Conveyor beam accessories, guide rail assemblies and conveyors

Abstract

The present invention provides a conveyor beam attachment, a guide rail assembly, and a conveyor. A conveyor beam attachment (2) is adapted to be attached to a conveyor beam (41), the conveyor beam attachment comprising a first clip (5) adapted to engage one flange (43) of a T-slot (42) in the conveyor beam (41), and comprising a second clip and a third clip (6, 7) adapted to engage another flange (44) of the T-slot in the conveyor beam (41), wherein the first clip (5) or the second clip and the third clip (6, 7) are spring-loaded. An advantage of the present invention is that the guide rail can be easily installed on and removed from the conveyor beam (41).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor beam attachment suitable for use in a conveying system. The conveyor beam attachment is adapted to be attached to a conveyor beam and will simplify the installation and rearrangement of components such as guide rails or sensors on the conveying system. Background Art

[0002] Conveyor systems, such as those used to move objects between different workstations in a factory, typically include a conveyor track consisting of a belt or chain. The conveyor track consists of an endless conveyor chain or belt supported by a conveyor beam. The chain or belt slides on a sliding surface on the conveyor beam to reduce friction and wear. This surface can be the conveyor beam itself or an additional component, such as a slide rail. The conveyor track can include curves and bends, and at the end areas of the conveyor track, there are drive units for the drive chain or idler end units for the return chain.

[0003] There are many different conveyor designs available. Products can be conveyed directly on the conveyor belt or chain, or on product carriers. The conveyor chain consists of a large number of individual chain sections designed to support the conveyed products. Conveyor systems are suitable for different types of products. For some products (such as medical equipment or laboratory automation devices), the system will include specific product carriers suitable for holding these products (such as test tubes). Other products will be supported directly by the conveyor chain and guided laterally by guide rails attached to the conveyor's longitudinal beams.

[0004] A complete guide rail consists of a guide rail bracket that is threadedly attached to the conveyor beam using T-nuts that fit into grooves in the beam. The guide rail is attached to the guide rail bracket, which typically consists of a vertical rod that is adjustably attached to the guide rail bracket and a horizontal rod that is adjustably attached to the vertical rod. The horizontal rod holds the actual guide rail. These rods can be adjusted, for example, using bolts or rods. This allows the conveyor to accommodate products of varying sizes.

[0005] Typically, guide rails are adjusted for specific products and are not frequently replaced. In some examples, the guide rails can be adjusted laterally between two or more predefined positions, allowing for relatively easy adjustment to several predefined positions. Some conveyors also have automatic guide rails controlled by motors or actuators that automatically adjust to predefined positions.

[0006] Typically, the position of the guide rail is adjusted by means of bolts, sometimes with knobs or the like, which hold the guide rail clamp together. Examples of different adjustable guide rails are shown in documents US5626221A, US5782339A, DE10118566A1, FR2859655B, US5860511A, EP1840050A1, US2003205447A, US5498098A, US5501544A, US2013313383A, and US4470499A, where the guide rail is adjusted by clamping one or two rods with a clamp. Examples of guide rails that can be adjusted between at least two predefined positions are shown in documents US5927480A, US5819911A, and US2003116410A.

[0007] While known guide rails function well, there is room for improvement in the accessories of guide rail assemblies. Summary of the Invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved conveyor beam attachment. It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved guide rail assembly. It is still another object of the present invention to provide a conveyor including such a guide rail assembly.

[0009] The invention comprises advantageous embodiments and further developments of conveyor beam attachments and assemblies.

[0010] In a conveyor beam attachment suitable for attachment to a conveyor beam, comprising a first clip having a first nose pointing in a first direction, wherein the first clip is adapted to engage one flange of a T-slot in the conveyor beam, the objects of the present invention are achieved in that the conveyor beam attachment comprises a second clip having a second nose and a third clip having a third nose, wherein the second nose and the third nose point in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the second clip and the third clip are adapted to engage the other flange of the T-slot in the conveyor beam, the second clip and the third clip are arranged on both sides of the first clip, the first clip is spring-loaded and can be pushed to a release position by an engagement button, or the second clip and the third clip are spring-loaded and can be pushed to a release position by an engagement button.

[0011] A first embodiment of a conveyor beam attachment according to the present invention provides a conveyor beam attachment that can be easily attached to and removed from a conveyor beam. By pressing the engagement button, the clips move closer together, so that the distance between their noses is less than the height of the T-slot of the conveyor beam. The clips can then be inserted into the T-slot. By releasing the engagement button, the clips separate, with the first clip pressing against one flange of the T-slot, while the second and third clips press against the other flange. The engagement button, and thus the clips, are spring-loaded, ensuring a secure attachment of the conveyor beam attachment to the conveyor beam. The clips' noses are slightly angled and interact with the inner edges of the flanges, pressing the side support surfaces of the conveyor beam attachment against the conveyor beam.

[0012] It is also possible to lock the movable clip so that it cannot move. A locking bolt in the conveyor beam attachment can be used to push the engagement button into an idle state in which the clip rests against a flange supporting the conveyor beam. By separating the clips by means of the locking bolt, the clamping force of the clip is increased, thereby improving the stability of the conveyor beam attachment. This is particularly advantageous in cases where the conveyor beam attachment is used to attach single components that may not be displaced even by a very small amount, such as stops or sensors. By blocking the engagement button, the conveyor beam attachment can be prevented from being accidentally displaced. The locking bolt is optional and when the conveyor beam attachment is used for a guide rail, a plurality of conveyor beam attachments used for the guide rail will stabilize each other.

[0013] In one example, a conveyor beam attachment is provided with a vertical opening adapted to hold a vertical rod, such as a vertical support rod or other device with a vertical rod attachment. Such a device may include, for example, a stopper, various sensors such as RFID sensors, optical sensors such as mirror sensors, through-beam sensors, and the like. In the illustrated example, the vertical opening, and therefore the vertical rod, has an oval shape. This prevents the vertical rod from rotating within the vertical opening. The vertical opening is provided with a spring-loaded first protrusion adapted to engage one of a plurality of grooves in the vertical rod. The vertical rod is provided with a set of grooves spaced a predetermined distance apart. In the illustrated example, the grooves are uniformly spaced, but it is possible to select only a few grooves in the desired position. By pressing a first adjustment button, the first protrusion is pushed to a released position, allowing the height of the vertical rod to be adjusted. By releasing the first adjustment button, the first protrusion engages with the grooves and locks the vertical rod at the selected height.

[0014] In one embodiment, the vertical rod is provided with a support opening adapted to hold a horizontal rod, such as a horizontal rod or other device with a horizontal rod attachment. Such a device may include, for example, a stopper, various sensors such as RFID sensors, optical sensors such as mirror sensors, through-beam sensors, and the like. In the illustrated embodiment, the support opening, and therefore the horizontal rod, has an oval shape. This prevents the horizontal rod from rotating within the support opening. This also helps stabilize the guide rail attached to the horizontal rod. The support opening is provided with a spring-loaded second protrusion adapted to engage one of a plurality of grooves in the horizontal rod. The horizontal rod is provided with a set of grooves spaced a predetermined distance apart. In the illustrated embodiment, the grooves are uniformly spaced, but it is possible to select only a few grooves in desired locations, making it easy to adjust the width of the conveyor track using the horizontal rod. By pressing a second adjustment button, the second protrusion is pushed to a released position, allowing the width of the horizontal rod to be adjusted. Releasing the second adjustment button engages the groove, locking the horizontal rod in place.

[0015] In another example, a conveyor beam attachment is provided with a horizontal opening adapted to receive another conveyor beam attachment. In this example, the conveyor beam attachment can be generally square or rectangular, having a front support surface arranged at the latch and a rear side parallel to the front support surface. The rear side is provided with a horizontal opening adapted to receive the conveyor beam attachment. The horizontal opening is rectangular and similar to a T-slot, having an upper flange and a lower flange, wherein the distance between the upper and lower flanges corresponds to the vertical distance between the first latch and the second and third latches in the released state, and therefore corresponds to the height of the T-slot in the conveyor beam. In this example, the conveyor beam attachment can be used, for example, as a spacer for attachable guide rail assemblies, when the width of the conveyor track needs to be widened. The conveyor beam attachment can also be used when sensors, etc., need to be positioned further away from the conveyor beam. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will now be described in more detail with reference to embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0017] Figure 1 A view showing a guide rail assembly including a conveyor beam attachment,

[0018] Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view of the guide rail assembly,

[0019] Figure 3 A second example of a conveyor beam attachment is shown,

[0020] Figure 4 Shown Figure 3 A cross-sectional view of the conveyor beam attachment, and

[0021] Figure 5 A conveyor including a plurality of guide rail assemblies is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] The embodiments of the invention described below with further improvements are to be regarded as examples only and in no way limit the scope of protection provided by the patent claims. References such as longitudinal, horizontal, vertical, right, left etc. refer to the direction of the conveyor in normal use.

[0023] Figure 1 and Figure 2 An example of a guideway assembly is shown that includes a first example of a conveyor beam attachment. Figure 3 and Figure 4 A second example of a conveyor beam attachment is shown, and Figure 5 A conveyor including a guide rail assembly is shown. The guide rail assembly 1 comprises a conveyor beam attachment 2, vertical support rods 3 and horizontal support rods 4. The conveyor beam attachment is adapted to be attached to the conveyor beam via a T-slot in the conveyor beam.

[0024] The conveyor beam attachment 2 comprises a first clip 5 provided with a first nose 8 pointing in a first direction. In the example shown, the first nose points upwards and is arranged on a first movable body 22 provided with an engagement button 12. This body, and therefore the first clip, is spring-loaded, for example, by a first coil spring 23. The first clip 5 with the first nose 8 is adapted to engage one flange, here the upper flange, of a T-slot in the conveyor beam.

[0025] The conveyor beam attachment also includes a second clip 6 having a second nose 9 and a third clip 7 having a third nose 10. The second nose 9 and the third nose 10 point in the opposite direction to the first clip, in this case downward. The second clip having the second nose and the third clip having the third nose are adapted to engage the other flange of the T-slot in the conveyor beam, in this case the lower flange. The second and third clips are arranged horizontally on either side of the first clip. In the illustrated example, the first clip is arranged on the first movable body, and the second and third clips are fixed to the conveyor beam attachment. Alternatively, the first clip may be fixed, while the second and third clips are arranged on the first movable body 22.

[0026] By utilizing removable clips, the conveyor beam attachment can be easily attached to or removed from the conveyor beam. This reduces conveyor system installation time and simplifies replacement of the conveyor beam attachment. By pressing the engagement button 12 of the first movable body 22, the first clip 5 moves toward the second and third clips 6 and 7, reducing the distance between the clip noses. This distance is less than the height of the conveyor beam's T-slot. Therefore, the clips can be inserted into the T-slot between the flanges. By releasing the engagement button 12, the clips separate, and the first clip presses against the upper flange of the T-slot, while the second and third clips press against the lower flanges. The engagement button, and therefore the first clip, is spring-loaded, ensuring the conveyor beam attachment is securely attached to the conveyor beam. The clip noses are slightly angled and interact with the inner edges of the flanges, pressing the side support surfaces 11 of the conveyor beam attachment against the conveyor beam. In the released state, the vertical distance between the first catch and the second and third catches corresponds to the height of the T-slot in the conveyor beam.

[0027] The conveyor beam attachment may further comprise a locking bolt 32 adapted to lock the movable catch so that it cannot move. The locking bolt is threaded into the conveyor beam attachment and pushes against the inner side of the first movable body 22. When the locking bolt is tightened, the engagement button 22 will be pressed into its uppermost position and the catches will be pressed apart. By using the locking bolt to separate the catches, the clamping force of the catches is increased and the stability of the conveyor beam attachment is improved. This is particularly advantageous where the conveyor beam attachment is used to attach a single component that may not be subject to even a small amount of displacement, such as a stop or sensor. By blocking the engagement button, accidental displacement of the conveyor beam attachment is prevented. The locking bolt is optional and, when the conveyor beam attachment is used for a guide rail, multiple conveyor beam attachments for the guide rail will stabilize each other.

[0028] In one embodiment, the conveyor beam attachment 2 is provided with a vertical opening 15 adapted to hold a vertical rod, in one embodiment, a vertical support rod 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the vertical opening, and therefore the vertical support rod, is configured to have an oval shape, such as an ellipse. This prevents the vertical support rod from rotating within the vertical opening. The conveyor beam attachment is provided with a second spring-loaded body 24 arranged in the vertical opening, wherein the second body is provided with a first protrusion 20 adapted to engage one of a plurality of grooves 17 of the vertical support rod 3. The vertical support rod is provided with a first set of grooves 17 arranged at a predefined distance from one another. In the illustrated embodiment, the distances between the grooves are equal, but it is possible to select only a few grooves at the desired locations. In one embodiment, the distance between each groove is one centimeter, which makes it easier to adjust the vertical support rod to the desired height.

[0029] By pressing the first adjustment button 13 of the second spring-loaded body 24, the first protrusion is pushed to the release position, so that the height of the vertical support rod can be set. By releasing the first adjustment button, the second coil spring 25 pushes the first protrusion to engage with the groove and locks the vertical support rod in the selected height position.

[0030] The vertical opening 15 can also hold other devices with vertical bar attachments. Such devices can include, for example, stop devices, various sensors such as RFID sensors, optical sensors such as specular sensors, through-beam sensors, etc. These devices can be easily mounted on the side of the conveyor beam by means of the conveyor beam attachments and can be easily repositioned when necessary.

[0031] The vertical support rod 3 shown in the illustrated example includes a support opening 16 suitable for holding, for example, a horizontal support rod 4. In the illustrated example, the support opening 16, and therefore the horizontal support rod 4, has an oval shape, such as an ellipse. This prevents the horizontal support rod from rotating within the support opening. This also helps stabilize the guide rail attached to the horizontal support rod via the guide rail clamp 19. A third spring-loaded body 26 is arranged in the support opening 16. The third body is provided with a second protrusion 21, which is adapted to engage one of the plurality of grooves 18 in the horizontal support rod 4. The horizontal support rod is provided with a second set of grooves 18, which are arranged at a predetermined distance from each other. In the illustrated example, the grooves are spaced evenly apart, but it is possible to select only a few grooves in the desired locations, making it easy to adapt to the desired width of the conveyor track. In one example, the distance between each groove is one centimeter, which makes it easy to adjust the horizontal support rod to the desired position. By utilizing the horizontal support rods on each side of the conveyor to hold the support rails, the width of the conveyor track's support rails can be easily adjusted.

[0032] By pressing the second adjustment button 14 of the third body 26, the second protrusion 21 is pushed to the release position, so that the width position of the horizontal support rod can be adjusted. By releasing the second adjustment button 14, the third coil spring 27 pushes the third body with the second protrusion 21 to engage with the groove 18 and lock the horizontal support rod in place.

[0033] The conveyor beam attachment 2 may also hold other devices having an attachment rod. The attachment rod may be mounted in the vertical opening 15 or in the support opening 16 depending on the intended use of the device.

[0034] In one example, Figure 3 and Figure 4As shown, the conveyor beam attachment 2 is provided with a horizontal opening 28 adapted to receive another conveyor beam attachment. In this example, the conveyor beam attachment 2 can be generally square or rectangular, having a front support surface 11 arranged at the clip and a rear side 31 parallel to the front support surface 11. The distance between the front support surface 11 and the rear side 31 corresponds to the thickness of the conveyor beam attachment. The rear side 31 is provided with a horizontal opening 28 adapted to receive another conveyor beam attachment. The horizontal opening is rectangular and similar to a T-slot, with an upper flange 29 and a lower flange 30. The distance between the upper and lower flanges corresponds to the vertical distance between the first clip and the second and third clips in the released state, and therefore corresponds to the height of the T-slot in the conveyor beam. In this example, the conveyor beam attachment can be used, for example, as a spacer to which a guide rail assembly can be attached, for example, when the width of the conveyor track needs to be widened. The conveyor beam attachment can also be used when sensors, etc., need to be positioned further away from the conveyor beam. Multiple conveyor beam attachments can be mounted to each other to provide longer spacers.

[0035] Figure 5 A conveyor 40 is shown which is provided with a plurality of guide rail assemblies 1. In the example shown, each guide rail assembly 1 is mounted to a conveyor beam attachment 2 which acts as a spacer and is attached to a conveyor beam 41. Horizontal support rods support the guide rails. The conveyor beam is a conventional conveyor beam comprising a T-slot 42 on each side and is formed by an aluminum extrusion. The T-slot is provided with an upper flange 43 and a lower flange 44. The T-slot is a conventional T-slot such as is used in conveyor beams, and the height of the T-slot can be, for example, 8 mm or 11 mm, which are commonly used groove dimensions in conveyor beams, but other dimensions are of course possible. The conveyor beam attachment is adapted to the dimensions of the T-slot to which it is attached.

[0036] By using the conveyor beam attachment of the present invention to attach the guide rails to the conveyor beam, whether used alone or in conjunction with spacers, installation is simplified and T-slot nuts are no longer necessary. Depending on the intended use of the conveyor, the horizontal support rods can be adapted to the intended application. If only a few different widths are used, the horizontal support rods can simply have grooves corresponding to the required widths. Predefined positions can also be marked, for example, with different colors or other markings. This is also suitable for vertical support rods that only require a few vertical positions. The spacers can also have different thicknesses as needed.

[0037] The invention should not be considered limited to the embodiments described above, and many additional variations and modifications are possible within the scope of the following patent claims.The conveyor beam attachment may have any dimensions and may be made of any suitable material.

[0038] Reference numerals

[0039] 1: Guide rail assembly

[0040] 2: Conveyor beam accessories

[0041] 3: Vertical support rod

[0042] 4: Horizontal support rod

[0043] 5: First buckle

[0044] 6: Second buckle

[0045] 7: The third buckle

[0046] 8: First nose

[0047] 9: Second nose

[0048] 10: Third nose

[0049] 11: Load-bearing surface

[0050] 12: Engage button

[0051] 13: First adjustment button

[0052] 14: Second adjustment button

[0053] 15: Vertical opening

[0054] 16: Support opening

[0055] 17: The first set of grooves

[0056] 18: The second set of grooves

[0057] 19: Guide rail fixture

[0058] 20: First protrusion

[0059] 21: Second protrusion

[0060] 22: First Subject

[0061] 23: First coil spring

[0062] 24: Second Subject

[0063] 25: Second coil spring

[0064] 26: The Third Subject

[0065] 27: Third coil spring

[0066] 28: Horizontal opening

[0067] 29: Upper flange

[0068] 30: Lower flange

[0069] 31: Back

[0070] 32: Locking bolt

[0071] 40: Conveyor

[0072] 41: Conveyor beam

[0073] 42: T-slot

[0074] 43: Upper flange

[0075] 44: Lower flange

Claims

1. A conveyor beam attachment (2) adapted to be attached to a conveyor beam, said conveyor beam attachment comprising a first clip (5) having a first nose (8) pointing in a first direction, wherein: The first clip (5) is adapted to engage one flange of the T-slot in the conveyor beam, the conveyor beam attachment (2) comprises a second clip (6) having a second nose (9) and a third clip (7) having a third nose (10), wherein the second nose (9) and the third nose (10) point in a second direction opposite to the first direction, wherein the second clip (6) and the third clip (7) are adapted to engage the other flange of the T-slot in the conveyor beam, wherein the second clip (6) and the third clip (7) are arranged on both sides of the first clip (5), and the first clip (5) is spring-loaded and can be pushed to a release position by an engagement button (12), or the second clip (6) and the third clip (7) are spring-loaded and can be pushed to a release position by the engagement button (12), wherein the conveyor beam attachment (2) comprises a vertical opening (15) adapted to receive a vertical support rod (3), Characterized in that the vertical opening (15) comprises a spring-loaded first protrusion (20) adapted to engage with a groove (17) of the vertical support rod (3).

2. The conveyor beam attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that The first protrusion (20) can be pushed to a release position by a first adjustment button (13).

3. The conveyor beam attachment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The vertical opening (15) is oval.

4. The conveyor beam attachment according to claim 1, characterized in that The conveyor beam attachment (2) comprises a horizontal opening (28) adapted to receive the first clip (5), the second clip (6) and the third clip (7) of another conveyor beam attachment (2).

5. The conveyor beam attachment according to claim 4, characterized in that The horizontal opening (28) is rectangular and has an upper flange (29) and a lower flange (30), wherein the distance between the upper flange and the lower flange corresponds to the vertical distance between the first buckle (5) and the second buckle (6) and the third buckle (7) in the released state.

6. The conveyor beam attachment according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The conveyor beam attachment (2) comprises a locking bolt (32), which is suitable for blocking the movement of the first clip (5) or the second clip (6) and the third clip (7).

7. The conveyor beam attachment according to claim 6, characterized in that The locking bolt (32) is suitable for blocking the movement of the engagement button (12), thereby blocking the movement of the first buckle (5) or the second buckle and the third buckle (6, 7).

8. A guide rail assembly (1) comprising a conveyor beam attachment (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that The guide rail assembly further comprises: a vertical support rod (3) arranged in a vertical opening (15) included in the conveyor beam attachment (2); and a horizontal support rod (4) arranged in a support opening (16) included in the vertical support rod (3).

9. The guide rail assembly according to claim 8, wherein: The vertical opening (15) comprises a spring-loaded first protrusion (20) adapted to engage with a groove of the vertical support rod (3).

10. The guide rail assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The support opening (16) comprises a spring-loaded second protrusion (21) adapted to engage with a groove of the horizontal support rod (4).

11. The guide rail assembly according to claim 10, wherein: The second protrusion (21) can be pushed to a release position by a second adjustment button (14).

12. The guide rail assembly according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that: The horizontal support rod (4) includes a guide rail clamp (19).

13. A conveyor (40) comprising a plurality of guide rail assemblies (1) according to any one of claims 8 to 12 and comprising at least one conveyor beam (41).

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