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2) United States Patent Balk et al. (a) MULTE: RACK HELICAL CONVEYOR (75) Inventors: Wouter Balk, Bosimbrogge (NL) ohannes Withelmus Broers, (osterblokker (NL) (73) Assignee: Spectalty Conveyor BLY, Zovaap (NL) (4) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer the tem of this patent is extended of adjusted under 35 USC. 1S4(b) by 110 days, (21) Appl. Nos 1340111 (2) PCTFiled: — Oet.8, 2009 (85) PCT Nos PCTIBRZ009/063108 $371 (ot), (2),(4)Date- Jun. 16,2011 (87) PCT Pub, Nos WO20L040809 PCT Pub, Date: Ape. 18,2010 (65) Prior Publication Data $ 201210043182 AL Feb. 23,2012 G0) Foreign Application Priority Data (Oct. 10,2008 (NL) 2002078 (1) Ineo. BOs 2/18 (2006.01) (2) US.CL USPC 198/778; 198/347.1 (58) Fleld of Classification Search usPC’ 198347.1, 347.2, 778, See application ie for complete search history. ‘US008695785B2 US 8,695,785 B2 Apr. 15, 2014 (10) Patent No. 4s) Date of Patent: 66) References Cited US. PATENT DOCUMENTS 2271001 A VI942 Recker Neoiasy A $1972 Ballenger Sus058 A * 21900 Goleta os484 Sisoea22 R2* 122003 Blond tal iowsant SSon76t B2* 112012 Johmoa ‘8 7 20020198317 AL* 122002 Winh Ivso02 anns0217977 AL* 102005 Hannes a 198 504 aouobisso« AL 82006 Hannes DoILoo61993 Al* 420L1 Soperet a 198367 2n140174506 AL* 72011 Johnson 198.606 FOREIGN PATENT DOCUMENTS DE vows? 12003 2 ois: — "S192 Wo woos 2002 WO — WO2o0s0TO10 "7 008 (OTHER PUBLICATIONS ‘Writon Opinion ofthe European Patet Office countrpart orsign pplication No, PCT EP2009 063108 led Oct 8, 2009 ‘lil Seach Report of the Earopeon Patent Orc n countepet fonsign aplication No, PCTEP2009 OSS 108 fled Oct, 2009, * cited by examiner Primary Examiner — James R Bidwell (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm —Steven M. Koehler; ‘Westman, Champlin & Koehler, PA. on ABSTRACT A conveyor for conveying prodets comprises atleast dev able helically-shaped inner track conveyor member and a ‘rivable helieally-shaped outer track coneyor member. The ‘ter track conveyor member surrounds the inner track con- ‘veyor member. The pitches ofthe iner track conveyor miem- ber and the outer tack conveyor member are different, 13 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets US 8,695,785 B2 Apr. 15,2014 Sheet 1 of 5 U.S, Patent U.S. Patent Apr. 15, 2014 Sheet 2 of 5 US 8,695,785 B2 1 8 Y eee = Team! (os U.S. Patent Apr. 15, 2014 Sheet 3 of 5 US 8,695,785 B2 } + a. iE S\ tf Mh it) a Fig.5a Fig.5b Fig.5¢ Fig.5d Fig.5e U.S. Patent Apr. 15, 2014 Sheet 4 of 5 US 8,695,785 B2 Fig.7 U.S. Patent ‘Apr. 15, 2014 Sheet 5 of 5 < US 8,695,785 B2 1 MULTI-TRACK HELICAL CONVEYOR (CROSS-REPERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION ‘This application isa Section 371 National Stage Applica tion of Intemationsl Application PCT/EP2000/063108 filed ‘Oct. 8, 2009 and published! as WO 2010/040809 in English, BACKGROUND ‘The discussion helow is merely provided for general back= round information aod isnot intended to be used as ana ‘determining the scope of the claimed subject matter Aspects of the present invention relate (0 conveyor for ‘conveying products, comprising at least drivable helically shape inner track conveyor member anda drivable helically- shaped oer track conveyor member, wherein the outer track ‘conveyor member surroinds the inner tack conveyor mem= ber Such a comeyor is known from WO 2008079010. Prod= ucts which are received a inlets ofthe known conveyor are ‘wansported downwardly along the helically shaped inner and ‘outer track comeyor members and leave the conveyor at “different height levels. disadvantage ofthe known conveyor js that the ritio betwoen the lengths of the path along the Jinner and outer rack conveyor members s fixed, SUMMARY, ‘This Summary and the Abstract herein are provided to introdieeascleetion of concepts ina simplified form that are further deteribed below in the Detaled! Description. This Summary and the Abstract are not intended wo ideatty key eatures or essential features of the claimed subject mater, nor are they intended 1 be use as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matte. The claimed subject matter is not Limited t0 implementations tht solve any or all disadvantages noted in the Rackground. “A conveyor herein deseribed includes pitches ofthe inner teock eonveyor member and the otter track conveyor member that are different. This feature provides the opportunity to ‘vary the rato between the pat lengths ofthe inaer and outer tack conveyor members, In taditional conveyors the pitches ‘of the hclially-shaped inner track conveyor member and the helcally-shaped outer track conveyor member are the same in onler to support the inner aod outer tack conveyor men- bers at the same height levels. As a consequence, as seen ‘longa certain distance along the enter Tine of the conveyor the distance along the inne rack conveyor member isshortet than that of the outer track conveyor member duc t0 the smaller diameter of the inner track conveyor member with respect o the outer track comeyor member. Due to dierent pitches of he conveyor the distance along the pathof the inner track conveyor member may even be the same asthe distance slong the path of the outer track conveyor member as mea- sured over a certain distance along the centerline of the ‘conveyor. This means that the inclination along, the inner twack conveyor member is steeper than tat ofthe outer track ‘conveyor ember. Incontrasto this, themaximumallowable inclination ofthe inner track conveyor member of traditional ‘conveyors determined the inclination ofthe outer track con= veyor member, 28 Well “The pitch of the outer track eomeyor member may be larger than that ofthe inner tack conveyor memberinovderto bring the path lengths ofthe ine track conveyor member and the outer track conveyor member, as measured between (Wo 0 o 2 parallel planes extending perpendicularly to longitudinal enter line ofthe conveyor, closer to each other. In a paricular embodiment the pitches of the inner and ‘outer track eomeyor members are selected such that the Jengts along the paths of the inner and outer track conveyor members are substantially the same as measur between two parallel planes extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal center line ofthe conveyor. In an alterative embodiment the inclination along the halal path ofthe inner track conveyor member i substa- silly the same as that of the outer track conveyor member "The inser rack conveyor member and the outer tick con- veyor member may be supported by supporting. members ‘which are ixed tat leasta fame supporting element extend- ing substantially parallel to a longitudinal center Tine of the conveyor and disposed between the inner and outer track ceonveyor members. In this ease the supporting elements sup- port bath the inner and onter track conveyor members, which ‘means elicient use of space. Moreover, traditional conveyors sch as deseribed in respect of the prior set conveyor herein. before comprises central column ftom which elongated sup- porting members project in outward direction; traditionally fn case of adding parallel helical track such an elongated supporting member could be extended to support the outer track conveyor member, 38 well. In case of different pitches elongated supporting members projecting from a central col ‘um could be applied for supporting the outer track conveyor ‘member, but this may be disidvaniageous because the sup- porting members would be located within the space between ‘Ro height levels of the inner track conveyor member “The helical shape of the inner track eonveyor member andr the outer track conveyor member may have a clock- ‘wise turing of anti-clockwise turing orientation, as seca parallel (© a longitudinal centerline ofthe conveyor. This provides, for example, freedom of positioning an inlet and ‘utlet for the inner and outer track conveyor members, Tn one embodiment the inner track conveyor member snd te outer track eomveyor member are coupled to each other sch that products transported by the conveyor are trans: ported both along the path ofthe inner track conveyor mem- berand the outer track conveyor member Inthis embodiment the products are transported upwardly via the inner track conveyor member and downwardly via the outer track eon- vveyor member orn opposite direction. In fact the inner track conveyor member and the outer tack conveyor member ean be integrated ina single conveyor member which follows the entire conveyor under operating conditions. ‘Anaspeet of the invention i also elated 0 conveyor for conveying products, comprising at least a helically shaped inner tack conveyor member and a belically-shaped otter track conveyor member, wherein the inner track conveyor ‘member is surrounded by the outer track conveyor member, Wherein the inner and outer tack conveyor members are rivable by driving means which fllow the paths the inner ‘nd outer track conveyor members, wherein the inner track ‘conveyor member andlor the otter track conveyor member isvare supported by at least a frame supporting element extending substantially parallel to a longitiinal center Tine fof the conveyor and disposed! between the inner and outer tock conveyor members “An aspect ofthe invention i also related to a conveyor for conveying products, comprising at least a helically sbapod inner track conveyor member and a helically-shaped outer track conveyor member, wherein the inner track conveyor member is surrounded by the outer track conveyor member, ‘wherein the inner and outer track conveyor members are drivable by driving means which follow the paths ofthe ianer US 8,695,785 B2 3 ‘and outer track conveyor members, wherein the inner track. ‘conveyor members supported by a least frame supporting ‘element extending substantially parallel toa longitudinal cen- ter line of the conveyor and disposed at an inner circumfer- ‘ential side of the inner track conveyor member. ‘An aspeet ofthe invention i also related 10 conveyor for ‘conveying products, comprising atleast a helically-shaped inner track conveyor member and a helially-shaped outer teock conveyor member, wherein the inaer track conveyor member is surromndled by the outer track conveyor member, ‘wherein the inner and outer track conveyor members are drivable by driving moans which follow the paths of theinner ‘and outer track conveyor members, wherein the outer track, ‘conveyor members supported by atleast frame supporting, ‘element extending substantially parallel toa longitudinal cen- ter line ofthe conveyor and disposed at an outer circumfer- ‘ential side of the outer track conveyer member. The fame supporting element may comprises plurality of pillar-shaped elements extending substanGally parallel t© ‘each other “The inner track conveyor member and the outer track con- ‘eyor member may each be drimble by a driving belt, eg. @ ‘hain, which follows the helial path of the inner track con- ‘eyor member and the otter track conveyor member. The diving belt may be guided atleast radially by a stationary fame of the conveyor. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Aspects ofthe invention will hereafter be elucidated with referenceto the schematic drawings showing embodiments oF the invention by way of example, FIG. 1 isa sectional view of an embodiment of the con- veyor FIG. 2 isa cross-sectional view along the line 1-1 of FIG. Yona large scale FIG. is similar view as FIG. 2 on a larger seale, but showing an sltemative embodiment FIG. 4 sa plan view of another alternative embodiment of the conveyer, FIGS. Save ae similar views as FIG. 4 0n a smaller sea, shoving ther alternative embodiments, FIGS. 6-8 are plan views of different altemative embod ments ofthe conveyor, DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATIVE EMBODIMENTS FIGS. 1 and 2 show different views of an embodiment of ‘conveyor 1 for conveying products. The conveyor 1 com- prises drivable helcally-shaped inner tack conveyor mem- ber 2 and a drivable helicaly-shaped outer track conveyor member 3. The outer rack conveyor member 3 surrounds the inner tack conveyor member 2 28 seen from above in FIG. 1, ‘and the conveyor 1 has a longitudinal centerline 4, which is both the longitudinal center line of the inner track conveyor member 2 and the outer track conveyor member 3. Thus, ia this embodiment the longitudinal center lines of the inner track conveyor member 2 and the outer track conveyor mem ber’ substantially coincide. Ascanbeseen in FIG. 1 theeross sections ofboth the inner and outer track conveyer members 2,3 are cireular. FIG. 2 shows that the pitch of the inner tack conveyor rember 2 is smaller thas that of the outer track conveyor ‘ember 3. The pitch of the inner track coneyar member 2 is indicated by Aand the pitch of the outer track conveyor ‘member 3 is indicated by B. Ina particular embodiment the 0 o 4 pitches A, Bo the inne and outer track eonveyoramesabers2, $Smay be selected such tha the path lengths along the inner ‘and outer track conveyor members 2, 3 are substantially the Same as measured between two parallel planes extending perpendicularly to the longitdinal center line 4 ofthe eon- veyor L The embodiment of FIGS. 1 and 2 comprises a fame 5, ‘which is provided with a central pipe or eoluma 6 extending parallelto the longitudinal centerline The frame Sis furher provided with a frame suppor 7 comprising eight pillars 8 extending substantially parallel tothe longitudinal center line ofthe conveyor fata predetermined angular distance with respect to each ather and being disposed between the inner ‘tock conveyor member 2 and the outer track conveyor mem- ber 3. The fame support 7 comprises supporting members 9 by which the inner track conveyor member 2 and the outer ‘rack conveyor member 3 are supported. FIG. 2showsthat the supporting members 9 associated with the inner tack cone veyor member 2 are not always aligned with the supporting ember 9 associated with the outer rack conveyor member 2 fas seen in radial dirsetion from the centerline 4. This is @ consequence of the different pitches A, B of the inner and dtr track conveyor members 2,3 Alternatively. the frame support 7 could be replaced by supporting members 9 which are vertically staggered. This seas that both the inner track conveyor member 2 and the ‘outer track conveyor member 3 are supported by supporting ‘members 9 which ae fixed tothe central column 6, FIG. 3 shows an altemative embodiment of theconveyor L Inthis case the ceateal cokumn 6 of the embodiment of FIGS. {and 2 is eliminated aod the frame support 7 comprises four pillars 8 extending substantially parallel t the longitudinal eater line 4 ofthe conveyor Land being disposed between the inner tack conveyor member 2 and the outer track eon- veyor member3. FIG. 4 shows another allemative embodiment ofthe con: veyor I. In this ease the frame support 7 comprises eight pillars 8 as frame supporting elements extending substan- tially parallel to the longitudinal center ine 4of the conveyor 1 and being disposed between tho inner teck eoaveyor mem- ber 2 and the otter trick conveyor member 3. The difference ofthis embodiment with respect that of FIG. 1 is that the column 6 i eliminated FIG, Sa-Se show different altemative embodiments, wherein the embodiment of FIG, Se is analogous to that of FIG. 4, InFIG. Sa, b, ethe inner track conveyor member 2is supported by pillars 8 extending subscantally parallel to the Jongitudina center ine 4of the conveyor Landisposed at an ‘nner circumferential side ofthe inner track conveyor mem- ber 2. FIG. Sa, 5b, Sd show thatthe outer track conveyor member 3 is supported by pillars 8 extending substantially parallel to a longitudinal ceater line of the conveyor and ‘isposed at an outer circumferential side ofthe outer track comveyor member. FIG. S-eshav embodimentsin which the inner irack conveyor member 2is supported by pillars extend- ‘ng substantially parallel tothe longitainal centerline 4 of the conveyor 1 and disposed at an inner circumferential side ‘of the outer track conveyor member 3. FIG, 6 shows a plan view ofan alternative embodiment of conveyor I which comprises an inner track conveyor mem- ber 2 and an outer trick conveyor member 3. Fach of the comveyor members 2,3 has its own inlet and ott and both ‘conveyor members 2,3 extend more oF less parallel each ‘ther. The conveyor I may be adepted such that products on both conveyor members 2, 3 are transported in the same direction or in opposite drcction. Inthe latter cas, the pro vets will be transported upwsaly by the one conveyor mem: US 8,695,785 B2 5 ber 2 and downwardly by the other conveyor member 3. The Pitches ofthe conveyor members 2, 3 may be diferent such that the distance of the path that the produets follow on the ‘outer track conveyor member 3 is not automatically longer than the path that the products follow’ on the inner tack ‘conveyor member 2. IG. 7 shows an embodiment ofthe conveyor 1 of whieh the helical shapes the inner and outer conveyor members 2 ‘Vhave different helical orientations. As seen in a direction parallel to the longitudinal centerline 4 ane of the conveyor ‘members 2 hasan anti-clockwise turning orientation whereas the other conveyor member 3 hus a clockwise uring orien- tation, ‘The helical shapes of the conveyor members 2, 3 of the ‘embodiment as shown in FIG. Shave the same orientations as those in FIG. 7, but inthis ease the inner and outer conveyor members 2, 3 are coupled to each other suc that products follow the inner track conveyor member 2 upwardly and the ‘outer track conveyor member 3 dewnwardly or in the oppo- site direction, In this casea single drivable conveyor belt may be applied whereas in the other embodiments as described hereinbefore separately drivable conveyor belts may be applied The inner and outer conveyor members 2, 3 may comprise ‘conveyor belts or slats which ae connected oa driven chain, From the foregoing, it will be clear that at least some aspects ofthe invention provide a conveyor comprising at least a drivable helially-shaped inner track conveyor mem- ber and a drivable helically shaped outer track conveyor ‘member of which the path lengths ean be varied “The invention i nt limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings and deseribed hereinbefore, which may be var- fed in different manners within the scape ofthe claims and their technical equivalents. tis possible, for example, that the ‘ross section ofthe conveyor isnot ercular, but an alternative shape, for example elliptical. Funhermore, the embodiments as shown hereinbefore may be combined, fr example vari tions in pitch, supporting. frame strcture or the like. “The invention claimed i 1. 4 conveyor for conveying prodvets, comprising at last drivable helically-shaped inner track conveyor member and a drivable helcallyshaped outer track conveyor member, ‘wherein th outer trick conveyor membersurrounds the inet track conveyor member wherein the pitches (A, B) of the jinner rack conveyor member and the outer trick conveyor member are diferent between two parallel planes extending perpendicularly to a longitudinal centerline ofthe conveyor ‘within which both the inner and outer truck conveyor mem- bers follow helical paths 2. The conveyor according clan I, wherein the pitch (B) ‘of the outer track conveyor member is larger than that ofthe inner track conveyor member. 3. The conveyor ecording to claim 2, wherein the pitches (A,B) of the inner and outer track conveyor members are ‘cleted such that the Tengths along the patho the inner and ‘outer track conveyor members are substantially the same as ‘measured between two parallel planes extending perpendicu- Jaely to the longitudinal centerline ofthe eonveyor. 0 6 4. The comeyor aevording to cls 1, wherein the inelina- sion long the helical path of ie inner ack conveyor member is substantially the same as that of the outer track conveyor ember 8. The eonveyor acconling to claim 1, wherein the ianer track conveyor member and the outer track conveyor member are supported by supporting members which ae fixed to at Jeasta frame supporting element extending substantially par- Alle othe longitudinal center fine ofthe conveyor and di posed between the ianer and onter track conveyor members 6. The conveyor according o esim 1, wherein the helical shape of the inner trick conveyor member anor the outer {cock conveyor member has/have a clockwise turning or ant clockwise tuming orientation, a seen parallel o the longit- inal center line of the conveyor. 7. The conveyor acconting to claim 1, wherein the ianer track conveyor member and the outer tack conveyor member fare coupled to eaeh other such that products tansported by the comeyor ar ransported both along the path ofthe inner ‘wack conveyor memberandthe outer track conveyor member 8. conveyor for conveying products according to claim I wwhereit the inner and outer tack conveyor members are drivable by a driving member comfigured to fllow the paths of the inner and outer track conveyor members, wherein the ‘nner trick conveyor member andior the outer track conveyor ‘member isfare both supported by at leas frame supporing element extending substantially parallel to the longitudinal centerline of the conveyor and disposed between the inner and outer tack conveyor members 9. A. comeyor for conveying products acconting claim 1. wherein the inner and oiler track conveyor members are drivable by a driving member conigured to fllow the paths of the inner and outer track conveyor members, wherein the ‘nner tack conveyor members supported by a least frame supporting clement extending substantially parallel to the Jongitudinal centerline of the conveyor and disposed st an inner circumferential side ofthe inner track conveyor meme ber. 10. The conveyor according to claim 8 wherein the inner ‘rock conveyor member is supported by a least a frame sup- porting clement extending substantially parallel to the longi- ‘odinal centerline ofthe conveyor and disposed at an inner circumferential sie ofthe inner track conveyor member, 11, The conveyor according to claim 8, wherein the frame supporting element comprises a plurality of pillarsbaped elements extending substantially paraliel to each other. 12. The conveyor according to claim 8, wherein the inner track conveyor member and theouter track eonveyor member tare each drivable by a driving belt which follows th helical paths of the iner track conveyor member and the outer track conveyor member. 13. conveyor according to claim I, wherein theconveyor is adapted suk thatthe inner track conveyor member and the ‘outer track conveyor member are drivable inthe same upward ‘or downward diction of helix

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