GB2331974A

GB2331974A - Hanger conveyor system

Info

Publication number: GB2331974A
Application number: GB9824408A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Graham Walker; Arthur Denis Howarth
Original assignee: Stockrail International Ltd
Current assignee: Stockrail International Ltd
Priority date: 1997-12-05
Filing date: 1998-11-09
Publication date: 1999-06-09
Anticipated expiration: 2018-11-09
Also published as: GB2331974A9; GB9824408D0; GB9725837D0; GB2331974B

Abstract

A garment hanger conveyor system utilises a looped member 8 such as belt or chain to transfer garment hangers 40 between rails by which the said hangers 40 are supported. The belt or chain 8 has natural grooves or recesses in which the curved portions 32 of hangers 40 can seat. The belt or chain 8 is provided around a driving sprocket and a support sprocket 10,12 which are disposed at either end thereof. The hangers 40 are transferred to and from the belt or chain 8 either by a lugged wheel 22 provided on either the driving or support sprocket which lifts the curved portions 32 of hangers 40 from the rail onto the said belt or chain 8 and disposes them correctly in the grooves or recesses thereof or vice-versa, or alternatively by a U-shaped crank (18 fig.2) which pulls or pushes the curved portions 32 of the hanger near the free ends thereof onto or off the belt or chain 8. Alternatively, the looped member 8 may be provided with a pivotally mounted hook (100, fig.5) caused to move above a rail (114) on which hanger curved portions are disposed. The hook falls under gravity end engages behind one or more of said curved portions to drag same along the rail.

Description

1 Improvements Relating to Conveyor Systems 2331974 This invention relates

to conveyor systems, and more specifically to conveyor systems which are adapted to convey items on hangers which are suitably positioned on the conveyor.

Although the following discussion relates almost exclusively to conveyor systems for hangers which carry garments, it is apparent from the discussion that the invention has application for a conveyor system for any suitable hanger carrying any particular item.

1n many currently existing garment warehouses, there exists a system of rails for sliding large numbers of garments on hangers from one location in the warehouse to another. Where the distance between such locations is great, and a large number of garments is required to be moved therebetween, there exists the requirement for automation of the rail system. For example, garments on hangers may be slid down a short inclined rail section to a conveyor which engages each hanger individually and conveys it and the associated garment to the end of the conveyor. At the end of the conveyor, the hanger may be deposited either on a further inclined rail portion, or on a different conveyor.

Conventional hanger conveyor systems involve the use of a cylindrical scroll usually made of plastic where adapted to convey garment hangers, which is rotated to convey the hangers therealong. A more detailed description of such a conveyor is provided in British Patent Application Number 2188017, incorporated by reference herein.

2 The inherent disadvantage of such scrolls lies in the expense and duration of their manufacture. The cutting of a helical scroll in the outer surface of a plastic cylinder is a difficult, time consuming, and costly process.

It is an object of this invention to provide a conveyor system which is both effective and inexpensive, and is easily constructed from readily available components.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a conveyor system which may be easily maintained, and does not require expensive replacement parts.

According to the present invention there is provided in a hanger conveyor system the use of a conventional roller chain or toothed belt wherein the hangers are supported for conveying directly on the links of the chain or between the teeth of the belt without modification.

It is preferable that the chain or belt forms a loop and that the hangers are supported on the external surface thereof.

Preferably, the chain or belt is looped between a pair of sprockets or rollers, at least one which is driven.

Preferably, at least one of said sprockets or rollers includes lugged hanger lifting means which either engages the curved portion of a hanger and lifts it onto the chain or belt over the sprocket or roller and correctly seats said hanger on the links of the chain or between the teeth of the belt, or engages said hanger curved portion as the hanger reaches the end of its travel along the conveyor lifting said hanger over said sprocket or roller and off the conveyor.

1 3 Preferably, the lugged lifting means are provided on both sprockets or rollers.

Preferably, the lugged lifting means comprise a pair of toothed discs mounted on the either side of the sprockets or rollers and thus on either side of the chain or belt and standing proud thereof, said teeth being aligned such that rotation of the spindle causes rotation of the discs whose teeth thus engage the curved portion of a hanger.

Preferably the hanger is a standard coat hanger used to carry garments.

Preferably, the chain or belt is driven through the sprocket or rollerthe driving sprocket or roller-at the opposite end from that at which the chain or belt is loaded with hangers.

Preferably, the driving sprocket or roller is rotationally driven by a Ushaped crank, said shape allowing the crank to pass underneath the ends of the curved portions of the hangers and also provide a force to the curved portions of the hangers to propel said hangers from the chain or belt as the crank is further rotated engages said curved portions.

It is preferable that the portion of the chain or belt which supports the hangars between the sprockets or rollers travels over a supporting plate.

Preferably a guard shields the chain or belt and prevent human interference therewith.

4 In accordance with an independent aspect of the invention, there is provided a catch device adapted to be attached to a chain or the like so as to be freely rotateable thereon, said chain being hauled above a rail supporting a plurality of hooks or the like which are free to travel thereon, said catch device having a lower substantially straight edge and a hooked portion, characterised in that the distance of the chain above said rail is such that as the catch passes over a plurality of hooks it is supported on its lower edge thereby substantially horizontally, and when the catch device is no longer so supported, it rotates about its attachment under gravity and in that the hooked portion receives a predetermined number of hooks which are then hauled along the rail by said chain and catch device.

Preferably, the hooked portion of the catch device is sized to receive only one hook.

Preferably, the hooks carried on the rail are the hooked portions of garment hangers, and thus the catch device may be used to transfer garments individually or in batches to different locations within a warehouse.

Further preferably, the catch device is provided with a protruding lug which is received in a groove of a side plate disposed on at least one side of the chain, the profile of said groove urging the catch device to be rotated anticlockwise on the chain and hence raised as desired, thus releasing the hook or hooks from its grasp.

The catch device is preferably injection moulded.

Thus a simple hanger conveyor system is established which does not require intricate and expensive conveying components, or specially i 1 adapted equipment. Such a conveying system is thus inherentl simple to operate and maintain.

A specific embodiment of the invention is now described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings wherein:

Figure 1 shows a perspective view of a hanger conveyor system according to the invention; Figure 2 shows an end elevation of a hanger on the conveyor system of Figure 1 approaching the end of its travel thereon; Figure 3 shows an end elevation of a hanger on the conveyor system of Figure 1 at the end of the conveyor; Figure 4 shows a plan view of a catch device according to the second aspect of the invention; Figure 5 shows a perspective schematic view of a pair of catch devices of Figure 1 attached to a chain, and Figure 6 shows the catch devices of Figure 6 in a lowered condition and demonstrates the hauling of garment hangers along a rail according to the invention.

Referring to Figure 1, a conveyor system 2 for garment hangers, one of which is shown at 4 carrying a garment 6 comprises a chain 8 looped between a pair of sprockets 10, 12 which travels from the sprocket 12 to the sprocket 10 in a channel 14, and on its return Journey in an enclosed channel 16. The chain is driven by a Ushaped crank 18 (see Figure 2) connected to the sprocket 10. An 6 extruded aluminium section 20 facilitates the mounting of the conveyor as required in a warehouse.

The aluminium section 20 may additionally have a guard shown dotted at 23 (said guard may optionally extend along the entire length of the conveyor, but is shown in shortened configuration here for clarity) mounted thereon to prevent human interference with the hangers being conveyed on the chain, and also to ensure that the chain remains substantially free of dirt and other contaminants.

A pair of discs 22, 24 are connected to the sprocket 12 on either side of the chain 8 and are provided with lugs 26, 28 which are in alignment with one another. An inclined guide rail 30 allows a garment hanger 32 to slide towards the discs 26, 28. The sprocket 10 is provided with a similar arrangement of discs 34, 36 (see Figure 2), but these have been omitted in Figure 1 in the interests of clarity. At the end of the conveyor and leading away from the sprocket 10 is an inclined guide rail 38 which allows a garment hanger 40 to slide under gravity to desired location. Although inclined guide rails 30, 38 have been shown as a means for feeding garment hangers onto and away from the conveyor, it is to be appreciated that many other feed mechanisms and configurations exist for this purpose which will be known to persons skilled in the art. Descriptions of such mechanisms is therefore not given here.

In use, a garment hanger 32 slides under gravity towards the discs 22, 24 which are rotating as a result of the motion of the chain which is imparted to the discs through the sprocket 12. The curved portion of the hanger 32 rests against the edges of the discs 22, 24 until their rotation brings the lugs 26, 28 into engagement with the underside of said curved portion of said hanger. Further rotation of 1 7 said discs causes the hanger and associated garment to be lifted by the lugs 26, 28 over the sprocket 12 and eventually deposited in the middle of a link of the chain 8, as shown generally at 40. In the case where a large number of garment hangers are queued on the inclined guide rail 30, each rotation of the sprocket 12 and thus the discs 22, 24 results in a single garment being deposited on the chain. If a faster rate of transfer of garment hangers from the rail 30 to the chain 8 is required, the number of lugs 26, 28 on the discs may be varied, but in the preferred embodiment, only a single pair of lugs is used. This results in a good separation of garment hangers 4 on the chain 8 (typically 60mm between each hanger, with one rotation of the discs 22, 24 conveying 7 chain links).

The chain is ideally under tension such that sagging of the chain under the weight of the hanger and associated garment is avoided where the underneath of the chain is not supported by the channel 14. Within both channel 14 and 16, wear strips 40, 42 ease the motion of the chain 8 along and within said channels, and reduce the wear on the chain as a result of frictional forces.

In a typical conveyor system according to the invention, the chain may be of the order of 30m long, the sprockets 10, 12 may rotate at 20Orpm which results in a garment transfer rate of 12000per hour. Obviously, an increased garment transfer rate may be achieved by providing the discs 22, 24 with additional lugs 26, 28, but in general one lug on each disc is sufficient.

Referring now to Figure 2, as the garment hanger 4 approaches the end of the conveyor and the sprocket 10, discs 34, 36 of identical configuration to the discs 22, 24 (with identical numbers of lugs and identically orientated with respect to the chain) are provided to remove the garment hanger from the chain. Although not apparent 8 from Figure 2, the curved portion of the hanger 4 is supported in the middle of a pair of parallel links 44, 46. In the position shown in Figure 2, the U-shaped crank 18 allows the end of the hanger 4 to travel forward unimpeded, and the lugs 48, 50 (see Figure 3) of the discs 34, 36 have not yet engaged the curved portion of the hanger 4.

Figure 3 shows the position of Figure 2 after a further half-turn of the crank 18, and shows how the hanger 4 is propelled from the chain 8 by both the engagement of the upturned U-shaped crank with the end portion of the hanger and also the engagement of the lugs 48, 50 with the curved portion of the hanger. This propulsion effectively transfers the hanger from the chain 8 onto the inclined guide rail 38 at the end of the conveyor, and additionally provides said hanger and associated garment with a degree of momentum, ensuring that the hanger slides away from the conveyor on the said guide rail and does not hinder subsequent hangers being removed from the guide rail.

Although the above description relates to the use of a roller chain to convey the garment hangers along the conveyor, it is to be appreciated that a timing or toothed belt may be used with equal effectiveness.

A description of the second independent aspect of the invention is now provided.

A catch device in the form of a toothed dog 100 is shown in Figure 4 and is provided with a hook 102, a lower edge 104 which curves inwardly of the dog at 106 to form the hook 102, a protruding lug 108, and an aperture 110 which is adapted to receive one end of an extended cotter pin of a chain, as shown in Figure 2.

1 1 9 An extended cotter pin chain, indicated generally at 112 is disposed above a rail 114 adapted for the carrying of a plurality of garment hangers 116 which are supported on the rail 114 by their hooked portions 118. The chain is separated from the rail by a predetermined distance 120 and will generally form a loop powered at a certain position by interengagement with a sprocket (not shown) to which rotational motion is imparted. Figures 5 and 6 show the lower horizontal portion of the chain loop, and it is to be pointed out that the return portion of the chain is preferably also horizontal and located above the lower horizontal portion shown.

The chain links are connected by means of a number of cotter pins 122 which are oversized in relation to the width of the chain and thus extend outwardly thereof. To one such cotter pin 124 and on either side of the chain there are attached catch devices 100A, 100B which are necessarily separated by a distance at least equal to the width of the chain. The said catch devices are connected together by means not shown beneath the chain, and it is to be appreciated that this connection be altered and thus the distance between said catch devices may be altered according to the curvature of the hooked portions 118 of the garment hangers 116, and also depending on the extent to which the cotter pins 122 overhang the edge of the chain on either side.

To attach the catch devices 100A, 100B to the chain, the cotter pins 122 are received in the apertures 110 of the said catch devices, and the connection means between said catch devices is subsequently adjusted as desired. The apertures 110 of the said catch devices and the diameter of the cotter pins 122 are such as to allow free rotation of the said devices about said cotter pin. The connection means preferable incorporates a freely rotateable plastic roller (also not shown) which contacts the rail 114 when the catch devices are in their lowered position shown in Figure 6 and thus reduces noise in operation.

In the position shown in Figure 5, the chain is hauled in a direction shown by arrow 126 which causes the catch devices 100A, 100B to pass over the hook 118 and, where there are a number of hooks bunched together, the said devices are supported in a substantially horizontal condition as shown. In this position, the hook portions 102 are maintained raised do not catch the hooked portions 118. Thus the garment hangers remain stationary. This can be ensured by adjusting the separation between the catch devices 100A. 100B, as an increase in their separation will further distance the end of the hooks 102 from the hooked portions 118 of the garment hangers 116 on account of the radius of curvature of said hooked portions.

Referring now to Figure 6, after the chain is hauled further in the direction 126 such that the lower edges 104 of the catch devices 100A, 100B are no longer supported by a garment hanger hook 118, the said devices being freely rotateable about the cotter pin 124 are allowed to fall under gravity which automatically engages the hooks 102 behind the hooked portion 118. Although the Figure demonstrates how single garment hangers may be hauled by the devices 100A, 100B, it is to be appreciated that hook 102 may be widened to receive a greater number of garment hanger hooked portions 118.

In the position shown in the Figure, the hauling of the chain also hauls the garment hanger 116 along the rail 114, and thus garments may be transported therealong.

1 There are two means by which the garment hanger 116 may be released from the catch devices 100A, 100B. Firstly, a further garment hanger placed on the rail in front of the said catch devices would necessarily urge the said devices upwardly, automatically releasing the garment hanger or hangers which were at that time being hauled.

Alternatively, a side panel (not shown) provided with a substantially horizontal groove adapted to receive the lug 108 may disposed to one side of the chain. The profile of the said groove may be adapted so as to raise the catch devices at desired locations along the rail 114 thus constraining the lug 108 to move within said groove on account of the direction of travel 126 of the chain and catch devices.

It must also be pointed out that although only one set of catch devices 100A, 100B is shown in the Figures, any number of such catch devices could be provided on the chain, such number being limited only on the length of said devices and the pitch of the chain links and cotter pins.

The system according to the second aspect of the invention is ideally used for transporting garments to predetermined locations in a warehouse for checking and inspection, whereafter the garment is subsequently hauled away to a different location. However, it will be obvious to the person skilled in the art that the system may be used wherever there is requirement for intermittent hauling of items supported on hooks carried by a rail, and the application of this aspect of the invention need not necessarily be in the field of garment hangers.

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Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A hanger conveyor system for linearly translating hangers between two locations, the system comprising a continuous flexible looped member disposed around at least one driving member and a support member to come into contact therewith, the said one driving member interengaging the looped member, a motor for rotationally driving the driving member so as to impart motion to the looped member, the motion of the looped member being substantially linear along at least a portion of its length, characterised in that the looped member is provided with engagement means which engage a hanger to impart motion thereto.

2. A hanger conveyor system according to claim characterised in that the looped member is a toothed belt in the teeth of which hangers can be disposed and thus translated as a result of the motion of the belt.

3. A hanger conveyor system according to claim characterised in that the looped member is a conventional chain between and in the links of which hangers can be disposed and thus translated as a result of the motion of the chain.

4, A hanger conveyor system according to claims 2 or 3 characterised in that the hangers are supported on the external surface of the looped member.

5. A hanger conveyor system according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that both the driving member and the support member are rotationally mounted and rotate during the motion of the looped member.

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6. A hanger conveyor system according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that the engagement means of the looped member engage the curved portion of a hanger.

A hanger conveyor system according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that at least one of driving member and support member includes hanger transfer means which engage a hanger and transfer said hanger from or to a rail proximately disposed in relation to the hanger conveyor system and by which the hanger is hung to or from the looped member respectively.

8. A hanger conveyor system according to claim 7 characterised in that the hanger transfer means comprises a lugged wheel which engages underneath the curved portion of a hanger to lift same onto or off the said looped member.

9. A hanger conveyor system according to claims 7 or 8 characterised in that hanger transfer means are provided on both driving member and support member.

10. A hanger conveyor system according to claims 7, 8, or 9 characterised in that the hanger transfer means comprise a pair of toothed discs provided on the either side of the driving member and/or support member and thus on either side of the looped member to stand proud thereof, said teeth being aligned such that rotation of the driving member or support member causes rotation of the said discs whose teeth thus engage the curved portion of a hanger to transfer same to or from the looped member.

11. A hanger system according to any of the preceding claims wherein the driving member and the support member are disposed at opposite ends of the looped member and characterised in that the 14 looped member is driven at the opposite end from that at which hangers are transferred to the said looped member.

12. A hanger conveyor system according to claim 7 characterised in that the driving member is rotationally driven through a U-shaped crank, said shape allowing the crank to pass underneath the ends of the curved portions of the hangers and also provide a force to the curved portions of the hangers to propel said hangers from the chain or belt as the crank is further rotated engages said curved portions.

13. A hanger conveyor system according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that the portion of the looped member which supports the hangars between the driving member and the support travels over a supporting plate.

14. A hanger conveyor system according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that a guard shields the looped member to prevent human interference therewith.

15. A hanger conveyor system according to claim 1 characterised in that the engagement means comprise a hook means which drag a hanger along a rail by which the said hanger is supported from its curved portion.

16. A hanger conveyor system according to claim 15 characterised in that the hook means is pivotally attached to the looped member.

17. A hanger conveyor system according to claims 15 or 16 characterised in that the said looped member is caused to move above the said rail to engage hangers supported thereby such that the hangers are dragged from above by the said hooked means.

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18. A hanger conveyor system according to any of claims 15 to 17 characterised in that the hook means have a lower substantially straight edge and a hooked portion, the distance of the looped member above said rail being such that as the hook means depending from the looped member pass over the curved supporting portions of a plurality of hangers on said rail, the said curved portions contact the straight edge of the hook means, the straight edge being substantially horizontal during such contact and the hook means being prevented from rotating under gravity thus allowing the hook portion to engage one or more of the curved portions of said hangers and impart motion to the hanger or hangers along the said rail.

19. A hanger conveyor system according to claim 18 characterised in that the hooked portion of the hook means is sized to receive the curved portion of only one hanger.

20. A hanger conveyor system according to any of claims 15 to 19 characterised in that the guide means are provided alongside the looped member such that during the motion of the said looped member the hook means engages the guide means which cause the hook means to release the curved portions of hangers engaged thereby.

21. A hanger conveyor system according to claim 20 characterised in that the hook means are provided with a protruding lug, and the guide means are in the form of a groove of a side plate disposed on at least one side of the looped member, the profile of said groove urging the hook means to be rotated on the looped member and hence raised as desired, thus releasing the curved portions of hangers from its grasp.

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22. A hanger conveyor system according to any of claims 15-21 characterised in that the hook means is injection moulded.

23. A hanger conveyor system according to any of the preceding claims characterised in that the hanger is a standard coat hanger used to carry garments.

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