Side-flexing Conveyor Chain with Pivoting Slats and Related Methods

Abstract

In one aspect, a modular link conveyor chain including slats is capable of assuming a compressed and an expanded condition so as to permit side-flexing while moving along a forward run and a return run in an endless path. The chain is formed of links arranged in rows spaced apart in the conveying direction, the links of a first row including aligned apertures and the links of a second row including oversized apertures, such as slots, for aligning with the aligned apertures of the links in the first row. A first connector is associated with the corresponding apertures to interconnect the first and second rows of links. At least one elongated slat is mounted to the connector. The slat may be mounted for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.

1 . A method of manufacturing a conveyor chain, comprising:
 interconnecting a plurality of links in transverse rows spaced apart in the conveying direction so as to form a side flexing chain; and   mounting at least one elongated slat between the links for pivoting movement between a first position forming at least part of a substantially continuous, planar conveying surface along the forward run, and a second position along the return run.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the step of interconnecting the plurality of links comprises passing a first connector through a slot formed in at least one of the links, said slot having a direction of elongation in the conveying direction. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , further including the step of locking the first connector in place against movement in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , further including the step of positioning a receiver on the first connector, said receiver adapted for receiving a second connector forming the conveyor chain. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further including the step of providing a spacer for preventing adjacent slats from directly contacting each other in a compressed condition in order to avoid direct frictional contact among and reduce wear on the slats. 
     
     
         6 . A method of operating a conveyor chain including a plurality of pivoting, elongated slats, comprising:
 moving the conveyor chain along a forward run in a compressed condition, with each elongated slat spaced from and at least partially overlapping with an adjacent slat to form a substantially continuous conveying surface.   
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 6 , further including the step of moving the conveyor chain to an expanded condition. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 6 , further including the step of contacting one slat with an adjacent slat in the expanded condition. 
     
     
         9 . A method of operating a conveyor, comprising:
 providing a side-flexing chain including a plurality of pivoting, elongated slats; and   driving the conveyor chain along a helical path.   
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 9 , further including the step of cooling at least the slats.