GB1386828A - Apparatus for handling articles - Google Patents

Abstract

1386828 Platform elevators FUJIKOSHI KK 2 Nov 1972 [6 Nov 1971 2 Oct 1972] 50502/72 Heading B8H [Also in Division G3] Article handling apparatus comprises a base 101 on which a platform 102 is mounted for movement in a vertical direction relative thereto by means of two pairs of crossed bars 104, 106 and (103, 105), Fig. 3 (not shown), located on opposite sides of the platform 102, there being a rotatably mounted vertical shaft 162 mounted in a shaft housing 161 located on the underside of the platform 102 and an arm 200 located in an arm holder 210 mounted on the shaft 162, the arm 200 being longitudinally displaceable relative to the arm holder 210 and also rotatable about its own longitudinal axis and having an article grasp comprising fingers 270, 271 located on one end thereof. A cam 130 is connected to a shaft 108 which is connected to the bars (105) 106, retraction of the ram piston causing the crossed bars 104, 106, (103, 105) to elevate the platform 102, a coil spring 134, which is compressed in the condition of the crossed bars shown in Fig. 2, assisting the said retraction of the piston. The shaft 162 which bears the arm 200 is rotated about its own axis by means of a pair of rams 193, (194), Fig. 3 (not shown), whose pistons are connected respectively to beams 191, (192) to which the ends of chains 185, 186, which pass about sprockets fixed to the shaft 162, are attached. A further ram 230, Fig. 5, is connected by means of an arm 231 to the arm 200 to provide for the reciprocation of the arm 200 along its own axis, rotary movement of the arm 200 about its own axis being achieved by means of a ram (240), Fig. 7 (not shown), which rotates an arm supporting sleeve 218 and which is mounted on the arm holder bracket 212, the piston (245) of the ram (240) having a rack (245a) formed thereon which meshes with a pinion (246)'to drive a gear (247) which meshes with a gear (249) to cause rotation of a worm (250), Fig. 6 (not shown), the worm (250) meshing with a worm-wheel (251) secured to the sleeve 218. The article group which is located at one end of the arm 200 comprises the fingers 270, 271 which are connected by finger members 272, 273 respectively to a member 285 fixed to the arm 200, the finger members 272, 273 being connected by links 274, 275 to a block 284 mounted at one end of a connected rod 288 whose other end is connected to an arm 297 connected to a ram 295, Fig. 5, such that on actuation of the ram 295, the rod 288 is moved longitudinally of the arm 200 to cause the fingers 270, 271 and finger members 272, 273 to rotate about pins 278, 279 mounted on the member 285. The operation of the rams 130, 193, (194), 230, (240) and 295 is controlled by electrical control means in accordance with a prescribed programme.