CA1291721C - Self cleaning conveyor roller - Google Patents
Self cleaning conveyor rollerInfo
- Publication number
- CA1291721C CA1291721C CA000549483A CA549483A CA1291721C CA 1291721 C CA1291721 C CA 1291721C CA 000549483 A CA000549483 A CA 000549483A CA 549483 A CA549483 A CA 549483A CA 1291721 C CA1291721 C CA 1291721C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- shaft
- support plates
- central plate
- circular
- roller
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
Links
Landscapes
- Rollers For Roller Conveyors For Transfer (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE
This invention is a conveyor belt roller, including a pair of oppositely spiralled rims between circular plates affixed along a shaft for sweeping debris in axial direction.
This invention is a conveyor belt roller, including a pair of oppositely spiralled rims between circular plates affixed along a shaft for sweeping debris in axial direction.
Description
~29~721 BAC~GROU~D OF THE INV~NTION
This invention relates generally to industrial machinery that employs conveyor belts for the movement of product materials. More specifically, it relates to rollers that support a conveyor belt, and around which the endless belt travels as the roller rotates.
PRIOR ART
It is well known that, in many industries, a considerable amount of debris falls upon the inner side of the belt, from where it is then carried under the end roller, where it gradually accumulates as the roller continues to rotate.
Some of the debris nearest the opposite ends of each roller may possibly fall out. In time, however, the debris under the center of each end roller gradually increases in thickness, so that the belt crown, extending along the center of the belt, becomes stretched and deformed in time, destroying the belt's efficiency. This occurs particularly in industries wherein granular materials are carried on the belts. In order to prevent such wear on the belt, the conveyor must be periodically stopped, for being cleaned, resulting in loss of production time. This situation is, accordingly, in want of an improvement.
129172~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a conveyor belt roller that is self-c:Leaning, so as to eliminate the need of stopping the machinery periodically, in order to clean up debris collected under the end belt roller.
Another object is to provide a self-cleaning conveyor belt roller which eliminates the cost of frequent belt replacement, or loss of production time and business profit.
Yet another object is to provide a self-cleaning conveyor belt roller, which, in one design thereof, additionally washes the belt surface, so as to dislodge debris that is sticky or gummy and adheres to the belt, such as in agricultural industries, handling fruits and vegetables, that leave juicy pulp on the belt.
Other objects are to provide a self-cleaning conveyor belt roller, that needs no special servicing, is inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, and efficient in operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
~2917Zl FIGURE l is a perspective view of a self-cleaning conveyor rollerl shown in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of the invention;
FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of two rollers, as they are used in a conveyor system;
FIGURE 4 is another front elevational view of the invention;
FIGURE 5 is yet another front elevational view of the invention; and FIGURE 6 is an enlarged end view of the invention.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with an example embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment. On the contrary, it i5 intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and e~uivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E INVBNTION
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.
Referring now the to the drawings in greater detail, the reference numeral 10 represents a self-cleaning conveyor roller, according to the present invention, which is made from 917Zl an elongated shaft 11, a circular central plate 12 on the shaft, a pair of circular end plates 13, and a pair of augers 14, each one of which is positioned between one of the end plates and the central plate, the components being welded together to form a singular rigid assembly. All the components are made of a strong steel, so that the roller can support a heavy load. The shaft is straight, having opposite ends 15, that may be rotatably supported in suitable bearings. The circular central plate comprises a solid, heavy, flat disc, having no openings therethrough except for a central opening, through which the shaft was inserted, and welded at its center therein. The end plates are made in like manner, except that each is welded on the shaft at a spaced distance from the shaft ends, so as to leave the portions 15 for support in the bearings. Also, each end plate includes a plurality of large openings 17 therethrough, for allowing debris to be freely moved therethrough. The openings 17 are all located between a hub portion 18, through which the shaft extends, and a peripheral portion that forms a circular rim 19. Each auger comprises a spiralled rim, having a plurality of turns 20, and which has the same circular outer diameter as the plates 12 and 13. The auger rim may be the same in width and thickness as the rim 19, for also allowing the debris to move through a central opening 21, extending longitudinally through the auger. A flat face 22 is formed on each opposite end of the auger, so as to abut against the adjacent side faces of the central and end plates, to which the faces 22 are then firmly welded together.
As clearly shown in FIGURES 2, 4 and 5, the roller is made with each of the two augers being spiralled in opposite directions, one spiralling clockwise, and the other counter-clockwise.
As shown in FIGURE 3, a pair of spaced apart self-cleaning conveyor rollers lO are mounted upon a conveyor frame, and an endless belt 23 is installed around the two rollers, so that the belt forms a straight upper run portion 24 and a lower run portion 25 between the rollers, while a semi-circular portion 26 thereof extends around the outer side of each of the rollers. During operation of the conveyor, the belt travels around the two rotating rollers, so that material placed upon the top run is carried from one roller (which serves as a head roller) toward the other (which serves as a tail roller).
Accordingly, any debris that falls upon the top of the lower run tends to accumulate under the tail roller, if such roller is of conventional type. However, if the tail roller is of self-cleaning type, the debris arriving under the tail roller is immediately moved in transverse directions by means of the spiral augers; each rotating so that its spiral turns advance toward an opposite outer end of the roller. Thus, any debris arriving in the space 27 formed between the rim turns is advanced away from the belt crown and toward the belt side edges 28, from where it drops off. Each auger, accordingly, sweeps the debris off one-half of the belt. The head roller, likewise, can sweep off the underside of the top run as it becomes belt portion 26, removing any sticky debris.
In a modified design, a central opening 29 in the shaft delivers water from a water supply to a series of radically extending outlets (not shown) along a side of the shaftr for spraying stuck debris from the belt.
In a further modified design, spokes (not shown), between the auger rim and the shaft, strengthen the auger to support a heavy loaded belt.
While various changes may be made in the detail construction, it is understood that such changes will be within the spirit and scope of the invention as is defined by the appended claims.
~hus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
This invention relates generally to industrial machinery that employs conveyor belts for the movement of product materials. More specifically, it relates to rollers that support a conveyor belt, and around which the endless belt travels as the roller rotates.
PRIOR ART
It is well known that, in many industries, a considerable amount of debris falls upon the inner side of the belt, from where it is then carried under the end roller, where it gradually accumulates as the roller continues to rotate.
Some of the debris nearest the opposite ends of each roller may possibly fall out. In time, however, the debris under the center of each end roller gradually increases in thickness, so that the belt crown, extending along the center of the belt, becomes stretched and deformed in time, destroying the belt's efficiency. This occurs particularly in industries wherein granular materials are carried on the belts. In order to prevent such wear on the belt, the conveyor must be periodically stopped, for being cleaned, resulting in loss of production time. This situation is, accordingly, in want of an improvement.
129172~
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
Therefore, it is a principal object of the present invention to provide a conveyor belt roller that is self-c:Leaning, so as to eliminate the need of stopping the machinery periodically, in order to clean up debris collected under the end belt roller.
Another object is to provide a self-cleaning conveyor belt roller which eliminates the cost of frequent belt replacement, or loss of production time and business profit.
Yet another object is to provide a self-cleaning conveyor belt roller, which, in one design thereof, additionally washes the belt surface, so as to dislodge debris that is sticky or gummy and adheres to the belt, such as in agricultural industries, handling fruits and vegetables, that leave juicy pulp on the belt.
Other objects are to provide a self-cleaning conveyor belt roller, that needs no special servicing, is inexpensive to manufacture, rugged in construction, and efficient in operation.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
These and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon referring to the drawings in which:
~2917Zl FIGURE l is a perspective view of a self-cleaning conveyor rollerl shown in accordance with the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a front elevational view of the invention;
FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of two rollers, as they are used in a conveyor system;
FIGURE 4 is another front elevational view of the invention;
FIGURE 5 is yet another front elevational view of the invention; and FIGURE 6 is an enlarged end view of the invention.
While the invention will be described in conjunction with an example embodiment, it will be understood that it is not intended to limit the invention to such embodiment. On the contrary, it i5 intended to cover all alternatives, modifications and e~uivalents as may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF T~E INVBNTION
In the following description, similar features in the drawings have been given similar reference numerals.
Referring now the to the drawings in greater detail, the reference numeral 10 represents a self-cleaning conveyor roller, according to the present invention, which is made from 917Zl an elongated shaft 11, a circular central plate 12 on the shaft, a pair of circular end plates 13, and a pair of augers 14, each one of which is positioned between one of the end plates and the central plate, the components being welded together to form a singular rigid assembly. All the components are made of a strong steel, so that the roller can support a heavy load. The shaft is straight, having opposite ends 15, that may be rotatably supported in suitable bearings. The circular central plate comprises a solid, heavy, flat disc, having no openings therethrough except for a central opening, through which the shaft was inserted, and welded at its center therein. The end plates are made in like manner, except that each is welded on the shaft at a spaced distance from the shaft ends, so as to leave the portions 15 for support in the bearings. Also, each end plate includes a plurality of large openings 17 therethrough, for allowing debris to be freely moved therethrough. The openings 17 are all located between a hub portion 18, through which the shaft extends, and a peripheral portion that forms a circular rim 19. Each auger comprises a spiralled rim, having a plurality of turns 20, and which has the same circular outer diameter as the plates 12 and 13. The auger rim may be the same in width and thickness as the rim 19, for also allowing the debris to move through a central opening 21, extending longitudinally through the auger. A flat face 22 is formed on each opposite end of the auger, so as to abut against the adjacent side faces of the central and end plates, to which the faces 22 are then firmly welded together.
As clearly shown in FIGURES 2, 4 and 5, the roller is made with each of the two augers being spiralled in opposite directions, one spiralling clockwise, and the other counter-clockwise.
As shown in FIGURE 3, a pair of spaced apart self-cleaning conveyor rollers lO are mounted upon a conveyor frame, and an endless belt 23 is installed around the two rollers, so that the belt forms a straight upper run portion 24 and a lower run portion 25 between the rollers, while a semi-circular portion 26 thereof extends around the outer side of each of the rollers. During operation of the conveyor, the belt travels around the two rotating rollers, so that material placed upon the top run is carried from one roller (which serves as a head roller) toward the other (which serves as a tail roller).
Accordingly, any debris that falls upon the top of the lower run tends to accumulate under the tail roller, if such roller is of conventional type. However, if the tail roller is of self-cleaning type, the debris arriving under the tail roller is immediately moved in transverse directions by means of the spiral augers; each rotating so that its spiral turns advance toward an opposite outer end of the roller. Thus, any debris arriving in the space 27 formed between the rim turns is advanced away from the belt crown and toward the belt side edges 28, from where it drops off. Each auger, accordingly, sweeps the debris off one-half of the belt. The head roller, likewise, can sweep off the underside of the top run as it becomes belt portion 26, removing any sticky debris.
In a modified design, a central opening 29 in the shaft delivers water from a water supply to a series of radically extending outlets (not shown) along a side of the shaftr for spraying stuck debris from the belt.
In a further modified design, spokes (not shown), between the auger rim and the shaft, strengthen the auger to support a heavy loaded belt.
While various changes may be made in the detail construction, it is understood that such changes will be within the spirit and scope of the invention as is defined by the appended claims.
~hus it is apparent that there has been provided in accordance with the invention that fully satisfies the objects, aims and advantages set forth above. While the invention has been described in conjunction with a specific embodiment thereof, it is evident that many alternatives, modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Accordingly, it is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications and variations as fall within the spirit and broad scope of the invention.
Claims (3)
1. A self-cleaning conveyor belt roller, comprising, in 20 combination, a plurality of spaced-apart, circular belt support plates with openings, affixed on a shaft;
a solid circular central plate affixed on said shaft between said support plates; and a plurality of plates, affixed on said shaft between said support plates where each plate has a spiral plate portion extending around said shaft, joined together to form a continuous spiral such that the direction of the spiral on one side of said solid circular central plate is opposite from the other side of said solid circular central plate so debris are carried away from said solid circular central plate and toward said circular belt support plates for elimination through said openings of said circular belt support plates.
a solid circular central plate affixed on said shaft between said support plates; and a plurality of plates, affixed on said shaft between said support plates where each plate has a spiral plate portion extending around said shaft, joined together to form a continuous spiral such that the direction of the spiral on one side of said solid circular central plate is opposite from the other side of said solid circular central plate so debris are carried away from said solid circular central plate and toward said circular belt support plates for elimination through said openings of said circular belt support plates.
2. A self-cleaning conveyor belt roller of claim 1 where said circular belt support plates, said solid circular central plate, and said plates are equal in outer diametrical size.
3. A self-cleaning conveyor belt roller, comprising, in combination, two spaced-apart circular belt support plates with openings, affixed on a shaft;
one solid circular central plate affixed on said shaft between said two circular belt support plates; and a plurality of plates, affixed on said shaft between said support plates where each plate has a spiral flight portion extending around said shaft, joined together to form a continuous spiral such that the direction of the spiral on one side of said solid circular central plate is opposite from the other side of said solid circular central plate so debris are carried away from said solid circular central plate and toward said circular belt support plates for elimination through said openings of said circular belt support plates.
one solid circular central plate affixed on said shaft between said two circular belt support plates; and a plurality of plates, affixed on said shaft between said support plates where each plate has a spiral flight portion extending around said shaft, joined together to form a continuous spiral such that the direction of the spiral on one side of said solid circular central plate is opposite from the other side of said solid circular central plate so debris are carried away from said solid circular central plate and toward said circular belt support plates for elimination through said openings of said circular belt support plates.
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US1952787A | 1987-02-26 | 1987-02-26 | |
| US019,527 | 1987-02-26 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1291721C true CA1291721C (en) | 1991-11-05 |
Family
ID=21793681
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000549483A Expired - Lifetime CA1291721C (en) | 1987-02-26 | 1987-10-16 | Self cleaning conveyor roller |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1291721C (en) |
-
1987
- 1987-10-16 CA CA000549483A patent/CA1291721C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
Similar Documents
| Publication | Publication Date | Title |
|---|---|---|
| US4913279A (en) | Self cleaning conveyor roller | |
| US3802565A (en) | Water intake screen | |
| US4489823A (en) | Scraper blade for a belt conveyor | |
| NL8520040A (en) | SELF-TRACKING CONVEYOR BELT. | |
| US20030173190A1 (en) | Self-cleaning conveyor roller | |
| KR101642582B1 (en) | Replaceable brush debris removal device | |
| EP0925847B1 (en) | Starscreen | |
| US4180155A (en) | Multiple pitch self-cleaning belt pulley | |
| GB2440447A (en) | Conveyor scraper blade | |
| GB2186251A (en) | Slat conveyor with removable slats | |
| JP4093986B2 (en) | Shell surface cleaner | |
| CA1291721C (en) | Self cleaning conveyor roller | |
| CA1305395C (en) | Winged cutting knife for producing wood chips or flakes | |
| JPH0840527A (en) | Roller for belt conveyor | |
| US2391178A (en) | Idler roll for belt conveyers | |
| CA1088450A (en) | Conveyor belt cleaning device | |
| US3970190A (en) | Roller chain conveyor belt | |
| US4685556A (en) | Drive mechanism for a live roller conveyor | |
| US4499992A (en) | Self-cleaning support roller for an endless conveyor belt | |
| US2827337A (en) | Sprocket drive for endless track top rollers | |
| US6106390A (en) | Dehusking apparatus | |
| US4099610A (en) | Endless power-driven conveyor with discharge comb | |
| AU2008203179A1 (en) | Self-Cleaning Conveyor Roller | |
| SU1395567A1 (en) | Driving drum of belt conveyer | |
| WO1996030132A1 (en) | Screen cleaning means |
Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKLA | Lapsed |