Patent attributes
The invention concerns a roller track device based on simple kinematics, enabling reduction of the number of parts and production costs of the assembly as well as its space requirement, and designed for being fitted on new handling apparatuses as well as for retrofitting. The invention also concerns a platform or fork handling apparatus equipped with such a device. The roller track device (10) comprises a substantially horizontal table (21) whereon are mounted ball sockets (23), with a rack (31) mounted on top provided with openings (32) arranged opposite the balls (23). The rack (31) is mobile relative to the table (21) between a high position wherein it conceals the balls (23). A handle (41) coupled to the rack (31) enable its displacement in horizontal translation (Th). The openings (32) provided in the rack (31) consist of elliptical slots, which in combination with the spherical profiles of the underlying roller track device in the form of a platform with balls is also applicable to caster track platforms. The invention is useful for transferring heavy loads in a substantially horizontal plane with a platform handling apparatus for machine-tools, presses, injection machines and the like.
