Pallet retention and release system

Details Pallet retention and release system Pallet retention and release system

1998-12-24

2001-11-20

Olszewski, Robert P. (Department: 2167)

Conveyors: power-driven

Conveyor section

Unit load conveying surface means moved about an endless or...

C198S867130, C198S465100

Reexamination Certificate

active

06318546

ABSTRACT:

FIELD OF INVENTION
The present invention relates to the field of conveyor systems and, more particularly, relates to a pallet retention and release system for use with a conveyor chain which transports a variety of workpieces.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
Pallet conveyor systems are used in connection with production line systems, for example, in connection with high production grinding machines, which grind internal combustion engine blocks to transport workpieces between successive workstations enabling different operations to be performed on the workpieces and to reduce efficiency losses in handling the workpieces between the workstations. Workpieces which are handled in this manner can be placed on pallets, which are mounted on master platens which are mounted on a conveyor chain. The conveyor chain thus can transport the workpieces from workstation to workstation, enabling required operations to be performed at each workstation.
Most production line systems are designed to enable operations on a variety of workpieces of different dimensions to be performed. All workpieces cannot be mated to the same pallet if it is intended to handle such workpieces using a pallet conveyor system. Rather, because of dimensional differences between workpieces, each type of workpiece to be produced on a high production line often requires its own separate and unique pallet. Accordingly, when production systems must change-over to different workpieces, the conveyor system's pallets must be removed and replaced. In some circumstances, adjustments can be made to a pallet so that it can accommodate the new workpiece.
At other times, operations must be performed on workpieces at workstations remote from the conveyor chain and the workpiece must be removed from the conveyor chain. Once the operations are completed, it may be necessary to return the workpieces to the conveyor chain. In those cases, the pallet is removed with the workpieces from the conveyor chain and returned with the workpiece to the conveyor chain upon completion of the desired operation.
Pallet removal from the conveyor chain during change-over or otherwise is a time-intensive operation which causes losses to production efficiency. In removing pallets from the conveyor chain, fasteners must be manually loosened before the pallet is removed, and re-tightened when it or a new pallet is mounted back on the conveyor.
Accordingly, there exists a real need in the art for a pallet retention and release system which reduces the manual labour required during pallet removal and replacement and thereby reduces the time required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is an object of the invention to provide a pallet retention and release system which obviates or mitigates at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art.
In a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a pallet retention and release system including pallets for supporting workpieces, means for advancing the pallets, an apparatus for securing the pallets to the advancing means comprising latching means, and rolling means, and a rail member.
The latching means can be pivotally coupled to the advancing means to allow pivoting of the latching means about an axis having a first orientation for releasably engaging a pallet, the rolling means is affixed to the latching means, and the rail member is adapted to be engaged by the rolling means to exert a force in a direction perpendicular to the first orientation on the rolling means during advancement of the pallet in a pallet changeover area for causing pivotal rotation of the latching means for disengaging said pallet when removal of the pallet is desired. The rail member is also disengageable from the rolling means so that the latching means secure the pallet to the advancing means.
In the alternative, removal of the pallet can be effected while the pallet is stationary in the pallet changeover area. The rail member can exert a force perpendicular to the first orientation on the rolling means while the pallet is stationary, thereby causing pivotal rotation of the latching means for disengaging said pallet when removal of the pallet is desired.
In a preferred embodiment, the latching means are urged by spring means into slidable engagement with the pallet. Engagement of the rolling means by the rail member urges the latching means in an upward direction, overcoming the downward forces of the spring means, causing pivotal rotation of the latching means, and thereby releasing the latching means from engagement with the pallet.


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