US 5,303,817 A · Drive system for modular link conveyor belts

Abstract

Plastic modular link belt conveyors are provided with an inner drive belt system disposed along a variable length of the conveyor belt at one or more positions to produce various advantages including operation of longer belts and those which have curved conveyance paths. The modular characteristics of these drive systems permit custom design in the field for different conveyor loadings, paths and loads. Thus, belt life and performance is enhanced by driving a belt with a belt drive system. The system advantageously uses standard modules of one type in both the driven and driving belts. Thus the modules have similar manufacturing tolerances and temperature characteristics. Pivoted link modules with oblong apertures in the belt drive system permits choices of modules for belt constructions compatible with curved paths. The modularized belt systems are versatile for adaptation to such applications as wide bricklayered modular belts and non-conventional conveyor needs. In the drive system integrally formed gear teeth on the modular links intermesh in the space between the transverse pivot rods in the respective innermost driving belt and the outermost driven belt. By running the inner drive belt "inside-out" modular links with drive tooth appendages extending from opposite belt sides, standard modules of the type having special conveyance structure on the conveying belt side may be used in the driving belt.

Claims13

Dependent claims

A conveyor system comprising in combination:

a driving conveyor belt formed of pivotable modules into an endless loop assembly, said driving belt modules having extending appendages on opposite sides of the driving conveyor belt for respectively engaging a driven conveyor belt and a powered driving source,
a powered sprocket drive assembly for engaging the driving conveyor belt module appendages on a first side of the driving conveyor belt to move the driving conveyor belt about the endless loop,
a driven conveyor belt loop formed of pivotable modules and adapted to be driven by the driving conveyor belt module appendages on a second side of the belt, and
driving means for the driven conveyor belt positioning the driving conveyor belt inside the driven belt loop to engage the driven conveyor belt loop in a driving relationship by driving contact between a plurality of modules in the driving and driven belts along the length of the respective conveyor belt loops.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Drive system for modular link conveyor belts

Life of this patent

Drive system for modular link conveyor belts

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims13