KR100216958B1 - Vertical storage conveyor with improved load support and drive system - Google Patents

Abstract

A vertical conveyor is disclosed having a frame with a first and second vertical frame section spaced apart but supportingly connected to each other. Load supports having first and second ends are conveyed around a looped path. Each load support is movably mounted at the first and second ends to first and second frame sections. A pickup chain assembly has a pickup drive chain, an upper drive sprocket driven by the motor wherein a substantial amount of the load exerted by the supports against the pickup chain assembly is imported against the upper drive sprocket. An idler sprocket is aligned below the drive sprocket and has a smaller diameter than the drive sprocket. The pickup drive chains include a plurality of pickups pivotally mounted thereto which engage transverse axles mounted at the end of compression links of a compression chain assembly. The load supports are mounted on the compression chain assembly. A motor simultaneously drives the first and second pickup chain assemblies which in turn drive the compression chains and move the supports up and down.

Description

Conveyor for vertical load storage with improved load support and drive system

The present invention is directed to an improvement on a vertical load storage conveyor used for parking or loading and storing automobiles and the like. Examples of the prior art include U.S. Patent Nos. 3,424,321; 3,547,281; 3,656,608, the entire disclosure of each being incorporated herein by reference.

Conventional vertical conveyors have two independent vertical frames and also have beams and braces connecting the frames and independent conveyor assemblies connected to each frame. Each vertical conveyor has an endless compression chain formed of a plurality of rigid compression links that are rotatably connected with a joint pin to form an endless vertical chain. Rollers and wheels are mounted at each end of the joint pin and constrained to move only in the vertical guide channel.

The plurality of pickup members are supported by the journal substantially spaced apart at intervals but slightly pivotable and attached to the pickup drive chain. When the chain is rotated by a motor, the compression member engages the compression link joint pin of the pickup chain. The pick-up member is guided by the circumferential cam surface and engages the pin to raise the compression link. The lower sprocket in the patent of the prior art is a drive sprocket to which the load carried by the upper sprocket which causes relaxation on the non-drive side of the pick-up chain is imposed.

In some prior art as manufactured by some Japanese companies, a motor for driving the conveyor is located near the top of the device. However, it is known that the motor is preferably located vertically below the middle of the device.

In addition, some prior arts did not allow smooth movement of the moving parts. For example, in some designs, the support and attachment for the top moving guide at the top of the fixed tower included a vertical fixed slide with a dish washer that provides friction to counteract the vertical load of the top moving guide. However, such an arrangement did not allow smooth and proper movement of the moving part, so it would be desirable to cushion the movement of the guide.

In some prior art, the lower travel guide was supported by the tie rods to control the lateral movement and the spring support canceled the vertical load of the travel guide. However, when the fan rotates through the lower movement guide, there is a vertical movement of the guide, and since there is no means for canceling the movement, vibration and sudden shaking were generated. Therefore, it is desirable to cushion the movement of the guide.

In addition, only when the tower was stopped, the built-in brakes prevented the rotation of the compression chain. Therefore, it is desirable that a secure locking means prevent movement of the compression chain even while a person is entering and leaving the area below the tower.

In the case of a pending patent application, the frame has a vertically extending first frame portion and a vertically extending second frame portion located at a distance from the first frame portion. Each load support has first and second ends and can keep the load carried on the loop. Each load support is mounted to be movable in the first and second frame portions at its first and second ends. When one of the supporting portions is carried upwards, the other supporting portions are conveyed downward so that the supporting portions pass over each other at a predetermined horizontal distance at which the supporting spaces are defined.

The first conveyor is mounted to the first frame portion to carry the first end of the support. The second conveyor is mounted to the second frame portion to carry the second end of the support. The installation member includes a motor extending in the support space and mounted therein. The motor drives the first and second conveyors. The motor includes a first drive shaft connecting the motor to the first conveyor and a second drive shaft connecting the motor to the second conveyor.

According to the invention which is disclosed during mooring, the first and second frame parts are connected to be supported by each other by a plurality of connecting members rigidly attached at their respective ends. One of the connecting members extends between the first and second frame portions in the support space. The motor mounting member is suspended in one connecting member substantially centrally between the frame portions.

It is advantageous to have motor installation points located between and between the frame parts, but it is desirable to further improve the transmission means, pickups and associated equipment. For example, it is desirable to reduce the tendency of the pick-up chain to stretch and relax during rapid reverse rotation, such as occurs in prior art towers where the lower sprocket is driven. When the pickup chain is reversed, it is required to generate a large force so that the chain can be tensioned quickly. It would also be desirable to have the pick-up arms in place so that each pick-up arm engages the axis of each compression chain in a more accurate manner. It would also be desirable if each pickup arm could be disassembled in the unit without disturbing the pick-up and compression chain in place.

The pending '540 patent application is for a vertical conveyor used to store a car with two independent vertical frames connected to support each other. The frame and each independent conveyor assembly are connected to each other. The load support has first and second ends supported by a compression chain that is part of an independent conveyor assembly and is carried in an infinite vertical loop. Compression chains are mounted to the first and second frames to carry the first and second ends of each support. The pickup arm is also pivotally mounted eccentrically on the pickup drive chain to assist the pickup arm in engagement with the compression chain.

In the case of a mooring source in mooring, the upper drive sprocket is disclosed for the pickup drive chain, and the actual underload acted on the pickup drive chain by the load support is imposed on the upper drive sprocket. Another sprocket is arranged under the drive sprocket and has a smaller diameter so that the chain loosening in the pick-up drive chain during the conveyor reverse rotation is minimized.

Other prior art vertical conveyors used for loading and storing automobiles and the like have different motors and drive means for moving the load support onto the loop such that when one load support rises, another load support descends. Balance is extremely important, and it is necessary that the load support supported at its end is raised at one end, and at the same time, the whole apparatus is not shaken and stability is maintained when the load support is moved.

The present invention relates generally to vertical conveyors, in particular to new and improved load supports and drive systems for conveying fans in vertical conveyors.

1 is a front view of a vertical conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention,

2 is a side view of the vertical conveyor shown in FIG. 1,

Figure 3 is an enlarged front view showing the main drive of the pickup drive chain device and frame for the vertical conveyor,

4 is an enlarged front view showing the characteristics of the infinite pickup chain drive and the secondary compression chain lock,

4 (a) is an enlarged front view of the front upper guide plate assembly,

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view seen in the direction of arrow 4 in FIG.

6 is an enlarged front view of the drive gear sprocket,

7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 6,

8 is an enlarged front view of an idle sprocket on an engineering scale,

9 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 8,

FIG. 10 is an enlarged front view of one of the pick-up arm assemblies that carry and engage the compression link in the secondary chain,

11 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 10,

12 is a front view of the double row conveyor chain in the pickup drive chain,

Figure 12 (a) is a cross sectional view of the pickup chain taken along the line 12a-12a of Figure 12,

13 is an enlarged side view of the lower pickup guide assembly,

Figure 14 is an enlarged plan view showing the installation and stabilization structure of one end of the conveying pan taken along line 14-14 of Figure 1,

15 is a cross-sectional view of the upper pillar portion taken along line 15-15 of FIG. 1,

16 is a cross sectional view of the lower pillar portion taken along line 16-16 of FIG. 1,

17 is an enlarged front view of the upper stabilizing transfer guide assembly,

18 is a plan view of the conveyor shown in FIG. 1,

FIG. 19 is a partial rear view showing the cross guide channel taken along line 19-19 of FIG. 18,

20 is an enlarged front view of the lower stabilized transfer guide assembly,

FIG. 21 is a side view of the lower stabilized transfer guide assembly shown in FIG. 20,

FIG. 22 is a plan view of the lower stabilized transfer guide assembly shown in FIG. 20 on an engineering scale,

23 is an enlarged plan view of the tower lock assembly;

FIG. 24 is an enlarged front view of the circled portion of FIG. 17 to depict the shock absorber,

FIG. 25 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sliding guide for the upper moving guide shown in FIG.

FIG. 25 (a) is an enlarged cross-sectional view of FIG. 25 depicting the friction device components of the upper travel guide,

26 is a front view of a vertical conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention,

FIG. 27 is a side view of the vertical conveyor shown in FIG. 26,

28 is an enlarged front view showing the main weldment of the frame and the pick-up drive chain for the vertical conveyor,

29 is an enlarged front view showing the characteristics of the infinite pickup drive chain and secondary compression chain lock,

30 is an enlarged front view of the front top guide plate assembly,

FIG. 31 is an enlarged side view seen in the direction of the arrow of FIG. 29,

32 is an enlarged front view of the drive gear sprocket,

33 is a cross sectional view taken along the 33-33 line in FIG. 32,

34 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the engineering scale of an idle sprocket,

35 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 35-35 of FIG. 24,

36 is an enlarged front view of one of the pick-up arm assemblies that carry and engage the compression link in the secondary chain,

37 is a cross sectional view taken along line 37-37 of FIG. 36,

38 is a front view of the double row conveyor in the pickup drive chain,

FIG. 39 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 39-39 of FIG. 38,

40 is an enlarged side view of the lower pickup guide assembly,

41 is an enlarged plan view showing the installation and stabilization structure of one end of the conveying fan,

42 is a cross-sectional view of the upper pillar portion,

FIG. 43 is a cross sectional view of the lower pillar portion taken along line 43-43 of FIG. 1,

44 is an enlarged front view of the upper stabilizing movement guide assembly,

45 is a top plan view of the conveyor shown in FIG.

FIG. 46 is a partial rear view of the cross guide channel taken along line 46-46 of FIG. 45,

47 is an enlarged front view of the lower stabilized movement guide assembly,

FIG. 48 is a side view of the lower stabilized movement guide assembly shown in FIG. 47,

49 is a top view of an engineering scale of the lower stabilized movement guide assembly shown in FIG. 47;

50 is an enlarged plan view of the tower lock assembly;

FIG. 51 is an enlarged front view of the circled portion of FIG. 44 showing the shock absorber,

FIG. 52 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sliding guide for the upper moving guide shown in FIG. 51;

FIG. 53 is an enlarged cross sectional view of FIG. 52 showing the friction device component of the upper moving guide;

54 is a plan view of an installation and stabilization structure supporting a carrying pan,

55 is a schematic view showing a compression chain supporting a load support portion,

56 is a front view showing a pickup arm and a pickup drive assembly which engage the compression chain;

Fig. 57 is an enlarged view showing the load supporting device installing mechanism engaged with the compression chain,

58 is a front view of the motor and the drive shaft of the present invention,

59 and 60 are plan and front views showing the inner linkage assembly of the compression chain,

61 and 62 are plan and front views of the outer link assembly of the compression chain.

The present invention concerns the novel features of the drive device for a pickup drive chain assembly in which the compression chain is abutted through the pick-up arm to provide balance and stability added to the compression chain supporting the load support and the rising load support. .

The present invention has the advantage of minimizing the chain relaxation generated in the conveyor of the prior art so that large stress does not occur on the pickup chain by the reverse rotation action of the conveyor. In addition, the configuration of the pickup using the general structure of two parts facilitates the removal of the pickup arm from the pickup chain without disturbing the pickup chain and the compression chain. Other advantages will be apparent from the detailed description that follows.

According to the invention, the vertical conveyor has a first vertical frame section and a second vertical frame section located at intervals to the first vertical frame section but supported in connection with each other. The plurality of load bearing portions can hold a load carried around an endless annular line (hereinafter referred to as a loop) with first and second ends. Each support is movably mounted to the first and second frame portions at its first and second ends. When one support is carried upwards, the other is transported below the other support so that they pass each other at intervals of a predetermined horizontal distance defining the support space.

The first and second conveying means are mounted to the first and second frame portions to convey the first and second ends of each support. The first and second conveying means each comprise a drive chain assembly and means for interconnecting the drive chain assembly with respective supports. The motor drives the assembly of the first and second drive chains simultaneously.

In one aspect of the invention, each of the first and second drive chain assemblies comprises a pickup drive chain for driving a compression chain for supporting a load support and an upper drive sprocket for the pickup drive chain driven by a motor, The actual weight acted on the pickup drive chain by this is imposed on the upper drive sprocket. The idle sprocket is arranged under the drive sprocket and has a smaller diameter than the drive sprocket. Therefore, the chain loosening generated during the reverse rotation of the conveyor in the pickup drive chain is minimized.

In one aspect of the invention, the plurality of pickup arms are mounted to the pickup drive chain so as to be rotatable enough to engage and drive the compression chain to move the load support. The pick-up is mounted eccentrically to be rotatable on the pick-up chain to help the pick-up and engagement of the compression chain. The compression chain comprises an endless roller chain consisting of an elongated interconnect compression link and a transverse axis mounted at each end of the compression link to engage the pick-up arms to push the compression link upwards. Eccentric mounting of the pick-up allows the receiving notch on the pick-up to engage the shaft as the chain moves underneath the loop.

In one aspect of the invention, the load support includes a load support mounting arm and is rotatably mounted to the compression link. The installation member extends out of the support space, and the motor is mounted to the installation member. The connection member connects and supports the first and second frame parts. The motor mounting member is suspended from the connecting member substantially centrally between the frame members.

In another aspect of the invention, the pickup chain comprises two spacing roller chains. Each through pin connects a roller pin. The pickup is rotatably connected to a roller chain located between the pickups. The pick-up chain also includes a link and a link pin that interconnects the link, wherein the through pin is eccentric to the link pin. The pickup includes an upper head portion and a smaller bifurcated lower tail portion. The upper head portion includes opposing receiving notches for engaging the through pins of the compression chain.

In one aspect of the invention, as the fan traverses past the upper moving guide, the guide moves upwards and then returns to its initial height. In addition, if the compression chain is shortened during the lifetime of the conveyor, the reference starting point of the upper moving guide drops slightly.

When the fan traverses through the lower moving guide, vibration is generated due to the lack of buffering for the movement of the guide moving downward from the reference point and returning, and thus the present invention aims to provide a cushioning effect on the vertical flotation motion.

In another aspect of the present invention, a secure locking device prevents the movement of the compression chain while the fan's rotational motion is in a stopped state, and the locking device can shift some load imbalance into the frame structure.

According to the invention, the vertical conveyor has a first vertical frame portion and a second vertical frame portion, which are spaced apart but connected to each other. An annular compression chain is mounted to each of said first and second frame parts, respectively. The plurality of load supports have first and second ends, each load support capable of holding a load carried in the loop path. The support device interconnects the compression chain and each of the first and second ends of the load support so that the compression chain is supported by the load chain so that when one load support is carried upwards, another load support can be carried downwards. I support it. At this time, the load supporting portion passes at intervals of a predetermined horizontal distance defining the support space.

The first and second pick-up drive assemblies are respectively mounted to the first and second frame portions. A plurality of pick-up arms are rotatably connected to respective pick-up drive chain assemblies, which pick-up arms engage and drive the compression arms.

The motor is mounted in a space defined by the load support. The first drive shaft connects the motor to the assembly that is the first pickup drive chain and the second drive shaft connects the motor to the assembly that is the second pickup drive chain. The drive shaft simultaneously drives the first and second drive chain assemblies so that the pick-up arm engages and drives the compression chain and moves the load support.

In one aspect of the invention, the pick-up is pivotally mounted eccentrically on the pick-up drive assembly to assist the pick-up and engagement of the compression chain. Each pickup drive chain assembly includes two spacing roller chains and through pins interconnecting the roller chains. The pickup drive chain assembly includes a link and a link pin that interconnects the link. The through pin is eccentric from the link pin. The pickup arm includes an upper head and a smaller, bifurcated lower tail. The compression chain comprises a shaft and the upper head portion includes two receiving notches for receiving an axis located on the compression chain.

The mounting member mounts the motor substantially center between the frame portions. The motor has first and second motor shaft ends respectively connected to the first and second drive shafts and located on each side of the motor. The motor is mounted at a vertical height less than half the vertical height of the vertical frame portion.

In another aspect of the present invention, each compression chain also comprises an elongate interconnecting compression link and a transverse axis mounted at each end of the compression link. Each load support also includes load support mounting arms at its first and second ends. The mounting arm is rotatably connected to the compression link such that the load bearing portion is supported by the compression chain. The pick-up arm is rotatably connected to the respective pick-up drive assembly by pushing the compression link upward while the pick-up arm is in axle.

The above advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description set forth with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 and 2, a vertical conveyor 10 according to a preferred embodiment is shown. The conveyor 10 has a frame 12. The compression chain vertical conveyor system 14 comprises a left subsystem 14a and a substantially identical right subsystem 14b (see also FIG. 2). A plurality of platform cells or fans 16 are hung on conveyor system 14 and rotated in one direction in a caterpillar (loop) path.

The conveyor 10 has fourteen fans 16. Each of the fans 16 is designed to carry a static load of 5000 pounds and can carry a car of sufficient size. In this embodiment, the conveyor 10 has a total height of about 52 feet, a full width of about 20 feet, and a full length of about 25 feet. The conveyor 10 may be designed to have more than 30 fans 16 and a height of about 103 feet. The sectioning method at the particular location where the conveyor is installed indicates the altitude condition.

The frame 12 (see FIGS. 1 and 2) is a fixed support structure and is substantially transversely symmetric about the center plane 18 and shown in the center plane 20 as shown in FIGS. 1 and 2. It is substantially symmetrical in the longitudinal direction with respect to. The upper guide prop brace 52 is located at the top. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 18, the frame 12 has a front vertical frame portion 22 (shown in side view in FIG. 1) and substantially the same rear surface mounted on the rectangular base portion 26. FIG. It includes a vertical frame portion 24.

The base portion 26 includes two transverse headers: 1) a front transverse header 28 and 2) a rear transverse header connected to two longitudinal side headers (not shown) at substantially similar upper edge protrusions 32. 30). The front, back and side heads define an annular rectangle. The base portion 26 also includes four legs (three are shown) positioned and connected to each edge protrusion 32.

As shown in FIG. 2, the front header 28 has a cross section of rotation G shape and is placed on top of the vehicle entrance. The G-shaped cross section forms a rigid, light and particularly economically manufactured member that can be easily installed and removed. In addition, the G-shaped head frame including an actuating device for a gate (not shown) used to block the entrance of the conveyor 10 may be equipped with other conveyor equipment therein.

As shown in FIG. 2, a plurality of internal braces on each side of the vertical conveyor 10 connect the frame portions 22 and 24 together, provide structural strength and evenly load between the frame portions. do. The inner brace includes horizontal struts 34, 54, 56 and 58, each of which is rigidly installed at the frame portions 22 and 24 at its ends (see FIG. 2). Lateral stability is provided by the diagonal braces 60, 62, 64. The props of the upper conveying guide 102 in FIGS. 1, 17 and 18 are shown in section 50 and with the upper guide support brace 52, two upper guide spacing supports 51, 57, and bolts. Four upper guide braces 53, 55, 59, 61 fastened together to form an X-shaped contour.

As shown in FIG. 1, frame portion 22 is substantially A-frame shaped and formed by diagonal pillars 66, 68 with a base formed by header 28 and legs 38, 40. Has an upper section. The diagonal pillars 66 and 68 are bolted to the respective edge protrusions 32 of the A-frame base at the bottom thereof, and the upper ends thereof are joined together and bolted to the middle of the horizontal of the front pillar 70.

The frame portion 24 is provided with a substantially similar rear column 70 '(see also FIG. 2). The pillar 70 comprises a lower section 72 and an upper section 74 connected together bolted together in a joint 76 (described below) in the vertical middle portion. The height of the joint 76 of the intermediate part above the foundation 11 depends on the total height of the conveyor 10 and the total number of conveyor fans. The lower section 72 includes an integral weldment.

The pillars 70, 70 ′ form a fixed tower structure and provide a housing and track for a secondary conveyor assembly comprising a roller compression chain 78 (see FIG. 14).

For the purposes of the present invention, the detailed structure of the compression chain 78 and the pillars 70, 70 'is not described in detail. A detailed description of the structure can be obtained by referring to the above-mentioned US Patent No. 3656608 granted to Lichti. Each column 70, 70 ′ has a front header 28 (via a joint adjacent the top of the conveyor on which the top of the endless conveyor compression chain 78 located at a point traversing from one side to the other side of the chain 78) ( Or as part of a main frame extending upward of the rear header of the rear frame part 24.

Each platform fan 16 has a square bottom plate 80 that is slightly upwardly curved. The bottom plate 80 is supported at each corner by a vertical fan hanger or post 83. The pillars 83 are located on the same side of the bottom plate 80 and are connected to a horizontal V-shaped upper fan header 84 thereon (see FIG. 14). A horizontal tubular upper support 85 is connected to the top of each header 84 and welded to the header with two braces 86.

Referring to FIG. 14, each platform fan 16 is mounted and stabilized while the fan is moved around the conveyor 10 via an installation assembly 87. The stub shaft 88 connects the installation assembly 87 to the fan 16. The stub shaft 16 extends outwardly and welded from the other side of the top of each header 84. Bearing housing 89 is mounted to the stub shaft 88. The top of the V-shaped link hanger 90 is rotatably mounted to the bearing housing 89. The link hanger 90 has two coplanar arms (arm 92 shown in FIG. 14), which arms pivotally at the compression link of the endless compression chain 78 at their respective free ends. Is mounted. Accordingly, the fan 16 becomes a protruding beam mounted at the corresponding end to the corresponding conveyor subsystem 14a or 14b by the link hanger 90.

As shown in FIGS. 1 and 14, the top of the V-shaped ballast 96 is also anchored to the stub shaft 88. The ballast 96 installs the guide shoe 98 in a rotatable manner. The ballast 96 stabilizes the fan when the fan 16 is transported around the top and bottom of the conveyor 10. The upper guide 102 and the lower guide 104, including the cross channels 100 and 101, are mounted on the top and bottom of the front and rear conveyor posts 70 and 70 '. When the fan 16 is transported, the guide shoe 98 of each fan 16 is received in the channels 100, 101 (see also FIG. 19).

In general, the vertical conveyor 10 comprises a motor means 120, a pickup drive chain assembly 122 rotated by the motor, and a compression chain assembly 124 driven by the pickup drive chain assembly 122. do. The compression chain assembly 124 includes a compression chain 78 carrying a fan 16.

In the present invention, the motor means is a regenerative electric motor having both shaft ends, capable of forward and reverse rotation and outputting a pressure of three-phase 460 volt alternating voltage and an output of 500 volt direct current voltage. The motor is connected to the assembly 122, the drive chain of each of the frame portions 22, 24 via drive subassemblies 146, 148 (see FIG. 2). Each drive subassembly 146, 148 includes a commercially available universal joint 150 that connects the drive shaft 152 to a motor. The second distal universal joint 154 is connected to the distal end of the drive shaft 152. The conventional hydraulically actuated and electrically actuated friction brake 156 is connected to the other end of the distal universal joint via a key fit, which is fitted with a splice fit (not shown) to reduce gear 158. ) Is connected to and mounted. The housing for receiving the reduction gear device 158 is provided in the corresponding vertical frame portion 22 or 24 at the other end. The reduction device 158 is effectively connected to drive the assembly 122, the pickup drive chain.

1 to 5, each pickup drive assembly assembly 122 is mounted on an integral weldment 160 that includes the lower frame 72 of the frame portion 22. As shown in FIGS. In particular, the pickup driving assembly assembly 122 is mounted inside the inner hollow portion 162 of the weldment 160.

The pick-up drive chain assembly 122 (see FIGS. 3 and 12) includes an upper drive sprocket subassembly 166 (see FIG. 7), a lower idle sprocket subassembly 168 (see FIG. 9), and a double row. The drive chain subassembly 170 (see also twelfth (a)) and the through pin 194 (see also twelfth (a)) are attached to the drive assembly subassembly 170 and rotated in the track path. Pickups 172 (see also FIG. 10). In this embodiment, only five pickups 172 are used. For clarity, one of the pickups 172 in a forward position at the top of the subassembly 170, which is the drive body, is shown virtually (see FIG. 3). The bottom pickup 172 is omitted in FIG.

The upper drive sprocket subassembly 166 is an integrally molded element (see FIGS. 6 and 7) and is an outer drive sprocket 176, a substantially similar inner drive sprocket 178, and a hollow tube 179 for interconnection. ). The solid shaft 180 (see FIG. 5) is fixedly mounted to the inside of the hollow tube 179 and ends on its inner end in the splice, which in turn is mounted to and driven by the reduction gear device 158. do. The outer end of the shaft 180 is mounted to the bearing 183 (see FIG. 5), which in turn is firmly mounted to the weld 160. Each drive sprocket 176, 178 has an average diameter of about 23 inches and includes a total of 18 standard gears 181 and two reduced gears 181 'positioned 180 degrees apart. The gear 181 ′ ends inside the average diameter circle 177. The radial size of the gear is small enough to provide play to the diameter of the through pin 194.

Lower idle sprocket subassembly 168 is shown in FIGS. 4, 5, 8, 9, and 13 and shows outer idle sprocket 184, substantially similar inner sprocket (not shown), and inner and outer sprockets, respectively. It includes a coaxially spaced shaft 188 for installation. Located 186 between adjacent ends of shaft 188 is selected such that pickup 172 can pass between them. Idle sprocket 184 has a diameter of about 12.25 inches, a total of nine gears 185, and two gears 185 ′. The gear 185 ′ ends inside the average diameter circle 187 and the pitch between the gears is deep enough to provide play to the large diameter of the through pin 194.

The pickup assembly subassembly 122 (Figs. 12 and 12 (a)) is composed of a first roller chain 190 and a second roller chain 191 each having five interconnected and coupled strands. . The center lines of the roller chains 190 and 191 are positioned about 8.5 inches apart and the two chains are interconnected with five through pins 194. Each of the five strands of each chain 190, 191 is about 34.25 inches long and terminates in a master link 195 that is connected to an adjacent strand and installs a through pin 194. In this embodiment, each chain 190, 191 has an average tensile strength of 150,000 pounds per strand. The center axis of the through pin 194 is eccentric at the center line drawn from the chain link pin 197 (see FIG. 12).

As shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 11, 12 and 12 (a), the pickup 172 is rotatably mounted on the through pin 194 heat-treated at its bottom.

The pickup 172 of the present invention has a split body. Each pickup 172 includes an upper head portion 196 and a smaller, bifurcated lower tail portion 198 mounted to the upper head portion 196 with bolts and nuts (not shown). In a preferred embodiment, the pickup 172 has a taper that is approximately 26 inches long, slightly over 14 inches wide at the top and has a curvature of 10 inches and decreases to 7 inches wide at the bottom of the head portion 196. Each pickup 172 is supported on the through pin 194 and is centered on each side with a snap ring 199. The notch 200 (see FIG. 10) formed on the side of the centerline of the pickup 172 in the upper head portion 196 is shown in the compression chain 78 (see FIG. 14), shown at 210. Engage with the connecting pin assembly (see Figure 3) to raise it.

The mating ends of the head portion 196 and tail are provided with a pair of semicircular incisions. The cutout in the head portion 196 receives a semicircular bearing insert 201 having a nominal radius of 1.5 inches and having an integral end flange. The cutout of the tail 198 has a nominal radius of 1.25 inches to fit into the inner surface of the insert 201. The sleeve 202 has a thick central portion with a circumferential groove in the center for engaging the head portion. The sleeve 202 has a reduced shoulder portion supporting the ball bearing 203 at each end. Each ball bearing 203 supports a metal wheel 204 heat treated to have a surface hardness of RC 44/47. The wheel 204 has an outer diameter of 4.625 in this embodiment and engages with a lower guide 205 (see FIG. 4) that helps pick up 172 to be in the correct position.

To mount the upper shaft 206, a hole with a radius of 1.75 inches is positioned near the top of the head portion 196 (see Figure 10.) In this embodiment, a basic outer diameter of 4.5 inches and a flange of 5.25 inches The ball bearings 207, which in turn install the upper inner flanged wheel 208 having an outer diameter, are provided at each end of the shaft 206. The wheel 208 is provided with a plurality of track guides 209 and 352 ( And guided by the guide, a substantially triangular protrusion 211 (see FIG. 10) that suppresses the retraction of the pickup across the upper guide 350 (see FIG. 10). And lower wheel 204.

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 14, the compression chain 78 is similar to the plurality of outer compression links 212 and the outer compression links 212, and includes a plurality of inner compression links fitted therein. 214). The inner and outer compression links are rotatably interconnected by a connecting pin assembly 210. In addition, two angle connecting protrusions 228 for connecting the link hanger arms 91 and 92 of the fan 16 are provided in the inner link 214, only one of which is shown in FIG. 14.

As shown in FIG. 3, when the pickup 172 pushes up the bearing roller and associated compression link upwards, the bearing roller 238 engages one of the notches 200 of the pickup 172. . Therefore, the total load weight on the side of the conveyor 10 that is rotated upwards is implemented through the bearing roller 238.

The guide and channel subassembly of the compression chain assembly 124 (see also FIG. 2) is an integral component of the other elements of the conveyor 10. With respect to the upper frame portion 27, the outermost component is positioned at the left side of the guide rail 252 and the right side of the guide rail 254 (see FIGS. 1 and 15). The guide rail 252 includes an inner guide channel 256 and an outer guide channel 258 spaced apart from the plate 260 (see FIG. 15). The guide rail 254 is formed of an inner guide channel 262 and an outer guide channel 264 spaced apart from the plate 266. Each guide channel also serves as a component of the vertical structure and has an inclined U-shaped channel welded to the upper frame portion 74. Compression chain roller 242 (see FIG. 14) has a similar slope, similar size, and shape to the slope of the guide channel. The upper and lower ends of the channels 262 and 264 open inward to allow the compression link 214 to bend over the top of the frame portions 74 and 74a (see FIGS. 1 and 2).

Guides and channels for the lower tower section are parts of the weldment 160 (shown in FIGS. 3, 4, 5, and 16). As shown in FIG. 16, the weldment 160 is formed from a weld metal plate base plate 270 having side plates 272 and 274 welded together to form a substantially rectangular box. The middle part of the side plates 272 and 274 has holes 276 and 278 for receiving a pickup 172 entering the channel region and engaging the connecting pin 210 of the compression chain 78. Also, as shown in FIG. 16, the weldment 160 includes suitable mounting plates, such as mounting plate 280 for mounting the assembly 122, which is the pickup drive body.

Guide rail 282 is directly welded to the side plate 272. Guide rail 284 is welded to side plate 274. The guide rail 282 has an inner guide channel 286 (see FIG. 16) and an outer guide channel 288 connected to the side plates 274 at intervals by welding. Similarly, the guide rail 284 has an inner guide channel 290 (see also FIG. 16) and an outer guide channel 292 connected to the side plates 274 at intervals by welding. In addition, each guide channel 286, 288, 290, and 292 is an inclined U-shaped channel that serves as a component of the vertical structure and is connected to the weldment 160. In addition, each U-shaped channel has the same size and shape as the channels 256, 258, 262, and 264.

Weld 160 (3rd, 4th and 5th) has three pickup guides: lower guide 205, side guide 209, and upper guide 302. The lower guide 205 also has a mounting plate 304 shown in FIG. 13 and firmly attached to the bottom of the square mounting tube 306. Two guides 308 and 309 (not shown), positioned at substantially equal intervals, are each firmly mounted to the mounting tube 306 at the bottom thereof. Each guide 308, 309 consists of a U-shaped guide plate 310 (see FIG. 4), which supports the side reinforcement plate 314 and is bolted and mounted at intervals with a tip portion ( 312). The flat polyurethane guide bar 316 is mounted vertically along the inner edge of the guide plate 310 (see FIG. 4). In addition, the pivot pin 320 catches the tail portion of the pickup 172 when the pickup 172 is rotated in the rotation pin direction. This keeps the bottom of the pickup 172 stationary and allows the top connected to the chains 190, 191 to rotate in the proper direction relative to the bottom.

The side guide 209 has an outer guide plate 326 extending out of the ground (see FIG. 3) and an inner guide plate 328 bolted to the driving portion mounting plates 272 and 274 (FIG. 16). Reference).

The upper guide 302 (see FIG. 3) has a front upper guide plate 340 rigidly mounted on the weldment 160 and a lower guide plate 342 located below the upper guide plate 340. . A similarly shaped rear top guide (not shown) is located 2.5 inches below the front guide. The front and rear guides together form a restraint path 352 for the upper wheel 208 of the upper head portion 196 of the pickup across the top of the drive portion. A plurality of U-shaped joining plates 344 are perpendicular to the plates 340 and 342 and welded to the plates 340 and 342 at their respective legs. As shown in FIG. 4 (a), the upper guide plate 340 has a lower conical curved surface 346 with a circular upper incision 348 of the middle portion symmetrical about the centerline. The curved surface 346 has a lower circular section having a radius of 4.75 inches and an upper circular section having 39.75 inches. The incision is 2.25 inches in radius. The lower guide plate 346 has a pentagonal shape with an upper convex curved surface symmetrical about the centerline. Half of each surface 350 has a circular section for making guide path 352.

When the top wheel 208 of the pickup 172 is put into either end of the guide path 352, the wheel causes the pickup 172 to rotate slightly in the direction of movement. When the top wheel 208 of the pickup enters the cutout 348, the top of the pickup 172 is stopped from rotating and the tail of the pickup rotates in the direction passing through the center of the drive. In this way, the pickup 172 is rotated in the desired direction exiting the upper guide path.

Referring to FIGS. 24, 25 and 25 (a), the damping action imparted to the device will be described in detail with an improved locking device.

When the fan 16 (see FIG. 1) traverses the top of the conveyor 10, the shoe 98 (see FIG. 1) is the track 100 of the upper movement guide 102 (see FIG. 1). 101) (see FIG. 19) and lifts the movement guide upwards from the top of the path and returns as the shoe passes through the top of the path. The upper movement guide 102 (see FIG. 17) is composed of a sliding guide support 107 and a movement guide 108. The center tube 109 of the sliding guide 107 is fastened to the fixed tower 22 by a bolt 111. In FIG. 24 the vertically moving loads are balanced by four shock absorbers 113 which over-induce the movement of the guide. Inside the central tube 109 is a round tube 114 which provides a vertical guide to the sliding guide 107. At the lower end of the round tube 114 there is a round bar that engages the friction bar 115 and is limited by the restraining bar 116. A dish washer 117 is provided between the friction plate 118 and the restraining bar 116. The frictional engagement is established between the fixed tower 22 and the sliding guide 107 and also allows the downward movement of the moving guide when the compression chain shortens during the conveyor life.

When the fan 16 (see FIG. 1) traverses the bottom of the conveyor 10, the lower movement guide 130 (see FIG. 20) floats up and down. The vertical load of the lower movement guide 130 is moved to the header 28 through two buffers 131 (see FIG. 20) and a die spring 132 (see FIG. 20). The shock absorber 131 provides a cushion of the vertical movement of the lower movement guide 130. The upward movement of the guide 130 is constrained by the die spring 133 and mounted to contact the lower side of the header 28 (see FIG. 1) during excessive upward movement. The series of die springs and shock absorbers maintain the lower travel guide at the reference point described above and allow vertical motion with a cushioning effect.

When the fan 16 (see FIG. 1) is at the bottom of the conveyor 10, the lock link system 140 (see FIGS. 4 and 23) is in its extended position. The height of the lock link bar 141 (see FIG. 4) is such that its top is located 0.125 inches below the bearing roller 238 (see FIG. 3) of the compression link. In general, the built-in brake 156 (see also FIG. 2) provides a holding force so that it is not affected by any unbalanced load. If one or both brakes 156 fail, the compression chain 78 can move in the direction of the unbalanced load. Lock link bar 141 extends and is constrained by actuator 143 (see FIG. 23). A lock link bar 141 is shown extending in FIG. 23 to engage the compression chain. When the bar 141 is rotated clockwise 180 degrees, the lock link bar is retracted to allow the compression chain 78 to move.

The foregoing description is intended to explain the invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments, modifications, and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

With reference to FIGS. 26 and 27, a vertical conveyor according to the present embodiment is described. The conveyor 10 has a frame 12. The compression chain vertical conveyor system 14 comprises a right subsystem 14b that is substantially the same as the left subsystem 14a (see FIGS. 26 and 55). The plurality of platform cells or fans 16 are rotated in either direction on the caterpillar (loop) path across the conveyor system 14 (see FIGS. 26, 27 and 55).

The conveyor 10 has fourteen fans 16. Each fan 16 is designed to carry 5,000 pounds of static load and thus can carry a car that is built to a sufficient size. In this embodiment described above, the conveyor 10 has an overall height of about 52 feet, an overall width of about 20 feet, and an overall length of about 25 feet. Conveyor 10 may be designed to have 30 or more fans 16 and a height of about 103 feet. The compartmentalization at the particular location where the conveyor is installed sometimes indicates altitude conditions.

The frame 12 (see FIGS. 26 and 27) is a fixed support structure, substantially transverse to the center plane 18 shown in FIG. 27 and substantially longitudinally symmetric to the center plane 20. to be. The upper guide prop brace 52 is at the top. As shown in FIGS. 27 and 45, the frame 12 is substantially identical to the front vertical frame portion 22 (shown in actual front view in FIG. 26) on the rectangular base portion 26. It includes a vertical frame portion 24. The base portion 26 has two two horizontal headers: 1) front transverse header 28 and 2) rear transverse connected to two longitudinal side headers (not shown) at substantially similar upper edge protrusions 32. Has a header 30. The front, back and side heads define an annular rectangle. In addition, the base section 26 includes four legs (three are shown) which are positioned and connected to respective edge protrusions 32.

As shown in FIG. 27, the front header 28 has a G-shaped cross section that is rotated and is placed on top of the vehicle entrance. The G-shaped cross section forms a rigid, lightweight and more economically manufactured member that can be easily detached. In addition, other conveyor arrangements may be mounted inside the G-shaped head frame that includes an actuation arrangement for a gate (not shown) used to block the entrance of the conveyor 10.

As shown in FIG. 27, a plurality of internal braces on each side of the male conveyor 10 connect the frame portions 22 and 24 together and provide structural strength, evenly loading the frames between the frame portions. do. The inner brace includes horizontal struts 34, 54, 56 and 58, each of which is firmly mounted to the frame portions 22 and 24 at its ends (see FIG. 27). Lateral stability is provided by the diagonal braces 60, 62, 64. The props of the upper conveying guide 102 in FIGS. 26, 44 and 45 are shown in section 50 and with upper guide support brace 52, two upper guide spacing supports 51, 57, and bolts. Four upper guide braces 53, 55, 59, 61 fastened together to form an X-shaped contour.

As shown in FIG. 26, the frame portion 22 is substantially A-frame shaped and formed by diagonal pillars 66 and 68 with a base formed by the header 28 and the legs 38 and 40. Has an upper section. The diagonal pillars 66 and 68 are bolted to the respective edge projections 32 of the A-frame base at their lower ends and joined together at their upper ends and bolted to the transverse middle of the front pillar 70.

Substantially similar rear pillars 70 ′ are provided in the frame portion 24. The pillar 70 includes a lower section 72 and an upper section 74 which are bolted together in a vertical intermediate part joint 76 (described below) and bolted together. The height of the intermediate part joint 76 above the foundation 11 depends on the total height of the conveyor 10 and the total number of conveyor fans. The lower section 72 includes an integral weldment.

The pillars 70, 70 ′ form a fixed tower structure and provide a housing and track for a secondary conveyor assembly that includes a roller compression chain 78 (see FIGS. 14 and 54).

A more detailed description of the compression chain 78 is described below. Other details of the compression chain 78 and the pillars 70, 70 'are described in US Pat. 3,547,281, and 3656608 granted to Lichti, the disclosures of which are incorporated by reference.

Each column 70, 70 ′ has a front header 28 (via a joint adjacent the top of the conveyor that supports the top of the endless conveyor compression chain 78 located at the point where the chain 78 crosses from one side to the other). Or as part of a main frame extending upward of the rear header of the rear frame part 24.

Each platform fan 16 has a square bottom plate 80 that is slightly upwardly curved. The bottom plate 80 is supported at each corner by a vertical fan hanger or post 83. The posts 83 are located on the same side of the bottom plate 80 and are connected to a horizontal V-shaped upper fan header 84 thereon (see FIG. 41). A horizontal tubular upper support 85 is connected to the top of each header 84 and welded to the header with two braces 86.

Referring to FIG. 41, each platform fan 16 is mounted and stabilized while the fan is moving around the conveyor 10 via an installation assembly 87. The stub shaft 88 connects the installation assembly 87 to the fan 16. The stub shaft 88 extends outward from the other side of the top of each header 84 and is welded thereto. Bearing housing 89 is mounted to the stub shaft 88. The top of the V-shaped link hanger 90 (see FIG. 57) is rotatably mounted to the bearing housing 89. The link hanger 90 has two coplanar arms (arms 92 shown in the 41st, 55th and 57th degrees), the arms having compression links of an endless compression chain 78 at their respective free ends. It is mounted to be rotatable. As shown in more detail in FIG. 57, the bracket arm 78a extends in the compression chain 78. The bracket arm 78g slides in each arm 92 and is held in the arm by the crevis pin 93 and the cotter pin 93a.

Thus, the fan 16 becomes a protruding beam mounted to the corresponding conveyor subsystem 14a or 14b by the link hanger 90 at each end.

As shown in FIGS. 26, 41 and 57, the top of the V-shaped ballast 96 is also anchored to the stub axis 88. The ballast 96 installs the guide shoe 98 in a rotatable manner. The ballast 96 stabilizes the fan when the fan 16 is transported around the top and bottom of the conveyor 10. The upper guide 102 and the lower guide 104, including the cross channels 100, 101 (see also FIG. 46), are mounted on the top and bottom of the front and rear conveyor posts 70 and 70 ′. When the fan 16 is transported, the guide shoe 98 of each fan 16 is received in the channels 100, 101.

In general, the vertical conveyor 10 comprises a motor means 120, a pickup drive chain assembly 122 rotated by the motor, and a compression drive chain assembly 124 driven by the pickup drive chain assembly 122. Include. The compression chain assembly 124 includes a compression chain 78 carrying a fan 16.

As shown in more detail in FIG. 58, in the case of the present invention, the motor means has a biaxial end and is capable of forward and reverse rotation and a regenerative electric motor of an input of three-phase 460 volt AC voltage and an output of 500 volt DC voltage. Includes a motor that is The motor is connected to the drive chain assembly 122 of the respective frame portions 22 and 24 via drive subassemblies 146 and 148 (see 27th). Each drive subassembly 146, 148 includes a commercially available universal joint 150 that connects the drive shaft 152 to the motor 130. The second distal universal joint 154 is connected to the distal end of the drive shaft 152. The conventional hydraulically actuated and electrically actuated friction brake 156 is connected to the other end of the distal universal joint via a key fit, which is fitted with a splice fit (not shown) to reduce gear 158. ) Is connected to and mounted. The housing accommodating the reduction gear device 158 is installed at the corresponding vertical frame portion 22 or 24 at the other end. The reduction device 158 is effectively connected to drive the assembly 122, the pickup drive chain. Hydraulic regulator 159a actuates the brake 156. The regulator 159a includes a motor 159b for driving a pump 159c for pumping fluid from the reservoir 159d. Accumulator 159e, pressure switch 159f, and valve 159g are also included.

26 to 31, each pickup drive assembly assembly 122 is mounted on an integral weldment 160 that includes a lower frame section 72 of the frame portion 22. In particular, the pickup driving assembly assembly 122 is mounted inside the inner hollow portion 162 of the weldment 160.

The pick-up drive chain assembly 122 (see FIGS. 28, 38 and 56) includes an upper drive sprocket subassembly 166 (see FIG. 33) and a lower idle sprocket subassembly 168 (see FIG. 35). , Five pickup arms which are attached to the subassembly 170 (see FIG. 39) and the through pin 194 (see FIG. 39) which are double-row drive bodies and are rotated in the orbital path (see FIG. 39). Or pickup) 172 (see also FIG. 36). In the above embodiment, only five pickups 172 are used. For clarity, one of the pickups 172 in a forward position at the top of the subassembly 170 which is the drive body is shown virtually (see 28th). The bottom pickup 172 is omitted in FIG.

The upper drive sprocket subassembly 166 is an integrally molded element (see FIGS. 32 and 33) and is an outer drive sprocket 176, a substantially similar inner drive sprocket 178, and a hollow tube 179 for interconnection. ). The solid shaft 180 (see FIG. 31) is fixedly mounted to the inside of the hollow tube 179 and ends on its inner end (not shown) in the splice, in turn, to the reduction gear device 158. Mounted and driven. The outer end of the shaft 180 is mounted to the bearing 183 (see FIG. 31), which in turn is firmly mounted to the weldment 160. Each drive sprocket 176, 178 has an average diameter of about 23 inches and includes a total of 18 standard gears 181 and two reduced gears 181 'positioned 180 degrees apart. The gear 181 ′ ends inside the average diameter circle 177. The radial size of the gear is small enough to provide play to the diameter of the through pin 194.

Lower idle sprocket subassembly 168 is shown in FIGS. 29, 31, 34, 35, and 40 and includes an outer idle sprocket 184, a substantially similar inner sprocket (not shown), and an inner and outer sprocket, respectively. It includes a coaxially spaced shaft 188 for installation. Located 186 between adjacent ends of shaft 188 is selected such that pickup 172 can pass between them. Idle sprocket 184 has a diameter of about 12.25 inches, a total of nine gears 185, and two gears 185 ′. The gear 185 ′ ends inside the average diameter circle 187 and the pitch between the gears is deep enough to provide play to the large diameter of the through pin 194.

The subassembly 122 (FIGS. 38 and 39), which are pickup drives, is composed of a first roller chain 190 and a second roller chain 191 each having five interconnected strands. The center lines of the roller chains 190 and 191 are positioned about 8.5 inches apart and the two chains are interconnected with five through pins 194. Each of the five strands of each chain 190, 191 is about 34.25 inches long and terminates in a master link 195 that is connected to an adjacent strand and installs a through pin 194. In this embodiment, each chain 190, 191 has an average tensile strength of 150,000 pounds per strand. The center axis of the through pin 194 is eccentric at the center line drawn from the chain link pin 197 (see FIG. 38).

As shown in FIGS. 28, 29, 37, 38 and 39, the pickup 172 is rotatably mounted on the through pin 194 heat-treated at its bottom.

The pick-up 172 of the present invention is a split, each pick-up 172 is a smaller and bifurcated that is mounted to the top head portion 196 with an upper head portion 196 and bolts and nuts (not shown). And a lower tail 198 that is divided into. In a preferred embodiment, the pickup 172 has a taper that is approximately 26 inches long, slightly over 14 inches wide at the top and has a curvature of 10 inches and decreases to 7 inches wide at the bottom of the head portion 196. Each pickup 172 is supported on the through pin 194 and centered on each side with a snap ring 199 on the side. The notches 200 formed on each side of the centerline of the pickup 172 in the upper head portion 196 are connected to the pins in the compression chain 78 (see FIG. 41), as shown in FIG. Engage and raise the assembly.

The engaging end of the head 196 and tail is provided with a pair of semicircular incisions. The cutout in the head portion 196 has a nominal radius of 1.5 inches and can accommodate a semi-circular bearing insert 201 having an integral end flange. The cutout of the tail 198 has a nominal radius of 1.25 inches to fit into the inner surface of the insert 201. The sleeve 202 has a thick central portion with a circumferential groove in the center for engaging the head portion. The sleeve 202 has a reduced shoulder portion supporting the ball bearing 203 at each end. Each ball bearing 203 supports a metal wheel 204 heat treated to have a surface hardness of RC 44/47. The wheel 204, in this embodiment, has an outer diameter of 4.625 and is engaged with the lower guide 205 (see FIG. 4) to help pick up 172 in the correct position.

To mount the upper shaft 206, a hole with a radius of 1.75 inches is located near the top of the head portion 196 (see FIG. 10). In this embodiment, a ball bearing 207 is installed at each end of the shaft 206, which in turn installs an upper inner flanged wheel 208 having a basic outer diameter of 4.5 inches and a flange outer diameter of 5.25 inches. The wheel 208 is engaged with and guided by a plurality of track guides 209 and 352 (see also FIG. 29). A substantially triangular protrusion 211 (see FIG. 36) is mounted between the upper wheel 208 and the lower wheel 204 to suppress the retraction of the pickup across the upper guide 350 (see also FIG. 29). ).

As shown in FIGS. 28, 41 and 59-62, the compression chain 78 is similar to and fits inside the plurality of outer compression links 212 and the plurality of outer compression links 212. The inner compression link 214 is encased. The inner and outer compression links are rotatably interconnected by a connecting pin assembly 210. In addition, two angled connecting projections 228 for connecting the link hanger arms 91 and 92 of the fan 16 are provided in the inner link 214, only one of which is shown in FIG. 41. have.

As shown in FIG. 28, when the pickup 172 pushes up the bearing roller and associated compression link upwards, the bearing roller 238 engages one of the notches 200 of the pickup 172. . Therefore, the total load weight on the side of the conveyor 10 that is rotated upwards is implemented through the bearing roller 238. The compression chain also includes two rollers 292 and 294, which are fitted in the preformed channel 77 to form a roller chain with reduced friction when the compression chain moves in a looped manner.

The guide and channel subassembly of the compression chain assembly 124 (see FIG. 27) is an integral component of the other elements of the conveyor 10. With respect to the upper frame portion 74 (see FIGS. 26 and 42), the outermost component is positioned at the left side of the guide rail 252 and to the right of the guide rail 254 (see FIG. 42). . The guide rail 252 includes an inner guide channel 256 and an outer guide channel 258 spaced apart from the plate 260. The guide rail 254 is formed of an inner guide channel 262 and an outer guide channel 264 spaced apart from the plate 266. Each guide channel also serves as a component of the vertical structure and has an inclined U-shaped channel welded to the upper frame portion 74. Compression chain rollers 292 and 294 (see also FIG. 41) have a similar slope, similar size, and shape to that of the guide channel. The upper and lower ends of the channels 252 and 254 are opened inward to allow the compression link 214 to bend over the top of the frame portions 74 and 74a (see FIGS. 26 and 27).

Guides and channels for the lower tower section are part of the weldment 160 (shown in FIGS. 28, 29, 31, and 43). As shown in FIG. 43, the weldment 160 is formed from a weld metal plate base plate 270 having side plates 272 and 274 welded together to form a substantially rectangular box. The middle part of the side plates 272 and 274 has holes 276 and 278 for receiving a pickup 172 entering the channel region and engaging the connecting pin 210 of the compression chain 78. Also, as shown in FIG. 43, the weldment 160 includes suitable mounting plates, such as the mounting plate 280 for installing the assembly 122 which is the pickup driving body.

Guide rail 282 is directly welded to the side plate 272. Guide rail 284 is welded to side plate 274. The guide rail 282 has an inner guide channel 286 and an outer guide channel 288 connected to the side plates 274 at intervals by welding (see FIG. 43). Similarly, the guide rail 284 has an inner guide channel 290 and an outer guide channel 292 provided to be connected to the side plate 274 at intervals by welding. Each guide channel 286, 288, 290, and 292 is also an inclined U-shaped channel that serves as a component of the vertical structure and is connected to the weldment 160. In addition, each U-shaped channel has the same size and shape as the channels 256, 258, 262, and 264.

Weld 160 (FIGS. 28, 29, and 31) has three pickup guides: a lower guide 205, a side guide 209, and an upper guide 302. The lower guide 205 also has a mounting plate 304 shown in FIG. 40 and firmly attached to the mounting tube 306 at the bottom. Substantially identical palatal spacing guides 308 and 309 (not shown) are each firmly mounted to the mounting tube 306 at the bottom thereof. Each guide 308, 309 consists of a U-shaped guide plate 310 (see also FIG. 29), the guide plate supporting the side reinforcement plate 314 and being detachably bolted at intervals. A portion 312 is provided. The flat polyurethane guide bar 316 is mounted vertically along the inner edge of the guide plate 310 (see FIG. 29). In addition, the pivot pin 320 catches the tail portion of the pickup 172 when the pickup 172 is rotated in the rotation pin direction. This keeps the bottom of the pickup 172 stationary and allows the top connected to the chains 190, 191 to rotate in the proper direction relative to the bottom.

The side guide 209 has an outer guide plate 326 extending to the outside of the ground (see FIG. 28) and an inner guide plate 328 bolted to the driving portion mounting plates 272 and 274 (see FIG. 28). See also 43).

The upper guide 302 (see FIG. 28) has a front upper guide plate 340 rigidly mounted on the weldment 160 and a lower guide plate 342 located below the upper guide plate 340. . A similarly shaped rear top guide (not shown) is located 2.5 inches behind the front guide. The front and rear guides together form a confinement path 352 for the upper wheel 208 of the upper head portion 196 of the pickup that traverses the top of the drive portion. A plurality of U-shaped joining plates 344 are perpendicular to the plates 340 and 342 and welded to the plates 340 and 342 at their respective legs. As shown in FIG. 30, the upper guide plate 340 has a lower conical curved surface 346 having a circular upper middle portion incision 348 symmetric about a centerline. The curved surface 346 has a lower circular section having a radius of 4.75 inches and an upper circular section having a radius of 39.75 inches. The cutout 348 has a radius of 2.25 inches. The lower guide plate 346 has a pentagonal shape with an upper convex curved surface symmetrical about the centerline. Half of each surface 350 has a circular section for making the guide path 352 (see FIG. 29).

When the top wheel 208 of the pickup 172 is put into either end of the guide path 352, the wheel causes the pickup 172 to rotate slightly in the direction of movement. When the top wheel 208 of the pickup enters the cutout 348, the top of the pickup 172 is restrained from rotating and the tail of the pickup rotates in the direction passing through the center of the drive. In this way, the pickup 172 is rotated in the desired direction exiting the upper guide path.

Referring to FIGS. 51, 52 and 53, the buffering action imparted to the device will be described in detail with the improved locking device.

When the fan 16 (see FIG. 26) traverses the top of the conveyor 10, the shoe 98 (see FIG. 26) is the track 100 of the upper movement guide 102 (see FIG. 26). 101) (see FIG. 46) and lifts the movement guide upwards from the top of the path and returns as the shoe passes through the top of the path. The upper movement guide 102 (see FIG. 44) is composed of a sliding guide support 107 and a movement guide 108. The center tube 109 of the sliding guide 107 is fastened to the fixed tower 22 by a bolt 111. In FIG. 51 the vertical moving load is balanced by four shock absorbers 113 which provide a cushioning motion to the movement of the guide. Inside the central tube 109 is a round tube 114 which provides a vertical guide to the sliding guide 107 (see FIG. 52). At the lower end of the round tube 114 there is a round bar that engages the friction bar 115 and is limited by the restraining bar 116. Dish washers 117 provide friction between friction plate 118 and restraining bar 116. The frictional engagement is established between the fixed tower 22 and the sliding guide 107 and also allows the downward movement of the moving guide when the compression chain shortens during the conveyor life.

When the fan 16 (see FIG. 26) traverses the bottom of the conveyor 10, the lower movement guide 130 floats up and down. The vertical load of the lower movement guide 130 is moved to the header 28 through two shock absorbers 131 (see FIG. 47) and two die springs 132 (see FIG. 47). The shock absorber 131 provides a cushion of the vertical movement of the lower movement guide 130. The upward movement of the guide 130 is constrained by the die spring 133 and mounted to contact the lower side of the header 28 (see FIG. 26) during excessive upward movement. The series of die springs and shock absorbers maintain the lower travel guide at the reference point described above and allow vertical motion with a cushioning effect.

When the fan 16 (see FIG. 26) is at the bottom of the conveyor 10, the lock link system 140 (see FIGS. 29 and 50) is in its extended position. The height of the lock link bar 141 (see FIG. 29) is such that its top is located 0.125 inches below the bearing roller 238 (see FIG. 28) of the compression link. In general, the built-in brake 156 (see FIG. 27) provides a holding force that is not affected by any unbalanced load. If one or both brakes 156 fail, the compression chain 78 can move in the direction of the unbalanced load. The lock link bar 141 is extended and retracted by the cam motion of the actuator 143 (see also FIG. 50). In FIG. 50, a lock link bar 141 is shown extending to engage the compression chain. When the bar 141 is rotated clockwise 180 degrees, the lock link bar is retracted to allow the compression chain 78 to move.

The foregoing description is intended to explain the invention, and it should be understood that other embodiments, modifications, and changes will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit of the invention.

According to the present invention configured as described above is installed in a narrow installation space and efficiently used in the warehouse, such as parking and loading and storing goods, such as cars effectively absorb the vibration and sudden shaking of the conveyor according to the movement of the loading portion and reverse rotation Minimizing the loosening of chains and imbalance of moving loads, it is effective to increase the operation efficiency of conveyor.

Claims (47)

A frame having a first vertical frame portion and a second vertical frame portion positioned at a distance from and connected to the first vertical frame portion; It is possible to maintain a load, each having a first and a second end, carried around in the loop path, and when one is transported upwards and the other is transported downwards, a predetermined horizontal distance defining the support space. A plurality of load supporting members movably mounted to the first and second frame portions at the first and second ends, respectively, so as to pass each other at intervals as long as each other; A first mounted to the first and second frame portions, respectively, for carrying the first and second ends of the support, the drive chain means and a first means for interconnecting the drive chain means with each of the support portions, respectively; And a second vehicle; And motor means for simultaneously driving the first and second drive chain means, wherein each of the first and second drive chain means is a pickup drive chain and an actual load applied to the pickup drive chain assembly by the support portion. And an upper sprocket having an upper drive sprocket which is imposed and driven by the motor means, the idle sprocket having a smaller diameter than the drive sprocket so as to align below the drive sprocket and minimize the relaxation occurring in the pickup drive chain during reverse rotation. Vertical conveyor comprising a pickup chain assembly. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first and second conveying means are configured to be rotatably connected to the pick-up driving chain to engage and drive the compression chain to move the load support and the compression chain assembly supporting the load support. A vertical conveyor comprising a pickup arm. The vertical conveyor of claim 2, wherein the pick-up arm is eccentrically mounted on the pick-up driving chain so as to assist engagement with the compression chain. 3. The endless roller chain of claim 2, wherein the compression chain assembly comprises an elongated interconnect compression link and a transverse axis mounted at each end of the compression link to engage the pickup arm for pushing the compression link upwards. Vertical conveyor characterized in that. 5. The vertical conveyor of claim 4, wherein the load supporting portion includes means for rotatably mounting the load supporting portion mounting arm and the load supporting portion mounting arm to the compression link. According to claim 1, comprising an installation member extending in the support space, wherein the motor means includes a connection member mounted to the installation member and supporting the first and second frame portion, the motor installation member A vertical conveyor, characterized in that suspended from one frame member in the center substantially between the frame members. A frame having a first vertical frame portion and a second vertical frame portion positioned at a distance from and supporting the first vertical frame portion; It is possible to maintain a load, each having a first and a second end, which is carried around in the loop path, and when one is transported upwards and the other is transported downwards, a predetermined horizontal section defining the support space. A plurality of load supporting members movably at the first and second frame portions at the first and second ends, respectively, so as to pass each other at a distance by a distance; First and second transport means each mounted to the first and second frame portions for carrying the first and second ends of the support portion, respectively, and including a loop-shaped compression chain supporting the support portion; A pickup driving chain including at least two strands and through pins interconnecting the coupled strands; A plurality of pick-up arms rotatably connected to the through pins to engage and drive the compression chain, the pick-up arms including two pieces of journal structures engaging the respective through pins to facilitate removal from the pick-up drive chain; And motor means for simultaneously driving first and second pickup drive chains to engage and drive the compression chain to move the load support. 8. The pickup drive chain of claim 7, wherein the pickup drive chain comprises two spaced roller chains, each through pin interconnecting the roller chains, wherein the pickup arm is connected to the roller chain between the pickup arms. Vertical conveyor characterized in that the rotatable connection. 8. The vertical conveyor of claim 7, wherein the pickup drive chain includes a link and a link pin interconnecting the links, wherein the through pin is eccentric to the link pin. 8. The vertical conveyor of claim 7, wherein the pick-up arm includes an upper head portion and a smaller, bifurcated lower tail portion. 11. The vertical conveyor of claim 10, wherein the upper head portion includes two receiving notches for receiving each through pin on the compression chain therein. A frame having a first vertical frame portion and a second vertical frame portion positioned at a distance from and supporting the first vertical frame portion; It is possible to maintain a load, each having a first and a second end, carried around in the loop path, and when one is transported upwards and the other is transported downwards, a predetermined horizontal distance defining the support space. A plurality of load supporting parts movably at the first and second frame portions at the first and second ends, respectively, so as to pass each other at intervals as long as each other; First and second upper portions supporting the upper conveying guide to the frame, the first and second ends of the load supporting portions engaging the first and second guides respectively to guide the load supporting portion around the upper portion of the loop; Transport guides and support means; First and second conveying means respectively mounted to the first and second frame portions to convey the first and second ends of the support, respectively; And motor means for simultaneously driving the first and second conveying means to move the load supporting part, wherein the upper conveying guide support means comprises means for imparting a cushioning effect to the vertical floating motion. 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the first and second ends of the load support fit respective first and second lower guides to support an upper transport guide to the frame, and to guide the load support around the top of the loop. The radish comprises a first and a second upper conveying guide and supporting means. A frame having a first vertical frame portion and a second vertical frame portion positioned at a distance from and supporting the first vertical frame portion; It is possible to maintain a load, each having a first and a second end, carried around in the loop path, and when one is transported upwards and the other is transported downwards, a predetermined horizontal distance defining the support space. A plurality of load support members movably mounted to the first and second frame portions at the first and second ends, respectively, such that they pass through each other at intervals of each other; First and second frame portions respectively mounted to carry the first and second end portions of the support portion, each having a plurality of links and comprising a loop-shaped compression chain supporting the support portion, respectively; Second conveying means; Pickup drive chain; A plurality of pickup arms rotatably connected to the pickup drive chain to engage and drive the compression chain; Motor means for simultaneously driving said first and second pickup drive chains so that said pick-up arms engage and drive said compression chain to move said load support part; And a lock link bar, and means for moving the link bar to engage and release the engagement chain to secure the chain in a set position. A frame having a first vertical frame portion and a second vertical frame portion positioned at a distance from and supporting the first vertical frame portion; A loop-shaped compression chain respectively installed on the first and second frame parts; A plurality of load supports each having a first and a second end portion capable of holding a load carried around in the loop path; When one load support is carried upwards and another load support is carried downwards, the compression chain moves the load support so that the load supports pass through each other at a predetermined horizontal distance that partitions the support space. Means for interconnecting each of said first and second ends of said loop shaped compression chain and said load bearing to support; An assembly that is a first and a second pick-up driver mounted to each of said first and second frame portions, respectively; A plurality of pick-up arms rotatably connected to said pick-up drive chain assembly to engage and drive said compression chain; A motor mounted in the support space; And first drive shaft means for coupling said motor to said first pickup drive assembly to simultaneously drive said first and second drive chain assemblies such that said pick-up arm engages and drives said compression chain to move a load support. And a second drive shaft means for connecting the motor to the second pickup drive chain assembly. 16. The vertical conveyor of claim 15, comprising an installation member for mounting a motor substantially in the center between the frame portions. 16. The vertical conveyor of claim 15, wherein the motor is an electric motor having first and second motor shafts positioned on each side of the motor and connected to the first and second drive shafts, respectively. 16. The conveyor of claim 15, wherein the motor is mounted at a vertical height equal to or less than half the vertical height of the vertical frame portion. 16. The conveyor of claim 15, wherein the pick-up arm is eccentrically mounted on the pick-up drive assembly so as to be engaged with the compression chain. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein the pickup drive chain assembly comprises two spaced roller chains and through pins interconnecting the roller chains, wherein the pick-up arm is rotatably connected to each of the through pins. Characterized by conveyor. 21. The conveyor of claim 20, wherein said pickup drive chain comprises a link and a link pin interconnecting said links, said through pin being eccentric from said link pin. 16. The conveyor of claim 15, wherein said pick-up arm comprises an upper head portion and a lower tail bisected smaller than said head portion. 23. The conveyor of claim 22, wherein the compression chain comprises a shaft and the upper head portion comprises two receiving notches for receiving an axis positioned on the compression chain. A frame having a first vertical frame portion and a second vertical frame portion positioned at a distance from and supporting the first vertical frame portion; A loop-shaped compression chain each including an endless roller chain composed of an elongated interconnection compression link and a transverse axis mounted at each end of the compression link, each of the first and second frame portions respectively; It is possible to maintain a load, each having a first and a second end, carried around in the loop path, and also the mounting arms at the first and second ends, and one carried upwards and the other A plurality of load supports comprising means for rotatably mounting the installation arms to the compression link such that they pass through each other at a predetermined horizontal distance that partitions the support space when transported downward; An assembly that is a first and a second pick-up driver mounted to each of said first and second frame portions, respectively; A plurality of pick-up arms rotatably connected to respective pick-up drive body assemblies such that the pick-up arms engage the shaft to push the compression link upwards; A motor mounted in the support space; First drive shaft means for coupling said motor to said first pickup drive assembly to simultaneously drive said first and second drive chain assemblies such that said pick-up arm engages and drives said compression chain to move a load support; And a second drive shaft means for connecting said motor to said second pickup drive chain assembly. 25. The vertical conveyor of claim 24, wherein the compression chain comprises a plurality of roller assemblies, the frame including channels for receiving the roller assemblies of the compression chain, and the mounting arms connected to the roller assemblies. . 27. The vertical conveyor of claim 25, comprising bracket arms extending from each roller assembly, wherein each mounting arm is connected to each bracket arm. 27. The vertical conveyor of claim 26, comprising a crevis pin that releasably holds each bracket arm and load supporting arm. 25. The vertical conveyor of claim 24, wherein the pick-up arm is eccentrically mounted on the pick-up drive assembly to facilitate engagement with the compression chain. 25. The assembly of claim 24, wherein the pickup drive chain assembly includes two spaced roller chains and through pins interconnecting the roller chains, wherein the pick-up arms are pivotably connected to each of the through pins. Vertical conveyor made with. 30. The vertical conveyor of claim 29, wherein the pickup drive chain includes a link and a link pin interconnecting the links, wherein the through pin is eccentric from the link pin. 25. The vertical conveyor of claim 24, wherein the pickup arm comprises a lower tail bifurcated with the upper head portion. 32. The vertical conveyor of claim 31, wherein the compression chain comprises a shaft and the upper head portion comprises two receiving notches for receiving an axis located on the compression chain. 25. The vertical conveyor of claim 24, comprising an installation member for installing a motor substantially in the center between the frame portions. 25. The vertical conveyor of claim 24, wherein the motor is an electric motor having first and second motor shafts respectively connected to the first and second drive shafts and located on each side of the motor. 25. The vertical conveyor of claim 24, wherein the motor is mounted at a vertical height of less than half the vertical height of the vertical frame portion. A first vertical frame portion and a second vertical frame portion positioned at a distance from the first vertical frame portion but supported and connected thereto, and at least one connection supporting member firmly attached to the first and second frame portions. Having a frame; A loop-shaped compression chain respectively mounted to each of the first and second frame portions; A plurality of load supports each having a first and a second end portion capable of holding a load carried around in the loop path; When one load support is carried upwards and another load support is carried downwards, the compression chains pass through each other such that the load supports pass through each other at a predetermined horizontal distance that partitions the support space. Means for interconnecting the loop-shaped compression chains with the first and second ends of the load bearing portion to support a; An assembly that is a first and a second pick-up driver mounted to each of said first and second frame portions, respectively; A plurality of pickup arms rotatably connected to a pickup drive chain assembly to engage and drive the compression chain; Motors and drive means for driving first and second pickup drive chains including a motor mounted to the support member, a drive shaft connecting the motor to the first pickup drive chain assembly; Second drive shaft means for connecting said motor to said second pick-up drive assembly to simultaneously drive said first and second drive-chain assemblies for driving said pick-up arm to engage and drive said compression chain to move the load support part; Consists of a vertical conveyor. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein each compression chain comprises an endless roller chain consisting of an elongated interconnecting compression link and a transverse axis mounted at each end of the compression link, wherein the pick-up arm pushes the compression link upwards. And a vertical conveyor. 37. The method of claim 36, wherein each compression chain comprises a plurality of roller assemblies, the frame including a channel for receiving the roller assemblies of the compression chain, and the load support mounting arm connected to the roller assembly. Vertical conveyor made with. 39. The vertical conveyor of claim 38, comprising bracket arms extending from each roller assembly, and respective load support mounting arms connected to the respective bracket arms. 40. The vertical conveyor of claim 39, comprising a crevis pin that releasably holds each bracket arm and load supporting arm. 37. The vertical conveyor of claim 36, wherein the pick-up arm is eccentrically mounted on the pick-up drive chain assembly to facilitate engagement with the compression drive chain. 37. The vertical conveyor of claim 36, wherein the pickup drive chain assembly includes two spacing rollers and through pins interconnecting the roller chains, wherein the pick-up arms are pivotably connected to each of the through pins. . 43. The vertical conveyor of claim 42, wherein the pickup drive chain includes a link and a link pin interconnecting the links, wherein the through pin is eccentric to the link pin. 37. The vertical conveyor of claim 36, wherein the pick-up arm includes an upper head portion and a lower tail bisected smaller than the head portion. 16. The vertical conveyor of claim 15, wherein the vertical conveyor comprises a mounting member for mounting a motor substantially centered between the frame portions. 16. The vertical conveyor of claim 15, wherein the motor is an electric motor having first and second motor shafts located on each side of the motor that are respectively connected to the first and second drive shafts. 16. The vertical conveyor of claim 15, wherein the motor is mounted at a vertical height no greater than half the vertical height of the vertical frame portion.