Indexing mechanism for a chain machine

摘要

Indexing mechanism for a chain machine, in which the upper strand performs an indexing movement and the lower strand of the chain (4) performs a continuous movement, this being achieved by a chain drive and a reciprocating chain carriage (1). The drive is provided via two cams (10, 14) arranged on a shaft (9), one cam (10) transmitting the indexing movement to the chain wheel (2) via a modified worm and roller drive and the other cam (14) transmitting the reciprocating movement to the frame (3) of the chain carriage (1). The sequence of motions of the chain (4) and the frame (3) is based on the law of motion of a simple sinusoid, as a result of which the intermittent motion of the chain (4) is completely shock- and jerk-free. The indexing mechanism has the following advantages: given a plurality of machines, for example within a production group, with chains of the same chain pitch but with chain lengths of arbitrary size and the same step spacing, one version of the indexing mechanism (7) can be used to provide the drive. The chain can be guided in any desired manner. <IMAGE>