US1293261A - Drying apparatus for sheet-metal-plates. - Google Patents

Description

C. WAGNER HORMEL. DRYING APPARATSIFOR SHEET METAL PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. i4. T9l8.

Patented Feb. 4, 1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEETI mum c. WAGNER & A. HQRMEL. i DRYING APPARATUS FOB SHEET 'METAL PIATES.

APPLICATION man sPT.\4.19\. Patel-1M LI-1919"'- C. WAGNER & A. HORMEL.l l 'DATING APPARATUS PoR s'HEET METAL PLATES. APPLICATION FILED SEPT-14. |918.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 3.

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T IT TH T K. x .33kg

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Patented 1F01). 4, 1919l C. WAGNER & A. HORMEL.

` nRYTNG APPARATUS PoR SHEET METAL PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED S-EPT I4, |918.

Patented Fb. 4, 1919,

5 SHEETS-SHVEEI' 4.

C. WAGNER & A. HORMEL.

DHYING APPARATUS FOR SHEET METAL PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED SEPT. I4. |918.

1,293,26 1 Patented Feb. 4, 1919.

5 SHEETS-SHEET 5.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES WAGNER', 0F GRANTWOOD, NEW JERSEY, AND AUGUST HORMEL, OF NEW YORK, N. Y.

DRYING APPARATUS FOR SHEET-METAL PLATES. l

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Feb. 4l, 1919.

Application led September 14, 1918. Serial No. 254,149;

To all whom, z't may concern:

Be it known that we, CHARLES WAGNER and AUGUST HORMEL, both citizens of the United States, and residents, respectively, of Grantwood, in the county of Bergen and State of New Jersey, and New York city, in the county and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Drying Apparatus for Sheet-Metal Plates, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to an apparatus of novel construction, more particularly adapted to dry the print on tin plates, such as are used in the manufacture of sheet metal cans, bottle caps and various other articles of merchandise. The apparatus is intended to be used in conjunction with the press which prints lsuch plates, and should be opcratively connected thereto in suchv a manner, that after a plate is printed it is automatically conveyed to and carried through the apparatus so that-it is delivered from the latter, ready for the market.

The invention consists in the various features of novelty more fully pointed out in the specification and appended claims.

In the accompanying drawings:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of an apparatus embodying our invention;

Fig. 2, a horizontal section on line 2 2 of Fig. 1;

Fig. 3, an enlarged vertical section of both ends of the apparatus, on line 3 3 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 4, a left land end elevation.;

Fig. 5, a section on line 5 5 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 6, an enlarged sectional plan, along line 6 6 of Fig. 3;

Fig. 7, an enlarged section of upper conveyer and gripping chain, on line 7 7 of Fig. 6;

Fig. 8, a section on line 8 8, of Fig. 6;

Fig. 9, a section on line 9 9 of Fig. 7;

Fig. 10, a plan of the gage;

Fig. 11, a detail of one of the flanged links of the upper conveyer chain;

Fig. 12, a detail of one of the outer gripping links of the gripping chain;

Fig. 13, a detail of one of the inner gripping links' of said chain;

Fig. 14, a plan of the conveyer chain; Fig. 15, a section on line 15-15 of Fig. 14;

Fig. 16, 'an elevation of the conveyer chain;

Fig. 17, a plan of the gripping chain;

Fig. 18, a cross section thereof on line 18 18 Fig. 17, and

Fig. 19, an elevation thereof. The apparatus comprises an elongated casing formed of a metal fraine 1, a sheet iron covering 2, and an asbestos lining 3, which constitutes a poor heat conductor. The casing is closed on top, on two sides and at one end, while it is open at the other end. This open end is ada ted to receive the wet tin plates P, while t e dried .plates are delivered through openings 4 formed in the sides of the casing in proximity to such open end.

Within the casing are mounted two upper vparallel endless conveyer chains A and two llower parallel endless conveyer chains B. Chains A turn on sprocket wheels 5 and 6, fast on shafts 7 and 8' respectively. Of these, shaft 7 receives motion in suitable manner from a power shaft 9 which is so driven from the printing press that during the printing of each plate, the chains are advanced for a distance necessary for the reception of such plate. As shown, shaft 9, by chain drive 10, shaft 11 and worm 12, drives worm wheel 13 fast on shaft 7. Shaft 8 is mounted in such a manner that the tension of chains A may be readily changed. To this effect, the shaft is mounted in slidable bearings 14, engaged by set screws 15 that are tapped into nuts 16 resting. against perforated abutments 17.v After the bearings have been adjusted, they are locked in position by nuts 18, threaded on studs 19 that depend from the bearings and pass through slots 20 of brackets 21, which are aiiixed to the walls of the casing.

Chains A are supported intermediate shafts 7 and 8, by longitudinal rails 22, 23, 24 of which ralls 22 are located underneath the upper chain runs, while rails 23, 24 are located respectively above and below the lower chain runs. The rails are carried by brackets 25, aiiixed to beams 26 that extend across the casing.

The lower chains B engage sprocket wheels 27, 28, fast respectively on shafts 29 30, of which shaft 30 should be located a distance beyond the corresponding shaft 8 of the upper chains A. Shaft 29 receives motion from shaft 7 by chain drive31 and gear wheels 32, 33 of which wheel 33 is mounted on shaft 29, both chains being driven with like speed but in opposite directions. Shaft 30 is adjustably mountedsimilar to sh aft 8, for the purpose of setting the tenslon of chains B, lthe drawing showing the slidable hearings 34, set screws 35, nuts 36, abutments 37,4 and nuts 38. Chains Bare also similar to chains A, guided on longitudinal rails '39, 40, 41, carried by brackets 42 which are mounted on transverse beams 43. Between the rear ends of chains A, is interposed a third pair of endless parallel chains C, which chains have for their ob]ect, to transfer the lates P from chalns A, to chains B, at t e rear turn of chains A, and to firmly grip such plates while such turning movement takes place. Chains C engage sprocket wheels 44, 45, mounted respectively on a shaft 46, and on the shaft 8 of upper chains A, so that the chains A, C maintain 4 their correlation during all adjustments of shaft 8. The latter passes loosely through a pair of brackets 47, in which are slidalblv mounted the bearings 48. of shaft 46, such bearings being adjustable by set screws 49, so as to change the tension of chains C. Brackets 47 are tiltable on shaft 8, 1n order to slightly raise or lower shaft 46, and thereby alter the dip of chains C, so as to insure their proper coaction with chains A.

T0 effect this result, brackets 47 are provided with toes 50 into which are tapped, set screws 51, resting on elbow plates 52 which are adj ustably secured to a cross beam 26, by means of bolts 53.

In order to raise plates P oii chains A and deliver them to chains C, there are provided,

a pair of rails 54 that extend a distance along the paralleling parts of such chains. These rails are adjustably connected by bolts 55 t0 beam 26, and are provided with upwardly inclined sections or risers 56 and with raised treads 57 beyond such risers. From the lower sides of treads 57, depend lugs 58 resting on a sleeve 59 that encompasses a shaft 60, mounted in brackets 47. Upon this sleeve rest, likewise, the upper runs of chains C so that during all adjustments of the brackets, the relative position of rails 54 and chains C is maintained. Shaft 60 is hung at such an elevation above shaft 46 that an upward slope is imparted to rails 54, and also to the chains C for the purpose of raising treads 57 a distance above chains A and thus permitting plates P to drop from chains A upon chains C.

The/ casing may be heated in suitable manner. As shown, it is traversed by a multitude of perforated pipes 61 that constitute burners and receive gas from supply pipe 62. The burners pass through inverted U-shaped hoods 63, which effect a uniform diffusion of the heat.

The construction of chains A is more fully shown in Figs. 11, 14, 15 and 16. It consists of sleeves 64, mounted on bushings 65,

through which pass pivot pins 66, carrying `connecting links 67. Pins 66 protrude at the axes of pins 66 as centers, so that the overlapping ange sections of adjoining links are concentric and permit the turning of the links around .the sprocket wheels. Every pai-r of opposed notches 70, of the two Chains A, engages the Shanks of inverted U- shaped wire carriers 71 that are looped around pins 66 as at 72. The carriers bridge the space between the two chains and cause sheets P to 'be taken along by the latter.

Chain B is an ordinary link chain, and requires no further description.`

Cham C is more fully shown in Figs. 12, 13, 17, 18 and 19. It is composed of a series of members, each of which is formed of sleeves 73 turning on bushings 74, which are mount-ed on pins 7 5. Adjoining pins are connected in pairsby links 76 to form one of the chain members. Pins 75 protrude beyond links 76 at both ends, and upon the protruding ends 0f each member are mounted a 4pair of gripping links 80, having a pair of outwardly deflected jaws 82, such links being apertured as at 81 for the reception of pins 75. Upon the adjoining pins of each adjoining member-pair are mounted additional gripping links 77 that overlap links 80 and are Aapertured as at 79 for the accommodation ofthe pins. Links 77 are provided with a pair 0f inwardly directed jaws 78 so that, owing to the overlapping arrangement of the links, each of the jaws 78 will be opposed to a coperating jaw 82. While chain C is in a horizontal position, each pair of cooperating jaws will be spaced from each other to form gaps 83 for the reception of the lower edge of plate P, but when the chain makes a turn around its sprocket wheel, the jaws will close upon the plate, and carry it along with it, during the entire arc of the turn. When this turn ceases, and the chain resumes its horiozntal position, the jaws will again open to release the plate, and drop itu'pon chains B. In order' to increase the gripping effect or reach of the jaws 78, 82, spacing links 84 are interposed between links 77 and 80, said links 84 being mounted upon the pins 75 of adjoining chain members.

Upon shaft 7, is mounted, a pair of pulleys 85, against which the plates P abut, when introduced into the apparatus, and upon which they ride until they are made to assume a vertical position. In order to chains A, there are provided, a pair of gages ,.-86 fianking the latter at the ingress end of j 8'2 of chains C. As the latter make the turn v the apparatus. These ages are fulcrumed at 87, and are oscillatedy a cam 88 of shaft 7 against which they are held by a lspring 89. rlhus as the gages rock on their fulcrums, they will have a-tendency to engage the ends of plates P and push them into a centered position. l

Plates P are by the printing press, delivered to conveyer belts 90 which4 carry them to belts 91 that in turn push them between a pair of carriers 7l and against pulleys 85. The carriers, 011 rising, w1ll turn the plates into an upright position and convey lthem by chains A, toward the rear end of the heated casing. When the plates encounter rails 54, they will be raised by their elevated treads 57,- ofi' chains A, and dropped into the open gaps 83 for-med by the jaws 78,

around their sprocket wheels 45, the jaws will close upon the plates, so as to grip and hold them until the turn is completed, after which the jaws will open, so as to drop the plates on lower chains B. Should any one of the plates be missed by the rippers, it will be taken around the turn y carriers 71, a dropping of the plates, during this movement, bemg prevented by a curved shield 92 arranged concentric to' shaft 8. Chains B will carry the plates back toward the front of the drier, during which travel, they are properly spaced and held in an upright position, by the carriers 71 that depend from the lower runs of chains A1 and move in the same direction as the upper run of chains B. When the plates arrive opposite openings 4, they will be thoroughly dried and in condition for removal. o

It will be seen that during the travel of the plates through the drier, they will be sustained in position and spaced from each other by the wire carriers 71, which thus prevent the paint from rubbing ofi'. By using separate upper and lower conveyer chains, and intermediate gripping chains, overloading of any one chain system is eiectively overcome, which is a matter of importance for the reason thatl the tin plates are collectively of considerable weight, which would be apt to quickly wear or break the chains, when overburdened. The apparatus operates automatically, and when timed to work in unison with the printing press, will effect a delivery of the printed and dried sheets ready for the market.

We claim:

1. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, an upper endless conveyer, a lower endless conveyer, said conveyers being adapted to directly support said plates, means for moving said conveyerssynchronously in opposite directions, means for transferring said `verted U-shaped carriers that plates from the upper conveyer to the lower conveyer, and a plurality of carriers mounted on the upper conveyer and adapted-to project from the lower run thereof, toward the upper run of the lower conveyer.

2. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, an upper endless conveyer, a lower endless conveyer, said conveyers being` adapted to directly support said plates, meansfor moving said conveyers synchronously in opposite directions, a chain having a plurality of grippers and adapted to transfer said plates from the'upperconveyer to the lower conv veyer, and a plurality of carriers mounted on the upper conveyer and adapted to project from the lower run thereof toward the upper run of the lower conveyer.

3. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, an upper conveyer, a lower conveyer arranged a distance below the upper conveyer, said conveyers being yadapted to directly support said plates, a sprocket wheel, a chain having a turn on said wheel and adapted to transfer said plates from the upper con* veyer to the lower conveyer, and jaws on said chain which are adapted to automatically close upon said plates at said turn.

4. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, an upper conveyer, a lower conveyer arranged a distance below the upper conveyer, said conveyers being adapted to directly support said plates, a sprocket wheel, a chain having a turn on said wheel and adapted to transfer said plates from the upper conveyer to the lower conveyer, jaws on said chain which are adapted to automatically close upon said plates at said turn, and a plurality of carriers mounted on the'upper conveyer and adapted to project from the lower run thereof toward the upper run of the lower conveyer.

5. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, a pair of parallel conveyer chains having sleeves, pins passing through said sleeves and protruding therefrom, links connecting the pins, additional overlapping notched links likewise mounted on the pins, and inare engaged by said notched links.

6. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, a pair of parallel conveyer chains having sleeves, pins passing through said sleeves and protruding therefrom, links mounted on the protruding ends of the pins, said links being provided with overlapping concentric iianges, and with notches. intermediate said flanges, and inverted U-shaped carriers passing through said notches and looped around the pins.

7. In a dryin apparatus for metal plates, a pair of para lel conveyer chains having sleeves, pins passing through said sleeves and protruding therefrom, links connecting the pins, additional links mounted on the pins, said last named links being provided with overlapping concentric fianges and with notches intermediate said flanges, and inverted U-shaped carriers passing through said notches and looped around said ins.

S. In a drying apparatus for lneta plates, an upper conveyer chain, a lower conveyer chain, a gri ping chain adapted to transfer said )lates roux the upl er conveyer chain to the lower conveyer c lain, said gripping chain describing a curved path, and means for raising said plates from said upper conveyer chain into engagement with sald gripping chain.

9. In a. drying apparatus for metal lates, a pair of conveyer c ains, a pair of gr pping chains arranged sidewise of said conveyer chains, and a pair of rails having risers and elevated treads, said rails extending alongside said conveyer chains and gripping chains.u

10. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, a pair of conveyer chains, a pair of.

gripping chains, a shaft, sprocket wheels onl said shaft that are engaged by said chains, brackets tiltable on the shaft, bearings adjustably mounted in'said brackets, a second shaft hung in said bearings, and sprocket wheels mounted on said second shaft and likewise engaged by the gripping chains.

11. In a rying apparatus for metal plates, a shaft, a pair of brackets mounted thereon, means for tilting said brackets, a rail having a riser, a support on said brackets that is operatively engaged by said rail, a conveyer chain, and a gripping chain, said rails extending alongside said chains.

12. In a drying apparatus for metal.

plates, a shaft, a pair of brackets mounted thereon, means for tilting said brackets, a rail having a riser, a conveyer chain, a gripping chain, anda support on said brackets that is engaged by' said rail and said gripping chain.

13. In l a drying apparatus for metal plates, a shaft, sprocket wheels mounted thereon, a conveyer chain and a gripping chain engaging said sprocket wheels, a pair of brackets mounted on the shaft, bearings mounted in the brackets, a second shaft hung in said bearings, sprocket Wheels on said second shaft and likewise engaged by the gripping chain, a rail having a riser, and a support on said brackets that is en'- gaged by said rail and said gripping chain.

14. In a drying apparatus for metal' plates, an endless rip ing chain, proyided with a first series o 11 s, a second serles of links that overlap the first named links, and

opposed jaws on said first and second series of links.

15. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, an endless gripping chain provided with a first series o links, a second series of links that overlap the lfirst named links, the links being rovided with opposed jaws, and spacing 11n s inter osed between the first and second series o links. l

16. In a drying apparatus 4for metal plates, a pair of endless upper conveyer chains having notched flanges, a plurality of carriers engaging said flanges, a pair of endless gripping chains having jawed. links and extending partly along the conveyer chains, a pair of lower conveyer chains, and means for moving the upper and lower conveyer chains in opposite directions.

17. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, a pair of endless conveyer chains having notched flanges, a' plurality of carriers engaging said flanges, a pair of endless grip ing chains having jawed links and extendlng partly along the conveyer chains,

`and a pair of rails having risers and extending along -the conveyer chains and the gripping chains.

18. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, a pair of endless upper conveyer chains having notched flanges, a plurality of carriers engaging said fianges, a pair of endless lower conveyer chains, means for moving said upper and lower chains in opposite directions, and a pair of endless gripping chains having opposed jaws and interposed between the rear ends of the upper and lower conveyer chains.

19. In a drying apparatus for metal plates, a pair of endless upper conveyer chains having notched flanges, a plurality of carriers engaging said flanges, a pair of endless lower conveyer chains, means for moving said upper and lower chains in opposite directions, a pair of endless gripping chains having opposed jaws and interposed between the rear ends of the upper and lower conveyer chains, and a pair of rails having risers and extending lalong the upper conveyer chains and the gripping chains.

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