초록 ▼

A conveyor arranged to travel along a prescribed path, the upper surface of which conveyor being constituted by a comparatively large number of separate segments, with each segment supported by a carriage member. The conveyor utilizes a substantial number of interconnected carriage members, with at

A conveyor arranged to travel along a prescribed path, the upper surface of which conveyor being constituted by a comparatively large number of separate segments, with each segment supported by a carriage member. The conveyor utilizes a substantial number of interconnected carriage members, with at least one elongate linear sprocket attached to each carriage member. Each linear sprocket has a number of consistently spaced, generally downwardly directed teeth, which are successively brought into operative contact with components of a powered endless chain that is disposed under, and in general alignment with, the intended path of travel of the carriage members. The upper surface of the chain travels in the same direction as the intended direction of movement of the conveyor, with the teeth of the linear sprockets positioned so as to successively come into an exceeding smooth, highly effective relationship with the components constituting the upper surface of the chain as said carriage members travel around the prescribed path. The teeth of at least two of the linear sprockets at any one moment engage the components of the upper surface of the chain, with the chain thus providing power that causes the carriage members and the segments supported thereby to move at a uniform speed around the prescribed path of travel for the conveyor. The lower edge of each tooth of each linear sprocket is provided with a suitable clearance radius, to assure smooth engagement and disengagement with the chain.

대표청구항 ▼

A conveyor arranged to travel along a prescribed path, the upper surface of such conveyor being constituted by a comparatively large number of separate segments, with each segment being supported by a carriage member, said conveyor utilizing a substantial number of interconnected carriage members, w

A conveyor arranged to travel along a prescribed path, the upper surface of such conveyor being constituted by a comparatively large number of separate segments, with each segment being supported by a carriage member, said conveyor utilizing a substantial number of interconnected carriage members, with at least one elongate linear sprocket attached to each carriage member, each linear sprocket having a number of consistently spaced, generally downwardly directed teeth, which are successively brought into operative contact with a powered endless chain that is disposed under, and in general alignment with, the intended path of travel of said carriage members, the upper, active surface of said endless chain traveling in the same direction as the intended direction of movement of said conveyor, with the teeth of said linear sprockets attached to said carriage members being positioned so as to successively come into an operable relationship with components constituting the upper, active surface of said endless chain as said carriage members travel around the prescribed path, the teeth of at least two of said linear sprockets at any one moment engaging the components of the upper, active surface of said endless chain, a zero pressure angle existing between a given component of said endless chain, and a respective tooth when a linear sprocket is fully meshed with said endless chain, thus eliminating any up or down component, said chain and sprockets thus providing continuous power and therefore causing said carriage members and the segments supported thereby to move around the prescribed path of travel.