High rigidity belt

Abstract

The present invention provides a modular conveyor belt link of a type for use in an endless conveyor belt assembled from a plurality of modular conveyor belt links, the endless conveyor belt having a load-carrying surface and an underside opposite the load-carrying surface, the modular conveyor belt link having a body extending across the width of the modular belt link, with a plurality of eye portions extending forward and rearward from the body, the eye portions being spaced apart across the width of the modular belt link, the forwardly extending eye portions being offset relative to the rearwardly extending eye portions; When two modular conveyor belt links are pushed together, the eye of one link fits between the eye of the other modular belt link, and an opening is disposed laterally in each eye, so that when the eyes of two adjacent modular conveyor belt links fit together, the openings overlap to form an opening that passes through from one side of the conveyor belt to the other side, and a reinforcing structure is embedded in the material of the modular conveyor belt link between the load-carrying surface and the underside, the reinforcing structure extending to the eye.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to modular conveyor belt links and conveyor belts assembled from such modular conveyor belt links. One particular feature of the modular conveyor belt links according to the present invention is the fact that the modular belt links have embedded reinforcements, which provides a number of advantages as described below. [Background technology]

[0002] Conveyor belts assembled from multiple modular conveyor belt links are used in a wide variety of industries, but certain applications present challenges. Modular conveyor links, such as those of the present invention, are often injection molded from polymeric materials, which is a relatively inexpensive method of mass-producing large numbers of substantially identical modular conveyor belt links. These are then assembled into relatively inexpensive conveyor belts that offer many advantages. However, certain applications, such as the automotive industry, use very long conveyors, with conveyor belts measuring 400, 500, or even 600 meters in length and 4 to 5 meters in width, presenting special challenges.

[0003] During normal production use, these types of belts are subjected to heavy loads, which expose them to stresses of up to 80,000 Newtons per meter. At these loads, the conveyor belt itself is under heavy load and therefore stressed. However, when the belt is not under stress, it sags, so even small, localized loads can cause a phenomenon known as pulsation. Pulsation means that the localized load stretches the belt upstream and weakens the belt downstream. This can cause fluctuations in the belt speed and sudden, localized movements of the belt, resulting in inconvenience or even danger to personnel crossing the belt, for example.

[0004] To make the belt stiffer and therefore reduce this pulsating motion phenomenon, it has been proposed to incorporate steel fishplates to stiffen modular conveyor belts.

[0005] Typically, modular conveyor belts are assembled from modular conveyor belt links having eyes extending from the leading and trailing edges of the belt links. Lateral openings are provided at the eyes, which provide lateral through openings across the conveyor belt when the eyes of adjacent belt links interlock. To assemble the conveyor belt links into a conveyor belt, connecting pins are inserted into the overlapping openings, thereby hinge-connecting adjacent modular belt links.

[0006] By inserting a steel fishplate having the same length as the modular conveyor belt modules in the conveyor belt movement direction and providing openings in the fishplate at positions that overlap the lateral openings of the belt modules, it is possible to insert the fishplate into the conveyor belt structure so that the connecting pins also pass through the openings in the fishplate. An example of such a structure is disclosed in EP 0 916 598 A1. When the fishplates overlap, a more or less continuous steel band is formed inside the conveyor belt structure. In this way, stresses are transferred to the steel structure (fishplate), which is much stronger than the polymer structure of the modular conveyor belt links, thus achieving a very stiff conveyor belt.

[0007] However, these structures have several drawbacks, in that the mix of materials places special demands on, for example, the sprocket wheels and shafts, and furthermore, the wear of the polymeric portions of the conveyor belt differs from the wear of the steel portions, and therefore they tend to rub against each other, thereby reducing the lifespan of such bonded conveyor belts. A further problem is the fact that the materials have different physical properties with temperature that cause expansion and contraction, thus causing various parts of the conveyor to move relative to other parts, thereby creating strain on the conveyor and resulting in excessive tearing and wear. An example of such a structure incorporating steel fishplates is disclosed in EP 1 932 781 A1.

[0008] Canadian Patent Application Publication No. 936569 discloses an endless belt structure for use in snowmobiles, the endless belt being assembled from modules, each module having steel reinforcements embedded in a material substrate from which the module is formed or moulded.

[0009] Danish Patent No. 177377 discloses modules for use in endless belts, where a plurality of similar modules are assembled into an endless conveyor belt. Each module comprises a framework and an insert. The framework has a cavity on its underside into which the insert fits. The framework has one set of properties, while the insert has a different set of properties. Both the insert and framework have eyes with lateral openings, so that by overlapping the eyes of adjacent belt modules in a staggered manner, the openings of the adjacent belt modules overlap, and the two modules can be assembled by inserting a connecting pin. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an improved modular conveyor belt link that increases the stiffness of the belt link while simultaneously addressing some of the problems discussed above. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] Accordingly, the present invention provides a modular conveyor belt link of the kind used in an endless conveyor belt assembled from a plurality of such modular conveyor belt links, said endless conveyor belt having a load-carrying surface and an underside opposite said load-carrying surface, said modular conveyor belt link comprising: a load conveying surface and a lower surface opposite the load conveying surface;The modular conveyor belt link has a body extending in the width direction of the modular conveyor belt link, and a plurality of eye portions extending forward and rearward from the body, the eye portions being spaced apart in the width direction of the modular conveyor belt link, the forward extending eye portions being offset relative to the rearward extending eye portions, so that when two modular conveyor belt links are pushed together, the eye portions of one link fit between the eye portions of the other modular conveyor belt link, and openings are arranged laterally in each eye portion, so that two adjacent modular conveyor belt links can be pushed together. The openings overlap when the eyes are mated to form an opening that extends through the conveyor belt from one side to the other, a reinforcing structure embedded in the material of the modular conveyor belt link between the load-carrying surface and the underside, the reinforcing structure extending to the eye, the reinforcing structure being formed from a material different from the material of the modular belt link, a lateral opening in the eye having a central lateral axis parallel to the load-carrying surface, the reinforcing structure in the eye extending below the central axis of the opening, and at least a portion of the reinforcing structure extending below the central axis of the opening having an opening.

[0012] In the structure of the present invention, which is specifically designed for loads significantly less than those typically encountered by conveyor belts, a high degree of rigidity is built into the conveyor belt due to the reinforcing structures embedded in the material of the modular conveyor belt links. In particular, because the reinforcing structures extend through the meshes, they overlap between adjacent meshes of adjacent modular belt links, such that the mesh reinforcing structures cross the connecting pins, thereby establishing a longitudinal reinforcement system. Furthermore, the ability to embed the reinforcing structures as described in the present embodiment also allows for a reduced overall structural height of the conveyor belt module, which can be a space-saving advantage in the second conveyor belt structure. Prior art solutions in which steel fishplates are used require a certain structural height to accommodate sufficient steel plate material to transmit the forces generated by the conveyor belt. However, with the present reinforcing structures embedded and extending through every mesh, the load is distributed laterally across the entire belt, whereas prior art devices incorporate only a relatively small number of fishplates into the structure, resulting in each fishplate bearing a concentrated load much higher than the load to which the mesh itself is subjected.

[0013] In a further advantageous embodiment, the lateral opening of the eye has a central lateral axis parallel to the load-carrying surface, and the reinforcing structure extends between the load-carrying surface and the opening and below the central axis of the opening.

[0014] In this embodiment, hook-like reinforcing structures are embedded within the material from which the modular conveyor belt links are manufactured, with the reinforcing structures extending into the eye and passing through the lateral openings used to insert the linking pins. Because adjacent eye sections that interlock between the eye sections of a first link have the same structure, these hook sections together surround a large portion of the circumference of the linking pin, thus providing a highly effective load transfer structure.

[0015] In a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, at least a portion of the reinforcing structure extending below the central axis of the opening has an opening. By providing an opening in the reinforcing structure, it is expected that during molding of the modular conveyor belt link, the liquid polymer material from which the modular conveyor belt link is made will flow through the opening, thereby fully integrating the reinforcing structure into the modular conveyor belt link.

[0016] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reinforcing structure is a metal structure, where the metal may be steel, stainless steel or spring steel. Alternatively, in a further advantageous embodiment, the invention proposes that the reinforcing material is a composite structure made from fiber-reinforced resin, where the fibers may be made from carbon, glass, ceramic, steel or polymer, or a mixture of materials. What all these materials have in common is that they are designed or can be designed to have very high tensile strength, while at the same time having a certain flexibility so that they can be integrated into the injection-molded thermoplastic body of the modular conveyor belt.

[0017] One of the challenges of molding reinforcement into thermoplastic materials is the fact that POM, a material commonly used to manufacture these types of modular conveyor belt links, tends to shrink 3-4%, while the reinforcement material has a much lower shrinkage rate. This, of course, creates problems with maintaining internal tension in the molded modular conveyor belt link, but by properly designing the reinforcement, it is possible to have the reinforcing lattice structure absorb or accommodate this shrinkage without deforming the modular belt link.

[0018] In yet another advantageous embodiment of the invention, the reinforcement has a material thickness, measured perpendicular to the load-carrying surface, of 0.3 to 4 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 2 mm.

[0019] To ensure better adhesion between the stiffener and the material from which the modular conveyor belt link is made, in a further advantageous embodiment of the present invention, the stiffener may have a surface treatment with a compound to obtain acceptable adhesion to the material from which the modular belt link is made. Alternatively, the surface of the stiffener may be roughened to increase the surface area of ​​the stiffener so as to significantly increase the contact surface between the stiffener and the material from which the modular conveyor belt link is made, thereby allowing the stiffener to transmit forces to and from the material from which the modular conveyor belt link is made.

[0020] The present invention also relates to an endless conveyor belt assembled from a plurality of the above-mentioned modular conveyor belt links, wherein the meshes of adjacent modular belt links overlap, thereby creating lateral openings therethrough, and connecting pins are inserted to hinge adjacent modular belt links together, whereby the reinforcing structures of adjacent modular belt links overlap in the intended direction of movement of the endless conveyor belt.

[0021] In this way, a very strong endless modular conveyor belt can be assembled. Because the reinforcing structures overlap, the entire endless conveyor has reinforcement, especially against tension. Typically, when an endless conveyor is assembled from modular conveyor belt links made from thermoplastic material, for example during an injection molding process, the conveyor belt itself is relatively light compared to conveyor belts made from steel. However, by incorporating the reinforcing structures into the injection-molded belt links, sufficient strength is built into the conveyor belt without adding significant weight to the belt itself.

[0022] This is further improved in a further advantageous embodiment in which the connecting pin is formed from the same or a stronger material as the reinforcing structure. The preferred material here is steel, as it has proven to be strong in tension, is relatively cheap and easy to handle. However, other more exotic materials such as reinforced plastics may also be used. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 generally illustrates a top view of a modular conveyor belt link that may be assembled together with a plurality of substantially identical modular belt links to form a conveyor belt. [Figure 2a] FIG. 2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modular belt link. [Figure 2b] FIG. 2b illustrates a front view of one or more laterally arranged modular belt links. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 illustrates an embodiment in which two modular belt conveyor links 1, 1' interlock. [Figure 4a] Figure 4a illustrates an example of a reinforcing structure 30 according to the present invention. [Figure 4b] Figure 4b illustrates an example of a reinforcing structure 30 according to the present invention. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 illustrates an example of the surface structure of the reinforcing structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0024] Generally, in the figures, the material from which the modular belt links are formed is depicted as transparent to allow the reinforcing structures to be seen. In reality, the material of the modular belt links is typically not transparent.

[0025] 1, a top view of a modular conveyor belt link that may be assembled with a plurality of substantially identical modular belt links to form a conveyor belt is generally illustrated. Modular conveyor belt link 1 has a load-carrying surface 10 and an underside 12 (shown in FIG. 2). A thickness of material exists between load-carrying surface 10 and underside 12, but for construction purposes, various gaps, cavities, and the like may be provided, particularly in the underside, not only for weight reduction but also to allow a sprocket wheel to engage underside 12 of modular belt link 1 to advance the conveyor belt.

[0026] The modular belt link 1 has a main body 14 extending in the width direction of the modular belt link 1, and a plurality of eye portions 16, 18 extending in the forward and rearward directions relative to the main body portion 14.

[0027] In this regard, "forward" and "rearward" shall be interpreted as the intended direction of movement of the conveyor belt.

[0028] Although the conveyor belt module illustrated in Figure 1 may move in either direction, for purposes of description, one or the other direction is selected as the forward and rearward direction. The eye portions 16, 18 are spaced apart widthwise (laterally) so that adjacent eye portions are separated by gaps 20. Furthermore, as illustrated in Figure 1, the eye portions along one edge 16 are offset relative to the eye portions 18 and the opposite edge of the modular belt link 1. In this manner, when two identical modular belt links 1 are pushed together, the eye portions 16 on one edge fit into the gaps 20 between the eye portions 18 and the opposite edge, so that the modular belt links 1 interlock with the overlapping eye portions.

[0029] As further shown in Figure 2a, the openings 22 are disposed laterally to the eye, as also shown by the dashed lines of the eye in Figure 1. When two adjacent substantially identical modular belt links are interlocked as described above, the lateral openings 22 overlap to allow for the insertion of a hinge pin laterally, thereby hinge-connecting the adjacent modular belt links.

[0030] 2a illustrates a cross-sectional view of a modular belt link, such as that described above with reference to FIG. 1, where the reinforcing structure 30 is embedded in the material of the modular conveyor belt link 1 between the load-carrying surface 10 and the lower surface 12. As is apparent from FIG. 2a, the reinforcing structure 30 extends to the eye portions 16, 18, and in this particular embodiment, the reinforcing structure extends above the opening 22 and also curves below the central axis 24 of the opening 22 with the eye portions.

[0031] In this embodiment, the opening 22 is Load conveying surface Further, although the openings are shown as circular holes 22, they may be generally rectangular depending on the use of the conveyor belt module. While the size and design of the openings is not critical to the present invention, the fact that the reinforcing structure 30 extends into the eye, and in the preferred embodiment also extends downwardly below the central axis 24 of the opening, is important.

[0032] In FIG. 2b, identical or multiple similar modular belt links are laterally arranged. It can be seen that the eye portions 16 along one edge are laterally spaced apart from one another, as are the eye portions 18 along the other edge. In this manner, adjacent modular belt links can be staggered. Furthermore, the reinforcing structure 30 is shown curved at the eye portions 16, 18. It can also be seen that an opening 40 is provided near the distal end of the reinforcing structure. This opening 40 facilitates the flow of material from which the modular belt links are fabricated, thus providing anchorage for the reinforcing structure. This anchorage helps actuate the reinforcing structure when the modular belt links are subjected to tension.

[0033] 3 illustrates an embodiment in which two modular belt conveyor links 1, 1' interlock so that their lateral openings 22' overlap to form a through opening 22'. Hinge pins (not shown) may be inserted into the overlapping through openings 22' to connect adjacent modular belt links 30, 30'. Due to the configuration of the reinforcing structures 30, 30', in which the reinforcing structures extend into the eyes 16, 18 and below the central axis 24 of the eyes (and thereby through the center of the hinge pin, not shown), horizontal tension in the belt is transferred to the reinforcing structures 30, 30' due to the fact that the reinforcing structures 30, 30' extend below the central axis of the opening 22.

[0034] 4a and 4b illustrate an example of a reinforcing structure 30 according to the present invention. The reinforcing structure 30 has a central portion 32 that is embedded in the body of the modular conveyor belt link. Extending from the central portion 32 in both directions are multiple fingers 34, 36. As will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the distance between adjacent fingers 34 and 36 determines the distance of the gap 20 in the completed modular belt link. Greater than Naturally, the embedded reinforcing structure 30 is covered with a molding material, preferably a thermoplastic injection molding material, and therefore the embedded fingers 34, 36 in the eye are also covered with the injection molding material.

[0035] In this embodiment, openings 40 are provided near the distal ends 38 of the fingers. The openings 40 are provided to allow the injection molded material of the eye to completely surround the reinforcing structure so that it has intimate contact and a stress-transmitting bond with the fingers 34, 36. In this way, loads can be better transferred through the conveyor belt, as described above with reference to FIG.

[0036] Further or additional openings 42 may be provided in the reinforcing structure to allow the material from which the modular belt links are made to have better and more secure contact with the reinforcing structure. Excellent contact and integration is facilitated when the reinforcing structure is in mesh form. However, in some production situations, it can be difficult to accurately position the mesh in the mold, especially during the injection molding process.

[0037] In some embodiments, it may be advantageous to provide a surface treatment on the reinforcing structure to improve the connection between the injection molding material and the reinforcing structure. For this purpose, various surface treatments may be applied.

[0038] Examples of such surface treatments are illustrated in Figure 5. At least four different types of surface treatments are illustrated in Figure 5, and it is understood that it is not intended that a modular belt link have all four of the five treatments, but that the treatments are meant only as examples of treatments that may be applied to the reinforcement structure. In the reinforcement structure, area a is shown where the surface is roughened, for example by sanding with very coarse sandpaper, to increase the surface roughness and simultaneously increase the surface area.

[0039] In region b of the reinforcing structure 30, the surface of the reinforcing structure 30 has depressions or small shallow indentations to improve adhesion to the injection molding material in which the reinforcing structure 30 is embedded.

[0040] In section C, ridges and / or grooves are provided perpendicular to the intended direction of travel so that the ridges and / or grooves form a strong bond with the injection molding material to transfer any stress / tension to the conveyor belt.

[0041] Finally, in section D, chemical etching on the surface of the reinforcing structure 30 is described. As with the other examples above, chemical etching can improve the surface roughness of the reinforcing structure 30 and simultaneously improve the bonding compatibility between the injection molding material from which the conveyor belt modules are manufactured and the material of the reinforcing structure 30.

[0042] In this regard, as mentioned above, it is contemplated that the reinforcing structure may be manufactured from any suitable material, although preferred materials include, inter alia, steel, spring steel, tin metal, and various composites such as, for example, carbon fiber reinforced resin or ceramic fiber reinforced resin, which are considered within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the reinforcing structure may be a homogenous structure, as illustrated in Figure 4a, but may also be a mesh or woven, for example, from stainless steel yarn. Similarly, the reinforcing structure may be (loosely) woven or unwoven, provided that the material of the modular belt links allows the reinforcing structure to be integrated into the body of the modular belt links.

Claims

1. 1. A modular conveyor belt link of the kind used in an endless conveyor belt assembled from a plurality of modular conveyor belt links, comprising: the endless conveyor belt has a load-carrying surface and a lower surface opposite the load-carrying surface; The modular conveyor belt link has a body extending widthwise of the modular belt link; a plurality of eyelets extending forward and rearward from the body, the eyelets being spaced apart across the width of the modular belt link; the forwardly extending eye portions are offset relative to the rearwardly extending eye portions so that when the two modular conveyor belt links are pushed together, the eye portions of one link fit between the eye portions of the other modular belt link; an opening in each eye disposed laterally such that when the eyes of two adjacent modular conveyor belt links mate, the openings overlap to form an opening extending through from one side of the conveyor belt to the opposite side; a reinforcing structure embedded in the material of the modular conveyor belt link between the load-carrying surface and the lower surface; the reinforcing structure extends to the eye, the reinforcing structure being formed from a material different from a material of the modular belt links; the lateral opening of the eye has a lateral central axis parallel to the load-carrying surface; 10. A modular conveyor belt link comprising: a reinforcing structure at the eye extending below the central axis of the opening; and at least a portion of the reinforcing structure extending below the central axis of the opening having an opening.

2. 10. The modular conveyor belt link of claim 1, wherein the modular belt link is injection molded from a thermoplastic material.

3. 3. The modular conveyor belt link of claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing structure is a metal structure, the metal being steel, stainless steel, or spring steel.

4. 3. The modular conveyor belt link of claim 1 or 2, wherein the reinforcing structure is a composite structure made from fiber reinforced resin, the fibers may be made from carbon, glass, ceramic, steel, or polymer, or a mixture of materials.

5. 5. A modular conveyor belt link according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the reinforcing structure has a material thickness measured perpendicular to the load-carrying surface of 0.3 to 4 mm, more preferably 0.5 to 2 mm.

6. 6. The modular conveyor belt link according to claim 1, wherein the reinforcing structure is surface treated with a compound to obtain improved adhesion to the material of the modular belt link.

7. 6. The modular conveyor belt link of claim 1, wherein the surface of the reinforcing structure has a rough surface.

8. 6. The modular conveyor belt link of claim 1, wherein the reinforcing structure has openings, is a mesh, or is a knitted, woven, or non-woven structure.

9. An endless conveyor belt assembled from a plurality of modular conveyor belt links according to any one of claims 1 to 8, the eye portions of adjacent modular belt links overlap, thereby creating a lateral opening therethrough; An endless conveyor belt, wherein connecting pins are inserted to hinge adjacent modular belt links, whereby the reinforcing structures of adjacent modular belt links overlap in the intended direction of movement of the endless conveyor belt.

10. The endless conveyor belt of claim 9 , wherein the connecting pins are formed from the same material as the reinforcing structure or a stronger material.

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