U.S. patent application number 11/907618 was filed with the patent office on 2008-04-10 for radius conveyor belt.
Invention is credited to Dieter Guldenfels.
Application Number | 20080083598 11/907618 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 24315517 |
Filed Date | 2008-04-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080083598 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Guldenfels; Dieter |
April 10, 2008 |
Radius conveyor belt
Abstract
A belt module includes an intermediate section having a
corrugated portion extending along the length of the intermediate
section and a web extending along the length of the intermediate
section and adjacent to the corrugated portion. A plurality of
first link ends extend outward from the intermediate section with a
transverse opening. A plurality of second link ends extend outward
from the intermediate section in a direction opposite the first
link ends and the second link ends have a transverse opening having
an elongated shape.
Inventors: |
Guldenfels; Dieter;
(Pfeffingen, CH) |
Correspondence
Address: |
MCKENNA LONG & ALDRIDGE LLP
1900 K STREET, NW
WASHINGTON
DC
20006
US
|
Family ID: |
24315517 |
Appl. No.: |
11/907618 |
Filed: |
October 15, 2007 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10969983 |
Oct 22, 2004 |
7281626 |
|
|
11907618 |
Oct 15, 2007 |
|
|
|
10429031 |
May 5, 2003 |
6896126 |
|
|
10969983 |
Oct 22, 2004 |
|
|
|
10282068 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
|
|
|
10429031 |
May 5, 2003 |
|
|
|
09874589 |
Jun 5, 2001 |
6523680 |
|
|
10282068 |
Oct 29, 2002 |
|
|
|
09579090 |
May 25, 2000 |
6330941 |
|
|
09874589 |
Jun 5, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
198/852 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65G 17/08 20130101;
B65G 2201/02 20130101; B65G 17/086 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
198/852 |
International
Class: |
B65G 17/06 20060101
B65G017/06 |
Claims
1. A belt module comprising: an intermediate section including a
corrugated portion extending along the length of the intermediate
section and a web extending along the length of the intermediate
section and adjacent to the corrugated portion; a plurality of
first link ends extending outward from the intermediate section
with a transverse opening; a plurality of second link ends
extending outward from the intermediate section in a direction
opposite the first link ends and the second link ends having a
transverse opening having an elongated shape.
2. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the corrugated portion is
arched.
3. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the first and second link
ends each have a leg portion connected to the intermediate section,
and wherein each leg portion has substantially parallel leg
sidewalls.
4. The belt module of claim 3, wherein the first and second link
ends each have a head portion that is wider than the leg portion,
the head portion having a pair of substantially parallel head
sidewalls and an endwall.
5. The belt module of claim 4, wherein a junction of the head
sidewalls and endwall of the head portion is rounded.
6. The belt module of claim 5, wherein the endwall of the head
portion is rounded and connects a top surface of the link end to a
bottom surface of the link end.
7. A radius conveyor belt, comprising: a plurality of belt modules
comprising: an intermediate section including a corrugated portion
extending along the length of the intermediate section and a web
extending along the length of the intermediate section and adjacent
to the corrugated portion; a plurality of first link ends extending
outward from the intermediate section with a transverse opening;
and a plurality of second link ends extending outward from the
intermediate section in a direction opposite the first link ends
and the second link ends having a transverse opening having an
elongated shape; and a pivot rod extending transverse to the
direction of belt travel through the transverse openings in the
first link ends of one of the plurality of belt modules and
extending through the transverse openings having an elongated shape
in the second link ends of an adjacent belt module such that the
first and second link ends of the adjacent belt modules are
intercalated and the adjacent belt modules are interlinked into
adjacent hinged rows capable of following a curved path.
8. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein the corrugated
portion is arched.
9. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein the first and
second link ends each have a leg portion connected to the
intermediate section, and wherein each leg portion has
substantially parallel leg sidewalls.
10. The radius conveyor belt of claim 9, wherein the first and
second link ends each have a head portion that is wider than the
leg portion, the head portion having a pair of substantially
parallel head sidewalls and an endwall.
11. The radius conveyor belt of claim 10, wherein a junction of the
head sidewalls and endwall of the head portion is rounded.
12. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein the web and the
corrugated portion form a multilevel surface defining the end of
the space between adjacent link ends.
13. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the corrugated portion
includes regularly spaced valleys that do not extend beyond the web
portion.
14. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the belt module is capable
of intercalating with adjacently positioned belt modules to form a
conveyor belt, wherein the first and second link ends fit into the
corrugated portion of the adjacent belt modules when the conveyor
belt is in a collapsed state to follow a curved path.
15. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the elongated transverse
openings have a length sufficient to enable a series of
intercalated belt modules to collapse and follow a curved path.
16. The belt module of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of
spaces bounded by a front wall of the web, an outer end of the
first link end, and the side walls of the second link ends in a
series of intercalated belt modules, wherein at least some of the
spaces of the intercalated belt modules have an area greater than
zero when the belt follows a curved path.
17. The belt module of claim 1, wherein a series of intercalcalated
belt modules form a conveyor belt and define spaces in a top
surface of the conveyor belt that enable drainage and airflow.
18. The belt module of claim 1, wherein adjacent first and second
link ends are respectively spaced apart at a first width and each
link end is a second width wide, and wherein the first width is
more than 0.01 inches greater than the second width.
19. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the first and second link
ends each comprise a head portion and a leg portion, wherein the
legs of adjacent link ends are spaced apart at a first width and
each link end leg is a second width wide, and wherein the first
width is more than 0.01 inches greater than the second width.
20. The belt module of claim 1, wherein the plurality of first link
ends each have a transverse slotted opening disposed transverse to
the direction of belt travel, wherein the plurality of first link
ends each have an approximately circular transverse opening,
wherein said elongated transverse openings of the second link ends
have a length sufficient to enable a series of intercalated belt
modules to collapse and follow a curved path.
21. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein the corrugated
portion includes regularly spaced valleys that do not extend beyond
the web portion.
22. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein the belt module is
capable of intercalating with adjacently positioned belt modules to
form a conveyor belt, wherein the first and second link ends fit
into the corrugated portion of the adjacent belt modules when the
conveyor belt is in a collapsed state to follow a curved path.
23. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein the elongated
openings have a length sufficient to enable a series of
intercalated belt modules to collapse and follow a curved path.
24. The radius conveyor belt of claim 23, wherein the elongated
openings have a length at least twice as wide as the diameter of
the pivot rod.
25. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, further comprising a
plurality of spaces bounded by a front wall of the web, an outer
end of the first link end, and the side walls of the second link
ends in the series of intercalated belt modules, wherein at least
some of the spaces of the intercalated belt modules have an area
greater than zero when the belt follows a curved path.
26. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein a top surface of
the conveyor belt that enables drainage and airflow.
27. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein adjacent first and
second link ends are respectively spaced apart at a first width and
each link end is a second width wide, and wherein the first width
is more than 0.01 inches greater than the second width.
28. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein the first and
second link ends each comprise a head portion and a leg portion,
wherein the legs of adjacent link ends are spaced apart at a first
width and each link end leg is a second width wide, and wherein the
first width is more than 0.01 inches greater than the second
width.
29. The radius conveyor belt of claim 7, wherein the plurality of
first link ends each have a transverse slotted opening disposed
transverse to the direction of belt travel, wherein the plurality
of first link ends each have an approximately circular transverse
opening, wherein said elongated transverse openings of the second
link ends have a length sufficient to enable a series of
intercalated belt modules to collapse and follow a curved path.
30. A radius conveyor belt, comprising: a plurality of belt modules
having a plurality of first link ends disposed in the direction of
belt travel and having a plurality of second link ends disposed in
the opposite direction, a cross-rib disposed between the first and
second link ends and having a web, and a corrugated portion
disposed adjacent to the web, the first and second link ends
disposed such that a space capable of receiving a link end is
formed between each adjacent link end, the space being open at one
end and terminating in an rounded region at the opposite end, the
plurality of first link ends being offset from the plurality of
second link ends such that the first link ends align with the space
between the second link ends such that adjacently positioned belt
modules are capable of intercalating so that the first link ends of
one belt module fit into the spaces defined between the second link
ends of an adjacent belt module, the plurality of first link ends
having a slot defined therein, the slot disposed transverse to the
direction of belt travel and extending in the direction of belt
travel, the plurality of second link ends having a transverse
opening defined therein; a pivot rod extending transverse to the
direction of belt travel through the openings in the second link
end of one of the plurality of belt modules and extending through
the slotted openings in the first link end of an adjacent belt
module such that the first and second link ends of the adjacent
belt modules are intercalated and the adjacent belt modules are
interlinked into adjacent hinged rows capable of following a curved
path; wherein the web on the cross-rib extends in the direction of
belt travel such that, when the belt is at its maximum extension in
the direction of belt travel, a space bounded by the web, an outer
end of the first link end and the sidewalls of second links ends
has a diameter less than 10 mm.
31. The radius conveyor belt of claim 30, wherein the space bounded
by the web, the outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls
of the second links ends has a diameter greater than zero and an
area greater than zero.
32. The radius conveyor belt of claim 30, wherein the corrugated
portion has a sinusoidal shape comprising a series of regularly
shaped ridges and valleys extending substantially across a lateral
width of the module.
33. The radius conveyor belt of claim 30, wherein the space bounded
by the web, the outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls
of the second links ends has a diameter greater than zero and an
area greater than zero, and wherein the corrugated portion has a
sinusoidal shape comprising a series of regularly shaped ridges and
valleys extending substantially across a lateral width of the
module.
34. The radius conveyor belt of claim 30, wherein the space bounded
by the web, the outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls
of the second links ends is bounded by a front wall of the web and
extends from a top surface of the belt to a bottom surface of the
belt, wherein the space has an area greater than zero.
35. The radius conveyor belt of claim 30, wherein the space bounded
by the web, the outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls
of the second links ends is bounded by a front wall of the web and
extends from a top surface of the belt to a bottom surface of the
belt, wherein the space has an area sufficient to enable airflow
and drainage.
36. A conveying system, comprising: an endless radius conveyor
belt, comprising a plurality of belt modules having a plurality of
first link ends disposed in the direction of belt travel and having
a plurality of second link ends disposed in the opposite direction,
the first and second link ends disposed such that a space capable
of receiving a link end is formed between each adjacent link end,
the space being open at one end and terminating in an rounded
region at the opposite end, the plurality of first link ends being
offset from the plurality of second link ends such that the first
link ends align with the space between the second link ends such
that adjacently positioned belt modules are capable of
intercalating so that the first link ends of one belt module fit
into the spaces defined between the second link ends of an adjacent
belt module, the plurality of first link ends having a slot defined
therein, the slot disposed transverse to the direction of belt
travel and extending in the direction of belt travel, the plurality
of second link ends having a transverse opening defined therein; an
intermediate portion disposed between the first and second link
ends and having a web and a corrugated portion, the web formed in
the center of the belt modules and disposed such that a first side
of the web terminates in a first surface of the belt module and a
second side of the web terminates adjacent to the corrugated
portion, wherein the web on the intermediate portion extends in the
direction of belt travel such that, when the belt is at its maximum
extension in the direction of belt travel, a space bounded by the
web, an outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls of second
links ends has a diameter less than 10 mm; a pivot rod extending
transverse to the direction of belt travel through the openings in
the second link end of one of the plurality of belt modules and
extending through the slotted openings in the first link end of an
adjacent belt module such that the first and second link ends of
the adjacent belt modules are intercalated and the adjacent belt
modules are interlinked into adjacent hinged rows capable of
following a curved path; and, a drive sprocket having teeth
disposed around the perimeter thereof, the teeth capable of
engaging with the rounded endwall of the link ends to drive the
endless conveyor belt around a conveying path; and, wherein the web
and corrugated portion form a multilevel surface defining the end
of the space between adjacent link ends.
37. The conveying system of claim 36, wherein the space bounded by
the web, the outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls of
the second links ends has a diameter greater than zero and an area
greater than zero.
38. The conveying system of claim 36, wherein the corrugated
portion has a sinusoidal shape comprising a series of regularly
shaped ridges and valleys extending substantially across a lateral
width of the module.
39. The conveying system of claim 36, wherein the space bounded by
the web, the outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls of
the second links ends has a diameter greater than zero and an area
greater than zero, and wherein the corrugated portion has a
sinusoidal shape comprising a series of regularly shaped ridges and
valleys extending substantially across a lateral width of the
module.
40. The radius conveyor belt of claim 36, wherein the space bounded
by the web, the outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls
of the second links ends is bounded by a front wall of the web and
extends from a top surface of the belt to a bottom surface of the
belt, wherein the space has an area greater than zero.
41. The radius conveyor belt of claim 36, wherein the space bounded
by the web, the outer end of the first link end and the sidewalls
of the second links ends is bounded by a front wall of the web and
extends from a top surface of the belt to a bottom surface of the
belt, wherein the space has an area sufficient to enable airflow
and drainage.
42. A belt module, which comprises: a) an intermediate section
having opposed first and second walls, wherein the intermediate
section has an intermediate width defined by the first and second
walls and a thickness defined by an upper surface and a lower
surface and wherein the intermediate section comprises a web
portion extending across the intermediate width between the first
and second walls and from one of the upper and lower surfaces to a
portion of the way through the thickness of the intermediate
section to form into a corrugated portion extending across the
intermediate width between the first and second walls to the other
of the upper and lower surfaces, wherein the corrugated portion has
a sinusoidal shape comprising a series of regularly spaced ridges
and valleys extending substantially across a lateral width of the
module; b) a first plurality of link ends extending outwardly from
the intermediate section including the web portion and being
connected to the regularly spaced ridges of the first wall of the
corrugated portion; c) a second plurality of link ends extending
outwardly from the intermediate section including the web portion
and being connected to the regularly spaced ridges of the second
wall of the corrugated portion and in a direction opposite the
first link ends; and d) transverse openings provided in each of the
first and second link ends.
43. The belt module of claim 42, wherein the first plurality of
link ends and the second plurality of link ends extend outwardly
from and touch the web portion.
44. The belt module of claim 42, wherein the belt module is capable
of intercalating with adjacently positioned belt modules to form a
conveyor belt, wherein the first and second link ends fit into the
valleys of the adjacent belt modules when the conveyor belt is in a
collapsed state.
45. The belt module of claim 42, wherein the plurality of first
link ends each have a transverse slotted opening disposed
transverse to the direction of belt travel, said slotted opening
having a length sufficient to enable a series of intercalated belt
modules to collapse and follow a curved path.
46. The belt module of claim 45, wherein the belt modules are
capable of being connected to an adjacent belt module with a pivot
rod, wherein the slotted openings have a length at least twice as
wide as the diameter of the pivot rod.
47. The belt module of claim 42, further comprising a plurality of
spaces bounded by a front wall of the web, an outer end of the
first link end, and the side walls of the second link ends in a
series of intercalated belt modules, wherein at least some of the
spaces have an area greater than zero when the belt follows a
curved path.
48. The belt module of claim 42, wherein a series of
intercalcalated belt modules form a conveyor belt and define spaces
in a top surface of the conveyor belt that enable drainage and
airflow.
49. The belt modules of claim 42, wherein adjacent link ends are
spaced apart at a first width and each link end is a second width
wide, and wherein the first width is more than 0.01 inches greater
than the second width.
50. The belt modules of claim 42, wherein the first and second link
ends each comprise a head portion and a leg portion, wherein the
legs of adjacent link ends are spaced apart at a first width and
each link end leg is a second width wide, and wherein the first
width is more than 0.01 inches greater than the second width.
51. The belt module of claim 42, wherein the plurality of first
link ends each have a transverse slotted opening disposed
transverse to the direction of belt travel, wherein the plurality
of second link ends each have an approximately circular transverse
opening, wherein said slotted opening having a length sufficient to
enable a series of intercalated belt modules to collapse and follow
a curved path.
52. A belt module, comprising: an upper stiffening portion; a lower
corrugated portion, adjacent to the upper stiffening portion; a
plurality of first link ends, adjacent and transverse to the upper
stiffening portion and the lower corrugated portion; and a
plurality of second link ends, adjacent and transverse to the upper
stiffening portion and the lower corrugated portion and extending
in a direction opposite to the plurality of first link ends,
wherein each of the plurality of first link ends comprises a
transverse opening there through having first shape and each of the
plurality of second link ends comprises a transverse opening there
through having a second shape, different from the first.
53. The belt module of claim 52, wherein the first shape is one of
a circle and an elongated circle and the second shape is the other
of the circle and the elongated circle.
54. The belt module of claim 52, wherein a centerline of the
transverse openings through the plurality of first and second link
ends is equidistant from a top surface and a bottom surface of the
belt module.
55. The belt module of claim 52, wherein a centerline of the
transverse openings through the plurality of first and second link
ends is at a predetermined offset with respect to a top surface of
the belt module.
56. The belt module of claim 55, wherein the predetermined offset
is greater than one-half of a distance between the top surface and
a bottom surface of the belt module.
57. The belt module of claim 52, wherein the first and second link
ends are respectively spaced apart at a first width and each link
end is a second width wide, wherein the first width is more than
the second width.
58. The belt module of claim 57, wherein the first width is more
than 0.01 inches greater than the second width.
59. The belt module of claim 52, wherein at least two of the
plurality of second link ends have the same overall shape as at
least two of the plurality of first link ends.
60. The belt module of claim 52, wherein at least one of the
plurality of first link ends is centered between at least two of
the plurality of oppositely directed second link ends.
61. The belt module of claim 52, wherein outer ends of the first
and second link ends are adapted to provide a surface to engage a
drive sprocket.
62. The belt module of claim 61, wherein the outer ends of the
first and second link ends comprise a rounded surface.
Description
[0001] The present application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 10/969,983, filed Oct. 22, 2004, which is a
continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/429,031, filed
May 5, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,896,126, which is a continuation
of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/282,068, filed Oct. 29,
2002, now abandoned, which is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 09/874,589, filed Jun. 5, 2001, now U.S. Pat.
No. 6,523,680, which is a continuation-in-part application claiming
priority to U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/579,090, filed May
25, 2000, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,330,941 and entitled "Radius Conveyor
Belt," all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] 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.
[0004] 2. Discussion of the Related Art
[0005] Because they do not corrode, are lightweight, and easy to
clean, unlike metal conveyor belts, plastic conveyor belts are used
widely, especially in conveying food products. Modular plastic
conveyor belts consist of molded plastic modular links, or belt
modules, that can be arranged side by side in rows of selectable
width. A series of spaced apart link ends extending from each side
of the modules include aligned apertures to accommodate a pivot
rod. The link ends along one end of a row of modules are
interconnected with the link ends of an adjacent row. A pivot rod
journaled in the aligned apertures of the side-by-side and
end-to-end connected modules forms a hinge between adjacent rows.
Rows of belt modules are connected together to form an endless
conveyor belt capable of articulating about a drive sprocket.
[0006] In many industrial applications, conveyor belts are used to
carry products along paths including curved segments. Belts capable
of flexing sidewise to follow curved paths are referred to as
side-flexing, turn, or radius belts. As a radius belt negotiates a
turn, the belt must be able to fan out because the edge of the belt
at the outside of the turn follows a longer path than the edge at
the inside of the turn. In order to fan out, a modular plastic
radius belt typically has provisions that allow it to collapse at
the inside of a turn or to spread out at the outside of the
turn.
[0007] Apertures slotted in the direction of travel of the belt are
commonly provided in the link ends on at least one side of the
modules to facilitate the collapsing and spreading of the belt.
[0008] The requirement of following a curved path causes problems
not found in straight-running belts. As one example, radius belts,
especially if tightly tensioned or running fast and lightly loaded,
tend to rise out of the conveyor support around a turn. As another
example, because belt pull is concentrated in the outer portion of
the belt as it rounds a turn, outer link ends are more likely to
fail unless otherwise strengthened or bolstered.
[0009] There are other problems with some common belt designs. For
example, stresses can be molded into the plastic modules during the
manufacturing process. Sharp, as opposed to curved, junctions
between molded features on a belt module are more likely to form
concentrated stress regions. When such modules make up a conveyor
belt, operation of the belt increases the stress in those regions.
In a radius belt, in which the pulling load is unevenly distributed
across the width of the belt as it rounds a turn, the problem is
exacerbated. One way to solve the problem is to add more material
to the belt, but that makes the belt heavier, increases the
production cost due to the larger molding cycle and closes in some
of the desirable open area that allows for drainage or air
flow.
[0010] Another problem with some structures of radius belts is
compression of the modules transverse to the direction of belt
travel. A radius belt bricklayed to a width of, for example one
meter, may compress by three to four millimeters as the belt rounds
a turn, which can cause the belt to come out of the conveyor
support. Belts having a corrugated configuration as shown in U.S.
Pat. No. 5,372,248 to Horton are especially susceptible to bending
and compression of this type.
[0011] What is needed is a modular radius conveyor belt that is
resistant to compression and that improves the engagement of the
belt to the drive sprocket.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention meets the above-described need by
providing an endless conveyor belt formed of plastic belt modules
and capable of following a curved path. The modules include first
and second module surfaces, i.e., a top, product-conveying surface
and a bottom, sprocket-driven surface. An intermediate section
extends across the width of each module transverse to the direction
of belt travel. The intermediate section is formed in part by a web
and in part by a thin, corrugated strip having a pair of
essentially parallel walls. The corrugated strip forms a series of
regularly spaced alternating ridges and valleys along each wall.
Link ends extend outward from the ridges on each wall of the
corrugated strip. Each link end has a leg portion attached at a
ridge of the strip and a thick distal portion at the end of the
link end distant from the corrugated strip. Transverse holes in the
link ends extending from respective walls of a module are aligned
to accommodate a pivot rod. When the link ends of consecutive rows
of side-by-side modules are intercalated, the pivot rod serves as a
hinge pin in a hinged joint between consecutive interlinked rows.
To permit the belt to follow a curved path, the pivot rod opens in
at least one of the link ends extending from one of the walls of
the corrugated strip, which are slotted longitudinally in the
direction of belt travel.
[0013] The belt is driven by the engagement of the sprocket tooth
with the curved outside surface of the link ends. The link end
engaged by the sprocket tooth is subjected to a compressive force
rather than an undesirable tensile force. Thus, the link ends
provide pull strength, resistance to belt, sprocket wear, and
sprocket drivability. As an alternative, a central portion of a
link end disposed in the middle of the belt modules may also engage
with a tooth on the drive sprocket. Because the mid modules do not
have to collapse fully, they may be formed with a thicker and fully
straight cross-rib.
[0014] Each wall of the corrugated strip forms a series of arched
recesses with the leg portions of the link ends. The recesses are
large enough to provide room for a thick link end of an interlinked
module of an adjacent row to collapse into the recess or to rotate
as belt rows fan out going around a turn. Because the recesses
along one wall overlap in a transverse direction with the recesses
along the other wall, additional space for collapsing is
provided.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0015] The invention is illustrated in the drawings in which like
reference characters designate the same or similar parts throughout
the figures of which:
[0016] FIG. 1 is a top plan view of a radius conveyor belt of the
present invention with a portion of one of the belt modules
cutaway;
[0017] FIG. 2 is a top plan view of a belt module of the present
invention;
[0018] FIG. 3 is an end elevation view of a belt module of the
present invention;
[0019] FIG. 4 is a sectional view taken along lines 4-4 of FIG.
2;
[0020] FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view of a belt module of the present
invention;
[0021] FIG. 6 is a top perspective view of the belt module of the
present invention;
[0022] FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of the belt module of
the present invention;
[0023] FIG. 8 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of a
belt module suitable for use in the middle of a bricklayed modular
radius conveyor belt according to the present invention;
[0024] FIG. 9 is a bottom plan view of the belt module of FIG.
8;
[0025] FIG. 10 is an end elevational view of the belt module of
FIG. 8;
[0026] FIG. 11 is a section view taken along lines 11-11 of FIG.
8;
[0027] FIG. 12 is a top plan view of an alternate embodiment of the
belt module of the present invention;
[0028] FIG. 13 is a sectional view taken along lines 13-13 of FIG.
12;
[0029] FIG. 14 is a side elevation view of a drive sprocket
engaging the radius conveyor belt of the present invention;
and,
[0030] FIG. 15 is a cutaway side elevation view of a drive sprocket
engaging with the link end and center cross-rib of the mid modules
of the present invention.
[0031] FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the radius belt according to
an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.
[0032] FIG. 17 is a side elevational view of a belt according to an
exemplary embodiment of the present invention engaged with a
sprocket and illustrating the gaps between adjacent modules.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0033] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 7 show a first
embodiment of a portion of a modular belt 20 of the present
invention. The portion of the modular belt 20 shown is formed from
molded plastic modules 23, 26 and 29. For reference, the direction
of belt travel is indicated by arrow 32; however, the belt of the
present invention may be conveyed in either direction. A pivot rod
35 connects adjacent belt modules by passing through openings in
the modules disposed transverse to the direction of belt
travel.
[0034] As shown in FIG. 2, an exemplary one of the belt modules 26
has an intermediate section 38 supporting a plurality of first link
ends 41 and a plurality of second link ends 44. The first link ends
41 are disposed in the direction of belt travel indicated by arrow
32 and the plurality of second link ends 44 extend opposite the
first link ends 41. As will be described in detail hereinafter, the
intermediate section 38 is comprised of an upper, transverse
stiffening web 47 forming into a lower corrugated portion 50. The
corrugated portion 50 forms a series of ridges 53 and valleys 56 in
a sinusoidal manner. Along with the transverse web 47 of the
intermediate section 38, the ridges 53 extending toward the left of
FIG. 2 support the first link ends 41 while the ridges 53 extending
toward the right in the drawing support the second link ends
44.
[0035] The first link ends 41 include a leg portion 59 connected to
an intermediate section 62 and extending to a distal head portion
65. In a similar manner, the second link ends 44 include a leg
portion 68 connected to the intermediate section 71 and extending
to a distal head portion 74.
[0036] With respect to the orientation shown in FIGS. 2 to 4, the
intermediate section 38 formed of the stiffening web 47 and the
corrugated portion 50 is comprised of an upper surface 77 extending
to and meeting with opposed left and right walls 80 and 83 which,
in turn, meet with a lower surface 86 of the module. The left wall
80 is comprised of an upper wall 89, which is part of the
stiffening web 47, and extends downwardly to a curved wall 92 which
forms into a lower vertical wall 95. The curved wall 92 and the
lower vertical wall 95 are part of the corrugated portion 50 of the
intermediate section 38. The lower vertical wall 95 extends to the
lower surface 86 of the module which, in turn, extends to and meets
with the right vertical wall 83.
[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the head portion 65 is preferably larger
than the leg portion 59. Accordingly, the head portion 65 is
connected to the leg portion 59 by the angled intermediate section
62. The head portion 65 is preferably formed with two substantially
parallel sides 98 and 101 connected by an outer end 104. The
corners between the sides 98, 101 and ends 104 are preferably
radiused to be smooth and to protect the conveyed product from
damage.
[0038] An opening 107 is defined between spaced apart sides 110,
113 of adjacent link ends. At a distal end 116, the ends of
adjacent links form the mouth 119 of the opening 107. At the
opposite end 122, the opening 107 terminates in the multi-level
surface defined by the web 47 and corrugated portion 50 as
described above. The top level of the surface (best shown in FIG.
1) is defined by wall 89 of the web 47. The corners where the side
walls of the link ends 41 meet the straight wall 89 of web 47 are
also radiused to be smooth and to protect the conveyed product from
damage.
[0039] In FIG. 5, the bottom level of the surface is defined by the
relatively thin corrugated portion 50 having a pair of essentially
parallel walls 125, 128. The corrugated portion 50 forms the series
of regularly spaced alternating ridges 53 and valleys 56 along the
intermediate section 38, as described herein.
[0040] Returning to FIG. 2, the straight wall 89 is shown bordering
the opening 107. The curved surface defined by corrugated portion
50 is shown in broken lines. The curved surface receives link ends
from an adjacent belt module such that the belt 20 is capable of
collapsing for movement around a curved path, as described in
detail herein.
[0041] The plurality of second link ends 44 extend from and touch
the belt module 26 in the opposite direction from the first link
ends 41. The second link ends 44 have the same overall shape as the
first link ends 41 (except for the last link end 45) and are
designed to fit into the openings between the first link ends 41
such that adjacent belt modules can be intercalated and pivotally
connected by the pivot rods 35.
[0042] The first and second link ends are respectively spaced apart
at a first width and each link end is a second width wide, so that
the first width is more than 0.01 inches greater than the second
width. In an exemplary embodiment, the first and second link ends
each comprise a head portion and a leg portion, wherein the legs of
adjacent link ends are spaced apart at a first width and each link
end leg is a second width wide, and wherein the first width is more
than 0.01 inches greater than the second width.
[0043] Notably, a plurality of spaces, that extend from a top
surface of the belt to a bottom surface of the belt, are bound by a
front wall of the web, an outer end of the first link end, and the
side walls of the second link ends in a series of intercalated belt
modules, wherein at least some of the spaces of the intercalated
belt modules have diameter greater than zero and an area greater
than zero at least when the belt follows a curved path.
[0044] As shown in FIG. 3, the belt module 26 includes a slot 134
that is disposed through the link ends 41 transverse to the
direction of belt travel. The slot 134 extends in the direction of
belt travel such that it is generally oblong. The slot 134 receives
the pivot rod 35. The pivot rod 35 passes through the slots 134 in
the first link ends 41 and through the openings 137 in the second
link ends 44 (as shown in FIG. 1). The openings 137 correspond to
the shape of the shaft 138 (FIG. 1) of the pivot rod 35 such that
the pivot rod 35 is received through the opening 137 but in
contrast to slot 134, the pivot rod 35 preferably cannot move in
the direction of belt travel inside opening 137. Due to the oblong
shape of slot 134, the pivot rod 35 can pivot inside the slot 134
such that the belt 20 is capable of collapsing on one side while
the other side fans out due to the pivoting of rod 35 and the
nesting of the link ends 41, 44 and cooperating spaces in the
adjacent belt modules.
[0045] The last link end 45 of the belt module 26 includes a second
opening 140 disposed around opening 137 to provide for
countersinking a head (not shown) at the end of the pivot rod shaft
138.
[0046] The back surface of the last link end 45 includes a rounded
surface 143 that provides clearance for pivoting an adjacent link
end 45.
[0047] In FIG. 4, the transverse slot 134 in link ends 41 and the
transverse opening 137 in link ends 44 receive pivot rods 35 to
connect adjacent belt modules 23 and 29 as shown in FIG. 1. The
transverse opening or slot 134 may have a length that is at least
twice as wide as the diameter of the pivot rods 35. The web 47 is
coterminous with the top surface 77 of the belt module 26 and
terminates at the top of the corrugated portion 50 that defines the
space between adjacent link ends (best shown in FIG. 5).
[0048] The outer ends 104 of the link ends 41 and 44 are radiused
in a smooth rounded surface 146. The rounded surface 146 preferably
comprises a rounded surface having a constant radius and provides a
driving surface for engagement with the drive sprocket 149, as
described herein.
[0049] Also, the curvature of the outer ends 104 of the link ends
enables the links to clear the web 47 when the adjacent modules
collapse along the edge. The clearance enables the link ends to
extend under the web 47 into the space defined by the corrugated
portion 50 (best shown in FIGS. 6-7). In this manner, the web 47
partially hoods the link ends when the belt 20 collapses.
Accordingly, the belt module 26 provides a web 47 for structural
stability while maintaining a corrugated portion 50 to allow for
recesses that provide maximum space for collapsing the belt modules
around a curved path.
[0050] Turning to FIGS. 8-11, a second embodiment of a portion of a
modular belt module 200 is shown. Belt module 200 is suitable for
center modules in a bricklayed belt.
[0051] The belt module 200 includes link ends 206, 207 which are
supported by an intermediate section 208. The link ends 206 have a
slot 209 disposed transverse to the direction of belt travel
indicated by arrow 211. Link ends 207 have a transverse opening 213
that corresponds to the shaft 138 of pivot rod 35.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 9, the belt module 200 has a web 212 that
is part of the intermediate section 208 and that is wider than the
corrugated portion 50 of the edge module 26 shown in FIGS. 1-7
(best shown in FIG. 5). In FIG. 8, the opening 218 between the link
ends 206 is defined by a mouth 221 at one end 224 and is defined at
the opposite end 227 by a multilevel surface defined by the web 212
and by a straight wall portion 230 that joins with the link end in
a curved section 233.
[0053] As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, the bottom of the intermediate
section 208 of the link ends is angled to provide a face 236 for
engagement of the intermediate section 208 with the teeth 148 on
the drive sprocket 149 (FIG. 14). The drive sprocket 149 is
described in detail hereafter.
[0054] The link ends 207 have the transverse opening 213 capable of
receiving the pivot rod 35. Link ends 206 have the transverse slot
209 that is oblong and extends in the direction of belt travel such
that the pivot rod 35 can move inside the slot 209 to pivot and
facilitate collapsing.
[0055] The engagement of the face 236 on the central portion 215
with the tooth 148 on the drive sprocket 149 (shown in FIG. 15)
assists in maintaining engagement between the belt 20 and the drive
sprocket 149 and assists in driving the belt 20. The primary drive
mechanism is described in detail below.
[0056] Turning to FIGS. 12-13, belt module 300 is an alternate
embodiment of belt modules 23, 26, 29 of FIGS. 1-7. Belt module 300
differs from the previous modules because the slot and the holes
are positioned off center on the link ends 303 and 306,
respectively. The transverse slot 309 and transverse openings 312
are located lower on the belt module 300 which provides for
increased module strength. The distance 315 from the top surface
318 to the center 321 of the opening 312 is greater than the
distance 316 from the center 321 of the opening 312 to the bottom
surface 324. Also, the link end 303 with the transverse slot 309 is
designed such that the radius of curvature at the rounded end is
greater above the slot 309 than it is below the slot 309.
[0057] As an option, the belt module 300 includes a plurality of
openings 331 that provide for reducing the weight and material cost
for the belt and provide open areas for cleaning the belt. The
vertical openings 331 in the link ends 306 are shown in FIGS. 12
and 13.
[0058] Turning to FIGS. 14 and 15, the belt modules 20 (FIGS. 1-7)
are shown driven by the teeth 148 on the drive sprocket 149. The
drive sprocket 149 is driven by a rotating shaft (not shown) in a
manner known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The teeth 148
engage with the rounded surface 146 on the outside of the link ends
and push the link ends forward. In addition to the engagement of
the teeth on the rounded surface 146 of the link ends, the central
portions 215 (FIG. 15) of the middle modules push against the teeth
along the angled face 236.
[0059] In FIG. 16, the belt 420 is shown at its maximum lengthwise
extension. For example, the maximum lengthwise extension creates
spaces 400 bordered by the cross-rib 438, the link ends 444 of
module 423 and the link ends 441 of the adjacent module. In order
to prevent small fingers from penetrating the belt grid and
engaging with a belt support 405 (FIG. 17), the top surface 477 of
the cross-rib is extended such that the opening 400 described above
is less than 10 mm. At the top conveying surface, the opening 400
is bordered on one side by upper wall 489. The space 400 is also
bordered by sides 410, 413, of adjacent link ends 444. The end of
space 400 opposite from upper wall 489 is defined by the outer end
404 of link end 441 on the adjacent belt module 426. Also, a
portion of the sides 498 and 401 of link end 441 border space
400.
[0060] For belts having a pitch greater than or equal to 1.5
inches, the openings created in the belt grid may allow for fingers
to penetrate the grid.
[0061] In the present invention, for belts having pitches greater
than or equal to 1.5 inches, extending the upper wall 489 outward
from the cross-rib 438 reduces the size of space 400. The upper
wall 489 is sized so that when the belt 420 is fully extended
lengthwise the space 400 has critical opening widths or diameter
less than 10 mm. Critical opening width or diameter is defined as
the distance of the opening across its smallest dimension.
[0062] The extended upper wall 489 is sized to reduce the size of
the opening yet allows the belt 420 to collapse without
obstruction. The curvature of the link end from the top surface
provides for nesting of the link end beneath the upper wall
489.
[0063] In FIG. 17, the belt modules 420 are shown driven by the
teeth 448 on the drive sprocket 449. The drive sprocket 449 is
driven by a rotating shaft (not shown) as known to those of
ordinary skill in the art. A cylindrical member 410, which is
representative of a small finger, has a diameter of 10 mm. As
shown, the space 400 is not large enough to accommodate the member
410.
[0064] Accordingly, a radius belt 420 suitable for larger pitch
(.gtoreq.1.5'') radius belt applications has been disclosed. The
belt 420 has an extended cross-rib 438 that reduces the space 400
to less than 10 mm width so as to prevent fingers of a user from
penetrating the belt grid.
[0065] While the invention has been described in connection with
certain preferred 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.
* * * * *