AU2016101965A4 - Apparatus and System for a Belt Cleaner - Google Patents

Abstract

-13 Abstract There is disclosed an apparatus for a belt cleaner assembly having a blade supported by a fluid actuated mechanism, the apparatus including an accumulator assembly arranged to supply a pressurised fluid to the fluid actuated mechanism such that a tip of the blade is urged against the belt. A system including the apparatus and the belt cleaner assembly is also disclosed as well as associated method for urging a tip of a blade of a belt cleaner assembly against a conveyor belt. 16 Figure 1 20- Figure 2

Description

-1- 2016101965 09 Nov 2016

Apparatus and System for a Belt Cleaner

Technical Field [001] The invention relates to an apparatus and system for a belt cleaner such as belt cleaners used to clean conveyor belts.

Background [002] Belt cleaners are used to remove unwanted material from a conveyor belt. Such unwanted material may be residual material carried or stuck to the belt after the bulk of material is discharged from the belt at a main discharge.

[003] Belt cleaners include a blade supported by a mechanism so as to be positioned close or at the surface of the conveyor belt. The mechanism is arranged such that the blade is substantially fixed in position relative to the direction of travel of the belt. Accordingly, when the belt moves past the blade, the residual material carried by the belt is removed. However, the mechanism is arranged to allow the blade to undergo limited or constrained movement in a generally perpendicular direction relative to the surface of the belt to account for the undulation of the surface of the belt.

[004] To allow for the constrained movement of the blade relative to the belt, the mechanism that supports the blade may include a mechanical or air spring that urges a tip of the blade against the belt. The tip pressure needs to be sufficient to keep the blade relatively fixed to remove the material, but also allow the tip to move away from the surface of the belt to account for variations in the thickness of the belt. In addition, during use the thickness of the belt and length of the blade may change due to wear. This results in the position of the tip relative to the surface of the belt varying over time. The pressure of the tip against the belt is typically configured in an attempt to maintain optimum cleaning of the belt. 2016101965 09 Nov 2016 -2- [005] A problem with mechanical springs is that the mechanical springs degrade overtime and the spring force becomes insufficient to maintain adequate pressure on the tip of the blade. Also, as the belt and blade wear, the tension of the spring decreases as does the performance of the belt cleaner. A problem with air springs is that a pressurised air supply is required and some installations do not have an air supply.

[006] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary [007] In accordance with a first broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for a belt cleaner assembly having a blade supported by a fluid actuated mechanism, the apparatus including an accumulator assembly arranged to supply a pressurised fluid to the fluid actuated mechanism such that a tip of the blade is urged against the belt.

[008] In an aspect, the accumulator assembly includes an accumulator and a manifold arranged to communicate the accumulator with the fluid actuated mechanism of the belt cleaner assembly.

[009] In another aspect, the accumulator assembly includes an outlet and an actuable valve arranged to control pressure of the pressurised fluid deliverable at the outlet.

[0010] In another aspect, the accumulator assembly includes reservoir in fluid communication with the accumulator via a manifold.

[0011] In another aspect, the fluid is a hydraulic fluid.

[0012] In another aspect, the accumulator is a gas charged accumulator.

[0013] In another aspect, the apparatus is provided in the form of an integral unit. -3- 2016101965 09 Nov 2016 [0014] In another aspect, the apparatus includes a hand pump adapted to pressurise the accumulator assembly.

[0015] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, for urging a tip of a blade of a belt cleaner assembly against a conveyor belt, the system including: a fluid powered unit coupled to the blade via the cleaner assembly; and an accumulator assembly in fluid communication with the fluid powered unit so as to supply a pressured fluid thereto such that the tip of the blade is urged against the belt.

[0016] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a system for cleaning a conveyor belt, the system including a belt cleaner assembly having a blade supported by a fluid actuated mechanism; and an accumulator assembly in fluid communication with the fluid actuated mechanism so as to supply a pressured fluid thereto such that a tip of the blade is urged against the belt.

[0017] In another aspect, the fluid actuated mechanism includes a fluid powered unit in fluid communication with the accumulator assembly and an linkage supporting the blade, the linkage arranged to be moveably actuated by the fluid powered unit.

[0018] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a method for urging a tip of a blade of a belt cleaner assembly against a conveyor belt, the method including the steps of: Communicating an accumulator assembly with a fluid powered unit of a belt cleaner assembly; and Adjusting a control valve of the accumulator assembly so as to supply pressurised fluid to the fluid powered unit such that the tip of the blade is urged against the belt.

Brief Description of the Figures [0019] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which; [0020] Figure 1 is a perspective view illustrating an apparatus including an accumulator assembly; -4- 2016101965 09 Nov 2016 [0021] Figure 2 is a another perspective view illustrating the apparatus; [0022] Figure 3 is an end view illustrating the apparatus; [0023] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the apparatus; [0024] Figure 5 is an end view illustrating the apparatus; [0025] Figure 6 is an exploded parts perspective illustrating the apparatus; [0026] Figure 7 is a front view illustrating the second example of the apparatus; [0027] Figure 8 is a side view illustrating the second example of the apparatus; [0028] Figure 9 is a front perspective view illustrating the second example of the apparatus; [0029] Figure 10 is a rear perspective view illustrating the second example of the apparatus; [0030] Figure 11 is a front exploded parts perspective view illustrating the second example of the apparatus; [0031] Figure 12 is a perspective view the apparatus fitted to a discharge chute enclosing a conveyor return pulley fitted with belt cleaning assemblies; [0032] Figure 13 is a side view of the chute illustrating the apparatus provided as part of a system including belt cleaning assemblies; [0033] Figure 14 is a connection diagram illustrating hydraulic connections between the apparatuses and the respective belt cleaning assemblies; and [0034] Figure 15 is a simplified block diagram illustrating a system including the apparatus and the respective belt cleaning assembly. -5- 2016101965 09 Nov 2016

Detailed Description [0035] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, there is shown a first example of an apparatus or unit 10 for supplying a pressurised fluid to a belt cleaner assembly 12 (as shown in Figures 12 and 13). The apparatus 10 includes an accumulator assembly 14 having a reservoir 16 in fluid communication with an accumulator 18. The accumulator 18 is preferably, but not limited to, a gas charged hydraulic accumulator vessel. The charging gas may be nitrogen or the like. The pressurised fluid is preferably, but not limited to, a hydraulic fluid such as oil. The reservoir 16 is arranged to store the hydraulic fluid.

[0036] The accumulator assembly 14 includes a housing 20 in which the reservoir 16 is located and to which the accumulator 18 is coupled via a manifold 22. The manifold 22 communicates the accumulator 18 and the reservoir 16, and includes an inlet 24 coupled to the manifold 22 which refills the accumulator 18 and an outlet 26 to fluid communicate the accumulator assembly 14 with the belt cleaner assembly 12.

[0037] It is noted that in this example the accumulator assembly 14 is provided as an integral unit having the reservoir 16, the manifold 22 and the accumulator 18 as a single unit. However, in other examples, the reservoir 16 may be provided remote to the manifold 22 and accumulator 18, and the reservoir 16 may be associated with more that one accumulator 18.

[0038] The accumulator assembly 14 further includes a level gauge 28 arranged to measure and allow visual inspection of the hydraulic fluid level within the reservoir 18, a pressure gauge 30 coupled to the manifold 22 to measure the pressure within the accumulator 18, and a control valve 32 with an adjustment knob 34. The control valve 32 allows for the control of the pressure of the pressurised hydraulic fluid provided by the accumulator assembly 14 to the belt cleaner assembly 12. The manifold 22 includes a pressure relief valve 36 and a filler breather 38 is provided atop the reservoir 18 with gaskets 40 sealing the filler breather 38 with the housing 20.

[0039] Referring to Figures 7 to 11, there is shown a second example of an apparatus or unit 110 for supplying a pressurised fluid to a belt cleaner assembly 12 (as shown -6- 2016101965 09 Nov 2016 in Figures 12 and 13) in which like sequences of numerals (i.e. 10, 110 or 14, 114) are used to denote similar part. This second example of the apparatus or unit 110 is substantially the same as the first example 10, and all parts and functionalities are not again described. However, in this example, the apparatus or unit 110 includes a hand operatable pump 141, a control valve 132in the form of a bleed off valve 143 and a pressure or accumulator hold valve 145.

[0040] In more detail, in this example, apparatus 110 includes an accumulator assembly 114 having a reservoir 116 in fluid communication with an accumulator 118. In this example, reservoir 116, which holds hydraulic fluid in the form of oil to feed the belt cleaner assembly 12, is located between the manifold 122 and a rear support plate 147. The accumulator 118, like the first example, will hold hydraulic fluid in the form of oil and maintain a constant pressure within the main circuit. The accumulator 118 may be factory pre-charged with nitrogen to maintain this pressure.

[0041] The hand operatable pump 141 may be a hydraulic pump that is in operable communication with the manifold 118 to allow pressurising of the belt cleaner assembly 12 and filling of the accumulator 118. The hand operatable pump 141 received a handle (not shown) in use for reciprocal action.

[0042] The pressure or accumulator hold valve 145 is also in operable communication with the manifold 118 and functions to inhibit oil from flowing back to the hand operatable pump 141 while in operation. The bleed off valve 143 allows for manual release of hydraulic oil and pressure within the circuit with the belt cleaner assembly 12. The bleed off valve 143 may be released to allow for servicing. In use, the valves 143, 145 of the apparatus 110 are closed to maintain the accumulator 118 at pressure in circuit with the belt cleaner assembly 12. The pressure gauge 130 may be used to monitor the pressure of the circuit with the belt cleaner assembly 12, and pressure may be increased/deceased by action of the hand operatable pump 141 and the bleed off valve 143, respectively.

[0043] Referring now to Figures 12 to 15, the apparatus or unit 10, 110 may be provided as part of a system 5 that includes one or more of the apparatus or unit 10, 110 and one or more belt cleaner assemblies 12. In other aspects, the system 5 may -7- 2016101965 09 Nov 2016 include one of more apparatus or unit 10, 110 and one or more associated fluid power units 50 that may be fitted to one or more belt cleaner assemblies 12. It is noted the description below focuses on the apparatus or unit 10. However, the apparatus or unit 10 may be interchanged with the second example of the apparatus or unit 110. The one or more belt cleaner assemblies 12, more specifically, the one or more associated fluid power units 50 are in fluid communication with the apparatus 10 via hydraulic lines 51 to form a hydraulic circuit therewith as best shown in Figure 14.

[0044] Turning to the belt cleaner assemblies 12 in more detail and referring more specifically to Figure 12, the belt cleaner assemblies 12 may include a primary and secondary belt cleaners 12a and 12b, respectively. It is noted that whilst examples of the belt cleaners 12a and 12b are provided, other examples and forms of belt cleaners may also be used as part of the system 5 or with the apparatus 10.

[0045] Each of the belt cleaner assemblies 12 includes a blade 42 and a fluid actuated mechanism 44 that supports the blade 42 such that, in use, a tip 46 of the blade 42 is urged against a belt 46 (shown in Figure 13). The fluid actuated mechanism 44 includes a fluid powered unit 50 and a coupling or linkage 52 between the fluid powered unit 50 and the blade 42. The fluid powered unit 50 may be a hydraulic cylinder, a bellow or bellow spring (known as an air spring) that expands and contracts in response to pressure supplied by the accumulator assembly 14 and the coupling or linkage 52 is configured to move or urge the tip 46 of the blade 42 into and out of contact with the belt 48 in response to movement of the fluid powered unit 50. These types of units typically have a rubber bellow between two end plates. However, the fluid powered unit 50 may also be provided as a small hydraulic ram or cylinder.

[0046] Turning to the primary belt cleaner 12a in more detail, the primary belt cleaner 12a typically includes cleaner end assembly 62 at opposing ends thereof with a supporting cleaner member or pole 64 extending therebetween. The linkage 52 is provided in the form of two arms arm 60 that are pivotally coupled to each of the cleaner end assemblies 62 via the cleaner member or pole 64 that provides a pivot point. -8- 2016101965 09 Nov 2016 [0047] The arms 60 support the blade 42 at free ends 63 and each of the arms 60 may include a suspension cushion 64 at an opposing ends 65 between the arm 60 and the cleaner pole 64. The primary belt cleaner 12a also includes adjuster arms 66 coupled to the arm 60 via the cleaner pole 64. The adjuster arms 66 are in turn coupled to the cleaner end assembly 62 by respective fluid powered unit 50 such that the movement of the fluid powered unit 50 rotates or pivots that adjuster arm 66 and the arm 60 coupled thereto about the cleaner pole 64. Accordingly, the primary belt cleaner 12a has two fluid powered units 50. This movement thereby urging the tip 46 of the blade 42 against the belt 48. The pressure applied by the tip 46 to the belt 48 is maintained by and is adjustable by the control valve 32 of the accumulator assembly 14. Each of the two fluid powered units 50 may be coupled to the same accumulator assembly 14.

[0048] Turning to the secondary belt cleaner 12b in more detail, the secondary belt cleaner 12b includes cleaner end assemblies 72 at opposing ends thereof with a supporting cleaner member or pole 64 extending there between. Each of the cleaner end assemblies 72 supports one of the fluid powered units 50 and the linkage 52 is provided in the form of a cleaner member pole 70 and a suspension cushion 72 located between the tip 46 of the blade 42 and the fluid powered units 50. Accordingly, in this example, the blade 42 moves in a linear fashion generally inline with the direction of expansion and contraction of the fluid powered units 50. The pressure applied by the tip 46 to the belt 48 is maintained by and is adjustable by the control valve 32 of the accumulator assembly 14.

[0049] The secondary belt cleaner 12b is typically coupled to a different accumulator assembly 14 to the primary belt cleaner 12a so that the tip pressure for each of the primary and secondary belt cleaners 12a, 12b may be independently adjusted. Accordingly, the system 5 may include one or more accumulator assemblies 14a, 14b that are each associated with a respective one of the primary and secondary belt cleaners 12a, 12b. In some cases, there may be a plurality of the belt cleaners and a corresponding plurality or set of accumulator assemblies.

[0050] In use, the system 5 may be fitted at or to a return or discharge chute assembly 80 of conveyor belt 48. The discharge chute assembly 80 includes a pulley assembly 82 that typically includes a shaft 81 and supporting bearing housing/assemblies, and -9- 2016101965 09 Nov 2016 may include a housing or chute 82 to enclose and capture material removed from the belt 48. The two accumulator assemblies 14a, 14b may be fitted to a sidewall 84 of the housing 82 to allow ease of use and maintainability. The hydraulic lines 86 are fitted between the two accumulator assemblies 14a, 14b and the respective primary and secondary belt cleaners 12a, 12b. The supplied pressure by two accumulator assemblies 14a, 14b may be adjusted, using the knob 34 of the control valve 32, which controls the applied pressure of the tips 46 of the blades 42 of the respective primary and secondary belt cleaners 12a, 12b.

[0051] Advantageously, it has been found that the accumulator assembly provides a regular, predictable and stable pressure output to maintain an optimum pressure of the tip against the belt to provide optimum or near optimum cleaning of the belt. Furthermore, the accumulator assemblies are stand-alone units that, once charged, are generally self-powered for extended periods of time and such as do not require external services such as constant pressurised air or the like. The accumulator assembly may be manually pressurised using the hand operable pump to ensure the correct tip tension is applied to the conveyor belt. Without further adjustment, the accumulator allows the assembly to maintain pressure as the interfacing components of the belt cleaner wear.

[0052] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0053] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0054] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein. 2016101965 09 Nov 2016 -10- [0055] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims (12)

1. The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

   1. An apparatus for a belt cleaner assembly having a blade supported by a fluid actuated mechanism, the apparatus including an accumulator assembly arranged to supply a pressurised fluid to the fluid actuated mechanism such that a tip of the blade is urged against the belt.
2. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accumulator assembly includes an accumulator and a manifold arranged to communicate the accumulator with the fluid actuated mechanism of the belt cleaner assembly.
3. 3. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accumulator assembly includes an outlet and an actuable valve arranged to control pressure of the pressurised fluid deliverable at the outlet.
4. 4. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the accumulator assembly includes reservoir in fluid communication with the accumulator via a manifold.
5. 5. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the fluid is a hydraulic fluid.
6. 6. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the accumulator is a gas charged accumulator.
7. 7. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the apparatus is provided in the form of an integral unit.
8. 8. The apparatus according to any one of the previous claims, wherein the apparatus includes a hand pump adapted to pressurise accumulator assembly.
9. 9. A system for urging a tip of a blade of a belt cleaner assembly against a conveyor belt, the system including: a fluid powered unit coupled to the blade via the cleaner assembly; and an accumulator assembly in fluid communication with the fluid powered unit so as to supply a pressured fluid thereto such that the tip of the blade is urged against the belt.
10. 10. A system for cleaning a conveyor belt, the system including a belt cleaner assembly having a blade supported by a fluid actuated mechanism; and a accumulator assembly in fluid communication with the fluid actuated mechanism so as to supply a pressured fluid thereto such that a tip of the blade is urged against the belt.
11. 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the fluid actuated mechanism includes a fluid powered unit in fluid communication with the accumulator assembly and a linkage supporting the blade, the linkage arranged to be moveably actuated by the fluid powered unit.
12. 12. A method for urging a tip of a blade of a belt cleaner assembly against a conveyor belt, the method including the steps of: Communicating an accumulator assembly with a fluid powered unit of a belt cleaner assembly; and Adjusting a control valve of the accumulator assembly so as to supply pressurised fluid to the fluid powered unit such that the tip of the blade is urged against the belt.