Spliced belt component with enhanced strength

Abstract

The invention relates to an interlocking belt segment (1) for use in industrial applications, comprising at least one joint region (11) on the opposite sides of at least one belt body (10), extension portions (12) located in the joint regions (11) and enabling the connection of the opposite two ends, at least one power pin hole (121) and at least one return pin hole (122) located in the extension portions (12), and at least one pin (13) to be inserted through the pin holes, The novelty of the invention lies in that it comprises at least one thread (14) positioned in at least the extension portion (12) to provide reinforcement and improve tensile properties, and the thread (14) starting from the belt body (10), being looped back with a first loop formation (141) around the power pin hole (121), and extending back towards the belt body (10) with a second loop formation (142) around the return pin hole (122).

Description

[0001] SPLICED BELT COMPONENT WITH ENHANCED STRENGTH

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The invention relates to an interlocking belt segment for use in industrial applications, comprising at least one joint region on the opposite sides of at least one belt body, extension portions located in the joint regions and enabling the connection of the opposite two ends, at least one power pin hole and at least one return pin hole located in the extension portions, and at least one pin to be inserted through the pin holes.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Industrial belts are flexible bands used in various industrial applications for power transmission and material handling. They come in different types, such as V-belts, flat belts, timing belts, rubber conveyor belts, and modular plastic belts. These belts are utilized in production lines, agricultural machinery, the automotive industry, mining, food processing, and logistics. Their advantages include efficiency, flexibility, durability, and ease of maintenance. Selecting the right belt and performing regular maintenance can significantly enhance machine performance and lifespan.

[0006] Belts that can be assembled and disassembled at both ends are known as interlocking belts, modular belts, or interlocking conveyor belts, and they are designed to be separable and rejoinable at least at one point. This modular structure allows for easy adjustment of the belt length, simple assembly, and disassembly. They are typically made of plastic or rubber materials and are widely used in food processing, packaging, assembly lines, agriculture, automotive, and logistics due to their flexibility, durability, and hygienic properties. They also offer advantages such as easy maintenance and repair, long lifespan, and improved hygiene. However, not all belt structures allow for separation and reassembly. In timing belts, interlocking belt joints are often secured using various methods. This situation allows for belt length adjustment but prevents it from being removable and attachable. Over time, as the industry's demand for removable and attachable belts has increased, new applications for timing belts have been developed and implemented. However, among the technical problems encountered in interlocking belts that can be joined and separated at both ends, there are weaknesses and wear at connection points, removal of connection parts, and the risk of breakage and wear, especially under high load. The parts not fitting together properly or incorrect assembly may cause the belt to not function properly and lead to vibrations. Additionally, over time, dirt and foreign substances entering between the modules reduce the efficiency of the belt, increasing the need for cleaning and maintenance. Interlocking belts may be exposed to material fatigue due to continuous stretching and bending. This leads to a decrease in performance and a shortening of the belt's lifespan. Furthermore, the flexibility provided by the interlocking structure may limit the stability and load-carrying capacity of the belt in some applications. If proper material selection is not made and regular maintenance is not performed, deformation and performance loss in the belt are inevitable. All these problems may negatively affect production efficiency and require frequent replacement of the belt.

[0007] As a result, all the abovementioned problems have made it necessary to make an improvement in the relevant technical field.

[0008] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention relates to an interlocking belt segment in order to eliminate the disadvantages mentioned above and to bring new advantages to the relevant technical field.

[0010] One objective of the invention is to provide a belt with increased joint strength, improved tensile properties, and extended lifespan.

[0011] In order to achieve all the objectives mentioned above and those that will emerge from the detailed description below, the invention relates to an interlocking belt segment for use in industrial applications, comprising at least one joint region on the opposite sides of at least one belt body, extension portions located in the joint regions and enabling the connection of the opposite two ends, at least one power pin hole and at least one return pin hole located in the extension portions, and at least one pin to be inserted through the pin holes. The novelty of the invention lies in that it comprises at least one thread positioned in at least the extension portion to provide reinforcement and improve tensile properties, and the thread starting from the belt body, being looped back with a first loop formation around the power pin hole, and extending back towards the belt body with a second loop formation around the return pin hole. One feature of a possible embodiment of the invention is that at least one power pin hole in the interlocking segments, which complete a belt form when fitted together, aligns properly so that the inserted pin ensures full strength load connection. Thus, the interlocking belt segment's opposite ends can be connected with higher strength, and the loss of strength around the pin due to the elongation of the thread under tension is minimized.

[0012] Another feature of a possible embodiment of the invention is that the thread is comprised of tensor material. In this way, a composite and reinforced structure is obtained in the interlocking belt segment.

[0013] Another feature of a possible embodiment of the invention is that the thread is provided separately on each extension portion. Thus, the strength of each extension portion is increased individually.

[0014] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0015] In Figure 1 , a representative perspective view of the interlocking belt segment of the invention is provided.

[0016] In Figure 2, another representative perspective view of the interlocking belt segment of the invention is provided.

[0017] In Figure 3, a representative top transparent view of the interlocking belt segment of the invention is provided.

[0018] In Figure 4, a representative perspective view of the interlocking belt segment of the invention is provided.

[0019] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] In this detailed description, the subject matter of the invention is explained with examples that are only intended to enhance understanding and do not impose any limiting effect.

[0021] In Figure 1 , a representative perspective view of the interlocking belt segment (1) of the invention is provided. Accordingly, the interlocking belt segment (1) is an industrial belt type composed of parts that can be joined together. This interlocking belt segment (1 ) can be easily assembled and repaired when necessary by connecting its opposite ends with connection pins (13). Its modular structure allows for easy assembly under challenging conditions and enables adjustments to the length and width of the belt according to needs. It is generally made of materials such as plastic or rubber and may have different surface designs. The interlocking belt segment (1) is widely used in various industrial fields such as food processing, packaging, assembly lines, agriculture, automotive, and logistics.

[0022] In Figure 2, another representative perspective view of the interlocking belt segment (1) of the invention is provided. Accordingly, the interlocking belt segment (1) comprises at least one belt body (10) and at least one joint region (11) on the belt body’s (10) opposite sides. The belt body (10) is the main structural component of the interlocking belt segment (1). It is generally made of plastic or rubber materials that provide high durability and flexibility. These materials allow the interlocking belt segment (1) to withstand different environmental conditions and loads. The belt body (10) extends along the length of the interlocking belt segment (1 ) and may sometimes be reinforced with strengthening elements to increase its load-carrying capacity. The joint regions (11 ) are located on the opposite sides of the belt body (10) and serve as the areas where the opposite ends of the belt body (10) are connected. The joint regions (11) maintain the flexibility of the interlocking belt segment (1) while ensuring that the opposite ends of the belt body (10) are securely joined together. The joint regions (11 ) enable easy assembly and disassembly of the opposite ends of the belt body (10).

[0023] At least one extension portion (12) is present on the joint regions (11). The said extension portions (12) are protrusions located in the joint regions (11 ) that allow the opposite ends to interlock. These extension portions (12) exist in multiple numbers on the joint regions (11 ) depending on the width of the belt body (10). The extension portions (12) ensure that the opposite ends of the interlocking belt segment (1 ) are tightly connected. The extension portions (12) preserve both the integrity and flexibility of the interlocking belt segment (1 ). At least one pin (13) hole is present on the extension portions (12). The said pin (13) hole is located on the extension portions (12) and serves as a hole through which the pins (13) pass to enable connection. Each extension portion (12) contains at least one power pin hole (121 ) and at least one return pin hole (122). These holes allow the pins (13) to be easily inserted and removed, enabling the interlocking belt segment (1) to be assembled and disassembled quickly. The arrangement and dimensions of the pin holes are precisely designed to ensure the stability and safety of the interlocking belt segment (1). In a possible embodiment of the invention, at least one auxiliary pin hole (123) may also be provided on the extension portion (12). The pin (13) is a connecting element that passes through the pin (13) holes to join the extension portions (12) and holds the modular structure of the interlocking belt segment (1 ) together. It is generally made of metal or rigid plastic. The pins (13) ensure a tight and secure connection of the extension portions (12), maintaining the integrity of the interlocking belt segment (1). Additionally, the pins (13) allow for easy removal and reassembly when necessary. The pin (13) may exist in multiple numbers according to the number of pin (13) holes present in the interlocking belt segment (1)-

[0024] At least one thread (14) is present in the belt body (10) and particularly within the joint region (11 ). The thread (14) is provided separately on each extension portion (12). The thread (14) is coiled around both the power pin hole (121 ) and the return pin hole (122). The thread (14) extends from the belt body (10), is fully looped around the power pin hole (121 ) with a first loop formation (141), and then continues to form a second loop formation (142) around the return pin hole (122), extending back towards the belt body (10). The loop formations essentially refer to the coiled structure of the thread (14) around the pin holes. During tension, the interlocking belt segment (1) gains reinforcement from the power pin hole (121), while the increased tightness around the return pin hole (122) prevents elongation. Thus, the single-point-supported thread (14) connection that grips the pin enhances both the strength and stability of the interlocking belt segment (1 ) under tension. This ensures a stronger connection of the joint regions (11 ). The thread (14) is generally made of tensor material that provides high durability and low elongation, such as textile or steel-based structures. The thread (14) prevents the extension portions (12) of the interlocking belt segment (1 ) from opening or loosening under load. In this way, the breaking resistance of the joint region (11 ) in the interlocking belt segment (1 ) is increased. The thread (14) enhances the overall performance of the interlocking belt segment (1) while also facilitating maintenance and repair processes.

[0025] In Figure 3, a representative top transparent view of the interlocking belt segment (1) of the invention is provided. The wrapping of the thread (14) around the power pin hole (121 ) in a full loop that tightly encircles the pin provides significant benefits in the joint region (11) of the interlocking belt segment (1). This wrapping process ensures that the pins (13) fit properly into the holes and that the extension portions (12) form a tight and secure connection. In this way, loosening or opening of the interlocking belt segment (1) under load is prevented. Consequently, the interlocking belt segment (1) operates more stably and reliably. Additionally, the wrapped thread (14) prevents damage to the joint region (11) during movement, which extends the lifespan of the interlocking belt segment (1 ). The pinned design of the invention also facilitates maintenance and repair processes, allowing the interlocking belt segment (1) to be assembled and disassembled quickly and efficiently when needed. In Figure 4, a representative perspective view of the interlocking belt segment (1) of the invention is provided. Accordingly, the interlocking belt segment (1) can be configured to be joined to other belts known in the art using a finger joint. This expands the application areas of the interlocking belt segment (1 ) and increases its desirability.

[0026] The protection scope of the invention is specified in the appended claims and cannot be limited to the description made for illustrative purposes in this detailed description. Likewise, it is clear that a person skilled in the art can present similar embodiments in the light of the above descriptions without departing from the main theme of the invention.

[0027] REFERENCE NUMBERS THAT GIVEN IN THE FIGURE

[0028] 1 Interlocking Belt Segment

[0029] 10 Belt Body 11 Joint Region

[0030] 12 Extension Portion

[0031] 121 Power Pin Hole

[0032] 122 Return Pin Hole

[0033] 123 Auxiliary Pin Hole 13 Pin

[0034] 14 Thread

[0035] 141 First Loop Formation

[0036] 142 Second Loop Formation

Claims

CLAIMS1. The invention relates to an interlocking belt segment (1) for use in industrial applications, comprising at least one joint region (11) on the opposite sides of at least one belt body (10), extension portions (12) located in the joint regions (11 ) and enabling the connection of the opposite two ends, at least one power pin hole (121 ) and at least one return pin hole (122) located in the extension portions (12), and at least one pin (13) to be inserted through the pin holes, characterized in that it comprises at least one thread (14) positioned in at least the extension portion (12) to provide reinforcement and improve tensile properties, and the thread (14) starting from the belt body (10), being looped back with a first loop formation (141) around the power pin hole (121 ), and extending back towards the belt body (10) with a second loop formation (142) around the return pin hole (122).

2. The interlocking belt segment (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thread (14) configured to at least partially looped around the auxiliary pin hole (123).

3. The interlocking belt segment (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thread (14) is comprised of a tensor material.

4. The interlocking belt segment (1 ) according to Claim 1 , characterized in that the thread (14) is provided separately or partially on each extension portion (12).

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