MXPA99000675A - Conveyor construction - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor construction includes a frame, a drive section stationarily mounted to the frame, and a tensioning section mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the frame. The drive and tensioning sections each include a spindle, and a belt is engaged with the spindles. The frame defines an upper support surface disposed below the upper run of the belt, and mating engagement structure is provided on the belt and the upper support surface for preventing lateral movement of the belt relative to the upper support surface. The drive and tensioning sections include spaced side members, each of which defines an inwardly opening cavity for receiving a bearing assembly for rotatably supporting the spindle. The bearing-receiving cavity faces the spindle, and each side member defines outer wall structure which engages and supports the belt outwardly of the spindle. The belt overlies the outer wall structure of each side member and the adjacent belt-engaging portion of the spindle, so as to seal the inwardly facing opening and prevent ingress of moisture or other contaminants into the bearing-receiving cavity. A drive and locking arrangement for imparting movement to the tensioning section and for selectively locking the tensioning section in position includes a pair of pinion carriers or retainer blocks mounted one to each side of the frame, with a drive pinion being rotatably supported by the retainer blocks. Each side member includes integrally formed gear teeth engageable with opposite ends of the drive pinion, and a drive pinion actuator is engaged with one side of the frame for imparting rotation to the drive pinion to extend and retract the tensioning section. A locking arrangement is interconnected with the opposite end of the drive pinion, and functions to selectively frictionally engage the drive pinion with one of the retainer blocks to prevent rotation of the drive pinion and to thereby maintain the tensioning section in a desired position relative to the frame.

Description

THE CONSTRUCTION OF CONVEYOR BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This invention relates to conveyors, and more particularly to various aspects in a conveyor that facilitate the manufacture, assembly, operation and maintenance of a conveyor. The current invention contemplates a number of improvements in the construction of a conveyor, such as those generally set forth in U.S. Patent 5,174,435 to Dorner et al., The disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. The '435 patent generally discloses a conveyor construction that includes a frame and a tensioner section mounted to allow movement relative to the frame. The tensioner section includes a spindle around which a conveyor belt is placed, and the movement of the tensioner section functions to control the tension of the belt. The tensioning section extends and retracts in response to the rotation of a drive sprocket rotatably mounted on the frame. The frame includes a channel or slot on each side, and slide bars are located within each slot for longitudinal movement therein. The slide bars are interconnected with the tension section by means of an outer plate and one or more threaded screws extending through openings formed in the outer plate and in threaded connection with the threaded openings formed in the slide bars. When the tensioning mechanism reaches a desired position by rotating the drive sprocket, the screws are tightened to hold the frame portions adjacent to the slot between the outer plate and the slide bars. In this arrangement, the tenssra section is closed in a position separate from the drive sprocket that functions to provide movement of the tensioning section. In addition, the conveyor disclosed in the '435 patent contemplates a spindle extending over the entire width of the band. Cavities are formed at the ends of the spindle, and a set of ball bearings is mounted within each cavity. A neck extends into the cavity, joining with the set of ball bearings. The neck includes an outer end that is mounted to the side plate to allow pivotally mounting the spindle to and between the side plates. This construction is generally satisfactory, but problems may arise in a washing application, allowing the possibility of water entering the ball bearing assembly from outside the conveyor. It is an object of the present invention to provide a simplified and improved conveyor construction that provides improvements in the components, assembly, operation and maintenance of the conveyor construction. Another object of the invention is to provide a conveyor construction in which the tensioner section can be fixed in position using a single-point fastening mechanism. Still another object of the invention is to provide such a clamping mechanism, the same being operable in the drive sprocket, which functions to move the tensioning section relative to the frame. Still another object of the invention is to provide a conveyor construction in which the band is coupled to the frame between the driving spindle and the idle spindle, to prevent skewing of the belt. Still another object of the invention is to provide a conveyor construction that provides an improved structure for engaging the drive sprocket with the tensioning section. Still another object of the invention is to provide a conveyor construction that is capable of being used in a wash environment preventing the entry of water into the bearing cavity of the hu3 ?. Still another object of the invention is to provide a simplified construction of a conveyor frame that facilitates the fastening of conveyor accessories to the frame. According to one aspect of the invention, a conveyor construction includes a frame, a pair of spindles mounted to the frame and a band guided by the spindles. A supporting upper member is associated with the frame and is located between the spindles. The upper support member is located below the range, to support the band between the spindles. A coupling structure is interposed between the band, the spindles and the upper support member to prevent lateral movement of the band relative to the spindles and relative to the frame between the spindles. In this way, the band maintains its orientation relative to the spindles and the frame, to prevent the band from spreading or other lateral movement of the band. Preferably, the coupling structure is in the form of a rib extending from the underside of the band, which is received within a longitudinal groove formed in the upper support member within which the rib is received when the band is engaged. with the upper support member. Each spindle includes a slot in alignment with the slot in the upper support member to receive the rib. The upper support member defines a first end and a second end, and the groove preferably extends over the entire length of the upper support member between its first and second ends. According to another aspect of the invention, a conveyor construction includes a frame having a pair of side members, in combination with a band and a band tensioning mechanism movably mounted on the frame and including a spindle engageable with the band. A pair of side members are located, one adjacent to each side member of the frame, and a pull member is rotatably mounted on the frame. This aspect of the invention contemplates an improvement in the shape of the coupling structure located on both side plate members. The pull member engages the coupling structure to effect movement of the band tensioning mechanism relative to the frame when the drive member is rotated. The drive member is preferably in the form of a rotatable drive sprocket having a series of gear teeth extending outwardly, and the coupling structure of the side plate member is preferably in the form of a series of teeth. gear located on the side plate member and engageable with the gear teeth of the drive pinion. The gear teeth of the side plate member cooperate to define an axially extending gear assembly extending along an axis substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the band tensioning mechanism relative to the frame. Each side plate member preferably includes an axial extension groove located adjacent to the gear assembly defined by the series of spaced gear teeth. The drive sprocket is mounted on the side member of the frame by means of a pinion carrier or mounting member, which extends through the slot of the side plate member and interconnects with the side member of the frame. The pinion mounting or carrying member includes an inner pinion mounting section for rotatably supporting the pinion, and an outer connecting section to the frame extending from the pinion mounting section and disposed within the pinion slot. side plate and coupled to the side member of the frame. The gear teeth of the side plate member are preferably integrally formed with the side plate member. This arrangement provides a positive coupling of the side plate members with the drive sprocket to ensure that the side plate members are simultaneously and synchronously advanced and retracted by rotating the drive sprocket to maintain a constant tension on the width band from the band. Another aspect of the invention contemplates a spindle assembly arrangement for a conveyor construction including a band and at least one spindle around which the band is guided. The spindle assembly arrangement includes a spindle mounting member having a cavity defined at least in part by an upper wall and a side wall.

The cavity includes an opening facing inwardly, and a seat arrangement is disposed within the cavity to rotatably mount the spindle assembly member. The opening of the cavity faces the spindle, and the top and side walls of the mounting member are configured to isolate the cavity from the outside of the mounting member. The spindle includes a band engaging surface, and the top and side walls of the spindle mounting member terminate at an inner edge defining at least in part the opening. The inner edge is located adjacent the band engaging surface of the spindle, and the band engages the web engaging surface and rests on the upper and side walls and the inner edge. This arrangement defines a space between the inner edge and the band engaging surface, and the band lies on top of the space. In this way, the band seals the space between the band engaging surface of the spindle and the inner edge defined by the side walls and the end of the mounting member, to prevent the entry of water into the space and thus avoid contact of the water with the set of ball bearings. The spindle preferably includes an axis extending outwardly from a portion of the spindle that defines a web engaging surface, and the axis defines an axis of rotation about which the spindle rotates. The spindle shaft engages with the ball bearing assembly to facilitate rotation of the spindle relative to the spindle mounting member. Yet another aspect of the invention contemplates an improvement in a conveyor construction in which a driving member is rotatably mounted on the frame and coupled to the tensioning section of a conveyor so as to impart longitudinal movement to the tensioning section relative to the frame when the • drag member is rotated. The improvement is in the form of a clamping member interconnected with the pull member to selectively prevent rotation of the pull member to selectively fix the position of the tension section relative to the frame. The clamping member functions to engage, by friction, the driving member to the frame to selectively prevent rotation of the driving member. The clamping member is preferably in the form of a threaded member in threaded engagement with the driving member and including a head located adjacent to the frame. A coupling surface is associated with the frame and is located adjacent a coupling surface defined by the drive member. The rotation of the threaded fastening member functions to engage the head with the frame so as to bring the engaging surface of the driving member into a frictional connection with the coupling surface of the frame to prevent rotation of the driving member. The pull member preferably defines a pair of spaced ends, and the holding member engages the first of the spaced ends. A drive actuator is interconnected with the second spaced end of the drive member, to selectively impart rotation to the drive member. The drive actuator preferably includes a hooked actuator member for driving the drive member and a manually operable handle attached to the actuator member. The actuator handle is located adjacent to a first side defined by the frame. The fastening member includes a threaded member threadably attached to the drive member and a manually operable fastening handle located adjacent a second side defined by the part of the frame opposite the first side. In a preferred form, each end of the drive member is rotatably supported by a drive member support attached to the frame, as discussed above. Still another aspect of the invention contemplates an improvement in a conveyor construction in accordance with the above, in the form of a rotating assembly or actuator interconnected with the driving member for imparting rotation to the driving member, and a locking device separate from the rotation assembly and operable in the driving member to selectively fix the driving member against the driving member. rotation and thus fix the longitudinal position of the tension section relative to the frame. The rotation assembly includes an axially extending drive member actuator extending along the axis of rotation of the driving member, and the fixing device includes a threaded fastening member threadably coupled to the driving member. The clamping member extends along a longitudinal axis coincident with that of the actuator of the driving member. The drive member preferably defines a pair of spaced apart ends, and the actuator of the drive member engages one end of the drive member and the threaded fastener member engages the other end of the drive member. Preferably, a handle is interconnected with the drive member of the drive member and is located adjacent one side of the frame, and a locking handle is located adjacent to the opposite side of the frame to selectively impart rotation to the holding member. The pull member is mounted to the frame, preferably by means of a pair of spaced support members, as summarized above.

Another object of the invention contemplates an assembly for mounting accessories for a conveyor including a frame having at least one side wall defining a lower edge, and at least one of spindle mounted on the frame and a band coupled to the beam. The accessory mounting assembly includes a clasp member having a pair of spaced-apart walls located on opposite sides of the sidewall of the frame. A conveyor attachment can be held by the clip member. The coupling structure is associated with the clasp member and with the side wall of the frame adjacent the bottom edge. The coupling structure provides movement to the snap member longitudinally along the side wall of the frame and provides engagement of the snap member with the side wall of the frame to withstand transverse tensile stress outwardly from the side wall of the frame. A clamping member may be engaged in the spaced walls of the clasp member to join the walls of the clasp member and attach to the side wall therebetween. In this manner, the position of the clasp member relative to the frame is selectively fixed, so that an attachment can be mounted in a predetermined position on the frame. The coupling structure is preferably in the form of a lower end portion of the frame laterally counterposed to an upper portion of the frame, in combination with a connecting cross section extending between the lower and upper portions of the frame. At least one of the snap walls defines a flange extending transversely and in engagement with the transverse connection structure defined by the frame. The fastening member is preferably in the form of a threaded member screwed together with one of the walls of the fastener member and including a head engageable with the other wall of the fastener member. Progressing the threaded member functions to join the walls of the clasp member to hold the lower frame end between them. An accessory mountable on the conveyor includes a mounting section having an opening through which the threaded member extends, such that the head of the threaded member can be hooked to the mounting structure of the fitting. The threaded member is preferably located below the lower edge of the frame. The connecting cross section of the frame is in the form of an angled wall section extending between and interconnecting with the lower end of the upper wall section and the upper end of the lower wall section.

The various aspects of the invention can be used separately, and each serves individually to provide an improvement in the conveyor structure. The various aspects of the invention may also be employed in combination to provide extensive major improvements to the conveyor construction, as will be appreciated. Various other aspects, objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon contemplating the following description in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The drawings illustrate the best mode currently contemplated of carrying out the invention. In the drawings: Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a conveyor assembly constructed in accordance with the invention; Fig. 2 is a planar top view of the conveyor assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a partial sectional view taken along 3-3 of Fig. 2; Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken along line 4-4 of Fig. 3; Fig. 5 is a sectional view taken along line 5-5 of Fig. 3; Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken along line 6-6 of Fig. 3; Fig. 7 is a bottom planar partial view showing the tensioner section for the conveyor assembly of Fig. 1; Fig. 8 is a partial sectional view taken along line 8-8 of Fig. 7; and Fig. 9 is a partial sectional view showing a clasp for mounting a conveyor attachment to the conveyor assembly of Fig. 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION With reference to Figures 1 and 2, a conveyor assembly 10 generally includes a frame 12, a stationary driving section 14 interconnected with a motor 16, a movable tensioning section 18, and a band 20. The frame 12 extends between a first end 22 located adjacent to the drive section 14 and a second end 24 located adjacent the tension section 18. With reference to FIG. 4, the frame 12 includes an upper wall or support surface 26 and a pair of flanges or sloping side walls 28, 30 extending downwardly from the sides of the top wall 26. The side wall 28 includes a lower and externally counteracted end portion 32, and the side wall 30 includes an externally counteracted bottom end portion. An angled connecting section 36 extends between the side wall 28 and a lower terminal portion 32, and similarly an angled cross section nexion 38 extends between the side wall 30 and a lower end portion 34. The side wall 28 and a lower end portion '32 lie in parallel planes, such as the side wall 30 and an associated bottom end portion 34. The upper wall of the frame 26 defines a central slot 40, which extends along the frame 12 between the first end 22 and the second end 24. The slot 40 is defined by a deformed central upper wall section 26 having an upper surface recessed with relation to the upper surface of the upper wall 26 on each side of the slot 40. The band 20 includes a sloping rib 42 which is received within the slot 40. With reference to Figs. 1 and 2, drag section 14 includes a pair of side members 44, 46. Side member 44 includes a frame mounting section 48 and a spindle mounting section 50. Also, side member 46 includes a mounting section. of frame 52 and a spindle mounting section 54. A spacer 56 extends between and is mounted on side members 44, 46 such that side members 44, 46 and spacer 56 constitute drive section 14. A pair of screws 58 extend through the side wall of the frame 28 to enter threaded conduits formed in the mounting section of the frame 48, to secure the mounting section of the frame 48 to the side wall of the frame 28. Similarly, a pair of screws 60 extend through the side wall of the frame 30 to enter threaded conduits in the mounting section of the frame 52 to fix the frame mounting section 52 to the side wall of the frame 3 0. This works to firmly mount the drive section 14 to the frame 12 at its first end 22. A drive spindle 62 extends between spindle mounting sections 50, 54. The drive spindle 62 includes a pair of knurled coupling surfaces. of band 64, 66, with a V-shaped channel 68 disposed therebetween to receive the band rib 42. In a manner to be explained with respect to the tension section 18, the spindle assembly sections 50, 54 define cavities opposite inwardly opening, in which clamping assemblies are arranged, for rotatably mounting the drive spindle 62 a and between the spindle mounting sections 50, 54. In addition, a transverse conduit is formed in the spindle mounting section 54 for receiving a drive shaft 70, which is engaged with the motor 16 to impart rotation to the drive spindle 62 upon starting the motor 16. A seal is disposed within the conduit formed in the spindle mounting section 54 and is coupled to l drive shaft 70. With reference to Figs. 1-3, the tension section 18 includes a pair of side members 72, 74. The side member 72 includes a frame mounting section 76 and a spindle mounting section 78. Similarly, side member 74 includes a section of frame assembly 80 and a spindle mounting section 82. A spacer 84 extends between and is attached to side members 72, 74, such that the members 72, 74 and the spacer 84 constitute the tension section 18, movably mounted on the frame 12 at its first end 24, to selectively tension the band 20 in a manner that will be explained below. A loco spindle 86 extends between and movably mounted in the spindle mounting sections 78, 82. The spindle 86 includes band engaging sections 88, 90 with a slot 92 therebetween to receive the band rib 42. FIG. 5 illustrates the assembly by which idle spindle 86 is rotatably mounted to and between the spindle mounting sections 78, 82. As shown in Fig. 5, there is an inward depression or cavity 94 formed in the section spindle assembly 78. The spindle mounting section 78 includes an outer wall 96 defining the inner end of the cavity 94 and preventing access to the cavity 94 from outside of the conveyor assembly 10. The cavity 94 defines an opening that inwardly located adjacent the outer end of the band engaging section 88. The spindle mounting section 78 includes a peripheral inner edge 98 that is spaced slightly outwardly from the outer end of the section. band engaging 88 and defining the internal opening of the cavity 94. The idler spindle 86 defines a stepped configuration at the end adjacent to the spindle mounting section 78, including a shoulder 102, a neck 103 and a cylindrical head 104 The shoulder 102 has a smaller diameter than the band engaging section 88, while the neck 103 has a smaller diameter than the shoulder 102 and the head 104 has a smaller diameter than the neck 103. A conventional ball bearing assembly of solid and sealed lubricant 100 is snapped into the head 104, and received within the cavity 94 to rotatably hold the idler spindle 86 in the spindle mounting section 78.

The spindle mounting section 78 defines an upper wall 106, a lower wall 108 and a semicircular end wall 110 extending between and interconnecting the upper and lower walls 106, 108, respectively. The walls 106-110 extend laterally inward from the end wall 96, and each includes an interior surface defining the cylindrical configuration of the cavity 94. The spindle mounting section 78 also includes an arcuate and semicircular terminal wall opposite the terminal wall 110, having the same configuration as the terminal wall 110, giving the cavity 94 a circular configuration. The shoulder 102 has a diameter slightly smaller than the inside diameter of the cavity 94, to be slightly spaced inwardly from the interior wall of the cavity 94. The shoulder end 102 is spaced slightly from the end of the ball bearing assembly 100, and the neck 103 occupies the space between the shoulder 102 and the ball bearing assembly 100. The walls 106-110 define external surfaces adapted to support the outer portion of the band 20 extending outwardly beyond the band engaging section. 88 of the idler spindle 86. The exterior surfaces of walls 106, 108 are flat and are spaced apart at a distance substantially equal to, or slightly less than, the diameter of the band engaging section 88. Similarly, the end wall 110 has a radius substantially equal to or slightly less than the radius of the band engaging section 88, such that the walls 106-110 define engagement surfaces of band substantially in alignment with the band engaging surfaces of the band engaging section 88. In this manner, the band 20 is supported throughout its width, the outer portion of the band 20 being movable on the band engaging surfaces. defined by walls 106-110. The side member 74 is essentially a mirror image of the side member 72, such that the spindle mounting section 82 of the side member 74 has a construction that reflects that of the spindle mounting section 78, as described. Accordingly, the spindle mounting section 82 includes an inwardly opening cavity 112 and an outer wall 114. An inner edge 116 is located adjacent to the outer end of the band engaging section 90 and is spaced slightly outwardly from the outside. same, defining the internal opening of the cavity 112. The idler spindle 86 includes a shoulder 119, a neck 120 and a head 122, defining a stepped configuration extending outwardly from the outer end of the band engaging section 90. A conventional assembly The sealed and solid lubricant ball bearing bearing 118 is press fit into the head 122, and is received within the cavity 112 to rotatably hold the idler spindle 86 in the spindle mounting section 82. The heads 104, 122 they are coincident with the idler spindle longitudinal axis 86, and define an axis of rotation around which the idler spindle 86 is rotatable relative to the side members 72, 74. The Spindle assembly ection 86 also includes an upper wall 124, a lower wall 126, a terminal wall 128 and an opposite end wall having the same construction and configuration as the walls 106-110, as shown and described with respect to the spindle mounting section 78, to support the outer edge portion of the band 20 to the outside of the band engaging section 90 as described above. According to the construction shown and described, the band 20 overlaps the spaces between the spindle mounting sections 78, 82 and band engaging sections 88, 90, respectively. In this manner, the band 20 functions effectively to provide a seal for the cavities 94, 112, to prevent the entry of water or other contaminant into cavities 94, 112, which could damage the bearing assemblies 100., 118. The construction of spindle mounting sections 78, 82 prevents access to the bearing receiving cavities with the exception of an area enclosed by the band 20, which provides a highly effective conveyor construction for use in a wash environment. wherein the conveyor assembly 10 is repeatedly exposed to water or other cleaning agents. Additionally, the stepped configuration at each end of the idle spindle 86 defines a labyrinthine path to the bearing assemblies 100, 118 to prevent them from being exposed to high pressure water by cleaning the conveyor assembly 10 without the web 20. As will be appreciated, the water or other cleaning agent must follow a path defined by the spaces between the inner edge of the spindle mounting section 98 and the opposite end surface of the band engaging section of the idler spindle 88, the man 102 and the inner surface of cavity 94, and outer surface of shoulder 102 and bearing assembly 100 to the outside of neck 103, to reach bearing assembly 100. A similar trajectory must be followed at the opposite end of idler spindle 86 so that the liquid reaches the set of bearings 118. The spaces are oriented at right angles to each other, which works to dissipate the pressure of adjacent cleaning liquids to bearing assemblies 100, 118, which are provided with conventional bearing seals to prevent the ingress of liquid into the interior of each bearing assembly 100, 118. This construction provides a highly effective arrangement for insulating bearing assemblies 100, 118 ensuring that water or other liquid can not reach the interior of each set of bearings 100, 118. The spindle mounting sections 50, 54 of the side members of the drive section 44, 46, respectively, are constructed similarly to the spindle mounting sections 78, 82 of the side members of the tension section 72, 74, respectively, as shown and described, to mount the drive spindle 62 rotatably therebetween and to support the outer edge portions of the spindle. the band 20 out of the band engaging sections 64, 66. Similarly, with the exception of the drive shaft 70, the driving spindle 62 is constructed similarly to the insane spindle 86, as has been shown and described, to prevent water ingress into the interior of the bearing assemblies coupled to the driving spindle 62. The band tensioning section 18 is rotatably mounted on the frame 12, as shown in Figures 3 and 6-8. Frame mounting sections 76, 80 include horizontal slots 132, 134, respectively. A pinion holder or pin block 136 is mounted on the sidewall 30 of the frame, and includes an elongated outer section 138 received within the slot 132, and an inner section 140. The outer section 138 is received within the slot 132, such that the mounting section of the frame 76 is movable longitudinally on the outer section of the fastening block 138. Similarly, a pinion carrier or fastener block 142 is mounted on the frame side wall 28, and includes an outer section 144 received within the slot 134, and an inner section 146. A side plate 154 is located outside each frame exterior wall 28, 30, and screws 156 extend through aligned openings in the side plate 154 and frame side walls 28, 30, for coupling with threaded conduits formed in clamping blocks 142, 136, respectively. The screws 156 function to securely mount the clamping blocks 136 and 142 to the frame side walls 30, 28, respectively. The fastening block 136 includes an upwardly curved notch 160 having a terminal wall 162 and a conduit 164 extending through the fastening block 136 and opening in the terminal wall 162. Openings are formed in the frame sidewall 30 and in the side plate 154 in alignment with conduit 164. Similarly, the fastener block 142 includes an upwardly curved notch 166 having an end wall 168. A conduit 170 extends through the fastener block 142 and opens in the terminal wall 168, and openings are formed in the end wall 28 and in the end wall. side plate 154 in alignment with conduit 170. A drive pinion 172 extends between clamping blocks 136 and 142, and includes the opposite end portions received within concavities 160, 166, respectively. The drive sprocket 172 includes a series of radial teeth 174. The drive sprocket 172 defines a terminal surface 176 located adjacent and opposite the end wall 162 of the concavity 160 formed in the fastener block 136, and a terminal surface 178 located adjacent and in opposition to the terminal wall 168 of the concavity 166 formed in the fastening block 142. A drive pinion fixing arrangement 180 engages the end of the drive pinion 172 adjacent the fastening block 136. The fastening assembly 180 includes a threaded member 182 mounted on a head 184. A handle 186 is mounted to and extends outwardly from the head 184. A threaded conduit extends internally from the terminal surface 176 defined by the drive pinion 172, and the inner end of the threaded member 182 is engages with the threaded conduit in the drive sprocket 172. The threaded member 182 extends through the fastener block conduit 164 and the aligned grooves formed in the frame side wall 30 and side plate 154. A pinion actuator assembly 188 interconnects with the drive pinion 172 counterposed to the fastener assembly 180. The actuator assembly 188 includes an actuator member 190 mounted to the head 192 having a handle 194 extending to the outside thereof. The actuator member 190 extends through the clamping block conduit 170 and the aligned openings in the side frame wall 28 and the side plate 154, and interconnects with the head 192 rotatably in response to rotation of the head 192. The actuator member 190 defines a non-circular cross-sectional configuration, and a conduit having an interlockable cross-sectional configuration extends internally of the end surface of the drive sprocket 178 to receive the inner end of the actuator member 190. With reference to Figures 6 and 8, the frame mounting section 80 of the side member 74 includes a series of gear teeth 196 forming a set of axially extending gears located vertically above and inwardly of the slot 134. The frame mounting section 80 is configured such that the gear teeth of the drive sprocket 174 are engaged with teeth 196. Similarly, the cross section frame member 76 of lateral member 72 defines a series of gear teeth 198 extending axially downward, defining a gear assembly located vertically up and inwardly of slot 132, and engagable with gear teeth of the drive pinion 174. In operation, the tension section 18 is selectively movable relative to the frame 12 and selectively fixable in position as indicated below. Once the band 20 is installed such that the rib 42 is received within the frame slot 40 and in initial engagement with the drive spindle channel 68 and the idler spindle channel 92, the user manually grasps the handle 194 and rotates the handle. handle 194 for imparting rotation to the actuating member of the drive sprocket 190 by the head 192. This in turn causes the rotation of the drive sprocket 172, and engagement of the drive teeth of the drive sprocket 174 with teeth 196, 198 of the side members 72, 74, respectively, result in the lateral retraction or extension of the tension section 18 relative to the frame 12. By manipulating the handle 194 to drive the drive sprocket 172 to extend the tension section 18, the user moves the tensioning section 18 to the position providing the desired degree of tension in the band 20. The user continues to exert manual force on the handle 194 to maintain the desired tension on the band 20, and simultaneously operates the fixing handle 186 to rotate the head 184 to advance the threaded member 182 relative to the drive sprocket 172. This causes the coupling of the inner head end 184 to the outer surface of the side plate 154, and simultaneously directs the terminal surface of the pinion drag 176 towards the head 184 in engagement with the terminal wall 162 of the concavity 160 formed in the fastener block 136. This causes a coupling B frictional between the end surface of the drive sprocket 176 and the end wall of the concavity 162, to fix the drive sprocket 172 against further rotation.

The user then releases the actuator handle 194 and the fastening handle 186. Thus, engagement of the teeth of the drive pinion 174 with the teeth of side members 196 and 198 fixes the side members 72, 74 in position relative to the frame 12, to maintain the tension on the band 20. When the band 20 is tensioned in In this manner, the inner force exerts on the tensioning section 18, which is transferred by means of the teeth 198 to the drive sprocket 172 by the engagement of teeth 198 with the teeth of the drive sprocket 174. This exerts a rotational force on the pinion. of haul 172, and the threads of the threaded member 182 are inclined to hold the end surface of the drive sprocket 176 against the end wall of the concavity 162. This results in a self-adjusting action of pressure on the drive sprocket-172 under the influence of band 20, to ensure that tensioner section 18 is maintained in a desired position during operation. Therefore it can be seen that the fastening assembly 180 provides a single-point fastening mechanism for maintaining the tensioning section 18 in a desired position 0. "This eliminates the need for an external tool and the manipulation of multiple screws to fix the tensioner section in place, thus providing a simple, fast and efficient tension mechanism.This construction also eliminates the need for a 5-cam cam mechanism. one side the tensioner section relative to the other to prevent skewing of the belt 20. With this arrangement, as has been shown and described, the engagement of the drive pinion 172 with the teeth integrally formed on the side members 72, 74 ensures which side members 72, 74 are simultaneously and synchronously extended relative to the frame 12. When the band 20 is subjected to any skew tendency, the engagement of the band rib 42 with the frame groove 40 along the part bottom of the band 20, and with slots 68 5 and 92 in the drive and idler spindles 62, 86, respectively, prevents such skew and maintains the positive movement of the a band 20. Fig. 9 illustrates an arrangement for mounting a conveyor accessory, such as a side plate 200, to the frame 12 of the conveyor. In this arrangement, a clasp member 202 engages the lower end 34 of the frame side wall 30. The pin member 202 is generally U-shaped, and includes inner and outer parallel walls 204, 206, respectively. Aligned openings are formed in walls 204, 206, and a screw 208 having a threaded pin extends through the apertures aligned in walls 204, 206 and in threaded engagement with a nut 210 mounted on the interior wall 204 and having a threaded opening in the wall. alignment with the aligned apertures in walls 204, 206. The pin of the screw 208 is disposed below the lower end of the lower portion of the side wall 34. The side plate 200 includes a mounting section having an opening located to be in alignment with the openings aligned in the side walls 204, 206, such that the tang of the screw 208 extends therethrough and the head of the screw 208 engages an outer surface defined by the mounting section of the side plate 200.

The end of the outer wall of the clasp member 206 includes an inwardly curved flange 212. The flange 212 is superimposed on the angled connection section 38 extending between the lower end of the side wall 34 and the side wall portion. 30 on top of it. With this construction, the clasp member 202 can be slid longitudinally along the side wall 30., while maintaining a coupling therewith by means of engagement with the flange 212 with the connecting section 38 and to prevent uncoupling of the clasp member 202 when exposed to tensile stresses outward and parallel to the side wall 30 and its lower end 34. When the clasp 202 moves to a desired position on the frame 12, the user tightens the screw 208 to join the inner and outer walls 204, 206, respectively, to tighten the lower end of the side wall 34 between them. This frictional engagement of the lower end of the side wall 34 prevents the clasp member 202 from moving relative to the frame 12, so as to firmly mount the side plate 200 in the frame 12. Preferably, various clasp members such as 202 are used. for securing the side plate 200 to spaced locations throughout its length. The clasp member 202 can be fastened on any of the side walls of the conveyor frame 12, and can be easily removed when not in use. This construction allows the cold forming of the frame 12, to facilitate its manufacture of a material such as stainless steel or the like for use in a washing application. This construction also avoids having to form the conveyor frame of an extruded section that provides a channel or slot arrangement for receiving T-shape nuts or the like to mount accessories on the transport frame. While the arrangement for the mounting of accessories of Fig. 9 is shown in relation to the mounting of a side plate 200, it will be understood that any other accessory or device can be mounted on the conveyor assembly 10 in this manner. Various alternatives and modalities are contemplated within the scope of the following claims, indicating in particular and clearly holding the matter considered as the invention.

Claims (26)

1. CLAIMS 1.- Improvement in a conveyor construction including a frame, a pair of spindles mounted on the frame and a band guided by the spindles,

   5 characterized in that the improvement comprises an upper support member associated with the frame and located between the spindles, in which the upper support member is disposed below the band to support the band between the spindles, and corresponding coupling structure

   10 interposed between the band, the spindles and the upper member

   ^ of support to avoid the lateral movement of the band in relation to the spindles and in relation to the frame between the spindles.
2. 2. The improvement of claim 1,

   15 characterized in that the coupling structure comprises a rib extending from the lower part of the band and a longitudinal groove formed in the upper support member tf inside which the rib is received when the band is coupled with the member

   20 superior support.
3. 3. The improvement of claim 2, characterized in that the upper support member defines a first end and a second end, and where the groove extends over the entire length of the upper end member.

   25 support between the first and second ends.
4. 4. The improvement of claim 2, characterized in that each spindle includes a slot in alignment with the slot in the upper support member for receiving the rib.
5. 5.- Improvement in a conveyor construction including a frame having a pair of side members, a band, a band tensioning mechanism movably mounted on the frame and including a spindle engageable with the band and also including a pair of side plate members located each adjacent to a lateral member, and a drag member rotatably mounted on the frame, characterized in that it comprises a coupling structure provided on at least one of the side plate members, wherein the driving member engages with the coupling structure for effecting the movement of the band tensioning mechanism relative to the frame upon rotation of the driving member.
6. 6. The improvement of claim 5, characterized in that the drive member comprises a rotatable drive pinion having a series of outwardly extending gear teeth, and wherein the coupling structure of the side plate member comprises a series of gear teeth provided on the side plate member and engageable with the gear teeth of the drive pinion.
7. 7. - The best of claim 6, characterized in that the gear teeth of the side plate member comprises a series of gear teeth spaced apart defining a set of gears 5 extending along a longitudinal axis substantially parallel to the direction of movement of the band tensioning mechanism 'in relation to the frame.
8. 8. The improvement of claim 7, characterized in that the gear teeth of the side plate member 10 are formed integrally with the side plate member ft.
9. 9. The improvement of claim 7, characterized in that the side plate member includes an axial extension groove located adjacent to the set of 15 gears defined by the series of spaced gear teeth, and wherein the drive pinion is mounted on the side frame member by means of a pinion mounting member extending through it. slot of the side plate member and interconnected with the side plate member, wherein the pinion is rotatably mounted on the pinion mounting member.
10. 10. The improvement of claim 9, characterized in that the pinion mounting member comprises a pinion support including a section of

    The pinion assembly for rotatably holding the drive sprocket and a connecting section to the frame extending from the pinion mounting section and disposed within the groove of the side plate member when coupled to the side member of the frame.
11. 11. The improvement of claim 10, characterized in that it also comprises a pinion drive fastener interconnected with the frame and with the drive pinion to selectively force one end of the drive pinion to engage with the drive pinion.

    The pinion holder selectively prevents the rotation of the drive pinion ft and fixes the position of the side plate member relative to the frame.
12. 12. The improvement of claim 10, characterized in that the frame includes a pair of members

    15 frame spacings between which the drive pinion is disposed, and wherein the drive pinion fixing member is movably mounted on a first frame member for movement between a fixed position and an unfixed position, and which also comprises a fix

    20 of driving pinion rotation interconnected with a second frame member.
13. 13. The improvement of claim 12, characterized in that the fastening member of the drive pinion includes a handle for fixing manually

    25 operable, mounted on the first frame member and wherein the rotation arrangement of the drive pinion includes a manually operable fixing handle mounted on the second frame member.
14. 14. The improvement of claim 11, characterized in that the drive pinion fixing member comprises a threaded fastening member coupled by means of the threads to the drive sprocket, and a handle interconnected with the threaded fastening member for selectively turning. the threaded fastening member relative to the drive pinion.
15. 15. A spindle assembly arrangement for a conveyor construction comprising a band and at least one spindle around which the band is guided, characterized in that it comprises at least one spindle mounting member including a cavity defined at least in part by an upper wall and a side wall, wherein the cavity includes an internal opening, and a ball bearing arrangement disposed within the cavity to rotatably mount the spindle to the spindle assembly member, where the opening of the cavity the spindle, and wherein the top and side walls of the mounting member are configured to enclose the cavity on the outside of the mounting member.
16. 16. The spindle assembly arrangement of claim 15, characterized in that the spindle includes a strip engaging surface and wherein the top and side walls terminate at an inner edge defining at least part of the opening and located adjacent to the surface. belt coupler, in which the belt engages with the belt engaging surface and is superimposed on the top wall, the side wall and the inner edge.
17. 17. The spindle assembly arrangement of claim 16, characterized in that a space is defined between the inner edge and one end of the belt engaging surface, where the belt lies above the space.
18. 18. The spindle assembly arrangement of claim 17, characterized in that the spindle and the spindle mounting member cooperate to define a labyrinthine path between the space and the bearing arrangement to dissipate the energy in washing liquid in the arrangement. of bearing when the band is removed.
19. 19. The spindle assembly arrangement of claim 16, characterized in that the cavity is formed in an outer terminal portion of the spindle assembly member mounted on a frame associated with the conveyor construction, and wherein the cavity is formed to define a peripheral inner edge defining the interior opening, wherein the peripheral inner edge is spaced from the band engaging surface defined by the spindle, and where the web lies on the peripheral inner edge and the web engaging surface. 20.- The spindle assembly arrangement of the
20. 5 claim 16, characterized in that the spindle includes a band engaging portion and a spigot extending outwardly thereof defining an axis of rotation around which the spindle is rotated, where the spindle pin is engaged with the bearing arrangement . 12. A transporter construction, characterized in that it comprises: a band; at least one spindle defining a coupling surface to engage with the band; and 15 at least one spindle mounting member for rotatably mounting the spindle, wherein the spindle mounting member includes a rotatable mounting arrangement with which the spindle is engaged to rotatably mount the spindle to the spindle.
21. »Spindle assembly member, wherein a gap is defined between the spindle coupling surface and the spindle mounting member; where the band lies above the spindle coupling surface and at least a portion of the spindle mounting member adjacent the recess, so as to cover the gap.
22. 22. - The conveyor construction of claim 21, characterized in that the spindle mounting member defines a cavity that opens inwardly enclosed by the band and inside which the rotatable mounting arrangement is disposed. 23. The conveyor construction of claim 23, characterized in that the cavity is defined by the terminal wall structure and lateral wall extending laterally inward from the
23. 10 terminal wall, where the terminal wall encloses the cavity ft to prevent access thereto from the outside of the spindle mounting member. 24. The conveyor construction of claim 23, characterized in that the structure of
24. The side wall defines a band-engaging surface that faces outwards on top of which lies the band and with which the band engages. ^ 25.- The conveyor construction of claim 22, face < cterized because the arrangement of
25. The rotatable mount comprises a set of bearings disposed within the cavity, wherein the spindle includes a spigot that extends outwardly and engages the bearing assembly and defines the axis of rotation of the spindle.
26. 26. - The conveyor construction of claim 22, characterized in that the spindle mounting member includes a peripheral edge structure that faces the interior, defining an opening that faces inwardly through which there is access to the cavity, wherein the peripheral edge structure is spaced from the spindle coupling surface to define a gap therebetween. 27.- Improvement in a conveyor construction

    10 including a frame; a band; a tensioner section

    ^ Mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the frame and including a spindle coupled with the band, where the longitudinal movement of the tensioner section relative to the frame functions to control the tension of the frame.

    15 band; and a drag member rotatably mounted on the frame and coupled with the tensioning section for imparting longitudinal movement of the tensioning section with respect to the frame when the drive member is rotated, characterized in that it comprises an attachment member interconnected with the frame.

    20 the drag member to selectively prevent rotation of the pull member to selectively fix the position of the tension section relative to the frame. 28.- The improvement of claim 27, characterized in that the fixing member works for

    25 frictionally engaging the drive member in the frame to selectively prevent rotation of the drive member. 29. The improvement of claim 28, characterized by the fixation member comprising a

    5 threaded member threadedly engaged with the drive member and including a head located adjacent the frame, and also comprising a mating surface associated with the frame located adjacent a mating surface defined by the mating member.

    10, where the rotation of the threaded member functions ft to engage the head with the frame and functions to guide the engaging surface of the driving member to a frictional engagement with the coupling surface of the frame to prevent rotation of the frame.

    15 drag member. 30. The improvement of claim 27, characterized in that the drag member defines a pair

    ^ of spaced ends, where the fixing member is coupled with a first spaced end, and which also

    20 comprises a drive actuator interconnected with a second spaced end. 31. The improvement of claim 30, characterized in that the drive actuator comprises an actuator member coupled with the drive member and a

    Manually operable handle coupled with the actuator member and located adjacent to the first side defined by the frame, and wherein the fixing member comprises a threaded member coupled to the drive member and a manually operable handle located adjacent to a second side defined by the frame and opposite the first side. 32. The improvement of claim 30, characterized in that each end of the drag member is supported rotatably by a fastener of drag member fixed on the frame. 10. The improvement of claim 32, characterized in that one of the drag member fasteners includes an engaging surface located adjacent to and giving a terminal surface defined by the drag member, wherein the member fixation

    15 includes a threaded member coupled with the driving member where the rotation of the threaded member functions to guide the end surface of the driving member to a coupling with the engaging surface of the fastener for frictional engagement of the driving member.

    20 drag with the fastener to prevent rotation of the drag member. 34.- Improvement in a conveyor construction including a frame; a band; a tension section mounted for longitudinal movement in relation to the

    25 frame and including a spindle coupled to the band, wherein the longitudinal movement of the tension section relative to the frame functions to control the tension of the band; and a drag member rotatably mounted on the frame and coupled with the tensioning section to impart longitudinal movement of the tensioning section relative to the frame upon rotation of the driving member, characterized in that it comprises a rotation arrangement interconnected with the driving member for rotate the drag member so as to cause the longitudinal movement of the

    Tension section relative to the frame, and a device for

    ^ Separate fixation of the rotation arrangement and operable in the drag member to selectively fix the drag member against rotation to thereby fix the longitudinal position of the tension section relative to the frame. 15 35, - The improvement of claim 34, characterized in that the rotation arrangement comprises an axial extension drive member actuator,

    A extending along the axis of rotation of the pulling member, and where the fixing device includes a

    20 threaded fastening member coupled to the drive member and extending along a longitudinal axis coincident with the longitudinal axis of the axial extension drive member actuator. 36.- The improvement of claim 35,

    25 characterized in that the drive member defines a pair of spaced ends, where the actuator of the drive member engages with the drive member at a first spaced end and where the threaded fastening member engages with the drive member in a second Spaced end. 37, - The improvement of claim 36, characterized in that the rotation arrangement includes a manually operable handle adjacent a first side defined by the frame for imparting rotation to the drive member actuator to rotate the drive member, and where the device The fastener includes a manually operable handle located adjacent a second side defined by the frame in opposition to the first side to rotate the threaded fastening member, to selectively prevent rotation of the pull member. 38.- The best of claim 35, characterized in that the drag member is rotatably mounted to the frame by means of a pair of spaced fastening members, where the fastening members are interconnected with opposite sides defined by the frame. 39.- The improvement of claim 38, characterized in that the tension section includes a pair of lateral members between which the spindle is located., wherein each side member includes a slot, in which one of the drag member fasteners is provided to provide longitudinal movement of the side member relative to the drive member fastener and therefore relative to the frame. 40.- A mounting arrangement of an accessory for a conveyor including a frame having at least one side wall defining a lower edge, at least one spindle mounted on the frame and a band coupled to the spindle, characterized in that it comprises: clasp including a pair of spaced-apart walls, wherein the walls of the clasp member are located on opposite sides of the sidewall of the frame and wherein a conveyor accessory is fastenable to the clasp member; coupling structure associated with the clasp member and with the side wall of the frame adjacent to the bottom edge, wherein the coupling structure provides longitudinal movement of the clasp member along the side wall of the frame and provides engagement of the fastener member. clasp with the side wall of the frame against transverse tensile stress facing away from the side wall of the frame; a clamping member engageable with the spaced walls of the clasp member to join the walls of the clasp member and fix the side wall of the frame therebetween, to selectively fix the position of the clasp member relative to the frame. 41. The accessory mounting arrangement of claim 40, characterized in that the structure of

    The coupling comprises a lower end portion of the frame adjacent to the lower edge, laterally spaced from an upper portion of the frame and a cross connection section extending between the upper portion of the frame and the lower terminal portion, and a flange.

    10 extending from a first wall of the snap member and

    ^ coupled with the cross connection section. 42. The accessory mounting arrangement of claim 41, characterized in that the clamping member comprises a threaded member coupled with a

    The first wall of the clasp member and including a snap-on head with a second wall of the snap member, by means of which the threaded member is moved to engage the head with the second wall of the snap member to join the walls of the snap member. Brooch and set the portion

    20 lower terminal of the frame between them. 43.- The accessory mounting arrangement of claim 42, characterized in that an accessory for being mounted on a conveyor comprises a mounting section having an opening through which the threaded member extends to couple the head with the section of accessory assembly. 44. The accessory mounting arrangement of claim 43, characterized in that the threaded member is located below the lower edge of the frame. 45.- The accessory mounting arrangement of claim 41, characterized in that the transverse connection section comprises an angled wall section and an upper end defined by the lower terminal portion. 46. The accessory mounting arrangement of claim 45, characterized in that the upper portion of the frame and the lower terminal portion include substantially parallel wall sections.

    EXTRACT OF THE INVENTION A conveyor construction includes a frame, a drag section mounted stationary in the frame, and a tensioner section mounted for longitudinal movement relative to the frame. Each of the trailing and tensioning sections includes a spindle coupled with a band. The frame defines an upper support surface disposed below the upper extent of the band, and a structure of

    10 cooperative coupling between the band and the surface

    ^ top of support to prevent lateral movement of the band relative to the upper support surface.

    The dragging and tensioning sections include spaced lateral members, each of which defines a

    15 cavity that opens inwards to receive a set of ball bearings to rotatably support the spindle. The bearing receiving cavity gives the spindle, and each member

    ^ Lateral defines an outer wall structure that engages with and supports the band outside the spindle. The

    The strip lies on top of the outer wall structure of each side member and the adjacent band engaging portion of the spindle, to seal the inner opening and prevent the ingress of moisture or other contaminant into the bearing receiving cavity. A trawling arrangement and

    Fastener for imparting movement to the tensioning section and for selectively fixing the tensioning section in position includes a pair of pinion fasteners or retaining blocks mounted one on each side of the frame, a pinion being rotatably held by the retaining blocks. Each side member includes integrally formed gear teeth, engageable with opposite ends of the drive sprocket, and a pinion drive actuator engages with one side of the frame to impart rotation to the drive sprocket to extend and retract the tension section. A fixing arrangement is interconnected with the opposite end of the drive pinion and functions to selectively frictionally engage the drive sprocket with one of the retaining blocks to prevent rotation of the drive sprocket and thereby maintain the tensioning section in a position desired in relation to the frame.