This invention relates to a method to hold objects and/or carriers for objects, which are conveyed by a conveyor.

Within for example the πanufact ring industry but also within other activ- ities such as food manufactoring industry, paint-spraying industry, trans¬ portation business, etc. there is a need to be able to hold objects and/or carriers for the objects, which are suspended from a conveyor, track or the like in such a firm position that they do not swing or move during influence or handling. At this the objects can be meant for conveying to or between different treatment or processing starions and during con¬ tinuous conveyance or intermittent conveyance, i.e. be arranged to stop at one or more stations.

Within the exemplified manufacturing industry and for, for example, treat- ment or working of objects, objects are often conveyed between one or more working, treatment or processing stations suspended from a conveyor and often from an endless conveyor arranged for continuous conveyance, such as the case is when objects are spray finishing.

In conveyors in question, the objects hang freely from the conveyor or in carriers from the conveyor and in that respect on a high height for the reason that the conveyor shall be able to convey different kind of objects and with different length and perhaps also for the reason that the convey¬ ing system not totally is going to shut off a space in a room. This results i.a. in that fact that the handling of the objects happen on far too high height, which is laborious and hard for the operator, as the arms must be kept highly. As the objects hang from carriers both hands must be used to handle an object, for exaπple when the object shall be hooked on or un¬ hooked the carrier, as one hand must hold the carrier or the hook and the other be used for lifting the object. This results also in a laborious and hard working position, especially when heavier objects are handled, when perhaps two persons must be used, one to hold the carrier or hook and the other for handling the object. Thus, such working operations engage more manpower besides that they are hard for them carrying out the work. Conse- quently, it would be an advantage if one could effect a more ergonomically shaped device, a device which requires lesser manpower and for the rest facilitates the handling of the objects and the device, Examples in this

respect could be that the working height can be adjusted, i.e. the height for the objects at a station, that the objects or the carriers can be held in such a position, that both hands can be used for the handling cf the objects, i.e. without the need to use one of the hands for holding the object or its carrier or hook, etc.

The object with this invention is to produce a method where such articles and/or their carriers, which are conveyed by means of a conveyor, are held in such a way, that the objects can be handled by both hands, i.e. without the need that one hand must hold the article or its carrier in order to hold the article or the carrier still during the handling, working, etc. Another object is to effect an improved ergonomic working position for the operator or the operators, which shall carry out the handling, working, etc. of the articles and if possible to increase the productivity with corresponding number of operators carrying out the work in question or reduce the intensity of work, which thus could be the consequence if the operator can use both hands for the work in question or the work operation instead of only one hand as when the other rr st be used to hold the article or its carrier or when both hands are needed for the work operation the second operator can be avoided, who otherwise is needed to hold the article or its carier still. The advantages can be effected by a method in accord¬ ance with the invention, which is characterized in that a holding device with holding means, such as belts or similar holding means for the objects or the carriers, is arranged at one or more stations along the conveyor, whereby the holding means are arranged below the conveyor in a frame com¬ prised by the holding device and are brought to run in substantially or preferably the same speed as the conveyor or the conveyance speed of the objects while said objects or carriers are held in such a way that they are prevented from swinging or, when influenced or during handling, to move freely during the conveyance or holding in the holding means.

According to one embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention the holding device, the frame or at least the holding means are vertically ad uatable for adjustment or adaptation of for example the height for carrying out the work.

It has been shown that for realization of the method the speed of the hold¬ ing means must be adapted or be able to be varied to the conveyance speed of the conveyor or the objects so that the objects and/or the carriers are

conveyed substantially synchronously or preferably are totally in accord¬ ance with the conveyance speed of the conveyor, which is the object for another embodiment of the method in accordance with the invention.

The invention also relates to a device for carrying out the invention, i.e. a dewice in conveyors for conveyance of objects, whereby the device is meant to be able to hold objects and/or carriers for objects and which are transported or conveyed by the conveyor, and comprises a frame and a hold¬ ing means. The device in accordance with the invention is on this characte- rized in that the frame is arranged to be able to hold said holding means below the conveyor in a position or working position or a first position or working position for the device, in which position said holding means can hold objects and/or carriers for the objects and in that respect in applicable cases during a substantially synchronous or preferably synchron- ous conveyance speed considering the conveyance speed of the conveyor.

According to one embcidiment of the device in accordance with the invention the holding means consist of holding means in pairs, for example in form of two endless, parallelly with each other running belts or mattings, which can be adjustable to take a relative, adapted distance to each other to form a gap, interspace or a contact between the belts or the belt portions, which are turned towards or lying against each other. When the belts are lying against each other, the contact pressure can in applicable cases be adjustable in order to attain a lower or greater contact pressure.

The holding means or the said belts are arranged driven, for example mechanically or by electrical motors. The belts consist preferably of mattings of a proportionately softly or elastically material in order to be able to be adapted for holding objects and/or carriers with varying thickness, shape or similar but are at the same time so rigid, that the mattings can hold the objects and/or the carriers in intended position in the holding device or holding means, which is an object for an additional embodiment of the device in accordance with the invention.

Further characteristics of and advantages with the method and the device in accordance with the invention will be apparent by embodiment examples in the following description of the invention, whereby simultaneous refer¬ ence will be made to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which Fig. 1 shows from one side or one end an example of a device in accordance with

the invention in one position or working position or a first position or working position. Fig. 2 shows the device according to Fig. 1 in a second position, Fig. 3 shows from a second side or side-face a part of the device in Fig. 1, Fig. 4 shows side-face also a part of a device in accordance with the invention, whereby it should be observed, that the holding means in form of belts, mattings or the like are lacking in the preceding figu¬ res, Fig. 5 shows from an end of the device a part of the device or holding means in form of belts or the like .and Figs. 6 a and b shows in an end view and from above respectively a safty device and a guiding device.

With reference designation 1 in Figs. 1 - 4 is shown one embodiment of a device in accordance with the invention and meant to hold objects 18 and/or carriers 19, 20 for objects 18, see Fig. 3. The device 1 is intended to be used in plants where a conveyor 10 is presence, preferably of the kind which is arranged on a relatively high level, such as higher than free headroom, and which is often arranged suspended from carriers, supports or the like extending from a ceiling or similar.

The device 1 comprises a frame 2 and holding means 3, which, according to one embodiment, consist of two endless belts 23, bands, mattings or similar which run around cylinders 5, rollers or similar and in one position or working position or in a first position or working position are arranged to run paranelly and opposite, see Fig. 5. According to the embodiment example, the frame 2 consists of a beam or similar, to the ends of which are arranged yokes 4 with legs 24, arms or similar in pairs, each turnably hinged on a pivot 6 in a part of the frame 2. The frame 2 in form of the beam is arranged to extend between the yokes 4 and keep the device 1 or frame 2 together. In the lower end of the yokes 4, the said belts are arranged running around a cylinder 5 or similar, arranged on cantilevers 7 at each end of device 1, as said. Holding or guiding elements 9 for the said belts extend between and passing the yokes 4 or between the said cylinders 5, whereby the said cantilvers 7 can be arranged and projecting from the ends of the holding or guiding elements, see also Fig. 4. Each leg 24 of the yokes 4 can support a bracket 27, for example in form of an U-profile or beam, as it appears from the embodiment in Fig. 5, and forms a holding or giiiding element 9 for the belts 23. Ihe bracket 27 or profile- can show a bent shank guiding the upper part of the belts 23 in upper edge recesses 25 shown by the belts. Guiding rails 28, for example of plastic, Nylon or another material with small friction can be arranged in lower edge

recesses 26 shown by the belts 23, and which guiding rails can be arranged on the bracket 27, see Fig. 5.

The frame 2 is arranged, suspended or carried by a conveyor 10 and accord- ing to the embodiment example by being lying with the said part in the frame 2 or beam extending between the yokes 4 and joining the frame 2 and fasten to the conveyor 10 or rather to a case 11 shown by the conveyor and fasten by attachment devices 14 or brackets. The yokes 4 are, as said, turnably journaled in the device 1 and can be turned by means of for example a first operation device 8, for example in form of a piston cylin¬ der, which is arranged to extend between the upper ends of each yokes 4 or between the said legs 24 or similar in each yoke, whereby the device 1 or the yokes 4 can be opened from the said first position or an occupied work¬ ing position, see Fig. 1, and to a second position, see Fig. 2, where the cylinders 5 with the belts 23 and the said holding or guiding elements 9 or said holding means 3 are brought apart or turned upwards in opposite directions. In this way, it is gained accessibility to the objects or carriers 20 which are situated between the holding means 3 or the belts.

The device 1, frame 2 with the yokes 4 or at least the holding means 3 can be arranged vertically adjustable, which can be carried out with the aid of for example a second operation device 16, for example in form of piston cylinders, which, as it is shown in the embodiment example, is arranged on said attachment device 14 and joined to the conveyor 10 or its case 11. Owing to this, the device 1, etc. or preferably the frame 2 or the beam 2, the yokes 4 and the holding means 3 can be lifted or raised in relation to the conveyor 10, when the device 1 is not used and can in that way be brought away for better passability or utilization of the room below the device 1 or when the device 1 is not in use. According to one embodiment raising can be done on a level with or above the position of the conveyor 10. Further, the device 1 can be adjusted vertically as regards the size, length or the like of the objects, which are conveyed and which sh_._.l be handled, whereby one can adapt the height for the work to the person or the persons, wiio are going to work oy tfte device 1, i.e. one gains in ergo- ncmics. Further, one can attain a liberating height or free headroom under the device 1 or in other words get for every occasion an adjusted height position of the device 1, an ergonomically correct height position for objects 18 and/or carriers 19, 20 adapted to the operators, who are going to work by the device 1 or get an intended or right height in the device 1.

The conveyor 10 shown in the embodiment example is of such kind showing a case 11 of some length in form of almost an upside down U-beam or profile having a space 12, in which the conveyor or its elements 30 are located and conveyed in intended or adapted direction and speed, see Fig. 2. From the conveyor elements 30 extend from the case 11 means 13 or connecting devices for objects 18 or carriers 19, 20. Thus, the objects 18 can be arranged suspended directly in these means 13 but within certain indust¬ ries, activities, etc., carriers 19, 20 are hung in these means 13, where¬ by the objects 18, which are going to be conveyed, in their turn are hung in said carriers. In Fig. 3 is shown an example of this by the fact that carrier elements 19 in form of a sheet, plate of some length or similar elements are hung by means of intermediate means 22, hooks or similar in means 13 from the conveyor. In such carrier elements 19 can be made several fastening elements 31 or through holes for adapted number of objects or cadapted distances between objects 18 or, as it is shown in the example, so called hooks 20, in which the objects 18, which are going to be conveyed, are arranged or suspended.

Such a conveyor with carriers 19, 20 or hooks is common within certain industries or activities, whereby the position vertically for objects 18 to some extent can be adjusted by different shaping and length of carriers or hooks, which, however, in at least certain degree also mist be adapted fot the aim to carry the objects, which shall be econveyed, in an intended and suitable way. On the other hand, such a device is manpower consuming and difficult to manage by the fact that objects 18 are easily swingable during conveyance and also when handled, whereby the are also easily swing¬ able out of the position when they are influenced or touched, which makes it troublesome to catch hold of the objects, arrange objects in the con¬ veyor, to lift objects out of the conveyor, to process or treat objects, which are suspended and conveyed in the conveyor 10, which will not be lesser difficult to manage of the objects are suspended in hooks 20 or similar carriers 19, 20. Thus, it requires that someone manually or by hand hold the carrier, the hook or hooks, when the object shall be handled, treated, arranged to or be lifted out of the conveyor, etc. When a lift is c_arried out said fact results in an uncomfortable and hard working posit¬ ion and especially if hands and arms must be held highly to be able to grasp, treat, lift into or out of the conveyor, etc. objects. The person¬ nels can not work without frequent break and rest when using the today existing devices in work by the conveyors of the kind in question. That is

a commonly known fact.

Within for example processing and paint-spraying industry is used convey¬ ors 10 with carriers 19, 20 and often in form of so called hooks 20. In newer plants, the previously exposed work operations occur in closed chambers and by automatism or automatically working treatment and working equipment. Still, especially two work operations happen manually, namely in the beginning of a path and in the end of the path for transportation of objects for treatment, processing, etc. Thus, an endless conveyor 10 can be arranged by suspension on a ceiling or another under the ceiling arranged supporting system. There are several working stations for process¬ ing, treatment, etc. of objects along the conveyor 10 and which objects shall be hung in the conveyor 10 or in its carriers 19, 20 or in the so called hooks 20, which within for example the paint-spraying industry often are exchanged after every complete treatment or paint-spraying of objects 18. Thus, the hooks 20 are hooked to the conveyor 10, its said means 13 or in carrier elements 19 in a first station. After that objects 18 are hung on the hooks 20, etc. in the same or another station, which is done manually. In this case, it is required that the hooks 20 are held for the possibility to be able to hang the objects 18 in the conveyor 10, which, besides the fact that it is manpower consuming, causes an uncomfort¬ able working position, especially if one with one hand shall hold the hook and with the other hang objects. Perhaps, the object 18 shall hang on several hooks, which are difficult to catch or grasp by the fact that they are hanging freely, often are made of thinly material and have low weight. At this, a device 1 and a method in accordance with the invention should be applicable, as well as at other stations along the conveyor 10, such as, according to the example mentioned, at treatment stations, where the objects 18 are influenced by aimed forces, for example in form of jets of median, such as when degreasing of the objects 18 in one station, paint- spraying of the objects 18 by spray-painting in another station, etc. Finally, the objects 18 are complete treated and shall be unhooked the conveyor 10 or be removed from the hooks 20, i.e. be unhooked, whereby one again has the manpower consuning and uncomfortable working position. At this, a device 1 and a method in accordance with the invention should be considered to be used, as well as other working, processing, treatment, etc. stations.

According to the embodiment example, the holding means 3 consist of hold¬ ing sans in pairs, such as two endless, parallelly running belts 23, which can be moved towards or off each other for, for example, an adaptat¬ ion with one another, adjusted contact pressure against each other, in order to effect a gap 21 or removal away from each other for accessibility to parts in the holding device 1 or the carriers 13, 19, 20, 22, such as in the holding device or the carriers included carriers and/or so called hooks for exchange, etc. The belts 23 preferably consist of a matting of relatively softly or elastically material in order to be in some extent adaptable for holdi g of objects and/or carriers with varying or different dimension, thickness, shape or similar but sufficiently rigid in order to be able to hold the objects and/or the carriers in intended position in the holding device or in the holding means and at that between the belt portions in the holding means, which are turned towards each other, and which thus can be adjustable for different contact pressure or to effect a gap, interspace or the like if required. The holding means 3 can also be arranged vertically adjustable by means of a setting device in form of rollers or wheels, which can run on the legs 24 of the yoke 4. Further, the holding means 3 or each belt 23 are driven by a motor 15 or by its own motor, which, according to the embodiment example, by means of a shaft 17 operate one of the rollers of the two, around which each belt 23 runs.

The holding device 1 or the holding means 3 are controlled for a continu¬ ously operating or running conveyor or an intermittent running conveyor or track and the speed of the holding means can be adapted or be varied after the conveyance speed of the conveyor or the objects and bring the objects and/or the carriers synchronously or substantially synchronously with the conveyance speed of the conveyor. For the control and the speed can exist sensing means or devices, which sense the speed of the conveyor, whose speed can be transferred, transformed or calculated, for example by sens ing of the frequency and volumeof effective power, and control the motor or motors, which operate the holding means 3.

In a test, the holding means 3 was brought to run with exact the same speed as the conveyor 10 by the fact that a motor 15 was arranged in comπαnication with the main master, which was connected to a pulse supplier, which via a frequency control was in comrπunication with an equivalent pulse supplier, which was in c-ommunication with one of the motors 15 for the belts 23 and made a signal. The pulse supplier on the

motor 15 made a signal in return, which was sent to the frequency control, which calculated and sent in return to a main signal, which was compared and by this the speed was adjusted. Thus, one was using pulse suppliers, which sent signals and frequency control, which calculated.

As shown in Fig. 4 by the arrow 34 the conveyor 10 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow, as well as the holding means 3. As a safety compo¬ nent to avoid the risk to get caught in the holding means 3, it can be arranged a guiding device 29 protruding from the bracket 7, 27 or the device 1 and at the same time form a rough guiding to guide the objects 18, the carriers 19, 20 or the hooks 20 between the both belts 23 in the hold¬ ing means 3. For this, the guiding devices 29 can show a guide opening 32 leading to a interspace 33 or a gap between the guiding dewices 29. The arrow 35 in Fig. 6 shows the direction of entrance. Thus, at this it can first be located a guiding device 29, then the belts 23 or the adjacent rollers 5 and after that, behind the rollers 5, guiding rails 28 in lower edge recesses, see also Fig. 5, everything seen in the gap in the direct¬ ion of entrance 34. According to the embodiment example, the other end of the holding means 3 is ended with the second pair of rollers 5, each of them, according to the embodiment example, is provided with its own driv¬ ing motor 15.

Without exceeding the scope of the concept of the invention modifications of the method and the device according to the invention should be possible. Thus, the guidance of the holding means can be of another kind and also the operation of them, for example by a mechanically working device, which is controlled and/or is driven by the conveyor. The carriers can be of another kind and form but shall be arranged in order to be able to carry objects and show a shaping, which allow the holding means to hold them. Devices for vertically adjustment can be of another kind. The method and the device in accordance with the invention are thus not restricted to what has been shown and described in the embodiment example but soley by the following claims.