Abstract:
A multi-roller conveyor includes a plurality of idler rollers journaled for rotation around individual, stationary shafts. Each roller includes, at each of its ends, a metal end plate and an end bearing, received in the end plate, for rotatably supporting the roller relative to the shaft. To protect against the entry of contaminants, an end seal assembly, including an inner seal member mounted to the roller, and an outer seal member, mounted to the stationary shaft, is provided at each end of the roller. The inner and outer seal members are formed of molded plastic and co-operate with each other, and with the roller end plate, to form a labyrinth-like passageway leading from the end bearing to the exterior of the roller. The outer seal further includes a metallic nut for facilitating mounting to the stationary shaft. In addition, the dimensions of the roller end plate adjacent the outer seal member are carefully controlled to reduce the clearance between the outer seal member and the end plate and thereby further guard against the entry of contaminants.
Abstract:
An apparatus for rotatably mounting idlers and pulleys of various sizes, including an idler or pulley for engaging the underside of a conveyor belt. The idler or pulley includes a cylindrical chamber in each end for reception of bearing assemblies therein. Each of the bearing assemblies in each end of the idler or pulley has a stub shaft therein. An elongated member which is tubular, at least at each end thereof, is press fit onto the inner ends of each of the stub shafts whereby the length of the elongated member can be chosen depending upon the length of the idler or pulley, while at the same time identical standard bearing assemblies and stub shafts can be used for idler pulleys of various sizes.
Abstract:
A labyrinth seal element comprises a primary wall extending generally radially outwardly from a central axis, a central opening within said primary wall for receiving a shaft, and a plurality of spaced generally axially extending annular scavenging walls projecting from a side of the primary wall. Each axially extending annular scavenging wall has a radially outer surface which diverges away from the axis as it extends from the primary wall. At least one of the annular scavenging walls partly defines a radially outwardly facing annular groove for inhibiting passage of dirt radially inwardly along the respective side of the primary wall towards the axis.
Abstract:
The invention is an improved rotary seal which is particularly well suited for protecting the bearing area in a conveyor idler roll. The seal has inner and outer annular members which normally rotate freely without contact relative to each other. The members have cooperative means to form a labyrinth effective to restrict the ingress of contaminant or the egress of lubricant to or from the bearing area. One of the members further includes an attached annular disc of resilient flexible material. When the lubricant pressure in the bearing area increases, such as when the bearing is being regreased, it forces the free edge of the disc into contact with the other member to form a barrier against the leakage of lubrication. When the lubricant pressure normalizes, the resilient disc recovers to its normal, noncontact position.
Abstract:
The specification describes two embodiments of a one-piece rear grease seal for an idler roller mounted on a shaft. Both embodiments comprise an annular lip in the shape of a truncated cone, an annular ring integrally connected to the larger end of the annular lip, and an annular web integrally connected to the outer end of the annular ring. In one embodiment, an annular groove is found on the annular ring to receive an axial end of an inner tube mounted concentrically about the shaft; the other embodiment does not have this feature.
Abstract:
A series of flexible, substantially cylindrical tubes communicates with the hollow central shafts of adjacent idler rolls so that lubrication introduced through a grease fitting at one end of the idler roll assembly can be distributed evenly to all of the rolls. Each tube is secured in position by insertion of its opposite ends into the adjacent ends of the hollow shafts of the idler rolls. Conventionally, such shafts are counterbored and tapped at each end and thus require a thicker material shell with a smaller bore to suit the tap size; thus requiring more material and cost.
Abstract:
This invention relates to a roller for a conveying apparatus, the roller consisting of a tubular casing, a roller bottom in each end, and a dust cover inserted into each roller bottom and being so designed as to limit the entrance of water into the roller casing.
Abstract:
A bearing cartridge assembly for idler rolls and the like is disclosed, wherein the roll head and prefabricated bearing cartridge cooperate in such a manner that a negligible radially inward force is applied to the bearing within the cartridge as a result of the press fit between the roll head and the bearing cartridge. This permits a heavy press fit between the roll head and the bearing cartridge without the need for maintaining strict bearing tolerances to prevent the binding of the bearing. The prefabricated bearing cartridge has a light gauge housing and is designed so that the support of the cartridge within the roll is accomplished through a press fit between the cartridge housing and roll head on either side of the bearing within the cartridge.