AU2021101877A4

AU2021101877A4 - A multi-plane dynamic return belt tracker

Info

Publication number: AU2021101877A4
Application number: AU2021101877A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Manoj Joseph KALLARACKAL; Harikrishnan R Nair
Original assignee: Thejo Engineering Ltd
Current assignee: Thejo Engineering Ltd
Priority date: 2021-02-24
Filing date: 2021-04-12
Publication date: 2021-07-01
Anticipated expiration: 2029-04-12

Abstract

A MULTI-PLANE DYNAMIC RETURN BELT TRACKER A multi-plane belt tracking apparatus for aligning conveyor belt in cases of misalignment is provided. The tracking apparatus includes a support frame, a pivot 5 frame, a roller and a pivot with a spherical bearing. The support frame is connected with the pivot frame by the pivot and the pivot frame is adapted to yaw over the support frame by presence of the spherical bearing between the support frame and the pivot frame. A roller shaft is connected to mounting brackets on both sides of the support frame through open slit/slot that are cut inclined to the horizontal plane 10 of the apparatus. The open slit/slot enables the vertical plane movement of the roller therefore two plane movement (lateral plane and vertical plane movement) for the roller can be achieved concomitantly. Fig. 1 14 Title: A MULTI-PLANE DYNAMIC RETURN BELT TRACKER 100 120 Fig4

Description

Title: A MULTI-PLANE DYNAMIC RETURN BELT TRACKER

100

120

Fig4

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present embodiment relates to conveyor belts tracker, and more particularly to systems and methods to correct misalignment of a conveyor belt.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In industries, conveyor belts are widely used for material handling, transport/transit etc. The conveyor belt is designed to travel longitudinally on a desired path which is an imaginary centre line over the support structure During material handling from one place to another, the conveyor belts are known to wander laterally over the support rollers leading to misalignment or mis-tracking from its intended track, due to various reasons. This could be due to uneven loading, misalignment of support rollers and pulleys, build-up of carry back material on rollers, misaligned belt splice, deviation in support structure or a combination of all these factors. When the belt mis-tracks, there arise the need of a guiding mechanism that can guide the belt back to its original track, usually referred to as a belt-tracking system or a belt aligner.

Tracking rollers are well known in prior art as is disclosed in US patent numbers 6405854B1 and 9346622B2 that using two rollers for aligning purposes. US9346622B2 discloses linkage bars for vertical movement of a tilt frame making a complex assembly for aligning conveyor belts thus indicating added cost for manufacturing of such belt aligners. Another reference incorporated herein is US patent number 6776280B2 describing aligning scheme for a conveyor belt by using a roller that guides edges of the conveyor belt along-with a main guide roller that exhibits pivotal motion for providing a desired path for conveyor belt.

In US patent number 7614493B2, a belt tracing regulator with a roller shaft having intermediate idler rollers is disclosed. The intermediate idler rollers use a ball and socket joint for rotation (yaw) of the tilt frame. Further, the roller shaft is connected from one side with mounting bracket in cantilever fashion. The arrangement of mechanical parts used in the reference again becomes a complex structure that are not effectively proven in industries and increases cost of manufacturing.

This arises a need for the solution in industries using such conveyor systems to scrap-off carry-back material from the roller without shutting down the power of the conveyor system and stopping the conveyor belt, thus increasing overall efficiency of industry. Also, there is a need for conveyor belt positioning apparatus with reduced complexity of arrangement of mechanical parts and thereby providing a less cost for manufacturing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In an aspect, a multi-plane dynamic return belt tracker for aligning a conveyor belt is provided. The tracker includes a support frame (106),a mounting bracket (110) on either side of the support frame (106); an inverted angle pivot frame (108) supported on the support frame (106) by a pivot (120); a roller shaft (112) connected with the mounting bracket (110) of the support frame (106); a self-activating roller (102) with tapered ends supporting the conveyor belt and rolling about the roller shaft (112); a spherical bearing (206) mounted at bottom end of a pivot shaft (118) and underneath the inverted angle pivot frame (108) enabling lateral, rotary and vertical movement of the self-activating roller (102); and open slits/slots (302) cut on adjustable discs (304) mounted on each of the mounting bracket (110) of the support frame (106) at predetermined angle acting as a guide for the roller shaft (112) enabling tilting along the vertical axis of the self-activating roller (102). The open slit/slots (302) are encapsulating high wear resistant lubricating liner plates (116) on its periphery.

The roller shaft (112) is supported by a pair of roller brackets (114) at either ends of the pivot frame (108) and the pivot shaft (118) is fixed centrally on the support frame (106). The lubricating liner plates (116) provided in the slot (302) allows for free radial movement of the roller shaft (112).

In another aspect, a conveyor belt aligning apparatus is provided. The apparatus includes a support frame (106), a pivot (120) having a pivot shaft (118) fixed to the support frame (106), a pivot frame (108); the pivot frame (108) supported over the support frame (106) by the pivot (120) through a spherical bearing (206) positioned at bottom end of the pivot shaft (118). The pivot (120) may usually be covered by a protective shroud (202).

The pivot shaft (118) is fixed at centre of the support frame (106). The spherical bearing (206) provide multi axial movement of the pivot frame (108) that is on a lateral plane (plane of belt travel) as well as on a vertical plane (plane perpendicular to belt travel).

In yet another aspect, a conveyor system with a conveyor belt is provided. The conveyor system includes a conveyor belt tracker having a roller (102) positioned under the conveyor belt; a support frame (106) having a pair of mounting brackets (110) on its either side for mounting the conveyor belt tracker to the conveyor system; an inverted angle pivot frame (108) adapted to tilt about a centrally located pivot (120) with respect to the support frame (106); wherein the centrally located pivot (120) enabling horizontal plane movement and vertical plane movement of the pivot frame (108).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

The above and still further features and advantages of embodiments of the present invention becomes apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description of embodiments thereof, especially when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, and wherein:

Fig 1 and Fig. 1(A) are front views of multi-plane belt tracker apparatus with self activating roller according to an embodiment herein;

Fig. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of pivot of the multi-plane belt tracker apparatus with self-activating roller according to an embodiment herein;

Fig. 3 is an isometric view of the multi-plane belt tracker apparatus with self activating roller according to an embodiment herein;

Fig. 3(A) is also an isometric view of the multi-plane belt tracker apparatus with a slight rotation of adjustable disc to make open slit parallel to belt plane according to an embodiment herein;

Fig. 4 is side view of the multi-plane belt tracker apparatus with self-activating roller according to an embodiment herein; and

Fig. 5 is an isometric view of a conveyor system with a conveyor belt aligning roller according to an embodiment herein.

To facilitate understanding, like reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate like elements common to the figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Various embodiment of the present invention provides a conveyor belt splicing system and method. The following description provides specific details of certain embodiments of the invention illustrated in the drawings to provide a thorough understanding of those embodiments. It should be recognized, however, that the present invention can be reflected in additional embodiments and the invention may be practiced without some of the details in the following description.

The various embodiments including the example embodiments are now described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which the various embodiments of the invention are shown. The invention may, however, be embodied in different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure is thorough and complete, and fully conveys the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, the sizes of components may be exaggerated for clarity.

It is understood that when an element or layer is referred to as being "on," "connected to," or "coupled to" another element or layer, it can be directly on, connected to, or coupled to the other element or layer or intervening elements or layers that may be present. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Spatially relative terms, such as "top," "bottom," and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. It is to be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the structure in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in thefigures.

Embodiments described herein refer to plan views and/or cross-sectional views by way of ideal schematic views. Accordingly, the views may be modified depending on simplistic assembling or manufacturing technologies and/or tolerances. Therefore, example embodiments are not limited to those shown in the views but include modifications in configurations formed on basis of assembling process. Therefore, regions exemplified in the figures have schematic properties and shapes of regions shown in the figures exemplify specific shapes or regions of elements, and do not limit the various embodiments including the example embodiments.

The subject matter of example embodiments, as disclosed herein, is described with specificity to meet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is not intended to limit the scope of this patent. Rather, the inventors have contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also be embodied in other ways, to include different features or combinations of features similar to the ones described in this document, in conjunction with other technologies. Generally, the various embodiments including the example embodiments relate to conveyor belt splicing systems and methods.

The present embodiment relates to a multi-plane belt tracking apparatus (100) with a self-activating roller (102) for aligning a conveyor belt that is used in a conveyor belt system.

The multi-plane belt tracking apparatus (100) as illustrated in Fig. 1 and Fig. 1(A) includes a support frame (106), an inverted angle pivot frame (108), a pair of mounting brackets (110) extending upwardly from either side of the support frame (106), a pair of roller brackets (114) extending upwardly from either side of the inverted angle pivot frame (108), a roller shaft (112) extending through a self activating roller (102) carrying a conveyor belt (101), a pivot (120) as can be best seen in Fig. 2 including an inner pivot shaft (118), a spherical bearing (206), a protective cover (202), an inclined open slot/slit (302) cut on adjustable discs (304) mounted on each of the mounting bracket (110). The open slit/slots (302) are encapsulating high wear resistant lubricating liner plates (116) on its periphery that allows free radial movement of the roller shaft (112).

The support frame (106) supports the inverted angle pivot frame (108) by the pivot (120). The pivot (120) having an inner pivot shaft (118) that is centrally fixed on the support frame (106). A spherical bearing (206) mounted at bottom end of the inner pivot shaft (118). The protective cover (202) is provided to cover the pivot (120) connecting the support frame (106) and the inverted angle pivot frame (108) without compromising free relative movement between them and thus eliminating any dust entry, that could be harmful for the pivot (120).

The self-activating roller (102) is provided with a tapered rubber lining at either ends to match the cupping of the conveyor belt (101) and ensures the complete contact with the conveyor belt (101). The self-activating roller (102) is mounted on the roller brackets (114) at either ends of the inverted angle pivot frame (108). The roller shaft (112) extending through the roller (102) all the way up to the mounting brackets (110) on either side of the support frame (106). Each of the mounting bracket (110) is provided with an adjustable disc (304)having inclined open slit/slot (302) that acts as a guide for the roller shaft (112). The support frame (106) of the multi-plane belt tracking apparatus is fitted to existing conveyor structure by the mounting brackets (110) on either side of the support frame (106) according to first aspect of the present disclosure.

During normal operation of the conveyor belt (101), weight of material to be handled by the conveyor belt (101) is equally distributed on it therefore the conveyor belt (101) runs at centre of the self-activating roller (102) but sometimes, for reasons known in the industry the conveyor belt (101) misaligns from its designated path of run over, then the belt tracking apparatus (100) aligns the conveyor belt (101) back to its designated path.

When the conveyor belt (101) misaligns, then centre of gravity of the conveyor belt (101) shifts towards the direction of misalignment. This shift in centre of gravity of the conveyor belt (101) enables rotary motion of the spherical bearing (206) thus causing the inverted angle pivot frame (108) and the self-activating roller (102) to sway or yaw. Specifically, the side of the self-activating roller on which weight of the conveyor belt (101) is higher moves in forward direction and similarly for other side of the self-activating roller (102).Since, the roller shaft (112) is guided by the inclined open slit/slot (302) cut on adjustable discs (304) mounted on each of the mounting bracket (110) thus allowing movement of one end of the roller shaft (112) towards higher side and at same time allowing movement of the other end of the roller shaft towards lower side of the open slit/slot (302). The lubricating liner plates (116) provided in the periphery of the slot (302) imparts an ease in guiding the roller shaft (112) in the slot (302). The self-activating roller (102) can now exhibit two kinds of motion that is in lateral plane (swaying or yawing) and in vertical plane. This arrangement allows the self-activating roller (102) to climb from one side and descend from other side while exhibiting swaying motion and creating a banking of the self-activating roller (102). The conveyor belt (101), when in normal operation always tends to move in a plane perpendicular to the axis of the self-activating (102) along its length, thereby, banking of the self-activating roller (102) applies additional force that pushes the conveyor belt (101) back to its designated path from where it gets misaligned.

Inverted structure of the inverted angle pivot frame (108) helps for clearing away any debris/material that gets accumulated on the conveyor (101) belt while conveying them. The inverted structure of the inverted angle pivot frame (108) thus ensures smooth rolling of the self-activating roller (102) around the roller shaft (112). Preferred material for the support frame (106) and the inverted angle pivot frame (108) is deliberately chosen as steel for preventing any material build-up on their surfaces.

In a preferred embodiment of the present disclosure the protective cover (202) is made of rubber or polyurethane.

According to the preferred embodiment of the present disclosure the adjustable disc (304) can be rotated with the help of adjusting bolts (305) to adjust the inclination of the open slot (302) thereby adjusting the amount of elevation achieved by the roller shaft during tracking motion.

According to another embodiment, the adjustable disc (304) can be rotated with the help of adjusting bolts (305), to make the open slit parallel to the belt plane as illustrated in Fig.3(A), for operation in bi-directional/ reversible conveyor belts.

According to another aspect, there is provided a conveyor system (500) incorporating a conveyor belt aligning roller (502) that is installed underneath of a conveyor belt (504) as can be seen through Fig. 5. The conveyor system (500) includes a conveyor belt tracker of Fig. 1 and Fig. 1(A) having a roller (102) positioned under the conveyor belt (504); a support frame (106) having a pair of mounting brackets (110) on its either side for mounting the conveyor belt tracker to the conveyor system; an inverted angle pivot frame (108) adapted to tilt about a centrally located pivot (120) with respect to the support frame (106); wherein the centrally located pivot (120) enables horizontal plane movement and vertical plane movement of the pivot frame (108).

The conveyor belt aligning roller (502) advances the conveyor belt (504) and is adapted to exhibit two kinds of motion, one in lateral plane (plane of belt travel) and other in vertical plane (plane perpendicular to the plane of belt travel). These combined motions of the aligning roller (502) in two perpendicular planes occurs concomitantly and thus guiding the conveyor belt (504) back to the designated path of travel. Lateral plane motion and vertical plane motion can be achieved through the same mechanism as is used in the first aspect of the present disclosure.

The foregoing discussion of the present disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. It is not intended to limit the present invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description, for example, various features of the present invention are grouped together in one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the embodiments, configurations, or aspects may be combined in alternate embodiments, configurations, or aspects other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention the present invention requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed embodiment, configuration, or aspect. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

Moreover, though the description of the present disclosure has included description of one or more embodiments, configurations, or aspects and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the present invention, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative embodiments, configurations, or aspects to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter.

Claims

We Claim:

1. A conveyor belt tracker supporting a conveyor belt comprising;

a support frame (106);

a mounting bracket (110) on either side of the support frame (106);

a pivot frame (108) having an inverted angle structure;

a roller shaft (112) extending through a self-activating roller (102) with tapered ends carrying the conveyor, moving within slots (302) on the mounting bracket (110) of the support frame (106);

a spherical bearing centrally located at the support frame (106) and underneath the pivot frame (108) enabling lateral or rotary as well as vertical plane movement of the self-activating roller concomitantly;

and inclined open slits/slots (302) cut on each of the mounting bracket (110) of the support frame (106) acts as a guide for the roller shaft (112) enabling vertical movement of the self-activating roller (102).

2. The conveyor belt tracker as claimed in claim 1, wherein the roller shaft (112) is supported by the roller brackets (114) at either ends of the pivot frame (108).

3. The conveyor belt tracker as claimed in claim 1, wherein the pivot shaft (118) is fixed centrally on the support frame (106).

4. The conveyor belt tracker as claimed in claim 1, wherein an adjustable disc (304) is mounted on each of the mounting bracket (110), to adjust the inclination of the open slot (302) with the help of adjusting bolts (305).

5. The conveyor belt tracker as claimed in claim 4, wherein a wear resistant lubricating liner plate (116) is inserted onto the periphery of the inclined slot (302) cut in the adjustable disc (304) mounted on each of the mounting bracket (110), to guide the roller shaft (112).

6. A conveyor belt aligning apparatus comprising;

a support frame (106), a pivot (120) having a pivot shaft (118) fixed to the support frame (106), a pivot frame (108); the pivot frame (108) is supported over the support frame (106) by the pivot (120) through a spherical bearing (206) positioned at top end of the pivot shaft (118); wherein the pivot (120) may be covered by a protective shroud (202).

7. The conveyor belt aligning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the pivot shaft (118) is fixed at centre of the support frame (106).

8. The conveyor belt aligning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the protective shroud (202) is made of polymer or metal.

9. The conveyor belt aligning apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the spherical bearing (206) provides multi axial movement of the pivot frame (108) that is on a lateral plane (plane of belt travel) as well as on a vertical plane (plane perpendicular to belt travel).

10. A conveyor system with a conveyor belt comprising;

a conveyor belt tracker having a roller (102) positioned under the conveyor belt; a support frame (106) having a pair of mounting brackets (110) on its either side for mounting the conveyor belt tracker to the conveyor system; an inverted angle pivot frame (108) adapted to tilt about a centrally located pivot (120) with respect to the support frame (106); wherein the centrally located pivot (120) enabling horizontal plane movement and vertical plane movement of the pivot frame (108).

11. A conveyor belt system comprising;

a conveyor belt forming an under surface; a conveyor belt tracker having a roller (102) positioned below the conveyor belt abutting the under surface of the conveyor belt; the roller (102) receiving a roller shaft (112) with both ends supported by a pair of roller brackets (114) on either side of a pivot frame (108) of the conveyor belt tracker; the pivot frame (108) supported by a base frame (106) having a pair of mounting brackets (110) on either side of the base frame (106); wherein either ends of the roller shaft (112) are guided by inclined slots (302) cut on each of the mounting bracket (110) of the base frame (106).

Title: A MULTI-PLANE DYNAMIC RETURN BELT TRACKER