Patent Publication Number: US-2022212880-A1

Title: Modular conveyor belt having fluid guiding structures

Description:
The present invention relates to a modular conveyor belt according to the preamble of claim  1  and to a conveyor system according to the preamble of claim  12 . 
     Whenever objects have to be transported over comparatively short distances, and in particular within a production site, modular conveyor belts are a suitable and commonly used tool. Depending on the actual application the modular conveyor belt is used for, the modular conveyor belt must comply with varying requirements. 
     In particular, modular conveyor belts that are used in food industry have to be easily cleanable. Further, the material of the modular conveyor belt should not contaminate foodstuff in any way. Therefore, in food industry plastic conveyor belts are widely used. Contrary to metal conveyor belts, they do not corrode, are lightweight and are easy to clean. For easier scalability, quite often modular plastic conveyor belts are used that are made up of moulded plastic belt modules that can be arranged side-by-side in rows of selectable width. A series of spaced apart link ends arranged at the leading and trailing edges (sides) of the modules include aligned openings to accommodate a pivot rod. The link ends along one side of a row of belt modules are interconnected with the link ends of an adjacent row of belt modules. A pivot rod journaled in the aligned openings of connected modules forms a hinge between adjacent rows. Rows of belt modules are then connected together to form an endless conveyor belt capable of articulating about a drive sprocket. If the length of the modular conveyor belt exceeds a certain size, quite often conveyor rollers or supporting slides are used to support the modular conveyor belt. Such conveyor rollers can be either rolling passively (essentially being driven by the modular conveyor belt), or they can be active, meaning that they actively drive the modular conveyor belt. In the latter case, typically sprockets are used. 
     Furthermore, in food industry, solid or flat-top modular plastic conveyor belts are frequently used for meat, fish, or other products that drip or tend to drop crumbs or particles. The top of such belts can present a smooth, flat surface with very small gaps at the proximity region between two adjacent belt modules. Thanks to the usual design with link ends that comprise pivot rod openings and pivot rods that are arranged through such pivot rod openings, it is possible to bend the modular conveyor belt around sprockets, in particular around end-sited sprockets, so that an endless belt can be formed. In such regions where adjacent belt modules are tilted with respect to each other, gaps are normally opened between two adjacent belt modules. This makes it possible to clean the gaps between the adjacent belt modules, in particular link ends, which is particularly important in the food industry. Steam or hot water, which may include cleaning agents and disinfectants, can be used for such cleaning purposes. 
     While conveyor systems of the prior art are already quite functional, there is always a need for better cleaning possibilities to better meet present and future hygiene requirements. In particular, a better cleaning possibility may permit the use of less aggressive disinfectants, while the disinfection level of the arrangement can be maintained. 
     The present invention meets the above-described need by providing a modular conveyor belt according to independent claim  1  and a conveyor system according to independent claim  12 . Particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention result from the dependent claims. 
     The core of the invention lies in the following: A modular conveyor belt comprises a first row of one or more belt modules and an interlinked second row of one or more belt modules. At least one of the belt modules of the first row comprises on its bottom side at least one fluid guiding structure designed and arranged so as to deflect a fluid jet impinging on the bottom side and guide the deflected fluid jet towards the second row of one or more belt modules. 
     Preferably, at least one of the belt modules of the first row comprises a first plurality of link ends extending in a direction of belt travel and at least one of the belt modules of the second row comprises a second plurality of link ends extending in a direction opposite to the direction of belt travel. The first plurality of link ends and the second plurality of link ends are intercalated and hingedly connected. 
     In an advantageous embodiment, the first plurality of link ends have a pivot rod opening disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel and the second plurality of link ends have a pivot rod opening disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel. The first plurality of link ends and the second plurality of link ends are hingedly connected by at least one pivot rod disposed through at least some of the pivot rod openings. 
     The modular conveyor belt according to the invention is quite similar to modular conveyor belts that are presently known in the state of the art. Therefore, such a modular conveyor belt can be used in combination with present apparatuses with minor modifications, or even without any modification at all. An advantage of the presently proposed design is that the fluid jets that are frequently used for cleaning purposes in combination with modular conveyor belts, in particular in food industry, can be directed towards portions of the modular conveyor belt that are particularly prone to agglomeration of dirt or bacteria and/or that are problematic to be reached by a fluid jet directly out of the fluid nozzle (no direct line-of-sight). A fluid jet that comes out of a nozzle can be directed to the fluid guiding structures of the modular conveyor belt and is then deflected or redirected by the fluid guiding structures into a different direction (as compared to the original direction of the fluid jet). In particular, the deflected fluid jet is guided into a direction, in particular towards the second row of one or more belt modules, where a cleaning action of the fluid jet is particularly desirable. This can be an area that can hardly be reached by a directly impinging fluid jet; an area that needs a particularly thorough cleaning; an area, where a cleaning process is more effective, if the fluid jet impinges in a certain direction (for example because particles will be washed out of the modular belt); and the like. 
     For example, the fluid guiding structure can be shaped in a way that the aiming point/outflow direction, towards which the fluid jet is directed or guided, remains more or less constant during a forward movement of the modular conveyor belt in its moving direction or direction of belt travel (at least when being at certain repetitively occurring positions). However, additionally or alternatively, the fluid guiding structure can be designed in a way that the aiming point and/or direction, where the impinging fluid jet is directed to, varies during the forward movement of the modular conveyor belt. The impinging fluid jet can impinge in a direction that is essentially perpendicular to the respective bottom surface of the belt module, or can be tilted with respect to the belt module, for example at an angle of up to 10°, 20°, 30°, 40° or 50° (with respect to the perpendicular direction). The fluid guiding structure can be shaped in a way that the cross section of the impinging fluid jet remains more or less unaltered. Additionally or alternatively, the cross section of the impinging fluid jet can be influenced by the fluid guiding structure as well. 
     A region, where two adjacent belt modules of the first and second row of one or more belt modules come close to each other (and possibly may touch each other, at least at certain positions during a movement cycle of the modular conveyor belt), may be called a proximity region. It is to be noted that such a proximity region typically necessitates a thorough cleaning, since in these regions the top surface of the modular conveyor belt, onto which goods are placed, is interrupted by a small gap. As an example, if foodstuff is transported, any fluid that flows out of the goods will usually flow through the small gap between two adjacent belt modules. Therefore, thorough cleaning of the respective region is important. 
     Another region that is somehow problematic with respect to cleaning considerations is the region of the link ends. This is not only because portions of the link ends are arranged in the proximity region, but also because in the link end region, the design of the modular conveyor belt is typically relatively complicated (at least on the bottom side of the belt modules) and typically has some regions that are hard to reach from the outside. Quite often there will be areas that cannot be reached by a line-of-sight axis from the outside and are therefore problematic to clean with directly impinging fluid jets. Only for completion, it should be noted that the fluid jet can for example contain water (in particular water at an elevated temperature and/or water containing some cleansing additive and/or some disinfectant). However, the advantages of the presently proposed modular conveyor belt can be achieved with essentially all kinds of fluid. When talking about fluid jets, certainly a different shape of a water stream can be chosen as well. As an example, some kind of a water curtain can be used as well. 
     Advantageously, at least one of the belt modules of the second row comprises on its bottom side at least one fluid guiding structure designed and arranged so as to deflect a fluid jet impinging on the bottom side and guide the deflected fluid jet towards the first row of one or more belt modules. Providing at least one of the belt modules of the second row on its bottom side with at least one fluid guiding structure provides similar advantages like providing at least one of the belt modules of the first row on its bottom side with at least one fluid guiding structure. 
     Preferably, at least one of the fluid guiding structures is shaped without edges or corners. The avoidance of edges and corners, i.e. the use of rounded or arcuate shapes, results in a smoother deflection and guidance of an impinging fluid jet. Turbulences can be reduced. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the modular conveyor belt according to the invention, at least one of the fluid guiding structures has a channel-like design. Such a channel-like design makes it possible to deflect and guide the impinging fluid jet into the desired direction. 
     Advantageously, at least one of the fluid guiding structures comprises an outwardly fan-shaped portion designed and arranged so as to direct an impinging fluid jet towards at least one side surface of at least one of the link ends and/or towards at least one exposed section of at least one pivot rod and/or to spread out the impinging fluid jet. With such a design, it is possible to direct the fluid towards a comparatively large portion of the modular conveyor belt, while still using a comparatively small fluid jet. Furthermore, it is possible to split up the fluid jet into a plurality of fluid jets (where the resulting fluid jets need not necessarily be separate from each other; i.e. some kind of a fluid curtain might be created). In this way, it is particularly simple to clean the side surfaces of the link ends, in particular of link ends that have a pivot rod opening. In particular, a contact region between a pivot rod opening of a link end and a pivot rod can be cleaned more easily using such a design. 
     When talking about a fan-shaped portion, this preferably relates to an arrangement where a circular jet with a comparatively small diameter is spread over a certain width (in particular in the widthwise direction of the modular conveyor belt), while its height remains comparatively small (for example about the same size like the original diameter of the impinging fluid jet). This can be reached by some kind of V-shaped channel, where the opening angle of the channel can be up to 10°, 20°, 30°, 40° or 50° (where a lower limit for the angle can be 0° or one of the previously mentioned angles). 
     Preferably, at least one of the fluid guiding structures is arranged between two of the link ends of one of the belt modules. This makes it possible to easily deflect and guide the impinging fluid jet to side surfaces of both link ends and to the front surface and both side surfaces of an intercalating link end of an adjacent belt module of an adjacent row of one or more belt modules. 
     In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the fluid guiding structures has a trough-like or shovel-like shape. Such a trough-like or shovel-like shape makes it easier to deflect and guide the impinging fluid jet to the front surface and both side surfaces of an intercalating link end of an adjacent belt module of an adjacent row of one or more belt modules. 
     It should be mentioned that in case a plurality of fluid guiding structures are used, those fluid guiding structures can have essentially the same design and/or can have different designs. Of course, it is possible to use a first fraction of the fluid guiding structures with a first design, while a second fraction of the fluid guiding structures can have a different design. The fractional shares may vary, as well as the number of different designs. 
     Advantageously, at least one of the belt modules comprises at least one section, preferably at least one middle section, without link ends. In this way, the number of link ends can be reduced and the design of the modular conveyor belt can be simplified. Because the link ends and their vicinity are usually comparatively difficult to clean, using the presently suggested design makes cleaning easier, and in particular less fluid for cleaning purposes is needed. Therefore, fewer fluid pumps are needed and/or the pumps can be designed less powerful. Energy for pumping fluid can be reduced as well. 
     In an advantageous embodiment, at least one of the fluid guiding structures is arranged on at least one of the sections without link ends. Providing the sections without link ends also with fluid guiding structures enables a better cleaning of these sections similar to the sections comprising link ends. 
     In a preferred embodiment of the modular conveyor belt according to the invention, between the first row of one or more belt modules and the interlinked second row of one or more belt modules a gap is formed which broadens towards the bottom side of the conveyor belt. Using such a design, it is possible to further improve the cleanability of the modular conveyor belt. The impinging fluid can be directed in a way that cleaning of a proximity region (gap region) is improved, even if no fluid guiding structure is present in the respective section. This can be particularly the case for a middle section, as previously described. 
     Advantageously, the belt modules are designed and arranged such that the gap is essentially closed at a top surface of the modular conveyor belt when the first row of one or more belt modules and the interlinked second row of one or more belt modules are aligned along a substantially straight line and such that the gap is open at the top surface of the modular conveyor belt when the first row and the second row are tilted with respect to each other. In this way, it is less likely that any goods (or parts thereof) that are to be transported by the modular conveyor belt can get stuck between adjacent belt modules or may even pass through between two adjacent belt modules (and consequently get lost). Nevertheless, it is still possible to provide a very effective cleaning possibility in certain areas, in particular in areas where the modular conveyor belt runs over a sprocket and is returned. 
     Furthermore, it proves to be advantageous if the top surface of the modular conveyor belt is essentially plane and closed when adjacent rows of one or more belt modules are arranged along a substantially straight line. In this way, the modular conveyor belt is particularly advantageous for transporting certain goods, in particular for transporting foodstuff. 
     In an advantageous embodiment of the modular conveyor belt according to the invention, the belt modules of the first row and of the second row are identical. In this way, the overall design of the modular conveyor belt is easier, so that the modular conveyor belt can be produced cheaper. Further, it is easier to adapt the length of the modular conveyor belt to the required length. However, for special cases, a different design of adjacent belt modules might be advantageous as well. 
     According to an alternative advantageous embodiment it is suggested that the local design of two adjacent belt modules is similar, when seen along the moving direction of the modular conveyor belt, at least within a certain section along the width of the modular conveyor belt. In this way, it is possible to use belt modules that are varying in size, in particular along the width of the final modular conveyor belt. Nevertheless, when considering a small width section of the modular conveyor belt, the modular conveyor belt looks like it is constructed of essentially identical belt modules, which may be advantageous in the region of a sprocket (usually having a comparatively small width). 
    
    
     
       Further advantages, features, and objects of the invention will be apparent from the following detailed description of four embodiments of a modular conveyor belt according to the invention in conjunction with the associated drawings, wherein the drawings show: 
         FIG. 1 —an arrangement of two adjacent belt modules of two adjacent rows of one or more belt modules according to a first embodiment of the modular conveyor belt in a perspective view; 
         FIG. 2 —a perspective view of a cut end section of the arrangement of belt modules of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3 —a side view of the arrangement of belt modules of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4 —a cross section through a middle section of the arrangement of belt modules of  FIG. 1  according to line IV-IV in  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5 —a perspective view of the cut end section of the arrangement of belt modules shown in  FIG. 2 , where the belt modules are tilted with respect to each other; 
         FIG. 6 —a side view of the arrangement of belt modules of  FIG. 1 , where the belt modules are tilted with respect to each other; 
         FIG. 7 —a cross section through a middle section of the arrangement of belt modules according to line VII-VII in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8 —a detail of an end section of a belt module according to  FIGS. 1 to 7  in a bottom view; 
         FIG. 9 —a cut end section of an arrangement of three belt modules of three rows of one or more belt modules in a perspective view from the bottom side; 
         FIG. 10 —an arrangement of three belt modules of three rows of one or more belt modules according to a second embodiment in a bottom view; 
         FIG. 11 —a belt module according to a third embodiment in a bottom view; 
         FIG. 12 —a cut end section of an arrangement of three belt modules of three rows of one or more belt modules according to  FIG. 11  in a bottom view; 
         FIG. 13 —the cut end section of the arrangement of three belt modules of  FIG. 12  in a top view; and 
         FIG. 14 —a cut section of an arrangement of three belt modules of three rows of one or more belt modules according to a fourth embodiment in a perspective view from the bottom side. 
     
    
    
     The following observations apply in respect of the description which follows: where, for the purpose of clarity of the drawings, reference signs are included in a Figure but are not mentioned in the directly associated part of the description, reference should be made to the explanation of those reference signs in the preceding or subsequent parts of the description. Conversely, to avoid overcomplication of the drawings, reference signs that are less relevant for immediate understanding are not included in all Figures. In that case, reference should be made to the other Figures. 
       FIG. 1  shows a part of a modular conveyor belt  1  according to a first embodiment. Two adjacently arranged belt modules  11  and  12  are shown. The belt module  11  is part of a first row of one or more belt modules and the belt module  12  is part of a second row of one or more belt modules interlinked with the first row. The designs of both belt modules  11 ,  12  are identical. A top surface  13  of the modular conveyor belt  1  defines an essentially plane or flat surface. 
     The belt modules  11 ,  12  both have a middle section  20  and on both sides of the middle section  20  an end section  30 . 
     The middle section roughly resembles to a cuboid  23  (see in particular  FIG. 2 ). However, a leading edge  22  in the direction of belt travel T has a concave arcuate shape and a trailing edge  21  has a convex arcuate shape. It is to be noted that the notion of a leading edge  22  and a trailing edge  21  can be interchanged, in case the modular conveyor belt  1  is moved in an opposite direction. 
     The end sections  30  of each belt module  11 ,  12  comprise a first plurality of link ends  31  extending in a direction of belt travel T. Each link end  31  has a pivot rod opening  33  disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel T (see also  FIG. 2 ). The end sections  30  of each belt module  11 ,  12  also comprise a second plurality of link ends  32  extending in a direction opposite to the direction of belt travel T. Each link end  32  has a pivot rod opening  34  disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel T. Between two link ends  31  or between two link ends  32 , there is always an interspace  35  having a width which is bigger than the width of a link end  31  or  32 , thus allowing to intercalate a link end  31  or  32  of an adjacent belt module. 
     As can be seen from  FIG. 2 , the link ends  31  of the first plurality of link ends and the link ends  32  of the second plurality of link ends are offset from each other. The first plurality of link ends  31  of the belt module  11  and the second plurality of link ends  32  of the belt module  12  are intercalated, wherein the link ends  31  and  32  of the belt modules  11  and  12  intercalate into the respective interspaces  35  between the link ends  32  and  31  of the belt modules  12  and  11 , respectively. 
     The two belt modules  11  and  12  are arranged adjacent to each other in a proximity region  14  and the link ends intercalated, such that the pivot rod openings  33  and  34  of the link ends  31  and  32  are aligned, i.e. they form a line-of-sight tunnel through them. A common pivot rod  40  (see in particular  FIG. 6 ) is disposed through these pivot rod openings  33 ,  34  and hingedly connects the two belt modules  11  and  12 , i.e. a hinge is formed allowing a tilting of the belt modules  11  and  12  with respect to each other. The diameter of the pivot rod  40  is slightly smaller than the diameter of the pivot rod openings  33 ,  34 . 
       FIG. 3  shows a side view of the arrangement of belt modules  11 ,  12  of  FIG. 1 , while in  FIG. 4  a cross section through the middle sections  20  of the belt modules  11 ,  12  of  FIG. 1  according to line Iv-Iv in  FIG. 2  is shown. 
     In  FIGS. 1 to 4 , the modular conveyor belt  1  is shown in a state where the individual belt modules  11 ,  12  are arranged along a straight line. This is equivalent to a straight line running of the modular conveyor belt  1 , in particular in a situation when goods are to be transported by the modular conveyor belt  1 . 
     As can be seen particularly in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the top side of the modular conveyor belt  1  forms an essentially flat top surface  13 , not only with respect to a single belt module  11  or  12 , but also with respect to an arrangement of both adjacent belt modules  11 ,  12 . The top surface  13  is essentially closed, but a small gap  15  formed between the belt module  11  and the belt module  12  in the proximity region  14  cannot be completely avoided. 
     On the bottom side  16  of the modular conveyor belt  1 , the leading edges  22  and the trailing edges  21  of the middle sections  20  as well as the link ends  31  and  32  of the two adjacent belt modules  11 ,  12  are designed and arranged in the proximity region  14  in a way that the gap  15  becomes wider, i.e. broadens, in the direction towards the bottom of the modular conveyor belt  1 . 
     In  FIGS. 5 to 7 , the same modular conveyor belt  1  as shown in  FIGS. 1 to 4  is shown in similar views (cf.  FIGS. 2 to 4 ), however, this time the adjacent belt modules  11 ,  12  are arranged tilted with respect to each other. This situation typically occurs if the modular conveyor belt  1  is guided around sprockets and/or idlers. The sprockets and/or idlers are used for driving and guiding (in particular also returning) the modular conveyor belt  1 , so that an endless modular conveyor belt can be created. 
     As can be seen from  FIGS. 5 to 7  in particular, the leading edges  37  between the link ends  31  and the trailing edges  36  between the link ends  32  as well as the leading edges  22  in the middle sections  20  have a concave arcuate shape and they are tapered. The link ends  31  and the link ends  32  as well as the trailing edges  21  in the middle sections  20  have a convex arcuate shape. Further, the pivot rod openings  33 ,  34  are disposed in a distinct way in the link ends  31 ,  32 , such that the pivot rod  40  is placed inside the pivot rod openings  33 ,  34  offset from the centre. This is done in a way that the tilting movement of the two adjacent belt modules  11 ,  12  results in an opening of the gap  15  between the belt modules  11 ,  12 . In this way, the cleaning ability of the region of the gap  15  can be further ameliorated. 
     In  FIGS. 8 and 9 , some of the most important features of the claimed invention are visible. Close to the interspaces  35  between the link ends  31  and between the link ends  32  of a belt module  11 ,  12 , fluid guiding structures  50  are provided on the bottom side  16  of the modular conveyor belt  1 . Each fluid guiding structure  50  is shaped in a way that an impinging fluid jet (or a water curtain as well) is deflected and the deflected fluid jet is guided towards the adjacent belt module of the adjacent row. 
     The fluid guiding structures  50  comprise different aspects. Firstly, preferably an arcuate shape is provided so that a fluid jet that impinges in a direction approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface  16  of the belt modules  11 ,  12  is redirected in a direction that is somewhat parallel to the top surface  13  of the modular conveyor belt  1  (or at a certain angle of maximal about 20°). Due to this arcuate shape, an impinging fluid jet is directed into the region of the gap  15  between the adjacent belt modules  11 ,  12  and towards the hinge connection between the pivot rod openings  33 ,  34  and the pivot rod  40  disposed therein. 
     Secondly, the fluid guiding structures  50  comprise an outwardly fan-shaped portion  51 , which is somewhat V-shaped, designed and arranged so as to direct an impinging fluid jet towards the side surfaces of the nearby link ends  31 ,  32  and towards the exposed sections of the pivot rod  40 . By this fan-shaped portion  51  an impinging fluid jet will be spread out along its path. 
     The fluid guiding structures  50  are made with rounded or arcuate shapes, without edges or corners. They have a channel-like design for guiding the deflected fluid jet towards the adjacent belt module of the adjacent row. They also have a trough-like or shovel-like shape to deflect and guide the impinging fluid jet to the front surface and both side surfaces of the intercalating link end of the adjacent belt module. 
       FIG. 10  shows a part of modular conveyor belt  100  according to a second embodiment of the invention. Three belt modules  111 ,  112 ,  113  are interlinked similar to the belt modules  11 ,  12  of the first embodiment. The individual belt modules  111 ,  112 ,  113  are all identical. Each belt module  111 ,  112 ,  113  comprises a first plurality of link ends  131  extending in a direction of belt travel T. Each link end  131  has a pivot rod opening disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel T. Each belt module  111 ,  112 ,  113  also comprises a second plurality of link ends  132  extending in a direction opposite to the direction of belt travel T. Each link end  132  has a pivot rod opening disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel T. Between two link ends  131  or between two link ends  132 , there is always an interspace  135  having a width which is bigger than the width of a link end  131  or  132 , thus allowing to intercalate a link end  131  or  132  of an adjacent belt module. 
     The link ends  131  of the first plurality of link ends and the link ends  132  of the second plurality of link ends are offset from each other. The first plurality of link ends  131  of the belt module  111  and the second plurality of link ends  132  of the belt module  112  are intercalated, wherein the link ends  131  and  132  of the belt modules  111  and  112  intercalate into the respective interspaces  135  between the link ends  132  and  131  of the belt modules  112  and  111 , respectively. A common pivot rod  140  is disposed through the aligned pivot rod openings and hingedly connects the two belt modules  111  and  112 , i.e. a hinge is formed allowing a tilting of the belt modules  111  and  112  with respect to each other. The two belt modules  112  and  113  are connected in a similar way. 
     Close to the interspaces  135  between the link ends  131  and between the link ends  132  of each belt module  111 ,  112 ,  113 , fluid guiding structures  150  are provided on the bottom side of the modular conveyor belt  100 . The fluid guiding structures  150  comprise an outwardly fan-shaped portion  151  and are shaped and arranged similar to the fluid guiding structures  50  of the first embodiment, but distributed over the whole width of each belt module  111 ,  112 ,  113 . This is because in contrast to the first embodiment, the modular conveyor belt  100  does not have any middle section that is free of link ends. Apart from this, the design and functionality of the second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. 
     In  FIG. 11 , a belt module  210  according to a third embodiment of the invention is shown. The belt module  210  has two distinct halves  218 ,  219 . The half  218  comprises an end section  237  and a middle section  220 . The half  219  comprises an end section  236  and a middle section  223 . 
     Each of the end sections  236 ,  237  comprises a first plurality of link ends  231  extending in a direction of belt travel and a second plurality of link ends  232  extending in a direction opposite to the direction of belt travel. Each link end  231 ,  232  has a pivot rod opening disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel. Between two link ends  231  or between two link ends  232 , there is always an interspace  235  having a width which is bigger than the width of a link end  231  or  232 , thus allowing to intercalate a link end  231  or  232  of an adjacent belt module. 
     The middle sections  220 ,  223  are free of link ends. The middle section  220  is broader in the direction of belt travel than the middle section  223 . The two individual middle sections  220 ,  223  cut the overall length of the combined middle sections  220 ,  223  approximately into two halves. 
     The combined middle sections  220 ,  223  are shaped in a way that two adjacent belt modules  210  can be connected to each other in an alternating way, where every second belt module is turned by 180°. In this way, it is possible to provide a modular conveyor belt with identical belt modules  210 . 
     Such an alternating arrangement of identical belt modules can be seen in  FIGS. 12 and 13 , where  FIG. 12  shows a bottom view and  FIG. 13  shows a top view of a part of a modular belt  200 . Three belt modules  210 ,  230  and  240  are shown, which are interlinked by pivot rods similar to the belt modules  11 ,  12  of the first embodiment. 
     All three belt modules  210 ,  230 ,  240  are identical, but the belt module  230  is turned by 180° with respect to the belt modules  210  and  240 , such that the broader middle section  220  of the belt module  230  is arranged between the smaller middle sections  223  of the belt modules  210  and  240  and the link ends  231 ,  232  of the belt module  230  intercalate with the link ends  231 ,  232  of the belt modules  210  and  240 . Apart from this, the design and functionality of the third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment. 
     Close to the interspaces  235  between the link ends  231  and between the link ends  232  of each belt module  210 ,  230 ,  240 , fluid guiding structures  250  are provided on the bottom side of the modular conveyor belt  200 . The fluid guiding structures  250  comprise an outwardly fan-shaped portion and are shaped and arranged similar to the fluid guiding structures  50  of the first embodiment. 
       FIG. 14  shows a part of modular conveyor belt  300  according to a fourth embodiment of the invention. Three belt modules  311 ,  312 ,  313  are interlinked similar to the belt modules  11 ,  12  of the first embodiment and arranged tilted with respect to each other. The individual belt modules  311 ,  312 ,  313  are all identical. Each belt module  311 ,  312 ,  313  has a middle section  320  and on both sides of the middle section  320  an end section  330 . The end section  330  of each belt module  311 ,  312 ,  313  comprises a first plurality of link ends  331  extending in a direction of belt travel T. Each link end  331  has a pivot rod opening disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel T. The end section  330  of each belt module  311 ,  312 ,  313  also comprises a second plurality of link ends  332  extending in a direction opposite to the direction of belt travel T. Each link end  332  has a pivot rod opening disposed therein in a direction substantially perpendicular to the direction of belt travel T. Between two link ends  331  or between two link ends  332 , there is always an interspace  335  having a width which is bigger than the width of a link end  331  or  332 , thus allowing to intercalate a link end  331  or  332  of an adjacent belt module. 
     The link ends  331  of the first plurality of link ends and the link ends  332  of the second plurality of link ends are offset from each other. The first plurality of link ends  331  of the belt module  311  and the second plurality of link ends  332  of the belt module  312  are intercalated, wherein the link ends  331  and  332  of the belt modules  311  and  312  intercalate into the respective interspaces  335  between the link ends  332  and  331  of the belt modules  312  and  311 , respectively. A common pivot rod  340  is disposed through the aligned pivot rod openings and hingedly connects the two belt modules  311  and  312 , i.e. a hinge is formed allowing a tilting of the belt modules  311  and  312  with respect to each other. The two belt modules  312  and  313  are connected in a similar way. 
     Close to the interspaces  335  between the link ends  331  and between the link ends  332  of each belt module  311 ,  312 ,  313 , fluid guiding structures  350  are provided on the bottom side of the end sections  330  of the modular conveyor belt  300 . The fluid guiding structures  350  comprise an outwardly fan-shaped portion  351  and are shaped and arranged similar to the fluid guiding structures  50  of the first embodiment. 
     In contrast to the first embodiment, further fluid guiding structures  360  are provided on the bottom side of the middle section  320  of the modular conveyor belt  300 . Each fluid guiding structure  360  is shaped in a way that an impinging fluid jet (or a water curtain as well) is deflected and the deflected fluid jet is guided towards the adjacent belt module of the adjacent row. 
     The fluid guiding structures  360  comprise different aspects. Firstly, preferably an arcuate shape is provided so that a fluid jet that impinges in a direction approximately perpendicular to the bottom surface of the belt modules  311 ,  312 ,  313  is redirected in a direction that is somewhat parallel to the top surface of the modular conveyor belt  300  (or at a certain angle of maximal about 20°). Due to this arcuate shape, an impinging fluid jet is directed into the region of the gap  315  between the adjacent belt modules  311 ,  312 ,  313 . 
     Secondly, the fluid guiding structures  360  comprise an outwardly fan-shaped portion  361  designed and arranged so as to spread out an impinging fluid jet along its path. 
     The fluid guiding structures  360  are made with rounded or arcuate shapes, without edges or corners. They have a channel-like design and a trough-like or shovel-like shape for guiding the deflected fluid jet towards the adjacent belt module of the adjacent row. 
     Apart from this, the design and functionality of the fourth embodiment is similar to the first embodiment.