Conveyor system for selectively redirecting objects

Abstract

The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt having conveyor belt rollers for redirecting a plurality of articles. An underlying drive roller assembly includes a plurality of pivotable roller carriers, each having a freely rotatable drive roller that contacts a conveyor belt roller from below. An actuator engages an orienting device to pivot the carrier and change the orientation of the drive rollers. The drive rollers can also move to engage and disengage with the conveyor belt rollers as they change orientation. The orienting device is sandwiched between three-dimensional support plates for adjusting the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the belt rollers. The top support plates include corrugated vertical walls that form wearstrip holders. The orienting device can raise and lower the drive rollers during pivoting of the roller carriers. The drive roller assembly can be a modular assembly that can be customized for various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Related Applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 054,363, filed July 21, 2020, and entitled "Conveyor System for Selectively Diverting Objects," the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates generally to power-driven conveyors, and more particularly to conveyor systems having conveyor belts with object-supporting rollers that are rotated by contact with a drive mechanism having freely rotatable drive rollers whose orientation can be changed to rotate the object-supporting rollers in one direction or another. [Background technology]

[0003] It is often necessary to divert objects from one conveyor belt, for example, to another conveyor belt, for the purpose of transferring or positioning the objects for one type or another of processing.

[0004] U.S. Patent No. 7,506,751, issued March 24, 2009, to Matthew L. Fourney, describes a conveyor system for redirecting objects carried on a conveyor belt having object-supporting rollers. As the conveyor belt advances in the direction of belt travel, the belt rollers ride on freely rotatable drive rollers that support the conveyor belt from below. The belt rollers are disposed in lanes and rotate on axes parallel to the direction of belt travel. The drive rollers are mounted on pivotable cartridges. An actuator coupled to the cartridge pivots the cartridge and drive rollers in place and in contact with the belt rollers. When the drive rollers are pivoted at an oblique angle relative to the conveyor belt rollers, the belt rollers are rotated to direct conveyed objects toward one side or the other of the conveyor belt, depending on the angle of the drive rollers relative to the direction of belt travel. Summary of the Invention

[0005] One version of a conveyor system embodying features of the present invention includes a conveyor belt having a plurality of conveyor belt rollers configured to redirect objects on the rollers as the belt advances and a drive roller assembly for selectively driving the conveyor belt rollers. The drive roller assembly includes a plurality of pivotable roller carriers, each having an orientation element and a freely rotatable drive roller that contacts the conveyor belt roller from below. An actuator engages the carrier orientation element to pivot the carrier and change the orientation of the drive roller relative to the conveyor belt roller. The drive rollers can also engage and disengage with the conveyor belt rollers as their orientation relative to the conveyor belt roller changes. Wearstrips can be inserted into notches formed in the drive roller assembly to form a carryway spanning the width of the drive roller assembly. The drive roller assembly can be a modular assembly that can be customized to various sizes, shapes, and configurations.

[0006] According to one aspect, a drive roller assembly for selectively actuating conveyor belt rollers in a conveyor belt configured to redirect objects on the conveyor belt rollers as the conveyor belt advances along a carryway is provided. The drive roller assembly includes a plurality of pivotable roller carriers housing freely rotatable drive rollers that contact the conveyor belt rollers from below the conveyor belt, a three-dimensional top support plate, a translatable orienting device for engaging the pivotable roller carriers to change the orientation of the drive rollers relative to the conveyor belt rollers, and an actuator for selectively moving the translatable orienting device to pivot the pivotable roller carriers. The three-dimensional top support plate includes an array of openings arranged in a quincunx pattern. The roller carriers extend through the openings. The three-dimensional top support plate includes at least one corrugated vertical wall extending longitudinally in the top support plate between first and second columns of openings, each corrugated vertical wall including a plurality of notches in a top edge for receiving a wearstrip. Each curve in the corrugated vertical wall partially surrounds an opening.

[0007] According to another aspect, an orientation plate for a drive roller assembly includes a flat substrate with a plurality of elongated openings, a cam mechanism including carrier openings for receiving roller carriers in the elongated openings, and a flexible leaf connecting the cam mechanism to the flat substrate.

[0008] According to another aspect, a wearstrip holder for a drive roller assembly includes a longitudinally extending corrugated vertical wall and a plurality of indentations in an upper edge of the wall for receiving the wearstrip.

[0009] According to another aspect, a method for assembling a drive roller assembly includes inserting a plurality of fasteners into horizontal top slots extending from a top wall of a support frame and placing a plurality of bottom support plate modules on the support frame such that the plurality of fasteners are inserted through fastener openings in each bottom support plate module, each bottom support plate module including an array of bottom roller carrier openings. The method further includes placing a translatable orienting device on the plurality of bottom support plate modules, each translatable orienting device including an array of elongated orienting openings, each elongated orienting opening including a linear array of teeth, and then placing the plurality of top support plate modules on the translatable orienting device such that the plurality of fasteners are inserted through the fastener openings in each top support plate module, each top support plate module including an array of top roller carrier openings. The method further includes aligning and fastening the edge top and bottom support plate modules to one another, aligning the remaining top and bottom support plate modules to the edge top and bottom support plate modules using an alignment tool, fastening the remaining top and bottom support plate modules to one another, and aligning a translatable orienting device to the top and bottom support plate modules using the alignment tool so that the bottom roller carrier openings, orientation openings, and top roller carrier openings are aligned to one another. The method then includes attaching a moving actuator clevis to the translatable orienting device, mounting the actuator and stationary actuator clevis within the support frame, and inserting the roller carriers through the aligned top roller carrier openings, orientation openings, and bottom roller carrier openings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] The disclosed systems and methods may be understood with reference to the following drawings, in which components are not necessarily drawn to scale.

[0011] [Figure 1]1 is an isometric view of a portion of a conveyor system that can be adjusted to divert objects at various angles to either side of the conveyor system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a front view of a portion of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a drive roller assembly for selectively actuating conveyor belt rollers for redirecting objects in the conveyor system of FIG. 1. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a detailed close-up view of a portion of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 5] FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] FIG. 4 is an end view of a support frame for the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] FIG. 10 is an end view of another embodiment of a support frame for a drive roller assembly. [Figure 8] FIG. 4 is an isometric bottom view of the roller carrier of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 9A] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a top support plate portion of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a top view of the top support plate portion of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9B is a top view of the corrugated vertical walls of the top support plate portion of FIG. 9A. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D is another top view of the corrugated vertical wall of FIG. 9C. [Figure 10] 4 illustrates another embodiment of a roller carrier suitable for use in the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 11] FIG. 4 is a partial exploded view of a section of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3 showing the wearstrip and wearstrip stopper. [Figure 12] FIG. 4 is an isometric bottom view of the top support plate portion of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3 with seated wearstrips and wearstrip stops. [Figure 13] 4 is a cross-sectional view of a wearstrip seated on the top edge of the top support plate of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3. FIG. [Figure 14]FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a wearstrip for the drive roller system of FIG. 3 having notches for containing the wearstrip. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of the wearstrip of FIG. 14. [Figure 16] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of a subassembly of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 3. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is an exploded view of the subassembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 18] FIG. 17 is a detailed view of the bottom support plate of the subassembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 19] FIG. 17 is an isometric top view of a portion of the subassembly of FIG. [Figure 20] FIG. 17 is a bottom view of the translatable orientation plate, clevis connector, and actuator of the subassembly of FIG. 16. [Figure 21] FIG. 17 is an isometric side view of the translatable orientation plate, clevis connector, and actuator of the subassembly of FIG. [Figure 22] 4 is a flowchart detailing the steps involved in assembling a drive roller assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 23] FIG. 23 is a top view of the drive roller assembly during the initial assembly step shown in FIG. 22. [Figure 24] 24 is a top view of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 23 after the translatable orienting plate has been placed on top of the array of bottom support plate modules. [Figure 25] 25 is a top view of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 24 after installation of an array of top support plate modules and during alignment of the components of the drive roller assembly relative to one another. [Figure 26] FIG. 26 is an isometric view of an alignment tool used during assembly of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 25. [Figure 27] FIG. 26 is a top view of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 25 during alignment of the minor translatable orienting plate. [Figure 28] FIG. 28 is an isometric top view of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 27 during installation of the translation actuator clevis to the translatable orientation plate. [Figure 29]FIG. 29 is a top view of the drive roller assembly of FIG. 28 during insertion of an array of drive roller modules. [Figure 30] FIG. 10 is an isometric top view of a portion of a drive subassembly including a corrugated insert for modifying the drive assembly to provide a wearstrip according to another embodiment. [Figure 31] FIG. 31 is an isometric top view of the corrugated insert of FIG. 30. [Figure 32] FIG. 32 is an isometric bottom view of the corrugated insert of FIG. 31. [Figure 33] FIG. 10 is an isometric top view of a corrugated insert according to another embodiment. [Figure 34] FIG. 34 is an isometric bottom view of the corrugated insert of FIG. 33. [Figure 35] FIG. 34 is a side view of the corrugated insert of FIG. 33. [Figure 36] FIG. 10 is an isometric top view of a corrugated insert according to another embodiment. [Figure 37] FIG. 37 is a top view of the corrugated insert of FIG. 36. [Figure 38] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of a subassembly including a compliant mechanism for orienting drive rollers in a drive roller assembly for selectively actuating rollers for redirecting objects in the conveyor system of FIG. 1. [Figure 39] FIG. 39 is an assembled view of the subassembly of FIG. 38. [Figure 40] FIG. 40 is a top view of the translatable orienting plate of FIGS. 38 and 39 in a default position. [Figure 41] FIG. 41 is a detailed top view of the cam mechanism of the translatable orienting plate of FIG. 40. [Figure 42] FIG. 42 is a top view of the cam mechanism of FIG. 41 in an intermediate position. [Figure 43] FIG. 42 is a top view of the cam mechanism of FIG. 41 in a translated position. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0012] As discussed above, existing conveyor systems, including conveyor belt rollers, offer advantages over prior systems, but still have limitations.

[0013] Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views, FIGS. 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a portion of a conveyor system 100 that can be adjusted to redirect objects at various angles to either side of the system. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveyor system 100 includes a roller conveyor belt 102 and a field 104 of angularly adjustable "drive" roller modules 106 below the conveyor belt. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the conveyor belt 102 includes a plurality of hingedly connected transverse modular conveyor belt modules 110. The belt is constructed of a series of rows of one or more belt modules hingedly connected end-to-end into an endless belt loop that advances along a portion of the conveyor carryway in a direction 114 of belt travel. The conveyor belt is reversible and can move longitudinally opposite from the direction 114.

[0014] One or more of the conveyor belt modules 110 include free-spinning conveyor belt rollers 118 for selectively redirecting objects carried by the conveyor belt 102. The object-supporting rollers 118 may be mounted on axles and extend longitudinally in the direction of belt travel 114, allowing the object-supporting rollers 118 to selectively redirect objects to either side of the conveyor belt. For purposes of this disclosure, the term "free-spinning" means that the rollers are free to rotate in any angular direction about their axes of rotation. Thus, the rollers 118 may be said to include "idler" rollers that are free to rotate in any angular direction when driven by an appropriate force. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2, the rollers 118 are positioned so that their axes of rotation are parallel to the direction of belt travel 114. The rollers 118 may alternately be provided in other orientations.

[0015] The conveyor belt rollers 118 are made of metal and / or plastic or another suitable material and may be provided with a high friction outer layer or coating of rubber or plastic that prevents the rollers of the drive roller modules 106 from slipping when brought into contact with the conveyor belt rollers. The rollers 118 are sized to extend over the top and bottom surfaces of the conveyor belt 102 (and belt module body 112) such that they can both redirect objects placed on the conveyor belt 102 and be selectively driven from below by the drive roller modules 106, although this is not intended to be limiting.

[0016] 3-5, the field 104 of angularly adjustable drive roller modules 106 includes one or more drive roller assemblies 200, each individually controlled and operable. The conveyor 100 may include multiple drive roller assemblies 200 arranged in various configurations to customize or otherwise vary the number, arrangement, and / or size of the field 104 of drive roller modules 106. Each drive roller assembly 200 includes an array of drive roller modules 106 for selectively engaging conveyor belt rollers 118. Each drive roller module 106 includes freely rotatable drive rollers 218 housed in a roller carrier 220 to form the angularly adjustable roller module 106. Each roller carrier 220 may pivot about a vertical axis to change the orientation of the drive rollers 218. The rolling contact between the belt rollers 118 and the drive rollers 218 allows them both to roll on each other and rotate as long as their axes are oblique to each other. In the illustrative arrangement of drive rollers 218, each column of drive rollers is offset longitudinally (in the direction of belt travel 114) from adjacent columns of drive rollers in a quincunx pattern to increase the density of the arrangement, but the invention is not so limited.

[0017] The roller carriers 220 are attached through a molded, three-dimensional top support plate 320, which may include multiple modular plates extending laterally across the width of the assembly 200. The top support plate 320 includes a plurality of openings 316 arranged in longitudinal columns 318 and lateral rows 319. The columns of openings are laterally aligned with the lateral positions of the conveyor belt rollers 118, with adjacent columns staggered relative to one another in a quincunx pattern for increased density, although the invention is not so limited. Each opening 316 rotatably receives a roller carrier 220 that supports a freely rotatable drive roller 218 that selectively engages the belt rollers 118 in the corresponding column as the belt 102 advances in the direction of belt travel 114. The openings 316 are shaped and three-dimensional, as described below, with vertical walls that extend to and circumscribe a portion of each roller carrier, forming wearstrip receptacles and camming surfaces for selectively raising and lowering the roller carriers 220.

[0018] The translatable orienting device 420 engages the orienting elements of the roller carriers 220 to selectively pivot the roller carriers 220 and their carried drive rollers 218 about their vertical axes. An actuator 460 selectively shifts the translatable orienting device 420 laterally to pivot the roller carriers 220 about their vertical axes. In the illustrative embodiment, the translatable orienting device 420 includes two spaced-apart translatable orienting plates 420 a, 420 b joined together by a moving actuator clevis 432 such that the translatable orienting plates 420 a, 420 b move in unison. The translatable orienting device 420 may include multiple modules spaced laterally across the width of the assembly 200, or may span the width of the assembly.

[0019] A bottom support plate 322, which may include multiple modular plates extending laterally across the width of the assembly 200 below the translatable orienting device 420, is connected to the top support plate 320 and provides a lower bearing surface for the roller carrier 220. A carrier opening 323 in the bottom support plate 322 receives the bottom of the roller carrier 220. The opening 323 in the bottom support plate 322 is vertically aligned with but smaller than the opening 316 in the top support plate. In addition to constraining the roller carrier 220 to rotate about a fixed vertical axis, the opening 323 also helps align the top and bottom support plates to facilitate assembly of the drive roller assembly. The bottom support plate 320 and the top support plate 322 are fixed and stationary relative to each other, with the translatable orienting device 420 slidably sandwiched between the support plates 320, 322. The illustrative top and bottom support plates 320, 322 may be formed of plastic or another suitable material. In one embodiment, the top and / or bottom support plates are formed through an injection molding process, 3D printing, or another suitable process.

[0020] A support frame 400 below the bottom support plate 322 provides support for the assembly 200. The illustrative support frame 400 comprises an extruded aluminum structural member having a channel shape. In another embodiment, the support frame 400 is formed from "pull-truded" plastic, formed sheet metal, or any other suitable material and / or process. Mounting features, such as t-slots, clearance slots, and screw bosses, are formed in the support frame for attaching other components of the assembly 200 to the frame 400, as described below. Alignment tabs 410 on each side of the assembly engage with mating slots in the support frame 400 to properly align the drive roller assembly 200 vertically.

[0021] A stationary actuator clevis 430 provides an attachment point for connecting the fixed rod eye of the actuator 460 to the support frame 400. A moving actuator clevis 432 connects the dynamic rod eye of the actuator 460 to the translatable orienting plates 420 a, 420 b and to each other. The illustrative actuator 460 is a pneumatically actuated cylinder and piston that can selectively move the orienting plates 420 to effect rotation of the carrier 220 and change the orientation of the drive rollers 218, although any suitable actuator for selectively translating the orienting device 420 to change the orientation of the drive rollers 218 may be used.

[0022] Additionally, the drive roller assembly 200 includes wearstrips 260 that form a carryway for the conveyor belt 102 and support the conveyor belt across its width. The illustrative wearstrips extend in the direction of belt travel 114 and are spaced the length of the assembly 100 and between every other column 318 of drive rollers. The illustrative wearstrips are formed of UHMW-PE via an extrusion process, although the invention is not so limited. Recesses in the upper surface of the upper support plate 320 are designed to hold the wearstrips 260 in selected positions relative to the drive rollers 218, as described below.

[0023] Referring to FIG. 6 , an illustrative support frame 400 includes vertical side walls 420, 422, a vertical interior wall 421, and a horizontal top wall 430. A transverse top slot 402 extends from the horizontal top wall 430 to receive fasteners for connecting the top and bottom support plates 320, 322 to the support frame 400 and for connecting the alignment tabs 410 to the support frame. The illustrative top slot 402 is formed by a vertical slot wall 403 and a horizontal top wall 404 to form an inverted "T" shaped slot. The support frame 400 includes interior slots 461, 462 extending laterally and facing inward from the vertical interior wall 421, and a first vertical side wall 421 for mounting the actuator 460. Lateral openings 471, 472, 473, 474 receive fasteners for fastening the support frame 400 to the conveyor frame. Each lateral fastener opening 471, 472, 473, 474 is below a T-slot 402, 461 or 462, although the invention is not so limited.

[0024] Support frame 400 houses actuator 460, as well as stationary clevis 430 and moving clevis 432. Lateral clearance slots 405 (seen in FIG. 5) in top wall 430 receive bosses on moving clevis 432. The moving clevis bosses receive fasteners to secure moving clevis 432 to orienting plate 420 to effect translation of connected orienting plates 420a, 420b when actuator 460 moves on moving clevis 432, as described below.

[0025] The illustrative support frame 400 extends approximately 6 inches in the longitudinal direction 114, which is the direction of travel of the conveyor belt.

[0026] For shorter support frames 490 as shown in FIG. 7, the central support wall 421 may be omitted, with the transverse T-shaped top slots 402' closer together, depending on the required configuration.

[0027] In the illustrative embodiment, rotation of the roller carriers 220 serves not only to orient the associated drive rollers 218, but also to raise and / or lower the drive rollers 218 into or out of engagement with the conveyor belt rollers 118. Orientation of the drive rollers 218 in a non-redirecting orientation lowers the drive rollers 218 to disengage from the conveyor belt, while orientation of the drive rollers 218 in a redirecting orientation raises the drive rollers 218 into engagement with the conveyor belt. For example, with reference to FIGS. 8, 9A, and 9B, in one embodiment, part or all of one of the roller carriers 220 may include a cam surface that automatically raises the roller carrier 220 relative to the top support plate 320 when the actuator 460 orients the roller carrier 220 in a selected position.

[0028] The illustrative self-elevating roller carrier 220 includes a retainer ring 222 with diametrically opposed holes 224 that support the ends of the axles 219 of the drive rollers 218. A downwardly facing cam surface 228 is formed in the bottom of the retainer ring 222. The downwardly facing cam surface 228 cooperates with an upwardly facing cam surface 328 on a top support plate 320 (shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B ) that circumscribes an opening 316 into which the roller carrier 220 is received to selectively raise and lower the retainer ring 222 as it rotates about its vertical axis. The illustrative cam surfaces 228, 328 have lobes at ramp sections to effect vertical movement of the drive rollers 218 during pivoting about the vertical axis, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 8 , an upper journal stalk 229 extends downward from the retaining ring 222 and surrounds the bottom of the drive roller. A lower journal stalk 232 distal from the retaining ring 222 has a smaller diameter than the upper journal stalk 229. The periphery of the lower journal stalk 232 is recessed into the periphery of the upper journal stalk 229. At its upper portion, the lower journal stalk 232 includes a fan of gear teeth 236 or another suitable orientation element for engaging a translatable orienting device 420 to guide rotation of the roller carrier 220. Other suitable means for orienting the roller carrier may be used. In the illustrative embodiment, the tips of the gear teeth 236 do not extend beyond the periphery of the upper journal stalk 229. The illustrative teeth 236 also do not extend around the entire periphery of the lower journal stalk 232, leaving a space in the upper portion of the lower journal stalk 232 that is free of teeth. The tip of the lower journal stalk may include a locking tab 237 that engages with a slot formed in the bottom support plate 322, as described below, to prevent the roller carrier 220 from disengaging during operation.

[0030] 10, roller carrier 520 includes a flat bottom 528 at the bottom of retainer ring 522 that rests on surface 328 of the top support plate to create rotational orientation motion without vertical linear motion. In this embodiment, drive roller 218 maintains constant contact with belt roller 118. Roller carrier 520 is otherwise similar to roller carrier 220, including teeth 536, lower journal stalk 532, and locking tab 537.

[0031] 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D, 11, and 12, the illustrative top support plate 320 is three-dimensional and modular, with each module including a flat substrate forming a roller carrier opening 316 with a shaped camming surface 328 forming the rim of the roller carrier opening 316. The openings 316 are arranged in a quincunx pattern, with adjacent columns longitudinally offset from one another such that the openings in one column are staggered and located halfway between the openings in the adjacent columns. The illustrative top support plate module 320 includes four staggered columns and six staggered rows for a total of 12 openings, although the invention is not so limited and a top support plate module may include any suitable number and arrangement of openings. Multiple top support plate modules 320 may be arranged laterally along the width 200 of the drive roller assembly depending on the width of the particular conveyor belt used with the drive roller assembly 200.

[0032] Vertical top walls 360 extend upwardly from the flat base and terminate at an upper edge that includes a molded recess 361 that forms a holder for wearstrips 260. As shown in FIGS. 9A, 9B, 9C, and 9D, in the illustrative embodiment, vertical top walls 360 include substantially corrugated vertical walls that extend longitudinally in the direction of belt travel 114 in alternating, adjacent columns of openings 316. Each corrugated top wall 360 has a curve that surrounds at least a portion of the opening 316 in each adjacent column. When modular drive assembly 200 is assembled, the corrugated vertical wall also surrounds at least a portion of roller carriers 220 inserted in the openings 316. The vertical top walls 360 alternate between columns, leaving a space between every other column. In one column, the vertical wall 360 wraps around a first side of the opening 316, while for an adjacent column, the vertical wall 360 wraps around a second side of the opening 316 in the second column. The illustrative top support plate module 320 includes two corrugated vertical walls 360, namely, a first corrugated vertical wall extending longitudinally between the first and second columns of openings 316 and a second corrugated vertical wall extending longitudinally between the third and fourth columns of openings 316, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0033] The illustrative wearstrip recess 361 is formed at an inflection point in the corrugated vertical wall, although the invention is not so limited. The illustrative recess 361 is dovetail-shaped for compressive engagement with a spherical protrusion of the wearstrip 260, as described below. The recess 361 may provide an interference fit to secure the wearstrip 260, as described below.

[0034] In the illustrative embodiment, the surface of the corrugated vertical wall 360 facing the opening 316 may be curved to fit the shape of the opening 316, while the opposing surface 368 facing away from the opening 316 may be flat, although the invention is not limited thereto. Additionally, the corrugated vertical wall 360 may include indentations 365 at selected or all of the peaks and grooves. The corrugated vertical wall 360 may further include reinforcing extensions to provide additional support for the structure. In the illustrative embodiment, the reinforcing extensions include curved gussets 367 having upper surfaces 369 angled downward toward the camming surface 328. The illustrative curved gussets 367 are formed alongside each peak, between the second and third rows of openings 316, and between the fourth and fifth rows of openings, with shorter gussets 363 extending from the corrugated wall opposite each curved gusset 367 at each indentation 365. Each curved gusset 367 intersects the main portion of the corrugated wall and forms a shallow "s" shape with another curved gusset 367 that extends along the opening 316 in the adjacent column. Together, the gussets 363, 367 form a vertical slot with flat walls 368 extending along and below each notch 365 for receiving the wearstrip stops 265 shown in Figures 11 and 12.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 9D , the corrugations in the corrugated vertical wall 360 have a wavelength λ and a pattern that repeats 2.5 times along the longitudinal length of the top support plate module 320. At a first end, the corrugated vertical wall 360 begins at a first peak 370 and curves into a first groove 371. A shorter gusset 363 extends from the corrugated vertical wall 360 at a first inflection point 373. From the groove 371, the vertical wall curves toward a second peak 374, and a curved gusset 367 extends from the corrugated vertical wall at a second inflection point 375. A wearstrip recess 361 is formed at the top edge at inflection points 374, 375. The pattern then repeats to the end of the top support plate module 320. While the illustrative corrugated vertical wall 360 is continuous along the length of the top support plate 320, the corrugated vertical wall 360 may alternatively be discontinuous.

[0036] The illustrative top support plate 320 includes fastener openings 386, 387 for receiving fasteners for fastening the top support plate 320 to the bottom support plate 322 and support frame 400, as described below and as shown in FIG. 9A. In the illustrative embodiment, the corner fastener openings 387 are larger than the other openings 386 to receive fasteners with bushings, as described below.

[0037] 11 and 12, a wearstrip stopper 265 may be snapped into the top support plate 320 at the downstream end of the drive roller assembly to prevent the wearstrip 260 from sliding downstream with the legs received in one or more notches 365. The stopper 265 may be included with each top support plate 320 or with an optional top support plate, for example, the most downstream top support plate module of the drive roller assembly 200.

[0038] The illustrative wearstrip stop 265 includes an upper wearstrip portion 266, a pair of legs 267, 268 on a first side of the upper wearstrip portion 266, and an offset leg 269 on a second side of the upper wearstrip portion longitudinally intermediate the wearstrip stop 265. The legs 267, 268, 269 each include an upper connecting portion 271 configured to be received in an indentation 365 in a corresponding corrugated vertical wall 360. The legs 267, 268, 269 are each received in a vertical slot formed between the gusset 363, the flat wall 368, and a curved gusset 367 extending along and downward from the indentation 365 to lock the wearstrip stop 265 to the top support plate 320. The upper wearstrip portion 266, configured to be aligned with the wearstrip 260 inserted into the upstream portion of the top support plate 320, includes a flange 272 received in the recess 361 to hold the wearstrip stop 265 in place. The flange 272 may be shaped to provide clearance for the roller carrier 220. When inserted, the wearstrip stop 265 provides a continuum of the wearstrip surface, as shown in FIG. 12, while the longitudinal restraint provided by the legs 267, 268, 269 prevents the wearstrip 260 from sliding out of place due to the weight and movement of the conveyor belt.

[0039] In one embodiment, wearstrip 260 includes a spherical protrusion 262 on its bottom surface that is received in recess 361 via an interference fit, as shown in Figure 13. Illustrative spherical protrusion 262 may include straight, diverging sides and a curved, convex bottom surface, although the invention is not limited thereto. The fit between protrusion 262 and recess 361 is designed to have a space between the bottom of protrusion 262 and the bottom of recess 361, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0040] The wearstrips 260 may be made as straight extrusions that may bend slightly to fit into the recesses 361. For example, the wearstrip-receiving recesses 361 may be slightly offset from one another to create a serpentine path, and the wearstrips 260 may bend during insertion to form a serpentine shape. The serpentine shape in the wearstrips 260 prevents or limits sliding of the wearstrips 260 during operation.

[0041] 14 and 15, the wearstrip 1260 includes notches 1263 between the protrusions 1262 to provide a geometric lock with the top support plate 320. In the embodiment of FIGS. 14 and 15, the protrusions 1262 have straight sides, side recesses, and a bottom sphere with curved sides and a flat bottom, although the invention is not so limited.

[0042] 16 and 17, the drive roller assembly 200 may include multiple top and bottom support plate modules connected together to form subassemblies 201 that receive an array of drive roller modules 106. As many modular subassemblies 201 as necessary may be attached to the support frame 400 to create drive roller zones 104 having different widths suitable for a particular conveyor belt configuration. And, as described above, multiple drive roller assemblies 200 may be used to vary the length of the drive roller zone 104.

[0043] Each subassembly 201 may include a subarray of drive roller modules 106, each including a roller carrier 220 housing a drive roller 218, as described above. Carriage bolts 202 or other fastening devices extending through aligned fastener openings secure the top support plate module 320′ and the bottom support plate module 322′ together. An alignment and fastening device 203, including a carriage bolt 202 or other fastener with a metal bushing, is used at one corner of the subassembly to align and secure the subassembly 201 to the support frame. The alignment and fastening device 203 does not secure the top and bottom support plates, but rather secures the underlying fasteners to the underlying support frame 400. The alignment and fastening device 203 creates a strong metal-to-metal connection to align each subassembly 201 along the width of the zone. Alignment slots 402 in the top of the support frame 400 receive the heads of bolts 202 and 203 to secure the subassembly 201 to the support frame and the components to each other. An orienting device 420 is slidably received between the top and bottom support plate modules 320, 322′.

[0044] Referring to FIG. 18 , the bottom support plate module 322′ includes a flat base 327 having a carrier opening 323 for receiving the lower journal shank 232 of the roller carrier 220. When assembled, the opening is aligned with the opening 316 in the top support plate 320 below the opening 316. The opening 323 includes a vertical slot 324 for receiving a tab 237 on the bottom of the roller carrier 220. The tab 237 passes through the slot 324 during assembly and then extends over a lip 381 that borders the interior of the opening 323. Below the lip 381, the opening 323 provides a nearly full circumferential clearance to allow the roller carrier 220 to rotate freely within the opening 323, with a stop protrusion 382 extending downward from the lip 381 diagonally forward of the slot 324. The lip 381 prevents the roller carrier 220 from springing out of the opening 323.

[0045] During operation, movement of the translatable orienting device 420 seat is limited by the stroke of the pneumatic actuator 460 so that the tabs 237 and slots 324 cannot be aligned, preventing the roller carrier 220 from exiting the opening 323. Only when the pneumatic actuator 460 is disengaged can the translatable orienting device 420 move to a "service position" where the roller carrier 220 can be removed by aligning the roller carrier tabs 237 and the bottom plate slots 324 and pulling the roller carrier 220 vertically.

[0046] Vertical reinforcement 326 extends from and may be integrally molded with the top of flat base 327 and may include openings for fasteners 202. Illustrative reinforcement 326 provides vertical support for top support plate 320. Illustrative reinforcement 326 includes flat vertical end surfaces 384 that contact and form friction surfaces for guiding translatable orienting device 420. When assembled, reinforcement 326 extends between two orienting plates 420a, 420b. Illustrative reinforcement 326 further limits, reduces, and / or prevents gear separation forces that may be present in the system. Illustrative reinforcement 326 includes manufacturing recesses 385 to maintain a substantially uniform wall thickness throughout the feature to facilitate formability, although the present invention does not require these recesses 385 or other illustrated features.

[0047] The bottom support plate 322 further includes a vertical boss 342 with another fastener opening for the fastener 202, and alignment bosses 343 at the corners with larger openings for the alignment and fastening devices 203. The vertical boss 342 and alignment boss 343 are formed along a laterally extending edge of the bottom support plate, which may be the upstream edge, but alternatively may be the downstream edge of the module. The bottom plate module 322' further includes a guiding feature 341, which may also be integrally molded with the flat substrate 327. The guiding feature 341 extends up from the side of at least some of the openings 323 and constrains the movement of the translatable orienting device 420.

[0048] Additionally, illustrative bottom support plate 322 includes lateral rails 329 that provide additional vertical support for translatable orienting device 420. Illustrative rails 329 contact translatable orienting device 420 at locations free of gear teeth or other laser cut features to prevent wear on the lateral rails. Spaces between lateral rails 329 allow some debris to fall off without interfering with the motion of translatable orienting device 420.

[0049] 19 , an illustrative translatable orienting device 420 includes a main plate 420a and a minor plate 420b. The orienting plates 420a, 420b are slidably sandwiched between fixed top and bottom support plates 320, 322, both of which may include multiple modules as described above. Each orienting plate 420a, 420b is positioned to engage teeth 236 of the roller carrier 220 to form a rack-and-pinion system that can rotate the roller carrier 220 in unison when the orienting plates 420a, 420b are translated by an actuator 460. The orienting plates have a transversely elongated orienting opening 444 that is bordered on one side by a linear array of teeth 446 that form a rack gear. Each elongated orientation opening 444 is positioned below one of the roller carrier openings 316 in the top support plate 320 so that each elongated opening 444 can receive the lower journal stalk 232 of a roller carrier 220. When a roller carrier is inserted, the lower journal stalk 232 extends through the elongated orientation opening 444 in the orienting plate and into the smaller carrier opening 323 in the underlying bottom support plate 322. The laterally extending edges of the orienting plates 420 a, 420 b, designated as upstream edges, also include teeth and are positioned to receive and engage a selected roller carrier 220 in the array.

[0050] As shown in Figure 20, main plate 420a and minor plate 420b are separated by spaces 424 to accommodate the row of vertical reinforcements 326 extending from bottom support plate 322, with the row of roller carriers received and housed in spaces 424, as shown in Figure 19. When assembled, main plate 420a has end edges that inset from end edges of bottom support plate 320 to accommodate bosses 342, 343 such that bosses 342, 342 are adjacent the laterally extending outer edges of main plate 420a, as shown in Figure 19.

[0051] Additionally, the illustrative guide features 341 on the bottom support plate 322 are configured to extend between the non-toothed side of the elongated orientation opening 444 and the lower journal stalk 232 of the roller carrier 220. The flat side of each guide feature 341 abuts the interior edge of the corresponding elongated orientation opening 444. These surfaces provide a wear surface and resist any gear separation forces in the system. The absence of teeth on that portion of the lower journal stalk 232 makes the inclusion of the guide features 341 possible.

[0052] As shown in FIG. 20 , orienting plates 420a, 420b are translated by a linear actuator 460, such as an air cylinder. One end of actuator 460 is attached to a stationary actuator clevis 430, which connects a fixed rod eye of actuator 460 to support frame 400. The illustrative stationary actuator clevis 430 includes four fasteners 431 that engage T-shaped slots 461, 462 along the interior of support frame 400. The fasteners can be tightened during assembly to connect stationary actuator clevis 430 to support frame 400. At the other end, a moving actuator clevis 432 connects actuator 460 to orienting plates 420a, 420b. Moving actuator clevis 432 includes a plate 433 and multiple bosses 434 that receive fasteners 435 to connect both orienting plates 420a, 420b, coupling the orienting plates together and allowing them to move in unison.

[0053] 19, fasteners 435 extend through openings 455 in the orienting plates to secure both orienting plates 420a, 420b to the translation actuator clevis 432 and to each other. Referring again to FIG. 18, the bottom support plate 322 includes clearance slots 331 configured to allow passage of the fasteners 435, which slide within the clearance slots 331. As mentioned above, the support frame 400 also includes clearance slots 405 for the fasteners 435 to allow sliding of the translatable orienting device 420.

[0054] 21 , in one embodiment, the moving actuator clevis 432 can include glides 436 on its bottom surface. The illustrative glides 436 are formed from UHMW or another low-friction material to prevent the actuator 460 from rotating and to reduce friction between the actuator 460 and the moving actuator clevis 432. In another embodiment, the outer surface 437 of the stationary actuator that faces the slots 461, 462 in the support frame 400 can include cross-hatching, knurling, or other features to increase the grip between the support frame 400 and the stationary actuator 430.

[0055] FIG. 22 illustrates a method for assembling a drive roller assembly 200 including modular top and bottom support plates. First, in step 120, fasteners 202 are slid into support frame slots 402 so that the slots 402 hold the fastener heads and the fastener shanks extend upward, as shown in FIG. 23. The number of fasteners 202 depends on the number of top and bottom support plate modules used, with four fasteners per top and bottom support plate module. Then, in step 122, a first bottom support plate module 322a is attached to a first set of fasteners, as shown in FIG. 23. Successive bottom support plate modules 322x are similarly attached across successive sets of fasteners in a similar manner until the required width is achieved. In step 124, translatable orientation plates 420a, 420b are placed across the bottom support plate modules, as shown in FIG. 24. As shown in FIG. 24, the translatable orientation plates 420a, 420b are positioned across the array of bottom support plate modules such that each elongated opening 444 spans the opening 323, the bosses 326 with fasteners 202 extend between the main plate 420a and the minor plate 420b, and the bosses 342, 343 abut the lateral edges of the main plate 420a.

[0056] Then, in step 126, the top support plate modules 320a-320x are attached by inserting each set of fasteners 202 through openings 386 and 387, with openings 387 overlapping and aligned with openings 343 of the underlying bottom support plate module 322.

[0057] In step 128, the edge bottom support plate module 322a is placed in a precise position relative to the edge of the support frame 400. Positioning can be done using a tool that engages the edge of the bottom support plate, markings, or another method.

[0058] In step 130, the edge top and bottom support plate modules 320a, 322a are fastened together and to the support frame by tightening nuts around the three fasteners 202, inserting bushings onto the corner fasteners to form alignment devices 203, and tightening the fasteners to a higher torque than the fasteners 202 alone.

[0059] In step 132, the remaining top and bottom support plate modules are positioned relative to the edge top and bottom support plate modules and the main translatable orienting plate 420a. In one embodiment, multiple alignment tools 600 are used to position the remaining top and bottom support plate modules relative to the edge modules, as shown in FIG. 25. The illustrative method uses four alignment tools: two inserted into the edge top and bottom support plate modules 320a, 322a and the middle main orienting plate 420a, and two inserted into each successive top and bottom support plate module and middle main orienting plate 420a aligned with the edge module. After each set of modules is positioned in the fasteners 202 and tightened using nuts, a second set of alignment tools is inserted into successive sets of modules until all modules 320, 322 are tightened together and to the underlying support frame 400 such that the main orienting plate 420a is in position relative to the top and bottom support plate modules.

[0060] 26 is an isometric view of an alignment tool 600 suitable for use in aligning drive roller assembly components relative to one another during assembly. The alignment tool 600 includes a handle 610 and a head 620 configured to be received in the opening 316 in the top support plate, the elongated opening 444 in the orientation plate 420, and the opening 323 in the underlying bottom support plate and to precisely align the openings 316, 444, and 323. The head 620 includes a top knob 621 that fits into the bottom opening 323. The top knob 621 is substantially cylindrical with a rounded perimeter wall 622 and a rectangular protrusion 624 extending from an angled, converging flat wall 625. The protrusion 624 is configured to be received in the vertical slot 324 in the bottom support plate 322 that receives the tab 237 on the bottom of the roller carrier 220. The top knob 621 is connected by a neck 627 to a head base 626. The base 626 is configured to be received in and engage with the elongated opening 444 in the orienting plate. The base 626 includes rounded sides, flat front and end walls, and a tapered protrusion 628 configured to engage the central tooth 446 of the opening 444 to precisely position the orienting plate 420 relative to the bottom support plate. When inserted, the alignment tool 600 maintains the position of the assembly components together until the fasteners 202 can be tightened, securing the top support module and bottom support plate module to each other and to the underlying support frame 400.

[0061] The minor alignment plate 420b is then aligned with the other components in step 134. In this step, as shown in Figure 27, the two underlying alignment tools 600c, 600d are moved over the minor alignment plate 420b into the opening 316 while the two alignment tools 600a, 600b remain engaged with the main alignment plate 420a to align and position the minor alignment plate 420b relative to the other components. As shown, the alignment tools 600a-d are positioned near the edges of the assembly during this step.

[0062] In step 136, the travel actuator clevis 432 is installed and attached to the translatable orienting plates 420a, 420b. As shown in FIG. 28 , while the alignment tool 600 is still inserted, the travel actuator clevis 432 is slid into the channel in the support frame 400 so that the bosses 434 are aligned with the clearance slots 405 in the support frame, the clearance slots 332 in the bottom support plate module, and the openings 455 in the orienting plates 420a, 420b. Fasteners 435 may then be inserted through the alignment slots and openings and tightened to secure the travel actuator clevis 432 to the orienting plates 420a, 420b and to each other.

[0063] Next, in step 138, the actuator 460 and stationary actuator clevis 430 are inserted into channels in the support frame and loosely attached using fasteners without fully clamping the components together. The actuator 460 can then be tested to see if it properly redirects the translatable orientation plate.

[0064] In the next step, step 140, the roller carriers 220 are installed in the assembly. In this step, the stationary actuators are loosely attached but not connected to the actuator cylinders. The translatable orientation sheets 420a, 420b are manually pushed to the far left or far right "service" position, exposing the vertical slots 324 in the bottom plate 323. The roller carriers 220 with drive rollers 218 can then be inserted through the openings 316, 444, and 323, as shown in FIG. 29. After all the roller carriers 220 and drive rollers 218 are inserted, the translatable orientation sheets 420a, 420b are moved to a center position, and the stationary actuator clevis 432 is securely attached to the actuator 460 using bolts or other suitable fasteners. The wearstrips 260 can be inserted into wearstrip holders formed by the corrugated vertical walls in the top support plate. The wearstrips 260 can be inserted before or after the roller assemblies 220. The drive roller assembly 200 is then ready to selectively move the drive roller 218 between a redirecting position and a non-redirecting position to selectively redirect objects on a conveyor belt running on the drive roller assembly 200.

[0065] According to another embodiment, the corrugated vertical walls of the top support plate 320 may be separated from the main portion of the top support plate to allow for modification, replacement, and / or cleaning of the corrugated vertical walls, or for another purpose. For example, as shown in FIG. 30 , the drive roller assembly 2200 includes a bottom support plate 2322 and a top support plate 2320 that includes openings 2316 for roller assemblies (not shown, but similar and identical to roller assemblies 220 or 520 described above). Corrugated inserts 2360 include molded recesses 2361 at the upper edge of the corrugated insert that are inserted between two columns of openings 2316 at selected lateral intervals and configured to retain wearstrips 2260.

[0066] 31 and 32 show an embodiment of a corrugated insert 2300 that can be used with a drive roller assembly to enable the drive assembly to incorporate wearstrips. The illustrative corrugated insert 2300 includes a base 2362 and two columns of offset openings 2317 configured to overlap the openings in an upper support plate 2320 and a corrugated vertical wall 2360 between the columns. The illustrative opening 2317 includes a camming surface 2328 for selectively raising and lowering a drive roller carrier received in the opening 2317 during pivoting of the drive roller carrier about a vertical axis. The corrugated vertical wall 2360 includes a top recess 2361 for receiving the wearstrip 2260. Other features of the corrugated vertical wall 2360, such as gussets and slots, can be similar to the corrugated vertical wall 360 described above. The corrugated insert 2300 can include a connector, shown as a bottom protrusion 2368, for connecting the corrugated insert 2300 to the top support plate to incorporate a wearstrip into the drive assembly. Other suitable means for incorporating the corrugated insert 2300 may be used.

[0067] 33-35 show another embodiment of a corrugated insert 3300 for a drive assembly to allow insertion of wearstrips across the width of the drive assembly. The corrugated insert 3360 includes a base 3362 from which corrugated walls 3360 extend. The corrugated walls 3360 include an upper recess 3361 for seating the wearstrip. The illustrative insert 3300 does not completely circumscribe the opening 2316 in the upper support plate 2320, although the invention is not so limited. The insert 3300 further includes an insertion tab 3368 extending from the bottom of the base 3362 for connecting the corrugated insert 3300 to the top support plate for integrating the wearstrip into the drive system. Gussets, slots, and other features may also be included as described above.

[0068] 36 and 37 show another embodiment of a corrugated insert 3400 suitable for use with the drive roller assembly 2200. The corrugated insert 3400 includes a corrugated vertical wall 3360 having a curve that extends from a first end to a second end and partially circumscribes an opening in an adjacent column of the upper support plate 2320 of the underlying drive roller assembly 2200. The illustrative insert 3400 includes one or more circular rims extending from the vertical wall 3360 that define an opening 3417 that overlaps with the opening 2316 in the upper support plate 2320. The opening 3417 may include a camming surface for selectively raising and lowering the drive roller, replacing selected camming surfaces in the upper drive plate as described above. The corrugated vertical wall 3460 includes a top recess 3461 for receiving a wearstrip. The curved gussets 3467 extend tangentially into the corrugated wall 3460 to provide additional support and fit between features of the upper support plate of the underlying drive roller assembly that uses the insert 3400. The corrugated insert 3400 may include a connector, bottom protrusion 3468 as shown, for connecting the corrugated insert 3400 to the top support plate for assembling the wearstrip to the drive assembly. Other suitable means for assembling the corrugated insert 3400 may be used.

[0069] In another embodiment, a translatable orienting device for a drive roller assembly can include a compliant mechanism for pivoting the drive roller carriers about their vertical axes. Referring to Figures 38 and 39, a drive mechanism 1100 including an array of drive rollers for selectively engaging object-carrying rollers in a conveyor belt to selectively effectuate redirection of objects on the conveyor belt includes a plurality of pivotable roller carriers 1220 for housing freely rotating drive rollers (not shown). A fixed top support sheet 1320 includes a carrier-receiving opening 1316 and fastener openings 1318 for connecting the top support sheet 1320 to a fixed bottom support sheet 1322. A translatable orienting device 1420 is movably sandwiched between the top support sheet 1320 and the bottom support sheet 1322. The translatable orienting device is slidable back and forth to selectively pivot the roller carriers about their vertical axes.

[0070] The top support plate 1320 may include a flat base 1321 including a vertical wall 1360 having a top edge 1361 extending upward from the flat base and surrounding at least a portion of the opening 1316. The opening 1316 narrows at the bottom to form a shelf 1317 and a smaller opening 1319 at the bottom of the top support plate 1320, which may be formed of injection molded plastic or another suitable material.

[0071] The illustrative roller carrier 1220 includes a retainer ring 1222 with diametrically opposed holes 1224 that support the ends of the drive roller axles. A bottom rim 1228 of the retainer ring 1222 rides on and rotates about a top edge 1361 of a top support plate 1320. An upper journal shank 1229 extends downwardly from the retainer ring 1222 and is seated and pivotable within an opening 1316. A downwardly extending shank 1232 extends through a smaller opening 1318 and is received in a corresponding opening 1448 in a translatable orienting device 1420. The illustrative shank 1232 has a square or otherwise polygonal cross-section, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0072] In one embodiment, the bottom rim 1228 of the retainer ring 1220 may be shaped with a ramp section, and the top edge 1361 of the top support plate may also be shaped to selectively raise and lower the drive rollers carried by the roller carrier 1220 as the roller carrier 1220 pivots about its vertical axis.

[0073] The illustrative translatable orienting device 1420 includes a flat substrate 1421 including an elongated opening 1444 containing a cam mechanism 1445 connected to a flexible leaf 1446 connected to a main portion of the flat substrate 1421. An opening 1448 in the cam mechanism is sized and shaped to receive a corresponding stalk 1232 of a roller carrier. The opening is sized and configured so that rotation of the cam 1445 pivots the received roller carrier 1220. While the illustrative opening 1448 and associated stalk 1232 are square, the invention is not so limited and may include any shape that rotatably locks components together. A boss 1447 extends downward from the bottom of the cam and is sized and shaped to be received in an opening 1323 in the bottom support plate.

[0074] The translation device 1420 further includes slots 1449 to accommodate fasteners connecting the top support plate 1320 and the bottom support plate 1322 .

[0075] The bottom support sheet 1322 includes a flat base 1324 that includes openings 1323 for receiving cam bosses 1447. The openings 1323 can be raised relative to the base 1324. Bosses 1348 that receive fasteners to connect the top and bottom support plates also extend up from the base 1324 and extend through slots 1449 into the fastener openings 1318 when the assembly is assembled.

[0076] An actuator, such as actuator 460 described above or another suitable device, selectively moves the translatable orienting device to orient the roller carrier. The actuator may slide the translatable orienting device back and forth in a linear direction 1500, as shown in Figures 40-43, to pivot the roller carrier. The illustrative cam 1445 may be fan-shaped, including diverging straight side edges 1452, 1453, a convexly curved trailing edge 1454, and a larger convexly curved leading edge 1455, although the invention is not limited thereto.

[0077] In a default orientation, such as that shown in FIGS. 40 and 41 , the cam 1445 is positioned in a first section of the elongated slot 1444 with a first side edge adjacent a side edge 1449 of the elongated slot 1444 and the opening 1448 holding the roller carrier 1220 in a first orientation. In the illustrative first orientation, the corresponding drive roller rolls in a direction 1501. When the translation device moves in a direction 1502 shown in FIG. 35 , the leaf 1446 connecting the cam 1445 to the plate 1420 pushes or pulls its mating cam 1445 about its circumference, rotating the cam 1445, which is laterally fixed by the bottom support plate 1322. During rotation, the leaf 1446 wraps around the circumference or leading edge 1455 of the cam 1445. In the central orientation shown in FIG. 42 , the drive roller rolls in a direction 1503. The actuator can continue to move the orienting device in direction 1502 to the fully translated position shown in FIG. 43 . At the fully translated position, the second side edge 1453 of the cam 1445 abuts the second side edge 1454 of the elongated slot 1444, which places the roller carrier in a third orientation in which the drive roller rotates in direction 1504, rotated approximately 90 degrees to the left of the first direction 1501. The roller orientation can have an infinite gradient between the default orientation and the fully translated orientation. The level of gradient depends only on the actuator type used. For example, a three-position pneumatic actuator assembly can achieve only left, right, and center. However, an electric stop motor with a ball screw can achieve those three positions plus everything in between.

[0078] Other suitable means for selectively pivoting the roller carrier may be used.

[0079] While particular embodiments have been disclosed in detail in the foregoing description and drawings by way of example, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that changes and modifications thereof can be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

Claims

1. 1. A drive roller assembly for selectively actuating conveyor belt rollers in a conveyor belt configured to redirect objects on the conveyor belt rollers as the conveyor belt advances along a carryway, the drive roller assembly comprising: a plurality of pivotable roller carriers, each housing a freely rotatable drive roller that contacts the conveyor belt rollers from beneath the conveyor belt; a three-dimensional top support plate including an array of openings arranged in a quincunx pattern, the pivotable roller carriers extending through the openings, the three-dimensional top support plate including at least one corrugated vertical wall extending longitudinally in the three-dimensional top support plate between first and second columns of openings, each corrugated vertical wall including a plurality of notches in a top edge for receiving a wearstrip, each curve in the corrugated vertical wall partially enclosing an opening; a translatable orienting device for engaging the pivotable roller carrier to change the orientation of the drive roller relative to the conveyor belt roller; an actuator for selectively moving the translatable orienting device to pivot the pivotable roller carrier; a drive roller assembly including:

2. 2. The drive roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the opening in the three-dimensional top support plate includes a shaped, upwardly facing camming surface for selectively raising the pivotable roller carrier when the pivotable roller carrier pivots to a selected orientation.

3. 2. The drive roller assembly of claim 1, further comprising a wear strip having a spherical protrusion received in said notch.

4. 4. The drive roller assembly of claim 3, wherein said notches are formed at inflection points in said corrugated vertical walls.

5. 4. The drive roller assembly of claim 3, further comprising a wearstrip stop downstream of said wearstrip.

6. The wear strip stopper is an upper wearstrip portion configured to align with an upper surface of the wearstrip; a pair of legs on a first side of the upper wearstrip portion; an offset leg on a second side of the upper wearstrip portion; 6. The drive roller assembly of claim 5, comprising:

7. 7. The drive roller assembly of claim 6, wherein said corrugated vertical wall includes a vertical slot for receiving said leg of said wearstrip stop.

8. 2. The drive roller assembly of claim 1, further comprising a second corrugated vertical wall between the third and fourth columns of openings for receiving the wearstrips.

9. 2. The drive roller assembly of claim 1, wherein said corrugated vertical wall is integral with said three-dimensional top support plate.

10. The drive roller assembly of claim 1 , wherein the corrugated vertical wall is connected to the three-dimensional top support plate using a connector.

11. 2. The drive roller assembly of claim 1, wherein said corrugated vertical wall includes a curved gusset having an upper surface that angles downwardly toward said opening.

12. 12. The drive roller assembly of claim 11, wherein a surface of the corrugated vertical wall facing the opening is curved to match the shape of the opening, and a surface of the corrugated vertical wall opposite the opening is flat.

13. 2. The drive roller assembly of claim 1, wherein the translatable orienting device includes a movable plate having a plurality of laterally elongated openings, each elongated opening including a flexible leaf connecting a cam to the movable plate, each cam having an opening for receiving a pivotable roller carrier and rotatably engaging the pivotable roller carrier.

14. 10. The drive roller assembly of claim 1, further comprising a three-dimensional bottom support plate secured to said three-dimensional top support plate and sandwiching said translatable orienting device between said three-dimensional top support plate and said three-dimensional bottom support plate.

15. The drive roller assembly of claim 14 , wherein the bottom support plate includes a guide feature that extends through the translatable orienting device.

16. 15. The drive roller assembly of claim 14, wherein the bottom support plate includes a plurality of openings for receiving the stalks of the pivotable roller carriers, each opening including at least one vertical slot for receiving a tab of an associated pivotable roller carrier.

17. 15. The drive roller assembly of claim 14, wherein said drive roller assembly further includes a support frame below said bottom support plate, said support frame having a channel shape for receiving said actuator.

18. 18. The drive roller assembly of claim 17, further comprising a stationary actuator clevis for connecting a fixed rod eye of the actuator to the support frame and a moving actuator clevis for connecting a dynamic eye of the actuator to the translatable orienting device.

19. 20. The drive roller assembly of claim 18, wherein the translatable orienting device comprises two spaced apart sheets connected by the moving actuator clevis.

20. The drive roller assembly of claim 1 , wherein the three-dimensional top support plate comprises a plurality of modular plates extending laterally across the width of the drive roller assembly.

21. 2. The drive roller assembly of claim 1, wherein each pivotable roller carrier includes a sector of gear teeth that does not extend around the entire circumference of the pivotable roller carrier for engaging teeth of the translatable orienting device.

Images