Modular conveyor belt with top rod access

Abstract

A modular conveyor belt having edge modules that allow hinge bars to be inserted and removed from a top article support surface of the belt. The edge module has a closed flush edge that also forms a blind end of a laterally elongated bracket that is open at the top that nests the end of a hinge bar that joins adjacent rows of belt modules together at a hinge joint. A flange at the blind end of the bracket allows the hinge bar to be snapped in place and retained in the bracket.

Description

background

[0001] The present invention relates generally to powered conveyors and, more particularly, to modular conveyor belts having edge modules that allow access to the top of hinge rods.

[0002] Modular plastic conveyor belts are widely used for conveying products. Modular belts consist of rows of one or more belt modules, connected end-to-end at hinge joints by hinge rods. In many belts, the hinge rods are inserted axially into transverse channels formed by the aligned, staggered hinge eyes of adjacent belt rows. Once inserted, the hinge rods are typically retained by snaps or retaining structures in the belt, or by insertable or slidable retaining members. However, axial rod insertion is incompatible with the full, flush side edges on edge modules. Other belt edge modules are designed for rod insertion through openings in the belt's underside. These designs are compatible with full, flush side edges. However, because the rods can only be removed from the belt's underside, it can be difficult to detect if the rods are not properly seated. Overview

[0003] A type of edge module for a conveyor belt includes a module body extending in length from a first end to a second end, extending laterally in width from a first side edge to a second side edge, and extending in thickness from a top to a bottom. The module body includes an edge portion extending laterally from the first side edge toward the second side edge and a main portion extending from the edge portion to the second side edge. The main portion includes a set of first hinge elements laterally spaced apart across a first gap along the first end and a set of second hinge elements laterally spaced apart across a second gap along the second end. The edge portion includes a laterally elongated hinge element extending from the first side edge along the first end to the main portion and forming a hinge rod bracket having an opening that opens toward the top of the module body and having a blind end at the first side edge.

[0004] Another type of edge module includes an article-supporting side and an opposite drive side, a first side edge and a second side edge defining the width of the edge module, a pair of crossbars extending along the width, and a plurality of links spaced across the width and intersecting the pair of crossbars to define a grid structure. An edge portion forms the first side edge and includes a first set of links. An inner portion extends from the edge portion toward the second side edge and includes a second set of links. Each of the second set of links terminates at an opposite end in a hinge element having aligned rod holes adapted to receive a hinge rod. The first set of links terminates at one end without a hinge element and at the other end in a bracket adapted to receive a hinge rod; the bracket has an opening that opens toward the article-supporting side, allowing the hinge rod to be inserted and removed only from the article-supporting side. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] Figure 1is an isometric view looking toward the module top side of a type of conveyor edge module embodying features of the present invention.

[0006] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 An enlarged view of the hinge rod inlet in the edge portion of the belt module.

[0007] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Isometric view of the edge module in a three-row conveyor, showing the hinge rods in three stages of insertion.

[0008] Figure 4 It is intercepted along line IV-IV Figure 3 An enlarged cross section of an edge module.

[0009] Figure 5 Is such Figure 1 Isometric bottom view of a portion of a three-row conveyor belt with an edge module in the.

[0010] Figure 6 is a top isometric view of an edge portion of another type of conveyor belt embodying features of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 An isometric view of the bottom side of the edge portion of one of the edge modules. Detailed description

[0012] Figure 1 , an edge module for a modular conveyor belt is shown. An edge module 10 includes a module body 12 that extends in length from a first end 14 to a second end 15, in width laterally from a first side edge 16 to a second side edge 17, and in thickness from a top 18 to a bottom 19. The top 18 is the article-supporting side, and the bottom 19 is the drive side, wherein a drive member 20 is engaged by a sprocket (not shown) to propel a conveyor belt constructed from such a module 10 in the direction of belt travel.

[0013] The rim portion 22 of the module body 12 extends laterally inward from the first side edge 16 to the main portion 24, which extends laterally to the second side edge 17. The main portion has a set of first hinge elements 26 that are laterally spaced apart along the first end 14 of the module body 12 across an intermediate gap 28. A set of second hinge elements 27 are laterally spaced apart along the second end 15 of the module body 12 across an intermediate gap 29. The hinge elements 26, 27 have rod holes 30 for receiving hinge rods. The rim portion 22 has a laterally elongated hinge element 32 that extends from the first side edge 16 to the main portion 24 of the module body 12.

[0014] An elongated hinge element 32 that is laterally wider than the first and second hinge elements 26, 27 forms a bracket 34 for the hinge rod along the first end 14 of the module body 12. The bracket 34 has an opening 35 that opens toward the top 18 of the module body 12. The opening 35 is laterally wider than the gaps 28, 29 between each of the hinge elements 26, 27. The edge portion 22 (a portion of which is located at Figure 2 16 and 17. The bracket 34 is shown enlarged in FIG. 16 and has a closed side wall 36 that forms a continuous first side edge 16 and a blind end 38 of the bracket 34. The end of the bracket 34 opposite the blind end 38 and adjacent the main portion 24 of the module body 12 is characterized by a hinge eye 40 having a rod hole 42 that aligns with the rod hole 40 of the first hinge element 26. A flange 44 extends laterally inward from the first side edge 16 and covers a portion of the bracket 34 near the blind end 38. The flange 44 has a top side 46 that slopes downwardly away from the first side edge 16. Figure 1 As shown, the edge portion 22 is devoid of hinge elements along the second end 15 of the module body 12 .

[0015] Figure 3 Shown by Figure 1 The edge modules 10 in FIG. 1 are arranged end-to-end, with the first hinge element 26 of a module interleaved with the second hinge element 27 of an adjacent module. Hinge rods 50 received in aligned rod holes 30, 42 of the interleaved hinge elements 26, 27, 32 connect the edge modules 10 together at hinge joints 52 that allow the belt 48 to articulate. Figure 3 As shown, the elongated hinge element 32 at the front end 14 of each edge module 10 requires that the second end 15 of each adjacent edge module be free of a hinge element to make room for the elongated hinge element.

[0016] Although Figure 3 Only a portion of the conveyor belt 48 is shown, but in an actual belt construction, edge modules 10 would alternate across the lateral width and be arranged in rows between hinge joints 52, alongside other modules (e.g., interior modules (not shown)) that are identical to edge module 10 minus the main portion 24 of edge portion 22 or to other edge modules forming the other side edge of the belt. The varying edge module widths allow the belt 48 to be constructed in a brickwork pattern without a continuous seam between laterally adjacent modules from row to row. Alternatively, a module could be constructed with edge portions 22 forming both side edges. In this case, an elongated hinge element at the second side edge would be formed along the second end of the module body. A conveyor belt constructed entirely of a single edge module in each row would not need to be brickwork to avoid a continuous seam, since there would be no seam within a single module row.

[0017] Figure 3 Also shown is the insertion of hinge rod 50 into belt 48, through an opening from the top, article-carrying side of the belt, and into bracket 34. First, hinge rod 50 is inserted into the opening of bracket 34 from above the belt. The inner end of the rod is pushed into rod hole 42 in hinge eye 40 of the bracket. The angled top 46 of edge flange 44 helps guide rod 50 into bracket 34. Hinge rod 50' is then pushed further through bracket 34 and laterally into hinge joint 52, through aligned rod holes 40, 42, toward the other side edge of belt 48. Once hinge rod 50" is fully inserted, its end at first side edge 16 snaps into place and is retained by flange 44. Hinge rod 50 can be removed by reversing the insertion order. A prying tool, such as a screwdriver, can be helpful in initially disengaging the end of rod 50 from bracket 34 to facilitate lifting (purchase).

[0018] Further details of the blind end 38 of the elongated hinge element 32 are provided in Figure 4 . A lower base 54 extends upward from the closed sidewall 36 in the bracket 34 to support the end of the hinge rod 50. An upper retaining rod flange 44 having an inclined top 46 extends above the end of the fully inserted hinge rod 50. The blind end 38 of the bracket 34 is located between the flange 44 and the base 54.

[0019] Figure 3 The bottom 19 of the portion of the belt 48 is Figure 5 A window 56 at the bottom of each bracket 34 allows fluid to drain from the bracket and prevents debris from accumulating under the hinge rod 50, which would otherwise tend to lift the end of the rod in the bracket.

[0020] exist Figure 6 It is shown that there is a Figure 1 Another type of modular conveyor belt is a conveyor belt 60. Figure 7 The edge module 62 shown is constructed as a raised ribbed belt. The edge module 62 has an article-supporting side 64 and an opposing drive side 65. Recesses 66 in the drive side 65 receive the teeth of a drive sprocket (not shown) to drive the belt 60 in the conveying direction. The edge module 62 extends widthwise from a first side edge 68 to an opposite second side edge. Two crossbars 70 extend along the width of the module.

[0021] Chain links 72, spaced across the width of module 62, intersect crossbeams 70 to define a grid structure. Ribs 73 atop links 72 extend above the level of crossbeams 70 and make belt 60 suitable for use with finger-type transfer plates. The grid structure of module 62 provides a large amount of open area while still providing sufficient distributed contact area atop ribs 73 for conveying soft products, such as uncured rubber extrudates. Edge portion 74 forms first side edge 68 and includes a first set of chain links 76. An inner portion 78 of the module extends from edge portion 74 toward a second side edge and includes a second set of chain links 80. Each of the second set of chain links 80 terminates at opposite ends in a hinge element 82 having aligned rod holes 84 adapted to receive hinge rods 50. The first set of chain links 76 in edge portion 74 lack a hinge element with a rod hole at one end. The other end of the first set of chain links 76 terminates in a bracket 86, into which one end of the hinge rod 50 can be nested. The bracket 86 has an opening 87 that opens toward the article support side 64. The bracket 96 is normally closed relative to the drive side 65. An opening 88 in the drive side of the bracket 86 directly below the flange 90 extends inwardly from the first side edge 68 and over a portion of the bracket 86. The flange 90 is used to engage with the Figure 4 The flange 44 in the bracket 86 serves the same purpose. Another opening 89 extends into the bracket 86. Openings 88 and 89 allow fluid to drain from the bracket 86. The opening 88 below the flange 90 also accommodates a prying tool, which can be used to release the hinge rod 50 from the flange 90 so that the rod can be removed. The first link 92 in the first set of links 76 is angled downward from the top item support side 64 toward the bracket 86 more steeply than the two links on its sides. This provides space 94 for a prying tool to be inserted between the hinge rod 50 and the bracket 86 to assist in removing the hinge rod.

Claims

1. An edge module for a conveyor belt, the edge module comprising: A module body extending in length from a first end to a second end, in width laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge, and in thickness from a top to a bottom, and comprising: - an edge portion extending laterally from the first side edge towards the second side edge; - a main portion extending from the edge portion to the second side edge and comprising a set of first hinge elements spaced laterally across a first gap along the first end and a set of second hinge elements spaced laterally across a second gap along the second end; wherein the edge portion comprises a laterally elongated hinge element extending from the first side edge along the first end to the main portion and forming a hinge rod bracket having an opening opening toward the top of the module body and having a blind end at the first side edge.

2. The edge module according to claim 1, wherein: The edge portion includes a closed side wall forming the first side edge and the blind end of the bracket.

3. The edge module according to claim 1, wherein: The edge portion includes a flange extending laterally from the first side edge to cover a portion of the bracket proximate the blind end.

4. The edge module according to claim 3, wherein: The flange has a top side that slopes downwardly away from the first side edge.

5. The edge module according to claim 3, wherein: The rim portion includes an opening in the bottom portion directly below the flange.

6. The edge module according to claim 1, wherein: The edge portion includes a hinge eye at an end of the bracket opposite the blind end, wherein the hinge eye is aligned with the set of first hinge elements.

7. The edge module according to claim 1, wherein: The edge portion is free of hinge elements along the second end of the module body.

8. The edge module according to claim 1, wherein: The main parts include: a pair of cross beams extending transversely between the first end and the second end of the module body; A plurality of links are laterally spaced apart and intersect the pair of beams to define a lattice structure and form the set of first hinge elements at the first end and the set of second hinge elements at the second end.

9. The edge module according to claim 8, wherein: The edge portion includes: a continuation of the pair of beams; A set of links intersects the continuation of the pair of beams to form a grid, and the set of links has a first link end terminating at the bracket and an opposing second link end without a hinge element.

10. The edge module according to claim 9, wherein: One of the links in the set between two of the links in the set slopes downwardly from the top of the module body toward the bracket more steeply than two of the links in the set.

11. The edge module according to claim 1, wherein: The opening in the hinge rod bracket is laterally wider than each of the first gap between the first hinge elements and the second gap between the second hinge elements.

12. An edge module for a conveyor belt, the edge module comprising: an article-supporting side and an opposite drive side; a first side edge and a second side edge, the first side edge and the second side edge defining a width of the edge module; a pair of cross beams extending along the width; a plurality of links spaced across the width and intersecting the pair of beams to define a lattice structure; an edge portion forming the first side edge and comprising a first set of links; an inner portion extending from the edge portion toward the second side edge and comprising a second set of links; wherein each of the second set of links terminates at opposite ends in a hinge element having aligned rod holes adapted to receive a hinge rod; wherein the first set of links terminates at one end without a hinge element and at the other end in a bracket adapted to receive a hinge rod; The bracket has an opening that opens toward the article supporting side, so that the hinge rod can be inserted into and removed from only the article supporting side.

13. The edge module according to claim 12, wherein: The edge portion includes a closed side wall forming the first side edge and a blind end of the bracket.

14. The edge module according to claim 13, wherein: The edge portion includes a flange extending laterally from the first side edge to cover a portion of the bracket proximate the blind end.

15. The edge module according to claim 14, wherein: The flange has a top side that slopes downwardly away from the first side edge.

16. The edge module according to claim 14, wherein: The rim portion includes an opening in the bottom portion directly below the flange.

17. The edge module according to claim 13, wherein: The edge portion includes a hinge eye at an end of the bracket opposite the blind end, wherein the hinge eye is aligned with a first set of hinge elements.

Images