Patent GB-1295552-A (GB)
IPC: B06B3/00
Filed: 1971-01-01
Abstract: 1295552 Tumbling VIBRODYNE Inc 1 Jan 1971 [2 Jan 1970] 141/71 Heading B3D Vibratory apparatus comprises a container 15 for receiving a load of parts and treating media, power-operated means 22 for vibrating the container, means (105, Fig. 5, not shown) connected to the container for sensing the vibration of the container, and means responsive to the sensing means for automatically controlling the poweroperated means to regulate the vibration of the container. The container is an open-top chamber of U-shaped cross-section supported by cantilever spring beams 20 for vibration by a drive 22 having electromagnetic coils supplied by a D.C. power source, the voltage of which is variable by a voltage regulator driven by a reversible motor to vary the amplitude of the vibration of the container under the control of the sensing means (105). One end wall 19 of the chamber is formed with a circular discharge opening 18 which can be closed by movement of a gate member 30 movable about a pivot 31 by a piston-and-cylinder device 35, 36 connected to the member by a chain 38. The outlet 18 also has a circular door 45 movable about a pivot 46 by a rotary fluid motor 48 connected by pivotal links 51, 52 to the door, rollers 53 on the link 52 co-operating with cam surfaces 54 on a bracket 56 effecting position locking of the door in its closed position. The door carries a screen 58 and an outlet tube 59 for drainage of liquid from the chamber. When the door is swung to its open position, water from a nozzle 61 back flushes the screen. A vibratory screen L5 is supported by spring beams 72 below the outlet 18 and is oscillated by a variable electromagnetic drive 74. The screen has a sloping screen member 68 and a perforated hopper 70 having an outlet connected to a shoot 71 for delivering the treating machine into the inlet hopper of an inclined conveyer 75 having a shoot at its upper end leading into the container 15. An endless conveyer or parts bin 85 feeds successive batches of parts by way of a shoot 86 to a hopper mounted on a balance beam 90. When a predetermined weight of parts is received in the hopper, the beam tilts to actuate a switch 97, stopping supply from the bin and actuating a cylinder 95 to open a door 94 in the hopper so that the parts are delivered to the container. During treating of the parts, the gate member 30 is elevated so as not be be subjected to wear. After a predetermined time, the door 45 is moved to its open position, whereby the parts and media are discharged. The rate of discharge may be controlled by adjustment of the gate member 30. As the door is opened initially, the load in the container decreases with an increase in the amplitude of oscillation. The change is detected by the sensing means (105) which, through a balanced bridge circuit, reduces the voltage supplied to drive 22 to maintain the vibration substantially constant. After recirculating the media one or more times sufficient to ensure that all the parts have been removed from the container, the gate member 30 is lowered to block outlet 18 and the door 45 closed after a time sufficient to ensure emptying of all media within the outlet. The gate member 30 is then elevated to complete the cycle and a further batch of parts released into the container.