Oven slot cover

An oven system includes an oven chamber defined by side walls and a top wall. The oven chamber includes a slot formed in the top wall. A conveyor rail extends longitudinally along the slot at a position outside of the oven chamber. A conveyor hanger is coupled to and movable along the conveyor rail to support a material within the oven chamber. A first support bracket and a second support bracket each extend longitudinally along a length of the top wall of the oven chamber. The second support bracket is spaced from the first support bracket to define the slot that extends longitudinally along the top wall of the oven chamber. A closure mechanism is coupled to the first and second support brackets to inhibit heat from releasing out of the oven chamber.

BACKGROUND

An oven system can be used to heat treat, dehydrate, clean, and perform a wide variety of other processes upon materials conveyed through the system. The oven system can operate by conveying materials to locations within the oven system through a conveying slot that is formed on a top wall of the oven chamber. The oven system can convey the material in any known manner, such as by conveying individual materials suspended upon hooks, brackets, wires, or other fixtures, or by conveying multiple pieces of materials in baskets, buckets, racks, pallets, and the like. In many cases, it is highly desirable to selectively close the conveying slot to allow a conveyor to move the material through the conveying slot, while ensuring that the temperature of the oven chamber remains consistent.

SUMMARY

In one aspect, the invention provides an oven system. The oven system includes an oven chamber defined by side walls and a top wall. The oven chamber having a slot that extends longitudinally along a length of the top wall oven chamber. The top wall having a first edge portion and a second edge portion that defines a width of the slot. A conveyor rail extending longitudinally along the slot at a position outside of the oven chamber. The conveyor rail defining a conveyance path. A conveyor hanger coupled to and movable along the conveyance path of the conveyor rail. The conveyor hanger being configured to extend through the slot of the oven chamber to support a workpiece within the oven chamber. A first plurality of connection tabs spaced at intervals along the length of the top wall proximate to the first edge portion of the top wall. A second plurality of connection tabs spaced at intervals along the length of the top wall proximate to the second edge portion of the top wall. A closure mechanism coupled to the first and second plurality of connection tabs to inhibit heat from releasing out of the oven chamber, the closure mechanism including a first plurality of plates coupled to the first plurality of connection tabs and a second plurality of plates coupled to the second plurality of connection tabs. The first and second plurality of plates cooperate with each other to close the slot. Each of the first plurality of plates and the second plurality of plates having a connection portion defining a connection aperture, an angled portion extending downward from the connection portion within the slot of the oven chamber, and an engagement portion extending downward from the angled portion to form an engagement surface. The connection aperture of each of the first and second plurality of plates are respectively configured to engage with at least one of the first and second plurality of connection tabs. The first and second plurality of plates are respectively configured to pivot relative to the first and second plurality of connection tabs to selectively close the slot of the oven chamber.

In another aspect, the invention provides a closure mechanism to inhibit heat from releasing out of an oven chamber of a conveyor oven having a conveyor hanger. The closure mechanism configured to be arranged along a first plurality of connection tabs coupled to a first edge portion of a top wall of the conveyor oven and a second plurality of connection tabs arranged along a second edge portion of the top wall of the conveyor oven. The closure mechanism positioned within a slot formed between the first and second edge portions. The closure mechanism includes a plurality of plates configured to couple to each of the first and second plurality of connection tabs of the conveyor oven and being spaced along a longitudinal length of the slot to selectively enclose the slot of the conveyor oven. The plurality of plates defining a first plurality of plates coupled to the first plurality of connection tabs and a second plurality of plates coupled to the second plurality of connection tabs. Each of the plurality of plates includes a connection portion defining a connection aperture that couples the plates to at least one of the first or second plurality of connection tabs, an angled portion configured to extend downward from the connection portion within the slot of the conveyor oven, an engagement portion extending downward from the angled portion to form an engagement surface, the engagement surfaces of the first plurality of plates contacting the engagement surfaces of the second plurality of plates to close the slot of the conveyor oven, and an angled tab that extends from an upstream portion of the engagement portion in relation to an operational direction of the conveyor hanger towards one of the first edge portion or the second edge portion of the top wall.

In another aspect, the invention provides a closure mechanism to inhibit heat from releasing out of an oven chamber of a conveyor oven having a conveyor hanger. The closure mechanism configured to be coupled to a first plurality of connection tabs arranged along a first edge portion of a top wall of the conveyor oven and a second plurality of connection tabs arranged along a second edge portion of the top wall of the conveyor oven. The closure mechanism positioned within a slot formed between the first and second edge portions. The closure mechanism includes a plurality of plates configured to couple to each of the first and second plurality of connection tabs of the conveyor oven and being spaced along a longitudinal length of the slot to selectively enclose the slot of the conveyor oven. The plurality of plates define a first plurality of plates coupled to the first plurality of connection tabs and a second plurality of plates coupled to the second plurality of connection tabs. The plurality of plates define a first plurality of plates coupled to the first plurality of connection tabs and a second plurality of plates coupled to the second plurality of connection tabs. The first and second plurality of plates cooperate to define a first pair of plates and a second pair of plates positioned downstream the first pair of plates in an operational direction of the conveyor hanger. The first and second pair of plates each include one of the first plurality of plates coupled to the first plurality of connection tabs and one of the second plurality of connection tabs coupled to the second plurality of connection tabs. Each of the plurality of plates include a connection portion defining a connection aperture configured to couple the plates to at least one of the first or second plurality of connection tabs, an angled portion extending downward from the connection portion within the slot of the conveyor oven, an engagement portion extending downward from the angled portion to form an engagement surface, the engagement surface of the first plurality of plates contacting the engagement surface of the second plurality of plates to close the slot of the conveyor oven, a first angled tab that extends from an upstream portion of the engagement portion in relation to the operational direction of the conveyor hanger towards one of the first edge portion or the second edge portion of the top wall, a second angled tab that extends from a downstream portion of the engagement portion in relation the operational direction of the conveyor hanger towards one of the first edge portion or the second edge portion of the top wall, and a sealing structure having a body formed of an elastomeric material that spans a top portion of the plurality of plates. The sealing structure having a first portion coupled to the first plurality of connection tabs and a second portion coupled to the second plurality of connection tabs. The first and second pair of plates are spaced apart in a longitudinal direction of the slot to define a gap so the second angled tab of the first pair of plates does not contact the first angled tab of the second pair of plates, thus allowing the conveyor hanger to move in both a first direction and a second direction. The first and second portions of the sealing structure cover the gap between respective plates to close the slot of the oven chamber and inhibit heat from releasing out of the oven chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS.1and2illustrate an oven system10including an enclosed oven chamber14that is positioned within a workspace (e.g., a factory, warehouse, etc.). The oven chamber14can provide a temperature-controlled station along a conveyorized process (e.g., a curing station for a finishing system that applies a coating to workpieces30, for example by electrocoat, autodeposition, or paint). As used herein, the term “treat” in its various forms refers to any of these conveyorized processes. The oven chamber14is defined by side walls18and a top wall22. In some embodiments, the oven chamber14may include a bottom wall26(FIG.2) that is elevated above a ground surface (e.g., by pedestals). In other embodiments, the ground surface may form the bottom of the oven chamber14. The oven system10can include any suitable device or system for opening and closing the oven chamber14relative to the surrounding workspace. The oven chamber14is provided with or is in communication with a heater (not shown) for heating an internal space defined by oven chamber14and the workpieces30introduced therein. Any type of heater can be employed depending at least partially upon the type of item treatment desired. For example, the heater can comprise one or more gas, oil, propane, or other fuel-burning heaters, electric (e.g., infrared) or other radiant heating elements, microwave heaters, steam or forced air heaters in which fluid is heated utilizing any of these types of heaters, and the like. As used herein, the term “heater” refers to any of such heaters, whether alone or in any combination.

The oven chamber14can be provided with an access door34that is configured to move in any desired manner between open and closed positions. For example, the access door34may be pivotable and/or slidable between the open and closed positions so the workpieces30may enter the over chamber14. It should be appreciated that the access door34may be sized for a specific function of the oven system10or be a universal access door. Additionally, the access door34may form a portion of one or more of the side walls18or an entire side wall18.

With reference toFIGS.1and3, the oven chamber14further defines a slot38on the top wall22of the oven chamber14. In other words, the oven chamber14is a top slot oven that allows the workpieces30to be supported within the oven chamber14by structure(s) outside (above) the oven chamber14. In the illustrated embodiment, the slot38defines a width W that extends between juxtaposed edge portions32(FIG.3) of the top wall22. In other words, the top wall has first and second edge portions32that define the width W of the slot.

Now with reference toFIGS.1and2, a conveyor rail42extends longitudinally along the slot38at a position outside of the oven chamber14. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor rail42can be partially surrounded by an enclosure44. In other embodiments, the conveyor rail42may be secured to a ceiling of the workspace, connected to another structure, etc. to define a conveyance path for the material through the slot38of the oven chamber14. The conveyance path is defined along a longitudinal length of the slot38and extends the length of the oven chamber14. The length of the oven chamber14is defined as a depth of the oven chamber14(e.g., in a Z-coordinate direction). The conveyor rail42can be a free rail of a power and free conveyor system having a power rail disposed above the rail42, although other types of conveyors can also be used with the oven system10. For example, the workpieces30can be conveyed using any combination of chain, belt, cable, tabletop, bucket, and other conveyors, systems employing hydraulic or pneumatic pistons, slides, rails, vibration conveyors, and the like. As used herein, the term “conveyor” refers to any device or system adapted to move parts before, during, and/or after treatment.

A conveyor hanger46can extend down from a trolley that is engaged directly with the conveyor rail42. One or more workpieces30are suspended, contained, or otherwise supported on or in the conveyor hanger46. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveyor hanger46extends downward from the conveyor rail42through the slot38of the oven chamber14to support the workpieces30within the oven chamber14. The conveyor hanger46is coupled to and movable along the conveyance path of the conveyor rail42to heat or treat the material30within the oven chamber14.

With continued reference toFIG.1, the oven system10may include a control station48that controls the temperature of the oven chamber14and the movement of the conveyor hanger46on the conveyor rail42. In the illustrated embodiment, the control station48is a portable station (e.g., a computer) that communicates with the heaters and sensors of the oven chamber14and sensors of the conveyor (e.g., via wireless communication protocol such as WiFi, Bluetooth, etc.) to control the temperature of the oven chamber14and movement of the conveyor hanger46along the conveyor rail42. In other embodiments, the control station48may be integrated with the oven chamber14(e.g., formed on the side wall18of the oven chamber14).

Now with reference toFIGS.3-5, the oven system10includes a first support bracket50and a second support bracket54that each extend longitudinally along a length of the top wall22of the oven chamber14. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second support brackets50,54are uniform structures (e.g., each formed as a continuous sheet metal piece) that extend the entire length of the slot38. For example, the first and second support brackets50,54are L-shaped, and form a first portion that is secured to the top wall22of the oven chamber14and a second portion that extends perpendicular to the top wall22. For example, the first and second support brackets50,54may be secured to the top wall22by fasteners, welded, etc. In other embodiments, the first and second support brackets50,54may be formed of a plurality of individual sections that are secured to the top wall22of the oven chamber14. The second support bracket50is spaced from the first support bracket54, such that the brackets50,54are positioned along the corresponding edge portions32defining the slot38. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second support brackets50,54each extend past the corresponding edge portion32into the slot38as shown inFIG.3. In other embodiments, the first and second support brackets50,54may be flush with or offset from the end portion of the top wall22.

The first and second support brackets50,54, respectively, include a first plurality of connection tabs62and a second plurality of connection tabs66. The connection tabs within each of the pluralities of connection tabs62,66are spaced at intervals along the length of the top wall22. In the illustrated embodiment, the connection tabs62,66are spaced along the top wall22in a manner that they are parallel to the conveyance path (e.g., shown inFIG.3) along the depth of the oven chamber (FIG.1). In other words, the connection tabs62,66are positioned proximate the slot38along the length of the conveyance path. For example, the connection tabs62,66may be equally spaced along the top wall22. In other embodiments, the connection tabs62,66may be unevenly spaced along the length of the top wall22. In the illustrated embodiment, the support brackets50,54are separate structures that are attached to the top wall22of the oven chamber14. In other embodiments, the support brackets50,54may be formed as a portion of the top wall22such that the connection tabs62,66are coupled directly to the top wall22.

With continued reference toFIGS.3-5, each of the connection tabs62,66include an angled securing portion70. The angled securing portion70is bent at an angle α relative to a first portion of the connection tabs62,66so a closure mechanism74(FIG.5) may be pivotably connected to each of the first and second support brackets50,54. In some embodiments, the angle α is in a range from 10 degrees to 60 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle α is in a range from 20 to 40 degrees. Also in the illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism74is secured to each of the first and second support brackets50,54solely by a gravitational weight force of the closure mechanism74, so no additional hardware is required. The angled securing portion70of the connection tabs62,66restricts the closure mechanism74from sliding off the connection tabs62,66when the conveyor42is in operation, and therefore secures the closure mechanism74on the support brackets50,54. In illustrated embodiment, the connection tabs62,66have a rectangular cross-section. It should be appreciated that the connection tabs62,66may be formed to have any cross-section that allows the closure mechanism74to be secured to the support brackets50,54. In this regard, the connection tabs62,66can take, for example, other shapes such as pins, posts, walls, or any other projections (along with tabs62disclosed herein, collectively referred to herein simply as “tabs” for ease of reference) suitable for securing the closure mechanism74with respect to the support brackets50,54as described herein.

With continued reference toFIG.5, the closure mechanism74according to one embodiment of the invention is illustrated. The closure mechanism74is coupled to the first and second support brackets50,54to inhibit heat from being released out of the oven chamber14. In the illustrated embodiment, the closure mechanism74includes a first plurality of plates78coupled to the first support bracket50and a second plurality of plates82coupled to the second support bracket54. The first and second plurality of plates78,82cooperating with each other to close the slot38of the oven chamber14(FIGS.3and4). In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second plurality of plates78,82each include a plurality of identical plates86, which are illustrated in detail inFIG.7. In some embodiments, the first or entrance plate of the first and second plurality of plates78,82may be formed differently than the remainder of the plates86to better ensure various conveyor hangers46can enter the slot38.

With reference toFIGS.5and7, each plate86includes a connection portion90defining a connection aperture94, an angled portion98extending downward from the connection portion90within the slot38of the oven chamber14, and an engagement portion102extending downward from the angled portion98to form an engagement surface106. The plate86further includes a first angled tab110extending from an upstream portion of the engagement portion102and a second angled tab114that extends from a downstream portion of the engagement portion102.

Each connection aperture94of the plate86is sized to receive at least one connection tab62,66to so the plate86can be secured to at least one of the first and second plurality of connection tabs62,66. As a result, each plate86is respectively configured to pivot relative to the connection tabs62,66on which it is supported for cooperating with another one of the plates86at a given position along the length of the slot38of the oven chamber14to selectively close the slot38(FIG.4). In the illustrated embodiment, the connection portion90defines two connection apertures94. In other embodiments, the connection portion90may define a single connection aperture94or more than two connection apertures94.

When the plate86is coupled to one of the connection tab62,66, the connection portion90has a first end92positioned within the width W (FIG.3) of the slot38and a second end96that extends a distance beyond the width W of the slot38. Each connection aperture94is positioned proximate the first end92of the connection portion90to define a fulcrum about which each plate86pivots. The connection portion90extends a distance beyond the connection tabs62,66to the second end96of the plate86to define a lever or counterweight portion that urges the plate86towards a resting or closed position (FIG.4) without the need of an additional spring force or biasing member. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end96of the plate86has a folded portion that increases a gravitational weight force of the second end96of the connection portion90to form the counterweight portion. The counterweight portion opposes the gravitational weight of a portion of the plate86positioned within the slot38(e.g., the angled portion98, the engagement portion102) so the plate86is urged towards the closed position (FIG.4). In other words, the counterweight portion creates a moment of force on the fulcrum that each plate86pivots that is approximately equal to or greater than a moment of force created by the portion of the plate86positioned within the slot38to urge the plate86towards the closed position. In other embodiments, the counterweight portion may be alternatively formed.

With reference toFIGS.3and7, the angled portion98has a first end that extends from the connection portion90at an angle100. In some embodiments, the angle100may be in a range from 45 degrees to 70 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle100is in a range from 55 degrees to 65 degrees. The angled portion98extends from the first end to a second end that, in the illustrated embodiment, is positioned approximately midway within the width W of the slot38(FIGS.3and4). The angled portion98of the illustrated embodiment further includes a tapered profile such that a width of the angled portion98(e.g., that extends along the length of the top wall22and the conveyance path (FIG.4)) consistently decreases as the angled portion98extends towards the engagement portion102. In the illustrated embodiment, the engagement portion102extends from the angled portion98such that the engagement portion102is positioned approximately midway within the width W of the slot38, and is perpendicular to the connection portion90. In this and other embodiments, the engagement portion102is positioned at a point between the first and second edges32(FIG.3) that is within the width of the slot38.

Although the closure mechanism74shown inFIGS.3-7includes plates86as described and illustrated herein, the plates86need not necessarily have all of the features disclosed herein. By way of example only, the plates86need not necessarily be thin as shown, and in other embodiments can be substantially thicker or even block-like elements (still referred to herein as “plates” for ease of reference). Thicker plates86can exist, for example, in cases where alternative plate materials are used, such as plates86made of insulative materials. Also, the plates86in other embodiments can include portions angled as described above to present the same surfaces as tabs110, but not necessarily having the same thin and/or protruding features as shown in the illustrated embodiment. As yet another example, while the engagement portion102of the plates86in the illustrated embodiment is perpendicular to the connection portion90, in other embodiments the engagement portion102presents other (non-perpendicular) angles with respect to the connection portion90while still performing the same functions of the engagement portion102described herein.

With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment, the first and second angled tabs110,114extend from the engagement portion102such that a gap G is formed between respective plates86(FIG.5). The first and second angled tabs110,114each extend at an angle116relative to the engagement portion102. The first angled tab110extends from the engagement portion102towards one of the edge portions32(FIG.3) of the top wall22, and the second angled tab114extends from the engagement portion102towards one of the edge portions32of the top wall22. In some embodiments, the angle116may be in a range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle116is in a range from 25 to 35 degrees. As discussed in more detail below, the construction of the first and second angled tabs110,114that forms the gap G between plates86provides engagement surfaces for the conveyor hanger46so the conveyor hanger46may move bi-directionally within the slot38during operation of the conveyor42.

With continued reference toFIG.5, the illustrated closure mechanism74further includes a sealing structure118having a first portion122coupled to the first plurality of connection tabs62and a second portion126coupled to the second plurality of connection tabs66. Each of the first and second portions122,126of the sealing structure118include a body130having a first end134and a second end138. The body130of the first and second portions122,126of the sealing structure118is formed of an elastomeric material that deforms when the conveyor hanger46moves through the slot38of the oven chamber14. For example, the body130may be formed of a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)-coated fabric so the body130can deform and pinch conveyor hanger46during operation of the conveyor42.

The body130defines connection apertures142that are positioned adjacent the first end134, and are sized to receive the connection tabs62,66of respective support brackets50,54. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and second portions122,126of the sealing structure118are constructed with a uniform or continuous body130that spans a top portion of the first and second plurality of plates78,82respectively. In other embodiments, the sealing structure118may be formed of multiple structures that each have a body that spans one or more of the first and second plurality of plates78,82.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the closure mechanism74is urged towards a resting or closed position, which causes the second end138of each of the first and second portions122,126of the sealing structure118to contact each other. When the second end138of the first and second portions122,126are in contact, the sealing structure118closes or seals the oven chamber14by covering the gaps G (FIG.5) formed between respective plates86of the first and second plurality of plates78,82. As a result, the sealing structure118restricts heat (e.g., in the form of heated air flow) from within oven chamber14from releasing into the surrounding workspace. It should be appreciated that the term “seal” means that the sealing structure118limits heat from releasing from the oven chamber14, which can help keep the temperature of the oven chamber14at a desired level. For example, the sealing structure118may restrict heat from exiting the oven chamber14so the temperature of the oven chamber14remains within a temperature range of five to ten degrees Fahrenheit, which in some embodiments is acceptable as a “near-constant” temperature.

With reference now toFIG.5, the illustrated closure mechanism74further includes a biasing structure146having a first portion150coupled to the first plurality of connection tabs62and a second portion154coupled to the second plurality of connection tabs66. Each of the first and second portions150,154of the biasing structure146include a body158that defines connection apertures160sized to receive the connection tabs62,66of respective support brackets50,54. The first and second portions150,154of the biasing structure146are constructed with a plurality of rigid bodies158, each of which spans a top portion of one, and in some cases two or more lengthwise-adjacent ones, of the plates86of the first and second plurality of plates78,82, respectively. For example, as illustrated inFIG.4, the illustrated body158spans at least a portion of three adjacent plates86. For example, the body158may be coupled to the connection tabs62,64in an offset manner such that the body158spans across a portion of the first plate86(e.g., approximately half of the plate86), the entire second plate (e.g., the plate adjacent to and downstream the first plate), and a portion (e.g., approximately half) of the third plate (e.g., the plate downstream the second plate). In other embodiments, the body158may span at least a portion of fewer (e.g., one or two plates) or more plates86(e.g., four, five, etc.) to effectively urge the sealing structure118towards the closed position (FIG.5), e.g., solely by gravitational weight.

In the illustrated embodiment, the rigid bodies158of the biasing structure are placed on top of the sealing structure118to urge the sealing structure118towards the closed position (FIG.3). As illustrated inFIG.3, in some embodiments a clearance160, measured widthwise across the slot38, is formed between the bodies158of first and second portions150,154of the biasing structure146so the conveyor hanger46may move through the slot38with minimal contact between the conveyor hanger46and the bodies158. For example, the clearance160may be sized to match a width of the conveyor hanger46. As described in more detail below, the clearance160allows the bodies158of the first and second portions150,154of the biasing structure146to remain in contact with the sealing structure118downstream of the conveyor hanger46to ensure the slot38of the oven chamber14remains closed.

With reference toFIG.6A-6E, the movement of the conveyor hanger46through the slot38of the oven chamber14is illustrated. The first and second plurality of plates78,82cooperate to define a first pair of plates162and a second pair of plates166positioned downstream of the first pair of plates162in an operational direction168of the conveyor hanger46. The first and second pairs of plates162,166each include one of the first plurality of plates78coupled to the first support bracket50and one of the second plurality of plates82coupled to the second support bracket54. The engagement surfaces106of the first pair of plates162selectively contact each other to close a first portion of the slot38, and the engagement surfaces106of the second pair of plates166selectively contact each other to close a second portion of the slot38. In the illustrated embodiment, the counterweight portion of each plate86of the first and second pairs of plates162,166urges the engagement surfaces106of the first and second pairs of plates162,166into contact with each other to close the slot38.

FIG.6Aillustrates the closure mechanism74in a resting or closed position (e.g., when the conveyor hanger46is outside of the oven chamber14). As the conveyor hanger46moves through the slot38, the conveyor hanger46passes through the first angled tabs110of the first pair of plates162(FIG.6B) and contacts the engagement surfaces106of the first pair of plates162. Once the conveyor hanger46contacts the engagement surfaces106, each plate86of the first pair of plates162respectively pivots relative to the first and second support brackets50,54. The conveyor hanger46is pinched directly between the two ends138(FIG.3) of the portion of the sealing structure118(FIG.5) that spans the first pair of plates162. In other words, the two ends138of the sealing structure118that span the first pair of plates162deform or separate so the conveyor hanger46may move through the first pair of plates162. At the same time, the remainder of the sealing structure118is urged towards the closed position by the biasing structure146. In other words, only a portion of the closure mechanism74is in an open position (e.g., the first pair of plates162) while the remainder of the closure mechanism74is in the closed position. For example, the clearance160(FIG.3) between the bodies158of the first and second portions150,154of the biasing structure146makes it so the conveyor hanger46minimally contacts the bodies158, if at all. As a result, the second pair of plates166remain in the closed position (FIG.6B) while the first pair of plates162are pivoted to the open position.

FIG.6Cillustrates the conveyor hanger46moving in the operational direction168and positioned between the first and second pair of plates162,166. In this position, the conveyor hanger46contacts the first angled tab110of the second pair of plates166to separate the engagement surfaces106of the second pair of plates166. In this position, the conveyor hanger46is pinched directly between the two ends138of a portion of the sealing structure118adjacent both of the first and second pairs of plates162,166, while a third pair of plates170remains in the closed position. As a result, only a small portion of the sealing structure118is open, which limits the amount of heat that releases from the oven chamber14.

FIG.6Dillustrates the conveyor hanger46in yet a further advanced position, which may be near an end portion of the slot38. In this position, the plates86in an upstream position (e.g., that the conveyor hanger46already passed through) return to the closed position.FIG.6Eillustrates the conveyor hanger46moving in a second operational direction172that is directly opposite the first operational direction168. When the conveyor hanger46moves in the second operational direction172, the conveyor hanger46contacts the second angled tabs114to separate the engagement surfaces106of the plates86. The conveyor hanger46is, therefore, able to move bi-directionally (e.g., in both the first and second operational directions168,172). In some embodiments, allowing the conveyor hanger46to move bi-directionally allows an operator of the oven system10to service the oven system10, although other benefits are achieved with this functionality as well.

Although the illustrated embodiment ofFIGS.1-5includes a sealing structure118and a biasing structure146as described above, in other embodiments the sealing structure118and/or the biasing structure146are not used. In such embodiments, a number of advantages of the overall closure mechanism74are still achieved.

Now with reference toFIGS.1-5, a method of assembling the oven system10is discussed. The method includes securing the first and second support brackets50,54proximate the first and second edge portions32(FIG.3) of the top wall22of the oven chamber14so the support brackets50,54extend longitudinally along the length of the top wall22. In some embodiments, the support brackets50,54respectively include the connection tabs62,64spaced at intervals along the length of the top wall22. In other embodiments, the connection tabs62,64may be secured to the top wall22directly. The closure mechanism74is coupled to the connection tabs62,64to inhibit heat from being released out of the oven chamber14. In the illustrated embodiment, coupling the closure mechanism includes respectively coupling the first and second plurality of plates78,82to the connection tabs62,64by inserting one of the connection tabs62within the connection aperture94of each of the first and second plurality of plates78,82. When the first and second plurality of plates are coupled to the connection tabs62,64, the engagement surfaces106of the each of the first and second plurality of plates78,82cooperate with each other to close the slot38and define the first pair of plates162and the second pair of plates166(FIG.6A) positioned downstream the first pair of plates162in an operational direction168of the conveyor hanger46.

The first and second portions122,126of the sealing structure118are respectively coupled to the connection tabs62,66and span the top portion of the first and second plurality of plates78,82so the gap G between respective plates86of the first and second plurality of plates78,82are covered. The first and second portions150,154of the biasing structure146are also respectively coupled to the connection tabs62,66, and are positioned on top of the sealing structure118to urge the sealing structure118towards a closed position.

FIG.8illustrates a plate286according to another construction. Although a number of similarities are present between the plate286and the plate86ofFIGS.3-7(including the alternative features86of the plate86also described above), the plate286is used to form a self-sealing closure mechanism that closes or seals the slot38without the need of any additional sealing or biasing structures used in the closure mechanism74in the embodiment ofFIGS.1-7. Common features of the plate286are given common reference numbers in the 200-series of reference numbers. The plate286can be attached to similar first and second support brackets50,54as the plate86described above. Each plate286includes a connection portion290defining a connection aperture294, an angled portion298extending downward from the connection portion290, an engagement portion302extending downward from the angled portion298to form an engagement surface306, and an angled tab310extending from an upstream portion of the engagement portion302relative to an operational direction168(FIG.9A). The connection aperture294of the plate286is sized to receive the connection tabs62,66(FIGS.4and5) so the plate286can be secured to at least one of the first and second plurality of connection tabs62,66.

When the plate286is coupled to one of the connection tab62,66, the connection portion290has a first end292positioned within the width W (FIG.3) of the slot38and a second end296that extends a distance beyond the width W of the slot38. Each connection aperture294is positioned proximate the first end292of the connection portion290to define a fulcrum about which each plate286pivots. The connection portion290extends a distance beyond the connection tabs62,66to the second end296of the plate286to define a lever or counterweight portion that urges the plate286towards a resting or closed position (FIG.9A) without the need of an additional spring force or biasing member. In the illustrated embodiment, the second end296of the plate286has a folded portion that increases a gravitational weight force of the second end296of the connection portion290to form the counterweight portion. The counterweight portion opposes the gravitational weight of a portion of the plate286positioned within the slot38(e.g., the angled portion298, the engagement portion302) so the plate286is urged towards the closed position (FIG.9A). In other words, the counterweight portion creates a moment of force on the fulcrum that each plate286pivots that is approximately equal to or greater than a moment of force created by the portion of the plate286positioned within the slot38to urge the plate286towards the closed position.

The angled portion298defines a first end that extends from the connection portion290at an angle200. In some embodiments, the angle200may be in a range from 45 degrees to 70 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle200is in a range from 55 degrees to 65 degrees. The angled portion298extends from the first end to define a second end that is positioned in the illustrated embodiment approximately midway within the width of the slot38. The engagement portion302extends from the angled portion298in the illustrated embodiment such that the engagement portion302is positioned approximately midway within the width W of the slot38, and is perpendicular to the connection portion290. In other words, the engagement portion302is positioned at a point between the first and second edges32(FIG.3) of the top wall22that is within the width of the slot38.

The angled tab310extends from the engagement portion102at an angle316relative to the engagement portion302. The angled tab310extends from the engagement portion302towards one of the edge portions32(FIG.3) of the top wall22. In some embodiments, the angle316may be in a range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees. In the illustrated embodiment, the angle316is in a range from 25 to 35 degrees. Since the plates286of the illustrated embodiment ofFIG.8each includes only a single angled tab, the plates286are adapted for movement of conveyor hangers46in a single operational direction168(FIG.9), rather than bi-directionally as described above with reference to the closure mechanism74.

With reference toFIG.9A, the plates286are arranged on first and second support brackets50,54to define a first plurality of plates278and a separate second plurality of plates282. Each plate286is respectively configured to pivot relative to the first and second support brackets50,54to selectively close the slot38of the oven chamber14. The first and second pluralities of plates278,282cooperate to define a first pair of plates362and a second pair of plates366positioned downstream the first pair of plates362, and so forth with additional cooperating plate pairs, in an operational direction168of the conveyor hanger46. The first and second pairs of plates362,366each include one of the first plurality of plates278coupled to the first support bracket250and one of the second plurality of plates282coupled to the second support bracket254. Since each of the plates286includes a single angled tab310instead of a pair of angled tabs110,114, the angled tab310of each plate of the second pair of plates366overlaps the engagement portion302of the directly adjacent plate of the first pair of plates362in the operational direction168of the slot38. Therefore, when the first and second pluralities of plates278,282cooperate with each other in the resting or closed position (FIG.9A) the slot38of the oven chamber14is fully closed or sealed. In other words, the sealing structure118and the biasing structure146of the closure mechanism74are not necessarily needed to inhibit heat from releasing out of the oven chamber14. However, it should be appreciated that the sealing structure118and the biasing structure146may be used in conjunction with the plates286to further inhibit heat from releasing out of the oven chamber14.

With reference toFIGS.9A-9C, movement of the conveyor hanger46through the slot38is illustrated.FIG.9Aillustrates the first and second pluralities of plates278,282in a resting or closed position (e.g., when the conveyor hanger46is not positioned within the slot38). As the conveyor hanger46moves through the slot38, the conveyor hanger46passes through the angled tabs310of the first pair of plates362(FIG.9B) and contacts the engagement surfaces306of the first pair of plates362. Once the conveyor hanger46contacts the engagement surfaces306, each plate286of the first pair of plates362respectively pivots relative to the first and second support brackets50,54. Since the angled tab310of the second pair of plates366overlaps the engagement portion302of the first pair of plates362in the longitudinal direction of the slot38, the engagement portion302of the first pair of plates362contacts the angled tab310of the second pair of plates366to open the second portion of the slot38while the conveyor hanger46moves through the first portion of the slot38. As the conveyor hanger46moves downstream (FIG.9C), the first and second pair of plates return to the closed position.

It should be appreciated that the method of assembling the oven system10with the plates286is similar to the method discussed above with reference toFIGS.1-5, with the exception that the separate sealing structure118and the biasing structure146of the closure mechanism74may optionally be omitted.

Various aspects of the invention are set forth in the following claims.