Importance

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Abstract

A modular conveyor belt (20) constructed of a series of rows (24, 25) of belt modules hingedly interlined by tapered oblong hinge pins (22) and suitable for following straight or curved conveyor paths. Aligned slots (30) formed in one set of hinge elements between successive rows are elongated in the direction of belt travel to allow the belt to fan out in turns. Fan-shaped apertures (38) formed in interleaved hinge elements of an adjacent row and aligned axially with the slots to admit a hinge pin (22) allow the belt to pivot at the hinge to articulate about a sprocket (181) or idler (186) or to enter and exit an incline. The oblong hinge pin has a first region at a first end (88) with a constant long axis to share the belt load among hinge elements encompassing the first region on straight runs. A second region of the hinge pin at an opposite second end (89) has a tapered oblong cross section, the long axis of which increases with distance from the second end to define a variable pitch and to spread the belt tension among the hinge elements at the outside of a turn encompassing the second region. Each belt row can be constructed of individual links stacked together on a support element (45) and retained by fasteners (52) or of integrally molded modules each comprising a transverse connecting member from which leading and trailing hinge elements extend. Accessory attachments, such as teeth (160) or sideguards (150), can be added to the belt. The belt can be driven by a cog, a roller chain, or other driving means driving lugs (172) extending from the bottom of the belt. The drive surfaces of the lugs can be obliquely arranged for better load sharing.

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First Claim