Railways – Traction – Chain
Reexamination Certificate
2002-04-15
2003-11-11
Morano, S. Joseph (Department: 3617)
Railways
Traction
Chain
C104S089000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06644211
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a deviating device (subsequently referred to as a “deviating station” for “deviating unit” or deviating a transporting means in a deviating plane, wherein two track portions of a movement path of the transporting means which adjoin the deviating device and clamp the deviating plane are mounted on the deviating unit. The transporting means can be in particular flexible transporting means, for example chains, synthetic plastic belts, etc.
Transporting devices are known in various embodiments. For example German patent document DE 32 13 986 C2 discloses an endless transporter which has a plurality of carrier parts which are connected by means of an endless transporting chain. With the transporting chain which is movable at all sides it is possible to guide the endless transporter flexibly in a corresponding space. In order to perform a direction change of the endless transporter, deviating stations are utilized which deviate the chain in a predetermined angle. For this purpose in the prior art deviating stations are known, with which the chain is deviated over a fixed angle of 30°, 45°, 90° or 180°. By combination of several deviating stations, the chain can be deviated over different angles. Here however for example for deviation of 60° the use of two deviating stations with an angle of 30° is needed, whereby the cost for the transporter is increased, since for one deviation several deviating stations with fixed, predetermined angles are needed. Furthermore, with the deviating stations having predetermined angles no complete flexibility during the guidance of a chain or transporter can be provided, since the transporting chain is not deviatable by any angle.
Such transporting units are disclosed in the catalogue “Chain Transporting System Vario Flow”, Edition 1.0 Robert Bosch, GmbH Stuttgart DE, pages
1-0
as well as
4-0
to
4-3
. Two tangential adjoining track portions are mounted on the deviation unit. The angle which the both track portions enclose can be provided with several values. For this purpose the deviating unit is composed of an upper part and a lower part which are turnably supported on one another. Since the upper and the lower parts are placed over one another, cooperating of corresponding bearing points must be provided, whereby two different cast molds are needed. Further, the both parts are relatively large.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a deviating device of the above mentioned general type which makes possible deviation the transporting means over any angle.
In keeping with these objects and with others which will become apparent hereinafter, one feature of the present invention resides, in a deviating device of the above mentioned general type, in which the both track portions are mounted each on a separate component of the deviating device, wherein the both portions are turnable relative to one another about a turning axis which is substantially orthogonal to a deviating plane and are fixable correspondingly in a predetermined angular position.
The inventive deviating device has the advantage that it can deviate the transporting means at any angle, whereby when compared with the prior art, the number of parts and components, which are needed for maintaining a deviating devices with different deviating angles can be reduced. Furthermore, manufacturing or tool costs are reduced, since the inventive deviating device can be used at any deviating points in the transporting path. In addition to this, the inventive deviating device is favorable to manufacture and easy to mount.
In accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, the both components can be formed so that they are mounted on one another. This leads to a further reduction of the parts which are required for maintaining of the inventive deviating device. It is also advantageous for manufacturing and storage costs, when the both parts are formed identical, for example as cast parts.
In order to facilitate the positioning of the both components relative to one another, a centering ring can be provided, which in the operation-ready condition of the deviating device it is arranged so as to surround the turning axis between the both components. It is however also possible that one of the both components has a ring-shaped flange which serves for positioning of the other components.
A connecting pin which extends coaxially to the turning axis, for example a screw pin can be inserted through each of the openings of each component. When each of the components has a plurality of such openings, these components can be used for making available deviating devices with different deviating radii, which is also advantageous for manufacturing and bearing costs.
Depending on whether the supporting surfaces of both components are formed so as to provide form-locking for example by means of an end toothing or frictional engagement, the deviating angle can be varied in predetermined angular steps or in a stepless fashion.
Alternatively, each of the both components can have a plurality of openings, which are arranged at equal distances from one another, and preferably over a peripheral circle around the running axis. This embodiment also allows deviation of the deviating angle in a predetermined angular roster? When to the contrary one of the both components has at least one elongated hole, at least one opening and/or an elongated hole of the respective other component located opposite to it, the deviating angle can be varied in stepless manner. In this case, the direction of extension of the elongated holes follows a peripheral circle around the turning axis. An especially wide variation region with different angles can be provided when the both components have each two elongated holes located geometrically opposite relative to the turning axis.
In accordance with a second embodiment, the both components can be mountable on a common base plate. This embodiment has a special advantage with respect to the mounting of the deviating device, since the base plate can be assembled with the further functional points of the deviation device, before subsequently the both parts with or without the adjoining track portions can be mounted on the base plate in the desired angular position.
When the base plate has two elongated holes, preferably located diametrically opposite to one another with respect to the turning axis, its longitudinal extension preferably follows a peripheral circle around the turning axis. Thereby the deviating angle can be varied in a stepless fashion.
As indicated before, in all embodiments the both components preferably are fixed by means of at least one connecting pin, preferably by means of at least one screw pin, in the predetermined angular position.
For connection of the both parts with the track portions associated with them, in accordance with a first alternative a connecting element is formed of one piece with each of the both components, and is mountable on one of the track portions. In accordance with a second alternative, it is however possible that at least one separate connecting element is provided, which on the one hand is mountable on one component and on the other hand is mountable on a track portion. In both alternatives the connecting element can be mounted in a simple and reliable manner on the track portion, when the connecting element is mountable in a receiving groove of the track portion and is mountable in it on the track portion.
For reducing the sliding friction during deviation of the transporting means, it is proposed that the deviation device includes a deviating wheel for the transporting means, wherein the deviating wheel is supported rotatably about the turning axis by means of a bearing on a receptacle which surrounds one of the both components. A drive unit can engage directly or indirectly the deviating wheel. It operates for displacing the deviating wheel in a rotary movement around the turning axis. Thereby the inventive deviating d
Baier Wolfram
Fischer Joachim
Hettwer Guido
Klemd Olaf
Koban Johannes
Morano S. Joseph
Olson Lars
LandOfFree
Deviating device for transporting means does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Deviating device for transporting means, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Deviating device for transporting means will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-3128644