Transport Device Locking Mechanism for Tool-Free Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transport devices for packaging machines face inefficiencies in cleaning conveyor belts due to high belt tension and the need for tools to disassemble components, leading to difficulties in cleaning and potential loss of pins during the process.
Innovation Solution
A pivotable carrier system with a tool-free locking mechanism allows for reduced belt tension and easy removal of the conveyor belt, enabling thorough cleaning without tools and preventing pin loss, using a bolt and sleeve configuration that aligns channels to facilitate secure attachment and detachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pins are used to fasten the pivotable carrier to the transport device, then the carrier can be securely attached, but the pins can easily be lost during cleaning and the holes make cleaning more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the fastening function from traditional pins and holes by implementing a locking mechanism integrated into the pivotable carrier itself. The locking mechanism includes a locking element that can be engaged or disengaged from a locking surface on the support structure, eliminating the need for separate pins that can be lost and holes that complicate cleaning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is merged with the pivotable carrier structure, combining the fastening function with the carrier itself. This integration ensures that the locking mechanism cannot be lost separately like pins, and the carrier can be easily removed as a complete unit for cleaning without leaving behind separate fastening components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the pivotable carrier is firmly fixed to maintain stability, then the carrier remains secure during operation, but the carrier cannot be easily removed for cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be dynamically changeable between locked and unlocked states. During operation, the locking element engages with the locking surface to provide firm fixation and stability. When cleaning is required, the locking element can be easily disengaged to allow removal of the carrier, thus providing both stability during use and ease of removal for cleaning.
3Reliability
If tools are required to disassemble the carrier for cleaning, then the attachment can be secure, but the cleaning process becomes less efficient and more time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to be operable without external tools. The locking element can be engaged and disengaged by hand, allowing the carrier to be quickly removed for cleaning and reattached afterward. This self-service capability eliminates the need for tools during the cleaning process, significantly improving cleaning efficiency while maintaining secure attachment during operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a transport device (3). This device comprises a conveyor belt (3a, 3b, 3c, 3d) which is guided by a pivotable support (18), wherein the belt tension of the conveyor belt (3a) is lower when the pivotable support (18) is arranged in a first pivot position (S1) than when it is arranged in a second pivot position (S2). Furthermore, the transport device (3) includes a locking mechanism (20) by which the pivotable support (18) is pivotably attached to a mounting component (22) of the transport device (3), wherein the locking mechanism (20) is configured for tool-free removal of the pivotable support (18) from the packaging machine (1).