Fastening system for conveyor belt

Abstract

A fastening system for engaging both ends of a conveyor belt section includes a hinge member having a tapered head for controlling movement of the ends relative to each other. A reinforcing link connects the tips of the at least two outermost hinge members. The solid side edge encloses a hinge bar that secures the two conveyor belt ends together, while the viewing window and the transverse slot provide a path through the conveyor belt section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates generally to power driven conveyor belts and, more particularly, to a system and method for connecting the ends of a conveyor belt body to form an endless conveyor belt. Background Art

[0002] Low tension, direct drive conveyor belts are often used in situations where hygiene and cleanliness are important. For example, in food processing plants, such as those that process meat products for human consumption, low tension, direct drive conveyor belts are used to transport items. Hygiene is important, so the endless belts used in such conveyors are often made of materials that can be hygienically cleaned, such as thermoplastics or stainless steel.

[0003] Figure 1 An example of a flexible endless belt suitable for implementing an illustrative embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In a typical installation, an endless conveyor belt 10 moves around two sprockets 12 and 14, rollers or pulleys. The first sprocket 12 may be a driving sprocket for driving the conveyor belt, and the second sprocket may be an idle or driven sprocket 14. The belt 10 has an outer surface 110 and an inner surface 22, the outer surface serving as an article conveying surface and the inner surface serving as a driving surface. The inner surface 22 includes a driving element, illustrated as teeth 26, preferably spaced equidistantly from each other along the inner driven surface 22. The teeth 26 engage grooves or other driving features spaced around the circumference of the sprockets 12, 14 to move the belt. The upper span of the belt will travel in the direction of arrow 15. The flexible belt 10 is wrapped around the sprockets and may also be supported by return rollers, or track shoes or rollers in the return path.

[0004] The belt is made of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, elastomer or rubber, and is flexible along its length.

[0005] Flexible toothed belts are typically formed by joining the two ends of the belt together at a seam 102. Methods of joining the two ends of the belt together include splicing, whereby the butt ends of the conveyor belt segments are welded together using a splicing press, and also include mechanical means, such as the hinge pin system and / or articulating connector system described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,002,110 and 8,695,790, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] It may be necessary to remove the belt from the sprockets for maintenance, cleaning, or repair of the system. Figure 1 The endless belt 10 is inconvenient to remove and generally requires disassembling the conveyor frame, moving the sprockets, and possibly destroying the belt (or at least cutting the belt for later re-sewing).

[0007] Disadvantages of some mechanical means for joining conveyor belt ends together include hinging or a "humping" effect in the seam area as the belt moves around the sprocket, whereby the end of the conveyor belt protrudes away from the sprocket, linkage displacement, sticking points, and other disadvantages. Additionally, during operation, stresses on the material can cause wear and can interfere with operation. Summary of the invention

[0008] The present invention provides a fastening system for a conveyor belt. The fastening system includes belt segments joined by staggered hinge members, the hinge members having tapered heads for controlling movement of two belt segment ends relative to each other. A reinforcing link connects the tips of at least two hinge members, and a solid edge encloses the hinge rod within the fastening system. A viewing window and a transverse slot provide a path through the conveyor belt segment at the solid edge.

[0009] According to one aspect, a fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of a conveyor belt segment includes at least one flexible belt segment, a plurality of hinge members, and a reinforcing link. Each flexible belt segment extends in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, in a transverse direction from a first side edge to a second side edge, and in thickness from an outer surface to an inner surface. The hinge members are laterally spaced apart and extend from the first end of the flexible belt segment. The hinge members have aligned hinge openings forming a hinge channel extending along a hinge axis. The reinforcing link extends between a tip of a first hinge member and a tip of a second hinge member adjacent to the first hinge member.

[0010] According to another aspect, a fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of a conveyor belt segment includes first and second belt segments, laterally spaced hinge members, and a viewing window in a solid side edge. Each belt segment extends in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end and has an outer surface and an inner surface. Laterally spaced hinge members extend from each first end and have aligned hinge openings forming a hinge channel. The hinge channel terminates at a solid edge at a first side of the belt segment to enclose a hinge rod inserted into the hinge channel. The viewing window is adjacent to the solid edge and extends from the outer surface to a transverse slot in the inner surface. The transverse slot is aligned with the hinge opening.

[0011] According to another aspect, a fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of a conveyor belt segment includes a hinge body extending longitudinally from the first end of the conveyor belt segment and a tapered head extending from the hinge body. The hinge body has a hinge opening extending along a hinge axis, and the conveyor belt segment has an outer surface and an inner surface. The tapered head has a top angled interface surface that angles downward from above the hinge axis and terminates in a tip below the hinge axis. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] These features of the present invention and advantages thereof will become better understood by reference to the following description, appended claims and accompanying drawings, in which:

[0013] Figure 1 A prior art endless conveyor belt is shown;

[0014] Figure 2 is an isometric view of the top of an assembled fastening system for a conveyor belt embodying features of the present invention;

[0015] Figure 3 yes Figure 2 An isometric view of the bottom of the assembled fastening system;

[0016] Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A top view of the assembled fastening system;

[0017] Figure 5 yes Figure 2 An isometric top view of a belt section of a fastening system;

[0018] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A top view of a belt section;

[0019] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A bottom view of a belt section;

[0020] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 a detailed view of a top portion of a first side of a belt section;

[0021] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 a detailed view of a bottom portion of a first side of the belt section;

[0022] Fig.10 yes Figure 5 another detailed view of the bottom of the first side of the belt section;

[0023] Fig.11 yes Figure 2A detailed view of the bottom of the fastening system near the side edge;

[0024] Fig.12 yes Figure 2 Detailed cross-sectional view of the fastening system;

[0025] Fig.13 yes Figure 5 a detailed view of a bottom portion of a second side of the belt section;

[0026] Fig.14 yes Figure 5 an isometric bottom view of a second side of the belt segment;

[0027] Fig.15 is a side view of a hinge element of a fastening system according to an embodiment;

[0028] Fig.16 is a cross-sectional view of a fastening system in an operational position according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] The present invention provides a fastening system for facilitating the assembly and disassembly of a conveyor belt. The present invention will be described below with respect to an illustrative embodiment. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the present invention can be implemented in many different applications and embodiments, and its application is not specifically limited to the specific embodiments described herein.

[0030] Figure 2-4 A fastening system 210 for a conveyor belt is shown in accordance with an illustrative embodiment of the invention. The fastening system 210 includes two identical or substantially identical belt sections 202, 202 joined together at a seam to form a complete conveyor belt or an extended conveyor belt section. Figure 5-7 Each belt segment 202, 202 shown individually in the figure includes a belt body that extends longitudinally from an inner mating end 211 to an outer end 212 and laterally from a first side 214 to a second side 215. A curved edge 218 connects the second side 215 to the inner end 211. The body of each belt segment 202, 202 extends in thickness from an outer surface 216, which is shown as a conveying surface for conveying products, to an inner surface 217, which may be a driving surface. The segments are joined together at the inner ends 211 to connect the segments together.

[0031] The conveyor belt of the illustrative embodiments may include multiple belt segments that are joined together in sequence, or a single belt segment having ends joined together using a fastening system 210 to form an endless belt.

[0032] The conveyor belt segment may be formed from any suitable material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, elastomer or rubber, and is preferably flexible about a transverse axis along its length. The conveyor belt segment may be made by any of a number of methods, such as milling, extrusion and / or injection molding.

[0033] In one embodiment, the fastening system 210 is formed separately from the main body of the conveyor belt and then joined to the main body so that the fastening system is integrated with the conveyor belt. For example, the outer end 212 can be welded, spliced ​​or otherwise joined to the end of the conveyor belt so that the fastening system is integrated with the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the fastening system 210 is formed by a material different from the main body of the conveyor belt. For example, the fastening system 210 can be formed by rigid plastic or other suitable materials and then combined with the flexible material forming the main body of the conveyor belt. In another embodiment, multiple parts of the fastening system 210 such as hinge elements can be formed by rigid plastic or another rigid material, and then over-molded or otherwise attached to the conveyor belt or other parts of the conveyor belt section with flexible plastic. The rigid plastic material increases the durability and strength of the conveyor belt in the fastening area, while the belt can still be bent around the matching end 211 to allow the conveyor belt to move around the sprocket and roller.

[0034] The illustrative conveyor belt fastening system 210 includes a plurality of laterally spaced hinge members 230 extending longitudinally from the inner ends 211 of the belt segments 202. The hinge members 230 are arranged to be staggered with one or more laterally spaced hinge members on the opposing belt segment inner ends 211. When the ends are staggered, the aligned openings 231 in the staggered hinge members 230 form a transverse channel. A hinge rod is inserted into the transverse channel to connect the inner ends of the belt segments 202, 202 at the seam to form an endless belt or extended belt segment. The ends of the hinge channel are closed at a first side 214 to enclose the ends of the hinge rod when inserted between two staggered belt segments 202, 202, preventing the hinge rod from disengaging during operation.

[0035] The first side 214 and the second side 215 are shaped and complementary to each other so that two identical sections facing each other fit together at each side with the hinge member 230 interleaved therebetween.

[0036] In one embodiment, hinge member 230 can be formed on a separate or intermediate belt segment that is suitable for splicing or otherwise connecting with the end of a conveyor belt segment. Alternatively, hinge member 230 can be formed directly on the end of a conveyor belt segment.

[0037] The inner edge 211 of the belt segment 202 can be shaped to facilitate the connection between the two segments 202. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the belt segment includes a recess 222 in the top surface between the hinge members 230 and a longer recess 223 in the inner surface between the hinge members 230. Figure 8 and 9 As shown, illustrative recesses 222, 223 are formed by chamfering or beveling the outer surface 216 and the inner surface 217 toward the inner end 211 of the belt body. The recesses 222, 223 prevent or reduce protrusions of the outer surface of the belt when the belt is flexed around a sprocket or other equipment in a conveyor system.

[0038] The illustrative hinge members 230 each include a tapered head 250 that extends longitudinally inwardly, as described below. The tapered heads are configured to engage bottom recesses 223 in opposing conveyor belt segment ends to facilitate connection and bending between the two belt ends, as described below.

[0039] The fastening system 210 also includes a reinforcing link 280 extending between the tips of the two outermost hinge members 230a, 230b and the first side 214 of the conveyor belt segment 202, wherein the ends of the hinge rods are enclosed within the conveyor belt segment 202. The reinforcing link 280 reinforces the end hinge members to prevent or reduce deformation caused by axial forces applied by the rods. The illustrative reinforcing link 280 joins the two outermost hinge members 230a, 230b and the first side 214 together.

[0040] like Figure 8-12 As shown, the reinforcing link 280 has a bottom surface 281 that is aligned and coincident with the bottom surface of the hinge members 230a, 230b at the tapered head 250. The tip 282 is aligned with the tip of the tapered head 250. The top surface 283 of the reinforcing link between the hinge members 230a, 230b and between the first side 214 and the hinge member 230b is inclined downward to gradually move away from the tip of the tapered head so that the top surface 283 is located below the tapered head of the hinge member. The illustrative top surface 283 is convexly curved.

[0041] The first side 214 of the belt segment 202 is configured to facilitate the insertion, retention, and removal of a hinge rod for fastening two belt ends together. Figure 8-10 As shown, the first side 214 includes a solid edge portion 234. The solid edge portion 234 is aligned with the hinge channel, which is formed by the aligned openings 231 and the aligned transverse slots 235 in the first side region. The slots 235 are open to the inner surface 217 of the belt segment 202 and closed to the top surface 216. The solid edge portion 234 encloses the hinge rod within one side of the conveyor belt to prevent the hinge rod from disengaging when the conveyor belt is running.

[0042] A viewing window 236 adjacent to the solid edge portion 234 extends from the outer surface 216 and intersects a transverse slot 235 that forms part of the hinge channel. The viewing window 236 serves as a clear visual indication to the user that the hinge rod is fully inserted and acts as an unobstructed path to easily remove product buildup. The viewing window 236 has a solid bottom to support the end of the hinge rod, while the transverse slot 235 is open toward the bottom surface 217 to allow insertion and removal of the hinge rod when necessary.

[0043] like Figure 2 and 4 As shown, the belt segment 202 has a formed shelf 219 in the top surface between the first side 214 and the reinforcing link 280 for accommodating the curved edge 218 in the mating belt segment. Figure 8 As shown, the forming shelf 219 includes a flat wall 220 recessed from the top of the solid edge portion 234. The flat wall 220 can extend at the same angle as the top of the tapered head of the hinge member. The forming shelf 219 has a curved inner edge 229 that is complementary to the curved edge 218 of the matching section and forms a seat for the curved edge of the matching section. The curved tapered wall 221 intersects the curved inner edge of the flat wall 220. The curved tapered wall 221 extends from the narrow groove 235 to the front edge for accommodating and accommodating the front wall of the curved edge 218 of the matching belt section. The interface between the curved edge 218 and the forming shelf 219 provides a strong connection, promotes assembly, and reduces the stuck point during the operation of the conveyor belt. The thickness of the belt section at the curved edge 218 can be tapered (i.e., including a bottom chamfer or recess consistent with the recess 223 between the hinge elements) to enhance the interface between the two belt sections at the side edges.

[0044] Reference Fig. 9 and 10 , which shows the bottom of the conveyor belt segment 202 near the first side 214, the slot 235 forming part of the hinge channel near the side 214 includes a first angled surface 241 in the bottom surface 217 between the side edge 214 and the slot 235 to facilitate rod insertion. The illustrative first angled surface 241 allows the hinge rod to snap into place after passing through the aligned hinge members 230 via the slot 235. The slot 235 also includes a side recess 242 to facilitate removal of the rod using a tool such as needle-nosed pliers. The pliers can grip the end of the hinge rod to pull it out through the slot 235.

[0045] In one embodiment, the solid edge portion 234 can be bent or flexed away from the hinge channel to facilitate the insertion and / or removal of the hinge rod. The bend or flexion increases the access to the hinge channel. After the rod is inserted or removed, the solid edge portion 234 automatically returns to the enclosed position, wherein the solid edge portion supports the rod end.

[0046] When assembling, Fig.11 and 12 As shown, the reinforcing link 280 abuts the rear portion of the corresponding hinge element 230 of the matching belt section. Figure 12-14 As shown, hinge elements 230 d and 230 e closest to the second side 215 of the belt segment 202 are shaped to include shaped recesses 285 to receive the shaped top surface 283 of the reinforcement link 280 .

[0047] The hinge member 230 may be shaped to facilitate connection between the mating belt segments 202, 202. Fig.15 and 16 , the illustrative hinge member 230 includes a hinge body extending from the inner end of the belt segment 202. The hinge body can be substantially cylindrical and can include a transverse opening 231 formed in the body for receiving the hinge rod. The transverse opening 231 extends along an axis 238 that is preferably substantially parallel to the inner end of the belt segment 203 and below the inner surface 217 of the belt segment 203.

[0048] The illustrative hinge body has a top surface 235 that is continuous with the belt segment's outer surface 216. The top surface 235 transitions to a top convexly curved surface 236 having a center of curvature that coincides with an axis 238 of the hinge rod channel formed by the aligned openings 231.

[0049] The illustrative hinge member 230 includes a tapered head 250 that extends longitudinally from the hinge body for controlling the movement of the inner ends of the belt segments relative to each other when the fastening system 210 is assembled. The illustrative head 250 includes a protrusion that extends from the hinge body 232 and tapers in height to a tip 253. The head 250 includes angled interface surfaces 251, 252 that converge at the tip 253. The interface surfaces are angled to allow the fastening system to pre-deform around the drive sprocket or roller, reduce out-of-plane stresses that cause fatigue degradation over time, and reduce the tendency of the fastening system edge to "lift" causing a sticking point problem. The tip 253 is below the inner surface 217 of the belt segment and the shaft 238, with the top angled interface surface 251 starting above the shaft 238 and ending below the shaft 238. The bottom angled interface surface 252 extends at an angle from the tip 253 toward the inner end of the belt segment so that the head is substantially symmetrical about the tip 253.

[0050] In the illustrative embodiment, the angled interface surfaces 251 , 252 intersect at an angle Ω of approximately 50°, but the invention is not so limited.

[0051] The hinge member 230 includes a bottom curved surface 256 extending away from the tip from the bottom angled interface surface 252. The bottom curved surface 256 has a lowest point 254 located slightly longitudinally forward of the axis 238 and has a greater radius of curvature than the top convex curved surface 236. The bottom curved surface 256 transitions to the bottom surface 217 of the belt segment 203 at a longitudinal position corresponding to the end of the bottom recess 223.

[0052] When the fastening system is tightened, as Fig.16 As shown, the hinge elements 250 are staggered and the hinge rods are inserted into the hinge channels formed by the hinge elements. In the secured position, the angled interface surface 251 of the tapered head 250 is spaced apart from and angled relative to the angled recess 223 on the mating belt segment. The illustrative configuration facilitates bending of the conveyor belt around a sprocket or other guide device while preventing crowning or excessive bending.

[0053] The illustrative fastening system provides a strong connection, facilitating assembly and disassembly while reducing rod displacement due to a fully enclosed, heavy-duty rim design and reducing binding points that could lead to failure.

[0054] The scope of the claims is not intended to be limited to the details of the described exemplary embodiments.

Claims

1. A fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of a conveyor belt segment, comprising: at least one flexible belt segment, each flexible belt segment extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end, in a transverse direction from a first side edge to a second side edge, and in thickness from an outer surface to an inner surface; a plurality of laterally spaced hinge members extending from the first end, the hinge members having aligned hinge openings forming a hinge channel extending along a hinge axis; as well as A reinforcing link extends between a tip of a first hinge member and a tip of a second hinge member adjacent to the first hinge member. 2 . The fastening system of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcement link extends between the first hinge member, the second hinge member, and a solid edge portion formed at the first side edge.

3. The fastening system of claim 2, wherein the reinforcement link includes a convexly curved top surface that slopes downwardly from the tips of the first and second hinge members.

4. The fastening system of claim 3 wherein the inner surface of the flexible belt segment includes a shaped recess near the second side edge to accommodate a convexly curved top surface in a reinforcing link of a mating flexible belt segment.

5. The fastening system of claim 2, further comprising a viewing window adjacent to the solid edge portion of the belt section, the viewing window extending from the outer surface and intersecting the hinge channel.

6. The fastening system of claim 5 further comprising a transverse slot in the inner surface aligned with the hinge opening and adjacent the viewing window.

7. The fastening system of claim 6, further comprising an angled surface connecting an end of the transverse slot and the inner surface to facilitate insertion of a hinge rod.

8. The fastening system of claim 6, wherein the transverse slot includes an undercut to facilitate removal of the hinge rod.

9. A fastening system according to claim 1, wherein each hinge member includes a tapered head extending from a hinge body, the tapered head having a top angled interface surface, the top angled interface surface being angled downward from above the hinge axis and terminating in a tip below the hinge axis.

10. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein the fastening system comprises two identical flexible belt sections that mate with each other.

11. The fastening system of claim 1 , wherein the hinge element comprises a rigid material overmolded with a flexible plastic material.

12. The fastening system of claim 1 further comprising a shaped shelf in the top surface between the reinforcing link and the first side for receiving a shaped edge of a mating belt segment.

13. The fastening system of claim 12, wherein the shaped shelf comprises a flat wall having a curved inner edge and a curved tapered wall intersecting the curved inner edge.

14. The fastening system of claim 12, further comprising a shaped edge between the second side edge and the first end, the shaped edge configured to be located in the shaped shelf of a mating flexible belt segment.

15. A fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of a conveyor belt segment, comprising: first and second belt segments, each belt segment extending in a longitudinal direction from a first end to a second end and having an outer surface and an inner surface, a plurality of laterally spaced hinge members extending from each first end, the hinge members having aligned hinge openings forming a hinge channel, wherein the hinge channel terminates in a solid edge at the first side of the belt segment to enclose a hinge rod inserted into the hinge channel; as well as A viewing window, adjacent the solid edge, extends from the outer surface to a transverse slot in the inner surface, wherein the transverse slot is aligned with the hinge opening.

16. The fastening system of claim 15, wherein the transverse slot includes a first angled surface in a bottom surface to facilitate rod insertion, and a side recess to facilitate removal of the hinge rod using a tool.

17. The fastening system of claim 15, wherein the first and second strap sections are formed of a rigid plastic.

18. The fastening system of claim 15, further comprising: a first reinforcing link extending between a tip of a first hinge member in the first belt section and a tip of a second hinge member adjacent to the first hinge member; as well as A second reinforcing link extends between a tip of a third hinge member on the second belt section and a tip of a fourth hinge member adjacent to the third hinge member.

19. A fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of a conveyor belt segment, comprising: a hinge body extending longitudinally from a first end of a conveyor belt segment, the hinge body having a hinge opening extending along a hinge axis, wherein the conveyor belt segment has an outer surface and an inner surface; as well as A tapered head extends from the hinge body, the tapered head having a top angled interface surface that angles downward from above the hinge axis and terminates in a tip below the hinge axis.

20. The fastening system of claim 19, wherein the tapered head further comprises a bottom angled interface surface extending from the tip toward the first end of the conveyor belt segment, the bottom angled interface surface extending at an angle of approximately 50° relative to the top angled interface surface.

21. The fastening system of claim 20, wherein the hinge body includes an inner curved surface extending from the bottom angled interface surface.

22. The fastening system of claim 21 wherein said inner curved surface has a lowest point located longitudinally forward of said shaft.

23. The fastening system of claim 21, wherein the inner curved surface has a greater radius of curvature than the top convex curved surface of the hinge body.

24. The fastening system of claim 19, further comprising a solid edge portion at a first side edge of the conveyor belt segment, the solid edge portion comprising a transverse slot having a closed end aligned with the hinge body.

25. The fastening system of claim 24 further comprising a reinforcing link extending between the tapered head and the solid edge portion.

26. The fastening system of claim 24, wherein the transverse slot opens to the inner surface of the conveyor belt segment.

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