Conveyors: power-driven – Conveyor section – Endless conveyor
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-14
2001-02-13
Ellis, Christopher P. (Department: 3615)
Conveyors: power-driven
Conveyor section
Endless conveyor
C198S804000, C198S300000, C198S837000, C198S840000, C072S421000, C072S420000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06186318
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
In the field of stamping presses used for blanking and forming parts from sheet metal, it is common to use endless belt conveyors for removing both the parts produced by a tool and die set installed in the stamping press as well as for removing sheet metal scrap produced by the die set during production of the parts. Jets of compressed air are also commonly used to remove parts from a stamping press. When an endless belt conveyor is used for removing the parts and/or scrap from below a die set, it is known to extend the upper and lower runs of the endless belt beneath the die set with the runs adjacent to each other over the bolster plate of the press. The endless belt is directed around rollers mounted on corresponding shafts supported by bearing brackets mounted on opposite sides of the bolster plate. However, substantial time is required to install such endless belt conveyors on the bolster plate and to mount a motor for driving one of the shafts supporting a drive roller. The endless belts also have a relatively short service life, primarily due to the support of the endless belt and the selection of the belt material.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is directed to an improved endless belt conveyor unit which is ideally suited for removing parts and/or scrap from a sheet metal stamping press and which may be quickly and easily installed on the press. The conveyor unit also has a low profile or minimum height under the die set on the press and provides for an extended service life. In addition, the conveyor unit of the invention is durable, and of lightweight modular construction, so that it may be easily manufactured in different lengths and widths. The unit also incorporates a detector for stopping the conveyor and press in the event parts jamb and stop movement of the belt.
In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the above features and advantages are provided by a conveyor unit including an elongated endless belt having adjacent horizontal upper and lower runs supported by a plastic strip mounted on the bottom panel of a formed sheet metal pan or tray having opposite ends removably connected to cast aluminum support brackets or members. The sheet metal tray has integrally formed opposite side rails which include channel portions enclosing opposite edge portions of the belt. The sheet metal side rails also extend to form inclined surfaces which slope downwardly to the upper run of the belt, and a support member at one end of the tray also supports a drive motor and gear reducer unit for driving a roller engaging the belt. A detector senses rotation of one of the belt guide rollers and is electrically connected to stop the press and the conveyor drive motor in response to a part jamb causing stoppage of the endless belt.
Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description, the accompanying drawings and the appended claims.
REFERENCES:
patent: 1847148 (1932-03-01), Vogeley
patent: 2962152 (1960-11-01), Lathrop
patent: 4013167 (1977-03-01), Bourgeois
patent: 4650067 (1987-03-01), Brule
patent: 204722 (1955-10-01), None
Pax Francis J.
Pax Steven J.
Dillon, Jr. Joe
Ellis Christopher P.
Jacox Meckstroth & Jenkins
Pax Products, Inc.
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