GB1114364A - Unstacking and loading machine - Google Patents

Abstract

1,114,364. Unstacking-machines. NID PTY. Ltd. 29 April. 1966 [15 April, 1966], No. 19039/66. Heading B8C. Articles, e.g. trays to be fed to a work station, are delivered in stacks 20A, Fig. 1, on pallets 21A, on to rails 52, Fig. 10, carrying non-return pawls 57, and in which slide pallet transfer bars 51 which form part of a reciprocating carrier frame 30, the bars 51 carrying spring-loaded pawls 54 which, when the frame is driven forward, push the pallets into position 20B; the previous stack in position 20B is pushed between aligning rollers 58 into position 20C by vertical members 61 mounted on the frame 30; the top few trays, five as described, are then lifted from the stack by two members 75, each mounted on one of two parallel endless chains 66 which deliver the trays, via position 20D, to a feed-out means 76 which supports the trays and dispenses them one at a time. Transfer means 75, Fig. 16.-Each chain 66 carries at least one member 75, each member comprising a plate 77 attached to the chain, and carrying upright pairs of flanges 82, 83 on which is pivoted a U-shaped hook-piece 85 which includes a tray lifting flange 86. The hook-piece also carries a probe 92 which slides upon the end faces of trays in a stack, pushing the flange 86 away from the trays until the probe extends over the stack top, when the flange 86 engages under the fifth tray to carry five trays upwardly to position 20D. On reaching the feed-out means 76, the flanges 86 and 92 of the members 75 carrying the stack are withdrawn, and held withdrawn by catches 95 until the catches abut stops 98, Fig. 1, thereby allowing members 75 to swing and abut the stack 20C. When the last five trays are picked up, rollers 105 on each member 75 contact and lift bars 99, Fig. 5, which through links 100, 102 are connected, in the absence of trays in position 20C, to a clutch 46 which activates the frame 30. Feed-out means 76, Fig. 5, comprises four upright aligning guides 124, two pairs of camoperated retractable tray-supporting lugs 125, and a cam-operated reciprocable table 133. Trays from the members 75 are deposited in the guides 124 on the lugs 125, and the table 133 is driven up into contact with the bottom tray. The lugs are retracted and the table lowered, the lugs being driven back to engage under the second tray in the stack and the table continuing downwardly with a single tray, which is deposited on a conveyer. The pallet transfer bars 51 may extend to a tray stacking machine. Electronic or pneumatic gear may control the moving parts of the machine. The chains 66 may be replaced by " Ferris " wheels.