GB1354690A - Variable speed platform conveyors - Google Patents

Abstract

1354690 Variable speed platform conveyers BATTELLE MEMORIAL INSTITUTE and DUNLOP HOLDINGS Ltd 2 June 1971 [10 June 1970] 28110/70 Heading B7L A conveyer 1, having a high-speed section 2 bounded by variable speed sections 3 and 4 andslow speed sections 5, comprises a plurality of platforms 10 having parallel longitudinal edges adapted to slide relative to each other in the variable speed sections and locking and sliding mechanisms allowing relative sliding but preventing separation of the platforms in predetermined sections of the conveyer, connecting adjacent platforms, each mechanism having a cylindrical slider 13, slidable in an arcuate recess 11 in the longitudinal edge of one of a pair of adjacent platforms, with a rod 15 attached thereto passing through a bore in a pivot member 14 adapted to pivot relative to, but not slide relative to, the other platform of the pair, and also having a forked locking member 18, slidably connected to a support member 25 in the other platform, with forks or jaws (38), Fig. 7 (not shown) adapted to engage the rod 15 such that a shoulder 17 on the rod is trapped between the pivot member 14 and the jaws preventing separation of the platforms, a roller 36 on the member 18 engages a cam (not shown) on a predetermined section of a conveyer support structure (not shown) to slide the member 18, to the right as seen in Fig. 6, against the action of a spring 32 to release the shoulder 17 and allow separation of adjacent platforms, Fig. 5, when travelling round a curve with a horizontal axis, Fig. 2 (not shown). The platforms are guided by wheeled carriages (not shown) running on rails 24. Means are provided on the slider 13 to engage and lock to an abutment (50), Fig. 10 (not shown), fixed at the extreme end of the recess 11, to prevent relative sliding of the platforms in the high speed section 2, the means being released by a cam surface engaging an extension (60), Fig. 12 (not shown) on a latch (52) when the conveyer platform enters a variable speed section. Means may also be provided to prevent relative sliding of the platforms in a lower return high-speed section. The platforms are driven, in the slow speed sections by worm gears, Fig. 1, engaging on pegs attached'to the platforms and may be driven in the other sections by linear motors (not shown).