Patent attributes
A guide for a chain (105) for an articles conveyor (100) is proposed. Said guide comprises a return guide (110R;210R;310R) being adapted to guide the chain (105) along at least a portion of a return section of a conveyor path of the articles conveyor (100). The chain (105) comprises a plurality of links (115) each one having a first link element (1151) for supporting the articles to be conveyed and a second link element (1152) for supporting the first link element (1151). The return guide (110R;210R;310R) comprises a return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) along the return guide (110R;210R;310R), said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) extending within the return guide (110R;210R;310R) from a surface (110RB;210RB;310RB) of the return guide (110R;210R;310R) that, in use, defines a lower outer surface of the guide. The return guide (110R;210R;310R) further comprises return guide magnetic interaction means (130R,135;230R,235;330R,335) adapted in use to magnetically interact with chain magnetic interaction means (120) to cause a magnetic attraction of the chain (105) within the return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R), SO that by effect of said magnetic attraction said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R) is adapted to slidably receive within it the second link element (1152), and said surface (110RB;210RB;310RB) of the return guide (110R;210R;310R) is adapted to provide a slide abutment, external to the return guide (110R;210R;310R), for the first link element (1151). The guide further comprises accompanying means (140,145,150) for accompanying the movement of the chain (105) with respect to said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R), said accompanying means (140,145,150) comprising: means (145) for promoting an input of the chain (105) into, and magnetic attraction and retention of the chain (105) within, said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R), and means (150) for promoting an output of the chain (105) from said return chain guide channel (125R;225R;325R).
