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    • 专利摘要:
    MULTIPLE PIECES CYLINDER FOR A CONVEYOR BELT AND CYLINDER SECTION TO FORM A MULTIPLE PIECE CYLINDER ON A CONVEYOR BELT These are press fit cylinders for a conveyor belt. The press-fit cylinder can be closed on an axis or in a cavity on a conveyor belt module. Press fit multi-piece cylinders can be installed radially on an axis on a conveyor belt and joined in a puzzle pattern to form a complete cylinder that can rotate on the axis.
    公开号:BR112013030052B1
    申请号:R112013030052-3
    申请日:2012-05-21
    公开日:2020-11-10
    发明作者:Gilbert J. Maclachlan；Abraham L. Miller；David C. Weiser
    申请人:Laitram, L.L.C；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    RELATED REQUESTS
    This application is partly a continuation of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 13 / 113,517, filed on May 23, 2011 and entitled "Multi-Piece Conveyor Belt Rollers", the content of which is incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND
    The invention relates, in general, to motor driven conveyors and, more particularly, to cylinders for supporting articles with multiple parts for conveyor belts.
    Article support cylinders are used on modular plastic conveyor belts to provide low-friction bearing support for the conveyed articles. In many cylinder top belts, cylinders are mounted on steel shafts in cavities formed in the belt modules used to build the modular belt. The cylinder top belt modules with steel shafts are more difficult to manufacture than the standard modules without cylinders. One way to manufacture a cylinder top module is to injection mold the module around a cylinder on a steel shaft. The shaft ends extend into the mold and are encapsulated in the molded module body. Another way is to inject a module body with a receptacle for a cylinder by mold. Then, in a secondary manufacturing step, a cylinder and shaft are placed in each receptacle and a cover is welded or otherwise held in place at the ends of the shaft to hold the cylinder in the module. Thus, there is a need to simplify the manufacture of cylinder top belts. SUMMARY
    A press fit cylinder which incorporates the characteristics of the invention and is usable on a conveyor belt fits by pressure on a conveyor module. The press fit cylinder may include an integrated shaft or be designed to fit by pressure directly onto an axis or shaft protrusion on the conveyor belt module. The press-fit cylinder may comprise multiple parts designed to match, or a single-piece cylinder that coils around an axis or fits into a conveyor belt module.
    In one embodiment, a press fit cylinder is a multi-piece cylinder comprising the first and second cylinder sections that fit together to form a complete cylinder. The complete cylinder has an outer periphery between opposite ends. Together, the first and second cylinder sections define a hole that extends along the central geometric axis of the cylinder and opens at opposite ends to receive an axis. The orifice is formed in part by each of the first and second cylinder sections. The fingers on the first cylinder section engage the fingers on the second cylinder section. The two sections are assembled by sliding the two sections together in a direction perpendicular to the central geometric axis of the complete cylinder. The fingers interlocked to avoid axial separation of the first and second cylinder sections.
    In one aspect of the invention, a multi-piece cylinder for a conveyor belt comprises a first cylinder section that has a first twisted channel and a second cylinder section that has a second twisted channel. The second cylinder section is joined to the first cylinder section to form a complete cylinder having a first axial end, a second axial end, an outer peripheral surface between the first axial end and the second axial end and an orifice defined by the first and by the second twisted channels. The orifice extends from the first axial end to the second axial end.
    According to another aspect of the invention, a multi-piece cylinder for a conveyor belt comprises a first rotatable symmetrical cylinder section and a second cylinder section joined to the first cylinder section to form a complete cylinder. The first rotatable symmetrical cylinder section comprises a base member that has an axially extending channel and a first finger that extends from the base member. The first finger includes an axially external surface, an axially internal surface, a radially internal surface and a radially external surface and forms at least a portion of the peripheral surface of the complete cylinder.
    According to another aspect of the invention, a multi-piece cylinder for a conveyor belt comprises a first cylinder section comprising a base member that includes an axially extending channel and a plurality of first fingers extending from the base member and a second cylinder section joined to the first cylinder section to form a complete cylinder. Each first finger includes a radially external surface and a radially internal surface that is not parallel to the radially external surface. The complete cylinder has a first axial end, a second axial end, an outer periphery between the first axial end and the second axial end and a hole extending from the first axial end to the second axial end. The outer periphery is defined at least in part by the radially outer surfaces of the plurality of first fingers.
    According to yet another aspect of the invention, a cylinder section for forming a multi-piece cylinder on a conveyor belt comprises a base member having an axially extending channel and a first finger extending from the base member. The first finger includes an axially external surface, a rotatable symmetrically internal surface, a radially external surface and a radially internal surface that is not parallel to the radially external surface. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    These aspects and characteristics of the invention, as well as their advantages, are described in more detail in the following description, attached claims and attached drawings, of which:
    Figure 1 is an isometric view of a portion of a modular plastic conveyor belt that incorporates the characteristics of the invention, -
    Figure 2 is a top plan view of a portion of the conveyor belt of Figure 1;
    Figure 3 is an enlarged isometric view of the top surface of a module on a conveyor belt as in Figure 1;
    Figure 4 is an axonometric cross-section of the module of Figure 3 taken along lines 4-4;
    Figure 5A illustrates a complete multi-piece cylinder usable in a conveyor belt module as in Figure 3 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 5B illustrates a cylinder section of the multi-piece cylinder of Figure 5A;
    Figures 6A-6C are oblique views of the first and second cylinder parts and a complete cylinder usable in a conveyor belt module as in Figure 3;
    Figures 7A-7C are axonometric views of a first cylinder piece, a second cylinder piece and another complete cylinder usable in a conveyor belt module as in Figure 3;
    Figures 8A and 8B are axonometric views of a cylinder piece and another complete cylinder usable in a conveyor belt module as in Figure 3; and
    Figure 9 is an isometric view of a mold for a conveyor module as in Figure 3;
    Figure 10 is an isometric view of the top side of a portion of another version of a conveyor module usable to form a conveyor belt as in Figure 1;
    Figure 11 is an isometric view of a portion of the bottom side of the conveyor belt module of Figure 9;
    Figure 12A illustrates a multi-piece cylinder usable in a conveyor belt module as in Figure 3, according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 12B is a front view of a cylinder section of the multi-piece cylinder of Figure 12A;
    Figure 12C is a side view of a cylinder section of the multi-piece cylinder of Figure 12A;
    Figure 12D is a side view of the cylinder section of Figure 12C, bi-sectioned;
    Figure 12E is a top view of the cylinder section of Figure 12B;
    Figure 12F is a bottom view of the cylinder section of Figure 12B;
    Figure 12G is a perspective view of the cylinder section of Figure 12B;
    Figure 13 illustrates in detail the axially internal surface of a finger of a cylinder section of Figure 12B according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 14 illustrates in detail the radially internal surface of a finger of a cylinder section of Figure 12B according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention;
    Figures 15A and 15B illustrate a multi-piece cylinder, according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 16ADB illustrates cylinder sections for a multi-piece cylinder, according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 16C illustrates a multi-piece cylinder comprised of the cylinder sections shown in Figures 16A and 16B;
    Figure 17 illustrates a multi-piece cylinder, according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figures 18A-D illustrate various views of a cylinder section for a multi-piece cylinder, according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 18E illustrates a multi-piece cylinder comprised of two of the cylinder sections shown in Figures 18ADD;
    Figure 19 illustrates a multi-piece cylinder comprising two cylinder sections, according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figures 20A-C illustrate a cylinder of a pressure fitting according to an embodiment of the invention;
    Figures 21A-C illustrate another embodiment of a cylinder of a pressure fitting that includes flexible shaft protrusions;
    Figures 22A-D illustrate a cylinder of a pressure fitting that includes a shaft protrusion at a first axial end and a recess at a second axial end;
    Figures 23A-E illustrate another embodiment of a cylinder of a pressure fitting according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figures 24A-B illustrate a cylinder of a pressure fitting that includes a hole that extends along it to receive an axis, according to another illustrative embodiment of the invention;
    Figures 25A-B illustrate another embodiment of a cylinder of a pressure fitting that includes an orifice that extends therethrough;
    Figure 26 shows a cylinder of a pressure fitting according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 27 illustrates a cylinder of a pressure fitting part comprising a flexible flat substrate having a set of fins, according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 28 illustrates a cylinder of a pressure fitting part comprising a flexible flat substrate having a set of fins, according to another embodiment of the invention;
    Figure 29 illustrates another embodiment of a cylinder of a pressure fitting that includes a flexible flat substrate and corrugated fins;
    Figure 30 shows another embodiment of a cylinder of a press fit piece includes a flexible flat substrate, a plurality of fins and a snap fit closure means; and
    Figures 31A-C show another embodiment of a snap-fit winding cylinder. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
    The present invention provides a press fit cylinder for use on a conveyor belt. The present invention will be described below in relation to the illustrative embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention can be implemented in a number of different applications and modalities and is not specifically limited in its application to the particular modalities portrayed.
    A portion of a conveyor belt incorporating features of the invention is shown in Figure 1. The portion of the modular conveyor belt 10 shown is an inner portion. Three conveyor belt modules 12 are connected together in three rows of belt 14. The modules are shown displaced laterally from row to row in a masonry pattern. Although only one module 12 is shown in each row 14, other similar modules are connected side by side in each row to form a continuous conveyor belt. Drive spans 16 that open on the bottom sides 18 of the modules admit teeth 20, 21 of idle or driven sprockets 22. The teeth 20, 21 of driven sprockets drive driving projecting surfaces 24 in contact with the gaps. Teeth 20, 21 of inactive sprockets are driven by dragging drive surfaces 25 in contact with the spans opposite the driving drive surfaces. The teeth are arranged in two groups around the periphery of each of the sprockets. Each group is laterally displaced from the other through the width of the sprocket. Teeth 20 in a first group are scaled circumferentially from teeth 21 in a second group, with the teeth in each group spaced twice the pitch of the conveyor belt. In this way, the teeth are positioned to engage the drive spans 16, which are laterally displaced from row to row. The teeth 20 in the first group are attached to all the even rows and the teeth 21 in the second group are attached to all the odd rows. The continuous belt is prepared around inactive or driven sprocket assemblies, which are mounted on rods (not shown) received in holes 26 of the sprockets. The shaft of the driven sprockets is rotated by a motor and gearbox (not shown) to drive the belt in a travel direction 28.
    As shown in Figure 2, each module 12 has an intermediate portion 30 that extends from a first end 32 to an opposite second end 33 that defines the length of the module. The module extends in width from a first side edge 42 to a second opposite side edge 43. The thickness of the module is measured from the bottom side 18 to an opposite top side 19. The hinge elements of a first assembly 34 are spaced apart laterally along the first end 32 and the hinge elements of a second set 35 are spaced laterally along the second end 33. The first and second gaps 36, 37 between the hinge elements of the first and second sets 34, 35 are dimensioned to allow the first set of hinge elements in a row to interchange with the second set of hinge elements in an adjacent row. Pivot pins 38 through aligned openings 39 in the interspersed pivot elements connect the adjacent rows together at pivot joints 40 on the continuous belt 10.
    Each belt module 12 has one or more cavities 44 that open on the top side 19 of the module. Illustrative cavities 44 are formed in the middle of the intermediate portion 30 of module 12. Alternatively, a cavity 44 may comprise an opening or concave portion formed at a side edge or another location in the intermediate portion, which forms a portion of a delimited cavity when two modules are placed side by side. In the version of the module shown in Figure 2, the cavities also open on the bottom side 18 and are alternatively positioned across the width of the intermediate portion with the drive spaces 16, which are also shown opening on the top side 19. Alternatively, the cavities can open only on the top side 19 or the bottom side 18 of the module. A belt cylinder 46 is mounted in each cavity to rotate on a geometry axis 47 which, as illustrated, is parallel to the length of the intermediate portion, although geometry axis 47 may have any suitable orientation. The cylinders 46 in a row 14 are shown offset in the width direction of those in an adjacent row 14 'for more uniform article support. The lateral displacement from row to row means that the drive spaces 16 are also laterally displaced from row to row. The groups of teeth 20, 21 laterally displaced and circumferentially staggered on the sprockets accommodate the displaced cylinder arrangement. The projecting portions of the cylinders 46 extend above the top side 19 of the belt in a support position for transported articles.
    The first and second parallel ridges 48, 49 extend laterally across the width of the module along the first and second ends 32, 33. The ridges increase the beam rigidity of the module. The ridges shown are undulating, and their height above the top side varies across the width of the module. The height of the ridges is at a maximum at the position of the cylinder cavities 44. But the peak of the ridges is below the tops of the cylinders. The height of the ridges decreases to a minimum middle term between the cavity positions in the module. In this way, the bottoms of items transported are ensured to load the cylinders on top and the travel points on the ridges are minimized.
    A portion of the belt module 12 without a cylinder is shown in Figure 3. The cylinder cavity 44 in the intermediate portion 30 is bounded by a perimeter wall 50, although, alternatively, the cylinder cavity 44 can be formed on a side edge or another location of the intermediate portion 50. An axis 52 for the cylinders extends through the cavity. In the embodiment of Figure 3, axis 52 extends diametrically through the cavity, with the ends 54 of the axis ending in opposite positions on the wall 50, although axis 52 may alternatively extend through only a portion of cavity 44. Alternatively, the cavity 44 may include one or more shaft protrusions connected to the wall 50, or shaft recesses for receiving the shaft ends connected to a cylinder.
    Preferably, the axis 52 is fixed in relation to the intermediate portion 30. As shown in the cross section in Figure 4, the axis 52 is formed in a unitary manner with the intermediate portion 30 of the module 12, its ends 54, 55 continuous with the wall 50 and the rest of the module. Alternatively, the intermediate portion 30 of the module 12 can be molded around both ends 54 or 55 of the shaft to secure the shaft in the cavity. Or, the shaft can close in the receptacles on the belt module. In this example, the geometric axis of the axis (47, Figure 2) is parallel to the length of the intermediate portion 30 so that the cylinder rotates across the direction of travel. But the axis 52 could be formed in the cavity at other angles, such as with its axis of rotation parallel to the width of the intermediate portion to rotate in the direction of travel or opposite to it, or with its axis of rotation oblique to the direction of travel of belt.
    Another version of a conveyor belt module that can be used to build rigid cylinder top belts is shown in Figures 10 and 11 from the top and bottom sides. The conveyor belt module 110, which is similar to the belt module 12 of Figure 3, has on its top side 111 the first and second ridges 112, 113 which are segmented across the width of the intermediate portion of the module into individual ridge segments 112 ', 113' whose maximum heights coincide with the positions of the cylinders 46. As seen from the bottom side 115 of the module in Figure 11, the length dimension 116 of the drive spaces 16 is smaller than the dimension length 117 of the cylinder cavities 44, which means that the beam portions 118 between the hinge elements and the cavities are thinner than the beam portions 119 between the hinge elements and the drive spaces 16. The ridge segments 112 ', 113' on the top side of the thinner beam portions 118 add rigidity to those thinner portions.
    One way to manufacture the module is shown in Figure 9. A fused thermoplastic polymer, such as polypropylene, polyethylene, acetyl, or a composite polymer, is injected into a region of cavity 56 of a closed mold that consists of two mold halves 58 , 59 (shown separately). (The shaft and cavity portion 60 of a mold half is shown in Figure 9.) Once the mold cavity is filled, heat and pressure are applied to the joined mold halves to mold the module. The mold halves are broken and the molded module is ejected. In this way, the axis can be molded in a unitary way with the intermediate portion of the module.
    Due to the fact that the shafts 52 are fixed in relation to the modules and both ends 54, 55 the shafts are connected to the walls 50, the belt cylinders 46 cannot be axially inserted in the shafts. Therefore, a press-fit cylinder can be used, the various modalities of which are described below. In some embodiments, a multi-piece press-fit cylinder may comprise two or more separate parts that come together to form a complete cylinder. For example, as shown in Figures 5A and 5B, a complete cylinder 146 includes a first cylinder section 162 and a second cylinder section 163 that are joined along a joint 148. The complete cylinder has a first axial face 151 in one first end, a second axial face 152 at a second end and an outer peripheral surface 153 which is substantially cylindrical. An orifice 164 extends from the first axial face 151 to the second axial face 152 along a longitudinal axis 166 to accommodate an axis. The multiple cylinder sections 162, 163 wrap around the shaft and join using a snap fit, glue, mechanical means or other suitable means to form the complete cylinder.
    Preferably, each cylinder section 162, 163 includes at least one retention mechanism illustrated as fingers 167 that extends from a base member 178, to hold the two cylinder sections 162, 163 together. Each finger 167 is configured to engage a feature, illustrated as recesses 169, in the corresponding cylinder section to facilitate assembly of the complete cylinder 146.
    In the embodiment of Figures 5A and 5B, each cylinder section 162, 163 includes a longitudinally extending channel 168 that defines a portion of orifice 164. According to a feature of the invention, channels 168 can be twisted to reduce noise and ensure smooth rolling action of the complete cylinder 146. As shown, the side edges 172, 173 of channel 168 extend at an angle (ie, not parallel) to the longitudinal geometric axis 166 of channel 168. Preferably, the side edges 172, 173 incline in opposite directions. The resulting inner joints 148a within the orifice 164 are angled with respect to the longitudinal geometric axis 166. The inner joint 148a may be parallel to an outer joint 148b on the peripheral surface, or it may be oblique or otherwise differently configured from the outer joint 148b, so as not to grasp a raised molded broken line 45 (Figure 3) that can extend along the outside of shaft 52 on opposite sides.
    In one embodiment, at least one cylinder section is rotationally symmetrical about a radial geometric axis 176 that extends through the middle of the cylinder section perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis 166 to facilitate the manufacture and assembly of the complete cylinder 146. In the illustrative embodiment, cylinder section 163 has a rotational symmetry in the order of two, so that cylinder section 163 is reversible around the central radial geometric axis 176. In this way, each cylinder section 162 and 163 can be rotated 180 ° and still have the same configuration.
    As also shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the ends 174, 175 of each channel 168 can be chamfered, so that the ends of the resulting hole 164 extend from the geometry axis, reducing contact with an axis inserted into the hole and reducing the chance cylinder seizure. The widened orifice ends can accommodate an enlarged shaft end 54 and / or facilitate a transition between the wall 50 and the shaft 52, resulting in improved safety for the resulting conveyor belt.
    In addition, the axial faces 151, 152 of the complete cylinder 146 can be chamfered towards the radially outer portion of the axial faces 151, 152. The cylinder end chamfer allows for minimal cylinder clearanceD cavity, while allowing the cylinder sections to deviate during the union without coming into contact with the side walls of the module.
    Figures 6A-6C show another version of a multi-piece cylinder 46. The cylinder consists of two different parts: a first cylinder section 62 and a second cylinder section 63. The two sections are inserted radially into the shaft and joined together as parts three-dimensional puzzle pieces. When joined together, the two cylinder sections form the complete cylinder 46 with a central orifice 64 along a central geometric axis 66 of the cylinder. The first cylinder section 62 has a first interlining member 68 that interleaves with a pair of second interlining members 69 in the second cylinder section 63 to form the complete cylinder 46. The complete cylinder is assembled by sliding the two cylinder sections 62 , 63 together in a radial direction 70 perpendicular to the central geometric axis 66. In the embodiment of Figures 6AD6C, both cylinder sections 62 and 63 are rotationally symmetrical about a central geometric axis 71 that divides each cylinder section and extends perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis 66. In this way, each cylinder section 62 and 63 can be rotated 180 ° and still have the same configuration.
    Each of the interlining members 68, 69 has a side face 72 in contact with a side face 73 of an adjacent interlining member. In this example, the side faces axially facing outward 72, 72 'of the first cylinder section 62 come into contact with the side faces facing axially inward 73 of the second cylinder section 63. The axially overlapping faces prevent axial separation of the two cylinder sections aligned.
    Each of the interlining members 68, 69 has a pair of fingers 74, 75 on opposite sides of the hole 64. Each finger 74, 75 forms a portion 76, 77 of the outer periphery of the full cylinder 46. The fingers extend from a member base, illustrated as cap member 78, outward to distal ends 80, 81. Similar to fingers, the cap members form a portion of the periphery of the complete cylinder. A radially inner face 91 of each finger engages a radially inner face 92 of the cap member 78 to prevent separation of the cylinder sections. In the illustrative embodiment, the radially inner face 91 of each finger extends substantially parallel to the radial direction 70 and perpendicular to the central geometric axis 66 of the hole 64 to the distal ends 80, 81. The interface between the distal ends 80, 81 of the fingers of each cylinder section and the cap member 78 of the corresponding cylinder section form a finger cap member joint 48a at the outer periphery of the complete cylinder 46. The illustrative finger cap member joint 48a is parallel to the longitudinal geometric axis 66. The finger-to-finger portions 48b of the joint between the two cylinder sections 62, 63 extend perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis 66.
    The interlining cylinder sections can be retained together by any suitable means. In one embodiment, the interlining cylinder sections are retained together by means of a lock in the form of latch ears 82 formed on the side faces 73 of the second cylinder section 63 in cooperation with the compatible holders 84 formed on the side faces 72, 72 'of the first cylinder section 62. The ears close by pressure on the detectors to lock the cylinder on the shaft and prevent it from separating radially in operation. The first and second cylinder sections 62, 63 surround less than 360 ° of the orifice and form a gap 86 that opens in the orifice that is wide enough to admit an axis radially in the orifice. In this example, the interlining members wrap around 180 ° from the hole.
    The channels 85, 89 in the cylinder sections 62, 63, which define a portion of the orifice 64, can be twisted to facilitate noise reduction and promote smooth rolling of the complete cylinder 46. Additionally, the ends of the channels that form the orifice 64 can chamfered to allow the hole to have an enlarged diameter at the axial ends of the cylinder.
    Another version of a multi-piece belt cylinder is shown in Figures 7A to 7C. The complete cylinder 46 'is externally identical to the cylinder 46 of Figure 6C. The only difference is the locking means in which the locking ears 82 'are formed in the cover members 78' of the first and second cylinder sections 62 ', 63' and corresponding holders 84 'are formed in the fingers 74', 75 '.
    Yet another version of a multi-piece cylinder that is usable on a conveyor belt as in Figure 1 is shown in Figures 8A and 8B. In this version, the complete cylinder 90 consists of two identical cylinder sections 92. Each cylinder section in this example has three interlining members: two inner members 94 and an end member 95. The interlining members are identical except that the end member 95 has a rounded outer face 96 that forms an axial face of the complete cylinder 90. Similar to the cylinders of Figures 6A to 6C and 7A to 7C, the cylinder 90 has a base member, illustrated as a cap portion 98, which forms a portion of the outer periphery of the cylinder across its entire axial length . Interlining members 94, 95 extend from a flat base 100 of the cap member 98 to the flat distal ends 102. When the complete cylinder is assembled as in Figure 8B, the distal ends of the interlining members rest on the flat base of the cover member of the other cylinder section. The radially internal surfaces 101 of the interlining members extend substantially perpendicular to the geometric axis of the orifice 64 and engage the radially outwardly facing surfaces 103 of the cap member 98 to facilitate coupling of the cylinder sections 92, 92. Due to the fact that the cap members are opposite each other, they help prevent impulse or shock loads from separating the cylinder sections.
    The interlining members 94, 95 of each cylinder section 92 on that cylinder involve more than 180 ° of orifice 64. Unlike the cylinders of Figures 6A to 6C and 7A to 7C, cylinder 90 has gaps 104 that project into orifice 64 which, in their narrowest part, are narrower than the diameter of the orifice 106. The restricted opening in the orifice portion 108 allows each section of cylinder to close by pressure on an axis whose diameter is slightly greater than the width of the gaps 104. The orifice portions 108 include a chamfer 109 at the ends close to the outer face 96 to allow the orifice 64 to have an enlarged diameter at the axial ends of the cylinder 90.
    Figures 12A-12G illustrate a multi-piece cylinder for a conveyor belt according to another embodiment of the invention. In the embodiment of Figures 12A to 12G, the multi-piece cylinder 246 comprises two cylinder sections 249 that join along a joint 248 to form the complete cylinder 246, as shown in Figure 12A. The resulting cylinder has a first axial face 251 at a first end, a second axial face 252 at a second end and a peripheral surface 253 which is substantially cylindrical. An orifice 264 extends from the first axial face 251 to the second axial face 252 along a longitudinal axis 266 to accommodate an axis of the belt module. The multiple cylinder sections are wrapped around the shaft and joined using a snap fit, glue, mechanical means or other suitable means to form the complete cylinder. In the embodiment of Figure 12A, the complete cylinder 246 comprises two identical cylinder sections 249 that match to form the complete cylinder 246.
    Figures 12B to 12G illustrate cylinder section 249 in detail. Each cylinder section 249 is preferentially and pivotally symmetrical about a central radial geometric axis 270 and comprises two identical halves 249a, 249b (shown in Figure 12F) that have diametrically opposed fingers 271, 272 extending from a base member 260, resulting in a rotating symmetry in the order of two. The fingers 271, 272 of the first cylinder section 249 interlock with the fingers 271, 272 of a corresponding cylinder section to prevent axial and / or radial separation of the cylinder sections.
    Each cylinder section includes a channel 261 formed in the base member 260 that defines a portion of the orifice 264 when the cylinder sections are joined. In the illustrative embodiment, the channel guarantees the smooth rolling action of the complete cylinder 246. The lateral edges 262, 263 of the channel 261 extend at an angle (that is, not parallel) in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis 266 of the channel 261. As shown, the edge 262 of the channel 261 is furthest from the base member 260 at a first axial end 251 and slopes downwards towards the second end 252. In contrast, the edge 263 closest to the base member 260 at the first end axial 251 and slopes upwards towards the second axial end 252. The resulting joints 248a within the orifice 264 are oblique or twisted in relation to the longitudinal geometric axis 266.
    As shown in Figures 12A, 12C, 12E and 12G, the ends 265 of channel 261 can be chamfered so that the ends of the resulting hole 264 extend from the geometry axis 266, reducing contact between an axis inserted in the hole and reducing the chance of seizure of the cylinder.
    Each finger 271, 272 can be formed at diametrically opposite ends of the base member 260 and channel 261 and the fingers are preferably identical to each other, creating rotational symmetry. Each finger 271 includes a radially outer surface 273 that forms a portion of the periphery 253 of the complete cylinder. An axially external surface 274 forms a portion of an axial end face 251 or 252 of the complete cylinder. Each finger 271, 272 further includes an axially internal contoured surface 275 configured to engage an axially internal surface 275 of a cylinder section corresponding to the finger. A radially internal contoured surface 276 extends from the channel edge 2 62 or 2 63 towards a point 277 and is preferably not parallel to the radially external surface 273. The radially internal surface 276 of the finger engages with a radially external surface 254 of the base member 260 when the complete cylinder is assembled.
    Figure 13 illustrates in detail the axially internal surface 275 of a finger of a cylinder section 249 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The illustrative axially inner surface 275 is also symmetrically rotatable about a central geometric axis 279 (perpendicular to the page, as shown by the X) to facilitate a snap-fit connection between fingers 271, 272 and avoid separation of the cylinder sections once joined. The order of rotational symmetry of the illustrative surface 275 is two, so that the upper half of the axially inner surface 275, when rotated 180 ° around the geometry axis 279, fits into the lower half of the axially inner surface. The axially internal surface 275 includes a central flat surface 275a that can be perpendicular to the longitudinal geometry axis 266. The meat actuation surfaces 275b, 275c extend from the central surface 275a and extend on a slope with respect to the longitudinal and radial geometric axes 266, 270. A curved top segment 275d forms a tip portion 277 of the finger 271. The curved top segment 275d cuts an axially extending flat surface 275e to form a projection 281 while the intersection between the flat extending surface axially 275e and the meat actuation surface 275b forms a groove 282. A curved lower surface 275f and an axially extending lower surface 275g intersect to form a groove 283 which is complementary to the protrusion 281. The lower meat actuation surface 275c and the lower axial surface 275g intersect to form a protrusion 284 that is complementary to the groove 282. When two The cylinder sections 249 are snap-fit, the top curved segment 275d of each finger slides on the lower cam actuation surface 275c of the opposite finger and in engagement with the lower curved segment 275f. The upper axial surfaces 275e abut the lower axial surfaces 275g, the upper meat actuating surfaces 275b abut the lower cam actuating surfaces 275c and the central flat surfaces 275a abut with each other. The corresponding notches 282, 283 and protrusions 281, 284 prevent separation of the cylinder sections once locked in place. The resulting outer peripheral joint 248b between the cylinder sections is toothed and includes axially extending sections, a radially extending section and sloping sections.
    Figure 14 illustrates the radially inner surface 276 of a finger of a cylinder section 249 according to an illustrative embodiment of the invention. As shown, the radially inner surface 276 and / or the radially complementary outer surface 254 of the cover member can be notched or otherwise configured to facilitate the interlocking of the two cylinder sections. As shown, the radially internal surface finger 276 includes a notch 285 and a protrusion 286 which are parallel to the notch 282 and protrusion 281 and intersect the same at the axially internal surface 275. A curved upper surface 276A extends from the tip 277 and cuts a surface flat 276b to form protrusion 286. A cam actuating surface 276c extends between channel 261 and flat surface 276b.
    The radially outer surface 254 of the cover member includes a corresponding cam actuation surface 254c, flat segment 254b and curved segment 254a. A notch 287 formed between surfaces 254b and 254a receives the protrusion 286 of the finger, while a protrusion 288 fits into the notch 285 of the finger to hold the cylinder sections together. The illustrative configuration creates an irregular joint 248c on the axial face 251 or 252 of the complete cylinder. The curved segment 254a of the outer surface 254 of the cap member accommodates the rounded tip 277 of the finger to ensure that a smooth cylindrical outer surface 253 of the complete cylinder and forms an axially extending joint portion 248e, shown in Figure 12A, which extends extends from the axial end of the cylinder at the outer periphery where a fingertip abuts with a cap member. In addition, the rounded fingertip reduces the likelihood of obstructions during assembly and operation.
    When the complete cylinder 246 is assembled as in Figure 12A, the distal ends 277 of the fingers 271, 272 rest on a surface of the base member 260 of the other cylinder section. Due to the fact that the base members are opposite each other, they help to prevent loads and thrust and shock from separating the cylinder sections.
    The displaced fingers 271, 272 and the bi-directional snap-fit features of the illustrative cylinder 246 described earlier allow the cylinder to close by pressure on a diagonal, ensure a robust and secure connection, compel slip and twist and simplify the mold design to form the cylinder sections 249.
    Additionally, as shown in Figures 12D and 12F, the axial surfaces 274 that form the axial ends of the cylinder can be chamfered towards the radially outer end portion 274a of the axial face. The end chamfer allows minimal clearance between a cylinder cavity and the cylinder, by allowing the cylinder section to deviate during the joining of the two cylinder sections without contacting the cavity side walls. The end chamfer limits the points of contact between the cylinder 246 and the belt module to reduce friction and ensure smooth operation of the cylinder.
    The cylinder 246 may be provided with a core, with openings 2 98 that extend from the first axial face 251 to the second axial face 252. The openings 298 reduce the weight of the cylinder and intensify the rotation of the cylinder during operation of the conveyor belt.
    Figure 15A illustrates a multi-piece cylinder 346 according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the multi-piece cylinder 346 includes two cylinder sections 349 configured to snap together to create a complete cylinder. The cylinder sections 349 of Figure 15A are identical. As shown in Figure 15B, each cylinder section 349 includes a base member 360 that has a channel 361 that defines a portion of the complete cylinder bore and extends along a rotating axis 366. Channel 361 can be twisted and / or chamfered at the ends, similar to the previously described modalities. Each cylinder section 349 includes three fingers extending from the base member 360: two axially external fingers 371, 372 extending from a first side of channel 361 and a middle finger 3 73 extending from a second side of channel 361 The space between the two axially external fingers 371, 372 forms an opening 381 for receiving the middle finger 373 from a corresponding cylinder section. The middle finger 373 preferably has the same shape as the opening 381.
    In the embodiment of Figures 15A and 15B, the middle finger is barbed to facilitate a snap-fit connection and is symmetrical about a radial geometric axis 370. In the illustrative embodiment, the surfaces facing axially outward 375 of the middle finger 373 are rotationally symmetrical to facilitate the interlocking of the two cylinder sections. The axially facing surfaces of the fingers 371, 372 are also rotationally symmetrical and complementary to the surfaces 375. The middle finger 373 includes flat base surfaces 3 84a, 3 84b that extend from the base member 360. The surfaces of base 384a, 384b can be perpendicular to the longitudinal geometric axis 366 of channel 361. The flat axially extending surfaces 385a, 385b intersect base surfaces 384a, 384b to form opposite grooves to receive ears 391, 392 on the outer fingers of a section corresponding cylinder. The tapered surfaces 386A, 386b extending from the flat surfaces axially extending 385a, 385b and ending on flat surfaces 387a, 387b, which form a straight middle section of the middle finger 373. The tapered surfaces 388a, 388b extend from the flat surfaces averages 387a, 387b to further narrow the middle finger wide. The middle finger 373 terminates at a rectangular tip 389 which is received in a rectangular groove 393 formed at the base between the outer fingers 371, 372. The radially internal surfaces at the distal ends of the fingers engage with the radially external surfaces 367 of the base member and the flat tops 369 of the fingers 371, 372, 373 engage the flat surfaces 368 on the base member 360 when the multi-piece cylinder 346 is mounted.
    Figures 16A and 16B illustrate the cylinder sections for a multi-piece cylinder 446, shown in Figure 16C, according to another embodiment of the invention. As shown, the multi-piece cylinder 446 includes two identical cylinder sections 449 configured to snap together to create a complete cylinder. Each cylinder section 449 includes a base member 460 that includes an axially extending channel 461, which can be twisted and / or chamfered. The axially aligned opposed fingers 471, 472 extend from the base member and are located at a first axial end of the channel 461. The axially external surfaces 474 of the fingers form at least a portion of an axial face of the complete cylinder. The radially outer surfaces 475 of the fingers 471, 472 define at least a portion of the outer periphery of a complete cylinder. The axially internal surfaces 476 of the fingers are configured to engage the axially internal surfaces 476 of the fingers formed in the corresponding cylinder section. The radially internal surfaces 477 of the fingers form a space configured to receive the opposite axial end of the base member 460 of the corresponding cylinder section and to define an axial end of the hole formed by the channels 461. The radially external surfaces 453 of the base member 460 are configured to engage the 477 radially internal surfaces of the fingers. The ears 481, 482 pressurize in recesses 483, 484, respectively, to form the complete cylinder 446. An axial slip lock feature (not shown) can be used to limit the axial movement of the cylinder sections one with respect to the other when mounted.
    Figure 17 illustrates yet another embodiment of a multi-piece cylinder 546, which comprises identical cylinder sections joined together. In the embodiment of Figure 17, each cylinder section 549 comprises four interlining fingers extending from a base member 560. The base member 560 also includes a longitudinally extending channel 561 that forms a portion of the complete cylinder orifice 546. The channel 561 can be twisted and / or chamfered as previously described. The interlaced fingers comprise two outer fingers 571 formed on an axial end of the base member 560 on either side of the channel 561 and the inner fingers 572 formed on an axially inner portion of the base member 560 on either side of the channel 561. The surfaces axially outer 574 of outer fingers 571 form axial end faces of complete cylinder 546. Radially outer surfaces 573 of fingers 571 and 572 form a portion of the outer peripheral surface of complete cylinder 546.
    The complete cylinder 546 is assembled by sliding the two cylinder sections 549 together in a radial direction 570 perpendicular to the central axis 566. The inner fingers 572 fit into a space 581 formed between the outer fingers and the inner fingers of the cylinder section opposite and the outer fingers 571 engage the axially outer ends of the inner fingers of the opposite cylinder section. An outwardly facing surface 586 of the base member 560 engages the inwardly facing surfaces 526 of the outer and inner fingers 571, 572. As shown, the axially inner surfaces 575 of the outer fingers are complementary in shape to the faces axially outer 578 of the inner fingers 572. The axially inner faces 577 of the inner fingers, which are rotationally symmetrical, are configured to engage with each other. The contoured surfaces of the fingers 571, 572 include notches, the meat actuation surfaces, tapered surfaces, and / or protrusions configured to ensure a secure connection between the two cylinder sections.
    Another locking means for locking the two cylinder sections together includes adhesive bonding, sonic welding and other conventional mechanical and chemical fastening techniques. In addition, each of the cylinder sections could be shaped with more than one material to provide desirable operational characteristics and a variety of outer periphery textures.
    Figures 18A to 18D illustrate a cylinder section 845 used to form a two-piece cylinder 846 shown in Figure 18E, which includes integral shaft protrusions 869 according to another embodiment of the invention. The two-piece cylinder comprises identical cylinder halves 845 configured to close by pressure to form a complete cylinder. Each cylinder half 845 includes a base member 878 that has a rounded bottom surface 854, a first axial end face 851, a second axial end face 852 and a joint surface 853. An axis protrusion 869 extends from the first axial end face 851 along the longitudinal cylinder axis 877. A plurality of fingers 867 extends from the joint surface 853 at the first axial end and a plurality of complementary recesses 868 are formed on the joint surface at the second axial end. Illustrative recesses 868 extend to the first axial end of the cylinder half, but alternatively, the recesses can be limited in length.
    Preferably, the joint surface 853 is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis 877 of the cylinder to facilitate insertion of each cylinder half 845 into a cavity of a conveyor module. The associated conveyor belt module includes shaft recesses in the cavity wall to receive shaft protrusions 869 and allow the entire cylinder to rotate about the geometric axis 877 within the cavity. The first axial end face 851 is therefore larger than the second axial end face 852. A conveyor belt module employing the cylinder is mounted by inserting a first cylinder half 845 into the cavity, so that the shaft protrusion 869 enters the shaft recesses, then the second cylinder half 845 closes by pressing on the first cylinder half, so that the shaft protrusion 869 of the second cylinder half enters a shaft recess in a second wall of the cavity. module. The recesses 868 of the first cylinder half receive the fingers 867 of the second cylinder half and the recesses 868 of the second cylinder half receive the fingers 867 of the first cylinder half. The resulting joint 890 on the outer peripheral surface of cylinder 846 is angled with respect to geometry axis 877, which can facilitate the rotation of the complete cylinder about geometry axis 877 with respect to the conveyor belt module.
    The fingers 867 and the corresponding recesses 868 can be of any suitable configuration to facilitate a snap-fit connection between the cylinder valves 845. The illustrative fingers 867 include a tapered top portion and groove to engage a protrusion in the recess 868. The recesses 868 are open to the axial end face 852. When the cylinder valves match, the axial end surfaces of the fingers 867 are aligned with the axial end surface 852 of the complementary cylinder half.
    As shown, the 869 shaft protrusions can be tapered to facilitate assembly and operation of the complete cylinder. The illustrative 869 axis projections have a frustoconical shape, although the projections may alternatively have any suitable configuration.
    Another embodiment of a two-piece cylinder 946 is shown in Figure 19. The two-piece cylinder 946 includes a first cylinder half 947 comprising a semi-cylindrical base 978 and the shaft projections 969 formed at each axial end of the base 978 along geometry axis 977. The flexible shaft tongues 951 connect the shaft protrusions to the base 978. The second cylinder half 948 comprises a base 979, axial end faces 952 having intervals 959 to receive the shaft protrusions 9 and 9 axially extending support fin 971. The two-piece cylinder 946 can be mounted in a cavity on a conveyor belt module that has shaft recesses designed to receive the 969 shaft protrusions. The two-piece cylinder 946 is mounted rotating shape in a cavity of a conveyor module by pressing the shaft projections 969 mounted on the flexible tabs 951, inserting cylinder 946 into the cavity and releasing the tabs to allow the projections to return to the shaft recesses. The 969 axis projections can be tapered. Cylinder valves 947, 948 can be joined using any suitable means, such as a pressure fitting, mechanical connection, adhesive bonding, sonic welding and other conventional mechanical and chemical fastening techniques.
    According to another embodiment, a press-fit cylinder may comprise a single part that includes one or more shaft protrusions. The cylinder may include a flexible wall to facilitate insertion of the cylinder into a belt module cavity. Alternatively, a belt module may include a flexible wall for receiving and locking on the shaft protrusions. For example, an embodiment of a 1046 pressure insert cylinder is shown in Figures 20A to 20C. The cylinder 1046 includes a cylindrical body 1078 which includes shaft projections 106 9 which extend along a central cylinder geometry axis 1077 at each end of the cylindrical body 1078. The axial end faces 1051, 1052 on which the shaft projections 1069 are mounted are flexible to allow deviation of the 1069 axis protrusions, which can be tapered. In the illustrative embodiment, each axial end face 1051, 1052 includes flexible web formation 1053, 1054 which extends radially inward from the cylindrical body 1078 towards the shaft projections 1069. The formation of flexible web 1053 forming the axial end face 1051 can be displaced from the formation of flexible web 1054 forming the axial end face 1052, as shown in the illustrative embodiment. The cylinder 1046 includes a space 1071 between the axis projections 1069 inside the cylinder to allow the axis projections 1069 to deviate inside. The cylinder 104 6 can be pivotally mounted in a cavity of a conveyor belt module by deflecting the shaft protrusions 1069, inserting the cylinder 1046 into the cavity and releasing the shaft protrusions 1069, causing the shaft protrusions 1069 to return and rotate the shaft recesses in the cavity.
    Figures 21A to 21C illustrate another embodiment of a cylinder of a press fit 1146 which includes flexible shaft protrusions. The cylinder of a pressure insert 1146 includes a cylindrical body 1178 and shaft projections 1169 which extend from a flexible central wall 1151 along the central geometric axis 1177 of the cylinder. Alternatively, the shaft protrusions 1169 can be flexible in the axial direction 1177 to permit the offset of the shaft protrusions 1169.
    In another embodiment shown in Figures 22A to 22D, a cylinder of a press fit 1246 includes a shaft protrusion 1269 at a first axial end 1251 of a cylindrical body 1278 and a recess 1268 at a second axial end 1252 of the cylindrical body 1278. Both the shaft protrusion and the recess extend along the central geometric axis of the cylinder 1277. The shaft projection 1269 is connected to the cylindrical body 1278, which defines the peripheral surface of the cylinder, by flexible tongues 1253. The flexible tongues 1253 allow the shaft protrusion 1269 to deviate from the first axial end 1251. The recess is defined by opposing tabs 1254, which can be flexible, extending radially inward from the cylindrical body 1278. The tabs 1254 end in arc-shaped extensions 1255 that cooperate to define the circular recess 1268 along the geometric axis 1277. In the illustrative modality, the tongues 1253 they are displaced from the 1254 tongues, although the invention is not so limited. The cylinder 1246 can be inserted into a cavity conveyor module that has a shaft protrusion configured to fit recess 1268 and a shaft recess configured to receive shaft protrusion 1269.
    As shown in Figures 23A to 23E, a cylinder of a pressure insert 1346 can include a plurality of flexible tapered tongues 1353 extending radially into a first end 1351 of a cylindrical body 1378 for mounting a shaft protrusion 1369 and a plurality of conical tabs 1354 extending radially inward from a second end 1352 of the cylindrical body 1378 defining a recess 1368 aligned with the projection of axis 1369 along the axis 1377. Conical tabs 1354 may have cuts 1355 to increase the flexibility of the 1354 tongues. In the illustrative modality, the 1353 tongues are displaced from the 1354 tongues, so that the 1353 tongues align with the spaces 1357 between the 1354 tongues.
    In another embodiment of the invention, a one-piece snap-fit cylinder is designed to close by pressure on an axis or shaft protrusions in a cavity of a conveyor module. For example, as shown in Figures 24A to 24B, a cylinder of a pressure insert 1446 may comprise a cylindrical base 1478 that defines an outer peripheral surface of the cylinder and a plurality of fins 1454 extending radially inward from the base. and defines an orifice 1464 that extends along the central geometric axis of the cylinder 1477. The base 1478 includes an opening illustrated as a crevice that extends axially 1479 between two fins, through which the axis passes through orifice 1464. After insertion of an axis, the cylinder can be closed by joining the first side 1481 of the gap 1479 to the second side 1482 of the gap by any suitable means, such as a snap fit, a mechanical connection, adhesive bonding, or other closing mechanism appropriate.
    In another embodiment, shown in Figures 25A to 25B, a snap-fit cylinder 1546 includes an axially extending crevice 1579 that is angled with respect to the turning axis of the cylinder 1577 to facilitate turning of the cylinder. In the embodiment of Figures 25A to 25B, a first set of fins 1554 extends radially inward from the cylindrical base 1578. The fins 1554 end in a channel that extends axially 1565, which connects the ends of the first set of fins 1554. The channel 1565 defines an axially extending hole 1564 to receive an axis. Two separate fins 1555 adjacent to the gap 1579 are configured to allow passage of an axis, so that the axis rests in channel 1565.
    As shown in Figure 26, in another embodiment of a press fit 1646 cylinder, the fins 1655 adjacent to a slot 1679 on a cylindrical base 1678 can be curved to facilitate the passage of an axis in a 1664 channel. Similar to the modalities of Figures 25A to 25B, a set of fins 1654 extending axially inward from the cylindrical base 1678 ends in a channel extending axially 1665, which connects the ends of the first set of fins 1654 and defines a hole that extends axially 1664 to receive an axis.
    As shown in Figure 27, a one-piece snap fit cylinder 1746 that includes curved fins 1755 and radially inwardly extending fins 1754 that define a channel 1765 can have an angled gap 1779 for receiving an axle.
    In another embodiment of the invention, a press-fit cylinder may comprise a substantially flat substrate which has a plurality of fins formed thereon. The substrate is wrapped around an axis and the ends of the substrate are coupled to form the cylinder structure. For example, as shown in Figure 28, a pressure snap cylinder 1846 can comprise a flexible flat substrate 1879 that has a set of fins 1850. Each fin 1850 comprises a base 1851, a curved end member 1852, a first lateral protrusion 1853 connected to the curved end member 1852 and a second side protrusion 1854 spaced from the curved end member to define a groove 1855. To form a rotating cylinder, substrate 1879 is rolled around an axis, with the first side end 1876 of the substrate joining the second side end 1877 of the substrate to form a cylindrical cylinder. As the substrate curves, the first side protrusions 1853 of the fins match the grooves 1855 and the curved end members 1852 form a channel to accommodate the shaft. The side ends 1876, 1877 of the substrate may include a closing mechanism. For example, the first side end 1876 includes a channel 1891 configured to receive a projection 1892 on the second side end 1877 to join the two ends and form the cylinder shape.
    Figure 29 illustrates another embodiment of a 1946 press-fit cylinder, which includes a flexible flat substrate 1979 and corrugated fins 1950. The top surfaces of the fins 1950 define a hole for receiving an axis when the substrate 1979 is wrapped around the axis. The 1976, 1977 side ends of the substrate may include a closing mechanism. For example, the first side end 1976 includes a 1991 channel configured to receive a 1992 projection on the second side end 1977 to join the two ends and form the cylinder shape.
    As shown in Figure 30, another embodiment of a snap-fit cylinder 2046 includes a flexible flat substrate 2079, a plurality of fins 2050 and a snap-fit closure means. The top surfaces of the fins 2050 define an orifice for receiving an axis when substrate 2097 is wound around an axis. The snap-fit closure includes a strip 2081 that extends on a first side of the substrate that is thinner than the substrate and a gap 2082 that extends on a second side of the substrate. The gap 2082 receives the strip 2081 when the substrate 2079 is wrapped around an axis. The strip 2081 includes a plurality of openings 2083 configured to receive projections 2084 on the fins 2050 to hold the substrate 2079 in the rolled configuration.
    According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figures 31A to 31C, a pressure snap cylinder 2146 may comprise a flexible substrate 2179, a plurality of fins 2150 and a closing mechanism. The top surfaces of the fins 2150 define an orifice 2164 for receiving an axis when substrate 217 9 is wound around the axis. The closing mechanism comprises a strip 2181 extending from a first end of the substrate 2179, which fits into a gap 2183 at the second end of the substrate.
    A press-fit cylinder of an illustrative embodiment of the invention is not limited to use in a conveyor belt module with a cavity, but can instead be implanted in any suitable system. For example, a pressure plug cylinder of an illustrative embodiment of the invention can be used in a cylinder cradle assembly with an axis extending between two joints, or with any device in which a pressure plug cylinder would be useful. The shafts or shaft protrusions could be fully supported between columns raised on the top side of the belt module. Or, the selected hinge elements could be removed or fine-tuned enough to reveal enough of the hinge pin to accommodate a snap-fit cylinder.
    The present invention was in relation to certain illustrative embodiments. Since certain changes can be made to the constructions described without departing from the scope of the invention, it is intended that all material contained in the description or shown in the attached drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.
    权利要求:
    Claims (26)
    [0001]
    1. MULTIPLE PIECES CYLINDER (146) FOR A CONVEYOR BELT (10), characterized by comprising: a first cylinder section (162) that has a base member, a first twisted channel (168) in the base member, a first finger (167) extending from a first axial end (151) of the base member on a first side of the first twisted channel and a second finger extending from a second axial end (152) of the base member on a second side of the channel twisted opposite the first finger (167), wherein the first and second fingers each include a rotatable symmetrically internal surface with a groove and protrusion that is complementary to the groove; and a second cylinder section (163) that has a second twisted channel (168) joined to the first cylinder section to form a complete cylinder (146) that has a first axial end (151), a second axial end (152), an outer peripheral surface (153) between the first axial end (151) and the second axial end (152) and an orifice (164) defined by the first and second twisted channels (168) and extending from the first axial end (151 ) to the second axial end (152).
    [0002]
    2. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 1, characterized in that: the first cylinder section (162) comprises a first base member (178) defining the first twisted channel (168) and a first finger (167) extending from the base member and the second cylinder section (163) comprising a second base member (178) defining the second twisted channel (168) and a second finger (167) configured to engage the first finger (167 ).
    [0003]
    3. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 2, characterized in that the first base member (178) includes a radially external surface to engage with a radially internal surface of the second finger (167).
    [0004]
    4. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 2, characterized in that the first finger (167) includes a rotatable symmetrical contoured surface.
    [0005]
    5. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 1, characterized in that the first finger and the second finger include radially external surfaces that form a portion of the outer peripheral surface of the complete cylinder and radially internal surfaces that are not parallel to the radially external surfaces.
    [0006]
    6. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 1, characterized by the first cylinder section (62) being symmetrically rotatable.
    [0007]
    7. MULTIPLE PIECES CYLINDER FOR A CONVEYOR BELT, characterized by comprising: a first cylinder section (62) symmetrically rotatable comprising a base member (78) that has an axially extending channel (85) and a first finger (74) extending from the base member (78), the first finger including an axially external surface, an axially internal surface, a radially external surface and a radially internal surface; and a second cylinder section (63) joined to the first cylinder section (62) to form a complete cylinder (46) having a first axial end, a second axial end, an outer peripheral surface defined at least in part by the first finger (74) and a hole (64) extending between the first axial end and the second axial end, wherein the first finger (74) includes a projection and the second cylinder section (63) includes a groove for receiving the projection to lock the first cylinder section into the second cylinder section.
    [0008]
    8. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 7, characterized in that the second cylinder section (63) is symmetrically rotatable.
    [0009]
    9. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 7, characterized in that the first cylinder section (92) comprises a twisted channel in the base member (98) that defines a portion of the orifice.
    [0010]
    10. MULTIPLE PIECE CYLINDER, according to claim 7, characterized in that the first finger (74) extends from a first axial end of the base member and the first cylinder section (92) additionally includes a second finger which extends from a second axial end of the base member (98).
    [0011]
    11. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 7, characterized in that the radially internal surface of the first finger is not parallel to the radially external surface of the first finger.
    [0012]
    12. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER FOR A CONVEYOR BELT, characterized by comprising: a first cylinder section (92) comprising a base member (98) that includes an axially extending channel and a plurality of first fingers (94, 95 ) extending from the base member, each first finger including a radially external surface (103), a radially internal surface (101) having a first groove and an axially internal surface having a second groove which is coplanar with the first groove , wherein the radially inner surface is not parallel to the radially outer surface, and a second cylinder section (92) comprising a base member, the second cylinder section joined to the first cylinder section (92) to form a complete cylinder ( 90) which has a first axial end, a second axial end, an orifice (64) that extends from the first axial end to the second axial end and an outer periphery between the first axial end and the second axial end, the outer periphery being defined at least in part by the radially outer surfaces (101) of the plurality of first fingers (94, 95).
    [0013]
    13. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 12, characterized in that the second cylinder section includes a base member having a plurality of second fingers (94, 95) and the radially internal surfaces of the first fingers engage with the radially surfaces of the base member (98) of the second cylinder section (92).
    [0014]
    14. MULTIPLE PIECE CYLINDER, according to claim 13, characterized in that the first fingers (94, 95) are formed at opposite axial ends of the first base member and the second fingers (94, 95) are formed in an axially central portion of the base member (98) of the second cylinder section (92).
    [0015]
    15. MULTIPLE PIECE CYLINDER, according to claim 12, characterized in that the first finger includes flat distal ends (102) that abut with flat surfaces (100) in the second section of the base member cylinder (98) when the complete cylinder ( 90) is mounted.
    [0016]
    16. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 12, characterized in that the first fingers (94, 95) are formed at a first axial end of the first cylinder section (92) and form a contoured opening (104) to receive a portion of the base member (98) of the second cylinder section (92).
    [0017]
    17. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 12, characterized in that the channel extending axially from the first cylinder section (92) is twisted.
    [0018]
    18. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 12, characterized in that the first fingers (94.95) each include a rotationally symmetrically axially internal surface.
    [0019]
    19. MULTIPLE PARTS CYLINDER, according to claim 12, characterized by the first cylinder section being symmetrically rotatable.
    [0020]
    20. CYLINDER SECTION (62 ', 63') TO FORM A MULTIPLE PIECE CYLINDER (46 ') ON A CONVEYOR BELT (10), characterized by comprising: a base member that has an axially extending channel, and a first finger (74 ') extending from the base member, the first finger including an axially external surface, a rotatable symmetrically internal surface having a projection (82') and a groove (84 ') which is complementary projection, a radially external surface and a radially internal surface.
    [0021]
    21. CYLINDER SECTION, according to claim 20, characterized in that the radially internal surface of the first finger is not parallel to the radially external surface.
    [0022]
    22. CYLINDER SECTION, according to claim 20, characterized in that the first finger (74 ') is formed at a first axial end of the base member on a first side of the axially extending channel.
    [0023]
    23. CYLINDER SECTION, according to claim 22, characterized in that it further comprises: a second finger extending from a second axial end of the base member on a second side of the axially extending channel.
    [0024]
    24. CYLINDER SECTION, according to claim 20, characterized by the axially extending channel being twisted.
    [0025]
    25. CYLINDER SECTION, according to claim 20, characterized in that the axially internal surface includes at least two projections (82 ') and at least two grooves (84') that are complementary to the projections.
    [0026]
    26. CYLINDER SECTION, according to claim 20, characterized in that the radially internal surface 15 includes a projection (82 ') and a groove (84').
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112013030052B1|2020-11-10|multi-piece cylinder for a conveyor belt and cylinder section to form a multi-piece cylinder on a conveyor belt
    JP3926418B2|2007-06-06|Modular conveyor chain with hinge pin with head
    ES2260008T3|2006-11-01|DOUBLE DOSAGE CONTAINER.
    ES2294478T3|2008-04-01|ROLLER CRADLE AND MODULAR CONVEYOR ASSEMBLY WITH A ROLLER CRADLE.
    US5544619A|1996-08-13|Collapsible cage
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    EP2134632A1|2009-12-23|Modular belt with rodless hinge
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    US5996764A|1999-12-07|Arrangement for supporting rollers in a roller conveyor
    JPH0677947B2|1994-10-05|Method for manufacturing cage made of synthetic resin
    CN109667823A|2019-04-23|Insert and it is dielectrically separated from unit
    FI20195006A1|2020-07-05|Brush ring
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    BR112013030052A2|2016-09-20|
    RU2607344C2|2017-01-10|
    US9045287B2|2015-06-02|
    US8646595B2|2014-02-11|
    WO2012162232A1|2012-11-29|
    MX355967B|2018-05-03|
    CN105775653A|2016-07-20|
    KR101985163B1|2019-05-31|
    US20120318644A1|2012-12-20|
    JP6162105B2|2017-07-12|
    RU2013154069A|2015-06-27|
    US20140144754A1|2014-05-29|
    CN102795456B|2016-09-14|
    EP2714556B1|2016-06-29|
    JP2014515343A|2014-06-30|
    KR20140033148A|2014-03-17|
    KR20190011822A|2019-02-07|
    MX2013013622A|2014-07-09|
    CN102795456A|2012-11-28|
    CN105775653B|2018-06-29|
    DK2714556T3|2016-10-03|
    CN202880330U|2013-04-17|
    EP2714556A1|2014-04-09|
    KR101944133B1|2019-01-30|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-11| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2019-09-03| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-04-22| B06A| Notification to applicant to reply to the report for non-patentability or inadequacy of the application according art. 36 industrial patent law|
    2020-08-11| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-11-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 21/05/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US13/113,517|US8474602B2|2011-05-23|2011-05-23|Multi-piece conveyor belt rollers|
    US13/113,517|2011-05-23|
    US13/327,386|2011-12-15|
    US13/327,386|US8646595B2|2011-05-23|2011-12-15|Snap-on conveyor belt rollers|
    PCT/US2012/038820|WO2012162232A1|2011-05-23|2012-05-21|Snap-on conveyor belt rollers|
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