Patent ID: 8991593
Filing Date: 2015-03-31
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
1. A chain conveyor comprising: a chain that is configured of a plurality of links and a plurality of pins to extend in a longitudinal direction and is capable of conveying articles; and a stopper capable of accumulating articles conveyed by the chain, wherein each of the links has a plurality of first hinge portions, a plurality of second hinge portions, and a loading surface, which extends between the first hinge portions and the second hinge portions in the longitudinal direction of the chain and is capable of loading articles, each of the pins is inserted through the first hinge portions and the second hinge portions of a pair of the links that are adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the chain to foldably couple the links to each other, the links of the chain include a plurality of roller-equipped links each of which has a roller, each roller is rotational around a rotation axis extending in a widthwise direction of the chain and is movable between a retracted position and a protruding position, each roller does not protrude upward above the corresponding loading surface when arranged at the retracted position and protrudes upward above the loading surface when arranged at the protruding position, the chain conveyor includes a pushing-up mechanism that pushes up each roller from the retracted position to the protruding position, the rollers are configured to be arranged at the protruding position, when articles are accumulated by the stopper, to support the articles so that the articles are separate from and above the loading surface, and the rollers are configured to maintain, when arranged at the retracted position, a state where the articles are loaded on the loading surface; wherein each roller-equipped link has a roller-equipped module having the corresponding roller, each roller-equipped module has at least one of the first hinge portions, at least one of the second hinge portions, and a roller supporting body rotationally supporting the corresponding roller, and each roller is movable between the retracted position and the protruding position relative to the corresponding roller supporting body.