WO2024010444A1

WO2024010444A1 - Reciprocating slat conveyor

Info

Publication number: WO2024010444A1
Application number: PCT/NL2023/050258
Authority: WO
Inventors: Frans Arian Heino De Raad; Nicolaas Marc Mater
Original assignee: Cargo Mac B.V.
Priority date: 2022-07-08
Filing date: 2023-05-11
Publication date: 2024-01-11

Abstract

The invention relates to a reciprocating slat conveyor comprising a support structure, multiple parallel slats (40), bearings between the support structure and the slats (40), and a drive mechanism, wherein at least one slat (40) comprises an elongate slat body having a base wall (50), and a first and second side wall (60, 80) that bound a bearing chamber (44) below the base wall (50), wherein the bearing extends into the bearing chamber (44), wherein the slat (40) comprises an elongate top wall (100) having multiple top wall openings (102), that extends between the first and second side wall (60, 80), wherein the base wall (50), the first and second side wall (60, 80), and the top wall (100) bound an air chamber (43) above the base wall (50), and wherein an air source is fluidly connected to the slat (40) and is in fluid communication with the environment via the air chamber (43) and the top wall openings (102).

Description

Reciprocating slat conveyor

BACKGROUND

The invention relates to a reciprocating slat conveyor comprising multiple parallel slats that are slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to each other by means of a drive mechanism. Such reciprocating slat conveyors are able to load and unload cargo without additional loading equipment on the reciprocating slat conveyor .

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The reciprocating slat conveyor can be used to load or unload that cargo that contains a fraction of fluid or that is damp or wet . There is a need to remove the fraction of water or to dry this cargo while the cargo is supported by the reciprocating slat conveyor . For instance while the cargo is being transported in a trailer having the reciprocating slat conveyor, or when the cargo is stored in a bunker or silo .

It is an obj ect of the present invention to provide a reciprocating slat conveyor that can remove the fraction of water or to dry the cargo while the cargo is supported by the reciprocating slat conveyor .

The invention provides a reciprocating slat conveyor comprising a support structure or subdeck, multiple parallel slats that are supported by the support structure and that are slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the support structure, slide bearings between the support structure and the slats , and a drive mechanism for reciprocating sliding movement of the slats with respect to the support structure , wherein at least one slat comprises an elongate slat body having a base wall , and a first side wall and a second side wall that extend along opposite longitudinal sides of the base wall , wherein the base wall , the first side wall , and the second side wall bound a bearing chamber below the base wall , wherein the bearing chamber has a bearing passage below and spaced apart from the base wall , wherein the slide bearing extends through the bearing passage into the bearing chamber, wherein the slat comprises an elongate top wall having multiple top wall openings , that extends between the first side wall and the second side wall , wherein the base wall , the first side wall , the second side wall and the top wall bound an air chamber at the opposite side of the base wall with respect to the bearing chamber, and wherein an air source is fluidly connected to the slat and is in fluid communication with the environment via the air chamber and the top wall openings of the slat .

The reciprocating slat conveyor according to the invention comprises a bearing chamber below the base wall . The slat is in sliding contact with the slide bearing . The slide bearing therewith supports the base wall while allowing the slat to slide in its longitudinal direction with respect to the support structure . Furthermore the drive mechanism can be connected to the slat inside the bearing chamber, more specifically a connector of the drive mechanism can be connected to the base wall , for example by a bolted connection . The base wall and the side walls that bound the bearing chamber enclose at least a part of the slide bearing and the drive mechanism, and form a barrier therearound to protect it against contamination and ingress of dirt . Contamination of the bearing, and of the drive mechanism can have a negative impact on the durability of these parts . Providing the slide bearing and the at least a part of the drive mechanism inside the bearing chamber can increase the lifespan and the maintenance intervals thereof .

The reciprocating slat conveyor according to the invention comprises an air chamber above the base wall , separate from the bearing chamber . The air chamber and the top wall openings provide a flow path for the air between the air source and the environment above the slat of the reciprocating slat conveyor that is separate from the bearing chamber and therewith separate from the slide bearings and moving parts of the drive mechanism . Hereby the risk of dirt or contamination, either blown into the air chamber by the air source or entering the air chamber from the environment through the top wall openings , reaching the slide bearings and moving parts of the drive mechanism is reduced . Furthermore the absence of the slide bearings and moving parts of the drive mechanism in the air chamber makes sealing the air chamber less complicated so that less or no leaks are present in the air chamber . As the air chamber has less or no leaks the supply of air from the air source to the top wall openings can be more efficient . As a result more air will be available to dry the cargo and/or less power is required to supply the air .

In an embodiment the slide bearing is in sliding contact with the base wall inside the bearing chamber . Contamination of the sliding interface between the slat and the slide bearing can particularly have a negative impact on the durability of these parts . Providing the sliding interface inside the bearing chamber can further increase the li fespan and the maintenance intervals thereof .

In an embodiment the first side wall comprises a first upper side wall section that extends upwards from the base wall and that comprises a first top wall interface , wherein the second side wall comprises a second upper side wall section that extends upwards from the base wall and that comprises a second top wall interface, wherein the top wall is configured to be removable from the slat, and wherein the top wall is retained by the first top wall interface and the second top wall interface between the first upper side wall section and the second upper side wall section . As the top wall is removable the air chamber can be opened and can be accessed to, for instance , fasten or undo the bolts that connect the drive mechanism to the slat in order to install or remove the slat .

In an embodiment the slat comprises an isolation profile between the top wall and the first top wall interface and/or between the top wall and the second top wall interface . The isolation profile electrically insulates the top wall from the slat body to prevent electrolytic corrosion of the slat at or near the interface of the top wall and the respective side walls .

In an embodiment the first upper side wall section and the second upper side wall section extend parallel to each other and/or transverse to the base wall . In this orientation the side wall sections are aligned with the main forces that the cargo exerts on the slat and provide strength and rigidity to the slat to withstand these forces .

In an embodiment the top wall comprises a top wall body having a top wall surface , and multiple bridges that protrude from the top wall surface , wherein the top wall body and the bridges define the top wall openings . In an embodiment the bridges have a support surface at a distance from the top wall surface , wherein the top wall openings are located between the top wall surface and the support surface . In an embodiment the top wall surface and/or the support surface is parallel to the base wall . In an embodiment the top wall openings are orientated transverse to the top wall surface . As the bridges protrude from the top wall the cargo can rest on or be supported by the bridges at a distance from the top wall surface . This can provide clearance between the cargo and the top wall openings whereby the cargo will less likely obstruct or clog the top wall openings . Hereby the air flow through the top wall openings can be better maintained .

In an embodiment the top wall openings are distributed along the length of the top wall to provide a substantially evenly distributed air flow into the environment along the length of the slat .

In an embodiment the base wall and the top wall extend parallel to each other .

In an embodiment the first side wall comprises a first lower side wall section that extends downwards from the base wall , and the slat body furthermore comprises a first bottom wall section that extends from the first lower side wall section towards the second side wall , wherein the second side wall comprises a second lower side wall section that extends downwards from the base wall , and the slat body furthermore comprises a second bottom wall section that extends from the second lower side wall section towards the first side wall , wherein the base wall , the first lower side wall section, the second lower side wall section, the first bottom wall section, and the second bottom wall section bound the bearing chamber, and wherein the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section define the bearing passage . The lower side wall sections and the bottom wall sections surround most part of the slide bearing and the drive mechanism. The lower side wall sections and the bottom wall sections therewith further protect the slide bearing and the drive mechanism against contamination and ingress of dirt .

In an embodiment the slide bearing is enclosed in a direction transverse to the base wall by the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section at the bearing passage . The bottom wall sections only leave a bearing passage that is slightly wider than the width of a bearing neck of the slide bearing at the bearing passage . A bearing head of the slide bearing sits inside the bearing chamber and the head of the slide bearing does not fit through the bearing passage . By this configuration the bottom wall sections provide securing of the slats to the slide bearings , at least in an upwards direction .

In an embodiment the first lower side wall section and the second lower side wall section extend parallel to each other and/or transverse to the base wall . In an embodiment the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section extend parallel to the base wall and/or extend in the same plane .

In an embodiment the slide bearing comprises at least one bearing recess , wherein the first bottom wall section and/or the second bottom wall section protrudes into the at least one bearing recess to enclose the slide bearing .

In an embodiment the first top wall interface comprises a first support surface, a first confinement surface and a first locking surface that together define a first retaining slit for the top wall , wherein the second top wall interface comprises a second support surface, a second confinement surface and a second locking surface that together define a second retaining slit for the top wall that is opposite to the first retaining slit, and wherein the top wall is retained in the first retaining slit and the second retaining slit . In an embodiment the first support surface extends parallel to the base wall , the first confinement surface extends from and transverse to the first support surface in a direction away from the base wall , and the first locking surface extends from and transverse to the first confinement surface and faces and extends substantially parallel to the first support surface, wherein the second support surface extends parallel to the base wall , the second confinement surface extends from and transverse to the second support surface in a direction away from the base wall , and the second locking surface extends from and transverse to the second confinement surface and faces and extends substantially parallel to the second support surface . The support surfaces support the top wall in the vertical direction, the confinement surfaces confine the top wall in a direction transverse to the longitudinal direction of the slat, and the locking surfaces lock the top wall in an upwards direction away from the base wall .

In an embodiment the first top wall interface comprises a first guide surface and/or the second top wall interface comprises a second guide surface that are configured to guide the top wall into the respective retaining slits when placing the top wall between the first upper side wall section and the second upper side wall section . In an embodiment the first guide surface extends from and oblique to the first locking surface in a direction away from the base wall and away from the second side wall , and/or wherein the second guide surface extends from and oblique to the second locking surface in a direction away from the base wall and away from the first side wall . The first and second guide surface form a conical guide or funnel for the top wall . The top wall can be placed with its longitudinal side edges resting on the respective guide surfaces . When the top wall is pushed towards the base wall the top wall clicks into place inside the retaining slits .

The various aspects and features described and shown in the specification can be applied, individually, wherever possible . These individual aspects , in particular the aspects and features described in the attached dependent claims , can be made subj ect of divisional patent applications .

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be elucidated on the basis of an exemplary embodiment shown in the attached drawings , in which :

Figure 1 shows a trailer with a reciprocating slat conveyor with multiple slats according to a first embodiment of the invention;

Figure 2 shows a part of the reciprocating slat conveyor of figure 1 , wherein some of its slats have been cut and partially removed to show its underlying slide bearings ;

Figure 3 is an isometric view of three of the slats of the reciprocating slat conveyor of figures 1 and 2 ; and

Figure 4 shows a cross-section of the slats of the reciprocating slat conveyor of figure 3 .

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Figure 1 shows a trailer 1 with a reciprocating slat conveyor 2 according to an embodiment of the invention . The trailer 1 comprises two longitudinal frame bars 3 and multiple transverse frame bars 4 mounted thereon, and a schematically indicated hood 5 that covers the area above the reciprocating slat conveyor 2 . The trailer 1 furthermore comprises multiple wheel axes 6, and two retractable stands 7 to support the uncoupled trailer 1 . The reciprocating slat conveyor 2 according to the invention is not limited to trailer applications , but can also be applied in trucks or in fixed structures such as a bunker or silo . The reciprocating slat conveyor 2 has a horizontally extending main plane M that extends over at least a part of but preferably over the entire cargo area of the trailer 1 or the reciprocating slat conveyor 2 . The reciprocating slat conveyor 2 is configured to move the cargo forwards and backwards in the main plane M in its longitudinal direction L as described hereafter .

The reciprocating slat conveyor 2 is shown in more detail in figure 2 . The reciprocating slat conveyor 2 comprises multiple slide bearings 20 that are mounted to the transverse frame bars 4 and multiple slats 40 that are supported by the slide bearings 20 . The transverse frame bars 4 form a support structure of the reciprocating slat conveyor 2 . The slats 40 extend parallel to each other in the main plane M and in the longitudinal direction L of the reciprocating slat conveyor 2 . The slide bearings 20 may alternatively be supported by a subdeck that forms a supporting layer between the slide bearings 20 and the longitudinal frame bars 3 or the transverse frame bars 4 .

The slats 40 of the reciprocating slat conveyor 2 repetitively form part of a first group, a second group or a third group of slats 40 and are per group connected to a dedicated drive beam 21 that extends transversely below the slats 40 . The drive beams 21 form part of an hydraulic drive mechanism that is known per se and that is therefore not shown in the drawings . This hydraulic drive mechanism is configured to shi ft one of the groups of slats 40 in the longitudinal direction L with respect to the remaining groups of slats 40 in subsequent cycles whereby cargo on the slats 40 slides only in one loading direction or unloading direction .

For the connection between the slat 40 and its drive beam 21 the hydraulic drive mechanism is provided with multiple connectors 22 having mounting holes 23 that are mounted onto the drive beams 21 . Each slat 40 is provided with a series of mounting holes 24 that correspond with the mounting holes 23 of the connectors 22 to receive a series of bolts 25 . The bolts 25 are fixated by means of steel strips 26 that are inserted in the connectors 22 and that are provided with threaded holes 27 for the bolts 25.

Figures 3 and 4 respectively are an isometric view and a cross-sectional view at different cross sections along the length of the slats 40 for illustrative purposes only of three of the slats 40 of figures 1 and 2 . Each slat 40 comprises an elongate prismatic slat body 41 having a horizontal base wall 50 , a right side wall or first side wall 60 that extends along the right longitudinal side of the base wall 50 , and a left side wall or second side wall 80 that extends along the opposite left longitudinal side of the base wall 50 . The prismatic slat body 41 can be made of steel or aluminium . The slat 40 comprises an elongate top plate or elongate top wall 100 that is retained between the first side wall 60 and the second side wall 80 of the slat body 41 , and that extends substantially parallel to and at a distance from the base wall 50 of the slat 40 . The top wall 100 has an open structure as will be described below . The slat 40 defines or bounds an air chamber 43 above the base wall 50 , and a bearing chamber 44 below the base wall 50 .

As best shown in figure 4 , the base wall 50 defines an upper surface 51 , and a bottom surface 52 opposite and parallel to the upper surface 51 that is configured for slideable supporting the slat 40 on the slide bearings 20 there below . In this example the base wall 50 comprises a reinforced centre bearing section 53 that is thicker than side sections 54 of the slat 40 .

The first side wall 60 comprises a first upper side wall section 61 that extends upwards from and transverse to the base wall 50 , a first lower side wall section 66 that extends downwards from and transverse to the base wall 50 in line with the first upper side wall section 61 . The slat body 41 comprises a first bottom wall section 62 at the distal end of the first lower side wall section 66 that extends transverse therefrom towards the second side wall 80 , substantially parallel to the base wall 50 . The first side wall 60 defines a right first side surface 63 that is configured for facing towards a neighbouring slat 40 .

The first upper side wall section 61 of the first side wall 60 merges into a nose 64 that protrudes from the first side surface 63 at or near the distal end of the first upper side wall section 61 . The first upper side wall section 61 defines at the nose 64 a top slide surface 65 at the distal end of the first upper side wall section 61 . The top slide surface 65 extends parallel to the top surface 51 of the base wall 50 substantially along the length of the slat 40 .

The first side wall 60 merges into a substantially triangular first top wall interface 70 at or near the distal end of the first upper side wall section 61 . The first top wall interface 70 protrudes from the first upper side wall section 61 and substantially extends towards the second side wall 80 . The first top wall interface 70 comprises or defines a first support surface 71 that extends parallel to the top surface 51 of the base wall 50 , a first confinement surface 72 that extends from and substantially transverse to the first support surface 71 in a direction away from the base wall 50 , and a first locking surface 73 that extends from and substantially transverse to the first confinement surface 72 and that faces and extends substantially parallel to the first support surface 71 . The first support surface 71 , the first confinement surface 72 and the first locking surface 73 define a first retaining groove or first retaining slit 74 for the top wall 100 . The first top wall interface 70 comprises or defines a chamfered first guide surface 75 that extends from and oblique to the first locking surface 73 in a direction away from the base wall 50 and away from the second side wall 80 .

The first upper side wall section 61 of the first side wall 60 is further provided with a locking chamber 31 inside a wider portion of the first upper side wall section 61 . The locking chamber 31 has a passage section 32 bounded by two opposite locking edges 33 , and a wide confinement section 34 , wherein the locking chamber 31 is configured for receiving a seal 30 that is known per se and that is therefore not further elucidated . Although not shown, the second side wall 80 may be provided with a locking chamber 31 too, in addition to or instead of the locking chamber 31 in the first side wall 60 .

The second side wall 80 comprises a second upper side wall section 81 that extends upwards from and transverse to the base wall 50 , a second lower side wall section 86 that extends downwards from and transverse to the base wall 50 in line with the second upper side wall section 81 . The slat body 41 comprises a second bottom wall section 82 at the distal end of the second lower side wall section 86 that extends transverse therefrom towards the first side wall 60 , substantially parallel to the base wall 50 . The first bottom wall section 62 and the second bottom wall section extend 82 extend in substantially the same plane . The second side wall 80 defines a left second side surface 83 that is configured for facing towards a neighbouring slat 40 .

The second side wall 80 merges into a toe 84 that protrudes from the second side surface 83 at or near the distal end of the second upper side wall section 81 . The toe 84 defines a bottom slide surface 85 at or near the distal end thereof . The bottom slide surface 85 extends parallel to the top surface 51 of the base wall 50 substantially along the length of the slat 40 . The bottom slide surface 85 corresponds to the top slide surface 65 of the first side wall 60 . The bottom slide surface 85 and the top slide surface 65 are in sliding contact to form a barrier against dirt between adj acent slats 40 . It is to be understood that the interface between adj acent slats can have alternative configurations , for instance other seals or barriers between adj acent slats 40 can be used .

The second side wall 80 merges into a second top wall interface 90 at or near the distal end of the second upper side wall section 81 . The second top wall interface 90 protrudes from the second upper side wall section 81 and substantially extends towards the first side wall 60 . The second top wall interface 90 comprises or defines a second support surface 91 that extends parallel to and abuts the top surface 51 of the base wall 50 , a second confinement surface 92 that extends from and substantially transverse to the second support surface 91 in a direction away from the base wall 50 , and a second locking surface 93 that extends from and substantially transverse to the second confinement surface 92 and that faces and extends substantially parallel to the second support surface 91 . The second support surface 91 , the second confinement surface 92 and the second locking surface 93 define a second retaining groove or second retaining slit 94 for the top wall 100 . The second top wall interface 90 comprises or defines a chamfered second guide surface 95 that extends from and oblique to the second locking surface 93 in a direction away from the base wall 50 and away from the first side wall 60 .

The top wall 100 comprises a substantially flat top wall body 101 having an upper top wall surface 105, and multiple arch shaped bridges 102 that are shaped in the top wall body 101 . The elongate bridges 102 at their respective ends merge with the top wall body 101 and between their respective ends extend above the top wall surface 105 of the top wall body 101 . The bridges 102 and the top wall body 101 define top wall passages or top wall openings 103 of the top wall 100 along substantially the longitudinal sides of the bridges 102 . The bridges 102 have or define a support surface 104 that extends parallel to and at a distance from the top wall surface 105 . The top wall openings 103 are located between the top wall surface 105 and the support surface 104 and are orientated substantially transverse thereto .

The bridges 102 are arranged in multiple rows that extend in the longitudinal direction of the top wall 100 . The bridges 102 of adj acent rows of bridges 102 are staggered with respect to each other . The bridges 102 and therewith the top wall openings 103 are distributed evenly or uniformly along the length of the top wall surface 105 of the top wall 100 . The length, width, height, shape, spacing and distribution of the bridges 102 and therewith of the top wall openings 103 can be adj usted or customized to accommodate the required air flow through the top wall 100 . The top wall 100 can be made of steel , aluminium or plastic . When the top wall 100 is placed between or engaged by the first top wall interface 70 and the second top wall interface 90 , the top wall 100 is supported by the first support surface 71 and the second support surface 91 , confined in the transverse direction by the first confinement surface 72 and the second confinement surface 92 , and locked in an upwards direction away from the base wall 50 by the first locking surface 73 and the second locking surface 93 . The slat 40 comprises not shown end stoppers at the respective ends of the slat 40 that enclose the top wall 100 in the slat 40 in the longitudinal direction thereof . The end stoppers can for instance be placed in the respective retaining slits 74 , 94 of the slat 40 .

The top wall 100 can be placed between or engaged by the first top wall interface 70 and the second top wall interface 90 by inserting the top wall 100 from above into the respective retaining slits 74 , 94 . To guide the top wall 100 into the respective retaining slits 74 , 94 the first guide surface 75 and the second guide surface 95 form a conical guide or funnel for the top wall 100 . The top edges of the respective guide surfaces 75, 95 are spaced apart over a first distance DI that is greater than the width W of the top wall 100 , and the bottom edges of the respective guide surfaces 75, 95 are spaced apart over a second distance D2 that is smaller than the width W of the top wall 100 . The top wall 100 can therefore be placed with its longitudinal side edges resting on the respective guide surfaces 75, 95 and when the top wall 100 is pushed towards the base wall 50 the side walls 60 , 80 , the top wall interfaces 70 , 90 and/or the top wall 100 deflect sideways until the top wall 100 clicks into place inside the retaining slits 74 , 94 . The top wall 100 can also be placed between or engaged by the first top wall interface 70 and the second top wall interface 90 by sliding the top wall 100 in its longitudinal direction into the respective retaining slits 74 , 94 as from one end of the slat 40 . As best shown in the right slat 40 in figure 4 , the slat 40 may be provided with isolation profiles 45 between the top wall 100 and the respective top wall interfaces 70 , 90 to prevent electrolytic corrosion of the slat 40 at or near the interface of the top wall 100 and the respective side walls 60 , 80 . In this example the isolation profiles 45 are U-shaped plastic profiles that wrap around the longitudinal side edges of the top wall 100 and that are wedged inside the respective retaining slits 74 , 94 by the top wall 100 .

The base wall 50 , the first side wall 60 , the second side wall 80 , and the top wall 100 bound or define the air chamber 43 of the slat 40 . In particular the air chamber 43 is bound or defined by the first upper side wall section 61 , the second upper side wall section 81 , the respective top wall interfaces 70 , 90 , by the upper surface 51 of the base wall 50 , and by the top wall 100 . The air chamber 43 is located at the opposite side of the base wall 50 with respect to the bearing chamber 44 . The top wall openings 103 in the top wall 100 provide a connection between the air chamber 43 and the open air or cargo space of the trailer 1 above the top wall 100 . The air chamber 43 has a substantially rectangular cross section and extends along the length of the slat 40 . The air chamber 43 can be plugged or bound by the not shown end stoppers of the slat 40 at the respective ends thereof .

A not shown gas source or air source is fluidly connected to the slats 40 and is in fluid communication with the environment via the air chamber 43 and the top wall openings 103 of the slat 40 . The air source may for instance be part of , carried by, or integrated with the reciprocating slat conveyor 2 , the trailer 1 , a truck for towing the trailer 1 , the premises or building the reciprocating slat conveyor 2 is located or installed at . The air source may be a compressor that is configured to force or blow air into and through the air chamber 43 . The air source may be connected to the slat 40 through, at or near the end stoppers by a hose .

Typically pressurised air or gas enters the air chamber 43 of the slat 40 at one end of the slat 40 and exits the air chamber 43 in upwardly diverting directions F through the top wall openings 103 of the top wall 100 into the open air or the cargo space of the trailer 1 . Due to the overpressure in the air chamber 43 , a substantially equal amount of air or gas flows through each of the top wall openings 103 whereby the air or gas stream through the top wall 100 is substantially equally distributed along the length of the upper wall surface 105 of the top wall 100 .

The base wall 50 , the first side wall 60 , and the second side wall 80 bound or define the bearing chamber 44 of the slat 40 . In particular the bearing chamber 44 is bound or defined by the first lower side wall section 66 , the second lower side wall section 86, by the bottom surface 52 of the base wall 50 , and by the respective bottom wall sections 62 , 82 . The bearing chamber 44 has a bearing passage 42 for at least the bearings 20 of the hydraulic drive mechanism. The bearing passage 42 is below and spaced apart from the base wall 50 . The bearing passage 42 is bound or defined by the first bottom wall section 62 and the second bottom wall section 82 , more speci fically the bearing passage 42 is defined between the facing distal ends of the first bottom wall section 62 and the second bottom wall section 82 . The bearing chamber 44 and the bearing passage 42 extend along the length of the slat 40 and accommodate or house the slide bearings 20 and/or the connectors 22 of the hydraulic drive mechanism .

As best shown in the middle slat 40 of figure 4 the slide bearing 20 has a wider bearing base 28 outside the slat 40 , a wider bearing head 29 inside the bearing chamber 44 of the slat 40 and a smaller bearing neck 35 between the bearing base 28 and the bearing head 29 whereby opposite bearing recesses 36 between the bearing head 29 and the bearing base 28 are defined . The width of the bearing passage 42 is slightly wider than the width of the bearing neck 35 of the slide bearing 20 at the bearing passage 42 . The bearing base 29 of the slide bearing 20 is supported outside the bearing chamber 44 of the slat 40 below the bottom wall sections 62 , 82 by the not shown transverse frame bar 4 . The slide bearing 20 extends upwards through the bearing passage 42 into the bearing chamber 44 , in particular the bearing neck 29 extends through the bearing passage 42 . The respective distal ends of the first bottom wall section 62 and the second bottom wall section 82 protrude into the respective bearing recesses 36 whereby the slide bearing 20 is enclosed in a direction transverse to the base wall 50 by the first bottom wall section 62 and the second bottom wall section 82 at the bearing passage 42 . The slide bearing 20 is in sliding contact with the base wall 50 of the slat 40 , in particular the flat top surface of the slide bearing 20 is in sliding contact with the reinforced centre bearing section 53 of the base wall 50 . The sliding contact of the slide bearing 20 and the base wall 50 provides internal bearing of the slat 40 inside the bearing chamber 44 .

In a not shown alternative configuration of the slat 40 and the slide bearing 20 , the slide bearing 20 extends upwards through the bearing passage 42 into the bearing chamber 44 . The upper surface of the bearing base 29 of the slide bearing 20 is in sliding contact with the bottom surface of the respective bottom wall sections 62 , 82 outside or below the bearing chamber 44 . The respective distal ends of the first bottom wall section 62 and the second bottom wall section 82 protrude into the respective bearing recesses 36 whereby the slide bearing 20 is enclosed in a direction transverse to the base wall 50 by the first bottom wall section 62 and the second bottom wall section 82 at the bearing passage 42 .

As best shown in the right slat 40 of figure 4 the connector 22 extends upwards through the bearing passage 42 into the bearing chamber 44 . The connector 22 is connected to the slat 4 by the bolts 25 that extend through the mounting holes 24 in the base wall 50 of the slat 40 , through the mounting holes 23 of the connectors 22 and that are fixated by means of the steel strips 26 . Optionally a spacer between the heads of the bolts 25 and the base wall 50 can be used to raise the heads of the bolts 25 with respect to the upper surface 51 of the base wall 50 . The heads of the bolts 25 are located inside the air chamber 43 and can be reached by removing the top wall 100 from the slats 40 . The top wall 100 can be removed by pulling it upwards and thereby releasing it from the first retaining slit 74 and/or the second retaining slit 94 . Removing the top wall 100 can be assisted by manually and or mechanically deflecting the top wall interfaces 70 , 90 and/or the top wall 100 sideways . The top wall 100 can also be removed from the slat 40 by sliding the top wall 100 in its longitudinal direction and thereby releasing it from the respective retaining slits 74 , 94 .

It is to be understood that the above description is included to illustrate the operation of the preferred embodiments and is not meant to limit the scope of the invention . From the above discussion, many variations will be apparent to one skilled in the art that would yet be encompassed by the scope of the present invention .

Claims

C L A I M S

1 . Reciprocating slat conveyor comprising a support structure or subdeck, multiple parallel slats that are supported by the support structure and that are slidable in the longitudinal direction with respect to the support structure, slide bearings between the support structure and the slats , and a drive mechanism for reciprocating sliding movement of the slats with respect to the support structure, wherein at least one slat comprises an elongate slat body having a base wall , and a first side wall and a second side wall that extend along opposite longitudinal sides of the base wall , wherein the base wall , the first side wall and the second side wall bound a bearing chamber below the base wall , wherein the bearing chamber has a bearing passage below and spaced apart from the base wall , wherein the slide bearing extends through the bearing passage into the bearing chamber, wherein the slat comprises an elongate top wall having multiple top wall openings , that extends between the first side wall and the second side wall , wherein the base wall , the first side wall , the second side wall , and the top wall bound an air chamber at the opposite side of the base wall with respect to the bearing chamber, and wherein an air source is fluidly connected to the slat and is in fluid communication with the environment via the air chamber and the top wall openings of the slat .

2 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 1 , wherein the slide bearing is in sliding contact with the base wall inside the bearing chamber .

3 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first side wall comprises a first upper side wall section that extends upwards from the base wall and that comprises a first top wall interface, wherein the second side wall comprises a second upper side wall section that extends upwards from the base wall and that comprises a second top wall interface, wherein the top wall is configured to be removable from the slat, and wherein the top wall is retained by the first top wall interface and the second top wall interface between the first upper side wall section and the second upper side wall section .

4 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 3 , wherein the first upper side wall section and the second upper side wall section extend parallel to each other and/or transverse to the base wall .

5. Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 3 or 4 , wherein the slat comprises an isolation profile between the top wall and the first top wall interface and/or between the top wall and the second top wall interface .

6. Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the top wall comprises a top wall body having a top wall surface, and multiple bridges that protrude from the top wall surface, wherein the top wall body and the bridges define the top wall openings .

7 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 6 , wherein the bridges have a support surface at a distance from the top wall surface, and wherein the top wall openings are located between the top wall surface and the support surface .

8 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 6 or 7 , wherein the top wall surface and/or the support surface is parallel to the base wall .

9. Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the claims 6- 8 , wherein the top wall openings are orientated transverse to the top wall surface .

10 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the top wall openings are distributed along the length of the top wall .

11 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the base wall and the top wall extend parallel to each other .

12 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the preceding claims , wherein the first side wall comprises a first lower side wall section that extends downwards from the base wall , and the slat body furthermore comprises a first bottom wall section that extends from the first lower side wall section towards the second side wall , wherein the second side wall comprises a second lower side wall section that extends downwards from the base wall , and the slat body furthermore comprises a second bottom wall section that extends from the second lower side wall section towards the first side wall , wherein the base wall , the first lower side wall section, the second lower side wall section, the first bottom wall section, and the second bottom wall section bound the bearing chamber, and wherein the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section define the bearing passage .

13 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 12 , wherein the slide bearing is enclosed in a direction transverse to the base wall by the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section at the bearing passage .

14 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 12 or 13 , wherein the first lower side wall section and the second lower side wall section extend parallel to each other and/or transverse to the base wall .

15. Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the claims 12- 14 , wherein the first bottom wall section and the second bottom wall section extend parallel to the base wall and/or extend in the same plane .

16. Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the claims 12- 15 , wherein the slide bearing comprises at least one bearing recess , and wherein the first bottom wall section and/or the second bottom wall section protrudes into the at least one bearing recess to enclose the slide bearing .

17 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to any one of the claims 3-16, wherein the first top wall interface comprises a first support surface , a first confinement surface and a first locking surface that together define a first retaining slit for the top wall , wherein the second top wall interface comprises a second support surface, a second confinement surface and a second locking surface that together define a second retaining slit for the top wall that is opposite to the first retaining slit, and wherein the top wall is retained in the first retaining slit and the second retaining slit .

18 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 17 , wherein the first support surface extends parallel to the base wall , the first confinement surface extends from and transverse to the first support surface in a direction away from the base wall , and the first locking surface extends from and transverse to the first confinement surface and faces and extends substantially parallel to the first support surface, and wherein the second support surface extends parallel to the base wall , the second confinement surface extends from and transverse to the second support surface in a direction away from the base wall , and the second locking surface extends from and transverse to the second confinement surface and faces and extends substantially parallel to the second support surface .

19. Reciprocating slat conveyor according to claim 17 or 18 , wherein the first top wall interface comprises a first guide surface and/or the second top wall interface comprises a second guide surface that are configured to guide the top wall into the respective retaining slits when placing the top wall between the first upper side wall section and the second upper side wall section .

20 . Reciprocating slat conveyor according any one of the claims 17-19 , wherein the first guide surface extends from and oblique to the first locking surface in a direction away from the base wall and away from the second side wall , and/or wherein the second guide surface extends from and oblique to the second locking surface in a direction away from the base wall and away from the first side wall .

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JP/ FG