US2350496A

US2350496A - Dipping mechanism

Info

Publication number: US2350496A
Application number: US455299A
Authority: US
Inventors: John V Davis
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1942-08-19
Filing date: 1942-08-19
Publication date: 1944-06-06
Anticipated expiration: 1961-06-06

Description

June 6, 1944.

J. v. DAvls DIPPING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 19', 1942 3 sheets-sheet 1 v ATTORNEY June 6,1944. f J. v. DAvls DIPPING MECHANISM Filed Aug. 19, 1942 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR 014/4/ V/J BY.

Mn/Mr/ ATTORNEY June 6, 1944.

J.v V.' DAvls DIPPING MEcHAN-sm' Fi1ed Aug. 19, 1942 v 3 s nets-sheet s INVENTOR Jeff/v VDA W5 ATTORNEY BYV Patented June 6, 1944 UNITEosTATEs PATENT orrlci:1

2,350,496 DIPPING MECHANI'SM John V. Davis, Detroit., Mich.

Application vAugust 19, 1942, Serial No. 455,299

14 Claims.

The present invention pertains to a novel dipping mechanism intended particularly for use in moving the work from bath to bath in a plating process. One of the objects oi the invention is to provide such a mechanism that lifts and lowers the work in a straight vertical line. The advantages of such a motion are that it enables economy in the dimensions of the baths and reduces the possibility of the work striking the walls of the baths and the anodes. In this connccticn it will be noted that an oblique motion of the work lengthwise of the tank causes wastage of tank length. while an oblique motion in the transverse direction would either cause the work to strike the anodes or` would require greater tank width.

The direct vertical movement is elected through a system oi' levers and links suspended from an overhead carrier or travelling support. The mechanism consists essentially of a pair of .suspended levers with means for turning them on their axes through a wide arc, preferably 180. A link is pivotally suspended from the lower end of each such lever` and the lower ends of the l'nks in turn are pivotally attached to a rigid work carrier. When the levers are turned, the links are obviously raised in an arcuate motion. but the rigid member connecting their lowerends can travel only in a strict vertical path. More specifically, the levers are in the form of bell cranks with their upper arms lying horizontally and directed towards each other and joined 4by a suitable operating linkage. These arms are rotated by means of a suitable actuator applied to the connecting linkage. The 180 swing of the levers brings them above the travelling support which thereby takes the load when the work is in its full elevated position for transfer from one bath to another. At this time, an intermittent propelling device operates on one or more of a series of links connecting the several travelling supports.

Another object of the invention is to dispense ywith the usual separate propelling chain, and

is supported directly above the tank rather than to one 'side thereof. The work carriers, suspended from travelling supports on the track, lie transversely f the bath. While rounding the turns, the` work carriers tend to crowd or cramp ends. This tendency is, however, reduced by the mounting of the track directly above the tank such that the turning radius of the carrier, or of the inside rail, is within and smaller than the arc followed by the center of the carrier. This arrangement permits closer spacing of the carricrs and reduces the over-all length of the apparatus.

The invention is fully disclosed by way of example in the following description and in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan view of the conveying and dipping system.;

s Figure 2 is a side elevation thereof;

Figure 3 is an elevation in a transverse plane;

Figure 4 is an enlarged elevation of one of the dippingl mechanisms, and

Figure 5 is a plan view thereof.

Reference to these views will now be made by use of like characters which are employed to designate corresponding parts throughout.

The several tanks 3 comprised in the plating system are arranged in an endless series, preferably oval shaped in plan for a continuous plating operation.

Over the tanks is supported a correspondingly shaped double-rail track 4 by means of hangers 5. The rails 6 are preferably U-shaped with the open yside facing inward. The track carries a series of travelling supports or carriers in the form of rectangular frame members I having one side 8 lying along the inner rail and the opposite side 9 at the other rail. At the ends of the side 8 of each carrier, two trolley wheels I0 are mounted on horizontal axes and rest on the inner rail 6. Similarly, another trolley Wheel I I is mounted on a horizontal axis at the side 9 of each frame and rests on the outer rail 6. The side members 8 of adjacent carriers are joined by pivotally attached links I2 to form a connected structure for propulsion, as will presently be described. Vertical pins I3 mounted in the extended sides 8 carry upper and lower guide or bumper rollers I4 adapted to ride against the horizontal sides of the inner rail, especially at the turns. It will bel noted that the frame is dropped to provide a lower portion I5 extending below lthe rails, while the'higher portion I6 lies between the rails and carries the rollers I0, I I.

In each side of each carrier 8 (the sides being parallel to the rails), is mounted a double bell crank lever on a horizontal axis I'I. The depending side I8 of each lever is Y-shaped, terminating at their inner ends and to spread at their outer in a stem I9. The horizontal double arms 20 extend horizontally towards the center line of the track. y

Pivotally attached links 2l extend upward from the inner ends of the arms and have their upper ends swivelled on a common shaft 22, thereby forming two inverted Vs. At about the mid point of the shaft is mounted a yoke 23 carrying a horizontal transverse roller 24 for a purpose that will presently be described.

From the lower end of each stem I9 is pivotally suspended a link 25, and to the lower ends of the links of each pair or unit is pivotally attached a cross member 2E having its ends 21 suitably shaped for the suspension of plating racks 23 or the work itself, in any well known manner.

Slightly above the track 6, 6 and over each partition 2 is provideda transfer rail 29 lying parallel to the center' line of the track and adapted to engage the roller 24. The rail is adapted to be pushed down against the roller by any suitable means such as a pair of hydraulic cylinders 30 and is regulated in its upward movement by the same means. There is provided such a transfer rail for each partition 2, and

l each rail is extended a substantial distance over two adjacent baths 3.

The action of the transfer rail on the bell cranks will now be described. Downward pressure obviously turns the bell cranks on their axes I1. The lower ends of the stems I9 obviously swing outwardly in arcs and, due to the symmetry of the mechanism, the motion of both b ell cranks is of equal speed and magnitude. 'I'he links 25 are thereby lifted and because of the rigid member 26 pivotally connected to their lower ends, this member can rise only in a straight vertical line. The links 2| are preferably of such length as to permit swinging the bell cranks through an angle of 180, bringing the arms I8 vertically above the frame 8, whereby the elevated load is supported by the frame or carrier rather than by the hydraulic actuator. In this connection the links are bowed outwardly at 3i to clear the adjacent edges of the carrier 8 and thereby permit the upper vertical position of the links 25.

In its elevated position, the work is ready to be shifted to the next bath. For this purpose, each of the connecting links l2 carries a drive lug 32 adapted to be engaged and pushed by a suitable' mechanism. Such mechanism may consist of a hydraulic cylinder 33 in which is a rod 34 with a one-way pawl l35 adapted to engage the lugs successively. The one-way pivotal movement of the pawl 35 permits it to ride over the next rearward lug.

This action is timed to occur Whiley the transfer rail 29 is depressed, and this explains the generous length of the rail. When the work reaches a position over the next bath, the transfer rail is raised and the work thereby lowered. It is desirable, and quite feasible, to control the speed of lifting and lowering the work. For example, buoyant pleces should be lowered slowly in order not to float off the hooks, and hollow pieces should be raised slowly for complete drainage.

The importance of the direct vertical lift and drop, as previously indicated, is to economize on tank length. In other words, the work is transferred at the extremities of adjacent baths whereas, if the motion were only slightly oblique it would begin and end at a corresponding distance on either side of the partition in order to avoid striking the latter, and this distance in the baths wouldv be substantially wasted. l

IIrhe tank may be provided with two conductors 36 and an intermediate conductor 31 from which the anodes 33 are suspended. The racks 28 are dipped between the anods as shown. The direct vertical lift and drop assumes further importance in this connection inasmuch as a lateral sway, transversely of the tank, might cause the work to strike the anodes.

The positioning of the travelling carriers I around the inside rail 6, rather than within it,

causes the work carriers 2B to spread apart 'slightly while rounding the turns in the track.

Consequently the cramping of the work carriers on the turns is reduced, permitting closer spacing of the carriers and reducing the overall length of the tank.

'I'he dipping devices can be accommodated for work of various heights by an adjustment in the lengthof the stems I9. The adjustment is made, for example, by providing each stem with an end iece I9' threaded thereon and carrying the link Similarly, the links l2 may be adjustable, or replaceable by links of different length, according to the horizontal dimensions of the work being handled.

Although a specific embodiment of the invenf tion has been disclosed, it may be understood that various changes in the details of the .invention may be made without departing from the scope of the invention, as indicated by the appended claims.

What I claim is:

l. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of levers pivotally suspended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lowerendof each lever, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said levers on their pivotal axes, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path..

2. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of levers pivotally suspended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each lever, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said levers on their pivotal axes, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path, said links being bowed to clear said support when in their upper position.

3. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a Ipair of levers pivotally suspended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each lever, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends ofsaid links, and means for turning said levers on their pivotal axes through an arc of l180", whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path to a position where the load is supported upon said supporting member through said levers.

4. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of levers pivotally suspended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each lever, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said levers on their pivotal axes through an arc of 180, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path to a position Where the load is supported upon said supporting member through l. said levers, said links being bowed to clear said vpended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each bell crank, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said bell cranks on their pivotal axes, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path.

6. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of bell cranks pivotally suspended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each bell crank, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, a linkage connected to the upper free ends of said bell cranks and adapted to swing said bell cranks on their pivotal axes, and means for actuating said linkage, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path.

7. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of bell cranks pivotally suspended therefrom and each having an arm extending horizontally from its pivotal axis, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each bell crank, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said arms on their pivotal axes, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path.

8. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of bell cranks pivotally sus pended therefrom and each having an arm extending horizontally from its pivotal axis, a link pivotal1y\suspended from the lower end of each bell crank, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said arms on their pivotal axes through an arc of 180, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path to a position where the load is supported upon said supporting member through said levers.

9. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair oi' bell cranks pivotally suspended therefrom and each having an arm extending horizontally irom its pivotal axis, said arms being directed towards each other, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each bell crank, a cross member pivotally attachedto the lower ends oi said links, and means for turning said arms on their pivotal axes, whereby to. swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path.

10. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support. a pair of bell cranks pivotally suspended therefrom and each having an arm extending horizontally from its pivotal axis, said arms being directed towards each other, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each bell crank, a, cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said arms on their pivotal axes through an arc of 180, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path to a position where the load is supported upon said supporting member through said lever.

11. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of levers pivotally suspended therefrom, said levers being adjustable in length,

a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each lever, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said levers on their-pivotal axes, whereby to swing said links and raise said'cross member in a vertical path.

12. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of bell cranks pivotally suspended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each bell crank, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, each bell crank having a depending arm adjustable in length, and means for turning said bell cranks on their pivotal axes, whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path.

13. A' dipping mechanism comprising a travelling support, a pair of levers pivotally suspended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each lever, a cross member pivotally attached to the lower ends of said links, and means for turning said levers on their pivotal axes. whereby to swing said links and raise said cross member in a vertical path, a guide member extending a distance in the direction of travel and adapted to maintain said turning means in the work-elevating position while said support travels said distance.

14. A dipping mechanism comprising a travelling` support, a pair of levers pivotally suspended therefrom, a link pivotally suspended from the lower end of each lever, a cross member pivotally said links and raise said cross member in a vertlcal path.

JOHN V. DAVIS.