Transfer device, comprises endless chain of hollow glide shoes, suction tube and grippers with suction nozzles

摘要

The transfer device (1) comprises an endless chain (2) of glide shoes (3) and a suction tube extending along at least part of the chain. A gripper (5) with at least one suction nozzle (6) is provided for each glide shoe and used to pick up and set down an object being transferred. Each glide shoe contains a cavity with a mouth which is in contact with the suction tube as the shoe passes over the latter. The suction tube contains a row of holes extending in its length direction which are in contact with the glide shoes as they pass over the tube, so that the shoe cavity mouths come into fluid communication with the holes. An Independent claim is also included for a combination of the transfer device and a feed conveyor, at least part of the latter extending parallel to and overlapping with at least part of the endless chain, the speed of the conveyor and chain being the same in the overlap region.