Horizontal and radial airflow heat transfer system

Abstract

The heat transfer system includes a conveyor belt having breathable outer and inner sidewalls, forming a conveyor stack with multiple layers and a central space with a volume. A first portion of the volume and a first plurality of layers are located in a first sub-chamber, and a second portion of the volume and a second plurality of layers are located in a second sub-chamber. The system also includes a generating device that: generates an airflow in the second sub-chamber that flows horizontally toward the conveyor stack and flows horizontally and radially through the second plurality of layers to enter the second portion of the volume; and draws airflow horizontally away from the conveyor stack in the first sub-chamber, and draws airflow horizontally and radially through the first plurality of layers to exit the first portion of the volume.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates generally to a system for altering the temperature of products carried by a conveyor belt with airflow. The present application relates more particularly to a system for generating and directing horizontal and radial airflow through a conveyor stack formed by a conveyor belt to alter the temperature of products carried by the conveyor belt. BACKGROUND

[0002] Conveyor belts are often used to convey bulk products, such as food products, that must be transported through a cooling or heating environment. In such applications, it is often desirable to maximize the transportation time in the cooling or heating environment and to transport the goods along an extended conveyor travel path. Stacked conveyor belts, such as spiral conveyor belts, include a conveyor belt that forms a conveyor stack having multiple layers that are stacked on top of one another and can transport bulk products along an extended travel path while utilizing minimal floor space. Furthermore, self-stacking conveyor belts can provide an extended travel path with minimal framing. Self-stacking conveyor belts use side panels connected to the side edges of a central portion of the conveyor belt to form a self-supporting stack having multiple layers, with lower layers of the multiple layers supported by a frame, but upper layers of the multiple layers supported directly by the lower layers. The interface between the stacked layers of the multiple layers is often designed to keep the conveyor belt portions within the self-supporting stack supported and laterally aligned, and can include guards and other alignment devices.

[0003] In conveyor systems that use stacked conveyor belts, there are generally two different types of airflow used to cool or heat the products carried by the conveyor belt. The first type is vertical airflow, which involves forcing airflow from a ceiling or floor through the stack of conveyor belts and out the other end (floor or ceiling). The second is horizontal airflow, which involves airflow entering from one side of the conveyor stack and exiting from the other side of the conveyor stack, such that the airflow travels horizontally through the conveyor belt.

[0004] However, utilizing vertical airflow can result in pressure losses as the airflow travels through the different layers of the conveyor stack, which can result in decreased cooling or heating efficiency. This pressure loss can be particularly severe in large conveyor systems that use conveyor belts stacked in many layers. Furthermore, stacked conveyor belts, and particularly self-stacking conveyor belts, often impede sufficient horizontal airflow. Additionally, horizontal airflow is generally only generated on one side of the conveyor stack, such that the side of the conveyor stack closest to the horizontal airflow generator will receive more airflow than the other side of the conveyor stack, away from the horizontal airflow generator, resulting in lower performance. SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment, a heat transfer system for changing a temperature of a product with a gas flow is provided. The system includes a conveyor belt for carrying the product. The conveyor belt has a gas-permeable outer side wall and a gas-permeable inner side wall and forms a conveyor stack having a plurality of layers and a central space having a volume. The conveyor stack is positioned in a chamber such that a first portion of the volume of the central space and a first plurality of layers of the plurality of layers are in a first sub-chamber of the chamber and a second portion of the volume of the central space and a second plurality of layers of the plurality of layers are in a second sub-chamber of the chamber. The system also includes a generation device for generating a gas flow in the chamber. The generation device is configured to generate the gas flow in the second sub-chamber in a horizontal direction toward the conveyor stack such that the gas flow flows in a horizontal and radial direction through the second plurality of layers to enter the second portion of the volume of the central space and to draw the gas flow in the horizontal direction away from the conveyor stack in the first sub-chamber such that the gas flow flows in a horizontal and radial direction to pass through the first plurality of layers out of the first portion of the volume of the central space.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method of assembling a heat transfer system for changing a temperature of a product with a gas flow is provided. The method involves positioning a conveyor stack formed by a plurality of conveyor belt layers for carrying the product in a chamber, the conveyor belt including a gas-permeable outer side wall and a gas-permeable inner side wall, and the conveyor stack having a central space with a volume such that a first portion of the volume of the central space and a first plurality of layers of the plurality of layers are in a first sub-chamber of the chamber and a second portion of the volume of the central space and a second plurality of layers of the plurality of layers are in a second sub-chamber of the chamber. The method also involves positioning a generation device for generating a gas flow in the chamber proximate to the conveyor stack. The generation device is operably configured to generate the gas flow in the second sub-chamber in a horizontal direction toward the conveyor stack such that the gas flow flows in a horizontal and radial direction through the second plurality of layers to enter the second portion of the volume of the central space and to draw the gas flow in the horizontal direction away from the conveyor stack in the first sub-chamber such that the gas flow flows in a horizontal and radial direction to pass through the first plurality of layers out of the first portion of the volume of the central space.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method of changing a temperature of a product carried on a conveyor belt having a gas-permeable outer side wall and a gas-permeable inner side wall and forming a conveyor stack having a plurality of layers and a central space having a volume is provided. The conveyor stack is positioned in a chamber. The method involves generating a gas flow in a horizontal direction toward the conveyor stack in a second sub-chamber of the chamber such that the gas flow flows in a horizontal and radial direction through a second plurality of layers of the plurality of layers to enter a second portion of the volume of the central space. The method also involves drawing the gas flow in the horizontal direction away from the conveyor stack in a first sub-chamber of the chamber such that the gas flow flows in a horizontal and radial direction to pass through a first plurality of layers of the plurality of layers out of a first portion of the volume of the central space.

[0008] Other aspects and features of the present disclosure will become apparent to those ordinarily skilled in the art upon review of the following description of specific embodiments of the disclosure in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0009] In the drawings illustrating embodiments,

[0010] Figure 1 is an elevational view of a heat transfer system according to one embodiment.

[0011] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a conveyor system of a heat transfer system according to one embodiment. Figure 1

[0012] Figure 3 is a perspective view of a belt module of a conveyor belt of a conveyor system shown in Figure 1 Figure 2

[0013] Figure 4A 4B are cross-sectional plan views of the heat transfer system shown in Figure 1 along line 4-4 in the second sub-chamber according to one embodiment, and showing airflow through the belt modules shown in Figure 3

[0014] Figure 5A 5B are cross-sectional plan views of the heat transfer system shown in Figure 1 along line 5-5 in the first sub-chamber according to one embodiment, and showing airflow through the belt modules shown in Figure 3

[0015] Figure 6 is a perspective view of a drive roller that can engage Figure 1 Figure 2 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0016] Referring to Figure 1 , a radial and horizontal airflow heat transfer system is generally indicated at 50. The heat transfer system 50 is used to cool, freeze, heat, dry, toast, or otherwise cook products (not shown), such as food or plant products. The heat transfer system 50 includes an enclosure 52 having an internal cavity or chamber 54. The enclosure 52 is constructed of any suitable material for cooling, freezing, heating, drying, toasting, or cooking applications within the chamber 54. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1 Figure 4A ​​​​​​​​​​(shown in) and second sidewall 64 (in) Figure 4A (as shown in the figure). Other embodiments may include fewer or more walls. Walls 55, 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 are substantially airtight, such that the airflow 200 generated by the generating device 180 of the heat transfer system 50 (described in more detail below) is deflected from walls 55, 56, 58, 60, 62, and 64 after contact with them and is retained in chamber 54.

[0017] The heat transfer system 50 also includes a conveying system 80, which includes a conveyor belt 82. The conveyor belt 82 includes a breathable inner wall 104, a breathable outer wall 105, and a conveying section 107 extending between the inner wall 104 and the outer wall 105 for carrying products. In some embodiments, the conveying section 107 may restrict airflow through the conveying section 107 in a vertical direction. (See reference...) Figure 1 and 2 The conveyor belt 82 can be a circular conveyor belt having a travel path from a lower input 84 (where products are placed on the conveyor belt 82), to multiple turns of the conveyor belt 82 forming a conveyor stack 88 with multiple layers 86, and then to an upper output 90 (where products are removed from the conveyor belt 82). Figure 1 and Figure 2 In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor stack 88 is a helical stack, and the conveyor belt 82 travels along the conveyor stack 88 via a helical path. In other embodiments (not shown), the conveyor stack 88 may be stacked with different configurations.

[0018] The conveyor stack 88 includes a central space 98 with a volume, the central space 98 having a top opening 100 and a bottom opening 102, and having side surfaces generally defined by the inner wall 104 of the conveyor belt 82. The top opening 100, bottom opening 102, and inner wall 104 define the volume of the central space 98. Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, the heat transfer system 50 further includes a top wall 106 located at the top opening 100 of the conveyor stack 88 and configured to substantially restrict airflow into or out of the volume of the central space 98 through the top opening 100. The heat transfer system 50 also includes a bottom wall 108 located at the bottom opening 102 of the conveyor stack 88 and configured to substantially restrict airflow into and out of the volume of the central space 98 through the bottom opening 102. In other embodiments (not shown), the heat transfer system 50 may not include at least one of the top wall 106 and the bottom wall 108.

[0019] As described above, the travel path of conveyor belt 82 involves conveyor belt 82 being fed into conveyor stack 88 from lower input 84 and led out of conveyor stack 88 from upper output 90. However, in other embodiments (not shown), this configuration can be reversed, such that the travel path of conveyor belt 82 can be fed into conveyor stack 88 from upper output 90 and led out of conveyor stack 88 from lower input 84. In some embodiments (not shown), lower input 84 and upper output 90 can be located within chamber 54, such that the entire conveying system 80 ( Figure 2 (As shown in the diagram) 84 is entirely located within chamber 54. In other embodiments, the lower input 84 and upper output 90 may be located outside chamber 54, such that only the transmitter stack 88 of the transmission system 80 is entirely located within chamber 54. For example, the lower input 84 may be located outside the first end wall 58 of housing 52, while the upper output 90 may be located outside the second end wall 60 of housing 52, or both the lower input 84 and upper output 90 may be located outside the first side wall 62 of housing 52.

[0020] Still referencing Figure 1 and Figure 2 The conveyor belt 82 can be a self-stacking conveyor belt, such that each of the multiple layers 86 of the conveyor stack 88 is stacked sequentially and directly on top of the previous layer in the multiple layers 86. Therefore, the conveyor belt 82 can be configured to rotate and vertically transport products along a travel path and through the conveyor stack 88 without the need for a central drive roller positioned within the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88. (See reference) Figure 2 The conveyor belt 82 can transport materials around rollers 110 and 112 near the lower input 84, roller 114 near the connecting portion 92, and rollers 116 and 118 near the upper output 90. Rollers 110, 112, 114, 116, and 118 can drive the conveyor belt 82 along a travel path and through the conveyor stack 88. In this respect, rollers 110, 112, 114, 116, and 118 can be associated with sprockets equipped with motors to drive the conveyor belt 82 along its travel path. In other embodiments (not shown), the conveyor belt 82 can be driven by more or fewer rollers, and such rollers can be located at different positions along the conveyor belt 82. In yet another embodiment, the conveying system 80 may include a central drive roller (hereinafter referred to as...). Figure 6 (Described in more detail), it is located within the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88, and it engages the inner sidewall 104 of the conveyor belt 82 so that the conveyor belt 82 passes through the conveyor stack 88 and rotates along the travel path of the conveyor belt 82. The use of a combination of a central drive roller and rollers (e.g., rollers 110, 112, 114, 116, and 118) can result in the conveyor belt 82 rotating faster through the conveyor stack 88, and the conveyor belt 82 traveling faster along the travel path of the conveyor belt 82.

[0021] In other embodiments (not shown), the conveyor belt 82 may be a different type of conveyor belt, such as a platform-supported or wear-resistant strip-supported conveyor belt, having a supporting platform or wear-resistant strip beneath each of the plurality of layers 86. Such embodiments of the conveyor system 80 typically include a central drive roller located within the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88. In embodiments where the conveyor system 80 includes a central drive roller to rotate the conveyor belt 82 along the travel path and the conveyor stack 88, such a central drive roller typically includes substantially ventilated sidewalls (hereinafter referred to as...). Figure 6 (described in more detail) to cooperate with the ventilated configuration of the inner sidewall 104 and outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 to facilitate airflow through the conveyor stack 88 in the horizontal and radial directions and into and out of the volume of the central space 98 in the horizontal and radial directions.

[0022] Conveyor belt 82 may be composed of a series of belt modules, wherein each belt module may be similar to, for example Figure 3 The belt module 130 is shown. The belt module 130 includes a central portion 132 extending laterally between an inner side 134 and an outer side 136 of the conveyor belt 82. The central portion 132 may include connector elements (not shown) for connecting one belt module 130 to an adjacent belt module to form the conveyor belt 82. For example, the central portion 132 may include grooves and protrusions (not shown) on both a leading edge 138 and a trailing edge 140 of the central portion 132. The groove may be configured to receive a corresponding protrusion of the central portion of an adjacent belt module, and the protrusion may be configured to insert into a corresponding groove of the central portion of an adjacent belt module to attach the belt module 130 to the adjacent belt module. Furthermore, the protrusions of the central portion 132 of the belt module 130 may include openings that align when the protrusions are received in corresponding grooves of adjacent belt modules, and the aligned openings may be configured to receive rod elements for a more secure connection between adjacent belt modules. At least one of the opening near the inner side 134 of the conveyor belt 82 or the protrusion near the outer side 136 of the conveyor belt 82 may be longitudinally elongated to allow the conveyor belt 82 to contract and expand as it travels through the conveyor stack 88.

[0023] The belt module 130 also includes an inner side plate 142 and an outer side plate 144. The inner side plate 142 is attached to the central portion 132 near the inner edge 134 of the conveyor belt 82, while the outer side plate 144 is attached to the central portion 132 near the outer edge 136 of the conveyor belt 82. The inner side plates 142 of the attached adjacent belt modules 130 generally form the inner sidewall 104 of the conveyor belt 82 and generally define the side surface of the volume of the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88. The outer side plates 144 of the attached adjacent belt modules 130 generally form the outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82. Figure 1 and Figure 2 (as shown in the image).

[0024] The inner side plate 142 and the outer side plate 144 are configured to facilitate horizontal airflow around products conveyed by the conveyor belt 82, such as horizontal airflow around products placed on the central portion 132 of the belt module 130. In this respect, the inner side plate 142 and the outer side plate 144 may be made of a material that provides a substantially breathable structure for the inner sidewall 104 and the outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82, or have a structure such that airflow can pass horizontally and radially through the outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 and then through its inner sidewall 104 into the volume of the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88, and allow the airflow to flow horizontally and radially to exit the volume of the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88 through the inner sidewall 104 and then the outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82. For example, in Figure 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the inner side plate 142 includes at least one hole 146 and the outer side plate 144 includes a corresponding at least one hole 148. These at least one holes 146 and 148 facilitate horizontal airflow through the central portion 132 of the coupled belt modules 130 to heat or cool the product carried on the central portion 132 of the belt modules 130, and facilitate airflow into or out of the volume of the central space 98 in both horizontal and radial directions. Furthermore, as the conveyor belt 82 travels upward along the conveyor stack 88, the movement of the sequentially coupled belt modules 130 may cause clearances between adjacent side plates 142, 144 (and particularly between adjacent outer side plates 144, since the perimeter of the outer wall 105 of the conveyor stack 88 formed by the adjacent outer side plates 144 is generally greater than the perimeter of the inner wall 104 of the conveyor stack 88 formed by the adjacent inner side plates 142), resulting in spaces opening between the adjacent side plates 142, 144, allowing airflow to pass through these spaces.

[0025] The configuration of the central portion 132 can further facilitate horizontal airflow through the central portion 132 of the belt module 130 (i.e., airflow from the outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 to the inner sidewall 104 and vice versa). In some embodiments, the central portion 132 may be configured to substantially restrict airflow vertically through the central portion 132, for example, restricting airflow vertically from the upper side 150 of the belt module 130 to the lower side 152 of the belt module 130, and thus substantially restricting vertical airflow between different layers of the plurality of layers 86 of the conveyor stack 88. For example, the central portion 132 may be made of a solid material or have a substantially airtight solid construction such that airflow 200 contacting the central portion 132 is substantially deflected by the central portion 132. In other embodiments, the central portion 132 may not restrict airflow vertically through the central portion 132 and may allow some airflow from the upper side 150 of the belt module 130 to the lower side 152. In such an embodiment, the central portion 132 may be made of a substantially breathable material or have a substantially breathable structure, and may be made of, for example, a mesh material or other porous material.

[0026] Refer again Figure 1 The conveyor stack 88 of conveyor belt 82 is entirely located within chamber 54. (Brief reference) Figure 4A and 4B The conveyor stack 88 may be substantially centrally located relative to the generating device 180 (described in more detail below) within the chamber 54, such that the closest distance 170 between the first end wall 58 of the housing 52 and the outer side wall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 in the conveyor stack 88 is substantially equal to the closest distance 172 between the airflow outlet of the generating device 180 and the outer side wall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 in the conveyor stack 88. Furthermore, the conveyor stack 88 may be located within the chamber 54 such that the closest distance 174 between the first side wall 62 of the housing 52 and the outer side wall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 in the conveyor stack 88 is substantially equal to the closest distance 176 between the second side wall 64 and the outer side wall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 in the conveyor stack 88. In some other embodiments (not shown), the closest distances 170, 172, 174, and 176 may all be substantially equal. The centrally located position of the conveyor stack 88 within the chamber 54 facilitates substantially uniform airflow into and out of the volume of the conveyor stack 88 and the central space 98 in both horizontal and radial directions.

[0027] Still refer to Figure 1 The chamber 54 can be divided into a first sub-chamber 160 and a second sub-chamber 162. The first sub-chamber 160 and the second sub-chamber 162 can be defined and separated by a baffle 202.

[0028] The multiple layers 86 of the transmitter stack 88 include a first plurality of layers 94 (including the lower layer near the lower input 84, such as...) Figure 2As shown)) and the second and multiple layers 96 (including the upper layer near the upper output 90, such as Figure 2 (As shown) The first plurality of layers 94 of the conveyor stack 88 may be substantially entirely located within the first sub-compartment 160, and the second plurality of layers 96 of the conveyor stack 88 may be substantially entirely located within the second sub-compartment 162. In an embodiment where the travel path of the conveyor belt 82 moves from the lower input 84 through the conveyor stack 88 and then to the upper output 90, as the conveyor belt 82 moves through its travel path, the products carried by the conveyor belt 82 move from the first plurality of layers 94 to the second plurality of layers 94, and thus from the first sub-compartment 160 to the second sub-compartment 162. In an embodiment where the travel path of the conveyor belt 82 is reversed and moves from the upper output 90 through the conveyor stack 88 and then to the lower input 84, as the conveyor belt 82 moves through its travel path, the products carried by the conveyor belt 82 move from the second plurality of layers 96 to the first plurality of layers 94, and thus from the second sub-compartment 162 to the first sub-compartment 160.

[0029] Similarly, the volume of the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88 may include a first portion 204 (typically corresponding to the lower part of the volume) and a second portion 206 (typically corresponding to the upper part of the volume). The first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 may be entirely located within the first sub-chamber 160, and the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98 may be entirely located within the second sub-chamber 162.

[0030] Still refer to Figure 1 The heat transfer system 50 also includes a generating device 180. In the illustrated embodiment, the generating device 180 includes an airflow generating device 182 configured to generate and direct an airflow 200 toward a second plurality of layers 96 of the conveyor stack 88 in the second sub-chamber 162. This airflow may be a cooling or heating airflow. The airflow generating device 182 may be any device designed to generate the airflow 200 from at least one air outlet of the airflow generating device 182 and to direct the airflow 200 toward the conveyor stack 88 in a substantially horizontal direction. For example, the airflow generating device 182 may be a fan, blower, compressor, or any other suitable device for generating the airflow 200 in a substantially horizontal direction. The airflow generating device 182 may be entirely located within the second sub-chamber 162.

[0031] The generating apparatus 182 also includes an airflow extraction device 184 configured to extract airflow 200 from the first plurality of layers 94 of the conveyor stack 88 in the first sub-chamber 160. The airflow extraction device 184 can be any device configured to extract airflow 200 from the conveyor stack 88 and direct airflow 200 in a substantially horizontal direction to at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184. For example, the airflow extraction device 184 can be a vacuum pump or other suction device, or any other suitable device for suctioning airflow 200 in a substantially horizontal direction. The airflow extraction device 184 may be entirely located within the first sub-chamber 160.

[0032] As mentioned above, in Figure 1 In the illustrated embodiment, airflow generating device 182 may be configured to generate airflow 200 and direct it toward the conveyor stack 88 in the second sub-chamber 160, while airflow extraction device 184 may be configured to extract airflow 200 from the conveyor stack 88 in the first sub-chamber 160. However, in other embodiments (not shown), this configuration may be reversed. For example, in other embodiments, airflow generating device 182 may be configured to generate airflow 200 and direct it toward the conveyor stack 88 in the first sub-chamber 160, while airflow generating device 184 may be configured to extract airflow 200 from the conveyor stack 88 in the second sub-chamber 162. In such embodiments, the positions of airflow generating device 182 and airflow extraction device 184 may also be reversed. For example, airflow generating device 182 may be entirely located in the first sub-chamber 160, while airflow extraction device 184 may be entirely located in the second sub-chamber 162.

[0033] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment shown, the baffle 202 may be substantially continuous around the multiple layers 86 of the conveyor stack 88 and the generating device 180, extending generally throughout the chamber 54 from the first end wall 58 to the second end wall 60 of the housing 52.

[0034] As described above, baffle 202 divides chamber 54 into a first sub-chamber 160 and a second sub-chamber 162, and can be configured to substantially restrict airflow 200 directly between the first sub-chamber 160 and the second sub-chamber 162 in the vertical direction. Baffle 202 also separates the second plurality of layers 96 of the conveyor stack 88 from the first plurality of layers 94 of the conveyor stack 88, and can be configured to substantially restrict airflow directly between the interfaces of the second plurality of layers 96 and the first plurality of layers 94. For example, baffle 202 can substantially restrict airflow 200 vertically through the conveyor stack 88, airflow 200 between the inner sidewall 104 and the outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82, and airflow 200 at the interface between the first plurality of layers 94 and the second plurality of layers 96. To achieve the above-described restriction on airflow 200 in the vertical direction, baffle 202 can be made primarily of a substantially airtight material, or can have a substantially airtight construction such that airflow 200 contacting baffle 202 is substantially deflected by baffle 202. However, portions of the baffle 202 may be made of a breathable material or have a breathable configuration. For example, near the conveyor stack 88, the baffle 202 may have at least one opening that allows the conveyor belt 82 to move between a first plurality of layers 94 located in the first sub-chamber 160 and a second plurality of layers 96 located in the second sub-chamber 162. Furthermore, near the generating device 180, the baffle 202 may have an opening configured to receive the generating device 180, or a portion of the baffle 202 may allow the airflow generating device 182 to generate airflow 200 from at least one air outlet into the second sub-chamber 162, or a portion of the baffle 202 may allow the airflow extraction device 184 to draw airflow 200 from the first sub-chamber 160 into at least one air inlet. In some embodiments (not shown), the baffle 202 may include a mezzanine deck capable of supporting at least one person (e.g., an operator).

[0035] The baffle 202 may be configured to terminate at the inner wall 104 of the conveyor belt 82 forming the conveyor stack 88, and may not extend within the volume of the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88. The baffle 202 therefore does not restrict the vertical airflow 200 between the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98 in the first sub-chamber 160 and the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 in the second sub-chamber 162. The baffle 202 can therefore substantially restrict the vertical airflow 200 directly between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160, except for the airflow within the volume of the central space 98.

[0036] Furthermore, as described above, in some embodiments, the conveyor belt 82 may be configured (e.g., due to the belt module 130 forming the conveyor belt 82) Figure 3The material or construction of the central portion 132 (shown) is substantially, for example, airtight, restricting airflow vertically through the conveyor stack 88 between the layers of the first plurality of layers 94 and the layers of the second plurality of layers 96. In such an embodiment, the material or construction of the central portion 132 of the belt module 130 substantially restricts airflow 200 vertically through the conveyor stack 88 within the second sub-chamber 162 and restricts airflow vertically through the conveyor stack 88 within the first sub-chamber 160, rather than merely restricting airflow vertically between the first sub-chamber 160 and the second sub-chamber 162. Furthermore, in such an embodiment, a baffle 202 may cooperate with the material or construction of the central portion 132 of the belt module 130 to substantially restrict airflow 200 vertically throughout the entire conveyor stack 88.

[0037] In other embodiments, the conveyor belt 82 may be configured (e.g., due to the belt module 130 forming the conveyor belt 82) Figure 3 The material or construction of the central portion 132 (shown) is, for example, substantially breathable, allowing airflow 200 to pass vertically between the layers of the first plurality of layers 94 and between the layers of the second plurality of layers 96 through the conveyor stack 88. In such an embodiment, the material or construction of the central portion 132 of the belt module 130 may allow airflow 200 to pass vertically through the conveyor stack 88 within the second sub-chamber 162 and through the conveyor stack 88 within the first sub-chamber 160, but the baffle 202 may restrict airflow 200 to pass vertically between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160 through the conveyor stack 88.

[0038] Now for reference Figure 1 , 4A The different features and components of heat transfer system 50, 4B, 5A, and 5B, help guide airflow 200 horizontally and radially through conveyor stack 88 and horizontally and radially into and out of the volume of central space 98. The construction of module 130 will be described in more detail below. Figure 3 The top wall 106 located at the top opening 100 of the conveyor stack 88, the bottom wall 108 located at the bottom opening 102 of the conveyor stack 88, the baffle 202, the airflow generating device 182 in the second sub-chamber 162, the airflow extraction device 184 in the first sub-chamber 160, and at least one of the conveyor stack 88 centrally arranged in chamber 54 can cooperate to:

[0039] (1) The airflow 200 generated by the airflow generating device 182 and in the second sub-chamber 162 is guided horizontally toward the conveyor stack 88, and the airflow 200 is guided into the conveyor stack 88 in both horizontal and radial directions.

[0040] (2) The airflow 200 in the conveyor stack 88 in the second sub-chamber 162 is guided horizontally and radially through the second plurality of layers 96 of the conveyor stack 88 to enter the second part 206 of the volume of the central space 98.

[0041] (3) The airflow 200 is guided vertically from the second part 206 (in the second sub-chamber 162) of the volume of the central space 98 to the first part 204 (in the first sub-chamber 160) of the volume of the central space 98.

[0042] (4) The airflow 200 in the first part 204 of the volume of the central space 98 and the first sub-chamber 160 is guided out of the first part 204 of the volume of the central space 98 in the horizontal and radial directions.

[0043] (5) The airflow 200 in the transmitter stack 88 in the first sub-chamber 160 is guided in the horizontal and radial directions through the first plurality of layers 94 of the transmitter stack 88 and exits the transmitter stack 88 in the horizontal direction toward the airflow extraction device 184.

[0044] refer to Figure 4A and 4B , Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the heat transfer system at point 50-4-4 is shown. Figure 4A In the middle, and Figure 4B This shows the belt module 130 (in conjunction with above) of the airflow 200 passing through the conveyor belt 82 located in the second sub-chamber 162 (e.g., within the layer of the second plurality of layers 96 of the conveyor stack 88). Figure 3 (A more detailed description of the travel path)

[0045] refer to Figure 1 and 4A Within the second sub-chamber 162, airflow 200 is initially generated by airflow generating device 182 and guided horizontally towards conveyor stack 88 from at least one air outlet of airflow generating device 182. The horizontal guidance of airflow 200 towards conveyor stack 88 is likely primarily due to the horizontal generation of airflow 200 by airflow generating device 182. However, in some embodiments, at least one of the following features and elements of heat transfer system 50 may also contribute to the horizontal guidance of airflow 200 towards conveyor stack 88:

[0046] (1) Placing the airflow generating device 182 in the second sub-chamber 162 (which generates positive pressure in the second sub-chamber 162) in conjunction with placing the airflow extraction device 184 in the first sub-chamber 160 (which generates negative pressure in the first sub-chamber 160) can create a pressure difference between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160. This pressure difference can cause the airflow 200 to seek a path from the second sub-chamber 162 to the first sub-chamber 160.

[0047] (2) A portion of the airflow 200 generated by the airflow generating device 182 may flow over the conveyor stack 88 to contact the first end wall 58 of the housing 52, a portion of the airflow 200 may flow to contact the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 64 of the housing 52, and a portion of the airflow 200 may flow to contact the top wall 55 of the housing 52. However, as described above, the airflow 200 contacting the walls 58, 62, 64 and 55 may be deflected substantially toward the conveyor stack 88.

[0048] (3) The placement of the conveyor stack 88 in the center of the chamber 54 causes the airflow 200 to be uniformly deflected back toward the conveyor stack 88. In particular, the closest distance 174 between the first sidewall 62 and the conveyor stack 88 is substantially equal to the closest distance 176 between the second sidewall 64 and the conveyor stack 88. Therefore, the volume of the airflow 200 in contact with the first sidewall 62 and the second sidewall 64 and the deflection rate toward the conveyor stack 88 can be substantially equal, which can promote the uniform deflection of the airflow 200 toward the conveyor stack 88 in the horizontal direction.

[0049] (4) The top wall 106 is positioned at the top opening 100 of the conveyor stack 88 and is configured to substantially restrict the airflow 200 from passing vertically through the top opening 100. The top wall 106 can cause some portions of the airflow 200 in the second sub-chamber 162 that is in contact with the top wall 106 to be deflected back into the second sub-chamber 162, such as, for example, toward the top wall 55 of the housing 52. The top wall 106 can also restrict the airflow 200 from directly entering the volume of the central space 98 from the second sub-chamber 162. Deflecting the airflow 200 back into the second sub-chamber 162 and preventing the airflow 200 from directly entering the volume of the central space 98 from the second sub-chamber 162 can facilitate the horizontal guidance of the airflow 200 toward the conveyor stack 88, as the airflow 200 seeks an alternative path of travel from the second sub-chamber 162 toward the first sub-chamber 160.

[0050] (5) Baffle 202 is configured to substantially restrict the airflow 200 directly between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160. Some portions of the airflow 200 flowing in the second sub-chamber 162 to contact baffle 202 may be deflected back into the second sub-chamber 162, for example, toward the top wall 55 of the housing 52. Deflecting the airflow 200 back into the second sub-chamber 162 and preventing the airflow 200 from directly entering the first sub-chamber 160 from the second sub-chamber 162 (except within the volume of the central space 98) can facilitate the horizontal guidance of the airflow 200 toward the conveyor stack 88, as the airflow 200 seeks an alternative path of travel from the second sub-chamber 162 toward the first sub-chamber 160.

[0051] refer to Figure 1 ,4A At least a portion of the airflow 200 generated by the airflow generating device 182 and located within the second sub-chamber 162 is then guided horizontally and radially to pass through the outer side wall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 and enter the conveyor stack 88. The horizontal and radial guidance of the airflow 200 into the conveyor stack 88 is likely primarily due to the following features and elements of the heat transfer system 50:

[0052] (A) An airflow 200 is generated in the second sub-chamber 162 via an airflow generating device 182 in a horizontal direction toward the conveyor stack 88.

[0053] (B) A permeable configuration of the outer wall 105 of the conveyor belt 82, for example, due to at least one hole 148 in the outer plate 144 (generally forming the outer wall 105) of the belt module 130 forming the conveyor belt 82, or an alternative configuration or material providing permeability to the outer wall 105. The permeable outer wall 105 allows airflow 200 in the second sub-chamber 162 outside the conveyor stack 88 to flow through the outer wall 105 into the conveyor stack 88.

[0054] However, in some embodiments, guiding the airflow 200 within the second sub-chamber 162 into the conveyor stack 88 in both horizontal and radial directions can also be facilitated by at least one of the following features and elements of the heat transfer system 50:

[0055] (1) An airflow generating device 182 is placed in the second sub-chamber 162 and an airflow extraction device 184 is placed in the first sub-chamber 160 to generate a pressure difference between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160. As described above, the pressure difference can cause the airflow 200 to seek a path from the second sub-chamber 162 to the first sub-chamber 160.

[0056] (2) As described above, the top wall 106 substantially restricts the airflow 200 from passing through the top opening 100 and directly into the volume of the central space 98 in the vertical direction from the second sub-chamber 162, which can facilitate the guidance of the airflow 200 in the horizontal and radial directions through the outer wall 105 into the conveyor stack 88, as the airflow 200 will seek an alternative path of travel from the second sub-chamber 162 toward the first sub-chamber 160.

[0057] (3) As described above, the baffle 202 substantially restricts the flow of airflow 200 directly between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160 (except within the volume of the central space 98), which can facilitate the guidance of airflow 200 in the horizontal and radial directions through the outer wall 105 into the conveyor stack 88, as airflow 200 seeks an alternative path of travel from the second sub-chamber 162 toward the first sub-chamber 160.

[0058] Still referencing Figure 1 , 4AAnd 4B, at least a portion of the airflow 200 within the conveyor stack 88 is then guided horizontally and radially through the second plurality of layers 96 of the conveyor stack 88 and through the inner sidewall 104 of the conveyor belt 82 into the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98. Guiding the airflow 200 within the conveyor stack 88 horizontally and radially through the second plurality of layers 96 and into the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98 is likely primarily due to the following features and elements of the heat transfer system 50:

[0059] (A) As described above, an airflow 200 is generated in the second sub-chamber 162 by the airflow generating device 182 in the horizontal direction toward the conveyor stack 88.

[0060] (B) A permeable configuration of the inner sidewall 104 of the conveyor belt 82, for example, due to at least one hole 146 in the inner side plate 142 (which generally forms the inner sidewall 104) of the belt module 130 of the conveyor belt 82, or an alternative configuration or material that provides permeability to the inner sidewall 104. The permeable inner sidewall 104 allows airflow 200 received within the conveyor stack 88 to pass through the inner sidewall 105 to enter a second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98.

[0061] However, in some embodiments, guiding the airflow 200 within the conveyor stack 88 in both horizontal and radial directions through the second plurality of layers 96 and into the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98 can also be facilitated by at least one of the following features and elements of the heat transfer system 50:

[0062] (1) As described above, the airflow generating device 182 is placed in the second sub-chamber 162 and the airflow extraction device 184 is placed in the first sub-chamber 160 to generate a pressure difference between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160. As described above, the pressure difference can cause the airflow 200 to seek a path from the second sub-chamber 162 to the first sub-chamber 160.

[0063] (2) In some embodiments, the conveyor section 107 of the conveyor belt 82 between the inner sidewall 104 and the outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 may restrict the airflow 200 from passing through the conveyor section 107 in the vertical direction, for example, due to the construction or material of the central portion 132 of the belt module 130 forming the conveyor belt 82. Restricting the airflow 200 from passing through the conveyor section 107 in the vertical direction may restrict the airflow 200 in the vertical direction between different layers of the second plurality of layers 96 of the conveyor stack 88 in the second sub-chamber 162. Restricting the airflow 200 from passing through the conveyor stack 88 in the vertical direction may facilitate the guidance of the airflow 200 in the horizontal and radial directions through the second plurality of layers 96 of the conveyor stack 88 and into the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98, as the airflow 200 seeks an alternative path of travel from the second sub-chamber 162 toward the first sub-chamber 160.

[0064] (3) As described above, the top wall 106 substantially restricts the airflow 200 from passing through the top opening 100 in the vertical direction from the second sub-chamber 162 into the volume of the central space 98, which can facilitate the airflow 200 passing through the second plurality of layers 96 in the horizontal and radial directions into the second part 206 of the volume of the central space 98, because the airflow 200 will seek an alternative path of travel from the second sub-chamber 162 toward the first sub-chamber 160.

[0065] (4) As described above, the baffle 202 substantially restricts the airflow 200 from flowing directly between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160 (except within the volume of the central space 98), which can facilitate guiding the airflow 200 through the second plurality of layers 96 in the horizontal and radial directions and into the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98, as the airflow 200 seeks an alternative path of travel from the second sub-chamber 162 toward the first sub-chamber 160.

[0066] Now for reference Figure 1 At least a portion of the airflow 200 within the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98 is then guided vertically from the second portion 206 toward the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98. This allows the airflow 200 to flow vertically from the second sub-chamber 162 into the first sub-chamber 160 within the volume of the central space 98. The vertical guidance of the airflow 200 from the second portion 206 to the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 is likely primarily due to the following features and elements of the heat transfer system 50:

[0067] (A) An airflow generating device 182 is placed in the second sub-chamber 162 and an airflow extraction device 184 is placed in the first sub-chamber 160 to generate a pressure difference between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160. As described above, this pressure difference causes the airflow 200 to seek a path from the second sub-chamber 162 to the first sub-chamber 160.

[0068] (B) Baffle 202 substantially restricts the flow of airflow 200 vertically directly between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160 (except within the volume of the central space 98). Restricting the airflow 200 between the second sub-chamber 162 and the first sub-chamber 160 (except within the volume of the central space 98) generally promotes the vertical flow of airflow 200 within the volume of the central space 98 (e.g., from the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98 located in the second sub-chamber 162 to the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 located in the first sub-chamber 160), as the airflow 200 seeks a path of travel from the second sub-chamber 162 toward the first sub-chamber 160.

[0069] refer to Figure 5A and 5B ,existFigure 5A It shows Figure 1 A cross-sectional view of the heat transfer system 50 along line 5-5, and in Figure 5B The diagram shows the path of airflow 200, which passes through the belt module 130 located in the first sub-chamber 160 (e.g., within the first plurality of layers 94 of the conveyor stack 88) (as described above). Figure 3 (To be described in more detail).

[0070] refer to Figure 1 , 5A In 5B, at least a portion of the airflow 200 within the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 is guided horizontally and radially through the inner wall 104 of the conveyor belt 82 and exits the volume of the central space 98. The horizontal and radial guidance of the airflow 200 within the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 out of the volume of the central space 98 may be primarily due to the following features and elements of the heat transfer system 50:

[0071] (A) Airflow 200 is drawn horizontally away from conveyor stack 88 in the first sub-chamber 160 by airflow extraction device 184, which causes the airflow 200 in the first portion 204 of the volume of central space 98 to seek a path of travel toward at least one air inlet of airflow extraction device 184.

[0072] (B) The ventilation structure of the inner wall 104 of the conveyor belt 82 allows the airflow 200 in the first part 204 of the volume of the central space 98 to flow through the inner wall 104 to leave the volume of the central space 98.

[0073] However, in some embodiments, guiding the airflow 200 within the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 out of the volume of the central space 98 in both horizontal and radial directions can also be facilitated by at least the following features of the heat transfer system 50:

[0074] (1) A bottom wall 108 is located at the bottom opening 102 of the conveyor stack 88. The bottom wall 108 deflects a portion of the airflow 200 flowing into the volume of the central space 98 that contacts the bottom wall 108 back into the volume of the central space 98. The bottom wall 108 also restricts the airflow 200 from flowing directly into the first sub-chamber 160 from the volume of the central space 98 in a vertical direction. Deflecting the airflow 200 back into the volume of the central space 98 and preventing the airflow 200 from flowing directly into the first sub-chamber 104 from the volume of the central space 98 can facilitate guiding the airflow 200 away from the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 in both horizontal and radial directions, as the airflow 200 attempts to find an alternative path toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184.

[0075] Still referencingFigure 1 , 5A And 5B, at least a portion of the airflow 200 within the conveyor stack 88 is then guided horizontally and radially through the first plurality of layers 94 of the conveyor stack 88 and through the outer side wall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 to exit the conveyor stack 88. The horizontal and radial guidance of the airflow 200 through the first plurality of layers 94 and exiting the conveyor stack 88 is likely primarily due to:

[0076] (A) The airflow 200 is drawn horizontally away from the conveyor stack 88 in the first sub-chamber 160 by the airflow extraction device 184, which causes the airflow 200 in the conveyor stack 88 to seek a path of travel toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184.

[0077] (B) The ventilated structure of the outer wall 105 of the conveyor belt 82 allows the airflow 200 in the conveyor stack 88 in the first sub-chamber 162 to flow through the outer wall 105 and leave the conveyor stack 88.

[0078] However, in some embodiments, guiding the airflow 200 within the conveyor stack 88 in both horizontal and radial directions through the first plurality of layers 94 and through the outer sidewall 105 to exit the conveyor stack 88 can also be facilitated by at least one of the following features or elements of the heat transfer system 50:

[0079] (1) As described above, the conveying section 107 of the conveyor belt 82 between the inner sidewall 104 and the outer sidewall 105 can restrict the airflow 200 passing through the conveying section 107 in the vertical direction. Restricting the airflow 200 passing through the conveying section 107 in the vertical direction can restrict the vertical airflow 200 between different layers of the first plurality of layers 94 of the conveyor stack 88 in the first sub-chamber 162. Restricting the vertical airflow 200 between different layers of the first plurality of layers 94 can facilitate the guidance of the airflow 200 in the horizontal and radial directions through the first plurality of layers 94 and through the outer sidewall 105 to exit the conveyor stack 88, because the airflow 200 will seek an alternative path toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184.

[0080] (2) As described above, the bottom wall 108 substantially restricts the airflow 200 from the volume of the central space 98 directly into the first sub-chamber 160 in the vertical direction, which can facilitate the guidance of the airflow 200 in the horizontal and radial directions through the first plurality of layers 94 and through the outer side wall 105 to leave the conveyor stack 88, as the airflow 200 will seek an alternative path toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184.

[0081] Now for reference Figure 1 and 5AWithin the first sub-chamber 160, at least a portion of the airflow 200 exiting the conveyor stack 88 can be drawn horizontally from the conveyor stack 88 toward at least one air inlet of the airflow intake device 184 by the airflow extraction device 184. The horizontal extraction of the airflow 200 from the conveyor stack 88 may primarily be due to a vacuum or other negative pressure generated in the first sub-chamber 160 by the airflow extraction device 184, which prompts the airflow 200 in the first sub-chamber 160 to seek a path toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184. However, in some embodiments, at least one of the following features and elements of the heat transfer system 50 may also facilitate the horizontal guidance of the airflow 200 away from the conveyor stack 88:

[0082] (1) Certain portions of the airflow 200 exiting the conveyor stack 88 may flow to contact the first end wall 58 of the housing 52, certain portions of the airflow 200 may contact the first side wall 62 and the second side wall 64 of the housing 52, and certain portions of the airflow 200 may contact the bottom wall 56 of the housing 52. However, the walls 58, 62, 64 and 56 may deflect the airflow 200 contacting the walls 58, 62, 64 and 56 back into the first sub-chamber 160, which may facilitate the extraction of the airflow 200 in the first sub-chamber 160 away from the conveyor stack 88 and toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184.

[0083] (2) As described above, the placement of the conveyor stack 88 in the center of the chamber 54 causes the airflow 200 in contact with the walls 58, 62, 64 and 56 to be uniformly deflected back into the first sub-chamber 160, which promotes the uniform deflection of the airflow 200 returning to the first sub-chamber 160. The airflow 200 remaining in the first sub-chamber 160 can be drawn horizontally toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184.

[0084] (3) The bottom end wall 108 can further deflect certain portions of the airflow 200 in the first sub-chamber 160 that are in contact with the bottom end wall 108 back into the first sub-chamber 160, for example, such as the bottom wall 56 facing the housing 52. The bottom end wall 108 can also prevent the airflow 200 in the first sub-chamber 162 from flowing back into the volume of the central space 98. Deflecting the airflow 200 back into the first sub-chamber 160 and preventing the airflow 200 from entering the volume of the central space 98 can keep the airflow 200 within the first sub-chamber 160. The airflow 200 remaining in the first sub-chamber 160 can be drawn horizontally toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184.

[0085] (4) The baffle 202 of the heat transfer system 50 is configured to substantially restrict the airflow 200 directly between the first sub-chamber 160 and the second sub-chamber 162 (except for the airflow within the volume of the central space 98). Certain portions of the airflow 200 flowing within the first sub-chamber 160 to contact the baffle 202 may be deflected back into the first sub-chamber 160 by the baffle 202, for example, towards the bottom wall 56 of the housing 52. Deflecting the airflow 200 back into the first sub-chamber 160 and preventing the airflow 200 from directly entering the second sub-chamber 162 from the first sub-chamber 160 allows the airflow 200 to be retained within the first sub-chamber 160. The airflow 200 remaining in the first sub-chamber 160 may be drawn horizontally toward at least one air inlet of the airflow extraction device 184.

[0086] As described above, in some embodiments, the conveying system 80 may include a drive roller located within the central space 98 of the conveyor stack 88, which engages the inner wall 104 of the conveyor belt 82 to cause the conveyor belt 82 to rotate along its travel path. One embodiment of such a drive roller is... Figure 6 The overall value is shown as 250.

[0087] The drive roller 250 may include a plurality of drive rods 252 to facilitate engagement of the inner wall 104 of the conveyor belt 82. For example, each of the plurality of drive rods 252 may engage a contact surface (created by a recess or lug) on ​​the inner wall of the conveyor belt 82, and each of the plurality of drive rods 252 may engage multiple different layers of the plurality of layers 86 of the conveyor stack 88 along the vertical length 254 of the drive rod. Rotation of the drive roller 250 may drive the conveyor belt 82 along its travel path and through the conveyor stack 88. For example, in an embodiment where the travel path of the conveyor belt 82 involves traveling from a lower input 84 into the conveyor stack 88 and exiting at an upper output 90, rotation of the drive roller 250 may drive the conveyor belt 82 upward through the conveyor stack 88, from a first plurality of layers 94 (typically including lower layers) toward a second plurality of layers 96 (typically including upper layers). In other embodiments where the travel path of the conveyor belt 82 is in the reverse direction, i.e., from the upper output 90 into the conveyor stack 88 and exiting at the lower input 84, the rotation of the drive roller 250 can drive the conveyor belt 82 down through the conveyor stack 88 from the second plurality of layers 96 to the first plurality of layers 94.

[0088] The drive roller 250 may also include a plurality of spaces 256 located between and separating different drive rods of the plurality of drive bars 252. The plurality of spaces 256 and the plurality of drive rods 252 generally form the sidewalls 258 of the drive roller 250. The plurality of spaces 256 provide a substantially ventilated configuration for the sidewalls 258 of the drive roller 250. In other embodiments, the drive roller 250 may have other features or may be formed of other materials that provide a substantially ventilated configuration for the sidewalls 258. For example, instead of the plurality of spaces 256, the plurality of drive rods 252 may be separated by a mesh or a material having multiple holes.

[0089] The ventilated sidewall 258 of the drive roller 250 cooperates with the ventilated inner sidewall 104 and ventilated outer sidewall 105 of the conveyor belt 82, allowing the airflow 200 to enter the second sub-chamber 162 from the outside of the conveyor stack 88 in both horizontal and radial directions. Figure 1 and 4A The second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98 (as shown in the diagram) and the first portion 204 of the volume of the central space 98 passes horizontally and radially through the conveyor stack 88 to the first sub-chamber 160 (as shown in the diagram). Figure 1 and 5A The exterior of the conveyor stack 88 (as shown in the diagram). For example, in the second sub-chamber 162, at least a portion of the airflow 200 within the conveyor stack 88 can be directed to pass through both the inner sidewall 104 of the conveyor belt 82 and the sidewall 258 of the drive roller 250 into the second portion 206 of the volume of the central space 98. Similarly, in the first sub-chamber 160, at least a portion of the airflow 200 within the first portion 204 of the central space 98 can be directed to exit the first portion 204 of the central space 98 through both the sidewall 258 of the drive roller 250 and the inner sidewall 104 of the conveyor belt 82.

[0090] The drive roller 250 may also include a top opening 260 and a bottom opening 262, which are generally compatible with the top opening 100 of the conveyor stack 88. Figure 1 and Figure 4A (as shown) and bottom opening 102 ( Figure 1 and Figure 5A(As shown in the diagram). Therefore, in embodiments of the heat transfer system 50 that include at least one of a top wall 106 located at the top opening 100 (which is configured to substantially restrict any airflow through the top opening 100) and a bottom wall 106 located at the bottom opening 102 (which is configured to substantially restrict any airflow through the bottom opening 102), the top wall 106 and the bottom wall 108 may also substantially restrict any airflow through the top opening 260 and the bottom opening 262 of the drive roller 250. The top opening 260 and the bottom opening 262 of the drive roller 250 can therefore generally cooperate with the top opening 100 and the bottom opening 102, as well as the top wall 106 and the bottom wall 108 of the conveyor stack 88, to restrict the airflow 200 from flowing vertically directly from the second sub-chamber 162 into the volume of the central space 98, and to restrict the airflow from flowing vertically directly from the volume of the central space 98 into the first sub-chamber 160.

[0091] Typically, embodiments of heat transfer systems described herein for changing product temperature include features that allow such heat transfer systems to generate and direct horizontal and radial airflow through a conveyor stack formed by a conveyor belt. For example, a conveyor belt having both a permeable outer sidewall and a permeable inner sidewall allows horizontal airflow through the conveyor stack formed by the conveyor belt.

[0092] Furthermore, some embodiments of the heat transfer system include a conveyor stack placed in a chamber having a first sub-chamber accommodating a first plurality of layers of the conveyor stack and a second sub-chamber accommodating a second plurality of layers of the conveyor stack. This embodiment allows for horizontal and radial airflow in two different directions, such as airflow toward the conveyor stack in one of the first and second sub-chambers, and airflow away from the conveyor stack in one of the first and second sub-chambers. Horizontal and radial flow in two different directions can improve the efficiency of the heat transfer system when changing the temperature of the product carried on the conveyor belt.

[0093] Although the subject matter has been described above in conjunction with illustrative embodiments, it should be understood, as shown in the various figures, that other similar embodiments may be used, or modifications and additions may be made to the described embodiments to perform the same function without departing from them. Furthermore, all disclosed embodiments are not necessarily alternatives, as various embodiments can be combined to provide the desired characteristics. While specific embodiments have been described and illustrated, such embodiments should be considered illustrative of the subject matter described herein and not limiting of the claims as interpreted according to applicable legal principles.

Claims

1. A heat transfer system for changing the temperature of a product using airflow, the system comprising: The conveyor belt includes a breathable outer sidewall, a breathable inner sidewall, and an airtight conveying section extending between the breathable outer sidewall and the breathable inner sidewall. The conveyor belt forms a stack of multiple layers of conveyors and a central space with volume. The conveyor stack is positioned within the chamber such that a first portion of the central space volume and a first plurality of the plurality of layers are located in a first sub-chamber of the chamber, and a second portion of the central space volume and a second plurality of the plurality of layers are located in a second sub-chamber of the chamber. The airtight conveying section essentially restricts airflow from passing vertically between different layers in the plurality of layers. A baffle, which divides the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber, is coupled to the conveyor stack and configured to substantially restrict airflow between the first and second sub-chambers. Wherein, the airtight conveying section and the baffle ensure that airflow travels vertically only within the central space volume between the second part of the central space volume and the first part of the central space volume, between the first and second sub-chambers; and A generating device for generating airflow in the chamber, wherein the generating device is configured to: An airflow is generated in the second sub-chamber, moving horizontally toward the conveyor stack, such that the airflow flows horizontally and radially through the second plurality of layers to enter the second portion of the central space volume; and In the first sub-chamber, airflow is drawn horizontally away from the conveyor stack, such that the airflow flows horizontally and radially to pass through the first plurality of layers and exit the first portion of the central space volume.

2. The system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of the following: The top wall is configured to restrict airflow vertically through the top opening of the conveyor stack; and The bottom wall is configured to restrict airflow through the bottom opening of the conveyor stack in a vertical direction.

3. The system according to claim 2, wherein, The top wall further restricts airflow from the second sub-chamber directly into the central space volume in a vertical direction.

4. The system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The bottom wall further restricts airflow from directly entering the first sub-chamber from the central space volume in a vertical direction.

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein, The generating device is also configured to cause the airflow to flow vertically from a second portion of the central space volume in the second sub-chamber to a first portion of the central space volume in the first sub-chamber.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein, The conveyor belt is formed by a plurality of belt modules, wherein each of the plurality of belt modules includes: The central portion is used to carry the product, wherein the central portion extends between the inner edge of the belt module and the outer edge of the belt module; The inner side plate, which is attached to the central portion near its inner edge; and The outer side plate is attached to the central portion near its outer edge.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, The outer side plate and the inner side plate each include at least one hole to allow the airflow to pass through the plurality of layers in both horizontal and radial directions.

8. The system according to claim 6 or 7, wherein, The outer side plates of the multiple belt modules form the breathable outer side wall of the conveyor belt.

9. The system according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein, The inner side plates of the multiple belt modules form the breathable inner sidewall of the conveyor belt.

10. The system according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein, The central portion of the plurality of belt modules forms the airtight conveying section of the conveyor belt.

11. The system according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein, The baffle essentially restricts the vertical airflow at the interface between the second plurality of layers and the first plurality of layers.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein, The generating apparatus includes: A generating device, located in the second sub-chamber, is used to generate airflow horizontally toward the conveyor stack; and A suction device, located in the first sub-chamber, is used to draw the airflow away from the conveyor stack in a horizontal direction.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, further comprising a drive roller positioned within the central space and configured to engage a ventilated inner wall of the conveyor belt, wherein the drive roller includes a ventilated sidewall configured to cooperate with the ventilated inner and outer sidewalls of the conveyor belt to facilitate airflow through the plurality of layers in horizontal and radial directions.

14. A method for assembling a heat transfer system that uses airflow to change the temperature of a product, the method comprising: A conveyor stack, formed by multiple layers of conveyor belts for transporting products, is positioned within a chamber. The conveyor stack has a central space with a volume, such that a first portion of the central space volume and a first plurality of the multiple layers are located in a first sub-chamber of the chamber, and a second portion of the central space volume and a second plurality of the multiple layers are located in a second sub-chamber of the chamber. The conveyor belt includes a breathable outer wall, a breathable inner wall, and an airtight conveying section extending between the breathable outer wall and the breathable inner wall. The airtight conveying section essentially restricts airflow from passing vertically between different layers of the plurality of layers. The baffles connected to the transmitter stack are configured to: define a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber; and substantially restrict airflow between the first and second sub-chambers. Wherein, the airtight conveying section and the baffle ensure that airflow travels vertically only within the central space volume between the second part of the central space volume and the first part of the central space volume, between the first and second sub-chambers; and A generating device for generating airflow in the chamber is positioned near the conveyor stack, wherein the generating device is operable to: An airflow is generated in the second sub-chamber, moving horizontally toward the conveyor stack, such that the airflow flows horizontally and radially through the second plurality of layers to enter the second portion of the central space volume; and In the first sub-chamber, airflow is drawn horizontally away from the conveyor stack, such that the airflow flows horizontally and radially to pass through the first plurality of layers and exit the first portion of the central space volume.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising coupling the baffle to the conveyor stack.

16. A method for changing the temperature of a product carried on a conveyor belt, the conveyor belt having a breathable outer sidewall, a breathable inner sidewall, and an impermeable conveying section extending between the breathable outer sidewall and the breathable inner sidewall, wherein the conveyor belt forms a stack of conveyors having multiple layers and a central space having a volume, wherein the stack of conveyors is located in a chamber, wherein, A baffle is attached to the conveyor stack and configured to divide the chamber into a first sub-chamber and a second sub-chamber and substantially restrict airflow between the first and second sub-chambers, wherein the airtight conveyor substantially restricts airflow between different layers of the plurality of layers, and wherein the baffle and the airtight conveyor cause airflow to travel vertically between the first and second sub-chambers only within the central space volume located between a second portion of the central space volume located in the second sub-chamber and a first portion of the central space volume located in the first sub-chamber, the method comprising: An airflow is generated in the second sub-chamber, moving horizontally toward the conveyor stack, such that the airflow flows horizontally and radially through a second plurality of layers to enter a second portion of the central space volume; and The airflow is drawn horizontally away from the conveyor stack in the first sub-chamber of the chamber, such that the airflow flows horizontally and radially to pass through the first plurality of layers and exit the first portion of the central space volume.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising substantially restricting the airflow through a top opening of the conveyor stack in the second sub-chamber in a vertical direction to facilitate airflow in the horizontal and radial directions through the second plurality of layers into a second portion of the central space volume.

18. The method of claim 16 or 17, further comprising substantially restricting the airflow through a bottom opening of the conveyor stack in the first sub-chamber in a vertical direction to facilitate airflow in the horizontal and radial directions through the first plurality of layers and out of a first portion of the central space volume.

19. The method of any one of claims 16 to 18, further comprising coupling the baffle to the conveyor stack to define the first sub-chamber and the second sub-chamber.

20. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 19, wherein, Generating an airflow in the second sub-chamber that is horizontal toward the conveyor stack involves increasing the air pressure in the second sub-chamber.

21. The method according to any one of claims 16 to 20, wherein, The horizontal suction of airflow away from the conveyor stack in the first sub-chamber includes reducing the air pressure in the first sub-chamber.

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