DE1938837A1 - Transport device - Google Patents

Description

LOGAN COMPANY, 200 Cabel Street, Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Transport device

The invention relates to a transport device for objects with a combination of a series of belt-driven support rollers and a series of tension rollers for controlling the contact pressure of the belt on the rollers and movable between a normal raised position in which the belt is in contact pressure with the support rollers and a lowered position in which the belt is removed from drive contact with the rollers or brought into reduced drive contact by means of an inflatable tubular arrangement associated with each of the tension rollers. A flow of compressed air or another gas to the tubular arrangement is controlled according to an embodiment of the invention by means of a rolling stop for the objects and represents a part of a control circuit which is self-regulating, so as to control the line pressure in and is developed between the articles during periods of accumulation on the transport device. In a further embodiment of the invention, the air or gas flow to the tubular arrangement is controlled by means of depressible rollers which are arranged in the path of the objects on the transport device and which cooperate with flow control valves as soon as an object is stopped on any such roller or rollers, so as to do so to effect a pressure release between and in the articles as they pile up on the transport device.

009886/1188

The invention relates to transport devices for objects and in particular powered transport devices of the type which permit articles to be piled up thereon is made possible without excessive line pressure building up in and between the objects.

Transport devices of the type provided here are used to to effect a transfer of objects, at the same time without interrupting the operation of the transport device periodic interruptions in the transfer of the objects and the resulting accumulation of the objects on the To enable transport device without an excessive pressure build-up in and between the objects by the driving action of the transport device on the stopped objects he follows. Interrupting the movement of the objects can e.g. take place as a safety measure so as to allow continued feeding of articles to a processing machine prevent being fed by the transport device in the event of a work stoppage or otherwise Stopping the machine or it can be the feeding of the to the transport device in random or irregular Wise items delivered to a machine or work station further back in the direction of transport to be carried out regularly or systematically. In each It is the general case with this type of transport device Practice providing an automatic interruption or reduction in the driving force, as is normally the case with the objects is conveyed during the forward movement on the transport device as soon as the movement of the objects is interrupted as well as successive over the length of the transport device or one of its sections in one direction from the End of the transport device in the direction of those where the objects are transported, so that subsequent Objects in turn on the transport device in a location in actual contact with or at a predetermined spaced relationship to the immediately preceding one

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909999/1169

Object before the drive for such an object is interrupted or reduced. This reduction or interruption of the driving force as it affects the Objects over the length of the transport device or in individual sections thereof is acted upon, is continued until the furthest moved object on the transport device or in such an object again has started its movement, at which point the driving engagement between the transport device and the Objects usual way is resumed, so that the objects resume their normal movement along the transport device. This type of transport device, commonly known as a "piling" conveyor, is intended to facilitate transportation or transfer of objects without the risk of the objects coming too close to one another and ' may be crushed or cause "jam" or "jamming" on the conveyor belt as soon as the Distance from the transport device is interrupted. This feature of such a transport device makes the same is particularly useful for handling light or fragile objects or objects made from require, for one reason or another, a controlled amount of line pressure while they are in the transport process. By reducing or canceling the driving force applied to the objects in the case of sub-racks their forward movement on the transport device is also an inclination of the transport device, Damaging or rubbing the underside of the stopped objects by a "rubbing action", diminishes or even completely excluded. Further advantages of the transport device consist in the training in the working parts of the transport device with a lower load or pulling while stopping and piling up objects on the transport device. Compared to a conventionally designed transport device, a transport device generally has a longer service life and is efficient rere overall way of working.

9 0 988-6 / 1158 - u -

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1935837

Even if a number of accumulation transport devices have so far been different complex structures have been developed, but the most effective type is that it is a Role type. A basic type of this roller construction has a number of support or carrying rollers for the objects' an endless drive belt for driving the objects on the transport device during normal work either by direct engagement with the objects or indirect engagement via frictional engagement with the support rollers and a series of tension rollers arranged in a bearing relationship with respect to the underside of the belt are up so d.en contact pressure of the drive belt with the Objects or to change with the support rollers depending on the state of the objects on the transport device .

In a simple embodiment of the roller design, the drive belt drives the objects via the support rollers, and the tension rollers are mediated against the drive belt Springs or counterweights printed in such a way that the belt normally has a small angle or loop is held around the support rollers and then transmits a driving force, and those carried on the rollers Objects can align themselves while the objects pile up on the transport device by means of Swivel the tension rollers down. This alignment of the belt leads to a reduction in belt wrap and friction between the belt and the idler rollers.

In a modified embodiment of this design, the support rollers are suspended in the transport device so that the reaction forces created by the belt against the support rollers, as soon as an object or a series of objects is brought onto the transport device, cause the rollers to move upwards move in the transport device and thereby reduce the angle of the belt looping on the support rollers. At times when the objects are piling up on the transport device, the support rollers below the objects may fail and the drive belt may slide or slide ^{under the 1 support rollers}

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Show slip. In a further embodiment of such a construction, the tension rollers are adjusted so that the same unavoidable consequence of normal Riemenant> rubbed position in the transport device be lowered as soon as a stoppage of the objects takes place on the same _s and indeed by means of a mechanisshen Verbindungsanordnuag "Di © Yiwlbiadungsanordnung generally comprises a A series of depressible f-lock triggers or lever arms in the path of the objects in the transport device, and as soon as the object is pushed down, an action is effected via the linkage so that the tension rollers are lowered and the belt becomes a non-driving one Relation with the support rollers or with the actual objects falling down »A modified arrangement has the tension rollers flattened along part of the circumference thereof and provided with stop pins which snap into engagement with the mechanical link ung come as soon as an object is stopped on the transport device, whereby dttsreh tension rollers are locked against a rotational movement with their flat parts opposite to the drive belt, whereby the belt falls from the drive position with respect to the support rollers or the objects down.

According to a further modified embodiment guags form of such a Type are eccentrically arranged support rollers are provided, which are arranged so that an intermittent contact with the Drive belt takes place. The inertial force of the rollers under the conditions of free movement of the objects on the transport device normally results in continued rotation of the rollers and movement of objects on the Trantportvo.rrichtung, as soon as the rollers are no longer in contact with the belt. In the case of a stopped object however, the idlers are in an inoperative position or non-contact position relative to the feed belt stopped, thereby increasing the power transmission from the belt. the roller or rollers under the stopped object is interrupted will.

The above types of aggregate transporters should comprehensively reproduce the relevant designs that have become known so far, but the same have emerged from the - 6 -

-e- 1533837

Either way, it has not been found to be entirely satisfactory in handling items under conditions where agglomeration of the items is likely to occur or is actually intended to meet the needs of a processing station or operation to which the items are being fed. For example, in certain of these devices according to the prior art, the ratio of the active or driving parts of the transport device forming, on the one hand, a power transmission ratio with respect to the objects during normal operation and, on the other hand, a substantial reduction in the amount of force transmitted to the objects when the movement the objects on the transport device is interrupted, quite critical. Thus, in general, with such types of transport device, extreme accuracy is required with respect to the original arrangement of the components of the transport device with respect to one another, and continued observation is required during operation in order to keep the parts in the correct working relationship with regard to normal wear and tear, etc. In some cases, such prior art pile-up conveyors are particularly sensitive to the weight and length of the items being handled, and in the case of a mixture of items of different sizes and weights it is extremely difficult to achieve adjustment of the conveyor, which leads to a reasonably satisfactory way of working. In Anhäufnngs-Transportvorriehtungea the way be applied vo Fühlausloser or lever in the path of the objects to achieve a kraftverringernde effect can still objects with inclined or tapered sides or other unusual Uarißformen cause they do not put the Füalvorrichtungen in function so that pressure can build up in the transport line and damage the objects.

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Another disadvantage of many of these prior art designs arises from the fact that even with * correct setting a certain force on the objects while they are stopped on the transport device is transmitted. When a long line of objects is jammed, the accumulating pressure in the The transport route reaches a value that leads to the objects being crushed or jammed in the transport route, whereby objects fall from the transport device. Further of the above-mentioned types of accumulation transport devices are characterized by an intricate design countless arrangements of mechanical connections, springs, latches, etc. As a result, not only the production price of such devices is quite considerable, but the same are also subject to frequent malfunctions in operation, so that the efficiency is poor. This type of device is also objectionable in that the same show a considerable amount of noise development during operation, as a result of which there is a certain inconvenience for the operator and they do not sell as well. In view of the various operational drawbacks, as noted above, have attachment conveyors These do not experience any significant application, even if the current conditions, which make their use appear appropriate, certainly do in the field of material handling given are.

A major underlying the invention task, -y, therefore, is a clump transport device to create, ° ^J showing a relatively simple construction and operation, so "■ that the iegenstände on the transport device under

O) can accumulate negligible pressure build-up.

- * There is another problem on which the invention is based

on in creating a transport device of the type given, ** "the relatively few moving parts above and below the having actual support arrangement and drive device for the objects and relatively foolproof in operation and is cheap in construction. _ ö _

Another object on which the invention is based is to provide a transport device of the specified type

provide which has a fast acting device for the inevitable reduction of the driving force which is normally transmitted to the objects on the transport device and which is not mechanical in its construction.

There is another problem on which the invention is based is to provide a transport device of the type specified, lei which the active parts coming into contact the drive mechanism for the items does not need to be precisely located or adjusted to the desired one To facilitate pressure reduction in the objects during a jam on the transport device, while at the same time a stacking of the objects on the transport device is prevented as soon as the movement of the objects is recorded again.

Another object on which the invention is based is to provide a method of transporting device of the specified type to create that is relatively insensitive to the weight length and configuration of the. objects handled on it.

Another object on which the invention is based exists is to create a transport device of the type specified, which is relatively insensitive to operational Impacts and wear are such that little maintenance is required after the initial adjustment keep the unit in proper working conditions.

Jj? ^ There is another object on which the invention is based «> In a transport device of the specified type to

OO i

oo -create in which reducing the driving force for the

, ^ Objects on the transport device according to an invent according to the embodiment only by the forward The directional pressure is controlled by and against the

IF? ,

foremost stopped objects is exercised, and where. by easily and simply adjusting the pressure at which a reduction in the force transmitted to the objects takes place, can be changed so as to adapt to the

• 1939837

or carry out the special objects to be handled.

A further object of the invention is to create a transport device of the specified type in which, according to an embodiment of the invention, automatic compensation or adjustment takes place in such a way that the desired pressure reduction in the objects in the state of accumulation occurs automatically a repetitive, pressure-relieving process occurs which is carried out in the device .

Another object of the invention is to provide a transport device of the type indicated which includes inflatable tubular assemblies for reducing the force imparted to the objects on the transport device, which are in the form of pairs of air tubes which are in contact with one another longitudinally to the transport device according to an embodiment according to the invention or a series of air hoses which can be stretched in one direction and which are arranged vertically in the transport device according to a further embodiment according to the invention.

Another object of the invention is to provide a transport device of the specified type which has the combination of a series of belt-driven support rollers and a series of tension rollers under the action of springs for controlling the wrapping of the drive belt around the support rollers, jjjj. as well as an inflatable line or hose arrangement for the lowering of the tension rollers and the drive belt of co dea support rollers due to the development of a predetermined pressure in the transport road during an accumulation of 2 ^ objects on the transport device, or after ~ * a modified embodiment according to the invention to got used to stop the objects at predetermined points along the length of the transport device.

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The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings:

Fig. 1 is a side elevational view of a portion of a transport device in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 shows, on an enlarged scale, a side elevation of a crawled-away part of the transport device according to FIG. 1, parts being shown in dashed lines for the sake of clarity.

Fig. 3 is a top plan view of the delivery end of the transport device showing the arrangement therein from which the article roll stop assembly and the air cylinder for operation of the stop with one complete roll broken away and others broken away for the purpose

clearer representation.

Fig. K is a transverse section through the transport device and shows the inflatable air tubes in the empty state. '

FIG. 5 is a view similar to FIG the inflatable tubes are inflated.

6 is an enlarged view in elevation of one of the support brackets for the tension rollers used in the transport device.

Fig. 7 is an enlarged axial section of one of the tubular connector sections containing a test valve as periodically applied along the length of the air hoses of the transport device, showing details of the valve end of the hose and the manner and OQ, the manner in which the air hose is used is attached to the connecting parts.
©>

_t Fig. 8 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of a "■ £.-pneumatic control system of the transport device <* te is assigned.

Fig. 9 is a schematic view of an electrical Circuit of the transport device according to the invention

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- ι, - ■ 1939837

can be applied.

10 is an enlarged axial view, partly in FIG

Section and partially in elevation of a modified embodiment of a check valve for the inflatable Air hoses.

Fig. 11 is a side elevational view of a broken away portion of a transport device according to another According to the invention, certain ropes are shown in dashed lines.

Fig. 12 is a plan view of the part of the transport device of Fig. 11 showing the general arrangement of the individual air hoses.

13 is a transverse section through the transport device shown in FIG. 11 and explains the type and Manner «in which the feeler rollers for the objects are arranged in the transport device, as well as the general Relationship of the feeler rollers with respect to the control switches for the air flow. '

FIG. 1U is a longitudinal section on an enlarged scale through one of the in the transport device according to FIG 11 applied air switch, the switch being shown here in the air outlet position.

Fig. 15 is a view similar to Fig. I ^, the However, the switch is in an open or air induction position.

Figure 16 is a side elevation of the air switch with the armature at the inlet of the switch removed so as to To show details of the internal structure.

* Fig. 17 is a transverse elevational view of a trans- * "port device according to a further invention - * Embodiment.

^m FIG. 18 is a side view of a portion of the transport apparatus shown in Fig. 17, with parts broken away

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1 and 2 show details of the internal structure, some parts being shown in section and some parts being shown in elevation . * ■ '■

19 shows enlarged, partly in section and partly in elevation details of one of the unidirectional '

Air hoses, as they are in the transport device after the *. *

17, the manner in which the hoses between the belt tension rollers and are attached to the side rails of the transport device.

With reference in particular to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1- $, a transport device 2 according to the invention operates in such a way that objects A are moved one after the other from part k of the transport device to the opposite end part 6 of the same. For the purpose of a simplified explanation, the part h of the transport device is referred to below as the feed end and the part 6 as the discharge end.

With regard to the subject matter of the invention, it is of minor importance in which way or by means of which mechanism the objects A are delivered to the transport device or removed from here and for this reason there is also no co-operating supply or receiving device for the objects shown. However, it is note that a stop arrangement for the objects in the form of a pivoting roller 8, as below explained in detail, at the delivery end of the transport device is arranged for the removal of the objects from the same. The stop roller is for running ^ a movement between a working position or a position blocking the objects and a rest position or not

9 & ■ '

OO 'blocking position in relation to the removal of the objects

^ ₁ by the transport device vermittele a suitable ⁴ ^ automatic device controlled as further below ER * "· explained, whereby the distance of objects from the

Transport device controlled wid. For example, a processing mechanism immediately after the trans-

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port device in the direction of movement of the objects
regular or systematic feeding of the items
make necessary, and here the stop roller can act in such a way that the objects are stopped on the transport device and they can be piled up until the loading requirements can be met, at which point the roller is moved into the rest position so that the articles can be discharged from the transport device
serve that in the event of a work interruption behind the transport device, the transfer of the objects from the
Transport device and into the processing line can be interrupted until the processing line does its job
resumes. The transport device can simply be designed to act as a temporary storage lane
acts for the objects, the objects on it for
the subsequent transfer to the processing line must be recorded. In this case, the stop roller works under the control of an external mechanism or device, whereby there is a periodic interruption of the movement of the objects from the delivery end of the transport device, while the transport device continues to run and moves objects that are already at the infeed end of the transport device it accumulates on the same. The type of transport device described below enables this agglomeration or accumulation of the objects with negligible or minimal pressure build-up in and between the
Objects, causing the objects to be crushed or jammed and thus the objects to fall off

<£ * the transport device is avoided. As soon as the attack

oo · roll into a rest position or a non-blocking position

-J, the transport device works in such a way that auto-

* "** maisch again a forward movement of the counter-

- »stands on the transport device and thus the

go »objects from the rear end of the transport device removed.

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1939837

With regard to the details of the transport device according to the invention, a frame 10 with support legs 12, a series of support rollers Ik together with an endless drive belt 16 for driving the roller 17 and a series of tension rollers for controlling the angle of wrap of the belt around the support rollers is provided. The rollers 1U, which can have any conventional shape, such as an outer cylinder 20 which is supported for free rotation on a central axis 22, are arranged transversely within opposite side rails and channels 2k of the frame 10 in a common horizontal plane, whereby there is a flat transport surface for the objects that are handled on the transport device. The axles have a regular cross-sectional shape and are fitted into complementary shaped openings in the side rails of the frame, so that the axles are held against rotational movement with their associated cylindrical parts 20. Snap rings 26 hold the roller firmly in the frame. The rollers 1U are arranged in pairs, with each roller pair having a uniform distance with respect to the roller pairs on each side thereof. Both this distance and that between the rollers of each pair depend somewhat on the lengths of the objects being handled on the transport device, but in each case it will be substantially less than the length of the shortest object which is presumably handled thereby.

The drive belt is along the length of the inside of the frame arranged and has an upper strand 28 unfounded and immediately adjacent to the lower side of the support rollers 1U and

a lower run 30 below and parallel to the upper run ce ». β> on. The support arrangement for the drive belt has several

O ₀ , rollers 32 which are arranged in the opposite corners of the frame on suitable fastening shafts which traverse

*** »on the side between the side rails of the transport device "_". be worn. The lower run is used to drive the belt * !? a take-up roller 3U, a driven roller 36 and • then passed over another take-up roll 38 * You can see that the upper run of the drive belt is in the direction

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" ¹⁵ " 1939837

opposite to that in which the objects moved · '» are to verden, is driven and so, for example, according to Fig. 2, the belt is driven in such a way that the upper Strand of the same moves in the direction from left to right, as the objects to be moved move in the direction from right to left be moved on the transport device. As such, the belt has a multi-layer construction with one surface high friction, so that with the support rollers there is a force-transmitting contact surface or drive surface.

The tension rollers 18, which can also have an outer cylinder UO and a supporting central axle 82, are arranged in the side rails 2U of the frame under the upper run of the drive belt and between pairs of support rollers, as shown by means of the tension roller brackets UU. These brackets are, as described below, provided to allow a yielding movement of the tension rollers and the drive belt relative to the support rollers so as to result in a reduced angle of wrap of the belt on the support rollers as soon as the forward movement of the objects A from the rear End of the transport device is interrupted in order to reduce such a pressure build-up in the objects during the period of such an interruption. The brackets UU are designed so that an exact vertical adjustment of the drive belt is made possible relative to the support rollers over the length of the transport device in order to achieve precisely the desired drive contact between the belt and the support rollers lU for the special objects handled on the transport device . Briefly outlined, each of the brackets UU consists of a support part Φ-, U6 with a U-cross section, which is fastened in a vertical position on the inside of a corresponding to the side rails by means of oo - fastening bolts U8, which is fastened by a central one

cn part of part U6 are introduced. The part carries a lower

_ ^ right adjustment rod 50 with a widened generally

"" * right-angled lower end portion 52 and one circular

oo * upper Gevindes'egment 5U. The rod is vertically slidable in '

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the opposite free legs 56 of the U-part k6 , the lower leg having a slot for the enlarged part 5 "2 of the rod and the upper leg with a circular opening for the rounded upper end 5k of the rod. Trically with respect to the upper end of the adjustment rod is a compression spring 58 which is interposed between a ring 0 and a locking nut 62 which is threadedly connected to the upper end of the rod.

The tension rollers are carried by the adjustment rod by means of the corresponding axis k2 which are received in suitable openings made in the enlarged segment of the rod 52. As in the case of the axes 22 of the carrying rollers \ k have the axes preferably a cross-sectional shape with regular pages, and thus the respective receiving openings are formed so that the axes against rotation in the rods 50 are held. The tension rollers are held laterally in the frame by means of collars or bushings 67 which are arranged between the roller ends and corresponding ones of the adjustment rods 50. The type of bracket described herein allows the tension rollers 18 to be "floating" in the transport so that the rollers normally urged by springs 58 into a raised position in the transport to maintain driving engagement of the drive belt with the various sets of idlers are free from the latter roles in the event of a two-way interruption of the movement of the objects from the rear end of the transport device and thus disruption of movement of the objects to fall down on the support rollers, due to the downward reaction forces / i, which act against the Tension rollers are generated by the drive belt and rolls under the no longer moving objects. σ> This downward movement of the tension rollers ER ■ "* enables it, that part of the hereby geraderiqhtet in contact standing _m drive belt and thereby the touch

1939837

-u-

pressure and the driving force of the drive belt on the support rollers is reduced. In this way there will be an improvement regarding the build-up of strength or weight in and between the objects on the transport device during interruptions in the movement of the objects from the rear one The end of the transport device achieved by means of the type described so far.

By means of the special structure of the mounting brackets, it is possible to precisely set each of the tension rollers to a desired position relative to the support rollers, so as to ensure normal engagement between the drive belt and the support rollers when the object movement of the transport device is correct, as well as falling of the tension rollers in the transport device and thus avoiding a pressure build-up in the transport device when the movement of the objects is stopped, simply by adjusting the locking nuts 62 of each of the tension roller retaining clips kk axially to the threaded end 5 ^ of the special support rod 50 for the tension rollers, which are assigned to the same. This adjustment can be made while the transport device is in operation.

It should be noted that with the design described here, a certain drive force is still transmitted from the drive belt to the support rollers under a stopped object due to the upward action of the springs 58 on the corresponding tension rollers. This not only leads to an objectionable pull on the ⁰ ^ * drive belt but "can also lead to a considerable pull

whether- · lead to pressure build-up in the transport line in the case

oo a prolonged interruption of the movement of the objects

^ 'is developed, as well as the accumulation of quite a long series - *. on objects on the transport device. It can be a art- crushing of objects or jamming as a result of this occurrence. Furthermore requires the described Design a very precise Eitstellung the tension rollers 18 in the transport device, so on the one hand

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ensure that the forward movement of the objects on the transport device occurs during normal operation and on the other hand with regard to the pressure build-up in the transport string results in a reduction as soon as the movement of the objects is interrupted. Even if the special structure of the mounting brackets an exact setting of the transport rollers in the transport device allows, as stated above, you have to during operation with respect to the positional arrangement of the tension rollers continue to monitor so as to be able to keep the roles in the correct working position.

The type of construction described is also compared to the weight of the objects to be handled on the transport device sensitive and changes in the weight of each item in a given set of items or between different sets of objects, the efficient operation of the transport device in such a Adversely affect the extent that an upward adjustment of the tension rollers in the transport device becomes necessary and thus there is a reduction in the possibility of releasing the pressure, as it is by the tension rollers and associated mounting brackets is made possible.

To overcome these difficulties, the present invention is a forced, pull-down, or retract assembly created for the tension rollers that are required for working by means of the stop roller 8 is controlled so as to build up pressure in the objects gy, during interruptions in the movement of objects on the *? Prevent transport device while doing it at the same time CO is allowed to accumulate on objects

""", can. In the embodiment according to the invention according to the ^. FIG. 1-9, this arrangement is in the form of a pair of inflation Φ- Barer or inflatable air hoses or lines 66 before, QBi "

that of the tension rollers 18 described below Way are assigned. The arrangement to be described further . works by means of the front transport line pressure, such as

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-19- 1939837

it is developed against the pivotable stop roller 8 by the objects and, for the sake of convenience, leaves describe this as a terminally sensitive system or a system operated by means of a terminal sensor.

With regard to the arrangement according to the invention for reducing the pressure, the inflatable or inflatable air hoses, which essentially consist of an inner bladder 68 with a higher bursting capacity, are made of an easily inflatable or inflatable material such as rubber and a protective, non-elastic outer covering 70 a material such as nylon, arranged along the opposite sides of the transport device, guided through and between successive ones of the tension roller holders UU for the tension rollers 18 and extending over the entire length of the transport device from the discharge to the loading end thereof. The hoses are in each case arranged and supported between an outwardly turned flange 72 which is integrally formed with the lower end of each of the adjustment rods 50 of the brackets UU and the lower end of the free feet 56 of the U-shaped parts U6. With this arrangement, the air hoses will tend to push the support rods of the tension rollers downward in their respective holders UU while the tubes are being inflated by introducing a pressurized fluid into them, thereby lowering the tension rollers and the part carried thereon Drive belt results from a normal position corresponding to the full drive contact with respect to the rows or groups of idlers located above the corresponding part of the drive belt. Conversely, if the air hoses are present in the inflated state, the support rods of the -λ tension rollers will tend to move upwards in their associated brackets UU under the action of the springs 58, σ> while the flow _medium is removed from the hoses, mJk thereby can be emptied and thus the tension rollers and the parts of the drive belt carried on them can move '■ * - * up into the normal drive positions with respect to the groups or rows of support rollers over the corresponding parts of the air hoses. This inflation and deflation of the air hoses is shown in FIGS. U and 5 of the drawings

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and with reference to Fig. k, it shows the tubes deflated. State in the device and FIG. 5 shows the same in the fully expanded or inflated state, which results in 'the' desired reduction in the pressure or the action of force in the transport device during an accumulation of objects on the transport device, with the restoration of the forward direction at the same time Directed drive force on the objects is enabled as soon as the movement of the same on the transport device is resumed.

The function of the air hoses leading to a reduction in the force is provided so that the same takes place progressively over the length of the transport device from the rear or delivery end of the same to the front or loading end in such a way that during the interruption of the movement of the objects from the transport device, objects, which are still delivered to the * transport device, as well as those objects that are already on the transport device behind the stopped objects, can still move in the normal length of the transport device and relatively with respect to a stopped object immediately in front of it. This is achieved by a series of check valves Tk which are arranged at regular intervals over the length of the air hoses and are generally located between the tension roller holders Uk within rigid or non-expandable tubular connecting sections 76, see FIG. 7. The hoses have an interruption for receiving the valve-bearing sections 76, the inner bladder 68 being stretched over the corresponding end of the connecting section at each such interruption and connected to it in an airtight relationship β *, for example by means of a screw-like clamping band -tty 78. In each case, the Ends of the protective Q ₀ jacket 70 between the bladder and the clamping band. In order to ensure absolute airtightness at the connection points of the hoses and connection sections, an annular metal core 80 is preferably inserted into the opposite ends ^{A of} the connection sections opposite to the clamping rings 78

arranged. ORIGINAL «NC?> ECTED

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-21- 1939837

The valves are arranged to allow a flow of a pressurized fluid such as air into the hoses in a direction relative to the loading end * of the conveyor from the discharge end thereof or in a direction opposite to the direction of the articles on the conveyor and the same consist in each case of a cylindrical body part 82 corresponding to the diameter with the inner diameter of the connecting sections 76.A channel Bk extends axially to the valve body 82, which is widened e.g. at 86 corresponding to the front end in the flow direction of the valve with respect to the direction of movement of the objects on the transport device. A flow controlling ball valve member 88 located in the widening is held in a normal position closing the channel Qk by means of a compression spring 90 which is held in the widening by an adjusting screw 92 which is threadedly connected to the valve body. The screw has an axial channel 9k so that air can flow through the valve as soon as the valve ball is lifted from its seat at the inner end of the widening 86. The pressure required to move the ball out of the closed position in the widened area naturally depends on the spring characteristics of the spring and can be changed for any given case by adjusting the thread of the screw in the valve body 82.

The check valves are designed in such a way that they open at identical pressure differences, but due to the series arrangement of the valves in the corresponding air hoses, the actual pressure (relative or absolute) in the sections of the air hoses between the check valves will be different from those of the check valves in the flow direction rear ends ^{<i>> of} the tubes to the flow direction front ends derseloo ben, again with reference to the direction of movement of the

^ s, objects on the transport device, will develop a ^ Speaking progressive change result. Som ifc is only ^ if the fluid pressure is in the rear in the direction of flow End of the hoses over the setting - the first of the check valves exceeds, fluid djrch the first of the check valves

- 22 -

Valves and in the hose section between the same and the enter second check valve. In a similar way, that previously fluid in the section of the hose between the third and second check valves enters the pressure in the hose section between the first and second check valves must build on a value that is necessary to lift the ball element of the check valve from its seat. Of course, this requires a further pressure increase in the rear ends of the tubes in the direction of flow, since there is a pressure difference must be kept open via the first check valve, to keep the same in the open position. This effect occurs along the entire length of the hoses and through these valves there will be a gradual and progressive inflation of the tubes as soon as pressurized fluid is introduced into the downstream ends of the hoses, the pressure at any particular point in the tubes at any point in time being greater than that in the immediately adjacent one Part of the hose is in the direction of fluid flow due to the special pressure differential required to open it the check valves is required. The action of the springs leads to a transfer of the valves into the closed positions as soon as the pressure differential at any particular valve falls below the valve setting, "so it is gradual and progressive To achieve pumping effect over the length of the hoses.

If it is also necessary the check valves in the air hoses to be arranged directly opposite one another, the special distance between the check valves is not critical, - since the valves essentially act to inflate the length of tubing in a series of steps or 'stages takes place by means of arrangements described below βίηβ to achieve a pressure-reducing effect in the transport device,

eo which is directly related to the transport road pressure that through and against the objects during an accumulation on the

^ Transport device is developed. The effect of the invention

* According to βη hoses is in contrast to the conventional arrangement, »- 23 -

-23- 1939837

the transport device being subdivided into a series of embossed zones ₉ and a pressure reduction being imparted to the objects in any particular zone before a pressure reduction is imparted to the objects in the next following zone.

It should be noted, see FIG. 8, that the hose sections A branched feed line 96 is connected to one another at the rear ends in the direction of flow, which in turn are connected by means of a further valve arrangement described below with a supply line 98 from a source 100 of pressurized fluid "connected to" such as compressed air. It is a conventional check valve 102 in FIG the diversion line 96 arranged to eo an air flow in the Allow hoses see below and at the same time prevent air from flowing back through the line from the sight tubes see below. In the The front ends of the tubes in the direction of flow are closed by means of conventional Zveivege valves IOH, which are further down are explained in order to allow the air to flow out of the hoses. enable as soon as the movement of the objects on the transport device is resumed. The various connections with the air hoses are airtight and consist of in each case in a connection with the inner bladder of the tubes.

The flow of fluid in and out of the hoses is controlled in accordance with the state of the objects on the transport device by the joint action of the abovementioned stop roller 8 with an electropneumatic control circuit. With regard to the stop roller, a sliding support for the roller in the transport device is provided by means of a pair of opposing toggle levers IO6, which is pivotably arranged on the inside of the side rails Zh of the frame at the ends of the fastening axis for the rearmost support roller Carrying rollers iU can be implemented, and has a central axis I08 and a rotatable outer cylinder 110, is carried by means of the axis 108 between corresponding arms of the respective toggle levers, with a suitable locking disc at the ends of the axles which holds the roller between the toggle levers . The opposite arms of the respective toggle levers are connected to one another by means of a

- 2k -

Connecting rod 112 connected. The rod is in turn pivotably connected to a piston-piston rod unit Wk of a two-way air cylinder 116 which is pivotably fastened by means of its cylinder element 118 to a fastening rod 120 which is carried between the side rails of the transport device adjacent to the rear end thereof. One sees,

that in the arrangement of the stop roller and the air cylinder, such as shown here, a sliding movement of the piston unit 11U relative to the cylinder element 118 to a pivoting movement of the toggle levers 106 about their corresponding pivot axes and a corresponding one circular movement of the stop roller in the frame 10 of the transport device. The reverse is a circular arc-shaped movement the stop roller via the toggle lever 106 and the connecting line to a sliding movement between the piston unit 11U and guide the air cylinder 118.

This relationship between the stop roller and the air cylinder controls the pressure reducing effect of the hose assembly by means of the electro-pneumatic circuit described below. Referring to the pneumatic part of the circle and INS, particular FIGS. 8, a main supply line 98 is connected from the source of compressed air 100 via an air line 122 having a four-way valve \ 2k, the movable valve member 136 by means of spring action into a normal operating position in the left end of the valve is pressed, and there are associated solenoids, indicated here as FLV, for moving the movable part in an opposite right or working position in the valve. The slidable body portion 126 of the valve is provided with rows and channels 128, 130 and 132, 13 ^ *, and after the solenoid FLV of the valve has been energized and the movable part of the valve is in the right end of the valve ; the channel 128 is aligned with the air inlet conduit 125 and a conduit 136 extends from the valve to the piston end of the air cylinder 118. Simultaneously, the channel 130 in the movable valve end 126 which extends to the outlet 138 is in communication therewith the conduit 1Uo extending from the valve to the head or cylinder end of the air cylinder. Thus, when the solenoid FLV is energized, the line pressure air becomes -25 ~

ap the piston end of the air cylinder through air line 122, Valve channel 128 and air chamber 136 released, while the 'tuft can be dispensed from the opposite or head end of the air cylinder through the line IUO and valve channel 130. The piston is thus in a right or retracted position brought the cylinder and the stop roller in turn becomes relative printed in the direction of a lowered pivot position in the frame by means of the connecting rod and toggle lever arrangement between the piston and the stop roller. With a preferred The air cylinder is provided and arranged in such a way that the piston unit is completely retracted when present Position in the air cylinder holds the stop roller in a position that practically coincides with the plane of the support rollers.

They are expected number in the valve body 126 channels 132 and 13h, so as to switch the air connections between the air cylinder · and the air valve, when the solenoid PLV is deenergized _s and the valve body by means of the spring in a normal left position in the valve is returned. Thus, the duct 132 connects the air inlet line 122 with the line IUO which leads to the head end of the cylinder as soon as the movable valve body is returned to the normal position in the valve by means of its spring, while at the same time the line I36 extending to the piston end of the cylinder aligned with the duct I3U, which communicates with the outside air.

It can be seen, however, that the line IHO had a check valve 1U2 which serves to interrupt an air flow into the head end of the cylinder unit, so IaI the channel 132 aligned to inlet line 122 and line 1 ^ 0 by aberration the solenoid FLV is brought. Thus, when the air valve is in a normal or de-energized condition, the Air that would otherwise be able to enter the head end of the cylinder from the air inlet line 122 and thus an extension of the air cylinder and thus movement of the roller stop 8 to cause a raised position, prevented from entering the unit, due to the presence of the check valve 1 ^ 2. At the same time, however, the air can ν - 26 -

the piston end of the cylinder through line 136 and valve channel 13U. The purpose of the check valve in the line 11 * 0 is explained below.

The movement of the stop roller from a lowered to a raised position in the frame of the transport device is controlled by a three-way air valve, which also acts in such a way that the stop roller is brought into the fully raised position again as soon as a pivoting movement occurs below forward pressure or force of the objects takes place during an accumulation of the same on the transport device. The air valve 11 * 1 »also has a spring-loaded displaceable element 1U6 which is pressed by the spring into a normal position in one end of the valve, namely here at the left end, and also has a solenoid RV through which the displaceable element in an opposite position, here a position at the right end, in which the valve can be moved.

The movable valve end 1 ^ 6 is provided with a pair of channels 1U8,15O. As soon as the solenoid RV is energized and the movable valve element is in the right working position, the valve channel 1U8 is aligned with an air line 152 of the main supply line 98 and aligned with an air line 15 ^, which leads to the line 1UO specified above in the head end of the Air cylinder extends. Compressed air coming from the air source 1 * 40 can thus enter the head end of the air cylinder as soon as the air valve 1l »H is excited, whereby the piston unit is pushed into an extended position and the stop roller in turn is brought into a raised position at the delivery end of the transport device. As explained below, the energizing circuits for air valves 12b and ihk operate such that when the circuit for air valve "11 * 1" is ^{energized, the other circuit for valve 13 1} * is de-energized, causing the head end of air cylinder 116 to communicate with the air source 100 is brought. Here, the air valve 12U is de-energized, whereby the opposite or piston end of the air cylinder is brought into communication with the outside air through the line 136 and the valve channel 13 * ». The piston unit 11 Ik is moved into an extended position in the air cylinder 116

brought, and the stopper roller is brought to the rear end of the * transport device with the energization of the solenoid RV of the * air valve lkk. The air cylinder and the stop roller aindeo constructed and arranged that the piston when moving from a retracted to an extended position in the cylinder raises the stop roller above the plane of the support rollers and into a position in which the roller with the lower front part of the special on the transport device handled objects comes into engagement. With regard to the reduction in pressure, it is necessary that the objects, as they pile up on the transport device, tend to move the stop roller forwards about its pivot axis and relatively against the pressure in the head end of the air cylinder.

With the air valve 1UU in its normal or de-energized state and the movable body part 1U6 in the left The valve part 150 is aligned between the working position air line I5U indicated above and an outlet line 156 which includes a pressure relief valve 158. It can therefore have air in the head end of the air cylinder are released to the outside air as soon as the air valve 1 Ul * is de-energized to decrease of the working pressure in the head end of the air cylinder to a specific pressure setting of the relief valve. The work pressure in the air cylinder determines the resistance of the stop roller to those present on the transport device Objects and is used for pressure reduction in general

¥ ert of about 1.35 kg / cm is kept absolute. This working pressure can of course be changed in such a way that the same applies to the special requirements of the transport device

«O> is adapted to handled objects or simply mediated

Κ »Setting the pressure relief valve. It should be noted here that the pressure regulator I60 in the air line 152 to the * "Air valve IU7 is provided in order to enable the air pressure to be set, which is initially fed to the head end of the air cylinder. Due to this arrangement, an additional ** "Additional control of the air release effected by the air valve 1-UU can be achieved in the de-energized state and ■ with respect to the remaining working pressure in the air cylinder.

- 2nd

8th -

The pneumatic part of the control circuit also contains a two-way valve 162 for controlling the inflation of the hoses. This valve, like the valves 12k and Ikh constructed ^ that the same means of spring acting overall in a direction _x suppressed is and it is associated with a magnetic coil PV, by which the valve can be brought into the entgegengestzten state and then between the main feed line 98 and the branch pipe 96 is connected to the air hoses. In the normal or de-energized condition of the air valve, the movable part 6k of the valve 162 is in a right position in the valve, whereby the channel 16'6 in the part is not aligned with the branch line 9 & and the main supply line 98. When the solenoid of the valve is energized, the movable body is brought into the left position in the valve, thereby splitting the channel 166 in alignment with the branch pipe 96 and the inlet pipe 98 so that the air can flow into the air tubes.

In the arrangement described here, the anchor roller at Presence in the raised state at the delivery end of the transport device tend to tilt forward about its pivot axis being rolled or pivoted by means of objects that extend forward against the roller and against each other over the Move the length of the transport device due to the normal driving action of the drive belt on the support rollers 1U. This movement of the stop roller is counteracted by the pressure maintained in the head end of the air cylinder. To have a pressure reducing effect to get in the transport device through the air hoses, which in relation to the one ·> - '■■■ ".-' ·

O special point in time against the stop roller by the counter *

0y and thus the transport road pressure in and between the

Jj * objects on the transport device developed power ** · au, the arrangement of control instruments in the electropneumatic circuit is provided according to the invention, where _Ä for a given working pressure in the air cylinder * a response to a predetermined yielding movement of the stop roller takes place from a fully raised pivot position in the frame, so as to trigger the circle for the air flow into the air hoses. With the special invention shown here

According to the embodiment according to the invention, the control instruments are in the form of a limit switch RLS »or, which is present on the transport device with its contact arm 168 in engagement with one of the arms of the toggle levers 106 as soon as the stop roller is in the fully raised position. The operation of the limit switch is explained in detail in connection with the electrical part of the control system. With reference to FIG. 9, a control relay CR is connected between power lines L ₁ and L _p and has an associated row of contacts CR which control the excitation circuits for the various magnetic coils of the air valves explained above. The control relay CR for the contacts CR can be wired for the purposes of explanation here in such a way that operation takes place by means of a simple photocell unit which is located at the rear end of the section of the transport device shown here and ζ-B. is arranged so that an interaction takes place through the objects as soon as the latter move in a processing machine, station or other location, which on one reason or another at the front end of the transport device requires a control for the objects placed thereon.

The circuit is provided so that the magnetic coil FLV for the air valve 121+ controlling the pivot position of the stop roller is held in an excited state when the movement of the objects in the transport street and on the section of the transport device described here is to be continued. Thus, the photocell is so vorgeseh'en that the control relay holds the Kontaktrealy CR in the circuit of FLV in a normalaeweise closed position when any object between the working parts of the photoelectric cell are stopped or when the light only currently sub _Ol broken, for example, if the object moves past the same without stopping and if an object is stopped at the photocell for a predetermined period of time, the

OT.

>> ». Magnet coil associated contact CR for a switching process, and ^ Although there is a movement from a closed to an open State. Under normal conditions, i.e. when sustaining objects

at the rear end of the transport device and in front The photocell does not jam the objects, the magnetic coil FLV is kept in the excited state by means of its contact CR

-30. 1939837

whereby the movable part of the air valve ^ 2h is held in the right position in the valve so that there is a connection between the air source and the piston or rod end of the air cylinder through line 122, passage 128 and line 136, while connection of the Head end of the cylinder with the outside air through the line 1 * K) and the valve channel 130 is present. The stop roller is then held in a normal lowered position in the transport device, whereby an unimpeded movement of the objects in, over and from the sections of the transport device shown here takes place if the conditions at the rear end require a continuous supply of the objects from the transport device.

The solenoid RV for the air valve ] kk has another of the control valves CR in its circuit and when the objects move in the normal manner past the control instruments at the rear of the transpoit device, it remains in the open state. The specified limit switch RLS for determining a predetermined movement of the control roller is also present in the excitation circuit of the magnetic coil RV and is used to remain in the closed state when the associated contact arm 168 is released from the corresponding associated toggle lever. When the stop roller is in the depressed or lowered state of the transport device, the limit switch will thus be in the closed state. In the case where the movement of the objects at the rear end of the transport device is interrupted for a long enough time for one or the other reason that the objects jam at the photocell or this takes place at another Ko-n-β £> troll instrument and thus in front of the If the photocell remains longer than 40 a predetermined time interval, the contact GR assigned to the Ο magnet coil FLV will change from a closed ⁰ ^ position to an open position, causing the current to the - * - magnet coil FLV for the air valve 12U of the stop roller to break will. When this occurs, the movable part of the ** valve is returned to its normal position in the left end of the valve, thereby connecting line 136 to the outlet

is connected by the valve channel 13 ^. That of the solenoid RV * ■. - 31 -

- si - 1838837

associated control relay CR falls into the closed position as soon as the movement of the objects at the rear end of the transport device is interrupted, as stated above, and since the stop roller is in a lowered state in the frame, the arm 168 of the limit switch RLF of the assigned, assigned toggle lever released so that the limit switch is thus in the closed state. Thus, simultaneously with the de-energization of the air valve 12U, an excitation circuit is established through the normally open contact CR and limit switch RLF to the solenoid RV for the air valve lUU, and the valve ^ k6 of the same will move to the right end of the valve, creating the channel 1U8 aligned with the air inlet conduit 152 and the air conduit \ 5k extending to the head end of the air cylinder. Thus, air will enter the head end of the air cylinder, thereby relatively moving the piston to an extended position in the cylinder. Thus, the stopper roller is brought into an elevated position that represents an obstacle for the objects on the transport device, so that the objects are no longer released from the transport device and the processing area connected to it. After the stop roller has reached or practically reached a fully raised position, the arm 168 of the switch RLF is relatively locked into an engagement position with a special associated toggle lever, and the switch RLF is thus opened. This breaks the circuit through the solenoid RV, and the movable element 1U6 of the air valve Xkk can recede to a normal position in the left end of the valve, s. The channel IJO is thus brought into alignment with the line 15 ** and the air outlet line I56 so that the air pressure in the head end of the cylinder a, uf the desired J? Value for the detection of the objects can be brought, where * ° this value can amount to 1.35 kg / cm absolute, for example. If it is to be ensured that the above-mentioned check valve 1h2 in the line 14O prevents inlet air from the line 122 to the air valve 12 * » " ^Λ from getting to the outside air through the air valve \ kk via the »> channel IU2 in the Valve I2U, lines \ kO and 15 ¹ * and channel I50 of the air valve 1UU.

The limit switch RLB is such relative to the air cylinder arranged that the contact arm I68 in engagement with the arm of the toggle lever IO6 within a certain range of

- 32 -

1933337

angular displacement of the toggle remains based on " where the stop roller is in a fully raised position. The amount of angular displacement de-s Toggle lever as required to break contact with the arm and close the RLS limit switch, results for a given design and arrangement of the interacting Elements ^ of the system the line pressure that triggers the circuit. By changing the location of the switch relative to the toggle lever, the length of the toggle lever arms, the attachment point of the piston rod on the toggle lever, etc., the amount of the angular Shifting of the toggle lever, like eer for closing the switch and thus the line pressure for triggering the Circuitry is required to be modified, so as to meet the special requirements of those handled on the transport device Objects to be customized.

In any case, and assuming that the stop roller is in a raised position and an object has come into contact with the lower end of the transport device and has been stopped by the roller, a certain force against the roller is developed by the object, due to the continuous anti-drive action of the drive belt on the support rollers on which the item is carried and the roller will tend to be pushed forward about the pivot axis of the toggle levers 106. The internal pressure in the cylinder end of the air unit acts against this pivoting action, and through the action of the two-way valves 1UU and the pressure relief valve 158, a suitable value of 1.35 kg / cm ^{2 is} absolutely maintained. When there is influence

of the stopped object against the stop roller initially ty » ■".

_o . is not sufficient to remove the toggle lever 106 from the contact arm *? Removing 168 of switch RLS will of course not trip

OO of the electropneumatic control circuit, and the drive

*> *, belt will continue to be in normal frictional engagement for the ¹ ^ ₄ drive, with the support rollers acting over the full length of the * J * section of the transport device. If on the other hand "

Oa ' ■

the effect of the object or objects initially stopped on the stop roller leads to sufficient movement of the stop roller by releasing the toggle lever from the release arm 68 of the limit switch RLS, or if the force, like

- 33 -

they on the stop roller by the one or the first stopped. Objects is developed, is enlarged by additional objects that move on the transport device up to the stopped state, with the release of the contact arm 168, an excitation circuit is formed through the magnetic coil RV, since, as stated above, the corresponding contact CR is already in a closed position has been dropped due to the effect of the stagnating operating in the area of the control instruments at the rear end of the transport device and held objects This results in that the movable part of the air valve \ kk "is moved to a right position in the valve, whereby the air line 152 is connected to lines 15 ^ · and IUO through the passage IkQ so that the line pressure to be supplied to the head or cylinder end of the air cylinder, thereby bringing the piston into an extended position in the cylinder, to a return of the Stop roller in a fully raised position in the end of the transport device rt. This effect also means that the toggle lever IO6 immediately afterwards again engages the contact arm I68 of the limit switch RLS, which results in the switch opening and thus de-energizing the solenoid RV. Thus, the pressure in the air cylinder can be released through the lines 1 Uo, 15 ^ ₅ channel 150 in the valve "\ kk and the line 156, which contains the pressure relief valve 158.

The circuit through the contact CR, limit switch RLS and solenoid RV also has a timing relay TR, the one normally open contact TR in series with solenoid PV for air valve 162 controls. Thus, at the same time as the Excitation of the magnet coil RV, the timing relay TR to a closing of an ■ excitation circuit through the magnet coil PV.

The movable portion of the air valve 162 is shifted to a left position in the valve in this process, bringing the air inlet line 98 into communication with line 96 to the air hoses through channel 166. Air is then at full line pressure of, for example, 6.6 kg / cm absolute inserted into the rear ends of the air hoses and the air inlet is continued as long as this

is determined by the timing relay TR, although the excitation circuit through the relay TR momentarily by opening of the limit switch RLS when returning the stop roller to the fully raised position, as described above, is interrupted. As explained above, included the pieces of air tubing check valves that are set so that they are at a selected one Pressure difference at the valves of e.g. 1.35 kg / cm absolute. Thus, when the line pressure is connected to the Air hoses by means of energizing the magnetic coil PV inflating the hoses progressively over their length in one direction starting from the ends thereof adjacent to the outlet end of the transport device to the opposite ones The same ends and progressively begins from the Redeem section to the next. This-inflating or inflating the Air hoses cause the tension rollers in the transport device fall down, the amount being directly proportional to the for each particular group of tension rollers The amount of inflation corresponds to the portion of the air hoses that are associated and progressively smaller in the amount from aem end of the air hoses to the discharge end the transport device is in the direction of the feed end thereof. The fall of the tension rollers in the transport device in turn leads to the fact that the wrap angle of the belt around the support rollers in the relevant parts of the transport device is reduced and thus there is reduced contact pressure and driving force between the drive belt and the support rollers. In this Way, the inclination of the objects will be on the transport device to stow tightly and possibly due to one's Squeezing the same or being damaged by falling from the transport device as soon as the Removal of the objects from the transport device is interrupted, automatically canceled and the objects tend to stand on the transport device with the formation of a collect the least possible pressure between them. According to a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the sin d

- 35 - -

Hoses so designed and arranged in the holders kh _t "that when a section of the same di ^ tension rollers, which are in working connection with such a hose section, only fall so far that the part of the drive belt carried thereby is in a slight frictional engagement or contact with the There is a special set or row of drive rollers above it, see for example the left-hand end part of the transport device according to FIG. 1. This ensures that the drive force, albeit slightly, continues to act on dfca support rollers, even if the latter through the air hose This force, together with the force moment of the objects directed towards the front, means that the objects continue to move over the rollers up to a stop or contact position with the object which is directly i n direction of travel is stopped in front of them. As a result, the formation of "gaps" between the objects is prevented under the specified conditions, and the handling capacity of the transport device for the objects is used to the greatest possible extent.

It should be noted that the extent to which any special Hose section is inflated and the extent to which the inflation effect over the length of the hoses during each work cycle of the control circuit advances, from the air pressure in the supply line 98, the time interval within which the Air valve 1i2 remains energized the lengths of the separated sections depends on the tubing and the special characteristics of the bladder and protective covering used in the tubing, and that by properly controlling the variables, a pressure reduction O along the transport device of any desired magnitude during the movement of the objects can be interrupted while they are being removed from the transport device.

2 ^ From the special circle shown here, the original - * lifting of the stop roller by means of the air valve Ihk leads to levels
m> if for supplying a first volume of compressed

Air to the hoses, because when the magnet coil RV of the air valve ] kk is excited by the normally open contact CR and limit switch RLS, the contact relay TR and the magnet, - 36 -

coil PV of the air circuit 162 simultaneously via the timing relay TR are excited. Some initial lowering of the. The tension rollers and the drive belt from the idlers takes place immediately after lifting the connecting roller.

If at the first release of the air valve I50 in the connection on this preliminary triggering the effect of the compressed air in the air tubes for one reason or another not to reduce the pressure of the objects in the transport strafeß to a value below the set value leads, the stop roller will turn upwards over the predetermined one Removal after re-adjusting, so that there is a further push of air into the air hoses results. This is followed by a further expansion of the hoses and also an additional lowering of the tension rollers over the corresponding hose lengths, which results in a further lowering of the drive belt with respect to the support rollers in the various successive parts of the transport device results. This repeats itself as often as needed to get relief as it is set for the system. In this one the described system is thus self-regulating linging and self-compensating.

It should be noted that the nylon covering of the rubber bladder is the Expansion of the various sections of the air hoses limited, so that although a continued pressure build-up in each of the hose sections with each successive actuation of the air valve IU8, however, the hose sections expand above a given value is prevented by the casing.

YY? Because of this self-compensating feature of the described . «> Embodiment does not require separate Druckminde-00

provision zones as such in the transport device and o>
> ^ instead of the same, the entire transport device can be used as one

"" *. consider only the accumulation zone operating in this way j «Η that there is a pressure reduction over the length of the transport device exactly according to the pressure in the fransportstrasse generated by the stopped objects. In this sense, the transport device described here works independently

- 37 -

depending on the length of the weight and the outline of the special objects handled on it and enables a mixture of objects to be handled at any point in time without that there is an adverse effect on the operational. Efficiency results.

This end-to-end fill system feature is extremely important because many current designs of corresponding transport devices are units which are intended for a single purpose and which are either not in the. Need to know are able objects with very different lengths and / or weight to handle and articles with tapered sides, concave bases or other unusual contour shapes and the very substantial modifications to _t Gegenstäri have different sizes and unusual contour shapes to handle ·.

The resumption of the forward movement of the objects on the transport device is effected by the above-described photocell at the rear end of the transport device or other similar control instruments, which work together with exhaust valves 10H, which are located in the end of the air hoses adjacent to the feed end of the Transport device are located and are in working connection with the electrical control circuit, as explained below. These valves are brought into a normal open or outlet position by spring action and can be moved to a closed position due to the energization of an associated solenoid, e see reference EV. The solenoids EV have "one more of the contacts CR, which is controlled by the relay CR in"D> their excitation circuits, with only one "ο, of which is shown here, and is held in an open position ?? ' , when the objects at the rear end of the transom 'port device arranged photocell from regular manner -k past occur. The drain valves are normally in a geöff- ^ _n Neten position' if the objects on the Transportvorrich- processing. free to move, and the air hoses are thus

normally in contact with the outside air. If an object is stopped in front of the photocell for a period of time, greater than that to which the cell is set, the contact CR will close and energize the solenoid EV and move the exhaust valves to their closed positions. An air pressure can then build up over the length of the hoses in the above train described way. As soon as the movement of objects before the photocell is resumed, the contacts become CR in the circuit of the solenoids EV fall to the open positions, and the exhaust valves go back to a normal exhaust position over so that the air is deflated from the air hoses, starting at the end adjacent to the feed end of the transport device and progressing back to the end of the tubing adjacent to the delivery end of the transport device as the for the opening of the check valves required different pressures between each successive pair of these hose sections can be achieved. When the air escapes from the hoses, the hoses are compressed so that the under the one -effect of the associated compression springs present tension rollers back up to their normal positions in the transport device move. This brings the drive belt back into a position for full drive engagement with the other components brought, whereby the objects on the transport device resume their movement to the front. There will be residual pressures increasing amount in a direction from the rear end to the front end of the tubes in the various sections same remain, due to the provision of the non-return

"_ Valves in the same. During the rest of the pressure essential values in QQt '- -

O the rear sections of the tubing will assume, a

(SO correct initial setting of the tension rollers in the

»-J port device by means of the brackets kk in the manner described above -" * "* allow the drive belt to move back into normal drive engagement with the support rollers over the full length of the transport device under the air outlet conditions in this way to bring about a perfect removal of the objects from the transport device.

- 39 -

If one wants to effect a more complete and uniform discharge of the air from the air hoses when the objects move again on the transport device, a modified embodiment of the check valve 170 according to FIG. 10 can be used. In general, this modified valve works in conjunction with a single exhaust valve, not shown, in the branched air inlet line to the hoses so as to provide free air flow backwards along the hoses once the exhaust valve is in the exhaust position, while at the same time as indicated above there will be gradual pressure differences in the various tube sections as soon as the outlet valve is closed and air is introduced into the tubes. If only one such valve 170 is shown here, it will be understood that a plurality of such valves are used in each of the air hoses and that the arrangement of the valves in the hoses is generally as explained with respect to the check valves Tk.

As shown in Fig. 10, the modified check valve 170 has an inlet channel 172 which controls the air flow in the hoses in the forward direction and, similar to the channel 8U of the check valve "Jk, has an adjustable, spring-loaded ball member x 17h by which air flow is prevented in an opposite or rearward direction in the hoses through the channel 172. An air return channel 176 is arranged in the valve parallel to the channel 172, to which a flexible flap part 178 is associated for controlling the opening and closing the channel for the return of the air flow in the tubes has a tubular construction so that air flow into the channel 172 during inflation of the tubes allows without the flap valve causing an obstruction.

-UO-

- ko -

The mode of operation of the modified check valves 17OB is essentially the same as described above with regard to the check valves 7 ^ during the entry of air into the hoses from the air source, and under such conditions the valves will work in such a way that they come on there will be gradual build-up of pressure in the various sections of the tubing. The flap part tends to lie slightly against the end of the corresponding check valve due to the different pressures in the hose sections, whereby inevitably any air is prevented from passing in a forward direction through the return duct 176. Under the conditions of the air outlet, however, and taking into account the originally open state of the outlet valve in the air inlet line to the hoses, the air exiting the rear end of the hoses will eventually cause the pressure in the ends of the hoses to be below those in the section of Tubing drops immediately in front of the first of the check valves whereby the flap parts are able to move from the end of the corresponding air ducts I76. The air is then released into the rear end of the hoses and from the first sections of the hoses, as a result of which the pressure in these hose sections finally drops below that in the next following front section of the hoses. The air then begins to emerge from these hose sections. This is repeated over the length of the transport device until all hose sections have given off their air and are under normal pressure. The special discharge valve, which is used together with the modified non-return valves, the exhaust valves \ 0k eo described manner can stand, so as to effect an opening of the valve in the _m Auslaßlage in working connection with the electrical O control circuit in the above with respect to when the movement of the articles on V * is to be resumed the transport device and in order, - to keep the valve in the closed position during inflation of the air tubes _m. It should be noted that with this optional exhaust arrangement, it is not necessary that the exhaust valves are in the front ends of the air hoses, and the

-Ut-

- U1 - ■

the latter are simply clogged or otherwise opposed sealed from the outside air. This exhaust arrangement results in a more complete exhaustion of the air from the air tubes, because of the gradual action caused by the check valves by means of the ball element under spring force is avoided.

Even if the air hoses are explained here in such a way that they lead to a lowering of the drive belt from a drive position with respect to the support rollers via an inflatable system, they can also be arranged relative to the tension rollers in such a way that such a movement of the drive belt is caused by a deflation of the air results. This would make it necessary to arrange the compression springs 58 in the fastening brackets kk for the tension rollers, so as to press the tension rollers downwards and not upwards with respect to the transport device. Such a reversal of the functioning of the air hoses would also cause the delivery of a predetermined pressure volume from the hoses when the pressure in the transport line rises above the value for which the transport device is set, as well as a reversal in the position of the check valves 7 ^ or I70 in the air tubes.

A relatively inexpensive, foolproof mechanism has thus been described which enables objects to be piled up in an end-to-volume relationship on a transport device in response to a signal emitted by a suitable control instrument, while at the same time negligible pressure in and between the Objects due to the continued operation of the drive part for the O ₀ , objects is maintained. The self-regulating effect of the mechanism with regard to the automatic reduction "" ** and maintenance of the in and between the objects

- ». Wrapped during Zeitpsannen a Ansammelas or Anhäuf ens corresponds oy pressure to a predetermined enW.eift therefore makes it no longer necessary to continuously, the operation of the mechanism ■ sure to be verifiable ,, s and that the same in the right way is working. The mechanism can be adjusted easily and without difficulty so that the pressure in the

- 1 + 2 -

Maintain transport route at any desired value by simply adjusting the length of movement of the stop roller which is required to put the control circuit into operation and / or by the value of the working pressure is set in the air cylinder, which is assigned to the stop roller. Since the mechanism is not related to the length, Mass and / or contour shape of the objects handled on it is sensitive, the device is appropriate for all Areas of application suitable.

As indicated, the embodiment of the present invention works According to FIGS. 1-9 such that there is a pressure-reducing effect in and between the objects on the transport device is caused solely by the increasing pressure or force developed by the objects, which are located on the stop part. It was further explained that in the above-described invention Embodiment the pressure reducing effect of the air hoses not based on a perfectly definable zone ' or section takes place, but that rather there is a tendency for a section to overlap or occur at the same time su a next section of the transpoft device is present. »,

When in the Fig. Embodiment 11-17 shown according to the invention a pressure reduction is in and between the objects during a piling the same effect on the transport device substantially due to the presence of suspended objects at selected locations of the transport _a> device and requires the occurrence of a Pressure reducing effect on each special part of the transport i &

Sö device a complete deactivation or inoperative

gy set the part of the transport device which is located behind it in the direction of travel of the objects.

4fl Regarding the details of this embodiment of the invention it follows that the basic design of the transport

Apparatus is essentially the same as that described with respect to the embodiment of Figs arranged alongside the frame under the support rollers and has an upper strand 188 for frictional engagement with the support rollers for the purpose of effecting the objects A along the transport device and a lower strand 190 and a series of tension rollers 192 arranged under the drive strand of the belt so as to selectively The amount of frictional engagement of the belt with the support rollers depending on the conditions of the item (s ⁾ present on the rollers at a particular time can be changed to 1. The support rollers 182 are constructed and arranged within the framework described above with the exception that with the present Fall in place of the idlers at regular intervals

along the transport device a number of feeler rollers I9U are in a normally elevated position with respect to the planes of the support rollers which mediate in the plane of the latter an object moving over the feeler roller can be pressed down. These feeler rollers, as shown here, are by a central axis 196 with a regular Sides having cross-section 3form and an outer Cylinder I98 is formed, which is rotatably arranged on the axis, and they are between opposite side rails 200 of the frame 'fitted within suitable openings that have its limited tolerance with respect to the axis ends,

so that a vertical movement of the rollers due to the above O passing object can be picked up. The den !? Feeler roller axes I96 mediated in the side rails 200 Tolerance is slightly greater at one end of the roll

>>%. (the near end of the roll in the arrangement shown here) in _n comparison to the other end, and the swinging motion of the Feeler rollers in the frame will actually be around the base the more closely fitted end of the feeler rollers (the distal end in this case) into the frame.

- kk -

The proximal ends of axles 196 extend from the frame as shown and rest freely on a three-way air switch or valve 202 carried on the corresponding side of the frame by bracket 201+. Each of these switches is in operative communication with a pair of air hoses 206 which are associated with the tension roller 192 mounting brackets in opposed relation to one another along opposite sides of the frame. The mounts 208, which are identical in all respects to the mounts kk described above, have a tension roller support rod 210 which is spring-loaded such that a spring 2 * 2 is pressed in a normally raised position in the mount and is provided at the lower end with an outwardly extending flange 211+. The hoses 206 extend towards and between successive tension roller holders in the manner indicated above, and in each case are carried between the flanges 211+ and the underside of the U-shaped wire element 216 in the respective brackets 208.

The tubes, which in each case consist of an inner bladder 2128 made of rubber or other inflatable material and a protective outer covering 220, e.g. made of nylon, are connected to each other in the following manner. The air switches are in each case with an air inlet fitting 222 and an outlet fitting 221+, the inlet fitting of the first air switch having a main air supply line 226 is connected. The outlet fitting 221+ of the first «switch is in airtight connection with one end of the tubular

_o Connection or line 22 & made of rubber or other rigid, *? 'Air-permeable material and has on the opposite <x>
en

<x> End of a T-fitting 230. With the T-fitting there are more

tubular connectors or conduits 228 connected, ·. ^ which extend on the one hand to the air hose section along the remote side of the transport device and on the other hand to the air hose section on the near side of the transport device. There are air-tight connections between the hose sections and lines 228 in a suitable manner, such as valve core assemblies 232 'in the forward ends of the air ducts.

- 1 + 5 -

hoses provided. The rear end of the hose section '. · Along the end of the transport device is blocked or closed using a suitable arrangement, while another one of the tubular connecting members 228 is airtight between the corresponding end of the proximal section of tubing and the inlet fitting 222 on the second air switch is connected by another of the valve core assemblies 232. The outlet fitting 22H of the second air switch is connected to the second set of air hoses in the same way as explained above, so that this final sentence is related to the first sentence and to each other. The rear end of the second hose section on the near side of the transport device is in turn with the inlet valve of the third air switch connected, while the rear end of the associated hose section clogged or sealed against the outside air is present. This arrangement continues from each successive hose set to the next along the length of the conveyor continued, making all the different hose sections in communication with one another via this in rows Arrangement. In the case of the last pair of hose sections both hoses are blocked or sealed against the outside air.

The air flow into the system of hoses and successive sets of the same described here is controlled by the Three-way air valve 202 is controlled as discussed below is. The different air switches have identical ones Design and mode of operation, so that only one such switch is shown in the drawing and described here. Of the The special air switches used can be of the same type as the Compressed. Air Service Company in. Dayton ^ Ohio, USA and the manufacturer uses the designation * "* nung Model 3G ^ P-VS carries. This switch sets the object ~ * of US Pat. No. 3,036,589. This is

a three-way switch, and intended for the present purposes the same are normally in the closed state. Much of the structural details of the switch are given here

not explained and corresponding details can be found in the liS patent specification. Briefly stated, the switch has a valve body or housing 23 'formed by a central bore or channel 236 extending longitudinally through the body and having a large diameter cylindrical recess 238 at a distance of 90 ° with respect to the body Channel 236 open to the location corresponding to the top surface of the switch. One end of the channel 236 is widened radially at 2 ^ 0 and receives the above-mentioned air inlet fitting 222 of the air switch, a tubular design with a flange being shown here. It is attached to the valve body by means of screws which extend through the flange part of the fitting. The fitting is sealed from the valve body by a U-ring 2 ^ 2 which is carried in a suitable external recess on the inner tubular part of the fitting. The Wandbegrenzende Hasnehmung 2U0 has a lateral opening 2 ^ U, see Fig. 16 for forming a connection between the inner end portion of the recess and the above-mentioned outlet fitting 22U, wherein here a tubular type ifj shown, directly in the Ventilkrrper eg is attached by means of brazing. The end of the channel 236 opposite the widening 21 * 0, see reference number 2h6 , opens directly towards the outside air and represents an outlet for the air switch.

In the widening between the inner end of the arm flange 222 and the inner end of the widening is a valve sleeve 2U8 for controlling the flow of air through the switch. The sleeve & 2U8 has an annular valve cage 250 and a ball element ΓΓ 252, which can rotate in the cage about an axis - 'which is formed by a diametrical pin 25 ^, which

.

D) extends through the ball and at its ends in

L * corresponding parts of the cage 250 is attached. The valve - "" * ■ cage is located, provided with a pair of circumferentially extending β "flanges 256 on its outer circumference, whereby the arranged in the widening 2 ^ 0 sleeve sealing a series of O-Rihgen 25 ¹ O in a Engagement with the wall of the widening

- U7. >

each side of the valve sleeve. There are more U-rings 260 arranged in suitable recesses in the opposite hands of the cage 250 and seal the ball part 252 inside of the cage. It can be seen that the flanges 256 with the wall of the Widening limit a ring 262, which together with the sleeve in the assembled state in the valve in free and open connection with the side opening 2UU is »to the Outlet fitting 22U leads. The ring is also in communication with the interior of the cage through an opening 26U formed in the the latter is provided at the specified location.

The ball is rotatable in the cage on a raceway part with segment-shaped spherical shape and has an operating handle 268 as a one-piece part, which passes through the channel inside 236 protrudes and ends in the central recess 238 in the enlarged head part 270. The operating lever or «handle 268 extends radially from the ball in the manner shown, and the protrusion thereof crosses through the ball the axis of rotation of the ball at right angles.

The spherical shape of the ball is interrupted by the provision of a generally concave recess or groove 272, which enables a selective connection between the air inlet 222 and the air outlet 22k and between the outlet opening 2U6 and the outlet, depending on the rotational position of the ball part in the cage. Recess 272 is centered on the ball approximately 90 degrees from the ends of the ball mounting pin 26U and has a chord length such that upon rotation of the ball into a position in the cage, a direct connection through the recess between the air inlet and outlet via the

O channel 26 ^ _t ring 262 and channel 2UU can be formed while at the same time having a portion of the ball of full spherical shape in sealing contact with one of the O-rings 260 ■> ». is such that the communication between the outlet port _ * 2U6 and both the inlet port 222 and the outlet 22U ^m is blocked by the valve seat sleeve 2U8. Conversely, when the ball is rotated into a second position in the cage, the recess 272 serves to form a connection between the outlet opening 2k6 and the air outlet 22U, again via the channel 26U, ring 202 and channel 2UU, while a

- Ii 8 -

Cooperates with the other of the O-rings 260 to seal of air inlet 222 is opposite to both outlet 2U6 and outlet 22U. ';

The mechanism for rotating the ball between these two positions has the actuating lever 268 specified above, which is designed as part of the ball and executes a limited oscillating movement in the part of the channel 236 between the widening 2Uo and the recess 238 can, as well as an operating ram 27U which is slidably carried in the recess. The punch 27U has a two-part construction and is formed from a lower cylinder 276 with a circumferential casing 278 for receiving the enlarged button 270 of the ball operating lever 268 and an upper cylinder 280 which is in free contact with the upper end of the cylinder 276 in the recess is arranged. The main part of the upper cylinder 280 of the ram 27U extends from the recess and is slidably received in a sleeve-like fitting 272 which is fastened to the valve body in a closed relationship with respect to the recess 238 by, for example, screws through a flanged base part 27U. The plunger can have limited upward sliding movement in the recess through a shoulder 286 formed on the lower end of the cylinder 280 and engageable with a complementarily shaped stop 288 formed inside the armature 288. The punch is pressed in a normally raised position in the recess by a compression spring 290 which is fitted inside an opening 292 in the lower cylinder 276 and _{rests against the blind end o of} the punch recess 238. For the here explained

When the ram is in the raised position, the ball is turned so that the recess 272 connects the outlet opening 2U6 with the outlet fitting 22U and the air inlet 272 2 ^. with respect to the outlet opening and the outlet fitting is sealed ^m . .

- k9 -

• - 1 * 9 -

As stated above, the air switches are arranged on the transport device under one end of the axes I96 of each of the feeler rollers 19 ^ by means of brackets 20U. Generally, for mounting purposes, the brackets are provided with suitable openings and the air switches are positioned on the underside of the brackets so that the armature 282 extends down through the openings. The fittings 282 are preferably provided with external threads for receiving a locking nut 12k which, after being tightened on the holder, holds the air switches on the transport device.

The air switch is arranged so that the upper side of the upper cylinder 280 is directly below and supporting with respect to the end of an axis 196 of a corresponding one of the roller rollers 12 ^. Furthermore, the plunger springs have a bending characteristic such that when the plunger is present in the raised position in the recess 238, the feeler rollers act on it without loading the objects handled on the transport device. At the same time, the bending characteristics of the springs are such that the plunger can slide completely down into the recess as soon as an object passes over the special feeler roller to which the switch is assigned. The spring characteristics must of course be adjusted to the type of the objects which are handled on the transport device and are generally so _(selected that a complete depression of the sensing rollers and the Arbeitsfctempel the air switch is taking place in the leichtesten objects to be handled in the transport device. The special design of the air switch minimizes the linear movement that the piston must perform to move the air switch between the inlet and outlet positions, the movement being typical

cr> is on the order of less than 12.7 am, so that _j, 'system can be implemented in such a way that also J ^. Objects with a fairly small mass can be handled.

Referring to the operation of this invention. · Embodiment and assuming that the objects are longitudinal

the transport device are transported without interruption of their movement and, furthermore, assuming that the main air line is open to the system of air hoses, the objects moving over the transport device cause the successive feeler rollers of the transport device to be pressed down repeatedly and successively. Each time a sensing roller is pressed down, the working ram 27 ^ of the special air switch of the roller moves down in the air switch, forming a connection between the air inlet 222 and the outlet 22 * 1 to the hoses, which is controlled by such a switch. However, this connection k is immediately closed by the object moving away from the feeler roller and by the ball returning to its normal outlet position due to the action of the spring which moves the riding ram back to a raised position in the switch. Nevertheless, air can momentarily enter the system of hoses at any point in time as soon as any of the feeler rollers is pressed down by an object moving along the transport device. It can be seen, however, that with the exception of the first set of hoses, Luf.t can only enter through the air switch, which is assigned here on the basis of the preceding hose set, and that all of the air entering the system of hoses continues with the arrangement shown here must pass through the first ψ air switch. With respect to any sentence

the hose can enter air through the switch at any time as soon as its working ram is depressed by an object and then if there is a pressure difference between them. Because of this ratio _m of the air tubes, and further due to the fact that the air switch have a normal Auslaßlage ** ■ »· is the volume of air which * may be set in any of the tubes _ accumulate while the articles free from

^ ₁ , move on the transport device, negligible and in any case not sufficient to bring about a lowering of the tension rollers from their normal position in the transport device.

- 50 -

Assuming that due to a certain situation at the rear end of the transport device or other reasons, the removal of the objects from the transport device is interrupted, for example by stopping a drive arrangement or due to the presence of a "brake transport device" 236, partially reproduced is located immediately behind the transport device described here, the front object is on the transport device in the arrangement shown here on the "brake transport device" and then come to rest, with the rear part rests on the first of the feeler rollers. With this position arrangement, the stopped object will hold the feeler roller in the depressed state in the transport device, which in turn pushes the working ram of the first air switch into a lowered position inside its recess. As a result, the ball of the air switch is now moved into the position in which the Lufteinlaßlei.tung 222 is in communication with the outlet 22k of the first set of hoses so that compressed air can enter the first set of hoses from the main supply line and itself this process continues until the ram is released, in that the object resumes its forward movement due to starting of the brake transport device. In any case, the incoming air causes the first movement of the. Air hoses inflated, and this in turn means that

the tension rollers associated with the first set of hoses move down into their respective mounting brackets so that there is a reduced contact pressure between the drive belt and the support rollers in the corresponding part Q _{0 of} the transport device, and finally when the ° - If the air switch is left open for longer than a short interval, • o a significant reduction in the driving force results

q>. onto the idlers from the drive belt on the rear part

^ the transport device is transferred. This reduction in * "'* Driving force with respect to the support rollers in the first section to the transport device can occur before the objects

damming or accumulating over the ■ in an end-to-end relationship - 51 -

full length of the relevant section of the transport device. As in the embodiment according to the invention described above, however, the air hoses are preferably arranged in this way and built up so that they continue to transmit a know drive force on the support rollers starting from the drive belt enable when they are in the completely aufepurifpten state ^ are present so that the objects under the action of the same by the rollers in the previous section of Transport device mediated inertia tend to be completely inoperable forward in the corresponding Moving section of the transport device, and in continuous contact with each other in such a section of the "Transport device present.

Assuming that the first section of the support rollers is inoperative, more will be on the transport device finally jam moving objects that come into contact with the object that was stopped immediately before

and lead to a depression of the second feeler roller. As soon as this occurs, the working ram 2jk of the associated air switch is thereby pressed down , as in the previous case, so that the air switch is transferred to an open position. Air can now enter the second set of air hoses from the first set, it being noted that the first air switch remains in the open position during this period of time due to the presence of an object on the first sensing roller, whereby the connection between the first set of hoses and the main air supply line. The second set of hoses will thus begin to expand, and as the first and _{second feeler rollers continue to be} pressed down, the tension rollers in the second section of the transport device are finally lowered sufficiently in the transport device to noticeably reduce the contact pressure. of the drive belt with the support rollers in the second section * - * '■' ■ i

C _n to reduce the transport device. This effect continues siph .i · over the length of the transport device as long as the "'

first feeler rollers remain in the depressed state, with '' each feeler roller and assigned air switch act in such a way

- 52 -

Ι that a controlled expansion of successive hose sets

and a controlled reduction of the length in the articles . ' the transport device built-up pressure takes place.

In order for the objects to resume their movement on the transport device, the "braking transport device" is activated either manually or by means of a suitable automatic control arrangement which is provided in such a way that the transport device is triggered as soon as there is a renewed demand for objects, whereby the foremost Object moves from the rear of the conveyor and from a position in contact with the first sensing roller. As soon as this occurs, the working ram assigned to the air switch resumes its normal raised position in the switch, whereby the third air switch is transferred from the open to an outlet position, and thus the high air pressure in the first set of hoses can be fed to the outside air through the Opening 2k6 are released. This enables the tension rollers to be moved back into their normal raised position in the transport device under the action of the springs, which again results in a complete drive engagement of the drive belt with the first group of support rollers. The objects carried thereon are thus removed from the transport device.

Even if the air hoses, as stated above, preferably are arranged so that the drive belt is in slight contact with the idlers when fully inflated is held, but the driving force transmitted to the stopped objects is usually not sufficient, 'to the Objects again a new movement starting from the rest position to convey on the transport device. In order to bring about such a renewed resumption of movement of the objects expediently the distance between the feeler rollers in the transport device related to the length of the objects to be handled thereon in such a way that at a specific point in time the objects that stopped on the transport device and move in contact with the objects previously held on the transport device when the

- 53 -

Drive forces in the various sections of the transport device tend to bridge the feeler rollers so that when drive energy is applied again to the first section of the transport device, the object on the second feeler roller is removed together with the first object, so that the second feeler roller is released. Assuming that this is the case, as soon as the second feeler roller is returned to the normally raised position by the object moving forward therefrom, removing the objects from the first section of the conveyor, the associated air switch will automatically turn itself k is moved to the outlet position so that the air inside the second hose set can exit to the outside air, whereby the second hose set is emptied and there is again a full driving engagement of the drive belt with the second group of support rollers. This removes the second group of the stopped objects from the transport device. This process is repeated from one section of the transport device to the next until all sections of the transport device are put back into operation and all objects have been removed from the transport device.

If, in the event that the objects are not removed from the transport device in the manner specified above, due to a failure of an object of adjacent sections in the transport device under the conditions of the accumulation of the objects, the operator can after Press the front of the feeler roller, whereby the transport device then removes the item IDs one after the other in the manner described. Such a failure of a Ge-J ₀ gens tandes and can be bridged by the portion of the transport device occur Venn a mixture of objects cc *

5J>. of different sizes and lengths is handled or when _k objects of other lengths than those to be handled, _m for which the transport device is provided. Usually, however, this failure to bridge the sections of the transport device is of little or no importance and is mediocre

- 5k -

ες

an appropriate structure and through appropriate work-related Adjustments, the object is removed from the transport device with little or no difficulty.

According to a further embodiment of the invention and under Referring to FIGS. 17 to 19, there is a transport device here which has the same general arrangement as the embodiments of the present invention described above with respect to the essential load-bearing and driving elements thereof, with a number of idlers 298, an endless drive belt 300 and a row Tension rollers 382 are in brackets 30U. To the In place of the parallel set or sets of air tubes there is a series of contractible air tubes or "muscles" 306 for controlling the vertical position in the transport device of the tension rollers 302 in accordance with the state of the objects on the transport device.

As explained below, the air tubes or muscles are in a vertically spanning relationship between the ends each of the tension rollers 302 is disposed and there is a corresponding one of a series or sets of pairs of air intake ducts 308 arranged alongside the transport device on the opposite sides of the same. How on Set out below, the lines are directly below a side Projection or flange 310 arranged and preferably

attached to it, the flange along the inside of the to

ο side rails 312 of the transport device are attached. to - ^

If the tubes with the guiding mechanisms according to FIGS. 1 to

9 as can be combined are the same here hang in connection _ "Figures with the zone-shaped or section-hulking system according to Tt. 11 to 16. For this purpose the transport is .. - 55 -

-st-

device at intervals along its length and between equals Numbers of groups of the article-carrying roller 298. provided with a number of feeler rollers 31U. The roles 31U are in the transport device in an identical manner as the, roles. 19 ^ arranged according to FIGS. 11 to 16, and have in each “Trap a three-way air switch 316 the same builder as that Switch 302 on for controlling the air flow in and out of the Luitschl-Jäuchen or pipes. The air inlet ducts are for this purpose 308 arranged in the transport device in the manner shown with respect to the air hoses 206 of the embodiment of Figs. 12-16, i.e. in sets or pairs, which are located between successive feeler rollers, wherein the lines of each set at their rear ends connected to each other and to the outlet of the associated air switch are, see the example according to Fig. 17> while the rear ends of the lines are blocked or closed opposite the outside air in this one case and are connected to the inlet of the next air switch in the other case, as shown in FIG. 18 for such a set of leads.

With regard to the details of the construction of the contractible air hoses or muscles 306, the reference numeral 318 shows a bladder made of rubber or other material which can be inflated or expanded under the build-up of gas pressure. The bladder 318 is enclosed within a casing 320 of an elastic material such as rayon or nylon, which is woven or otherwise formed so that the casing comparable only in the radial direction stretchability ^ ₀ is averages. The lower ends of the air hoses are airtight, * ■ *, connected to a corresponding one of the air inlet ducts 3Q8, which are arranged along the sides of the transport device,

■

σ> by means of one of the fittings 322 which are inserted into the lines at the points of each of the air hoses, where m. - 56 - ■ [

clamping rings 32U cooperating therewith around a Kfagen are adapted to be attached to a tubular projection 328 each

of the fittings as shown.

The opposite or upper ends of the air hoses are via a similar arrangement consisting of a strap 321; and a collar 326 connected to a desenbolt 330, through which an axis 332 of one of the tension rollers 302 extends, the connection between the end of the outer cylinder 33 ^ of each such roller and the adjustable support rod 336 of the corresponding bracket 30l | the tension roller is effected. This embodiment of the invention works in practically the same way as above with respect to the embodiment according to FIGS. 11 to 16 is described. In particular, while the objects are being moved over the tension rollers without stopping, the air switch associated with the reels is temporarily in an open position so that compressed air is repeatedly in the rows of ducts enter through the first air switch, e.g. from an air supply duct 338 connected to is connected to the corresponding inlet. As stated above, these have repeated impressions of air in the ducts little or no effect on the air tubes or muscles, and while not being handicapped Movement of the objects through this transport device, the tension rollers remain in the normally raised position Position in the transport device, whereby the drive belt is in a normal drive ratio with respect to the carrier rollers is held.

If an object is stopped and becomes a temporary

JD guides the depression of the first feeler roller, leans in

ίο Forcing air into the first set of lines through the ^? first air switch under entry into the inflatable bladders 'the group of air hoses between the first and second - * Feeler rollers to ensure that there is a substantial expansion of the cn 'results in bubbles in the corresponding air hoses. When inflating . The rubber bladder or liner applies a radially outward pressure or force against the outer liner , and due to the weave type allowing stretching in only one direction *, it tends to do so due to

. - 57 -

to expand this inflation radially. This radial stretching the cladding leads to an axial contraction of the same, and by means of the air hose, a perpendicular to it Downward force is applied to the tension roller attached to the hose. This force works upward force of the spring 3 ^ 0 of the brackets for counteract the tension rollers. These opposing forces are set so that in a given design the transport device results in a downward force on the tension rollers after a given in the air bubbles Air pressure is built up. Due to this arrangement, the tension rollers of the transport device become during the stop of the objects lowered on the transport device, so as to automatically reduce the driving engagement of the belt with the supporting ribs along the transport device from section to section.

Fie embodiments of the invention explained above the feeler rollers work in concert with the air switches to allow air to flow into the retractable air hoses in each section or zone of the transpoft device can be introduced in such a way that the drive belt is automatically lowered and there is only slight contact with the support rollers, so that the objects are in the successive sections the transport device can accumulate end-to-end butting against each other. The renewed application of the full drive force to the support rollers from the drive belt is thereby causes the foremost object to stand out from the first Sensing roller moved away so that the first air switch can move to an exhaust position, as well as the air from the first Group of air hoses is drained. j

Even if the contractible air hoses according to this invention Embodiment described here in connection with sensing rollers and weight-responsive switch assemblies the air hoses can also be put together

909886/1158

come into use with a system that responds to the pressure at the end of the transport line, as described in relation to the embodiment according to FIGS. 1 to 9. This would be a modification of the air inlet lines in such a way that connecting sections are provided between the lines along the same side of the transport device, which have check valves, as explained further above. Furthermore, it would be necessary to provide a rolling stop for the articles at the delivery end of the transport device along with an electro-pneumatic control circuit similar to that described for supplying a predetermined volume of air to the hoses on each cycle of the stop. With such an arrangement, the individual air hoses would be inflated progressively in the other direction over the length of the transport device, starting from the group of hoses at the delivery end of the transport device, in order to achieve a progressive pressure reduction in the objects during the piling up of the objects To effect accumulation of the same on the transport device.

The collapsible hoses in this according to the invention Asuführungsform require the same advantages as the Lüftschläuche described above, as far as it is the Costs, the operational efficiency, the single bit and the like. Acts. The air tubes "or muscles are still beneficial such that less compressed air is required for them. This is due to the fact that no inflation is required between the tension rollers, and as such the tubing can be appropriately overall dimensioned own. Where compressed air is difficult to access Aest, the collapsible air hoses can thus have a corresponding favorable embodiment with respect to the other according to the invention Represent embodiments. One overall seen However, the somewhat more complicated design lies in the collapsible ones Hoses due to the majority of connection points and taps vof, which are in the main air supply line of each of the Hoses from and between each of the hoses and the special

9 0 9 8 8 6/1158 - 59 -

Tension roller to which the hose is assigned must be carried out.

909886/1 158

Claims (1)

Patent attorneys Dipi.-ing. Walter Meissner Dipung. Herbert Tischer 1 BERLIN 33, Herbertstrasse 22. Li MUNICH Telephone: 8 87 72 37 - Wireword: Invention Berlin Poatec account: W. M β η ar, Berlin We «12983 Bank account: W. Meissner, Berliner Bank A.-Q., Depk «38, 7 ft IUU Berlln-Halensee »Kurfarstendamm 130 Account No. 96 716 j BERLIN 33 (GRUNEWALD), the" HerbertstraB «92 Logan Company Claims Transport device for objects, characterized in that the same a support arrangement for the objects, a drive arrangement for the forward movement of the articles relative supported on the support assembly and for movement between a normal position in a driving relation to the objects on the support assembly and a position in a virtually non-propulsive relationship with respect to such items, an inflatable tubular arrangement that provides the drive assembly for moving the same from a position in a drive relation to the objects on the support assembly to a position in a practically non-propulsion relation thereto, during the accumulation of objects on the support assembly is assigned, whereby a reduction in the pressure build-up in ind between the objects during such conditions is mediated. 2. Transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that same
that / has a stop arrangement for periodically interrupting the movement of the objects from the transport device, the support arrangement represents a practically flat transport surface for the objects, the drive arrangement extends longitudinally to the transport surface, a yielding arrangement the drive arrangement in a normal position in a drive ratio to the objects on the support arrangement 909886 / 11S p 3. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a stop arrangement is provided which can be arranged relatively above the door arrangement in the path of the objects to periodically reduce the movement to interrupt the objects about the same. k. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable or inflatable tubular arrangement consists of an inflatable bladder and an outer protective covering for limiting the inflation or inflation of the bladder. 5. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a control arrangement of the inflatable or associated with an inflatable tubular assembly and a source of pressurized fluid for selective actuation of the inflatable tubular assembly so as to move the drive assembly Relatively, work and rest positions with regard to the objects on the support assembly as a function of the position of the movable abutment assembly relative to the path of travel of the objects to effect on the support assembly. 6. Transport device according to claim 5, characterized in that the stop arrangement for running a limited Movement in the direction of the movement of the objects is arranged, and there is an arrangement which yields the stop arrangement in a predetermined reference position in the path of the Objects and relatively against movement on such a layer by the objects during an interruption of movement holding the same on the support assembly, the control assembly having an assembly responsive to movement of the stop assembly denies at a predetermined distance from the reference position, so as to activate the inflatable tubular assembly. 7. Transport device according to claim 6, characterized in that that there is an arrangement by which the stop arrangement is returned to the reference position as soon as the stop assembly over the predetermined distance from here moved out by the objects on the support assembly -909886/1 158 _ ₃ _ 8. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the control arrangement has a fluid inlet in communication with a source of pressurized fluid for supplying the same to the inflatable or inflatable tubular arrangement, a liquid outlet for the removal of the pressurized Fluid on the inflatable tubular assembly and a switch assembly through which a selective Connection to the inflatable tubular arrangement with the fluid inlets and outlets takes place, the switch arrangement Arranged in the path of the objects on the carrying flange and is responsive to interruption of the movement of the objects on the support assembly so that the inflatable tubular Arrangement is put into function. 9. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an arrangement is provided which the development of a predetermined pressure in the objects responds as soon as the movement thereof is interrupted relative to the support assembly. 10. Transport device "according to claim 9, characterized in that that there is a series of vertically movable rollers in a supporting relationship to the drive arrangement and a spring arrangement is assigned so as to keep the drive assembly in a normal position in a driving relationship to the objects on the support assembly, the inflatable tubular assemblies are in operative communication with the rollers. 11. Transport device according to claim 9, characterized in that the inflatable tubular arrangement extends along its length extend to the drive assembly. • 12. Transport device according to claim 11, characterized in that that in the tubular arrays at regular intervals a series of check valves is arranged. 13. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an arrangement for the delivery of the ' 909886/1158 pressurized fluid from the tubular Arrangement as soon as the movement of the objects on the support arrangement is recorded again. Ik. Transport device according to claim 13, characterized in that valve arrangements are present at regular intervals in the tubular arrangement for a progressive pressure build-up in the same starting from the end in the direction of which the objects are moved by the drive arrangement towards the opposite end. 15 · Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that there is an arrangement that a predetermined volume of fluid under pressure into the inflatable tubular assembly at a introduces predetermined movement of the stop part. 16. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the arrangement for feeding the pressurized fluid into the inflatable tubular assembly upon developing a predetermined Responds to pressure in and between objects. 17 · Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a fluid cylinder acting in two directions with the stop in the form of a roller stop is connected and there is an arrangement for building up a predetermined working pressure in the cylinder. 18. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the check valve yields in a closed position is pressed and is moved into an open.Lage when a predetermined pressure drop builds up the valve in a direction opposite to the direction of movement of the objects. 19 · Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the valve arrangement has an outlet channel for the fluid through which a fluid means eleven flow into the tubular arrangement is made possible. .9.098 86/1 158 20. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an adjustment rod can slide vertically is carried in each support member and is connected to a corresponding one of the tensioning rollers at one end., an assembly is provided for adjusting the adjustment rods perpendicular to the IJragteile so in a corresponding manner normal raised positions of the tension rollers with respect to the support rollers and the size of the contact pressure between the drive belt and adjust the idlers. 21. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular arrangement by each of the support assemblies is carried between pairs of flanges attached to the lower end of the adjustment rods on the one hand and the lower part of each of the support parts are formed on the other hand. 22. Transport device according to one of the preceding addresses, characterized in that a plurality of switches in spaced relationship along the path of the objects over the Support arrangement is provided so as to vary the fluid pressure inside the tubular arrangement. 23. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switch arrangement on one Responds to object which is in a stopped state opposite the switch assembly. ■ - 2k. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switch arrangement is arranged in the form of a row of switches along the transport device. 25 · Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the switch arrangement is vertical having movable sensing arrangement which is arranged at regular intervals over the length of the transport device. 26. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an arrangement for pressing the Tension rollers of the drive belt in a normal position in which 9098 88/115 0 -ν 64 the drive belt in driving contact with the support rollers stands, is provided. 27 · Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tubular arrangement
extends up to and between successive ones of the tension rollers and longitudinally to the surface of the transport device. 28. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inflatable or inflatable
tubular arrangement in the form of a plurality of individual ones
Tubing is present in pairs on each of the tension rollers
are arranged for the drive belt. 29. Transport device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that an arrangement for moving the
Drive device relative to between first and second layers in accordance with the state of the on the support structure
present items is provided. A6Nr.24/69 (i46Pap0). 80988671150