JPH075179B2 - Module for conveyor belt - Google Patents

Description

Description: INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention provides a carrying surface of a particular cross-section, including a channel-shaped surface, suitable for carrying a tube-shaped object or objects stacked in a cylinder, the pivot end being an extension. To an intermediate section forming a conveyor belt, the extension of which is constituted by modules which are connected to each other by a cross member.

Conventional technology and its problems A typical modular conveyor belt is JM La Peile (J.
M. Lapeyre) US Patent No. 3870141 (March 11, 1975)
Is disclosed in. According to this U.S. patent, the independent modules formed by infusion molding are pivotally coupled to each other to form a conveyor belt having a desired length and width. Each module comprises a plurality of elongate elements, each element comprising a first pivot end and a second pivot end. The plurality of elongated elements are connected such that the holes formed in each of the first and second pivot ends are along the first and second pivot axes, respectively, and the pivot axes are parallel to each other. The link end of the module is pivotally coupled to the link end of the other module by a pivot rod to form an entire belt having a desired length and width. Belts made from plastics based on this U.S. patent have been industrially adopted and put to many uses.

The module is produced by normal in-mold molding with two simple mold halves. One half molds the bottom of the module and the other molds the top of the module. In such two simple molds, it is impossible to form a complicated carrying upper surface, and since such a complicated surface forms an undercut, it is impossible to separate the mold halves. The protruding plastic part is eliminated.

In La Peile U.S. Pat. No. 4,171,045 (October 16, 1979), the need for a conveyor surface to prevent objects placed on the conveyor surface from passing under a sliding belt was recognized. ing. The belt disclosed in this U.S. patent is similar to that in the aforementioned U.S. Pat. No. 3,870,141, with selected members of the elongate member comprising a plurality of "dogs", the dogs typically being on a conveyor surface. Is provided so as to extend to the upper part of the belt so as to contact the object on the conveyor surface and push the object so that the belt does not pass below the object. Such a carrying surface is still fairly simple and easy to mold with half molds, one mold can mold the bottom of the module and the other mold to mold the top of the module. .

Similarly, U.S. Pat. No. 4,213,527 to JM La Peile et al.
(June 22, 2016), a link type conveyor belt having a ridge or a step (flight member) extending in a direction transverse to the belt moving direction in order to prevent the belt from sliding under an object placed on the surface of the conveyor belt. A module for forming is disclosed. This U.S. Patent discloses that certain modules are formed by extrusion and the pivot ends are cut by a blade. Similarly, Lapeyre's U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,170,281 (October 9, 1979) and 4080842 (March 28, 1978) attach an object on a conveyor surface to a belt so that the belt does not slip below the object. Disclosed is a conveyor belt including a member that extends in the width direction of the conveyor surface for moving along the conveyor belt. The modules disclosed in these U.S. patents are formed by two simple molds, one of which can easily mold the lower half of the module and the other mold the upper half of the module.

Another patent application for modular link conveyor belts that may be relevant to the present invention is Lapeyere's U.S. Patent Application No. 483210 "Link Chain Belt".
t) ”(filed on April 14, 1983), No. 179523“ Modular Center Drive Conveyor Belt ”
Drive Conveyor Belt "(filed on August 19, 1980) and No. 457482" Lightweight modular conveyor belt (Lightw)
eight Modular Conveyor Belt) ”(filed on January 12, 1983). In addition, 2 filed at the same time as the present invention
US patent application “Conveyor BeltHaving Inse with insertable and selectable conveyor members
rtable And SelectableConveying Members) ”and a conveyor belt with a high friction transfer surface (Conveyor BeltHav
ing A High Friction Conveying Surface) "discloses a configuration partially similar to the present invention.

These U.S. patents and U.S. patent applications are assigned to U.S. Pat.
Molding of a conveyor belt module with two dies, one of which is used to mold the bottom of the module and the other of which is used to mold the top of the module, except for the extrusion molding module disclosed in No. 527. Is only disclosed. With these infusion moldings, it is not possible to form complex carrying top surfaces.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a module for forming a conveyor belt with a complex carrying top surface.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a module having a complicated upper surface, which can be easily and inexpensively injection molded. The foregoing objects of the invention are accomplished by a module for forming a conveyor belt integrally molded by plastics as described below. The module comprises a first plurality or group of pivot ends parallel to one another, the pivot ends comprising pivot holes. The rotation holes of the first plurality of pivot ends are formed so as to be lined up along the first rotation axis. Similarly, the module includes a second plurality of pivot ends that are parallel to each other, and each pivot end includes a pivot hole that is aligned with the second pivot axis. These two types of plural pivot ends are coupled to each other such that the first and second pivot axes are parallel to each other and form a plane. The module further comprises a force receiving portion for receiving a driving force, such as a tooth engaging a recess in the drive sprocket or a recess engaging a drive tooth extending from the sprocket. The force receiving portion moves the module perpendicularly to the rotation axis and substantially parallel to the common plane. According to the present invention, the module is formed so that all the surfaces can be seen from the plurality of first and second lines of sight except for the surface forming the rotation hole. The first and second plurality of lines of sight are positioned perpendicular to the rotation axis and parallel to the common plane. The first plurality of lines of sight extends from the first pivot end toward the second pivot end. Similarly but vice versa, the second plurality of lines of sight extends from the second pivot end toward the first pivot end. The module is
The first plurality of pivot ends are aligned with the second plurality of pivot ends in the belt longitudinal direction, or the first plurality of pivot ends are aligned with the space between the second plurality of pivot ends in the belt longitudinal direction. As described above, it may be formed at a position displaced from the second plurality of pivot ends in the belt width direction, or at a position opposite thereto.

The module according to the present invention has an important feature that it can be molded by a simple half mold so that the intermediate section has a shape having a transportation surface of various specific shapes located on the upper surface of the module. is doing. For example, the carrying surface may be configured as a channel having any cross section including a curved surface and extending perpendicularly to the rotation axis and parallel to the common plane. A conveyor belt constituted by a module having such a channel is suitable for carrying a tube-shaped object. In addition, such conveyor belts are
It is suitable for carrying a stack of a plurality of plate-like objects such as coins and punched ones.

According to the present invention, with respect to a module having first and second plural pivot ends, an intermediate section connecting them, a conveying surface, and a force receiving portion for receiving a driving force, all surfaces of the module are All surfaces except the surface forming the driving hole can be seen from a plurality of first and second lines of sight in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis which is the opening / closing direction of the molding die and parallel to the common plane. It is made possible. Therefore, by setting the splitting direction (opening / closing direction) of the mold to the first and second line-of-sight directions, the shape of the entire module can be molded at once. Further, by setting the splitting direction of the molding die in this way, it is possible to easily form a transport surface having a specific shape such as a channel extending perpendicularly to the rotation axis and parallel to the common plane.

EXAMPLES Hereinafter, the present invention will be described in more detail based on examples shown in the accompanying drawings.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a module (20) according to the present invention. As shown, the module (20) includes a first plurality of pivot ends (22) and a second plurality of pivot ends (24).
It has and. Each of the first plurality of pivot ends (22) is provided such that its hole (26) is aligned with the axis of the first rotation axis (28). Similarly, each of the pivot ends (24) has its hole (30) in the second pivot axis (32).
It is provided so that the axis line may coincide with. The intermediate section (34) connects the pivot ends (22) and (24) so that the first rotation axis (28) and the second rotation axis (30) are parallel to each other. Bonded to form a plane (36). Each module has a force receiving portion for receiving a driving force, and the module has a pair of rotation axis lines (2
It is designed to be moved in a direction perpendicular to 8) and (30) and substantially parallel to the common plane (36). Thick arrows (38)
Indicates the moving direction of the module. In the example shown in FIG. 1, the force receiving portion is a tooth (40) extending from the bottom surface (42) of the module. Driving teeth, such as teeth (40), may be provided at the bottom of each intermediate section of the module, but only selected ones of the intermediate sections may be provided with driving teeth (40). As shown in FIG. 1, the intermediate section (34) has pivot ends (44) and (46).
In addition to coupling a pair of pivot ends, such as, the first and second pivot ends are held parallel to each other and at a fixed spacing therebetween.

FIG. 2 shows a single elongate element (50) cut away from the module (20). As shown,
Each extension or elongate element (50) couples a pair of pivot ends (46) and (44) with an intermediate section (34) to propagate a tensile force between the two pivot axes (28) and (32). It is supposed to do.

An important point in the present invention is that the module shown in FIG. 1 is viewed from a plurality of first and second lines of sight such as the lines of sight (52) and (54) except for the surface serving as the opening for rotation. The point is that each side of the module is visible. First
And the second plurality of lines of sight are both perpendicular to the pivot axis (32), the lines of sight being parallel to the common plane (36). Additionally, the first plurality of lines of sight extends from the first plurality of pivot ends toward the second pivot end and the second plurality of lines of sight extends from the second plurality of pivot ends toward the first plurality of pivot ends. ing. Therefore, by complying with this criterion, the module can be formed by injection molding. In this molding process, the half mold is opened and closed in a direction parallel to the line of sight, and from the upper surface (56) and the lower surface (42) perpendicular to the line of sight as in a normal method of opening this type of mold. It is not opened and closed. 3A
The illustration shows the first multiple pivot end or link end (5
8) and a second multiple pivot end or link end (6
0) shows another embodiment of the present invention, which is connected by an intermediate section (62). This module has several extensions (64), (66), (68), (70) which are connected to each other by crosses (72), (74), (76), (78). There is. Cross section (72), (74), (76), (7
8) is represented by the cross rib (80) as a whole,
Closest to the pivot end (58) at the bottom (82),
The upper surface (84) is inclined toward the second plurality of pivot ends (60). As will be described later in detail, the cross ribs (80) or the individual connecting cross portions (7
2), (74), (76), (78) are used as contact surfaces for cooperating with driving teeth for providing driving force to a belt constituted by this type of module.

3B and 3C show the side and top surfaces of the single elongate element of the module of FIG. 3A, respectively. First
As clearly shown in FIG. 3B, the dimension shown by arrow (86) is larger than the dimension at both ends shown by arrows (88) and (90), respectively. Similarly, as shown in FIG. 3C, the thickness indicated by arrows (92) and (94) is the same as arrow (96).
It is thinner than the central thickness shown in. In this way, the difference in the dimensions (86) with respect to the width dimensions (88) and (90) and the thickness (92) and (94) with respect to the thickness (96) is 3B.
Although it is shown in an enlarged manner in the figure and FIG. 3C, such a dimensional difference is that when a module is formed by in-exposure molding with a mold that opens from end to end,
Greatly helps to separate the two halves.
That is, if the dimensions (86), (88), (90) are exactly the same and the dimensions (92), (94), (96) are exactly the same, the molded module is split in half. Would be very difficult to remove from. Although such a difference in size cannot be easily discerned in FIGS. 1 and 2 and other parts of the module described later, all of the modules described later are made possible so that the module can be easily detached from the half mold. It is desirable to provide such a dimensional difference with respect to.

FIG. 4A shows still another example of the present invention. As shown, the module (98) is substantially similar to the module of Figure 3A, but instead of a single cross rib (80), three smaller cross ribs or sections (100), (102),
(104) is provided. The module of Figure 4A is the same as the module of Figure 3A, except that it has three cross ribs. FIG. 4B shows a side view of the module of FIG. 4A and shows in broken lines the teeth of the sprocket for driving the conveyor belt constituted by this type of module. As shown, the sprocket (106) includes a contact surface (108) of the cross section (104) and cross sections (100), (10).
Engage with each contact surface (110), (112) in 2). As will be described in detail later, by providing such a cross rib, a belt constituted by such a module can be driven in both directions. Cross section (100), (102), (10
4) is placed between the upper surface (114) and the lower surface (116) of the module so that there is no overlapping part. That is, the thickness of the cross portion (104) is thinner than the distance between the upper surface (118) of the cross portion (102) and the lower surface (120) of the cross portion (100).
In order to meet the criteria for two lines of sight and to be able to open the mold halves, the cross parts need to be non-overlapping.

FIG. 5 shows still another example of the module of the present invention. This module is substantially the same as that of FIG. 1, but the cross portion (122) is inclined from the bottom surface (124) to the top surface (126) in the opposite direction to the cross portion of FIG. Although not explicitly shown in the figure, the provision of drive teeth (128) and (130) on specific and spaced elongate elements results in a cross section (122) such as face (132). )
Contact surface may be used as a contact surface for engaging a drive tooth as described with respect to FIG. 4B. With such a configuration, the module as shown in FIG.
8) or (130) with teeth on the module, or instead of teeth extending from the sprocket
It can be driven in either of two ways, such as by engaging 2).

FIG. 6 shows still another example of the present invention. Although it is considered that this hybrid module is not as desirable as the above-mentioned modules, it is exemplified to show various constitutional examples of the present invention. As can be seen in FIG. 6, each of the plurality of pivot ends, such as the link end or pivot end (134), is coupled to a co-operable pivot end, such as pivot end (136). This connection is made by an intermediate connection (138) or by providing an extended intermediate portion of the intermediate section with a thickness such that the two pivot ends can be connected at offset positions relative to each other.

FIG. 7 shows a side surface of a link belt (140) constituted by a module similar to that shown in FIG. 1, FIG. 2 or FIG. This link belt (140) has teeth (146)
Is driven by a drive sprocket (142) having a series of recesses, such as recesses (144) for receiving teeth provided in a suitable link module such as. A link belt of this kind with driving teeth, such as teeth (146), can be driven in both directions indicated by the arrow (148).

FIG. 8 shows a side view of a link belt suitable for being driven only in a single direction, as indicated by arrow (152), by teeth on a sprocket (154) such as teeth (156). As shown, the tooth (156) has a contact surface (158) that contacts the cross portion (160) of the link (162) at a contact surface (164). The rotation of the sprocket (154) causes the belt (150) to move as indicated by the arrow (152). As described above, according to this embodiment, since there is no contact surface on the back surface of the tooth (156), the belt (150) can be driven only in the direction shown by the arrow (152). The back surface (166) may be of virtually any shape, since only unidirectional drive is provided by the belt and sprocket. Regarding the example of FIG. 8, 4B
Referring to the figures, it will be appreciated that a similar belt formed by a module such as that of FIG. 4A as described above could be driven in both directions.

FIG. 9 shows another example of the modular belt (168) driven by the sprocket (170). 9th
The drive system shown in the figure is shown in FIG. 3A, FIG. 4A or FIG.
It may be used with drive belts constructed from modules as shown. As shown, the teeth (17
Each tooth, such as 2), has a contact surface (174) that cooperates with a contact surface (176) on the pivot end (180) of the module (182).
Is equipped with. Thus, the belt formed by the various types of modules according to the present invention can be driven by various types of drive systems.

10A and 10B show a perspective view and a front view, respectively, of another example of the module according to the present invention. As shown, this module is similar to the module of FIG. 1, but additionally includes longitudinal members (184), (186), (188). As shown, these longitudinal members include portions corresponding to the three faces of an irregular hexagonal prism. That is, the three faces need not be of equal length and not have a central angle of 60 ° and are integrally molded with a particular one of the elongated elements formed by the intermediate section and the pivot end. As more clearly shown in FIG. 10B, a portion of the hexagonal prismatic longitudinal member (184) is integrally molded with the pivot end and intermediate section forming elongated elements (190) and (192). . Similarly,
Longitudinal member (186) is integrally molded with elongated elements (194) and (196) to provide longitudinal member (188).
Is integrally molded with the elongated elements (198) and (200). As described in the previous example, and the lines of sight (202) and (2
As shown by 04), the modules of Figures 10A and 10B can be molded with a simple half mold, which is not opened from the top and bottom of the module, but from each end. Can be opened. Further, as more clearly shown in FIG. 10B, the modules of FIGS. 10A and 10B include longitudinal members (184) and (186) and longitudinal members (18).
It is particularly suitable for carrying tube-like objects, such as objects (206) and (208) shown in dashed lines to lie between 6) and (188).

FIG. 11 shows pivot points (216), (218), (220).
Modules (21
A part consisting of two modules such as 0), (212) and (214) is shown. As shown, FIGS. 10A and 10B
As described and shown in this figure, when a plurality of modules are pivotally coupled end to end, the channel formed by the longitudinal members will move or move a long tube-like object. Form a long channel that can be used to carry. As shown in FIG. 11, instead of an independent object, the tube-shaped object is
2) and (224) may be composed of a plurality of stacked plate-like objects. As is well known with respect to the kusky manufacturing process, it is usually desirable for kusky to be edged edge-to-edge for more complete cooling and / or freezing. Belts with these wavy channels can carry a variety of fruit-like ball-shaped objects.

Although these objects can roll on the conveyor along the conveyor moving direction, they do not roll on the conveyor in the width direction and fall from the conveyor. This allows these ball-like objects to be transported in regular rows, lining up one object behind another, and in some areas automatically arranging ball-like objects in columns.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example of a module, FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing one elongated element cut out from the module of FIG. 1, and FIG. FIG. 3B is a side view of FIG. 3B, which is a side view thereof, FIG. 3C is a plan view of FIG. 4A, and FIG. 4A is a perspective view of yet another example of a module of which the pivot end is not offset.
FIG. 4B is a vertical sectional side view thereof, FIGS. 5 and 6 are perspective views of still another example of modules different from each other, and FIG. 7 is a belt constituted by the modules of FIGS. 1 and 5 together with a sprocket. The side view shown in FIG. 8 is a side view showing the belt constituted by the modules shown in FIG. 1, 3 or 4 together with the sprocket, and FIG. 9 is the module shown in FIG. 3, 4 or 6. FIG. 10A is a side view showing a belt constituted by a sprocket with a sprocket, FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a module similar to that of FIG. 1 with a carrying surface suitable for carrying a tube-shaped object, and FIG. Front view, FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an assembled state of three modules similar to the module of FIG. 10A together with the objects in order to show the state that the tube-shaped objects are stacked on each other by a conveyor belt. is there. (20) …… Module, (22) …… First multiple pivot ends, (24) …… Second multiple pivot ends, (28) …… First rotation axis, (32) …… Second rotation Axis of movement, (34) …… Intermediate section, (36) …… Common plane, (40) …… Tooth, (44), (46) …… Pivot end, (48) …… Cross part, (50) …… Extension or elongated element, (52) ... first plurality of lines of sight, (54) ... second plurality of lines of sight, (58) ... first plurality of pivot ends, (60) ... second plurality of lines of sight Pivot end, (62) ... intermediate section, (64)-(70) ... extension, (72)-(78) ... cross, (80) ... cross rib, (100), (102), ( 104) …… Cross part, (106) …… Tooth, (108), (110), (112) …… Contact surface, (128), (130) …… Tooth, (132) …… Contact surface, ( 134), (136) … Pivot end, (138) …… connecting part, (142) …… drive sprocket, (144) …… recess, (146) …… teeth, (156) …… teeth, (158) …… contact surface, ( 160) …… Cross part, (164) …… Contact surface, (170) …… Sprocket, (172) …… Tooth, (174), (176) …… Contact surface, (180) …… Pivot end, (182 ) ... Module, (184), (186), (188) ... Longitudinal member, (190)-(200) ... Elongated element, (210), (212), (214) ... Module, ( 216), (218), (220) …… Pivot trot.

Claims (10)

[Claims] 1. A module, which is integrally molded by injection molding of plastic so that end portions thereof are rotatably coupled to each other to form a conveyor belt, each module being in the opening / closing direction of a molding die. When viewed in the direction along, all the surfaces except the rotation shaft hole are visible, and they are arranged along the first rotation axis, and each has a rotation hole and is separated from each other by a predetermined distance. A plurality of first pivot ends arranged in parallel with each other and a second plurality of pivot ends arranged along the second plurality of rotation axes, each having a rotation hole and arranged in parallel with each other at a predetermined distance. A plurality of pivot ends, an intermediate section connecting the first and second plurality of pivot ends so that the first and second pivot axes are parallel to each other and form a common plane; Transport A transport surface between the rotation axes for receiving an object to be formed; and a force receiving portion for receiving a driving force for moving the module in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis and in the common plane. All of the surfaces, except for the surface forming the rotation hole, are first and second in a direction perpendicular to the rotation axis which is the opening / closing direction of the molding die and parallel to the common plane. Is made visible from a plurality of lines of sight, the first plurality of lines of sight being directed from the first plurality of pivot ends to the intermediate section and the second plurality of pivot ends, and the second plurality of lines of sight. The line of sight of the module is from the second plurality of pivot ends to the intermediate section and the first plurality of pivot ends. 2. The first plurality of pivot ends are the second
Of the plurality of pivot ends in the belt longitudinal direction, and the second plurality of pivot ends matches the gap between the first pivot ends in the belt longitudinal direction. 2. The module according to claim 1, wherein the module is arranged so as to be displaced from the second plurality of pivot ends in the belt width direction. 3. The module according to claim 1, wherein the module has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the intermediate section has an upper surface with a carrying surface of a specific shape. 4. The specific shape of the carrying surface is at least one channel having a specific cross-sectional shape and extending perpendicular to the first pivot axis and parallel to the common plane. The module according to item 3. 5. A module according to claim 4, wherein the channels of the carrying surface have a cross-section different from a rectangle so as to be suitable for carrying tubular objects. 6. The module according to claim 5, wherein the tubular object comprises a plurality of stacked plate-like objects. 7. A first extension, wherein said intermediate section extends from said first plurality of pivot ends toward said second plurality of pivot ends, and from said second plurality of pivot ends to said first plurality of pivots. A module as claimed in claim 1 comprising a second extension extending towards the end and a cross connecting the extensions to one another. 8. The module according to claim 7, further comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, wherein the force receiving portion has a shape portion for engaging a drive sprocket on the lower surface. 9. The module according to claim 7, wherein the force receiving portion is constituted by one of the cross portions of the intermediate section. 10. The claim of claim 1 wherein said intermediate section comprises a profiled carrier surface which extends integrally upwardly from the top surface of the module to accommodate a profiled product. module.