Patent GB-854488-A (GB)
Title: Improvements in and relating to conveyor systems
IPC: B65G47/96
Filed: 1957-12-30
Abstract: 854,488. Endless conveyers. DURKOPP MASCHINENBAU-G.m.b.H. Dec. 30, 1957 [April 25, 1957], No. 40254/57. Class 78 (1). A system for supplying containers D, E, F, G containing articles to a plurality of workplaces 1-30 and for conveying the containers automatically from one workplace to a predetermined other workplace comprises an endless chain B, Fig. 7, travelling in a horizontal path around reversing-wheels W1, W2 and carrying tiltable trays V adapted to be normally maintained horizontal but each of which may be tripped by means at a workplace to cause it to tilt and thereby discharge a container carried by it on to a sloping receiving platform H. The arrangement is such that only two of the trays are capable of being discharged at a particular workplace, the trays being numbered 1 1  to 30 1  and 1 2  to 30 2  for identification by the various operators at the workplaces. Adjacent each receiving platform H there is arranged a return platform I, the platforms H and I being in alignment and the platforms of all the workplaces forming a continuous outwardly-sloping table around the conveying path. Each workplace is also provided with a set of push-buttons VE so that the operator can select a workplace to which a container on platform 1 is to be delivered. Each tray V is mounted for tilting by a frame Q secured to the chain B and to which the tray is pivoted at R, the frame Q being provided with rollers S1, S2 running on tracks L1, L2. Tilting at a workplace is effected by the projection of a roller O by energization of a solenoid P on the track L1 into the path of a depending cam M carried by the tray V. The solenoid is normally energized via the push-button system but is deenergized if a container has already been delivered at that particular workplace with which the solenoid is associated through previously - delivered workplace. Any tray which is thereby prevented from discharging a container is arranged to deliver its container to workplace 30 for transfer to a store for later circulation, this being effected by means not shown or described. After delivery of a container to the platform H the container is forwarded to the corresponding return platform I by contact of a projection 136 on the frame Q of the next tray with an arm 132 having a boss slidable longitudinally along a keyed shaft 134 and which is connected to one end of a cable 121, Figs. 11, 12, the other end of which is connected to a slide 107 to which is pivoted a dog 101 projecting through a slot Y, Fig. 10, into engagement with the container. At the end of this movement the lever 132 is depressed by a cam (not shown) out of engagement with the projection 136 and the dog 101 is returned by a counterweight 109 connected to the slide 107 by a cable 108, the dog 101 pivoting to clear any further container delivered to platform H. Arm 132 is rendered inoperative by the presence of a container on platform I by the depression by the latter of a plunger 143 which pivots arm 132 downwards through linkage 137-140. Automatic loading of a container on a return platform I on to the appropriately numbered tray for delivery at a desired other workplace is effected automatically under control of the pushbuttons by a fluid-pressure cylinder 206, Fig. 19, operating a pivoted pusher 202 which pushes the container up the platform I and over a roller U on to the tray V. If a container is already carried by both of the trays assigned to the desired delivery workplace the container is fed instead to one of the trays 1 1 , 1 2 , 30 1 , 30 2  under automatic control for delivery at station 1 or 30 to be transferred to store. An additional supervisory control-panel with indicator lights may be arranged adjacent workplaces 1 and 30.