Belts as a continuous traction element for conveyor belts

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a belt as an endless traction element for conveyor belts according to the preamble of claim 1, in particular for conveyor belts of agricultural machinery.

[0002] Such a belt is disclosed, for example, in DE 10 2016 112 301 A1 or DE 10 2004 023 705 B3, each relating to a machine for picking up and pressing agricultural crops, e.g., hay or straw. This machine is equipped with a bale conveyor comprising two parallel belts spaced apart from each other, connected by parallel crossbars. The belts are made of a plastic material or rubber and are reinforced by at least one layer of fabric.

[0003] The belts must be in an endless form for use. Various methods for producing such an endless form are known from the prior art: For example, DE 100 37 645 A1 discloses the method of interlocking the two belt ends in a chamber-like manner, sliding the interlocking sections together to create an endless belt, and then vulcanizing them. According to DE 38 08 711 A1, metallic fittings are attached to the two belt ends. These fittings are essentially U-shaped and arranged alternately on the belt ends. The legs of the fittings enclose the belt ends with compression and are fastened by rivets that pass through the belt ends.The approximately semicircular webs of the fittings, which connect the belt legs, rest alternately against a rod that extends across the entire width of the belt ends. This rod is inserted after the belt is installed and must be removed for belt removal. The rod is made of a suitable metal, but it can also be a strong wire rope. A similar solution for connecting the belt ends is shown in DE 39 03 921 A1. A disadvantage of this design is that the fittings in the area of ​​the semicircular webs wear down over time due to friction with the rod during belt operation, necessitating belt replacement.

[0004] Another belt connection with a rod is described in DE 32 46 530 A1, wherein the rod or bolt is inserted into a transverse bore around which the ends of vulcanized reinforcing inserts of the belt are folded. Each belt end has such a transverse bore, so that the rod can be guided through the transverse bores of the two hinge-like inserted belt ends and thereby holds the two belt ends together.

[0005] In EP 3 078 880 A1 or EP 3 345 474 A1, a belt designed as a cam belt is made endless by means of a belt lock as a belt connector. Such belt locks are frequently used in various designs for making belts for conveyor belts of agricultural machinery endless.

[0006] German patent DE 10 2011 116 633 A1 discloses a flat belt made of a fabric-reinforced polymer as a traction element. This belt is made endless by being stepped multiple times across its entire width at both ends. This creates an overlap area where a first end section of the belt and a second end section overlap each other. The belt has grooves on its underside, arranged at regular intervals and extending transversely to the longitudinal direction, which serve to accommodate anchor plates in the overlap area. Each anchor plate has two welded-on, spaced-apart bolts. When the belt ends are laid on top of each other, these bolts protrude through aligned holes provided in the belt ends.Nuts are screwed onto the ends of the bolts protruding from the belt and tightened securely, pressing the belt ends firmly together to transmit tensile forces.

[0007] A disadvantage of these belt connections is that they are complex to manufacture and can cause disruptive noise during operation due to metallic components in the area of ​​the belt connection striking other components, such as gears or rollers. Furthermore, it is problematic to properly attach the belt connection to the belt ends and / or to replace it in case of a defect.

[0008] In EP 3 667 118 A1 further describes how to connect the ends of the belt directly to each other by one or more seams.

[0009] In EP 2 801 268 A2 is designed to connect the ends of a conveyor belt for a tobacco distribution device using a lock.

[0010] The object of the present invention is to provide a belt that is easy and flexible to manufacture and repair, while at the same time being very robust and durable, thus ensuring long operating times.

[0011] This problem is solved by a belt according to claim 1. The dependent claims specify preferred embodiments.

[0012] According to the invention, a belt is provided as an endless traction element for conveyor belts, in particular conveyor belts of agricultural machinery, wherein the belt has a first belt end and a second belt end which are connected to each other via a belt connector as an additional component, wherein a seam connection is formed between the respective outer end of the belt connector and the respective belt end of the belt, in which a thread pierces both the respective outer end and the respective belt end in several stitches. Thus, an intermediate piece is sewn between the belt ends to join them together endlessly, whereby the intermediate piece can be flexibly adapted to the respective application and requirements.

[0013] This offers the advantage that the belt connector can be easily and permanently attached to the belt ends by simply sewing a seam. Furthermore, if the connector becomes damaged, it can be easily replaced, for example, by undoing the seam and sewing a new connector between the belt ends. Alternatively, it is possible to cut the belt ends just before the seams, with the connector still attached, prepare the cut ends accordingly (depending on the design), and sew on a new connector (also depending on the design), which will be slightly longer to compensate for the shortening of the belt. This allows for a flexible and simple repair.

[0014] The seam is preferably formed by a recess at each strap end, for example in the form of a notch or step, and a correspondingly complementary recess at the strap connector. Both recesses are pierced by the thread to create the seam. If the thread also penetrates at least one layer of fabric at both the strap end and the strap connector, the connection can be further strengthened, as the thread is additionally held in place by the fabric under tensile stress.

[0015] Such a design of the belt connector can be used for flat belts or cam belts, whereby in the case of a cam belt cams are also arranged on the underside and / or top side of the belt connector, whereby a division of the cams of the belt is maintained via the belt connector.

[0016] The belt connector can be manufactured in one piece or in multiple parts, wherein the belt connector in the multi-part version has a first connector part with the first outer end and with a first inner end, and a second connector part with the second outer end and with a second inner end, wherein a mechanical locking connection is formed between the inner ends of the two connector parts in order to form an endless belt.

[0017] According to one embodiment, a steel sheet with one or more connecting holes, which penetrate the respective steel sheet in a vertical direction, is arranged at the inner ends of the connector parts, wherein the respective steel sheet is at least partially embedded in the polymer layer of the belt connector, wherein the inner ends of the two connector parts are placed one above the other in such a way that the connecting holes of the steel sheets arranged thereon are aligned one above the other, and wherein at least one fastening element, for example a rivet or a screw, is inserted through the aligned connecting holes to form the locking connection.This represents a simple belt connection to be formed and manufactured, wherein the steel sheets are preferably sewn onto the respective connector part, wherein the respective steel sheet preferably has a perforation to facilitate the passage of the needle through the steel sheet when forming the sewing connection.

[0018] According to a further embodiment, at least one laterally extending bushing, for example a cylindrical bushing or a teardrop-shaped bushing, is arranged at the inner ends of the connector parts of the belt connector. The respective bushing is embedded in the polymer layer of the belt connector, and the inner ends of the two connector parts interlock in such a way, for example, in a finger-like manner, that the bushings on the two connector parts are aligned. A connecting rod is inserted precisely into the laterally aligned bushings to form the locking connection. In this way, an articulated locking connection can also be formed, and noise generation is avoided due to the embedding of the bushings in the polymer layer.

[0019] To ensure the positioning of the bushings within the polymer layer under tensile stress, at least one layer of fabric in the respective connector section encircles the embedded bushing. For this purpose, an end section of the fabric layer within the polymer layer is folded back onto a central section of the fabric layer, and the central and end sections of the fabric layer are stitched together. A seam connection can therefore also be provided here to secure the bushing and improve the tensile strength of the endless belt.

[0020] Additionally, the bushings can have a non-uniform wall thickness, for example, by having a first wall thickness of the bushing in the area of ​​a contact surface of the tensile force transmission, against which the connecting rod is pulled under a tensile load, that is thicker than a second wall thickness of the bushing, which the bushing has on the opposite side, whereby this is particularly advantageous in the case of a cylindrical design of the respective bushing.

[0021] According to a further embodiment, at least one laterally extending round bar can be arranged at the inner ends of the connector parts of the belt connector, wherein the respective round bar is embedded within webs at the inner ends in the polymer layer of the belt connector, and a recess runs laterally between the webs, within which the respective round bar is exposed, wherein the inner ends of the two connector parts lie against each other in the area of ​​the webs, in particular against each other at their ends, and at least one fixing component engages the round bars exposed in the recesses on the two connector parts in order to hold them together longitudinally and to form the locking connection. A hinged connection can also be formed in this way.

[0022] In this design, the positioning of the round rods in the polymer layer under tensile stress can also be ensured by the fact that at least one fabric layer of the respective connector part wraps around the embedded round rod, whereby an end area of ​​the fabric layer within the polymer layer is folded back onto a middle area of ​​the fabric layer, and the middle area and the end area of ​​the fabric layer are sewn together.

[0023] The fixing component can, for example, have two C-shaped end sections, each with an upper leg and a lower leg, wherein the two C-shaped end sections are open in a mirror-symmetrical manner and each form a cavity between the legs, whereby the two round rods exposed in the recesses can each be positioned in one of the cavities to hold the two round rods and also the two connector parts together.

[0024] Alternatively, this can also be achieved by making the fixing component in the form of a band or rope and wrapping it around the two round bars exposed in the recesses, whereby the band or rope-like fixing component is closed at a connection point by friction and / or form locking, for example in the manner of a cable tie, in order to bring it into a closed shape and to hold the round bars together in the longitudinal direction.

[0025] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments. The figures shown are: Fig. 1 shows a belt running on a drive pulley and a deflection pulley with a belt connector; Fig. 1A shows a variant embodiment of the belt connector according to Fig. 1 ; Fig. 2A, 2 legs seam connection between the belt ends of the belt according to Fig. 1 and the belt connector in different views; Figs. 3, 4 different embodiments of a one-piece belt connector for a flat belt or a cam belt; Figs. 5A, 5 a two-piece belt connector in a first embodiment; Figs. 6A-6 a two-piece belt connector in a second embodiment; Figs. 7A-7 a two-piece belt connector in a third embodiment; Figs. 8A-8 a two-piece belt connector in a fourth embodiment.

[0026] In Figur 1 The diagram schematically depicts an endless belt 1, such as those used for a conveyor belt or transport belt in agricultural machinery. The belt 1 runs on a drive pulley 2 and, depending on the application, on at least one idler pulley 3. Depending on the application, the belt 1 can be designed as a flat belt with a flat surface or as a cam belt with multiple cams. In all embodiments, the belt 1 consists of at least one fabric layer G, preferably at least two fabric layers G, embedded in a polymer layer P, with the fabric layer G serving as the circumferential reinforcement of the belt 1.

[0027] To design such a belt 1 in such a way that it can run endlessly around the drive pulley 2 and the at least one deflection pulley 3, a belt connector 4 is provided, which is in Fig. 1 The diagram is only schematically indicated. Different embodiments of this belt connector 4 are explained in more detail below, all embodiments having in common that the belt connector 4 is sewn to both sides of the first and second (open) belt ends 1a, 1b of the belt 1.

[0028] For this purpose, a (first and second) receptacle 5a, 5b, e.g. in the form of a notch K (see below), is provided at each of the (first and second) belt ends 1a, 1b. Fig. 1 ) or a level S (see below). Fig. 1A ) provided, extending from an end face 6a, 6b of the respective belt end 1a, 1b in the longitudinal direction x or in the running direction of the belt 1, for example over a length of between 15 mm and 150 mm. If the belt 1 has two fabric layers G, the respective receptacle 5a, 5b preferably runs between the two fabric layers G approximately in a neutral fiber 1c of the belt 1, as shown in Fig. 1 for the notch K. If, however, only one fabric layer G is provided, the respective recess 5a, 5b runs accordingly above or below the fabric layer G, i.e. above or below the neutral fiber 1c of the belt 1, as shown in Fig. 1A This is shown for stage S. Therefore, at least one tissue layer G is located above and / or below image 5a, 5b.

[0029] At the (first and second) outer ends 7a, 7b of the belt connector 4, a (first and second) receiving counterpart 8a, 8b is arranged, respectively, which is designed to be complementary to the respective receiving 5a, 5b, for example in the form of a web or also a step, as shown. Preferably, at least one layer of fabric G4 extends within the belt connector 4 into the respective receiving counterpart 8a, 8b. When the outer ends 7a, 7b of the belt connector 4 are brought against the end faces 6a, 6b of the respective belt end 1a, 1b, the respective receiving counterpart 8a, 8b can be positioned precisely in one of the receiving 5a, 5b.

[0030] If the receiving counterpart 8a, 8b is positioned at the respective outer end 7a, 7b in the receiving 5a, 5b at the respective belt end 1a, 1b, a seam connection N is formed in a defined seam area 10, as shown in the Fig. 2A, 2B shown in detail. For this purpose, a thread 11 pierces, according to a selected seam shape, in several stitches 12 both the respective strap end 1a, 1b in the area of ​​the receptacle 5a, 5b and the receptacle counterpart 8a, 8b positioned in the receptacle 5a, 5b at the respective outer end 7a, 7b of the strap connector 4.

[0031] This seam connection N allows the belt connector 4 to be fixed to the respective belt end 1a, 1b via the receiving counterpart 8a, 8b. Since the respective fabric layers G, G4 extend both at the respective belt end 1a, 1b to below and / or above the receiving 5a, 5b and at the belt connector 4 to the receiving counterpart 8a, 8b, the thread 11 also penetrates these overlapping fabric layers G, G4 in the multiple stitches 12, thus forming a high-strength and durable seam connection N, through which high tensile forces can be transmitted, particularly in the endless state of the belt 1.

[0032] The advantage of such a seam connection N between the strap connector 4 and the strap ends 1a, 1b is that, in the event of a defect in the strap connector 4, for example by loosening the thread 11, it can be reopened. The seam connection N can then be re-sewn using a replaced or repaired strap connector 4. The stitches S do not damage the respective strap ends 1a, 1b to such an extent that a continuous connection is no longer possible, a feature supported by the embedded fabric layers G, G4. Furthermore, the new seam connection N can be formed offset from the reopened seam connection N, ensuring that a sufficiently high tensile strength can be achieved across the strap connector 4 even after a new sewing operation.Alternatively, it may also be possible to cut the belt ends 1a, 1b, for example, shortly before the seams with the still sewn-on belt connector 4, to re-prepare the cut belt ends 1a, 1b according to the respective embodiment and to provide and sew on a new belt connector 4 according to the respective embodiment, which is then slightly longer to compensate for the shortening of the belt 1.

[0033] The belt connector 4 itself can be manufactured in one piece (see below). Fig. 3 oder 4 ) or consist of a first connector part 4a and a second connector part 4b (see Fig. 5A, 5B , 6A-6E , 7A-7D , 8A-8D ), wherein each connector part 4a, 4b has one of the outer ends 7a, 7b of the belt lock 4. Each connector part 4a, 4b can thus be individually connected to the respective belt end 1a, 1b via the receiving counterpart 8a, 8b at the respective outer end 7a, 7b. Each connector part 4a, 4b also has inner ends 9a, 9b which are opposite the outer ends 7a, 7b on the respective connector part 4a, 4b (in the longitudinal direction x). The inner ends 9a, 9b can be mechanically connected to each other via a selected locking connection V in such a way that high tensile forces can also be transmitted via this connection in the endless state of the belt 1. Different embodiments of the belt connector 4 are explained in more detail below: According to the in Fig. 3 In the illustrated embodiment, the belt connector 4 is manufactured in one piece from a polymer layer P4 with at least one embedded layer of fabric G4 for reinforcement. The thickness and width of the belt connector 4 are adapted to the thickness and width of the belt 1, so that the belt connector 4 does not project beyond the belt ends 1a, 1b in the lateral direction y or the vertical direction z. The receiving counterparts 8a, 8b described above are arranged at the two outer ends 7a, 7b of the belt connector 4 that are opposite each other in the longitudinal direction x. These receiving counterparts can be positioned precisely in the receptacles 5a, 5b at the respective belt ends 1a, 1b. Subsequently, the seam N can be formed to create an endless shape for the belt 1 over the belt connector 4 sewn in between.

[0034] According to the embodiment in Fig. 4 The belt connector 4 is designed as a molded part 15 consisting of a polymer layer P4 with at least one embedded layer of fabric G4. A cam 16 is formed on both a top surface 15a and a bottom surface 15b of the molded part 15, the cams 16 preferably being manufactured integrally with the polymer layer P4, thus forming a one-piece molded part 15. In this embodiment, the belt 1 also has cams 16 on its top and bottom surfaces, which are designed as fixed or loose cams and are spaced apart from each other in the longitudinal direction x at a predetermined interval T.

[0035] At the outer ends 7a, 7b of the belt connector 4, designed as a molded part 15, the receiving counterparts 8a, 8b described above are arranged, which can each be positioned precisely in the receptacles 5a, 5b at the respective belt end 1a, 1b. Subsequently, the seam N can be formed to create an endless shape for the belt 1 via the molded part 15 sewn in between. The molded part 15 is dimensioned and sewn to the belt ends 1a, 1b such that the pitch T between the cams 16 is continued over the belt connector 4.

[0036] In the embodiment according to Fig. 5A The belt connector 4 is designed in two parts, wherein the first and second connector parts 4a, 4b are each made of a polymer layer P4 with three layers of fabric G4 embedded therein for reinforcement. Furthermore, a steel sheet 17, in particular a spring steel sheet, is at least partially embedded in the polymer layer P4 in each of the connector parts 4a, 4b. The steel sheet 17 has a perforation 17a and several connecting holes 17b, as shown in Fig. 5B shown in detail.

[0037] The inner ends 9a, 9b of the two connector parts 4a, 4b are stepped in such a way that the connecting holes 17b of the steel sheet 17 are exposed, while the perforation 17a of the steel sheet 17 remains embedded in the fabric-reinforced polymer layer P4. The perforation 17a serves to form a seam N between the fabric-reinforced polymer layer P4 and the steel sheet 17. For this purpose, a thread 11 is pushed through the fabric-reinforced polymer layer P4 and through the perforation 17a in the steel sheet 17 in several stitches 12, so that the steel sheet 17 is securely held at the respective inner end 9a, 9b of the respective connector part 4a, 4b under tensile loads on the endless belt 1.

[0038] The oppositely stepped inner ends 9a, 9b of the two connector parts 4a, 4b are placed on top of each other in such a way that the exposed areas of the steel sheets 17 are in contact over their entire surface and the connecting holes 17b are aligned. Appropriate fasteners 18, for example screws or rivets, are inserted into the connecting holes 17b to form a screw or rivet connection as a locking connection V.

[0039] At the outer ends 7a, 7b of the two connector parts 4a, 4b of this embodiment, which are opposite the inner ends 9a, 9b on the respective connector part 4a, 4b in the longitudinal direction x, the receiving counterparts 8a, 8b described above are arranged, which can each be positioned precisely in the receptacles 5a, 5b at the respective belt end 1a, 1b (in Fig. 5A (shown for only one side). Subsequently, a seam connection N can be formed to bring the belt 1 into an endless shape via the two connecting parts 4a, 4b sewn in between and mechanically connected via the lock connection V.

[0040] In the embodiment according to Fig. 6A-6E The belt connector 4 is also formed in two parts, wherein the first and second connector parts 4a, 4b are each made of a polymer layer P4 with at least one embedded layer of fabric G4 for reinforcement. Furthermore, a bushing 19 is embedded in each of the connector parts 4a, 4b at the inner end 9a, 9b, for example vulcanized in. The bushing 19 is cylindrical in cross-section (see figure). Fig. 6A, 6C ) or teardrop-shaped (see Fig. 6D, 6E The fabric layer G4 and the polymer layer P4 of the respective connector part 4a, 4b encircle the embedded bushing 19, and an end region GE of the fabric layer G4 is folded back within the polymer layer P4 onto a central region GM of the fabric layer G4. A thread 11 pierces the respective connector part 4a, 4b in several stitches 12 such that the central region GM and the end region GE of the fabric layer G4 are held together. This ensures that the bushing 19, encircled by the fabric layer G4, is securely held at the inner end 9a, 9b even under tensile loads on the endless belt 1.

[0041] The inner end 9a of the first connector part 4a has, as in Fig. 6B shown in a top view, a projection 20 on, in which, in the lateral direction y, the Fig. 6A The illustrated bushing 19 extends. The inner end 9b of the second connector part 4b has a central recess 21, which is bounded laterally y by two webs 22, each containing a bushing 19. In this way, the inner ends 9a, 9b of the two connector parts 4a, 4b can be inserted into one another such that all bushings 19 are aligned. A connecting rod 23 can be inserted through the aligned bushings 19 to form a mechanical locking connection V, which allows the two connector parts 4a, 4b to pivot about the rod axis.

[0042] The bushings 19 are made of hardened steel, while the connecting rod 23 is made of a softer material. Therefore, the connecting rod 23 wears faster in operation than the embedded bushings 19. However, replacing the connecting rod 23 is simpler, thus ensuring quick repairs. Furthermore, the hardened bushings 19 can have uneven wall thicknesses, with a first wall thickness d1 in the area of ​​a contact surface F for tensile force transmission being thicker than a second wall thickness d2 on the opposite side of the bushing 19, as exemplified in Fig. 6C shown. In this way, the bushings 19 are additionally reinforced in the direction of the highest load and therefore have increased durability.

[0043] According to Fig. 6D The teardrop-shaped bushing 19 is additionally equipped with retaining plates 24, which allow the bushing 19 to be further secured by a rivet or screw connection. The tapered end 19a of the teardrop-shaped bushing 19, which has additional openings 19b, is clamped between the screwed or riveted retaining plates 24, which are embedded in the polymer layer P4, to ensure additional fastening. However, the teardrop-shaped bushing 19 can also be used without this additional fastening at the tapered end 19a.

[0044] Additionally, according to Fig. 6E It is provided that the two bushings 19, which run along the inner end 9b of the second connector part 4b in the two webs 22, are connected to each other via a laterally extending transition piece 19c. Openings 19b for fastening via the retaining plates 24 may also be provided in this transition piece 19c.

[0045] At the outer ends 7a, 7b of the two connector parts 4a, 4b of this embodiment, which are opposite the inner ends 9a, 9b on the respective connector part 4a, 4b in longitudinal direction x, the receiving counterparts 8a, 8b described above are arranged, which can each be positioned precisely in the receptacles 5a, 5b at the respective belt end 1a, 1b (see figure). Fig. 6A, 6D ). Subsequently, a seam connection N can be formed to bring the belt 1 into an endless shape via the two connecting parts 4a, 4b sewn in between and mechanically connected via the lock connection V.

[0046] Also in the embodiment according to Fig. 7A-7D The belt connector 4 is formed in multiple parts, wherein the first and second connector parts 4a, 4b are each made of a polymer layer P4 with at least one embedded layer of fabric G4 for reinforcement. Furthermore, a hardened bushing 19 is also embedded, for example vulcanized, at the inner end 9a, 9b of each of the connector parts 4a, 4b, into which a softer connecting rod 23 is inserted, as shown in Fig. 7B shown in a top view. The shape of the bushing 19 can be cylindrical or teardrop-shaped, for example also with uneven wall thickness as in the preceding embodiment according to the Fig. 6A-6E The difference from the embodiment described above is that belt connector 4 is used with a cam belt and therefore has individual cams 16. The belt connector 4 with the embedded bushings 19 is designed such that the bushings 19 and the connecting rod 23 are also located at the defined pitch T relative to the respective adjacent cam 16, so that the pitch T is continued across the belt connector 4. After the seam N has been formed to hold the fabric layers GM, GE together, the cams 16 can be vulcanized onto the respective connector part 4a, 4b, or the cams 16 can be designed as loose cams that are subsequently attached.

[0047] In Fig. 7C und 7D Another difference is that an intermediate component 25 is installed between the two connector parts 4a, 4b with embedded bushings 19. This intermediate component 25 has a bushing 19 at each of its ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction x, and these bushings are connected to each other via an intermediate web 25a. The intermediate component 25 is preferably manufactured in one piece from hardened steel. In this embodiment, the inner ends 9a, 9b of the respective connector parts 4a, 4b both have a central recess 21, which is bounded in the lateral direction y by two webs 22, in each of which a bushing 19 extends in the lateral direction y. The bushings 19 can, for example, be teardrop-shaped and connected with a transition piece as shown in Fig. 6E may be designed or have a different form than described for the other embodiments.

[0048] In this way, the intermediate component 25 with the two opposing bushings 19 can be inserted into the recesses 21 at the two inner ends 9a, 9b such that the bushings 19 on the intermediate component 25 and the respective connector part 4a, 4b are aligned with each other in the webs 22. A connecting rod 23 can then be inserted through each of the aligned bushings 19 to form a mechanical locking connection V. Since a pivotable connection is formed via two connecting rods 23 in this embodiment, a double joint is provided.

[0049] At the outer ends 7a, 7b of the two connector parts 4a, 4b of this embodiment, which are opposite the inner ends 9a, 9b on the respective connector part 4a, 4b in the longitudinal direction x, the receiving counterparts 8a, 8b described above are arranged, which can each be positioned precisely in the receptacles 5a, 5b at the respective belt end 1a, 1b. Subsequently, a seam connection N can be formed to create an endless form for the belt 1 via the two connector parts 4a, 4b sewn in between and mechanically connected via the locking connection V.

[0050] The embodiment according to the Figuren 7C und 7D With the intermediate component 25, and with appropriate design of the inner ends 9a, 9b, it is also possible to use a normal flat belt, as used in the Figuren 6A-6E as shown, to be used.

[0051] Also in the embodiment according to Fig. 8A-8D The belt connector 4 is formed in multiple parts, wherein the first and second connector parts 4a, 4b are each made of a polymer layer P4 with at least one embedded layer of fabric G4 for reinforcement. Furthermore, a round rod 26, for example a solid or hardened round rod 26, is embedded in each of the connector parts 4a, 4b at the inner end 9a, 9b, for example vulcanized in, as in Fig. 8A The folding of the embedded fabric layers G4 around the round rod 26 and the sewing of the folded fabric layer G4 is carried out analogously to the folding / sewing of the embedded fabric layer G4 around the bushing 19 according to the preceding embodiments, in order to hold the round rod 26 securely on the respective connector part 4a, 4b under tensile loads on the endless belt 1.

[0052] The two inner ends 9a, 9b of the respective connector parts 4a, 4b each have one or more recesses 21, as shown in Fig. 8B The connecting rod 26 is shown, which is bounded in the lateral direction y by webs 22. The round rod 26 extends in the lateral direction y through the individual webs 22 in which it is embedded, bridging the recess(s) 21 in an exposed position. To connect the two inner ends 9a, 9b, the recesses 21 of both connector parts 4a, 4b overlap, or the webs 22 of both connector parts 4a, 4b lie end-to-end against each other. The two connector parts 4a, 4b are therefore mirror images of each other.

[0053] To form a locking connection V between the two, a fixing component 27 is provided, which is available in two different versions in the Figuren 8C und 8D The fixing element 27 can, in any configuration, engage the two round bars 26 that are exposed parallel to each other within the longitudinally x-intersecting recesses 21 of both connector parts 4a, 4b. This holds the two round bars 26 and also the two connector parts 4a, 4b together. Such a fixing element 27 can be provided for each of the intersecting recesses 21 separated from each other by the webs 22, so that the two round bars 26 are held together uniformly across the entire width of the belt 1. Alternatively, a single combined fixing element 27 can be provided that can engage all exposed round bars 26 simultaneously in the multiple recesses 21.

[0054] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8C The fixing component 27 has two C-shaped end sections 27a, each with an upper leg 27b and a lower leg 27c, the two C-shaped end sections 27a being open in a mirror-symmetrical manner. The upper legs 27b of the two C-shaped end sections 27a are connected to each other via a central web 27d, while the lower legs 27c remain separate, forming a lower gap 27e between them. Through the lower gap 27e, the two round rods 26 exposed in the recesses 21 can each be positioned in a cavity 27f formed by the respective legs 27b, 27c of a C-shaped end section 27a, so that this fixing component 27 encompasses both round rods 26.

[0055] When the two connecting parts 4a, 4b are tensioned in the endless state of the belt 1, the mirror-symmetrically arranged C-shaped end sections 27a ensure that the round bars 26 cannot slip out of the cavity 27f via the gap 27e and are thus permanently clamped or held together. In this way, a durable mechanical locking connection V is formed.

[0056] The C-shaped end regions 27a can furthermore have a non-uniform wall thickness, wherein a first wall thickness d1 in the area of ​​the contact surface F of the tensile force transmission is thicker than a second wall thickness d2 of the less loaded legs 27b, 27c, as exemplified in Fig. 8C As shown. In this way, the fixing component 27 designed in this manner is additionally reinforced in the direction of the highest load and therefore has increased durability.

[0057] In the embodiment according to Fig. 8DThe fixing element 27 is designed in the form of a band or cable and is wrapped around the two round bars 26, which are exposed parallel to each other within the overlapping recesses 21 of both connector parts 4a, 4b, and then closed. In this case, the band- or cable-like fixing element 27 is preferably made of steel and is brought into a closed shape at a connection point 27g by means of a force-fit and / or form-fit connection, for example by crimping or screwing or snapping, for example in the manner of a cable tie. In this way, the two round bars 26 are also held together and a durable mechanical locking connection V is formed.

[0058] At the outer ends 7a, 7b of the two connector parts 4a, 4b of this embodiment, which are opposite the inner ends 9a, 9b on the respective connector part 4a, 4b in the longitudinal direction x, the receiving counterparts 8a, 8b described above are arranged, which can each be positioned precisely in the receptacles 5a, 5b at the respective belt end 1a, 1b. Subsequently, a seam connection N can be formed to create an endless form for the belt 1 via the two connector parts 4a, 4b sewn in between and mechanically connected via the locking connection V. Reference symbol list

[0059] 1 Belt 1a First belt end 1b Second belt end 1c Neutral fiber of the belt 1 2 Drive pulley 3 Idler pulley 4 Belt connector 4a First connector part 4b Second connector part 4c Neutral fiber of the belt connector 5a First receptacle 5b Second receptacle 6a End face of first belt end 1a 6b End face of second belt end 1b 7a First outer end of belt connector 4 7b Second outer end of belt connector 4 8a First receptacle 8b Second receptacle 9a Inner end of first connector part 4a 9b Inner end of second connector part 4b 10 Seam area 11 Thread 12 Stitch 15 Molded part 15a Top of molded part 15 15b Bottom of molded part 15 16 Cam 17 Steel sheet 17a Perforation 17b Connecting holes 18 Fastening means 19 Bushing 19a Tapered end of bushing 19 19b Openings 19c Transition piece 20 Projection 21 Recess 22 Recess webs 21 23 Connecting rod 24 Retaining plate 25 Intermediate component 25a Intermediate web of intermediate component 25 26 Round bar 27 Fixing component27a End regions of the fixing component 27 upper leg 27c lower leg 27d middle web 27e lower gap 27f cavity 27g connection point d1 first wall thickness d2 second wall thickness F contact area of ​​tensile force transmission G fabric layer of the belt 1 G4 fabric layer of the belt connector 4 GE end area of ​​the fabric layer G4 GM middle area of ​​the fabric layer G4 K notch N seam connection P polymer layer of the belt 1 P4 polymer layer of the belt connector 4 S step T pitch V lock connection x longitudinal direction y lateral direction c vertical direction

Claims

1. Belt (1) as endless traction means for conveyor belts, in particular conveyor belts of agricultural machines, having at least one fabric layer (G), which is embedded at least regionally in a polymer layer (P), wherein the belt (1) has a first belt end (1a) and a second belt end (1b), which are connected to one another via a belt connector (4) for forming an endless belt (1), characterized in that the belt connector (4) has a first exterior end (7a) and a second exterior end (7b) connected or connectable thereto, which lie opposite one another in the longitudinal direction (x) on the belt connector (4), wherein the first exterior end (7a) of the belt connector (4) is connected to the first belt end (1a) and the second exterior end (7b) of the belt connector (4) is connected to the second belt end (1b), and in that between the respective exterior end (7a, 7b) of the belt connector (4) and the respective belt end (1a, 1b) of the belt (1), respectively, a seam connection (N) is formed, in which respectively a thread (11) pierces both the respective exterior end (7a, 7b) and the respective belt end (1a, 1b) in a plurality of stitches (12), and in that the belt connector (4) has a polymer layer (P4), into which at least one fabric layer (G4) is embedded.

2. Belt (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that a receptacle (5a, 5b) is arranged at each belt end (1a, 1b), for example in the form of a notch (K) or a step (S), and at each exterior end (7a, 7b) of the belt connector (4) a receptacle counterpart (8a, 8b) is arranged, which is executed complementarily to the receptacle (5a, 5b), wherein the receptacle counterpart (8a, 8b) at the respective exterior end (7a, 7b) can be positioned with a precise fit on or in the receptacle (5a, 5b) at the respective belt end (1a, 1b) in such a way that the receptacle (5a, 5b) and the receptacle counterpart (8a, 8b) lie one above the other in the vertical direction (z), and the thread (11) pierces the respective belt end (1a, 1b) at least in the region of the receptacle (5a, 5b) as well as the respective exterior end (7a, 7b) at least in the region of the receptacle counterpart (8a, 8b) in the vertical direction (z).

3. Belt (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the at least one fabric layer (G) at the belt end (1a, 1b) extends at least into the region of the receptacle (5a, 5b), so that the thread (11) also pierces the fabric layer (G) at the respective belt end (1a, 1b).

4. Belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the belt connector (4) is executed in one piece or in multiple parts.

5. Belt (1) according to claim 4, characterized in that the belt connector (4) in the multi-part embodiment has - a first connector element (4a) with the first exterior end (7a) and with a first interior end (9a) as well as - a second connector element (4b) with the second exterior end (7b) and with a second interior end (9b) wherein a mechanical lock connection (V) is formed between the interior ends (9a, 9b) of the two connector elements (4a, 4b).

6. Belt (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that at the interior ends (9a, 9b) of the connector elements (4a, 4b) of the belt connector (4), respectively, a steel plate (17) with one or more connecting holes (17b), which pass through the respective steel plate (17) in the vertical direction (y), is arranged, wherein the respective steel plate (17) is at least partially embedded in the polymer layer (P4) of the belt connector (4), wherein the interior ends (9a, 9b) of the two connector elements (4a, 4b) are laid one above the other in such a way that the connecting holes (17b) of the steel plates (17) arranged thereon lie aligned one above the other, and wherein at least one fastening element (18) is inserted through the mutually aligned connecting holes (17b) in order to form the lock connection (V).

7. Belt (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the respective steel plate (17) is sewn to the respective connector element (4a, 4b), wherein the respective steel plate (17) for this purpose preferably has a perforation (17a).

8. Belt (1) according to claim 5, characterized in that at the interior ends (9a, 9b) of the connector elements (4a, 4b) of the belt connector (4), respectively, at least one bushing (19) extended in the lateral direction (y) is arranged, wherein the respective bushing (19) is embedded in the polymer layer (P4) of the belt connector (4), wherein the interior ends (9a, 9b) of the two connector elements (4a, 4b) engage into one another in such a way, for example engage into one another in a finger-like manner, that the bushings (19) on the two connector elements (4a, 4b) align with one another, wherein a connecting rod (23) is inserted with a precise fit into the mutually aligned bushings (19) in the lateral direction (y) in order to form the lock connection (V).

9. Belt (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that the at least one fabric layer (G4) of the respective connector element (4a, 4b) wraps around the embedded bushing (19), wherein for this purpose an end region (GE) of the fabric layer (G4) within the polymer layer (P4) is folded back onto a middle region (GM) of the fabric layer (G4), wherein the middle region (GM) and the end region (GE) of the fabric layer (G4) are sewn to one another.

10. Belt (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the bushings (19) have a non-uniform wall thickness, wherein a first wall thickness (d1) of the bushing (19) in the region of a contact surface (F) of the transmission of tensile load, against which the connecting rod (23) is pulled under a tensile load, is thicker than a second wall thickness (d2) of the bushing (19), which the bushing (19) has on the opposite side.

11. Belt according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the bushings (19) are executed in a drop shape, wherein a tapered end (19a) of the respective bushing (19) is clamped between two hold-down plates (24) embedded in the polymer layer (P4).

12. Belt according to claim 5, characterized in that at the interior ends (9a, 9b) of the connector elements (4a, 4b) of the belt connector (4), respectively, at least one round bar (26) extended in the lateral direction (y) is arranged, wherein the respective round bar (26) is embedded within bridges (22) at the interior ends (9a, 9b) into the polymer layer (P4) of the belt connector (4) and a recess (21) extends in the lateral direction (y) between the bridges (22), within which the respective round bar (26) lies exposed, wherein the interior ends (9a, 9b) of the two connector elements (4a, 4b) lie against one another in the region of the bridges (22), in particular lie against one another end-face-side, and at least one fixing element (27) engages around the round bars (26) exposed in the recesses (12) on the two connector elements (4a, 4b) in order to hold them together in the longitudinal direction (x) and to form the lock connection (V).

13. Belt (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the fixing element (27) has two C-shaped end regions (27a) each with an upper leg (27b) and a lower leg (27c), wherein the two C-shaped end regions (27a) are opened mirror-symmetrically to one another, wherein the upper legs (27b) of the two C-shaped end regions (27a) are connected to one another via a middle bridge (27d), while the lower legs (27c) are separated from one another, so that a lower gap (27e) is formed between the two, wherein the two round bars (26) exposed in the recesses (21) are each positioned in a cavity (27f) formed by the legs (27b, 27c) of the respective C-shaped end region (27a).

14. Belt (1) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the fixing element (27) is executed in a band-like or cable-like manner and is folded around the two round bars (26) exposed in the recesses (21), wherein the fixing element (27) executed in a band-like or cable-like manner is closed at a connection point (27g) in a force-fitting and / or form-fitting manner in order to bring it into a closed form and to hold the round bars (26) together in the longitudinal direction (x).

15. Belt (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that cams (16) are arranged on the belt connector (4) and / or on the belt (1) on the underside and / or on the upper side, wherein a spacing (T) of the cams (16) is maintained over the belt connector (4).