DK181403B1 - Method of driving a self-supporting flexible belt in a helical conveying path and a support system therefore - Google Patents

Method of driving a self-supporting flexible belt in a helical conveying path and a support system therefore Download PDF

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Publication number
DK181403B1
DK181403B1 DKPA202270360A DKPA202270360A DK181403B1 DK 181403 B1 DK181403 B1 DK 181403B1 DK PA202270360 A DKPA202270360 A DK PA202270360A DK PA202270360 A DKPA202270360 A DK PA202270360A DK 181403 B1 DK181403 B1 DK 181403B1
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Denmark
Prior art keywords
path
support units
belt
helical
conveyor belt
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DKPA202270360A
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Danish (da)
Inventor
Østergaard Bent
Bundgaard Andersen Nikolaj
Hansen Steen
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Scanico As
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Priority to DKPA202270360A priority Critical patent/DK181403B1/en
Priority to PCT/DK2023/050177 priority patent/WO2024008259A1/en
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Publication of DK181403B1 publication Critical patent/DK181403B1/en
Publication of DK202270360A1 publication Critical patent/DK202270360A1/en

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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
    • B65G21/00—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors
    • B65G21/16—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths
    • B65G21/18—Supporting or protective framework or housings for endless load-carriers or traction elements of belt or chain conveyors for conveyors having endless load-carriers movable in curved paths in three-dimensionally curved paths
    • 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
    • B65G2207/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional details, configuration and additional features of a handling device, e.g. Conveyors
    • B65G2207/24—Helical or spiral conveying path

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Structure Of Belt Conveyors (AREA)

Abstract

The present invention relates to a method of driving a flexible belt about a generally vertical central axis in a helical conveying path comprising a plurality of windings on the belt stacked one on top of the other in a self-supporting manner. The method comprises an act of engaging said flexible belt with a rotating drive element, rotating with a rotational speed about the generally vertical central axis. The method furthermore comprises an act of supporting the flexible belt at the lowermost winding of the belt by a plurality of spaced first support units moving along a helical path, and by one or more second support units moving along a second circular path, such that a first portion of the lowermost winding follows the helical path, and a second portion of the lowermost winding follows the second circular path beyond the end of which second circular path, the next winding of the stack above the lowermost winding begins. The first and second support units rotate with the rotational speed of the rotating drive element. The invention furthermore relates to an endless conveyer, use of the method and the conveyor.

Description

DK 181403 B1 1
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a method of driving a flexible belt about a generally vertical central axis in a helical conveying path comprising a plurality of windings on the belt stacked one on top of the other in a self-supporting manner.
The method comprises an act of engaging said flexible belt with a rotating drive ele- ment, rotating with a rotational speed about the generally vertical central axis.
The method furthermore comprises an act of supporting the flexible belt at the lower- most winding of the belt by a plurality of spaced first support units moving along a helical path, and by one or more second support units moving along a second circular path, such that a first portion of the lowermost winding follows the helical path, and a second portion of the lowermost winding follows the second circular path beyond the end of which second circular path, the next winding of the stack above the lowermost winding begins.
The first and second support units rotate with the rotational speed of the rotating drive element.
The invention furthermore relates to an endless conveyer, use of the method and the
Conveyor.
Background of the Invention
It is common practice to drive a helix or spiral conveyor belt around a drum. The helical or spiral path consists of a number of superimposed helically extending windings.
One well-known method is the "Low Tension" or "OverDrive" method, where the drum moves at a peripheral speed greater than the conveyor belt in the contact area between the belt and the drum and hence, the drum constantly slips in relation to the belt. The
DK 181403 B1 2 belt is guided up or down along the drum by sliding on spiral-shaped support rails ar- ranged below the inner and outer edge of the belt along the full height of the drum.
One disadvantage of this method is that the speed of the belt over the helix path along the drum can vary in sections of the belt, due to variations in belt tension and induced friction between drum and belt. These variations can cause product movement on the conveyor belt.
Another disadvantage is the unpredictable frictional loads that may arise in the belt drive around the drum causing additional margins in the design and manufacturing of the drum for sufficient strength and stability at its full height resulting in extensive produc- tion costs.
Another well-known method for driving a conveyor belt in a helix is with the drum in direct engagement with the belt edge where the drum for example has vertical carrier ribs fitting with corresponding carrier teeth on the edge of the belt.
This method minimizes the risk of slip between the belt and the drum along the helix path.
Another method for achieving helix conveyors is to use spiral conveyor belts with spac- ers or sideband(s), acting as a support for the subsequent above winding in the spiral, thereby achieving a self-supporting conveyor belt along the helix path.
In this case, support means are necessarily provided for supporting the lowermost wind- ing. Such support means thus in effect determines the pitch of the helical conveying path. A known support means for this purpose is a supplementary conveyor, which op- tionally may also be employed to drive the lowermost winding of the helical conveyor.
To ensure a stable engagement between the drum and the stack of windings, the side- bands or spacers may be designed to interlock with the above lying winding or layer in the spiral ion the conveying direction.
The need for only a support mechanism under only the lowermost layer in the spiral construction poses both advantages and drawbacks as the construction may be
DK 181403 B1 3 simplified but in addition poses the challenge that the total weight of the entire spiral stack including the products to be conveyed must be carried by this support mechanism.
This support mechanism is part of the drive system for the helix/spiral conveyor belt and is therefore closely related to the type of conveyer belt and drum.
One known support mechanism for the lowermost winding is a solid steel or plastic web or rail, on which the band is pulled over by sliding friction. This mechanism has the disadvantage that the entire load of the helix stack of the conveyor must be dragged along a circular rail and overcome the friction between the base and the belt.
Physically the common sliding materials (plastic, etc.) are limited by the PV factor ex- pressing the relation between the applied load (pressure, P) on the material and the rel- ative speed (V) between the two sliding materials. This PV value sets a limit on how heavily loaded and how fast a given construction can be operated. Hence, the PV-factor sets the limit for the capacity (number of tons per hour) of a given conveyor.
EP 0 453 670 Al discloses an alternative support mechanism for a self-supporting helix conveyor, where the lowermost winding is supported by a plurality of spaced trolleys arranged with rollers/wheels to travel on a loadbearing horizontal guiderail and arranged on vertically displaceable on a drum like structure connected to suitable driving means for driving the helix conveyor. This construction reduces the friction between the con- veyor belt load and the support mechanism relative to the sliding friction as described above.
This method however has the disadvantage that the trolleys cannot support the lower- most winding of the belt in the entire circumference of the drum but lacks support on part of the 360 degrees around. Here a transition plate is inserted for supporting the conveyor belt, while the trolleys move below the transition plate to start on a new round.
The transition between belt support with trolleys and for support with the transition plate takes place in an area of the belt in the stack with the highest load and thus with the highest friction and the risk of the belt hanging down, unstretched, with wear and risk of gripping in other parts and breakdown as a result.
DK 181403 B1 4
In addition, the trolleys are located just below the belt, such that the load (weight) from the belt and the conveyed products is directly transferred to the trolleys and the guide rail in combination with that the location is displaced from the centre axis of rotation and therefore this method requires a large torque (power requirement) to drive the helix
Conveyor.
Another method for achieving a lowermost spiral band support is using a chain pull/ support chain system, which supports the band in the entire circumference of the spiral, see e.g. ES 2016039 A6. Here the belt is supported at both the inner and outer edge and has sidebands or spaces for additional support.
The method has the disadvantage that the chain parts are small with high complexity and require lubrication to run. Lubrication of components with direct contact to the above lying windings stacked on top of each other, imposes a great risk of transferring the lubricant to the product being conveyed.
Lubricants in, on or near a product zone are highly undesirable, in particular in the food industry, and are sought to be eliminated.
Object of the Invention
One objective of the invention is to achieve an apparatus and a method for driving a helix or spiral conveyor belt around a rotating structure with a centre axis of rotation, and a suitable conveyor belt to be operated in a self-supporting manner overcoming the abovementioned drawbacks of the prior art.
Another objective of the invention is to achieve an apparatus and a method omitting the need of lubricants in the area near or in contact with the conveyor belt and/or the prod- ucts conveyed on the belt through a typical spiral conveyor system.
Yet another objective of the invention is to achieve an apparatus and a method for driv- ing the helix/spiral conveyor belt with minimal friction for reduced power consumption and wear on the components.
DK 181403 B1
Description of the Invention
One objective of the invention is achieved with a method of driving a flexible belt about a generally vertical central axis in a helical conveying path comprising a plurality of 5 windings on the belt stacked one on top of the other in a self-supporting manner.
The method comprises an act of engaging said flexible belt with a rotatable drive ele- ment, rotatable with a rotational speed about the generally vertical central axis.
The method furthermore comprises an act of supporting the flexible belt at the lower- most winding of the belt by a plurality of spaced first support units moving along a helical path, and by one or more second support units moving along a second circular path, such that a first portion of the lowermost winding follows the helical path, and a second portion of the lowermost winding follows the second circular path beyond the end of which second circular path, the next winding of the stack above the lowermost winding begins.
The first and second support units rotate with the rotational speed of the rotatable drive element.
In one aspect, the first and second support units are driven units.
In one embodiment of the method the second circular path is a plane circular path.
This circular path may be arranged perpendicular to the central axis.
The rotating drive element may be a ring or drum like structure comprising carrier ribs adapted for engaging with an inner or outer edge of the conveyor band on at least the lowermost winding.
The rotating drive element may be driven by any suitable power means directly or indi- rectly.
DK 181403 B1 6
Alternatively, the rotating drive element may form part of the first and second support units.
One effect of the method is to introduce a support structure for the conveyor belt which support structure is operated with or follows the peripheral speed of the belt in the sup- port radius distance from the axis of rotation i.e. the generally vertical central axis, so that the conveyor belt is driven and drive-supported throughout its 360-degree rotation, thereby completely eliminating sliding friction between the conveyor belt and the sup- port structure.
The method thus eliminates the need for a fixed support transition plate and thus re- moves the disadvantage of friction, wear and increased power requirements for driving the conveyer system compared to known methods.
In addition, a method is obtained for driving the conveyor in a downward helical move- ment ie. in the opposite direction (reversed operation) to normal operation and thus drive the flexible belt out for service in the lower level. Reversed operation may by extremely risky in existing systems comprising fixed support rails or plates, as these may engage with engagement means between the drum and the flexible belt.
In one embodiment of the method, the helical path of the first support units is controlled by a first guide rail and the second circular path of the second support unit(s) is con- trolled by a second guide rail.
The guide rails may be arranged in a non-load bearing manner but simple act as guides.
Thus, the guide rails may be arranged away from the lowermost winding and the first and second support units.
This achieves for a more flexible design process of the helical conveyor system both in regard to position of the guiderails and the required strength of the guiderails.
In one embodiment of the method, the first and second support units are connected through lever supports to a main bearing rotationally driven about the generally vertical central axis.
DK 181403 B1 7
Thereby it is achieved to transfer forces from load of the flexible belt and the conveyed products from the first and second support units downwards through the lever supports and onto the main bearing. The main bearing may for example be a well-defined centre bearing centred around the generally vertical central axis.
This embodiment again achieves for a flexible design process of the helical conveyor system both in regard to position of the main bearing and the required strength hereof.
The main bearing may be a slewing ring bearing.
In one embodiment of the method, the first and second support units are arranged on levers pivotal connected to the main bearing about one or more horizontal pivot axes, each lever comprising freely rotatable wheel moving along the first guide rail or the second guide rail.
By using pivotal levers as lever supports, a more even distribution of the load transfer may be achieved. Using levers may in addition reduce the power requirement for driv- ing and/or supporting the flexible belt in the helical movement. Thus, a beneficial sig- nificantly lower torque/power requirement to drive the helical conveyor system may be achieved.
In one aspect, one driven support may connect to both a first and a second support unit and comprise two freely rotatable wheel one for moving along the first guide rail and one of moving along the second guide rail, thereby have a built-in function for transi- tioning from the support function using the first support units to the support function using the second support units.
In one embodiment of the method, the flexible belt is drivingly connected to the main bearing via the first and/or second support units and/or a drum-like structure, such that the belt and the support units rotates in a synchronized manner.
DK 181403 B1 8
This embodiment achieves for the two types of supports units to follow and to be driven at the same speed as the peripheral speed of the belt in the actual support radius distance from the axis of rotation.
Another objective of the invention is achieved with an endless conveyor comprising the following features: - a flexible belt configured for traveling along a helical conveying path about a generally vertical central axis. The helical conveying path may comprise a plurality of windings of the belt stacked one on top of the other. The flexible belt comprises an outer edge and an inner edge and at least one side band adapted for supporting an above winding in a self-supporting manner, - a rotatable drive elements configured for engaging with the flexible belt for rotating the belt with a rotational speed about the generally vertical central axis, - a plurality of first support units, moveable along a helical path and configured for supporting a first portion of a lowermost winding of the belt along the helical path, and - one or more second support units moveable along a second circular path and config- ured for supporting a second portion of the lowermost winding of the belt along the second circular path, such that a first portion of the lowermost winding is configured to follow the helical path, and a second portion of the lowermost winding is configured to follow the second circular path beyond the end of which second circular path, the next winding of the belt above the lowermost winding begins.
The first and second support units are rotatable with the rotational speed of the rotating drive element.
The side band or spacers may achieve for the flexible band to form a stable inner core, which in itself may act as a drum. This may achieve for omitting the need for additional support of the helical structure formed by the flexible band.
The endless conveyor may therefore be operated with more simple rotatable drive ele- ments with the main function of driving the flexible band and to provide stabilization to the achieved helical structure.
DK 181403 B1 9
The effects and advantages achieved with the endless conveyor as disclosed herein in its various embodiments are the same or similar to those of the disclosed method of driving a flexible belt about a generally vertical central axis in a helical conveying path.
Therefore, the effects and advantages as already discussed are not repeated here.
In one embodiment of the endless conveyor the second circular path is a plane circular path.
This circular path may be arranged perpendicular to the central axis.
In one embodiment, the endless conveyor comprises a first guide rail forming a helical path or a converging spiral path around a major part of a single turn of 360 degrees for guiding the first support units along the first portion of the lowermost winding of the belt from a helical starting point to a helical end point. Over the remaining minor part of the single turn the first guide rail comprises a transition section for guiding the first support units from the helical end point to the helical starting point.
The endless conveyor may furthermore comprise a second guide rail forming a second circular path for guiding the one or more second support units along the second portion of the lowermost winding from a second portion starting point to a second portion end point.
The helical end point and the second portion starting point may form a continuous path of the flexible belt from the helical path to the circular path, and where the second por- tion end point is convergent with the transition from the lowermost winding to a subse- quent above stacked winding being supported by the side band of the lowermost wind- ing.
The endless conveyor may furthermore comprise lever supports connected to a main bearing for driving the first and second support units and comprising freely rotatable wheels for guiding the first and second support units along the first and/or second guide rail.
In one aspect the exchange units may constitute levers.
DK 181403 B1 10
The conveyor of the invention is in particular intended for conveying a food product within a confined space within which the product is to be treated, for example by freez- ing. Thus. the major components are preferably made of materials for this use.
The preferred materials may include stainless steel for the levers, the guide rails and the support units. The flexible belt may preferably be made of a combination of stainless- steel skeleton and plastic elements forming the product-contact surface. The plastic ma- terial should preferably be non-absorbent to water, which is especially important in the context of industrial freezers.
The freely rotation wheels may preferably be made in of ultra-high molecular weight plastics material with a low coefficient of friction and non-absorbent to water, which is especially important in the context of industrial freezers.
In one embodiment the endless conveyor is configured for executing one or more of the disclosed embodiments of the method of driving a flexible belt along a helical convey- ing path.
The disclosed endless conveyor may be achieved with few moving parts, which to a large extend all can be also into the central area of the drum, away from the product area. Alternatively, the moving parts can be arranged along the outer periphery of the conveyor system for easier access to maintenance of these parts.
In addition, this may increase the hygiene level by reducing contamination of the trans- ported product.
In one aspect sidebands may be arrange on the outer and/or inner edge of the flexibe belt.
Where only one sideband is used on e.g. the inner edge, the flexible belt may be sup- ported under the outer edge along the helical structure using prior known structures.
DK 181403 B1 11
In a further aspect, the endless conveyor may comprise additional stabilizing structure for supporting e.g. the uppermost part of the helical structure.
Another objective of the invention is achieved by use of the disclosed endless conveyor in a spiral freezer.
Another objective of the invention is achieved by use of the method of driving a flexible belt along a helical conveying path for conveying food products.
Description of the Drawing
In the following embodiments of the present invention will be further explained with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:
Figs. 1-6 illustrates one embodiment of the endless conveyor in different perspective views and with figures 2-6 illustrating selected sections of the embodiment of the end- less conveyor.
Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the endless conveyor.
Figs. 2-6 illustrate the embodiment illustrated in figure 1 from different view and/or close-up of minor sections of the illustrated embodiment of the endless conveyor.
Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the endless conveyor.
Fig. 9 illustrates another embodiment of a support lever
Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate yet another embodiment of the endless conveyor.
Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate yet another embodiment of the endless conveyor.
Detailed Description of the Invention
In the different figures identical or corresponding elements will be denoted with the same reference numeral. Accordingly, each item will not be described in connection with each figure.
No Item 1 rotatable drive element 2 vertical ribs 3 first support unit 4 second support unit
DK 181403 B1 12 flexible belt 8 main bearing 9 support lever central axis 5 20 winding 22 lowermost winding 24 first portion 26 second portion 30 helical path 10 32 first guide rail 34 transition section 40 second circular path 42 second guide rail 52 belt outer edge 54 belt inner edge 56 side band 70 endless conveyor 116 rotation wheel 241 helical starting point 242 helical end point 261 second portion starting point 262 second portion end point
Fig. 1 illustrates one embodiment of the endless conveyor 70. In the embodiment, the flexible belt 5 is illustrated with parts of a lowermost winding 22 and an above lying winding 20. The flexible belt 5 is configured for traveling along a helical conveying path.
The endless conveyor is illustrated with a central axis 10 as the rotational axis for the rotating parts of the conveyor 70.
The windings 20 are stacked one on top of the other in a self-supporting manner using spacers or sidebands 56 see figure 2 for a close-up. In this embodiment the flexible belt is illustrated with sidebands 56 on the inner edge 54.
DK 181403 B1 13
The endless conveyor may in alternative embodiments comprise sidebands on the outer edge 52 or on both edges.
The side bands 56 are adapted for supporting an above winding in a self-supporting manner,
The endless conveyer is illustrated with a rotatable drive element 1 as a drum-like struc- ture. It is configured for engaging with the flexible belt 5 for example by vertical ribs 2 as illustrated here. The rotatable drive element engages with the belt for rotating the belt. Thereby it is achieved that the belt follows the rotation drive element and therefore is rotated with the same rotational speed about the generally vertical central axis as the drive element 1.
The endless conveyor comprises a plurality of first support units 3 moveable along a helical path 30. The first support units are configured for supporting a first portion 24 of a lowermost winding along the helical path.
The endless conveyor furthermore comprises one or more second support units 4 move- able along a second circular path 40. The second support units are configured for sup- porting a second portion 26 of the lowermost winding along the second circular path.
In figure 2 the transition from supporting the belt with the first support units 3 to sup- porting the belt using the second support units 4 are illustrated for the lowermost wind- ing. Here a part of the first portion 24 of the lowermost winding which follows the helical path is marked along with the second portion 26 of the lowermost winding which follows the second circular path. Both portions are indicated with white dashed circles.
Beyond the end of the second portion 26, the next winding of the stack above the low- ermost winding 22 begins.
In the transition phase, where the belt transits from being supported by a first support unit 3 to a second support unit 4, the first support units are guided to a lower point preparing for supporting the flexible belt at the starting point of the lowermost winding.
DK 181403 B1 14
Figure 4 illustrates the starting point of the lowermost winding, with the lowermost winding 22 being supported by the first support unit 3 and the above lying winding 20 has been supported by the second support unit 4 until the side band 56 on the lowermost winding takes over to support the flexible belt in the above-lying layer or winding.
Figure 3 illustrates the support levers 9 respectively connected to the main bearing 8 and the first and second support units 3,4. Each support lever comprises two pivotal connected arms each having a freely rotation wheel 116 connected thereto. The upper- most wheels move along the first guide rail 32 controlling the helical path of the first support units 3. The wheels arranged in the lower position move along the second guide rail 42 controlling the circular path of the second support units 4. Figure 5 illustrates the rail guides 32,42 as seen from a top view, where the transition section 34 of the first guide rail 32 is illustrated. The support levers 9 are designed with a built-in control for when the support levers are controlled by the first or the second guide rail.
In figure 3 the forces and torques imposed on the support levers, support units and the main bearing are illustrated.
Fig. 6 illustrates a section of the embodiment of the endless conveyor 70 as seen from a bottom view.
Figs. 7 and 8 illustrate another embodiment of the endless conveyor, with an alternative embodiment of the support levers 9.
Fig. 9 illustrates yet another embodiment of the support lever 9 comprising a tension rod connecting the support lever and one embodiment of a first support unit 3. By piv- oting the support lever 9 by adjusting the path of the rotation wheel 116 the first support unit 3 is raised and thus are able to follow a helical path.
Figs. 10 and 11 illustrate yet another embodiment of the endless conveyor with the sup- port lever illustrated in figure 9. The first guide rail 32 is positioned in the lower end of the helical conveying path of the plurality of windings of the belt. This is different as to the embodiment illustrated in figures 1-6, where the guiderails are arranged in the upper
DK 181403 B1 15 end of the helical conveying path. Figure 11 illustrates the endless conveyor as seen from the outside. Here the arrows illustrate the movement of the first support units 3.
Following a helical path over the first portion of the lowermost winding, until the second support unit(s) takes over to support the belt over the second portion of the lower most winding at the helical end point 242. Once the belt is transitioned from being supported by a first support unit 3 to a second support unit, the first support unit 3 is lowered to a starting position ready to receive the belt at the helical starting point 241. The helical starting point 241 coincides with the second portion end point 262 and the helical end point 242 coincides with the second portion starting point 261.
Figs. 12 and 13 illustrate yet another embodiment of the endless conveyor, where the first and second guide rails 32,42 are arranged below the lowermost winding 22 of the belt.

Claims (12)

DK 181403 B1 16 KRAVDK 181403 B1 16 REQUIREMENTS 1. Fremgangsmåde til at drive et fleksibelt transportbånd (5) omkring en generelt lodret central akse (10) i en spiralformet transportbane, der omfatter en flerhed af viklinger (20) af transportbåndet stablet oven på hinanden på en selvbærende måde, kendetegnet ved, at fremgangsmåden omfatter fremgangsmådeskridt af: - at bringe nævnte fleksible bånd (5) i indgreb med et roterbart drivorgan (1), der er roterbar med en rotationshastighed omkring den generelt lodrette centrale akse (10), og - at understøtte nævnte fleksible transportbånd (5) med den nederste vikling (22) af transportbåndet (5) ved hjælp af en flerhed af adskilte første understøtningsenheder (3), der bevæger sig langs en spiralformet bane (30), og en eller flere anden understøtnings- enheder (4), der bevæger sig langs en anden cirkulær bane (40), hvor de første og anden understøtningsenheder (3,4) roterer med rotationshastigheden af det roterbare drivorgan (1), sådan at en første del (24) af den nederste vikling (22) følger den spiralformede bane, og en anden del (26) af den nederste vikling (22) følger den anden cirkulære bane (40), efter afslutningen af denne anden cirkulære bane (40), begynder den næste vikling (20) af stablen over den nederste vikling (22) af transportbåndet (5).1. A method of driving a flexible conveyor belt (5) about a generally vertical central axis (10) in a helical conveyor path comprising a plurality of windings (20) of the conveyor belt stacked on top of each other in a self-supporting manner, characterized in that the method comprises method steps of: - bringing said flexible belt (5) into engagement with a rotatable drive means (1) rotatable at a rotational speed around the generally vertical central axis (10), and - supporting said flexible conveyor belt (5) with the lower winding (22) of the conveyor belt (5) by means of a plurality of separate first support units (3) moving along a spiral path (30) and one or more second support units (4) moving along a second circular path (40) where the first and second support units (3,4) rotate at the rotational speed of the rotatable drive means (1) such that a first part (24) of the lower winding (22) follows the helical path, and another part (26) of the lower winding (22) follows the second circular path (40), after the completion of this second circular path (40), the next winding (20) of the stack begins above the lower winding ( 22) of the conveyor belt (5). 2. Fremgangsmåden ifølge krav 1, hvor den anden cirkulære bane (40) er en plan cirku- lær bane.2. The method according to claim 1, where the second circular path (40) is a planar circular path. 3. Fremgangsmåden ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 1 eller 2, hvor nævnte spiral- formede bane (30) af første understøtningsenheder (3) styres af en første styreskinne (32) og nævnte anden cirkulære bane (40) af den(de) anden understøtningsenhed(er) (4) styres af en anden styreskinne (42).3. The method according to any one of claims 1 or 2, wherein said spiral path (30) of first support units (3) is controlled by a first guide rail (32) and said second circular path (40) by the second support unit(s) (4) is controlled by another guide rail (42). 4. Fremgangsmåde ifølge et eller flere af de foregående krav, hvor de første og anden understøtningsenheder (3,4) er forbundet med et hovedleje (8), der er roterbart drevet omkring den generelt lodrette central akse (10).Method according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second support units (3,4) are connected to a main bearing (8) which is rotatably driven about the generally vertical central axis (10). 5. Fremgangsmåden ifølge et eller flere af de foregående krav, hvor første og anden understøtningsenheder (3,4) er anbragt på arme (9), der er drejeligt forbundet til hoved- lejet (8) omkring mindst en vandret drejeakse, hver arm (9) omfatter et frit roterbart hjul, der bevæger sig langs den første styreskinne (32) eller den anden styreskinne (42).5. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, where first and second support units (3,4) are arranged on arms (9) which are rotatably connected to the main bearing (8) around at least one horizontal axis of rotation, each arm ( 9) comprises a freely rotatable wheel that moves along the first guide rail (32) or the second guide rail (42). DK 181403 B1 17DK 181403 B1 17 6. Fremgangsmåden ifølge et eller flere af de foregående krav, hvor det fleksible trans- portbånd (5) er drivbart forbundet med hovedlejet (8) via den første og/eller anden un- derstøtningsenhed (3,4) og/eller en tromlelignende struktur (1), således at transportbån- det (5) og understøtningsenhederne (3,4) roterer på en synkroniseret måde.6. The method according to one or more of the preceding claims, where the flexible conveyor belt (5) is drivably connected to the main bearing (8) via the first and/or second support unit (3,4) and/or a drum-like structure (1), so that the conveyor belt (5) and the support units (3,4) rotate in a synchronized manner. 7. En endeløs transportør (70), er kendetegnet ved at omfatte: - et fleksibelt transportbånd (5) konfigureret til at bevæge sig langs en spiralformet transportbane omkring en generelt lodret central akse (10), hvor nævnte spiralformede transportbane omfatter en flerhed af viklinger (20) af transportbåndet (5) stablet oven på hinanden, det nævnte fleksible bælte (5) omfatter en ydre kant (52) og en indre kant (54) og mindst en sidebande (56), der er indrettet til at understøtte en ovenstående vik- ling (20) på en selvbærende måde, - et roterbart drivorgan (1), der er konfigureret til at gå i indgreb med det nævnte flek- sible transportbånd (5) for at rotere transportbåndet (5) med en rotationshastighed om- kring den generelt lodrette centrale akse (10), - en flerhed af første understøtningsenheder (3), der er bevægelige langs en spiralformet bane (30) og er konfigureret til at understøtte en første del (24) af en nederste vikling (22) af transportbåndet, langs nævnte spiralformede bane (30), og - en eller flere anden understøtningsenheder (4), der er bevægelige langs en anden cir- kulær bane (40) og er konfigureret til at understøtte en anden del (26), af den nederste vikling (22) af transportbåndet (5) langs den anden cirkulære bane (40), således at den første del (24) af den nederste vikling (22) er konfigureret til at følge den spiralformede bane (30), og den anden del (26) af den nederste vikling (22) er konfigureret til at følge den anden cirkulær bane (40), efter afslutningen af denne anden cirkulær bane (40) be- gynder den næste vikling (20) af transportbåndet over den nederste vikling (22), og hvor den første og anden understøtningsenhed (3,4) er roterbart med rotationshastigheden af det roterende drivelement (1).7. An endless conveyor (70), characterized by comprising: - a flexible conveyor belt (5) configured to move along a helical conveyor path around a generally vertical central axis (10), said helical conveyor path comprising a plurality of windings (20) of the conveyor belt (5) stacked on top of each other, said flexible belt (5) comprises an outer edge (52) and an inner edge (54) and at least one side band (56) which is arranged to support a above winding (20) in a self-supporting manner, - a rotatable drive means (1) configured to engage with said flexible conveyor belt (5) to rotate the conveyor belt (5) at a rotational speed about the generally vertical central axis (10), - a plurality of first support units (3) movable along a spiral path (30) and configured to support a first part (24) of a lower winding (22) of the conveyor belt , along said spiral path (30), and - one or more second support units (4) movable along a second circular path (40) and configured to support a second part (26) of the lower winding (22) of the conveyor belt (5) along the second circular path (40) such that the first part (24) of the lower winding (22) is configured to follow the helical path (30), and the second part (26 ) of the lower winding (22) is configured to follow the second circular path (40), after the completion of this second circular path (40), the next winding (20) of the conveyor belt over the lower winding (22) begins, and wherein the first and second support units (3,4) are rotatable with the rotational speed of the rotary drive element (1). 8. Den endeløse transportør (70) ifølge krav 7, hvor den anden cirkulære bane (40) er en plan cirkulær bane.8. The endless conveyor (70) according to claim 7, wherein the second circular path (40) is a planar circular path. 9. Den endeløse transportør (70) ifølge et hvilket som helst af kravene 7 eller 8, omfat- tende:9. The endless conveyor (70) according to any one of claims 7 or 8, comprising: DK 181403 B1 18 - en første styreskinne (32), der danner en spiralformet bane (30) eller en konvergerende spiralbane rundt om en hoveddel af en enkelt drejning på 360 grader, til føring af de første understøtningsenheder (3) langs den første del (24) af den nederste vikling (22) af transportbåndet (5) fra et spiralformet startpunkt (241) til et spiralformet endepunkt (242), og den resterende mindre del af den enkelte drejning har en overgangssektion (34) til at styre de første understøtningsenheder (3) fra det spiralformede endepunkt (242) til det spiralformede startpunkt (241), - en anden styreskinne (42), der danner en cirkulær bane (40) til styring af den en eller flere anden understøtningsenheder (4) langs den anden del (26) af den nederste vikling (22) fra en anden dels startpunkt (261) til en anden dels endepunkt (262), hvor det spi- ralformede endepunkt (242) og den anden dels startpunkt (261) danner en kontinuerlig bane af det fleksible transportbånd (5) fra den spiralformede bane (30) til den anden cirkulære bane (40), og hvor den anden dels endepunkt (262) er konvergent med over- gangen fra den nederste vikling (22) til en efterfølgende ovenpå-stablede vikling (20), der er understøttet af sidebanderne (56) på nederste vikling (22), og - armstøtter, der er forbundet til et hovedleje (8) til at drive de første og anden under- støtningsenheder (3,4), og som omfatter frit roterbare hjul til at styre de første og anden understøtningsenheder (3,4) langs den første og/eller anden styreskinne (32,42).DK 181403 B1 18 - a first guide rail (32) forming a spiral path (30) or a converging spiral path around a main part of a single turn of 360 degrees, for guiding the first support units (3) along the first part ( 24) of the lower winding (22) of the conveyor belt (5) from a helical start point (241) to a helical end point (242), and the remaining smaller part of the single turn has a transition section (34) for guiding the first support units (3) from the spiral end point (242) to the spiral start point (241), - a second guide rail (42) forming a circular path (40) for guiding the one or more second support units (4) along the second part (26) of the lower winding (22) from the start point (261) of another part to the end point (262) of another part, where the spiral end point (242) and the start point (261) of the other part form a continuous path of the flexible conveyor belt (5) from the helical path (30) to the second circular path (40), and where the end point (262) of the second part is convergent with the transition from the bottom winding (22) to a subsequent top-stacked winding (20) which is supported by the side bands (56) of the lower winding (22), and - arm supports which are connected to a main bearing (8) for driving the first and second support units (3,4) and which includes freely rotatable wheels for guiding the first and second support units (3,4) along the first and/or second guide rails (32,42). 10. Endeløs transportør (70) ifølge et eller flere af kravene 7-9 konfigureret til at udføre fremgangsmåden ifølge et eller flere af kravene 1-6.10. Endless conveyor (70) according to one or more of claims 7-9 configured to perform the method according to one or more of claims 1-6. 11. Anvendelse af den endeløse transportør (70) ifølge et eller flere af kravene 7-10 i en spiralfryser.11. Use of the endless conveyor (70) according to one or more of claims 7-10 in a spiral freezer. 12. Anvendelse af fremgangsmåden ifølge et eller flere af kravene 1-6 til transport af fødevareprodukter.12. Use of the method according to one or more of claims 1-6 for transporting food products.
DKPA202270360A 2022-07-05 2022-07-05 Method of driving a self-supporting flexible belt in a helical conveying path and a support system therefore DK181403B1 (en)

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