Modular conveyor belting with cam-slotted links for maintaining transverse distribution of tension while negotiating horizontal curves and for facilitating cleaning
US4557374A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventor
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 23, 1982 |
| Grant date | Dec 10, 1985 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 23, 2002 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65G2201/02
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Especially for modular conveyor belting that is capable of negotiating both horizontal curves and vertical ones, belt tension is spread across the belt using, for each respective set of interconnected links, a rod which can be cammed vertically against an inclined surface at a lateral margin of the belt as a horizontal curve is negotiated, thereby altering the distance between the links in the set. In various embodiments, the camming force is supplied by a conveyor bed rail surface provided in the turn, by the gravity force on at least one link in each set or by rotation of the rod. In preferred embodiments, the cam slots are relieved to facilitate cleaning. Even where horizontal turning is not required, some cammed adjustment is preferably provided, again to facilitate cleaning.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.