Modular conveyor mats and their modules

Abstract

A module (1) for a modular conveyor mat, comprising coupling elements (9) at the front and rear of a main part (4). The coupling element (9) comprises a series of continuous hinged parts (10) and receiving spaces (11), wherein the hinged parts (10) and receiving spaces (11) can intersect with the receiving spaces (11) and hinged parts (10) of similar modules (1) that are continuous in the conveying direction, and the continuous modules can be hingedly connected using hinge pins that extend transversely to the conveying direction and pass through hinge holes (13) provided in the hinged parts (10). The main part (4) is provided with a dividing plane (D) extending parallel to the side parts in the middle part, and the module (1) can be divided into two module halves (1A, 1B) along the dividing plane. Viewed in the direction of the main axis, the paired coupling elements (9z) located on the side parts are implemented to have a larger width (B) than the adjacent coupling elements of the main part (4). Furthermore, the width of the paired coupling elements (9d) located on both sides of the dividing plane (D) of the module (1) is also implemented to be the same as the coupling elements (9z) with a larger width (B) located on both sides.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a module for a modular conveyor mat, and a conveyor mat composed of the modules. Background Art

[0002] Such modules and mats are generally known and are used for conveying products.

[0003] The module known from WO 2012074390 comprises a main body extending transversely to the conveying direction between two sides along a main axis. The main body has a top portion for carrying the product to be conveyed and a bottom portion for cooperating with the conveyor track. The main body is provided with coupling elements at the front and rear portions, viewed in the conveying direction. The coupling elements at the front and rear portions comprise a series of continuous hinged portions and adjacent receiving spaces alternating transversely to the conveying direction. Opposing coupling elements at the front and rear portions of the main body form pairs of hinged portions and corresponding receiving spaces, allowing these hinged portions and receiving spaces to intersect with the receiving spaces and hinged portions of similar modules in the conveying direction. Consecutive modules can be hingedly connected by hinge pins extending transversely to the conveying direction and passing through hinge holes provided in the hinged components. Considering the transmission of forces between the modules, a relatively large number of relatively narrow coupling elements are provided. Therefore, the number of points where the hinge pins are subjected to shear loads should be as large as possible, and the bending between these points should be as small as possible.

[0004] The modules for modular conveyor mats are usually manufactured by means of a molding process and are usually made of a plastic material. Suitable plastic materials are, for example, polyester or acetal. The hinge pins are also preferably made of a plastic material, such as polypropylene or polyester.

[0005] Because they are molded, the modules exhibit relatively little deviation in size, surface, and shape. This allows for precise assembly of the modules to form a mat. Modules that are consecutive in the conveying direction can be linked in this manner to form a mat of the desired length. The mat is typically annular in design, allowing it to pass over the conveyor track using return wheels. The width of the mat can then be varied by placing multiple modules adjacent to each other transverse to the conveying direction and connecting them using continuous hinge pins.

[0006] Modules in successive rows in the conveying direction are typically staggered relative to each other transversely to the conveying direction, thereby forming a brickwork pattern. This avoids continuous cracks in the conveying direction between the modules of the mat. To form the brickwork pattern, two sizes of modules are typically provided: long modules, which have a normal length along the main axis, such as 17 cm or 6 inches; and short modules, which have a shorter length along the main axis, such as 8.5 cm or 3 inches. In successive rows, the long modules can be included in a staggered manner relative to each other, and the spaces that occur at the longitudinal edges of the mat can then be filled with short modules.

[0007] The modules located at the longitudinal edges of the mat are designed as closing modules and are provided with locking means for locking the hinge pins to prevent them from moving transversely to the conveying direction. Such locking means can be implemented, for example, as integral closing clips, but can also be implemented as receiving means for loose closing clips or as stop surfaces for the end faces of the pins.

[0008] Therefore, in order to construct the mat, a large number of module variants may be required, for example, a long closed module on the left and a long closed module on the right, a short closed module on the left and a short closed module on the right, and a long central module without a locking device. In many cases, a variant can be added in which the modules located near the longitudinal edges of the mat or near the middle of the mat need to be further provided with guide elements on their underside to cooperate with the guide strips of the rails supporting the mat.

[0009] Due to the relatively high cost of molds and the logistical complexity of producing a large number of different modules, modules are typically manufactured with as few variations as possible. For example, a long closed module can be sawn to form shorter closed modules. The main body is then divided into multiple sections along dividing planes extending parallel to the sides of the module.

[0010] WO2012074390 proposes a mat construction based on only one type of module. In this module, all coupling elements are designed to be of equal width, and the main body is provided with a dividing plane extending parallel to the sides, which is designed as a disconnecting device, and along which the modules can be separated by disconnection. Since all coupling elements are of equal width, modules can be included in the mat at the longitudinal edge on the left and the longitudinal edge on the right, and shorter closed modules can be formed by disconnection. However, a disadvantage of this module is that the locking device integrated into the hinged part adjacent to the side of the module is relatively weak. Summary of the Invention

[0011] The object of the present invention is to provide a module for a modular conveyor mat and a conveyor mat consisting of such a module, with which the disadvantages can be offset while maintaining the advantages.

[0012] To this end, the present invention provides a module for a modular conveyor mat, which includes a main body portion extending transversely to the conveying direction between two side portions along a main axis, the main body portion having a top for carrying the product to be conveyed and a bottom for cooperating with the conveyor track, wherein, viewed in the conveying direction, the main body portion is provided with connecting elements at the front and rear, wherein the connecting elements at the front and rear include a series of continuous hinged portions and receiving spaces alternating transversely to the conveying direction, and wherein the relative connecting elements at the front and rear of the main body portion form pairs of hinged portions and correspondingly formed receiving spaces, so that the hinged portions and receiving spaces can intersect with the receiving spaces and hinged portions of similar modules continuous in the conveying direction, and the continuous modules can be hingedly connected by means of a hinge pin, which extends transversely to the conveying direction and passes through a hinge hole provided in the hinge portion. The main body portion is provided with a dividing plane extending parallel to the side portions in the middle portion, and the module can be divided into two module halves along the dividing plane. When viewed in the direction of the main axis, the width of the paired coupling elements located on the side portions is implemented to be greater than the adjacent coupling elements of the main body portion. Furthermore, the width of the paired coupling elements located on either side of the dividing plane of the module is also implemented to be the same as the coupling elements with the greater width located on the two side portions. Providing such a pattern of coupling elements with greater width has the advantage of reducing the number of module types while also leaving space for accommodating a locking device of sufficient strength.

[0013] The wider hinged sections on the module sides can be positioned radially relative to each other in this pattern, both with respect to the opposite sides of the main body and with respect to the side surfaces of the same module half that abut the dividing plane; this also applies to the receiving space. Both the module and the module halves are reversible 180° about an axis transverse to the top, so the front and rear sections can be interchanged for connection to a subsequent module. Thus, both the undivided module and the two separated module halves can be easily incorporated into conveyor mats.

[0014] Due to the widening, at least the hinged portion located at the side of the main portion can suitably include a locking device for locking the hinge pin to prevent movement transversely to the conveying direction. The locking device can be implemented as a blocking element that can be adjusted between a release position and a blocking position, and in the release position, it leaves the hole of the hinged portion unobstructed (free), while in the blocking position, it extends into the hole and prevents the hinge pin from passing through the hole.

[0015] The locking device can be an integral locking device, such as a closure clip adjustable between the aforementioned positions, or a stop surface for axially cooperating with the end face of the hinge pin. The locking device can also be implemented as a receiving device for a removable closure element, such as a closure clip that is removable in the release position and installable in the blocking position. The receiving device has the advantage that it can be applied to both sides of the module.

[0016] By choosing the width of the other coupling elements so that they are equal to the width of the adjacent coupling elements, an optimization of the force transmission of the other coupling elements can be achieved. The series of coupling elements between the wide coupling element on the edge and the coupling element adjacent to the dividing plane can then have equal widths between them.

[0017] If the coupling element of the greater width is twice as wide as the other coupling elements, it is possible to maintain a good force transmission while having sufficient space for the locking device. In this context, double width is to be understood as a width between 1.5 and 2.5 times the width of the adjacent coupling elements, in particular between 1.8 and 2.2 times, more particularly between 1.9 and 2.1 times, and in particular twice.

[0018] When at least one hinge portion located near the dividing plane comprises two hinge portion halves separated by a notch, the manufacturability of wide hinge portions can be improved. In particular, compared to a one-piece solid hinge part, material can be saved, cycle time can be shortened, and surface creep and sagging can be counteracted.

[0019] By providing the main body with a guide element on the underside, in particular on the underside of only one of the module halves adjacent to the dividing plane, it is possible to achieve that the module can cooperate with a guide strip of a track supporting a conveyor mat. The guide element can be implemented, for example, as two mutually spaced, downwardly extending guide surfaces extending parallel to the sides of the module. The guide element can be implemented as a separate part, for example, detachably coupled to the module. The guide element can also be formed integrally with the module, for example by including a detachable insert in a mold of the module.

[0020] By providing the main body portion at the bottom with a drive cavity, it is possible to achieve proper force transmission by cooperating with the teeth of the drive gear. The main body portion can, for example, be provided with at least one drive cavity on either side of the dividing plane, such that both module halves have a drive cavity. Preferably, the drive cavity extends longitudinally along the main axis along the plurality of coupling devices, for example, over the width of approximately three unwidened coupling elements.

[0021] By providing the body part with a through opening extending between the top and the bottom, it can be achieved that the module is liquid-permeable in a direction transversely to the top, for example for cleaning the conveyor mat and / or products to be conveyed thereon.

[0022] By providing at least a plurality of receiving spaces adjacent the main body portion with overhangs which form additional openings extending between the top and the bottom when a coupling element is received in the receiving space, it is achieved that an additional portion of the conveying surface of the conveyor mat can be made of liquid-transmissive design.

[0023] The maximum dimensions of the openings and additional openings on the conveying surface formed by the tops of the successive modules, measured on the conveying surface, are preferably approximately 2-5 mm, specifically approximately 3-4 mm. This ensures that products with protrusions on the bottom have enhanced stability on the conveying surface. Advantageously, at least approximately 20-60%, specifically approximately 50%, of the conveying surface formed by the module tops is open. By maintaining substantially equal dimensions of the openings and additional openings toward the bottom, cleanability is enhanced. The sidewalls of the openings then extend substantially parallel to counteract the adhesion of dirt.

[0024] By providing the main body with two main ribs extending along the main axis, each main rib carrying a hinge portion and being spaced apart at an intermediate distance relative to the main axis, a relatively rigid, relatively thin-walled and lightweight module can be formed and can be injection molded with a short cycle time. In addition, a module with such a double main rib can be provided with a relatively large open surface. The main ribs can extend in a corrugated manner over at least a portion of the main axis of the module. By connecting the main ribs via longitudinal ribs extending in the conveying direction, the tensile strength of the module can be increased and the stability of the product on top of the main body can be enhanced. The longitudinal ribs preferably extend between opposing coupling elements. In order to further enhance strength and stability, the main body can also be provided with a central rib extending on the main axis, which connects the longitudinal ribs. The longitudinal ribs and the central ribs preferably have a wall thickness that is less than that of the main ribs, for example, the wall thickness is about half the wall thickness of the main ribs or less. In this context, half the thickness is to be understood as a thickness between 0.3 and 0.7 times, in particular between 0.4 and 0.6 times, especially 0.5 times, of the wall thickness of the main rib.

[0025] When the longitudinal ribs and the central rib at least at the top of the main body form a lattice, with openings formed between the lattice, a modular construction with a relatively open top can be achieved, providing relatively high product stability. A portion of the lattice advantageously forms the top of the drive chamber, making it easily cleanable.

[0026] By leaving the main part free of longitudinal ribs at the location of the dividing plane, the module can be relatively easily separated into two halves, for example by sawing it apart. Advantageously, the main part can then be provided with a guide element extending in the direction of transport and adjoining the dividing plane. Such a guide element can, for example, guide a band saw, but can also advantageously contribute to the formation of relatively smoothly formed side surfaces of the module halves.

[0027] By making the main portion have a dimension of approximately 17 cm, specifically 169.8 mm, or approximately 6 inches in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, and halving the size of the separate modules to approximately 8.5 cm, specifically 84.8 mm, or 3 inches, the module can be well used in standardized metric or imperial systems, respectively.

[0028] The present invention also provides a modular conveyor mat comprising rows of modules of the above type which are continuous in the conveying direction and which are connected by means of hinge pins extending transversely to the conveying direction, and wherein the modules which are continuous in the conveying direction are staggered relative to each other in a brick-like pattern, and wherein at least a plurality of the rows of modules comprise modules whose main parts are separated along a dividing plane, and wherein more particularly at least a plurality of the rows of modules which are continuous in the conveying direction consist alternately of undivided modules and combinations of undivided modules and at least one module whose main parts are separated along a dividing plane.

[0029] It is then preferred that the two halves of the module separated along the dividing plane each comprise their side on a longitudinal edge of the conveyor mat. The separated module halves of the module can then be arranged so that their sides are on the same longitudinal edge of the conveyor mat, or on opposite longitudinal edges. The module halves may have been rotated 180° relative to each other around an axis transverse to the top of their main part. Advantageously, for the two halves of the separated module, the hinge parts located on the sides of the main part and adjacent to the longitudinal edge of the conveyor mat comprise locking means for locking the hinge pins to prevent movement transversely to the conveying direction.

[0030] With regard to the disclosure made herein, it should be noted that the above-mentioned technical features, whether or not they are included in the dependent claims, can also be used to advantage individually and, if desired, in random combinations in modules of a modular conveyor mat. This also relates to individual combinations of the features in question or random combinations of modules for a modular conveyor mat, in which not all of the features of claim 1 are used, for example, a module comprising a main portion extending transversely to the conveying direction between two sides along a main axis, the main portion having a top portion for carrying the product to be conveyed and a bottom portion for cooperating with the conveyor track, and the main portion being provided with coupling elements at the front and rear, as seen in the conveying direction, and wherein the coupling elements at the front and rear comprise a series of articulated portions and receiving spaces, such that the articulated portions and receiving spaces can be interlaced with the receiving spaces and articulated portions of similar modules that are consecutive in the conveying direction, and these consecutive modules are articulatedly connected by means of articulated pins extending transversely to the conveying direction. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The present invention will be further explained based on the non-limiting exemplary embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0032] Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a module for a modular conveyor mat;

[0033] Figure 2 Shown Figure 1 A schematic perspective view of a module;

[0034] Figure 3 Shown Figure 1 A schematic front view of a module;

[0035] Figure 4 Shown based on Figure 1 A perspective top view of a modular conveyor mat assembled with modules;

[0036] Figure 5 Shown Figure 4 Detail of a longitudinal edge of a conveyor mat, in which the hinge pin is shown, and in which the hinged portion of greater width on the longitudinal edge is provided with a locking device for locking the hinge pin, the locking device being formed by a receiving device in which a detachable closing clip is received; and

[0037] Figure 6 Shown Figure 4 Schematic perspective bottom view of a conveyor mat. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] It should be noted that the accompanying drawings are only schematic representations of preferred embodiments of the present invention. In the accompanying drawings, identical or corresponding parts are represented by identical reference numerals.

[0039] Figure 1-3 Shown for Figure 4 and Figure 5 Module 1 of modular conveyor mat 2 shown. Figure 1-5 Module 1 comprises a main portion 4 extending transversely to the conveying direction P along a main axis A between two side portions 3A and 3B. This main portion has a top portion 5 for supporting the product to be conveyed and a bottom portion 6 for cooperating with a conveyor track (not shown). As viewed in the conveying direction P, the main portion 4 is provided with coupling elements 9 at the front 7 and rear 8 portions. The coupling elements 9 at the front 7 and rear 8 portions comprise a series of continuous hinged portions 10 and receiving spaces 11, which are arranged alternately transversely to the conveying direction. Opposing coupling elements 9 at the front 7 and rear 8 portions of the main portion 4 form pairs 12 of hinged portions 10 and corresponding receiving spaces 11. These hinged portions 10 and receiving spaces 11 may intersect with the receiving spaces 11' and hinged portions 10' of similar modules 1' that are continuous in the conveying direction. The consecutive modules 1, 1' can be articulatedly connected by a hinge pin 14 that extends transversely to the conveying direction and passes through a hinge hole 13 provided in the hinged portion 10. Thus, the successive modules can pivot relative to each other about axes parallel to the conveying surface T formed by the tops of the successive modules and transverse to the conveying direction P so that the conveyor mat can circulate in an endless loop, for example around a set of gears.

[0040] The main body 4 is provided with a dividing plane D in the middle portion extending parallel to the side portions, and the module can be divided into two module halves 1A, 1B along the dividing plane D. Figure 3 In the front view of the embodiment, it can be seen that the tops 5 on both sides of the dividing plane D are inclined downward to offset the sharp edges in the conveying surface after separation.

[0041] As seen in the direction of the main axis A, the pairs of coupling elements 9z located on the sides 3A, 3B are designed to have a width B that is greater than the width b of the adjacent coupling elements 9 of the main portion 4. Furthermore, the width of the pairs of coupling elements 9d located on either side of the dividing plane D of the module 1 is also designed to be the same as that of the coupling elements 9z located on both sides, which have the greater width B. The width b of the other coupling elements 9 is selected to be equal to the width b of the adjacent coupling elements; the series of coupling elements 9 between the wide coupling elements 9z on the sides 3A, 3D and the wide coupling elements 9d adjacent to the dividing plane has an equal and therefore narrower width b.

[0042] In this example, the coupling elements 9 z , 9 d embodied with a greater width are twice as wide as the other coupling elements 9 , in particular twice as wide along the main axis A.

[0043] The greater width hinge portion 10B on module side 3A is radially positioned relative to the hinge portion 10B located on the opposite side 3B of the main body 4 and on the side surface 15A of the same module half 1A, adjacent to the dividing plane D. This also applies to the receiving space 11B. Both the module 1 itself and the resulting module halves 1A and 1B are reversible 180° about an axis Z transverse to the top of the main body, allowing the front portion 7 and the rear portion 8 to be interchanged for connection to the next module 1'.

[0044] The two hinge parts located on the sides of the main body part comprise locking means 16 for locking the hinge pin against movement transversely to the conveying direction P. The locking means are embodied as blocking elements adjustable between a release position and a blocking position, in which they leave the holes of the hinge parts unobstructed, while in the blocking position they extend into the hinge holes and prevent the hinge pin 14 from passing through the hinge holes.

[0045] In this example, the locking device 16 is embodied as a receiving device for a removable closing element, in particular a receiving device for a closing clip 17. The advantage of such a receiving device is that it can be applied on both sides of the module and does not obstruct the passage when no closing element is arranged on the side. The hinged parts 10B adjacent to the dividing plane D each comprise two hinged part halves 10BA and 10B2 separated by a recess 18. The main part 4 is further provided with a guide element 19 at the bottom 6 of only one of the module halves 1A adjacent to the dividing plane D, for cooperating with a guide strip of the track supporting the conveyor mat. The guide element 19 in this exemplary embodiment is formed integrally with the main part 4 and is embodied as having two spaced-apart, downwardly extending guide surfaces 20, which extend parallel to the side 3A of the module. Only the module half 1A has a guide element.

[0046] The body part 4 is also provided with a drive cavity 21 cooperating with the teeth of the drive gear at the bottom on both sides of the dividing plane D, so that both module halves 1A, 1B have a drive cavity 21. The drive cavity extends in the longitudinal direction along the main axis A, along the three non-widened coupling elements 9.

[0047] The main body portion 4 is also provided with a through opening 22 extending between the top portion 5 and the bottom portion 6 for cleaning the conveyor mat and / or products to be conveyed thereon.

[0048] The receiving space 11 is provided with an overhanging portion 22 near the main body portion 4. Figure 4 As shown, when the coupling element 10 is received in the receiving space 11, the overhang forms an additional opening 23 extending between the top and the bottom, so that an additional part of the conveying surface T of the conveyor mat 2 is liquid-transmissive. Figure 3It can be seen correctly that the opening towards the bottom and the additional opening remain the same or increase in size for the sake of cleanability.

[0049] The main part 4 is also provided with two main ribs 24A, 24B extending in a corrugated manner along the main axis A, each main rib carrying an articulated part 10 and spaced apart at an intermediate distance from each other relative to the main axis A. The pointed, parallel main ribs 24A, 24B are connected via longitudinal ribs 25 extending in the conveying direction P between the opposing coupling elements 10, 11. The main part 4 is also provided with a central rib 26 extending on the main axis and connecting the longitudinal ribs. In this example, the wall thickness of the longitudinal ribs 25 and the central ribs 26 is 0.5 times the wall thickness of the main ribs. The longitudinal ribs 25 and the central ribs 26 at least at the top 5 of the main part form a grid 27, between which openings 22 are formed. In Figure 5 As can be seen correctly in FIG, the grid 27 also forms the top of the drive chamber 21, so that the top of the drive chamber is open and can therefore be properly cleaned.

[0050] At the location of the dividing plane D, the main part 4 is already free of longitudinal ribs 26, making it relatively easy to saw the module into two halves. The main part 4 is provided with a guide element 28 extending in the transport direction P and adjacent to the dividing plane D. This guide element guides the saw band when separating the module into the module halves 1A, 1B and forms relatively smooth side surfaces 15A, 15B of the respective module halves 1A, 1B after separation.

[0051] The main part 4 has a dimension transversely to the conveying direction P of 17 centimeters, specifically a nominal gauge dimension of 69.8 millimeters, and the separate module halves each have a dimension of 8.5 centimeters, specifically a nominal gauge dimension of 84.8 millimeters.

[0052] Figure 4 、 5and 6 show a modular conveyor mat 2 comprising a plurality of alternating rows 29, 29' of modules 1 which are continuous in the conveying direction and which are connected by means of hinge pins which extend across the width of the conveyor mat 2 transversely to the conveying direction P. In the conveying direction P, the consecutive modules are staggered relative to each other according to a brickwork-like pattern. In the row 29', at the longitudinal edge 30 of the conveyor mat 2, there are included modules 1, the main part of which has been divided along a dividing plane into two module halves 1A, 1B which have been rotated 180° relative to each other around an axis Z transverse to the top 5 of its main part 4. For the two module halves 1A, 1B of the separated modules 1, a hinge part 10x1 adjacent to the longitudinal edge 30 of the conveyor mat 2 is provided with a locking device 16 for locking the hinge pins to prevent them from moving transversely to the conveying direction. The middle row 29 comprises two undivided modules 1 which have or have not been rotated 180° relative to each other around an axis Z transverse to the top 5 of their main part 4. In Figure 5 In FIG. 1 , the hinged portion 10x1 of greater width shown at the longitudinal edge 30 of the conveyor mat 2 is provided with a locking device 16 formed by a receiving device having a detachable closing clip 17 received therein.

[0053] The wide hinged sections 10x1 are received in correspondingly wide receiving spaces 11x1. In successive modules 1, 1', which are staggered relative to one another in a bricklaying pattern transversely to the conveying direction, the additional wider coupling elements 9d, adjacent to the dividing plane D, receive the wider coupling elements 9z located laterally. For both modules 1, the hinged sections 10x1, located on the sides 3A or 3B of the main body 4 and adjacent to the longitudinal edges 30 of the conveyor mat 2, are provided with locking devices 16 for locking the hinge pins 14 against movement transversely to the conveying direction P.

[0054] In this example, the maximum size of the openings and additional openings in the conveying surface T formed by the tops 5 of the successive modules 1 , 1 ′ is approximately 3 mm, and the conveying surface T is approximately 55% open.

[0055] like Figure 6 As shown, the conveyor mat 2 is composed of two types of long modules 1, namely a long module with guide elements and a long module without guide elements 19. If necessary, for example when the guide elements 19 are not required or when the guide elements are detachably connected to the modules, the conveyor mat can be assembled from one type of long module.

[0056] The present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments shown here. Specifically, a disconnection device can be arranged at the location of the dividing plane. In addition, the top of the main body can be of closed design, that is, substantially without an opening. Furthermore, the coupling element, in particular the hinged portion, can be designed differently.

[0057] Such variations will be clear to one skilled in the art and are understood to fall within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

[0058] Reference numerals

[0059] 1 module

[0060] 1A, 1B module halves

[0061] 2 Conveyor mats

[0062] 3A, 3B side

[0063] 4 Main part

[0064] 5 Top

[0065] 6 Bottom

[0066] 7 front

[0067] 8 rear

[0068] 9 Connecting elements

[0069] 9z Coupling elements at the sides

[0070] 9d Connecting elements at the dividing plane

[0071] 10. Articulated part

[0072] 10xl wider hinge section

[0073] 10A, 10B hinged half

[0074] 11. Accepting Space

[0075] 11xl wider receiving space

[0076] 12 Pairs of coupling elements

[0077] 13 holes

[0078] 14 hinge pin

[0079] 15A, 15B side surfaces

[0080] 16 Locking device

[0081] 17 Closure Clip

[0082] 18 notch

[0083] 19 Guide element

[0084] 20 Guide Surface

[0085] 21 drive chamber

[0086] 22 Opening

[0087] 23 Additional openings / overhangs

[0088] 24 main ribs

[0089] 25 longitudinal ribs

[0090] 26 center rib

[0091] 27 Grid

[0092] 28 guide surface

[0093] 29th row

[0094] 30 longitudinal edges

[0095] A Main axis

[0096] b Connecting element of normal width

[0097] B Wider connecting element

[0098] D dividing plane

[0099] T conveying surface

[0100] Z rotation axis

Claims

1. A module for a modular conveyor mat comprising a main portion extending transversely to the conveying direction between two side portions along a main axis, said main portion having a top portion for carrying products to be conveyed and a bottom portion for cooperating with a conveyor track, wherein Seen in the conveying direction, the main body portion is provided with coupling elements at the front and rear, wherein the coupling elements at the front and rear comprise a series of continuous hinged portions and receiving spaces alternating transversely to the conveying direction, and wherein the opposing coupling elements at the front and rear of the main body portion form pairs of hinged portions and correspondingly formed receiving spaces, so that the hinged portions and the receiving spaces can alternate with the receiving spaces and hinged portions of similar modules continuous in the conveying direction, and the continuous modules can be hingedly coupled by means of hinge pins transversely to the The conveying direction extends through the hinge hole provided in the hinge part, wherein the main part is provided with a dividing plane extending parallel to the side part in the middle part, and the module can be divided into two module halves along the dividing plane, wherein, viewed from the direction of the main axis, the paired connecting elements located on the side part are implemented to have a larger width than the adjacent connecting elements of the main part, and wherein further, the width of the paired connecting elements located on both sides of the dividing plane of the module is also implemented to be the same as the connecting elements with the larger width located on the two sides.

2. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one hinge portion on a side of the body portion comprises a locking device for locking the hinge pin to prevent movement transversely to the conveying direction.

3. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that The width of the other coupling elements is equal to the width of the adjacent coupling elements.

4. The module according to claim 3, characterized in that The coupling element implemented with the greater width is twice as wide as the other coupling elements.

5. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that At least one hinge portion adjacent the dividing plane includes two hinge portion halves separated by a notch.

6. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that The main body part is provided with a guide element at the bottom, in particular at the bottom of only one of the module halves adjoining the dividing plane.

7. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that The main body portion is provided with a driving chamber at the bottom.

8. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that The main body portion defines a through opening extending between the top portion and the bottom portion.

9. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that At least a number of the receiving spaces adjacent the main body portion are provided with overhangs which form additional openings extending between the top and bottom portions when a coupling element is received in the receiving space.

10. The module according to claim 1, characterized in that The body portion is provided with two main ribs extending along a main axis, each carrying a hinge portion and spaced apart at an intermediate distance from each other relative to the main axis.

11. The module according to claim 10, characterized in that The main ribs are connected via longitudinal ribs extending in the conveying direction.

12. The module according to claim 10, characterized in that The main body portion is provided with a central rib extending on the main axis.

13. The module according to claim 11, characterized in that The main body portion is provided with a central rib extending on the main axis and is provided with a through opening extending between the top and the bottom, the longitudinal ribs at least at the top of the main body portion and the central rib forming a grid portion, and the opening is formed between the grid portions.

14. The module according to claim 11, characterized in that The main body portion at the position of the dividing plane is free of the longitudinal rib.

15. The module according to claim 14, characterized in that The main body portion is provided with a guide element extending in the conveying direction and adjacent to the dividing plane.

16. The module according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized in that The main body portion in a direction transverse to the conveying direction has a dimension of about 17 centimeters or about 6 inches.

17. A modular conveyor mat comprising a plurality of modules according to claim 1 in successive rows in the conveying direction, the modules in the rows being coupled by means of hinge pins extending transversely to the conveying direction, and wherein The modules which are consecutive in the conveying direction are staggered relative to each other according to a brick-like pattern and wherein at least a plurality of rows comprise modules whose main parts are separated along the dividing plane.

18. The modular conveyor mat of claim 17, wherein: The two halves of the module separated along the dividing plane are each received with their sides at a longitudinal edge of the conveyor mat.

19. The modular conveyor mat of claim 18, wherein: For both halves of the separated module, the hinge portions on the sides of the body portion adjacent to the longitudinal edges of the conveyor mat comprise locking means for locking the hinge pins against movement transversely to the conveying direction.

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