WO2019160428A1

WO2019160428A1 - A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly

Info

Publication number: WO2019160428A1
Application number: PCT/NZ2019/050014
Authority: WO
Inventors: David Ian ANDERSEN; Ruurd Pieter TEN BROEK
Original assignee: Pulse Engineering Services Ltd
Current assignee: Pulse Engineering Services Ltd
Priority date: 2018-02-16
Filing date: 2019-02-15
Publication date: 2019-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2020-08-16
Also published as: AU2019220351B2; AU2019220351A1

Abstract

In one aspect the invention provides a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly which includes a support connector arranged to engage with a support surface, and an axle connector arranged to engage with a conveyor roller axle. The mounting assembly also includes a pivoting interface structure which links the support connector and the axle connector, where the interface structure is arranged to pivot the axle connector relative to the support connector.

Description

A CONVEYOR ROLLER AXLE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY

Field of the Invention

This invention relates to improvements in respect of a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly which can provide safety improvements for exposed conveyor rollers and mounting axles. In preferred embodiments the invention facilitates the connection of rollers to an axle, and axles to a conveyor assembly.

Background of the Invention

Conveyor systems are widely used to automate the transportation of objects, and are particularly useful in factory applications. These systems employ a looped belt which is driven at either or both of its ends by a drive roller, the drive roller rotating the belt to move articles placed on the belts upper surface.

Commonly conveyor belts are supported along their length by a number of axles mounted rollers. Several support rollers may be deployed on a single axle which spans the width of the belt, or a single roller may be used which spans the majority of the width of the belt. The rollers used may be cylindrical or elliptically shaped in a range of applications.

It is a common practice for conveyor rollers and axles to be exposed within existing conveyer assemblies. This approach simplifies and speeds up inspections, maintenance and cleaning of the resulting conveyor assembly.

However having exposed rollers causes a safety issue as nearby workers can have having their clothing, fingers, hair or the like caught between a roller and the moving belt. One attempt to address this issue has been through the installation of a shield or guard covering these components. Although effective in improving the safety of workers, this measure also increases the cost of the resulting conveyor assembly while slowing and complicating inspection, maintenance and cleaning tasks. It would therefore be of advantage to have an improved conveyor roller axle mounting assembly which addressed any or all the above issues, or at least that provided an alternative choice to the prior art. In particular it would be of advantage to have improvements over the prior art which mitigated the above safety issues while providing ease of access conveyor roller and axle components. It would also be of advantage to have an improved system for engaging rollers with axles, which provided flexibility in where rollers could be located on an axle and which could engage a roller with an axle quickly and easily.

Disclosure of the Invention

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly which includes

a support connector arranged to engage with a support surface, and an axle connector arranged to engage with a conveyor roller axle, and a pivoting interface structure which links the support connector and the axle connector, the interface structure being arranged to pivot the axle connector relative to the support connector.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly substantially as described above wherein pivoting of the axle connector relative to the support connector pivots an axle connected to the axle connector between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

According to another aspect of the present invention there is provided a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly substantially as described above wherein the interface structure is configured to pivot the axle connector relative to the support connector when a minimum threshold force is applied to the axle connector.

According to yet another aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly substantially as described above wherein the interface structure is configured to pivot the axle connector relative to the support connector when a minimum threshold force is applied to the axle connector a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of an axle engaged by the axle connector.

According to another aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly substantially as described above wherein the an axle connector is configured to release an axle engaged by the connector when the axle is placed in a disengaged configuration, the axle being released on the application of a minimum threshold force applied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of an axle engaged by the axle connector.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly substantially as described above wherein the axle connector is arranged to connect to the end of an axle.

The present invention provides a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly. The invention may be used with conveyors incorporating looped belts rotated at either end by a drive system or systems, where the belt is supported by rollers deployed at least one axle. The invention is configured to engage and position axle mounted rollers and to allow for rotation of an axle during operation of the conveyor.

The components of a conveyor assembly provide a support surface to which the invention is mounting assembly is attached. The support surface is used by the invention to support forces applied to it by the axle mounted rollers. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that any appropriate component of the conveyor assembly may provide such a support surface. The invention may be attached to vertical, horizontal or angled support surfaces if required in various embodiments.

The invention includes a support connector which engages with this support surface. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that a range of approaches may be used to attach the support connector to the surface in various embodiments. For example in a preferred embodiment a support connector may define a base which includes an aperture to receive a screw or bolt used to lock the connected to the support surface. Reference in general

throughout this specification will also be made to the support connector being bolted to the support surface of a conveyor, but again those skilled now should appreciate that alternative arrangements are also envisioned.

The invention also includes an axle connector used to engage with a conveyor roller axle. This component is used to secure at least a portion of the axle and translate the forces applied by the axle through to other components of the invention.

Preferably an axle connector may be connected and disconnected from an axle as required. For example in some embodiments there may be a need to remove an axle from the conveyor, with the invention allowing this and the subsequent reintegration of the same or a replacement axle.

In a further preferred embodiment an axle connector may define an open faced sleeve with a complimentary form or shape to that of an axle it is to connect to. In such embodiments the end of an axle may be threaded into the sleeve, or alternatively may be forced in and out of the open face of the sleeve. In such embodiments the material used to form the axle connector may exhibit a degree of resilience, normally holding the axle within the sleeve, but being able to flex outward on the application of a force at the open end of the sleeve if the axle is to be withdrawn. In such embodiments the resilient character of the material used will then return the axle connector to its original shape.

In a preferred embodiment the axle mounting assembly provided may engage with one end of an axle. In these arrangements two substantially identical axle mounting assemblies may be provided to engage with each opposite end of an axle.

Reference throughout this specification will also be made to the invention's axle connector engaging with one end of an axle. However those skilled in the art should appreciate that in other embodiments an axle connector may be configured to engage with other points or regions of an axle if required.

The invention also includes a pivoting interface structure which links the support connector to the axle connector. This component provides a pivoting link which is used to pivot the axle connector relative to the support connector attached to the conveyor.

In a preferred embodiment the interface structure may be arranged to pivot the axle connector - and therefore any axle it is engage with - between an engaged position and a disengaged position. When in an engaged position rollers mounted on the axle will be placed in contact with the belt of a conveyor, allowing the rotating rollers to support the weight of the belt and transmit these forces through the axle and mounting assembly to a support surface of the conveyor. When pivoted to a disengaged position rollers mounted on the axle will be moved away from and out of contact with the belt of the conveyor, forming a gap or space between these elements.

The ability to pivot a conveyor axle between an engaged and disengaged position provides an important safety improvement for the resulting conveyor. When the axle is located in the engaged position it will function effectively to support loads applied to the rollers and allow the conveyor to operate effectively. When in the disengaged position a space will be created between the belt and the axle rollers, allowing materials trapped between these components to be easily removed.

In a preferred embodiment the interface structure may be configured to rotate the axle connector relative to the support connector when at least a minimum threshold force is applied to the axle connector. This threshold force can trigger the pivoting of the axle from engaged to disengaged positions. The interface structure may preferably be configured so that under normal operating conditions the interface connector will maintain an axle in an engaged position. However the application of a minimum size force to the axle connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the axle's rollers may trigger a transition from engaged to disengaged positions.

For example in a various embodiments where the conveyer belt is orientated horizontally the interface structure may maintain an axle in an engaged position for relatively high forces applied substantially vertically by the axle. Conversely, a horizontally directed force will be applied by the axle to the interface structure when a foreign body or materials introduced between the belt and the rollers. The application of this horizontal force will trigger pivoting of the axle from engaged to disengaged positions, thereby freeing material trapped between the belt and the rollers.

In a preferred embodiment an axle connector may be configured to release an axle engaged by the connector when the axle is placed in a disengaged configuration. In such embodiments the application of a minimum size force to the axle or axle connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the axle's rollers may trigger the release of an axle, and preferably the removal of the axle from the conveyer assembly. The removal of the axle will then allow for the removal of any foreign body or materials introduced between the belt and the rollers.

For example in embodiments where an axle connector defines an open faced sleeve with a complimentary form or shape to that of an axle the axle may be released when placed in the disengaged configuration. In such

embodiments the end of an axle can be forced out of the open face of the sleeve on the application of a minimum size force directed towards the open face of the sleeve.

Reference is also made throughout this specification to an axle being placed in a disengaged position by the application of a minimum size force, and an axle being released from an axle connection on the application of a minimum size force. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these two references to a minimum size force may identify different levels of force, potentially being defined as a minimum size axle disengagement force, and a minimum size axle removal force. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these two forces may be approximately equal or same in some embodiments, whereas in other embodiments a minimum size axle removal force may be greater than a minimum size axle disengagement force.

In a preferred embodiment an interface structure may be assembled from a two-part form, including an interlocking a male shaft which at least partially fits inside a complimentary female barrel. This barrel and shaft may pivot relative to one another to provide the characteristics required of the interface structure. In a further preferred embodiment one part of the interface structure may be formed integrally with the support connector, with the remaining part being formed integrally with the axle connector.

In a preferred embodiment the contacting surfaces of the male shaft and complimentary female barrel may define a plurality of interlocking

projections and recesses which resist relative rotation of these components. Preferably at least one of these interlocking projections may present a bevelled or angled face to its opposite complimentary projection, allowing a ratcheting motion to occur between these two components. In such embodiments the geometry and angles of these interlocking projections may be selected so as to ensure that parts of the interface structure only pivot once a threshold force is applied from specific directions.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a roller connector configured to engage a conveyor roller with an axle when located substantially within an axle receiving bore of a roller, the roller connector including

a male structure defining at least one interior surface which contacts an axle when inserted into the bore of roller, and

a female structure defining at least one exterior surface which contacts the bore of the roller when the female structure is inserted into the bore of the roller,

the male structure defining an exterior surface which engages with an interior surface of the female structure to urge the exterior surface of the female structure against the bore of the roller and to urge the interior surface of the male structure into contact with the surface of the axle.

In various embodiments the conveyor roller axle mounting assembly described above may provide an axle connector which can be engaged with the end of an axle. Preferably this arrangement also allows an axle to be readily engage with and removed from the connector, facilitating the use of a roller connector as provided in accordance with a further aspect of the invention.

Preferably such a roller connector can be located within an axle receiving bore of the roller, this bore being sized to receive both the axle and the roller connector. The roller connector can therefore form an intermediate part which locks the roller to the desired portion of the axle.

Such a roller connector may be provided with a two-part form, being a male structure which engages with the axle, and a female structure which engages with the bore of the roller. These two parts may also have

complimentary dimensions so that at least a portion of the male structure may fit inside at least a portion of the female structure.

In a preferred embodiment the male and female structures of the roller connector may be inserted into the bore of the roller from opposite ends of the roller. However in an alternative embodiment the female structure may initially be inserted from one side of the roller and then the male structure can be inserted into the female structure from the same side of the roller.

The male structure can define at least one interior surface, being the surface or surfaces arranged to contact the axle. Similarly the female structure can define at least one exterior surface or surfaces which contact the bore of the roller.

The roller connector is arranged so that an exterior surface defined by the male structure engages with an interior surface of the female structure when these two parts are nested together. The exterior surface of the male can be engaged with the interior surface of the female to urge the female structure up against the bore of the roller and to urge the male structure up against the surface of the axle.

Preferably either or both the male and/or female structures may be provided with a substantially wedge shaped profile, where the diameter of or width of each structure increases progressively as the structure is inserted into the bore of the roller. This characteristic facilitates the interior surface of the male structure being urged against the axle and the exterior surface of the female being urged against the roller bore when these two structure are engaged together.

In a preferred embodiment the exterior surface of the male structure may define a thread which cooperates with a complimentary thread formed on the interior surface of the female structure. In this embodiment these two structures can therefore be screwed together or unscrewed from one another to lock and unlock a roller on axle.

However those skilled in the art appreciate that other approaches may be used to engage the male and female structure's together. For example, in some embodiments the mating surfaces of the male and female structures may be formed as substantially flat smooth wedge shaped structures which lock together under the force of friction.

The present invention may provide many potential advantages over the prior art.

The present invention can provide safety improvements for conveyor roller axle mounting assemblies, allowing rollers and associated axles to be disconnected from the conveyor belt easily and quickly. The invention may allow an axle to be moved from engaged to disengaged positions

automatically on the application of a threshold force applied approximately perpendicular to the rotational axis of the axle. This characteristic allows foreign bodies to be easily freed from between the belt and rollers.

The arrangement of the invention provides safety advantages without the need for a guard or shield to be installed in front of an axle. This provides improvements in terms of the resulting installation cost of the conveyor assembly and also provides improvements in terms of maintenance and inspection procedures.

The invention may also facilitate the use of a roller connector which can allow rollers to be easily and quickly engaged and disengage from an axle. This may be contrasted with prior art techniques which require grooves to be machined into an axle at fixed positions to receive circlips used to lock a roller and position on an axle.

Brief description of the drawings Additional and further aspects of the present invention will be apparent to the reader from the following description of embodiments, given in by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

• Figure la and lb shows side, perspective and exploded views of a

conveyor roller axle mounting assembly provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, and

• Figure 2a and 2b show perspective views of two of the assemblies

shown with respect to figures la, lb used orientate a conveyor roller axle in an engaged position in figure 2a, and a disengaged position in figure 2b,

• Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show a perspective exploded view, side view

and side cross-section view of a roller connector engaged with a conveyor roller in accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown by figures 1 and 2, and

• Figures 4a and 4b show a perspective view and side cross-section view of the roller connector of figure 3a-3c engaged with an alternative form of conveyor roller.

Further aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the invention which is given by way of example only of particular embodiments.

Best modes for carrying out the invention

Figure la and lb shows side, perspective and exploded views of a conveyor roller axle mounting assembly 1 provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention.

The assembly includes an axle connector 2 which has an open ended U- shaped sleeve form which is arranged to receive an axle with a

complimentary diameter. The material used to form the axle connector 2 has a resilient character, allowing a portion of an axle to be forced through or out of the open face of the sleeve. The assembly also incorporates a support connector 3 arranged to connect to a support surface of a conveyor. The support connector defines a base 4 which mates with this support surface.

The assembly includes an interface structure 5 with a two-part form, being defined from a male shaft 5a formed integrally with the base 4 of the support connector, and a female barrel 5b formed integrally with the axle connector 2. These two parts have a complimentary form or shape and interlock together as shown with respect to figure la.

The assembly also includes an end cap 6 which covers the end of the shaft when inserted into the barrel. The end cap, barrel and base of the support connector define an aperture 7 arranged to receive the shaft of a bolt (not shown) used to lock the assembly on to a support surface of a conveyor.

As can be seen from figure lb the contacting surfaces of both the male shaft and female barrel define a series of interlocking projections 8a and recesses 8b which resist rotation of the barrel relative to the shaft. One edge of the projections defined on the barrel are slightly bevelled to allow for relative rotation of these parts when a threshold force is applied in the clockwise direction shown with respect to figures la and lb.

The result of the application of a force of this magnitude and direction is illustrated further with respect to figures 2a, 2b.

Figure 2a shows a perspective view of two of the assemblies shown with respect to figures la, lb used orientate a conveyor roller axle 9 in an engaged position. This figure shows two assemblies 1 engaging with an axle 9 which mounts three conveyor rollers 10. The diameter of the axle has a complimentary form to the open-ended sleeve of the axle connector 2, allowing the axle and rollers to rotate relative to a support surface 11 provided by the conveyor assembly. Each of the assemblies engages with an end of the axle and transfers the forces applies from the axle connector 2 through the interface structure 5a, 5b and support connector 3 to this support surface 11. The orientation of the axle connector relative to the support connector shown with respect to figure 2a positions the axle in an engaged position. A belt of the conveyor (not shown) can contact each of the rollers with the axle being used to support the weight of the belt and any loads applied to it.

Figure 2b shows a perspective view of the same two assemblies 1 used to orientate the conveyor roller axle in a disengaged position. In this

arrangement a threshold force has been applied by the axle 9 through to the axle connector 2, the direction of this force being perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the axle 9. This force results in the rotation of the axle connector 2 relative to the support connector 3, with the axle 9 being dropped down and away from the belt of the conveyor. This movement of the axle provides a space between the components.

This figure also shows the arrangement of the two assemblies prior to the axle connectors releasing the axle. In this arrangement the application of a minimum size force to the axle directed towards the open face of each axle connector sleeve will force each end of the axle out of each connector sleeve.

Figures 3a, 3b and 3c show a perspective exploded view, side view and side cross-section view of a roller connector engaged with a conveyor roller in accordance with the embodiment of the invention shown by figures 1 and 2. Figures 4a and 4b show perspective and side cross-section views of the same roller connector when engaged with an alternative form of conveyor roller.

The roller connector 12 engages a conveyor roller 10 with an axle 9 when located within an axle receiving bore 13 of the roller.

The roller connector 12 is formed from a male structure 14 which defines an interior surface 15 which contact the axle 9. The male structure also defines an exterior surface 16 which contacts a female structure 17 on an interior surface 18 of the female structure. The female structure also defines an exterior surface 19 which contacts the bore of the roller when the female structure is inserted into the bore 13 of the roller. As can be seen from figures 3c and 4b the male and female structures are engaged together in the bore of the roller by being introduced to the bore from opposite sides of the roller. The exterior surface 16 of the male structure and the interior surface 18 of the female structure each define a projecting thread 20 which allows these two parts to be screwed together.

Each of the male and female structures also has a wedge shaped profile as shown with respect to figure 3c and 4b. The diameter of both of these structures increases progressively as the structure is inserted into the bore of the roller. As the two parts are screwed together using the projecting threads 20 the interior surface 15 of the male structure is urged against the axle and the exterior surface 19 of the female is urged against the roller bore 13. This action then locks the roller connector to the axle and the roller to the roller connector. The roller can therefore be locked on to the axle at any desired position without the need for any special features being machined in to the axle, with the roller connector simply being screwed together when in the bore of the roller.

In the preceding description and the following claims the word "comprise" or equivalent variations thereof is used in an inclusive sense to specify the presence of the stated feature or features. This term does not preclude the presence or addition of further features in various embodiments.

It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein and further and additional embodiments within the spirit and scope of the invention will be apparent to the skilled reader from the examples illustrated with reference to the drawings. In particular, the invention may reside in any combination of features described herein, or may reside in alternative embodiments or combinations of these features with known equivalents to given features. Modifications and variations of the example embodiments of the invention discussed above will be apparent to those skilled in the art and may be made without departure of the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

What we claim is:

1. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly which includes

2. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein

pivoting of the axle connector relative to the support connector pivots an axle connected to the axle connector between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

3. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in 2 wherein in an

engaged position rollers mounted on the axle will be placed in contact with the belt of a conveyor, and when pivoted to a disengaged position rollers mounted on the axle will be moved away from and out of contact with the belt of the conveyor.

4. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2 wherein the interface structure is configured to pivot the axle connector relative to the support connector when a minimum threshold force is applied to the axle connector.

5. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 4 wherein the interface structure is configured to pivot the axle connector relative to the support connector when a minimum threshold force is applied to the axle connector in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of an axle engaged by the axle connector.

6. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein a support connector defines a base which includes an aperture to receive a screw or bolt used to lock the connected to the support surface.

7. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 2 wherein the axle connector is configured to release an axle engaged by the connector when the axle is placed in a disengaged configuration, the axle being released on the application of a minimum threshold force applied in a direction substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of an axle engaged by the axle connector.

8. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein an axle connector defines an open faced sleeve with a complimentary form or shape to that of an axle it is to connect to.

9. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein the material used to form the axle connector exhibits a degree of resilience and is able to flex outward on the application of a force at the open end of the sleeve.

10. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 wherein an interface structure defines a two-part form including an interlocking a male shaft which at least partially fits inside a complimentary female barrel, the female barrel and male shaft being configured to pivot relative to one another.

11. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 10 wherein one part of the interface structure is formed integrally with the support connector, and the remaining is formed integrally with the axle connector.

12. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 wherein the contacting surfaces of the male shaft and complimentary female barrel define a plurality of interlocking projections and recesses which resist relative rotation of these components.

13. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 12 wherein at least one of the interlocking projections presents an angled face to its opposite complimentary projection to facilitate a ratcheting motion between these two components.

14. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 13 wherein the geometry and angles of the angled faces of the interlocking projections is selected so as to ensure that the parts of the interface structure only pivot once a threshold force is applied from specific directions.

15. A conveyor roller axle mounting assembly as claimed in claim 1 which

includes at least one roller connector configured to engage a conveyor roller with an axle when located substantially within an axle receiving bore of a roller, the roller connector including

a male structure defining at least one interior surface which contacts an axle when inserted into the bore of roller, and a female structure defining at least one exterior surface which contacts the bore of the roller when the female structure is inserted into the bore of the roller, the male structure defining an exterior surface which engages with an interior surface of the female structure to urge the exterior surface of the female structure against the bore of the roller and to urge the interior surface of the male structure into contact with the surface of the axle.

16. A roller connector configured to engage a conveyor roller with an axle when located substantially within an axle receiving bore of a roller, the roller connector including

a female structure defining at least one exterior surface which contacts the bore of the roller when the female structure is inserted into the bore of the roller, the male structure defining an exterior surface which engages with an interior surface of the female structure to urge the exterior surface of the female structure against the bore of the roller and to urge the interior surface of the male structure into contact with the surface of the axle.

17. A roller connector as claimed in claim 16 wherein either or both the male and/or female structures define a substantially wedge shaped profile.

18. A roller connector as claimed in claim 17 wherein said wedge shaped profile or profiles facilitates the interior surface of the male structure being urged against the axle and the exterior surface of the female being urged against the roller bore when these two structure are engaged together.

19. A roller connector as claimed in claim 16 or claim 17 wherein the exterior surface of the male structure defines a thread which cooperates with a complimentary thread formed on the interior surface of the female structure.