Fastening systems for conveyor belts

Abstract

A fastening system for joining two ends of a conveyor belt segment includes hinge members with tapered noses to control movement of the ends relative to one another. A reinforcing link connects the tips of at least two outermost hinge members. Solid side edges enclose hinge rods that secure the two conveyor belt ends together, while a viewing window and a lateral slot provide a path through the conveyor belt segment.

Description

[Background technology]

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

[0002] Low-tension, direct-drive conveyor belts are typically 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 goods. Sanitation is important, and therefore, the endless belts used in such conveyors are traditionally made from materials that can be hygienically cleaned, such as thermoplastic or stainless steel.

[0003] An example of a flexible endless belt suitable for practicing an exemplary embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 1. In a typical installation, the endless conveyor belt 10 travels around two sprockets 12 and 14, drums, or pulleys. The first sprocket 12 may be a drive sprocket for driving the conveyor belt, while the second sprocket 14 may be an idler or slave sprocket. The belt 10 has an outer surface 110 that serves as an article-conveying surface and an inner surface 22 that serves as a drive surface. The inner surface 22 includes drive elements, shown as teeth 26, preferably spaced equidistant from one another along the inner drive surface 22. The teeth 26 engage grooves or other drive features spaced around the circumference of the sprockets 12, 14 to move the belt. The upper span of the belt travels in the direction of arrow 15. The flexible belt 10 is wrapped around the sprockets and may be supported by return rollers, or shoes or drums 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] Toothed flexible belts are typically formed by joining two ends of the belt together at a seam 102. Methods for joining two ends of the belt together include lap splicing, where a lap splice press is used to weld the butt ends of the conveyor belt sections together, and mechanical means such as the hinge pin and / or knuckle connector systems described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,002,110 and 8,695,790, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0006] The belt may need to be removed from the sprockets for system maintenance, cleaning, or repair. Removing the endless belt 10 of FIG. 1 is inconvenient and typically requires disassembly of the conveyor frame, movement of the sprockets, and possibly destruction of the belt (or at least having the belt cut and later re-spliced).

[0007] Disadvantages of certain mechanical means for joining conveyor belt ends together include the conveyor belt ends protruding away from the sprocket, a hinging or "tenting" effect in the joint area as the belt moves around the sprocket, movement of connecting rods, catch points, and other drawbacks. Additionally, stresses on the material during operation can cause wear and 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 alternating hinge members with tapered noses for controlling movement of the ends of the two belt segments relative to one another. Reinforcing links connect the tips of at least two hinge members, and solid edges encapsulate hinge rods within the fastening system. Viewing windows and lateral slots provide a path through the conveyor belt segments at the solid edges.

[0009] According to one aspect, a fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of the conveyor belt segment includes at least one flexible belt segment, a plurality of hinge members, and a reinforcing link. Each flexible belt segment extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end, laterally 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 that form a hinge passageway extending along a hinge axis. The reinforcing link extends between a distal end of a first hinge member and a distal end 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 the 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 longitudinally from the first end to the second end and has an outer surface and an inner surface. The laterally spaced hinge members extend from each first end and have aligned hinge openings that form a hinge passage. The hinge passage terminates at the solid edge at the first side of the belt segment to enclose a hinge rod inserted therein. The viewing window is adjacent the solid edge and extends from the outer surface to a lateral slot in the inner surface. The lateral 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 the conveyor belt segment includes a hinge body extending longitudinally from the first end of the conveyor belt segment and a tapered nose 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 nose has an angled interface top surface that is angled downward from above the hinge axis and terminates at a tip below the hinge axis. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0012] These features, as well as advantages, of the present invention will be better understood with reference to the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings.

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art endless conveyor belt. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a top isometric view of an assembled fastening system for a conveyor belt embodying features of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the bottom of the assembled fastening system of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of the assembled fastening system of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is an isometric top view of a belt segment of the fastening system of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of the belt segment of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a bottom view of the belt segment of FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the top of the first side of the belt segment of FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the bottom of the first side of the belt segment of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is another detailed view of the bottom of the first side of the belt segment of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a detailed view of the bottom of the fastening system of FIG. 2 near the side edge. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the fastening system of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a detailed view of the bottom of the second side of the belt segment of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is an isometric bottom view of a second side of the belt segment of FIG. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a side view of a hinge element of a fastening system according to an embodiment. [Figure 16]FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a fastening system in an operating position according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0014] The present invention provides a fastening system for facilitating assembly and disassembly of a conveyor belt. The present invention is described below with reference to exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the present invention may be implemented in several different applications and embodiments and is not specifically limited in its application to the particular embodiments illustrated herein.

[0015] Figures 2-4 illustrate a fastening system 210 for a conveyor belt according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. The fastening system 210 comprises two identical or substantially identical belt segments 202, 202 joined together at a seam to form a complete conveyor belt or an extended conveyor belt segment. Each belt segment 202, 202, shown alone in Figures 5-7, comprises a belt body extending 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, shown as a conveying surface for conveying product, to an inner surface 217, which may be a drive surface. The segments are joined together at the inner end 211 to connect the segments together.

[0016] The conveyor belt of the exemplary embodiment may comprise multiple belt segments joined together sequentially, or a single belt segment having ends joined together using fastening system 210 to form an endless belt.

[0017] The conveyor belt segments may be formed of any suitable material, such as a thermoplastic polymer, elastomer, or rubber, and are preferably flexible along their length about a transverse axis. The conveyor belt segments may be made from any of several methods, such as, for example, milling, extrusion, and / or injection molding.

[0018] In one embodiment, the fastening system 210 is formed separately from the main body of the conveyor belt and then coupled to the main body to integrate the fastening system with the conveyor belt. For example, the outer edge 212 can be welded, lapped, or otherwise coupled to an end of the conveyor belt to integrate the fastening system with the conveyor belt. In one embodiment, the fastening system 210 is formed from a different material than the main body of the conveyor belt. For example, the fastening system 210 may be formed from a rigid plastic or other suitable material and then bonded to a flexible material that forms the main body of the conveyor belt. In another embodiment, portions of the fastening system 210, such as the hinge elements, may be formed from a rigid plastic or another rigid material and then overmolded with a flexible plastic or otherwise attached to other portions of the conveyor belt or conveyor belt segment. The rigid plastic material increases the durability and strength of the conveyor belt in the fastening area, while still allowing the belt to flex around the mating end 211 to allow the conveyor belt to move around sprockets and rollers.

[0019] The exemplary 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 alternated with one or more laterally spaced hinge members on the opposing belt segment inner ends 211. Aligned openings 231 in the alternated hinge members 230 form a lateral passage when the ends are alternated. A hinge rod is inserted into the lateral passage to connect the inner ends of the belt segments 202, 202 at a seam to form an endless belt or extended belt segment. The end of the hinge passage is closed at a first side 214 to enclose the end of the hinge rod when inserted between two alternated belt segments 202, 202 and prevent the hinge rod from escaping during operation.

[0020] The first side 214 and second side 215 are shaped and complementary to one another such that two identical segments facing each other fit together on each side with hinge members 230 alternating between them.

[0021] In one embodiment, the hinge member 230 may be formed on a separate or intermediate belt segment that is adapted to be spliced ​​or otherwise connected to the end of the conveyor belt segment. Alternatively, the hinge member 230 may be formed directly on the end of the conveyor belt segment.

[0022] The inner edge 211 of the belt segment 202 may be shaped to facilitate connection between two segments 202. For example, in an exemplary embodiment, the belt segment includes a recess 222 on the top surface between the hinge members 230 and a longer recess 223 on the inner surface between the hinge members 230. The exemplary recesses 222, 223 are formed by beveling or chamfering the outer surface 216 and inner surface 217 toward the inner end 211 of the belt body, as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The recesses 222, 223 prevent or reduce protrusion of the outer belt surface as the belt bends around sprockets or other devices in a conveyor system.

[0023] Each exemplary hinge member 230 includes a longitudinally inwardly extending tapered nose 250, as described below, configured to engage a bottom recess 223 in the opposing conveyor belt segment end to facilitate connection and bending between the two belt ends, as described below.

[0024] The fastening system 210 further includes a reinforcing link 280 extending between the tips of the two outermost hinge members 230 a, 230 b and the first side 214 of the conveyor belt segment 202, with the ends of the hinge rods enclosed within the conveyor belt segment 202. The reinforcing link 280 strengthens the end hinge members to prevent or reduce deformation due to axial forces transmitted by the rods. The exemplary reinforcing link 280 couples the two outermost hinge members 230 a, 230 b and the first side 214 together.

[0025] 8-12, reinforcing link 280 has a bottom surface 281 that aligns and coincides with the bottom surfaces of hinge members 230a, 230b at tapered nose 250. Tip 282 aligns with the tip of tapered nose 250. Top surfaces 283 of the reinforcing link between hinge members 230a, 230b and between first side 214 and hinge member 230b slope downwardly away from the tips of the tapered noses such that top surface 283 is below the tapered noses of the hinge members. An exemplary top surface 283 is convexly curved.

[0026] The first side 214 of the belt segment 202 is configured to facilitate insertion, retention, and removal of a hinge rod used to fasten two belt ends together. As shown in FIGS. 8-10 , the first side 214 includes a solid edge portion 234. The solid edge portion 234 aligns with the hinge passageway formed by the aligned openings 231 and aligned lateral 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 encapsulates the hinge rod within the side of the conveyor belt, preventing it from escaping while the conveyor belt is in operation.

[0027] A viewing window 236 adjacent to solid edge portion 234 extends from exterior surface 216 and intersects with a lateral slot 235 that forms a portion of the hinge passageway. Viewing window 236 functions both as a positive visual indication to the user that the hinge rod is fully inserted and as a clear path for easily washing away any product buildup. Viewing window 236 has a solid bottom for cradle- ing the end of the hinge rod, while lateral slot 235 is open toward bottom surface 217 to allow for insertion and removal of the hinge rod as needed.

[0028] The belt segment 202 has a molded ledge 219 on its top surface between the first side 214 and the reinforcing link 280 to accommodate the curved edge 218 in the mating belt segment, as shown in FIGS. 2 and 4. As shown in FIG. 8, the molded ledge 219 includes a flat wall 220 recessed from the top of the solid edge portion 234. The flat wall 220 may extend at the same angle as the top of the tapered nose of the hinge member. The molded ledge 219 has a curved inner edge 229 that is complementary to and forms a seat for the curved edge 218 of the mating segment. The curved tapered wall 221 intersects the curved inner edge of the flat wall 220. The curved tapered wall 221 extends from the slot 235 to the front edge to seat and accommodate the front wall of the curved edge 218 of the mating belt segment. The interface between the curved edge 218 and the molded ledge 219 provides a strong connection, eases assembly, and reduces catch points during operation of the conveyor belt. The belt segments may taper in thickness at the curved edge 218 (i.e., include a chamfer or recess at the bottom according to the recess 223 between the hinge elements) to strengthen the interface between the two belt segments at the side edges.

[0029] 9 and 10, which show the bottom of the conveyor belt segment 202 near the first side 214, the slot 235 forming a portion of the hinge passageway near the side 214 includes a first angled surface 241 on the bottom surface 217 between the side edge 214 and the slot 235 to facilitate rod insertion. The exemplary first angled surface 241 allows the hinge rod to snap into place after passing the aligned hinge member 230 through the slot 235. The slot 235 further includes a side recess 242 to facilitate rod removal using a tool such as needle-nose pliers. The pliers can grip the end of the hinge rod and pull it through the slot 235.

[0030] In one embodiment, the solid edge portion 234 can bend or flex away from the hinge passage to facilitate insertion and / or removal of the hinge rod. The bend or flex increases access to the hinge passage. After the rod is inserted or removed, the solid edge portion 234 automatically returns to the encapsulated position, where the solid edge portion cradles the rod end.

[0031] When assembled, the reinforcing link 280 abuts the rear of the corresponding hinge element 230 of the mating belt segment, as shown in Figures 11 and 12. As shown in Figures 12-14, the hinge elements 230d and 230e closest to the second side 215 of the belt segment 202 are shaped to include a molded recess 285 to accommodate the molded top surface 283 of the reinforcing link 280.

[0032] The hinge member 230 may be shaped to facilitate connection between mating belt segments 202, 202. With reference to Figures 15 and 16, an exemplary hinge member 230 comprises a hinge body extending from the inner end of the belt segment 202. The hinge body may be substantially cylindrical and may include a lateral opening 231 formed therein for receiving a hinge rod. The lateral opening 231 preferably extends along an axis 238 that is substantially parallel to the inner end of the belt segment 202 and below the inner surface 217 of the belt segment 203.

[0033] The exemplary hinge body has a top surface 235 that is continuous with the belt segment outer surface 216. The top surface 235 transitions to a convexly curved top surface 236 having a center of curvature that coincides with the axis 238 of the hinge rod passage formed by the aligned openings 231.

[0034] The exemplary hinge member 230 includes a tapered nose 250 extending longitudinally from the hinge body to control movement of the inner ends of the belt segments relative to one another when the fastening system 210 is assembled. The exemplary nose 250 includes a protrusion that extends from the hinge body 232 and tapers in height to a tip 253. The nose 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-strain around the drive sprocket or roller, reducing out-of-plane stresses that lead to fatigue degradation over time and reducing the tendency of the fastening system edges to "lift" and cause catch point concerns. The tip 253 is below the inner surface 217 of the belt segment and the axis 238, and the angled interface top surface 251 begins above and terminates below the axis 238. The angled interface bottom surface 252 extends at an angle from the tip 253 toward the inner edge of the belt segment such that the nose is substantially symmetrical about the tip 253 .

[0035] In the exemplary embodiment, the angled interface surfaces 251, 252 intersect at an angle Ω that is approximately 50°, although the invention is not so limited.

[0036] The hinge member 230 includes a curved bottom surface 256 extending from the angled interface bottom surface 252 away from the leading edge. The curved bottom surface 256 has a lowest point 254 that is slightly longitudinally forward of the axis 238 and has a larger radius of curvature than the convexly curved top surface 236. The curved bottom surface 256 transitions into the bottom surface 217 of the belt segment 203 at a longitudinal location corresponding to the end of the bottom recess 223.

[0037] As shown in Figure 16, when the fastening system is fastened, the hinge elements 250 intersect and the hinge rod is inserted into the hinge passage formed by the hinge elements. In the fastened position, the angled interface surface 251 of the tapered nose 250 is spaced from and angled relative to the angled recess 223 on the mating belt segment. The exemplary configuration facilitates bending of the conveyor belt around a sprocket or other guiding device while preventing tenting or over-bending.

[0038] The exemplary fastening system provides a strong connection, reduces rod movement due to a fully enclosed, heavy-duty edge design, and facilitates assembly and disassembly while reducing catch points that can lead to failure.

[0039] The claims are not intended to be limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described.

Claims

1. 1. A fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of the conveyor belt segment, comprising: at least one flexible belt segment, each flexible belt segment extending longitudinally from a first end to a second end, laterally 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 hinge passages extending along a hinge axis; a reinforcing link extending between a distal end of a first hinge member and a distal end of a second hinge member adjacent to the first hinge member.

2. The fastening system of claim 1 , wherein the reinforcing link extends between the first hinge member, the second hinge member, and a solid edge portion formed on the first side edge.

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

4. 4. The fastening system of claim 3, wherein the inner surface of the flexible belt segment includes a recess molded 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 the solid edge portion of the belt segment, the viewing window extending from the outer surface and intersecting the hinge passage.

6. The fastening system of claim 5 further comprising a lateral slot in the interior 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 interior surface to facilitate insertion of a hinge rod.

8. The fastening system of claim 6 , wherein the lateral slot includes a side recess to facilitate removal of the hinge rod.

9. 2. The fastening system of claim 1, wherein each hinge member includes a tapered nose extending from a hinge body, the tapered nose having an angled interface top surface that is angled downward from above the hinge axis and terminates at a tip below the hinge axis.

10. The fastening system of claim 1 , wherein the fastening system comprises two identical flexible belt segments that fit together.

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 ledge molded into a top surface between the reinforcing link and the first side for receiving a molded edge of a mating belt segment.

13. The fastening system of claim 12 , wherein the molded shelf includes a flat wall with a curved inner edge and a curved tapered wall intersecting the curved inner edge.

14. 13. The fastening system of claim 12, further comprising a molded lip between the second side edge and the first end configured to be seated within the molded shelf of a mating flexible belt segment.

15. 1. A fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of the conveyor belt segment, comprising: first and second belt segments, each belt segment extending longitudinally 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, said hinge members having aligned hinge openings forming hinge passages, said hinge passages terminating in a solid edge at a first side of said belt segment to enclose a hinge rod inserted therein; a viewing window adjacent the solid edge extending from the outer surface to a lateral slot in the inner surface, the lateral slot being aligned with the hinge opening.

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

17. The fastening system of claim 15 wherein the first and second belt segments are formed of a rigid plastic.

18. a first reinforcing link extending between a distal end of a first hinge member and a distal end of a second hinge member adjacent to the first hinge member in the first belt segment; 16. The fastening system of claim 15, further comprising: a second reinforcing link extending between a distal end of a third hinge member to a distal end of a fourth hinge member adjacent to the third hinge member on the second belt segment.

19. 1. A fastening system for fastening a first end of a conveyor belt segment to a second end of the conveyor belt segment, comprising: a hinge body extending longitudinally from a first end of the conveyor belt segment, the hinge body having a hinge opening extending along a hinge axis, the conveyor belt segment having an outer surface and an inner surface; a tapered nose extending from the hinge body, the tapered nose having an angled interface top surface angled downward from above the hinge axis and terminating at a tip below the hinge axis.

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

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

22. 22. The fastening system of claim 21, wherein the inner curved surface has a lowest point longitudinally forward of the axis.

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

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

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

26. 25. The fastening system of claim 24, wherein the lateral slot is open to the inner surface of the conveyor belt segment.

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