Patent ID: 6425478
Filing Date: 2002-07-30
Classification: B65G

Abstract:
Conveying apparatus comprising a multiplicity of transporting means which can be moved individually, can be driven in a state in which they butt against one another via end sides, and are guided by means of a guide rail, and also comprising a drive means which acts on the transporting means at least in a curved section of the guide rail, wherein the drive means and the transporting means interact in a form-fitting manner in order to convey successive transporting means in the curved section in a position in which they do not come into contact with one another, wherein the drive means has projecting teeth and the transporting means have an engagement side which is configured in adaptation to the form-fitting engagement of the drive means, and wherein, in the curved section, the projecting teeth and the engagement side of the transporting means are arranged opposite one another and are partially in form-fitting engagement, wherein the teeth are arranged on the inside, and the transporting means are arranged on the outside, in relation to the curved section, and wherein the curved section of the guide rail has a center point of curvature M and a constant radius RS, wherein at least over part of the length of the curved section, the teeth of the drive means are moved along a curved path with the same center point of curvature M and a radius RZ which is smaller than the radium RS of the guide rail.