Conveyor load transfer apparatus

Abstract

Conveyor load transfer apparatus, including a follow-up carriage movable in the direction in which a conveyor moves and driven by a double-acting cylinder. A transverse carriage is supported on the follow-up carriage and is movable perpendicular to the running direction of the conveyor, being driven back and forth by a transverse motor mounted on the follow-up carriage. An article-handling segment, driven up and down by an elevation drive source, is mounted on the transverse carriage. A follow-up detector is mounted on the follow-up carriage to generate deviation signals representing relative positions of the follow-up carriage and an article-supporting device of the conveyor. A double-acting cylinder expands and contracts according to the motion of the follow-up carriage, and is connected to a pressure-compensating solenoid flow-rate regulating valve with a check valve connected between the two ports thereof. The elevation drive source includes two individually controlled double-acting air cylinders arranged in series, one air cylinder having a buffering device including a check valve connected between the two ports thereof and a throttle valve, with a check valve, connected to the rod-side port thereof.