GB1408220A - Article conveyor - Google Patents

Abstract

1408220 Chain conveyer J M LEACH 12 June 1973 27935/73 Heading B8A Articles are transferred from one level to another on platforms formed by two chain lengths the links of which are connected transversely by rods, the platforms being supported and transported on two pairs of chains. The links of the chains forming the platforms are alternately inner links which are flat and elongated and outer links which are of inverted U-shape and support a body member having a bore to receive a rod extending almost therethrough transversely of the link, thus defining a flange, and gusset ribs extending from the sides of the body member to a plate on the base of the U-shaped portion. Fig. 2 shows articles A being raised from an upstream conveyer, Fig. 1 (not shown) to a downstream conveyer 124 at a higher level. Each article is supported on a platform 30 comprising two lengths of chain interconnected by rods, which platform is flexible in one direction to enable it to pass round sprockets 22 on the return run while being inflexible under load. Fig. 7 shows the construction of the chain lengths. Inner links 46 are connected to outer links 48 by pins 52, the base of the inverted U-shape of link 48 extending past the connection to prevent flexing in a downward direction. Body member 49 has a bore extending transversely almost therethrough and gusset ribs 57 add strength. The articles A are fed to the conveyer such that each article fits neatly on to a platform. In Fig. 1 (not shown), a driven chain carrying pusher members moves faster than a pair of chains supporting the articles so that the articles are spaced by at least the distance between platforms, while articles arriving slightly too late to be engaged by a particular pusher are overtaken by that pusher and engaged by the next following one, leaving a gap and consequently an empty platform.