tangentially to an apex 179 of the arcuate segment. In this way, the end surfaces 175, 176 are horizontal when the apex 179 is at its topmost point, as shown in Figure 7 and Figure 8 The ends 175, 176 of one or more of the arcuate segments can be beveled.

[0039] In Figure 3 show an isolated arcuate segment 170, the illustrative conveyor roller 100 includes a segmented hub 110, in which the segments 111, 112, 121, 122 are integrally formed by injection molding, compression molding, or another suitable process. The entire conveyor roller 100 can be integrally formed by injection molding, compression molding, or another suitable process. Alternatively, one or more portions or segments of the conveyor roller 100 can be separately formed and then connected together.

[0040] The conveyor roller 100 is configured to receive a mounting shaft 10 that axially and radially constrains movement of the conveyor roller 100 while allowing the conveyor roller 100 to rotate about the mounting shaft 10. In one embodiment, as Figure 4As shown, the axle 10 includes a cylindrical body 11 having an outer surface 12 and extending along an axis 16. The mounting axle 10 includes one or more mounting regions 20, each mounting region capable of mounting a conveyor roller 100. The illustrative mounting region 20 includes a first off-center radial recess 30 and a second off-center radial recess 40 parallel to the first off-center radial recess 30 and separated from the first off-center radial recess 30 by a ridge 60. The illustrative outer surface of the ridge 60 matches the outer surface 12 of the cylindrical body 11, but can alternatively be concave or offset from the outer surface 12.

[0041] The illustrative off-center radial recesses 30, 40 form a plurality of crescent-shaped flat side surfaces 31, 32, 41, 42 extending perpendicular to the axis 16 of the mounting axle 10. The radial outer surfaces 35, 45 of the recesses 30, 40 are inset from the outer surface 12 of the body of the mounting axle 10. The recesses 30, 40 each have an axial width Wg that is slightly greater than the combined width Wsof each of the pair of segments 111, 121 and 112, 122, as shown. Figure 5

[0042] Figures 5 to 8 The conveyor roller 100 is shown mounted on the mounting axle 10 in the first position in the mounting region 20 with the first and second arcuate segments 111, 112 encircling the top of the mounting axle 10 such that the apex 179 of the first and second arcuate segments is at the topmost point. In this first position, the third and fourth arcuate segments 121, 122 enclose the bottom of the circumscribing mounting axle 10. The axial inner surfaces 174 of the first and second arcuate segments are constrained by the inner side surfaces 32, 41 on the ridge 60. The inner radial surfaces 172 of the first 111 and second 112 arcuate segments overlie the radial outer surfaces 35, 45 of the recesses 30, 40. The outer axial surfaces of the third and fourth segments 173 reach the outer side surfaces 31, 42 of the recesses. The segmented hub 110 provides a gap space 180 between the third and fourth arcuate segments 121, 122 and the bottom of the mounting axle 10.

[0043] Referring to Figures 9 to 13 , the conveyor roller 100 can be easily mounted on the mounting axle 10 and rotated about the mounting axle during operation without the need for tools. Without the need to dismount the conveyor roller 100 from the mounting axle 10, all surfaces of the segmented hub 110 and the mounting region 20 of the mounting axle 10 are exposed to enable cleaning during each rotation of the conveyor roller 100 about the mounting axle 10.

[0044] In a first step, as Figure 9 ​As shown, the axial bore of the segmented hub 110 is aligned with the axial axis 16 of the mounting shaft 10, and then slides on the outer periphery 12 of the mounting shaft 10 until it reaches the mounting area 20, as shown. Figure 10 As shown. In an illustrative embodiment, the conveyor roller 100 is mounted such that the apex 179 of the first and second arcuate segments 111, 112 is in its topmost position. When centered in such a position with the mounting region 20, the radially inner surfaces 172 of the arcuate segments 111, 112, 121, 122 are centered around the axis 16 of the mounting shaft, thereby providing a gap 181 between the radially outer surfaces 35, 45 of the grooves 30, 40 and the radially inner surfaces 172 of the first and second arcuate segments 111, 112. When the user releases the conveyor roller 100, the conveyor roller 100 descends into position, causing the axial inner surfaces 174 of the first and second arcuate segments to abut against the inner surfaces 32 and 41 on the ridge 60. The radial inner surfaces 172 of the first and second arcuate segments 111 and 112 are located on the radial outer surfaces 35 and 45 of the grooves 30 and 40, and the outer axial surfaces of the third and fourth segments 173 (which surround the bottom of the shaft and are spaced apart from the bottom of the shaft) reach the outer surfaces 41 and 42 of the grooves. Figure 11 As shown. Conveyor rollers can be installed in different locations alternatively.

[0045] Figures 11 to 13 This illustrates the conveyor roller 100 as it rotates through half a turn in the direction of arrow 19. After rotating through 90°, as... Figure 12 As shown, the segmented hub 110 is oriented such that the first and second arcuate segments 111, 112 span one side of the mounting shaft from top to opposite bottom, thereby exposing certain surfaces for cleaning. Figure 13 This is shown after the conveyor roller 100 has rotated an additional 90°, such that the third and fourth arcuate segments 121, 122 are located in the recesses 30, 40 and surround the top of the mounting shaft 10. In this position, the axial outer surfaces 173 of the third and fourth arcuate segments abut against and are constrained by the outer surfaces 31, 42 of the recesses 30, 40, and additional surface areas are exposed for cleaning. The radial inner surfaces 172 of the third and fourth arcuate segments 121, 122 contact and span over the radial outer surfaces 35, 45 of the recesses. The first arcuate segment 111 and the second arcuate segment 112, now surrounding the bottom of the mounting shaft 10, are spaced apart from the bottom of the shaft 10 to provide a gap 182 between the radial inner surfaces 172 of the first arcuate segment 111 and the second arcuate segment 112 and the mounting shaft 10. When the conveyor roller 100 returns to... Figure 11 In the first position, additional surfaces are exposed for cleaning without needing to remove the conveyor roller 100 from the mounting shaft 10.

[0046] In any radial position on the mounting shaft 10, the conveyor roller 100 has at least two radial inner surfaces 172 of the arc segments 111, 112, 121 and - or 122 in contact with the radially outer surface of the mounting shaft. Furthermore, in any radial position, the conveyor roller has at least two axial surfaces 173 or 174 of the arc segments 111, 112, 121 and - or 122 in contact or abutment with the side surfaces 31, 32, 41 and - or 42 of the shaft grooves 30, 40 to constrain the conveyor roller 100 to the mounting region 20 of the shaft.

[0047] The conveyor roller 100 can be used with any suitable mounting shaft. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, the mounting shaft 210 can include circumferential grooves 230, 240 of constant depth forming a mounting region 220. The grooves 230, 240 are separated by a ridge 260 that surrounds the mounting shaft. The shape of the side surfaces of the grooves 230, 240 that constrain the segmented hub of the mounting roller 100 is annular. Figures 14 to 17

[0048] The present invention is not limited to the illustrative conveyor roller and - or mounting shaft, and encompasses variations and modifications of the embodiments.​

Claims

1. A roller for a conveyor, the roller comprising: a segmented hub formed from a plurality of arc segments located in different axial planes, the plurality of arc segments being interconnected and overlapping to form a complete integral hub defining an opening having a circular cross-section for receiving a shaft about which the roller is mounted; at least one spoke extending radially from the segmented hub; and a rim connected to the segmented hub via the at least one spoke, wherein the segmented hub comprises: a first arc segment; a second arc segment spaced apart from and parallel to the first arc segment; a third arc segment radially offset from and overlapping the first arc segment to form a first overlapping section at a first location, the third arc segment being disposed axially outward of the first arc segment; a fourth arc segment radially offset from and overlapping the second arc segment to form a second overlapping section at a second location, the fourth arc segment being disposed axially outward of the second arc segment; and a first bridging segment connecting the first overlapping section to the second overlapping section. The segmented hub has mirror symmetry across a central plane that axially bisects the segmented hub.

2. The roller of claim 1, wherein, 3. The roller of claim 1, further comprising: a third overlapping section formed between the first arc segment and the third arc segment at a third location; a fourth overlapping section formed between the second arc segment and the fourth arc segment at a fourth location; and a second bridging segment connecting the third overlapping section to the fourth overlapping section. The first, second, third, and fourth arc segments are identical in shape and size. The first, second, third, and fourth arc segments each include a radially inner surface, a radially outer surface, an axially inner surface, an axially outer surface, a first end surface, and a second end surface.

4. The roller of claim 1, wherein, The axially inner and outer surfaces are flat.

5. The roller of claim 4, wherein, Each arc segment spans greater than 180°.

6. The roller of claim 5, wherein, The third arc segment is radially offset from the first arc segment by 180°, such that the ends of the first and third arc segments overlap one another.

7. The roller of claim 5, wherein, The fourth arc segment is radially offset from the second arc segment by 180°, such that the ends of the second and fourth arc segments overlap one another.

8. The roller of claim 7, wherein, The first end surface and the second end surface of each of the first, second, third, and fourth arc segments extend parallel to a line tangent to an apex of the respective arc segment.

9. The roller of claim 8, wherein, The spoke extends from the first bridging segment to the rim.

10. The roller of claim 5, wherein, 12. A roller assembly for a conveyor, the roller assembly comprising:

11. The roller of claim 1, wherein, ​ ​ a mounting shaft comprising a cylindrical body extending along an axis and a mounting region formed in the cylindrical body; and a conveyor roller rotatably mounted in the mounting region, the conveyor roller comprising a segmented hub formed of a plurality of arc segments located in different axial planes, the plurality of arc segments being interconnected and overlapping to form a complete integral hub defining an opening having a circular cross section for receiving the mounting shaft, at least one spoke extending radially from the segmented hub, and a rim connected to the segmented hub via the at least one spoke, wherein the segmented hub comprises: a first arc segment; a second arc segment spaced apart from and parallel to the first arc segment; a third arc segment radially offset from and overlapping the first arc segment to form a first overlapping section at a first location, the third arc segment being disposed axially outward of the first arc segment; a fourth arc segment radially offset from and overlapping the second arc segment to form a second overlapping section at a second location, the fourth arc segment being disposed axially outward of the second arc segment; and a first bridging segment connecting the first overlapping section to the second overlapping section.

13. The roller assembly of claim 12, wherein, the mounting region comprises: a first peripheral groove formed in the cylindrical body; a second peripheral groove formed in the cylindrical body and separated from the first peripheral groove by a ridge.

14. The roller assembly of claim 13, wherein, the first and second peripheral grooves are eccentric to form a plurality of crescent-shaped flat side surfaces extending perpendicular to the axis of the mounting shaft for contacting axial flat surfaces of the segmented hub.

15. The roller assembly of claim 13, wherein, the first and second peripheral grooves extend around the circumference of the mounting shaft and have a uniform depth to form a flat annular surface extending perpendicular to the axis of the mounting shaft for contacting axial flat surfaces of the segmented hub.

Images