Sideways Rollers

[dlc95]

Guys, I'm having a bear of a time with my rollers coming up side ways. I've been in this industry as an attendant and an assistant manager at two different locations, for different operators since 1996 and I've never seen or heard of anything like this happening. I had to send of a line of cars because of this.

My question: what are some of the possible causes? I suspect worn rollers, but is there something else, like fork or take up drum, that I should scrutinize more? I've battled the weather, now I'm battling my conveyor.... I'm losing my rear end here. I have no idea how the previous owner was able to wash cars.

Anyways, thanks for being here! I honestly can't wait to see this place really start moving!

 

[robert roman]

“rollers coming up side ways.”

Here are some things I have found to cause this.

Leak in air line which prevents full extension of roller-up piston

Worn clevis

Loose bolt on entrance end trap door

Loose bolt on exit end trap door

Too much slack in chain

 

[dlc95]

Thank you, Robert.

I'm not familiar with the term clevis. Where would I locate this piece?

 

[Earl Weiss]

Don't know your conveyor model. But here is a short course for many:

"Fork" attached to air cylinder. Cylinder extends and raises Fork.

Lift out(s) rides on top of Fork. and are raised by fork . Rollers are lifted by riding on lift out.

Possible issues. (SEE LAST FIRST)

A. Fork is attached to cylinder via clevis attached to threaded rod. Cylinder is not raising it high enough due to wear or other issues. Adjust threaded rod at clevis to make it longer lift. Make sure you are not hitting a "Stop" that prevents it from going higher. This may need to be adjusted as well.

B. Lift outs or Fork are excessively worn. Not lifting roller high enough May need replacement or repair by welding steel to tips.

C. Lift out worn or misaligned on one side so fork is missing it on one side and only one gets lifted high enough.. Only one side of roller gets lifted. Tighten, repair or repalce. Make sure mounting for liftout is not excessively worn or misaligned. (My Flapan Conveyors were notorius for this. IMNSHO the design was bad. Forks is about 3/8" wide where it contacts liftout. A slight misalignment cause it to miss. I have had steel welded to the Fork to make the contact area larger.)

D. Bushing where roller attaches to chain is worn or roller itself isd worn (you may not have one) This allows roller to twist. Replace bushings and or rollers.

E. Top Slot of conveyor excessively worn at entrance. Should be just wide enough to allow for some alignment issues but as narrow as possible. The narrower the slot the less possible for roller to twist.

 

[robert roman]

As Earl, implies, with so much possible, you really gotta be there to see what's up.

 

[robert roman]

Picture worth a 1,000 words.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clevis_fastener

 

[JeffM]

dlc; could you provide us with the make/model and some pictures/video of your forks & drum? might help in the diagnosis.

 

[dlc95]

Hi guys! Sorry for the long response time. Many, many thanks for all your input, and assistance. After removing a bent section of chain, and replacing my air line that makes the fork go back down, I've yet to have any more sideways rollers! Next on the list is replacement of the bearings on the take up drum. I also got new Vaughn rollers, as many of mine were severely worn.

I believe the conveyor is mostly Hanna, but I'm told that it's a "hodge podge".

 

[robert roman]

“….mostly Hanna, but I'm told that it's a "hodge podge".”

You must have inherited a very old boy. Operating a rigged up wash usually means wrestling with equipment every day.

So, you are wise to go through every aspect because conveyor is heart of tunnel.

Good luck.

 

[Earl Weiss]

. After removing a bent section of chain, and replacing my air line that makes the fork go back down,

Dang, out of stuff I listed I forgot this one. Some liftouts have the cylinder with positive action in both directions and some have the weight of the rollers drop the liftout / fork. If for some reason the liftout drops only part way or only one side drops for whatever reason this will cause the problem.

 

[dlc95]

Dang, out of stuff I listed I forgot this one. Some liftouts have the cylinder with positive action in both directions and some have the weight of the rollers drop the liftout / fork. If for some reason the liftout drops only part way or only one side drops for whatever reason this will cause the problem.

It was actually your suggestions that prompted that particular inspection. Thank you!