FR2711630A1 - Link for motorised conveyor chain and endless chain conveyor equipped with such links - Google Patents

Abstract

The link for a motorised conveyor chain includes a cradle (6) which is open in its top part which permits elastic snap-fitting of the transverse support (7) on which the carrier members (8, 9) which define the conveying plane of the loads transported are mounted. This link is preferably produced in a monoblock manner from plastic material; it has the shape of a tuning fork with a cylindrical head (1) at the front which interacts with the motor means and two lateral wings (2) which extend rearwards. It also includes two parallel articulation pins (5) located at the ends; the cradle (6) receiving the transverse support (7) is arranged between the said pins (5) parallel to the latter. Application to conveyors of the motorised endless chain type which handle loads such as parcels, boxes or pallets.

Description

 The present invention relates to the general field of storage and handling by conveyance of loads of the parcel, bin, crate or pallet type, for example.

It relates more particularly to a chain link for a motorized conveyor of the endless chain type, as well as to the motorized conveyor which comprises one or more drive chains provided with such links.

 There are many types of conveyors consisting of endless motorized chains associated with bearing members in the form of rollers or rollers, for example, which define the plane for conveying the loads transported. The links of the motorized chain are arranged to receive and support these load-bearing members.

 By design, current conveyor devices are not very easy to install; in addition, once fitted, structural modifications and replacement of deteriorated parts or elements require fairly substantial intervention times which lead to periods of significant inactivity.

 The object of the present invention is to overcome these various drawbacks by proposing an improvement to the constituent links of the chains of motorized conveyors, capable of facilitating the mounting and dismounting of the carrying members which define the plane for conveying the loads transported.

 This chain link is of the type comprising means for receiving transverse supports on which are mounted the supporting members which define the plane for conveying the loads. According to the invention, these reception means consist of a cradle in the form of an open hub so as to allow an elastic snap-fitting of said transverse support.

 According to a preferred embodiment, this link is made of plastic; it is in the form of a tuning fork with a cylindrical head at the front, which cooperates with the drive means, and two lateral wings which extend towards the rear. I1 also comprises two parallel articulation axes, situated at the ends; the cradle for receiving the transverse support on which the carrier members are mounted is disposed between and parallel to these two axes.

 According to a first embodiment, the open cradle constitutes a one-piece leg between the two lateral wings. According to another embodiment, this cradle consists of a flange with housing, arranged on each wing, in a single piece.

 According to another arrangement of the invention, the receiving cradle has an opening restriction, over at least part of its length, to allow snap-fastening of the transverse support.

 According to another characteristic, the link comprises, in a single piece, lateral guide pads, associated, on either side, with longitudinal protective deflectors which are arranged to form a continuity from one link to the other.

 The invention also relates to the conveyor of the type comprising at least one motorized endless chain which consists of a juxtaposition of links, at least some of which consist of links as defined above.

 According to a first embodiment, this conveyor comprises chain links provided, in a single piece, with a cradle arranged on each of their lateral wings.

These links are associated with a roller arranged between their two lateral wings; the support of said roller, in the form of an axis or lateral pins, is snapped on either side into the corresponding cradle parts.

 According to another embodiment, the conveyor comprises supports for carrying members in the form of transverse rods snapped into the cradles for receiving the links.

 According to a particularly advantageous characteristic, these transverse rods are provided, at their ends, with means for blocking the carrying members, in the form of stops of the "bear paw" type, obtained by crushing or stamping said rod.

 According to a particular embodiment, the carrying members of the conveyor consist of a roller or roller, or of an assembly forming a skewer of rollers and / or rollers, idly mounted on the transverse rod.

 In this context, and according to another characteristic of the invention, the rollers or rollers which are situated at the end of the skewer comprise a recess arranged to accommodate the end of the support rod as well as the blocking system in the form of " bear Paw".

 According to another embodiment of the invention, the conveyor comprises load-bearing members made up of longitudinal pads arranged parallel to the drive chain or chains and mounted on transverse support rods.

 The corresponding pads are preferably provided with two orifices for their engagement on two successive transverse rods.

 According to a particular embodiment, these pads consist of a vertical central core provided with a cylindrical orifice and an oblong orifice for their engagement on the transverse support rods. These orifices are extended by lateral extensions which form pins, connected, on either side of the central core, by reinforcing wings.

 According to a preferred arrangement, the conveyor comprises a succession of transverse rows of pads, which pads, on each row, are arranged in abutment against each other, their lateral pins forming spacers of spacers.

 In order to be incorporated into the conveying circuits to ensure level changes (ascent / descent), the pads which equip this kind of conveyors are made of an adherent material, intended to limit as much as possible the sliding of the transported loads.

For other applications, in particular in the field of dynamic conveying, with accumulation for example, these pads may be made of a material suitable for promoting the sliding of the loads transported.

 The conveyor according to the invention may consist of a central chain, on either side of which are arranged the carrier members which are in the form of rollers, rollers, skids, or a combination of such elements.

This conveyor can also consist of at least two parallel chains between which the load-bearing members are arranged. In this case, these support members, in the form of rollers and / or rollers and / or pads can be distributed between and outside said chains.

 According to another embodiment, the conveying device is in the form of a dynamic accumulation conveyor, that is to say that it consists of two fixed lateral rails, in the form of a smooth longitudinal section or provided bearing elements in the form of rollers or rollers, associated with a retractable stop at its lower end. According to the invention, this conveyor also comprises a motorized chain disposed between the two lateral fixed rails, parallel to the latter. This or these chains are associated with at least one train of load-bearing members which defines a support plane arranged slightly above that defined by the side rails and which extends over a width less than that of the loads transported and over a length substantially corresponding to that of said loads.

An activator-type sequential drive system is thus formed, at the level of which the train (s) of carrier organs scroll for a period of time less than the intervention period, that is to say of removal or resumption charges.

 In this particular type of conveyor, it is possible to provide centering bars (single chain) or spacing maintenance bars (multi-chain), clipped onto free links.

 However, the invention will be further illustrated, without being in any way limited, by the following description of various embodiments, given solely by way of examples and represented in the appended drawings in which - FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a link of each, isolated, according to the invention - Figure 2 is a perspective view which shows another possible embodiment of the chain link according to the invention - Figure 3 is a schematic representation which shows a first mode of possible embodiment of a conveyor provided with chain links according to the invention, seen from above - Figure 4 is an end view of the conveyor of Figure 3 - Figure 5 is a partial view, enlarged, which shows the means for locking the carrying members on their support rod - Figure 6 is a schematic view from above, which shows another possible embodiment of the conveyor - Figure 7 is an end view of the convo Figure 6 - Figure 8 is a top view of a shoe which equips the conveyor of Figure 6 - Figure 9 is a side view of the shoe of Figure 8 - Figure 10 is a section along 10 -10 of Figure 8 - Figure 11 is a schematic view from above, which shows another possible embodiment of the conveyor according to the invention - Figure 12 is an end view of the conveyor of Figure 11 - the FIG. 13 is an enlarged view, in section along 13-13 which shows the means for centering the motorized chain - FIG. 14 is a schematic view, from above, which shows a type of conveyor derived from that shown in FIG. 11 - Figure 15 is an end view of the conveyor of Figure 14, at which we have shown the two types of lateral fixed rails, with rollers and rollers.

 The chain link, shown in Figure 1, is intended, by juxtaposition of identical or compatible elements, to form an endless chain for a motorized conveyor.

 The link is in the general form of a tuning fork, with a cylindrical head 1, at the front, and two lateral wings 2 which extend rearward. The cylindrical head 1 is shaped to cooperate with the notches of a toothed wheel which constitute the means of motorization of the chain, which will be illustrated below. The axis of cylinder 1 is substantially horizontal.

 The head 1 and the two lateral wings 2 have holes, respectively 3 and 4, which are intended to receive hinge pins 5 simply illustrated in dotted lines. These hinge pins 5 are arranged substantially horizontally at the ends of the link; they secure the links together, to form a chain. Note that the holes 4 made in the side wings 2 are cylindrical; their diameter is adapted to that of axis 5 which they receive. The orifice 3 produced in the head 1 has an oblong shape which gives the link the possibility of angular movement relative to the link immediately juxtaposed, to allow the chain to follow curved paths.

 The link is made by molding of material such as acetal resin, for example; the hinge pins 5 are in the form of cylindrical bars; they are made of metallic material, such as aluminum for example.

 The link also includes a cradle 6 in the form of a hub open in its upper part. This cradle 6 is arranged to receive the transverse supports in the form of cylindrical rods 7 on which are mounted the bearing members of the roller 8 or roller type 9 adapted to define the plane for conveying the loads transported.

 In the embodiment shown, the cradle 6 constitutes a one-piece leg consisting of a transverse cylinder 10 associated with two lateral reinforcements 11. This one-piece leg is disposed on and between the two side wings 2, parallel to the axes of articulation 5 of the link. The cradle 6 defines a housing for receiving the rod 7 adapted to arrange the latter transversely to the direction of advance of the chain.

This housing 6 is open da-ns its upper part to allow embedding or disembedding slightly by force of the support rod 7; it extends over a sufficient length to ensure correct maintenance of said rod.

 To improve and facilitate the locking of the rod 7 in the cradle 6, it is possible to provide one or more opening restrictions 12 along the length of the cradle 6. In FIG. 1, it can be seen that these restrictions 12 have been arranged at the ends of the cradle 6; they are adapted to ensure a snap-fit of the transverse support 7.

 A link of this type facilitates the mounting of the rollers 8 or rollers 9 on the motorized chain; these rollers or rollers can be mounted beforehand on their support axis 7. On the other hand, modifications to the structure of the installation and the replacement of damaged elements can be carried out very quickly, even by unqualified personnel.

 Such links can allow the production of single-chain conveyors, with rollers or rollers mounted on either side of said chain; they can also be used in the context of multi-chain conveyors, with rollers or rollers arranged between said chains, and possibly outside.

 In the context of a single-chain type conveyor installation, the links can be fitted with lateral studs 13 intended to cooperate with a profile of suitable shape arranged on the chassis of the installation to guide said chain, in curves in particular.

On either side of the side studs 13, we note the presence of longitudinal deflectors 14 which are arranged to form a lateral continuity, from one link to the other. The deflectors 14 fill the space between the guide pads 13 of the juxtaposed links; they avoid the jamming of any object between these guide pads 13, in particular during the winding of the chains around the end drums and they thereby protect the installation as well as the personnel responsible for its maintenance and use.

 In Figure 2, there is shown another possible embodiment of the chain links according to the invention.

 The two juxtaposed links of Figure 2 are in the general form of a tuning fork; they do not have guide pads or deflectors for protection. Their cradle 6 intended to receive the transverse supports on which the carrier members are mounted consists of two lateral flanges 15 arranged on each lateral wing 2. Each monobloc flange 15 carries a housing 16 also monobloc, of generally cylindrical shape, open in its upper part to accommodate and position a transverse support. The spacing between the two cylinder portions 16 ensures correct positioning of said supports, perpendicular to the direction of movement of the chain. Each housing 16 has an opening restriction 12 which allows an elastic and removable snap-on of said supports, slightly by force.

 Links of this type are particularly suitable for receiving a roller 17 positioned between the lateral wings 2, as illustrated in thin dashed lines in FIG. 2. This roller 17 can be mounted on the cradle 6 by means of a transverse axis added or by monobloc lateral trunnions, arranged on its sides.

Of course, with or without the roller 17, these links can also receive lateral support members, in the form of rollers or rollers, arranged on either side.

 In Figure 2, we note the axis 5 which secures the two links. This axis 5 is threaded in the holes 4 of the side wings 2 of the first link, and in the oblong hole 3 of the head 1 of the second link. The axis 5 extends parallel to the transverse axes which support the rollers or rollers.

 Figures 3 and 4 show a two-chain roller conveyor using chain links according to the invention. This conveyor consists of a supporting frame 20 on which the two parallel endless chains 21 and 22 are guided. Each chain 21 and 22 consists of a juxtaposition of links as illustrated in FIG. 1; they are driven by a common motor consisting of a motorized drum 23 associated with toothed wheels 24. The drum 23 rotates about a horizontal axis 25; it drives the notched wheels 24 which cooperate with the cylindrical head 1 of the links of each chain to ensure their linear drive. The conveying installation can consist of a juxtaposition of identical and / or complementary sections.

 The facing links of the two chains 21 and 22 support skewers of rollers 8 mounted idly on transverse rods. The rollers 8 of each skewer are arranged between and outside said chains to form the conveying plane for the transport of identical or disparate loads.

 The presence of the cradles 6 on each chain link allows the mounting of the skewers of rollers 8 by simply snapping on their support transverse rod.

The installation of the installation is thereby considerably simplified, as is the possible replacement of one or more skewers, in the event of deterioration or if it is desired to modify the shape or the structure of the support members.

 The positioning of the support members by simply snapping their support rod into the cradle of the chain links makes it possible to prepare in advance the mounting of said support members on their transverse rod.

In accordance with FIG. 5, the rollers or rollers 8, 9 can be connected to the rods 7 which serve as their axes of rotation; they are then locked laterally by a stop 26 of the "bear paw" type, produced at the end of said rod 7. This "bear paw" 26 is obtained by crushing or stamping the rod 7; it is associated with a washer 27 arranged on the side of the roller or roller 8, 9.

 If the structure of the conveyor provides rollers or rollers 8, 9 outside of the drive chain (s), the end rollers or rollers may have a recess 28 arranged to accommodate the end of the rod 7 as well as the lateral locking system in the form of a "bear paw" 26 and washer 27. The depth of the housing 28 is preferably adapted to avoid any protrusion from the end of the transverse rod 7, this for safety reasons and for improve the aesthetics of the whole. The depth of the housing 28 will depend on the type of structure desired and the dimensional characteristics of the various elements used. This embedding possibility is linked to the particular mounting of the skewers of rollers or rollers, by removable snap-fastening on the cradle of the support links.

 Motorized conveyors generally consist of a plurality of juxtaposed sections. The different sections can be identical; in certain cases, however, on very specific zones or sites, it may be advantageous to have different specific structures.

This is the case in particular of the elements intended to be incorporated into the conveying circuits to ensure the level changes (ascent / descent), at the level of which the loads must "adhere" correctly on their transport plane to avoid any slippage.

 The conveyor shown in Figures 6 and 7 is adapted to ensure level changes in the conveyor circuits.

 This motorized conveyor consists of a carrier frame 30 and two parallel drive chains 31 and 32 associated with carrier members in the form of longitudinal pads 33 mounted on transverse rods 34. The two chains 31 and 32 are driven by the end drum motor.

 The pads 33 extend parallel to the chains 31 and 32; they are adapted to be connected to two successive transverse rods 34. The corresponding conveyor comprises a succession of transverse rows of pads which define the plane for conveying the loads transported.

 As shown in Figures 8, 9 and 10, each shoe 33 consists of a vertical core 35 provided with a cylindrical orifice 36, at the rear, and an oblong orifice 37, at the front, intended for their racking on the transverse rods 34. The orifices 36 and 37 are extended, on either side of the friend 35, by lateral extensions which form trunnions, respectively 38 and 39. These trunnions 38 and 39 are connected, on each side of the friend 35, by a wing 40 which serves as reinforcement.

The shoe 33 is made in one piece from an adhesive plastic or elastomer material, adapted to its function.

 Each row of supporting members is made up of two transverse rods 34 on which are connected a succession of pads 33. The pads are arranged in abutment against each other; the side pins 38, 39 and the side wings 40 ensure their respective positioning and form spacers.

As shown in Figure 9, the part
iL before 41 of the pads 33 is bevelled so as not to disturb the conveying of the transported loads, in particular at the end of the conveying sections when the pads rotate around the end drum. The oblong shape of the orifice 37 makes it possible to absorb any variations in distance between the rods 34 at the level of this winding.

 The transverse rows of pads 33 are mounted on the chains 31 and 32 by simply snapping on the rods 34 in the cradles for receiving the links. This arrangement facilitates and optimizes the mounting of the conveyor; it also makes it possible to simplify the operations of replacing the carrying members, in particular in the event of deterioration.

 The pad conveyor shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is of the two-chain type, with pads arranged between and outside said chains. Note the presence of end rollers 42 which are intended to come to rest on a rail 43 secured to the frame 30, at the return strand of the conveyor.

 At the ends of the rods 34, it is possible to provide means for blocking or locking the pads 33 and, optionally, rollers 42, in the form of washers and "bear paw".

Of course, other configurations of pad conveyors can be envisaged, in particular as a function of the desired conveyor structure or as a function of the nature and type of loads transported. Thus, we can provide a single-conveyor structure with pads arranged on either side, or a two-chain structure with pads simply between the two chains
Also note that a conveying plan of this kind, consisting of a juxtaposition of pads. can be combined with other types of transverse supports. In addition, although the cradle embodiment has undeniable advantages, the corresponding pads can be mounted on other types of chain links.

 FIGS. 11 and 12 show a dynamic accumulation conveyor constituted, in a conventional manner, of two fixed lateral rails 45 which define a plane for transporting the loads up to a retractable accumulation stop 46. The rails 45 can be slightly inclined downwards from upstream to downstream.

 The particularity of the conveyor shown in FIGS. 11 and 12 resides in the fact that it includes an "activation" system serving or helping to transfer the loads from upstream, where they are deposited, up to the stop. end 46 at the level of which they accumulate. This training system is sequential; its frequency is adapted to the intervention period, that is to say of depositing or picking up loads on the conveyor.

 This activator consists of a motorized chain 47 disposed between the two lateral fixed rails 45, parallel to the latter. This chain 47 is associated with at least one train 48 of carrier members 49 which define a complementary support plane, disposed slightly above that defined by the side rails 45. This train of carrier members 48 extends over a width 1 less than that of the loads transported and over a length L corresponding substantially to that of said loads. The train of carrier members 48 is arranged to take the loads upstream of the installation and to transport them to the accumulation stop 46. The frequency of passage of this transport element is a function of the drive speed of the chain 47 by the drive means 50 and the number of carrier trains 48.

Upstream of the installation, the supporting members 49 pass under the deposited load and they drive it towards the stop 46. At this level, if the conveyor is free, the stop 46 blocks the load and the train of supporting members 48 continues to move by rolling or sliding under this load.

If other loads are accumulated at the stop 46, the transported load comes into abutment against this accumulation; the train of load-bearing members 48 rolls or slides under all the accumulated loads and, optionally, causes the first load to be resumed until the stop 46. In addition to the role of transferring or assisting the transfer of loads upstream downstream, this activation system ensures a correct, almost permanent, location of the charges at the level of the accumulation stop 46, for their recovery.

 As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the support members 49 consist of rollers arranged on either side of the chain 47. These rollers are connected and mounted idly on a cylindrical rod snapped into the cradle of chain links. This arrangement makes it very easy to position the number of rollers 49 required, depending on the type of loads transported; it also makes it very easy to change their position and to replace damaged rollers or skewers.

 Note the presence of the rollers 51 arranged at the ends of the support rods. These rollers roll on a complementary rail 52 parallel to the side rails 45; they ensure the stability of the carrier train 48 during the transfer of loads.

 As shown in Figure 13, the drive chain 47 moves on a sliding section 53, integral with the carrier frame. This profile 53 can advantageously be made of polyethylene to guarantee the self-lubrication of the system in connection with the traction chains made of acetal resin.

 To ensure the centering of the chain 47 between the trains of successive carrier members 48, provision may be made, right through, a few centering bars 54. These centering bars 54, visible in FIGS. 11 and 13, may consist of a simple cylindrical rod snapped into the cradle to receive the chain links. The end of these centering bars can advantageously be provided with a roller or, as shown in FIG. 13, with a plastic sleeve 55 of a nature adapted to limit friction as much as possible.

The transverse rods 54 are locked on either side of the support link by blocking means 56 of the washer and "bear paw" type; the ends of the rods 54 are guided by the fixed lateral rails of the installation so as to maintain correct positioning of the chain on the sliding profile 53.

 FIGS. 14 and 15 show another possible embodiment of the activation device which has just been described.

 This embodiment is particularly suitable for the transfer of heavy loads. At the entry of the conveyor, the fixed lateral rails comprise rollers 57 provided with a guide wing 58; these rollers are then replaced by rollers 59 up to the end stop 60. The activation device consists of two motorized chains 61 and 62 associated with one or more trains 63 of carrier members 64. The carrier members 64 are have the form of a single roller disposed between the two chains 61 and 62 and mounted on a cylindrical rod snapped into the cradle of two opposite links. To keep the spacing of the two chains 61 and 62 between the trains of successive carrier members, provision may be made, right through, for a few connecting bars 6 (, in the form of cylindrical rods, for example, snapped and locked on the cradles of the facing links.

 Of course, other embodiments can be envisaged, according to the same principle, to produce this activation device. The number of drive chains can vary, as can the type of carrier components used. Thus, in certain particular embodiments, the carrying members may consist of elongated pads similar to those used on the pad conveyor of Figures 6 and 7; the nature of these pads will then be adapted to allow the sliding of the loads transported.

 Although the use of chain links provided with a latching cradle constitutes a preferred embodiment, the activation system of this type of dynamic accumulation conveyor can be obtained by using other types of links, without this is outside the scope of its operating principle.

 The reference signs inserted after the technical characteristics mentioned in the claims are intended only to facilitate the understanding of the latter and in no way limit their scope.

Claims (23)

- CLAIMS  1.- Link for motorized conveyor chain, which link comprises means for receiving transverse supports (7) on which are mounted the carrier members (8, 9, 17) which define the plane for conveying the transported loads, characterized in that these reception means consist of a cradle (6) in the form of an open hub so as to allow an elastic snap-fastening of said support (7).  2.- link according to claim 1, characterized in that it is made of plastic and in that it is in the form of a tuning fork with a cylindrical head (1) at the front, cooperating with the motor means, and two lateral wings (2) which extend rearward, which link comprises two articulation axes (5) parallel situated at the ends and, between said axes (5), the receiving cradle (6) of the transverse support (7), arranged parallel to said axes.  3.- link according to claim 2, characterized in that the cradle (6) constitutes a one-piece leg (10, 11) between the two side wings (2).  4.- link according to claim 2, characterized in that the cradle (6) consists of a flange (15) with housing (16) arranged on each wing (2), in one piece.  5.- link according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the cradle (6) has an opening restriction (12) over at least part of its length to allow a snap-fit of the transverse support (7).  6.- link according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that it comprises lateral pads (13) associated guide, on either side, to longitudinal deflectors (14) of protection arranged for form a continuity from one link to another.  7.- Conveyor of the type comprising one or more endless motorized chains, each chain being guided on a rail secured to the carrying frame, characterized in that it comprises at least one chain consisting of a juxtaposition of links, at least some of which consist of into links according to any one of claims 1 to 6.  8.- Conveyor according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises at least one chain link according to claim 4 which is provided with a bearing member in the form of a roller (17) disposed between its two lateral wings (2) , which roller has a support, in the form of an axis or lateral pins, snapped on either side into the housing (16) of the cradle (6) arranged on each of said lateral wings (2).  9.- Conveyor according to claim 7, characterized in that it comprises supports for supporting members in the form of transverse rods (7) snapped into the receiving cradles (6) of the links.  10.- Conveyor according to claim 9, characterized in that it comprises transverse rods (7) provided at their ends, means for blocking the bearing members in the form of stops (26) of the "bear paw" type obtained by crushing or stamping said rod (7).  11.- Conveyor according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that it comprises carrier members consisting of a roller (8) or roller (9) or an assembly forming a skewer of rollers (8 ) and / or rollers (9), mounted idly on the transverse rod (7).  12.- Conveyor according to claim 11, characterized in that the rollers (8) or rollers (9) located at the end of the skewer have a recess (28) arranged to accommodate the end of the rod (7) and the blocking system (26) in the form of a "bear paw.  13.- Conveyor according to any one of claims 9 to 12, characterized in that it comprises carrying members consisting of longitudinal shoes (33) arranged parallel to the drive chain or chains, and mounted on transverse rods ( 34).  14.- Conveyor according to claim 13, characterized in that it comprises pads (33) provided with two orifices (36, 37) for their engagement on two successive transverse rods (34).  15.- Conveyor according to claim 14, characterized in that it comprises pads (33) consisting of a vertical core (35) provided with a cylindrical orifice (36) and an oblong orifice (37) for their skewering on the transverse rods (34), which orifices (36 and 37) are extended by lateral extensions (38, 39) forming journals, connected, on either side of the central core (35) by wings of reinforcement (40).  16.- Conveyor according to claim 15, characterized in that it comprises a succession of transverse rows of pads (33), which pads (33), on each row, are arranged in abutment against each other, their lateral pins (38, 39) forming spacers.  17.- Conveyor according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that it comprises pads (33) made of an adherent material intended to limit the sliding of the loads transported.  18.- Conveyor according to any one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that it comprises pads (33) made of a suitable material to allow the sliding of the transported loads.  19.- Conveyor according to any one of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that it consists of a central chain, on either side of which are arranged the bearing members in the form of rollers and / or rollers and / or skates.  20.- Conveyor according to any one of claims 7 to 18, characterized in that it consists of at least two parallel chains between which are arranged the carrier members in the form of rollers and / or rollers and / or skids.  21.- Conveyor according to claim 20, characterized in that it comprises support members in the form of rollers and / or rollers and / or runners distributed between and outside said chains.  22.- Conveyor according to any one of claims 7 to 21, of the dynamic accumulation conveyor type, that is to say consisting of two fixed lateral rails, in the form of a smooth longitudinal profile (45) or provided with supporting elements. in the form of rollers (59) and / or rollers (57) and comprising a retractable stop (46, 60) at its end, characterized in that it comprises at least one motorized chain (47; 61, 62) arranged between the two lateral fixed rails, parallel to the latter, which chain is associated with at least one train of carrier members (48, 63), which defines a support plane arranged slightly above that defined by the lateral rails and which extends over a width 1 less than that of the loads transported and over a length L corresponding substantially to that of said loads.  23. Conveyor according to claim 22, characterized in that it comprises bars (54, 65) for centering or spacing the motorized chains, clipped onto free chain links.