WO1997047539A1 - Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid - Google Patents
Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1997047539A1 WO1997047539A1 PCT/US1997/007747 US9707747W WO9747539A1 WO 1997047539 A1 WO1997047539 A1 WO 1997047539A1 US 9707747 W US9707747 W US 9707747W WO 9747539 A1 WO9747539 A1 WO 9747539A1
- Authority
- WO
- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- links
- apex
- modular
- trailing
- modular link
- Prior art date
Links
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G17/00—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface
- B65G17/06—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface having a load-carrying surface formed by a series of interconnected, e.g. longitudinal, links, plates, or platforms
- B65G17/08—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface having a load-carrying surface formed by a series of interconnected, e.g. longitudinal, links, plates, or platforms the surface being formed by the traction element
- B65G17/086—Conveyors having an endless traction element, e.g. a chain, transmitting movement to a continuous or substantially-continuous load-carrying surface or to a series of individual load-carriers; Endless-chain conveyors in which the chains form the load-carrying surface having a load-carrying surface formed by a series of interconnected, e.g. longitudinal, links, plates, or platforms the surface being formed by the traction element specially adapted to follow a curved path
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
- B65G2201/02—Articles
Definitions
- One such needed improvement relates to elimination of undesirable gaps or openings which may exist in the conveying surface, so as to better ensure a proper functioning and easy to clean conveyor.
- smooth link interaction is important, both while the links are moving from an expanded state to a compressed state, or vice-versa, as well as while in a fully or partially compressed state, such as during negotiation of a tight turn.
- Modular conveyors are often employed for transporting small articles, especially in the food industry, so that minimizing the gaps/openings, is necessary for efficient support of the articles during conveying, which in turn minimizes the waste and cleaning requirements.
- U.S. Patent 5,174,439 to Spangler et al also discloses a relatively closed grid type conveyor assembly having closely interconnected links.
- the link interconnection is enhanced with an undercut being provided on the forward extending portion of the link in order to provide clearance under the rearward extending portion of the next forward link.
- Such a conveyor assembly would provide adequate support for the articles during conveying, as well as, minimize waste and ease cleaning requirements.
- This conveyor would be capable of efficiently moving a wide range of sizes and types of articles along a straight or curved path, while reducing concern of smaller articles falling into gaps/openings and causing disruption of operation and/or cleaning problems.
- An additional object of the present invention is to provide a modular conveyor having modular links of an improved open design which cooperate to form a closely interdigitating conveying surface, while at the same time allowing for easy cleaning and inspection.
- the invention disclosed improves the interaction of the plurality of individual links by eliminating undesirable and unnecessary gaps or openings which may exist in the conveying surface, thus minimizing the possibility for small articles or other objects to fall into or becoming lodged in the gaps/openings.
- the improved link includes features for achieving the stated purposes both while the links are moving from an expanded state to a compressed state, or vice-versa, as well as while in a fully or partially compressed state, such as during negotiation of a tight turn.
- the modular link conveyor is generally formed by a plurality of interconnecting modular links.
- a modular conveyor arrangement is disclosed in U.S. Patent No. 4,953,693 to Draebel, titled “Modular Link Conveyor System” and U.S. Patent No. 5,497,874 to Layne, titled “Article Engaging Insert for Modular Link Conveyor", both patents being assigned to the Assignee of the present invention. The disclosures of these patents are incorporated herein by reference.
- the improved modular link includes a forwardly extending tongue projecting from the leading apex of the link.
- the tongue tapers downward in a horizontal plane and includes a top side and a bottom side which meet at a terminal apex.
- the conveying surface is in an expanded state, i.e. the rows of longitudinally repeating links are generally not compressed together.
- the links positioned on the inside of the turn begin to compress. Compression results in the leading apex moving forward to occupy an open space between the trailing apexes of the next forward link.
- the modular link conveyor may also include a forwardly projecting finger positioned between adjoining laterally repeating links.
- the finger moves forward during turning of the conveying surface so as to fill an opening which exists between the legs of the next forward adjoining links adjacent the trailing apex.
- the finger moving forward into the opening thus aids in dislodging any objects which may be present in the opening during turning of the conveyor.
- the finger continuously occupies the void between the adjoining links. This further inhibits small articles or other objects from falling into or becoming lodged between the links during operation of the conveyor.
- the elimination of unnecessary openings in the conveying surface provides for more support of the articles during conveying, while at the same time maintaining the generally open style link construction.
- the forwardly projecting finger is an important component in forming a proper functioning and more productive modular link conveyor.
- the trailing apex of the improved modular link includes an open groove which exposes the hole that passes transversely therethrough. More specifically, the open groove exposes the hole and connecting rod which passes through the hole to connect the repeating modular link assemblies together.
- connecting rod By exposing the connecting rod and providing access thereto, it is much easier to visually inspect the connecting rod for wear following extended periods of use. Additionally, the connecting rod can be accessed through the open groove for other purposes, such as cleaning, which is an important concern for conveyors used in, for example, the food processing industry where cleanliness is of the utmost importance.
- longitudinal compression of the conveying surface along the inside of the curve during turning results in the forwardly projecting finger, which is axially aligned with the open groove, extending into the open groove on the next forward link. This allows for the finger to then protrude into the opening between the legs of the next forward adjoining links, as described above.
- the legs of the improved modular link include a two way angled undercut adjacent both the leading apex and the trailing apex.
- the angle of each undercut is obtuse; approximately 160° - 170°. This provides increased clearance and thus cooperation between the links, especially when the path of the conveying surface includes curves or bends. More specifically, the obtuse angles of the undercuts provide additional pivot area for the links.
- the improved modular link includes a side fin which spans the undercut adjacent the trailing apex for engaging the slot which passes through the leading apex.
- the side fin functions to further assist and guide the links when it is necessary for the conveying surface to traverse bends and curves.
- Figure 3 is a side elevational view of the single modular link
- Figure 4 is a top plan view showing the interaction between two modular link assemblies, while in an expanded state and travelling in a straight path;
- Figure 5 is a top plan view showing the interaction between two modular link assemblies while maneuvering through a turn, as indicated by action arrow A.
- FIG. 1 and 2 showing a single modular link assembly 10 comprised of a plurality of individual links 11, which can be either formed integrally together in any suitable number, or as separate links 11.
- the assembly 10, and more specifically the individual links 11, are of an improved design so as to establish a closely interdigitating conveying surface, while at the same time assuring that the links have exceptionally smooth interaction with each other.
- a more efficient modular link conveyor for moving articles or products along a straight or curved conveying path is obtained.
- a plurality of laterally and longitudinally repeating modular assemblies 10, and more specifically a plurality of repeating links 11, are assembled to create a closely interdigitating conveying surface.
- the improvements of the present invention for example, the forwardly extending tongue and the forwardly projecting finger, eliminate undesirable and unnecessary gaps or openings, which may exist in the conveying surface.
- the tongue and finger concepts are important improvements resulting an improved interdigitating grid surface for conveying, while at the same time maintaining the basic open design for cleaning, and with the attendant advantage of being lighter in weight and generally lower in cost.
- Such individual features, or the combination are previously unknown in the relevant art.
- the forwardly projecting finger 29 also moves forward during compression so as to aid in dislodging any foreign objects which may be present in the opening 35. This further prevents small articles or other objects from falling into or becoming jammed in opening 35' during turning of the conveyor. Additionally, the positioning of finger 29 also provides for more structural support of the articles being transported on the conveyor over the openings 35, 35' .
- the improved modular link assembly 10 of the present invention further include two-way angled undercuts 37, 38 on legs 15 adjacent both the leading apex 13 and the trailing apex 16, respectively.
- the undercuts 37, 38 provide increased cooperation between the closely interconnected links 11 when the modules 10, 10' are maneuvering through curves and bends in the flow path.
- the angled undercut 37 adjacent the leading apex 13 provides increased pivoting area for trailing apex 16' of the next forward link.
- the angled undercut 38' adjacent the trailing apex 16' provides increased pivoting area for the leading apex 13 and the tongue 21.
- the undercuts 37, 38 operate in two ways, that is in either a right or left turn.
- the angled undercuts 37, 38 and the side fin 39 compliment the action of the tongue 21 and finger 29 by providing a guiding action to assure that the conveyor is able to traverse curves and bends in an efficient and smooth manner.
- the improvement concepts of the present invention cooperatively work together in an unusually exceptional manner so as to create an all around proper functioning and efficient modular link conveyor.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DK97924613T DK0907591T3 (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1997-04-28 | Made of modular joint conveyor with interlocking grating parts |
DE69737860T DE69737860T2 (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1997-04-28 | MODULAR CONVEYOR BELT WITH INTERLOCKING GRILLE |
CA002257868A CA2257868C (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1997-04-28 | Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid |
AU29994/97A AU2999497A (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1997-04-28 | Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid |
EP97924613A EP0907591B1 (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1997-04-28 | Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US08/660,551 US5690210A (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1996-06-10 | Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid |
US08/660,551 | 1996-06-10 |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
WO1997047539A1 true WO1997047539A1 (en) | 1997-12-18 |
Family
ID=24649985
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/US1997/007747 WO1997047539A1 (en) | 1996-06-10 | 1997-04-28 | Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid |
Country Status (8)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US5690210A (en) |
EP (1) | EP0907591B1 (en) |
AT (1) | ATE365693T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU2999497A (en) |
CA (1) | CA2257868C (en) |
DE (1) | DE69737860T2 (en) |
DK (1) | DK0907591T3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1997047539A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1042193A1 (en) * | 1997-11-25 | 2000-10-11 | Span Tech LLC | Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid and open apex |
Families Citing this family (18)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5797820A (en) * | 1995-09-22 | 1998-08-25 | Yamakyu Chain Co., Ltd. | Slat band chain and sprocket |
US6223889B1 (en) * | 1996-06-10 | 2001-05-01 | Span Tech Llc | Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid and interleaving side wings |
NL1003929C2 (en) * | 1996-08-30 | 1998-03-04 | Jonge Poerink Bv | Conveyor belt and conveyor provided with it. |
AU135536S (en) * | 1997-04-02 | 1998-11-02 | Singapore Tech Kinetics Ltd | A tracked link |
CA2326518C (en) * | 1998-03-30 | 2004-11-23 | Mcc Nederland B.V. | Conveyor mat |
NL1008743C2 (en) * | 1998-03-30 | 1999-10-01 | Mcc Nederland | Plastic modules coupling structure of conveyor mat |
US6330941B1 (en) | 2000-05-25 | 2001-12-18 | Habasit Ag | Radius conveyor belt |
US6305530B1 (en) | 2000-05-30 | 2001-10-23 | Habasit Ag | Module for a modular conveying belt |
US6357581B1 (en) | 2000-07-19 | 2002-03-19 | Habasit Ag | Modular radius conveyor belt |
US6612426B1 (en) | 2000-10-24 | 2003-09-02 | Autopak Engineering Corporation | Conveyor belt assembly |
US6705460B2 (en) * | 2002-04-23 | 2004-03-16 | Laitram L.L.C. | Modular conveyor belt |
US7293644B2 (en) * | 2004-12-06 | 2007-11-13 | Rexnord Industries, Llc | Side-flexing conveyor chain |
WO2014066556A1 (en) | 2012-10-25 | 2014-05-01 | Solus Industrial Innovations, Llc | Device and method for controlling the wear of the rail of a conveyor |
CN105263828B (en) | 2012-11-29 | 2017-04-26 | 雷勃电气美国公司 | Side-flexing conveyor and conveyor belts |
WO2014207926A1 (en) * | 2013-06-28 | 2014-12-31 | 株式会社 椿本チエイン | Conveyor belt and belt constituent members |
CN105745164B (en) | 2013-11-07 | 2018-09-21 | 艾玛拉皮带模块化公司 | Conveyor belt module |
CA2905156A1 (en) * | 2014-11-27 | 2016-05-27 | Martin S. Niles | Conductor cover applicator |
USD804137S1 (en) * | 2016-02-23 | 2017-11-28 | Span Tech Llc | Conveyor link |
Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3880276A (en) * | 1973-07-09 | 1975-04-29 | Iii George Howard Willett | Conveyor chain |
US4953693A (en) | 1989-01-23 | 1990-09-04 | Span Tech Corporation | Modular link conveyor system |
US4993544A (en) * | 1989-01-13 | 1991-02-19 | Cambridge Wire Cloth Company | Plastic modular conveyor belts and modules therefor |
US5174439A (en) | 1991-07-03 | 1992-12-29 | Cambridge Wire Cloth Company | Modular plastic turn belt conveyor system, module, belt and drive therefor |
US5215185A (en) * | 1992-09-08 | 1993-06-01 | Rexnord Corporation | Breakable molded plastic links for forming conveyor chain |
US5224583A (en) * | 1990-10-09 | 1993-07-06 | Palmaer K V | Low back pressure plastic conveyor |
US5358096A (en) * | 1993-05-27 | 1994-10-25 | William G. Faulkner | Conveyor belt |
US5431275A (en) * | 1993-05-27 | 1995-07-11 | William G. Faulkner | Conveyor belt with rotatable tapered link shift |
US5497874A (en) | 1994-06-20 | 1996-03-12 | Span Tech Corporation | Article engaging insert for modular link conveyor |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3881593A (en) * | 1974-01-28 | 1975-05-06 | Norton Co | Chain conveyor link and attachment therefor |
DK162348C (en) * | 1989-07-20 | 1992-03-09 | Joergen Draebel | CHAIRLED TO A SIDE-BOWLE TRANSPORT CHAIN |
US5181601A (en) * | 1990-10-09 | 1993-01-26 | Palmaer K V | Plastic conveyor belt with integral sideplate |
US5197591A (en) * | 1992-02-11 | 1993-03-30 | Ashworth Bros., Inc. | Replaceable snap-on modular overlay for rod and link turn-curve conveyor belts |
IT226681Z2 (en) * | 1992-06-10 | 1997-07-01 | Regina Sud | CHAIN CONVEYOR SHIRT WITH PIN LOCKING DEVICE |
US5335768A (en) * | 1993-03-12 | 1994-08-09 | Rexnord Corporation | Conveyor chain assembly |
US5489020A (en) * | 1994-06-08 | 1996-02-06 | Tekno, Inc. | Smooth-driving conveyor chain |
-
1996
- 1996-06-10 US US08/660,551 patent/US5690210A/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1997
- 1997-04-28 WO PCT/US1997/007747 patent/WO1997047539A1/en active IP Right Grant
- 1997-04-28 DE DE69737860T patent/DE69737860T2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-04-28 AU AU29994/97A patent/AU2999497A/en not_active Abandoned
- 1997-04-28 CA CA002257868A patent/CA2257868C/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 1997-04-28 EP EP97924613A patent/EP0907591B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1997-04-28 AT AT97924613T patent/ATE365693T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1997-04-28 DK DK97924613T patent/DK0907591T3/en active
Patent Citations (9)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US3880276A (en) * | 1973-07-09 | 1975-04-29 | Iii George Howard Willett | Conveyor chain |
US4993544A (en) * | 1989-01-13 | 1991-02-19 | Cambridge Wire Cloth Company | Plastic modular conveyor belts and modules therefor |
US4953693A (en) | 1989-01-23 | 1990-09-04 | Span Tech Corporation | Modular link conveyor system |
US5224583A (en) * | 1990-10-09 | 1993-07-06 | Palmaer K V | Low back pressure plastic conveyor |
US5174439A (en) | 1991-07-03 | 1992-12-29 | Cambridge Wire Cloth Company | Modular plastic turn belt conveyor system, module, belt and drive therefor |
US5215185A (en) * | 1992-09-08 | 1993-06-01 | Rexnord Corporation | Breakable molded plastic links for forming conveyor chain |
US5358096A (en) * | 1993-05-27 | 1994-10-25 | William G. Faulkner | Conveyor belt |
US5431275A (en) * | 1993-05-27 | 1995-07-11 | William G. Faulkner | Conveyor belt with rotatable tapered link shift |
US5497874A (en) | 1994-06-20 | 1996-03-12 | Span Tech Corporation | Article engaging insert for modular link conveyor |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1042193A1 (en) * | 1997-11-25 | 2000-10-11 | Span Tech LLC | Modular link conveyor with interdigitating grid and open apex |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0907591B1 (en) | 2007-06-27 |
EP0907591A1 (en) | 1999-04-14 |
DE69737860D1 (en) | 2007-08-09 |
DE69737860T2 (en) | 2008-03-13 |
CA2257868A1 (en) | 1997-12-18 |
US5690210A (en) | 1997-11-25 |
ATE365693T1 (en) | 2007-07-15 |
EP0907591A4 (en) | 2001-04-11 |
CA2257868C (en) | 2005-04-12 |
DK0907591T3 (en) | 2007-10-15 |
AU2999497A (en) | 1998-01-07 |
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