NL1025207C2 - Conveyor device for conveying objects along for treatment stations or foodstuff, includes conveyor belt provided with alternate elastically compressible elements and rigid elements - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor device (1) comprises a conveyor belt (2) having a conveyance surface for conveying a conveyance direction along a conveyance path. The conveyor belt comprises elastically compressible elements (3) which are compressible in the conveyance direction (A) and rigid elements (5) that are rigid in the conveyance direction. The rigid elements and compressible elements are provided alternately, and the conveyor belt is pre-biased. Independent claims are also included for: (a) a synthetic part for use as a compressible synthetic element in a conveyor device, having a practically closed conveyance surface that extends over the length and the width and having two stop surfaces from the plane of conveyance, where the plane of conveyance of the synthetic part, when compressed, for 50% at the most along the length, deforms less than 10% of the height of the synthetic part; and (b) a connection part for use as rigid element in a conveyor device, comprising a rigid plate part having stop surfaces on both sides, and at both ends provided with engagement members into which a force perpendicular to the stop surfaces is able to engage, guide members into which a force in the plane of the plate part is able to engage and spacers which extend from the plane of the plate part.

Description

Transport device

The invention relates to a transport device comprising a conveyor belt with a transport surface for transporting along a transport path in a transport direction.

Very many transport systems and conveyor belts are known in practice for transporting objects along, for example, processing stations.

Toothed conveyor belts are known with which the displacement of objects in the conveying direction can be accurately determined. Transport devices are also known with link belts for transporting, for example, food products.

EP-A1-239.660 discloses a conveyor belt, a so-called "conveyor belt", provided with a belt built up from a carrier layer of a tensile-resistant textile and a flexible covering layer glued thereon provided with wear-resistant elements incorporated therein which extend over the surface of extend the conveyor belt to provide a wear-resistant layer thereon. This conveyor belt is towingly driven. A problem with this conveyor belt is that it is hardly possible to make a bend with it, in particular a bend in the horizontal plane.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,040,302 discloses a chain conveyor belt on which pallets can be transported in a conveying direction along a conveying path.

1025207_

I 2 I

I Separate pallets are supplied on two powered trans I

I laid and transported port chains. Hereby no I

Transport surface provided for transporting along an I

I eat transport. I

US patent application US-A1-2002 / 0148708 I

I relates to a transport device of strips that mutually I

I are hinged to each other. Here too I

I hardly to bend a curve in the horizontal plane

I realize. I

A problem of known transport devices is I

I that the realization of directional changes of the trans I

I port direction, and in particular horizontal bends

I ll be a problem. I

An object of the present invention is an I

To offer an alternative transport device. I

In addition, it is an object of the invention to provide a trans

to provide a port device that at least part of the I

I solves problems with existing transport devices. I

To this end, the invention provides a transport I

A device comprising a conveyor belt with a conveyor

Surface for transporting in a transport direction

I along a transport path, wherein the conveyor belt: I

Includes compressible elements. I

The invention offers an alternative transport

Device. I

By the transport device according to the invention

I to be equipped with a conveyor belt provided with elastic I

compressible elements, a transport device I is created

I with new uses, in particular an I

Transport device with which it is possible on simple I

I directional changes in the transport direction

I realize, in particular curves, and more particularly I

I without bends in the horizontal plane. I

I Also height changes, possibly combined I

With the direction changes in the horizontal plane, I

I realize the transport device I in a simple manner

according to the invention. I

I I

3

In addition, the conveying device according to the invention offers the possibility of realizing a conveying surface on the conveyor belt, wherein the position of objects on the conveyor belt does not change to any extent during transport.

Particularly in the case of bends and changes in height, it becomes possible to offer a conveyor device in which the position of objects on a conveyor belt does not change, or hardly so, in particular the position of objects relative to each other on the conveyor belt. This means that major production-technical advantages can be achieved.

In addition, with such a transport device according to the invention, very many drive possibilities can be applied due to the simple construction.

In an embodiment of the conveying device according to the invention, the elastically compressible elements are elastically compressible in the conveying direction.

In one embodiment the conveyor belt forms a circumferential closed belt, preferably with a substantially closed transport surface.

In one embodiment of the conveying device in operation, the compressible elements are at least partially compressed in the conveying direction.

In one embodiment, the compressible elements are elastically compressible wreath fabric elements. In one embodiment thereof, the compressible elements are made of an elastic, foamed plastic. In particular, the compressible elements are substantially block-shaped with a width substantially equal to the width of the conveyor belt.

In an embodiment of the transport device according to the invention, it is further provided with a guide for guiding the conveyor belt along the transport path.

In an embodiment of the conveyor device according to the invention, the conveyor belt is further provided 1025207

4 4

I of elements which are flexible in the conveying plane. In an I

In an embodiment thereof, these elements comprise plate parts, I

I with their surface in the transport direction. The plate parts I

I are arranged between the compressible parts. In an I

In a further embodiment, the plate parts are provided with an I

I continuation to provide an engagement for a drive

I caught. In another embodiment, the plate parts have front I

I see to cooperate with the guidance. In an I

In a preferred embodiment, the rigid elements have both advantages

Views to provide an engagement for a drive

I as facilities to cooperate with the guidance around the I

I to guide the conveyor belt along the transport route. I

In an embodiment of the transport device I

I according to the invention are the longitudinal axes of the rigid I

Elements located along the width of the conveyor belt, and I

I mutually displaceable in the transport direction. I

In an embodiment of the transport device I

I according to the invention, rigid elements and assemblies alternate

I printable elements. I

In an embodiment of the transport device I

I has these alternately stiff elements and compressible I

I elements. I

In an embodiment of the transport device I

I according to the invention form the compressible elements I

Compressible segments in the conveyor belt. I

In an embodiment of the transport device I

I according to the invention, the conveyor belt has a conveyor I

Bandwidth over which the compressible plastic element

I substantially extend. I

In an embodiment of the transport device I

I according to the invention have the compressible plastic I

I elements an element width and an element length in the I

Transport surface, wherein the compressible plastic I

I virtually connect elements in the transport surface I

I 35 for forming a substantially continuous, continuous trans

I port surface. I

In an embodiment of the transport device I

I 102520? I

According to the invention, rigid elements extend in the conveyor width between the compressible plastic elements, which elements are rigid in the conveying direction. In an embodiment thereof, the rigid elements have an abutment surface between the compressible plastic elements that extends over substantially the conveyor belt width.

In an embodiment of the conveyor device according to the invention, the conveyor device is further provided with a drive for driving the conveyor belt, and the rigid elements each comprise at least one engaging part on which the drive can engage for driving the conveyor belt.

In an embodiment of the conveyor device according to the invention, the drive of the conveyor belt is thereby arranged to push the conveyor belt in a pushing manner.

The invention further relates to a transport device provided with a transport surface for transporting thereon along a transport path, comprising: a support frame; - a circulating conveyor belt with a conveying surface as conveying surface, and - a drive for pushing the conveying belt, wherein - the support frame is provided with a guide for guiding the conveyor belt along the conveying path; - the conveyor belt in the conveying direction, elements that are compressible alternately in the conveying direction with at least one stop transverse to the conveying direction, with surfaces which substantially form the conveying surface, and compressed for at least 10% in the conveying direction, and rigid elements provided with a gripping member for engaging the drive thereon to exert a driving force thereon in the conveying direction thereon to operate the conveyor belt in operation.

I I

I to move forward, from a guide part to cooperate in cooperation

I guide the conveyor belt along a conveyor line with the guide

And with a longitudinal axis transverse to the trans

I port direction and movable relative to each other, I

5. I

In one embodiment thereof, the angle is thereby I

I between the longitudinal axes of the rigid elements parallel to I

I the transport surface can be changed when the transport device

is in operation, during transport, for the I

I 10 making a turn. I

The invention furthermore relates to a transport device

I comprising a conveyor belt with a conveyor surface

I just before transporting along I in a conveying direction

I a transport path, wherein the conveyor belt compresses

I r re segments. I

In an embodiment of such a trans

The conveyor device further comprises rigid elements

I between the compressible segments, provided with on I

I grip parts for providing an engagement for an I

Drive of the conveyor belt, guide parts for the I

I offer an engagement for a guide about the trans

I to guide a conveyor belt along the transport route, and stop I

I parts for transmitting a driving force of the I

I drive on the compressible segments. I

In an embodiment of such a trans

I port device are the compressible segments in I

I compressed the conveyor belt in the conveying direction. I

The invention further relates to a plastic part, I

I apparently suitable and intended for use as a compression device

Plastic element in a conveyor belt in a trans

I port device as described above or in the figures, with I

I a substantially closed transport surface that extends over I

I the length and the width and with two stop surfaces from the I

Transport surface, the transport surface of the plastic

I 35 part, when compressed along the length for a maximum of I

50%, less than 10% of the height of the plastic part

I distorts. I

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7

In one embodiment, the plastic part is substantially of a plastic foam with substantially closed cells.

The invention further relates to a connecting part, apparently suitable and intended for use as a rigid element in a conveyor belt in a conveyor device as described above or in the figures, comprising a rigid plate part with stop surfaces on either side, provided on both ends with engaging parts on which a force 10 can engage perpendicular to the stop surfaces, guide parts on which a force in the plane of the plate part can engage, and spacers that extend out of the plane of the plate part.

In an embodiment of the connecting part, it is mainly made of metal, preferably selected from the group of aluminum, iron and stainless steel, whether or not.

In a further embodiment of the connecting part, it is substantially of a rigid plastic, preferably selected from the group of PVC, polycarbonate, nylon, whether or not reinforced with fibers, such as wood, carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid, or a combination thereof. Certainly in combination with the plastic parts as described above, the conveyor belt can be very light and easily mass-produced.

The invention further relates to a conveyor belt with a conveyor belt length and width, comprising alternating segments that are compressible in the conveyor belt length whereby the conveyor belt can be changed in length with rigid elements between them, bending stiff in the conveying surface, the conveyor belt having a substantially closed conveying surface has.

The invention is further elucidated on the basis of exemplary embodiments of transport devices according to the invention. Herein is shown in: Figure 1 an embodiment of a transport device according to the invention, viewed obliquely from above; Figure 2 shows a top view of a transport 1025207

I 8 I

I direction with rack drive; I

Figure 3 shows a cross-section of the conveyor

I direction according to figure 1 perpendicular to the transport direction

Ting; I

Figure 4 assembly of a compressible I

I element and a rigid element; I

Figures 5A-5C show an assembly of the compressible I

I elements and the rigid elements with the compressible I

I elements free (5A), compressed (5B), and in a bend I

10 (5C); I

Figures 6-10, various embodiments of the I

I compressible element; I

Figures 11-27, various embodiments of the I

I rigid elements; I

Figure 28 transport device according to the invention

Gear with rack drive; I

Figure 29 transport device according to the invention

I thing with alternative gear drive; I

Figure 30 transport device according to the invention

Provided with drive based on friction; I

Figure 31 transport device according to the invention

Ie provided with drive by means of a toothed belt; I

Figure 32 transport device according to the invention

Provided with a magnetic drive; I

Figure 33 transport device according to the invention

equipped with a sprocket drive; I

Figures 34A-C and obliquely at the top I

I view, perpendicular view and cross section through a lower I

Support and guidance for a transport device according to I

The invention; I

35A-C respectively top view of I

I a transport device according to the invention and transverse I

I intersected by AA and BB by a revolving part of the I

Transport device according to the invention; I

Figure 36A-E detail view of an embodiment

shape of a rigid element according to the invention; I

Figure 37 shows various modular parts of the I

I 1025207 I

9 guidance of the transport device according to the invention.

Figure 1 shows a transport device 1 according to the invention, viewed obliquely from above. The transport device 1 is provided with a transport surface for transporting objects located thereon in transport direction A. The conveyor belt 2 defines a substantially closed transport surface. The conveyor belt 2 is - at least partially - formed by compressible elements 3 and rigid elements 5 or beams. The conveying device 10 is furthermore provided on both sides with transverse guides 4 and 4 ', here sleepers 4 and 4', for guiding the conveying belt 2 of the conveying device 1 along a conveying path. In this representation a part of the soft and hard elements is omitted to give a clear overview. In operation, the soft and hard elements form a closed circumferential path or conveyor, such that the compressible elements in the conveying direction A are biased by a compressive force F which runs parallel to the conveying direction A but opposite to it. The transport path is filled with the compressible and rigid elements such that the compressible elements are at least partly compressed.

Figure 2 shows a transport device 1 according to the invention of figure 1 in top view. The conveyor device 1 is herein provided with a gear rack drive by means of gear wheels 8 and 9. For the stability of the drive, these gear wheels 8 and 9 are arranged on either side of the conveyor belt. In the embodiment described, the conveyor belt 2 is provided with alternately compressible elements 3 and at least in the conveying direction rigid elements 5. Preferably, the rigid elements 5 are also rigid in directions from the conveying surface. As a result, the rigid elements offer rigidity and carrying power to the conveyor belt. In addition, the rigid elements are preferably also torsionally rigid along the longitudinal axis of the element, i.e. the direction perpendicular to the 1025207

I 10 I

I transport direction and in the transport plane. I

To be able to drive the conveyor belt 2, I

I provide the rigid elements 5 with engagement parts 11 which I

I can cooperate with the drive means, in particular I

Of the gears 8 and 9, to move the conveyor belt

I in transport direction A. The engaging parts 11 have I

for this purpose an engagement surface on which the teeth of the gear wheels I

I can grasp 8 and 9 and exert a force I

I when they rotate in the direction of the indicated arrow. I

10 The rigid elements 5 here fulfill several formations. I

First, they provide engaging parts for the drive. I

I They also provide engagement surfaces for guidance. In addition I

I provide a compressive force on the compressible element

I at. I

Figure 3 shows a cross-section through the trans

I port device 1 perpendicular to the transport direction A of the I

Transport device 1 of figures 1 and 2. I

This figure clearly shows how the rigid I

I elements 5 are provided with a guide groove 10 parallel

20 lel on the conveying surface 2 with conveyor belt width B, I

I wherein the sleepers 4 and 4 'run for exercising I

I of a force perpendicular to the transport plane for the I

I guide the conveyor belt along the transport route I

I with the compressible elements 3 and the rigid elements 5. I

It is of course also conceivable to change the functionality

I times, that is, to provide the rigid elements 5 with I

I parts protruding parallel to the transport surface and the I

I provide guide 4, 4 'with a guide groove. In the I

The figure is the longitudinal axis or center line 1 of the rigid elements I

Indicated. I

Figure 4 shows a composition of a rigid I

Element or girder 5 and a compressible element 3. The I

as previously stated, rigid element 5 is preferably I

I inspect both stiff in the transport direction A and perpendicular I

35 thereon and, moreover, torsionally stiff. The element has an I

I plate part 13 and continuations on either side outside the I

I edge of the conveyor belt for providing an engagement

1025207 "I

11 ping for drive and for guidance. In this embodiment the rigid element 5 is provided with a guide groove 10 and is provided with an engaging part 11 on which engaging means can exert a force in the conveying direction A 5 for advancing the conveying path of compressible and rigid elements. The rigid elements 5 are furthermore provided with a stop for exerting a compressive or advancing force on the compressible elements. In this embodiment the rigid elements 5 are provided for this purpose with a contact surface 13. The compressible elements 3 are then provided with a surface cooperating with the contact surface 13, so that a driving force exerted on the rigid elements, in particular on the engaging parts 11 the transport direction A 15 is passed on. In many cases the compressible elements will be compressed to such an extent in the direction of transport that the spacers of successive rigid elements touch each other. In that case, the driving force is transmitted or exerted by means of these stops 12 which also serve as spacers. In that case they therefore have a dual function. The compressible elements have a width b, a height h and length 1, and a center line t. The compressible element 3 shown is substantially block-shaped.

Furthermore, the rigid elements are provided with a stop 12, preferably on either side, which protrude in transport direction A or in the opposite direction thereto. The purpose of that stop 12 is to limit the extent of compression of the compressible elements, possibly in cooperation with stops 12 of the following rigid elements.

From this figure and previous figures it is clear to see how the rigid parts or rigid elements 5 collectively hold the compressible elements 3 together. In a preferred embodiment, the compressible elements 3 are glued to the rigid elements 5, optionally only along the upper edge at the conveying surface 2. This results in a substantially closed conveying surface 2.

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I 12 I

The composition of the rigid elements 5 and the I

Compressible elements 3 are formed such that they I

I collectively a flat, continuous and almost closed I

I yield a conveyor belt with a closed transport surface 2. I

In this embodiment, as can be seen in Figure 2, the I

I compressible elements 3 so far compressed by means of I

the rigid elements 5 that the side parts or stops 12 of I

the rigid elements 5 substantially touch each other. Because of this I

The side parts form stops or spacers 12 through which I

I compress the compressible elements 5 no further than desired

I be printed. It can clearly be seen here that the distance I

I of the longitudinal axes 1 of the compressible elements at I

I can change in relation to each other. In particular, I

I change the angle of this longitudinal axis, causing a turn to I

I 15 is. I

Figures 5A-5C show a conveyor belt for an I

conveyor device according to the invention, wherein 5A the I

shows the situation of the conveyor belt 2 in a relaxed state

I position, i.e. not locked in the transport I

Device 1, wherein the compressible elements 3 are in I

I are not in a compressed state. Again I

I alternately compressible elements 3 and rigid elements 5 I

included in the conveyor belt 2. The longitudinal axes 1 have I

I here a mutual distance S and are essentially parallel

I 25 lel. I

Figure 5B shows the conveyor belt 2 of Figure 5A I

I in the prestressed state, wherein the compressible element

I 3 have been compressed to such an extent that the distance I

Everywhere 12 of the rigid elements touch each other. In the design I

The tensioning state of Figure 5A is the pitch I in this situation

I S, that is the distance S between the center lines or I

I longitudinal axes 1 of the rigid elements 5, e.g.

I spring 17 units, and in compressed state it is I

I pitch S 'reduced to about 12-13, for example 12.6 I

I 35 units. For preventing gaps between the rigid I

I elements 5 and the compressible elements 3 are in this I

I embodiment the compressible elements 3 and the rigid I

The elements 5 are glued together at least along the conveying surface 2.

Figure 5C shows the condition of the conveyor belt in a bend. The distance S is smaller on the inside of the bend than in the outside bend. The longitudinal axes of the rigid elements 5 then make a mutual angle unequal to 0. Because the compressible elements expand from an elastically compressed state, the conveying surface in the bends will distort only slightly. Moreover, objects that are moved will hardly change their position on the conveyor belt. By entering a bend from a partially compressed state, whereby the compression is at least partially undone on the outside of the bend, hardly any force is exerted on a possible (glue) connection between the compressible and rigid elements. In addition, the shape change is relatively smaller than with, for example, stretching. The rigid elements also offer a load-bearing strength to the conveyor belt. It is easy to see that the conveyor belt can even be twisted. The rigid elements here provide support, guidance and bias limitation and transmit the driving force. Optionally, it is also possible to provide different rigid elements, each with one of these. The minimum radius of the bend is determined by the compression of the compressible elements on the outside of the bend to their non-compressed state. The compressible material could possibly be slightly stretched. However, this is not preferred. With this, tension can be applied to a possible glue connection, or an opening can be created in the transport surface. The spacers 12 prevent a compressible element from being pressed further. It is furthermore preferred if the driving force is transmitted via these spacers 12.

Figures 6-10 show various embodiments of the compressible elements 3 in various views with 1025207

I 14 I

I in each case A an oblique view in perspective, B an upper I

I view, C a front view and D a side view. I

Figures 6A-D show a compressible element 3 I

I provided with recesses 14, i.e. holes 14, which |

Extends over the width of the compressible element

I stretch. The compression force I becomes through these holes 14

I is reduced and weight is also saved. The together I

I pressing element here is, for example, of a compression element

Plastic. This can be full of material, or an artificial I

Fabric foam. I

Figures 7A-D show various views of an I

I solid compressible element 3. In this solid version I

The ring is the compressible element 3 preferably of an I

I soft, springy, plastic foam. It is also possible to choose I

I 15 for a all-plastic material that is resilient. The I

However, a soft resilient plastic foam is preferred

I material in which the surface is composed in such a way I

I that it is in a compressed state and in collaboration with I

I have various similar elements that are as flat as possible

I yields 20 port face 2. I

The compressible elements here are essentially I

I beam-shaped, and extend over almost the entire width

I to B from the conveyor belt. Here they also stretch I

I extends over almost the entire thickness of the conveyor belt. At I

Preferably a compressible plastic foam is selected

I that, when compressed in one direction, does not or narrowly

Is, deforms in the directions perpendicular to the direction I

I of the compressive force. In particular, I

I a compressible element compressed in the transport direction

I, and thereby hardly, if at all, distorts the transformation

I port plane. I

Figures 8A-D show an embodiment of an I

I compressible element 3, laminated here with I

I alternately compressible layers 16 and rigid layers 15. I

This results in a compressible element 3 which in main part 1

I case can only be compressed along the transport direction and I

I that can offer a certain torsional stiffness and bearing stiffness

I 1025207 I

15 den.

Figures 9A-D and 10A-D show special embodiments of rigid and compressible elements. In figures 9A-D, the compressible elements are composed of leaf springs. These leaf springs can be formed as one part from a leaf spring plate. The leaf spring elements are arranged between the rigid elements 5. It is even conceivable to form the rigid elements 5 and the compressible elements 3 as a whole.

Figures 10A-D show an assembly of compressible elements 3 and rigid elements 5, wherein the compressible elements 3 consist of coil springs 3 which are arranged with their longitudinal axis perpendicular to the compressible elements and parallel to the transport direction A. It is again conceivable, just as in Figs. 9A-D, to design the rigid elements and the compressible elements as a whole in this way.

Figures 11-27 show various embodiments of the rigid elements 5. These rigid elements are each suitable for their own way of driving and have their own field of application therein. Some of the rigid elements shown are designed to be easily produced, and some of the embodiments are designed to provide optimum rigidity or optimum engagement surface for driving. The rigid elements can be made of metal such as steel or aluminum or the like. If desired, it is also possible to produce the rigid elements of plastic, fiber-reinforced plastic or the like. The advantage of such plastics is that the rigid elements 5 can be produced in large numbers simply and inexpensively by, for example, an injection molding process. Moreover, the stiffnesses in different directions are then easier to design and adjust, which is an advantage of this application in particular. In addition, the resulting conveyor belt 2 is light in weight.

In the figures 11 to 27, the rigid elements are 1025207

I 16 I

I in each case provided with a stop surface 13 for the compression I

Iable parts, spacers 12 for adjusting the I

Degree of compression of the compressible elements, I

Engaging parts 11 on either side of the rigid elements, I

On which engaging means can engage for a force from I

I practice on the rigid parts in the transport direction A, and I

stops 19 on which guides can engage to the I

guide the conveyor belt along the transport route. I

In figure 12 the rigid element is provided with I

I 10 holes — 18 to save weight. The engaging parts 11 are I

I here flat ends on which, for example, a friction I

I drive can engage or as explained later, I

I example magnetic drive or other drive I

I who can exert a force on the surface. I

The guide means for passing along a trans

The guiding path of the conveyor belt is outlined here

for example, through a bottom guide and top guide

I thing engaging the surfaces 19. I

Figure 13 shows a rigid element I

Provided with engagement means 11 for, for example, an I

I sprocket drive 11 which will be explained later in I

Figures 29 and 33. I

Figures 14A-D, 15A-D, 16A-D, 17A-D show an I

I embodiment of the rigid elements that are simple to I

They are produced from a flat plate part. Here the I

ends converted to form the spacers 12 I

I the engaging parts 11 for the drive and the guide I

I parts, for example the guide grooves 10. Advantage of I

I these embodiments of the rigid elements is that these I

I can easily be mass-produced. I

Figure 18 shows a very simple embodiment

I shape of a rigid element provided with a stop surface or I

I abutment surface 13 for the compressible elements, and an I

I substantially block-shaped end provided with guide surfaces I

I 35 19 for guiding and holding along a transport path I

I of the rigid elements, spacing surfaces 12 and surfaces I

11 which drive means can engage. I

I 1025207 I

17

Figure 19 shows a rigid element such as Figure 18, this time however provided with a transport surface forming part 2 which extends in the transport direction perpendicular to the abutment surface 13 for forming a rigid and substantially closed transport surface. When this conveying surface 2 is made of a metal or heat file or scratch-free plastic, this rigid element is preferred for conveying devices which are used for, for example, hot or abrasive or possibly damaging to the conveying objects. In this embodiment the conveying surface extends here on one side of the conveying surface of the rigid element and will form a closed surface in conjunction with a plurality of rigid elements. It is of course also conceivable to have the conveying surface protrude to either side in that they abut each other when the spacers 12 of successive rigid elements touch each other.

Figure 21 shows an embodiment of a rigid element in which the drive substantially corresponds to that shown in the preceding figures 5, but this time, however, the spacers 12 and engaging parts 11 extend only to one side.

Figure 22 shows a rigid element, similar to Figure 21, provided here with guide surfaces 19 for the guide.

Figure 23 shows in more detail and views the distance of the rigid elements 5 which are also used in the conveyor belt as shown in, inter alia, Figures 5A and 5B. In this embodiment the engaging parts 11 are gear cams.

Figure 24 shows a rigid element such as Figure 23, but this time not provided with the guide groove. In this embodiment, for example, the surfaces 19 can serve as engagement for the guide means.

Figure 25 shows a rigid element 5, this time provided with a conveying surface forming part as also described in figure 19, wherein the conveying surface part 1025207

I 18 I

I here extends on either side of the rigid element. I

Figure 26 shows a rigid element 5

I provided with extra protruding parts 18 that extra stop I

I forms planes for the next rigid element. If desired I

These parts of successive rigid elements can be such as I

I are formed so that when the rigid elements are trailing

I can subsequently be used in a conveyor belt, partly in I

I fall apart causing extra stiffness of the conveyor belt I

I is obtained. I

Figure 27 shows a rigid element provided with I

engaging parts 11 forming gear cams which either I

I from the top of the conveyor belt or from the I

I bottom side of the conveyor belt can be gripped for I

I drive the conveyor belt. I

Figures 28 to 33 show various possibilities of I

Drive of the conveyor belt according to the invention. I

Figure 28A shows a perspective view and I

figure 28B is a top view of a conveyor belt with I

Gear drive, with the gear wheels parallel to the I

Transport surface. In Figure 28A, part of I is

I the rigid and compressible elements for clarity

omitted. The gear wheels 8 and 9 thereby engage the I

I engaging parts 11 which herein form gear cams. I

Figure 29A shows a perspective view, 29B I

I a top view, 29 C a front view and 29 D a side view

View of a conveyor belt driven by I

Gears which, if desired, are at the top or I

I are placed on the underside of the conveyor belt. I

I When the gear wheels 8 and 9 on the underside I

30 of the tire, these gears can be adjusted

I example be interconnected by means of a rigid axis, I

I so that the drive on both sides is almost the same. I

The gear wheels 8 can thereby be located at the top of the I

band, for example, can also be interconnected with the gear

I 9 on the underside for an even more stable drive

I or are free-running for stabilizing the I

I drive. For the drive which is outlined in I

I 1025207 I

For example, in Figures 29A-29D, the rigid elements shown in Figures 27A-27D are suitable.

Figures 30A-D show a drive of the conveyor belt by means of friction wheels 30 and 31 on either side of the conveyor belt. The friction wheels are here provided with grooves so that they can rotate unhindered from the side guides 4 and 4 '.

Figures 3IA to 3IC show respectively a perspective view (31A), a top view (31B) and front view (31C) of a conveyor device according to the invention provided with a toothed belt drive. For such a drive, for example, the rigid elements as shown in figures 14, 15 are eminently suitable. The advantage of this drive is that it engages over a longer path so that a more even drive can occur.

Figure 32 shows a drive of the transport device by means of, for example, magnetic drive. For this purpose, for example, the rigid elements 5 on the faces (see, for example, Fig. 18, the faces 11) can be provided with magnets, the connecting axis of the north and south pole of the magnets being provided, for example, in the direction parallel to the conveying direction. With this drive, the drive elements 33 and 34, for example, provide an alternating magnetic field along the conveying direction, whereby the rigid elements experience a force in the direction of the conveying direction. As a result, a virtually frictionless drive can be realized which can take place in a very stable manner, as a result of which very little disruption of the course of the conveyor belt takes place.

Figures 33A-33D show views of a sprocket drive with sprocket wheels 35, 36 placed at the bottom of the conveyor belt. These sprocket wheels 35, 36 engage the engaging parts 11. Rigid elements as shown, for example, in Figure 13 are suitable for this purpose. In the manner shown in Figures 1025207

I 20 I

I 33A-33D, it is possible, for example, to drive I

completely under the conveyor belt. Even I

It is possible to replace the sprocket wheels 35 and 36 below

To connect by means of a rigid rod so that an I

Even drive of the tire is possible. I is also

It is possible to have each sprocket wheel 35, 36 of a separate I

electric motor, and these electric motors through I

I to connect a control unit electronically for I

I stably driving the conveyor belt. The engagement I

Parts of the rigid elements 5 here run in grooves 4, 4 '

I of the transport device. I

Figures 34A-34D show views of a part of I

I a guide of a transport device according to the embodiment

invention. This guide is provided with a bottom plate 6 I

Whereby a dense or almost dense underside can be produced

I realize. The side guides 4 and 4 'outlined here

I are suitable for guiding rigid elements such as ge

I sketches, for example, in Figures 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, I

19, and so on. By means of such a support element I

I provided with the guide parts 4 and 4 'is a substantially I

I to realize a closed transport device. I

Figures 35A-C show an embodiment of an I

Return section of a transport device according to the embodiment

I invention. Through the conveyor belt of alternating compression I

25 elements 3 and rigid elements 5 are simple I

I way the illustrated orbit around a horizontal axis R

I realize. The guides 4, 4 'define the I

I path of the conveyor belt. With the conveyor belt according to I

the invention is even capable of realizing a rotation about an axis I

Which makes an angle with a horizontal line. By its nature I

I can also raise or lower the conveyor belt to at - I

I example another height level and further horizontally I

I prosecute. When using the display I

I or similar return section, a transport device I

35 are realized which, for example, a single right angle I

I turn. I

Figures 36A-36E show various views of an I

I 1025207 I

21 rigid element 5 of figure 4 in more detail. Figures 36A and 36B thereby provide a complete image to indicate the detailed views.

Figure 36C shows a top plan view in detail of engagement part 11, wherein here the engagement surfaces 11 are indicated on which a drive engages and can exert a pushing force. The spacers 12 are also shown in detail. In general, when the conveyor belt is in use, successive rigid elements 5 will contact each other on straight-forward sections 10 of the conveyor belt at the surfaces indicated by 12. As a result, the degree of compression or compression of compressible elements will be limited, so that the conveying surface is substantially flat and closed. In curves, space will be created between these surfaces at the outward end of the rigid elements to accommodate the difference in length of the conveyor belt between the inner bend and the outer bend. The compressible elements can then expand so that a closed surface remains. Moreover, with a correct choice of the compressible plastic material, the conveying surface will hardly have to deform, if at all.

Figure 36D shows a view P (see Figure 36A) of the rigid element. It can be clearly seen that the groove 10 tapers inwards on both sides at an angle ». This will prevent any bumps in the bends. The groove has surfaces 19 which form stop surfaces for a knife guide (4, 4 'is for example Figure 1) whereby a force can be exerted on the knife guides 4, 4' to define a transport path.

For the sake of clarity, a cross-section is also given along line AA of figure 36D.

Figure 37 shows a top view of a possible embodiment of a transport device with a transport path with several bends. Here, the frame with 35 guides 4, 4 'is composed of elements 37-40, with frame parts 40 straight trajectory parts, frame parts 37 180 degree trajectory parts, frame part 39 a 90 degree trajectory part and 1025207 22 frame parts 38 45 degree trajectory parts. These standardized elements together make it possible to realize almost every transport route. To this end, the invention relates to an assembly of frame parts, provided with a guide and with coupling parts for coupling several frame parts together into a transport path, the guides running along the transport path.

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of preferred embodiments of the invention, and not to limit the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is only limited by the claims below. Starting from the above explanation, many variations will be evident to a person skilled in the art that falls within the spirit and scope of the present invention.

I 1 9 9 9 7 I

Claims (32)

A conveyor device comprising a conveyor belt with a conveyor surface for conveying in a conveying direction along a conveyor track, wherein the conveyor belt comprises elastically compressible elements. Transport device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the compressible elements are compressible in the transport direction. 3. Transporting device as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the conveyor belt forms a circumferential, closed belt 10, with preferably a substantially closed transport surface. 4. Transport device as claimed in claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein in the transport device in operation, the compressible elements are compressed in the transport direction at least partially. Transporting device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the compressible elements are elastically compressible plastic elements. 6. Transport device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the compressible elements are made of an elastic, foamed plastic. 7. Transport device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the compressible elements are substantially block-shaped with a width substantially equal to the width of the conveyor belt. 8. Transport device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, further provided with a guide for guiding the conveyor belt along the transport route. 9. Transport device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the conveyor belt is provided with elements that are rigid in the transport direction. 1 n? S? N 7___ I 24 I 10. Transporting device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the longitudinal axes of the rigid elements are located along the width of the conveyor belt, and are mutually displaceable in the conveying direction. I 5 11. Transporting device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein rigid elements and compressible elements alternate. I I 12. Transport device as claimed in claim 11, with alternatingly rigid elements and compressible elements. 10 13. Conveying device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the compressible elements form compressible segments in the conveyor belt. I I 14. Transport device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the conveyor belt has a conveyor belt width over which the compressible plastic element substantially extend. I I 15. Transporting device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the compressible plastic I elements have an element width and an element length in II the transport surface, wherein the compressible plastic II elements in the transport surface substantially connect II to form a substantially continuous, continuous transport surface. I I 16. Transporting device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein in the conveyor belt width I rigid elements extend between the compressible plastic elements which are rigid in the transport direction. I I 17. Transporting device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the rigid elements have an abutment surface between the compressible plastic elements which extends over substantially the conveyor belt width. I I 18. Transport device as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the transport device is further II provided with a drive for driving the II conveyor belt, and the rigid elements each comprise at least one II engaging part on which the drive can engage II for driving of the conveyor belt. I I ιη? Σοη7 I 19. Transporting device as claimed in claim 18, wherein the drive of the conveyor belt is adapted to pushly drive the conveyor belt. 20. Transporting device provided with a transport surface for transporting thereon along a transport path, comprising: - a supporting frame, - a revolving conveyor belt with a transport surface as the transport surface, and 10. a drive for pushing the conveyor belt pushed, the support frame is provided with a guide for guiding the conveyor belt along the transport path; - the conveyor belt elements in the conveying direction alternately compressible in the conveying direction with at least one stop transverse to the conveying direction, with surfaces which substantially form the conveying surface 20 and compressed for at least 10% in the conveying direction, and rigid elements provided with an engaging member for engaging the drive thereon to operatively exert a driving force thereon in the conveying direction to advance the conveyor belt in operation, of a guide member for guiding the conveyor belt along a conveying path in cooperation with the guide and the rigid elements have a longitudinal axis transverse to the conveying direction, and the longitudinal axes are movable relative to each other. A conveying device according to claim 20, wherein the angle between the longitudinal axes of the rigid elements in the conveying surface is changeable when the conveying device is in operation, during conveying. 22. Transporting device comprising a conveyor belt with a conveyor surface for transporting in a conveying direction along a conveying path, wherein. 23. Conveyor device as claimed in claim 22, II wherein the conveyor belt further comprises rigid elements II between the compressible segments, provided with engagement parts for providing an engagement for driving the conveyor belt II, guide parts for providing II of an engagement for a guide for guiding the conveyor belt II along the conveying path, and stop members for II transmitting a driving force from the drive to II the compressible segments. I A conveying device according to claim 22 or I 23, wherein the compressible segments in the conveyor belt II are compressed in the conveying direction. I 25. Plastic part, apparently suitable and intended II, for use as a compressible plastic element in a II transport device according to any one of the preceding claims, II with a substantially closed transport surface that extends II over the length and the width and with two stop surfaces from II the transport surface wherein the conveying surface of the plastic part, when compressed along the length for a maximum of 50%, distorts less than 10% of the height of the plastic part. I 26. Plastic part according to claim 25, essentially of a plastic foam with substantially closed cells. I 27. A connecting part, apparently suitable and intended for use as a rigid element in a conveying device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising II a rigid plate part with abutment surfaces on both sides, at both ends provided with engagement parts on which an II force can engage perpendicularly to the abutment surfaces, II guide parts on which a force in the plane of the II plate part can engage, and spacers extending from II the plane of the plate part. 35 The connecting part according to claim 27, essentially of metal, preferably selected from the group of aluminum, iron and stainless steel, whether or not. I 1025207 I 29. Connecting part according to claim 27, substantially of a rigid plastic, preferably selected from the group consisting of PVC, polycarbonate, nylon, whether or not reinforced with fibers, such as wood, carbon fiber, glass fiber, aramid, or a combination thereof. A conveyor device comprising a conveyor belt for conveying along a conveyor track, the conveyor belt having a closed surface and at least one bend in the horizontal plane. Device comprising one or more of the characterizing measures described in the description and / or shown in the drawings. 32. Method comprising one or more of the characterizing measures described in the description and / or shown in the drawings. i i