Use of a curved conveyor and a conveyor module

Abstract

Curved conveyor (1) comprising a guide rail extending along a circular arc (2) guiding a conveying portion (3) of an endless conveyor (4), the conveying portion comprising a plurality of chain strands (5, 6, 7) spaced apart with equal radial pitch with a common center of curvature (C), and a drive cooperating with the chain strands, the drive (8) guiding the chain strands through the guide rail with mutually equal angular velocities during operation, wherein the chain strands are each constituted by a single series of consecutive conveyor modules (9), the conveyor modules each being provided with a substantially flat top surface at their top, and wherein the radial pitch between the chain strands substantially corresponds to the radial width of the conveyor modules, such that the side portions of the conveyor modules abut to enclose a narrow gap, and the top surfaces in the conveying portion form a substantially uninterrupted conveying surface.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a curved conveyor comprising a guide rail extending along an arc to guide the conveying portion of a circular conveyor. The invention also relates to the use of conveyor modules for modular curved chains in curved conveyors. Background Technology

[0002] Such curved conveyors are known and are used, for example, when discrete products must traverse curves in a conveying path within the context of a manufacturing process, specifically by which these products are kept oriented.

[0003] Known in practice, Jonge Poerink's curved conveyors consist of a series of continuous trapezoidal conveyor sections that bypass conical wheels. A disadvantage of this design is that the conveyor sections have fixed widths, making curved conveyors unsuitable for integration into standard conveyor systems with progressively narrowing guide rails. Furthermore, a strong polygonal effect occurs at the outer edges of the conveyor during rounding, resulting in poor product transport and / or the need for fixing plates.

[0004] A curved conveyor for baguettes is known from NL1029294, wherein the conveying section comprises multiple chain links having a common center of curvature, spaced apart by equal radial pitch, and having relatively large free clearance, and wherein, during operation, a driver cooperating with the chain links guides the chain links through guide rails at mutually equal angular velocities. Each chain link is implemented as a roller chain, which consists of a series of single links. A disadvantage of this curved conveyor is that it is only suitable for relatively long products oriented radially, such as baguettes.

[0005] A curved conveyor is known from DE102006025520, wherein the conveying section comprises two modular curved pads having a common center of curvature and spaced apart from the casing of an arc-shaped clamping plate, and wherein, in the upper section, a drive cooperating with the bottom side of the conveyor pads guides the conveyor pads through guide rails at equal angular velocities during operation. A disadvantage of this curved conveyor is that products cannot be placed near the center because orientation may be lost when in contact with the clamping plate, which is stationary relative to the moving conveyor pads. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention proposes a curved conveyor that overcomes the aforementioned drawbacks. To this end, the invention provides a curved conveyor comprising a guide rail extending along an arc, guiding a conveying section of a circular conveyor, the conveying section comprising a plurality of chain strands spaced at equal radial pitches using a common center of curvature; and a driver cooperating with the chain strands, which guides the chain strands through the guide rail at mutually equal angular velocities during operation, wherein each chain strand is constituted by a single series of consecutive conveyor modules, each conveyor module having a substantially flat top surface at its top, and wherein the radial pitch between the chain strands substantially corresponds to the radial width of the conveyor module, such that the sides of the conveyor modules are adjacent with narrow gaps, and a substantially uninterrupted conveying surface is formed on the top surface of the conveying section. By providing a conveyor module with a substantially flat top surface whose radial width corresponds to the radial pitch between the chain strands, such that the sides of the conveyor module are closely connected and the top surface forms a continuous conveying surface, a curved conveyor can be obtained whose entire surface can be used to support the product, and whose width can be progressively scaled, and which has a small polygonal effect.

[0007] In this paper, a narrow gap should be understood as a free gap less than 10% of the radial pitch between the strands, specifically having a radial width of about 0.5-5 mm, more specifically about 1-2 mm.

[0008] The conveying surface formed by the top surface of the conveying section is preferably flat, specifically laid flat or horizontally positioned, and thus specifically a horizontally flat conveying surface. The top surface or conveying surface can be at least partially open by using through-holes in the top surface and / or by leaving partial free space between the edges of the top surfaces of the continuous conveyor modules along the conveying direction. Therefore, the conveying surface can, for example, be approximately 20% to 80% passable.

[0009] The length of the conveyor track along its extended arc can be freely chosen and can correspond, for example, to angle segments of approximately 30°–270°, specifically approximately 60°–240°, more specifically approximately 90°–210°, or, for example, approximately 120°–180°. It will be clear that when the conveying surface is horizontal and flat, the aforementioned angle segments will be less than 360°. This contrasts with, for example, a spiral guide with an inclined conveying surface.

[0010] The guide rail preferably extends only along the mentioned arc, that is, the guide rail preferably has no deviation from the arc, such as a straight portion. It will be clear that, nevertheless, the chain strands may extend straight outside the guide rail, for example, at the location of an optional straight track portion, which is further explained elsewhere herein, and which extends beyond the preferably flat horizontal conveying surface.

[0011] The structure can be further simplified, if desired, by constructing the conveyor chain from identical conveyor modules. The pitch of the continuous conveyor modules in the chain along the conveying direction is preferably less than 2 inches, and specifically approximately 0.5 inches. It is worth noting that such conveyor modules are known and are marketed primarily by the applicant.

[0012] Laterally to the conveying direction, the conveyor module preferably has a width of approximately 83 mm or approximately 2.92 inches, and the radial pitch between the chain strands is preferably approximately 85 mm or approximately 3 inches. Therefore, the width of the chain strands can correspond to standard metric and imperial dimensions used in the conveyor industry, allowing curved conveyors to be scaled progressively within a standard range. Furthermore, these already available standard-sized pad modules and chain modules can be used for chain strands, track guide elements, sprockets, etc. It is worth noting that in this document, a single series of continuous conveyor pad modules is also considered to be chain strands.

[0013] Advantageously, the continuous conveyor modules can pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis extending transversely to the top surface between an alignment position and a pivot position. In the alignment position, the continuous conveyor modules can follow a straight path, while in the pivot position, they can follow a curved path. In particular, the possibility of the continuous conveyor modules also following a straight path provides greater construction freedom in the return guidance of the conveyor and simplifies the drive mechanism. Preferably, the continuous conveyor modules are capable of pivoting left and right from the alignment position in both directions. The conveyor modules then form a modular curved chain, also known as a "lateral flexural chain."

[0014] A curved conveyor may include a return guide extending along equal arcs below the guide rails, which guides a portion of the return section of the circular conveyor, wherein a drive engages a straight track portion of the return section extending between the guide and the return guide. By providing such a straight track portion located between the guide rails and the return guide, the drive can be significantly simplified. The drive may then include, for example, a series of sprockets spaced apart by the aforementioned radial pitch, which engage in a drive mechanism located below the top surface of the conveyor module of the chain strands by means of their circumferentially positioned, radially outward-oriented drive teeth. Such a straight portion simply extends at least partially in an upright orientation, i.e., the transverse component to the guide rail plane is greater than the component along the guide rail plane, and is preferably positioned adjacent to the start and / or end of the curved guide rail. For space saving, the straight track portion can also be implemented in an at least partially flat orientation, i.e., the component along the guide rail plane is greater than the component transverse to the guide rail plane. Therefore, the straight track portion may be at least partially located below the guide rails and may be located between the guide rails and the return guide. To make the chain strands of the circular conveyor compactly rounded, the guide rail can be equipped with nose-overs at its starting point and / or end point.

[0015] A simple and reliable drive can be achieved by driving the sprocket centrally with a transmission ratio that may be different or constant. Then, for example, a common drive shaft driven by a single motor can be configured. For example, with the sprocket having a larger working diameter due to the corresponding chain being positioned more outward relative to the common center of curvature, a non-differential, i.e., equal transmission ratio can be used, for example, by means of direct drive via the common drive shaft, as further explained elsewhere in this document.

[0016] It will be clear that the pitch between the drive teeth of such sprockets preferably corresponds to the pitch between the conveyor modules of the respective chain strands along the conveying direction. As mentioned elsewhere in this document, if the conveyor modules of different chain strands are advantageously identical to each other, then the aforementioned pitch along the conveying direction will therefore be equal for the different chain strands.

[0017] The chain strands can be advantageously positioned at a distance from the center of curvature, which corresponds to an integer multiple of the radial pitch between the chain strands. The successive chain strands can then be driven at a mutual transmission ratio corresponding to the ratio of the distances of the respective chain strands to the center of curvature of the guide rail.

[0018] A relatively compact transmission can be achieved by driving sprockets via separate annular drive elements from a common drive shaft. When the annular drive element is a toothed belt that meshes with toothed pulleys connected to both the sprockets and the central drive shaft, the different sprockets can be driven at appropriate ratios using standard components, further enhancing the compactness. Alternatively, the annular drive element can be, for example, a V-belt.

[0019] As an alternative to a ring-shaped drive element, the sprocket can be driven by a common drive shaft, for example, via a corresponding gear transmission. Such a gear transmission can provide a desired gear ratio between the drive shaft and the corresponding sprocket through meshing gears. This gear transmission can be implemented, for example, using a gearbox or gear housing. In this respect, combinations of the transmission devices mentioned herein are also possible.

[0020] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the sprockets can have a larger working diameter as the respective chain strands are positioned further outward relative to the common center of curvature. The ratio between the working diameters of the sprockets preferably corresponds to the ratio of the distances from the respective chain strands to the center of curvature of the guide rail. The sprockets can then be driven, for example, directly by the common drive shaft, eliminating the need for intermediate drive elements or intermediate transmissions. That is, each sprocket is directly connected to the same common drive shaft, and each sprocket directly engages with the respective chain strand. Thus, the chain strands can be driven in a particularly robust and compact manner while still achieving mutually equal angular velocities of the chain strands through the guide rail. Considering the equal pitch of the different chain strands along the conveying direction discussed elsewhere herein, it will be clear that in this case, the number of teeth on each sprocket increases with its working diameter. Therefore, the number of teeth on the sprockets preferably corresponds to the radial distance from the respective chain strand to the common center of curvature. When the chain strands, as mentioned elsewhere in this article, are each located at a certain distance from the center of curvature, corresponding to an integer multiple of the radial pitch between the chain strands, it is easy to find a configuration where the number of teeth on each sprocket is an integer, for example, by continuously calculating based on multiple acceptable radial distances from the inner chain strand to the center of curvature and a given radial pitch between the chain strands until an integer distance is found. To date, there has been a bias in this field that the inner chain strand must always be positioned at a distance of 500 mm from the center of curvature, which has largely hindered obtaining the aforementioned very useful insights.

[0021] Therefore, it is particularly advantageous that curved conveyors can be sized as desired using common components such as the same conveyor modules and standard sprockets, while being particularly compact and having a very robust drive unit. Thus, more complex solutions, such as conveyor modules with different special constructions for each chain strand, or with more complex drives, become redundant. Furthermore, curved conveyors can provide a relatively superior conveying surface, specifically with good, uniform connection to upstream and downstream conveyors.

[0022] When the return section between the inlet section of the drive and the return guide is equipped with a tensioning ring, specifically a tensioning ring powered by a counterweight, it becomes easier for the conveyor chain to enter the return guide, and the tension on the conveyor can be adjusted relatively simply.

[0023] The present invention also relates to the use of a conveyor module for a modular curved chain in a curved conveyor constructed according to any of the foregoing.

[0024] The conveyor module may then include a main body extending transversely to the conveying direction, having a top surface defining the main body at the top and a bottom surface defining the main body at the bottom, and may also include a hinge device to which the continuous conveyor modules may be hinged using hinge pins extending transversely to the conveying direction.

[0025] The chain may then include a series of conveyor modules that are continuous along the conveying direction, wherein the hinge devices of the continuous conveyor modules are connected by means of hinge pins extending transversely to the conveying direction, such that the continuous modules can pivot relative to each other about an axis located in or along the conveying surface and extending substantially transversely to the conveying direction, and wherein the hinge pins are received in hinge devices with clearance, such that the continuous modules can also pivot relative to each other about an axis extending substantially transversely to the conveying surface.

[0026] Regarding the content disclosed herein, it should be noted that the aforementioned technical features can each exert their own advantages, and, if desired, can also be used in any combination for curved conveyors and / or related uses or methods. Attached Figure Description

[0027] The invention will be further explained based on the non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0028] Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a curved conveyor is shown;

[0029] Figure 2 It shows Figure 1 Detail II is a magnified image from a slightly different perspective;

[0030] Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 Another schematic perspective view of the curved conveyor, in which... Figure 1 In contrast, the motor of the drive is also shown;

[0031] Figure 4 A schematic perspective view of another type of curved conveyor is shown;

[0032] Figure 5 It shows Figure 4 A partial side view of a curved conveyor, where not shown. Figure 4 The drive motor shown;

[0033] Figure 6 A schematic perspective view of another type of curved conveyor is shown;

[0034] Figure 7 It shows Figure 6 A partial side view of a curved conveyor, where not shown. Figure 6 The drive motor shown;

[0035] Figure 8 It shows Figure 6 and 7 Another partial side view of the curved conveyor, i.e., from the... Figure 7 A diagram showing the opposite side of the view; and

[0036] Figure 9 and 10 Each showed Figure 6-8 A partial front view of a section cut of a curved conveyor. Detailed Implementation

[0037] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are merely schematic representations of preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the drawings, similar or corresponding parts are indicated by the same reference numerals. To simplify the drawings, in some cases, only one or a few of a plurality of similar or corresponding elements are provided with corresponding reference numerals.

[0038] Figure 1-3 An exemplary embodiment of the curved conveyor 1 is shown. The curved conveyor 1 includes a guide rail 2 extending along an arc, which guides the conveying section 3 of the annular conveyor 4. The conveying section 3 includes a plurality of chain strands 5, 6, 7 having a common center of curvature C, which are spaced apart by equal radial pitch S.

[0039] The conveying section 3 also includes a driver 8 that works in conjunction with the chain strands 5, 6, and 7, which guides the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 through the guide rail 2 at equal angular velocities during operation.

[0040] exist Figure 3 The driver 8 of this exemplary embodiment can be seen in detail in the figure, and the drive motor 28, which is part of the driver 8, is shown in particular in the figure. For the sake of simplicity, the figure is shown in detail in the figure. Figure 1 and 2 The drive motor is not shown. Further details about the driver 8 are explained elsewhere in this specification.

[0041] In this exemplary embodiment, each of the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 is constituted by a single series of continuous conveyor modules 9, each conveyor module having a substantially flat top surface 10 at its top. Due to the uniformity of the series, the width of each chain strand 5, 6, and 7 is equal to the radial width B of a conveyor module 9, and within the chain strands 5, 6, and 7, transverse to the conveying direction T, no conveyor modules 9 are placed adjacent to each other. The radial spacing S between the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 substantially corresponds to the radial width B of the conveyor module 9, such that the sides of the conveyor modules are adjacent to each other, enclosing a narrow gap 12, and the top surface 10 in the conveying section 3 forms a substantially uninterrupted conveying surface 13.

[0042] In the example shown, the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 on the outer side of the conveyor section 3 circulate as components of the loop conveyor 4 via the return section 15. Although for the sake of simplicity in the figures... Figure 1 and 3 The continuous modular construction of chain strands 5, 6, and 7 is not explicitly shown in the return section 15, but it will be clear that the conveyor module 9 still exists in the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 that run through the annular conveyor 4.

[0043] exist Figure 2 In the detailed description, one can see how a series of linked conveyor modules 9 form a ring chain 7 that extends continuously along the conveying section 3 and then along the return section 15, specifically along its straight track component 16 and the return guide rail 14, as will be discussed in more detail below. In the conveying section 3, the conveyor modules 9 pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis Z, thus following the curvature of the guide rail 2, as further explained elsewhere in this specification.

[0044] Here, the narrow gap 12 refers to a free gap of less than 10% of the radial pitch S between strands 5, 6, and 7, specifically approximately 1.5 mm.

[0045] Here, the conveying surface 13 formed by the top surface 10 in the conveying section 3 is flat, specifically, it is laid flat or positioned horizontally.

[0046] Here, the length of the guide rail 2 along its extended arc is approximately 180°, but this length can be chosen largely freely, specifically according to the desired conveying path. For more complex conveying paths, multiple curved conveyors 1 can be arranged one after the other along the conveying direction T, whether directly behind each other or with straight or other conveying path sections in between, making it possible, for example, to achieve a turning path to bypass existing objects in the plant, such as machines and support columns.

[0047] In the exemplary embodiment shown, the continuous conveyor modules 9 can revolve around a pivot axis Z extending transversely to the top surface 10 (see [link to example]). Figure 2 The conveyor modules 9 pivot relative to each other between the alignment position and the pivot position. In the alignment position, the continuous conveyor modules 9 can follow a straight path, while in the pivot position, the continuous conveyor modules 9 can follow a curved path.

[0048] exist Figure 2 In the accompanying drawings, for simplicity, only one pivot axis Z is shown as an example for a corresponding pair of consecutive conveyor modules 9; however, it will be clear that such pivot axes exist in a corresponding manner between each pair of conveyor modules 9. Therefore, when consecutive conveyor modules 9 are joined together perpendicular to the conveying surface 13, the pivot axis Z extends, in various cases, for example, half the width B. For example, in... Figure 2 As can be seen, the chain strands 7 in the conveying section 3 undergo continuous pivoting motion, with the individual conveyor modules 9 on the radially inner side of the guide rail 2 arranged closer together due to the pivoting motion than those on the radially outer side. Figure 2 It can also be seen that when transitioning to the straight track section 16 of the return section 15 of the conveying section 3 directly along the conveying direction T, the previous closer arrangement can be changed to the following arrangement of the conveyor module 9: its span width B is substantially uniform, so that the chain strand 7 can travel along the straight track section 16.

[0049] Here, the continuous conveyor modules 9 are capable of pivoting left and right in both directions from the alignment position. The interconnected conveyor modules 9 thus form a modular curved chain, also known as a lateral flexural chain.

[0050] In this exemplary embodiment, the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 of the conveyor 4 are composed of identical conveyor modules 9. Therefore, as the respective chain strands 5, 6, and 7 are located further outward in the radial direction of the conveying section 3, the different chain strands 5, 6, and 7 include more conveyor modules 9.

[0051] Here, the pitch of the conveyor modules 9, which are continuous along the conveying direction T in chains 5, 6, and 7, is approximately 0.5 inches.

[0052] In this exemplary embodiment, the conveyor module 9 has a width B of approximately 83 mm, and the radial pitch S between the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 is approximately 85 mm. In a variant for the U.S. market, the conveyor module 9 has a width B of approximately 2.92 inches, and the radial pitch is approximately 3 inches.

[0053] In the example shown, the conveyor pad module 9 includes a main body portion 29 extending transversely to the conveying direction T, the main body portion having a top surface 10 defining the main body portion 29 at its top and a bottom surface 30 defining the main body portion 29 at its bottom. The top surface 10 forms a support surface for supporting the product, and when the conveyor module 9 is located in the conveying section 3, the top surface 10 is part of the conveying surface 13. The bottom surface 30 forms a support surface for supporting the main body portion 29 on the guide rail 2.

[0054] Here, the conveyor module 9 is also provided with a hinge device 31, to which successive conveyor modules 9 can be hinged using hinge pins 32 extending transversely to the conveying direction T. In the chain strands 5, 6, and 7, the hinge devices 31 of the successive conveyor modules 9 are interconnected using hinge pins 32 extending transversely to the conveying direction T, such that successive modules 9 can, in each case, pivot relative to each other about an axis located in or along the conveying surface 13 and extending substantially transversely to the conveying direction T. This allows the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 to turn, for example, about the sprocket 17 or the turntable 27. The hinge pins 32 are also received in the hinge device 31 and have play, such that successive modules 9 can also pivot relative to each other about an axis Z extending substantially transversely to the conveying surface 13. This allows the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 to pass through bends in the conveying surface 13. The conveyor module 9 has a groove (not explicitly shown) on its bottom surface 30 for receiving the teeth 18 of the drive gear 17.

[0055] In this exemplary embodiment, the conveyor module 9 is implemented as a so-called conveyor pad module 9. In the conveyor pad module, for the purpose of the hinge device 31, the main body portion 29 is arranged on the front and rear sides as viewed along the conveying direction T, and has a series of connecting parts and receiving spaces that alternate continuously transversely to the conveying direction T. Then, the connecting parts and receiving spaces of the continuous conveyor pad modules 9 in the conveying direction T can intersect each other, such as... Figure 2 As can be seen, the continuous conveyor pad module 9 can be hingedly connected using a hinge pin 32 that extends transversely to the conveying direction T and passes through a hinge hole in the connecting component. When the single row of continuous modules 9 is formed into strands 5, 6, and 7 using the conveyor pad module 9, the length of the hinge pin 32 is generally actually equal to the width B of the main body portion 29 transversely to the conveying direction T.

[0056] In this exemplary embodiment, strands 5, 6, and 7 are each located at a certain distance from the curvature center C, which corresponds to an integer multiple of the pitch S between strands 5, 6, and 7.

[0057] In this exemplary embodiment, the curved conveyor 1 also includes a return guide 14 that extends below the guide 2 along equal arcs and guides a portion of the return section 15 of the annular conveyor 4, wherein the driver 8 engages a straight track section 16 of the return section 15 that extends between the guide 2 and the return guide 14.

[0058] In the accompanying drawings, a preferred conveying direction T is indicated, which can be achieved by a corresponding drive direction in the driver 8. Along the conveying direction T shown, the conveying section 3 in this example advantageously undergoes substantially the tensile load generated by the driver 8. In some embodiments, different, specifically opposite, conveying directions can still be selected, or even the conveying directions can be alternated as desired. For this purpose, for example, switchable and / or additional drivers can be provided.

[0059] In this exemplary embodiment, the drive 8 includes a series of sprockets 17 spaced apart by a radial pitch S (see [link to example]). Figure 3 These sprockets engage with a drive unit (not shown) located below the top surface 10 of the conveyor module 9 of the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 via their circumferentially positioned, radially outward-oriented drive teeth 18.

[0060] In this exemplary embodiment, the straight track portion 16 extends at least partially in an upright orientation, i.e., the directional component transverse to the plane of guide rail 2 is greater than the directional component along the plane of guide rail 2, and is located directly at the end of the curved guide rail 2 (along the conveying direction T). To save space, the straight track portion 16 is also implemented in a at least partially flat orientation, i.e., the directional component along the plane of guide rail 2 is greater than the directional component transverse to the plane of guide rail 2. Therefore, the straight track portion 16 can be located at least partially below guide rail 2, specifically between guide rail 2 and return guide rail 14. In this example, a tensioning ring 26 is provided at this location, which will be further explained in other parts of this specification.

[0061] In this example, another straight track section 16' extends along the transport direction T between the end of the return guide 14 and the starting point of the guide 2. As a possible alternative or supplement, a drive and / or tensioning ring may be provided at the location of the other straight track section 16', as further explained in other parts of this document.

[0062] In this exemplary embodiment, sprockets 17 are driven centrally with different gear ratios. Therefore, in this example, a common drive shaft 22 that can be driven by a single motor 28 is provided (see [link to example]). Figure 3 ).

[0063] In this exemplary embodiment, the continuous chain strands 5, 6, and 7 are driven with a mutual transmission ratio corresponding to the ratio of the distance between the respective chain strands 5, 6, and 7 and the curvature center C of the guide rail 2.

[0064] In this exemplary embodiment, each of the chain strands 5, 6, and 7 is driven by a common drive shaft 22 via a separate annular drive element 19, 20, and 21.

[0065] In this exemplary embodiment, the annular drive elements 19, 20, and 21 are toothed belts that cooperate with toothed pulleys 23, 24, and 25, which are respectively connected to the sprocket 17 and the central drive shaft 22.

[0066] from Figure 3 As can be seen, the toothed pulleys 23, 24, and 25 of chains 5, 6, and 7, and the toothed belts 19, 20, and 21, have different dimensions, thus achieving different linear drive speeds using the common drive shaft 22, making the angular velocities in conveying section 3 essentially equal. The table below shows the calculation results for a curved conveyor consisting of ten chain strands, which are respectively received in guide rails r1-r10:

[0067]

[0068] exist Figure 1-3 In the exemplary embodiment shown, strands 7, 6, and 5 correspond to orbitals r1, r2, and r3, respectively.

[0069] In this exemplary embodiment, the return section 15 is provided with a tension ring 26 between the driver 8 and the inlet section of the return rail 14, specifically a tension ring 26 powered by a weight.

[0070] In this exemplary embodiment, the guide rail 2 is provided with a turner 27 at its starting point and / or end point for turning the annular conveyor 4.

[0071] Therefore, the conveyor module 9 for modular curved chains can be used in the curved conveyor 1.

[0072] Figure 4 and 5 Another exemplary embodiment of the curved conveyor 1 is shown. Unless otherwise specified herein, Figure 4-5 The curved conveyor 1 can, for example, be based on the above. Figure 1-3 The curved conveyor and / or constructed according to one or more of the above alternatives and / or supplements.

[0073] Figure 4 and 5An example of a particularly advantageous embodiment is shown, wherein sprocket 17 is directly connected to drive shaft 22, and wherein sprocket 17 has a larger working diameter and a correspondingly larger number of teeth as the respective chain segments 5, 6, 7 are positioned further outward relative to the common curvature center C.

[0074] exist Figure 5 In the middle, you can see the sprocket 17 of the outermost chain strand 5, in which... Figure 5 In the view, the sprockets of the additional chain strands 6 and 7 are located behind the sprocket 17 shown, and the relative working diameter and number of teeth of the sprockets vary with their position in the diagram. Figure 5 The smaller the value, the further back in the position is located. Figure 4 In the section below the straight track 16, it can be seen that chain strands 5, 6, and 7 conform to the different working diameters of each sprocket 17.

[0075] The ratio between the working diameters (also known as the number of teeth) of sprocket 17 corresponds to the ratio of the distances of the corresponding chain strands 5, 6, 7 to the curvature center C of guide rail 2.

[0076] When the distance from the innermost chain strand 7 to the center C is set to 1 using sample calculation, the successively adjacent chain strands 6 and 5 can have the following corresponding distances to the center C, for example: 1.2; 1.4; 1.6; 1.8; 2.0; 2.2; 2.4; 2.6; 2.8. Thus, the respective working diameter and number of teeth of the sprockets 17 are preferably correspondingly related. That is, when the working diameter of the sprocket of the innermost chain strand 7 is, for example, 10, the working diameters of the successively adjacent chain strands 6 and 5 are preferably: 12; 14; 16; 18; 20; 22; 24; 26; 28. The number of teeth of each sprocket corresponds, for example, to the mentioned working diameter or its corresponding multiple or fraction, such that each sprocket has a full number of teeth. It will be clear that the mentioned distances and diameters are only for example calculations, and many variations with many different sizes are possible within the advantageous principle of the above-described corresponding ratios.

[0077] like Figure 4 and 5 As can be seen, sprocket 17 can be directly driven by common drive shaft 22 due to its different working diameter, in particular without the need for intermediate drive elements or intermediate transmission devices, such as ring drive elements or gearboxes.

[0078] exist Figure 4 and 5 In the example, return guide 14 is positioned immediately below guide 2, thus providing a particularly compact curved conveyor 1. However, it will be clear that the aforementioned sprockets with different working diameters can also be used in conjunction with return guides of different placements, such as... Figure 1-3 The return guide rail 14 is shown.

[0079] exist Figure 4 and 5 In the example, you can see that it is larger than Figure 1-3 The example shows a greater number of chain strands 5, 6, and 7. However, it will be clear that the number of chain strands can be largely chosen as desired, and the chosen number of chain strands does not necessarily depend on the construction of driver 8, and vice versa. Similarly, it will be clear that the number of chain strands does not necessarily depend on the positioning of return rail 14, and vice versa.

[0080] Figure 6-10 Another exemplary embodiment of the curved conveyor 1 is shown, namely the one described above. Figure 4-5 Variations of exemplary embodiments thereof.

[0081] exist Figure 6-10 In another highly advantageous variation, for each chain strand 5, 6, 7, a corresponding tensioning ring 26 is provided, as in... Figure 10 This can be correctly seen in the diagram. Since each chain strand has its own tensioning ring 26, each chain strand can be individually maintained with proper tension. Here, the tensioning ring 26 is located at another straight track section 16' opposite the straight track section 16 of the drive 8. Therefore, the curved conveyor 1 can be particularly compact on one side of the drive 8, i.e., even more compact than... Figure 4-5 The variant is even more compact.

[0082] exist Figure 9 In this, it can be correctly seen that, just as in Figure 4-5 Similar to the variant, the working diameter and number of teeth of sprocket 17 correspond to the radial distances from the corresponding chain strands 5, 6, and 7 to the center of curvature C, where the center of curvature C is located at... Figure 9 Located on the left side of the diagram in the view (see...) Figure 6 As explained elsewhere herein, a particularly versatile, compact, and robust curved conveyor can therefore be provided using a universal conveyor module and standard drive components including standard sprockets. It will be clear that the number of chain strands 5, 6, and 7 can be largely selected as desired, and for the distance from the innermost chain strand 7 to the center of curvature C, the total number of sprocket teeth can be simply calculated for several options within an acceptable range until an option that achieves an integer number of teeth is found. Those skilled in the art will directly see how such calculations can be performed efficiently and effectively, for example using spreadsheet programs, so that the improved curved conveyor can thus be sized as desired.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown herein.

[0084] Therefore, the drive and / or tensioning ring can extend, for example, completely or partially, beyond the occupied area of ​​the guide rail, such as beyond the guide rail or back to the end of the guide rail.

[0085] Furthermore, the conveyor module can optionally be implemented as a conveyor chain module. In the conveyor chain module, to provide a hinge device, the main body is provided with a connecting block, which includes hinge holes located below the center of the main body and at the front and rear. The hinge holes of the connecting blocks at the front and rear sides of the continuous conveyor chain module can be aligned and connected using hinge pins extending transversely to the conveying direction. The length of the hinge pin is typically less than the width of the main body transversely to the conveying direction. The hinge pin is received in a hinge device with clearance, allowing the continuous modules to pivot relative to each other about an axis extending substantially transversely to the conveying surface. The main body has two protrusions at the front with a recess between them, and a protrusion corresponding in shape to the recess and an adjacent recess at the rear. The protrusions and recesses of the chain module are continuous along the conveying direction and then intersect each other.

[0086] Such variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art and are understood to be within the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

[0087] Figure Labels

[0088] 1. Curved conveyor

[0089] 2 guide rails

[0090] 3 Conveying Section

[0091] 4. Circular Conveyor

[0092] 5, 6, 7 Chain Stocks

[0093] 8 drives

[0094] 9 Conveyor Module

[0095] 10. Top surface of the conveyor module

[0096] 11. Side of the conveyor module

[0097] 12 Narrow gaps

[0098] 13 Conveying Surface

[0099] 14 Return to guide rail

[0100] 15 Return to Part

[0101] The straight track section of the 16' return segment.

[0102] 17 Sprocket

[0103] 18 drive teeth

[0104] 19, 20, 21 Ring drive elements

[0105] 22 drive shafts

[0106] 23, 24, and 25 have toothed pulleys.

[0107] 26 tension rings

[0108] 27 Turning head

[0109] 28 drive motors

[0110] 29. Main body of the conveyor module

[0111] 30 Bottom surface of the conveyor module

[0112] 31 Hinge mechanism

[0113] 32 Hinge pins

[0114] B. Width of the conveyor module

[0115] C Center of Curvature

[0116] S Radial Pitch

[0117] T conveying direction

[0118] Z-axis of continuous conveyor module

Claims

1. A curved conveyor, the curved conveyor comprising a guide rail extending along an arc, the guide rail guiding a conveying portion of a ring conveyor, the conveying portion comprising a plurality of chain strands and a driver cooperating with the chain strands, the plurality of chain strands being spaced apart by equal radial pitch using a common center of curvature, the driver causing the chain strands to pass through the guide rail at mutually equal angular velocities during operation, wherein, Each chain strand is composed of a single, continuous series of conveyor modules, each conveyor module having a substantially flat top surface at its top, wherein the radial pitch between the chain strands substantially corresponds to the radial width of the conveyor module, such that the sides of the conveyor modules are adjacent and enclose a narrow gap, and a substantially uninterrupted conveying surface is formed on the top surface of the conveying section, wherein the length of the guide rail along its extending arc corresponds to an angular segment of 30°-270°, wherein the drive includes a series of sprockets spaced apart by the radial pitch, these sprockets engaging in a drive mechanism of the conveyor module of the chain strand below the top surface by means of their circumferentially positioned, radially outward-oriented drive teeth, wherein the sprockets have a larger working diameter as the respective chain strands are further outwardly positioned relative to the common center of curvature, wherein the sprockets are directly driven by a common drive shaft without intermediate drive elements or intermediate transmission devices, wherein each chain strand is located at a certain distance from the center of curvature, the distance corresponding to an integer multiple of the pitch between the chain strands.

2. The curved conveyor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous conveyor modules are able to pivot relative to each other about a pivot axis extending transversely to the top surface between an aligned position and a pivot position, in which the continuous conveyor modules can follow a straight path, and in the pivot position the continuous conveyor modules can follow a curved path.

3. The curved conveyor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The chain of the conveyor is composed of identical conveyor modules.

4. The curved conveyor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conveyor module has a width of 83 mm or 2.92 inches, and the radial pitch between the chain strands is 85 mm or 3 inches, respectively.

5. The curved conveyor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a return guide rail extending along an equal circular arc below the guide rail, the return guide rail guiding a portion of the return section of the annular conveyor, wherein the driver engages a straight track portion of the return section, the straight track portion extending between the guide rail and the return guide rail.

6. The curved conveyor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The sprockets are driven centrally with mutually identical transmission ratios.

7. The curved conveyor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The continuous strands are driven by mutual transmission ratios corresponding to the ratio of the distances of the respective strands to the center of curvature of the guide rail.

8. The curved conveyor as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The return section has a tensioning ring between the driver and the inlet section of the return guide rail, specifically a tensioning ring powered by a weight.

9. The curved conveyor as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The guide rail is provided with a turner near its starting point and / or end for turning the annular conveyor.

10. The use of a conveyor module for a modular curved chain in a curved conveyor as described in any of the preceding claims, wherein, The conveyor module includes a main body extending transversely to the conveying direction and a hinge device. The main body has a top surface defining the top of the main body and a bottom surface defining the bottom of the main body. Using the hinge device, continuous conveyor modules can be connected by hinge pins extending transversely to the conveying direction.

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