Patent ID: 6315101
Filing Date: 2001-11-13
Classification: B65G,F16G

Abstract:
A closed-loop chain conveyor (2) of three-dimensional objects (15), the chain having stretches with links (24, 52) comprising respectively object receiving means (12), fixed-length links (24) being self-conveyed on a track (51); mutually connected by articulations with small positive operating and wear tolerances; guided in a guide rail (3), and of fixed pitch, substantially equal to the distance between two adjacent object loading/unloading positions;at least two adjacent stretches being connected by a link (52), which has tensioning means (55) capable of automatically adjusting the distance between its axes of articulation with two adjacent links, by continuously exerting a tension force tending to bring these axes closer together;conveyor (2) having means of detecting the position of a link, with respect to a destination position where the object has to be loaded/unloaded; connected to a motorization of the conveyor for allowing a uniformly varying and smooth slowing down of the chain at the approach to this location, then of stopping the chain at a reduced conveying speed; andthe rail (3) having at least two curved sections (6, 7) and two rectilinear sections (5), each curved section having adjustment means (10) making it possible to move this curve individually, arranged to provide a tensioning of the chain, as well as a relative adjustment of the locating of the straight sections (5) with respect to one another.