Rod retention system and method

摘要

The present disclosure provides belts (chains or brick-laid) having rod retains provided by way of an end module and a link cap for easier disassembly. The outer link end of the end module is altered to be narrower and furnished with a connecting structure. A separate link cap piece is produced, providing a corresponding connecting structure suitable to connect to the outer link end of the end module such that the width of the outer combined pieces is substantially the same as the other link ends of the belt. The link cap may be furnished with an opening allowing for assembly with a pivot rod.

主权项

1. A modular belt, comprising:
a belt module comprising:
an intermediate section;an outer link end extending from the intermediate section in a first direction parallel to a direction of belt travel, the outer link end having a transverse opening defined therein and a mating connector; andan opposing link end extending from the intermediate section in a second direction opposite the first direction, the opposing link end configured to interdigitate with link ends of an adjacent module, the opposing link end having a transverse opening defined therein; a pivot rod disposed through the transverse openings of the outer end; a link cap for retaining the pivot rod, the link cap having a corresponding connector configured to mate with the mating connector of the outer link end; and wherein the link cap further comprises an integrated rodlet configured to be coaxial with the pivot rod.