CA2888933A1 - Conveyor roller assembly - Google Patents

Abstract

A conveyor roller assembly (25) for supporting a conveyor belt, the conveyor roller assembly comprising a base (61), a plurality of idler rollers (50), and a support assembly (63) for mounting the idler rollers on the base. The support assembly (63) is adapted for installation onto and removal from the base (61) from at least one side of the conveyor belt. With this arrangement, the support assembly (63) and the accompanying idler roller (50) may be installed onto, and removed from, the base (61) from a location alongside the conveyer belt and without requiring access to the area beneath the conveyor belt. The support assembly (63) is selectively movable between first and second conditions, wherein in the first condition the idler rollers (50) are in an elevated position to offer support for the underside of the conveyor belt and wherein in the second condition the idler rollers are in a lowered position to facilitate sliding movement of the support assembly with respect to the base.

Description

Conveyor Roller Assembly Field of the Invention [0001] This invention relates to belt conveyors. More particularity, the invention relates to a conveyor roller assembly for supporting a conveyor belt. The invention also relates to a belt conveyor having a conveyor belt supported by conveyor roller assemblies. The invention further relates to apparatus adapted to receive and support parts of the conveyor roller assembly during installation or removal thereof.
Background Art

[0002] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. The discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to is or was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0003] Belt conveyors are used for materials handling and transport. A
particular application of belt conveyors is for transport of particulate materials in, for example, mining and grain-handling applications.

[0004] Typically, a belt conveyor comprises an endless belt adapted to pass around head and tail rollers to define an upper load-carrying run and a lower return run. The upper and lower runs are supported at intervals along their respective lengths by a series of sets of idler rollers. Each roller set usually includes two or more idler rollers disposed in side-by-side relation and positioned to engage the underside of the respective run. Where the load carrying run is of trough configuration, as is a common occurrence, the idler roller sets each typically comprise a horizontal central roller and two inclined side rollers on opposed sides of the central roller.

[0005] In circumstances where one or more of the idler rollers in a roller set requires servicing, repair or replacement, it is necessary to access the particular roller or rollers from the underside of the belt to perform what is commonly referred to as a roller change-out. This can present difficulties. Further, current practises often dictate that operation of the belt conveyor be stopped so that the belt is not moving while a servicing, repair or replacement procedure is being performed. The requirement to stop operation of the belt conveyor can lead to significant losses both in terms of time and production opportunities.
Typically, not only does the practice required that the moving belt be stopped during the procedure, but the belt conveyor also needs to be operated for some time beforehand without receiving further load materials in order for the moving belt to discharge its load at least in the vicinity where the procedure is to be performed so that the adjacent section of the belt can be lifted clear of the roller set. There is also the subsequent loss of time in returning the belt conveyor to full operational capacity after completion of the procedure.

[0006] It is against this background, and the problems and difficulties associated therewith, that the present invention has been developed.
Disclosure of the Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor roller assembly for supporting a conveyor belt, the conveyor roller assembly comprising a base, and a support assembly for mounting at least one idler roller on the base, the support assembly being adapted for installation onto and removal from the base from at least one side of the conveyor belt.

[0008] Preferably, the support assembly is adapted to support a plurality of idler rollers.

[0009] Preferably, the conveyor roller assembly according to the first aspect of the invention further comprises a plurality of idler rollers mountable on the base by the support assembly.

[0010] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor roller assembly for supporting a conveyor belt, the conveyor roller assembly comprising a base, a plurality of idler rollers, and a support assembly for mounting the idler rollers on the base, the support assembly being adapted for installation onto and removal from the base from at least one side of the conveyor belt.

[0011] With this arrangement, the support assembly and the accompanying idler roller(s) may be installed onto, and removed from, the base from a location alongside the conveyer belt and without requiring access to the area beneath the conveyor belt. This may allow the support assembly and the accompanying idler rollers to be installed onto, and removed from, the base without requiring that operation of the conveyor belt be stopped.

[0012] Preferably, the support assembly is supported on the base for movement therealong for installation on, and removal from, the base from said at least one =
side of the conveyor belt.

[0013] Typically, the support assembly is supported on the base for slidable movement therealong.

[0014] Preferably, the support assembly is engageable with the base at one end thereof for installation on, and removal from, the base.

[0015] Preferably, the support assembly is selectiively movable between first and second conditions, wherein in the first condition the idler rollers are in an elevated position to offer support for the underside of the conveyor belt and wherein in the second condition the idler rollers are in a lowered position to facilitate sliding movement of the support assembly with respect to the base.

[0016] Typically, the idler rollers are clear of the underside of the conveyor belt when in the second condition to facilitate the sliding movement.

[0017] Preferably, the support assembly is angularly movable for selective movement between the first and second conditions.

[0018] . In one arrangement, the support assembly may be angularly movable with respect to the base for selective movement between the first and second conditions.

[0019] In another arrangement, the base may be selectively movable for moving the support assembly between the first and second conditions. Preferably; the base is selectively rotatable for this purpose. Other forms of movement are, of course, possible for this purpose, including displacement of the base towards and away from the conveyor belt.

[0020] Preferably, the support assembly is of modular construction comprising a plurality of support sections.

[0021] Preferably, there is one support section corresponding to each idler roller. =

[0022] In a typical arrangement, the conveyor roller assembly comprises three idler rollers, being a central idler roller and two end idler rollers. With such an arrangement, the support assembly typically comprises three modular sections.
Typically, the central idler roller and two end idler rollers are in a trough configuration as is well known with endless belt conveyors. "

[0023] Preferably, the support sections are adapted to be releasably connected one to another.

[0024] Preferably, the base defines a track, wherein the support assembly is movable along the track

[0025] The support sections may be releasably connected one to another for movement in unison along the track, with the respective interconnections being released to facilitate removal of each support section from the track.

[0026] Preferably, the base comprises a beam which defines the track.

[0027] Preferably, each support section comprises a carriage portion adapted for engagement with the track for axial movement therealong and a cradle portion for rotatably supporting the respective idler roller.

[0028] In one embodiment, the carriage portion may be configured for selective rotation about the track for movement between the first and second conditions, as well as movement axially along the track. In such an embodiment, the carriage portion may be configured as a sleeve adapted to be received on the track.

[0029] With such an arrangement, the track may be generally circular in cross-sectional profile and the sleeve may have an internal passage of corresponding configuration to facilitate said angular movement with respect to the base between the first and second conditions.

[0030] In another embodiment, the track may be configured to define a rail along which carriage portion is movable is movable, wherein the rail and carriage portion are configured for engagement in a manner preventing separation therebetween when the carriage portion is installed on the rail, and wherein the rail is rotatable for moving the support section between the first and second conditions.

[0031] Preferably, a lock is provided for selectively locking the rail against rotation to retain the support section in the first condition.

[0032] With this embodiment, the beam may be mounted for rotation to provide the rotation of the rail for moving the support section between the first and second conditions.

[0033] Preferably, the beam is supported at its ends, with at least one end of the track defined thereby being adapted to be selectively accessible to facilitate installation and removal of the support assembly.

[0034] Typically, the beam is adapted to be supported at its ends between ' longitudinal frame elements of a supporting frame structure for the conveyor.
Typically, the longitudinal frame elements comprise stringers.

[0035] The conveyor may comprise an operative section incorporating the endless belt and a plurality of the conveyor roller assemblies according to the invention for.
supporting a conveyor belt, and also an access way alongside the operative section, wherein the support assemblies of at least some of the conveyor roller assemblies are accessible from the access way.

[0036] With this arrangement, the support sections and the accompanying idler rollers may be retracted from the location beneath the conveyor belt onto the access way at which any necessary servicing, repair or replacement activity can be performed. Such an arrangement is advantageous as it may allow the servicing, repair or replacement activity to be performed without requiring that the conveyor be stopped.
=

[0037] The access way may be configured as a walk way.

[0038] The invention may further comprise apparatus to receive and support the support assembly during installation onto and/or removal from the base.

[0039] The apparatus may be configured as a mobile body.

[0040] The mobile body may be configured to receive and support the support sections. The mobile body may comprise at least one arbor to receive the support sections.

[0041] Where the mobile body comprises only one arbor, the latter may be adapted to received the various support sections sequentially.

[0042] However, it is preferable that the mobile body comprises a plurality of arbors each for receiving a respective one of the support sections of one conveyor , 20 roller assembly according to the invention.

[0043] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a support section for a conveyor roller assembly according to the first or second aspect of the invention, the support section being adapted in conjunction with at least one other support section to provide said support assembly.

[0044] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus to receive and support a support assembly of a conveyor roller assembly according to the first or second aspect of the invention.

[0045] According to a fifth aspect of the invention there is provided apparatus to receive and support a modular support assembly of a conveyor roller assembly, the modular support assembly comprising a plurality of support sections, the apparatus comprising a body configured to receive and support the support sections, the body comprising at least one arbor to receive the support sections.

[0046] Preferably, the body comprises a plurality of arbors each for 'receiving a respective one of the support sections.

[0047] According to' a sixth aspect of the invention there is provide a belt conveyor comprising a conveyor belt and a plurality of conveyor roller assemblies for supporting the conveyor belt, at least some of the conveyor roller assemblies being in accordance with the first or second aspect of the invention.
Brief Description of the Drawings

[0048] Further features of the present invention are mbre fully described in the following description of several non-limiting embodiments thereof. This description is included solely for the purposes of exemplifying the present invention. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a schematic perspective view of a first embodiment of a conveyor roller assembly according to the invention;
Figure 2 is an elevational view of the conveyor roller assembly;
Figure 3 is a plan view of the conveyor roller assembly;
Figure 4 is a side view of the conveyor roller assembly;
Figure 5 is a fragmentary view of a conveyor system incorporating a belt conveyor having a conveyor belt supported by the conveyor roller assembly;

Figures 6 to 17 are views similar to Figure 5 illustrating various stages of a process for removal of the first embodiment of the conveyor roller assembly according to the invention for servicing, repair or replacement of idler rollers forming part thereof;
Figure 18 is a schematic elevational view of a second embodiment of a conveyor roller assembly according to the invention;
Figure 19 is a plan view of the conveyor roller assembly shown in Figure 18;
Figure 20 is a side view of the conveyor roller assembly shown in Figure 18, with the exception that the of the support assembly is depicted in a second condition in which the idler rollers are in a lowered position to facilitate sliding movement of the support assembly;
Figure 21 is a schematic exploded view of the second embodiment of a conveyor roller assembly according to the invention; and =
Figure 22 is a side view of the support assembly mounted on the base, illustrating schematically the manner of engagement between the support assembly and the base.

[0049] In the drawings like structures are referred to by like numerals throughout the several views. The drawings shown are not necessarily to scale, with emphasis instead generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the present invention.
Best Mode(s) for Carrying Out the Invention

[0050] The present invention is directed to a conveyor roller assembly for supporting a conveyor belt. The conveyor roller assembly comprises a support assembly and idler rollers, with the arrangement being that the support assembly and accompanying idler rollers can be installed and removed from a working o-location alongside the conveyer belt and without requiring access to the area ) beneath the conveyor belt. The support assembly and the accompanying idler rollers can also be installed and removed without requiring that operation of the conveyor belt be stopped.

[0051] The figures depict several embodiments of the support assembly. The embodiments illustrate certain configurations; however, it is to be appreciated that the invention can take the form of many configurations, as would be obvious to a person skilled in the art, whilst still embodying the present invention. These configurations are to be considered within the scope of this invention.

[0052] Referring to the drawings, there is shown a conveyor system 10 comprising a belt conveyor 11. The belt conveyor 11 comprises a conveyor belt 13 movably supported on a support structure 15. In this embodiment, the conveyor system is designed to carry particulate materials such as iron ore in mining operations.
The conveyor system 10 can, of course, be designed to carry any other appropriate load, whether in particulate material form, bulk form, or otherwise.

[0053] The conveyor belt 13 comprises an endless belt 15 having an upper run and a lower run (not shown). In the arrangement shown, the upper run 17 is of a trough configuration, as is well-known with belt conveyors.

[0054] The support structure 15 comprises a frame structure 21 supporting a series of upper roller sets 23 for carrying the upper run 17 from the underside thereof and a series of lower roller sets (not shown) for carrying the lower run (not shown) from the underside thereof.

[0055] The upper roller sets 23 are incorporated in a first embodiment of a conveyor roller assembly 25 according to the invention.

[0056] In Figures 5 to 17, only one of the upper roller set 23 is shown incorporated in a conveyor roller assembly 25 according to the invention. The other upper roller sets 23 are depicted as conventional roller sets which are supported by =

conventional cradle support arrangements 27. While the conventional roller sets and their associated conventional cradle support arrangements 27 are depicted in the drawings, they would in reality not be present in the belt conveyor 11.
Rather, the conventional roller sets and their associated conventional cradle support arrangements 27 would be replaced by conveyor roller assemblies 25 according to the invention.

[0057] The frame structure 21 also supports a plurality of abutment roller assemblies 31 provided for the purpose of selectively lifting the upper run 17, the purpose of which will be described later. Typically, the abutment roller assemblies 31 would be installed at intervals along the underside of the upper run 17 between groups of the upper roller sets 23. In the arrangement shown, the abutment roller assemblies 31 are at intervals with groups of four upper roller sets 23 therebetween.

[0058] The abutment roller assemblies 31 are adapted to operate in pairs, the arrangement being that each pair can cooperate to lift the section of the upper run 17 extending therebetween upwardly and clear of the intervening upper roller sets 23. In the arrangement shown, the abutment railer assemblies 31 comprise extensible structures 33 which can support the underside of the upper run 17 in a =
manner similar to the upper roller sets 23 but which can also be moved between extended and retracted conditions to raise and lower the adjacent section of the upper run 17. While the abutment roller assemblies 31 may be of any appropriate form, a suitable abutment roller set may be that described and illustrated in Australian Provisional Patent Application 2010905663 and counterpart International Application PCT/AU2012/000003, the contents of which are incorporated herein by way of reference.

[0059] The conveyor system 10 further comprises an access way 40 of known kind extending alongside the belt conveyor 11. In the arrangement shown, the access way 40 comprises a walk way 41 having a platform 43 and handrail 45.
The arrangement is such that the belt conveyor 11 is accessible from the access way 40. In particular, the access way 40 affords access to the conveyor belt and parts of the frame structure 15, including the upper roller set 23, the lower roller sets (not shown), the abutment roller assemblies 31 and associated componentry, for servicing, repair or replacement. In particular, the access way 40 affords access to the various conveyor roller assemblies 25 according to the embodiment, of which the upper roller sets 23 form part.

[0060] The support structure 15 is so arranged that the upper roller sets 23 forming part of each conveyor roller assembly 25 according to the invention can be retracted from the location beneath the conveyor belt 13.onto the access way 40 where any necessary servicing, repair or replacement activity can be performed, as will be described in more detail later. In this embodiment, the arrangement also allows servicing, repair or replacement activity to be performed without requiring the conveyor belt 13 to be stopped, as will be further explained later.
. 15 [0061] In the arrangement illustrated, each upper roller set 23 forming part of the conveyor roller assembly 25 according to the invention comprises three idler rollers 50, being a central idler roller 51 and two end idler rollers 52.
[0062] The conveyor roller assembly 25 comprises a base 61 and a support assembly 63 for mounting the upper roller set 23 onto the base 61.
[0063] The base 61 is configured as a beam 65 extending between two stringers 67 which form part of the support frame 21. The beam 65 defines a track along which the support assembly 63 is movable, as will be explained further later.
[0064] The ends of the beam 65 are releasably connected to the stringers 67 by couplings 69. The coupling 69a at the end 65a of the beam 65 is adapted to be releasable to provide access to end 65a to facilitate installation of the support assembly 63 on, and removal of the support assembly 63 from, the beam 65., In Figures 8 to 17 of the drawings, the coupling 69a is shown in a released condition.

[0065] The support assembly 63 is adapted to be supported on the beam 65 for slidable movement along the track defined thereby for installation on, and removal from, the beam from the side of the conveyor belt 13 on which the access way is located. As mentioned above, the arrangement is that the support assembly is installed on, and removed from, the beam 65 at the end 65a thereof. Access to the end 65a of the beam 65 is attained by releasing the coupling 69a, as alluded to above.
[0066] The support assembly 63 is of modular construction comprising a plurality of support sections 70, one corresponding to each idler roller 50. In this embodiment there are three support sections 70, being a first support section supporting one end idler roller 52a, a second support section 72 supporting central idler roller 51, and a third support section 73 supporting the other end idler roller 52b.
[0067] Each support section 70 comprises a carriage portion 81 adapted for engagement with the beam 65 for axial movement therealong and a cradle portion 83 for rotatably supporting the respective idler roller 50.
[0068] In the arrangement illustrated, the carriage portion 81 is configured as a sleeve 85 adapted to be received on the beam 65 for sliding and rotational movement with respect thereto.
[0069] The support assembly 63 is angularly movable with respect to the beam for selective movement between a first upright condition and a second collapsed condition, wherein in the first condition the idler rollers 50 are in an elevated = position to offer support for the underside of the upper run 17 of the conveyor belt 13 and wherein in the second condition the idler rollers 50 are in a lowered position to facilitate sliding movement of the support assembly 63 with respect to the beam. More particularly, each support section 70 is angularly movable with respect to the beam 65 for selective movement between the first and second =
=

conditions. The support sections 70 are shown in the first condition in Figures 5 to 8, and are shown in the second condition in Figure 9.
[0070]A locking mechanism (not shown) is provided for releasably locking each support section 70 in the first condition.
[0071] In the arrangement illustrated, the beam 65 is generally circular in cross-sectional profile and each sleeve 85 has an internal passage of corresponding configuration so that it can be rotatably supported on the beam and thereby facilitate said angular movement of the support sections 70 with respect to the beam 65 between the first and second conditions.
[0072] The frame structure 21 includes abutments 91 on which the support sections 70 can rest when collapsed into the second condition, as shown in Figure 9. In the arrangement illustrated, each abutment 91 comprises a bar 93 extending between the stringers 67.
' [0073] With this arrangement, the support sections 70 and the accompanying idler rollers 50 of each conveyor roller assembly 25 can be retracted from the location beneath the conveyor belt 13 onto the access way 40 at which any necessary servicing, repair or replacement activity can be performed. The procedure first involves lifting the section of conveyor belt 13 above the particular conveyor roller assembly 25 requiring serving or repair so the conveyor belt is clear of the idler rollers 50 (as shown in Figure 6) and later rotating the support sections 70 downwardly into the second condition (as shown in Figure 9). The coupling 69a at the end 65a of the respective beam 65 is released to provide access to end 65a to facilitate removal of the support sections from the beam 65. Once the support sections 70 have been removed from the beam 65 (as shown in Figure 17), the respective idler rollers 50 are readily accessible for serving, repair or replacement.
The procedure can be performed on the access way 40 or some other location away from the conveyor belt 13.

[0074] The step involving lifting the section of conveyor belt 13 clear of the idler rollers 50 involves actuating the respective pair of abutment roller assemblies 31 between which the particular conveyor roller assembly 25 requiring serving or repair is located.
[0075] It is a particular feature of the embodiment that the idler rollers 50 are moved away from the conveyor belt 13 and there is no need to access them from the underside of the conveyor belt.
[0076] It is a further feature of the embodiment that the procedure can, if desired, be performed without necessitating that the conveyor belt 13 be stopped. In particular, operation of the belt conveyor 11 can continue, as the moving conveyor belt 13 is supported sufficiently by the abutment roller assemblies 31 while the procedure is being performed. The belt conveyor Ills, of course, so designed that abutment roller assemblies 31 are so spaced that the span of the conveyor belt 13 can be supported temporarily by any two adjacent abutment roller assemblies 31 during operation of the conveyor without requiring support from the intervening upper roller sets 23. The arrangement thus permits the intervening upper roller sets 23 to be out of service and so not supporting the moving conveyor belt 13 while the procedure is being performed.
[0077] It is a further feature of the embodiment that the procedure can be performed with access (typically-by way of an access way) along one side only of the conveyor belt. Idler roller change-out procedures typically require access from both sides of a conveyor belt. An arrangement which facilitates idler roller change-out with access from only one side of a conveyor belt offers substantial cost benefits as there is no need to provide facilities for access from both sides.
[0078] It is also a feature of the embodiment that there is no need for a second worker on the other side of the conveyor belt, as is the case with prior art change-out procedures.

[00791A transfer system 100 is provided to facilitate installation of the modular support assembly 63 (or one or more of the support sections 70) onto, or removal thereof from, the beam 65. The transfer system 100, which is shown in Figures to 17, is adapted to receive the support sections 70 and provide a workstation at which the respective idler rollers 50 can be conveniently serviced, repaired or replaced.
[0080] The transfer system 100 comprises a mobile body 101 comprising a base 103 incorporating support legs 105 and wheels 107 for rolling movement along the access way 40. The mobile body 101 further comprises an upper portion 108 which is mounted on the base 103 and which is configured to receive and support the support sections 70. The upper portion 108 comprises head portion 109 and three arbors 110 mounted on the head portion 109. The three arbors 110 comprise a first arbor 111, a second arbor 112 and a third arbor 113, with the third arbor 113 being located between the first and second arbors 111, 112.
[0081] Each arbor 100 is configured as a shaft 115 supported in cantilever fashion, with One end 117 mounted on head portion 109 and the other end 119 free to receive the sleeve 85 of one of the support sections 70. In the arrangement shown, the first and second arbors 111, 112 are each pivotally mounted at its respective ends 117 onto the head portion 108 by a pivotal coupling 121 for swinging movement about a substantially upright axis. With this arrangement, first and second arbors 111, 112 can each be selectively pivoted between an operative position in which it can be aligned with a selected one of the beams 65 and a stowed condition in which it has be swung sidewardly to facilitate access to the central third arbor 113.
[0082] In operation, the transfer system 100 is used to facilitate installation of the support sections 70 onto, and removal of the support sections 70 from, their respective beam 65. At the stage where one or more of the support sections 70, needs to be removed, the mobile body 101 is moved along the access way 40 into a position in which the first arbor 111 is in the operative position and in alignment with the respective beam 65, as shown in Figure7. The first arbor 111 is then moved into registration with the beam 65 to provide support for the corresponding end of the beam (which would otherwise be unsupported following detachment of the coupling 69a at the end 65a of the beam 65), as shown in Figure 8. The modular support assembly 63 is then unlocked and rotated downwardly into the lowered into the second condition to rest on the abutment 91, as shown in Figure 9. The first support section 71 supporting end idler roller 52a is then withdrawn by sliding the respective sleeve 85a from the beam 65 onto the first arbor 111, as shown in Figure 10. The withdrawn first support section 71 can then be rotated into and releasably retained in an upright condition to facilitate servicing, repair or replacement of the end idler roller 52a, as shown in Figure 11. The mobile body 101 is then moved into a position in which the second arbor 112 is in the operative position and in alignment with the respective beam 65, as shown in Figure 12.
The second support section 72 supporting central idler roller 51 is then withdrawn by sliding the respective sleeve 85b from the beam 65 onto the second arbor 112, as shown in Figure 13. The withdrawn second support section 72 can then be rotated into and releasably retained in an upright condition to facilitate servicing, repair or placement of the central idler roller 51. The mobile body 101 is then moved into a position in which the third arbor 113 is in the operative position and in alignment with the respective beam 65, as shown in Figure 14. The third support section 73 supporting end idler roller 52b is then withdraw by sliding the respective sleeve 85c from the beam 65 onto the third arbor 113, as shown in Figure 15. The withdrawn third support section 73 can then be rotated into and releasably retained in an upright condition as shown in Figure 16 to facilitate servicing, repair or placement of the idler roller 52b. Figure 17 shows the three idler rollers 50 supported on the mobile body 101.
[0083] After the idlers rollers 50 have been serviced, repaired or replaced as necessary, the three support sections 70 can be returned onto the beam 65 by a procedure which is essentially the reverse of the removal procedure described and illustrated in Figures 7 to 16.

[0084] This entire procedure can be performed while the belt conveyor 11 continues to operate. Because the section of the conveyor belt 13 has been raised and is supported by the respective abutment rollers 31, the conveyor belt 13 can continue to move and carry its load throughout the procedure. Further, the modular support assembly 63 can be removed from, and returned to, the location below the upper run 17 of the moving conveyor belt 13 without requiring access to the underside of the upper run 17. In particular, maintenance personnel are not required to enter the area below the upper run 17 of the moving conveyor belt and expose themselves to potential danger by doing so. =
[0085] While the transfer system 100 provides a particularly convenient arrangement for handling the support sections 70 during their removal and replacement, it should be appreciated that the removal and replacement process can be performed without the transfer system 100. By way of example, the removal and replacement process may be performed entirely manually or alternatively some other form of mechanism may be used to facilitate the process.
[0086] In the first embodiment, the support assembly 63 is adapted to be angularly movable with respect to the base 61 for selective movement between the first and second conditions.
[0087] In another arrangement, the base 61 may be selectively movable for the purpose of moving the support assembly 66 between the first and second conditions. The base 61 may, for example, be selectively rotatable for such a purpose. Other forms of movement are, of course, possible for this purpose, including displacement of the base 61 towards and away from the conveyor belt 13.
[0088] One such arrangement in which the base 61 is selectively movable for moving the support assembly 66 between the first and second conditions is featured in a second embodiment of a conveyor roller assembly 120 according to the invention as showing in Figures 18 to 22.

[0089] The second embodiment of a conveyor roller assembly 120 according to the invention is similar in some respects to the first embodiment 25 and so similar reference numerals are used to identify similar parts.
[0090] The conveyor roller assembly 120 comprises a base 61 and a support . 5 assembly 63 for mounting the upper roller set 23 onto the base 61, as was the case with the first embodiment.
[0091] The base 61 is configured as a beam 65 extending between two stringers which form part of the support frame 21. More particularly, the beam 65 is = supported between two uprights 121 mounted on the stringers 67.
[0092] The ends of the beam 65 is provided with stub axles 122 rotatably supported in bearings (not shown) for rotation of the beam about a longitudinal , axis thereof. The bearings which rotatably support the stub axles 122 are mounted on the uprights 121.
[0093] The beam 65 defines a track configured as a rail 123 along which carriage portion 81 of each support section 70 is movable, wherein the rail and carriage portion are configured for engagement in a manner preventing separation therebetween when the carriage portion is installed on the rail, and wherein the rail is rotatable for moving the support section between the first and second conditions.
[0094] In the arrangement shown, the rail 123 is provided on the upper side of the beam 65 when the latter is in a rotational position corresponding to the support sections mounted thereon being in the first upright condition.
[0095] The rail 123 is configured to define a rail surface 126 and two opposed longitudinal flange sections 127, as best seen in Figure 22.
[0096] The carriage portion 81 of each support section 70 is configured for engagement with the rail 123 for slidable movement therealong. The carriage portion 81 comprises a body 131 adapted to be captively retained on the rail for guided sliding movement therealong.
[0097] The body 131 comprises an upper longitudinal web section 133, two depending side flange sections 135 on opposed sides of the web section, and an in-turned lip section 137 at the bottom of each flange section. The upper longitudinal web section 133, the two depending side flange sections 135 and the in-turned lip sections 137 cooperate to define a longitudinal cavity 139 in which the rail 123 is received. In this embodiment, the upper longitudinal web section 133, and the two depending side flange sections 135 are continuous along the length of the carriage portion 81, while one of the in-turned lip sections 137 is also continuous and the other is defined by lip elements disposed at intervals along the bottom of the respective side flange section 135. In the embodiment, the upper longitudinal web section 133 and the two depending side flange sections 135 on opposed sides of the web section are defined by a channel section 136 to which the in-turned lip sections 137 are attached. Other arrangements to captively retain the carriage portion 81 on the rail 123 for guided sliding movement therealong are, of course, possible.
[0098] In this embodiment, the body 131 accommodates an upper engagement strip 141 within the cavity 139 on the underside of the web 133 between the two depending side flange sections 135. The engagement strip 141 is adapted to bear on the rail surface 126 of the rail 123 to facilitate sliding movement therealong. In this embodiment, the strip 141 comprises a low-friction material such as, for example, nylon or Teflon. More particularly, the strip 141 is adapted to bear on the rail surface 126.
[0099] The body 131 also accommodates two lower retaining strips 143 within the cavity 139 on the uppersides of the two in-turned lip sections 137. Each lower retaining strips 143 is adapted to locate on the underside of one of the opposed longitudinal flange sections 127 of the rail 123.. The lower retaining strips 143 are adapted to bear on the underside of the longitudinal flange sections 127 to retain the carriage portion 81on the rail 123 during sliding movement therelong and also facilitate that sliding movement. In this embodiment, each retaining strip 139 comprises a low-friction material such as, for example, nylon or Teflon.
Fixing elements 141 are provided for fixing the retaining strips 139 in position.
[00100] With this arrangement, the upper engagement strip 137 and the two lower retaining strips 139 cooperate to define an axial space in which the rail 123 can be slidingly received. The carriage portion 81 is installed on the rail 123 by presenting the carriage portion 81 to one end of the rail, with the rail in registration with the axial space. The carriage portion 81 is then moved onto the rail 123 whereby it is captively retained on the rail Yet slidable along the rail. The carriage portion 81 can removed from the rail 123 by withdrawal for the end thereof in reverse to the installation procedure.
[00101] The arrangement illustrated in Figure 22 depicts schematically the upper longitudinal web section 133, the two depending side flange sections 135 and the in-turned lip sections 137, with the rail 123 within the longitudinal cavity 139. The upper engagement strip 141 and the lower retaining strips 143 are not -shown in Figure 22.
[00102] A lock 151 is provided for selectively locking the beam 65 against rotation to retain the support section 70 in the first condition. In the arrangement illustrated, the lock 151 comprises two latches 153 mounted on an axle 155 which is rotatable to move the latches into and out of a locking condition. Each rotatable latch 153 is adapted to engage a locking pin 157 on a respective one of the uprights 121 when in the locking condition.
[00103] The support assembly 63 is adapted for engagement by a tool (not shown) to facilitate movement thereof between the first upright condition and the second collapsed condition. In the arrangement illustrated, this is provided by a spigot 161 which is on the cradle portion 83 of the adjacent support section and which is engagable by the tool, with the tool also being adapted to engage the projecting end section of the stub axle 122 at the adjacent end of the beam 65 and to use that axle as a fulcrum to effect rotational movement of the support assembly 63 between the first and second conditions. , [00104] . As was the case with the first embodiment, the conveyor support assembly 120 includes an abutment 91 on which the support sections 70 can rest when collapsed into the second condition. In the arrangement illustrated, the abutment 91 comprises a bar 93 extending between the stringers. The bar 93 is adapted to facilitate sliding movement of each support section 70, when in the second collapse condition, into and out of the location beneath the conveyor belt 13. For this purpose, the bar 93 is provided with a strip 163 of low-friction material, such as for example, nylon or Teflon, along which the support sections 70 can slide when resting thereon..
[00105] With this arrangement, the support sections 70 and the accompanying idler rollers 50 of each conveyor roller assembly 25 can be retracted from the location beneath the conveyor belt 13 onto the access way at which any necessary servicing, repair or replacement activity can be performed. The procedure first involves lifting the section of conveyor belt above the particular conveyor roller assembly 25 requiring serving or repair so the conveyor belt is clear of the idler rollers 50 and then rotating the support sections 70 downwardly into the second condition, the support sections can then be moved along the rail 123 and sequentially removed therefrom. Each support section is disconnected as necessary from the adjacent support section to facilitate removal.
Once the support sections 70 have been removed from the beam 65, the respective idler rollers 50 are readily accessible for serving, repair or replacement.
The procedure can be performed on the access way 40 or some other location away from the conveyor belt 13. The support sections 70 are returned into position beneath the conveyor belt 13 by a procedure which is essentially a , 25 reverse of the removal procedure described.
[00106] It should be appreciated that the scope of the invention is not limited to the scope of the two embodiments described.
[00107] While the embodiments have been described in relation to performance of idler roller change-out procedure while the conveyor belt is ' - 22 -running, it should be understood that the idler roller change-out can be performed while the conveyor belt is stationary, thereby avoiding the need for abutment roller assemblies or other support systems for lifting the conveyor belt and providing support during the change-out procedure. Indeed, it may be that conveyor systems are installed incorporating conveyor roller assemblies according to the invention but without abutment roller assemblies or other support systems for lifting the conveyor belt and providing support during the change-out procedure, in which case it is likely that there would be a need to stop the conveyor belt during an idler change-out procedure.
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[00108] Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to the skilled addressee are considered to fall within the scope of the present invention.
[00109] Reference to positional descriptions, such as lower and upper, are to be taken in context of the embodiments depicted in the figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the invention to the literal interpretation of the term but rather as would be understood by the skilled addressee.
[00110] Throughout the specification and claims, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

Claims (36)

The Claim Defining the Invention is as Follows:

1. A conveyor roller assembly for supporting a conveyor belt, the conveyor roller assembly'comprising a base, and a support assembly for mounting at least one idler roller on the base, the support assembly being adapted for installation onto and removal from the base from at least one side of the conveyor belt

2. The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 1 wherein the support assembly is adapted to support a plurality of idler rollers.

3. The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 1 or 2 further comprising a plurality of idler rollers mountable on the base by the support assembly.

4. A conveyor roller assembly for supporting a conveyor belt, the conveyor roller assembly comprising a base, a plurality of idler rollers, and a support assembly for mounting the idler rollers on the base, the support assembly being adapted for installation onto and removal from the base from at least one side of the conveyor belt.

5. The conveyor roller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein 'the support assembly is supported on the base for movement therealong for installation on, and removal from, the base from said at least one side of the conveyor belt.

6. The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 5 wherein the support assembly is supported on the-base for slidable movement therealong.

7. The conveyor roller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support assembly is engageable with the base at one end thereof for installation on, and removal from, the base.

8. The conveyor roller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support assembly is selectively movable between first and second conditions, wherein in the first condition the idler rollers are in an elevated position to offer support for the underside of the conveyor belt and wherein in the second condition the idler rollers are in a lowered position to facilitate sliding movement of the support assembly with respect to the base.

9. The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 8 wherein the support assembly is angularly movable for selective movement between the first and second conditions.

10.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 9 wherein the support assembly is angularly movable with respect to the base for selective movement between the first and second conditions.

11.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 9 wherein the base is selectively movable for moving the support assembly between the first and second conditions.

12.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 11 wherein the base is selectively rotatable for moving the support assembly between the first and second conditions.

13.The conveyor roller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the support assembly is of modular construction comprising a plurality of support sections.

14.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 13 wherein there is one support section corresponding to each idler roller.

15.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 13 or 14 wherein the modular construction comprises three idler rollers, being a central idler roller and two end idler rollers.

16.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 13, 14 or 15 wherein the support sections are adapted to be releasably connected one to another.

17.The conveyor roller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the base defines a track, wherein the support assembly is movable along the track.

18.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 17 wherein support sections are releasably connected one to another for movement in unison along the track, with the respective interconnections being released to facilitate removal of each support section from the track.

19.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 17 or 18 wherein the base comprises a beam which defines the track.

20.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 17, 18 or 19 wherein each support section comprises a carriage portion adapted for engagement with the track for axial movement therealong and a cradle portion for rotatably supporting the respective idler roller.

21.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 20 wherein the carriage portion is configured for selective rotation about the track for movement between the first and second conditions, as well as movement axially along the track.

22.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 21 wherein the carriage portion is configured as a sleeve adapted to be received on the track.

23.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 22 wherein the track is generally circular in cross-sectional profile and the sleeve comprises internal passage of corresponding configuration to facilitate said angular movement with respect to the base between the first and second conditions.

24.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 20 wherein the track is configured to define a rail along which carriage portion is movable is movable, wherein the rail and carriage portion are configured for engagement in a manner preventing separation therebetween when the carriage portion is installed on the rail, and wherein the rail is rotatable for moving the support section between the first and second conditions.

25.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 24 wherein a lock is provided for selectively locking the rail against rotation to retain the support section in the first condition.

26.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 24 or 25 wherein the beam is mounted for rotation to provide the rotation of the rail for moving the support section between the first and second conditions.

27.The conveyor roller assembly according to any one of claims 19 to 26 wherein the beam is supported at its ends, with at least one end of the track defined thereby being adapted to be selectively accessible to facilitate installation and removal of the support assembly.

28.The conveyor roller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims further comprising apparatus to receive and support the support assembly during installation onto and/or removal from the base.

29.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 28 wherein configured as a mobile body.

30.The conveyor roller assembly according to claim 29 wherein mobile body is configured to receive and support the support sections.

31.The conveyor roller assembly according to 30 wherein mobile body comprises at least one arbor to receive the support sections.

32.A support section for a conveyor roller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, the support section being adapted in conjunction with at least one other support section to provide said support assembly.

33.Apparatus to receive and support a support assembly of a conveyor roller assembly according to any one of the preceding claims.

34.Apparatus to receive and support a modular support assembly of a conveYor roller assembly, the modular support assembly comprising a plurality of support sections, the apparatus comprising a body configured to receive and support the support sections, the body comprising at least one arbor to receive the support sections.

35.Apparatus according to claim 34 wherein the body comprises a plurality of arbors each for receiving a respective one of the support sections.

36.A belt conveyor comprising a conveyor belt and a plurality of conveyor roller assemblies for supporting the conveyor belt, at least some of the conveyor roller assemblies being in accordance with any one of claims 1 to 31.