WO2024167675A1

WO2024167675A1 - Modular conveyor belt with top rod access

Info

Publication number: WO2024167675A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/012776
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jr. Mitchell G. Pansano; David C. Weiser
Original assignee: Laitram, L.L.C.
Priority date: 2023-02-10
Filing date: 2024-01-24
Publication date: 2024-08-15

Abstract

A modular conveyor belt having edge modules that allow for insertion and removal of hinge rods from the top article-supporting surface of the belt. The edge modules have closed flush edges that also form blind ends of open-top, laterally elongated cradles nestling the ends of hinge rods joining adjacent rows of belt modules together at hinge joints. Ledges at the blind ends of the cradles allow the hinge rods to be snapped in place and retained in the cradles.

Description

MODULAR CONVEYOR BELT WITH TOP ROD ACCESS

BACKGROUND

The invention relates generally to power-driven conveyors and more particularly to modular conveyor belts with edge modules allowing top access to hinge rods.

Modular plastic conveyor belts are widely used to convey products. The modular belts are constructed of rows of one or more belt modules joined end to end by hinge rods at hinge joints. In many belts, hinge rods are inserted axially into lateral passageways formed by the aligned, interleaved hinge eyes of adjacent belt rows. Once inserted, the hinge rods are commonly retained by snap-in or blocking structure in the belt or by an insertable or slidable blocking member. But axial rod insertion is incompatible with an unbroken flush side edge on an edge module. Other belt edge modules are designed for rod insertion through openings at the bottom side of the belt. Those designs are compatible with unbroken flush side edges. But because the rods can only be moved from the bottom of the belt, it's hard to see if a rod is not in place.

SUMMARY

One version of an edge module for a conveyor belt comprises a module body that extends in length from a first end to a second end, laterally in width from a first side edge to a second side edge, and in thickness from a top to a bottom. The module body includes an edge portion that extends laterally from the first side edge toward the second side edge and a main portion that extends from the edge portion to the second side edge. The main portion includes a set of first hinge elements spaced apart laterally across first gaps along the first end and a set of second hinge elements spaced apart laterally across second gaps along the second end. The edge portion includes a laterally elongated hinge element extending from the first side edge to the main portion along the first end and forming a hinge-rod cradle that has an opening that opens toward the top of the module body and that has a blind end at the first side edge.

Another version of an edge module comprises an article-supporting side and an opposite drive side, first and second side edges defining a width of the edge module, a pair of cross beams extending along the width, and a plurality of links spaced apart across the width and intersecting the pair of cross beams to define a grid structure. An edge portion forms the first side edge and includes a first set of the links. An interior portion extends from the edge portion toward the second side edge and includes a second set of the links. Each of the second set of the links terminates at opposite ends in hinge elements having aligned rod holes suitable for receiving hinge rods. The first set of links terminates at one end devoid of hinge elements and at the other end in a cradle suitable for receiving a hinge rod. The cradle has an opening that opens toward the article-supporting side so that the hinge rod can be inserted and removed only from the article-supporting side.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view looking toward the top side of the module of one version of a conveyor belt edge module embodying features of the invention.

FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a hinge-rod entry in an edge portion of the belt module of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the edge module of FIG. 1 in three rows of a conveyor belt showing hinge rods at three stages of insertion.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged cross section of the edge module of FIG. 3 taken along lines IV- IV.

FIG. 5 is an isometric bottom view of a portion of three rows of a conveyor belt having edge modules as in FIG. 1.

FIG. 6 is a top-side isometric view of an edge portion of another version of a conveyor belt embodying features of the invention.

FIG. 7 is a bottom side isometric view of the edge portion of one of the edge modules of FIG. 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

An edge module for a modular conveyor belt is shown in FIG. 1. The edge module 10 comprises a module body 12 that extends in length from a first end 14 to a second end 15, laterally in width from a first side edge 16 to a second side edge 17, and in thickness from a top 18 to a bottom 19. The top 18 is an article-supporting side, and the bottom 19 is a drive side with drive members 20 engaged by sprockets (not shown) to propel a conveyor belt constructed of such modules 10 in a direction of belt travel.

An edge portion 22 of the module body 12 extends laterally inward from the first side edge 16 to a main portion 24, which extends laterally to the second side edge 17. The main portion has a set of first hinge elements 26 laterally spaced apart along the first end 14 of the module body 12 across intervening gaps 28. A set of second hinge elements 27 are laterally spaced apart across intervening gaps 29 along the second end 15 of the module body 12. The hinge elements 26, 27 have rod holes 30 for receiving hinge rods. The edge portion 22 has a laterally elongated hinge element 32 that extends from the first side edge 16 to the main portion 24 of the module body 12.

The elongated hinge element 32, which is laterally wider than the first and second hinge elements 26, 27, forms a cradle 34 for a hinge rod along the first end 14 of the module body 12. The cradle 34 has an opening 35 that opens toward the top 18 of the module body 12. The opening 35 is laterally wider than the gaps 28, 29 between each of the hinge elements 26, TJ . The edge portion 22, part of which is shown enlarged in FIG. 2, has a closed side wall 36 that forms the continuous first side edge 16 and a blind end 38 of the cradle 34. The end of the cradle 34 opposite the blind end 38 and adjacent to the main portion 24 of the module body 12 is characterized by a hinge eye 40 having a rod hole 42 aligned with the rod holes 40 of the first hinge elements 26. A ledge 44 extends laterally inward from the first side edge 16 and covers a portion of the cradle 34 proximate the blind end 38. The ledge 44 has a top side 46 that ramps downward away from the first side edge 16. As shown in FIG. 1, the edge portion 22 is devoid of hinge elements along the second end 15 of the module body 12.

FIG. 3 shows a portion of a modular conveyor belt 48 constructed of edge modules 10 as in FIG. 1 arranged end to end with the first hinge elements 26 of the module interleaved with the second hinge elements 27 of an adjacent module. Hinge rods 50 received in the aligned rod holes 30, 42 of the interleaved hinge elements 26, 27, 32 join the edge modules 10 together at hinge joints 52 that allow the belt 48 to articulate. As FIG. 3 shows, the elongated hinge element 32 at the front end 14 of each edge module 10 requires that the second end 15 of each adjacent edge module be devoid of hinge elements to make room for the elongated hinge element.

Although FIG. 3 shows only a portion of the conveyor belt 48, in a practical belt construction the edge modules 10 would alternate in lateral width and be arranged side by side in rows between hinge joints 52 with other modules, such as interior modules (not shown) that are equivalent to the main portions 24 of the edge module 10 less the edge portion 22 or with other edge modules forming the other side edge of the belt. Different edge-module widths allow the belt 48 to be constructed in a bricklay pattern without continuous seams between laterally adjacent modules from row to row. Alternatively, the modules could be made with edge portions 22 forming both side edges. In that case, the elongated hinge element at the second side edge would be formed along the second end of the module body. A conveyor belt constructed entirely of a single edge module of that construction in each row would not have to be bricklaid to avoid continuous seams because there are no seams in the single-module rows.

FIG. 3 also illustrates the insertion of a hinge rod 50 into the belt 48 through the opening into the cradle 34 from the top article-conveying side of the belt. First the hinge rod 50 is inserted into the opening of the cradle 34 from above the belt. The rod's interior end is pushed into the rod hole 42 in the cradle's hinge eye 40. The ramped top 46 of the edge ledge 44 helps guide the rod 50 into the cradle 34. The hinge rod 50' continues to be pushed through the cradle 34 and laterally deeper into the hinge joint 52 through the aligned rod holes 40, 42 toward the other side edge of the belt 48. Once the hinge rod 50" is fully inserted, its end at the first side edge 16 is snapped in place and retained by the ledge 44. The hinge rods 50 can be removed by reversing the insertion sequence. A pry tool, such as a screwdriver, may be helpful to initially disengage the end of the rod 50 from the cradle 34 for a better purchase.

Further details of the blind end 38 of the elongated hinge element 32 are shown in FIG. 4. A lower base 54 extends upward in the cradle 34 from the closed side wall 36 to support the end of the hinge rod 50. The upper rod-retaining ledge 44 with its ramped top 46 extends over the end of the fully inserted hinge rod 50. The blind end 38 of the cradle 34 lies between the ledge 44 and the base 54.

The bottom 19 of the portion of the belt 48 in FIG. 3 is shown in FIG. 5. A window 56 at the bottom of each cradle 34 allows fluids to drain from the cradle and prevents the buildup of debris under the hinge rod 50 that would otherwise tend to lift the end of the rod in the cradle.

Another version of a modular conveyor belt having a similar cradle to that of FIG. 1 is shown in FIG. 6. The conveyor belt 60 is a raised rib belt constructed with edge modules 62 as in FIG. 7. The edge modules 62 have an article-supporting side 64 and an opposite drive side 65. Pockets 66 in the drive side 65 receive the teeth of drive sprockets (not shown) to drive the belt 60 in a conveying direction. The edge modules 62 extend in width from a first side edge 68 to an opposite second side edge. Two cross beams 70 extend along the module's width. Links 72, spaced apart across the width of the module 62, intersect the cross beams 70 to define a grid structure. Ribs 73 atop the links 72 extend above the level of the cross beams 70 and make the belt 60 suitable for use with finger transfer plates. The grid structure of the module 62 provides plenty of open area while still providing sufficient distributed contact area atop the ribs 73 for conveying soft products, such as uncured rubber extrusions. An edge portion 74 forms the first side edge 68 and includes a first set 76 of the links. An interior portion 78 of the module extends from the edge portion 74 toward the second side edge and includes a second set of links 80. Each of the second set of links 80 terminates at opposite ends in hinge elements 82 having aligned rod holes 84 suitable for receiving hinge rods 50. The first set of links 76 in the edge portion 74 are devoid of hinge elements with rod holes at one end. The other ends of the first set of links 76 terminate in a cradle 86 in which an end of a hinge rod 50 can nestle. The cradle 86 has an opening 87 that opens toward the article-supporting side 64. The cradle 96 is generally closed to the drive side 65. An opening 88 in the drive side of the cradle 86 directly below a ledge 90 extends inward from the first side edge 68 and over a portion of the cradle 86. The ledge 90 serves the same purpose as the ledge 44 in FIG. 4. Another opening 89 extends into the cradle 86. The openings 88, 89 allow fluids to drain from the cradle 86. The opening 88 under the ledge 90 also admits a pry tool that can be used to free the hinge rod 50 from the ledge 90 so that the rod can be removed. A first link 92 of the first set of links 76 ramps downward from the top article-supporting side 64 toward the cradle 86 more steeply than the two links flanking it. That provides a space 94 for a pry tool to be inserted between the hinge rod 50 and the cradle 86 to help with the removal of the hinge rod.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An edge module for a conveyor belt, the edge module comprising: a module body extending in length from a first end to a second end, laterally in width from a first side edge to a second side edge, and in thickness from a top to a bottom and including: an edge portion extending laterally from the first side edge toward the second side edge; a main portion extending from the edge portion to the second side edge and including a set of first hinge elements spaced apart laterally across first gaps along the first end and a set of second hinge elements spaced apart laterally across second gaps along the second end; wherein the edge portion includes a laterally elongated hinge element extending from the first side edge to the main portion along the first end and forming a hinge-rod cradle that has an opening that opens toward the top of the module body and that has a blind end at the first side edge.

2. The edge module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the edge portion includes a closed side wall forming the first side edge and the blind end of the cradle.

3. The edge module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the edge portion includes a ledge extending laterally from the first side edge to cover a portion of the cradle proximate the blind end.

4. The edge module as claimed in claim 3 wherein the ledge has a top side that ramps downward away from the first side edge.

5. The edge module as claimed in claim 3 wherein the edge portion includes an opening in the bottom directly below the ledge.

6. The edge module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the edge portion includes a hinge eye at the end of the cradle opposite the blind end, wherein the hinge eye is aligned with the set of first hinge elements.

7. The edge module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the edge portion is devoid of hinge elements along the second end of the module body.

8. The edge module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the main portion includes: a pair of cross beams extending laterally between the first and second ends of the module body; a plurality of links spaced apart laterally and intersecting the pair of cross beams to define a grid structure and forming the set of first hinge elements at the first end and the set of second hinge elements at the second end.

9. The edge module as claimed in claim 8 wherein the edge portion includes: a continuation of the pair of cross beams; a set of links that intersect the continuation of the pair of cross beams to form a grid and that have a first link end terminating at the cradle and an opposite second link end devoid of hinge elements.

10. The edge module as claimed in claim 9 wherein one of the set of links between two of the set of links ramps downward from the top of the module body toward the cradle more steeply than the two of the set of links.

11. The edge module as claimed in claim 1 wherein the opening in the hinge rod cradle is laterally wider than each of the first and second gaps between the first and second hinge elements.

12. An edge module for a conveyor belt, the edge module comprising: an article-supporting side and an opposite drive side; first and second side edges defining a width of the edge module; a pair of cross beams extending along the width; a plurality of links spaced apart across the width and intersecting the pair of cross beams to define a grid structure; an edge portion forming the first side edge and including a first set of the links; an interior portion extending from the edge portion toward the second side edge and including a second set of the links; wherein each of the second set of the links terminates at opposite ends in hinge elements having aligned rod holes suitable for receiving hinge rods; wherein the first set of links terminates at one end devoid of hinge elements and at the other end in a cradle suitable for receiving a hinge rod; wherein the cradle has an opening that opens toward the article-supporting side so that the hinge rod can be inserted and removed only from the article-supporting side.

13. The edge module as claimed in claim 12 wherein the edge portion includes a closed side wall forming the first side edge and a blind end of the cradle.

14. The edge module as claimed in claim 13 wherein the edge portion includes a ledge extending laterally from the first side edge to cover a portion of the cradle proximate the blind end.

15. The edge module as claimed in claim 14 wherein the ledge has a top side that ramps downward away from the first side edge.

16. The edge module as claimed in claim 14 wherein the edge portion includes an opening in the bottom directly below the ledge.

17. The edge module as claimed in claim 13 wherein the edge portion includes a hinge eye at the end of the cradle opposite the blind end, wherein the hinge eye is aligned with the set of first hinge elements.