Dry lubricating conveyor belt equipment

A moving conveyor ensuring at least a movement of at least one container according to a transport direction (P1), whereby said conveyor (1) comprises at least:

• at least one endless conveyor belt (3) having a portion moving in the transport direction (P1), while another portion of the belt is moving in a return direction opposite to the transport position,
• a supporting system associated to (a) at least one guiding element with at least one gliding face (11) for said at least one endless conveyor belt (3), said at least one guiding element being adapted for guiding the at least one endless conveyor belt at least partly in the transport direction (PI), and (b) return supporting elements for supporting at least partly the conveyor belt (3) in the return direction,
• at least one lubricant provider for providing the endless conveyor belt (3) with at least one lubricant, and
• at least a driving system for driving the conveyor belt along a continuous path comprising at least
• a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction (P1), and a second path portion of said at least one endless belt (3) moving in the return direction (P2), whereby said conveyor belt comprises at least:
• (a) a transport surface (7) adapted to support the at least one container to be moved according to the transport direction (PI), and adapted to contact supporting elements for the portion moving in the return direction (P2)
• (b) at least one guiding surface (10) opposite to the transport surface (7), whereby said at least one guiding surface (10) is adapted to have contact with at least one gliding face (11) of the guiding element,
• in which the moving conveyor comprises a system which comprises at least:
• (i) a dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure a dry lubrication by applying a micro dose of a lubricant on a part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said dry lubricating unit comprising (a1) a first lubrication body with a substantially planar lubrication surface adapted for contacting said part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said lubrication body having at least one inner channel system extending within the body between an inlet channel section and an outlet opening system located along the substantially planar lubrication surface of the body, said outlet opening system comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of apertures with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, recesses with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and grooves with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and (a2) a first supplying system comprising at least a first pump and a first duct system for connecting the first pump to the inlet channel section of the at least one inner channel of the lubrication body, whereby said first supplying system is adapted for ensuring a supply of micro dose of the lubricant to the outlet opening system,
• (ii) a treating unit distinct from the dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure at least a treatment step different from a dry lubrication step by contacting, when required, a part of the transport system at least with an active treatment element or agent, and
• (iii) a single programmable logic controller (PLC) comprising at least one friction controlling means for controlling the friction between the said one container and the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3);
• the said one friction controlling means generating at least one lubrication instruction controlling the supply of lubricant to the outlet opening system of the dry lubricating unit, and at least one treatment instruction for controlling the treatment step in the said treating unit,
• whereby at least one unit selected from the group consisting of the dry lubricating unit, the treating unit and combinations thereof is associated in a movable manner with the supporting system, without having to remove all the return supporting elements attached to the supporting system.

A moving conveyor ensuring at least a movement of at least one container according to a transport direction (P1), whereby said conveyor (1) comprises at least:

• at least one endless conveyor belt (3) having a portion moving in the transport direction (P1), while another portion of the belt is moving in a return direction opposite to the transport position,
• a supporting system associated to (a) at least one guiding element with at least one gliding face (11) for said at least one endless conveyor belt (3), said at least one guiding element being adapted for guiding the at least one endless conveyor belt at least partly in the transport direction (PI), and (b) return supporting elements for supporting at least partly the conveyor belt (3) in the return direction,
• at least one lubricant provider for providing the endless conveyor belt (3) with at least one lubricant, and
• at least a driving system for driving the conveyor belt along a continuous path comprising at least
• a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction (P1), and a second path portion of said at least one endless belt (3) moving in the return direction (P2), whereby said conveyor belt comprises at least:
• (a) a transport surface (7) adapted to support the at least one container to be moved according to the transport direction (PI), and adapted to contact supporting elements for the portion moving in the return direction (P2)
• (b) at least one guiding surface (10) opposite to the transport surface (7), whereby said at least one guiding surface (10) is adapted to have contact with at least one gliding face (11) of the guiding element,
• in which the moving conveyor comprises a system which comprises at least:
• (i) a dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure a dry lubrication by applying a micro dose of a lubricant on a part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said dry lubricating unit comprising (a1) a first lubrication body with a substantially planar lubrication surface adapted for contacting said part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said lubrication body having at least one inner channel system extending within the body between an inlet channel section and an outlet opening system located along the substantially planar lubrication surface of the body, said outlet opening system comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of apertures with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, recesses with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and grooves with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and (a2) a first supplying system comprising at least a first pump and a first duct system for connecting the first pump to the inlet channel section of the at least one inner channel of the lubrication body, whereby said first supplying system is adapted for ensuring a supply of micro dose of the lubricant to the outlet opening system,
• (ii) a treating unit distinct from the dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure at least a treatment step different from a dry lubrication step by contacting, when required, a part of the conveyor belt at least with an active treatment element or agent, and
• (iii) a single programmable logic controller (PLC) comprising at least (c1) one friction control means for generating at least one lubricating instruction for controlling the supply of lubricant to the outlet opening system of the dry lubricating unit;
• and (c2) one means for generating at least one treatment instruction for controlling the said treating unit,
• whereby a unit selected from the group consisting of the dry lubricating unit, the treating unit and combinations thereof is associated in a movable manner with the supporting system, without having to remove all the return supporting elements attached to the supporting system,
• in which the treating unit distinct from the dry lubricating unit is adapted to ensure at least a treatment step different from a dry lubrication step by contacting, when required, a part of the transport system at least with an active treatment, and
• in which the single programmable logic controller (PLC) comprises at least (c1) one friction control means for generating at least one lubricating instruction for controlling the supply of lubricant to the outlet opening system of the dry lubricating unit;
• (c2) one means for generating at least one treatment instruction for controlling the treating unit for contacting, when required a part of the conveyor belt with the active treatment element, and (c3) one prevention means for generating at least one preventing instruction for preventing the supply of lubricant to the outlet opening system of the dry lubricating unit at least during a treatment step by the treating unit by contacting the conveyor belt with the active treatment element.

A moving conveyor ensuring at least a movement of at least one container according to a transport direction (P1), whereby said conveyor (1) comprises at least:

• at least one endless conveyor belt (3) having a portion moving in the transport direction (P1), while another portion of the belt is moving in a return direction opposite to the transport position,
• a supporting system associated to (a) at least one guiding element with at least one gliding face (11) for said at least one endless conveyor belt (3), said at least one guiding element being adapted for guiding the at least one endless conveyor belt at least partly in the transport direction (PI), and (b) return supporting elements for supporting at least partly the conveyor belt (3) in the return direction,
• at least one lubricant provider for providing the endless conveyor belt (3) with at least one lubricant, and
• at least a driving system for driving the conveyor belt along a continuous path comprising at least a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction (P1), and a second path portion of said at least one endless belt (3) moving in the return direction (P2),
• whereby said conveyor belt comprises at least:
• (a) a transport surface (7) adapted to support the at least one container to be moved according to the transport direction (PI), and adapted to contact supporting elements for the portion moving in the return direction (P2)
• (b) at least one guiding surface (10) opposite to the transport surface (7), whereby said at least one guiding surface (10) is adapted to have contact with at least one gliding face (11) of the guiding element,
• in which the moving conveyor comprises a system which comprises at least:
• (i) a unit selected from the group consisting of
• (a1) a dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure a dry lubrication by applying a micro dose of a lubricant on a part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said dry lubricating unit comprising (a11) a first lubrication body with a substantially planar lubrication surface adapted for contacting said part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said lubrication body having at least one inner channel system extending within the body between an inlet channel section and an outlet opening system located along the substantially planar lubrication surface of the body, said outlet opening system comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of apertures with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, recesses with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and grooves with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and (a12) a first supplying system comprising at least a first pump and a first duct system for connecting the first pump to the inlet channel section of the at least one inner channel of the lubrication body, whereby said first supplying system is adapted for ensuring a supply of micro dose of the lubricant to the outlet opening system,
• (a2) a treating unit distinct from the dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure at least a treatment step different from a dry lubrication step by contacting, when required, a part of the transport system at least with an active treatment element, and
• (a3) combinations thereof, and
• whereby a unit selected from the group consisting of the dry lubricating unit, the treating unit and combinations thereof is associated in a movable manner with the supporting system, without having to remove all the return supporting elements attached to the supporting system, and
• whereby at least one of the said return supporting element is provided with a first contacting zone for the belt (3) during its second path (P2) and with a contacting tool defining at least a second contacting zone for the belt (3) during its second path, whereby at least the contacting tool is movable between a first position in which during its second path (P2), the conveyor belt (3) contacts the second contacting zone and not the first contacting zone, and a second position in which during its second path (P2), the conveyor belt (3) contacts at least the contacting zone.

A moving conveyor ensuring at least a movement of at least one container according to a transport direction (P1), whereby said conveyor (1) comprises at least:

• at least one endless conveyor belt (3) having a portion moving in the transport direction (P1), while another portion of the belt is moving in a return direction opposite to the transport position,
• a supporting system associated to (a) at least one guiding element with at least one gliding face (11) for said at least one endless conveyor belt (3), said at least one guiding element being adapted for guiding the at least one endless conveyor belt at least partly in the transport direction (PI), and (b) return supporting elements for supporting at least partly the conveyor belt (3) in the return direction,
• at least one lubricant provider for providing the endless conveyor belt (3) with at least one lubricant, and
• at least a driving system for driving the conveyor belt along a continuous path comprising at least
• a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction (P1), and a second path portion of said at least one endless belt (3) moving in the return direction (P2), whereby said conveyor belt comprises at least:
• (a) a transport surface (7) adapted to support the at least one container to be moved according to the transport direction (PI), and adapted to contact supporting elements for the portion moving in the return direction (P2)
• (b) at least one guiding surface (10) opposite to the transport surface (7), whereby said at least one guiding surface (10) is adapted to have contact with at least one gliding face (11) of the guiding element,
• in which the moving conveyor comprises a system which comprises at least:
• (a) a unit selected from the group consisting of
• (a1) a dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure a dry lubrication by applying a micro dose of a lubricant on a part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said dry lubricating unit comprising (a11) a first lubrication body with a substantially planar lubrication surface adapted for contacting said part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said lubrication body having at least one inner channel system extending within the body between an inlet channel section and an outlet opening system located along the substantially planar lubrication surface of the body, said outlet opening system comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of apertures with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, recesses with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and grooves with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and (a12) a first supplying system comprising at least a first pump and a first duct system for connecting the first pump to the inlet channel section of the at least one inner channel of the lubrication body, whereby said first supplying system is adapted for ensuring a supply of micro dose of the lubricant to the outlet opening system,
• (a2) a treating unit distinct from the dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure at least a treatment step different from a dry lubrication step by contacting, when required, a part of the transport system at least with an active treatment element, and
• (a3) combinations thereof,
• whereby a unit selected from the group consisting of the dry lubricating unit, the treating unit and combinations thereof is associated in a movable manner with the supporting system, without having to remove all the return supporting elements attached to the supporting system, and
• whereby at least one of the said return supporting element is provided maintaining element adapted for cooperating with the movable unit, said maintaining element being movable between a first position in which the unit is prevented from being moved with respect to the supporting element provided with the maintaining element and a second position in which the unit is able to be moved with respect to the said supporting element provided with the maintaining element.

A method for dry lubricating and for treating a moving conveyor ensuring at least a movement of at least one container according to a transport direction (P1), whereby said conveyor (1) comprises at least:

• at least one endless conveyor belt (3) having a portion moving in the transport direction (P1), while another portion of the belt is moving in a return direction opposite to the transport position,
• a supporting system associated to (a) at least one guiding element with at least one gliding face (11) for said at least one endless conveyor belt (3), said at least one guiding element being adapted for guiding the at least one endless conveyor belt at least partly in the transport direction (PI), and (b) return supporting elements for supporting at least partly the conveyor belt (3) in the return direction,
• at least one lubricant provider for providing the endless conveyor belt (3) with at least one lubricant, and
• at least a driving system for driving the conveyor belt along a continuous path comprising at least
• a first path portion moving in accordance to said transport direction (P1), and a second path portion of said at least one endless belt (3) moving in the return direction (P2), whereby said conveyor belt comprises at least:
• (a) a transport surface (7) adapted to support the at least one container to be moved according to the transport direction (PI), and adapted to contact supporting elements for the portion moving in the return direction (P2)
• (b) at least one guiding surface (10) opposite to the transport surface (7), whereby said at least one guiding surface (10) is adapted to have contact with at least one gliding face (11) of the guiding element,
• in which the moving conveyor comprises a system which comprises at least:
• (a) a dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure a dry lubrication by applying a micro dose of a lubricant on a part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said dry lubricating unit comprising (al) a first lubrication body with a substantially planar lubrication surface adapted for contacting said part of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3) during a part of the second path portion of the conveyor belt moving in the return direction, said lubrication body having at least one inner channel system extending within the body between an inlet channel section and an outlet opening system located along the substantially planar lubrication surface of the body, said outlet opening system comprising at least one element selected from the group consisting of apertures with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, recesses with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and grooves with an opening of less than 1000 mm2 along the substantially planar lubrication surface, and (a2) a first supplying system comprising at least a first pump and a first duct system for connecting the first pump to the inlet channel section of the at least one inner channel of the lubrication body, whereby said first supplying system is adapted for ensuring a supply of micro dose of the lubricant to the outlet opening system,
• (b) a treating unit distinct from the dry lubricating unit adapted to ensure at least a treatment step different from a dry lubrication step by contacting, when required, a part of the transport system at least with an active treatment element or agent, and
• (c) a single programmable logic controller (PLC) comprising at least (c1) one means for generating lubricating instructions for controlling the working of the said unit;
• and (c2) one means for generating at least one treatment instructions for controlling the unit,
• whereby a unit selected from the group consisting of the dry lubricating unit, the treating unit and combinations thereof is associated in a movable manner with the supporting system, without having to remove all the return supporting elements attached to the supporting system, and
• (d) a friction measuring unit for measuring a parameter function of the friction of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3), said parameter being adapted for determining whether the friction is or not within an unacceptable friction range and/or within an acceptable friction range,
• whereby said method comprises at least the following generating instructions steps:
• determining a parameter function of the friction of the transport surface (7) of the conveyor belt (3);
• transferring said parameter to the control unit or single programmable logic controller,
• generating lubricating instructions by the control unit or single programmable logic controller for controlling the dry lubricating unit, when the parameter function of the transport surface is within an unacceptable friction range or is outside an acceptable friction range;
• generating treating instructions by the control unit or single programmable logic controller for controlling the treating unit, advantageously before starting a lubrication, and
• generating at least one preventing instruction by the control unit of single programmable logic controller for preventing a dry lubrication step at least during a treatment step.