Apparatus for mounting a roller assembly to a conveyor frame

Abstract

A mounting device for mounting a component to a conveyor frame includes an outer portion that rests against a side wall of the conveyor frame, and an inner portion that extends through an opening in the side wall and includes a saddle for rotatably mounting a shaft. The mounting device includes a mounting channel that receives an edge of the opening to mount the mounting device in an operating position.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 450,146, entitled "Device for Mounting a Roller Assembly to a Conveyor Frame," filed March 6, 2023, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to motorized conveyors, and more particularly to saddles for mounting components such as rollers, side guards, and / or belt support shoes to a conveyor frame. [Background technology]

[0003] Conveyor belts are used in many industries to transport products from a first location to a second location. Conveyor belts typically form an endless belt loop entrained between drive and idler sprockets or rollers at each end of the conveying path. Articles are transported on the conveyor belt, which is supported along an upper conveying path. The conveyor belt returns along a lower returnway. Return shoes or rollers are often used to minimize the maximum conveyor belt slack in the returnway. Return rollers typically extend across the width of the conveyor belt at selected locations along the returnway. Rollers may also be used to support the conveyor belt at the infeed end and / or other locations of the endless conveyor belt circuit. Attaching rollers, sprockets, and other components to a conveyor shaft can be difficult and tedious. Additionally, separate locking components are often required to secure the components in axial position along the shaft. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The formed mounting device mounts an auxiliary conveyor component, such as, but not limited to, an idler roller assembly, to a conveyor frame. The formed mounting device includes an outer portion configured to be placed against an outer surface of the conveyor frame sidewall, an inner portion extending through an opening in the conveyor frame sidewall and including a saddle for rotatably mounting an end of a shaft, and a mounting channel for receiving an edge of the sidewall opening to mount the formed mounting device to the conveyor frame sidewall.

[0005] According to a first aspect, there is provided a mounting device for mounting a shaft to a conveyor frame. The conveyor frame has an opening in a sidewall, the opening having an upper portion and a lower portion narrower than the upper portion. The mounting device is configured to be installed against an outer surface of the sidewall and includes an outer portion wider than the upper portion of the opening, an inner portion narrower than the upper portion of the opening and including an inward saddle for the shaft, and a mounting channel formed between the inner and outer portions for receiving a lower edge of the opening.

[0006] According to another aspect, an assembly for a conveyor includes a first mounting device, a second mounting device, and a shaft mounted to and between the first and second mounting devices. The first mounting device is configured to be mounted within a first opening in a first sidewall and includes an outer portion abutting the outer surface of the first sidewall and a first saddle extending inward from the inner surface of the first sidewall. The second mounting device is configured to be mounted within a second opening in a second sidewall opposite the first sidewall. The second mounting device includes an outer portion abutting the outer surface of the second sidewall and a second saddle extending inward from the inner surface of the second sidewall. The shaft has at least one conveyor component mounted thereon and includes a first end mounted within the first saddle and a second end mounted within the second saddle.

[0007] According to another aspect, a conveyor assembly includes a first frame sidewall, a first mounting device attached to the first frame sidewall, a second frame sidewall, a second mounting device attached to the second frame sidewall, and a shaft rotatably mounted to and between the first and second mounting devices. The shaft has at least one conveyor component attached thereto. The first frame sidewall has a first opening having a wide upper portion and a narrower lower portion. The first mounting device is mounted within the first opening and includes an outer portion abutting the outer surface of the first frame sidewall and a first saddle extending inward from the inner surface of the first frame sidewall. The second frame sidewall has a second opening opposite the first opening. The second opening includes a wide upper portion and a narrower lower portion. The second mounting device is mounted within the second opening and includes an outer portion abutting the outer surface of the second frame sidewall and a second saddle extending inward from the inner surface of the second frame sidewall. The shaft includes a first end rotatably mounted within the first saddle and a second end rotatably mounted within the second saddle. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a conveyor returnway roller assembly attached to a conveyor frame using a pair of attachment devices, according to one embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a detailed external view of the returnway roller assembly and mounting arrangement of FIG. [Figure 3] 3 is a perspective view of an edge portion of the returnway roller assembly and mounting device of FIG. 1. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is an inside view of the edge portion of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a front view of the edge portion of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a conveyor frame sidewall including openings for receiving mounting devices, according to one embodiment. [Figure 7]FIG. 7 shows a conveyor frame sidewall having mounting openings that extend to the bottom edge of the sidewall according to another embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a mounting device for a conveyor. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is an inside view of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a side view of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is an exterior view of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 12] 12 is a view of the inside of the conveyor frame sidewall of FIG. 6 with the mounting device of FIG. 8 attached thereto. [Figure 13] 13 is a cross-sectional view of an edge portion of the roller assembly and mounting device of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is another cross-sectional view of the end portion of FIG. [Figure 15] 15A-15C illustrate the process of attaching the mounting device of FIG. 8 to the conveyor frame sidewall of FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a perspective view of an edge portion of a mounting device and roller assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an inside view of the mounting device and outer portion of FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the exterior of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of the inside of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is an exterior view of the assembly of FIG. 16 in the cleaning position. [Figure 21] FIG. 21 is an inside view of the assembly of FIG. 16 in the cleaning position. [Figure 22] FIG. 22 is an exterior view of the assembly of FIG. 16 during removal or insertion of the attachment device. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a perspective view of a mounting device according to another embodiment. [Figure 24]FIG. 24 is a perspective view of an attachment device including a flexible anchor according to another embodiment. [Figure 25] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a roller assembly mounted to a conveyor frame sidewall using the mounting arrangement of FIG. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is a perspective view of a mounting device according to another embodiment. [Figure 27] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a mounting device according to another embodiment. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is a perspective view of an attachment device including a compressible inner portion according to another embodiment. [Figure 29] FIG. 29 is a front view of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 30] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a mounting device including an upper protrusion according to another embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is a front view of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a mounting device including locking loops attached to a conveyor frame sidewall according to another embodiment. [Figure 33] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is an inside view of a mounting device according to another embodiment. [Figure 35] FIG. 35 is an exterior view of the mounting device of FIG. [Figure 36] FIG. 36 is an exterior view of a mounting apparatus including a conveyor belt guard according to another embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is an inside view of the mounting device of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention provides a mounting device for mounting a roller assembly or other conveyor component to a conveyor frame. The present invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the present invention may be implemented in many different applications and embodiments and is not expressly limited in its application to the particular embodiments shown herein.

[0010] 1-5, conveyor roller assembly 10 includes a series of conveyor rollers 14 mounted on a mounting shaft 12 extending between two side walls 200 of a conveyor frame. While the exemplary series of conveyor rollers 14 are equally spaced along the axial length of the mounting shaft, the invention is not so limited, and any number of conveyor rollers 14 may be mounted in any suitable location and / or pattern. In one embodiment, the conveyor rollers are returnway rollers mounted within a conveyor returnway to guide and / or support a conveyor belt as it returns from the discharge end to the infeed section of the conveyor. As the conveyor belt travels over the outer rims of conveyor rollers 14, it can cause conveyor roller assembly 10 to pivot. During operation, the exemplary rollers 14 are rigidly mounted on mounting shaft 12, with end journals 16 inserted into mounting devices 20 attached to side walls 200, allowing the entire assembly 10 to pivot together. The exemplary mounting device 20 is a static plastic component to facilitate shaft rotation, although other materials may be used. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the exemplary conveyor roller assembly may be implemented in any suitable location within a conveyor, such as at an infeed or other location where support for the conveyor belt is beneficial.

[0011] The exemplary mounting devices 20 are separate components designed to mount to the side walls 200 of a conveyor frame. Each mounting device 20 is configured to be received in a corresponding opening 202 in a corresponding side wall and secured in place for receiving an end journal 16. Each mounting device 20 is mounted from the outside of the side wall, with the end journal-receiving saddle extending inward from the side wall 200, the outer portion abutting the outer surface of the side wall 200, and the mounting channel receiving one or more edges of the opening 202 to secure the mounting device 20 in place for mounting a shaft or other component.

[0012] As shown in FIG. 6, the exemplary mounting opening 202 includes an upper portion 206 and a narrower lower portion 208. The exemplary upper portion 206 is circular and the narrower lower portion 208 is rectangular, forming a keyhole shape, although the invention is not so limited. The exemplary narrower lower portion 208 includes a bottom edge 211 and side edges 212, 213. The mounting opening 202 can have any suitable size, shape, or configuration. For example, in another embodiment shown in FIG. 7, the narrower lower portion 209 of the mounting opening 203 can open to the bottom edge 205 of the conveyor frame sidewall 201.

[0013] 8-11, the exemplary mounting device 20 includes a molded body having an outer portion 22 configured to seat against the exterior surface of the sidewall 200 and not pass therethrough. The exemplary outer portion 22 has a substantially oval shape with curved upper and lower surfaces 23, 24 and flat sides 25, 26, although the invention is not so limited. The mounting device outer portion 22 is larger than the upper portion 206 of the frame opening 202 and therefore cannot pass therethrough.

[0014] The inner portion 30 of the molding body is narrower than the upper portion 206 of the frame opening 202 and is configured to fit through the upper portion 206 of the opening 202. The inner portion 30 is wider than the lower portion 208 of the opening 202. The inner portion 30 includes an inward-facing saddle 32 designed to extend inward from the inner surface of the sidewall 200. The saddle 32 includes a rounded bottom and a flat, upwardly extending sidewall, within which a shaft journal rotatably fits, although the saddle can have any suitable shape for mounting the end of a shaft. The exemplary saddle 32 is U-shaped with an open top, but can alternatively have a closed top and / or O-shaped or any other suitable shape. The exemplary inner portion 30 further includes a stem 34 extending downwardly from the saddle 32 and narrower than the saddle 32. While the exemplary stem 34 extends below the lower edge 24 of the outer portion 22, the invention is not so limited.

[0015] The mounting device 20 further includes a mounting channel 40 for securing the mounting device 20 to the side wall 200. The mounting channel 40 is formed between the stem 34 at the bottom of the inner portion 30 and the outer portion 22. The exemplary mounting channel 40 extends along the side of the saddle 32. During installation, the mounting channel 40 receives the lower edge 211 of the opening 202 and the side edges 212, 213 of the narrower lower portion 208 to secure the mounting device 20 to the side wall 200. The mounting channel can be formed in any suitable location for positioning the saddle 32 with respect to the side wall 200.

[0016] The exemplary mounting device 20 further includes a drainage and / or cleaning through-hole 50 that extends through the outer portion 22 from the saddle 32 to the outer surface of the outer portion 22. The exemplary through-hole 50 extends from the saddle 32 to the outer surface of the outer portion 22.

[0017] The exemplary mounting device 20 further includes a longitudinal channel 28 on the inner surface of the outer portion 22 that extends from the upper edge 23 to a saddle 32, which in turn extends to the inner surface of the outer portion 22. The longitudinal channel allows the end of the shaft to extend through the frame sidewall 200. The longitudinal channel 28 facilitates visual confirmation of the installation of the shaft journal and may also facilitate cleaning, if necessary.

[0018] 12-14, when the mounting device 20 is mounted in the mounting opening 202 in the conveyor frame sidewall 200, the saddle 32 protrudes from the inner surface 204 of the sidewall 200 and the stem 34 extends below the lower edge 211 of the opening 202. The size, shape, and configuration of the outer portion 22 are such that the outer portion 22 cannot pass through the opening 202. The outer portion 22 rests flat on the outer surface 207 of the sidewall 200. The end journal 16 of the shaft 12 is supported within the saddle 32 and extends through the opening 202 and into the longitudinal channel 28 of the outer portion 22.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 15A-15C, to mount the mounting device 20 within a conveyor, the mounting device 20 is brought close to the opening 202 in the sidewall 200, with the inner portion 30 closest to the sidewall 200. The exemplary mounting device 20 is configured so that the inner portion 30 can be threaded through the upper portion of the opening 202 without tilting; however, the mounting device 20 may alternatively be tilted or otherwise oriented to thread the inner portion 30 through the opening 202. FIG. 15B shows the mounting device after the inner portion 30 has been threaded through the opening 202. The mounting device 20 may then be dropped or slid down, as shown in FIG. 15C, so that the lower edge 211 and lower side edges 212, 213 of the opening are received within the mounting channel 40, and the outer portion 22 abuts the outer surface 207 of the sidewall 200. The mounting channel 40 and other geometric features secure the mounting device 20 in a desired position for mounting a shaft or other component. As previously mentioned, the mounting device 20 is rotatably mounted on a shaft, but the invention is not so limited. The mounting device 20 can be removed by the reverse process.

[0020] The mounting device 20 can easily release the shaft if desired. For example, the mounting device 20 can release the shaft by rotating within the upper portion 206 of the opening 202 and lowering the open top of the saddle, without the mounting device 20 being completely removed from the opening 202. When the mounted device is in the mounted position and holding the end of the shaft, the shaft preferably cannot be removed from the conveyor frame.

[0021] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 16-19, the conveyor component mounting device 320 includes an anchor 360 extending from the bottom of the inner portion 330, perpendicular to the stem 334 that forms the saddle 332 for the shaft. The exemplary outer portion 322 covers the sidewall opening 302 and has a flat bottom, although the invention is not so limited. The outer portion 322 is sized and configured to abut the outer surface of the conveyor frame sidewall 300 but not pass through the opening 302. The exemplary opening 302 includes a larger upper portion, a narrower lower portion, and an additional slot 350 through which the anchor 360 can pass. In the embodiment of FIGS. 16-19, the anchor 360 is a round bar, which may be metal or other material for added strength, that extends through the opening in the stem 334 of the inner portion 330. The anchor 360 can be added after the mounting device 320 is inserted. In the embodiment of Figures 16-19, inner portion 330 forms a closed saddle for receiving the shaft end, although the invention is not so limited.

[0022] As shown in Figures 20 and 21, the anchor allows the outer portion 322 and inner portion 330 to be pivoted out of engagement with the shaft end 16 for cleaning or other purposes without having to completely separate the mounting device 320 from the conveyor frame.

[0023] As shown in FIG. 22, a slot 350 in the sidewall opening 302 allows the attachment device 320 to be inserted and / or removed by orienting an anchor 360 through the slot 350 .

[0024] Alternatively, the anchor for the attachment device may be integral with the stem of the inner portion forming the saddle.

[0025] Additionally, in other embodiments, the saddle 332' of the mounting device 320' having the anchor 460' may be open, as shown in FIG.

[0026] In another embodiment, shown in Figures 24-25, the anchor 560 for the mounting device 520 can be compressible. The exemplary stem 534 of the mounting device 520 includes a gap 535 between two vertical arms 561, 562 that form the anchor 560. The arms 561, 562 can be pressed toward each other to fit the anchor into the opening 502 in the conveyor frame sidewall 500, as shown in Figure 25, and then expand into the mounting position.

[0027] 26 shows another embodiment of a mounting device 620 suitable for mounting a rotating shaft to a conveyor frame. The mounting device 620 includes an outer portion 622, which is larger than the opening in the conveyor frame and comprises a solid, truncated disk having a stem 624. The inner portion 630 forms a U-shaped saddle and has a stem 634 that is shorter than the stem 624 of the outer portion. A mounting channel 640 is formed between the stems 634, 623 and along the saddle for mounting the mounting device 620 to the conveyor frame sidewall as previously described.

[0028] 27, the mounting device 720 includes a disk-shaped outer portion 722 that extends above an inner portion 730. Both the exemplary outer portion 722 and inner portion 730 include stems 724, 734 as previously described.

[0029] In another embodiment shown in FIGS. 28 and 29 , the inner portion 830 of the mounting device 820 may be compressible to facilitate insertion of the inner portion 830 through the conveyor frame sidewall opening. The exemplary inner portion 830 is smaller than the outer portion 822 and may have any suitable size, shape, and configuration suitable for contacting the outer surface of the conveyor frame sidewall, and includes a U-shaped saddle 832 surrounded by flexible fingers 838. A channel 839 separates the flexible fingers 832 from the saddle 832. While the exemplary saddle 832 and fingers 838 include end tabs, the invention is not so limited. While the exemplary end tabs of the fingers 838 do not extend beyond the perimeter of the outer portion 822, as shown in FIG. 29 , the invention is not so limited. The flexible fingers 838 may press against the saddle 832 to reduce the size of the inner portion 830 and allow it to pass through the sidewall opening. After insertion, the flexible fingers 838 are able to return to a relaxed position, which facilitates positioning and securing the mounting device 830 to the conveyor frame sidewall.

[0030] 30-31, a saddle-forming inner portion 930 of a mounting device 920 includes upper protrusions 935, 936 to facilitate accommodating the mounting device. The exemplary outer portion 922 includes shorter protrusions 925, 926 opposing the inner protrusions 935, 936, forming a second mounting channel therebetween for receiving a side wall.

[0031] 32 and 33, a mounting device 1020 having a larger outer portion 1022 and a smaller saddle-forming inner portion 1030 further includes a locking clip 1060 at the bottom of the outer portion stem 1024. The locking clip 1060 is configured to snap onto and lock into the lower edge portion 1005 of the sidewall 1200 within which the mounting device 1020 is mounted, as shown in FIG.

[0032] 34 and 35 show that another embodiment of a mounting device 1120 includes inner belt protection wings 1131 formed around a saddle 1132 formed on the inner portion. The outer portion 1122 is configured to abut the outer surface of the conveyor frame sidewall. A mounting channel 1140 between the wings 1131 and the outer portion 1122 receives the conveyor frame sidewall. The exemplary saddle 1132 extends to the inner surface of the outer portion 1122. The mounting device 1120 can be inserted through a corresponding opening in the conveyor frame sidewall in a first orientation and then rotated or otherwise moved to a second orientation to lock the mounting device 1120 to the sidewall.

[0033] 36 and 37 show another embodiment of a mounting device 1220 including a tapered belt protection wing 1231. A saddle 1232 extends inwardly from the wing 1231 to rotatably receive the end of a conveyor shaft. An outer portion 1222 extends from the outward facing surface of the wing 1231 and is configured to abut the outer surface of the conveyor frame sidewall. A mounting channel 1240 separates the outer portion 1222 from the wing 1231 and receives the edge of a sidewall opening to attach the mounting device 1220 to the sidewall.

[0034] In another embodiment not shown, the saddle of the mounting device may include a bottom groove to facilitate cleaning.

[0035] Other suitable auxiliary conveyor components may also be incorporated into the conveyor using the exemplary mounting arrangement, and the present invention is not limited to roller assemblies.

[0036] The claims are not intended to be limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described.

Claims

1. 1. A mounting device for mounting a shaft to a conveyor frame having an opening in a side wall, the opening having an upper portion and a lower portion having a width smaller than that of the upper portion, comprising: an outer portion configured to be placed against an outer surface of the side wall and wider than the opening upper portion; an inner portion narrower than the open upper portion and including an inward saddle for the shaft; a mounting channel formed between the inner and outer portions for receiving a lower edge of the opening; A mounting device comprising:

2. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the outer portion has an oval shape.

3. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the mounting channel extends along a side of the inner portion to receive a side edge of the opening.

4. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the inner portion includes a stem extending downwardly from the saddle.

5. The mounting device of claim 1 further comprising a locking clip for locking the mounting device to a lower edge of the side wall.

6. The mounting device of claim 4 further comprising an anchor extending laterally from a bottom of the stem.

7. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the saddle is U-shaped.

8. The mounting device of claim 1 , further comprising a through hole in the outer portion extending from the saddle to an outer surface of the outer portion.

9. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the outer portion has a flat inner surface with a central longitudinal channel that traverses the saddle.

10. The mounting device of claim 1 , wherein the inner portion is compressible.

11. The mounting device of claim 1 , further comprising wings surrounding the saddle and configured to abut an inner surface of the side wall.

12. 1. An assembly for a conveyor, comprising: a first mounting device configured to be mounted within the first opening in the first side wall, the first mounting device including an outer portion abutting an outer surface of the first side wall and a first saddle extending inwardly from an inner surface of the first side wall; a second mounting device configured to be mounted within a second opening in a second side wall opposite the first side wall, the second mounting device including an outer portion abutting an outer surface of the second side wall and a second saddle extending inwardly from an inner surface of the second side wall; a shaft having at least one conveyor component mounted thereon, the shaft including a first end mounted within the first saddle and a second end mounted within the second saddle; The assembly containing:

13. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein the shaft is rotatably mounted within the first and second saddles.

14. The assembly of claim 12 , wherein each mounting device includes a mounting channel formed between the inner portion and the outer portion.

15. 1. A conveyor assembly comprising: a first frame sidewall having a first opening with a wide upper portion and a narrower lower portion; a second frame sidewall having a second opening opposite the first opening, the second opening including a wider upper portion and a narrower lower portion; a first mounting device mounted within the first opening, the first mounting device including an outer portion abutting an outer surface of the first frame sidewall and a first saddle extending inwardly from an inner surface of the first frame sidewall; a second mounting device mounted within the second opening, the second mounting device including an outer portion abutting an outer surface of the second frame side wall and a second saddle extending inwardly from an inner surface of the second frame side wall; a shaft having at least one conveyor component mounted thereon, the shaft including a first end mounted within the first saddle and a second end mounted within the second saddle; a conveyor assembly including:

16. 16. The conveyor assembly of claim 15, wherein the first and second openings have a keyhole shape.

17. 16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein each mounting device includes an inner portion forming a corresponding saddle, said inner portion being narrower than the upper portion of the corresponding opening.

18. 18. The assembly of claim 17, wherein each outer portion is wider than the upper portion of the corresponding opening.

19. 16. The conveyor assembly of claim 15, wherein each mounting device includes a mounting channel formed between the inner and outer portions for receiving a lower edge of a corresponding opening.

20. 16. The conveyor assembly of claim 15, wherein each mounting device includes a belt protection wing formed around the periphery of each saddle.

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