Patent Description:
Power-driven conveyors are used to convey items. Infeed assemblies are used to transition items onto the conveyor as the conveyor belt moves from a returnway to a carryway above the returnway. Outfeed assemblies are used to transition items off of the conveyor as the belt moves from the carryway to the returnway. A drive moves the conveyor belt through the conveying circuit. For example, drive sprockets mounted on a rotatable shaft may engage and drive the conveyor belt along the conveying circuit. Drive sprockets can be located at the outfeed of the conveyor or within the returnway of the circuit. The infeed may contain drag sprockets to create resistance to the belt movement. Such resistance may be helpful in positively-driven conveyor belts that are not pretensioned throughout the belt circuit, allowing the conveyor belt to be loose and strain-fee between the drive and the drag sprockets. Roller limiters or other devices may be used to ensure proper engagement between the conveyor belt and the drive or drag sprockets.

Currently, it is difficult to either clean or maintain cleanliness in conveyors and -or to disassemble certain components for cleaning, replacement or maintenance. In addition, space surrounding drag sprockets and drive sprockets may be limited, making the addition of other conveyor components, such as scrapers and belt wrap rollers, difficult.

In addition, small transfers of items are generally limited to flat belts that operate using pretension. The pretension, combined with the velocity of the infeed and -or outfeed rollers, results in a short life span for the rollers or static nose bars that guide the belts. Replacement of worn components leads to downtime of the conveyor and can be difficult.

<CIT> discloses a belt conveyor configured to convey foodstuff products to a packaging station.

<CIT> discloses an assembly according to the preamble of claim <NUM>, In particular, the document discloses a conveyor employing an infeed assembly and an outfeed assembly, each comprising a nosebar assembly that may be mounted to a conveyor frame to transition a conveyor belt between a returnway and a carryway. The outfeed assembly further includes a drive sprocket and a limiter to ensure engagement of drive elements on the conveyor belt with the drive sprockets. A limiter plate ensures proper placement of the limiter relative to the drive sprocket. The infeed assembly and outfeed assembly components may be easily mounted to and removed from the conveyor frame to facilitate replacement, cleaning or maintenance.

A conveyor comprises a frame, a positive-drive, low tension conveyor belt trained around an infeed portion and an outfeed portion. An infeed assembly is mounted to the frame and includes a removable belt-guiding assembly comprising an axle and a rotatable nosebar mounted to the axle. A belt-guiding roller is mounted at the infeed below the belt-guiding assembly to impart drag on the belt. A position limiter assembly, movable between an engaged position and a disengaged position in which the position limiter assembly is still connected to the frame, ensured proper engagement between the conveyor belt and the belt-guiding roller. An outfeed assembly includes a drive, a disengageable position limiter assembly for ensuring proper engagement between the drive and the conveyor belt and a scraper assembly that can also be disengaged.

The invention provides an assembly for a conveyor comprising a first side plate, a second side plate opposing the first side plate, a first roller extending between the first side plate and the second side plate for engaging a drive side of a conveyor belt, a connecting plate mounted to the side plate and having a first seat for receiving an axle end of the first roller, and a second seat that is open, a position limiter for ensuring proper engagement between the drive side of the conveyor belt and the first roller, the position limiter having a first end configured to be received in the open seat and a handle connected the position limiter. The handle is movable between an operating position in which the position limiter end is mounted in the open seat and a nonoperating position, in which the position limiter end is unseated from the open seat, wherein the position limiter comprises a position limiter roller extending along a roller axis, the first end having a cylindrical shape, a mounting bar extending along an axis parallel to the roller axis, a mounting plate connecting the mounting bar to the first end and a protrusion extending outward of the mounting plate and into an opening in the connecting plate.

The present invention provides a sanitary system at a transition end, i.e., the infeed or outfeed end, of a conveyor that can be easily installed and removed without tools. The system facilitates transfer of products to and from positively-driven, low tension endless conveyor belts and enables small diameter transfers.

<FIG> show an infeed portion <NUM> of a conveyor belt system not according to the invention.

The conveyor belt system includes a frame and a positively-driven, low tension conveyor belt <NUM>, such as the ThermoDrive® belt available from Intralox, L. , the Cleandrive positive drive belt available from Habasit AG, the Gates Mectrol PosiClean® positive drive belt available from Gates Mectrol, the Volta SuperDrive™ and other positive drive belts available from Volta Belting and other positively-driven, low tension conveyor belts known in the art. The invention is not limited to these belts, and may be implemented with any suitable positive-drive, low tension conveyor belt. The illustrative conveyor belt <NUM> has a smooth outer surface substantially free of discontinuities and an inner surface with a plurality of teeth at a given belt pitch or other suitable drive elements. The conveyor belt <NUM> conveys products along a carryway from an infeed to an outfeed and returns along a returnway below the carryway. The conveyor belt may be conventionally trained around belt-guiding members in the infeed portion <NUM> and outfeed portion <NUM>, as described below.

At the infeed end <NUM>, the conveyor belt <NUM> comes up from the returnway and enters the carryway, and items to be conveyed transition onto the conveyor belt <NUM>. In certain applications, it may be desirable to have a "tight transfer", i.e., smooth transition on and off the conveyor belt for even small products.

The illustrative infeed end comprises a frame for a conveyor belt, the frame including opposing side plates <NUM>, <NUM> and a carryway support <NUM>. Each side plate include a recess <NUM> in a top front corner for seating a noseroller assembly <NUM> for guiding the conveyor belt at the infeed transition point. Upper protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> are used to lock the noseroller assembly to the frame using a handle <NUM>. The infeed end <NUM> further includes a guide roller <NUM> for guiding the belt below the infeed transition point. The illustrative guide roller <NUM> includes a plurality of teeth for engaging the drive elements on the drive side of the conveyor belt. The guide roller can be a brake for imparting localized tension to help the conveyor belt conform to the noseroller assembly. A position limiter, shown as a roller limiter <NUM>, ensures proper engagement of the drive elements of the conveyor belt with the teeth on the guide roller <NUM>.

The illustrative noseroller assembly <NUM> comprises a cartridge that can be easily removed from and inserted into the frame. Alternatively, the noseroller assembly <NUM> can be permanently attached to the frame. The nosebar assembly <NUM> comprises one or more passive rotatable nosebars <NUM> for guiding the conveyor belt. In the illustrative embodiment, the nosebar assembly comprises a series of toothed nosebars <NUM> mounted on an axle or other structure. As shown in <FIG>, the illustrative noseroller assembly <NUM> comprises a support beam <NUM> that extends from a first end to a second end, corresponding to the width of the conveyor belt <NUM>. Clips <NUM> are disposed at periodic intervals along the beam <NUM> to allow mounting of the noseroller assembly <NUM> in the conveyor frame. The support beam <NUM> includes a plurality of arms <NUM> extending up from the upper surface of the support beam <NUM>. Each arm <NUM> includes at least one opening <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, for receiving an axle <NUM>.

To assemble the noseroller assembly, a nosebar segment <NUM> is placed between two arms <NUM>, such that an opening in the nosebar segment <NUM> aligns with the opening <NUM> in the arm, then, the axle <NUM> is pushed through the aligned openings to secure the nosebar segments to the support beam <NUM>. The nosebar axle <NUM> includes a straight body portion and one or more end curves <NUM> to allow the nosebar axle <NUM> to lock into place, or rotate to allow for easy disassembly and replacement of the nosebars <NUM>. The nosebar axle <NUM> ensures that all nosebars <NUM> are coaxial and allow free rotation of the nosebars <NUM> about the axle, driven by the conveyor belt <NUM>.

When the axle <NUM> and the end assembly <NUM> are connected, the axle <NUM> is locked. When removed from the conveyor, the axle <NUM> can be rotated and removed. As it is removed, each individual nosebar <NUM> can come out.

The nosebar <NUM>, an embodiment of which is described in <CIT> entitled "Positively-Driven, Low Tension Transfer Conveyor", forms a guide structure for guiding the conveyor belt around the infeed end. The nosebar <NUM> is mounted on and is freely rotatable about the nosebar axle <NUM>. Roller bearings or other devices may facilitate rotation of the nosebar <NUM> about the nosebar axle <NUM>. The nosebar <NUM> has a relatively small diameter, which may be smaller than the arc of the natural curvature of the belt <NUM>. The small radius of the nosebar allows a smaller gap between two conveyor belts or between the conveyor belt and another device to ensure a smooth transition. The nosebars <NUM> have a grooved profile, shown as teeth that engage drive structure on the conveyor belt <NUM> to allow the conveyor belt <NUM> to drive the nosebars <NUM>. The nosebars function as slide bearings and the use of a series of segments across the width of the axle <NUM> limits deflection of the axle <NUM> and conveyor belt <NUM>.

The support beam <NUM> for the noseroller assembly further includes protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> extending from the end faces for securing the noseroller assembly to the conveyor frame. Each protrusion <NUM>, <NUM> comprises a neck forming a channel for receiving a locking handle <NUM> and an enlarged head at the end of the neck.

As shown in <FIG>, a handle <NUM> can lock each side of the noseroller cartridge <NUM> to the frame. The handle <NUM> extends through an opening in a first protrusion <NUM> on a side plate <NUM> or <NUM>. The handle <NUM> bends, then passes through the channel formed by the neck of a protrusion <NUM> or <NUM>, through a channel in a second protrusion <NUM>. The end of the handle <NUM> can lock in place in the third protrusion <NUM>, which includes a slot <NUM> and recess <NUM> for seating the handle. A user can depress the handle <NUM> and move the end out of the slot to release the handle <NUM>, releasing the noseroller cartridge from the frame. The handle <NUM> may remain connected to the associated side plate <NUM> or <NUM> even when in an unlocked position.

Any suitable means for securing the noseroller assembly to the frame may be used.

Preferably, the noseroller assembly can be locked in an operational position, where the axle is locked axially and rotationally, without the use of external tools or fasteners.

Each side plate <NUM>, <NUM> at the infeed further include a slot <NUM> (see <FIG>) or other feature for mounting the guide roller <NUM>. The illustrative guide roller <NUM> mounted on an axle <NUM> that connects to an external drag unit <NUM> that may be used to create localized tension in the conveyor belt to allow the conveyor belt to conform to the small-diameter noseroller. The drag unit may include permanent magnet brakes to brake a drive, or any suitable device. In another embodiment, the drag unit is omitted or internal to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The infeed <NUM> includes connectors <NUM> and other suitable means for mounting the drag unit <NUM> to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>.

The infeed end further includes a position limiter, which in the illustrative embodiment comprises a roller limiter <NUM>, mounted in a selected position relative to the guide roller to ensure proper engagement with the guide roller <NUM>. Position limiter connecting plates <NUM> connect the roller limiter <NUM> to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM> of the frame. The position limiter connecting plates allow the position limiter <NUM> to move between an engaged position, in which the positon limiter <NUM> is positioned to ensure proper engagement between the guide roller <NUM> and the conveyor belt <NUM>, and an disengaged position, in which the position limiter <NUM> is pivoted or otherwise moved out of engagement yet still remains connected to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM> to prevent loss and facilitate quick re-engagement.

Referring to <FIG>, the position limiter connecting plate <NUM> comprises an open seat <NUM> for seating a first connecting portion on the end of the roller limiter <NUM> and another seat, shown as opening <NUM>, or other feature for mounting the axle <NUM> of the guide roller <NUM>. In one embodiment, the axle of the guide roller <NUM> protrudes through the opening <NUM> and connects to drag unit <NUM> on an outer side. A protrusion <NUM> extends from the inner surface of the connecting plate <NUM> below the seat <NUM> to allow a pivotable connection to a second connecting portion of the roller limiter. The position limiter connecting plate <NUM> further includes openings <NUM> that receive fasteners <NUM> for mounting the connecting plate <NUM> to a side plate <NUM> or <NUM>. Any suitable means for mounting the connecting plate <NUM> to the infeed may be used.

The open seat <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM> comprises two straight side walls, a curved closed end wall and an open end wall to allow the connecting portion of the roller limiter to pivot out of the seat. In one embodiment, the open seat <NUM> is configured to allow pivoting of the roller limiter connecting portion <NUM> in a direction D that is perpendicular to an axial direction along which the roller limiter <NUM> extends. Direction D may also be perpendicular to a reference line extending between opening <NUM> and the open seat <NUM>.

The roller limiter <NUM> includes mounting components that allow the roller limiter <NUM> to move into and out of engagement without requiring complete removal of the limiter from the frame. As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the roller limiter includes handles <NUM> at each end that can each be received in a seat <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM>. Each handle <NUM> comprises a central cylindrical portion <NUM> forming a connecting portion and through which the end axle of the roller limiter protrudes. An outer end face <NUM> caps the central cylindrical portion and has an off center handle <NUM> extending from a protrusion <NUM> as well as a central axle <NUM>. An inner end face <NUM> caps the inner side of the central cylindrical portion <NUM> and includes a slotted extension <NUM> having a slot <NUM> forming a second connecting portion that engages the inner protrusion <NUM> on the connecting plate <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. During normal operation, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the central cylindrical portion <NUM> is held in the seat <NUM>, which properly positions the roller limiter <NUM> relative to the guide roller <NUM>, sandwiching the conveyor belt <NUM> therebetween and ensuring proper engagement between the teeth of the conveyor belt <NUM> and the guide roller <NUM>. The cylindrical portion <NUM> can be unseated from seat <NUM> to release the roller limiter <NUM> by pulling the handle <NUM> up out of the seat <NUM> and allowing the roller limiter <NUM> pivot about protrusion <NUM> out of the seat and fall, as shown in <FIG>, while the engagement between the inner protrusion <NUM> and slotted extension <NUM> holds the roller limiter <NUM> attached to the frame, allowing the roller limiter <NUM> to be quickly reengaged. Other suitable means for allowing disengagement of the position limiter from an engaged position without disconnecting the position limiter from the frame may be used.

Guards <NUM>, <NUM> can also be mounted to the frame for safety purposes (see <FIG>).

<FIG> shows another embodiment of a noseroller assembly <NUM> suitable for insertion into an infeed or outfeed portion of a conveyor frame to guide a conveyor belt between a carryway and a returnway. The illustrative noseroller assembly <NUM> has a support beam <NUM> having a hexagonal cross-section, end protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, support arms <NUM>, noseroller segments <NUM> and an axle <NUM> having a bent end <NUM>. The noseroller assembly <NUM> can be easily inserted into and removed from an associated frame. In another embodiment, the support beam <NUM> comprises a sheet that curves at the end of the carryway, rather than a beam.

<FIG> show alternate embodiment of a guide roller and position limiter connector plate for an infeed portion <NUM> of a conveyor, including the noseroller assembly <NUM> of <FIG>. In the embodiment of <FIG>, the guide roller <NUM> includes an internal braking mechanism and the position limiter connecting plate <NUM> is configured to connect the internally-braked guide roller <NUM> to a frame side plate <NUM>' and also connect the roller limiter <NUM> to the frame side plate <NUM>'. The roller limiter <NUM> and associated mounting components <NUM> are the same as or substantially similar to those shown in <FIG> and <NUM>-<NUM>. The illustrative guide roller <NUM> includes end mounting axles <NUM> and a toothed outer shell <NUM> that can rotate around the end mounting axles with resistance. The toothed outer shell <NUM> engages the drive side of the conveyor belt <NUM> to provide a limited amount of tension to ensure that the conveyor belt <NUM>' conforms to the noserollers <NUM>.

The position limiter connecting plate <NUM>, an embodiment of which is shown in <FIG>, is mounted to the outside of the frame plate <NUM>' and includes an inner recess <NUM> for holding a corresponding end mounting axle <NUM> such that the end mounting axle <NUM> remains fixed while allowing rotation of the shell portion <NUM>. The illustrative inner recess <NUM> has flat sides for fixedly engaging the end mounting axle <NUM>. The position limiter connector <NUM> further includes an open seat <NUM> for seating the handle <NUM> on the end of the roller limiter and an inner protrusion <NUM> for engaging the slot <NUM> in the slotted extension <NUM> of the roller limiter to prevent removal of the roller limiter from the frame while allowing disengagement from the conveyor belt. The open seat <NUM> faces a direction that is perpendicular to the axis of the roller limiter <NUM> and guide roller <NUM>, allowing the roller limiter <NUM> to pivot out of the seat in a non-operational mode.

<FIG> is a cross-sectional view through the guide roller. The toothed outer shell <NUM> rotates about the static end mounting axles <NUM>. Bearings <NUM> control the position of the drum <NUM> relative to the axles <NUM>. As the conveyor belt engages and turns the shell <NUM>, localized tension is created, which, combined with the speed of the conveyor belt, generates power. A planetary gearbox <NUM> is connected to the shell <NUM> and increases the relatively low drum speed so that the output of the planetary gearbox <NUM> is a relatively high-speed shaft.

The high-speed shaft, which rotates at a rate that is equal to the shell revolutions per minute times the ratio of the gearbox, is connected to a permanent magnet electric motor <NUM>, which operates as a generator and creates a voltage when the shell <NUM> rotates. The voltage generated by the motor depends on the speed at which the motor is driven. The illustrative internally-braked guide roller <NUM> further includes resistors <NUM> between the coils of the motor to convert the motor power to heat, which is then dissipated through the shell <NUM> into the conveyor belt. In this manner, the guide roller <NUM> can insert dynamic tension in a localized area between guide roller <NUM> and an infeed, without increasing tension between the guide roller and the drive for the conveyor belt.

<FIG> is an isometric view of an outfeed end <NUM> of a conveyor including components that can be disengaged from an operating position while remaining connected to the frame of the conveyor according to an embodiment of the invention. <FIG> is an exploded view of the outfeed end of <FIG> and <FIG> is a detailed view of a portion P2 of <FIG>. The outfeed end <NUM> includes a frame comprising side plates <NUM>, <NUM> and a carryway support <NUM>. A noseroller assembly <NUM>, embodiments of which are describes above, guides a conveyor belt <NUM> from the end of the carryway into the returnway. The noseroller assembly <NUM> can be a cartridge unit that can be inserted into and removed from the frame. A drive <NUM>, which may be a drum motor, sprocket or other suitable drive for driving the conveyor belt <NUM>, is driven by a motor <NUM> and engages drive elements on the drive side of the conveyor belt <NUM> to move the conveyor belt through the circuit. A drive mount <NUM>, shown as an external bearing connected to a side plate <NUM> or <NUM> using fasteners or another suitable means, mounts the drive <NUM> to the frame. The outfeed assembly also includes a position limiter assembly <NUM> for ensuring proper engagement between the drive <NUM> and the conveyor belt <NUM>. A pair of position limiter connecting plates <NUM> connect each end of the position limiter <NUM> to the frame to properly locate the position limiter relative to the drive. A scraper assembly <NUM> is also mounted to the frame. During operation, the position limiter and scraper assembly are in an operating position, with the scraper assembly <NUM> position to remove debris from the conveyor belt <NUM> and the position limiter <NUM> positioned to ensure engagement of the drive <NUM> with the conveyor belt <NUM>. Both assemblies can be moved out of operating position to allow cleaning or maintenance without entirely removing the assemblies from the frame.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of a position limiter connecting plate <NUM> for positioning a position limiter relative to a drive. <FIG> is a detailed view of the limiter connecting plate region in the assembled outfeed. The limiter connecting plate includes an upper opening <NUM> for receiving the drive shaft <NUM> of the drive <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the drive mount <NUM> is placed outside of the limiter connecting plate <NUM> when assembled, sandwiching the limiter connecting plate <NUM> between the drive mount <NUM> and the associate side plate <NUM>. The position limiter connecting plate includes a seat, comprising an open seat, shown as recess <NUM>, in the middle of the rear edge for seating a first connecting portion of the position limiter assembly, shown as a cylindrical end <NUM>. The open seat <NUM> is open in a direction D that is perpendicular to the axes of the position limiter roller <NUM> and drive <NUM> connected to the connecting plate, to allow the position limiter roller <NUM> to pivot out of an engaged, operational position. Fastener openings <NUM> receive fasteners <NUM> to fasten each limiter connecting plate <NUM> to an associated frame plate <NUM>, <NUM>. A middle opening <NUM> receives a protrusion <NUM> on the scraper assembly to connect the scraper assembly to the limiter connecting plate <NUM>. A lower opening <NUM> is used to pivotally connect with a second connecting portion of the position limiter <NUM>. The position limiter includes a connecting protrusion <NUM> that extends through the lower opening <NUM>. A handle <NUM> extends from a drop-shaped base <NUM> of the position limiter connected to the connecting protrusion <NUM>. The position limiter assembly <NUM> can pivot about this lower opening <NUM> to move the position limiter <NUM> out of an engaged position.

<FIG> shows the position limiter assembly <NUM> in the outfeed of <FIG>. The position limiter assembly <NUM> comprises a roller limiter <NUM> extending from a first side to a second side and having connecting portions, comprising cylindrical ends <NUM> extending from axial nubs on the side faces of the roller limiter. The cylindrical ends <NUM> include a protrusion forming a mounting plate <NUM> comprising a neck and an enlarged end for connecting to a lower mounting bar <NUM> that extends below the roller limiter <NUM>. The neck forms a recess <NUM>. The mounting plate <NUM> connects to the limiter handle via connecting protrusions <NUM>. The limiter handle, which extends outside the limiter connecting plate <NUM> when the outfeed is assembled, includes a drop-shaped base <NUM>, a handle <NUM> and a protrusion <NUM>. The connecting protrusion <NUM> connecting the base <NUM> to the mounting plate <NUM> is received in the opening <NUM> of the limiter connecting plate <NUM> when the outfeed is assembled, and the position limiter assembly <NUM> can pivot about this connecting protrusion <NUM> to move the position limiter out of an engaged position.

<FIG> shows an embodiment of the scraper assembly <NUM>. The scraper assembly <NUM> comprises a base support <NUM> extending between mounting plates <NUM>. The base support <NUM> may be rotationally stiff. The base support <NUM> forms a plurality of blade receptacles <NUM>, shown as cooperating fingers, for receiving a scraper blade <NUM>. The blade receptacles <NUM> are flexible and form a channel thinner than the thickness of the scraper blade at its base to compressively hold the scraper blade <NUM>. When assembled, as shown in <FIG>, the scraper blade <NUM> is biased into contact with the outer surface of the conveyor belt <NUM> between the noseroller assembly <NUM> and the position limiter roller <NUM> to remove debris from the outer surface. Each mounting plate includes outer protrusions <NUM>, <NUM> for mounting the base support <NUM> and scraper blade <NUM>. The scraper assembly also includes handles <NUM> extending from the top of each mounting plate <NUM>. Mounting arms <NUM> mounted on each side of a counter weight <NUM> are used to mount and bias the scraper assembly in position. Each mounting arm <NUM> includes an upper recess <NUM> in an upper edge, a central outer protrusion <NUM> a lower slot <NUM>. The mounting arm <NUM> further includes a tapering tail <NUM> that protrudes inwards from the slot <NUM>. A nook <NUM> is formed in the bottom edge between the tail <NUM> and the slot <NUM>. The body of the mounting arm curves to form a curved recess <NUM>. The arm then connects at an end <NUM> to the counter weight <NUM>.

The scraper assembly base <NUM> includes a number of cutouts <NUM> below the receptacles <NUM>. The cutouts are separated by columns <NUM>. The columns <NUM> may be flexible and able to deflect to allow the scraper tip <NUM> to remain in constant contact with an outer surface of a conveyor belt. The columns 339c in the central portion of the scraper base <NUM> may be thicker than the columns 339o in the outer portion of the scraper base <NUM> to ensure sufficient strength across the scraper assembly, while allowing more deflection towards the outside.

<FIG> shows the mounting of the scraper assembly <NUM> to the position limiter assembly <NUM> with the limiter connecting plate <NUM> removed in order to show the connection between the scraper assembly <NUM> and position limiter assembly <NUM>. When assembled, the cylindrical end <NUM> of the position limiter is located in the recess <NUM> of the scraper assembly and seated in the recess <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM>. The tail <NUM> of the scraper assembly is inserted in the recess <NUM> of the position limiter assembly and the mounting plate <NUM> of the position limiter assembly is below the tail <NUM>. The upper protrusion <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> is received in the recess <NUM> of the mounting arm <NUM>. The lower protrusion <NUM> of the mounting plate <NUM> is inserted in the slot <NUM> of the mounting arm <NUM>. The central outer protrusion <NUM> passes through the limiter connecting plate middle opening <NUM>.

When access, such as for cleaning, is required, a user can easily disengage the components from position without requiring extra tools, while allowing the components to stay connected to the frame. For example, a user can push the position limiter handle <NUM> towards the rear to push the connected cylindrical end <NUM> out of the open seat <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM> and the recess <NUM> of the scraper mounting arms <NUM>. This action rotates the mounting plate <NUM>, causing it to push against the tail <NUM> of the arm <NUM> until the mounting plate <NUM> rests in nook <NUM>. The movement of the handle releases the position limiter roller <NUM>, pivoting it down below the scraper, away from the conveyor belt, as shown in <FIG>. The camming action between the tail <NUM> and mounting plate <NUM> pitches the arm <NUM> forward, pushing the scraper blade <NUM> out of contact with the conveyor belt. Then, a user can pull the scraper assembly out of position by pulling up on the handle <NUM>, unseating the protrusion <NUM> from the upper recess <NUM>, causing the protrusion <NUM> to slide up in the slot <NUM>. The user can pivot the scraper assembly away from the conveyor belt. The scraper assembly pivots about protrusion <NUM>, resting so that the blade <NUM> hangs below the frame in front of the hanging position limiter roller, as shown in <FIG>. Thus, when the position limiter is in an engaged position, it exerts a force against the scraper to push the scraper against the belt. When the position limiter moves to its disengaged position, the force against the scraper is removed, allowing the scraper to disengage when the position limiter is disengaged. In this manner, a user can access components of the outfeed assembly without requiring full disassembly.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a tool <NUM> may be used during assembly of the outfeed assembly to ensure proper location of the drive shaft <NUM> within the frame. The tool <NUM> clamps around the drive shaft <NUM> at the outside of the plate <NUM> or <NUM> between the limiter connecting plate <NUM> and the frame plate <NUM> or <NUM> to center the drive shaft <NUM> before tightening the drive mount <NUM>. The tool <NUM> comprises legs <NUM>, <NUM> pivotally connected together. Rounded arms <NUM>, <NUM> extend from the pivot point <NUM>. The rounded arms <NUM>, <NUM> close together when the legs <NUM>, <NUM> clamp together and open when the legs <NUM>, <NUM> open. The rounded arms <NUM>, <NUM> include protrusions <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> about the periphery for centering the drive shaft <NUM> in an opening of the frame plate before tightening fasteners in the drive mount.

<FIG> show another embodiment of an infeed portion <NUM> of a conveyor including components that can be disengaged from an operating position while remaining connected to the frame of the conveyor according to an embodiment of the invention. The infeed portion mounts belt guiding components between side plates <NUM>, <NUM>. At the end of the carryway, a noseroller assembly <NUM> mounted to and between the side plates <NUM>, <NUM> using tabs <NUM>, guides the conveyor belt <NUM> from below into the carryway, as described above. A drag roller <NUM> imparts localized tension to ensure that the conveyor belt <NUM> conforms to the noseroller assembly <NUM> and is held in seats <NUM> (see <FIG>) in the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>. The side plates <NUM>, <NUM> also include receptacles <NUM> for mounting a position limiter connecting plate, as described below, and a vertical slot <NUM> for seating a mounting axle of a belt guiding roller <NUM> (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). The noseroller assembly <NUM> includes arms extending from a base structure extending between the side plates, rather than a separate insert, an axle extending through openings in the arms and rotatably mounting a plurality of noseroller segments in spaces between the arms and a protrusion or other feature on side plate <NUM> for receiving and locking a bent portion of the axle to the assembly.

The infeed assembly <NUM> further includes a roller limiter <NUM> positioned relative to the drag roller <NUM> to ensure proper engagement between the drag roller <NUM> and drive side of the conveyor belt <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the roller limiter <NUM> comprises a roller extending between mounting plates <NUM> and includes cylindrical mounting ends <NUM> at each end. A mounting bar <NUM> extends between the mounting plates <NUM> below the main roller portion and connects to the handle <NUM> outside one of the mounting plates <NUM>. At least one end of the mounting bar <NUM> extends through the associated mounting plate <NUM> and connects to a handle <NUM>, which can be rotated about the mounting bar <NUM> to move the roller limiter <NUM> into and out of position.

The roller limiter <NUM> is connected to a belt wrapping roller <NUM> using connecting arms <NUM> that extend from the ends of the belt wrapping roller <NUM> to the mounting plates <NUM> and are connected to the mounting plates <NUM> by the ends of the roller limiter <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>.

The infeed assembly further includes position limiter connecting plates <NUM> that are used to position the roller limiter <NUM> and belt wrapping roller <NUM> and connect those components to the frame. The connecting plates <NUM> are mounted to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM> using fasteners <NUM> inserted in receptacles <NUM> of the side plates <NUM>. Each connecting plate <NUM> includes a horizontal front slot <NUM> for receiving the end of the drag roller <NUM> protruding through the mounting plate <NUM>, an open seat <NUM> facing the interior of the conveyor frame for seating the end <NUM> of the roller limiter <NUM>, a rear vertical slot <NUM> for seating the mounting axle <NUM> of the belt wrapping roller <NUM>. The open seat <NUM> is open to allow pivoting of the roller limiter <NUM> out of engagement with the conveyor belt. The handle <NUM> of the roller limiter is attached to a mounting bar <NUM> extending through an opening <NUM> in the connecting plate <NUM> so that when assembled, the handle <NUM> is rotatably mounted on the outside of the connecting plate <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> can be used to easily unseat the belt guiding roller <NUM> and roller limiter <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, rotation of the handle <NUM> about the axis of rotation defined by the mounting bar <NUM> pulls the connected roller limiter <NUM> out of the seat <NUM>, rotating it about the mounting bar <NUM>. This action also pulls the connected belt guiding roller <NUM> down, with the mounting axle <NUM> sliding down in the slot <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM>. The slot <NUM> contains the belt guiding roller <NUM>. The components can easily be moved back into position by rotating the handle <NUM> in the opposite direction from the arrow. The geometry of the connecting plate allows precise alignment and positioning of the roller limiter relative to the drag roller <NUM>. Preferable, the open side of the open seat <NUM> is about perpendicular to a reference line extending from the central axis of the drag roller <NUM> and the central axis of the roller limiter <NUM> in the mounted position and also about perpendicular to the axis of the roller limiter <NUM>. The geometry of the open seat <NUM> controls the translation of the roller limiter <NUM> to the engaged, operating position (<FIG>) such that as it moves from the disengaged, non-operating position (<FIG>) to the operating position, the distance between the axis of the roller limiter and the axis of the drag roller <NUM> closes to the smallest clearance allowable for the conveyor belt <NUM> and then opens back up to a desired final optimal distance for allowing the conveyor belt to pass therebetween. The invention is not limited to moving an auxiliary components, such as the belt-wrapping roller <NUM>, when moving the roller limiter <NUM> into and out of engagement.

The components shown in <FIG> can be permanently mounted to conveyor, but certain components may be disengaged and moved into a non-operating position for cleaning, repair or other needs without removing the components from the conveyor. The components may be easily moved back into a precise operating position without requiring external tools to excessive adjustments.

<FIG> show another embodiment of an infeed assembly <NUM> similar to the embodiment shown in <FIG>, but having a different handle <NUM>, a curved slot <NUM> seating a mounting axle <NUM> of a belt wrapping roller <NUM> and other small variations.

The infeed assembly <NUM> includes opposing side plates <NUM>, <NUM> and a noseroller assembly <NUM> mounted to the side plates <NUM>, <NUM> for guiding a conveyor belt <NUM> at an infeed of a conveyor. The noseroller assembly <NUM> can comprise a support plate extending the first side plate to the second side plate at the end of the carryway, arms extending from the support plate, an axle having a curved end and supported by the arms, and one or more rotatable nosebars mounted on the axle for guiding the conveyor belt <NUM> onto the carryway of the conveyor. The removable belt-guiding assembly <NUM> is mounted to the frame using outward-facing protrusions <NUM> on the first side plate <NUM>.

The assembly further includes a drag roller <NUM> mounted between the side plates <NUM>, <NUM> for inducing limited drag in the conveyor belt <NUM> to allow the conveyor belt to conform to the noseroller assembly <NUM> at the infeed end of the conveyor. A roller limiter <NUM> is positioned relative to the drag roller <NUM> to ensure proper engagement between the drag roller <NUM> and the drive side of the conveyor belt <NUM>. The axle ends of the drag roller <NUM> are seated in a seat in the side plates <NUM>, <NUM>. An illustrative seat <NUM>, shown in <FIG>, for example, is open to the front of the plate but the invention is not so limited. The side plates <NUM>, <NUM> also include a top seat <NUM> for a take-up, belt wrapping roller <NUM>. The top seat <NUM> is open towards the bottom. The side plates <NUM>, <NUM> also include openings <NUM> or other features for mounting connecting plates <NUM> to the side plates.

The illustrative assembly <NUM> further includes a position limiter connecting plate <NUM> connected to each side plate <NUM>, <NUM> for mounting and positioning the roller limiter <NUM>, belt wrapping roller <NUM> and other accessories. As shown in <FIG>, an illustrative connecting plate <NUM> includes upper openings <NUM> configured to align with the openings <NUM> in an associated side plate <NUM> or <NUM>. Fasteners <NUM> are inserted through the aligned openings to mount the connecting plate <NUM> to a side plate <NUM> or <NUM>, though any suitable means to mount the connecting plates <NUM> may be used. A slotted seat <NUM> receives the end of the drag roller <NUM> protruding through the side plate <NUM>. The illustrative seat <NUM> is closed, but can be open as shown above. Each connecting plate <NUM> further includes an open seat <NUM> for the roller limiter <NUM>. The seat <NUM> comprises a curved slot, open to the bottom edge of the connecting plate <NUM> and terminating in a rounded end that seats a mounting end <NUM> of a roller limiter <NUM> when the conveyor is in an operating mode. An opening <NUM> in the connecting plate below the rounded end is used to connect a handle <NUM> to a mounting bar <NUM> extending between two mounting plates <NUM> that connect the mounting bar <NUM> to the positioning roller <NUM>. The open seat <NUM> is configured to allow pivoting of the cylindrical mounting end <NUM> out of the rounded end, through the curved slot and out of the connecting plate <NUM> about opening <NUM> to unseat the roller portion of the position limiter assembly. In one embodiment, the open seat <NUM> is sized and shaped such that as the roller limiter moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position the distance between the axis of the roller limiter and the axis of the guide roller <NUM> closes to a smallest allowable clearance to accommodate the belt, then opens back up to a desired final optimal distance.

<FIG> and <FIG> show an embodiment of a roller limiter assembly suitable for mounting to the end plates <NUM>, <NUM> using connecting plates <NUM>. The roller limiter assembly comprises a roller <NUM> extending between mounting plates <NUM> and including cylindrical mounting ends <NUM> at each end. During operation, the roller limiter <NUM> is positioned relative to the drag roller <NUM> to ensure proper engagement between the drag roller <NUM> and conveyor belt <NUM>. A mounting bar <NUM> extends between the mounting plates <NUM> below the main roller portion. At least one end of the mounting bar <NUM> extends through the associated mounting plate <NUM>, and through the opening <NUM> in the connecting plate <NUM> when assembled. The mounting bar end connects to the handle <NUM>, which can be rotated about the mounting bar <NUM> to move the roller limiter <NUM> into and out of position.

The roller limiter <NUM> is connected to a belt wrapping roller <NUM> using connecting arms <NUM> that extend from the ends of the belt wrapping roller <NUM> to the mounting ends <NUM> of the roller limiter.

As shown in <FIG>, a pin <NUM> can be used to secure the mounting bar <NUM> to the mounting plates <NUM>. An end of the mounting bar <NUM> is housed in an axial opening <NUM> in the mounting plate <NUM>. The pin <NUM> is inserted through a passageway formed by aligning a perpendicular opening <NUM> through the mounting plate <NUM> with an opening in the mounting bar <NUM> to secure the mounting bar to the mounting plate <NUM>.

A bearing <NUM> and retaining cap <NUM> are assembled within the cylindrical mounting end <NUM> extending from an upper portion of the mounting plate <NUM> for retaining the axle end of the position roller <NUM>.

A belt wrapping roller <NUM> is connected to the positioning roller <NUM> using connecting arms <NUM>, so that dislodging of the positioning roller <NUM> from the seat <NUM> moves the belt wrapping roller as well. The connecting plate <NUM> further includes a curved slot <NUM> comprising an upper section and a lower section for seating the mounting axle <NUM> of the belt wrapping roller <NUM>. When the positioning roller is moved out of operating position, the mounting axle <NUM> moves down through the track formed by the curved slot <NUM>.

In an operating mode, as shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the handle <NUM> is upright, the connected cylindrical mounting caps <NUM> are seated in the seat <NUM> and the axle end <NUM> of the belt wrapping roller <NUM> is in the top portion of the slot <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM>. The handle <NUM> is rotated about the connected mounting bar <NUM> to move the assembly a non-operating position, shown in <FIG>. The connecting plate <NUM> includes a protrusion <NUM> (see <FIG>) for seating the handle <NUM> in the operating position.

In the operating mode, shown in <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, a noseroller assembly <NUM> guides a conveyor belt <NUM> belt down to drag roller <NUM>, which imparts localized tension to ensure that the conveyor belt <NUM> conforms to the small diameter noserollers. The positioning roller <NUM> ensures proper engagement of the conveyor belt <NUM> with the drag roller <NUM>, and the take-up roller <NUM> is positioned to wrap the belt to facilitate proper engagement. The connecting plate <NUM> maintains the various component in optimal position and engagement during operation.

To move the assembly <NUM> into a non-operating mode, to allow access for cleaning or another purpose, a user rotates or otherwise moves the handle <NUM> to push the mounting caps <NUM> out of the seat <NUM>. The roller limiter <NUM> pivots about the mounting bar <NUM> to a hanging position, allowing access to the belt <NUM>. The roller limiter <NUM> pulls the connected belt wrapping roller <NUM> down, with the axle end <NUM> sliding through the slot <NUM>. The relative positions of the rollers <NUM>, <NUM> are maintained by connectors <NUM>. The components stay connected to the frame of the conveyor by mounting bar <NUM> and the axle ends <NUM> of the belt wrapping roller while allowing access to the conveyor belt.

<FIG> show another embodiment of an outfeed assembly <NUM> for a conveyor, which includes many similar components described above, including side plates <NUM>, a noseroller assembly <NUM>, a drive <NUM> driven by a motor <NUM>, a position limiter, shown as a roller limiter <NUM> that can be rotated into and out of operational position, a scraper assembly <NUM> and position limiter connecting plates <NUM> for positioning the position limiter <NUM> in a proper position relative to the drive <NUM>. The seat <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM> is similar to the seat <NUM> at the infeed <NUM>, and is open to allow pivoting of a cylindrical mounting end <NUM> of the position limiter from an operational position, seated in the curved seat, to a disengaged position, whereby the cylindrical mounting end <NUM> is pivoted out of the open seat <NUM> to disengage the position limiter. When assembled, as shown in <FIG>, the noseroller assembly guides the conveyor belt <NUM> from the carryway down to the drive <NUM>, which engages the drive side of the conveyor belt. A scraper blade <NUM> mounted in the scraper assembly <NUM> removes debris from the exterior of the conveyor belt and is properly positioned by an upper recess <NUM> in a mounting arm <NUM> connected to the connecting plate <NUM>. A handle <NUM> connects to the outer side of the connecting plate <NUM>, connecting on an inside of the mounting plate to a mounting bar <NUM>, which connects to the position limiter roller <NUM> via mounting plates <NUM> and cylindrical ends <NUM>. The handle <NUM> can pivot down to unseat the position limiter roller <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>, which can also push the scraper blade <NUM> out of engagement with the conveyor belt <NUM>. The scraper blade <NUM>, arms and support can be pulled out of the assembly.

The connecting plate <NUM> can be mounted to the side plate <NUM> using fasteners <NUM>. The connecting plate <NUM> includes a top opening <NUM> for housing a bearing <NUM> for rotatably mounting the axle of the drive <NUM>. An open seat <NUM> for the roller limiter end cap <NUM> is formed in the middle section and an opening <NUM> below the seat <NUM> couples the handle <NUM> to the mounting bar <NUM> for the roller limiter <NUM>.

<FIG> show another embodiment of an outfeed assembly <NUM> for a conveyor, which includes many similar components described above, including side plates <NUM>, a noseroller assembly <NUM> for guiding a conveyor belt <NUM> at an outfeed of a carryway, a drive <NUM> for positively driving the conveyor belt <NUM> by engaging the drive side of the conveyor belt, a position limiter, shown as a roller limiter <NUM> that can be rotated into and out of operational position where it ensure optimal engagement of the conveyor belt <NUM> and the drive <NUM>, a scraper assembly <NUM> and one or more position limiter connecting plates <NUM> for positioning the roller limiter <NUM> in a proper position relative to the drive <NUM> during operation and allowing the roller limiter and scraper assembly to move away from the drive <NUM> in a nonoperating mode.

The outfeed assembly <NUM> shows variations from the embodiments described above. For example, the handle <NUM> may be differently configured. In addition, the bearing <NUM> for the drive axle <NUM> can be an external bearing mounted to the outer side of the connecting plate <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the external bearing <NUM> is mounted to an outer surface of connecting plate <NUM> using fasteners <NUM> inserted through openings <NUM>. An upper opening <NUM> of the connecting plate <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) aligns with the central opening of the bearing <NUM> to house the drive axle <NUM>. The connecting plate <NUM> is in turn aligned with a drive shaft opening in the side plate <NUM> and affixed thereto using fasteners <NUM> passing through openings <NUM> of the connecting plate and into the side plate <NUM>.

The handle <NUM> connects to the position limiter assembly <NUM> through a bottom opening <NUM> in the connecting plate <NUM>, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>. The illustrative handle includes a base <NUM> that receives a protrusion <NUM> extending through the bottom opening <NUM> from the mounting bar <NUM> of the position limiter assembly <NUM>. A handlebar extends from the base <NUM> to form the handle <NUM>, with an inward protrusion <NUM> at the end of the handlebar. The inward facing protrusion is received in an opening <NUM> in the bearing <NUM> to selectively lock the handlebar <NUM> in place during operation.

In addition to the upper opening <NUM> for the drive axle, and the lower opening <NUM> for connecting the handle to the position limiter assembly <NUM>, the connecting plate also includes an open middle seat <NUM> for receiving the end cap <NUM> of the position limiter assembly during operation, thus optimally positioning the roller portion of the position limiter assembly relative to the drive <NUM>. Another middle opening <NUM> in the neck portion of the connecting plate formed by the open seat receives an outer protrusion <NUM> of the scraper assembly <NUM>, shown in detail in <FIG>, to facilitate mounting and positioning of the scraper assembly relative to the conveyor belt <NUM>. The base <NUM> may be pivotally connected to the tail of the mounting arms <NUM> via openings <NUM>. The open middle seat <NUM> allows pivoting of the end cap <NUM> about the opening <NUM> to unseat the roller portion of the position limiter assembly. The middle seat <NUM> is open facing a direction that is perpendicular to a reference line between the central axis of the drive axle in the upper opening <NUM> and the axis of the roller limiter <NUM> to allow translation of the roller limiter <NUM> from the engaged position to a disengaged position. In one embodiment, the open seat is sized and shaped such that as the roller limiter moves from the disengaged position to the engaged position the distance between the axis of the roller limiter and the axis of the drive <NUM> closes to a smallest allowable clearance to accommodate the belt, then opens back up to a desired final optimal distance.

Referring to <FIG>, the scraper assembly <NUM> includes mounting arms <NUM> with at least one upper recess <NUM> and outer protrusions <NUM> for mounting to the connecting plate <NUM>. A counter weight <NUM> extends between ends of the mounting arms <NUM>. The scraper blade portion comprises a base <NUM>, flexible arms <NUM> and a blade <NUM> inserted in the flexible arms. A handle <NUM> extends from the end of the base <NUM> and is received in an upper recess <NUM> of a mounting arm <NUM> to assemble the scraper assembly.

In operational mode, shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the guide assembly <NUM> guides the conveyor belt from carryway to the drive <NUM>. The position limiter assembly <NUM>, held in position by the connecting plate <NUM> ensures engagement of the conveyor belt and drive. The scraper assembly <NUM> holds the blade <NUM> in proper position against the conveyor belt <NUM> to remove debris and is held in place by the connecting plate <NUM> and counter weight <NUM> as well.

In a non-operating mode, the position limiter <NUM> and scraper <NUM> can disengage to allow access for cleaning, repair or another purpose. Referring to <FIG>, the handle <NUM> can be pivoted about its base <NUM> to dislodge the cylindrical end caps <NUM> of the position limiter assembly from the open seat <NUM>, which pushes the connected roller portion out of an engaged position. The movement tilts the mounting arms <NUM> of the scraper assembly <NUM> away from the belt, pivoting about mounted protrusion <NUM> and pushing the blade portion <NUM> out of contact with the conveyor belt.

As shown in <FIG>, the blade <NUM> and arms <NUM> can be pushed further from the conveyor belt by lifting the handle <NUM> from the recess <NUM> and rotating the arms and attached blade <NUM> about the base <NUM> and away from the conveyor belt. As shown, in the disengaged mode, the components, such as the position limiter assembly <NUM> and scraper assembly <NUM> remain attached to the conveyor frame and can be easily pushed back into operating position.

In the assemblies described above, the noseroller assemblies <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM><NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, comprise a support beam or plate extending from a first side to a second side, arms extending arms extending from a top surface of the support beam or plate, the arms including a plurality of aligned openings, an axle extending through the aligned openings and at least one rotatable nosebar mounted on the axle. The support beam can be mounted in a recess in the side plates of the frame, or the support plate can be permanently connected to the side plates. The axle is secured to the side plates through any suitable means. <FIG> shown an embodiment of an arm <NUM> suitable for use in a noseroller assembly to support an axle holding noserollers for guiding a conveyor belt.

Each arm <NUM> comprises a shaped bar having an upper opening <NUM> for receiving an axle and a threaded bottom portion <NUM> for securing the arm to a support plate <NUM>, beam, or other structure. The arm may be stainless steel or comprise any suitable material or combination of materials.

The illustrative support plate <NUM>, beam or other conveyor component to be joined includes an opening <NUM> for receiving the bottom portion of the arm. A threaded nut <NUM> or other suitable component mates with the threaded bottom portion <NUM> to secure the arm <NUM> relative to the plate <NUM>.

In the illustrative embodiment, the opening <NUM> has an upper chamfer <NUM>, with the larger diameter of the opening facing the portion of the conveyor in which hygiene may be more important.

The arm <NUM> has an enlarged central portion <NUM> configured to be received in the upper chamfer <NUM>. The enlarged central portion <NUM> comprises chamfered upper and lower surfaces <NUM>, <NUM> that taper to a point <NUM>. The bottom surface <NUM> may have a shape that does not match the chamfer <NUM> of the opening. In this manner, the arm <NUM> can be compressively sealed against the support plate <NUM>. As the nut <NUM> is threaded onto the threaded bottom <NUM>, the bottom surface <NUM> will deform to match the shape of the opening, thereby compressively sealing the arm <NUM> and support plate <NUM>. This approach joining can be used to join any two conveyor components.

Claim 1:
An assembly for a conveyor, comprising:
a first side plate (<NUM>);
a second side plate (<NUM>) opposing the first side plate;
a first roller (<NUM>) extending between the first side plate (<NUM>) and the second side plate (<NUM>) for engaging a drive side of a conveyor belt (<NUM>);
a connecting plate (<NUM>) mounted to the first side plate (<NUM>) and having a first seat (<NUM>) for receiving an axle end of the first roller (<NUM>), and a second seat (<NUM>) that is open;
a position limiter (<NUM>) for ensuring proper engagement between the drive side of the conveyor belt (<NUM>) and the first roller (<NUM>), the position limiter (<NUM>) having a first end configured to be received in the open seat (<NUM>); and
a handle (<NUM>) connected to the position limiter, the handle movable between an operating position in which the position limiter end is mounted in the open seat (<NUM>) and a nonoperating position, in which the position limiter end is unseated from the open seat (<NUM>);
wherein the position limiter (<NUM>) comprises a position limiter roller (<NUM>) extending along a roller axis, the first end having a cylindrical shape,
characterized in that the position limiter further comprises:
a mounting bar (<NUM>) extending along an axis parallel to the roller axis, a mounting plate (<NUM>) connecting the mounting bar (<NUM>) to the first end and a protrusion (<NUM>) extending outward of the mounting plate (<NUM>) and into an opening (<NUM>) in the connecting plate (<NUM>).