Roller Module Synchronized Drive for Chain Conveyor Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conveyor devices with chain conveyors face challenges in smoothly transitioning materials over the gap between adjacent conveyors without disruption, especially when the material is small compared to the gap size, and require adjustable roller modules that can operate at synchronized speeds and be driven from different points.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves a roller module with rotatable carrier rollers that engage with conveyor rollers to ensure synchronized speed and a toothed belt system allowing drive connection from either adjacent chain conveyor, enabling adjustable width and continued operation during blockages, with a frictional or form-fitting engagement mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conveyor rollers are used to bridge the conveying ditch between two chain conveyors, then material transfer is enabled, but the rollers may run at different speeds causing disruption
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary drive mechanism (toothed belt connecting both chain conveyors to the roller module) is introduced to coordinate the rotation of multiple conveyor rollers, ensuring they all run at the same peripheral speed and eliminating speed synchronization issues
Solution Approach 2:
The drive functions of both adjacent chain conveyors are merged through a common toothed belt system that simultaneously engages both conveyors and the roller module, creating a unified drive system that ensures synchronized operation
2Ease of manufacture
If the roller module width is made fixed, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different conveyor configurations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The roller module is segmented into multiple independent conveyor rollers that can be selectively assembled in different quantities and arrangements, allowing the module width to be adapted to different conveyor configurations while using standardized roller components
Solution Approach 2:
The roller module design allows dynamic reconfiguration of the number and arrangement of conveyor rollers, enabling the same basic module design to adapt to varying width requirements without requiring completely different manufacturing processes
3Device complexity
If the roller module is driven from only one chain conveyor, then the drive system is simplified, but the system cannot accommodate drives from different points
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed belt drive system is designed with universal engagement capabilities that allow it to be driven from either of the two adjacent chain conveyors, making the same roller module adaptable to different installation scenarios and drive locations
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This setup ensures smooth material transfer over the gap between chain conveyors by maintaining synchronized roller speeds, allowing for adjustable module width and continued operation even when blockages occur, enhancing the reliability and versatility of the conveyor system.
Implementation Method 1
a single toothed belt wheel (51) which can be brought into a positive rotational connection with both of the aforementioned deflection wheels
Implementation Method 2
a peripheral surface of the at least one carrier roller in rotational driving engagement with the conveying peripheral surfaces of two associated conveyor rollers
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a roller module (20) for use with a chain conveyor (10), wherein the roller module (20) has a conveying direction (21) and a transverse direction (22), wherein the transverse direction (22) is oriented perpendicular to the conveying direction (21), wherein at least two rotatable conveying rollers (30) are provided, each having at least one conveying circumferential surface (32), wherein the axes of rotation of the conveying rollers (30) are arranged parallel to the transverse direction (22), wherein the conveying rollers (30) are arranged one after the other in the conveying direction (21), wherein the conveying circumferential surfaces (32) of the conveying rollers (30) define a conveying plane (24).According to the invention, at least one rotatable drive roller (40) is provided, the axis of rotation (41) of which is arranged parallel to the transverse direction (22), wherein the at least one drive roller (40) is arranged on the side of the at least two conveyor rollers (30) facing away from the conveying plane (24), wherein a circumferential surface (42) of the at least one drive roller (40) is in rotational engagement with the conveying circumferential surfaces (32) of two associated conveyor rollers (30).