U.S. patent application number 11/492349 was filed with the patent office on 2008-01-31 for radius belt with improved stiffness.
This patent application is currently assigned to HABASIT AG. Invention is credited to Dietmar Elsner.
Application Number | 20080023304 11/492349 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38985039 |
Filed Date | 2008-01-31 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080023304 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Elsner; Dietmar |
January 31, 2008 |
Radius belt with improved stiffness
Abstract
A radius belt module suitable for large radius applications such
as for spiral conveyors. The module has having an intermediate
section including a cross rib having a corrugated portion extending
along at least a portion of the length of the intermediate section.
The intermediate section also has a web extending along the length
of the intermediate section and disposed adjacent to the cross rib.
The module has a first plurality of link ends extending outward
from the intermediate section and having a transverse opening
defined therein. The link ends are formed by a pair of spaced apart
link members that are connected by a end portion. The link ends
have a slot or opening defined therein from the top to the bottom
of the module. The slot is bordered by the inside walls of the link
members. The module also has a second plurality of link ends
extending outward from the intermediate section in a direction
opposite the first link ends. The second link ends have a
transverse opening with an elongated shape. The link ends are
formed by a pair of spaced apart link members that are connected by
an end portion. The link ends have a slot or opening defined
therein. The slot is bordered by the inside walls of the link
members. The corrugated portion of the cross rib has a reach bar
portion extending between first and second link ends and has a
border portion disposed adjacent to the slot formed in the link
ends.
Inventors: |
Elsner; Dietmar;
(Eimeldingen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
HODGSON RUSS LLP;THE GUARANTY BUILDING
140 PEARL STREET, SUITE 100
BUFFALO
NY
14202-4040
US
|
Assignee: |
HABASIT AG
|
Family ID: |
38985039 |
Appl. No.: |
11/492349 |
Filed: |
July 25, 2006 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
198/853 ;
198/852 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 17/086 20130101;
Y10T 29/49826 20150115; B65G 17/385 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
198/853 ;
198/852 |
International
Class: |
B65G 17/38 20060101
B65G017/38 |
Claims
1. A belt module comprising: an intermediate section including a
cross rib having a corrugated portion extending along at least a
portion of the length of the intermediate section and the
intermediate section having a web extending along the length of the
intermediate section and adjacent to the cross rib; a plurality of
first link ends extending outward from the intermediate section and
having a transverse opening defined therein, the link ends having a
pair of spaced apart link members and having an end portion
connecting the link members, the link ends having a slot defined
therein; and a plurality of second link ends extending outward from
the intermediate section in a direction opposite the first link
ends, the second link ends having a transverse opening with an
elongated shape defined therein, the link ends having a pair of
spaced apart link members and having an end portion connecting the
link members, the link ends having a slot defined therein; and,
wherein the corrugated portion of the cross rib has a reach bar
portion extending between first and second link ends and has a
border portion disposed adjacent to the slots formed in the link
ends.
2. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the slot comprises an
opening extending from a top surface of the link end to the bottom
surface of the link end.
3. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the cross rib includes a
substantially straight portion.
4. The belt module of claim 3, wherein the substantially straight
portion is disposed toward the middle of the belt when the modules
are intercalated.
5. The belt module of claim 1, wherein at least one of the link
members of the first plurality of link ends connects with the
intermediate section in close proximity to where at least one of
the link members of the second plurality of link ends connects with
the intermediate section.
6. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the border portion of the
cross rib has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the
reach bar portion.
7. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the cross
rib between opposed link members is approximately equal.
8. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the thickness of the cross
rib between opposed link members is reduced toward the belt
edge.
9. The belt module of claim 1, further comprising at least one link
end having closed top and bottom surfaces.
10. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the web is wider than the
cross rib.
11. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the difference between the
width of the web and the width of the cross rib at the side edge is
greater than the difference between the width of the web and the
width of the cross rib near the edge opposite from the side
edge.
12. A modular belt, comprising: a plurality of belt modules having
an intermediate section including a cross rib having a corrugated
portion extending along at least a portion of the length of the
intermediate section and a web extending along the length of the
intermediate section and adjacent to the cross rib; a plurality of
first link ends extending outward from the intermediate section and
having a transverse opening defined therein, the link ends having a
pair of spaced apart link members and having an end portion
connecting the link members, the link ends having a slot defined
therein; and a plurality of second link ends extending outward from
the intermediate section in a direction opposite the first link
ends, the second link ends having a transverse opening with an
elongated shape defined therein, the link ends having a pair of
spaced apart link members and having an end portion connecting the
link members, the link ends having a slot defined therein; wherein
the corrugated portion of the cross rib has a reach bar portion
extending between first and second link ends and has a border
portion disposed adjacent to the slots formed in the link ends;
and, a plurality of pivot rods disposed through aligned transverse
openings in intercalated belt modules.
13. The belt module of claim 12, wherein the cross rib includes a
substantially straight portion.
14. The belt module of claim 13, wherein the substantially straight
portion is disposed toward the middle of the belt when the modules
are intercalated.
15. The belt module of claim 12, wherein at least one of the link
members of the first plurality of link ends connects with the
intermediate section in close proximity to where at least one of
the link members of the second plurality of link ends connects with
the intermediate section.
16. The belt module of claim 12, wherein the border portion of the
cross rib has a thickness that is greater than the thickness of the
reach bar portion.
17. The belt module of claim 12, wherein the thickness of the cross
rib between opposed link members is approximately equal.
18. The belt module of claim 12, wherein the thickness of the cross
rib between opposed link members is reduced toward the belt
edge.
19. The belt module of claim 12, further comprising at least one
link end having closed top and bottom surfaces.
20. The belt module of claim 12, wherein the web is wider than the
cross rib.
21. The belt module of claim 12, wherein the difference between the
width of the web and the width of the cross rib at the side edge is
greater than the difference between the width of the web and the
width of the cross rib near the edge opposite from the side
edge.
22. A method of forming a radius belt, comprising: providing a
plurality belt modules having an intermediate section including a
cross rib having a corrugated portion extending along at least a
portion of the length of the intermediate section and a web
extending along the length of the intermediate section and adjacent
to the cross rib; a plurality of first link ends extending outward
from the intermediate section and having a transverse opening
defined therein, the link ends having a pair of spaced apart link
members and having an end portion connecting the link members, the
link ends having a slot defined therein; and a plurality of second
link ends extending outward from the intermediate section in a
direction opposite the first link ends, the second link ends having
a transverse opening with an elongated shape defined therein, the
link ends having a pair of spaced apart link members and having an
end portion connecting the link members, the link ends having a
slot defined therein; wherein the corrugated portion of the cross
rib has a reach bar portion extending between first and second link
ends and has a border portion disposed adjacent to the slots formed
in the link ends; intercalating adjacent modules such that the link
ends of a first module extend into the spaces between the link ends
of an adjacent second module, the modules being aligned such that
the transverse openings of the first link ends align with the
transverse openings of the second link ends of the adjacent module;
inserting pivot rods through the aligned transverse openings of
adjacent modules to form an endless belt capable of articulating
about a sprocket.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to conveyor belts and, more
particularly, to modular plastic conveyor belts formed of rows of
plastic belt modules pivotally interlinked by transverse pivot
rods. Modular conveyor belts may be straight running or capable of
negotiating a curved path. Belts that are capable of turning are
usually referred to as radius or turn belts. The present invention
pertains to radius belts.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Radius belts are used in various applications for material
handling as well as for food processing. For processes with long
dwell times, spiral conveyors are commonly used. It has been known
to use modular belts constructed of steel for these applications.
However, the wear on the belts may produce blackening of the steel
which contaminates the foodstuff. Also, belts made of steel are
typically heavy, expensive and costly to repair. In response to
some of these issues, it has been known to use plastic belt modules
with steel pivot rods. These belts address some of the drawbacks
but still suffer from the blackening problems. Also, steel rods
concentrate pulling forces in a radius belt at one single link,
whereas plastic rods are usually flexible enough to distribute the
load onto two or more of the outermost links of the belt.
Accordingly, it is preferable to form a belt from all plastic
components.
[0003] Belts made entirely of plastic solve most of the
above-described problems, but have the shortcoming of lower
stiffness (lower modulus of elasticity) and therefore do not allow
large distances between wear strips. Also, the reduced stiffness of
plastic belts may create some problems for radius belts. For
example, when a radius belt rounds a curve, radial compression
forces act on the module rows. These forces may cause compression
of the plastic belts in this area. In addition, the bending
stiffness of plastic belts is reduced. This reduced stiffness
negatively affects the bending stiffness of the complete belt, if
it is resting on support strips with large distances as common for
spiral machines. Accordingly, there is a need for radius belts made
entirely of plastic materials that offer an improved stiffness
without affecting the ability of the belt to collapse in a curve.
It is also desirable to have the stiffness as equal as possible
over the full belt width. These belts have particular application
for spiral conveyors and other very large radius applications.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] The present invention meets the above-described need by
providing a radius belt module having an intermediate section
including a cross rib having a corrugated portion extending along
at least a portion of the length of the intermediate section. The
intermediate section also has a web extending along the length of
the intermediate section and disposed adjacent to the cross rib.
The module has a first plurality of link ends extending outward
from the intermediate section and having a transverse opening
defined therein. The link ends are formed by a pair of spaced apart
link members that are connected by a end portion. The link ends
have a slot or opening defined therein from the top to the bottom
of the module. The slot is bordered by the inside walls of the link
members. The module also has a second plurality of link ends
extending outward from the intermediate section in a direction
opposite the first link ends. The second link ends have a
transverse opening with an elongated shape. The link ends are
formed by a pair of spaced apart link members that are connected by
an end portion. The link ends have a slot or opening defined
therein. The slot is bordered by the inside walls of the link
members. The corrugated portion of the cross rib has a reach bar
portion extending between first and second link ends and has a
border portion disposed adjacent to the slot formed in the link
ends.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0005] The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which like
reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout
the figures of which:
[0006] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an edge module of the
present invention;
[0007] FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the edge module of
FIG. 1;
[0008] FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the edge module shown in FIG.
1;
[0009] FIG. 4 is a bottom plan view of the module shown in FIG.
1;
[0010] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the components of the belt
of the present invention;
[0011] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a belt of the present
invention in a straight running condition;
[0012] FIG. 7 is a top plan view of the belt shown in FIG. 6;
[0013] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a belt of the present
invention shown rounding a curve in a "collapsed" condition;
and,
[0014] FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the belt shown in FIG. 8.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0015] In FIG. 1, a module 20 has an intermediate section 23
extending from a first edge 26 to a second edge 29 at the opposite
side of module 20. The intermediate section 23 extends in a
direction transverse to the direction of belt travel indicated by
arrow 32. A first plurality of link ends 35 extend from the
intermediate section 23 in a direction of belt travel. The link
ends 35 have a pair of outer walls 38, 41 defining a transverse
thickness. A transverse pivot rod opening 44 extends through the
link ends 35 from wall 38 to wall 41. The opening 44 is round and
sized to receive a pivot rod for connecting adjacent modules 20.
The link ends 35 have a proximal portion 47 that connects to the
intermediate section 23, and the link ends 35 have a distal portion
50 with an end wall 53. The first link ends 35 are formed with a
pair of spaced apart link members 62 and 65. The link members 62
and 65 may be molded as solid plastic parts with rounded edges. The
link members 62, 65 may be disposed approximately parallel or at an
angle in spaced apart relation. The link members 62, 65 connect at
a proximal end to the intermediate section 23. First ends 68, 71 of
the link members 62, 65 form the proximal portion 47 of link ends
35. The second ends 74, 77 of the link members 62, 65 extend to the
distal portion 50. Each link member 62, 65 has an inner wall 83, 86
(FIG. 2) disposed on the side opposite from outer walls 38, 41. The
distal portion 50 has an inner wall 89 disposed opposite from outer
wall 53. The intermediate section 23 has a wall 88 (FIG. 4) at the
proximal end of the link members and facing in the direction of
belt travel. The inner walls 83, 86, 88, and 89 border a slot 92
that extends through the module 20 from the top surface to the
bottom surface.
[0016] A second plurality of link ends 94 extend from the
intermediate section 23 in the opposite direction from the first
link ends 35. The first and second link ends 35 and 94 have spaces
99 between successive link ends. The link ends 35 and 94 on
opposite sides of the intermediate section 23 are offset such that
adjacent modules 20 are capable of intercalating such that the link
ends 35 fit into the spaces 99 between link ends 94. Link ends 94
have a proximal portion 102 connected to the intermediate section
23 and a distal portion 105 disposed opposite from the proximal
portion 102. Link ends 94 have side walls 108, 111 forming a
transverse thickness. An elongated opening 114 extends through the
link end 94 from wall 108 to wall 111. As will be evident to those
of ordinary skill in the art based on this disclosure, the opening
114 is elongated as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2 so that when the belt
negotiates a curve, the end of the modules 20 at the inside of the
curve can "collapse" and the end of the modules 20 at the outside
of the curve can "fan" out as will be described in greater detail
herein. When the modules are connected by the pivot rod 59 (FIG. 5)
to form a belt, the pivot rod 59 extends through the round openings
44 and the elongated openings 114 in alternating fashion. As best
shown in FIG. 4, the second link ends 94 also include a slot 117
that is bordered by inside walls 200, 203 of the link members 206,
209 on opposite sides and is bordered by wall 213 of the
intermediate section 23 and the inside wall 212 of the distal
portion 105 at the opposite end. One of the link ends 94 may be
formed with closed top and bottom surfaces 120, 121 that increase
the strength of the module 20.
[0017] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 3, the top surface 95 of
intermediate section 23 has an elongated approximately rectangular
shape with a substantially uniform width W along its length between
the first edge 26 and the second edge 29.
[0018] Referring to FIGS. 2 and 4, at the bottom of the module 20
the intermediate section 23 is formed by a cross rib 123 that
extends substantially transverse to the direction of belt travel.
The cross rib 123 includes a substantially straight portion 124 at
one end of the module 20, which is toward the middle of the belt
when the module 20 is assembled into a belt, and has a corrugated
section 125 at the opposite side where the module 20 forms the side
of the belt. In the corrugated section 125, the cross rib 123
includes reach bar portions 129 that extend between the link ends
35 and 94. The intermediate section 23 extends from a bottom
surface on the cross rib 123 to the top surface 95. The top surface
95 is formed by a web 130 that is wider than the cross rib 123. The
web 130 has approximately uniform width in the longitudinal
direction. The difference in width between the cross rib 123 and
the web 130 is smaller toward the middle of the module 20, and the
difference is greater toward the side edge 26 of the module 20
because of the corrugation of the cross rib 123 to form reach bar
portions 129 and to provide space for collapsing at the inside of a
turn.
[0019] Turning to FIG. 4, at the end of the module 20 toward side
edge 26, the cross rib 123 forms reach bar portions 129 between
successive links and forms a border portion 133 where the cross rib
123 forms a boundary of the slot 92. The thickness S.sub.3 of the
cross rib 123 between opposed link members and the thickness
S.sub.2 of the reach bar 129 is preferably equal or nearly equal
throughout the modules. However, this relationship is possible only
for certain collapse factors. For very small collapse factors it
may be necessary to reduce the thickness of the cross rib 123. For
example, the thickness of the cross rib 123 in the reach bar
portion 129 toward the side edge 26 may be reduced in order to
provide space for the distal portion 50, 105 of the link ends 35,
94 to move inward to collapse around the turns. The thickness S is
measured from side to side of the cross rib 123 (perpendicular to
the lengthwise direction of the cross rib 123) as it extends in
serpentine fashion toward the side edge 26 of the module 20 as
shown in FIG. 4. The thickness S.sub.1 of the cross rib 123 in the
border portion 133 may be increased by altering the slot length L
(FIG. 3). The thickness S.sub.2 (FIG. 4) of the cross rib 123 where
it forms reach bar portion 129 between successive links is limited
by the need for space for collapsing at the inside of turns. In
order to strengthen the belt, the thickness S.sub.1 of the cross
rib 123 at the border portion 133 may be increased such that it is
greater than the thickness S.sub.2 of the cross rib 123 at the
reach bar portion 129.
[0020] The stiffness of the belt may further be increased by the
arrangement of the link members 62, 65 and the link members 206 and
209. Link member 65 on Link end 35 is disposed opposite from link
member 206 on link end 94. The opposed link members 65, 206 are
arranged such that they join into the cross rib 123 in close
proximity to further strengthen the belt. The point where link
member 62 connects to the cross rib 123 may also be located in
close proximity with the point where link member 203 connects to
the cross rib 123.
[0021] A bricklayed belt 300 (FIG. 6) may be formed from the
components shown in FIG. 5. Module 20 may be connected to modules
310, 320 and 330 by means of the pivot rod 59. Side edge 26 of
module 20 forms the edge of belt 300 and aligns with side edge 329
of module 330. Module 330 has an intermediate section 333 extending
transverse to the direction of belt travel indicated by arrow 336.
A first plurality of link ends 339 extend in a first direction. A
second plurality of link ends 342 extend in a second direction
opposite to the first direction. The link ends 339 are formed in
the same manner as described above in connection with link ends 35
and 94. Link ends 339 fit into the spaces 99 between link ends
35.
[0022] Module 310 has a side edge 313 and an opposite edge 316
toward the middle of the belt 300. AS shown, the top surface of the
intermediate section 314 is formed with a web 317 that is wider
than the cross rib 319. A first plurality of link ends 315 and a
second plurality of link ends 318 extend in opposite directions
from the intermediate section 314. The first and second plurality
of link ends 315 and 318 are formed in the manner described above
in connection with link ends 35 and 94.
[0023] Module 320 has a side edge 323 and an opposite edge 326
disposed toward the middle of the belt 300. As shown the top
surface of the intermediate section 324 is formed with a web 327
that is wider than the cross rib 328. A first plurality of link
ends 325 and a second plurality of link ends 366 extend in opposite
directions from the intermediate section 324. The first and second
plurality of link ends 325 and 366 are formed in the manner
described above in connection with link ends 35 and 94.
[0024] After the link ends of the four modules are intercalated and
the pivot rod openings are aligned in the transverse direction, the
belt 300 may be assembled by inserting the pivot rod 59 through the
aligned openings. As shown, the pivot rod 59 has an elongate
substantially cylindrical body 60 with a head 61 and a retaining
ring 63 disposed at a first end 64. The cylindrical body 60
terminates at a second end 66. As will be evident, to those of
ordinary skill in the art, based on this disclosure other pivot
rods may also be used to connect the modules. The pivot rod 59
shown has the advantage that it can be inserted and removed from
one side of the belt 300. The retaining ring 63 prevents the pivot
rod 59 from sliding out of the modules in the axial direction and
therefore holds the modules together to form the belt 300.
[0025] Turning to FIGS. 6 and 7, the belt 300 is shown in a
straight running condition where the modules are spaced apart
equally on each side edge. The link ends of each module are
disposed in the spaces between link ends of the adjacent module and
the transverse pivot rod openings are aligned to receive the pivot
rod 59. The modules are capable. of being connected by pivot rods
59 to form an endless belt 300 capable of articulating about a
sprocket (not shown). As shown at the side edges on both sides of
the belt 300, the link ends disposed at the side edges of the belt
do not have to extend very far into the openings of adjacent
modules at the side edges of belt 300 when the belt is in the
straight running condition.
[0026] Turning to FIGS. 8 and 9, the belt 300 is shown in the
"collapsed" condition as it negotiates a curve. On the right hand
side of the figure, the modules are collapsed as they would be
around the inside curve of a turn. As shown in FIG. 9, the link
ends at the edge of the module corresponding to the inside of the
curve are collapsed and extend as far as possible into the openings
between adjacent link ends. In order for the link ends to extend as
far as possible into the adjacent spaces, the cross rib 123 is
corrugated at the side edges. As shown on the left hand side of
FIG. 8, the opposite edge of the modules "fans" out such that there
is a maximum distance between the link ends of adjacent
modules.
[0027] While the invention has been described in connection with
certain embodiments, it is not intended to limit the scope of the
invention to the particular forms set forth, but, on the contrary,
it is intended to cover such alternatives, modifications, and
equivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the
invention as defined by the appended claims.
* * * * *