A conveyor system for Frieza, and Frieza

Abstract

This reduces malfunctions in the conveyor belt caused by ice growth and accumulation. [Solution] A conveyor device for a freezer according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an endless mesh belt having a forward pass portion and a return pass portion for transporting an object to be cooled, and a pair of direction-changing shafts arranged at intervals in the direction of movement of the mesh belt for supporting the return pass portion of the mesh belt from below. Between the pair of direction-changing shafts, the return pass portion is configured to bend in a catenary curve shape.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a conveyor device for a freezer and a freezer.

Background Art

[0002] As a freezer capable of cooling or freezing an object to be cooled, particularly food, a freezer capable of cooling or freezing an object to be cooled placed on the forward path portion of a conveyor belt for conveyance by cold air is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In a freezer, a mesh belt is often used as a conveyor belt for conveyance. In an endless mesh belt in a freezer, ice adheres due to the growth of frost caused by moisture in the air or the like, or the frost once melts and then freezes due to rapid cooling in the freezer.

[0005] When ice adheres to the surface of the mesh belt, the apparent thickness of the mesh belt changes, and the traveling distance of the mesh belt when wound around a sprocket or a roller changes. Therefore, there is a risk of causing problems such as the meandering, skewing of the mesh belt, or only a part in the width direction leading.

[0006] In addition, when the flexibility of the mesh belt is impaired by freezing as described above, there is a risk of causing problems such as the mesh belt undesirably skewing when passing through a shaft that changes the moving direction of the mesh belt by an idler shaft or the like.

[0007] Furthermore, if ice grows in the links of the mesh belt, the pitch length per link of the mesh belt will shorten. For example, if ice growth differs in the width direction of the mesh belt in the links, the circumferential length of the mesh belt will differ depending on its position in the width direction, which may lead to problems such as skew or only a portion of the width direction leading.

[0008] Therefore, it is desirable to prevent ice growth as much as possible in the mesh belt.

[0009] In view of the circumstances described above, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure aims to reduce malfunctions in a belt conveyor caused by ice growth and accumulation. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] (1) A conveyor for Frieza according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is Having a forward section and a return section, an endless mesh belt for transporting the object to be cooled, A pair of direction-changing shafts, spaced apart in the direction of movement of the mesh belt, for supporting the return portion of the mesh belt from below, Equipped with, Between the pair of direction-changing axes, the return path portion is configured to flex in a catenary curve shape.

[0011] (2) Frieza according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is A conveyor system for Frieza with the configuration described in (1) above, It is equipped with. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to at least one embodiment of this disclosure, malfunctions caused by ice growth and accumulation in a belt conveyor can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0013] [Figure 1] This is an overall configuration diagram of Frieza as seen from the side according to one embodiment. [Figure 2] This figure shows an example of a conveyor belt for a belt conveyor according to several embodiments. [Figure 3] This diagram schematically shows the configuration of a reduction device according to another embodiment. [Figure 4] This is a schematic diagram illustrating an adjustment device for adjusting the tension of a conveyor belt in a belt conveyor according to several embodiments. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0014] Hereinafter, several embodiments of this disclosure will be described with reference to the attached drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc., of the components described or shown in the drawings as embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely illustrative examples. For example, expressions describing relative or absolute arrangements such as "in a certain direction," "along a certain direction," "parallel," "orthogonal," "center," "concentric," or "coaxial" should not only strictly describe such arrangements, but also describe states of relative displacement with tolerances or angles or distances that allow for the same function to be achieved. For example, expressions such as "identical," "equal," and "homogeneous" that describe things being in an equal state not only describe a state of being strictly equal, but also describe a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference that is sufficient to achieve the same function. For example, expressions describing shapes such as squares or cylinders shall not only represent geometrically precise shapes such as squares or cylinders, but also shapes that include protrusions, chamfers, etc., to the extent that the same effect can be achieved. On the other hand, expressions such as "to possess," "to be equipped with," "to have," "to include," or "to have" a single component are not exclusive expressions that exclude the existence of other components.

[0015] Figure 1 is an overall configuration diagram of Frieza 1 according to one embodiment, viewed from the side. The freezer 1 according to an embodiment is a freezer capable of cooling or freezing an object to be cooled, particularly food. It includes a housing 3 that houses the main component devices of the freezer 1 inside, a belt conveyor 5 for conveying the object to be cooled (not shown), a heat exchanger (not shown) for cooling air, and a fan (not shown) for circulating the cooled air (cold air) in the freezer 1.

[0016] In the freezer 1 according to an embodiment, the housing 3 is configured to separate the inside and outside of the freezer 1 and hold cold air inside the freezer 1. In the following description, the interior 1a of the freezer 1 refers to the region inside the freezer 1 where the main flow of cold air circulates, that is, the flow of cold air blown from the fan to the object to be cooled by the heat exchanger (not shown), and the flow of cold air that returns to the heat exchanger (not shown) to cool the cold air after cooling the object to be cooled.

[0017] The freezer 1 according to an embodiment is configured to cool the object to be cooled by blowing cold air from a fan (not shown) from at least one of above or below the object to be cooled (not shown) placed on the forward path portion 7a of the conveyor belt 7 of the belt conveyor 5. In the following description, the conveying direction of the object to be cooled (not shown) by the conveyor belt 7 is also referred to as the conveying direction of the conveyor belt 7 or simply the conveying direction. Also, in the following description, the object to be cooled (not shown) is simply referred to as the object to be cooled.

[0018] In the freezer 1 according to an embodiment, a part of the region on the upstream side in the conveying direction of the forward path portion 7a of the conveyor belt 7 is exposed outside the housing 3 for placing the object to be cooled on the conveyor belt 7. In the freezer 1 according to an embodiment, a part of the region on the downstream side in the conveying direction of the forward path portion 7a of the conveyor belt 7 is exposed outside the housing 3 for sending the object to be cooled on the conveyor belt 7 to the next process.

[0019] (Belt conveyor 5) In one embodiment of the Freezer 1, the belt conveyor 5 includes a conveyor belt 7 for transporting objects to be cooled, a drive motor (not shown) for driving the conveyor belt 7, a drive shaft 9 located at the downstream end of the forward portion 7a of the conveyor belt 7 and for driving the conveyor belt 7 by the driving force of the drive motor (not shown), and a direction changing shaft 11 for changing the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 7. The direction changing shaft 11 includes a driven shaft 13, at least one idler shaft 15, and at least one pair of suspension area support shafts 17. Furthermore, according to one embodiment, the Freezer 1 is equipped with a reduction device 8 for reducing the adhesion and growth of ice on the conveyor belt 7.

[0020] The driven shaft 13 is positioned at the upstream end of the forward section 7a of the conveyor belt 7. In some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the conveyor belt 7 is routed from the driven shaft 13 downstream in the conveying direction to the drive shaft 9. The region above the driven shaft 13 and the drive shaft 9 becomes the forward portion 7a of the conveyor belt 7, and the region below the driven shaft 13 and the drive shaft 9 becomes the return portion 7b of the conveyor belt 7.

[0021] The idler shaft 15 is positioned to contact the conveyor belt 7 from the inside (or from the outside, depending on the layout of the conveyor belt 7's trajectory due to a change in the direction of the conveyor belt 7) in the return path portion 7b of the conveyor belt 7, which is wrapped around the drive shaft 9 and the driven shaft 13. In the Freeza 1 shown in Figure 1, two idler shafts 15 are provided on the inside of the conveyor belt 7, spaced apart from each other along the movement path of the conveyor belt 7.

[0022] Each of the pair of suspension area support shafts 17 is configured to contact and support the conveyor belt 7 from the outside (underside) of the endless belt-shaped conveyor belt 7 that is wrapped around the drive shaft 9 and the driven shaft 13 in the return path portion 7b. Each of the pair of suspension area support shafts 17 is spaced apart from each other along the movement path of the conveyor belt 7.

[0023] Figure 2 shows an example of a conveyor belt 7 of a belt conveyor 5 according to several embodiments. The conveyor belt 7 is, for example, an endless strip of mesh belt made by weaving metal wires into a mesh pattern, and can support objects to be cooled. For example, the conveyor belt 7 has a plurality of reinforcing ribs 71 that extend in the width direction Drw of the conveyor belt 7 and are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the width direction Drw, and a helical portion 73 that is arranged to spirally wrap around two adjacent reinforcing ribs 71 from the outside in a direction perpendicular to the width direction Drw. Therefore, the helical portion 73 includes a helical portion 73a located on the front side in Figure 2 with respect to the reinforcing ribs 71 and a helical portion 73b located on the rear side in Figure 2 with respect to the reinforcing ribs 71, and the helical portion 73a located on the front side and the helical portion 73b located on the rear side are arranged alternately along the width direction Drw. The ends of the reinforcing ribs 71 in the width direction Drw are connected to the ends of the helical portion 73 in the width direction Drw, for example, by welding.

[0024] In some embodiments of the conveyor belt 7, the length of one link of the conveyor belt 7 is the arrangement pitch of two adjacent force ribs 71 in a direction perpendicular to the width direction Drw. In the following explanation, the width direction Drw of the conveyor belt 7 will also be simply referred to as the width direction Drw.

[0025] The conveyor belt 7 is driven by a drive shaft 9 driven by a drive motor (not shown), and is capable of transporting the object to be cooled placed on the forward path portion 7a of the conveyor belt 7 from the upstream side to the downstream side in the transport direction. Furthermore, the conveyor belt 7 of the belt conveyor 5 according to several embodiments is not limited to the structure shown in Figure 2, as long as it allows cold air to pass through the thickness direction of the conveyor belt 7 with relatively little pressure loss, can be wrapped relatively easily around the drive shaft 9 and the direction changing shaft 11, and has a structure that meshes with the teeth of the sprocket for driving the conveyor belt 7.

[0026] (Challenges in Belt Conveyor 5) On the endless conveyor belt 7 of the conveyor belt 5 equipped in Frieza 1, ice accumulates due to frost growth caused by moisture in the air, and the frost melting and then rapidly cooling inside Frieza 1, causing it to refreeze. For example, if ice adheres to the surface of the conveyor belt 7, the apparent thickness of the conveyor belt 7 changes, altering the distance the conveyor belt 7 travels when it wraps around the sprockets and rollers of the drive shaft 9 and direction change shaft 11. This can lead to problems such as the conveyor belt 7 meandering or slanting, or only a portion of the widthwise Drw leading the way.

[0027] Furthermore, if ice grows in the link sections of the conveyor belt 7, for example, the pitch length per link of the conveyor belt 7 will decrease. Specifically, if ice grows between the reinforcing bars 71 and the helical sections 73, the contact points between the reinforcing bars 71 and the helical sections 73 will separate in a direction perpendicular to the width direction Drw. As a result, the distance between two adjacent reinforcing bars 71 in a direction perpendicular to the width direction Drw will decrease, and the pitch length per link of the conveyor belt 7 will decrease. For example, if ice growth differs in the widthwise Drw of the conveyor belt 7 at the link portion, the circumferential length of the conveyor belt 7 will differ depending on the position of the widthwise Drw, which may lead to problems such as skew or only a portion of the widthwise Drw leading.

[0028] As mentioned above, if the flexibility of the conveyor belt 7 is impaired due to freezing, it may lead to problems such as the conveyor belt 7 undesirably slanting when passing over axes that change the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 7, such as the drive shaft 9 and the direction changing shaft 11. Therefore, it is desirable to prevent ice from growing as much as possible on the conveyor belt 7.

[0029] Therefore, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the growth and adhesion of ice on the conveyor belt 7 are reduced in the following manner.

[0030] (Regarding reduction device 8) Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the reduction device 8 according to another embodiment. As shown in Figures 1 and 3, some embodiments of the reduction device 8 include at least one pair of suspension area support shafts 17 and a return portion 7b of the conveyor belt 7 between at least one pair of suspension area support shafts 17. The reduction device 8 according to one embodiment shown in Figure 1 includes a pair of suspension area support shafts 17 and a return portion 7b of the conveyor belt 7 between the pair of suspension area support shafts 17. The reduction device 8 according to another embodiment shown in Figure 3 includes a plurality of pairs of suspension area support shafts 17 and the return portion 7b of the conveyor belt 7 between the plurality of pairs of suspension area support shafts 17. In the example shown in Figure 3, the reduction device 8 includes three pairs of suspension area support shafts 17 and the return portion 7b of the conveyor belt 7 between the three pairs of suspension area support shafts 17. Note that the number of pairs of suspension area support shafts 17 included in the reduction device 8 is not limited to one or three.

[0031] In some embodiments of the reduction device 8, the return portion 7b is configured to deflect in a catenary curve shape between each of a pair of suspension region support shafts 17. Between each of the pair of suspension region support shafts 17, the return portion 7b is not supported from below by a member such as a rail, and the return portion 7b deflects in a catenary curve shape due to its own weight. The return portion 7b located between each of the pair of suspension region support shafts 17 is also referred to as the suspension region 7c.

[0032] (Regarding the amount of deflection in the vertical direction of the conveyor belt 7 and the tension of the conveyor belt 7) It is known that when a conveyor belt 7 deflects in a catenary curve between a pair of suspension region support shafts 17, in regions where the amount of deflection is relatively small, the smaller the amount of deflection in the height direction of the conveyor belt 7, the greater the tension of the conveyor belt 7. Furthermore, as the amount of deflection increases, once it exceeds a certain threshold, there is a region where the tension of the conveyor belt 7 actually increases as the amount of deflection increases. However, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the reduction device 8 is not used in such a region where the amount of deflection is large. In other words, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the shorter the length of the conveyor belt 7 in the suspension region 7c, the greater the tension of the conveyor belt 7.

[0033] (Regarding changes in the tension of conveyor belt 7 due to ice growth and accumulation) For example, as mentioned above, if ice adheres to the surface of the conveyor belt 7, the apparent thickness of the conveyor belt 7 increases. When the apparent thickness of the conveyor belt 7 increases, the position of the conveyor belt 7 in the radial direction relative to the drive shaft 9 and the direction change shaft 11 shifts radially outward. As a result, the trajectory of the conveyor belt 7 that passes over the drive shaft 9 and the direction change shaft 11 bulges radially outward. Furthermore, as mentioned above, if the flexibility of the conveyor belt 7 is impaired, the position of the conveyor belt 7 in the radial direction of the drive shaft 9 and the direction changing shaft 11 will move radially outward when passing through shafts that change the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 7, such as the drive shaft 9 and the direction changing shaft 11. As a result, the trajectory of the conveyor belt 7 will bulge radially outward relative to the drive shaft 9 and the direction changing shaft 11.

[0034] In this state, where the track of the conveyor belt 7 bulges radially outward, the length of the track of the conveyor belt 7 increases, but since the length of each link and the number of links remain unchanged, the circumference of the conveyor belt 7 itself does not increase. Therefore, this is equivalent to the apparent circumference of the conveyor belt 7 becoming shorter. As a result, the amount of deflection of the conveyor belt 7 in the height direction in the suspension region 7c is reduced. Therefore, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, as described above, if ice adheres to the surface of the conveyor belt 7 or if the flexibility of the conveyor belt 7 is impaired, the tension of the conveyor belt 7 increases.

[0035] Furthermore, as mentioned above, if ice grows in the links of the conveyor belt 7, the pitch length per link of the conveyor belt 7 will decrease, thus shortening the circumference of the conveyor belt 7. Therefore, the amount of deflection of the conveyor belt 7 in the height direction in the suspension region 7c becomes smaller. Therefore, as described above, when ice grows in the link portion of the conveyor belt 7, the tension of the conveyor belt 7 increases.

[0036] As described above, when ice grows or accumulates on the conveyor belt 7, the tension on the conveyor belt 7 increases. When the tension of the conveyor belt 7 increases, the force that bends the conveyor belt 7 at the link sections of the conveyor belt 7 increases at points that change the direction of travel of the conveyor belt 7, such as the drive shaft 9 and direction change shaft 11 of Frieza 1. As a result, the ice attached to the link sections of the conveyor belt 7 becomes more easily broken. Therefore, even if the attached ice grows, it becomes more easily broken, thus inhibiting the growth of the attached ice.

[0037] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the return portion 7b flexes under its own weight in a suspension curve shape between a pair of suspension region support shafts 17, thereby functioning as a tensioner for the conveyor belt 7. This simplifies the configuration for generating tension in the conveyor belt 7 and allows for the absorption of changes in belt length due to temperature changes, link engagement, etc. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, even if the circumference of the conveyor belt 7 becomes apparent or substantially shorter due to ice growth or adhesion as described above, the reduction device 8 can absorb the change in belt length, making it less likely for the tension of the conveyor belt 7 to become excessive. Therefore, according to some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the possibility of malfunctions occurring in various parts of the belt conveyor 5 due to excessive tension can be reduced.

[0038] Let's consider a case where, instead of generating tension in the conveyor belt 7 by the aforementioned reduction device 8, a device is adopted in which, as a tensioner for the endless conveyor belt 7 in Freeza 1, weight rollers are placed on the conveyor belt 7 in the return section 7b, and tension is applied to the conveyor belt 7 by the weight of the weight rollers themselves.

[0039] In such a device, for example, the conveyor belt 7 is suspended in a relatively large U-shape between a pair of suspension area support shafts 17 that are spaced apart in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 7, and weight rollers are placed on the conveyor belt 7 in the U-shaped suspended portion, generating tension in the conveyor belt 7 due to the weight of the weight rollers themselves. Therefore, in such a device, even if ice adheres to the surface of the conveyor belt 7, as described above, causing the apparent circumference of the conveyor belt 7 to shorten, the tension of the conveyor belt 7 remains almost unchanged, unlike the reduction device 8 described above. Consequently, a device that generates tension in the conveyor belt 7 using the weight of the weight rollers cannot be expected to reduce the occurrence of problems caused by ice growth and adhesion.

[0040] Furthermore, in order to employ a device that generates tension in the conveyor belt 7 using the weight of the weight rollers, it is necessary to suspend the conveyor belt 7 in a relatively large U-shape and arrange the weight rollers accordingly, which requires securing sufficient vertical height. As a result, the height of the forward section 7a of the conveyor belt 7 becomes high, and the height of Frieza 1 also becomes high.

[0041] In contrast, according to some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, since the conveyor belt 7 is suspended in a relatively large U-shape and there is no need to arrange weight rollers, the height of the forward portion 7a of the conveyor belt 7 can be reduced, and the height of the freezer 1 can be reduced.

[0042] Furthermore, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, since it is necessary to allow the conveyor belt 7 to flex between the pair of suspension area support shafts 17, no support rails or other members are provided to support the conveyor belt 7 from below. Also, in order to secure the necessary tension in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, it is necessary to ensure a certain distance between the pair of suspension area support shafts 17. Therefore, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the section without support rails or other members to support the conveyor belt 7 from below becomes relatively long, so the number of support rails or other members to support the conveyor belt 7 from below can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the Freeza 1 can be reduced.

[0043] In one embodiment, the Frieza 1 is equipped with a belt conveyor 5 according to several embodiments described above, thereby reducing problems that may occur in the Frieza 1 due to ice adhering to the conveyor belt 7. Furthermore, according to one embodiment of Frieza 1, the configuration for generating tension in the conveyor belt 7 can be simplified, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of Frieza 1. According to one embodiment of Frieza 1, the height of Frieza 1 can be reduced. According to one embodiment of the Freeza 1, since there is a relatively long section in which no support rails or other members supporting the conveyor belt 7 from below are provided, the number of support rails and other members supporting the conveyor belt 7 from below can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of the Freeza 1.

[0044] In some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, a plurality of pairs of suspension region support shafts 17 may be provided, as shown in Figure 3, for example. Between each pair of suspension region support shafts 17, the return portion 7b is preferably configured to flex in a catenary curve shape. This makes it easier to ensure the necessary amount of absorption for changes in belt length.

[0045] In one embodiment of the freezer 1, the cooling device 8 is preferably located inside the chamber 1a where cold air circulates. In one embodiment of the Freeza 1, the length of the interior 1a is necessary in relation to the time required to cool the object to be cooled. However, by placing the cooling device 8 in the interior 1a, it becomes unnecessary to increase the overall length of the Freeza 1 solely to accommodate the cooling device 8. This allows the impact on the overall length of Frieza 1 to be reduced by providing the reduction device 8.

[0046] (Regarding adjustment device 90) Figure 4 is a schematic diagram illustrating an adjustment device 90 for adjusting the tension of a conveyor belt 7 in a belt conveyor 5 according to several embodiments. In some embodiments, the belt conveyor 5 includes a conveyor belt tension adjustment device 90 for setting the amount of deflection of the conveyor belt 7 between a pair of suspension area support shafts 17 within a specified range. This makes it easier to set the tension of the conveyor belt 7 within the desired tension range.

[0047] In some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the adjustment device 90 is configured to adjust the tension of the conveyor belt 7 by changing the position of, for example, one of the multiple direction-changing axes 11. In some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the adjustment device 90 is configured to adjust the tension of the conveyor belt 7 in the return path portion 7b by changing the position of an idler axis 15 which is located relatively close to the driven axis 13 along the movement path of the conveyor belt 7.

[0048] In some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the adjustment device 90 is configured to move and fix the idler shaft 15, whose position is to be changed, to any position within the adjustment range. In the example shown in Figure 4, the adjustment device 90 is configured to move and fix the position of the idler shaft 15 in a direction parallel to the conveying direction, for example, as indicated by arrow a.

[0049] This disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described above, but also includes modified forms of the embodiments described above, as well as forms that combine these forms as appropriate.

[0050] The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows: (1) A conveyor device for a freezer (belt conveyor 5) according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises an endless mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) for transporting an object to be cooled, having a forward portion 7a and a return portion 7b, and a pair of direction changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17) arranged at intervals in the direction of movement of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) for supporting the return portion 7b of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) from below. Between the pair of direction changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17), the return portion 7b is configured to bend in a catenary curve shape.

[0051] According to the configuration described in (1) above, the ice adhering to the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) becomes easier to break, thereby reducing the occurrence of problems caused by ice growth and adhesion. In other words, for example, if the apparent thickness of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) changes due to ice growth or accumulation, or if the flexibility of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) is impaired, or if the pitch length per link of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) becomes shorter, the apparent circumference of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) will appear to become shorter. When the circumference of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) becomes shorter in this way, the amount of deflection of the return section 7b in a catenary curve shape between the pair of direction-changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17) decreases. When this amount of deflection decreases, the tension of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) increases, and the force that bends the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) at the link sections of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) increases at points where the direction of travel of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) is changed, such as the drive shaft and driven shaft of Frieza 1. As a result, the ice attached to the link sections of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) becomes more easily broken. Therefore, even if the attached ice grows, it becomes more easily broken, thus inhibiting the growth of the attached ice.

[0052] Furthermore, according to the configuration of (1) above, the return portion 7b flexes under its own weight in a suspension curve shape between the pair of direction-changing shafts 11 (suspension region support shafts 17), thereby functioning as a tensioner for the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7). This simplifies the configuration for generating tension in the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) and allows for the absorption of changes in belt length due to temperature changes, link engagement, etc. Furthermore, in some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, even if the circumference of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) becomes apparent or substantially shorter due to ice growth or adhesion as described above, the change in belt length can be absorbed by the change in the amount of deflection of the return section 7b between the pair of direction changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17), so that the tension of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) is less likely to become excessive. Therefore, according to some embodiments of the belt conveyor 5, the possibility of malfunctions occurring in various parts of the belt conveyor 5 due to excessive tension can be reduced.

[0053] According to the configuration of (1) above, there is no need to suspend the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) in a relatively large U-shape and arrange the weight rollers, as is the case with a device that generates tension in the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) by the weight of the weight rollers themselves. Therefore, the height of the forward portion 7a of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) can be reduced, and the height of the Freeza 1 can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, in the configuration of (1) above, since it is necessary to allow the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) to flex between the pair of direction-changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17), no support rails or other members are provided to support the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) from below. Also, in order to secure the necessary tension in the configuration of (1) above, it is necessary to ensure a certain distance between the pair of direction-changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17). Therefore, according to the configuration of (1) above, the section without support rails or other members to support the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) from below becomes relatively long, so the number of support rails or other members to support the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) from below can be reduced, and the manufacturing cost of the freezer can be reduced.

[0055] (2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) above, a plurality of pairs of direction changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17) may be provided. Between each pair of direction changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17), the return section 7b is preferably configured to flex in a catenary curve shape.

[0056] According to the configuration in (2) above, it becomes easier to ensure the necessary amount of absorption for changes in belt length.

[0057] (3) In some embodiments, the configuration of (1) or (2) above may be provided with a tension adjustment device 90 for the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) for setting the amount of deflection of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) between a pair of direction changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17) within a specified range.

[0058] According to the configuration described in (3) above, it becomes easier to set the tension of the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) within the desired tension range.

[0059] (4) A Frieza 1 according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure is equipped with a conveyor device (belt conveyor 5) for Frieza having any of the configurations of (1) to (3) above.

[0060] According to the configuration described in (4) above, malfunctions that occur in Freezer 1 due to ice adhering to the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) can be reduced. Furthermore, according to the configuration described in (4) above, the configuration for generating tension in the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) can be simplified, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of Frieza 1. According to the configuration in (4) above, the height of Frieza 1 can be reduced. According to the configuration described in (4) above, the section without support rails or other components that support the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) from below becomes relatively long, so the number of support rails and other components that support the mesh belt (conveyor belt 7) from below can be reduced, thereby reducing the manufacturing cost of Frieza 1.

[0061] (5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (4) above, the pair of direction changing shafts 11 (suspension area support shafts 17) are preferably located inside the chamber 1a where cold air circulates.

[0062] In one embodiment of Frieza 1, the interior 1a needs to have a certain length in relation to the time required for cooling, but by placing the cooling device 8 in the interior 1a, it is not necessary to increase the overall length of Frieza 1 solely to accommodate the cooling device 8. According to the configuration in (5) above, the impact on the overall length of Frieza 1 can be reduced by providing the reduction device 8. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0063] 1. Frieza 1a Inside the storage room 3 Housing 5 Belt conveyor 7 Conveyor belt 7a Outbound journey 7b Return journey 7c pull-up area 8. Reduction device 9 Drive shaft 11 Directional change axis 13 Driven shaft 15 Idler axis 17 Suspension area support shaft 90 Adjustment device

Claims

1. Having a forward section and a return section, an endless mesh belt for transporting the object to be cooled, A pair of direction-changing shafts, spaced apart in the direction of movement of the mesh belt, for supporting the return portion of the mesh belt from below, Equipped with, Between the pair of direction-changing axes, the return path portion is configured to flex in a catenary curve shape. A conveyor belt system for Frieza.

2. Multiple pairs of direction-changing axes are provided. Between each of the pair of direction-changing axes, the return path portion is configured to flex in a catenary curve shape. The conveyor device for Frieza according to claim 1.

3. A tension adjustment device for the mesh belt to set the amount of deflection of the mesh belt between the pair of direction-changing axes within a specified range. Equipped with The conveyor device for Frieza according to claim 1 or 2.

4. A conveyor device for Frieza according to claim 1 or 2, Equipped with Frieza.

5. The pair of direction-changing shafts are located inside the chamber where cold air circulates. Frieza as described in claim 4.

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