• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
  • 类似技术
  • 同族专利
  • 引用文献
  • 法律状态
  • 优先权
    • 专利摘要:
    CONVEYOR BELT MODULE, SPIRAL CONVEYOR BELT, CONVEYOR BELT, SIDE PLATE ASSEMBLY FOR A CONVEYOR BELT, AND SPIRAL CONVEYOR This is a modular spiral belt built from a series of interconnected belt modules arranged by hinges. a helical cell. The modular spiral belt includes external side plates (50) that include airflow openings and internal side plates (80) that are solid to block airflow. The openings may include valves to selectively open and close the openings. A locking mechanism can lock two layers together. A retainer can apply pressure to prevent the belt from unstacking or a guide can be arranged with the helical stack to prevent unstacking.
    公开号:BR112015001082B1
    申请号:R112015001082-2
    申请日:2013-07-15
    公开日:2021-03-09
    发明作者:David W Bogle；Alejandro J. Talbott；Robert L. Rosen
    申请人:Laitram, L.L.C.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    [001] The invention generally relates to power driven conveyors and, more particularly, to modular plastic conveyor belts suitable for following curved paths.
    [002] Conveyor belts are typically used to transport bulk material, such as food or other materials that must be transported through a chilled or refrigerated environment. Typical conveyor belts have the advantage that relatively little energy is required to transport bulk material across horizontal surfaces. The transport of bulk material, however, is limited by these systems to horizontal routes or to routes with only relatively small inclines. To reach higher heights or slopes, it is necessary to transfer the bulk material to another conveyor system, for example, a bucket chain conveyor. When transporting material to be refrigerated, it is often desirable to maximize the transport time within the cooled environment. It is desirable to provide a conveyor belt system that transports goods along an extended path.
    [003] Spiral conveyor belts, in which a conveyor belt follows a helical path, are used in certain applications, due to the fact that they enable an extended path with minimal physical space. For example, spiral conveyor belts are often used in freezers and microwaves to provide a long transport path with a small footprint.
    [004] Self-stacking spiral belts are used to form a helical path with minimal support. A self-stacking conveyor belt uses side plates or side guards attached to the side edges of the conveyor belt to form a self-supporting pile. The belt travels in a straight path until it enters a spiral or helical configuration. When aligned in the helical configuration, the lower layer of the belt is supported by a frame or drive system, while the upper layers are supported by the lower layers. The interface between adjacent layers is designed to keep the belt supported and laterally aligned. The layers are laterally aligned with the top edge of a bottom side guard resting against the bottom edge of the belt in a layer above.
    [005] Generally, in large spiral freezers there are two different types of airflow used to cool the product. The first is the vertical air flow. In the vertical air flow, air is forced from both the ceiling and the floor through the belt and out of the opposite end (floor or ceiling). Air is forced through all layers of belt and product to produce convection air flow over the product. Another type of air flow used to cool the product is the horizontal air flow. In the horizontal air flow, air enters from one side of the spiral and exits from the other side, so that the air flows horizontally through the belt.
    [006] Nowadays, several self-stacking spiral belts on the market prevent adequate horizontal air flow.
    [007] In freezer applications or other applications where the temperature varies widely or rapidly, the layers tend to get out of alignment, causing the belt to unstack. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
    [008] A spiral conveyor belt transports articles along a substantially helical path. A version of a spiral conveyor belt encompassing features of the invention comprises external side plates which include openings for air flow and for internal side plates which are solid to block air flow. The spiral conveyor belt comprises a series of rows of belt modules hinged together. Each row comprises one or more belt modules. An inner side plate is connected to an inner edge of at least some or all of the rows and an outer side plate is connected to an outer edge of at least some or all of the rows. The inner side plate is solid, while the outer side plate includes at least one opening to allow air to flow. The opening may include a valve to selectively open and close the opening. An airfoil member can induce turbulence in the air flowing through the opening to improve cooling.
    [009] According to one aspect of the invention, a conveyor belt module comprises a central portion that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end, laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge and in thickness from a top surface to a bottom surface, a first side plate coupled to the first side edge and a second side plate coupled to the second side edge. The second side plate is different from the first side plate.
    [010] According to another aspect of the invention, a conveyor belt module comprises a central portion, a side plate coupled to the first side edge, the side plate having a body and at least one airflow opening formed in the body and a valve to selectively open and close the air flow opening.
    [011] According to another aspect of the invention, a spiral conveyor belt comprises a plurality of hinge-connected modules that form a propeller, a plurality of solid side plates coupled to an inner portion of the propeller and a plurality of side plates open coupled to a portion of the outer helix.
    [012] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a conveyor belt comprises a plurality of rows of modules hinged together. Each row includes a solid side plate and an open side plate that has at least one opening to allow air to flow through them.
    [013] According to another aspect of the invention, a set of side plates for a conveyor belt comprises a first side plate configured to mate with a first side edge of the conveyor belt and a second side plate configured to mate with a second edge side of the conveyor belt. The second side plate is different from the first side plate.
    [014] In accordance with yet another aspect of the invention, a conveyor belt module comprises a central portion that extends longitudinally from a first end to a second end, laterally from a first side edge to a second side edge and in thickness from a top surface to a bottom surface, a first side plate coupled to the first side edge, a second side plate attached to the second side edge and a locking mechanism to lock the first side plate to a first side edge corresponding conveyor module.
    [015] In another embodiment, a spiral conveyor belt comprises a plurality of hinge-connected modules that form a helix that has a top layer, a bottom layer and at least an intermediate layer, a plurality of first side plates coupled to an inner portion of the propeller, a plurality of second side plates coupled to an outer portion of the propeller and a retention to exert pressure on the top layer.
    [016] According to yet another aspect of the invention, a spiral conveyor comprises a self-stacking conveyor belt that has a plurality of modules with side plates hinged together to form a propeller that has a plurality of layers. The side plates of a first layer come into contact and support a second layer above the first layer. A guide arranged inside the propeller prevents the conveyor belt from unstacking and includes a bottom taper to guide the conveyor belt on the guide. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
    [017] These features and aspects of the invention, as well as their advantages, are better understood in reference to the following description, the attached claims and the attached drawings, in which:
    [018] Figure 1 is a schematic view of a spiral conveyor belt system, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
    [019] Figure 2 illustrates a module that includes side plates for a spiral conveyor belt, according to an embodiment of the present invention;
    [020] Figure 3 is an exterior view of an external portion of the spiral conveyor belt of Figure 1;
    [021] Figure 4 is an interior view of the external portion of Figure 3;
    [022] Figure 5 is an exterior view of an inner portion of the spiral conveyor belt of Figure 1;
    [023] Figure 6 is an internal view of the internal portion of Figure 5;
    [024] Figure 7A is an interior view of an external side plate suitable for coupling to a conveyor belt module;
    [025] Figure 7B is an external view of the external side plate of Figure 7A;
    [026] Figure 8A is an external view of an internal side plate suitable for coupling to a conveyor belt module;
    [027] Figure 8B is an internal view of the internal side plate of Figure 8A;
    [028] Figure 9 shows a side plate for a conveyor belt that includes openings that can be opened and closed;
    [029] Figure 10 is a top view showing the air flow in a spiral conveyor belt system that employs a side plate that can be opened and closed;
    [030] Figure 11A is an internal view of an external portion of a conveyor belt that includes open side plates with airfoil members to add turbulence to the air flowing through the side plates;
    [031] Figure 11B is a front view of the conveyor belt of Figure 11A;
    [032] Figure 12 is a close-up view of a portion of a self-stacking conveyor belt that includes a locking mechanism for locking two layers together;
    [033] Figure 13 is a close-up view of a portion of a self-stacking conveyor belt that includes a retainer;
    [034] Figure 14 is a side view of a spiral self-stacking conveyor belt that includes another type of retention;
    [035] Figure 15A is an isometric cross-sectional view of a spiral self-stacking conveyor belt that includes a guide to prevent the belt from unstacking; and
    [036] Figure 15B is a detailed cross-sectional view of the spiral self-stacking conveyor belt that includes a guide, as shown in Figure 15A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
    [037] A spiral self-stacking conveyor belt system that includes side plates configured to facilitate air flow is shown schematically in Figure 1. The spiral belt conveyor 10 transports articles vertically along a substantially helical path. The spiral belt conveyor includes a conveyor belt 12 arranged in a helical stack 11 comprising layers 13 of the belt stacked in series and directly together. The belt travels around several idle, lifting and feeding sprockets 22 as it makes its way from the outlet at the top of the stack back to the entry at the bottom. Alternatively, the belt can enter the top and exit at the bottom of the stack. The spiral belt conveyor 10 can be used inside a refrigerator, cooler, for example, providing articles that are transported with an extended cooling route or with a heating system for cooking or heating products.
    [038] The illustrative conveyor belt 12 is constructed from a series of rows, each of which comprises one or more belt modules 14, like the belt module of Figure 2. A row can comprise a single module that transposes the belt width or multiple modules side by side. The illustrative belt module 14 includes a central portion 120 which extends longitudinally in a belt travel direction from a first end 121 to a second end 122, laterally from an inner edge 125 to an outer edge 126 and in thickness from a top side 128 to a bottom side 129. A first set 132 of hinge elements is formed along the first end 121 of the module; a second set 134, along the second end 122. The stem openings 136 in the hinge elements align to form lateral passages through the first and second sets of hinge elements. The passages admit a hinge rod (not shown) that connects a row of modules side by side similar to an adjacent row of modules on a conveyor belt. The first set of hinge elements 132 along a row of modules interleaves with the second set of hinge elements 134 of a longitudinally adjacent row in order to form a hinge with the hinge rod. The stem openings 136 through one or both of the main and hinge leakage elements can be stretched in the direction of the belt travel to allow the belt to collapse within one turn, while the outer edge expands.
    [039] The belt modules 14 are preferably injection molded from a thermoplastic material, such as polyethylene, polypropylene, acetal, nylon or a composite resin.
    [040] The belt modules can have any suitable configuration and are not limited to the illustrative modality.
    [041] Side plates 50, 80 are attached to each side edge of the conveyor belt. In the illustrative embodiment, a single module 14 expands an entire row, with side plates 50, 80 connected to each side of the module. Alternatively, a row of the conveyor belt may comprise a plurality of modules arranged side by side, with an inner side plate 80 coupled to the inner side edge 125 of an inner module and an outer side plate 50 coupled to the outer side edge 126 of an outer module . The side plates can be integrally formed with the module or can be coupled to the module with the use of screws, bolts, ultrasonic welding, a quick-fit connection or other suitable fastening means. The side plates facilitate the stacking of the belt in the helical configuration, as each module rests on a side plate in a lower layer, as shown in Figures 3 to 6. Each side plate can detactically engage a portion of the conveyor belt above and / or below it. Alternatively, a frame can be used to configure the propeller, with the side plates providing additional lift or airflow direction.
    [042] To facilitate the flow of air around the product conveyed by the belt, each row of the conveyor belt includes two different side plates: an internal side plate 80 and an external side plate 50. In the illustrative embodiment, the internal side plate 80 and the outer side plate 50 are configured differently from each other to facilitate the flow of air around the product carried on the belt 12. As shown, the outer side plate 50 includes openings for air flow, whereas the inner side plate 80 is substantially solid, directing the flow of air along the path of the conveyor belt. The inner side plate 80 is also smaller than the outer side plate 50 in the belt travel direction.
    [043] The use of two different side plates facilitates the directing of air flow through the surface of the belt and a product carried by the belt to maximize the heating or cooling of the product.
    [044] Referring to Figures 7A and 7B, the illustrative open side plate 50 includes a central column 52 that extends upward and two flat portions 54, 56 that extend on each side of the column 52 along the side edge. The main flat portion 54 is displaced from the delayed flat portion 56, so that the top bar 58 (formed by the top edge of the flat portions 54 and 56 and the rib 52) of the side plate 50 is toothed. The main flat portion 54 is moved out of the gap flat portion 56 in the illustrative embodiment. The flat portions are staggered or offset in the lateral direction, so that the main flat portion 54 of a gap side plate overlaps the gap side portion 56 of an external side plate immediately ahead, as shown in Figures 3 and 4 .
    [045] Each flat portion 54 and 56 includes openings 62. The illustrative openings are separated by transverse beams 59 in the flat portions, but the openings can be of any suitable size, shape and configuration. The openings can be configured to promote airflow and / or terminate the laminar airflow.
    [046] The main flat portion includes a lower main edge 541 that is straight and an angled edge 542 whose angles are toward column 52. The flat gap portion includes a straight mid-range edge 561 and an angled top portion 563 whose angles are toward column 52. In addition, the flat gap portion includes a chamfered bottom edge 565.
    [047] Additionally, the outer side plate 50 includes a fixing mechanism for retaining the side plate on the outer edge of a module. The illustrative fastening mechanism includes a base 71 that includes openings 72 for screws or other types of fasteners. The projections 74 below the base extend the screw openings 72 and, with another projection 75, form channels 76 to receive edges of a module in order to mount the side plate on the module. One or more of the base projections 74, 75 can fit into an opening or recess in the top surface of the module. The illustrative side plate additionally includes a support 68 that extends between the base 71 and the column 52.
    [048] Additionally, the side plate fastening mechanism includes a bottom fastener 77, shown in Figure 7B, which attaches to the bottom surface of the module and receives the screws to secure the side plate 50 to the module. Bottom fastener 77 forms a longitudinally extending bottom channel 78 to receive a top edge 58 from an outer side plate in a bottom layer, as shown in Figures 3 and 4. Bottom channel 78 includes angled side walls that tilt inward to guide the lower side plate in channel 78. Additionally, bottom fastener 77 includes an outer projection 69 for engaging a drive chain that drives the spiral conveyor belt 12.
    [049] The bottom fixator 77 can be integrally molded with the module or a separate part that is fixed to the module 14 by any suitable means known in the art. In one embodiment, the bottom fixator 77 is integrally formed with the module and the upper part of the external side plate is coupled through a fixing mechanism.
    [050] Figures 8A and 8B illustrate a modality of a solid side plate 80 suitable for use on a spiral self-stacking conveyor belt. The illustrative solid side plate 80 comprises two parallel solid overlapping portions 84, 86, which overlap to create a central column 87. Opposite flat portions 84, 86 extend back and forth from the column 87 along the travel direction of the conveyor belt. The flat portions are staggered or displaced in the lateral direction, so that the main flat portion 84 of a first side plate overlaps the gap side portion 86 of an inner side plate immediately ahead, as shown in Figures 5 and 6.
    [051] The main flat portion 84 that is inserted from the gap flat portion 86 includes a lower leading edge 841 that is straight and an upper leading edge 842 that is angled forward, away from column 87. Additionally, the flat portion main 84 includes a lower gap edge 843 that is straight and an upper gap edge 844 that is angled. The upper gap edge 844 may be non-parallel with the upper leading edge 842, so that the upper portion of the main flat portion 84 slopes inward slightly.
    [052] The gap flat portion 86 includes a straight leading edge 861. Additionally, the gap flat portion includes a lower gap edge 863 that is straight and preferably longer than the bottom leading edge 841 of the main flat portion 84 and an angled upper gap edge 864 that is parallel to the upper leading edge 842 of the main flat portion 84. The gap flat portion also extends below the main flat portion, forming a projection 89, shown in Figure 8A, to engage a flow current. streaming.
    [053] Additionally, the solid side plate 80 includes a fastening mechanism that includes a base 91 that extends from the inside of the main flat portion 84. The base includes openings 92 for screws or other fastening means, as well as a support beam 98.
    [054] A separate lower securing mechanism for the solid side plate 80 fits into an opening in the module and receives screws that pass through the base 91. The lower securing mechanism 97 for the side plate, shown in Figure 5, includes a 98 projection to guide the top edge of an inner side plate into a bottom layer in the stack. The lower clamping mechanism 97 can be integrally molded with the module or it can be a separate part that is fixed to the module 14 by any suitable means known in the art. In one embodiment, the lower mechanism is integrally formed with the module and the upper part of the external side plate is coupled through a fixing mechanism.
    [055] The use of an open outer side plate and a closed inner side plate promotes airflow around a product being transported. The solid side plate 80 directs air in the center of the belt.
    [056] In another embodiment, one or both the open side plate 50 and the solid side plate 80 or the fixing mechanisms for the side plates can be integrally molded or, otherwise, formed with the module or directly molded in the control module. belt. For example, the bottom guide tab can be molded directly on the conveyor belt module and the top portion of the side plate can be added later, using any suitable clamping mechanism, such as screws, bolts, welding and so on. against.
    [057] The side plates can be removable to allow repairs to a broken side plate inside a stack or they can be non-removable.
    [058] In one embodiment, a side plate can be molded from a different material than the conveyor belt module to maximize the strength of the side plate in the vertical direction, while the belt has properties to maximize the force in the wide direction. beam. For example, the belt modules can be acetal, but the side plates can be a different material, such as composite plastic or thermal assembly to make them very strong.
    [059] According to another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 9, a side plate can be opened and closed to facilitate the flow of air. The illustrative self-ventilation side plate 200 includes a base 201, a flat portion 210 that can comprise a plurality of flat overlap deviation portions and openings 220 that can be selectively opened and closed using a valve or other suitable means. Side plate 200 can open to allow air to enter the stack and then close to contain that air while the belt is traveling around other parts of the spiral. Then, side plate 200 can reopen on the opposite side of the unit to allow air to escape from the system.
    [060] Figure 10 shows the air flow path that a side self-ventilation plate can reach. The inner side plate 280 in the center of a spiral 290 is solid, as described above, very little or no air can flow through it. In an air intake zone 300, the outer side plates 200 open to allow air to enter the stack. Once the plate has rotated out of that air intake zone, the outer side plates 200 close and the air will be forced to continue around the curved path of the spiral. On the opposite side, in the air outlet zone 320, the outer side plates 200 reopen, allowing air to leave the stack and be recirculated back to cooling coils.
    [061] The adjustable side plate 200 can have any suitable configuration. For example, the illustrative side plate 200 includes one or more valves, such as salon door type labels 266 that selectively open and close the openings 220. When the belt is in the air inlet zone 300, the labels can open up to allow air in the system. When the system rotates out of that air intake zone, the tags close to contain the air. When the system rotates where the outer side plates are in the air outlet zone 320, the labels reopen to allow air to escape from the stack 290.
    [062] Any suitable actuator can be used to open and close the side plate. For example, in one embodiment, air pressure can be used. Duct air can be directed through the side plate in the air intake section, causing the side plate bar to stop the air intake. In another embodiment, the side plate can be spring loaded to close the side plate in a standard position. When the belt rotates outside the air intake zone, the valves can close the spring. On the air outlet side, a cam or magnetic system can force the side plate into its open position, allowing air to escape. When the belt rotates outside that section, the openings can then be closed again.
    [063] The conveyor belt can also include other means to improve the flow of air around a product. For example, the side plates can include deflection to stop the flow of laminar air and add turbulence to the air.
    [064] The open side plate may include a mechanism to induce turbulence in the air flowing through the side plate, promoting cooling. Figures 11A and 11B show a portion of a conveyor belt 400 that includes an open side plate 450 that has an airfoil through member 460 to add turbulence to the air. The opening side plate 450 is coupled or integral with an outer side edge of a conveyor belt module. The open side plate 450 includes open flat displacement portions 545, 456 and a central column 452. An airfoil through member 460 extends through the openings 462 in the flat portions to direct airflow through the openings. As indicated by the arrows, the airfoil traversing member 460 pushes the air down and agitates the air to make it turbulent. Alternatively, the wing member of the airfoil forces the air until it becomes turbulent.
    [065] In one embodiment, the airfoil traversing member alternates in orientation, so that one row of the conveyor belt pushes air upward, while the next row pushes air downward to increase turbulence.
    [066] The airfoil traversing member can have any shape suitable for directing the air. Helical shaped structures in the airfoil through member can be added to increase or decrease air turbulence.
    [067] The side plates facilitate the stacking of the belt in the helical configuration, as each module rests on a side plate in a lower layer. Each side plate can detachably engage a portion of the conveyor belt above and / or below it. Alternatively, a frame can be used to configure the propeller, with the side plates providing additional support or airflow direction.
    [068] Side plates 50, 80, can be formed or can include a detectable material. The detectable material allows the side plate to be easily found in the event of a fracture. In one embodiment, a detection system detects the absence of a side plate on the belt using, for example, x-rays, metal detection or other suitable means and stops the belt from running until the lost side plate is replaced, fixed or found. Examples of suitable materials compatible with known detection systems, such as metal detection systems and x-ray detection systems, include, but are not limited to, the DELRIN FG400MTD BLA079 acetal resin available from EI du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, DE or the DELRIN FG400XRD N010 acetal resin available from EI du Pont de Nemours and Company of Wilmington, DE.
    [069] In addition or alternatively, side plates 50, 80 and / or belt modules 14 may be formed or may include a low thermal expansion material. Examples of suitable low thermal expansion material include, but are not limited to, injection molded plastics, such as fiber-filled plastics, polyphenylene sulphide, liquid crystal polymers and others known in the art, as well as a thermal assembly or non-thermal material. plastic, such as metal or a carbon fiber type laminate. An example of a suitable polyphenylene sulphide is TECHTRON 1000 polyphenylene sulphide available from Quadrrante AG. An example of a suitable liquid crystal polymer is XYDAR liquid crystal polymer material available from Solvay Advanced Polymers USA LLC of Alpharetta, GA. The use of a low thermal expansion plastic material for the side plates 50, 80 softens the effects of changes in temperature, preventing or reducing thermal expansion and contraction as the belt modules move from one hot zone for cooler or frozen temperature zones.
    [070] In accordance with another embodiment of the invention, a mechanical device to prevent the belt from unstacking can be used.
    [071] For example, with reference to Figure 12, a side plate 500 may include a locking mechanism for locking layers stacked together. In the illustrative embodiment, the outer side edge of a belt module 140 includes a recess 780 in a bottom surface for engaging the top of the side plate 500 below. The side plate 500 includes a flap 501 for engaging the recess 780. The illustrative flap 501 extends substantially perpendicular to the body of the side plate 500. The recess 780 includes a main portion and a corner 781 for receiving the leg of the flap 501. The recess 780 also includes tapered side surfaces 782, 783 to guide the flap in the recess. The engagement of the leg is carried out by pushing from the first side of the module, to lock the flap in the corner 781. The disengagement is carried out by pushing from the second side of the module to release the flap from the corner 781.
    [072] In another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 13, side plate 510 or belt module 514 may include a retaining tab 580 that engages a belt retainer 600. The belt retainer engages the retaining tab 580 for pull the belt out, preventing unstacking. The illustrative retaining tab 580 includes a base 581 that extends outwardly from module 514 and a leg 582 that extends perpendicular to base 581.
    [073] In another embodiment of the invention, shown in Figure 14, a retention 800 can push on the top layer of the stack 11 and create a force to prevent the belt from unstacking. The restraint may comprise an 810 pedal, weight or other device in contact with the top layer of the stack. Retention applies pressure to the top of a few layers of belt to prevent them from bending or unstacking. The retainer 800 can be pressed on the top of the side plates 50 or on the edge labels connected to the modules.
    [074] Referring to Figures 15A and 15B, a spiral self-stacking conveyor belt 912 has side plates 950 and 980 and may include a guide, such as a top ring 900, to prevent unstacking. The illustrative top ring 900 is an inner ring arranged inside the battery to keep the battery stable if the battery starts to lower. Illustrative ring 900 is as high as several layers 913 of the stack. For example, in an illustrative embodiment, a top portion 900a of the ring is about 20.32 centimeters (eight inches) high. A central portion 900b of ring 900 is between about 15.24 and 20.32 centimeters (six and eight inches) in height. Ring 900 tapers to bottom 900c. As the temperature decreases and the belt is cooled, the belt may contract. The top ring 900 or other guide expands the contracted belt back to the original diameter. The taper at the bottom 900c allows the belt to fully engage the ring. The weight of the top belt holds the bottom belt in a horizontal position as it engages the top ring and expands to the largest diameter.
    [075] In one embodiment of the invention, the top ring can be moved.
    [076] The sensors can detect the compression of the battery. The feedback from the sensors can be used to move guides in and out to prevent unstacking.
    [077] In another embodiment of the invention, the belt turn ratio is compatible with that of the first layer. This prevents the belt from further collapsing when the temperature in the surrounding environment drops.
    [078] To prevent or limit destacking, the rate of temperature change can be decreased. Slow cooling of the belt can help to limit or prevent unstacking.
    [079] Although the invention has been described in detail with reference to a few exemplary versions, other versions are possible. The scope of the claims should not be limited to the versions described in detail.
    权利要求:
    Claims (20)
    [0001]
    1. A CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), comprising: a central portion (120) extending longitudinally from a first end (121) to a second end (122), laterally from a first side edge (125) up to a second lateral edge (126) and in thickness from a top surface (128) to a bottom surface (129); a first solid side plate (80) coupled to the first side edge (125) to block the air flow; and a second side plate (50) coupled to the second side edge (126), characterized by the second side plate (50) including at least one opening (62) to allow air to flow through it.
    [0002]
    2. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a valve for selectively opening and closing the opening (62) in the second side plate (50).
    [0003]
    3. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second side plate (50) includes an airfoil member to add turbulence to the air flowing through at least one opening.
    [0004]
    4. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a fixing mechanism for removably coupling the first side plate (80) to the first side edge (125) of the central portion.
    [0005]
    5. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises a fixing mechanism for removably coupling the second side plate (50) to the second side edge (126) of the central portion.
    [0006]
    6. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), according to claim 1, characterized in that the second side plate (50) comprises two flat deviation portions connected by a central column, and at least one opening (62) is formed in the portions deviation planes.
    [0007]
    7. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first side plate (80) has a length in the longitudinal direction that is less than a length of the second side plate (50) in the longitudinal direction.
    [0008]
    8. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second side plate (50) includes a channel that extends longitudinally on a bottom surface to receive an upper edge of a third side plate connected to a second module.
    [0009]
    9. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that the first side plate (80) includes a projection that extends longitudinally on a bottom surface to guide an upper edge of a third side plate connected to a second module.
    [0010]
    10. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), according to claim 1, characterized in that the first side plate (80) and the second side plate (50) are integrally formed with the central portion.
    [0011]
    11. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), according to claim 1, characterized in that the central portion of the module includes a recess in the bottom surface to receive a top edge of a side plate of another module.
    [0012]
    12. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), according to claim 11, characterized in that the first side plate (80) includes a flap at an upper edge of the same for locking in a recess formed in the bottom surface of another module.
    [0013]
    13. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14) according to claim 1, characterized in that it additionally comprises a retaining tab that extends outwardly from the central portion to engage a belt retainer.
    [0014]
    14. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), according to claim 13, characterized in that the retaining flap comprises a base and a leg extending perpendicular to the base.
    [0015]
    15. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14), as defined in claim 1, comprising: a central portion (120) extending longitudinally from a first end (121) to a second end (122), laterally from a first side edge (125) to a second side edge (126) and in thickness from a top surface (128) to a bottom surface (129); a side plate (200) coupled to the first side edge (125), characterized in that the side plate (200) has a body (201, 210) and at least one airflow opening (220) formed in the body; and a valve for selectively opening and closing the air flow opening (220).
    [0016]
    16. CONVEYOR BELT MODULE (14) according to claim 15, characterized in that the side plate (200) additionally includes an airfoil member to add turbulence to the air flowing through at least one opening.
    [0017]
    17. SPIRAL CONVEYOR BELT (10), comprising: a plurality of modules (14), as defined in any one of claims 1 to 15, hinged together to form a helix (11); characterized in that it further comprises a plurality of solid side plates (80) coupled to an inner portion (125) of the propeller to block the air flow and direct the air flow along the conveyor belt; and a plurality of open side plates (50) coupled to an outer portion (128) of the propeller, each open side plate having at least one opening (62) to allow airflow to pass through it.
    [0018]
    18. SPIRAL CONVEYOR BELT (10), according to claim 17, characterized in that a first layer on the propeller is supported by a layer of solid side plates (80) and open side plates (50) in a second layer below the first layer.
    [0019]
    19. SPIRAL CONVEYOR BELT (10), according to claim 17, characterized in that it additionally comprises a locking mechanism for locking the first layer of the propeller (11) to the second layer.
    [0020]
    20. SPIRAL CONVEYOR BELT (10), according to claim 17, characterized in that it additionally comprises a retaining flap that extends outside each module to engage a belt retainer.
    类似技术:
    公开号 | 公开日 | 专利标题
    BR112015001082B1|2021-03-09|conveyor belt module and spiral conveyor belt
    US7258226B2|2007-08-21|Self-stacking spiral conveyor with modular drive system
    US10301067B2|2019-05-28|Heat transfer system for warehoused goods
    BR112020010279A2|2020-11-17|modular classification units, systems and methods
    RU2648780C2|2018-03-28|Apparatus and method for chilling or freezing
    CN107438572B|2020-12-29|Self-stacking spiral modular plastic conveyor belt with intermediate support
    US7267222B2|2007-09-11|Low cost flight attachment for modular belts
    EP3558829B1|2021-05-26|Apparatus for heat shrinking a package and method for heat shrinking a package
    US10214322B2|2019-02-26|Child resistant plastic bag assembly
    SE522130C2|2004-01-13|Side plate for conveyor and conveyor for a wander rust
    KR20160068820A|2016-06-15|Furnace with a convection and radiation heating
    KR20160068818A|2016-06-15|Furnace comprising a sealed temperature-controlled section
    AU2020289007A1|2021-12-02|Self-stacking spiral belt conveyor with smooth diameter reduction
    BR202018072895U2|2020-05-26|ANGULAR TRANSFER
    JP2018104008A|2018-07-05|Liquid dispensing device and liquid dispensing method
    WO2021097285A1|2021-05-20|Secondary container with flow-through apertures for freezing, thawing, and shipping products, and associated methods
    SE522130C3|2004-03-03|
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    EP2874921B1|2016-06-29|
    AU2013290430B2|2016-09-29|
    JP6333815B2|2018-05-30|
    AU2013290430A1|2015-01-22|
    PL2874921T3|2016-12-30|
    DK2874921T3|2016-09-05|
    WO2014014827A2|2014-01-23|
    ES2594330T3|2016-12-19|
    JP2015526359A|2015-09-10|
    CA2878690C|2017-02-07|
    CA2878690A1|2014-01-23|
    WO2014014827A3|2014-04-10|
    BR112015001082A2|2017-06-27|
    MX354998B|2018-03-28|
    EP2874921A2|2015-05-27|
    MX2015000677A|2015-04-10|
    US20140021020A1|2014-01-23|
    CN104470834B|2017-04-12|
    IN2015DN01084A|2015-06-26|
    US9334121B2|2016-05-10|
    CN104470834A|2015-03-25|
    引用文献:
    公开号 | 申请日 | 公开日 | 申请人 | 专利标题
    SE381241B|1973-03-07|1975-12-01|Frigoscandia Contracting Ab|TRANSPORT DEVICE WITH AN ENDLESS TRANSPORT BELT WHICH IS ORGANIZED TO FOLLOW FOR A PART OF ITS LENGTH A PATH CONSISTING OF A NUMBER OF ONE ANOTHER LOCATED SCREWS.|
    SE437008B|1982-11-26|1985-02-04|Frigoscandia Contracting Ab|CONVEYOR|
    SE434728B|1982-11-26|1984-08-13|Frigoscandia Contracting Ab|STORAGE DEVICE FOR THE PREPARATION OF ONE NUMBER OF THE ONE THROUGH THE OTHER SCARFLY CIRCUIT LOCATION OF AN ENDLESS TRANSPORT BELT|
    US4858750A|1987-05-09|1989-08-22|Lineal Thermotech Limited|Conveyors|
    US4840269A|1988-03-28|1989-06-20|Rexnord Inc.|Apron type conveyor|
    US5069330A|1990-11-30|1991-12-03|Palmaer K V|Side plate for a plastic spiral conveyor belt system|
    US5350056A|1993-06-16|1994-09-27|Cambridge, Inc.|Self-supporting conveyor belt with wire-formed spacers|
    US20040020749A1|2001-09-14|2004-02-05|Brian Wood|Spiral immersion conveyor system, and method for use|
    US6604625B2|2001-10-31|2003-08-12|The Laitram Corporation|Operating modular conveyor belts with migrating hinge pins|
    US6695128B2|2002-07-18|2004-02-24|Kvp Falcon Plastic Belting, Inc.|Stacked spiral modular plastic conveyor belt system|
    JP2005075324A|2003-08-29|2005-03-24|Hiroaki Yoshida|Emergency supplies storage bag serving also as lifesaving boat|
    CN1953918A|2003-10-14|2007-04-25|波克股份有限公司|Self-stacking spiral conveyor with modular drive system|
    US6811021B1|2003-11-06|2004-11-02|Laitram, L.L.C.|Plastic conveyor belt modules with unitary sideguards|
    US7270231B2|2005-05-26|2007-09-18|Heber Gerald J|Self-stacking spiral conveyor belt|
    US20070222612A1|2006-03-21|2007-09-27|Michal Krisl|Modular conveyor belt with RFID|
    US20110247355A1|2007-08-13|2011-10-13|Mccormick Stephen A|Crossflow spiral heat transfer system with self-stacking spiral conveyor belt|
    ITMI20080345A1|2008-02-29|2009-09-01|Regina Catene Calibrate Spa|"CARRYING CARPET WITH GUIDELINES FOR CURVILINE PATHS AND FORMS FOR IT"|
    SE1051354A1|2010-12-21|2012-06-19|John Bean Technologies Ab|Improved side plate element for a link member in a self-stacking endless conveyor belt|
    US8348046B1|2011-07-18|2013-01-08|John Bean Technologies Corporation|Conveyor belt cleaning assembly|US9156620B2|2013-03-14|2015-10-13|Illinois Tool Works Inc.|Conveyor belt and platform for conveyor belt|
    CA2980175A1|2015-04-15|2016-10-20|Laitram, L.L.C.|Self-stacking spiral modular plastic conveyor belt with intermediate support|
    WO2017040166A1|2015-08-31|2017-03-09|Laitram, L.L.C.|Aerodynamic side plate for a conveyor belt|
    US10155625B1|2015-09-01|2018-12-18|Laitram, L.L.C.|Conveyor belts and modules with twist-lock accessories|
    CN108883876B|2016-04-07|2020-12-08|莱特拉姆有限责任公司|Drive and side dam belt insert for modular plastic conveyor belt|
    CN105947528B|2016-06-24|2017-12-29|南京理工大学|Spoke wheel tooth group composite sync is driven from heap formula double helix conveying device|
    WO2018213404A2|2017-05-17|2018-11-22|Laitram, L.L.C.|Centrifugal dewatering conveyor system|
    RU177552U1|2017-08-03|2018-02-28|Владимир Геннадьевич Кокоулин|Device for moving goods|
    EP3672891A4|2017-08-24|2021-05-26|Dale HoldingsLtd|Modular conveyor belt|
    BR112020012267A2|2018-01-19|2020-11-24|Laitram, L.L.C.|ultrasonic anemometer to measure airflow, ultrasonic transducer and method to measure airflow through a spiral conveyor in a chamber|
    DE102018130807A1|2018-12-04|2020-06-04|Homag Gmbh|Means of transport, transport system and processing machine|
    BR112021022112A2|2019-06-05|2022-01-04|Laitram Llc|Spiral Conveyor, Spiral Conveyor Belt, and Conveyor Belt Module|
    EP3838808A1|2019-12-19|2021-06-23|Innovative Production Systems, S.L.|Conveyor device|
    CN113501283B|2021-09-08|2021-11-12|南通宝雪冷冻设备有限公司|Spiral instant freezer with self-adjusting differential conveying device|
    法律状态:
    2019-11-05| B06U| Preliminary requirement: requests with searches performed by other patent offices: suspension of the patent application procedure|
    2020-11-03| B07A| Technical examination (opinion): publication of technical examination (opinion)|
    2021-02-02| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2021-03-09| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 15/07/2013, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201261673019P| true| 2012-07-18|2012-07-18|
    US61/673,019|2012-07-18|
    PCT/US2013/050508|WO2014014827A2|2012-07-18|2013-07-15|Self-stacking spiral modular plastic conveyor belt|
    [返回顶部]