JP4171245B2 - Flat top open type hinged module - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to conveyor belts, in particular plastic modular conveyor belts used mainly in the food industry.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Plastic conveyor belts, unlike metal conveyor belts, are not corroded, are lightweight, are easy to clean, are used extensively, and are particularly used for conveying food. Modular plastic conveyor belts consist of molded plastic modular links, or belt modules, that can be arranged in rows with selectable widths. A series of spaced apart connecting ends extending from both sides of the module include aligned apertures for receiving pivot axes. The connecting end arranged along one end of the modules in one row is inserted and connected to the connecting end of the adjacent row, and the modules are arranged side by side and connected at both ends. A pivot axis supported in the squeezed aperture forms a hinge between adjacent rows. The rows of belt modules are then connected together, thereby forming an endless conveyor belt that can move around the drive sprocket.
[0003]
Modular plastic conveyor belts with clogged or flat tops often produce meat, fish, or other products where liquids may drip or fragments or particles tend to fall Used in the food industry. A belt having a clogged top surface typically has a connecting end that is shaped to gradually narrow from the top surface to the bottom surface, so that the top surface of the belt can be connected to each other. Even though the connecting part by insertion may have a smooth and flat surface with only a minute gap, these connecting end parts are spaced apart from each other on the bottom side of the belt, and the belt is sprocketed. These gaps open when they move around and bend the swivel connection. This makes it possible to clean the gaps between the important connecting ends, especially in the field of the food industry. Steam or hot water containing a cleaning agent and disinfectant can be used to clean the gap between the connecting ends during the movement around the sprocket of the belt, i.e., the movement while changing direction. In some examples, cleaning is performed on the folded portion of the belt from the opposite side. In each module, at least one row of connecting ends is tapered for this purpose, and the upper surface of each connecting end is formed essentially in the form of a rectangle, thereby inserting the adjacent module. The rectangular gap formed by the connecting end portion is filled. When the swivel connection is bent relative to the angled structure, the gap opens between the connection ends, exposing the connection shaft to some extent.
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
What is needed is that by changing the gap between the connecting ends even as the module passes around the sprocket, it still provides the connecting end shape to optimally engage the teeth of the drive sprocket. Is to provide such a modular structure.
[0005]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The present invention meets the above-mentioned needs by providing a module having a flat top surface structure with flat deck portions extending toward connecting ends facing each other and having a pivot shaft receiving opening. is there. The swivel shaft receiving opening has an elliptical shape, and the long axis of the ellipse extends at an angle of 45 ° with respect to the flat surface of the deck portion. The connecting end has a flat top base that forms a curved portion of the distal end extending from the deck portion and starting at a position oriented perpendicular to the outer longitudinal portion of the elliptical pivot receiving opening. The end portion of the connecting end extends inwardly from the curved upper surface portion to a position that is substantially horizontal coplanar with the lower portion of the downward pivot shaft receiving opening, and then continues to the flat bottom surface of the connecting end portion. It has an inwardly angled flat outer surface that extends to the curved surface. The inner portion of the connecting end is curved upward to the flat bottom surface of the deck portion. The deck portion has a concave surface located between the connecting ends and functions to receive one connecting end of a series of connected modules.
[0006]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Referring to FIGS. 1-7, and in particular initially FIG. 1, the belt module 10 of the present invention has a flat deck portion 13 extending toward the mating connecting ends 16,19. The connecting ends 16 and 19 are arranged so as to be shifted along the axis crossing the traveling direction of the belt indicated by the arrow 22. This displacement forms a substantially square opening 23 that accommodates the connecting ends 16, 19 from adjacent modules 10. Due to the shape of the connecting ends 16, 19, the connecting ends 16, 19 of adjacent modules are inserted and connected to each other, and the upper surface of the belt is smooth and flat with a minute gap when the connecting ends are inserted and connected. A surface can be formed.
[0007]
FIG. 2 shows the bottom surface of the module 10. The bottom surface 30 of the flat deck portion 13 is also formed flat and extends between the connecting ends 16, 19. The deck portion 13 includes a concave surface 33 between the connecting end portions 16 and 19 that receive the connecting end portions 16 and 19 of the adjacent modules 10.
[0008]
Each of the connecting end portions 16 and 19 includes a first end portion 36 facing the deck portion 13 and a second end portion 39 facing in the opposite direction. The first end portion 36 is curved with a space from the deck portion, and is tapered from the first width 40 to the second width 41 near the deck portion inward. The first end 36 is coupled to the bottom surface 30 of the deck portion 13 by a curved end 43. The curved portion 45 extends from the first end 36 to the flat bottom surface 47 of the connecting end. From the first end 36 toward the second end 39 across the bottom surface 47 of the connecting ends 16, 19, the width is from the narrower width 41 at the first end 36 to the second end It is increased to a wider width 50 at 39. The side wall portion 52 (see FIG. 3) of the first end portion 36 extends substantially perpendicular to the bottom surface 30. The flat plane 47 of the connecting ends 16, 19 extends to a curved portion 53 that joins the second end 39 facing outward. The second end 39 has a substantially flat wall 54 disposed perpendicular to the bottom surface 30. The wall 54 curves downward and extends to a portion 59 that extends to the surface 57.
[0009]
Referring to FIG. 3, the connecting ends 16, 19 include an opening 40 arranged perpendicular to the belt traveling direction indicated by the arrow 22. Opening 40 has an oval shape and is assigned to US patent application no. As disclosed in 09 / 583,053, the flat deck portion 13 extends at an angle of about 45 °. The disclosure in the above US patent application is hereby incorporated by reference. As shown in FIG. 2, the second end 39 of the connecting ends 16, 19 following the outer side has a width 50 almost equal to the overall width of the connecting ends 16, 19. Accordingly, the second end 39 provides a wide surface for engaging the teeth (not shown) of the drive sprocket 55 (see FIG. 6).
[0010]
The connecting ends 16 and 19 extend from the upper surface 58 (see FIG. 1) of the deck portion 13 and have curved upper surfaces at the ends starting at positions aligned substantially perpendicular to the outer longitudinal portion of the elliptical pivot shaft receiving opening 40. A flat upper surface 57 (see FIG. 1) is provided as a base forming a portion 59 (see FIG. 1). The end portions of the connecting end portions 16 and 19 extend from the upper curved surface portion 59 that curves downward to a position that forms a horizontal coplanar surface with the lower portion of the pivot shaft receiving opening 40, and then the flat end portions of the connecting end portions 16 and 19 are flat. It extends to a portion 54 continuous with the bottom surface 47, and to a flat outer surface 39 extending to an inwardly curved surface 53.
[0011]
The inner portion 61 of the connecting end portions 16 and 19 curves the flat bottom surface 30 of the deck portion 13 upward.
[0012]
FIG. 4 shows a lower surface of a modular belt 60 including the belt module 10 of the present invention. The pivot 63 extends through the connecting ends 16 and 19 of the adjacent modules 10 arranged alternately. The belt 60 is illustrated as it moves along a straight portion of the transport path. In this state, the upper surface of the belt has a smooth and flat surface with almost no gap between adjacent modules 10. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the connecting ends 16, 19 are tapered from the second end 39 toward the first end 36, so that the connecting ends 16, 19 are cleaned. In this case, a sufficient width of the second end portion 39 for engaging with the teeth of the drive sprocket 55 is still maintained.
[0013]
FIG. 5 shows a detailed cross section of the bottom surface of the belt 60. The tapered shape of the first end 36 of the connecting ends 16, 19 provides an opening around the pivot axis 63 between the connecting ends 16, 19. Despite the exposed pivot 63, there is no gap through the upper surface of the belt 60.
[0014]
6 and 7 show the belt 60 as it passes around the drive sprocket 55. As shown in FIG. 7, when the belt module 10 is bent relative to the angled structure, the gap 70 is opened between the connecting ends 16, 19 to increase the exposed range of the pivot 63. Let Since the gap between the connecting ends becomes larger, the food residue sandwiched between them is removed at this position.
[0015]
Thus, the present invention provides a coupling end that still engages optimally with the teeth of the drive sprocket 55 by changing the clearance between the coupling ends even while the module 10 passes around the sprocket 55. The structure of the module that provides the shape of
[0016]
So far, the preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described, but the configuration of the present invention is not limited to this, and any modification is created within the scope of the configuration described in the claims. be able to.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a top view of a belt module of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a bottom view of the module of FIG.
FIG. 3 is a partial perspective view seen from the bottom side of the belt module.
FIG. 4 is a bottom view of the modular belt of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a detailed bottom view of a portion of the belt shown in FIG.
FIG. 6 is a side view when the belt of the present invention passes around a sprocket.
7 is a cross-sectional view of the belt bottom surface taken along line 7-7 in FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Belt module 13 Deck parts 16, 19 Connection end part 22 Arrow 23 Opening 36 1st end part 39 2nd end part 55 Driving sprocket 57 Surface 58 Deck part upper surface 59 Curved upper surface part 63 Turning axis

Claims (24)

A belt module for forming a modular belt having a flat upper surface ,
A substantially rectangular plate-shaped flat deck portion having both end walls, both side ends, a top surface and a bottom surface;
A plurality of first connecting ends extending from one end wall of the deck portion along the traveling direction of the belt;
A plurality of second connection ends extending from the other end wall of the deck portion in the opposite direction to the first connection end;
The second connecting end portion, said first be arranged shifted from the connecting end portion, said first connecting end is the second connecting end of another of the belt module disposed adjacent is fitted into the space formed between the parts, both belt module has become so that obtained are mutually inserted,
Each of the first and second link ends having a top surface forming an upper surface and a substantially above both surfaces of the deck section and a flat bottom surface which is parallel to substantially the deck section, the The top surfaces of the first and second connecting end portions are shaped so that no gap is generated between adjacent belt modules when the belt modules are inserted into each other.
The first and second connection ends are first and second ends connected by the bottom surface , respectively, and the first end close to the deck portion and far from the first end with respect to the belt traveling direction. Two ends ,
Each of the first and second connecting end portions is tapered from the upper surface toward the bottom surface and is tapered from the second end portion toward the first end portion. , the first end side of the bottom surface has the width smaller than the width of the second end portion of said bottom surface,
Each of the first and second connecting ends has an opening formed therein, and the opening is disposed substantially perpendicular to the traveling direction of the belt .
A belt module characterized by that. 2. The belt module according to claim 1, wherein a bottom surface of the connecting end portion is tapered between the first end portion and the second end portion. The belt module according to claim 1, wherein an upper surface of the deck portion forms a curved portion having a distal end that starts at a position substantially vertically aligned with a longitudinal portion outside the opening. End portions of the connecting ends, in claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a flat outer surface extending from the curved upper surface portion to a position which forms the lower portion and the horizontal co-plane of the downwardly open The described belt module. The belt module according to claim 4, wherein the flat outer surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to the deck portion. The belt module according to claim 4, wherein the flat outer surface is angled inwardly toward the deck portion. The belt module according to claim 1, wherein the deck portion includes a concave surface disposed between the connecting end portions. A first end of the connecting end has a sidewall disposed substantially perpendicular to the deck portion, the sidewall extending toward the deck portion and adjacent to the deck portion. A first portion having a width smaller than a width of the second portion, and a bottom surface of the connection end portion is located between the first end portion and the second end portion. 2. The belt module according to claim 1, wherein the belt module is tapered from a narrow portion at an end of the belt to a wide portion at the second end. A modular belt having a flat top surface ,
End walls, each side, and a flat deck section of the substantially rectangular plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first connecting end portion from one of the end walls of the plurality extending along the traveling direction of the belt the deck portion has a plurality of belt modules having a second connecting end portion of the other end wall of the plurality extending in the opposite direction to the first connecting end portion and the deck section,
The second connecting end portion, said first be arranged shifted from the connecting end portion, said first connecting end is the second connecting end of another of the belt module disposed adjacent is fitted into the space that will be formed between parts, both belt module has become so that obtained are mutually inserted,
Each of the first and second link ends having a top surface forming an upper surface and a substantially above both surfaces of the deck section and a flat bottom surface which is substantially arranged parallel to the deck portion, said The upper surfaces of the first and second connecting end portions are shaped so that no gap is generated between the belt modules when the adjacent belt modules adjacent to each other are inserted,
The first and second connection ends are first and second ends connected by the bottom surface , respectively, and the first end close to the deck portion and far from the first end with respect to the belt traveling direction. Two ends ,
Each of the first and second connecting end portions is tapered from the upper surface toward the bottom surface and is tapered from the second end portion toward the first end portion. , the first end side of the bottom surface has the width smaller than the width of the second end portion of said bottom surface,
Each of the first and second link ends having an opening formed therein, said opening is substantially arranged perpendicularly to the traveling direction of the belt, further,
A plurality of pivots arranged through the openings in the first and second connecting ends so that the belt modules that are inserted and adjacent to each other are interconnected by a row of adjacent hinges. has,
A modular belt characterized by that. 10. The modular belt according to claim 9, wherein a bottom surface of the connection end portion is tapered between the first end portion and the second end portion. The first end of the connecting end includes a side wall disposed substantially perpendicular to the deck portion, the side wall extending toward the deck portion and adjacent to the deck portion. A first portion having a width smaller than the width of the portion, and the bottom surface of the connecting end portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion from the narrow portion at the first end portion. The modular belt according to claim 9, wherein the modular belt is tapered to a wide portion at the second end portion. The modular belt according to claim 9, wherein the top surface of the deck portion forms a curved portion with a distal end starting at a position substantially aligned with the longitudinal portion outside the opening. Terminal portion of the connecting end, to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises a flat outer surface extending from the curved upper surface portion to a position which forms the lower portion and the horizontal co-plane of the downwardly open The modular belt described. The modular belt according to claim 13, wherein the flat outer surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to the deck portion. The modular belt of claim 13, wherein the outer surface is angled inward toward the deck portion. The modular belt according to claim 9, wherein the deck portion includes a concave surface disposed between the connecting end portions. A method for forming a modular belt having a flat upper surface , comprising:
End walls, each side, and a flat deck section of the substantially rectangular plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, a first connecting end portion from one of the end walls of the plurality extending along the traveling direction of the belt the deck portion ,
A plurality of second connecting ends extending from the other end wall of the deck portion in the opposite direction to the first connecting end, wherein the second connecting end is the first connecting end. It is arranged offset with, adjacent the first connection end portion of another of the belt modules arranged is fitted into the second space formed between the connection end, both belt module has become so that obtained are mutually inserted, each of the first and second connecting ends, the upper surface constituting the top surface and substantially on both surfaces of said deck section, substantially to the deck section A flat bottom surface arranged in parallel, and the top surfaces of the first and second connecting end portions are configured such that no gap is generated between the belt modules when the adjacent belt modules are mutually inserted. And the first and second connecting ends are Respectively, wherein a first and a second end coupled by a bottom surface, and a first end closer to the deck section and far second end with respect to the traveling direction of the belt, the Each of the first and second connecting end portions is tapered from the upper surface toward the bottom surface and is tapered from the second end portion toward the first end portion, It said first end side of the bottom surface has the width smaller than the width of the second end portion of said bottom surface, said first and second coupling ends, respectively, formed therein has an opening with the openings, each other by a plurality of belt module and mutually inserted and columns of hinge the belt module adjacent to adjacent is substantially perpendicular arrangement with respect to the traveling direction of the belt as connected, the first Oyo A step for preparing a plurality of pivot said disposed through the respective openings in the second link ends,
The first and second connection ends of the adjacent belt modules are connected to each other by mutual insertion through the openings of the first and second connection ends of the adjacent belt modules and by arranging a pivot shaft. a step of, forming an endless belt capable of movement goes around interconnected to the drive sprocket by a column of a hinge to the adjacent belt modules the adjacent,
A method characterized by comprising: The method of claim 17, wherein a bottom surface of the connecting end is tapered between the first and second ends. The first end of the connecting end has a sidewall disposed substantially perpendicular to the deck portion, the sidewall extending toward the deck portion and adjacent to the deck portion. An upper portion having a width smaller than a width of the bottom portion, and the bottom surface of the connection end portion is between the first end portion and the second end portion, and the second end portion extends from the narrow portion of the first end portion. The method according to claim 17, wherein a taper is formed to a wide portion of the portion. 18. The method of claim 17, wherein the top surface of the deck portion forms a distal curved portion that begins at a position substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion outside the opening. 17. end portion of the connecting ends, characterized in that it has a flat outer surface extending from the curved upper surface portion to a position which forms the lower portion and the horizontal co-plane of the downwardly open The method described in 1. The method of claim 21, wherein the flat outer surface is disposed substantially perpendicular to the deck portion. The method of claim 21, wherein the outer surface is angled inwardly toward the deck portion. The method of claim 17, wherein the deck portion comprises a concave surface disposed between the connecting ends.

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