Patent Document

TECHNICAL FIELD 
       [0001]    The disclosure relates generally to a clamping device, and more particularly, to an elevator belt splice, the belt splice being adjustable to accommodate different sized belts, having improved surfaces that relieve strain, increased strength and improved gripping forces. 
       BACKGROUND 
       [0002]    In the art of elevator-type material conveyor systems, containers or so-called “buckets” are supported spaced-apart on an endless belt for moving particular material substantially vertically. The ends of such elevator belts and/or the ends of two adjacently positioned elevator belts are typically secured together by belt splices, stapling or some other attaching method. However, many current methods of attachment and designs are susceptible to premature failure. For example, many elevator belt splices are unable to withstand the high tension forces acting on elevator belts during operation. Furthermore, many existing splice designs are unable to effectively support the curvature of the portion of the belt between the tension plane and the actual clamping surface of the belt. In addition, the manufacture of many current elevator belt designs results in devices that bulky and expensive to manufacture. More importantly, such designs are unable to accommodate differing sized belts (i.e., belts having different thicknesses). There remains a need for belt clamping or splice devices that overcome the problems mentioned. 
       SUMMARY 
       [0003]    Described herein is a device for connecting and otherwise splicing two belt ends and/or two belts together. The belt splice device includes a first outer clamping plate, a second outer clamping plate and a central plate disposed between the first and second clamping plates. Each of the first and second clamping plates includes inwardly facing surfaces oriented toward the central plate. The device further includes a first gripping region disposed on the inwardly facing surfaces of the first and second clamping plates, the first gripping region having a plurality of rows of slotted teeth. A second gripping region is disposed on the inwardly facing surfaces of the first and second clamping plates and has a plurality of spaced apart elongated recesses positioned parallel to a long axis of the first and second clamping plates. A wedge member is removably coupled to an end of the central plate. At least one spacer member is optionally sandwiched between the wedge member and the central plate so that the belt splice can accommodate different thicknesses of belts. The wedge and one or more spacers are secured to the end of the central plate by at least one locking mechanism extending through the wedge member, the spacer, and into the end of the central plate. 
         [0004]    Those skilled in the art will further appreciate the advantages and superior features described upon reading the description which follows in conjunction with the drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0005]    Additional features, as well as more details thereof, and the overall systems and devices described herein, will become readily apparent from a review of the following detailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
           [0006]      FIG. 1  is a schematic view of the elevator belt splice connecting the ends of an elevator belt, the belt trained around a pulley; 
           [0007]      FIG. 2  is an enlarged sectional view of the elevator belt splice device illustrated in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0008]      FIG. 3  is an exploded perspective view of the elevator belt splice of  FIGS. 1 ; and 
           [0009]      FIG. 4  is an exploded perspective view of an alternate embodiment of the elevator belt splice described herein. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0010]    In the detailed description, like elements are marked throughout the specification and drawings with the same reference numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain elements are shown in generalized or schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. It should be understood that the embodiments of the disclosure herein described are merely illustrative of the principles of the invention. 
         [0011]    Generally, described herein is an elevator belt splice device for splicing the ends of a belt together in juxtaposed relation. The belt splice device includes a central plate and two outer clamping plates. The belt is disposed between the central plate and respective outer clamping plates so that the clamping plates are drawn together upon the central plate by a clamping means, such as a pair of bolts, to minimize stress concentrations and more evenly distribute the pressure forces across the belt splice. The outwardly facing sides of the central plate have outwardly curving belt engaging surfaces. Opposing each outwardly facing side of the central plate is one of the outer clamping plates. Each outer clamping plate has an outwardly curving belt engaging surface that has at least a portion that complements the outwardly curving belt engaging surface of the central plate. The two outer plates and the central plate cooperate to pre-tension the belt as the clamping elements are tightened together. 
         [0012]    Referring now specifically to  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the elevator belt splice  10  is depicted splicing together two ends  18  of a typical industrial belt  12 . As shown schematically, the industrial belt  12  is positioned about a pulley  14 , which rotates about a shaft  16  during operation. The elevator belt splice device  10  comprises a generally elongate central plate  20  and a pair of outer clamping plates  22 ,  24 . When configured a belt  12 , as depicted in  FIG. 2 , the outer clamping plates  22 ,  24  are in juxtaposed position about the central plate  20  and the belt  12 . As shown, the elongate central plate  20 , the belt  12  and the outer clamping plates  22 ,  24  are retained in functional position by two clamping means  26 . The clamping means, as depicted in  FIG. 2 , include two threaded bolts, each of which include mating nuts  27  threadedly disposed at their ends and washers  27   a  when the threaded bolts are positioned through apertures on the central plate  20  and each of outer clamping plates  22  and  24 , as discussed in further detail below. Alternative clamping means  26  may be used, in their customary manner, including locking nuts, locking fasteners, locking pins and the like, that secure the outer clamping plates  22  and  24  with the belt  12  in place as generally represented in  FIG. 2 . 
         [0013]    Exploded views of the belt splice device  10  are shown in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each illustrating the central plate  20  and outer clamping plates  22  and  24 . The central plate  20  includes a generally planar mid-portion  28  and curvilinear sections  34  and  36  that terminate in first and second ends adjacent respective first and second edges  30  and  32 . In the orientation shown, when both belt ends  18  are as illustrated in  FIG. 2 , section  34  having a first edge  30  is commonly referred to as the leading end of the belt splice device  10  and section  36  having a second edge  32  is referred to as the trailing end of the belt splice device  10 . As shown, the central plate  20  with its planar mid portion  28  and divergent curvilinear sections  34  and  36  provides a configuration that is an “I” or somewhat bone-shaped in cross-section, as illustrated specifically in  FIGS. 2 and 3 . First and second edges  30  and  32  of central plate  20  have surfaces that are generally coplanar. Each of the planar mid portion  28 , section  34  and section  36  further comprise belt engaging surfaces. According to some embodiments, the belt engaging surface  38  of the planar portion  28  is generally continuous with each of the belt engaging surfaces of sections  34  and  36 . 
         [0014]    In one or more embodiments, the belt engaging surfaces of sections  34  and  36  each include a series of generally uniformly spaced apart teeth  39  having rectangular or square-shaped cross-sectional areas between which are valleys or basins  40 . The teeth  39  are continuous with raised regions forming “peaks” or ridges  42  that terminate at planar mid portion  28 . Other configurations of teeth are also suitable. As will be explained in greater detail below, the divergently curving belt engaging surfaces of sections  34  and  36  cooperate with mating surfaces on the two outer belt clamping plates  22  and  24 . The complementary configurations of the belt engaging surfaces of central plate  20  and outer clamping plates  22  and  24  are so designed to retain belts  12  in a juxtaposed functional relation more efficiently with improved gripping forces, better weight distribution, and decreased stress concentrations along the belt surfaces than alternative belt clamping devices known and used in the industry. 
         [0015]    Still referring to  FIGS. 3 and 4 , each of the divergently curving belt engaging surfaces of sections  34  and  36  formed of the series of parallel and essentially linear ridges  42  provide an outwardly curving patterned surface for gripping onto the corresponding surface of belt  12 . The radius of curvature of the ridges  42  is greater than curvatures found in alternative belt splice devices. And, in combination with the recessed and wider valleys  44  located between wider ridges  42  of the described belt splice device  10 , the overall gripping surface of the described belt splice device is considered to offer better engaging surfaces in which to conform the surface of belt  12  to the device, without significantly deforming the regions of contact that may result in buckling of the belt  12  or other unwanted outcomes. 
         [0016]    In the embodiment illustrated in  FIGS. 3 and 4 , the outer clamping plates  22  and  24  have a general shape that is complementary to and allow a generally mating relationship with the central plate  20 . Thus, each of outer clamping plates  22  and  24  include a generally planar mid-section  48  and first and second curvilinear end regions  46  and  50 . The generally planar mid-section  48  mates with the planar mid portion  28  of central plate  20 . The curvilinear section  34  of central plate  20  is in a generally mating or complementary relationship with the outwardly curving first region  46 . The curvilinear section  36  of central plate  20  is in a generally mating or complementary relationship with at least a portion of outwardly curving second region  50 . As shown, first and second outwardly curving regions  46  and  50  are curved in a manner to complement the curvilinear shape of sections  34  and  36 , respectively. However, while outwardly curving first region  46  is formed of valleys  52  and ridges  54  that complement ridges  42  and valleys  44 , respectively, of central plate  20 , the outwardly curving second region  50  includes a different configuration. Second curvilinear region  50  has a series of individualized teeth  56  positioned in rows so as to be disposed in valleys  44  of curvilinear section  36  of central plate  20 . 
         [0017]    In one or more embodiments, the length of the outwardly curving second region  50  is not the same as the length of the curvilinear region  36 . Nonetheless, the combination of complementary ridges and valleys in outwardly curving first region  46  when mating with curvilinear section  34  as well as the individualized teeth  56  that are disposed within valleys  44  of curvilinear section  36  provide a unique gripping surface for better force and pressure distribution across belts  12  when the belts  12  are gripped by the belt splice device  10 . In some embodiments, it may also be desired to include a series of transverse spaced apart ribs  58  in the planar mid-section  48 , which is considered to provide even further gripping force when desired, as depicted in  FIG. 3 . The transverse ribs  58  further assist in inhibiting or otherwise reducing the tendency of the belt  12  to shift along the gripping surfaces in the direction of the tension force thereon. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that particular orientations or thicknesses of gripping surfaces shown in  FIG. 3  may be modified, or in some embodiments, be in a differing orientation, such as in the mid portion  28  of central plate  20 , the mid sections  48  of the outer clamping plates  22 ,  24 , or the outwardly curving second regions  50  of the outer clamping plates  22 ,  24 . 
         [0018]    All of the above features described as well as the implementation of two apertures  60  and  62  on outer clamping plates  22  and  24  that mate with apertures  64  and  66 , respectively, of central plate  20 , have been found to be effective in providing an even better distribution of force and pressure on belts  12  as compared with alternative belt splice devices. The improved configurations shown in  FIGS. 1-4 , which include better gripping forces over the surface area of the belt  12 , ensure that there is little belt movement in both an axial and transverse directions when the belt splice device  10  is in use. Thus, when outer clamping plates  22  and  24  mate with and are clamped together with central plate  20 , the gripping force has an added effect of further reducing the linear deflection (stretching) and also improving the resistance to axial shear, and reducing belt delamination in the area of transition between the normal planes of axial tension as compared with alternative belt splice devices. Referring specifically to  FIG. 2 , the thickness of the outer clamping plates  22  and  24  at arrow A, which is greater than the thickness at arrow B, allows more torque force and clamping force. This is particularly useful when gripping unusual shaped belts. In some embodiments the width of the splice device  10  is greater than alternative devices used for similar purposes. For example, the width of the splice device  10  may be about three inches. 
         [0019]    As is best shown in  FIG. 2 , when the central plate  20  and outer clamping plates  22  and  24  are juxtaposed in functional relation about the belts  12 , and as a first means  26  for tightening is positioned through apertures  60  and  64  and a second means  26  for tightening is positioned through apertures  62  and  66 , outer clamping plates  22  and  24  are drawn together to compress the belt  12  against the central plate  20 . In so doing, the surfaces and some material of the belt  12  is gripped by the belt engaging surface of the respective valleys and ridges of first curvilinear section  34  and first outwardly curving region  46 . Similarly, the surface of belt  12  is gripped by teeth  56  of outwardly curving second region  50 , the teeth  56  disposed in the valleys of second curvilinear section  36 . Teeth  56  are preferably shaped with non-piercing tips or ends, or ends that minimize puncturing of the outer surface of the belt  12 . Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the gripping or flow of material along the belt engaging surfaces of plates  20 ,  22 , and  24  effectively provides an increase in shear resistance and a higher grip strength upon the elevator belt  12  that is difficult to break. 
         [0020]    As also depicted in  FIGS. 2 and 3 , a wedge member  68  is optionally included, the wedge  68  having a first surface  70  and a second surface  72  is configured to be disposed onto first edge  30  of the central plate  20 . Thus, the second surface  72  is also coplanar with the surface of first edge  30 . The wedge  68  is affixed to central plate  20  by a means for fastening, which as shown, may include threaded screws  76 . The wedge  68  is typically designed to be removable and replaceable in response to general wear and also to accommodate differing thicknesses of belts  12 . Accordingly, wedge  68  may be of a number of desired thicknesses and/or widths in order to best accommodate the shape and size of belt  12 . In addition, the side edges  74  of wedge  68  may be more or less angled, depending on the shape and size of belt  12 . 
         [0021]    Referring specifically to  FIG. 3 , the elevator belt splice  10  optionally includes at least one plate or spacer member  71  sized to fit between the wedge  68  and the central plate  20  to accommodate belts having different thicknesses. For example, in the event the belt  12  has a larger thickness, a plate  71  may be mounted between the wedge  68  and the central plate  20 , which positions the first surface  70  of the wedge to be flush or substantially flush with an inner surface of the belt  12  (i.e., the surface of the belt  12  that contacts the pulley  16 ), as best illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Accordingly, as the belt splice  10  and the belt  12  travel around the pulley  16 , the first surface  70  contacts the pulley  16  and reduces the amount of stress acting directly on the belt  12  as it travels therearound, if, for example, the first surface  70  were recessed and/or otherwise below the outer surface of the belt. Similarly, with belts  12  having a lesser thickness, a smaller/thinner plate  71  may be used or, if necessary, removed altogether. According to some embodiments, the plate  71  is approximately 2 mm thick and is sized to substantially fill the space between the wedge  68  and the central plate  20 ; however, it should be understood that the thickness of the plate  71  may vary along with the overall size and shape (i.e., it may only fill a portion of the space between the wedge  68  and the central plate  20 ). 
         [0022]    In operation, one or a number of the belt splice devices  10  are arranged to secure the belt ends  18  and/or two or more belts  10  together. With a plurality of belt splice devices  10 , the devices  10  are generally in a side by side relation along the entire width of the belt  12  to be spliced. In some embodiments, one of the belt clamping elements may be used as a pattern to punch clearance holes in the belt  12 . Through the punched hole the fastening means  26  is inserted through the holes in the belts  12  when assembling the belt splice  10  as shown in the figures. 
         [0023]    When the belt splice device  10  is so disposed with belts  12 , the wider surface area, improved gripping surface and increase radius of curvature at ends of the of the belt splice device  10  improve the distribution of shear forces acting upon the surface of the belt and along the entire belt engaging surfaces of the belt splice device. The wedge  68 , along with the spacer  71 , enables the belt splice  10  to accommodate belts  10  of different thicknesses. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that these improvements are accomplished without the use of small pins, cutting edges, etc., affixed to the belt, such as to restrain surfaces of belt splicing devices, as is often used, in which such pins and cutting edges tend to pierce the belt surface, and occasionally the cords of the belts, thereby tending to reduce the ultimate tensile strength of the belt. 
         [0024]    In one or more embodiments, the belt splice device  10  is manufactured, molded or cast using a non-sparking material. One example is a special cast aluminum. In certain embodiments, wedge  68  is a rubberized or rubber type material, natural or synthetic. 
         [0025]    From the foregoing it will be seen that this invention is one well adapted to retain all of the ends and objectives hereinabove set forth, together with other advantages which are obvious and which are inherent to the apparatus. 
         [0026]    It will be understood that certain features and subcombinations are of utility and may be employed with reference to other features and subcombinations. This is contemplated by and is within the scope of the claims. 
         [0027]    As many possible embodiments may be made of the invention without departing from the scope thereof; it is to be understood that all matter herein set forth or shown in the accompanying drawings is to be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. 
         [0028]    The foregoing description is of exemplary embodiments and methods for operation. What is described is not limited to the described examples or embodiments. Various alterations and modifications to the disclosed embodiments may be made without departing from the scope of the embodiments and appended claims.

Technology Category: y