WO2004028929A2 - Procede et appareil de transfert d'entrainement - Google Patents

Procede et appareil de transfert d'entrainement Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2004028929A2
WO2004028929A2 PCT/GB2003/004188 GB0304188W WO2004028929A2 WO 2004028929 A2 WO2004028929 A2 WO 2004028929A2 GB 0304188 W GB0304188 W GB 0304188W WO 2004028929 A2 WO2004028929 A2 WO 2004028929A2
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
drive
guide
members
fransferring
transferring
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/GB2003/004188
Other languages
English (en)
Other versions
WO2004028929A3 (fr
Inventor
David Lynton Jephcott
Original Assignee
Scootabout International Limited
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Scootabout International Limited filed Critical Scootabout International Limited
Priority to AU2003271864A priority Critical patent/AU2003271864A1/en
Publication of WO2004028929A2 publication Critical patent/WO2004028929A2/fr
Publication of WO2004028929A3 publication Critical patent/WO2004028929A3/fr

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G9/00—Apparatus for assisting manual handling having suspended load-carriers movable by hand or gravity
    • B65G9/008—Rails or switches
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G35/00—Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for
    • B65G35/08—Mechanical conveyors not otherwise provided for comprising trains of unconnected load-carriers, e.g. belt sections, movable in a path, e.g. a closed path, adapted to contact each other and to be propelled by means arranged to engage each load-carrier in turn
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G9/00—Apparatus for assisting manual handling having suspended load-carriers movable by hand or gravity
    • B65G9/002—Load-carriers, rollers therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G9/00—Apparatus for assisting manual handling having suspended load-carriers movable by hand or gravity
    • B65G9/004—Loading or unloading arrangements
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2201/00—Indexing codes relating to handling devices, e.g. conveyors, characterised by the type of product or load being conveyed or handled
    • B65G2201/02—Articles
    • B65G2201/0229—Clothes, clothes hangers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G2207/00—Indexing codes relating to constructional details, configuration and additional features of a handling device, e.g. Conveyors
    • B65G2207/30—Modular constructions

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method and apparatus for transferring drive.
  • drive belts and drive chains rely on the imparting of tensile forces in order to transfer drive.
  • the use of such forces causes gradual stretching of the belts. Similar effects are observed in drive chains over time.
  • Gear trains do not suffer from the same disadvantages as belts and chains; however, they are still prone to wear; they are expensive to manufacture; and they generally require permanent installations including bearings secured to fixed datum points. Also, gear trains generally employ only rigid members and hence they lack some of the versatility inuring to belts and chains that employ flexible members.
  • a further disadvantage with known drive-transferring apparatus is that it is not easy to extend or reduce the length of e.g., the belt, chain or gear train to suit the use that the drive-transferring apparatus is to be put, and in particular to suit the environment in which the apparatus is to be used.
  • Such a drive-transferring apparatus is particularly suitable for use as a transport device, and in particular to a transport device for the carrying of a plurality of hangers. Garments may be hung from the hangers and transported from, for example a distribution warehouse to a vehicle such as a lorry.
  • the drive-transferring apparatus could be used in an abattoir, where slaughtered animals, and ultimately cuts of meat, may be hung from the hangers.
  • the drive-transferring apparatus disclosed in EP 00958209 comprises a constraining guide defining a drive-transfer path, and a plurality of drive- transferring members movably captive in the constraining guide.
  • the constraining guide includes one or more apertures permitting access to one or more of the drive-transferring members.
  • the drive-transferring members are capable of transferring drive between discrete parts of the constraining guide by means of compressive interconnection.
  • the drive-transferring members are in the form of bead-like members, referred to hereinafter as beads, and the constraining guide has an elongate slot which allows a member such as a rod which is connected to one of the beads to protrude from the apparatus. Articles may be carried on the apparatus by means of suspension from the rod.
  • hangers are arranged to be connected to the beads to allow garments to be hung from the hangers.
  • Each bead member may be encoded to predetermine its path along the constraining guide.
  • Each bead member may also be programmed to capture data as it moves along the constraining guide, and to download the data to a processor as required. This will enable operating efficiencies to be maintained. Alternatively it will allow data and information to be transferred from one area of the warehouse to another.
  • one or more garments may comprise identification means such as a bar code or label.
  • the identification means may be attached to the garment itself, or may be mounted on, for example a cover encasing the garment.
  • a garment Once a garment has been attached to a hanger associated with a particular bead, it will remain attached to that bead throughout its time in the warehouse. If each bead contains a tag for identification purposes, the exact location of a particular garment may be known at all times.
  • the constraining guide may be formed with branches so that certain garments can be routed down one guide branch, and others down a different guide branch. Garments may thus be directed to, for example different lorries for their onward journey as appropriate.
  • Drive transferring apparatus of this type maybe installed at any desired location depending on the use to which the apparatus is to be put.
  • the space available will vary from location to location, and generally the apparatus is assembled on site. Before assembly, measurements are taken to determine the size and shape of the apparatus. The apparatus is then manufactured and transported to the desired location for installation.
  • the space available to accommodate the apparatus is determined by the location at which the apparatus is to be installed.
  • the layout of the constraining guides will vary depending on the space available and the use to which the apparatus is to be put.
  • a drive transferring apparatus comprising a constraining guide defining a drive transfer path; and a plurality of drive transferring members moveably captive in the constraining guide, the drive transferring members being capable of transferring drive between discrete parts of the constraining guide, characterised in that the constraining guide comprises a pair of elongate members spaced apart and separated from one another to define a channel therebetween, the drive transferring members being moveably captive in the channel, and the channel permitting access to one or more of the drive transferring members.
  • a constraining guide for a drive transferring apparatus comprising a constraining guide defining a drive transfer path; and a plurality of drive transferring members moveably captive in the constraining guide, the drive transferring members being capable of transferring drive between discrete parts of the constraining guide, the constraining guide comprising a pair of elongate members spaced apart and separated from one another to define a channel therebetween, the drive transferring members being moveably captive in the channel, and the channel permitting access to one or more of the drive transferring members.
  • the pair of elongate members thus defines a channel, or track, along which the drive-transferring members are moveable. Sides of the channel are defined by each of the elongate members, and remaining sides of the channel are open thus allowing easy access to the drive-transferring members.
  • the constraining guide is thus formed by positioning two elongate members a pre-determined distance from one another to define a channel therebetween having desired dimensions.
  • the elongate members may have any desired cross-sectional shape, and may be substantially quadrilateral, triangular, hexagonal or circular in cross- section, for example.
  • each elongate member may be solid or alternatively they may be hollow. When the elongate members are hollow, each elongate member may itself define a constraining guide within which a drive-transferring member may be moveably captive.
  • the elongate members may be made of any convenient material, for example, they may be made from a metal, or a composite material, or a combination of a metal and a composite material.
  • the constraining guide may comprise a plurality of constraining guide portions.
  • the constraining guide portions may each comprise elongate members.
  • Certain configurations of the constraining guide for example 'T' junctions may necessitate the use of say three elongate members, spaced apart and separated from one another. As is the case when two elongated members are used, there is preferably no physical contact between any of the elongate members.
  • the elongate members may be manufactured in a range of standard shapes and sizes and may be shaped to interconnect with other elongate members.
  • An apparatus of a desired shape and size may then be assembled by choosing appropriate elongate members comprising constraining guide portions from a range of standard shapes and sizes.
  • the constraining guide comprises a plurality of constraining guide portions, at least one of which constraining guide portions is releasbly connectable to at least one other of the constraining guide portions.
  • each of the constraining guide portions is releasably connectable to each of the other constraining guide portions.
  • a drive transferring apparatus comprising a constraining guide defining a drive transfer path; and a plurality of drive transferring members moveably captive in the constraining guide, the drive transferring members being capable of transferring drive between discrete parts of the constraining guide, characterised in that the constraining guide comprises a plurality of constraining guide portions, at least one of which constraining guide portions is releasably connectable to at least one other of the constraining guide portions.
  • a constraining guide for a drive transferring apparatus comprising a constraining guide defining a drive transfer path; and a plurality of drive transferring members movably captive in the constraining guide, the drive transferring members being capable of transferring drive between discrete parts of the constraining guide, the constraining guide comprising a plurality of constraining guide portions, at least one of which constraining guide portions is releasably connectable to at least one of the constraining guide portions.
  • each of the constraining guide portions is releasably connectable to each other of the constraining guide portions.
  • Each constraining guide portion may be substantially straight longitudinally. Alternatively, one or more constraining guide portions may be curved longitudinally.
  • the constraining guide portions may be offered in a series of lengths, shapes and sizes that will interconnect with one another, enabling continuous lengths to be made up or reduced as and when required. Curved constraining guide portions will be offered with a wide variety of different radii. Beads will be available in a variety of different colours and/or having different methods of encryption, for example, RF tags, bar codes, optical readers etc. The beads will also be offered with different point loading rates and priced accordingly.
  • An advantage of being able to obtain a drive transferring apparatus in modular form is that less initial planning is necessary since the modules may be assembled on site and the size and shape of the apparatus may be determined as the assembly operation progresses.
  • the conveyor system may be dismantled into individual components and may be serviced by a company renting out the equipment.
  • the present invention therefore lends itself particularly to being rented, hired or loaned to users during a recovery period following a disaster.
  • a user could alter the layout of the apparatus to suit changing needs.
  • the apparatus further comprises a support for supporting the elongate members.
  • the apparatus may have one support for each elongate member module or a number of modules may be supported by one support.
  • more than one support may be associated with one module.
  • the supports may be adapted to stand on a floor or ground. Alternatively they may be wall mounted and be substantially in the form of a bracket. In another embodiment they may hang from the ceiling and support the elongate members from above.
  • the one or more supports are adapted to be able to vary the height of the elongate members or constraining guide portions.
  • the variation in height may be achieved by means of an electronic motor or hydraulic piston, for example, which allows the height of the supports to vary.
  • the supports may comprise telescopic arms which allow the height of the supports and thus the height of the elongate members or constraining guide portions to vary.
  • the drive transferring apparatus may comprise a plurality of constraining guides.
  • the drive-transferring members may be in the form of discrete beads that are generally spherical or spheroidial.
  • one of more of the drive transferring members comprises a first outer portion engageable with the constraining guide, and shaped to allow movement of the drive transferring member within the constraining guide, and a second inner portion held within the outer portion.
  • the outer portion of the drive-transferring member is shaped to fit around the bead, and at the same time is shaped to fit within the constraining guide to allow movement of the drive-transferring member within the constraining guide.
  • the outer portion holds the inner portion captive within it.
  • the outer portion may be formed of a single component, but preferably the outer portion comprises two parts, a first part and a second part.
  • the first and second parts may be any convenient shape but are preferably mirror images of one another.
  • the first and second parts of the outer portion are shaped to fit around the inner portion and to hold the inner portion in place within the two parts of the outer portion.
  • the inner portion may be formed from a single component and may be substantially spherical in shape. However preferably, the inner portion is formed from two substantially hemispherical shaped parts.
  • the inner portion may be substantially disc shaped.
  • the first and second parts of the outer portion, and the inner portion are conveniently connected to one another by means of a common axle, such that the two outer portions are rotatable about the axle.
  • the inner portion of the drive transferring member is not rotatable and extends through the aperture created by the two adjacent elongate members.
  • the inner portion projects below the elongate members and comprises an RF tag or other encoding means fitted to it.
  • the inner portion comprises a detachable portion extending from the inner portion and adapted to carry a product.
  • the detachable inner portion may also be adapted to carry further means of identification in a form of, for example, an RF tag or bar code.
  • the apparatus further comprises removing means for removing the inner portion of the drive-transferring member from the outer portion.
  • the apparatus further comprises replacing means for replacing an inner portion of the drive-transferring member into an empty outer portion of the second drive-transferring member.
  • the outer portion is formed from a rigid material. This means that when the inner portion is removed from the outer portion the compression existing between adjacent drive transferring members does not deform the outer portion. This in turn ensures that the compressive interaction between adjacent drive transferring members is preserved.
  • the inner portion is formed from three parts, two substantially hemispherical parts, and a third intermediate component comprising an elongate member.
  • the inner portion when the inner portion is substantially disc shaped, the inner portion may be formed from two parts, a substantially disc shaped part, and a second component comprising an elongate member adapted to engage with the substantially disc shaped inner portion.
  • the outer portion is shaped to fit around the circumference of the substantially disc shaped inner portion allowing the elongate member to extend beyond both the inner and outer portions.
  • the disc shaped inner portion may comprise weights positioned towards an edge of the disc, which will form the base of the bead. The weights ensure that the base is always in the appropriate orientation relative to the constraining guide.
  • each disc may comprise magnets which are attracted to magnets contained within the constraining guide to ensure that the discs remain appropriately orientated within the constraining guide.
  • the inner portion is adapted to receive a rod or similar elongate member such as a hanger. This enables items such as garments to be hung from the inner portions.
  • the inner portion comprises an identification tag such as a RF tag that is capable of data collection en route so that it is possible to track the exact route taken by a particular bead.
  • an identification tag such as a RF tag that is capable of data collection en route so that it is possible to track the exact route taken by a particular bead.
  • Visible, audible and other detectable tags may alternatively be used.
  • the tags may be e.g. programmed or programmable devices such as but not limited to microchips.
  • the inner portion comprises a RF transceiver, which is capable of both receiving and transmitting data.
  • the drive-transferring members are thus able to transmit information to a control station informing the control station of the location of the drive-transferring member.
  • the inner portion is preferably coded with information. This allows the drive-transferring member to follow a predetermined path within the drive- transferring apparatus.
  • the outer portion may be coded with information, or both the inner and outer portion may be coded with information.
  • the bead will comprise a lower portion which carries a product and which can be separated from the remainder of the bead.
  • the lower portion may also be encrypted with, for example, a bar code or RF tag.
  • the lower portion may be in the form of, for example, an attachment for hooks, hangers, trays, vessels for carrying liquids or powder etc.
  • drive-transferring members of this type is that it is not necessary to introduce fresh beads into a constraining guide whenever a bead is diverted to a different constraining guide. Instead, if an inner or lower portion of a drive-transferring member in a first constraining guide is transferred to a second constraining guide, the outer or upper portion remains in position in the first constraining guide, thus maintaining the compressive interconnection between the drive-transferring members.
  • the bead remains in a particular constraining guide unless removed by an operator.
  • the drive transferring apparatus comprises at least one drive transferring unit, each drive transferring unit comprising a plurality of drive transferring members fixedly connected to one another.
  • a drive transferring unit for use in a drive transferring apparatus, the drive transferring unit comprising a plurality of drive transferring members fixedly connected to one another.
  • each drive fransferring unit comprises two drive transferring members fixedly connected to one another by a bead housing.
  • the bead housing comprises a detachable load handling device.
  • the detachable load handling device may take any suitable form, for example, it may be in the form of a hook. Alternatively, it may comprise a slot, aperture, rod, or tray, for example.
  • the detachable load handling device is moveable from one drive transfer unit to another, thereby to transfer a load from, for example, one constraining guide to another.
  • the drive fransferring apparatus further comprises a removing means for removing the load handling device from a first drive fransferring unit, and attaching the load handling device to a second drive transferring unit.
  • the drive transferring apparatus comprises a track extending substantially perpendicularly to at least a portion of the constraining guide.
  • the removing means is moveable along the track.
  • An advantage of this embodiment of the invention is that it is not necessary to remove beads from a constraining guide, in order to transfer a load from one constraining guide to another.
  • the elongate members or constraining guide portions come in a range of different shapes and sizes each of which is interconnectable with any other elongate member or constraining guide portion, it is possible to create a wide range of different designs of constraining guide from the modular elongate members or consfraining guide portions. This is possible because the constraining guide is formed from two or more elongate members or consfraining guide portions which when spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance define the constraining guide therebetween. It is not necessary to connect opposite elongate members to one another. This creates adaptability in the design of the constraining guide and its various branches.
  • Figure 1 is a schematic representation of drive transferring apparatus according to the present invention
  • Figure 2 is a schematic representation of the portion of the apparatus in Figure 1 showing a "T" junction forming part of the constraining guide of the apparatus in Figure 1;
  • Figure 3 is a schematic representation of a second type of junction forming part of the constraining guide of the apparatus in Figure 1;
  • Figure 4 is a schematic representation of a part of an apparatus of the type shown in Figure 1 in which the elongate members have substantially semicircular cross-section;
  • Figures 5a to 5c are schematic representations showing other cross- sectional shapes for the elongate members
  • Figure 5d is a schematic representation of a drive transferring member forming part of a further embodiment of the invention:
  • Figure 6 is a schematic representation of a part of an apparatus of the type shown in Figure 1 in which the elongate members have substantially circular cross-section and in which the elongate members are supported by the floor mounted support;
  • Figures 7a-7e are schematic representations of elongate members showing a range of different shapes and sizes which can be used to form a modular apparatus the type shown in Figure 1;
  • Figures 8a to 8d are schematic representations of supports which may used to support the elongate members forming the apparatus shown in Figure 1;
  • Figure 9 is a schematic representation of a drive transferring member which could form part of the apparatus to Figure 1 in which the drive transferring member is supporting a workstation;
  • Figure 10 is a schematic representation of a portion of a further embodiment of the invention showing transfer of goods from a first loop to a second loop;
  • Figure 11 is a schematic representation showing a drive transferring unit according to a further aspect of the invention.
  • Figures 12 and 13 are a schematic representation of the drive unit of Figure 11 including a detachable load handling device;
  • Figure 14 is schematic representation of a shuttle device for use with the drive transferring unit of Figures 12 and 13;
  • Figure 15 is a schematic representation showing the shuttle of Figure 14 engaged with a load handling device of the type shown in Figures 12 and 13 and with a track;
  • Figure 16 is a schematic representation showing fransfer of a load handling device between adjacent constraining guides;
  • Figure 17 is schematic representation showing a drive transferring apparatus according to the invention.
  • Figure 18 is a schematic representation showing the modularity of adjacent constraining guides.
  • Figure 19 is a schematic representation showing a further use for a drive transferring member according to the present invention.
  • an apparatus according to the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 100.
  • the apparatus is for use in an abattoir although the apparatus could be used for any number of different uses such as within a clothes warehouse.
  • the apparatus comprises a plurality of constraining guides 10 which each comprise a channel 12 defined between two elongate members or constraining guide portions 14.
  • the elongate members 14 may be substantially straight, or alternatively they may be curved.
  • a "T" junction may be formed between two curved elongate members 16 and one straight elongate member 18. In such a configuration, the channel 12 is defined by three elongate members at the junction.
  • junction 20 is in the form of a cross and is defined by four curved elongate members 15.
  • Channel 10 defines a constraining guide in which drive-transferring members 22 (only some of which are shown in this diagram) are captively moveable.
  • the drive-transferring members compressively interact with one another to transfer drive around the constraining guide.
  • FIG 2 the "T" junction 17 shown in more detail.
  • the constraining guide shown in Figure 1 is formed modularly, and as can be seen from Figure 2, each of the curved elongate members or constraining guide portions 16 comprises a curved portion 24 which interlocks with a sfraight elongate member or constraining guide portion 26 to either end of the elongate member or consfraining guide portion 24.
  • the remainder of the "T" junction is formed by a straight elongate member 17.
  • the direction in which a drive fransferring member 26 travels at the "T" junction is determined by an overhead divert solenoid 28 which can rotate to guide the bead in either direction of the "T" junction.
  • This junction is formed from four curved elongate members 30 which are themselves connected to further sfraight or curved elongate members as appropriate to form a constraining guide of appropriate shape.
  • An overhead directional cam 32 is rotatable to determine in which direction the bead 22 will travel.
  • the elongate members 14 may have any desirable cross-sectional shape as long as there are two points of contact between a bead and the elongate members when the bead is positioned in the constraining guide.
  • the cross-sectional shape may vary for aesthetic reasons.
  • FIG. 5a to 5c Other cross-sectional shapes are shown in Figures 5a to 5c for example.
  • the elongate members are triangular in cross-section.
  • a PTFE wear strip 58 is positioned along the point of contact of each elongate member, thus ensuring the apparatus is durable.
  • the apparatus comprises elongate members 14, which in this example, have a semi-circular cross section.
  • the elongate members are shown supporting a drive transferring member in the form of a bead 600.
  • the bead 600 comprises a portion 610 which extends below the elongate members.
  • the portion 610 contains a slot which is shaped to receive a detachable portion 620.
  • the detachable portion 620 comprises an aperture 630 which is shaped to received, for example, a hanger 640 on which may be hung garments.
  • support 40 comprises a ridge 44 which engages with groove 46 and elongate member 14.
  • the support is mounted on the ground or floor and thus supports the elongate member.
  • Support 42 comprises an arm 48 the length of which is variable since the arm 48 is telescopically connected to the remainder of the support 50.
  • the arm comprises a gripper 52 which grips the elongate member 14.
  • the bead 54 shown in Figure 4 comprises a RF tag 56 which is used to identify and locate the particular bead 54.
  • the bead 54 comprises two outer portions 58 and an inner portion 59.
  • the outer portions 58 and the inner portion 59 are connected to one another by means of a common axle (not shown).
  • the outer portions 58 are rotatable about the common axle, but the inner portion 59 does not rotate.
  • the inner portion 59 extends below the elongate members 14 to carry the RF tag 56 mentioned above.
  • the support is floor mounted and comprises two arms 62 having channels defined therein through which the elongate members 14 may pass.
  • Figures 7a to 7e show examples of the range of different shapes and sizes of elongate members 14 that could be used to build up a constraining guide of the type shown in Figure 1.
  • Figures 8a to 8d illustrate different types of support which may used to support the elongate members 14.
  • a drive-transferring member is designated generally by the reference numeral 90.
  • the drive-transferring member is generally in the shape of a bead having two outer portions 92 and an inner portion 94.
  • the inner portion has attached thereto an RF tag 96.
  • Extending from the inner portion 92 is an arm 98 which supports a workstation 100.
  • the workstation can be used for example in the trimming zone B of the apparatus shown in Figure 1 which is designed to be used in an abattoir.
  • the apparatus comprises two loops of consfraining guides 110 and 120. Beads comprising two outer portions 130 and an inner portion 140 are able to move with compressive interaction along either constraining guide, the outer portions 130 are rotatable about a common axle 150 which connects the outer portion 130 to the inner portion 140.
  • the inner portion 140 is non- rotatable.
  • the inner portion has a detachable load handling portion 160 extending below the elongate members 14 forming the constraining guides 110, 120 respectively.
  • Constraining guide 110 has positioned below it a second pair of elongate members 170, 180 which are connected to the constraining guide 110 by means of a snap-on connector 190.
  • Elongate member 180 comprises an actuator 200 which when actuated causes the portion 160 to become detached from the inner portion 140. This causes the portion 160 together with the hanger 210, which could be supporting a garment, to be expelled into a gravity fed drop 220. The inner portion is thus directed towards a bead in the second loop 120 and is attached to the inner portion 140 of the bead in the constraining guide 120. Products such as garments can thus be transferred between different constraining guide loops as required.
  • the drive transferring unit is designated generally by the reference numeral 110.
  • the drive transferring unit comprises two drive transferring members 120 which are fixedly connected to one another by means of a bead housing 130.
  • the bead housing 130 allows a bead train to partially act as a single unit or string. This provides benefits in reducing the tendency for the beads to rise due to the compressive drive force, yet maintains the bead as a discrete individual unit. An individual bead can still be removed for replacement or inspection.
  • the bead drive unit 110 has two fixed axles one for each bead 120.
  • the drive transferring unit 110 is able to carry a higher weight at a reduced cost. It also has a greater stability and a reduced tendency to lift through compressive force than some other embodiments of the invention.
  • the drive transferring unit 110 is shown in conjunction with a detachable load handling device 140.
  • the load handling device is attachable to the bead housing 130 in that portion 150 of the load handling device is insertable into a slot 160 in the bead housing 130.
  • a removal means in the form of a shuttle is designated generally by the reference numeral 170.
  • the shuttle 170 is adapted to cause movement of a load being supported by a load handling device from one constraining guide to another.
  • the shuttle In drive transferring apparatus having several constraining guides, the shuttle is able to fransfer loads across several adjacent constraining guides.
  • the shuttle 170 is able to detach the load handling device 140 from the drive transferring unit 110 to which it had been attached. The shuttle 170 is then able to move along a dedicated frack 180 which runs substantially perpendicularly to at least a portion of a constraining guide.
  • the shuttle 170 In use, the shuttle 170 is moved into position, and located centrally under the load handling device.
  • the frack 180 is raised, in turn raising the shuttle and the load handling device, thus disengaging the load handling device from the drive transferring unit 110.
  • the shuttle 170 then continues its movement on the track, taking the load handling device away from the drive fransferring unit 110 and onto an adjacent constraining guide.
  • both the shuttle and the load handling device can pass through a drive transferring unit 110 and therefore are able to pass across a consfraining guide and onto a subsequent constraining guide.
  • the shuttle is preferably driven from a belt drive 200 which engages onto a plate mounted underneath the shuttle system.
  • Multiple belt drives between adjacent tracks can drive the shuttle 170 across several constraining guides.
  • a fransfer unit designated generally by the reference numeral 190 comprises a shuttle belt drive 200, a shuttle track 180 on, which is engageable a shuttle 170.
  • the transfer unit 190 must engage with a constraining guide and move in synchronisation with the constraining guide.
  • the shuttle 170 is also synchronised to a drive fransferring unit 110 and can now move into a position to detach the load handling device from that drive transferring unit 110.
  • the shuttle 170 is accelerated by the belt drive 200 and is stopped once it is aligned with the drive fransferring unit 110.
  • the carriage assembly 190 is lifted by pneumatic cylinders (not shown) causing the load handling device to detach from the drive transferring unit 110.
  • the shuttle is accelerated again, transferring the load from the constraining guide in which the drive fransferring unit 110 is positioned.
  • Figure 17 shows the completion of the transfer in which a load handling device 140 has been transferred to a second drive fransferring unit 110.
  • the load handling device is identifiable by either a bar code reader or a RF tag.
  • the apparatus 500 comprises a plurality of loops of constraining guide 510 which may each be assembled from modular portions.
  • the different loops 510 may interact with one another as required so that product carried on beads (not shown) may be transferred to different loops as required.
  • the loops are supported by supports 520.
  • a constraining guide By means of the present invention therefore it is possible to assemble a constraining guide to meet the needs of a user using elongate members which interlock with one another to form a constraining guide of desired shape and size.
  • the consfraining guide may be altered at any time throughout the life of the apparatus by adding further elongate members or removing some elongate members. This means that if the users needs change, the constraining guide may be changed to meet those changed needs.
  • All that is necessary to create a constraining guide used in the apparatus of the present invention is that there are two points of contact created by the elongate members forming the constraining guide when a drive-transferring member is positioned in the constraining guide.
  • the drive can be created by any suitable means such as a star wheel.
  • the apparatus further comprises a controller which is used to control movement of the drive-transferring members within the constraining guide and also to locate and identify individual drive-transferring members.
  • a drive transferring apparatus according to present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 320.
  • the drive transferring member is of the type describe herein above with reference to Figures 1 to 17.
  • the apparatus is particularly suited for use in an airport for handling baggage on check in and on arrival at a destination.
  • Each member 122 comprises a bead 124, and an elongate member 126 in the form of a luggage holder.
  • the member 122 further comprises an RF transponder which may be built in to the bead 124 or into the luggage holder 126 for example. This enables data to be captured and stored relating to the passenger, luggage weight, destination etc.
  • the drive transferring apparatus of the present invention may comprise a remote drive housed away from the drive transferring apparatus when the apparatus is located in for example, difficult or hazardous areas.
  • floor mounted supports could be adapted to house telescopic features to compensate for the uneven terrain.
  • a modular drive transferring apparatus may be configured in cells (or loops as shown as Figure 18), one or more cells forming the complete conveyor system. It is possible, therefore to route the product around one cell only forming the overall drive transferring apparatus for example.
  • cells can be arranged and rearranged according to the users needs, and should a breakdown occur, the damage would only be limited to one small sector of the overall system. The present invention therefore allows energy savings to be achieved.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Specific Conveyance Elements (AREA)
  • Discharge By Other Means (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne un appareil de transfert d'entraînement qui comprend un guide de restriction définissant un chemin de transfert d'entraînement, et un pluralité d'éléments de transfert d'entraînement retenus de manière mobile dans un guide de restriction, les éléments de transfert d'entraînement pouvant transférer un entraînement entre des parties discontinues du guide de restriction. Ledit appareil est caractérisé en ce que le guide de restriction comprend une paire de parties espacées l'une de l'autre afin que soit défini un canal entre celles-ci, en ce que les éléments de transfert d'entraînement soient retenus de manière mobile dans le canal, et en ce que le canal donne accès à un ou à plusieurs éléments de transfert d'entraînement.
PCT/GB2003/004188 2002-09-28 2003-09-26 Procede et appareil de transfert d'entrainement WO2004028929A2 (fr)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU2003271864A AU2003271864A1 (en) 2002-09-28 2003-09-26 Method and apparatus for transferring drive

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB0222535A GB0222535D0 (en) 2002-09-28 2002-09-28 Method and apparatus for transferring drive
GB0222535.7 2002-09-28

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2004028929A2 true WO2004028929A2 (fr) 2004-04-08
WO2004028929A3 WO2004028929A3 (fr) 2004-05-21

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2003/004188 WO2004028929A2 (fr) 2002-09-28 2003-09-26 Procede et appareil de transfert d'entrainement

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Country Link
AU (1) AU2003271864A1 (fr)
GB (1) GB0222535D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2004028929A2 (fr)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012031857A1 (fr) 2010-09-08 2012-03-15 SSI Schäfer PEEM GmbH Installation de convoyeur suspendu, adaptateur de transport associé, et branchement à déplacement transversal correspondant
CN111409984A (zh) * 2020-03-23 2020-07-14 浙江衣拿智能科技股份有限公司 一种智能仓储系统及其调度控制方法

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5064054A (en) * 1989-05-25 1991-11-12 Hoppmann Corporation Overlapping flat surface transport carrier conveyor
US5139131A (en) * 1990-09-26 1992-08-18 Tetra Pak Holdings S.A. Conveyor installation for workpiece carriers
DE9320415U1 (de) * 1993-12-28 1994-07-21 Link Wilhelm Kg Transportanlage mit Werkstückträgern
WO1997038928A1 (fr) * 1996-04-18 1997-10-23 Scootabout International Limited Procede et appareil de transmission de puissance d'entrainement

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US5064054A (en) * 1989-05-25 1991-11-12 Hoppmann Corporation Overlapping flat surface transport carrier conveyor
US5139131A (en) * 1990-09-26 1992-08-18 Tetra Pak Holdings S.A. Conveyor installation for workpiece carriers
DE9320415U1 (de) * 1993-12-28 1994-07-21 Link Wilhelm Kg Transportanlage mit Werkstückträgern
WO1997038928A1 (fr) * 1996-04-18 1997-10-23 Scootabout International Limited Procede et appareil de transmission de puissance d'entrainement

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2012031857A1 (fr) 2010-09-08 2012-03-15 SSI Schäfer PEEM GmbH Installation de convoyeur suspendu, adaptateur de transport associé, et branchement à déplacement transversal correspondant
CN111409984A (zh) * 2020-03-23 2020-07-14 浙江衣拿智能科技股份有限公司 一种智能仓储系统及其调度控制方法

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU2003271864A8 (en) 2004-04-19
GB0222535D0 (en) 2002-11-06
WO2004028929A3 (fr) 2004-05-21
AU2003271864A1 (en) 2004-04-19

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