MXPA98008900A - Conveyor band with adjustment retention plug through jump with go pin - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveyor belt having a desired travel direction, characterized in that it comprises a first link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a rear portion, said back portion including a plurality of separate ears defining between them a first series of spaces: a second link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, said second link module including a front portion including a plurality of separate ears located in said spaces defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, wherein one of the ears of the plurality of front and rear ears includes a lateral laterally positioned lateral ear having an outer lateral surface extending along the travel direction of On the conveyor belt, said outer lateral ear includes a hole extending transversely from the outer lateral surface of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt; a retaining cap that includes a cylindrical barrel portion extending into said holes. said retaining cap includes an outer end and intercoupling surfaces, said intercoupling surfaces releasably preventing the outward withdrawal of the retaining cap from the orifice, and wherein the outer lateral surface includes an elongate recess extending therefrom. orifice in the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and the retaining cap includes a flange portion extending from the outer end of the barrel portion in the elongate hollow

Description

CONVEYOR BELT WITH PE HOLDING PLUG ADJUSTMENT BY JUMPING WITH GOZNE PIN BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The invention generally relates to conveyor belts or chains or modular transmission belts or the like and, more particularly, to conveyor belts or chains that include a plurality of link modules connected in series by a plurality of hinge pins. The invention also relates to plugs for retaining such hinge pins in a conveyor belt chain or modular drive belt. Previously, some chains or conveyor belts used skip adjustment plugs in connection with the MatTopR chains manufactured by Rexnord Corporation. Others have manufactured hinge pins that include an end diameter greater than the root diameter of the hinge pin that includes an end diameter greater than the root diameter of the hinge pin and which provided an internal snap fit between the hinge pin and the associated link module.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION The invention provides a conveyor belt having a desired travel direction and comprising a first link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt including a rear portion that includes a plurality of separate ears, defining between yes a first series of spaces, and a second link module extending transversely of the desired direction of travel of the conveyor belt and including a front portion including a plurality of separate ears located in the spaces defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, one of the ears of the plurality of front and rear ears and including an external lateral ear located laterally, having an external lateral surface extending along the direction of travel of the desired conveyor belt, and a transversely extending orifice d from the external lateral surface of the direction of travel of the desired conveyor belt, a retaining cap that includes a cylindrical barrel portion extending into the hole and including an outer end, and interlocking surfaces in the plug and ear external lateral to avoid by means of the coupling the withdrawal towards the outside of the plug from the hole.

The invention also provides a conveyor belt having a desired travel direction and comprising a link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt comprising a plurality of ears including an outer lateral ear laterally located therein. has a hole extending transversely of the travel direction of the desired conveyor belt, and a pair of gripper surfaces extending in parallel relation spaced apart to define a grip portion extending along the travel direction of the desired conveyor belt, and a retaining plug made of elastic material and including a cylindrical barrel portion extending into the hole, and separate surfaces extending parallel and inwardly from the outer lateral surface to define a notch by elastically coupling the holding portion of the the external lateral ear. The invention also provides a conveyor belt having a desired travel direction comprising a first link module that extends transversely of the desired travel direction of the carrier band and includes a back portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced apart to define among themselves a first series of spaces, and a second link module that extends transversely of the desired direction of travel of the conveyor belt and that includes a front portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced apart to define each other a second series of spaces and located in the spaces defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, and an ear of the plurality of front and rear ears including a lateral laterally located lateral ear having an external lateral surface extending along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, a hole extending transversely from the outer lateral surface of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, a cavity located on the outer lateral surface and extending radially from the hole along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, and an opening that is extends in the outer lateral ear transversely to the orifice, communicating with the orifice, and defined, in part, by a splice surface separated inwardly from the outer lateral surface and extending along the desired travel direction of the band conveyor, and a retaining cap that includes a cylindrical barrel portion that extends into the hole and which includes an outer end, a flange portion extending from the outer end of the barrel portion and located in the cavity on the outer lateral surface of the end ear, and a portion of elastic tab extending radially from the portion barrel in separate relation inward from the flange portion and in engagement with the splice surface of the outer lateral ear. The invention also provides a conveyor belt having a desired travel direction comprising a first link module that extends transversely of the desired travel direction of the carrier band and includes a back portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced apart from each other. distance to define among themselves a first series of spaces, a second link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a front portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced apart to define each other a second series of spaces and located in the spaces defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, and an ear of the plurality of front and rear ears including an external lateral ear laterally having an external lateral surface which extends along the direction of the trip of the ba desired conveyor belt, a hole extending from the outer lateral surface transversely of the travel direction of the desired conveyor belt, a cavity located on the outer lateral surface, extending radially from the hole along the direction of travel of the conveyor belt, and defined, in part, by a grooved surface extending radially from the bore and parallel to the outer side surface and having an end spaced apart from the bore, an edge surface extending from the end of the bore. the grooved and parallel surface to the hole, a clamping surface extending parallel to the grooved surface and from the edge surface to define, with the grooved surface and the edge surface, a clamping portion projecting from the hole, and a retaining cap that includes a cylindrical barrel portion that extends into the hole and that includes an end xterior, a flange portion extending from the outer end of the barrel portion, located in the groove in the outer lateral surface of the outer lateral ear, and including an outer end spaced apart from the barrel portion and a portion thereof. arm extending from the flange portion inward of the outer end thereof and in parallel relation to the barrel portion, including an enlarged outer portion projecting towards the barrel portion and defining, between the flange portion and the arm portion, a sample that elastically couples the holding portion of the outer lateral ear. The invention also provides a conveyor belt having a desired travel direction and comprising a first link module which extends transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and which includes a rear portion that includes a plurality of ears separated from each other. distance to define among themselves a first series of spaces, and a second link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a front portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced apart to define a second series of spaces and located in the spaces between them defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, and an ear of the plurality of front and rear ears including a lateral laterally located lateral ear having an external lateral surface extending along the direction of the desired travel of the conveyor belt, a hole extending transversely from the outer lateral surface of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, a depression located on the outer lateral surface, extending radially from the hole along the direction desired travel of the conveyor belt, and defined, in part, by a slotted surface extending radially from the bore and parallel to the outer lateral surface and having an end spaced from the bore, an edge surface extending from the end of the grooved surface and parallel to the bore, a first hold-down surface extending parallel to the grooved surface and from the edge surface to define, with the grooved surface and the edge surface, a fastening portion projecting from the hole, and an opening extending in the outer side ear transversely to the hole , communicating with the orifice, and defined, in part, by a second clamping surface spaced inwardly from and parallel to the external lateral surface to define, with the grooved surface, a second clamping portion projecting toward the hole, a holding plug that includes a cylindrical barrel portion that extends into the hole that includes an external end or, a flange portion extending from the outer end of the barrel portion, located in the groove in the outer lateral surface of the end ear, and including an outer end spaced from the barrel portion, an arm portion which extends from the flange portion inward of the outer end thereof and in parallel relation to the barrel portion, and including an enlarged outer portion projecting towards the barrel portion and defining, between the flange portion and the arm portion, a first sample that resiliently engages the first holding portion of the outer lateral ear, and a tongue portion extending radially from the barrel portion in spaced relation inwardly from the flange portion and defining with the flange portion, a second notch elastically coupling the second holding portion of the outer ear. Other features and advantages of the invention become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a top plan view of a portion of a conveyor belt incorporating several of the features of the invention. Figure 2 is an elongated top view, partially cut away from an end portion of one of the link modules of the conveyor belt shown in Figure 1 and with the other base module omitted. Figure 3 is a partially cut away view, taken from the right in Figure 2. Figure 4 is a perspective view of a retention plug used in the conveyor belt shown in Figure 1. Figure 5 is a perspective view of another retaining plug that can be employed in the conveyor belt shown in Figure 1. Figure 6 is a perspective view, from below and from one side, of the conveyor belt that is generally shown in Figure 1 and in the which is in coupled relation with the retaining plug shown in Figure 5. Before a mode of the invention is explained in detail, it should be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the detail of the construction and the couplings of the components presented in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of having other modalities and of being implemented or carried out in various ways. Likewise, it should be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of the description and should not be considered as limiting.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITY What is shown in the drawings is a first embodiment of a conveyor belt 11 having a desired travel direction comprising a plurality of generally identical link modules connected in series by a plurality of hinge pins. More particularly, the conveyor belt 11 includes a first link module 13 extending transverse of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt including a front portion 15 and a rear portion 17 that includes a plurality of separate ears 19 respectively including in the same holes 21 that extend transversely and that receive a hinge pin 22, and that define a first series of spaces among themselves. The front portion 15 of the first link module 13 is generally identical to the front portion of a second link module 23, which will not be described. The second link module 23 extends transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and includes a rear portion 27 that is generally identical to the rear portion 17 of the first link module 13. In addition, the second link module 23 also includes a front portion 25 that includes a plurality of spaced ears 29 that are located in the spaces defined by the plurality of ears 19 of the rear portion 17 of the first link module 13 and which respectively includes holes 31 extending therein transversely, which receive the hinge pin 22. The aforementioned hinge pin 22 extends in the holes 21 and 31 of the first and second link modules 13 and 23 and has a length less than the total transverse width of the conveyor belt 11 and is centered in relation to the width of the conveyor belt 11. The hinge pins 22 may be of any type. adequate construction. On both outer sides, the link modules 3 and 23 also respectively include external lateral ears 35, respectively including the holes 21 and 31, as well as respective retaining plugs or pins 41 which serve to retain the hinge pin (one or more) 22 in the centered position and which can be removed and removed from the conveyor belt 11 to allow access to the hinge pin (one or more) 22. In addition, the link modules 3 and 23 and the retaining plugs or pins 41 they also include interlocking surfaces in the retaining plugs or pins and in the outer side ears which by means of the coupling prevent outflow of the retaining plugs or pins 41 from the holes 21 and 31. More particularly, in this latter aspect, each of the outer side ears 35 has an outer side surface 45 extending along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, and an associated hole of the holes 21 and 31 extending from the outer lateral surface 45 transversely from the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and in axial alignment with the holes 21 and 31 in the other lugs 19 and 29. Even more particularly, since other constructions may be employed, each of the outer side surfaces 45 include a slot 47 extending radially from an associated hole in the holes 21 and 31 along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, and defined, in part, by a slotted surface 49 that is extends radially from an associated hole of the holes 21 and 31 in parallel to the outer lateral surface 45 and having an end 51 spaced from the associated hole. In addition, each of the outer side ears 35 includes an edge surface 53 extending from the end of the slotted surface 49 and parallel to the associated hole of the holes 21 and 31, together with a first clamping surface 55 extending parallel to the grainy surface 49 and from the edge surface 53 towards the associated hole of the holes 21 and 31 to define, with the grooved surface 49 and the edge surface 53, a first holding portion 57 extending and projecting from the associated hole of the holes 21 and 31 and in a -relation generally aligned along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt with the first fastening portion 57. In addition, each of the end side ears 35 includes an opening 63 extending between the upper part and the lower part of the associated outer side ear 35, which extends transversely to the associated hole of the holes 21 and 31, which communicates with the associated hole of the holes 21 and 31, and which is defined, in part, by a second clamping surface 65 separated inward from and parallel to the surface associated external side 45. The second clamping surface 65 defines, together with the grooved surface 49, a second clamping portion 67 that faces or projects towards the associated hole of the holes 21 and 31. The retaining plugs 45 in each side of the conveyor belt 11 are of identical construction and respectively include a cylindrical barrel portion 71 that extends into the holes 21 and 31 and that includes an outer end 73. In addition, each of the retaining plugs 41 includes a portion of flange 75 extending from the outer end 73 of the barrel portion 71, which is located in the slot 47 on the external lateral surface 45, and which includes an outer end of an outer part or tongue 77 that is separated from the barrel portion 71 and which is accessible, through an operator, for its manipulation and to be able to disassemble the retaining cap 45 from the associated external lateral ear 35. In addition, each one of the retaining plugs 41 includes a bracket arm portion 81, which extends from the flange portion 75 inwardly of the outer end or tab 77 thereof and in parallel relation to the barrel portion 71 and which it includes an outer enlarged portion or beard 83 projecting towards the barrel portion 71 which includes an edge 85 extending generally in parallel relation to the flange portion 75 and a ramp surface 87 extending from the edge 85 and in divergent relation outwardly of the axis of the barrel portion 71. The edge 85 defines, with the front surface of the flange portion 75, a first notch 91 which is elastically coupled with the first holding portion 57 of the outer lateral ear 35. In other words, the arm portion 81 and the external enlarged portion or beard 83 provide a cantilever coupling or adjustment with the first clamping surface 55 of the link module. More specifically, in the insertion, the enlarged portion or beard 83 is forced around the first clamping surface 55 because the flange portion 75 is resilient and is folded to accommodate the cantilever fit. In addition, each of the retainer plugs 41 includes a tongue or beard portion 95 that extends radially from the barrel portion 71 in spaced relation inward from the flange portion 75 and which includes a generally extending edge 97. in parallel relation to the flange portion 75, and a ramp surface 99 extending from the edge 97 outwardly of the flange portion 75 and in inclined converging relation to the axis of the barrel portion 71 and in divergence relation outwardly relative to the ramp surface 87 of the enlarged portion 83. The edge 97 defines, with the front surface of the flange portion 75, a second notch 101 that facilitates flexibility or adjustment by leap of the tongue or beard portion 95 with the second holding portion 67 of the outer ear 35. If desired, the holding plug 41 can include only the tongue portion 95 and omit the p enlarged or beard 83, by means of which the retaining cap 41 is retained only for engagement of the clamping surface 65 or of the clamping portion 67 with the tongue or beard portion 95. Advantageously, the interlocking surfaces in the enlarged portion or beard 83 of the holding plug 41 and on the outer lateral ears 45 of the link modules 13 and 23 prevent the holding plug 41 from being excessively inserted into the hole 21 and facilitating or permitting the use of a tool, if desired, to assist in the disassembly of the orifice retaining cap 21. Alternatively, if desired, the retaining cap 41 may omit the tab portion 95 and may include only the flange portion 75, the arm portion 81. , and the enlarged portion or beard 83, by means of which the retaining cap 41 is retained only by engagement of the clamping surface 55 of the clamping portion 57 with the portion enlarged beard or beard 83. Any suitable material can be used to manufacture link modules 13 and 23, such as, for example, plastic materials having good skip adjustment qualities, such as polypropylene, polybutylene or polybutylene terephthalate, or polyethylene, or nylon. The material must be sufficiently elastic to facilitate the adjustment couplings by jumping but, at the same time, rigid enough so that the hole 21 does not deform permanently during assembly and disassembly. In the particu- larity that the construction described, the link modules 3 and 23 are manufactured from acetal plastic. The retaining plugs 41 can be made of any suitable material, such as various steering thermoplastics, polyolefins, or even metal. The material must be sufficiently elastic to facilitate the snap fit couplings but, at the same time, rigid enough so that the enlarged portion or beard 83 and the tongue or beard portion 95 does not deform permanently during assembly and disassembly. The same material can be used for the linking modules 3 and 23 and the insert plugs 41. In the particularity described by the construction, the retaining plugs 41 are made from plastic material and, in particular, from terephthalate polybutylene. During operation, the holding plugs 41 on opposite sides of the conveyor belt 11 serve to prevent the hinge pin 22 from making axial movement, or, in the absence of the hinge pin 22, serve to make the function of the hinge pin 22. In addition, the retaining plugs 41 are detachable from the outer end ears 35 to have access to the hinge pin 22 by manipulation of the outer end or tab 77 of the flange portion 75. for raising or dislodging the outer end 77 of the slit 47, which evacuation serves, only if the tongue portion 95 is employed to the enlarged portion 83, to disassemble the fit by jumping between the edge 85 or 97 of the associated clamping surface. and 65 or, when the tab portion 95 and the enlarged portion 83 are employed, to disassemble the snap fit between the edges 85 and 97 of the associated fastener surface 55 and 65. More particularly, during insertion of the retainer plug 41. in the hole 21, the tongue or beard portion 95 creates, between the tongue or beard portion 95 and the hole 21, a pressure setting that is released after the total assembly of the t retention flap 41 in the hole 21, with the result that the tongue or beard portion 95 engages the clamping surface 65 to provide the desired fit by jumping. During insertion and removal of the retaining cap 41 from the hole 21, one or both of said components elastically deforms to provide the pressure adjustment step of the retaining cap 41 through the hole 21 and in the snap coupling. with the clamping surface 65 of the associated link module 13 and 23. More particularly, the hole 21 in the link modules 13 and 23 can be stretched or stretched elastically. In addition, the plastic material of the retaining plug 41 can be elastically deformed or flowed sufficiently to allow passage of the tab or beard portion 91 through the hole 21. After such a step, the hole 21 and the tab or portion of beard 95, when applicable, return to their unstretched or normal condition and the tongue or barb portion 95 enters the snap fit engagement with the grasping surface 65. The tab or beard portion 95 shown in Figure 5 and the orifice 21 of the link modules 13 and 23 is actually a snap fit which is another embodiment of a retaining plug 141 which is constructed in the same manner as the retaining plug 41 shown in Figure 4, except that the portion of the arm 81 is omitted and the flange portion 75 is trimmed so that the length thereof is less than the length of the slot 47. Desirably, one of the retaining plugs 141 is located in each of the lugs. The holes 21 and 31 in each of the side surfaces 45 of the link modules 13 and 23. One of the retaining plugs 141 is shown in releasably assembled relationship with the link module 13. Consequently, it will no longer be described the retaining cap 141. In the construction shown in Figure 6, as in the construction shown in Figures 1 to 4, the barrel portion 71 of the retaining cap 141 extends into the hole 21 of the link module 13 and, as illustrated in Figure 6, the flange portion 75 of the retaining cap 141 extends into the groove 47 of the outer side surface 45. The interface module described and the mounting of the retainer cap or conveyor belt 11 is particularly well suitable for retaining a hinge pin on a MatTopR style conveyor chain or modular drive belt manufactured by Rexnord Corporation. For conveyor belt chains of relatively small amplitude, the holding plugs 41 can also function as hinge pins, thus replacing the hinge pin 22. In this way, the described retaining plugs 41 can be used together with any conveyor band or chain amplitude, and, in connection with smaller amplitude chains, the retaining plugs 41 described can be used to replace the usual hinge pin. The module of connecting and assembling the retaining plug or conveyor belt 11 described also advantageously face the removal of the retaining plugs 41 from one of the associated link modules 13 and 23 by including an outer end or tab 77 which facilitates dismantling. A particularly desirable feature of the plug and conveyor assembly module or conveyor belt 11 described is that the barrel portions 71 of the retainer plugs 41 are not limited in length and thus, as indicated above, the retaining plugs 41 described can also serve as a hinge pin. Another particularly desirable feature of the plug and conveyor assembly module or conveyor belt 11 described is the inclusion of the ramp surface 87 and 99 which facilitates assembly and, when the retaining caps 41 are fully inserted, the securing edges 85. and 97 are releasably secured to one of the associated link modules 13 and 23. In addition, another desirable feature of the link module and plug assembly or conveyor belt 11 described, is that the flange portion 75 also provides the stop function which, once the holding plug 41 is inserted, prevents another insertion.

The plug and conveyor assembly module or conveyor belt 11 described also advantageously provides ease of assembly and cleaning. In addition, the link module and plug assembly or conveyor belt 11 described - also have a relatively large size that has more acceptance field in food processing factories due to the reduced possibility of a larger retaining plug Mix unexpectedly with the packaged food products. Several of the features are set forth in the following claims.

Claims (25)

NOVELTY OF THE INVENTION CLAIMS

1. - A conveyor belt having a desired travel direction and comprising a first link module that extends transversely in the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and includes a rear portion that includes a plurality of separate ears that define each other a first series of spaces, and a second link module extending transversely in the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a front portion that includes a plurality of separate ears located in such spaces defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, one of the ears of the plurality of front and rear ears includes a lateral laterally located lateral ear having an external lateral surface extending along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt , and a hole that extends transversely from the lateral surface external to the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, a retaining cap that includes a cylindrical barrel portion extending in such an orifice and including an outer end, and interlocking surfaces in the cap and outer side ear to avoid by means of the coupling the withdrawal towards the outside of the plug from the hole.

2. A conveyor belt according to claim 1, further characterized in that the intercoupling surfaces include a splice surface extending into the outer side ear from the hole and along the direction of the desired chain travel in a separate relationship. down from the outer side surface, and a portion of elastic tab extending radially outwardly from the barrel portion in spaced relation inwardly from the outer end and in engagement with the splice surface of the outer side ear to prevent coupling means withdrawing the plug outwardly from such an orifice.

3. A conveyor belt according to claim 1, further characterized in that the external lateral surface includes a groove extending from the hole along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, and further characterized in that the cap includes a flange portion extending from the outer end of the barrel portion and located in the groove in the outer lateral surface of the end ear.

4. A conveyor belt according to claim 1, further characterized in that the pluralities of front and rear ears respectively include holes in axial alignment with the hole in the end ear, and further characterized in that the barrel portion extends in a plurality of holes, of the pluralities of front and rear ears.

5. A conveyor belt according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first and second link modules are made of plastic.

6. A conveyor belt according to claim 1, further characterized in that the plug is made of plastic.

7. A conveyor belt according to claim 1, further characterized in that the first and second link modules and the plug are made of plastic.

8. A conveyor belt having a desired travel direction and comprising a link module extending transversely from the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt comprising a plurality of ears that include an external lateral ear located laterally that has a hole extending transversely from the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, and a pair of gripper surfaces extending in parallel relation spaced apart to define a grip portion extending along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, and a retaining cap made of elastic material and including a cylindrical barrel portion extending in such an orifice, and spaced apart surfaces extending parallel and inwardly from the outer lateral surface to define a notch that elastically engages the holding portion of the outer lateral ear.

9. A conveyor belt having a desired travel direction and comprising a first link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a rear portion that includes a plurality of ears separated from each other. distance to define among themselves a first series of spaces, and a second link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a front portion including a plurality of ears spaced apart to define each other a second series of spaces and png in such spaces defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, and an ear of the plurality of front and rear ears including an external lateral ear laterally having an external lateral surface which extends along the desired travel direction of the transport band a hole extending from the outer side surface transversely from the desired direction of travel of the conveyor belt, a slot located on the outer side surface and extending radially from the hole along the desired travel direction of the outer side surface. the conveyor belt, and an opening extending transversely in the outer lateral ear towards the orifice, communicating with the orifice, and defined, in part, by a splice surface separated inwardly from the outer lateral surface and extending along the the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, and a retaining cap that includes a cylindrical barrel portion extending into the hole and including an outer end, a flange portion extending from the outer end of the portion barrel and is located in the groove of the outer lateral surface of the extreme ear, and a portion of elastic tongue. ca extends radially from the barrel portion in spaced relation inwardly from the flange portion and in engagement with the splice surface of the outer lateral ear.

10. A conveyor belt according to claim 9, further characterized in that the pluralities of front and rear ears respectively include holes in the axial alignment with the hole in the end ear, and further characterized in that the barrel portion extends in a plurality of holes of the pluralities of front and rear ears.

11. A conveyor belt according to claim 9, further characterized in that the first and second link modules are made of plastic.

12. A conveyor belt according to claim 9, further characterized in that the plug is made of plastic.

13. - A conveyor belt according to claim 9, further characterized in that the first and second link modules and the plug are made of plastic.

14. A conveyor belt according to claim 9, further characterized in that the flange portion includes an outer end that can be manipulated to facilitate removal of the retainer cap from the link module.

15. A conveyor belt having a desired travel direction comprising a first link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a rear portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced at distances to defining among themselves a first series of spaces, and a second link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a front portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced at distances to define a second one between them series of spaces and located in such spaces defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, and an ear of the plurality of front and rear ears including a lateral laterally located lateral ear having an external lateral surface that extends along the desired travel direction of the transpo band a hole, extending from the external lateral surface transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, a groove located on the outer lateral surface, extending radially from the hole along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, and defined, in part, by a grooved surface extending radially from the bore and parallel to the outer side surface and having an end spaced from the bore, an edge surface extending from the end of the bore. slotted surface and parallel to the hole, a clamping surface extending parallel to the grooved surface and from the edge surface to define, with the grooved surface and the edge surface, a clamping portion projecting from the hole, and a retaining cap that includes a cylindrical barrel portion that extends into the hole and that includes an outer end, a a flange portion extending from the outer end of the barrel portion, located in the groove in the outer lateral surface of the outer lateral ear, and including an outer end separated from the barrel portion and an arm portion that extends from the flange portion inward of the outer end thereof and in parallel relation to the barrel portion, and which includes an external enlarged portion projecting towards the barrel portion and defining, between the flange portion and the arm portion, a notch that elastically engages the holding portion of the outer lateral ear.

16. - A conveyor belt according to claim 15, further characterized in that the pluralities of ears respectively include holes in the axial alignment with the hole in the end ear, and characterized -in addition because the barrel portion extends in a plurality of holes in the ear. pluralities of front and back ears.

17. A conveyor belt according to claim 15, further characterized in that the first and second link modules are made of plastic.

18. A conveyor belt according to claim 15, further characterized in that the plug is made of plastic.

19. A conveyor belt according to claim 15, further characterized in that the first and second link modules and the plug are made of plastic.

20. A conveyor belt according to claim 15, further characterized in that the flange portion includes an outer end that is manipulable to facilitate removal of the retaining cap from the link module.

21. A conveyor belt having a desired travel direction and comprising a first link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a rear portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced apart to define among themselves a first series of spaces, and a second link module extending transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt and including a front portion that includes a plurality of ears spaced apart to define a second series of spaces between them and located at spaces defined by the plurality of ears of the rear portion of the first link module, and an ear of the plurality of front and rear ears including a lateral laterally located outer ear having an external lateral surface extending along the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, a hole extending from the outer lateral surface transversely of the desired travel direction of the conveyor belt, a slot located on the outer lateral surface, extending radially from the orifice along the the desired travel direction of the transportation band, and defined, in part, by a grooved surface extending radially from the bore and parallel to the outer lateral surface and having an end spaced from the bore, an edge surface extending from the end of the grooved surface in parallel of such bore, a first surface grooved extending parallel to the grooved surface and from the edge surface to define, with the grooved surface and the edge surface, a fastening portion projecting from the hole, and an opening extending in the lateral ear externally transversely to the orifice, communicating with the orifice, and defined, in part, by a second holding surface separated from the inside and in parallel with the external lateral surface to define, with the grooved surface, a second holding portion projecting towards the orifice, and a retaining cap that includes a cylindrical barrel portion that extends into the hole and that includes a an outer end, a flange portion extending from the outer end of the barrel portion, located in the groove of the outer lateral surface of the end ear, and including an outer end separate from the barrel portion, a portion of arm extending from the flange portion inward of the outer end thereof and in parallel relation to the barrel portion, and including an external enlarged portion projecting toward the barrel portion it defines, between the flange portion and the arm portion, a first notch that resiliently engages the first fastening portion of the outer lateral ear, and a tongue portion extending radially from the barrel portion in a spaced-apart relationship from the flange portion that defines with the flange portion, a second notch elastically coupling the second holding portion of the outer ear.

22. A conveyor belt according to claim 21, further characterized in that the tongue portion includes a front side surface of the arm portion and that it generally extends in inclined relation to the flange portion, further characterized in that the portion enlarged includes a side surface facing the barrel portion and which normally extends in inclined relation to the flange portion, and further characterized in that the lateral surfaces of the tongue portion and the enlarged portion extend diverging outwardly from the tab portion.

23. A conveyor belt according to claim 21, further characterized in that the pluralities of front and rear ears respectively include holes in axial alignment with the hole in the end ear, and further characterized in that the barrel portion extends in a plurality. of holes of the pluralities of front and rear ears.

24. A conveyor belt in accordance with claim 21, further characterized in that the first and second link modules and the plug are made of plastic.

25. A conveyor belt according to claim 21, further characterized in that the edge portion includes an outer end that can be manipulated to facilitate removal of the holding plug of the link module.