Assembly device for modular conveyor belt

Abstract

The present invention relates to an assembly device (1) for a modular conveyor belt (2), for closing a modular conveyor belt (2) mounted in a winding manner on a conveying structure (9), said belt (2) being initially open and having an upper face (201) for receiving products (7) and a lower face (200).The device (1) is characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of clamps (3), each clamp (3) comprising - a lower jaw (30) and an upper jaw (31), said lower jaw (30) and said upper jaw (31) being movable relative to each other, between a closed position, in which a portion (20) of said modular conveyor belt (2) can be held between said jaws (30), (31), and an open position, - a means (4) for operating at least one of said jaws (30), (31) between the open position and the closed position, - a fixing means (5) for receiving a bringing together means (6) which can be connected to the fixing means (5) of each clamp (3) to bring them together. The invention also relates to an assembly method for a modular conveyor belt (2) implementing such a device (1). Figure for the abstract: Fig. 2.

Description

Title of the invention: Assembly device for modular conveyor belt

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of product conveyance in an industrial processing chain. Its subject is an assembly device for a modular conveyor belt and the method implementing this device.

[0002] In the field of the present invention, products, such as bottles or cans, are moved by means of conveyor belts on which they rest. The product is preferably a container, of the bottle or flask type. Such a container is intended to contain, but not limited to, a fluid, a liquid, powders or granules, in particular of the food or cosmetic type. The product can also be a cardboard box, a crate, or even a batch of containers.

[0003] As is known, within an industrial line, the containers can receive several different successive treatments, such as the manufacture of the container, filling then closing with a cap and labeling. At the end of these treatments, the containers are said to be "finished". Between the different successive treatments and therefore between the different successive work stations, the products are conveyed on conveyor belts. In addition, between two treatments, it may be useful to provide accumulation areas, allowing a certain number of products to be stored. This is particularly desirable in the event of a shutdown of one or other workstation, as the workstations located downstream or upstream can continue to process products.

[0004] Thus, within an installation, the products, and in particular when they are containers, move on a conveyor belt in a main direction corresponding to a longitudinal conveying direction. The modular conveyor belt is an endless belt, mounted around a conveying support, and driven by a drive means, for example a motor. Between two processing steps, i.e. between two work stations, the products are possibly stored on an accumulation surface. Such an accumulation surface is for example oriented transversely to the direction of movement of the conveyor, i.e. to the longitudinal conveying direction. Generally, the accumulation surface has a substantial width in order to be able to store a sufficient number of products. This is all the more true in a configuration where products are transferred onto an accumulation surface in full rows, transversely from an input conveyor. In this case, the surface accumulation can take the form of a modular conveyor belt of a very substantial width. This change in dimension creates a great difficulty when it comes to closing the conveyor belt in a loop around its support, i.e., around the conveying structure. Indeed, the total length of the belt is not greater than its support. On the contrary, a certain tension is required when the belt is closed. Thus, the wider the conveyor belt, the more force is required to close it.

[0005] Currently, this operation of closing the conveyor belt is carried out by operators. This operation requires strength and time. Several operators are then required. Indeed, as mentioned previously, the dimensions of the conveyor belt are adjusted to the nearest link in relation to the surface to be covered. This means that the conveyor belt is very taut when it is closed, and therefore a great deal of force is required to be able to join the two ends of the belt. In cases where the total width of the belt is relatively small, the force required to close the belt around its support is less important. In these rare cases, a single operator can manage to install the conveyor belt, with experience.

[0006] In this area, operators are therefore faced with a difficult and time-consuming task. Existing solutions focus on the creation of strip modules to be assembled.

[0007] This is not satisfactory because assembling different modules side by side causes problems of stability of the products and friction between the belt and the products. In addition, this solution, even if it requires less force, is also very time-consuming, since it is necessary to close the different narrow modules one by one.

[0008] In the field of the invention, it is therefore necessary to develop a solution making it possible to facilitate the closing of a conveyor belt in the form of an endless loop around its support.

[0009] The invention thus aims to provide an assembly device for a modular conveyor belt, making it possible, without requiring the strength of several operators, to close a conveyor belt easily and quickly.

[0010] To this end, the invention firstly relates to an assembly device for a modular conveyor belt, for closing a modular conveyor belt mounted in a winding on a conveying structure, said belt being initially open and having an upper face for receiving products and a lower face.

[0011] According to the invention, the device is characterized in that it comprises at least one pair of clamps, each clamp comprising - a lower jaw and an upper jaw, said lower jaw and said upper jaw being movable relative to each other, between a closed position, in which a portion of said modular conveyor belt can be held between said jaws, and an open position, - a means for operating at least one of said jaws between the open position and the closed position, - a fixing means for receiving a bringing together means which can be connected to the fixing means of each clamp to bring them together.

[0012] According to a possible additional characteristic, the operating means is an articulated arm at one end of which the upper jaw is mounted.

[0013] In embodiments, the operating means ensures the clamping of the upper jaw against the lower jaw in the closed position, allowing the upper jaw to be pressed against the upper face of the portion of the modular conveyor belt while the lower jaw is placed against the lower face of said portion of said belt.

[0014] According to a possible additional feature, the assembly device comprises a bringing together means for bringing the clamps of a pair closer to each other, said bringing together means being fixed to each of the clamps via their respective fixing means.

[0015] Preferably, the bringing together means is a ratchet strap.

[0016] In possible embodiments, the assembly device is intended for a conveyor belt whose lower face has indentations, and the lower jaw of at least one pair of clamps of said device has a shape complementary to the lower face of the portion of the belt to create mechanical cooperation between them.

[0017] Preferably, the contact surface between the jaws of each of the grippers of a device and the portion of the conveyor belt is between 10,000 and 15,000 square millimeters, and even more preferably said contact surface is 12,000 square meters.

[0018] In possible embodiments, the means for operating a clamp of the assembly device is a mechanical clamping clamp.

[0019] Preferably, the mechanical clamping clamp has a vertical lever and comprises an adjustment rod for adjusting the clamping force of the clamp.

[0020] According to a possible additional characteristic, the operating means of a clamp comprises a locking lever for locking the jaws in the closed position.

[0021] In possible embodiments, the assembly device comprises two pairs of clamps and two bringing together means.

[0022] The invention also relates to a method for implementing such a device, namely a method which comprises the following steps: - laying and winding around a conveyor structure of a modular conveyor belt, said belt being open and having two end portions to be assembled, said portions coming opposite one another, - fixing of an assembly device as described previously, each clamp of said device coming to grip respectively one of the two end portions of said belt still open, - bringing the two end portions together by a bringing together means, - closing said strip by fixing the two end portions together.

[0023] According to a possible additional characteristic, the closing of the conveyor belt is done by fixing the two portions to each other by inserting a joining pin into each of the two portions to be assembled.

[0024] In possible embodiments, the step of bringing the two end portions of the strip together is carried out by implementing a bringing together means, said bringing together means allowing each of the clamps of the device to come closer to one another.

[0025] Brief description of the figures: The invention will be better understood thanks to the description below, which is based on possible embodiments, explained in an illustrative and in no way limiting manner, with reference to the appended figures, in which:

[0026] - [Fig.l] schematically represents a perspective view of a mode of production of one of the two clamps of an assembly device in the open position;

[0027] - [Fig.2] schematically represents a perspective view of a mode of production of one of the two clamps of an assembly device in the closed position;

[0028] - [Fig.3] schematically represents a perspective view of the implementation of a single assembly device;

[0029] - [Fig.4] schematically represents a perspective view of the implementation of a device comprising two pairs of clamps, showing in particular each pair of clamps in the closed position on each side of a conveyor belt;

[0030] - [Fig.5] schematically represents a view along a vertical section, according to a transverse direction relative to the length of a conveyor belt, of an assembly device in the open position;

[0031] - [Fig.6] schematically represents a view similar to [Fig.5] of said device assembly in closed position;

[0032] - [Fig.7] schematically represents a view along a vertical section, of a conveyor installation showing a conveyor belt being assembled;

[0033] - [Fig.8] schematically represents a view of an assembly device in progress of use.

[0034] Detailed description of the invention: In the remainder of the description, elements having an identical structure or similar functions will be designated by the same reference.

[0035] The invention thus firstly relates to an assembly device 1 for a modular conveyor belt 2.

[0036] A conveyor belt 2, also called an endless conveyor, is a belt wound in a closed loop around a conveying structure 9. The conveyor belt 2 is driven by a drive means, for example a motor. The belt 2 is a closed surface which generally comprises a plurality of rows of links 7, nested with each other, the links being for example made of plastic. Each row may further comprise different blocks of adjacent links 7.

[0037] The conveyor belt 2 transports products on a processing line at its upper face 201. The processing line may be a packaging line or a palletizing line. Between the different work stations, such as grouping or bundling stations, the products may be accumulated on accumulation surfaces. The accumulation surfaces are preferably produced by placing different modules, such as modular belts or modular chains, in contact side by side, in order to obtain a conveyor belt 2 of great width, in particular relative to the longitudinal conveying direction, that is to say relative to the main direction. Typically, an accumulation surface corresponds to the assembly of one or more modules, and has a width of up to 1500 millimeters. The large width of the conveyor belt 2 requires considerable handling experience for closing the belt around its conveyor structure 9. This closing step is also extremely time-consuming. The conveyor belt 2, in the open position, has two portions 20. The portions 20 are located opposite each other when the belt 2 is wound around the conveyor structure 9. As mentioned above, the strip 2 has an upper face 201, on which the products 7 rest. The upper face 201 may be smooth, or with links. The strip 2 also has a lower face 200, from which the links 7 are visible. In particular, in certain embodiments, the lower face 200 comprises indentations 10, said indentations 10 corresponding to cavities, hollows, produced by the presence of links 7.

[0038] The invention therefore relates to an assembly device 1, for a conveyor belt 2, said device 1 comprising at least one pair of clamps 3 for closing an initially open conveyor belt 2. The assembly device 1 makes it possible to close the conveyor belt 2, by bringing together the two portions 20 of said belt 2 which are opposite each other, but which do not meet, when said belt 2 is open. To do this, the assembly device 1 according to the invention comprises at least one pair of clamps 3. A clamp 3 comprises a lower jaw 30 and an upper jaw 31, the two jaws 30, 31 being movable relative to each other. Each jaw 30, 31 comprises a plate, generally in the form of a plate. When the two jaws 30, 31 are in the closed position, the two jaws 30, 31 grip a portion 20 of the conveyor belt 2 to be closed. In other words, in the closed position, the two jaws 30, 31 grip a portion 20 of the belt 2, so as to hold it firmly in place. In particular, the upper jaw 31 presses against the upper face 201 of the portion 20 of the belt 2, while the lower jaw 30 presses against the lower face 200 of said portion 20. The surface of the lower jaw 30 and / or the upper jaw 31 which is in contact in the closed position with the portion 20 of the conveyor belt 2 is called the bearing surface. The bearing surface may comprise a non-slip coating. When the two jaws 30, 31 are in the open position, the two jaws 30, 31 are separated and therefore do not hold the portion 20 of the strip 2 in a vice. In other words, the clamp 3 then no longer grips the strip 2. The clamp 3 also comprises an operating means 4 for moving the jaws 30, 31 from one position to another, between the open position and the closed position. The operating means 4 therefore makes it possible to move the jaws 30, 31 apart or closer to each other.

[0039] The clamp 3 also comprises a fixing means 5 for receiving a bringing together means 6. The bringing together means 6 is then connected to said fixing means 5 of each clamp 3 to bring the clamps 3 of the same pair closer to each other. The bringing together means 6 therefore connects the clamps 3 of the same pair before being used to carry out the bringing together. The bringing together means 6 therefore makes it possible to bring together the two portions 20 of strip 2 to be closed and thus contributes to making the junction between the two portions 20 of the strip 2 to be closed. The fixing means 5 can be present on one or other of the jaws 30, 31. Preferably, in the case where only one of the jaws 30, 31 is movable relative to each other, the fixing means 5 is located at the level of the jaw 30, 31 which is in a fixed position, that is to say which is not movable relative to the other, to facilitate the handling of the clamp 3.

[0040] In embodiments, the operating means 4 is an articulated arm 400, at the end of which one of the jaws 30, 31 is fixed. Preferably, the articulated arm 400 supports the upper jaw 31 at its end. We will now describe a preferred embodiment, visible in [Fig.l], in which the operating means 4 of the clamp 3 brings the upper jaw 31 closer to the lower jaw 30. The movement of the upper jaw 31 is represented by an arrow. The upper jaw 31 is then movable relative to the lower jaw 30 and moves from one position to another while the lower jaw 30 remains fixed in position. In this embodiment, the operating means 4 therefore makes it possible to move the upper jaw 31 in such a way that it comes to rest, in the closed position, against the upper face 201 of a portion 20 of a conveyor belt 2. [Fig.l] illustrates an embodiment in which the operating means 4 comprises an articulated arm 400, at the end of which the upper jaw 31 is mounted. The operating means 4 can then be in the form of a mechanical clamping toggle, similar to an articulated clamp. As is known, a mechanical clamping clamp comprises a lever mechanism, intended to quickly fix a part on a frame, by pressing, the hold being ensured by friction in contact with said part in the closed position. The clamping is carried out, depending on the case, in the horizontal or vertical direction. Such a mechanical clamp is preferably vertical, with a horizontal base 11. A mechanical clamping clamp operates according to the knee lever principle, which ensures the locking of the system. According to a preferred embodiment, said mechanical clamping clamp comprises a base 11, a lever, for example in the form of the articulated arm 400, and a clamping screw, in the form of the upper jaw 31. The operating means 4, in particular in the form of a mechanical clamping clamp, also comprises an adjustment rod 4L. The adjustment rod 41 advantageously makes it possible to adjust the clamping force of the clamp 3, by adjusting the height of the upper jaw 31 relative to the sandwiching of a portion 20 of the strip 2 in the closed position. In other words, the adjustment rod 41 makes it possible to adjust the pressure applied by the upper jaw 31 to the portion 20 of the strip 2. Furthermore, said operating means 4 is pivotally mounted on the base 11, said base 11 being fixed to the lower jaw 30, at one end while its distal end is provided with a handle. Such a mechanism provides a reduction in the clamping force, ensuring tenfold locking in position. closing of said clamp 3. Conversely, this mechanism makes it possible to easily open the clamp 3, in order to release its grip. Further, the locking of the clamping toggle clamp is ensured when said articulation mechanism of said arm comprises an inflection point towards the closing position, ensuring the blocking of the movement between the various aforementioned elements (i.e. locking beyond the inflection point of the mechanism). Such blocking beyond the inflection point then ensures that the clamp is held in the closing position and clamping between the jaws. According to a preferred embodiment, the operating means 4 comprises a locking handle 42, said handle 42 being provided with an end for hooking or latching with the base 11, in particular through an end shaped like a hook, the mechanical clamp being provided with an open housing located opposite and shaped complementary to said hook. This hook and this housing are notably visible in the embodiment presented in [Fig.6]. This makes it possible to further improve the locking of the operating means 4.

[0041] As visible in [Fig.l], the fixing means 5 may comprise a housing, in particular in the form of a semi-circular fixing ring capable of ensuring the passage of a strap. In this exemplary embodiment, the fixing ring is placed on the lower jaw 30, said jaw being fixed relative to the upper jaw 31. Advantageously, the fixing means 5 projects relative to the surface of the lower jaw 300.

[0042] [Fig. 2] shows a view of the clamp 3, in which the jaws 30, 31 are in the closed position. The operating means 4 is similar to the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 1] and takes the form of a vertical mechanical clamping clamp. The locking lever 42 provides secondary locking and holding in the closed position of the clamp 3 and the clamping mechanism between the jaws 30, 31.

[0043] [Fig. 3] shows an embodiment in which a pair of clamps 3 is arranged on either side of an open conveyor belt 2, said belt 2 having two portions 20 facing each other and to be joined. A first clamp 3 is placed at a first end portion 20 and a second clamp 3 is placed at a second end portion 20. The clamps 3 are not yet in the closed position. As visible in [Fig. 3], in embodiments, the assembly device 1 comprises a bringing together means 6. The bringing together means 6 is secured to the respective fixing means 5 of each clamp 3. The bringing together means 6 is for example a strap, in particular a ratchet strap. In the embodiment illustrated in [Fig. 3], the bringing together means 6 is a ratchet strap, which connects the two clamps 3 by being fixed on either side to a fixing means 5 located on the lower jaw 30 of each clamp 3.

[0044] [Fig. 4] shows a view similar to [Fig. 3], where the jaws 30, 31 of the clamps 3 are in the closed position, and where the bringing together means 6 has been implemented in order to bring together the portions 20 of the conveyor belt 2. In embodiments, the bringing together means 6 is a ratchet strap. By the tightening carried out by said strap, the two clamps 3 come together and, to the extent that the portions 20 of the open belt 2 are gripped in each of said clamps 3, said portions 20 then also come together. Thus, without effort, and in an extremely simple and rapid manner, a single operator can assemble two portions 20 of a conveyor belt 2.

[0045] According to a possible additional characteristic, as illustrated in figures 5 and 6, in embodiments where the lower face 200 of the conveyor belt 2 has indentations 10, the lower jaw 30 of a clamp 3 has a shape complementary to said lower face 200, to create mechanical cooperation between them. This is particularly advantageous because it makes it possible to further increase the holding in a vice of a portion 20 of the conveyor belt 2.

[0046] Preferably, the lower jaw 30 has a surface comprising patterns 100, produced according to the imprint of the lower face 200 of the conveyor belt 2. Advantageously, each pattern 100 is intended to fit perfectly into an imprint 10. These may in particular be cavities present between two successive links 7 longitudinally and / or between two links 7 side by side laterally of the conveyor belt 2. Figures 5 and 6 show an embodiment according to which the lower jaw 300 has patterns 100 of the type of lugs, said patterns 100 being perfectly adapted to the shape of the impressions 10 of the lower face 201 of a conveyor belt 2. [Fig. 5] shows a view before the placement of a clamp 3, said clamp 3 being in the open position, while [Fig. 6] shows the perfect interlocking of the lower jaw 300 with the lower face 201 of the strip 2. In [Fig. 6], the clamp 3 is in the closed position. Thus, when implementing a bringing together means 6, the opposite portions 20 of the strip 2 will join together easily and smoothly.

[0047] According to a variant, the lower jaw 30 may comprise a surface treatment, of the anti-slip type, at its bearing surface, in order to improve the contact between said jaw 30 and the lower face 200. It is also conceivable to provide a surface treatment for the upper jaw 31. Nevertheless, these treatments are optional for the implementation of the assembly device 1.

[0048] [Fig.7] shows a view along a vertical section of a conveying installation, and in particular of a conveyor belt 2 during assembly. In particular, an assembly device 1 comprises two clamps 3, each of the clamps 3 being positioned on a portion 20 of the conveyor belt 2. The lower jaw 300 rests on a slide 91 of the conveying structure 9. Each clamp 3 of a device 1 therefore grips a portion 20 of the belt 2, the two portions 20 being located opposite each other. The bringing together means 6 connects the two clamps 3, to allow the two portions 20 to be brought together via the bringing together of the clamps 3 of the same pair. The structure 9 also comprises a roller 90 for driving said conveyor belt 2.

[0049] [Fig.8] shows a close-up view of a clamp 3 in position as illustrated in [Fig.7], the lower jaw 300 of a clamp 3 being supported on a slide 91 of the structure 9. The upper jaw 301 exerts pressure on the portion 20 of strip 2. In this [Fig.8], we can see the complementarity of shape between the patterns 100 of the lower jaw 300 and the impressions 10 of the lower surface of the conveyor belt 2. In this embodiment, the operating means 4 is in the locking position, and the clamp 3 is in the closed position.

[0050] In possible embodiments, the contact surface between the jaws 30, 31 of each of the grippers 3 of the same pair and the portion 20 of the conveyor belt 2 is between 10,000 and 15,000 square millimeters. This contact surface is preferably 12,000 square millimeters per jaw. This is the preferred contact surface for a conveyor belt 2 with a width of up to 1,500 millimeters.

[0051] The invention also relates to an assembly method for a conveyor belt 2, said method implementing the assembly device as described above.

[0052] The assembly method according to the invention comprises at least the steps described below. During the assembly process, a conveyor belt 2 is placed and wound around a conveyor structure 9. The belt 2 is therefore open, and has two end portions 20 to be assembled. The two portions 20 are opposite each other and must be brought together. After this first removal step, an assembly device 1 is fixed. During this step, each clamp 3 is fixed in order to respectively grip one of the two end portions 20 of the strip 2, which is always open. During placement of a clamp 3, said clamp 3 is in the open position. To do this, the lower jaw 300 of a clamp 3 is placed on a slide 91 of the conveying structure 9, so as to come to rest against the lower face 201 of the belt 2. The clamp 3 then passes from an open position to a closed position, in which the upper jaw 301 of a clamp 3 bears against the upper face 200 of a portion 20 of strip 2. This passage from one position to another is carried out by the operating means 4. In this closed position, the clamp 3 therefore firmly grips the portion 20 of the strip 2. Once the two clamps 3 of the device 1 are in the closed position, the bringing together means 6 is implemented, so as to bring said two clamps 3 together, the two portions 20 of the strip 2 also come together, until they are flush. Once the two portions 20 of the strip 2 are sufficiently close, the strip 2 is closed, by fixing said portions 20.

[0053] In embodiments, the closure of the two portions 20, that is to say their joining, is achieved by the insertion of a joining pin 8 passing through the connecting orifices 70 between two rows of links 7. These connecting orifices 70 are visible in [Fig.8].

[0054] The assembly device 1 and the assembly method as described above advantageously allow the closing of a conveyor belt 2 wound around a conveyor structure 9 in an extremely simple and rapid manner. The force required to put the device 1 in place and to close such a belt 2 is less, and only one operator is then necessary.

[0055] Although the above description is based on particular embodiments, it is in no way limiting of the scope of the invention, and modifications may be made, in particular by substitution of technical equivalents or by different combination of all or part of the characteristics developed above.

Claims

Claims

1. Assembly device (1) for a modular conveyor belt (2), for closing a modular conveyor belt (2) mounted in a winding manner on a conveying structure (9), said belt (2) being initially open and having an upper face (201) for receiving products (7) and a lower face (200), device (1) comprising at least one pair of clamps (3), each clamp (3) comprising: - a lower jaw (30) and an upper jaw (31), said lower jaw (30) and said upper jaw (31) being movable relative to each other, between a closed position, in which a portion (20) of said modular conveyor belt (2) can be held between said jaws (30), (31), and an open position, - a means (4) for operating at least one of said jaws (30), (31) between the open position and the closed position,- a fixing means (5) for receiving a bringing together means (6) which can be connected to the fixing means (5) of each clamp (3) to bring them closer to each other, device (1) characterized in that each jaw (30, 31) comprises a plate, in the general form of a plate.,

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the operating means (4) is an articulated arm (40) at one end (400) of which the upper jaw (31) is mounted.

3. Device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the operating means (4) ensures the clamping of the upper jaw (31) against the lower jaw (30) in the closed position, allowing the upper jaw (31) to be pressed against the upper face (201) of the portion (20) of the modular conveyor belt (2) while the lower jaw (30) is placed against the lower face (200) of said portion (20) of said belt (2).

4. Assembly device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a bringing together means (6) for bringing said clamps (3) of a pair closer to each other, said bringing together means (6) being fixed to each of the clamps (3) via their respective fixing means (5).

5. Assembly device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the bringing together means (6) is a ratchet strap.

6. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, for a conveyor belt (2) whose lower face (200) has indentations (10), characterized in that the lower jaw (30) of at least one pair of grippers (3) has a shape complementary to the lower face (200) of the portion (20) of the belt (2) to create mechanical cooperation between them.

7. Device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the contact surface between the jaws (30, 31) of each of the clamps (3) and the portion (20) of the conveyor belt (2) is between 10,000 and 15,000 square millimeters.

8. Assembly device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating means (4) of a clamp (3) is a mechanical clamping clamp.

9. Assembly device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the clamping clamp has a vertical lever and comprises an adjustment rod (41) for adjusting the clamping force of the clamp (3).

10. Assembly device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the operating means (4) of a clamp (3) comprises a locking lever (42) for locking the jaws (30, 31) in the closed position.

11. Assembly device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that said device (1) comprises two pairs of clamps (3) and two bringing together means (6).

12. Assembly method for a modular conveyor belt (2), comprising the following steps: - depositing and winding around a conveyor structure (9) a modular conveyor belt (2), said belt (2) being open and having two end portions (20) to be assembled, said portions (20) coming opposite each other, fixing an assembly device (1) according to claims 1 to 11, each clamp (3) of said device (1) coming to grip respectively one of the two end portions (20) of said strip (2) still open, - bringing together the two end portions (20) by a bringing together means (6), - closing said strip (2) by fixing the two end portions (20) to each other.

13. Assembly method for modular conveyor belt (2) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the closure of said belt (2) by fixing the two portions (20) to each other is carried out by inserting a joining pin (8) into each of the two portions (20) to be assembled.

14. Assembly method according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the step of bringing together the two end portions (20) of the strip (2) is carried out by implementing a bringing together means (6), said bringing together means (6) allowing each of the clamps (3) of the device (1) to come closer to each other.

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