초록 ▼

A conveyor chain and conveyors using such chain in which a plurality of elongate links are joined together with a plurality of pins and a plurality of spacers. Each pin penetrates terminal end portions of two pairs of links for chaining the links into first and second spaced apart side length portio

A conveyor chain and conveyors using such chain in which a plurality of elongate links are joined together with a plurality of pins and a plurality of spacers. Each pin penetrates terminal end portions of two pairs of links for chaining the links into first and second spaced apart side length portions and the links and pins cooperate for transmitting tensile stress imposed on the chain. Each of the plurality of spacers is penetrated by at least one pin and has a carrier portion projecting laterally from the chain for engaging an object to be moved with the chain. As used in certain specific conveyors, the conveyor chain includes clips for receiving and gripping rod-like axles and grippers for partially encircling a pair of objects to be moved with the chain, all as described more fully hereinafter.

대표청구항 ▼

A low contact pressure conveyor for packages such as containers and comprising a pair of conveyor chains, each having a plurality of elongate, plate links, a plurality of pins each penetrating terminal end portions of two pairs of said links for chaining said links into first and second spaced apart

A low contact pressure conveyor for packages such as containers and comprising a pair of conveyor chains, each having a plurality of elongate, plate links, a plurality of pins each penetrating terminal end portions of two pairs of said links for chaining said links into first and second spaced apart side length portions, said links and said pins cooperating for bearing tensile stress imposed on said chain, said pins defining a pitch line for said chain, and a plurality of plastic spacer means, each penetrated by two of said pins, each having a pair of sleeve portions for enclosing respective pins and cooperating with said pins and links penetrated thereby for spacing said side length portions, and each having a carrier portion projecting laterally from said chain intermediate said side length portions and defining clips means for receiving and gripping a rod-like object to be moved with said chain, said clip means defining a supporting surface line spaced at a predetermined distance from said pitch line of said chain, sprocket means mounting said chains for movement along parallel, spaced apart endless paths of travel defining a horizontal upper run, a plurality of elongate axles each spanning said endless paths of travel and having terminal end portions gripped by a spaced pair of said clip means, said axles being arranged in a parallel array defining a horizontal supporting surface and movable with said chains, roller means encircling said axles for supporting packages to be conveyed by movement of said chains and rotatable relative to said axles for accommodating movement thereof beneath supported packages in the event of blockage of movement of such packages, said roller means having a predetermined radius no more than said predetermined distance between said pitch line and said supporting surface line for maintaining free rotatability, and drive means operatively connected with said sprocket means for driving said chains in coordinated movement for conveying supported packages while maintaining alignment of said axles.