GB1561186A

GB1561186A - Apparatus supitable for use in a method of transferring split tiles

Info

Publication number: GB1561186A
Application number: GB4757177A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: Hans Lingl Anlagenbau und Verfahrenstechnik GmbH and Co KG
Current assignee: Hans Lingl Anlagenbau und Verfahrenstechnik GmbH and Co KG
Priority date: 1976-12-16
Filing date: 1977-11-15
Publication date: 1980-02-13
Also published as: DE2656956C3; FR2374236A1; BE861753A; DE2656956B2; DE2656956A1; BR7708339A; NL7713856A; ATA903677A; AT351988B; FR2374236B1

Description

(54) IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO AN APPARATUS SUITABLE FOR, USE IN AND A METHOD OF, TRANSFERRING SPLIT TILES (71) We, HANS LINGL ANLAGEN BAU UND VERFAHRENSTECHNIK GmbH & CO. KG., a company of the Federal Republic of Germany, of 7910 Neu-Ulm, Postfach 1629, Federal Republic of Germany, do hereby declare the invention, for which we pray that a patent may be granted to us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: The present invention relates to a method of, and to an apparatus suitable for use in, transferring split tiles, that is splits.

A device has been proposed whereby split tiles can be obtained by cutting from a strand and the split tiles, resting on their narrow sides, are thereafter guided over a conveyor belt at a high speed and in the strand direction. The output of this first device is, however, restricted because, for drying, the split tiles are deposited on moulding trays, the split tiles being placed on the trays transversely to their longitudinal extent at a distance from each other and bearing on their narrow sides.

A second device proposes depositing split tiles on a pallet on which they are placed at right-angles to the longitudinal extent thereof and at a distance from each other. Such pallets are moved at right-angles to production direction for the purpose of transferring the split tiles which are transferred by a manipulator which lifts the split tiles by means of tongues, the pallets being moved at a rate of feed which is such that the split tiles are deposited at the required distance for drying.

It has hitherto not been possible to utilise the full production output of an extrusion press by means of these devices, so that production has to be performed at a lower rate for this reason.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of transferring split tiles, which method comprises conveying split tiles using a belt conveyor situated intermediate of a first belt conveyor and at least two second belt conveyors in a direction towards the first or second belt conveyors to transfer the split tiles from the first belt conveyor, on which the split tiles are conveyed to the intermediate belt conveyor, to the second belt conveyors, on which the split tiles are conveyed from the intermediate belt conveyor, or vice versa, and moving the intermediate belt conveyor, during conveyance thereby, transversely of the conveying direction of the split tiles onto or from the intermediate belt conveyor to at least two locations, at each of which locations the intermediate belt conveyor is positioned to receive a split tile from the first belt conveyor, or from one of the second belt conveyors, and to transfer a split tile already on the intermediate belt conveyor to one of the second belt conveyors, or to the first belt conveyor.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided an apparatus suitable for use in transferring split tiles, which apparatus comprises a belt conveyor situated intermediate of a first belt conveyor and at least two second belt conveyors for conveying split tiles in a direction towards the first or second belt conveyors to transfer the split tiles from the first belt conveyor to the second belt conveyors, or vice versa, and means for moving the intermediate belt conveyor transversely of the conveying direction of the split tiles onto or from the intermediate belt conveyor to at least two locations and during conveyance of the split tiles by the intermediate belt conveyor, the intermediate belt conveyor being of such width and positioned relative to the first and second belt conveyors such that at each location the intermediate belt conveyor is operatively positioned with respect to the first belt conveyor and one of the second belt conveyors.

Advantageously, there is provided an apparatus suitable for use in transferring split tiles, which apparatus comprises a cutter for cutting split tiles, from a clay strand, a first belt conveyor, drivable by the cutter via a chain drive, for receiving the split tiles lying on narrow sides thereof, from the cutter, an intermediate belt conveyor for receiving the split tiles from the first belt conveyor, two second belt conveyors adjoining the intermediate belt conveyor for receiving split tiles from the intermediate belt conveyor, the intermediate belt conveyor having a separate drive for conveyance of the split tiles thereby, which split tiles are conveyed in use by the intermediate belt conveyor in a direction towards the second belt conveyors, and being disposed in a frame, the frame together with the intermediate belt conveyor being slidable during conveyance by the intermediate belt conveyor transversely to the conveying direction of the split tiles by a crank drive to two locations, the intermediate belt conveyor being such that, at each location, the intermediate belt conveyor is operatively positioned both to receive split tiles from the first belt conveyor and to transfer successively a split tile already on the intermediate belt conveyor to one or other of the second belt conveyors, and tongues, having stop abutments, for receiving the split tiles from the second belt conveyor and for precisely depositing the split tiles on pallets on rapid retraction of the tongues.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention enable the provision of a method and apparatus capable of coping with the full output of split tiles produced on an extrusion press.

It is an important advantage of a preferred embodiment of a method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention that the full output of an extrusion press and of a cutter can be utilised in the production of split tiles and that the split tiles can be gently deposited on pallets at a substantially increased rate of production.

It is a further advantage of the preferred embodiment that by distributing the output over a plurality, advantageously two, second belt conveyors the split tiles can be deposited on the pallets at a lower speed and are thus securely transferred into drying racks.

For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the single figure of the accompanying drawing which shows a plan view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to the drawing, split tiles (that is splits) 1 cut from a clay strand by a cutter and lying on their narrow sides, are transferred to a conveyor belt 3. The conveyor belt 3 is driven by a chain drive 2 of the cutter and transfers the split tiles 1 to a distributing device 4. The distributing device 4 comprises å short distributor belt 5 disposed in a frame which can be slid, together with the distributor belt 5, transversely of the conveying direction of the split tiles 1 by a crank drive 6 to position the distributor belt 5 in two positions or locations. The distributor belt 5 is provided with its own drive and, on reciprocation by means of the crank drive 6 to one or other of the two positions, transfers the incoming split tiles 1 alternately to one or other of two substantially parallel conveyor belts 7 and 8, respectively.

The width of the distributor belt 5 is such that, at each of the two positions, one of the split tiles 1 passes onto the distributor belt 5 and a preceding split tile already on the distributor belt 5 passes from the distributor belt 5 to one or other of the conveyor belts 7 and 8. The distributor belt 5 is controlled in such a way that the transfer of a split tile from the conveyor belt 3 to the distributor belt 5 and the transfer of the preceding split tiles to one of the conveyor belts 7 and 8 is defined by means of light barriers, not shown, and the distributor belt 5 is driven at a speed higher than that of the conveyor belt 3 so as to ensure trouble-free operation.

Advantageously, the conveyor belts 7 and 8 convey at a slower speed than that of the conveyor belt 3.

Equal proportions of split tiles 1 pass via the conveyor belts 7 and 8 to set-down devices adjoining respective conveyor belts 7 and 8. The split tiles 1 are pushed onto the setting tongues 9 and 10 and slide as far as stop abutments 11 and 12 provided on ends of the setting tongues 9 and 10, advantageously provided on opposite free ends thereof. Rapid retraction of the setting tongues 9 and 10 in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the split tiles 1 causes the split tiles 1 to be precisely deposited on pallets 13 which are moved in correspondence with the production rate.

As will be apparent, the apparatus as described above can be modified to include more than two of the conveyor belts 7 and 8.

Alternatively, the apparatus can be used to transfer split tiles from a plurality of conveyor means, such as the conveyor belts 7 and 8, to a conveyor means, such as the conveyor belt 3.

WHAT WE CLAIM IS: 1. A method of transferring split tiles, which method comprises conveying split tiles using a belt conveyor situated intermediate of a first belt conveyor and at least two second belt conveyors in a direction towards the first or second belt conveyors to transfer the split tiles from the first belt conveyor, on

**WARNING** end of DESC field may overlap start of CLMS **.

Claims

**WARNING** start of CLMS field may overlap end of DESC **. Advantageously, there is provided an apparatus suitable for use in transferring split tiles, which apparatus comprises a cutter for cutting split tiles, from a clay strand, a first belt conveyor, drivable by the cutter via a chain drive, for receiving the split tiles lying on narrow sides thereof, from the cutter, an intermediate belt conveyor for receiving the split tiles from the first belt conveyor, two second belt conveyors adjoining the intermediate belt conveyor for receiving split tiles from the intermediate belt conveyor, the intermediate belt conveyor having a separate drive for conveyance of the split tiles thereby, which split tiles are conveyed in use by the intermediate belt conveyor in a direction towards the second belt conveyors, and being disposed in a frame, the frame together with the intermediate belt conveyor being slidable during conveyance by the intermediate belt conveyor transversely to the conveying direction of the split tiles by a crank drive to two locations, the intermediate belt conveyor being such that, at each location, the intermediate belt conveyor is operatively positioned both to receive split tiles from the first belt conveyor and to transfer successively a split tile already on the intermediate belt conveyor to one or other of the second belt conveyors, and tongues, having stop abutments, for receiving the split tiles from the second belt conveyor and for precisely depositing the split tiles on pallets on rapid retraction of the tongues. Preferred embodiments of the present invention enable the provision of a method and apparatus capable of coping with the full output of split tiles produced on an extrusion press. It is an important advantage of a preferred embodiment of a method and apparatus in accordance with the present invention that the full output of an extrusion press and of a cutter can be utilised in the production of split tiles and that the split tiles can be gently deposited on pallets at a substantially increased rate of production. It is a further advantage of the preferred embodiment that by distributing the output over a plurality, advantageously two, second belt conveyors the split tiles can be deposited on the pallets at a lower speed and are thus securely transferred into drying racks. For a better understanding of the present invention and to show how the same may be put into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the single figure of the accompanying drawing which shows a plan view of an embodiment of an apparatus in accordance with the present invention. Referring to the drawing, split tiles (that is splits) 1 cut from a clay strand by a cutter and lying on their narrow sides, are transferred to a conveyor belt 3. The conveyor belt 3 is driven by a chain drive 2 of the cutter and transfers the split tiles 1 to a distributing device 4. The distributing device 4 comprises å short distributor belt 5 disposed in a frame which can be slid, together with the distributor belt 5, transversely of the conveying direction of the split tiles 1 by a crank drive 6 to position the distributor belt 5 in two positions or locations. The distributor belt 5 is provided with its own drive and, on reciprocation by means of the crank drive 6 to one or other of the two positions, transfers the incoming split tiles 1 alternately to one or other of two substantially parallel conveyor belts 7 and 8, respectively. The width of the distributor belt 5 is such that, at each of the two positions, one of the split tiles 1 passes onto the distributor belt 5 and a preceding split tile already on the distributor belt 5 passes from the distributor belt 5 to one or other of the conveyor belts 7 and 8. The distributor belt 5 is controlled in such a way that the transfer of a split tile from the conveyor belt 3 to the distributor belt 5 and the transfer of the preceding split tiles to one of the conveyor belts 7 and 8 is defined by means of light barriers, not shown, and the distributor belt 5 is driven at a speed higher than that of the conveyor belt 3 so as to ensure trouble-free operation. Advantageously, the conveyor belts 7 and 8 convey at a slower speed than that of the conveyor belt 3. Equal proportions of split tiles 1 pass via the conveyor belts 7 and 8 to set-down devices adjoining respective conveyor belts 7 and 8. The split tiles 1 are pushed onto the setting tongues 9 and 10 and slide as far as stop abutments 11 and 12 provided on ends of the setting tongues 9 and 10, advantageously provided on opposite free ends thereof. Rapid retraction of the setting tongues 9 and 10 in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the split tiles 1 causes the split tiles 1 to be precisely deposited on pallets 13 which are moved in correspondence with the production rate. As will be apparent, the apparatus as described above can be modified to include more than two of the conveyor belts 7 and 8. Alternatively, the apparatus can be used to transfer split tiles from a plurality of conveyor means, such as the conveyor belts 7 and 8, to a conveyor means, such as the conveyor belt 3. WHAT WE CLAIM IS:

1. A method of transferring split tiles, which method comprises conveying split tiles using a belt conveyor situated intermediate of a first belt conveyor and at least two second belt conveyors in a direction towards the first or second belt conveyors to transfer the split tiles from the first belt conveyor, on

which the split tiles are conveyed to the intermediate belt conveyor, to the second belt conveyors, on which the split tiles are conveyed from the intermediate belt conveyor, or vice versa, and moving the intermediate belt conveyor, during conveyance thereby, transversely of the conveying direction of the split tiles onto or from the intermediate belt conveyor to at least two locations, at each of which locations the intermediate belt conveyor is positioned to receive a split tile from the first belt conveyor, or from one of the second belt conveyors, and to transfer a split tile already on the intermediate belt conveyor to one of the second belt conveyors, or to the first belt conveyor. method

2.A method according to Claim 1, wherein the first belt conveyor conveys split tiles to the intermediate belt conveyor and the second belt conveyors convey the split tiles transferred thereto by the intermediate belt conveyor from the intermediate belt conveyor. method

3. A method according to Claim 2 wherein the intermediate belt conveyor conveys at a higher speed than that of the first belt conveyor.

4. A method according to Claim 2 or 3 wherein the second belt conveyors each convey at a slower speed than that of the first belt conveyor.

5. A method according to Claim 2, 3 or 4, which comprises depositing transferred split tiles from the second belt conveyors on pallets.

6. A method according to Claim 5, wherein the depositing means comprises tongues, each tongue adjoining a respective second belt conveyor and having a stop abutment at an end thereof, and wherein the split tiles are fed from the second belt conveyors onto the tongues as far as the stop abutments and the tongues are rapidly retracted thereby causing the split tiles to be precisely deposited on the pallets.

7. A method according to Claim 6, wherein the tongues are retracted in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the split tiles.

8. A method according to any one of Claims 2 to 7, which further comprises cutting, using a cutter, the split tiles from a clay strand, the first belt conveyor being disposed downstream of the cutter, the split tiles being conveyed by the belt conveyors on narrow sides thereof.

9. An apparatus suitable for use in transferring split tiles, which apparatus comprises a belt conveyor situated intermediate of a first belt conveyor and at least two second belt conveyors for conveying split tiles in a direction towards the first or second belt conveyors to transfer the split tiles from the first belt conveyor to the second belt conveyors, or vice versa, and means for moving the intermediate belt conveyor transversely of the conveying direction of the split tiles onto or from the intermediate belt conveyor to at least two locations and during conveyance of the split tiles by the intermediate belt conveyor, the intermediate belt conveyor being of such width and positioned relative to the first and second belt conveyors such that at each location the intermediate belt conveyor is operatively positioned with respect to the first belt conveyor and one of the second belt conveyors.

10. An apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the second belt conveyors are substantially parallel.

11. An apparatus according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the intermediate belt conveyor transfers, in use, the split tiles from the first belt conveyor to the second belt conveyors.

12. An apparatus according to Claim 11, which further comprises depositing means for depositing transferred split tiles from the second belt conveyors onto support means.

13. An apparatus according to Claim 12, wherein the depositing means comprises tongues, each tongue adjoining a respective second belt conveyor and having a stop abutment at an end thereof, the tongues extending, in use, from the respective second belt conveyors to feed the split tiles to pallets and being retractable such that, on retraction, the split tiles are deposited on the pallets.

14. An apparatus according to Claim 13, wherein the tongues are adapted for rapid retraction in a direction opposite to the conveying direction of the split tiles on the respective second belt conveyors.

15. An apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 14, wherein the means for moving the intermediate belt conveyor comprises a crank drive and a frame, the intermediate belt conveyor being disposed in the frame, the frame being reciprocable by the crank drive transversely of the conveying direction.

16. An apparatus suitable for use in transferring split tiles, which apparatus comprises a cutter for cutting split tiles, from a clay strand, a first belt conveyor, drivable by a cutter via a chain drive, for receiving the split tiles lying on narrow sides thereof, from the cutter, an intermediate belt conveyor for receiving the split tiles from the first belt conveyor, two second belt conveyors adjoining the intermediate belt conveyor for receiving split tiles from the intermediate belt conveyor, the intermediate belt conveyor having a separate drive for conveyance of the split tiles thereby, which split tiles are conveyed in use by the intermediate belt conveyor in a direction towards the second belt conveyors, and being disposed in a frame, the frame together with the intermediate belt conveyor being slidable during conveyance by the intermediate belt conveyor transversely to the conveying direction of the split tiles by a crank drive to two locations, the intermediate belt conveyor being such that, at each location, the intermediate belt conveyor is operatively positiond both to receive split tiles from the first belt conveyor and to transfer successively a split tile already on the intermediate belt conveyor to one or other of the second belt conveyors, and tongues, having stop abutments, for receiving the split tiles from the second belt conveyor and for precisely depositing the split tiles on pallets on rapid retraction of the tongues.

17. A method of transferring split tiles, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawing.

18. An apparatus suitable for use in transferring split tiles, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to, and as shown in, the accompanying drawing.