A link for a conveyor chain, a conveyor chain made up of said links and a method of operation of said conveyor chain

摘要

Disclosed is a conveyor chain link (1) which can be interconnected with other such links (1) to form a conveyor chain. The disclosure notes the configuration of the present conveyor chain link (1) reduces frictional forces between the conveyor chain link (1) and a support assembly (10) of a conveyor system. The conveyor chain link (1) includes a main body and a top plate upon which products can rest. The main body has a front portion (25) and a rear portion. The front (25) and rear portions have means to be interconnected such that one link (1) can be connected to another to establish a multi-linked conveyor chain. The conveyor chain link (1) further includes first, second and third guide member arrangements. The first guide member arrangement includes a pair of rotably-supported laterally extending rollers (2) which extend on opposite sides of an underneath side of the top plate. The rollers (2) roll in the direction of movement of the conveyor chain. The rollers (2) of the first guide member arrangement rest and rotate along a corresponding top face (14) of a wear strip (12) of a conveyor assembly support structure (10) for the conveyor chain. The second guide member arrangement includes two rotably-supportable guide members (4) on opposing sides of the main body. The peripheral edge of the guide members (4) engage a side edge (16) of a wear strip (12) face of the conveyor support assembly (10). The third guide member arrangement includes a roller member (7) adapted to rest and rotate upon a conveyor bed (18) of the conveyor assembly support (10). The roller (7) of the third guide member arrangement is laterally rotatably supported by an axis in parallel to the top plate. The first, second and third guide member arrangements can work independently or in combination to reduce frictional force between the contact positions of the conveyor chain.