Differential pulse conveyor

Abstract

A differential pulse conveyor system includes detectable markers arranged in series on moving parts of the conveyor system. A stationary sensor positioned near the marker generates a signal to place the marker near the sensor when the moving part is within a first range of motion, and the sensor does not generate a signal when the moving part is outside the first range of motion. The sensor signal causes a current regulating device to adjust the current from a current source to operate a motor to power a conveyor tray to move at a first acceleration rate in a first mode, and the signal activation causes the current regulating device to operate the motor to power the conveyor tray to move at a second acceleration rate in a second mode. The markers can be positioned to optimize the timing of the current mode.

Description

[0001] Statement of related applications

[0002] This application is based on and claims priority to U.S. non-provisional patent application No. 16 / 900,469, filed June 12, 2020, with the United States Patent and Trademark Office, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This disclosure relates to a differential pulse conveyor for conveying articles from a first position to a second position separate from the first position. More specifically, this disclosure relates to a differential pulse conveyor having a reciprocating tray powered by a variable speed motor. The differential pulse conveyor has a movable counterweight assembly whose center of gravity is aligned with the center of gravity of the conveying tray. Background Technology

[0004] A differential pulse conveyor moves items placed on an elongated conveyor tray by reciprocating the tray. The tray moves in a first direction with a first acceleration rate, then reverses direction and moves in the opposite second direction with a second acceleration rate greater than the first. The first acceleration rate is selected to prevent items from slipping on the tray, such that the items move with the tray in the first direction. The second acceleration rate is selected such that its absolute value is greater than the absolute value of the first acceleration rate (i.e., it is in the opposite direction), such that when the tray returns to its initial position, the items on the tray slide or glide on the tray. This cycle of motion is repeated so that the items move along the tray in the first direction. The first acceleration rate, the second acceleration rate, and the stroke or distance of the tray's reciprocating motion can be optimized to produce the desired travel rate of the conveyed items.

[0005] Some differential pulse conveyors use a motor that operates at a constant speed and is connected to eccentrically mounted pulleys or angled universal joints to circulate the output speed of the mechanical (shaft) conveying the pallet. Summary of the Invention

[0006] One embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor disclosed herein includes: an electric drive motor having an output shaft rotatable at two different angular velocities; a reciprocating conveyor tray for conveying articles; a first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer (disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 10,131,503) coupled between the motor's output shaft and the conveyor tray; a reciprocating counterweight assembly having a groove shaped to movably receive at least a portion of the conveyor tray; a second rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer coupled between the motor's output shaft and the counterweight assembly; at least one sensor, which may be, for example, an optical sensor, a magnetic sensor, or an electronic sensor; one or more detectable markers, for example, one or more optically detectable markers; and one or more magnetically detectable markers. One or more electronically detectable markers may be disposed on a moving surface of a component of the differential pulse conveyor, for example, but not limited to, on the conveyor tray, on the counterweight assembly, or on the first or second rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer. In some embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor disclosed herein, the four components move in a cyclic lockstep mode, and the movement of any one component can be used in conjunction with one or more applied detectable markers and sensors to control the current regulation device.

[0007] As discussed in detail below, compared to conventional differential pulse conveyors, the movement of the conveyor tray in the embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure is advantageously controlled in a manner that improves efficiency, reduces manufacturing costs, and lowers maintenance costs. Furthermore, the embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure can reach the space beneath the conveyor base for better cleaning and hygiene.

[0008] One embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor disclosed herein includes a variable frequency motor. The variable frequency motor alternates between a first mode that generates a first acceleration rate of the conveyor tray and a second mode that generates a second acceleration rate of the conveyor tray in the opposite direction, the absolute value of the first acceleration rate being less than the second acceleration rate. When the counterweight assembly moves from its initial position in a rearward direction opposite to the forward direction, the first acceleration rate causes the conveyor tray to move forward from its initial position; the second acceleration rate, being greater than the first acceleration rate, causes the conveyor tray to move backward to return to its initial position when the counterweight assembly moves forward to its initial position. The switching of the motor between the first and second modes is converted into linear reciprocating motion of the conveyor tray and the counterweight assembly, which is a result of the change in the current supplied to the motor. In one embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, the change in the current supplied to the motor that generates the first and second operating modes is a change in the current frequency.

[0009] In some embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor disclosed herein, a current regulating device is used to regulate the current supplied to the motor so that the motor rotates at a first angular velocity, thereby moving the conveyor tray in a first direction at a first acceleration rate. The current regulating device then adjusts the current so that the motor rotates at a second angular velocity greater than the first angular velocity, for moving the conveyor tray in a second acceleration rate (compared in absolute value) greater than the first acceleration rate and in a second direction opposite to the first direction, until the conveyor tray returns to its initial conveyor tray position. The current regulating device needs to be synchronized with the differential pulse motion cycle of the conveyor tray and the counterweight assembly. That is, the current regulating device needs to change the regulation of the current supplied to the drive motor at the exact moment when the conveyor tray is in its forwardmost position. The forwardmost position is at the end of a first operating mode of the motor. In the first operating mode, the conveyor tray moves in the forward direction as the counterweight assembly moves in the opposite direction. The current regulating device then switches to a second mode to generate the regulated current. The regulated current generates acceleration of the conveyor tray in the opposite direction. In one embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, the current regulating device needs to switch between a first mode and a second mode at a precise moment when the conveyor tray is in its forward position, and switch back from the second mode to the first mode when the conveyor tray is in its final position. In other embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, the current regulating device can switch between the first mode and the second mode at a moment before the conveyor tray reaches its forward position, and switch back from the second mode to the first mode at a moment before the conveyor tray reaches its final position. This is similar to mechanical adjustment of ignition advance, which can be used to optimize the performance of an internal combustion engine that achieves spark ignition of a combustible mixture contained in a cylinder. Just as spark advance (which can vary according to the speed of the motor) optimizes the performance of an internal combustion engine at a given speed, this advance is applied to the time when the current regulating device switches from the first mode to the second mode or from the second mode back to the first mode, wherein the current regulating device regulates the current and feeds the current to the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure. For a given speed setting, this applied advance can be optimized to produce advantageous performance and efficient movement of articles moving on the differential pulse conveyor. This lead time can be optimized to accommodate the lag or delay between the timing of changes in the current supplied to the motor and the time when such changes begin to affect the motion characteristics of the conveyor tray and counterweight assembly, which drive the motion of the conveyor tray and counterweight assembly in embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure.

[0010] Although the embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure shown in the accompanying drawings illustrates a detectable mark disposed on the outer surface of a first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer, this mark may also be disposed on another moving part of the differential pulse conveyor, such as a second rotary-linear motion transducer, a counterweight assembly, or a conveyor tray. The motion of the differential pulse conveyor system of this disclosure can be controlled by a sensor that detects the position of the conveyor tray by using the detectable mark disposed on the moving part of the conveyor system. The detectable mark may be disposed on the moving part and detected by the sensor when, for example, the conveyor tray reaches an optimal position. At this time, the sensor detects the detectable mark and generates and sends a signal that switches the current regulator to a second mode and regulates the current to produce a greater (measured in absolute value of the acceleration) rate of acceleration of the conveyor tray in the opposite direction. A row or series of detectable marks may be used to cause the sensor to continue generating signals and sending signals to the current regulator, thereby keeping the current regulator in the second mode. When the end of a row or series of detectable markers passes the sensor, the sensor will no longer detect the detectable markers and will stop generating and sending signals to the current regulating device, thereby causing the current regulating device to return to the first mode, so that the conveyor tray will begin to decelerate, then reverse direction and move again in the first direction at the first acceleration rate.

[0011] In one embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, detectable markers are arranged in rows on a conveyor tray, and a sensor is positioned close to the conveyor tray to detect the detectable marker row (or detect the absence of the detectable marker row) when the detectable marker row approaches (or moves away from) the sensor. In another embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, detectable markers are arranged in rows on a counterweight assembly, and a sensor is positioned close to the counterweight assembly to detect the detectable marker row (or detect the absence of the detectable marker row) when the detectable marker row approaches (or moves away from) the sensor. In yet another embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, detectable markers are arranged in series on the outer surface of a first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer, and a sensor is positioned close to the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer to detect the series of detectable markers on the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer (or detect the absence of the series of detectable markers) when the series of detectable markers approaches (or moves away from) the sensor. In one embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, detectable markers are arranged in series on the outer surface of a first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer, and a sensor is positioned close to the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer to detect the series of detectable markers on the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer (or detect the absence of the series of detectable markers) when the series of detectable markers approaches (or moves away from) the sensor. The detectable markers can be arranged in rows or in series on any moving part of the embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor, because the position of any moving part can serve as an indicator of the position of other moving parts mechanically coupled thereto, and therefore can be strategically placed on any moving part to indicate to the sensor the optimal moment to switch the current regulating device from a first mode to a second mode or from a second mode to a first mode. A row of detectable markers can, for example, but not limited to, be arranged on a conveyor tray, a counterweight assembly (if present), or a belt, and a series of detectable markers can, for example, but not limited to, be arranged on the rotating assembly of the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer or the rotating assembly of the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer.

[0012] One advantage of some embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, which incorporates sensors and detectable markers, is that the current supplied to the motor can be "switched" between a first mode and a second mode. In the first mode, the current supplied to the motor has a first frequency, which can drive the motor and thus the conveyor. In the second mode, the current supplied to the motor has a second frequency, which can drive the motor and thus the conveyor. The sensors (e.g., optical sensors, magnetic sensors, or electronic sensors) have components and parts that are non-wearable and unlikely to fail or require maintenance.

[0013] Sensor detection can detect rows or series of markers and then transmit a signal to a current regulator, which causes the current supplied to the motor to be adjusted to switch the conveyor's operation from a first mode to a second mode. These types of drives can use the current regulator to change the rotational speed of the motor's output shaft. Alternatively, a servo motor can be used to control the speed changes from the first mode to the second mode and back to the first mode. Servo motors are less efficient and more expensive than, for example, AC motors or permanent magnet motors. AC motors or permanent magnet motors are used to generate changes in rotational rate using only sensors / markers used to trigger the simple inverter. In one embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor disclosed herein, an Allen Bradley 525 model motor or a Yaskawa model motor can be used.

[0014] In one embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, the center of gravity of the counterweight assembly can be adjusted to align with the center of gravity of the conveyor tray. The center of gravity of the conveyor tray or counterweight assembly is the point at which the weight of the conveyor tray or counterweight assembly is considered to be applied. The center of gravity can also be referred to as the center of mass. Alignment of the centers of gravity of these two opposing moving objects (the conveyor tray and the counterweight assembly) reduces or eliminates the pulse torque. Otherwise, pulse torque is generated each time the counterweight assembly and the conveyor tray accelerate or decelerate in opposite directions via the operation of a motor acting on a rotating output shaft. In one embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor of this disclosure, the center of gravity of the conveyor tray and / or counterweight assembly can be modified by adding or removing, and by setting and fixing removable counterweights thereon, to align the center of gravity and / or mass of the conveyor tray and / or counterweight assembly with the center of gravity and / or mass of the conveyor tray. This arrangement reduces the strength and durability requirements of the support structure. The first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter, the second rotary-linear differential motion converter, and the motor of the differential pulse conveyor are all supported on this support structure. Furthermore, this setup reduces wear and tear on the structural components of the differential pulse conveyor, potentially lowering maintenance costs. Another advantage of using a first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter to move the conveyor pallet and a second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter to move the counterweight assembly (if any) is that the conveyor pallet or counterweight assembly will not rise or fall because there are no pivoting support legs between the conveyor pallet or counterweight assembly and the base plate of the facility (or other supporting structure).

[0015] One advantage of some embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor disclosed herein is that the reduced or eliminated pulse torque, achieved by adjusting the center of gravity and / or mass of the conveyor tray and / or counterweight assembly, allows the components of the differential pulse conveyor to be supported by less robust structures, which are less costly to manufacture and assemble. Furthermore, because the less robust structures have a smaller footprint and smaller mechanical volume, the required less robust structures allow for more thorough cleaning of the components around and below the conveyor.

[0016] Another advantage of some embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor disclosed herein is that a conventional motor powered by standard alternating current (AC) can be used. This reduces the cost of the conveyor compared to conveyors that might use more expensive servo motors. In some embodiments, a permanent magnet motor is also used, which offers improved efficiency and size compared to a standard AC motor, and significantly reduces the cost and complexity of servo motors. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Figure 1 This is a front view of a differential pulse conveyor system with a conventional base plate support and a conventional conveyor drive system.

[0018] Figure 2 This is a front view of an embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor system disclosed herein.

[0019] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the groove of the counterweight component in an embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor system.

[0020] Figure 4 yes Figure 3 A front view of the counterweight component.

[0021] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 In an embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor, a plan view of one of the optically detectable, magnetically detectable, and electronically detectable transponders coupled to the outer surface of the rotary-linear reciprocating motion transponder and adjacent sensors.

[0022] Figure 6 This is a diagram of the current regulation device control system in an embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor system disclosed herein. Detailed Implementation

[0023] Figure 1 This is a front view of a prior art differential pulse conveyor system 111. The differential pulse conveyor system 111 has a conventional base plate supported conveyor drive system 109. Figure 1 The prior art differential pulse system 111 also includes a conveyor tray 12. The conveyor tray 12 has a first end 14, a second end 16, and a trough 18 disposed within the conveyor tray 12. The trough 18 is used to receive and convey items (not shown) from the first end 14 to the second end 16. At the second end, the items are unloaded to a downstream station 13, such as a seasoning station. At the seasoning station, seasonings or other condiments are added in a predetermined weight percentage. The conveyor 12 is driven by a conveyor drive system 109 supported by a base plate, as indicated by double arrows 20, for horizontal reciprocating motion.

[0024] Figure 1 The existing differential pulse conveyor system 111, with its base-supported conveyor drive system 109, generates a large base space 110A, which, like the adjacent base space 110B below the downstream station 13, is very difficult to access, and therefore very difficult to clean and disinfect. In scenarios where the conveyor system 111 is used to transport edible items, the limited accessibility caused by the conventional base-supported conveyor drive system presents certain problems. Furthermore, the existing differential pulse conveyor system 111 includes a pivot support 15. When the pivot support 15 moves as indicated by arrow 17, it causes the conveyor tray 12 to rise and fall with each cycle.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a front view of an embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor system 10 disclosed herein. Figure 2 An embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor 10 includes an elongated conveyor tray 12. The conveyor tray 12 has a first end 14, a second end 16, and a groove 18 (not shown) therein for supporting goods or articles (not shown) moved using the differential pulse conveyor 10. The conveyor tray 12 can reciprocate linearly forward (towards the second end 16) and backward (towards the first end 14), as indicated by the double-headed arrow 20 on the conveyor tray 12. Figure 1 The embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor 10 also includes a counterweight assembly 22. The counterweight assembly 22 is capable of linear reciprocating motion backward (towards the second end 16) and forward (towards the first end 14), as indicated by the double-headed arrow 34 on the counterweight assembly 22. Figure 2 The counterweight assembly 22 includes a counterweight 32 removably fixed to it. Adding or removing the removably fixed weight 32 allows the user of an embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor 10 to adjust the center of gravity (not shown) and the mass of the counterweight assembly 22. This adjustment of the center of gravity and mass of the counterweight assembly 22 by removing or adding the counterweight 32 allows the user to minimize or eliminate the cyclically generated pulse torque during operation of the differential pulse conveyor 10 due to the acceleration of the conveyor tray 12 and the counterweight assembly 22 in opposite directions. This will be discussed further below. The removably fixed counterweight 32 can be fixed to the counterweight assembly 22 by fasteners (not shown), such as conventional screws, bolts, nuts, or clips, or by having pre-made sockets or recesses provided on the counterweight assembly 22.

[0026] Figure 2An embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor 10 also includes a motor 50 having a conductive cable 55. The conductive cable 55 is used to conduct current to the motor 50. The motor 50 is fixed to a support structure 60 and interconnected via a first belt 42 with a first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40, which converts the rotational motion of the output shaft 52 into linear reciprocating motion that moves the conveyor tray 12. The motor 50 also drives a second belt 46 and is interconnected via the second belt 46 with a second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44, which converts the rotational motion of the output shaft 52 into linear reciprocating motion that moves the counterweight assembly 22 relative to the conveyor tray 10. Figure 2 In one embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor 10, the motor 50 is interconnected with the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 via a first belt 42 and a second belt 46, and the motor 50 is interconnected with the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44 via the first belt 42 and the second belt 46. However, in other embodiments, the motor 50 may be interconnected with the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 and also directly interconnected with the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44, or the motor 50 may be interconnected with the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 and the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44 via other means such as belts, chains, or gears.

[0027] Figure 2 The first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer 40 has an outer surface 41 on which a plurality of detectable marks 69 are fixed in rows or series. The rows or series of detectable marks 69 are shown as being disposed on the outer surface 41 of the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer 40, extending approximately half the circumference of the outer surface 41. A sensor 58 is disposed near the outer surface 41 of the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer 40 to detect the detectable marks 69 when the motor 50 is operated to rotate the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducer 40 relative to the sensor 58. The sensor 58 generates a signal 59 to the current regulating device (…). Figure 2 (Not shown in the image). This will be discussed in more detail below. In some embodiments, the signal 59 generated by sensor 58 can be transmitted to a current regulating device (not shown) via, for example, but not limited to, wires, optical fibers, or wireless means.

[0028] A first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 is interconnected between the motor 50 and the conveyor tray 12, and a second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44 is interconnected between the motor 50 and the counterweight assembly 22. The conveyor tray 12 includes a conveyor tray connector 38 with a housing 39, and the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 is connected to the conveyor tray 12 via the housing 39. The counterweight assembly 22 includes a counterweight assembly connector 138 with a housing 139, and the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44 is connected to the counterweight assembly 22 via the housing 139.

[0029] The first rotary-to-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 and the second rotary-to-linear reciprocating motion converter 44 operate 180 degrees (3.14 radians) out of phase with each other, so that the linear reciprocating motion of the conveyor tray 12 and the relative linear reciprocating motion of the counterweight assembly 22 remain in a relative relationship to balance the pulse torque generated when these components are accelerated by the operation of the motor 50. In other words, when the conveyor tray 12 is accelerated by the motor 50 toward the second end 16 of the conveyor tray 12, the counterweight assembly 22 is accelerated toward the first end 14 of the conveyor tray 12, and when the conveyor tray 12 is accelerated by the motor 50 toward the first end 14 of the conveyor tray 12 to return to its original position, the counterweight assembly 22 is accelerated toward the second end 16 of the conveyor tray 12 to return to its original position. This arrangement balances the forces applied to the conveyor tray 12 and the counterweight assembly 22 by the motor 50, the first rotary-to-linear reciprocating motion converter 40, and the second rotary-to-linear reciprocating motion converter 44, respectively. The removably fixed counterweight 32 on the counterweight assembly 22 can be added or removed to fine-tune the balancing pulse torque between these reciprocating components of the differential pulse conveyor 10, achieving torque balance. Alternatively, in addition to the counterweight assembly 22, the removably fixed counterweight 32 can be disposed on the conveyor tray 12, or the removably fixed counterweight 32 can be disposed on the conveyor tray 12.

[0030] The motor 50, the first rotary-to-linear reciprocating motion converter 40, the second rotary-to-linear reciprocating motion converter 44, and the components of the differential pulse conveyor 10 supported by the first rotary-to-linear motion converter 40 and / or the second rotary-to-linear motion converter 44 are supported by a structural support 60, which is in turn supported by a proximal support 77 and a distal support 75 above a support surface or a base plate 99. The proximal support 77 can be fixed to the base plate 99 at a proximal flange 78, and the distal support 75 can be fixed to the base plate 99 at a distal flange 76. During operation of the differential pulse conveyor 10, the balance of the center of gravity and / or mass of the conveyor tray 12 and the counterweight assembly 22 significantly reduces or eliminates the amount of force cyclically applied to the proximal support 77 and proximal flange 78 and to the distal support 75 and distal flange 76, and also reduces or eliminates the torque cyclically applied to the connector 80 between the proximal support 77 and the support structure 60 and the connector 79 between the distal support 75 and the support structure 60.

[0031] Depend on Figure 2 As can be seen, the differential pulse conveyor 10 can be used to receive a flow of goods 82 unloaded from the far end 81 of the supply conveyor 83 to the first end 14 of the conveyor pallet 12, convey the flow of goods 82 to the second end 16 of the conveyor pallet 12, and unload the flow of goods 82 to the unloading conveyor 92. The differential pulse conveyor 10 can be used to convey the flow of goods 82 to processing points or stations, such as, but not limited to, a seasoning station where seasonings are added to goods 82, a bagging machine for bagging or packaging goods 82, a weighing device, or to any of a plurality of other processing points or stations within the facility housing the differential pulse conveyor 10.

[0032] Figure 2 The differential pulse conveyor 10 also includes a counterweight assembly linear bearing 48. When the counterweight assembly 22 reciprocates via the operation of the motor 50, the counterweight assembly linear bearing 48 supports and allows the linear reciprocating motion of the counterweight assembly 22. Figure 2 The differential pulse conveyor 10 also includes a conveyor tray linear bearing 73. When the conveyor tray 12 reciprocates in the opposite direction to the counterweight assembly 22 via the operation of the same motor 50, the conveyor tray linear bearing 73 supports and allows the linear reciprocating motion of the conveyor tray 12. Figure 2The linear bearing 48 in the diagram appears very similar to the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 and the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44. This is because the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 and the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44 are structurally similar to the linear bearing 48. The difference lies in the size of the components of the linear bearing 48, which prevents the counterweight assembly 22 from reaching its limit range of motion in either direction of the reciprocating motion, thus preventing the linear bearing 48 from being confined or bound within its limit range of motion. This adaptability of the structure of the rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter in U.S. Patent No. 10,131,503 can be further understood by consulting U.S. Patent No. 9,879,179. In a preferred embodiment, a single motor 50 is connected and timed to the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 and the second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44 using a timing belt. However, in another embodiment of this disclosure, two separate motors 50 are included. One motor drives a first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40, which in turn drives the conveyor tray 12. Another motor drives a second rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44, which in turn drives a counterweight assembly 22 (if present). By using a common current regulator to drive both motors, timing of the other motor 50 is provided for the conveyor tray 12 and the counterweight assembly 22. While the counterweight assembly 22 reduces stress on components in embodiments of the conveyor system 111 of this disclosure, some embodiments do not include the counterweight assembly 22, and in other embodiments, the counterweight assembly 22 is of a different type than that disclosed herein.

[0033] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A perspective view of the counterweight assembly 22 in an embodiment of the differential pulse conveyor 10. A base plate 33 of the counterweight assembly 30 is disposed between a first side plate 30A and a second side plate 30B of the counterweight assembly 22. The base plate 33, the first side plate 30A, and the second side plate 30B together form a groove within the counterweight assembly 22 to movably receive at least a portion of the conveyor tray 12. An opening 31 on the base plate 33 of the counterweight assembly 22 accommodates the motor 50 and the conveyor tray 12. Figure 3 Not shown in the image, see [link / reference]. Figure 2 The first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 in the middle is elongated in the reciprocating motion direction of the counterweight assembly 22 to accommodate the reciprocating motion of the counterweight assembly 22 relative to the stationary (but rotating) first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 that causes the conveyor tray 12 to reciprocate.

[0034] Figure 4 yes Figure 3A front view of the counterweight assembly 22 is shown. A counterweight connector 38 on the counterweight assembly 22 is also shown. The counterweight connector 38 has a function for engaging the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 44. Figure 4 Not shown in the image, see [link / reference]. Figure 2 The container 139. For clarity, an optional removable weight 32 (see [reference]) is also included. Figure 2 )from Figure 2 Remove the counterweight component 22 shown. Figure 3 The span 37 of the opening 31 on the base plate 33 shown is composed of Figure 4 The double-headed arrow is shown on the second side panel 30B.

[0035] Figure 5 This is a plan view of the sensor 58. Sensor 58, for example, is one of a set of optically, mechanically, and electronically detectable marks 69 attached to the outer surface 41 of the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40. Sensor 58 is positioned adjacent to the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 to detect the presence of the mark 69 when the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40 rotates in the direction of arrow 63. Sensor 58 generates a signal 102 to the current regulating device 100, which changes the frequency of the current 55 supplied to the motor 50. For example, the current 55 supplied to the motor 50 by the current regulating device 100 can be provided to change the frequency of the current 55 when the mark 69 is very close to the sensor 58 and the signal 102, and the signal 102 (e.g.) Figure 2 When the current generated by sensor 58 is transmitted to current regulating device 100, motor 50 is operated in the first mode (as shown). Figure 2 (As shown); it can provide current 55 supplied to motor 50 by current regulator 100 to operate motor 50 in a second mode when the detectable mark 69 is not very close to sensor 58 (this will occur after the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter continues to rotate in the direction shown by arrow 63) and signal 102 is not being generated and transmitted to current regulator 100. Figure 5 In the embodiment of the current frequency control system shown, a detectable marker 69 is disposed on approximately half (180 degrees or 3.14 radians) of the circumference of the outer surface 41 of the first rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter 40, thereby generating a current having a frequency that switches between a first mode and a second mode to produce a “slow forward, fast backward” movement of the conveyor tray 12, which causes the goods to move along the conveyor tray 12 ( Figure 5 (Not shown in the image) Move.

[0036] Figure 6 A current regulation control system is shown that can be used to control the regulation of the current supplied to motor 50. For Figure 5The current frequency control system shown can be said to effectively function as a second signal (when no detectable marker 69 is near sensor 58) due to the absence of the signal 102 generated by sensor 58 and transmitted to current regulator 100. In this case, the second signal is a non-signal that switches current regulator 100 to a second mode. Alternatively, in other embodiments of the differential pulse conveyor 10 of this disclosure, the current frequency control system may sense two different rows or series of detectable markers 69, each row or series having a different type of detectable marker 69, and each row or series generating a different signal generated by sensor 58. These signals 102 are transmitted to current regulator 100, with the first signal 102 corresponding to operation of motor 50 in the first mode and the second signal (not shown) corresponding to operation of motor 50 in the second mode.

[0037] Current 105 from current source 106 is supplied to current regulating device 100. When a detectable marker 69 is detected near sensor 58, signal 102 is generated by sensor 58 and received by current regulating device 100, and the output regulating current 55 supplied to motor 50 has a frequency that causes motor 50 to operate in a first mode. When no detectable marker 69 is detected near sensor 58 (or, alternatively, a second type of detectable marker is detected), sensor 58 does not generate signal 102 (or, alternatively, a second signal different from the first signal) and current regulating device 100 does not receive signal 102, and the output regulating current 55 supplied to motor 50 has a frequency that causes motor 50 to operate in a second mode. When the current regulation is frequency regulation, when the first signal 102 generated by the sensor 58 is received by the current regulation device 100, the output regulation current 55 supplied to the motor 50 has a frequency that causes the motor 50 to operate in a first mode; when the sensor 58 does not generate signal 102 (or instead, a second signal different from the first signal) and the current regulation device 100 does not receive signal 102, the output regulation current 55 supplied to the motor 50 has a frequency that causes the motor 50 to operate in a second mode.

[0038] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit this disclosure. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an,” “the,” and “the” are also intended to include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that, when used in this specification, the terms “comprising” and / or “including” specify the presence of the stated feature, integer, step, operation, element, component, and / or group, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, such as integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. The terms “preferred,” “ideal,” “optional,” “may,” and other similar terms are used to indicate that the item, condition, or step involved is an optional (not required) feature of this disclosure.

[0039] All means or steps in the following claims, plus corresponding structures, materials, actions, and equivalents of the functional elements, are intended to include any structure, material, or action for performing the function in conjunction with other claimed elements as specifically claimed. The present disclosure has been described above for purposes of illustration and description, but it is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the disclosure to the forms disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosure. The embodiments chosen and described are intended to best explain the principles and practical application of the disclosure and to enable others skilled in the art to understand the various embodiments of the disclosure, which may include various modifications suitable for the particular intended use.

Claims

1. A differential pulse conveyor, characterized by, include: An elongated conveyor tray is movable in a forward direction at a first acceleration rate and in a backward direction opposite to the forward direction at a second acceleration rate greater than the first acceleration rate, thereby moving goods along the tray in the forward direction. The tray has a first end, a second end, a groove for conveying goods, and a conveyor drive coupling. An electric motor having a rotating output shaft; A rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter is connected between the rotary output shaft of the motor and the conveyor drive connector; A current regulating device electrically connected to the motor to regulate the input current source, the current regulating device having a first mode and a second mode, wherein, in the first mode, the output current supplied to the motor causes the motor to operate at a first speed to move the conveyor tray in the forward direction; and in the second mode, the output current supplied to the motor causes the motor to operate at a second speed greater than the first speed to move the conveyor tray in the rearward direction; and A marker is used to enable the position sensor to continue generating signals and sending those signals to the current regulating device, so that the current regulating device remains in the second mode; The operation of the motor causes the conveying tray to move in the forward direction at the first acceleration rate; and The continued operation of the motor causes the conveyor tray to reverse and move in the rearward direction at the second acceleration rate.

2. The differential impulse conveyor of claim 1, wherein, in, The motor is a variable frequency drive motor.

3. The differential impulse conveyor of claim 2, wherein, The position sensor is used to detect the position of the conveyor tray and to generate a signal to the current regulating device; The position sensor detects when the conveyor tray reaches a preset forward lateral position and generates a signal to switch the current regulating device from the first mode to the second mode; and The position sensor detects when the conveyor tray reaches a preset backward lateral position and generates a signal to switch the current regulating device from the second mode to the first mode.

4. The differential impulse conveyor of claim 3, wherein, in, The position sensor includes one of a mechanical detector, an optical detector, a magnetic detector, and an electronic detector, and at least one of a plurality of mechanical marks, optical marks, magnetic marks, and electronic marks disposed on the moving parts of the differential pulse conveyor.

5. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 4, characterized in that, in, Multiple markers selected from the mechanical markers, optical markers, magnetic markers, and electronic markers are disposed on the outer surface of the rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter; as well as The rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter is located adjacent to the corresponding mark among the mechanical, optical, magnetic, and electronic detectors.

6. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 5, characterized in that, in, At least one of the plurality of marks selected from the optical marks, magnetic marks, and electronic marks includes a plurality of magnetic marks fixed to the outer surface of one of the rotary-linear reciprocating motion transducers; and A detector selected from the mechanical detector, optical detector, magnetic detector and electronic detector is a magnetic detector.

7. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A first support structure is provided for supporting the motor and the rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter. The first support structure has at least one vertical support member for supporting the conveying tray above the base plate.

8. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: A second support structure is provided for supporting a linear bearing connected to the bearing connector on the conveyor tray.

9. A differential pulse conveyor, characterized in that, include: A slender conveyor pallet with slots for movably supporting goods thereon; An electric motor having a rotating output shaft; A rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter is connected between the rotary output shaft of the motor and the conveying tray; A current regulator electrically connected to the motor has a first mode and a second mode, wherein in the first mode, the current regulator regulates the current to make the motor run at a first speed, and in the second mode, the current regulator regulates the current to make the motor run at a second speed greater than the first speed; Multiple markers are fixed to the moving parts of the differential pulse conveyor; wherein the markers are used to cause the position sensor to continue generating signals and sending the signals to the current regulator, so that the current regulator remains in the second mode; and A sensor is positioned close to the moving part, and a plurality of markers are fixed to the moving part. When one or more of the plurality of markers are detected in the vicinity of the sensor, the sensor sends a signal to the current regulator to switch between a first mode and a second mode.

10. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 9, characterized in that, in, The rotary output shaft of the motor is connected to the rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter via a belt, chain, or gear.

11. A differential pulse conveyor, characterized in that, include: An elongated conveyor tray is movable in a forward direction at a first acceleration rate and in a backward direction opposite to the forward direction at a second acceleration rate greater than the first acceleration rate, thereby cyclically moving goods along the tray in the forward direction. The tray has a first end, a second end, a trough for conveying goods, and a conveyor drive coupling. A motor with a rotating output shaft; A rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter is connected between the rotary output shaft of the motor and the conveyor drive connector; A current regulating device electrically connected to the motor to regulate the input current source, the current regulating device having a first mode and a second mode, wherein, in the first mode, the output current supplied to the motor causes the motor to operate at a first speed to move the conveyor tray in the forward direction, and in the second mode, the output current supplied to the motor causes the motor to operate at a second speed greater than the first speed to move the conveyor tray in the rearward direction; and A marker is used to enable the position sensor to continue generating signals and sending those signals to the current regulating device, so that the current regulating device remains in the second mode; The operation of the motor causes the conveying tray to move in the forward direction; and The continued operation of the motor causes the conveyor tray to reverse and move in the rearward direction.

12. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 11, characterized in that, in, The motor is a variable frequency drive motor.

13. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 12, characterized in that, The position sensor is used to detect the position of the conveyor tray and to generate a signal to the current regulating device; The position sensor detects when the conveyor tray reaches its preset forward position and generates a signal to switch the current regulating device from the first mode to the second mode; and The position sensor detects when the conveyor tray reaches a preset backward position and generates a signal to switch the current regulating device from the second mode to the first mode.

14. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 13, characterized in that, in, The position sensor includes one of a mechanical detector, an optical detector, a magnetic detector, and an electronic detector, and at least one of a plurality of mechanical marks, optical marks, magnetic marks, and electronic marks disposed on the moving parts of the differential pulse conveyor.

15. The differential pulse conveyor according to claim 14, characterized in that, in, At least one or more of the mechanical marks, optical marks, magnetic marks, and electronic marks are disposed on the outer surface of the rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter; as well as One of the mechanical detector, optical detector, magnetic detector, and electronic detector is located near the rotary-linear reciprocating motion converter located close to one of the mechanical mark, optical mark, magnetic mark, and electronic mark.

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