GB2207408A

GB2207408A - Belt conveyor system

Info

Publication number: GB2207408A
Application number: GB08817763A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Nicholas Stephen Franklin; Peter Robert Summers
Original assignee: Dowty Meco Ltd
Current assignee: Dowty Meco Ltd
Priority date: 1987-07-30
Filing date: 1988-07-26
Publication date: 1989-02-01
Anticipated expiration: 2008-07-26
Also published as: GB8718133D0; GB8817763D0; GB2207408B

Abstract

In a belt conveyor system, the idler sets 2, 4 which are mounted to support the conveyor belt are disengageable pivotally from the conveyor belt, so as to enable in situ maintenance/replacement of the idler set. The set 4 is pivotable about a pivot 15 and the set 2 about a pivot in bracket 24. The set 2 may also be pivotable about an axis transverse to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor. Further, the idler sets may be disengaged from the belt conveyor system. Further, each of the idler sets may comprise one or more rollers, each of which rollers may be held in position in a support member by means of a clip. <IMAGE>

Description

BELT CONVEYOR SYSTEM This invention relates to a belt conveyor system and, in particular means for mounting idler sets of a belt conveyor system.

In known types of belt conveyor systems the idler sets are mounted in such a manner that they do not allow maintenance thereon whilst the conveyor belt is carrying a load. Further in belt conveyors the replacement of idler sets, either wholly or partially, can be difficult and these problems are exacerbated if the conveyor is under load.

The present invention is concerned with enabling the idler sets of a conveyor belt system to be more easily maintained.

In accordance with the present invention a belt conveyor system comprises a belt which is engaged and supported by a plurality of idler sets wherein each idler set can be pivoted out of engagement with the belt.

The ability of each idler set to be pivoted means that particular idler sets on the belt conveyor system may be pivoted to allow inspection and maintenance thereof. However, the stability and integrity of the system as a whole can be easily maintained.

Alternatively, in accordance with the invention a belt conveyor system comprises a plurality of idler sets for supporting the belt, wherein each of the idler sets can be disengaged pivotally from the belt to enable in situ maintenance of the idler set.

The idler sets of the conveyor belt system are normally mounted transversely with respect to the length of the belt conveyor system.

Preferably, each idler set comprises a number of independently mounted rollers, normally in excess of one.

In the case where two or more rollers are incorporated in each idler set the rollers may be mounted with their axis of rotation inclined to one another so as to form a trough like shape in which the conveyor belt may run.

The idler sets of the system are, preferably, mounted so that they may be pivoted out of engagement with the belt by rotation about a pivot whose axis of rotation runs parallel to the length of the belt conveyor system, as a whole.

Alternatively, the idler set may be provided with a pivot whose axis of rotation runs transversely with the belt. This alternative axis of rotation would normally be provided in cases where space for working on the idler set is at a premium.

The particular type of pivot used i.e. transverse or longitudinal is to a large degree dictated by the available space in which the idler set has to pivot.

Any suitable means may be used to ensure that the idler set does not pivot, except when required.

This could be achieved easily by means of a locking means, for example a simple nut and bolt, which when removed enables the idler set to be pivoted.

The idler set is, preferably, connected by the locking means, to an upstanding arm connected to, or formed as part of, the belt conveyor system frame.

In the case of an idler set which has an axis of rotation which runs transversely to the conveyor beltr the idler set is preferably mounted so that under free motion its centre of gravity is such that the idler set will be caused to move towards, or act against, the upstanding arm. That is to say the centre of gravity of the idler set, when it is in its operating position, is at a point between the pivotal axis of the idler set and the upstanding arm member.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a belt conveyor system comprises a plurality of idler sets each of which is mounted on a frame, wherein each of the idler sets is mounted so as to be slidably disengageable from the frame.

With this aspect of the invention the idler sets may be pivoted out of engagement with the belt by means of a pivot which is provided so as to pivot the frame and thereby the idler set, with respect to the conveyor system.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention a belt conveyor system includes idler sets in which at least one of the idler/rollers of each set is held in position in a support member by means of a clip.

In cases where access to the conveyor belt system is restricted to one side the removal/replacement of the idler/rollers becomes difficult.

The provision of a clip or clips to hold the idlerfroller in position in the support member is primarily concerned with enabling easier removal of the idler/roller for inspection/maintenance.

In accordance with a fourth aspect of the invention the idler sets of the belt conveyor system are provided with a bracket/handle member.

The bracket/handle member is provided to enable the idler set to be easily manoeuvred/removed from the belt conveyor system.

In a particular example, a bracket is fixed to the side of the idler set and a arm member is inserted into the bracket so that it may be used as a handle.

The bracket/handle may be attached permanently or temporarily to the idler set.

The invention will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a conveyor system; Figure 2 shows a second schematic representation of the system shown in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a detailed view of the upper idler set of the system shown in Figure 1; Figures 4 & 5 show schematic views of the side plates of the idler set shown in Figure 3; and Figures 6 & 7 show a diagrammatic view of a bracket which may be attached to the idler set in accordance with the fourth aspect of the invention.

Referring to Figures 1 to 5 of the drawings, conveyor system comprising: - an upper conveyor belt 1 having idler sets 2 associated therewith, - a lower conveyor belt 3 having idler sets 4 associated therewith; and - frame members 5 and 6 which support and define, the system.

The idler set 4 for the lower conveyor belt comprises: - two rollers 7, each of which is mounted between a side plate 8 and a centre beam 9, and are inclined to one another so as to form a U-shaped trough; - a base member 10 on which the side plates 8 and centre beam 9 are secured; - two upstanding flanges 11, 12 between which the base member 10 extends; and - a base plate 13 on which the upstanding flanges 11, 12 are mounted.

The base member 10 is slidably mounted onto the upstanding flanges 11, 12, so that the idler set 4 can be easily withdrawn and replaced.

In order to prevent slipping of the idler set 4 during operation of the conveyor belt system a nut and bolt arrangement 14 is provided to secure the idler set 4 in position.

The base plate 13, and therefore the idler set 4, is pivotally mounted to the frame member 6 by means of-a pivot 15, the axis of rotation of which runs along the length of the conveyor belt system.

In order to secure the base plate 13 in position during operation of the system, the end 16 of the base plate remote from the pivot 15 is fixedly secured to the frame member 5.

With regard to the inspection or carrying out of maintenance on the idler set 4 the end 16 of the base plate 13 maybe disengaged from frame member 5 and the baseplate 13 and thereby the idler set 4, pivoted about the pivot 15. The idler set is thereby disengaged from the conveyor and open to inspection.

With the idler set 4 so disengaged it is possible, if necessary to slidably dismount and replace the idler set 4.

The idler set 2 of the upper conveyor belt system comprises: - three rollers 17, - two side plates 18, - a base angle support 20 and bar 21, and - a strengthening rod 22 which extends between the two side plates.

The rollers 17 are mounted, in slots in respective members, between a side plate 18 and a centre beam 19 or between the two centre beams 19. In this way the rollers define a flat based trough in which the conveyor belt will run under load.

The idler set 2 is mounted in a frame member which comprises an upstanding bar member 23 having a flange member 26, and a hinge member 24 having a pivot 25. The pivot 25 of the hinge member has an axis of rotation which runs along the length of the conveyor.

The pivot 25 enables the frame and any associated idler set 2 to be rotated through 900, to enable access into the body of the conveyor system i.e.

the space defined by frame member 5, 6.

The pivoting motion about the pivot 25 is only possible whilst the upper conveyor belt 1 is not in position in the defined trough. Therefore this pivotal motion is only useful during installation, or when the system is undergoing a major overhaul repair.

The idler set 2 is held in the frame member by means of a tongue 27 which extends from a member 30 mounted on one side of the idler set, and which engages in a pocket 28 formed on the hinge member 24, and two bolts 29a which bolt a bracket 29 mounted on the other side of the idler set to the upstanding bar member 23 of the frame.

The side plates 18 are rotatably connected to the bracket 29 and the member 30 which carries the tongue 27 by bolts 31 and 32.

In practice the bolts 31 and 32 will secure the side plates in position, however not prevent rotation of the side plates 18 and thereby the idler set 2, with respect to the frame member and therefore the conveyor belt.

Therefore in this arrangement the bolts 31 and 32 act as the pivot means which enables the idler set 2 to be pivoted out of engagement with the conveyor belt 1. The idler set 2 of the upper conveyor belt system is therefore pivoted along an axis of rotation running transversely to the length of the conveyor belt system.

The transversely pivoted arrangement has been used in conjunction with the upper conveyor system because the clearance between the upper and lower systems, particularly if the lower is carrying a load, will not be sufficient-to allow the type of pivot arrangement used in conjunction with the idler sets 4 of the lower system to be used.

In order to prevent unwanted rotation about the bolts 31 and 32 during operation of the conveyor belt system the idler set 2 is provided with a tag 33 which may be bolted to the upstanding bar member 23 and thereby prevent rotation.

In order to inspect the rollers 17 of the idler set the tag 33 is unbolted from the upstanding bar member 23 and the idler set is pivoted about the bolts 31, 32 to disengage the rollers from the conveyor belt 1. The rollers of the idler set 2 may now be inspected easily.

If it should prove necessary to replace the idler set as a whole, this may be simply achieved by unbolting the bolts 29a and sliding the idler set 2 out. A new idler set may then be simply slid into position engaging the tongue 27 in the pocket 28 and bolted in place. The rollers may then be pivoted into engagement with the belt 1 and secured into place by bolting the tag 33 to the upstanding arm member 23.

Having allowed easier access for inspection and maintenance to the idler sets 2, 4, it can prove difficult to disengage any particular roller 7, 17 from the idler set. The rollers are commonly held in place by a nut and bolt type arrangement, wherein they are bolted in slots or holes in the respective side plates or centre beams.

In the present arrangement, in particular to alleviate any problems that may be caused by only being able to achieve access from one side of the conveyor belt system, a clip type securing system may be adopted.

The clips are clipped over the spindle ends of the rollers, and thereby prevent any lateral movement of the spindles of the rollers. The clips are clipped over the spindles so that an arm of the clip passes through a hole of the spindle.

Further, a second arm having a section of complimentary shape to the spindle passes through a groove in the spindle, and the section of complimentary shape acts, to prevent dislocation of the clip from the spindle.

In any idler set the rollers are mounted in a series of holes and slots. In the case of the two roller idler set, the lower conveyor belt system, each of the rollers 7 is mounted in a hole in the side plates 8, and a slot in the centre beam 9.

In the three roller idler set case, the upper conveyor belt system, two of the rollers 17 are mounted in a hole in respective side plates 18 and in a slot in respective centre beam 19 with the third roller mounted in slots between the two centre beams.

In the cases where the rollers or at least one end of the roller spindle, are mounted in slots, the respective mounting member may be provided with members e.g. overturning tongues which engage with the clips and thereby prevent displacement upwardly of the spindleXroller.

Further, if the roller is mounted in at least one mounting which has a slot fitting the roller may be removed by displacing the other end of the roller from engagement with its fitting. That is to say, removing a clip from the spindle in a two clip system, or displacing the spindle from engagement with a hole.

Now referring to Figures 6 and 7 of the drawings a bracket 100 which may be mounted onto the idler set 2 or the idler set 4 comprises: - two mounting members 101, 102; - a base plate 103; and - a locking bolt 104 which can be used to lock the bracket in place when mounted on the idler set.

The bracket 100 enables the idler sets 2 or 4 to be more easily removed from and replaced in the conveyor belt system.

The base-plate 103 of the bracket is provided with a channel 105 of complimentary shape to the side plate 8, 18 of the respective idler sets.

In operation the bracket 100 is positioned by being slide into place so that tongues 106 engage on the side plates 8, 18 and transmit the force applied to the bracket.

Once positioned the locking means 104 is rotated so that it engages with the side plate 8, 18 and locks the bracket into position.

A bar (not shown) may now be placed in holes 107 in one of the mounting members 101, 102.

In order to remove the idler set to which the bracket is attached a force may now be applied to the bar and the idler set removed.

It is clearly apparent that the bracket may be attached/mounted to the idler set to be removed in any other suitable manner, for example bolted, welded or brazed.

Claims

1. A belt conveyor system which comprises a belt which is engaged, and supported, by a plurality of idler sets wherein each idler set can be pivoted out of engagement with the belt.

2. A belt conveyor system which comprises a plurality of idler sets for supporting a belt, wherein each of the idler sets can be disengaged pivotally from the belt to enable in situ maintenance of the idler set.

3. A belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the idler sets are mounted transversely with respect to the belt conveyor system.

4. A belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 1, 2, or 3, wherein each'idler set comprises a number of independently mounted rollers.

5. A belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the independently mounted rollers of the idler set are mounted with their axis of rotation inclined to one another so as to form a trough like shape in which the conveyor belt can run.

6. A belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the idler sets of the system are mounted so that they can be pivoted out of engagement with the belt by. rotation about a pivot whose axis of rotation runs parallel to the length of the belt conveyor system.

7. A belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the idler sets of the system are mounted so that they can be pivoted out of engagement with the belt by rotation about a pivot whose axis of rotation runs transversely to the length of the belt conveyor.

8. A belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt conveyor system further comprises a locking means to prevent pivotal motion of the idler set unless required.

9. A belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 8, wherein the idler set is connected by the locking means to an upstanding arm connected to, or formed as part of, the belt conveyor system frame.

10. A belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 9, wherein when the idler set has an axis of rotation which runs transversely to the conveyor belt the idler set is mounted so that under free motion its centre of gravity is such that the idler set is caused to move towards, or act against, the upstanding arm.

11. A belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt conveyor system comprises a plurality of idler sets each of which is mounted on a frame, wherein each of the idler sets is mounted so as to be slidably disengageable from the frame.

12. A belt conveyor system as claimed in claim 11, wherein the idler sets are pivoted out of engagement with the belt by means of a pivot which is provided so as to pivot the frame and thereby the idler set, with respect to the conveyor system.

13. A belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of the preceding-claims, wherein the belt conveyor system includes idler sets in which at least one of the idler/rollers of each set is held in position in a support member by a clip.

14. A belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the idler sets of the belt conveyor system are provided with a bracket/handle member.

15. A belt conveyor system substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 or 2 of the drawings.

16. An idler set for use in a belt conveyor system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

17. An idler set substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 3 to 5 of the drawings.

18. A bracket/handle substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 6 or 7 of the drawings, and which is for use with a belt conveyor system, or an idler set, as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.