초록 ▼

A modular conveying assembly includes active roller control for reducing backline pressure without product to product contact when accumulating products. The conveying assembly includes a first roller belt module having a top surface and at least one first roller axle support extending above the top

A modular conveying assembly includes active roller control for reducing backline pressure without product to product contact when accumulating products. The conveying assembly includes a first roller belt module having a top surface and at least one first roller axle support extending above the top surface. The first axle support supports at least one roller above the top surface. The at least one roller is rotatably coupled to a rotatably driven drive axle, such that rotation of the drive axle causes rotation of the roller. A clutch including a driven surface fixed to the drive axle engages a driving member to rotatably drive the drive axle and, thus the roller.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A modular conveying assembly module comprising: a body having a top surface;a first driven axle mounted to the body for conveyance therewith;a roller fixed to the first driven axle;a first driven surface fixed to the first driven axle and configured to be selectively engaged by a driving member t

1. A modular conveying assembly module comprising: a body having a top surface;a first driven axle mounted to the body for conveyance therewith;a roller fixed to the first driven axle;a first driven surface fixed to the first driven axle and configured to be selectively engaged by a driving member to affect rotation of the first driven axle;a second driven axle coaxial to the first driven axle;a second roller fixed to the second driven axle; anda second driven surface fixed to the second driven axle and configured to be selectively engaged by a second driving member to affect rotation of the second driven axle. 2. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, including axle supports supporting the first driven axle above the top surface of the body. 3. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, wherein the first driven surface and the second driven surface are staggered relative to one another. 4. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, wherein the roller defines a non-cylindrical shape. 5. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, wherein the roller is configured to support an object for conveyance, and wherein the first driven surface is not arranged to support the object for conveyance. 6. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, wherein the first driven surface is positioned proximal an end of the first driven axle. 7. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, wherein the first driven surface includes a tapered surface. 8. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, wherein a first hinge member extending forwardly from the body in a direction of conveyor travel and including a first opening for receiving a first hinge pin, a second hinge member extending from the body in a direction opposite to the first hinge member and including a second opening for receiving a second hinge pin. 9. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 8, wherein at least one of the modules includes a leading edge and a trailing edge and wherein the first hinge member extends from the leading edge and the second hinge member extends from the trailing edge. 10. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, wherein the first driven axle is a roller axle having at least one roller rotatably fixed thereto. 11. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 1, wherein the first driven axle is coupled to a roller axle having at least one roller rotatably fixed thereto. 12. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 11, wherein the first driven axle counter rotates the roller axle. 13. A modular conveying assembly comprising: a first belt module including a body having a top surface;a first driven axle mounted to the body for conveyance therewith;a first driven surface fixed to the first driven axle;a first driving member engageable with the first driven surface, the first driven surface is rotatably driven upon engagement of the first driving member with the first driven surface;a second driven axle mounted to the body for conveyance therewith;a second driven surface fixed to the second driven axle; anda second driving member engageable with the second driven surface, the second driven surface is rotatably driven upon engagement of the second driving member with the second driven surface,wherein the first driven axle, the first driven surface, and the first driving member define a first motion zone,wherein the second driven axle, the second driven surface, and the second driving member define a second motion zone that is different from the first motion zone, andwherein the first motion zone and the second motion zone are positioned laterally, side-by-side with one another. 14. The modular conveying assembly of claim 13, wherein the driving member is a stationary element laterally adjacent the first belt module. 15. The modular conveying assembly module of claim 13, wherein the first driving member includes a motor coupled to a continuous belt arranged for selective contact with the first driven surface, the motor driving the continuous belt at a variable speed. 16. The modular conveyor assembly of claim 13, wherein the first driven surface rotates when in contact with the first driving member. 17. The modular conveyor assembly of claim 13, wherein the first driven surface defines at least two diameters, the first driving member arranged to contact one of the two diameters. 18. A method of accumulating an object on a modular conveying assembly that includes a belt module including a body having a top surface and traveling in a direction of travel at a conveying speed,a first driven axle mounted to the body for conveyance therewitha roller fixed to the first driven axle,a first driven surface fixed to the first driven axle and configured to be selectively engaged by a first driving member to affect rotation of the first driven axle,a second driven axle coaxial to the first driven axle,a second roller fixed to the second driven axle, anda second driven surface fixed to the second driven axle and configured to be selectively engaged by a second driving member to affect rotation of the second driven axle, the method comprising: supporting the object on one of the first driven axle and the second driven axle; conveying the object along the top surface of the belt; engaging the first driving member with the first driven surface to define a first motion zone counter rotating the first driven axle relative to the direction of travel; and engaging the second driving member with the second driven surface to define a second motion zone counter rotating the second driven axle relative to the direction of travel.