Conveyor component with flexible hub, and conveyor assembly

Abstract

A conveyor component for use in a conveyor includes a hub for mounting a shaft; and a continuous rim connected to the flexible hub for contacting the conveyor belt. The hub includes a flexible finger that includes a locking tab that engages a groove on the shaft to lock the conveyor component to the shaft. A tool disengages the locking tab from the groove to unlock the conveyor component from the shaft.

Description

Related Applications

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 533,216, filed August 17, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 575,964, filed April 8, 2024, both entitled “Conveyor Component with Flexible Hub and Conveyor Assembly” and incorporated by reference herein. TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present application relates to power-driven conveyors. More particularly, the present invention relates to conveyor components, such as rollers and sprockets, for supporting and / or driving a conveyor belt in a return section, a feed, or another location. BACKGROUND

[0003] Conveyor belts are used in many industries for conveying products from a first location to a second location. The conveyor belt typically forms a looped belt circuit that extends around drive sprockets and idler sprockets or rollers at each end of the conveyor path. The articles conveyed on the conveyor belt are supported along an upper load section. The conveyor belt is returned along a lower return section. To minimize the maximum sag of the conveyor belt in the return section, return boots or rollers are often used. The return rollers typically extend across the width of the conveyor belt at selected locations along the return section. Rollers can also be used to support the conveyor belt at a feed end and / or another location of the looped conveyor belt circuit. Installing rollers, sprockets, and other components on the shafts of the conveyor can be difficult and cumbersome. Additionally, separate locking components are often required to secure the components in fixed axial positions along the shafts. SUMMARY

[0004] A conveyor component for use in a conveyor includes a flexible hub having a locking tab on a flexible finger for selectively locking the conveyor component to a shaft. The shaft includes a groove for receiving the locking tab. The flexible finger can be lifted to disengage the locking tab from the groove and allow the conveyor component to axially slide along the shaft for removal and / or repositioning.

[0005] According to one aspect, a component for a conveyor includes a hub for receiving a shaft, the hub including a flexible finger having a locking tab for engaging a recess on the shaft, and a rim connected to the flexible hub, the rim having a continuous outer periphery for contacting a conveyor belt.

[0006] According to another aspect, a conveyor assembly includes: an axially extending shaft including a peripheral recess in a first face; and a component mounted to the shaft, the component including a hub and a rim, the hub for receiving the shaft, the hub including flexible fingers having locking tabs for engaging the peripheral recess on the shaft, the rim being connected to the flexible hub, the rim having a continuous peripheral periphery for contacting a conveyor belt. Attached Figure Description

[0007] FIG. 1 This is an isometric view of a sprocket assembly including a sprocket with a flexible hub according to an embodiment;

[0008] FIG. 2 yes FIG. 1 End view of the sprocket assembly;

[0009] FIG. 3 This is a front view of a sprocket including a flexible hub in the locked position according to an embodiment;

[0010] FIG. 4 yes FIG. 3 Detailed view of the flexible portion of the sprocket's flexible hub;

[0011] FIG. 5 This is an isometric view of a sprocket with a flexible hub at the start of unlocking the sprocket using a tool;

[0012] FIG. 6 During the process of using tools to flex the flexible hub to unlock the sprocket from the shaft. FIG. 5 An isometric view of the sprocket;

[0013] FIG. 7 During flexible hub flexure FIG. 5 Front view of the sprocket;

[0014] FIG. 8 During flexion FIG. 7 Detailed front view of the flexible portion of the flexible hub;

[0015] FIG. 9 This is an isometric view of a sprocket with a flexible hub according to another embodiment;

[0016] FIG. 10 yes FIG. 9 Front view of the sprocket;

[0017] FIG. 11 It is mounted on the shaft FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 An isometric view of the sprocket;

[0018] FIG. 12 Demonstrates the process of unlocking the sprocket using tools FIG. 11 Components;

[0019] FIG. 13A yes FIG. 9 Detailed front view of the sprocket hub;

[0020] FIG. 13B Is it through FIG. 13A A cross-sectional view of the hub line AA;

[0021] FIG. 14A This is a detailed front view of the hub of a conveyor component according to another embodiment;

[0022] FIG. 14B Is it through FIG. 14A A cross-sectional view of the hub line AA.

[0023] FIG. 15 This is an isometric view of a sprocket assembly including a sprocket with a flexible hub according to another embodiment;

[0024] FIG. 16 yes FIG. 15 The front view of the component;

[0025] FIG. 17 yes FIG. 15 A top view of a part of a component;

[0026] FIG. 18 yes FIG. 17 The component passes through the cross-sectional view of line AA;

[0027] FIG. 19 yes FIG. 15 Front view of the sprocket component;

[0028] FIG. 20 yes FIG. 19 An isometric view of the sprocket;

[0029] FIG. 21 yes FIG. 19 Another view of the sprocket;

[0030] FIG. 22 yes FIG. 19 An isometric view of the sprocket from below;

[0031] FIG. 23 yes FIG. 19 Detailed front view of the locking tab of the sprocket;

[0032] FIG. 24 yes FIG. 23 An isometric view of the locking tab from below;

[0033] FIG. 25 During the process of using pliers to release the latch FIG. 19 Front view of the sprocket;

[0034] FIG. 26 yes FIG. 25 An isometric top view of the sprocket;

[0035] FIG. 27 During the process of using a screwdriver to release the latch FIG. 19 An isometric top view of the sprocket;

[0036] FIG. 28 yes FIG. 27 Front view of the sprocket;

[0037] FIG. 29 This is a front view of a sprocket with a flexible hub portion according to another embodiment;

[0038] FIG. 30 yes FIG. 29 An isometric top view of the sprocket;

[0039] FIG. 31 yes FIG. 29 An isometric top view of the sprocket;

[0040] FIG. 32 yes FIG. 29 A top view of the sprocket;

[0041] FIG. 33 Is it through FIG. 32 A cross-sectional view of the sprocket line BB;

[0042] FIG. 34 yes FIG. 29 Detailed view of the locking tabs of the sprocket;

[0043] FIG. 35 This is a front view of a sprocket with a flexible hub according to another embodiment;

[0044] FIG. 36 yes FIG. 35 Side view of the sprocket;

[0045] FIG. 37 yes FIG. 35 An isometric view of the sprocket; and

[0046] FIG. 38 This is a front view of a sprocket with a flexible hub according to another embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0047] A conveyor component includes a hub with a flexible portion and an outer peripheral rim connected to the hub. The conveyor component can be a roller, a sprocket, or any suitable conveyor component mounted on a shaft. The invention will now be described with respect to certain illustrative embodiments, although those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention is not limited to these illustrated embodiments.

[0048] See FIGS. 1-2The conveyor sprocket assembly includes a series of conveyor sprockets 100 mounted on a mounting shaft 12 in the conveyor. The illustrative series of conveyor sprockets 100 are evenly spaced along the axial length of the mounting shaft, but the invention is not limited thereto, and any number of conveyor sprockets 100 can be mounted in any suitable position, configuration, and / or pattern. In the illustrative assembly, a first sprocket 100a is mounted on the shaft in a floating position: rotatably fixed while allowing the sprocket to be axially displaced to a certain extent along the shaft 12. A second sprocket 100b is both axially and rotatably fixed to the shaft 12.

[0049] The sprocket 100 may include a flexible hub 120 to facilitate the mounting and removal of the respective sprocket from the mounting shaft 12 and to provide axial positioning and constraint of the sprocket. As described below, in the mounting area, multiple sets of grooves in the outer peripheral surface of the mounting shaft 12 engage movable locking tabs on the flexible hub 120 to prevent or limit the migration of the sprocket along the axial length of the mounting shaft 12. Each flexible hub is connected to the outer periphery 150 of the sprocket 100 via a connector (shown as spokes 140). The connector may be a mesh structure, a solid portion, or any suitable connector. The illustrative spokes 140 radiate from the corners of the flexible hub 120, but may have different orientations, sizes, numbers, and / or patterns. The illustrative outer periphery 150 includes a drive structure 151 for driving a conveyor belt, but may alternatively be smooth or have another design. The illustrative outer periphery 150 is continuous and forms a closed rim for the sprocket.

[0050] Different sized shaft grooves control the axial float and / or locking position of the sprocket. The first set of grooves 16 can be sized to fix the associated sprocket and prevent the associated sprocket from moving axially along the shaft 12, while the second set of grooves 18 can be elongated to allow the associated sprocket to float a certain amount along the mounting shaft 12. The grooves 16, 18 can be machined or otherwise formed in the desired position on the shaft 12.

[0051] The flexible hub 120 forms a shaft opening for receiving the mounting shaft 12. The flexible hub includes a flexible latch portion for locking the sprocket to the shaft, and a plurality of non-flexible portions. The flexible latch portion is movable to release the sprocket from the shaft.

[0052] See FIG. 3 and FIG. 4The illustrative flexible hub 120 of the sprocket 100 includes a plurality of shaft engagement walls. The illustrative hub is configured to receive a square shaft 12 having four vertical faces, and therefore includes four shaft engagement walls 131, 132, 133, and 134. These shaft engagement walls transmit torque from the shaft to these peripheral teeth. The flexible hub 120 can be designed to engage shafts of any suitable size and shape. Wall 134 forms a flexible portion for axially accommodating the sprocket on the shaft 12. The illustrative flexible wall 134 includes a pair of opposing flexible fingers located at each axial end of the hub. A first flexible finger 135 extends laterally across a first axial end of the hub in the axial plane, and a second flexible finger 136 extends laterally on a second axial end of the hub in the axial plane in the opposite direction to the first flexible finger 135.

[0053] Each flexible finger 135, 136 is separated from the non-flexible portion of the wall 134 by side gaps and end gaps, and is connected to the non-flexible portion of the wall 134 at its base. Each flexible finger 135, 136 includes a radially inwardly facing locking tab 137 at its head end and a central lifting recess 138 at its center portion. The central lifting recesses 138 are aligned with each other. A flexural recess 139 at the base facilitates the flexural movement of the flexible finger.

[0054] In the locked position, walls 131, 132, 133, and 134 engage with the shaft. Flexible fingers rest naturally on the corresponding surfaces of the shaft, and locking tabs 137 engage corresponding recesses 16 or 18 to lock the sprocket onto the shaft. Recess 16 locks the axial position of the sprocket, while recess 18 restricts the axial position, thereby allowing the sprocket to make a limited amount of axial movement along the shaft 12.

[0055] like FIGS. 5-8 As shown, tool 200 can be used to selectively disengage flexible fingers 135, 136 from the shaft to release sprocket 100 from the shaft. Tool 200 includes a handle 201 and a lifting member 202 extending perpendicularly to the handle. The lifting member 202 terminates at a tapered end 203. The lifting member 202 has a semi-circular cross-section, with a flat bottom and rounded sides and top.

[0056] To release sprocket 100 from shaft 12, tool 200 slides on shaft 12, with the flat bottom of lifting member 202 sliding on the corresponding surface of shaft 12. Lifting member 202 enters lifting recesses 138 of two flexible fingers 135, 136 to lift locking tab 137 out of engagement with shaft recess 16. Sprocket 100 can then be repositioned or removed from shaft by sliding the sprocket away from the shaft. Other suitable tools can be used to disengage the flexible member from the shaft.

[0057] The illustrative sprocket can be an injection-molded integral structure, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0058] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 Another embodiment of a conveyor component is shown, illustrated as a sprocket 300, which has a flexible hub to facilitate mounting and adjustment of the component relative to a shaft 312. The sprocket 300 includes: a shaft-receiving hub 330 with a flexible portion, spokes 340 radiating from the flexible hub, and a closed outer periphery 350 having a drive element connected to the hub 330 via the spokes or another connector.

[0059] The illustrative shaft receiving hub includes four shaft engagement walls 331, 332, 333, and 334. These shaft engagement walls transmit torque from the shaft to the peripheral drive element. Wall 334 includes a central flexible portion for axially accommodating a sprocket on a shaft 312. The central flexible portion includes axially extending flexible fingers that can flex up and down. The flexible fingers include a flexible neck 339 that extends from wall 334 and terminates in a locking tab 337 that extends radially inward from the flexible finger end of the flexible neck. The flexible neck 339 connects the locking tab 337 to a non-flexible portion of the hub wall 334. At the tip of the flexible fingers, a lifting tab 336 is formed above the locking tab 337. The lifting tab 336 can project axially outward from the locking tab 337 to facilitate access, but the invention is not limited thereto. A sheath 338 surrounds the flexible portion and provides clearance for vertical movement of the flexible fingers.

[0060] exist FIG. 11 In the locking position shown, the locking tab 337 is received in a groove 316 on the shaft. The sprocket 300 naturally assumes the locked position. The size and dimensions of the groove 316 are designed to allow axial floating of the sprocket or to restrict axial movement of the sprocket. The groove 316 may extend along the entire width of the shaft 312 or be a single, smaller, centered recess.

[0061] refer to FIG. 12 The sprocket can be released from the locked position using a tool (shown as pliers tool 400). The flexible fingers can be raised by squeezing the lifting tab 336 and sheath 338 with the pliers, thereby lifting the locking tab 337 out of the groove. The sprocket 300 can then be easily slid along the length of the shaft for removal or repositioning. The lifting tab 336 can also be lifted manually or using another type of tool.

[0062] See FIG. 13A and FIG. 13B The flexible fingers may be a single member extending through the hub and axially centrally symmetrical about the sprocket 300. Alternatively, the flexible portion of the hub 330 may include a plurality of axially extending flexible fingers and / or locking tabs 337.

[0063] In another embodiment, such as FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B As shown, the flexible shaft receiving hub 430 of a conveyor component (such as a sprocket or roller) may include a flexible finger 436 having a locking tab 437, wherein the flexible finger is attached to the top wall of a sheath 438 via a neck 439. FIG. 14A and FIG. 14B In one embodiment, the flexible finger 436 extends axially along the shaft, with the locking tab 437 at the axial center of the hub 430. The flexible finger 436 can be raised to release the engagement of the locking tab 437 with a groove or other feature of the shaft.

[0064] FIGS. 15-18 Another embodiment of a sprocket assembly 510 is shown, which includes a plurality of sprockets 500 having flexible hubs mounted on a shaft 512. The shaft has a series of surface recesses 516 for receiving locking tabs of the flexible hubs of the sprockets 500. FIG. 15 As shown, multiple sprockets 500 can be arranged along the axial length of shaft 512, each sprocket located in a mounting area defined by recess 516. Each illustrative recess 516 is longer than the depth of the sprocket along the axial direction of the shaft from the first face to the second face, and spans a large portion of the shaft face, such as... FIG. 17 As shown, however, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0065] Each flexible hub includes a non-flexible shaft engagement portion and flexible fingers 535 that form shaped locking tabs 537 that cover the surface of recesses 516 in the latched position, such as... FIG. 18 As shown. As described below, the formed locking tab 537 has a flat bottom surface to cover the recess 516.

[0066] See FIGS. 19-22Each sprocket 500 includes: a hub 520 forming an axially extending opening for housing a shaft 512; an outer peripheral portion 550 which may include a drive element 551; and a connecting portion 540 located between the flexible hub 520 and the outer peripheral portion 550. The illustrative connecting portion 540 is solid but may include spokes or another suitable structure. The flexible hub 520 includes: three fixed walls for receiving three sides of the shaft 512; and a fourth wall formed by flexible fingers 535 extending laterally from a corner region. The shaft receiving wall may include a cleaning recess and an undulating portion located in the corner. The flexible finger 535 includes a shaped body 536 extending from the fixed portion and terminating in a shaped locking tab 537 extending toward the center of the hub 520. A shaped lifting handle 541 extends away from the shaped locking tab 537. A release area 519 is formed above the flexible finger 535 to allow the flexible finger to flex up and down. A flexible hub 520 forms a space 521 between the lifting handle 541 and a wall 522 extending away from the shaft engagement wall 523. Walls 522 and 523 may be fixed. The bottom surface 539 of the flexible finger 535 is concavely curved toward the base of the locking tab 537.

[0067] The sprocket 500 further includes a shaped sheath 538 surrounding the top corners of the flexible hub 520 and the flexible fingers 535 to reinforce the sprocket in this region and provide clearance for the flexible fingers 535. The sprocket 500 also includes shaped ridges 525 surrounding the bottom two corners of the flexible hub 520 to reinforce the sprocket. The shaped sheath 538 and ridges 525 protrude beyond the face of the connecting portion 540 to thicken the sprocket in the hub region.

[0068] The gripping flange 542 is formed in the sleeve 538, above the formed lifting handle 541, and protrudes outward from the sleeve 538.

[0069] like FIG. 23 and FIG. 24 As shown, an illustratively shaped locking tab 537 extends from the end of a shaped body 536 to form a flat, rectangular bottom surface 559 extending through the axial width of the hub. The shaped locking tab 537 includes flat front and rear surfaces 558, a first angled sidewall 552 extending at an angle from the end of the shaped body 536, and a second curved sidewall 553 extending from the shaped body 536. A shaped lifting handle 541 extends forward of the front surface 558 and projects outward. A gripping flange 542 also projects from a sheath 538 to align with the shaped lifting handle 541.

[0070] refer to FIG. 25 and FIG. 26The locking tab 537 can be released from engagement with the recess 516 of the shaft 512 received in the flexible hub 520 using a tool shown as pliers 580. The locking tab 537 can be lifted by pressing the lifting handle 541 and the gripping flange 542 together between the jaws of the pliers 580. With the locking tab 537 disengaged, the sprocket 500 can slide along the shaft 512 for repositioning or removal.

[0071] Any suitable tool can be used to disengage the locking tab 537. For example, in FIG. 27 and FIG. 28 In another embodiment shown, a screwdriver 590 can be used to lift the locking tab 537 by a prying action. The end of the screwdriver 590's shaft can be inserted into the space 521 between the lifting handle 541 and the wall 522, and rotated or otherwise manipulated to push the lifting handle 541 upward to disengage the locking tab 537.

[0072] FIGS. 29-34 Another embodiment of a sprocket is shown, which includes flexible fingers to facilitate mounting and dismounting the sprocket from a shaft. The sprocket 600 includes axially extending flexible fingers 636, each including a radially inwardly extending locking tab 637. The illustrative locking tab 637 has a flat bottom surface 639, which may be rectangular in shape, such as... FIG. 34 As shown, however, the present invention is not limited thereto.

[0073] Flexible fingers 636 extend from the base 640 on one side of the hub 620, forming an opening for accommodating a shaft. The base 640 extends outward from a first surface of the sprocket, but the invention is not limited thereto. Lateral channels 632 in the ends of the flexible fingers 636 form lifting tabs above locking tabs 637. In one embodiment, the top surface 638 of the flexible fingers is angled inward toward the center of the sprocket as it extends from the base 640, such as... FIG. 33 As shown. Also as FIG. 33 As shown, the end of the finger 636 can be recessed from the second side of the sprocket, so that the locking tab 637 and the lifting tab are accommodated in the body of the sprocket.

[0074] The sprocket 600 may also include a gripping flange 642 formed in a sheath portion 682 above the locking tab 637 and the lifting tab to facilitate the use of a gripping tool to lift the locking tab 637 to disengage from a feature (such as a recess or groove) on the shaft received in the hub 620.

[0075] exist FIGS. 35-37In another embodiment shown, the sprocket 700 may include opposing flexible fingers to latch the sprocket 700 onto the shaft. Each flexible finger 736, 746 is structurally similar to FIGS. 29-34 The flexible fingers 636. A first flexible finger 736 is formed on a first side of the shaft receiving hub 720 and extends in a first axial direction. A second flexible finger 746 is formed on a second side of the hub 720 opposite to the first side and extends in an opposite second direction. As described above, the shaft configured to be received in the hub may have a recess configured to engage the flexible fingers.

[0076] refer to FIG. 38 In another embodiment, the sprocket 800 (including a flexible retaining finger 835 having a shaped locking tab 837 and a shaped lifting handle 841) may further include a stop protrusion 880 located in a shaped sheath portion 838 to prevent the flexible retaining finger 835 from excessively flexing.

[0077] This invention is not limited to the illustrative conveyor rollers, sprockets, and / or mounting shafts, and covers variations and modifications of these embodiments. For example, the illustrative flexible hub can be implemented in any conveyor component mounted on a shaft, not limited to rollers and sprockets.

Claims

1. A component for a conveyor, the component comprising: A hub for receiving a shaft, the hub including flexible fingers having locking tabs for engaging recesses on the shaft; as well as A rim, which is connected to the flexible hub, has a continuous outer periphery for contacting the conveyor belt.

2. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flexible hub includes a pair of opposing flexible fingers located at each axial end of the hub, each flexible finger extending laterally across the face of the axis.

3. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flexible finger includes a lifting recess located in the middle portion of the flexible finger, the lifting recess being used to receive a lifting tool.

4. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flexible finger includes a flexural recess located at the base portion, the flexural recess connecting the flexible finger to the non-flexible portion of the hub.

5. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The locking tab is formed at the end of the flexible finger.

6. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flexible fingers extend axially within the hub.

7. The component of claim 1, further comprising a sheath surrounding the flexible finger and providing a gap to allow vertical movement of the flexible finger.

8. The component of claim 7, further comprising a stop protrusion extending from the sheath to limit excessive flexure of the flexible finger.

9. The component of claim 1, further comprising a lifting handle extending away from the locking tab at the end of the flexible finger.

10. The component of claim 9, further comprising a gripping flange spaced apart from the lifting handle for engaging the tool.

11. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The flexible fingers extend axially from the base, which protrudes from the surface of the component.

12. The component as claimed in claim 1, wherein, The locking tab extends from the end of the flexible finger.

13. The component as claimed in claim 12, wherein, The locking tab includes a flat rectangular bottom surface, flat front and rear surfaces, a first angled sidewall extending at an angle from the end of the flexible finger, and a second curved sidewall extending from the flexible finger.

14. A conveyor assembly, the conveyor assembly comprising: An axially extending shaft, the shaft including a peripheral recess located in a first surface; as well as A component mounted on the shaft includes: a hub for receiving the shaft, the hub including flexible fingers having locking tabs for engaging peripheral recesses on the shaft; And a rim connected to the flexible hub, the rim having a continuous outer periphery for contacting the conveyor belt.

15. The conveyor assembly of claim 14, wherein, The flexible finger extends laterally across the surface of the hub, wherein the locking tab unfolds inward from the end of the flexible finger.

16. The conveyor assembly of claim 15, wherein, The flexible finger further includes a shaped handle that extends outward from the end of the flexible finger for lifting the locking tab to disengage from the peripheral recess.

17. The conveyor assembly of claim 16, further comprising a sheath surrounding the flexible finger and providing a gap to allow vertical movement of the flexible finger.

18. The conveyor assembly of claim 17, wherein, The sheath forms a gripping flange aligned with the shaped handle.

19. The conveyor assembly of claim 18, further comprising a tool for pressing the gripping flange and the forming handle together to lift the locking tab to disengage from the peripheral recess.

20. The conveyor assembly of claim 14, wherein, The axially extending shaft includes a plurality of peripheral recesses located in the first surface.

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