MXPA00007953A - Reduced drag side flexing conveyor system - Google Patents

Abstract

A modular conveyor system (10) has a side flexing conveyor belt (12) having first and second sides. The belt (12) includes side links (22) each having a depending arm (24), an inwardly transverse tab (28), and curved skirts (26a, 26b) bridging gaps between adjacent side links (22) to engage each other in edge-to-edge contact to prevent sagging, to assist the belt (12) in ramping up and down, and to retain the belt (12) along a return run. In a curved section, the system (10) includes a passive guide rail (14) and an active guide rail (16). The passive guide rail (14) is on the first belt side and engages the tabs (28) thereat, and the active guide rail (16) is on the second belt side and has drag-reducing roller assemblies (18) engaging the tabs (28) thereat. Each roller assembly (18) has an upper roller (38) and a lower roller (40) each having a pair of spaced disks defining a circumferential groove (42, 44) for engaging the tabs (28).

Description

CONVEYOR SYSTEM WITH SIDE FLEXIONATION AND REDUCED TRAILER Technical Field The present invention generally relates to conveyor systems and more particularly to a modular articulation conveyor system with lateral flexing, which has improved construction and operation characteristics. Background of the Invention Conveyor systems are an integral part of modern production facilities. These systems are especially beneficial in the food packaging and article packaging industries, where it is often convenient to move items to and from different areas of the production facility to undergo various manufacturing / packaging operations. Due to constraints, such as floor space limitations, it is often necessary to provide elbows or curves in the conveyor system to move items in a desired direction to locate in a specific location. A significant problem encountered with the current modular joint conveyor belts refers to the substantial increase in the driving force in curves as the linear speed of the conveyor increases. Specifically, the inner side joints of the band are compressed as they enter the curve and the outer joints expand. These competent forces place the conveyor belt in lateral tension over the radius of the curve. This tension, in turn, causes the outer joints to press against the outer guide rail, which is usually simply a curved stainless steel channel. It is known that this contact creates the noxious "hot spots" as the frictional drag force on the conveyor belt increases. If left unchecked, frictionally generated heat eventually causes the plastic-dependent arm in the lateral joint to soften, which can lead to failure. Even if the speed is reduced enough to avoid failure, the frictional drag force reduces the operating efficiency of the system itself, since more energy is required to overcome this force. Even if the heat increase is controlled, the lateral joints of the conveyor belt wears more quickly, which additionally increases the incidence of joint or band failure. These difficulties inevitably lead to non-operating time of expensive production.

Conventional attempts to reduce the problematic drag force have met with little success. For example, it is well known that providing a constant source of lubrication to curved rails can temporarily reduce the friction and resultant drag force. However, for many production operations, such as food processing, the presence of industrial lubricants has a significant problem, since the food product is subject to contamination. Lubricants easily trap loose food products and in this way create a non-sanitary waste, which provides a breeding ground for bacteria or the like. In addition, due to frequent washing requirement to comply with government regulations, even if the lubricant is qualified as safe to be around the food product, the cost of frequent re-application to the rails is prohibitive. A prior proposal for overcoming the aforementioned problems associated with towing force is illustrated in US Pat. No. 3,094,206 granted to Stewart. This reference describes a flexible wire conveyor having a centrally located pair of legs, with shoulders that follow a series of rollers held near the center of the conveyor frame. While this proposal seeks to reduce the drag force when replacing rollers with the conventional static or passive guide rail, it is apparent that this design lacks the stability that is required in modern operations, especially during band operation with high speed. Specifically, the presence of a single guide rail in the center fails to consistently maintain the flat strip, thus leaving the edge of the strip free to flex up and away from the carrier support frame. Modern efforts to improve the tribological characteristics in modular conveyors have departed from the teachings of the '206 Patent and instead have sought to alleviate the problem by re-designing the conveyor belt itself. Most, if not all, of these proposals involve the connection of rollers directly to the underside of the belt to reduce drag force. During operation, these rollers track one or more passive guide rails in an attempt to steer the belt over the curve with less friction. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,573,105 issued to Palmaer, describes a conveyor belt with modular joints having a plurality of rollers carried under the belt. These rollers also attach a central rail. A similar example of this design is the U.S. Patent. No. 5,038,925 issued to Chrysler, which illustrates the use of a conveyor belt having split rollers mounted on its peripheral edge to engage a passive guide rail. While these proposals are improvements over conventional approaches, such as the concept of applying a lubricating substance, several limitations still remain. The complexity and cost of the conveyor belt is the main disadvantage, since the construction cost is more than double. In addition, with the number of rollers increasing by 10 to 20 times or more, the probabilities of failure that lead to non-operational time increase enormously. Also, from a sanitary point of view, these extra rollers increase the problem of cleaning the band to comply with government regulations. Still others propose external modifications to the conveyor belt. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,946,857 issued to Fraioli, Sr., a series of rollers are mounted on the periphery of the conveyor belt to track a passive guide rail. However, it is easily apparent when observing this proposed design that similar limitations remain; that is, complexity and design cost, increasing the incidence of band failure, and complicating the cleaning process. In addition to traveling curves, it is often beneficial to provide the conveyor belt with ramp up and down capabilities. This aggregate dimension of travel not only provides significant flexibility to move items to and from production areas, such as where work stations have different height requirements, but also where there are different levels of the production facility itself. In this way, there is a need for a modular conveyor system with lateral flexing, which has improved operating characteristics. This improved system will be simple in design, economical to build the material and will include the ability to traverse evenly and efficiently curves or horizontal bends by substantially reducing the problematic drag force associated with passive guide rails. Additionally, the band will be provided with an improved capacity for ascending and descending ramps in a uniform and reliable way. In addition, the improved system and its conveyor belt will lead to a more efficient travel on the return stroke. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Thus, a primary objective of the present invention is to provide a modular articulation conveyor system with lateral flexing having tribological characteristics and improved construction that overcome the limitations and disadvantages described above of conveyor systems of the prior art. A further object of the invention is to provide this conveyor system having an active guide rail, which significantly reduces the functional drag on the conveyor belt as it traverses a curve, thereby providing a uniform and efficient operation. Still another objective is to provide this conveyor system having an active guide rail, which is selectively adjustable for use in a variety of curves. Still another objective is to provide this conveyor system with a modular articulation conveyor belt with lateral flexing having improved lateral articulations, which couple a series of roller structures in an advantageous manner on one or both edges of the conveyor to improve the speed of operation. Still a further object of the invention is to provide this modular articulation conveyor belt with lateral flexing, which has improved lateral articulations, which also allow the band to ascend and descend ramp more efficiently, and also help to support the belt over the travel of return. Further objects, advantages, and other novel features of the invention will be set forth in part in the description that follows and in part will be apparent to those skilled in the art when examining the following or can be learned by practicing the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention can be achieved and obtained by the means and combinations particularly pointed out in the appended claims. To achieve the above and other objects, and in accordance with the purposes of the present invention as described herein, a conveyor system having an improved design exhibiting improved tribological characteristics is provided. As a result, the system achieves a more efficient movement of the conveyor belt with modular articulation and lateral flexing that forms a component of the system. The improved operation and the resulting longer service life come primarily as a result of reducing the frictional drag force around conveyor curves. An improvement to the conveyor belt itself and the side articulations are also features of the present invention. In general, a modular articulation conveyor belt is formed by interconnecting a plurality of modular joints. A complete description of this type of band and an associated conveyor system is described in US Pat. No. 4, 953,693 granted to Draevel of the applicant, with the title "Modular link conveyor system" (modular articulation conveyor system). The description of this patent is incorporated herein by reference. In accordance with an important aspect of the present invention, the improved conveyor system includes providing at least one active guide rail that includes one or more roller structures to guide a modular articulation conveyor belt. This guide rail is placed on any of the inside or outside of any curved section of the conveyor system. Although it is contemplated to provide an active guide rail on both the inner and outer curve, the preferred embodiment is directed to guide on the outer rail. It will be appreciated that when only one active guide rail is present, the other can be a passive guide rail of a type known in the art. A description of this passive guide rail in the form of an outwardly directed channel is found in the applicant's' 693 patent, noted above. Preferably, each roller structure comprises an upper roller for directing the upper stroke or production of the strip, and a lower roller for the return stroke. Each roller is mounted rotatably on a spindle. The individual rollers have a circumferential groove defining a pair of spaced discs. The periphery of each disk provides a bearing or bearing surface, which rotates substantially friction-free on inwardly directed guiding surfaces spaced from the vertically dependent portion of each joint. More specifically, the inner facing surfaces of the slot slidably engage and capture the top and bottom surfaces of the projection tab into the lateral joint. As can be seen, the upper roller of each structure in this way serves to actively guide the conveyor belt with minimum frictional drag force, as it travels in the advance or production stroke, while the lower roller serves to guide in the form similar and support the band on the return race. Advantageously, the active rotation of the rollers serves to reduce the frictional drag force exerted on the conveyor belt, whereby the tolerable travel speed can be significantly increased. The belt travels a curve or elbow in the conveyor system without being subjected to excessive wear. The generation of frictional heat is also greatly reduced at any point in the system. In the preferred embodiment, a plurality of these roller structures are interconnected to form the active guide rail. Specifically, a series of articulated members are coupled together between adjacent pairs of roller structures using spindles as the coupler. Since the articulated members are connected to the spindle in a pivotal relationship, the relative angular position between the roller structures can be selectively adjusted. This advantageously allows the plurality of roller structures and more particularly the active guide rail, to adapt a variety of different curved conveyor sections. Additionally, the improved conveyor system includes one or more radial transverse clamps, preferably made of rigid sheet metal, to support the active guide rail. These transverse clamps extend between inner and outer guide rails, either as active or as active / passive. If desired, the clamps can be adapted to allow adjustment of the relative position of the guide rails. The support for the conveyor system itself is provided by any means well known in the art, such as vertical legs that connect to the frame. According to another important aspect of the present invention, an improved lateral articulation is provided to assist in guiding and supporting the conveyor belt. In the preferred mode, in the dependent arm portion of each lateral joint is provided with a curved skirt. The curved skirt includes a forward projection flap and a rear projection flap. The lateral joints form the outer edges of the conveyor belt and interconnect with modular joints to provide a transport surface. In operation, the flap projecting forward of a subsequent hinge superimposes in immediate proximity to the flap extending behind a front hinge at any time in time. As can be appreciated, the superposition of these fins forms a curved joint that serves to bridge the space between consecutive lateral joints. This provides the conveyor belt with several improved operational capabilities. First of all, the curved skirt helps in allowing the conveyor belt to traverse uniformly an elbow or curve, since in the curved connection between the fins, the roller remains in contact with the skirt of the front joint, since the contact is initially perform with the subsequent articulation. Second, the edges of the fins of adjacent joints are also allowed to contact each other. This advantageously provides the cooperating edge-to-edge support in case there is temporary bending or sagging of the band. In this way, any tendency of the band to disconnect in the guide rail is avoided. The side-jointed fins also provide improved ramp-shift capabilities. Preferably, as the strip ramps up an incline, each forward projection flap of the subsequent hinge rotates in a backward manner such that it engages the projecting flap rearwardly of the forward hinge. This edge-to-edge coupling advantageously serves to support and guide each successive articulation during this ramp-up operation. A similar benefit is provided when the band slopes down a slope. It should also be appreciated that the edge-to-edge engagement of the cooperating curved skirt advantageously improves the operation during the return stroke.

As the band is reversed, the projecting flap backward of the front articulation flap at any movement in time may be held in the projecting flap forward of the subsequent articulation. This ensures that any tendency of the individual joints to buckle as they travel between the roll structures of the active guide rail is corrected. Still other objects of the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description wherein a preferred embodiment of this invention is illustrated and described, simply by way of illustration of one of the best suited modes to carry the invention. As will be understood, the invention is capable of other different embodiments and its various details are capable of modification in various evident aspects, all without departing from the invention. Accordingly, the drawings and descriptions are considered as illustrative in nature and not restrictive. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings incorporated in and forming part of the specification, illustrate various aspects of the present invention and in conjunction with the description serve to specify the principles of the invention. In the drawings: Figure 1 is a top plan view of the improved conveyor system of the present invention, showing a sectional view of the roller structures comprising the active guide rail located on the outside of the curve; Figure 2 is a similar sectional view showing the roller structures placed on the inside of the curve; Figure 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the improved lateral articulation of the present invention, including the curved skirt, which serves to bridge the space between consecutive joints; Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view of the conveyor system taken on line 4-4 of Figure 1, with roller structures placed on the outside of a curved section and the passive guide rail on the inside; Figure 5 is a side view of consecutive lateral joints, which engage the upper rollers of a pair of connected roller structures during a forward travel of the conveyor belt; Figure 6 is a side view of the roller structure forming the active guide rail, including a cross-sectional view of a hinge member serving to interconnect the roller structures; Figure 7 is a perspective view showing the manner in which a series of interconnected articulated members to allow adjustment of the relative angular position of the roller structures; Figure 8a is a side view of a modular articulation conveyor belt, ascending in ramp (in the upper part of the ramp) showing the manner in which the forwardly projecting fin of a first joint or the front side cooperates with the projecting wing back and a second articulation of the subsequent side; Figure 8b is a similar side view showing the coupling of the fins, but the conveyor belt descends ramp (at the bottom of the ramp); and Figure 9 is an enlarged side view of articulations on the return stroke, showing the curved skirt of the lateral joints that help in supporting the conveyor belt. Reference will now be made in detail to the current preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference is now made to Figures 1 and 2 which illustrate the improved lateral flexural modular articulation conveyor system 10 of the present invention. As will be apparent after reviewing the following description, the system 10 provides a uniform and continuous movement for a modular articulation conveyor belt with lateral flexion 12, as it travels through a variety of degrees of curvature, including relative acute elbows, or as it ascends or descends in ramp. For purposes of illustration, the system 10 is illustrated to have a curved section and more particularly a 90 ° corner. The improved conveyor system 10 includes a pair of guide rails 14, 16 for guiding and supporting the band 12 as it travels a curve. In the preferred embodiment, a passive guide rail 14 is mounted on the inside and an active guide rail 16 is mounted on the outside of the outside of the curve. As specifically illustrated in Figure 2, the passive and active guide rails 14, 16 respectively can be exchanged in such a way that the active guide rail 16 is inside. As can be appreciated, providing active guide rails on both internal and external curves (not shown) is also a viable alternative within the broader aspects of the present invention.

The active guide rail 16 includes one or more roller structures 18. While it is contemplated that a roller structure 18 can provide the active guidance function to the conveyor belt 12, the preferred embodiment includes a plurality of interconnected roller structures 18 that are selectively adjust to a certain curve. As described in more detail below, these roller structures 18 are supported, in part by a radial transverse clamp 20, which extends between the guide rails. According to another aspect of the present invention, the modular joint conveyor 12 is provided with an improved lateral articulation 22. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the lateral joint 22 is formed with a dependent arm 24 having a skirt. curved 26. This skirt 26 includes a forward projection fin 26a and a rear projection fin 26b, the function of which will be described in greater detail below. The side articulation 22 is also provided with an inwardly projecting transverse tab 28, which serves to slidably engage each of the roller structures 18. Additionally, as more fully described in applicant's' 693 patent, the lateral articulation 22 includes a cusp 30 and a pair of legs 32a, 32b that form its body. A transverse connecting member 34 cooperates with the other articulations through the band 12 (as illustrated in Figures 1 and 4) to form the transport surface. The improved side articulations 22 are composed of ultra high molecular weight composite plastics (UHMW = Ultra High Molecular Weight) including common plastics such as nylon 6-6 and / or other durable food grade plastic materials, which have favorable tribological characteristics. The intermediate joints are preferably molded from a less expensive plastic material, such as acetal. The interrelation of the elements of the improved conveyor system 10 of the present invention is best illustrated in Figure 4. The passive guide rail 14 is provided with upper and lower lips 36, 36b that include a plastic wear strip defining the races of advance and return of the conveyor system on this side. These lips with wear strips are embraced between the underside of the joint 22 and the transverse tabs extending inwardly 28. In the curved section shown, this structure guides the conveyor belt 12 over the inside of the curve. In other words, the upper lip wear strip 36a serves to direct the conveyor belt 12 over an advance stroke, while the wear strip of the lower lip 36b guides the belt on a return stroke. The passive guide rail 14 is preferably formed of stainless steel, although the use of other corrosion resistant but durable materials is possible. Each roller structure 18 includes upper and lower rollers 38, 40. These rollers 38, 40 are rotatably mounted on a spindle 41 using ball bearing structures or rollers of a type well known in the art. A slot 42, 44 is formed on the circumference of each roller 38, 40 respectively and serves to define a pair of spaced discs. As will now be appreciated, the plurality of interconnected roller structures 18 both form a series of upper rollers and a series of lower rollers, each series serving to guide the band 12 during a forward stroke and a return stroke, respectively. With respect to the active guide that is provided by each roller 38, 40, the circumferential groove 42, 44 is designed to capture the transverse tab 28 of each lateral joint 22. As can be seen, during operation, the opposite outer surfaces opposing inner surfaces between the spaced discs, they provide support surfaces for slidably engaging each transverse tab 28 in sequence. As well, the periphery of each disk 38, 40 provides a bearing surface for contacting the inner face of the dependent arm, as well as the curved skirt 26 of each lateral joint 22, as it traverses the curve. The individual rolls 38, 40 are made of a UHMW plastic such as nylon, high density polyethylene or a similar plastic material having a relatively high degree of lubricity with respect to the selected joint material, thus further improving the tribological characteristics of the system 10. As illustrated in Figure 5, during operation, the transverse tab 28 (shown in dotted lines) of a front lateral joint 22a (see also Figure 4) engage the circumferential groove 42a of a first upper roller 38a. As the band 12 travels the curve (see horizontal action arrow), a rear side articulation, such as the hinge 22c, is in sliding engagement with the similar slot 42b of a following upper roller 38b. During the advance stroke, this sliding coupling causes each roller 38 to rotate in one direction (as illustrated by the action arrow in Figure 6). As will be appreciated, the inner roller 40 rotates in an opposite direction to accommodate the return stroke (see the lower action arrow). As described in more detail below, the curved skirt 26 of each of the side links 22 advantageously serves to support and guide an intermediate link 22b between the front 22a and rear joints 22c, as the band travels the curve. Now with reference to Figures 6 and 7, the manner in which a plurality of roller structures 18 are interconnected to provide an active guide rail 16 is demonstrated. A series of articulated members 50, 52, are connected by the spindles 41 that hold the rollers 38, 40. Specifically, the articulated members 50, 52 are coupled by an interdigitating joint 54. The joint data is held together by the spindle 41. As best seen in Figure 7, this allows each pair of articulated members 50, 52 to pivot relative to the corresponding spindle 41 to adjust the relative angular position (see Figure 7). In this way, the articulated members can be advantageously adjusted to provide an active guide rail 16 over a variety of curves. As specifically illustrated in Figure 7, each articulated member 50, 52 is provided with a pair of spaced openings 64, to accept a pair of fasteners for connecting the radially extending transverse clamp 20. The combination between the transverse clamp 20 and each of the selected articulated members 50, 52, allows the relative position of the inner and outer guide rails 14, 16 to be fixed. If desired, a section adjusted in the clamp 20, or wedges (not shown) may be added, such that the position of the outer guide rail 16 can be fine-tuned. In the preferred embodiment, the clamp 20 is made of relatively rigid sheet metal such as stainless steel. The support for the conveyor system 10 is provided by any means well known in the art, such as legs that are connected to the frame (not shown). According to another important aspect of the present invention, each modular lateral articulation 22 is provided with a curved skirt 26 to assist in smooth transition from one joint to another through the rollers 38, 40 and to support the joints to prevent flexing , especially during ascent / descent of ramp and on the return race. The curved skirt 26 of each lateral joint includes a forwardly extending tab 26a and a rearwardly extending tab 26b. Again with reference to Figure 5, in operation, the forward projection tab 26a of the rear link 22b superimposes in immediate proximity with the rearwardly extending tab 26b of the front link 22a at any time in time. As can be seen, this superposition forms a curved joint that serves to bridge the space between the consecutive lateral joints 22a, 22b and 22c. As briefly noted above, this provides the conveyor belt 12 with the two improved operational capabilities. First of all, as regards the uniform transmission function, the curved joint between the fins 26a, 26b allows the roller 38 to remain in contact with the skirt 26 of the front articulation 22a, as initially contact is made with the rear joint 22b. Second, the edges of the fins of adjacent joints 22a, 22b are also allowed to contact each other. This advantageously provides the cooperating edge-to-edge support, in the event that there is temporary flexing of the band 12. In this way, any tendency of the band 12 to disconnect from the guide rail 14, 16 is avoided. The side-jointed fins 26a, 26b also provide the improved ramp capabilities mentioned above in a unique manner. As illustrated in Figure 8a, when the band 12 ascends in ramp or inclination, in the upper part of the inclination each forwardly projecting fin 26a of the rear link 22b has rotated in a backward manner, in such a manner which engages with the projecting wing backwards 26b of the articulation of the antenna 22a (see action arrow in dashed lines). In this way, this edge-to-edge coupling also advantageously serves to hold and guide each successive articulation 22a, 22b and 22c. As illustrated, in Figure 8b, this coupling allows a similar advantage when the band 12 slopes down a slope (shown at the bottom). As best illustrated in Figure 9, the overlapping skirts that provide the curved joint, and the edge-to-edge engagement of the cooperating curved skirts 26, also improve the smoothness of the transition from one joint to the next, as well as the anti-reflection function, during the return stroke. As the band 12 reverses, the rearwardly projecting fin 26b of the front link 22a at any time may be at least partially supported at the edge of the forward projection letter 26a of the rearward circulation 22b. This advantageously ensures that any tendency of the individual joints to flex, as they travel between the roller structures 40 of the active return guide rail, is corrected. Again with reference to Figure 1, the operation of the preferred embodiment of the improved conveyor system 10 of the present invention is now briefly described. A conveyor belt of endless modular joints with lateral flexing 12 travels over a straight section of the system 10 in the direction shown by the action arrows. The conveyor belt 12 is preferably moved by a conventional wheel and electric motor combination (not shown). As the strip 12 enters a curved section of the conveyor system 10, the inner guide surface of the arm 24 and the transverse tab 28 of the front link 22 leave the passive guide rail 14 of the straight section confined to the stop and engage the first upper roller on line 38b (see Figure 5). This coupling, including the supporting force outwardly of the outer peripheral face of the roller, and the sliding engagement of the tongue in the groove 42b causes the upper roller 38b to rotate in the direction shown by the action arrows of Figures 1, 5 and 6. This rotation advantageously provides the active guide to the forward stroke of the band 12 as it travels the curve. As described above, the rotation serves to substantially reduce friction and concomitant breakout force. As the strip 12 continues on the curve, each successive roll 38a serves to provide similar guide and supports. As well, the corresponding inner rollers 40 serve to similarly guide / support the return stroke, thus advantageously reducing the frictional drag force and preventing buckling over the entire endless conveyor system. Other possible modifications to the system 10 include providing each pair of the articulated members 50, 52 with a half-moon or fixed clamp 66 (see Figures 6 and 7). This clamp allows the dual function of providing rigidity to the active guide rail 16, while also serving together with the transverse clamps 20 to fix the position of the articulated members 50, 52, thereby preventing misalignment from occurring during operation. The half-moon clamps 66 can be mounted on the outer interior of the articulated members 50, 52 or they can be alternating. Additional clamps (not shown) for securing the end of the active guide rail 16 to butt-confining sections of the passive guide rail may also be provided. In summary, a conveyor system 10 having a modular articulation conveyor belt with improved lateral flexing 12 and an improved guide rail 16 is provided. Roller structures 18 have upper and lower rollers 38, 40 provide active guidance to band 12 (see Figures 1 and 2). The rollers serve to reduce the drag force around a curve. A series of articulated members 50, 52 is provided to interconnect the roller structures 18, thereby allowing the relative angular position of each to be selectively adjusted to fit a given curve (see Figures 6 and 7). Also, a conveyor belt with modular articulations of improved lateral flexing 12, including side articulations 22 having a curved skirt 26 for bridging the space between the successive joints (see Figure 3). The curved skirt 26 provides the additional functions of: (1) shared support between adjacent lateral joints 22 to alleviate the tendency for individual joints to flex over the forward stroke; (2) assist the conveyor belt 12 in ascending and descending in ramp (see Figures 8a and 8b); as well as (3) preventing flexing and retention of the band 12 on a return stroke (see Figure 9). The above description of a preferred embodiment of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form described. Modifications or obvious variations are possible in light of the previous teachings. The embodiment is chosen and described to provide the best illustration of the principles of the invention and its practical application in order to enable a person with ordinary skill in the art to use the invention in various modalities and with various modifications as appropriate to the invention. private use contemplated. All these modifications and variations are within the scope of the invention as determined by the appended claims when interpreted according to the extent to which they are entitled in a fair, legal and equitable manner.

Claims (17)

1. CLAIMS 1. - A support device for a conveyor belt with endless modular joints, with lateral flexion, including side articulations with a dependent arm with a transverse tongue extending inwards, characterized in that it comprises: a guide rail to guide in passive form the lateral articulations on a first side of the conveyor belt, the guide rail engages the inner guide face and the transverse tab of the lateral articulations; and at least one roller structure for actively directing the lateral articulations on a second side of the conveyor belt, the roller structure engaging the inner guide face and the transverse tab of the lateral articulations.
2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the roller structure includes an upper roller and a lower roller, each of the rollers has a pair of spaced discs defining a circumferential groove for coupling the transverse tongue in the lateral joints.
3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 2, characterized in that the roller structure assists in actively guiding or directing the conveyor belt as it passes through a curved section of a conveyor system.
4. 4. - The roller structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the passive guide rail extends over the inside of the curved section and the active roller structure is placed adjacent to the outside of the curved section.
5. 5. The roller structure according to claim 3, characterized in that the active roller structure is placed adjacent the interior of the curved section and the passive guide rail extends on the outside of the curved section.
6. 6. - The roller structure according to claim 2, characterized in that the transverse tab of each of the lateral joints slidably engages the circumferential groove of each of the upper and lower rollers.
7. 7. - Support apparatus for an endless modular articulation conveyor belt, with lateral flexing, including side articulations with a dependent arm, with a transverse tongue extending inwardly, characterized in that it comprises: a guide rail for directing in shape passive lateral joints on a first side of the conveyor belt, the guide rail engages the inner guide face and the transverse tab of the lateral joints; and a plurality of roller structures for actively directing the lateral articulations on a second side of the conveyor belt, each of the roller structures engaging the inner guide face and the transverse tab of the lateral articulations.
8. 8. - The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the plurality of roller structures help in actively directing the conveyor belt as they run through a curved section of a conveyor system.
9. 9. - The apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that each roller structure comprises: a spindle; and an upper roller and a lower roller rotatably mounted to the spindle, each of the rollers has spaced discs defining a circumferential groove for coupling the transverse tab of the lateral joints.
10. 10. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that the transverse tab of each of the lateral articulations slidably couples the circumferential groove of each of the upper and lower rollers.
11. 11. The apparatus according to claim 9, characterized in that a pair of articulated members is provided for coupling the spindle of each of the roller assemblies, whereby the articulated members allow the adjustment of the relative angular position of the Roller structures to place on the curved section.
12. 12. - The apparatus according to claim 11, characterized in that a radially extending transverse clamp is provided to connect between a select articulated member and the guide rail, whereby the transverse clamp helps in supporting the plurality of roller structures.
13. 13. - A modular joint transport system characterized in that it comprises: a plurality of modular joints; a plurality of transverse connection means, for connecting the modular joints together to form a lateral flexing conveyor belt; guide means for conveyor belt rollers; the modular articulations include lateral articulations having a dependent arm for coupling the roller guide means and a curved skirt to provide a function of overlap between each of the lateral articulations; and drive means for imparting movement to the conveyor belt.
14. 14. - The conveyor system according to claim 12, wherein the dependent arm includes the transverse tab extending inwardly.
15. 15. The conveyor system according to claim 12, characterized in that the curved flaps overlap in the moving direction of the conveyor to allow uniform transmission between adjacent joints in engagement with the roller guide means.
16. 16. - The conveyor system according to claim 13, characterized in that the roller guide means include an upper roller for the advance stroke and a lower roller for a return stroke, each of the rollers includes a pair of spaced discs having a circumferential groove for coupling the transverse tab of the lateral joints.
17. 17. The conveyor system according to claim 13, characterized in that a pair of articulated members is provided for coupling the roller guide means, whereby the pair of articulated members allow the adjustment of the roller guide means to define a select curve.