ES2372507B1 - TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM FOR BOXES AND SIMILARS OBTAINED FROM A TRANSPORT CIRCUIT. - Google Patents

Abstract

A transport circuit for boxes and the like that is constituted by a plurality of transport modules, each transport module being comprised of a lower support structure formed mainly by a pair of vertical support legs (1) with a determined profile and at the less a crossbar that joins them and means of transport, such as a band or multiple rollers, through which the boxes to be transported are arranged. The circuit is electrically and electronically managed by a plurality of divisions (40), each defined by control means and detection means associated with at least one transport module, such divisions defining control modules independent of the physical divisions in transport modules, each division being linked to a control connection box (41) distributed by the transport circuit.

Description

Transport system for boxes and the like obtained from a transport circuit.

Object of the invention

The purpose of the present invention patent application is to register a transport system for boxes and the like that incorporates notable innovations and advantages.

More specifically, the invention proposes the development of a transport system for boxes and the like, of the type that are installed in a storage, manufacturing or product distribution plant.

Background of the invention

In the field of logistics, conveyors for boxes, packages or similar are well known, whose function is to communicate a movement, in a continuous way, to successive units of the mentioned boxes or packages, in different directions and transport heights, with the purpose of create a flow of inputs and outputs of transported units, both to introduce them in a warehouse, to extract them from it, or simply to transport them, within a production or logistics system, from one place to another in an installation.

In a known type of conveyor, it is equipped with a means of transport, such as rollers, belts or a continuous belt or a frame or support structure, which normally comprises a series of support, stiffening and regulation elements , as are usually legs, crossbars, stringers, guiding elements, etc.

However, transport facilities or equipment have a number of drawbacks. A first drawback is that related to the multiple shapes and dimensions depending on the type of means of transport, the height of transport, the width or length of the conveyor that implies a greater constructive complexity that causes a longer assembly time and therefore an increase in cost. of manufacturing and assembly costs.

Another drawback is determined by the fact that the structural elements are usually numerous in quantity and in turn are composed of other components assembled together, in order to achieve the function they must perform, such as, for example, the components that make up a set of leg adjustable in height and inclination, or the elements that make up a guidance system of the element to be transported. This aspect, as in the previous aspect, implies a higher cost and more constructive complexity of a transport system.

It also happens in transport systems known in the art that the structural elements mentioned need an expensive manufacturing process in order to achieve the forms and characteristics necessary to fulfill their function.

Finally, mention that the physical transport sections, or the unit conveyors, integrate certain electrical and electronic control elements provided with wiring, control cards, connectors, etc., which are usually rigidly linked to the physical transport sections , which implies certain difficulties in the face of the sometimes required flexibility of transport lines.

Description of the invention

The present invention has been developed in order to provide a transport system that solves the aforementioned drawbacks, also providing the following advantages:

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Uniformity of the design of most of the profiles and structural elements in order to make them functionally versatile for different types of means of transport, whether they are roller, belt or other types.

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Modularity of most structural elements in order to combine them with each other to create transport sections of different height and length.

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A parameterization of the majority of structural elements is facilitated in order to vary and adjust its dimension to the different variables of transport height, dimensions of the element to be transported and lengths of the transport sections.

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Reduction of the amount of structural elements that make up each conveyor or transport section.

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Simplification of the design of most structural elements, reducing their weight and adapting their design to be obtained through simpler manufacturing processes.

In particular, it is a first object of the present invention to provide a support leg, for a support structure that is part of a box transport system and the like, which comprises a profile, and is characterized by the fact that said profile it has a central section whose section is composed of two undulations separated by a straight area, said central section including a plurality of perforations arranged along the length of the straight zone of the section, an upper end section in which it is made a progressive transformation of said two undulations of the central section until it becomes a vertical flat area of greater width than the central section adapted a substantially trapecial shape, and a lower end section provided with a right angle bend suitable for resting on a surface Ground mode, which includes some drills.

Preferably, the lower end section of the support leg has a central undulation which is continuity of the straight area of the section of the central section of the profile, as a result of the right-angled fold of said lower end section.

Advantageously, the upper end section has two elongated grooves, the longitudinal axes of which are arranged at a slightly inclined angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central section. Thanks to these characteristics, the adjustment in height and inclination of the support legs with respect to the means of transport is facilitated in a simplified way by reducing the number of components and therefore, the manufacturing cost given that by means of a single piece and in combination with elongated grooves, height and tilt adjustment are achieved.

In addition, in a variant of the design, the upper end section has a folded sheet portion that protrudes outward in a horizontal plane that fulfills the support function of the means of transport, very useful in those cases where a regulation of the inclination of such means of transport.

It is another object of the invention to provide a support structure, of the type comprising two vertical support legs connected between at least one crossbar, between which transport means for the movement of boxes and the like is mountable, and is characterized by the fact that each of the legs comprises a profile like the one described above, in which said at least one cross member is linked in the perforations of the two support legs.

The crossbar can be linked to the support legs by means of fastener elements that are coupled in folds made at the lateral ends of said crossbar.

In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the support structure has a plurality of crossbars arranged in such a way that an upper and lower crossbar are arranged perpendicular to the support leg and intermediate crossbars are arranged on an inclined axis with respect to a horizontal plane .

It is also another object of the invention to provide a transport module, in particular for a box transport system or the like comprising a support structure such as that described above and means of transport with a straight path, such as a belt, rollers or the like that are supported by said support structure, through which a box or the like moves. More specifically, said module is characterized by comprising two lateral profiles that run parallel to each other, each with a substantially "S" shaped contour, between which the transport means are located, and which are coupled in the support legs Each lateral profile is defined by a vertical central section provided with a plurality of perforations where the transport means are coupled; a lower section that extends horizontally and ends with an ascending vertical portion; and an upper section that extends horizontally and ends with a descending vertical portion, in which both upper and lower sections include a plurality of holes.

The use of the described lateral profile allows its use for different types of conveyors so that different means of transport can be combined in the same transport module, whereby its versatility is increased unlike the prior art.

Other advantageous aspects of the use of the lateral profile are the simplicity, lightening and reduction of manufacturing and assembly costs and since it is formed in one piece it is not necessary to join additional elements.

Another aspect that is not less important is the fact that the "S" shape of the lateral profile allows greater protection of elements coupled to it, such as, for example, photocells for the detection of objects without the need to place additional protection elements.

According to another aspect of the invention, the vertical central section comprises a plurality of perforations with a hexagonal contour arranged axially and longitudinally, such perforations being equally spaced with a predetermined pitch.

In a preferred embodiment, the transport module comprises a plurality of holes arranged below the hexagonal contour perforations with a passage between them equivalent to three passages between hexagonal contour perforations. This aspect, together with a symmetrical combination of holes distributed evenly along the lateral profile, imply that the same lateral profile can be used on either side with respect to the means of transport, without the need to create two groups of lateral profiles, which would imply an increase in costs and the duplication of elements or storage space.

Additionally, the horizontally extending upper section includes a plurality of circular contour holes, with two different diameters, in which they are arranged such that a larger diameter hole is interleaved with a smaller diameter hole.

Preferably, the length of the lateral profile is a multiple value of the passage related to the holes arranged below the hexagonal contour perforations.

In a particular case of the invention, the transport means comprise a plurality of rotating rollers adjacent to each other, whose ends of the rollers are coupled in holes made in the central section of each of the two lateral profiles.

According to the invention, at each junction point between the lateral profile and a rotating roller there is provided a protection element in which the rotating roller is partially inserted, said protection element being fixed in the inner part of the lateral profile.

Preferably, the protection element is formed by a single piece having a flat base provided with a central section with a through hole through which a head of the end of the rotating roller and two substantially semi-cylindrical side sections opposed to each other are inserted that partially wrap the head of the rotating roller and of those that protrude straight fins from each of the substantially semi-cylindrical lateral sections. The rear face of the flat base includes two lugs that act as a fixation of the protection element on the lateral profile, each having a plurality of radially arranged cuts that provide flexibility for placement and / or removal in the holes provided in the lateral profiles.

Said lugs may have a substantially hexagonal shape that are fit with the hexagonal contour perforations.

Thus, the protection element described above has the following advantages:

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protection against personal damages of the belt transmission thanks to the incorporation of said protection element to the roller transport means;

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screw fixing to the lateral profile thanks to the presence of the lugs that enter and fit with a slight pressure on the perforations provided on the lateral profile;

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versatility for different passages between rollers, thanks to the fact that each protection element does not cover the gap generated between two rollers, but covers the space next to a roller and, therefore, does not affect its shape or dimensions the distance between rollers;

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visibility of the operation of the transmission belt without the need to remove the protection element, thanks to the fact that said protection element does not fully cover the moving elements but is located in the inner movement zone of the transmission belts; Y

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simplicity and a reduced cost in the manufacture of the protection element by being formed in a single piece of plastic material.

According to another characteristic of the invention, each one of the lateral profiles of the transport module supports, above and along these, a channeling profile, for example with a substantially "C" shape, as a guide for the boxes or similar to circulating through the transport means, said channeling profile being coupled to the lateral profile by means of fixing.

Said fixing means consist of at least one fastening element that is fixed internally by fasteners to the lateral profile and superiorly by means of a socket with the channeling profile.

Preferably, said fastener may have an elongated body with a substantially "L" shaped shape provided with an undulation along it, in which the lower section is defined by two overlapping folds provided with through holes for the passage of fasteners and the upper section of said body includes folded and facing fins that protrude from the lateral edge of the body, such that the folded fins, in a coupling condition, are embedded in the channeling profile.

In a second alternative of the invention, the clamping element can be constituted by an elongated body with a lower base formed by two overlapping folds provided with through holes, an elongated intermediate section that is inclined with respect to an axis perpendicular to the base lower, which includes a pair of fins that protrude laterally and face each other, such that, in a coupling condition, they are embedded in the channeling profile. In particular, this second fastening element is usable in transport modules where the means of transport is by rollers driven by transmission belts, on the side of the transport section where the transmission belts, called the drive side, are located for the purpose of prevent transported units from invading the area of the rollers occupied by the belts and the transmission heads.

It is also another object of the invention to provide a curved path transport module, in particular for a box transport system or the like comprising a support structure such as that described above as well as transport means with a curvilinear path, such as a band, rollers or the like that are supported by said support structure, through which a box or the like moves, characterized by the fact that it comprises two curved lateral profiles that run concentrically with each other, each of them with a substantially "L" shaped cross section, whose vertical section of the cross section is provided with a plurality of holes arranged along its entire length and the folded (horizontal) section provides an inertia to said cross section, in the that the lateral profile of the outer zone is inverted in position relative to the lateral profile of the inner zone rior.

In a preferred embodiment, the curved lateral profile located in the inner zone has a constant radius of curvature, while the curved lateral profile located in the outer zone has a variable radius of curvature as a function of the total width of the transport module. This curved side profile may comprise a plurality of perforations with a hexagonal contour arranged aligned and longitudinally, such perforations being equidistant with a predetermined passage, in which the perforations of hexagonal contour in the profile of the inner zone are radially aligned with the perforations Hexagonal contour of the outer area profile.

Additionally, the curved side profile of the inner and outer zone can also comprise a plurality of horizontal grooves. These grooves are combined with the inclined grooves of the support legs described above, so that vertical and angular adjustment can be achieved.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a transport circuit for the movement of boxes or the like, characterized by the fact that it comprises a plurality of transport modules with rectilinear path and curvilinear path, which are coupled to each other defining a path for the transport of boxes and the like.

It is another object of the invention to provide a control system for a box transport circuit and the like, in which the circuit comprises a plurality of electronically managed transport modules (of the type described above), provided with means for controlling the parameters. functional, such as the speed and / or acceleration associated with the transport means mounted on the transport modules and detection means of the elements that are transported. In particular, it is characterized by the fact that the management of the circuit is established by a plurality of divisions, each defined by control means and detection means associated with at least one transport module, defining such divisions control modules. independent of the physical divisions in transport modules, each division being linked to a control connection box distributed by the transport circuit. Each control connection box is connected to a common power transmission cable and a common data transmission cable connected to a control unit.

It should be noted that each division may occupy more than one physical transport module or only a part of the transport module, so such divisions should not coincide with the area defined by a transport module.

Thanks to these characteristics, simplification and reduction of manufacturing and storage costs of the transport modules are allowed, thanks to the fact that the mechanical part and the electrical and electronic control part can be manufactured and stored independently. Another advantage is also that any change can be made at the distribution level or parameterization of the divisions at the control level at any time independently, depending on the needs of the user.

Other features and advantages of the transport system object of the present invention will be apparent from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment, which is illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which.

Brief description of the drawings

Figure 1.- It is a front elevation view of a support leg according to the invention;

Figure 2.- It is a side elevation view of the support leg shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3.- It is a perspective view of the support leg shown in Figure 1;

Figure 4.- It is a view in lower section of the leg represented in the previous figures along the line A-A;

Figure 5.- It is a perspective view of a first embodiment of a support structure according to the invention;

Figure 6.- It is a perspective view of a second embodiment of the support structure of the invention;

Figure 7.- It is a detailed perspective view of the lower end of the support leg and the crossbar joint;

Figure 8.- It is an elevational view of the joint region of the upper part of a support leg with a lateral profile;

Figures 9A and 9B.-They are elevational views of the joint region of the upper part of a support leg with a lateral profile with a non-inclined and inclined positioning, respectively;

Figure 10.-It is a perspective view of a support leg with a height adjustment system at the bottom;

Figure 11.- It is a perspective view of an alternative variant of a support structure according to the present invention;

Figure 12.- It is a perspective view of a horizontal crossbar that is part of the support structure with four fixing points;

Figure 13.- It is a view of the elevation of the crossbar shown in Figure 12;

Figure 14.- They are cross-sectional views of the C-C, D-D, E-E and F-F cuts made in the crossbar shown in Figure 13;

Figure 15.-It is a perspective view of a transport module of the type with rollers according to the invention;

Figure 16.- It is a perspective view of a transport module of the band type according to the invention;

Figure 17.- It is a perspective view of the transport module of the roller type with an H-shaped support structure with height adjustment system at the lower end;

Figure 18A and 18B.-They are frontal views of the lateral profile provided in a transport module according to the invention;

Figure 19.- It is a perspective view of the lateral profile shown in Figure 18;

Figure 20.- It is a detailed perspective view of one end of the lateral profile shown in Figure 19;

Figure 21.-It is a perspective perspective view of a detection system housed in the lateral profile of the transport module;

Figure 22.-It is a perspective view of a curved path transport module according to the present invention;

Figure 23.-It is a perspective view of an inner curved side profile section used in the curved path transport module;

Figure 24.-It is a perspective view of an outer curved side profile section used in the curved path transport module;

Figure 25.-It is a perspective perspective view of the assembly of the rollers with the belt protections in a transport module of the invention;

Figure 26. - It is a perspective perspective view of the belt drive between rollers with the protection of the assembled belt;

Figure 27.-It is a front perspective view of the protection element of the transmission belt between rollers;

Figure 28.-It is a rear perspective view of the protection element shown in Figure 27;

Figure 29.-It is a perspective view of a transport module with channeling profiles;

Figure 30.-It is a front view of the transport module shown in Figure 29 with two different fasteners for the routing profiles;

Figure 31.-It is a perspective view of one of the fasteners shown in Figures 29 and 30;

Figure 32. - It is a perspective view of detail corresponding to the fastener shown in Figure 31;

Figure 33.-It is a perspective view of a section of a channeling profile with a second embodiment of a fastener;

Figure 34.-It is a detailed perspective view of the embodiment of the fastener shown in Figure 33;

Figure 35.-It is a perspective view of a transport circuit for boxes and the like;

Figure 36.-It is a schematic view of a control and management system of a section of the circuit represented in Figure 35.

Description of a preferred embodiment

Next, a transport system used to carry boxes and the like from an initial point to an end point will be described. Said system is formed by a circuit, as has been generally represented in Figure 35, which in turn consists of a plurality of transport modules, of rectilinear and curvilinear trajectory, which are coupled to each other by well-known means. (so it will not go into greater detail in its description), defining a path through which the elements to be transported move.

In general, each of the transport modules consists of two main parts, a lower support structure and means of transport located in the upper part through which the elements to be transported (C) pass. In the embodiments shown here, the transport means consist of a plurality of rollers driven by means of a transmission belt, although it will be apparent from any person skilled in the art that other means of transport can be employed, such as, for example, transport belts. .

Next, the various parts of which the transport modules are formed will be described in detail:

Support leg

The support leg, indicated in general with reference (1), is the main element that forms the support structure of each of the transport modules. In particular, as can be seen more clearly in Figures 1 to 3, said support leg comprises an elongated profile of metallic material having a central section (1a) that has a double corrugation (101) that confers rigidity and inertia using little thickness of lock. Said central section (1a) also has a series of perforations (102) spread over its entire height that allow the fixing of different crossbars. Mention that the arrangement of crossbars is a function of the height and width of each transport module.

The upper end section (1b) having a vertical flat area (103) that adapts to lateral profiles located in the transport modules (described in more detail below).

In addition, the profile has a lower end section (1c) having a right angle bend of the profile, so that a horizontal and partially flat support base remains. In this section of lower end (1c) a central undulation is included that provides a greater degree of rigidity and holes (104) in the support base that allow the fixation, for example, by means of anchors or fasteners.

In an alternative embodiment of another support leg (1 '), according to Figure 10, the upper end section (1b') may incorporate a folded sheet portion (105) with the purpose of being used as a means of support for means of transport. In the section of the lower end (1c ’) threaded rods (106) and nuts (107) are incorporated that allow the height adjustment of the means of transport.

Support structure

This structure is what forms the bottom of a transport module that supports the means of transport. Basically, this structure is constituted by two support legs (1), like the ones described above, facing each other that are joined by one or more crossbars (2), in such a way that they form a flat lattice structure, where the number of Transoms (2) can be variable as well as their arrangement depending on the height and width of the transport module.

In Figures 5 and 6 two embodiments of the support structure are shown within the scope of the present invention, that of Figure 6 provided with a single crossbar (2) inclined while, in the case of Figure 5, they have provided two crossbars (2) inclined in opposite directions.

The support structure is advantageously provided with a regulation system that allows to adjust the support legs in height and inclination in a simple and practical way, so that no additional element is required.

This is achieved by a gradual change of the double undulating profile that forms the support leg (1), so that in the upper end section (1b) there is a partially flat surface that incorporates two elongated grooves or collisions ( 108) and inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis, from which, in combination with the horizontal grooves described above, existing in the vertical wall of the lateral profiles, a relative displacement of the lateral profile of the transport means with respect to the support leg (1), both vertically and angularly, as indicated by arrows in Figure 8.

Figure 11 shows another embodiment of support structure, in which common parts with the previous embodiments have the same numerical references. This support structure is also formed by two support legs (1 ’) joined together with a single horizontal crossbar (2’) and variable in length depending on the width of the means of transport. Each end of the crossbar (2 ’) joins the support legs (1’) by means of four bolted joints (4) that ensure the stability and rigidity of the assembly with a single crossbar. In this case, the crossbar (see Figures 12, 13 and 14) is made up of a sheet metal profile folded along its entire length, with a thin section and specially designed folds, which confers sufficient inertia and stiffness. to the crossbar in question to fulfill the functions of stiffening and connection screwed at its ends. In particular, two undulations (201) are seen longitudinally, which protrude in opposite directions from each other, and each of these undulations (201) undergoes at its 2 ends a progressive deformation and a discontinuity such that they define housings through which they pass said hardware elements. The arrangement described avoids the use of welding techniques or additional joining elements.

Transport module

The transport module, indicated in general with reference (5), is the modular parts that are part of a circuit that are generally comprised of the support structure described above, indicated generally with reference (6), and higher means of transport through which the boxes or the like are moved to be transported from one point to another.

In addition, two lateral profiles (7) are provided which run parallel to each other, arranged one on each side of the means of transport between which the means of transport are arranged, in this case represented, a plurality of rollers (8) which they are coupled to such lateral profiles (7) through holes or perforations provided along the lateral profiles (7) described below in detail.

Depending on the dimensions of the elements to be transported, especially in the transverse direction to the transport direction, the width of each transport module (5) will be different to adapt to such dimensions, for which the length will be properly con fi gured. of the crossbars (2) of the support structures (6), as well as their quantity and arrangement between the support legs.

The transport modules, as mentioned above, can have a straight or curvilinear trajectory, depending on the needs of the user.

Now, with particular reference to a straight transport module, represented in Figure 15, the lateral profiles (7) have a section that is substantially "S" shaped so that it can be adapted to different means of transport, whether rollers (8 ) or bands or their different variations or the respective drive means used. In Figure 16 a transport module of similar characteristics is shown as shown in Figure 15 with the main difference of the installed means of transport, where in Figure 16 such transport means are of the band type (9).

Entering in greater detail in the lateral profile (7), it presents a central section (7a) (which adopts a vertical wall arrangement when mounted on the transport module) where a series of perforations are available at different heights and geometries. In this central section (7a) the main components of the transport means, such as the transport rollers, driving rollers, etc., are usually fixed.

As can be seen in detail in Figure 18, the lateral profile (7) also has a lower section (7b) and a lateral fin (7c) that confers rigidity to such a lateral profile and that facilitates cable channeling and fixing. of some elements necessary for the proper functioning of the means of transport and; an upper section (7d) and an upper flap (7e) that also confers rigidity to the lateral profile (7) and facilitates the fixation of additional elements, such as detectors or channeling profiles, which are described in greater detail. ahead.

With regard to the different perforations provided in the lateral profiles (7), the following perforations are arranged:

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Hexagonal contour perforations (10), separated equidistant by an "e" passage, which are used for fixing without transport roller screws;

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Drills (11) separated in an equidistant manner with a step "p" which is triple the step "e" and are used for the passage of the electrical connections associated with the rollers and the detection elements;

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Additional drills (12) separated by a step "e";

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Groups of four slots (13) arranged horizontally that are essentially intended for

fixation of the support legs (1) and which are directly linked to the adjustment means in

height and inclination of the support legs (1), as seen in Figure 9;

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Drills (14) sandwiched between each two groups of grooves (13) with various functions, among which are the crossbar fixation (2).

Additionally, double perforations (15) can be provided in the lower section (7b) of the lateral profile (7), two drills having been provided at the same pace as the groups of four grooves (13). In the same way, a series of holes (16) normally located at each step "p" that are used for the fixation of additional elements can be arranged on the lower side flap (7c).

As can also be seen in Figures 20 and 21, in the upper section (7d) of the lateral profile (7) a series of holes can be seen in which some of larger diameter (17) with smaller ones (18) are inserted. . The larger diameter holes (17) are used for the detection of detection photocells (19) for the elements to be transported (boxes and the like), while the smaller diameter holes (18) are used for the fixing of reflection mirrors (20) for the correct operation of said detection photocells (19).

The detection photocells (19) used have the particularity of being cylindrical and launching a detection beam in a direction perpendicular to the axis of the cylinder of the photocell body. The cylindrical shape and its small size allow it to be fixed directly on the side profile (7) of one side of the transport module, in particular in the hole

(17) without the need to use additional supports, either for their fixation in the lateral profile (7) or to regulate the working angle of the detection beam. At the same time, the connection part of the detection photocell (19) corresponding to the lower part thereof is not exposed to possible accidental shocks due to the "S" shape of the cross section of the lateral profile (7).

It is worth mentioning that the length "L" of the lateral profiles (7) is a multiple value of the main passage "p" and each lateral profile (7) starts, regardless of its length, always with a hole in the step " p ”.

Next, reference will be made to a transport module with curvilinear trajectory and to figures 22, 23 and 24, indicated in general with reference (21), which presents some differences with respect to the straight path transport module (5 ) which has been described previously. In particular, this transport module is characterized by having lateral profiles (22, 23) with a predetermined radius of curvature in which the transport means are supported. The support structure (6) is the same as in the transport module (5).

Such curved side profiles (22, 23) have an "L" shaped section with the particularity that in the case of the outer curved profile (22) the "L" section is inverted, which facilitates the production process of the curved both in the inner curved profile (23) and in the outer curved profile (22). The inner curved profile (23) has a bent fin (23a) at an angle of approximately 90 degrees at the lower end or flange while the outer curved profile (22) has a bent fin (22a) at the upper end or flange. Such bent fins provide the curved side profile with greater stiffness and inertia to the section of the latter to withstand the minimum thickness required.

The curved side profiles (22, 23) also have a plurality of through holes, see Figures 23 and 24, which are as follows:

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Hexagonal contour perforations (24) equidistant by an "ei" step in the inner curved profile

and a step "ee" on the outer curved profile in order to accommodate the ends of the screws without screws

transport rollers (8);

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Drills (25) interspersed between the hexagonal perforations and a multiple of the "ei" and "ee" passages respectively, with the purpose of defining supports used to establish channeling profiles;

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Drills (26) located at a multiple step of the steps "ei" and "ee" for the fixation of the detection elements of the means of transport;

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A series of pairs of horizontal grooves (27) located at a multiple step of the steps "ei" and "ee" with the purpose of setting the support legs (1, 1 ").

It should be mentioned that the inner curved profile (23) always has the same radius while the radius of the outer curved profile (22) is variable depending on the width of the means of transport.

It is possible to achieve different angles or curve lengths by varying the length of the curved profiles, both inside and outside, at intervals equal to the step "ei" and "ee" respectively between perforations for transport rollers (8).

Protection element

As shown in Figures 25 and 26, at each junction point between the side profile (7) and a transport roller (8) there is provided a protective element (28) in which the transport roller is partially inserted ( 8), said protection element (28) being fixed on the inside of the lateral profile (7). It has the function of preventing personal injury due to the movement of the transmission belts (29) and the transport rollers, in which said transmission belts (29) mesh with transmission heads (30) located at the ends of said rollers of transport (8). Thus, the possibility of accidentally inserting the fingers is eliminated

or the hands in the path of the transmission belt (29) and, therefore, prevent that due to the movement of said transmission belt (29) and the rotation of the transport rollers (8) the fingers or hand can be absorbed and damaged by said moving elements.

As can be seen in greater detail in Figures 27 and 28, this protection element (28) is formed by a single piece of injection moldable plastic material, which has a flat base provided with a central section (28a) with a hole through (28b) through which a transmission head (30) of the end of the transport roller (8) and two substantially semi-cylindrical side sections (28c) opposite each other partially enclose the transmission head (30) of the roller of transport (8) and straight fins (28d) protruding from each of the substantially semi-cylindrical lateral sections.

The two substantially semi-cylindrical side sections (28c) have the function of protecting the transmission head

(30) on the front and rear sides according to the direction of travel of the conveyor.

The rear face of the flat base includes two studs (28e) having a plurality of radially arranged cuts (see Figure 28). The two studs (28e) have a substantially hexagonal shape that are fittable with the hexagonal contour perforations explained above.

Channel Profile and Clamping Elements

Intermediate fasteners (31, 32) are arranged between the lateral profiles (7) and the routing profiles (33) that prevent the elements to be transported from deviating from the transport zone on the transport rollers (8). Two different types of fasteners are provided as described below:

A first fastener (31) that places the guiding surface on the same vertical side wall of the side profile (7) of the transport module (5, 21). The clamping element (31) is made of a single piece of sheet metal with several folds that give it a structural rigidity and allow the clamping profile to be secured without the need for a screw connection. As can be seen in Figures 30, 31 and 32, the clamping element (31) is formed by a vertical section of folded sheet in the form of "L" (31a), having a lower support base (31b) formed by two parts of the same piece folded over each other and provided with through holes. Partially there is a fold in the form of undulation in a longitudinal direction (31c) (vertical direction) that provides structural rigidity. In the upper part there are two folded fins (31d, 31e), one fin (31d) with double projection up and down and one fin (31e) with only one projection down. These two fins (31d, 31e) are intended to be inserted inside the "C" shaped section of the routing profile (33) and, by turning the fastener, both fins (31d, 31e) remain. and its projections fitted in such a way with the channeling profile (33), that a sufficiently strong connection is achieved, after fixing more than one support of the same channeling profile on a lateral profile of a transport module (5, 21 ).

A second fastener (32) is one that has a general inclined configuration and shown in Figures 33 and 34. In particular, this second fastener is also formed in a single piece of sheet metal with several folds that confers rigidity and , at the same time, they give the appropriate form to hold the channeling profile (33) without the need for a screw connection with said channeling profile (33), as is also the case with the clamping element described above. The body of the clamping element (32) has an inclined section (32a) of folded "U" sheet with a lower support base (32b) formed by two parts of the same piece folded one on the other. In the upper area of the inclined section (32a) two fins (32c, 32d) are included, one fin (32c) with double projection up and down and the other fin (32d) with only one projection down, as can be seen clearly in Figure 34. These two fins (32c, 32d) are intended to be inserted inside the "C" -shaping profile (33), and by turning the piece with respect to the profile, both fins remain and its projections fitted in such a way with the profile that a sufficiently strong connection is achieved, after fixing more than one support of the same channeling profile (33) on a lateral profile (7) of a transport module (5, 21 ).

The control of the transport circuit depicted in Figure 35 is carried out by configuring a plurality of divisions, also referred to hereinafter as parcels, which do not necessarily have to physically coincide with the various transport modules that are part of the circuit. Of transport.

Such plots should be understood as electrical and electronic control units responsible for controlling speed, acceleration, the detection of objects through the track (defined by means of transport).

This control system allows to configure and vary at any time, independently of the physical division of the transport modules (5), the functional characteristics of the plots (40). This is achieved thanks to the fact that the different control elements that are provided on each plot are easily pluggable at any point along the length of the transport modules and, in turn, can be configured separately as regards at the level of parameters, such as speed or acceleration regardless of the rest of the circuit.

The detection system or working mode can be configured in each plot (40) independently to the other plots and to the physical transport sections. To do this, as can be seen in Figure 36, each plot (40) is electrically connected to a control connection box (41) of those distributed along the transport circuit, without ruling out the possibility that some or some plots (40) are occupying more than one transport module (5) (physically speaking) or only a partial section thereof, and in which each control connection box (41) is connected on one side to a transmission cable of power (42) and, on the other hand, to a data transmission cable (43).

The details, shapes, dimensions and other accessory elements, as well as the materials used in the manufacture of the transport system of the invention may be conveniently substituted by others that are technically equivalent and do not depart from the essentiality of the invention or the scope defined by the claims included below.

Claims (32)

one.

Support leg (1), for a support structure that is part of a box transport system and the like comprising a profile, characterized by the fact that said profile has a central section (1a) whose section is composed of two undulations separated by a straight area, said central section including a plurality of perforations arranged along the length of the straight zone of the section, an upper end section (1b) in which a progressive transformation of said two undulations is performed (101) of the central section (1a) until it becomes a vertical flat area of greater width than the central section adopting a substantially trapecial shape, and a lower end section (1c) provided with a right angle bend suitable for resting on a ground-like surface, which includes some drills.

2.

Support leg (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the lower end section (1c) has a central undulation that is continuity of the straight area of the section of the central section (1a) of the profile.

3.

Support leg (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the upper end section (1b) has two elongated grooves, the longitudinal axes of which are arranged at a slightly inclined angle and symmetrical with respect to each other, in relation to the longitudinal axis of the central section (1st).

Four.

Support leg (1 ') according to claims 1, characterized in that the upper end section (1b') has a folded sheet portion (105) protruding outward in a horizontal plane.

5.

Support structure (6) comprising two vertical support legs (1) joined together by at least one crossbar (2, 2 '), between which transport means for the movement of boxes and the like is mountable, characterized by the fact that each of the support legs (1) comprises a profile according to claim 1, wherein said at least one crossbar (2, 2 ') is linked in the perforations of the two support legs (1) .

6.

Support structure (6) according to claim 5, characterized in that the crossbar is linked to the support legs (1) by means of fastener elements that are engaged in folds made at the lateral ends of said crossbar, such that the crossbar has two undulations longitudinally, which protrude in opposite directions to each other, and each of these undulations presents at its two ends a progressive deformation and a discontinuity such that they define housings through which said fasteners pass.

7.

Support structure (6) according to claim 5, characterized in that it has a plurality of crossbars arranged such that an upper and lower crossbar are arranged perpendicular to the support leg (1) and intermediate crossbars are arranged in an inclined axis with respect to a horizontal plane.

8.

Transport module (5), in particular for a box transport system or the like comprising a support structure (6) according to claim 5 and means of transport with a straight path, such as a belt, rollers or the like that are supported by said support structure (6), through which a box or the like moves, characterized by the fact that it comprises two lateral profiles (7) that run parallel and symmetrical with each other, each with a section transverse substantially in the form of "S", between which the means of transport are located, and which are coupled in the support legs (1),

wherein the "S" section of each lateral profile (7) is defined by a vertical central section (7a) provided with a plurality of perforations where the transport means are coupled; a lower section (7b) that extends horizontally and ends with an ascending vertical portion as a lateral fin (7c); and an upper section (7d) that extends horizontally and ends with a descending vertical portion as an upper fin (7e), in which both upper (7d) and lower (7b) sections include a plurality of holes.

9.

Transport module (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that the vertical central section (7a) of the "S" section of each lateral profile (7) comprises a plurality of perforations (10) with a hexagonal contour arranged alignedly and longitudinally, such perforations being equally spaced with a predetermined pitch.

10.

Transport module (5) according to claim 8 and 9, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of holes or holes (11) arranged below the hexagonal contour perforations with a passage between each equivalent to three passages between perforations of hexagonal contour

eleven.

Transport module (5) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the horizontally extending upper section (7d) includes a plurality of circular contour holes (17, 18), with two groups of different diameters, in which they are arranged in such a way that a larger diameter hole is inserted

(17) with a hole of smaller diameter (18), in which each pair of holes has a passage between pairs equivalent to three passages between the perforations of hexagonal contour (10). 12. Transport module (5) according to claims 8 and 10, characterized in that the length of the lateral profile (7) is a multiple value of the passage related to the holes arranged below the hexagonal contour perforations (10 ). 13. Transport module (5) according to claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the lateral profile (7) comprises groups of four horizontal grooves (13) arranged along the vertical central section of the "S" section of the lateral profile (7).

14.

Transport module (5) according to claims 8, 9 and 13, characterized in that the "S" section of each lateral profile (7) comprises holes intercalated between each two groups of four slots (13), arranged to along the vertical central section of the "S" section of the lateral profile (7).

fifteen.

Transport module (5) according to claim 8, characterized in that the transport means comprise a plurality of rotating rollers (8) adjacent to each other, whose ends of the rotating rollers (8) are coupled in holes made in the central section of each of the two lateral profiles (7).

16.

Transport module (5) according to claim 15, characterized in that a protective element (28) in which it is partially provided at each junction point between the side profile (7) and a rotating roller (8) is provided the rotating roller (8) is inserted, said protection element (28) being fixed in the inner part of the lateral profile (7).

17.

Transport module (5) according to claim 16, characterized in that the protection element (28) is formed by a single piece having a flat base provided with a central section (28a) with a through hole (28b) through which a transmission head (30) of the end of the rotating roller is inserted

(8) and two substantially semi-cylindrical side sections (28c) opposite each other that partially envelop the transmission head (30) of the rotating roller (8) and of those that protrude from each of the substantially semi-cylindrical side sections (28c) fins straight (28d).

18.

Transport module (5) according to claim 17, characterized in that the rear face of the flat base of the protection element (28) includes two lugs (28e) having a plurality of radially arranged cuts.

19.

Transport module (5) according to claims 9 and 18, characterized in that the lugs of the protection element (28) have a substantially hexagonal shape that are fittable with the hexagonal contour perforations (10).

twenty.

Transport module (5) according to claim 17, characterized in that the part of the protection element (28) is made of injection moldable plastic material.

twenty-one.

Transport module (5) according to claim 9, characterized in that each of the lateral profiles (7) supports, in their upper length, a channel profile (33) as a guide for the boxes or similar to circulating through of the transport means, said channeling profile (33) being coupled to the lateral profile by means of fixing.

22

Transport module (5) according to claim 21, characterized in that said fixing means consist of at least one fastening element (31, 32) which is fixed inferiorly by fasteners to the lateral profile and superiorly by means of a socket with the channeling profile (33).

2. 3.

Transport module (5) according to claim 21, characterized in that said channeling profile (33) has a substantially "C" shaped cross section.

24.

Transport module (5) according to claims 22 and 23, characterized in that the clamping element (31) has an elongated body with a substantially "L" shaped shape provided with an undulation along it, wherein the lower base (31b) is defined by two overlapping folds provided with through holes for the passage of fasteners and the upper section of said body includes folded fins (31d, 31e) and facing each other protruding from the edge lateral to the body, such that the folded fins (31d, 31e), in a coupling condition, are fitted in the channeling profile (33).

25.

Transport module (5) according to claims 22 and 23, characterized in that the clamping element (32) has an elongated body with a lower base formed by two overlapping folds provided with through holes, an elongated intermediate section which is inclined (32a) of folded sheet in a "U" shape with respect to an axis perpendicular to the lower base (32b), which includes a pair of fins protruding laterally and facing each other, such that, in a coupling condition , are fitted in the channeling profile (33).

26.

Transport module with curved path, in particular for a box transport system or the like comprising a support structure (6) according to claim 5 and means of transport with a curvilinear path, such as a belt, rollers or the like that are supported by said support structure, through which a box or the like moves, characterized by the fact that it comprises two curved lateral profiles

(22, 23) that run concentrically with each other, each with a substantially "L" shaped cross section, whose vertical section of the cross section is provided with a plurality of holes arranged along its entire length, wherein the curved lateral profile of the outer zone (22) is inverted in position relative to the curved lateral profile of the inner zone (23).

27.

Transport module with curved trajectory according to claim 26, characterized in that the curved lateral profile located in the inner zone (23) has a constant radius of curvature, while the curved lateral profile located in the outer zone (22) It has a variable radius of curvature depending on the total width of the transport module.

28.

Transport module with curved path according to claim 26, characterized in that the curved side profile of the inner and outer area (22, 23) comprises a plurality of perforations located in the vertical section of the cross section with a hexagonal contour (24) arranged alignedly and longitudinally, such perforations having a hexagonal contour (24) distanced equidistantly with a predetermined passage "ei", in which the perforations of hexagonal contour (24) in the profile of the inner zone are radially aligned with the hexagonal contour perforations (24) of the outer area profile.

29.

Transport module with curved path according to claim 26, characterized in that the curved side profile of the inner and outer area (22, 23) comprises a plurality of horizontal grooves (27).

30

Transport circuit for the movement of boxes or the like, characterized in that it comprises a plurality of transport modules with rectilinear trajectory according to claim 8 and curvilinear trajectory according to claim 26, which are coupled to each other defining a path through the which move boxes and the like.

31.

Control system for a transport circuit for boxes and the like, wherein the circuit comprises a plurality of transport modules with rectilinear trajectory according to claim 8 and curvilinear trajectory according to claim 26, electrically and electronically managed, provided with control means of the functional parameters, such as the speed and / or acceleration associated with the means of transport mounted on the transport modules and means of detection of the elements that are transported, characterized by the fact that the management of the circuit is established by means of a plurality of divisions (40), each defined by control means and detection means associated with at least one transport module, such divisions defining control modules independent of the physical divisions in transport modules, each division being linked to a control connection box (41) distributed by the circuit or transport,

wherein each control connection box (41) is connected to a common power transmission cable (42) and a common data transmission cable (43) connected to a control unit. SPANISH OFFICE OF THE PATENTS AND BRAND Application no .: 201130775 SPAIN Date of submission of the application: 13.05.2011 Priority Date: REPORT ON THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE 51 Int. Cl.: B65G13 / 11 (2006.01) B65G21 / 06 (2006.01) RELEVANT DOCUMENTS

Category

Documents cited Claims Affected

TO

DE 202005020117 U1 (HARO ANLAGENTECHNIK GMBH) 04.13.2006, 1,5,6,8,15,30

figures 1,2; summary.

TO

JP 2003292134 A (OKURA YUSOKI CO LTD) 15.10.2003, 1,6,7

figures 1.9.

TO

US 2008245641 A1 (SCHROEDER JONATHAN R) 09.10.2008, 8-15

paragraphs 43-47; figure 6.

TO

DE 10241348 A1 (KNAPP LOGISTIK AUTOMATION) 25.03.2004, 15.17.20

summary; figures 2.9.

TO

US 3848732 A (CATALANO J) 19.11.1974, 21,22,26-29

column 2, line 12 - column 3, line 35; Figure 1.

TO

WO 2006063012 A2 (PORTEC INC) 06.15.2006, 21,22,26-30

paragraphs 126-129; figure 23.

TO

US 4232774 A (GUNTI ROLF) 11.11.1980, fifteen

column 6, line 25 - column 9, line 29; figure 15.

TO

DE 4133808 A1 (HARO FOERDERELEMENTE HACKLAEND) 27.05.1992, fifteen

Figure 1; summary.

TO

WO 02051726 A2 (LUTZ DAVID W) 04.07.2002, 7

Figure 1.

Category of the documents cited X: of particular relevance Y: of particular relevance combined with other / s of the same category A: reflects the state of the art O: refers to unwritten disclosure P: published between the priority date and the date of priority submission of the application E: previous document, but published after the date of submission of the application

This report has been prepared • for all claims • for claims no:

Date of realization of the report 21.12.2011

Examiner M. I. Esteban Gil Page 1/5

REPORT OF THE STATE OF THE TECHNIQUE Application number: 201130775 Minimum documentation searched (classification system followed by classification symbols) B65G Electronic databases consulted during the search (name of the database and, if possible, terms of search used) INVENES, EPODOC State of the Art Report Page 2/5  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201130775 Date of Written Opinion: 21.12.2011 Statement

Novelty (Art. 6.1 LP 11/1986)

Claims Claims 1-31 IF NOT

Inventive activity (Art. 8.1 LP11 / 1986)

Claims Claims 1-31 IF NOT

The application is considered to comply with the industrial application requirement. This requirement was evaluated during the formal and technical examination phase of the application (Article 31.2 Law 11/1986).  Opinion Base.- This opinion has been made on the basis of the patent application as published. State of the Art Report Page 3/5  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201130775 1. Documents considered.- The documents belonging to the state of the art taken into consideration for the realization of this opinion are listed below.

Document

Publication or Identification Number publication date

D01

DE 202005020117 U1 (HARO ANLAGENTECHNIK GMBH) 04/13/2006

D02

JP 2003292134 A (OKURA YUSOKI CO LTD) 15.10.2003

D03

US 2008245641 A1 (SCHROEDER JONATHAN R) 09.10.2008

D04

DE 10241348 A1 (KNAPP LOGISTIK AUTOMATION) 03.25.2004

D05

US 3848732 A (CATALAN J) 19.11.1974

D06

WO 2006063012 A2 (PORTEC INC) 06.15.2006

D07

US 4232774 A (GUNTI ROLF) 11.11.1980

D08

DE 4133808 A1 (HARO FOERDERELEMENTE HACKLAEND) 05/27/1992

D09

WO 02051726 A2 (LUTZ DAVID W) 04.07.2002

2. Statement motivated according to articles 29.6 and 29.7 of the Regulations for the execution of Law 11/1986, of March 20, on Patents on novelty and inventive activity; quotes and explanations in support of this statement The invention claims in its first claim a support leg for a support structure that is part of a box transport system and the like comprising a profile that has a central section whose section is composed of two separate undulations of the straight area, said central section including a plurality of perforations arranged along the length of the straight zone of the section, an upper end section in which a progressive transformation of said undulations of the central section is carried out until it becomes a vertical flat area of wider than the central section adopting a substantially trapecial shape, and a lower end section provided with a right angle bend to rest on a floor-like surface that includes the holes. Documents D01 to D09 only reflect the state of the art. Document D01 discloses a support leg (27) for a support structure (4) that is part of a box transport system comprising a profile with a central section whose section is composed of two separate undulations of the straight area, said central section including a plurality of perforations (18,20,22) arranged along the length of the straight area of the section, and has a lower section (36) provided with a right angle bend to rest on a ground-like surface that includes a drill. It is differentiated with the invention that it does not have the upper zone providing this by adjusting the height and inclination of the support legs, which with the arrangement presented is not possible to tilt. Therefore, the invention in its second claim is new and has inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986). Claims 1 to 4 are dependent on the first claim and are therefore new and have inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986). In the second claim it is claimed that the lower end section has a central undulation which is continuity of the straight zone of the straight section section of the central zone. Said claim is a design claim does not provide any technical advantage in light of the description. In the third claim, the upper end section has two elongated grooves, the longitudinal axes of which are arranged at a slightly inclined angle and symmetrical with respect to the longitudinal axis of the central section, a feature that facilitates the inclination. In the fourth claim it is claimed that the upper end section has a folded sheet portion protruding outward in a horizontal plane, being a design feature. The invention claims in its fifth claim a support structure comprising the vertical support legs joined together by at least one crossbar between which transport means for the movement of boxes is mountable so that the crossbar is linked in the perforations of the two support legs of claim 1. It is an independent claim however as described makes it dependent on the first claim as it includes the support leg of the first claim. However, the characteristics of said claim are reflected in document D01 which discloses a support structure comprising two vertical support legs (27) joined together by at least one crossbar (42) between which transport means are mountable (8) for moving boxes in such a way that the crossbar is linked in the perforations (18,20,22) of the support legs. Claim 5 is dependent on the first claim and is therefore new and has inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986). In the sixth claim, a crossbar is claimed to be linked to the support legs by means of screw elements that are coupled in folds made on the lateral ends of said crossbar that longitudinally has two undulations, which protrude in opposite directions to each other, presenting two extremes a progressive deformation and a discontinuity such that define housings through which said hardware elements pass, are technical characteristics for coupling the hardware elements, which is carried out in different ways as shown in document D09, State of the Art Report Page 4/5  WRITTEN OPINION Application number: 201130775 In the seventh, it is claimed that the structure has a plurality of crossbars arranged an upper and lower crossbar arranged perpendicular to the support leg and intermediate crossbars are arranged on the inclined axis with respect to a horizontal plane, said features are disclosed in document D09 where there are crossbars (60) that are inclined with respect to the horizontal. The sixth and seventh claims are dependent on the fifth claim and are therefore new and have inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986) although the characteristics claimed in them are known in the state of the art for an expert in the field. In the eighth claim a transport module for boxes is claimed comprising a support structure and transport means with a straight path such as a band, rollers and the like supported by a support structure through which the box is moved comprising two lateral profiles that run parallel and symmetrical with each other, each of which with a substantially cross-sectional shape is "S", between which the means of transport are located, and which are supported on the support legs being defined by a vertical central section provided with a plurality of perforations where the transport means are coupled, a lower section that extends horizontally and ends with a descending vertical portion as an upper fin, in which both sections include a plurality of holes. It is an independent claim, however, it is dependent upon it by claiming the support structure of claim 5. Said features are disclosed in document D03 in which an "S" profile (102) with a plurality of perforations is disclosed (102). 104) where means of transport are coupled. Claim 8 is dependent on the fifth claim and is therefore new and has inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986). Claims 9 to 25 are dependent on the eighth claim and are therefore new and have inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986) Many of the technical characteristics claimed in said claims are disclosed through the documents that reflect the state of the art. Claims 9 to 14 are considered design claims, since they merely claim characteristics for the design of the transport system rather than for technical characteristics of which improvements are reported with respect to the state of the art, they are design variants for an expert in the matter. In claim 15, the transport means comprise a plurality of rotating rollers adjacent to each other, whose ends of the rotating rollers are coupled in holes made in the central section of each of the two side profiles. The use of the rollers and their coupling in holes is known to a person skilled in the art as shown in documents D01, D04, D07, D08. A protection element is provided between each connection point between the lateral profile and the rotating roller, in which the rotating roller is partially inserted, said protection element being fixed in the inner part of the lateral profile (claim 16), being formed by a single piece that has a flat base provided with a central section with a through hole through which a transmission head of the end of the rotating roller and two substantially semi-cylindrical lateral ends opposite each other that surround the transmission head of the rotating roller is inserted and of those protruding from each of the lateral sections straight fins (claim 17). Said flat base includes two lugs with a plurality of radially arranged cuts (claim 18) with a substantially hexagonal shape engaging with the hexagonal perforations (claim 19 ). No documents have been found that disclose the technical characteristics described in these claims. Claim 20 claims that the protection element is made of injection moldable plastic material, being a material claim and is known to those skilled in the art. Claim 21, the use of a guiding profile as a guide for the boxes or the like coupled to the side profile by fixing means is claimed, said technical characteristics are disclosed in documents D05 (references 17,18, 2) and in D06 (references 808 and 810 of Figure 23). Claim 26 is an independent claim, which claims a curved path transport module, for a box system comprising the support structure of claim 5, thus becoming dependent on it, since it is new and involves inventive activity, the Claim 26 is new and has inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986). The use of modules with curved paths is known to those skilled in the art as shown in documents D05, D06. Claims 27 to 29 are dependent on claim 26 and are therefore new and have inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986). Claim 30 claims a transport circuit for the displacement of boxes comprising a plurality of rectilinear path modules according to claim 8 and curvilinear according to the 26 coupled together, is a dependent of the foregoing however it is an obvious combination for an expert in matter and more than known. claim 26 is new and has inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986). Claim 31 claims a control system for the circuit, which contains elements that are known in the sector, however it is a dependent claim of 30 and therefore claim 31 is new and has inventive activity (Art.6.1 and 8.1 of patent law 11/1986). Since no document has been found that discloses all the technical characteristics of claim 1, the invention is new and has inventive activity in full of the claims despite the fact that many of the characteristics indicated therein are obvious or known by a skilled. State of the Art Report Page 5/5