Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An accumulating conveyer is provided in which rollers are utilized which have a drive mechanism with a driven load-engaging portion in permanent frictional engagement with a driving portion. The drive mechanism includes an adjustable bias means so that the driving force between a driving portion and a driven portion is adjustable according to the characteristics of the loads to be conveyed. A friction pad is positioned between a disc in the driving portion and a disc in the driven portion of the drive mechanism; the two discs are urged against the friction pad by a compression spring. When the weight of a load in contact with the driven portion is below a predetermined value, the friction between the friction pad and the two discs is sufficient to cause the two discs and the friction pad to rotate conjointly thereby coupling the driving portion to the driven portion. When the weight of the load, or the weight of the load plus other resistance to movement of the load, exceeds the predetermined value, slippage occurs between the friction pad and the two discs thereby uncoupling the driving portion from the driven portion. Only selected ones of the rollers include drive mechanisms, the number and spacing of rollers with drive mechanisms, the number and spacing of rollers with drive mechanisms being determined by characteristics of the loads to be conveyed. The conveyer can be used to column accumulate, and, with the addition of brakes actuated by a switching mechanism, to zone accumulate.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim