Treating system for conveyor belt

Abstract

Treating system for conveyor belt The system comprises a movable carriage (21) provided with a box (27) defining a chamber (28) in which is located the treating means (29), said box (27) having at least: • (a) one open window (27A) defined between at least two opposite edge parts (27A1,27A2), and • (b) a connection (27C) for connecting the chamber (28) to a gas extraction means (32) or to a gas inflow means, whereby said at least two opposite edge parts (27A1,27A2) are each provided with a means (35A,35B) for adapting an open gap (36) between the said at least two opposite edge parts (27A1,27A2) and the transport surface (10), said means being adapted for enabling air to flow through said open gap into said chamber, when submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure or vacuum by the gas extraction means (32) or away from said chamber, when submitted to an above atmospheric pressure by the gas inflow means.

Description

[0001] Treating system for conveyor belt

[0002] The invention relates to a system for treating with a treating means, at least partly an endless conveyor belt for transporting at least one product, advantageously at least one packaged product (like a packaged food product, such as at least one container (packages, bottles, etc.)) according to a transport direction, said endless conveyor belt having a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction and a second path portion moving in a return direction, said conveyor belt comprising at least a transport surface adapted to support the at least one product such as containers to be moved in the transport direction, and a guiding surface opposite to the transport surface, whereby the transport surface has a total width of 8 to 120 cm, advantageously comprised between 20cm and 120cm, measured perpendicular to the transport direction between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite to the first lateral edge.

[0003] It has already been proposed to clean conveyor device by brushing the belt over its whole width with a cylindrical brush, and to clean the brush by blowing air on the brush, the dirt displaced from the brush being sucked by a suction means (see JPH0346917). It is difficult to clean on an efficient way a conveyor belt over its entire width. By cleaning the brush with an air blower, particles will be brought in suspension in the production hall and it will be difficult to suck all the air containing particles in suspension. Moreover, in case o humidity, clogging of particles could occur, rendering then the cleaning more difficult.

[0004] Other brush cleaning systems comprising a brush and a dust suction means are disclosed in CN210236273U, CN207451002U, CN112896993 and KR102096825. As the size of the brush is too large, it is also difficult to extract correctly the dust released by the brushing over the entire width of the belt. Such a large brushing induces friction forces, such friction reducing the speed of the conveyor belt, causing a heating of the transport surface, causing an increase of energy consumption. Friction of the belt varies also from place to place in the width of the belt, whereby said friction variation can cause tension in the belt itself.

[0005] It has been proposed in GB2360201 to use a cleaning body moving in the width direction of the conveyor belt. The cleaning body is thus treating a portion of the width of the conveyor belt. The cleaning body defines a chamber in which is located a rotating brush, said rotating brush being supplied with steam. The edges of the body perpendicular to the moving direction are provided with openings connected to a dust extraction means, said openings being each defined between two wiper blades contacting the transport surface. The use of such a cleaning body will generate clogging problem for dust particles, as well as increase the friction, causing a rapid degradation of the wiper blade. The wiper blades are adapted for wiping the dust and water present on the cleaned belt portion, said dust and humidity forming then dust to stick on the wiper blade face directed towards the brush. The wiper blades are not adapted to enabling the formation of an open gap for gas flow between edges of the cleaning hood and the surface to be treated. The present invention aims to solve at least said problems, especially to ensure a good extraction of dust, while preventing problems due increased friction, whereby enabling to treating a transport surface of a conveyor belt, while not disturbing the working thereof. It means less accidents, less maintenance works, less friction. It has even been observed that a better cleaning of the belt, as well as a better dust removal could even be achieved with the system of the invention. While not being bound to any theory, it seems that when controlling the open gap between edges of the box and transport surface, a controlled gas flow or air flow can be controlled within said open gap, causing then a kind of gas / air pretreatment of the dust present on a width portion of the conveyor before its treatment with the treating means, as well as a kind of post treatment of the treated width portion of the belt.

[0006] The system of the invention is a system for treating with a treating means, at least partly an endless conveyor belt for transporting at least one product, advantageously at least one packaged product (like a packaged food product, such as at least one container (packages, bottles, etc.)) according to a transport direction, said endless conveyor belt having a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction and a second path portion moving in a return direction, said conveyor belt comprising at least a transport surface adapted to support the at least one container to be moved in the transport direction, and a guiding surface opposite to the transport surface, whereby the transport surface has a total width of 8 to 120 cm, advantageously comprised between 20cm and 120cm, measured perpendicular to the transport direction between a first lateral edge and a second lateral edge opposite to the first lateral edge, in which the system is adapted for treating a moving portion of the transport surface, said moving portion at each moment of the movement of the transport surface being characterized by:

[0007] * a maximum width smaller than the total width of the transport surface, said maximum width being comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, such as 8cm, 10cm, 12cm and 15cm;

[0008] * a length portion comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, such as 8cm, 10cm, 12cm and 15cm, and

[0009] * a surface comprised between 9 and 400 cm2, advantageously between 25 and 225 cm2, such as 64 cm2, 80cm2, 96cm2, 100cm2, 120cm2, 144cm2, 150cm2and 225cm2, said surface being preferably rectangular with a maximum length or length portion greater than the maximum width;

[0010] (by limiting the surface to be treated, the dust extraction and the treatment can be better controlled or adapted to the requirement, while causing less disturbance to the normal working of the conveyor belt. The treated moving portion is square or rectangular, but preferably rectangular. Advantageously the length measured in the moving direction of the treated moving portion is greater than the width, ensuring in this way a longer time of treatment. Preferably the length is 1.5 to 3 times higher than the width of the portion in treatment, of the moving transport band. ) in which the system comprises a carriage movable along a guiding means by a driving means, so as to displace the carriage between a first end position adjacent to the first lateral edge and a second end position adjacent to the second lateral edge, in which the carriage is provided with a box defining a chamber in which is located the treating means (such as a mechanical treating means, liquid injectors, gas injectors) and / or in which the treating means (like a treating agent, solid, liquid and / or gas, such as steam, gas, air, etc. or mixtures thereof) is introduced, said box having at least :

[0011] (a) one open window directed towards a portion of the transport surface, said open window being defined between at least two opposite edge parts, and

[0012] (b) a connection for connecting the chamber to a gas extraction means adapted for generating a sub atmospheric pressure or a vacuum into said chamber or to a gas inflow means for generating a pressure above the atmospheric pressure, and whereby said at least two opposite edge parts are each provided with a means for adapting an open gap between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface, said means being adapted for enabling air to flow through said open gap into said chamber, when submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure or vacuum by the gas extraction means or away from said chamber, when submitted to an above atmospheric pressure by the gas inflow means, (while not being bound to any theory, said open gap is forming a controlled gas / air passage substantially along said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface, ensuring in this way, a kind of pretreatment, as well as a kind of post treatment while preventing some high friction contact between the said edges and the surface to be treated)

[0013] The open window of the box is characterized by:

[0014] * a maximum width smaller than the total width of the transport surface, said maximum width being comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, such as 8cm, 10cm, 12cm and 15cm;

[0015] * a maximum length comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, such as 8cm, 10cm, 12cm and 15cm, and

[0016] * an open surface comprised between 9 and 400 cm2, advantageously between 25 and 225 cm2, such as 64 cm2, 80cm2, 96cm2, 100cm2, 120cm2, 144cm2, 150cm2and 225cm2, said surface being preferably rectangular with a maximum length greater than the maximum width.

[0017] Advantageously, the means for adapting an open gap between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface is adapted for controlling the air flowing into the said chamber, when submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure or vacuum by the gas extraction means or for controlling the gas flowing outside the chamber when submitted to an above atmospheric pressure by the gas inflow means. Preferably, the means for adapting an open gap between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface is adapted for generating an air cushion at least between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface, advantageously along between all the edges of the open window and the transport surface.

[0018] Details and characteristics of embodiments of the invention are one or more of the followings:

[0019] * the means for adapting an open gap between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface is selected from the group consisting of air injectors associated to the said at least two edges and adapted for generating a relative displacement between said at least two edge parts and the transport surface, flexible sealing means adapted to be deformed when the chamber or channel surrounding said chamber is submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure so as to form controlled air passage in the vicinity of the transport surface, and combinations thereof. This enables then to limit or to prevent some direct contact of the flexible sealing means with the transport surface of the conveyor belt, as well as to direct air flow along the transport surface with high velocity. The flexible sealing means has advantageously a curved section, whereby in the absence of gas / air flow, a part of the curved section contacts the transport surface, in case the system is placed in its treating position.

[0020] Advantageously, the flexible sealing means is adapted to be deformed when the chamber or surrounding channel is submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure so as to form controlled air passages in the vicinity of the transport surface.

[0021] * the chamber has an inner volume of less than 10,000 cm3(10 liters), advantageously less than 2,500 cm3(2.5 liters), preferably less than 2,000 cm3(21iters), such as 1,500cm3, 1,200cm3, 1,000cm3, 800cm3, 600cm3, 500cm3or even less. This is advantageous so as to have a good control of the dust extraction or the gas inflow into the chamber.

[0022] * the guiding means comprises two parallel guiding rails, said guiding rails supporting advantageously the carriage, so as to keep it in the vicinity of the transport surface, the edge parts of the carriage possibly provided with a flexible sealing means being distant from the transport surface by a distance of less than 10mm, advantageously of less than 7.5mm, preferably less than 5mm, such as 4mm, 3mm, 2mm, and preferably less than 1mm. For example when submitted to gas extraction or a gas inflow, the flexible sealing means has a flexible portion deformed for forming a gap (36) between the sealing means and the surface of the belt comprised between 0.1mm and 2mm, such as 0.2 mm, 0.3 mm, 0.5 mm, 0.7mm and 1mm. Open gaps with minimum opening width (measured perpendicular to the transport surface) for the deformed sealing means comprised between 0.2 mm and 1mm are preferred. The determination of said minimum opening width of the open gaps formed by deformation of the sealing means in function of the depression or pressure generated within the chamber or the stability of the under pressure (pressure under atmospheric pressure) or pressure above atmospheric pressure generated within the chamber can be used for determining a dirty status relating the transport surface or portion thereof, for determining when a treatment has to be operated. For example, the power needed by the extraction means for generating a determined pressure in the chamber below the atmospheric pressure is measured. In case, said power is reduced, it means that less gas / air can flow through the open gap, meaning that some dust or dirty materials are reducing the passage of air / gas into the chamber. The same can be done by determining the power required by a gas inflow means for achieving and maintaining a determined pressure in the chamber. In case said power is below a predetermined value (for example in average or different moment of the moving conveyor belt), a control system can determine that at least a portion of the belt has to be cleaned or treated.

[0023] * the guiding rails are provided with one or more rolling systems adapted to contact the transport surface.

[0024] * the carriage or the box thereof comprises two transversal walls having each at least one portion located between the two parallel guiding rails, whereby each of said transversal walls having advantageously an edge directed towards the transport surface, said edge being parallel to the moving direction of the portion of the transport surface turned towards the open window of the box.

[0025] * The system is adapted for treating a transport surface portion of the return path.

[0026] * The system comprises at least two supporting elements for supporting the moving transport surface, at least two of said at least two supporting elements being distant from each other along the return direction, so that the open window of the box is located between said at least two supporting elements.

[0027] * at least one of the at least two supporting elements is adjacent to a first guiding rail for the carriage, while at least one other of the at least two supporting elements is adjacent to a second guiding rail for the carriage, said second guiding rail being distant from and parallel to the first guiding rail.

[0028] * the treating means is selected from the group consisting of mechanical systems, brushes, spray system, lighting system, heating systems, gas pulsing systems, steam injectors, high pressurized gas injectors, lubricating systems, wiping systems and combinations thereof, whereby said treating system is advantageously of the dry type. When using steam, the steam is advantageously overheated steam.

[0029] * the system comprises at least one motor for driving into rotation an axis of rotation or rod on which at least one mechanical treating system, advantageously a brush or a wiping system, is mounted, said axis or rod being transversal or parallel or inclined to the moving direction of a moving portion of the transport surface to be treated by the mechanical treating system, said mechanical treating system bearing flexible parts, advantageously flaps and / or bristles, for contacting the moving portion of the transport surface to be treated, the mechanical treating system can be used for removing dirty particles present on the transport surface, but can also be used for applying on the surface a coating, such as a lubrication agent, a disinfectant agent, etc. The treating system can also be shaped so as to have a conical or tronconical or disc shaped treating portion.

[0030] * the flexible parts of the mechanical treating system have a maximum length from the axis of less than 50mm, advantageously from 5 to 25mm, said length being measured when the flexible parts are extending diametrically with respect to the axis of rotation .

[0031] * the position of the mechanical treating system with respect to the transport surface can be modified by displacing the treating system within the chamber of the box.

[0032] * the motor is adapted for driving into rotation the mechanical treating system, so that the flexible parts contact the transport surface in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the moving portion to be treated. The mechanical treating system can also be driven into rotation along an axis forming an angle with respect to the plane of the portion to be treated. The axis of rotation can for example be substantially perpendicular to said plane. The mechanical treating system can be one or more polishing discs, with advantageously protruding fibres able to extend within the gaps between transport elements. The mechanical treating system can be provided with a (wet and / or dry) dust attracting means, like a swiffer type wiping element.

[0033] * the system comprises a control system for controlling at least one parameter relating to the treating means, said parameter being selected from the group consisting of moving speed of the transport surface, dirty status of the transport surface, humidity, pressure in the chamber (like sub atmospheric pressure, vacuum, pressure above atmospheric), air flow flowing into the chamber, and combination thereof.

[0034] * the treating means is a rotating mechanical treating element, said rotating mechanical treating element being adapted for circulating or pushing air from the chamber towards a longitudinal exhaust opening, and / or for generating a sub atmospheric pressure within the chamber.

[0035] * the carriage or a portion thereof is mounted removable with respect to the guiding means, or in which the box or a portion thereof is mounted removable with respect to the carriage.

[0036] * the box of the carriage is provided (a) with a connection for connecting the chamber to a gas inflow means for generating an above atmospheric pressure in the chamber, and a gas flow through the open gap between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface, as well as (b) with at least one sucking channel means adapted to be connected to a gas extraction means, said at least one sucking means having at least one opening located outside the box and in the vicinity of said at least one open gap between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface for collecting gas flowing through said open gap, when the sucking channel means is connected to a gas extraction means.

[0037] * the system further comprises a covering means adapted to cover a guiding portion of the guiding surface of the conveyor belt, said guiding portion having a size covering at least the portion of the conveyor belt located in front of the open window of the box, said covering means being advantageously provided with a connection adapted for connecting it to a gas extraction means and / or a gas admission means (for example with a cleaning agent and / or a lubricating agent), and preferably to a moving means for moving the covering means along the width of the conveyor belt, in function of the movement of the carriage.

[0038] * the carriage is provided with a plate element with a face directed towards the transport surface, whereby said plate element is provided with recesses associated to rolling beads, each having a portion forming a protuberance with respect to the said face, said protuberance of each rolling bead being directed towards the transport surface. Said rolling beads form abutments, so as to ensure a minimum distance between the said face and the transport surface, especially when the carriage is moved with respect to the conveyor belt, such as moved at least partly transversely with respect to the movement of the belt.

[0039] * the carriage has a total weight of less than 1kg, advantageously less than 500g.

[0040] * any combinations of such details and characteristics.

[0041] The invention further relates to the combination of a system according to the invention, as disclosed here above with at least a gas extraction means and / or to a gas inflow means connected via the connection to the chamber of the box, such as for generating a pressure below or above the atmospheric pressure in the chamber.

[0042] Advantageously, the gas extraction means comprises a fan or a blower connected to the chamber of the carriage through the connection of the chamber through at least a connecting pipe with interposition of at least one separating means selected from the group consisting of liquid separation means, solid particles separating means, filtering means, heat exchanger means, condensing means, and combinations thereof.

[0043] Preferably, the combination further comprises one supply system for supplying the treating means or the trating chamber of the box of the carriage with a treating agent, said treating agent being selected from the group consisting of dry lubricant, cleaning agent, disinfectant agent, water vapor, dry air, and combinations thereof.

[0044] The invention further relates to the use of a combination according to the invention, for treating at least partly an endless conveyor belt for transporting at least one product, advantageously at least one packaged product (like a packaged food product, such as at least one container (packages, bottles, etc.)) according to a transport direction, said endless conveyor belt having a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction and a second path portion moving in a return direction, said conveyor belt comprising at least a transport surface adapted to support the at least one container to be moved in the transport direction, and a guiding surface opposite to the transport surface, whereby the carriage is moved along a guiding means by the driving means so as to treat different portions in the width of the conveyor belt.

[0045] Details of preferred embodiments of the invention will appear from the following description in which reference is made to the attached drawings, said preferred embodiments being given as examples only. In said drawing, a same reference sign designates a means or a piece or an element having a same or identical function.

[0046] Brief description of the drawings

[0047] Fig 1 is a schematic side view of a conveyor belt associated to a treating system of the invention ;

[0048] Fig 2 is a cross section view of the conveyor belt of Fig 1 ;

[0049] Fig 3 is an enlarged cross section view of the treating system of the conveyor belt of Fig 1 along a plane parallel to the return direction XI ;

[0050] Fig 4 is a perspective view of the treating system of Fig 3 ;

[0051] Fig 5 is an upper view of the treating system of Fig 4, with a portion of the conveyor belt removed ;

[0052] Fig 6 is a lateral view of the treating system of Fig 4 ;

[0053] Fig 7 is a front view of the system of Fig 4, with cross section of the conveyor belt;

[0054] Fig 8 is a view of the cover hood covering a section of the guiding surface of the conveyor belt, opposite to the section of transport surface in front of the open window of the box ;

[0055] Fig 9 is a cross section view of another treating system of the invention;

[0056] Fig 10 is a perspective view of a portion of a conveyor belt.

[0057] Fig 11A and 11B are views of a flexible sealing means respectively without gas inflow and with gas inflow.

[0058] Fig 12 is a view of a set of three distinct brushes adapted for being placed within the cleaning chamber. Figure 13 is partial view in perspective of an endless belt portion.

[0059] Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0060] The preferred embodiments described hereafter are combining a series of advantageous details. Less preferred embodiments of the invention can only use one or some of the said advantageous details or characteristics.

[0061] Fig 1 shows an endless conveyor belt 1 for transporting articles or products P , likes packages, bottles, etc. in a transport direction (arrow X ), said conveyor belt has a first path portion 1A moving in accordance to said transport direction (X) and a second path portion (IB) moving in a return direction (XI), said conveyor belt comprising at least a transport surface (10) adapted to support the at least one product, package or container P to be moved in the transport direction (X), and a guiding surface (11) opposite to the transport surface For ensuring correct movement of the belt, support system, like rail 12 or rolling cylinders 13.

[0062] The belt is formed by a series of adjacent endless belt portions 100,101,102 having each a width w of 5 to 15cm, such as from 8 to 12cm. (see figure 10) Each endless belt portion comprises a series of transport elements 1000, lOOObis with a length of 5 to 20 cm, such as from 5 to 15 cm, the transport elements being connected therebetween by a pivoting axis 1001 adapted for enabling the belt to follow a curved path at the end return cylinders 14,15. Between the transport elements 1000 of adjacent endless belt portions 100,101,102, a gap 1100 exists. For cleaning these gaps 1100 , the chamber 28 can be provided with a specific treating element or a specific portion of a treating element adapted for treating specifically the said gap 1100. For example the brush 29 of figure 4 can have a portion adapted when rotating at a specific speed to enter within the gap 1100 between transport endless belt portions. In case the brush 29 does not enable a correct cleaning of the gap 1100, the chamber can also be provided with a specific brush for treating specifically said gap 1100. The chamber 28 can also be provided with two or more distinct brushes, one for cleaning the gap 1100, and at least one other for cleaning portions of the transport surface. Said distinct brushes can be operated independently. The specific brush 29B for cleaning the gap 1100 can be quite thin, so as to enable flaps and hairs of the brush to enter within the gap 1100. The said brush 29B can be mounted on a driving axis parallel to the return direction XL

[0063] The transport surface 10 has a total width of 8 to 120 cm, advantageously comprised between 20cm and 120cm, measured perpendicular to the transport direction X between a first lateral edge LI and a second lateral edge L2 opposite to the first lateral edge LI.

[0064] The conveyor belt is provided with a system 20 adapted for treating a moving portion of the transport surface. In this embodiment, the treating system is adapted for treating the conveyor belt during its second return path portion IB opposite to the transport first path portion 1A. In possible embodiment, the treatment can be operated for treating the conveyor belt along its first transport path portion 1A.

[0065] The treating system is adapted for treating a small moving portion 27 A (in front of the open window 27 A) of the conveyor belt, said moving portion having:

[0066] * a maximum width (corresponding for example to about the width of a chain element 1000) w27A smaller than the total width of the transport surface, said maximum width being comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, such as 10cm;

[0067] * a length portion (127 A) comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, such as 10cm, and

[0068] * a surface (s27A) comprised between 9 and 400 cm2, advantageously between 25 and 225 cm2, such as 100cm2(in the embodiment, s27A = 127 A x w27A).

[0069] The moving portion in front of the treating system or the open window 27 thereof has for example a length 127 A comprised between 1 to 2 times the length of the transport elements (in the example of figure 10, about the length of a chain element) and a width comprised between 0.5 to 2 times the width of a transport element or chain element 1000. The treating system of the invention is thus adapted for treating a small area of the transport surface, and will not disturb the working of the conveyor belt. The treating system will be small in size and will not occupy a large volume in an industrial hall. The treating system can be located in the space below the return path of the conveyor belt, and can be located between two supports with rolling systems 13. The open window has advantageously a square shape.

[0070] The treating system 20 comprises a carriage 21 movable along a guiding means 22 (like a threaded rod) which can be driven into rotation by a driving means 23 (a motor), so as to displace the carriage 21 transversely (with respect to the return direction of the belt) between a first end position adjacent to the first lateral edge LI of the belt and a second end position adjacent to the second lateral edge L2 of the belt. The threaded rod 22 is cooperating with a threaded passage of an piece 24 attached to the carriage 21, so as to ensure a precise movement of the carriage with respect to the rod 22. Advantageously, the carriage 21 is provided with two pieces 24 with threaded passage cooperating each with a distinct threaded rod 22 driven by distinct motor 23. The free end of the threaded rod 22 extends in a bearing 25. The motor 23 and the bearing 25 are advantageously mounted on a same supporting assembly 26, directly or with interposition of an elastically compressible foam layer 127, said foam layer enabling some vertical displacement of the carriage 21 with respect to the supporting assembly 26 and thus with respect to the face of the transport surface 10. The two threaded rod can also be displaced at the same time with a single motor with interposition of a gearing system.

[0071] The carriage 21 is provided with a box 27 defining a chamber 28 (treating chamber) in which is located the treating means 29, for example only in the form of a rod 30 bearing a series of bristles or flaps 31 (said rod being driven into rotation by a motor), said box 27 having at least : (a) one open window 27 A directed towards a portion of the transport surface 10, said open window 27A being defined between at least two opposite edge parts 27A1,27A2, and

[0072] (b) a connection 27C for connecting the chamber to a gas extraction means 32 (such as a pump or fan) adapted for generating a sub atmospheric pressure or a vacuum into said chamber (in the embodiment of figure 9, the connection 27 is adapted to be connected to a gas inflow means for generating a pressure above the atmospheric pressure in the chamber 28). The extracted air by the air pump 32 is then submitted to cleaning step, such as in a cyclone separator 33 and an air filter 34, for removing particles or dust released by the treatment step. The air pump 32 can also be located after the dust separation devices 33,34.

[0073] Said at least two opposite edge parts 27A1,27A2 are each provided with a means 35A,35B for adapting an open gap 36 between the said at least two opposite edge parts 27A1,27A2 and the transport surface 10, said means being adapted for enabling air to flow through said open gap 36 into said chamber 28, when said chamber is submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure or vacuum by the gas extraction means 32. In the embodiment of figure 9, the air flow is generated for flowing away from said chamber 28, when said chamber is submitted to an above atmospheric pressure by the gas inflow means.

[0074] The size of the open window 27A is adapted in function of the belt, and the size of the transport elements 1000, so as to limit the length of the gap 1100 in front of the open window, i.e. for example to less than one length of gap existing between two adjacent transport elements from maximum two adjacent belt portions, and to less than the gap formed between two adjacent belt portions along a length corresponding to less than 2 times the length of one transport element. The size of such open window 27A is shown in dashed lines in Figure 10. The volume of air or gas flowing through the gaps is thus reduced.

[0075] The means for adapting an open gap 36 between the said at least two opposite edge parts 27 Al, 27 A2 and the transport surface 10 is adapted for controlling the air flowing into the said chamber, when submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure or vacuum by the gas extraction means (in the embodiment of figure 9 for controlling the gas flowing outside the chamber when submitted to an above atmospheric pressure by the gas inflow means).

[0076] In the embodiments of figure 3 and figure 9, the open window 27A is substantially rectangular and extends between two opposite edge parts 27A1,27A2 perpendicular to the return direction XI and between two opposite edge parts 27 A3, 27 A4 extending respectively between said two opposite edge parts 27A1,27A2. Each of said edges cooperates with a means for adapting / controlling the open gap between the edge parts and the transport surface.

[0077] The means for adapting an open gap between the said at least one edge and the transport surface is adapted for generating an air cushion at least between the said edges and the transport surface, advantageously at least along between all the edges of the open window and the transport surface. The so formed air cushions generates some lifting of a portion of the conveyor belt with respect to the carriage 21.

[0078] The system means for adapting an open gap between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface, advantageously along the four edge parts, comprises in the embodiment of figure 3 a series of air injectors 35B associated to the said edge parts and adapted for generating a relative displacement between said edge parts 27A1,27A2,27A3,27A4 and the transport surface 10 (said air injectors being connected to an air supply by a pipe 35C, and flexible sealing means 35A adapted to be deformed when the chamber 28 is submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure so as to form controlled air passage in the vicinity of the transport surface (in the embodiment of figure 9, flexible sealing means are deformed when the chamber 28 is submitted to a pressure above the atmospheric pressure.

[0079] Said air injectors 35B act as means for ensuring a relative spacing of the edge parts with respect to the transport surface, but also act as a means (along the edge part 27 A2) for pretreating a transport surface portion before said portion is displaced in front of the open window 27A for being treated by the treating system 29, as well as a means (along the edge parts 27A1,27A2,27A3,27A4 for pushing released dust particles towards the treating chamber 28, whereby preventing dust particles to form dirty deposits on the flexible sealing means 35 A.

[0080] The flexible sealing means 35A is adapted to be deformed when the chamber 28 is submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure so as to form controlled air passage in the vicinity of the transport surface. Said flexible sealing means is for example made in rubber material, advantageously provided with . Said flexible sealing means has for example a curved shaped profile (see figure 11), the free end of of said profile being adapted to abut against an inner surface of the chamber 28, forming in this way a kind of return means, whereby the deformation of said sealing means is operated against the action of said return means. In this way the position of the deformed flexible sealing means will depend in the embodiment of figure 3, of the low pressure created in the chamber 28 and of the pressure generated by the injectors 35B.

[0081] The inner volume of the chamber 28 is reduced, for example less than 2,000cm3(2 liters), such as 1000cm3(1 liter) or even less (such as 750cm3, 500cm3, 300cm3or 200cm3, or even less). In this way the air pump 32 for generating a kind of vacuum in the chamber 28 has not to be overdimensionned.

[0082] The guiding means comprises two parallel guiding rails 22, said guiding rails 22 supporting advantageously the carriage 21, so as to keep it in the vicinity of the transport surface 10, the edge parts of the carriage possibly provided with a flexible sealing means in a non deformed state being distant from the transport surface by a minimal distance of less than 3mm, advantageously of less than 2mm, preferably less than 1mm, such as 0.5 to 1mm. The edge parts 27A1,27A2, 27 A3 and 27 A4 are provided with one or more rolling systems 37 adapted to contact the transport surface 10, in case of some downwards movement of the belt 1. The rolling systems 37 are spherical beads located into recesses 38 of said edge parts. Such rolling beads 37 are advantageous as enabling movement in any directions, in case the transport surface contacts one or more beads 37, for example when the carriage is moved transversely with respect to the return direction of the conveyor belt. Said beads 37 form protuberances extending above the surface of the edge parts, whereby ensuring a minimal distance between said edge parts and the transport surface. This is advantageous for preventing direct contact of the flexible sealing means 35 A with the transport surface of for ensuring a protection for the flexible sealing means 35A. said beads are for example made of teflon type materials or are beads provided with a teflon type coating.

[0083] The beads 37 are located adjacent to the sealing means 35A, so as to provide a good protection doe the sealing means 35A against possible possible abrasion due to a contact with the transport surface. Adjacent to the rolling beads 37, air injectors 35B are advantageously located. Said air injectors generates an air curtain preventing air from the chamber 28 to flow outside, for improving the air flow (with possible dust) towards the chamber 28, for ensuring a pretreatment step of the belt portion to be treated, to induce a light lifting of the belt portion to be treated, for keeping the sealing members 35A in a cleaned status, and for ensuring a minimum bending of sealing members 35A.

[0084] The carriage 21 or box 27 thereof comprises two opposite transversal walls 2 IL (with edge parts 27 A3 and 27 A4) having each at least one portion located between the two parallel guiding rails 22, whereby each of said transversal walls 21L having advantageously an edge part 27 A3, 27 A4 directed towards the transport surface, said edge parts having a surface parallel to the moving direction of the portion of the transport surface turned towards the open window 27A of the box 27.

[0085] The system of Figure 3 is adapted for treating a transport surface portion of the return path (XI).

[0086] The system comprises a supporting means 26 bearing the guiding rods 22 and being provided with supporting elements (26A,26B) for supporting the moving transport surface, at least two of said at least two supporting elements 26A,26B being distant from each other along the return direction, so that the open window 27 A of the box 27 is located between said at least two supporting elements 26A,26B. Said supporting elements 26A,26B are in the form of rolling elements with an rotation axis perpendicular to the return direction (XI). The supporting means 26 with the rolling elements 26A,26B extends for example across the whole width of the conveyor belt and act as a means for generating some lifting movement of the belt between the rolling elements 26A,26B with respect to the portion of the belt extending between two support rollers 13. The rolling supporting elements 26A,26B have rotation axes parallel to each other and the rotation axes of said rolling elements (with a diameter for example from 5 to 30cm) are distant from each other by a distance of less than 50cm, such as less than 30cm. The said supporting element 26 can be mounted on the longitudinal guiding rail 22.

[0087] A first supporting element 26B is adjacent to a first guiding rail 22 for the carriage 21, while the other supporting element 26A is adjacent to a second guiding rod 22 for the carriage, said second guiding rail being distant from and parallel to the first guiding rod.

[0088] In the embodiment of figure 3, the treating means is essentially a mechanical treating system, in the form of rod 30 bearing cleaning flexible flaps 31, said rod being driven into rotation by the motor 23. It is clear that other treating means can be used instead of a rod with flaps, such other treating means can be for example brushes, spray system 40, lighting system (such as UV lamp 41), heating systems 42, gas pulsing systems 43, for example generating gas curtain(s), lubricating systems via a spray for example for applying a dry lubricant, wiping systems, combinations thereof, whereby said treating system is advantageously of the dry type.

[0089] The flaps of the treating system can be loaded with treating agents, such as cleaning agent, lubricant, etc.

[0090] In the embodiment of figure 4, a motor 30M is driving into rotation an axis of rotation or rod 30 on which at least one mechanical treating system, advantageously a brush or a wiping system or flap 31, is mounted, said axis being transversal to the moving direction (XI) of a moving portion of the transport surface to be treated by the mechanical treating system, said mechanical treating system bearing flexible parts (31), advantageously flaps and / or bristles, for contacting the moving portion of the transport surface to be treated. By controlling the speed of the motor, and when using flexible flaps or bristles it is possible to control the position of the free end of the flaps or bristles (due to the centrifugal force), so that the mechanical treating force or impact on the transport surface can be adjusted as required.

[0091] For example, the flexible parts 31 have a maximum length from the axis of less than 50mm, advantageously from 5 to 25mm, said length being measured when the flexible parts are extending diametrically with respect to the axis of rotation . The length of the flaps or bristles will depend from the depth of the box 27.

[0092] The motor 30M or 23 is adapted for driving into rotation the mechanical treating system, so that the flexible parts contact the transport surface in a direction opposite to the moving direction XI of the moving portion to be treated. The dust and particles removed from the transport surface are directed towards the exhaust 27C connected to the gas extraction system (air pump 32). The rotation of the mechanical treating system generates an air flow towards the exhaust 27C and improves in this way the working of the gas extraction means or the sucking means.

[0093] The system comprises a control system 90 for controlling at least one parameter relating to the treating means, said parameter being selected from the group consisting of moving speed of the transport surface 10, dirty status of the transport surface, sub atmospheric pressure in the chamber 28, air flow flowing into the chamber, temperature in the chamber, rotation speed of the rod, volume and pressure of air exhausted by one or more injectors (35B), etc..

[0094] The treating means is a rotating mechanical treating element, said rotating mechanical treating element being adapted for circulating air from the chamber towards a longitudinal exhaust opening, and / or for generating a sub atmospheric pressure within the chamber.

[0095] The carriage 21 or a portion thereof is mounted removable with respect to the guiding means 22, or in which the box or a portion thereof is mounted removable with respect to the carriage 21. For example the carriage 21 is provided with ears 2 IE, each being attached by means of one or more screw to the two threaded pieces 24 with passages cooperating with the rods 22. By unscrewing the screws, the ears 2 IE are no more fixed to the pieces 24 cooperating with the threaded rods 22 , whereby the carriage 21 can be removed. The connection 27C is also adapted for enabling to disconnect said connection from an extraction flexible pipe to the gas extraction means 32. Said connection can be provided with an easy connecting system, like a clipping system.

[0096] The system further comprises a covering means 80 adapted to cover a guiding portion of the guiding surface 11 of the conveyor belt 1, said guiding portion having a size covering at least the portion of the conveyor belt located in front of the open window 27A of the box 27, said covering means 80 being provided with a connection 81 adapted for connecting it via a flexible pipe to a gas extraction means 32 (like an air pump or fan) associated to a dust and particles separation systems, such as a cyclone 33 and a filter 34. The cover forming an extraction hood is associated to a moving means 82 similar to the moving system used for transversely moving the treating system. Said moving system 82 comprises a motor 83 driving into rotation two threaded rods 84 associated to threaded pieces 84A mounted on two opposite lateral walls 85 of the cover 80 . Each rod 84 extends between a motor 83 and a bearing 89, perpendicular to return direction XI of return path IB.

[0097] The rotation of the rods 84 by the motors 83 is controlled in function of the rotation speed of the rods 22 driven into rotation by the motor 23. The transversal position of the cover is thus controlled with respect to the transversal position of the box 27 or carriage 21 so that the hood 80 extend always above the open window 27A with interposition of a belt portion. The hood has a face 86 directed towards the guiding surface 11 of the belt, said face is provided with sealing means 87 similar to the flexible sealing means 35 A. Said sealing means 87 are adapted for reducing the gap existing between the face 86 and the guiding surface 11 of the belt.

[0098] The extraction means 32 enables to generate a pressure below atmospheric pressure, whereby enabling sucking air from outside, as well as possibly through the gaps 1100 formed between adjacent transport elements 1000.

[0099] In possible embodiments, the connection 81 of the cover 80 is connected to a gas feeding system, so as to feed the chamber of the cover with a gas, advantageously containing one or more additives, such as cleaning agents, lubricants, etc. The cover can be then be provided with a further connection 81' for exhausting gas, whereby generating a gas flow within the chamber between the inlet 81 and the outlet 81'. Gas feeding in the chamber of the cover can also be such so as to create a pressure above the atmospheric pressure, so that gas (such as air) can flow from the cover to the chamber 28 of the box 27 through the gap 1100 of the belt 1, before being sucked by the extraction means 32.

[0100] The embodiment of figure 9 is similar to the embodiment of figure 3, and is associated to an extraction cover hood 80. The moving systems for moving tranversally the carriage 21 and the cover hood 80, with respect to the return direction XI of the belt are similar to moving systems disclosed in the embodiment of figures 3 to 8. The carriage 21 is provided with a central box 27 with an upper open window 27A directed towards a portion of the transport surface 10 of the belt, the central box 27 is surrounded with an outer box 270 defining surrounding extraction channel 280 which is open around the open window 27 A.. The central box 27 is provided with a connection 27C for connecting the chamber 28 of the central box to a gas supply for feeding the chamber 28 with a gas (such as air) containing one or more different treating agents. When feeding the chamber 28 with a treating gas, the gas present in the chamber is under a pressure above the atmospheric pressure, such as a pressure from 1.5 x 105Pa and 3 x 105Pa.

[0101] The outer box is provided with a connection 27OC adapted to be connected to a gas extraction system 32.

[0102] The edge part of the outer box and of the box are provided with flexible sealing means 35A, which are bent towards the surrounding outer channel 280, when the extraction system 32 is working and when the chamber 28 of the box 27 is filled with pressurized treating gas.

[0103] The cover hood 80 of the embodiment of figure 1 is similar to the cover hood 80 of the embodiment of figure 3 to 8.

[0104] Figures 11A and 11B are views in cross section of a flexible sealing means 35A respectively before and after being bent due to an air A or gas flow between the transport surface 10 of the belt and the upper face of the box edge part. As it can be seen the bending of the sealing means is carried out against the return force generated by the end of the sealing means 35A abutting against a lateral face of the box 27. In the absence of air flow A, the top curved portion of the sealing member 35A is contacting the transport surface or is in close proximity to said transport surface. A short space can be ensured between the flexible member and the transport surface by the rolling beads 37 acting as abutting means for said transport surface.

[0105] When sufficient air flow A is generated, the flexible member 35A is bent, forming an open gap 36 for the passage of air into the chamber. The bending of the membrane 35 A is carried out against the elastic return force generated by the compression of the end portion of the flexible member on the lateral wall of the box 27. Said air flow A generates also a small lifting of the transport surface portion adjacent to the box 27, whereby reducing or preventing a contact of the rolling beads on the transport surface.

[0106] Figure 12 is a shematic view of three independent brushes 29A,29B,29C, which can be operated independently or simultaneously (two brushes being operated or the three being operated at the same time). The brush 29A (which can be of the foam like type, such as a PU foam brush) is adapted for cleaning the transport surface of the conveyor, when rotating around an axis parallel to the transport surface (horizontal axis, in this case said axis 30 being perpendicular to the return direction XI of the moving belt).

[0107] The brush 29B is adapted for cleaning the gap 1100 between adjacent endless belt portions, said brush 29B is mounted on a driving axis 292B (parallel to the return direction XI) .

[0108] The brush 29C is mounted of a vertical driving axis 292C which is supported by a moving system 293C adapted to move the horizontal brush or disc 29C towards the transport surface. Said brush 29C can be a cleaning or polishing type brush. In one specific embodiment the support 293C is adapted for controlling the inclination of the driving axis 292C with respect to the transport surface to be cleaned.

Claims

What I claim is :

1. System (20) for treating with a treating means (29), at least partly an endless conveyor belt (1) for transporting at least one product (P), advantageously at least one packaged product (like a packaged food product, such as at least one container (packages, bottles, etc.)) according to a transport direction (X), said endless conveyor belt having a first path portion (1A) moving in accordance to said transport direction (X) and a second path portion (IB) moving in a return direction (XI), said conveyor belt (1) comprising at least a transport surface (10) adapted to support the at least one product (P) to be moved in the transport direction (X), and a guiding surface (11) opposite to the transport surface (10), whereby the transport surface (10) has a total width of 8 cm to 120 cm, advantageously comprised between 20cm and 120cm, measured perpendicular to the transport direction (X) between a first lateral edge (LI) and a second lateral edge (L2) opposite to the first lateral edge (LI), in which the system is adapted for treating a moving portion (27 A) of the transport surface (10), said moving portion at each moment of the movement of the transport surface being characterized by:* a maximum width smaller than the total width of the transport surface (10), said maximum width being comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm;* a length portion comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, and* a surface comprised between 9 and 400 cm2, advantageously between 25 and 225 cm2, said surface being preferably rectangular with the length portion or a maximum length greater than the maximum width, in which the system comprises a carriage (21) movable along a guiding means (22) by a driving means (23), so as to displace the carriage (21) between a first end position adjacent to the first lateral edge (LI) and a second end position adjacent to the second lateral edge (L2), in which the carriage (21) is provided with a box (27) defining a chamber(28) in which is located the treating means (29) and / or in which the treating means(29) is introduced, said box (27) having at least :(a) one open window (27 A) directed towards a portion of the transport surface (10), said open window (27 A) being defined between at least two opposite edge parts (27 Al, 27 A2), and(b) a connection (27C) for connecting the chamber (28) to a gas extraction means (32) adapted for generating a sub atmospheric pressure or a vacuum into said chamber or to a gas inflow means for generating a pressure above the atmospheric pressure, and whereby said at least two opposite edge parts (27A1,27A2) are each provided with a means (35A,35B) for adapting an open gap (36) between the said at least two opposite edge parts (27A1,27A2) and the transport surface (10), said means being adapted for enabling air to flow through said open gap into said chamber (28), when submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure or vacuum by the gasextraction means (32) or away from said chamber, when submitted to an above atmospheric pressure by the gas inflow means.

2. The system of claim 1, in which the open window of the box (27) is rectangular with a maximum length greater than the maximum width, with:* a maximum width smaller than the total width of the transport surface, said maximum width being comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, such as 8cm, 10cm, 12cm and 15cm;* a maximum length portion comprised between 3 and 20cm, advantageously comprised between 5 and 15 cm, such as 8cm, 10cm, 12cm and 15cm, and* an open rectangular surface comprised between 9 and 400 cm2, advantageously between 25 and 225 cm2, such as 64 cm2, 80cm2, 96cm2, 100cm2, 120cm2, 144cm2, 150cm2and 225cm2.

3. The system of claim 1 or 2, in which the means (35A,35B) for adapting an open gap (36) between the said at least two opposite edge parts (27 Al, 27 A2) and the transport surface (10) is adapted for controlling the air flowing into the said chamber (28), when submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure or vacuum by the gas extraction means (32) or for controlling the gas flowing outside the chamber (28) when submitted to an above atmospheric pressure by the gas inflow means.

4. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the means (35A,35B) for adapting an open gap (36) between the said at least two opposite edge parts (27 Al, 27 A2) and the transport surface (10) is adapted for generating an air cushion at least between the said at least two opposite edge parts (27A1,27A2) and the transport surface (10), advantageously along between all the edge parts (27A1,27A2,27A3,27A4) of the open window (27 A) and the transport surface (10).

5. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the means for adapting an open gap (36) between the said at least two opposite edge parts (27A1,27A2) and the transport surface (10) is selected from the group consisting of air injectors (35B) associated to the said at least two edge parts and adapted for generating a relative displacement between said at least two edge parts and the transport surface (10), flexible sealing means (35 A) adapted to be deformed when the chamber (28) or channel (280) surrounding the said chamber is submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure so as to form controlled air passage in the vicinity of the transport surface (10), and combinations thereof, whereby preferably the flexible sealing means (35A) is adapted to be deformed when the chamber or surrounding channel is submitted to a sub atmospheric pressure so as to form controlled air passage (36) in the vicinity of the transport surface (10).

6. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the chamber (28) has an inner volume of less than 10,000 cm3, advantageously less than 2,500 cm3, preferably less than 2,000 cm3, most preferably less than 1,000 cm3.

7. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the guiding means (22) comprises two parallel guiding rails (22), said guiding rails supporting advantageously the carriage (21), so as to keep it in the vicinity of the transport surface (10), the edge parts (27A1,27A2,27A3,27A4) of the carriage (21) possibly provided with a flexible sealing means being distant from the transport surface by a distance of less than 10 mm, advantageously of less than 7.5 mm, preferably less than 5 mm.

8. The system of claim 7, in which the guiding rails (22) are provided with one or more rolling systems (37) adapted to form rolling abutment for the transport surface (10).

9. The system of claim 7 or 8, in which the carriage (21) or box thereof (27) comprises two transversal walls (2 IL) having each at least one portion located between the two parallel guiding rails (22), whereby each of said transversal walls (21L) having advantageously an edge part (27 A3, 27 A4) directed towards the transport surface (10), said edge part (27 A3, 27 A4) being parallel to the moving direction (X) of the portion of the transport surface (10) turned towards the open window (27 A) of the box (27).

10. The system of any one of the preceding claims, which is adapted for treating a transport surface portion of the return path (IB).

11. The system of the preceding claim, which comprises at least two supporting elements (26A,26B) for supporting the moving transport surface (10), at least two of said at least two supporting elements being distant from each other along the return direction (XI), so that the open window (27 A) of the box (27) is located between said at least two supporting elements (26A,26B).

12. The system of the preceding claim, in which at least one of the at least two supporting elements (26A,26B) is adjacent to a first guiding rail (22) for the carriage (21), while at least one other of the at least two supporting elements (26A,26B) is adjacent to a second guiding rail (22) for the carriage (21), said second guiding rail (22) being distant from and parallel to the first guiding rail (22).

13. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the treating means (29) is selected from the group consisting of mechanical systems, brushes, spray system, lighting system, heating systems, gas pulsing systems, steam injectors, high pressurized gas injectors, lubricating systems, wiping systems and combinations thereof, whereby said treating system is advantageously of the dry type.

14. The system of the preceding claim, which comprises at least one motor (30M) for driving into rotation an axis of rotation or a rod (30) on which at least one mechanical treating system (29), advantageously a brush or a wiping system, ismounted, said axis or rod (30) being transversal or parallel or inclined to the moving direction (X,X1) of a moving portion of the transport surface to be treated by the mechanical treating system, said mechanical treating system bearing flexible parts (31), advantageously flaps and / or bristles, for contacting the moving portion of the transport surface to be treated.

15. The system of the preceding claim, in which the flexible parts (31) have a maximum length from the axis of less than 50mm, advantageously from 5 to 25mm, said length being measured when the flexible parts are extending diametrically with respect to the axis of rotation .

16. The system of claim 14 or 15, in which the motor (30M) is adapted for driving into rotation the mechanical treating system (29), so that the flexible parts contact the transport surface in a direction opposite to the moving direction of the moving portion to be treated.

17. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the system comprises a control system for controlling at least one parameter relating to the treating means, said parameter being selected from the group consisting of moving speed of the transport surface, dirty status of the transport surface, pressure in the chamber (such as sub atmospheric pressure, vacuum, pressure above atmospheric pressure), air flow flowing into the chamber, rotation speed of the mechanical treating system, humidity, temperature and combinations thereof.

18. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the treating means (29) is a rotating mechanical treating element, said rotating mechanical treating element being adapted for circulating air from the chamber (28) towards a longitudinal exhaust opening (27C), and / or for generating a sub atmospheric pressure within the chamber (28).

19. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the carriage (21) or a portion thereof is mounted removable with respect to the guiding means (22), or in which the box (27) or a portion thereof is mounted removable with respect to the carriage (21).

20. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the box (27) of the carriage (21) is provided (a) with a connection (27C) for connecting the chamber (28) to a gas inflow means for generating an above atmospheric pressure in the chamber, and a gas flow through the open gap (36) between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface (10), as well as (b) with at least one sucking channel means (280) adapted to be connected to a gas extraction means, said at least one sucking channel means having at least one opening (270 A) located outside the box (27) and in the vicinity of said at least one open gap (36) between the said at least two opposite edge parts and the transport surface (10) for collecting gas flowing through said open gap (36), when the sucking channel means (280) is connected to a gas extraction means.

21. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the system further comprises a covering means (80) adapted to cover a guiding portion of the guiding surface (11) of the conveyor belt (1), said guiding portion having a size covering at least the portion of the conveyor belt (1) located in front of the open window (27 A) of the box (27), said covering means being advantageously provided with a connection (81) adapted for connecting it to a gas extraction or admission means, and preferably to a moving means (83,84) for moving the covering means (80) along the width of the conveyor belt, in function of the movement of the carriage (21).

22. The system of any one of the preceding claims, in which the carriage (21) is provided with a plate element with a face directed towards the transport surface, whereby said plate element is provided with recesses (38) associated to rolling beads (37), each having a portion forming a protuberance with respect to the said face, said protuberance of each rolling bead (37) being directed towards the transport surface (10).

23. The combination of a system according to any one of the preceding claims and a gas extraction means and / or to a gas inflow means connected via the connection (27C) to the chamber (28).

24. The combination of claim 23, in which the gas extraction means comprises a fan or a blower connected to the chamber (28) of the box (27) of the carriage (21) through the connection of the chamber through at least a connecting pipe or tube or flexible tube with interposition of at least one separating means (33,34) selected from the group consisting of liquid separation means, solid particles separating means, condensing means, filtering means, heat exchanger means, and combinations thereof.

25. The combination of claim 23 or 24, which further comprises one supply system for supplying the treating means (29) or the chamber (27) of the box (28) of the carriage (21) with a treating agent, said treating agent being selected from the group consisting of dry lubricant, cleaning agent, disinfectant agent, water vapor, dry air, and combinations thereof.

26. The use of a combination according to any one of the claims 23 to 25, for treating at least partly an endless conveyor belt for transporting at least one product, advantageously at least one packaged product (like a packaged food product, such as at least one container (packages, bottles, etc.)) according to a transport direction, said endless conveyor belt having a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction and a second path portion moving in a return direction, said conveyor belt comprising at least a transport surface adapted to support the at least one container to be moved in the transport direction, and a guiding surface opposite to the transport surface, whereby the carriage is moved along a guiding means by the driving means so as to treat different portions in the width of the conveyor belt, while the conveyor belt is moving.

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