NZ200363A - Endless belt elevator;belt runs in tube on up-flight - Google Patents

Description

200363 Ny . 2 00,363 Date: 21 April 1982 NEW ZEALAND PATENTS ACT, 1953 [|2I APR 198} COMPLETE SPECIFICATION IMPROVEMENTS IN OR RELATING TO ELEVATORS I/VKX JAMES :EDWARD DOHERTY, a New Zealand citizen, of Montgomerie Street, Wiriton, New Zealand, hereby declare the invention for which X / we pray that a patent may be granted to ltte/us, and the method by which it is to be performed, to be particularly described in and by the following statement: - 2 00363 This invention relates to an elevator. More particularly, it relates to an elevator comprising an endless conveyor having its operating lap in a tube.

Trough conveyors are known for conveying particulate matter. However, the angle of operation of trough conveyors to the horizontal is limited and when matter is to be elevated to a considerable height an uneconomically long conveyor is required. For elevating par- . ticulate matter up steep angles to the horizontal, conventionally there is used a tube in which an auger rotates to convey the particulate matter. When matter such as peas which may be damaged by augers are to be elevated it is necessary to leave a large annular gap between the auger flights and the tubing resulting in inefficiencies. In any event the peas can still be damaged. When particulate matter such as crushed coal or shingle is to be elevated there can be resulting damage to the flights of the auger.

It is an object of this invention to go some way towards overcoming the disadvantages of these types of elevators or at least to offer the public a useful choice.

Accordingly the invention may be said broadly to consist in an elevator for handling particulate matter comprising: an elongate tube, an endless conveyor, a lap of which passes within said tube, means for conforming said endless conveyor to substantially the interior shape of said tube, an inlet adjacent the bottom of said tube for feeding particulate matter into said tube and onto said endless conveyor, an outlet from said tube for discharging particulate matter therefrom, drive receiving means associated with said endless conveyor comprising a shaft of a roller in combination with another roller over which said endless belt passes to form an S-shaped lap when viewed in side elevation, the arrangement being such that in use particulate matter fed into said inlet is elevated by said endless conveyor to be discharged from said outlet.

Preferably said tube is circular in section.

Alternatively said tube is oval in section.

Preferably said endless conveyor is a flexible low friction;belt.

Preferably the upper surface of said belt when said belt is passing through said tube is provided with projecting ribs.

Preferably said ribs are formed in a chevron or herringbone pattern.

Preferably said means for conforming said belt comprises a transition piece having a contour progressing from flat to semi-circular over which said belt passes.

Alternatively said means for conforming said belt comprises a set of troughing rollers.

Preferably said inlet comprises a hopper feeding radially into said tube.

Preferably said tube is provided with a backstop at the lower edge of said inlet to reduce flow of particulate matter downstream from the direction of travel of said endless belt in said tube. 200363 Preferably said outlet from said tube is axial from one end thereof.

Preferably said outlet is provided with shrouding to reduce the \ escape of dust therefrom.

Preferably said shrouding deflects the matter being discharged from said outlet through an angle.

Preferably there^is provided a flange surrounding the discharge opening of said shrouding adapted to receive an extension attached thereto.

Alternatively there is provided a deflection plate at said outlet for deflecting particulate matter being discharged therefrom.

Preferably said elevator is mounted on a frame on wheels to be portable.

Preferably there is provided means to vary the angle of conveying of said elevator.

Preferably there is provided an idler roller on said frame in association with the return lap of said endless conveyor for supporting said endless conveyor.

Preferably there is provided a washing liquid conduit opening into said transition piece the arrangement being such that in use a film of washing liquid is spread between said belt and said transition piece, which film may be carried upwardly by said belt within said tube when said belt is in motion.

Preferably there is provided anti-choking means in said hopper, the arrangement being such that in use a pathway is provided for the admission of air into said tube along with particulate material being 200363 ~ 5 " fed into said tube from said hopper.

The invention consists in the foregoing arid also envisages constructions of which the following gives examples.

The invention may be more fully understood by having reference to Figures 1 to 13 of the drawings accompanying the provisional specification and Figures 14 to 19 of the drawings accompanying the complete specification, in which: Figure 1 is a sicie elevational view of a preferred embodiment of the apparatus.

Figure 2 is a side elevational view in larger scale of the hopper portion of the elevator.

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the hopper of the elevator.

Figure 4 is the view IV-1V of figure 1.

Figure 5 is the sectional view V-V of figure 1.

Figure 6 is a side elevational view in detail of the driving portions with the near side plate and casing removed for clarity.

Figure 7 is the view VII-VII of figure 1.

Figure 8 is a top plan view of the inlet end of another embodiment of the invention with the hopper removed for clarity.

Figure 9 is the view IX-IX on figure 8.

Figure 10 is'a side elevational view of one alternative embodiment of the invention.

Figure 11 is an end elevation of the embodiment illustrated in figure 10.

Figure 12 is a side elevation of a further embodiment of the i nvention. 200363 6 - Figure 13 is an end elevation of the embodiment of figure 12.

Figure 14 is a fragmentary side elevational view of apparatus according to the invention fitted with a return roller.

Figure 15 is the sectional view shown by the view XV - XV in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a top plan view of the lower end of the apparatus with belt removed for convenience showing a transition piece fitted with a washing tube.

Figure 17 is the sectional view shown by the view XVII - XVII in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a side elevational view of the lower portion of the apparatus showing an anti-choking means fitted in the hopper.

Figure 19 is the view XIX - XIX shown in Figure 18.

In the embodiment illustrated the elevator is given the general designation 10. The.embodiment illustrated is a portable model having its own wheels 37 but it will be understood that non-portable embodiments of equal versatility can be constructed according to the invention.

The elevator 10 comprises a main circular conveyor tube 12. It will be appreciated that tube 12 can be of oval or other convenient cross-section but in the pre'ferred embodiment the tubing is circular. Tube diameters can vary between 100 mm and 250 mm in a preferred embodiment. However much larger diameter tubes may be employed for other operations. Similarly in the portable embodiment illustrated a convenient length is between 1 and 20 metres but the lengths of the tubing are determined by the use to which they are to be put- Tube 12. 2Q0Z63 7 - is open at outlet 13.

A main frame member is a skirting 14 which provides support for tube 12 and also is a safety cover for the return lap of the belt 42. The skirting 14 in. addition to these features also provides a mounting for the return rollers described in relation to Figures 14 and 15 below.

Alternatively to the skirting it is possible to provide support to the tube in an embodiment not illustrated with a box section apron or a channel iron. Brackets can be attached for return rollers and for the tensioning rollers.

The endless conveyor belt 42 is in the preferred embodiment a "Georgia Duck" (trade mark) Model PVK 120 CT 2 X FS White Paddlefoot conveyor of overall thickness of 7 mm. The recommended minimum roller diameter over which this belt is to operate is 75 mm. The belt 42 is preferably of a width of substantially one half the inner circumference of tube 12. It will be appreciated that the endless belt 42 to be employed in the invention should have the flexibility to be able to act as a troughing conveyor and should have a friction reducing surface on the face to contact the interior of tube 12. The particular belt described in relation to this embodiment is provided with cleats 43 in a herringbone or chevron pattern on the operating surface thereof as can be seen from figure 7. At the lower end of tube 12 is a transition piece 16 and at the upper end is an upper transition piece 18. Each of these transition pieces has a conforming upper surface which merges gradually from a flat shape to a curved shape to ^ conform the belt 42 as it passes thereover. There is provide 200363 8 either end of tube 12 a pair of rollers 22 and 26 mounted on shafts 20 and 24 which are rotatable at either end thereof in bearings within the ski rti ng 14.

As is best illustrated in figure 6 there is provided a driven roller 30 mounted on shaft 28 and an idler roller 34 mounted on shaft 32 and between plates 15 and 15a at either side of the skirting 14.

All of the rollers 22 , 26 , 30 , 34 , 50 , 52 , 54 and 76 as described above and below are preferably rubber covered to prevent build-up of particulate materials which might stick to them. Also driving roller 30 has its grip improved by the provision of a rubber surface.

Shaft 32 may be adjusted along slot 17 in plate 15a to adjust the tension in belt 42. Shaft 28 may be driven by an endless belt passing over a pulley wheel with some prime mover such as an independent engine or directly driven by the power take off shaft of a tractor. For non-portable models shaft 20 or shaft 24 may be driven by some convenient driving means. The remainder of the framework of the embodiment illustrated comprises frame members 36 and 38 with wheels37. In the embodiment illustrated a jack or winch 40 is provided to vary the angle of elevation of the tube.

Referring to figures 2 and 3 there is provided a hopper 44 feeding into an inlet 46 opening onto the upper surface of conveyor belt 42. Referring to figure 4 there is provided a means of reducing downward flow of material from hopper 44 comprising a semi circular plate portion 23 hinged at 25 and additionally a flap 27 which acts in the manner of a one way valve to reduce back-flow of particulate matter from inlet 46 in the bottom of hopper 44. 2 00363 As an alternative to the transition piece 16 at the lower end of the apparatus there may be provided three rollers 50, 52 and 54 mounted on axles 51, 53 and 55 respectively. Together this combination forms a troughing roller which conforms belt 42 into the curved shape of the interior of tube 12. It will be seen that axles 51, 53 and 55 are embedded in blocks 56 from figure 9.

In figures 10 and 11 there is illustrated a shrouding 58 and 60 which is fitted over*the open end 13 of tube 12. This shrouding serves to direct matter discharged from tube 12 out the orifice surrounded by a flange 62. The flange 62 is provided to attach further tubing should this be required. ;A still further alternative is shown in figures 12 and 13. In figure 12 there is provided a deflector hood 64 in combination with a deflector plate 65. Plate 65 is pivotal with a shaft 66. Handle 70 is attached to shaft 66 to pivot it. A notched sector plate 68 is provided to vary the angle of deflection of plate 65. ;In operation the portable unit illustrated in this embodiment is taken to the site where the elevator is required, In one convenient mode of operation this will be to transfer freshly picked peas from the harvester to the vehicle to transport them for packaging. Jack 40 elevates the apparatus to the required height. It is possible to elevate the device to be at an angle of up to 65° from the horizontal. It will be seen that this can result in a large saving of capital costs in reducing the length of-the elevator. ;The particulate matter is fed into hopper 44 and thence to inlet 46 where it rests against plate 23 and flap portion 27. Drive is then ;200363 ;-10 - ;provided on shaft 28 to start the conveying belt. The belt is in a flat configuration along the lower lap of its travel but is conformed to a semi-circular shape over transition piece 16 or troughing rollers 50, 52 and 54. Particulate matter is picked up from hopper 44 and fed upwardly and discharged out the outlet 13 at the upper end of tube 12. Belt 42 is conformed back to a flat configuration through transition piece 18 and the particulate material discharged over roller 26. Although the speed of the belt may be varied according to the requirements of the particulate matter to be conveyed in a preferred embodiment belt 42 travels at a velocity of approximately 170 metres per minute. ;The tension in belt 42 may be increased by sliding shaft 32 in slot 17 to the right as shown in figure 6 and retightening a nut holding shaft 32 in slot 17. ;The momentum of matter 48 coming out of discharge orifice 13 is sufficient to convey it out into space to feed a collecting hopper such as the load tray of a truck. If the elevating height is insuf ficient it is possible to feed a hopper of a second elevator of the same type. ;When the particulate matter being transferred is particularly dusty or when losses of material through spillage are to be avoided then the embodiments of figures 10 and 11 on the one hand and 12 and | ;13 on the other hand may be provided. With the shrouding illustrated in figures 10 and 11 the material is all retained within the hood 58, ;and flow of the material beyond the mouth of spout 60 is kept within a pipe attached to flange 62. ;200363 ;ii ;In the embodiment illustrated in figures 12 and 13 the flap.65 can be provided at a convenient angle to deflect matter being discharged from mouth 13 into the collecting container for such material. Arm 70 can be positioned at any convenient angle in the sector plate 68 as i1lustrated. ;Referring to Figures 14 and 15 where the belt and tube are sufficiently long to justify it a roller 76 which has internal bearings and is mounted for rotation on a shaft 74 is provided. Shaft 74 is fixed by a nut 73 to stiffening pad 72 to be outside of each side of skirting 14. The return roller would be fitted somewhere between shafts 32 and<^>* and possibly between shafts 30 and 22 as well in the embodiment shown in Figure 1.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 16 and 17 a water inlet pipe 79 with an opening 78 in the middle of transition piece 16 is provided. In operation a flow of water possibly with detergent included through pipe 79 will be spread over the transition piece and up through tube 12 by the operation of belt 42. This servesuas an anti-friction device where the particulate material can be operated in a moist environment.

In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 18 and 19 a baffle 80 having a forwardly pointing lip is provided near the front of hopper 44. the bottom 81 of the baffle 80 is semi-circular and extends a predetermined distance into the interior of tube 12. In operation when particulate material from hopper 44 is being fed into tube 12 this provides a continuous air gap above the material to prevent the build-up of a vacuum which can bring the belt to a halt under extreme,.^ 200363 conditions and at the very least can cause an unnecessary load on the dri ving motor.

It has been found that an elevator of the construction described herein is able to convey particulate material within a tube in a manner at least comparable to that of an auger operating within a tube without having the disadvantages discussed above.

Other embodiments within the scope of the invention defined herein will be apparent.

We disclaim as part of this invention a device in which the^ elongate tube is made solely of PVC (polyvinylchloride).

Claims (21)

200363 - 13 - WHAT I CLAIM IS:

1. An elevator for handling particulate matter comprising: an elongate tube, an endless conveyor, a lap of which passes within said tube, means for conforming said endless conveyor to substantially the interior shape of said tube, an inlet adjacent the bottom of said tube for feeding said particulate matter into said tube and onto said endless conveyor, an outlet from said tube for discharging said particulate matter therefrom, drive receiving means associated with said endless conveyor comprising a shaft of a roller in combination with another roller over which said endless belt passes to form an S-shaped lap when viewed in side elevation, the arrangement being such that in use particulate matter fed into said inlet is elevated by said endless conveyor to be discharged from said outlet.

2. An elevator according to claim 1 wherein said tube is circular in section.

3. An elevator according to-claim 1 wherein said tube is oval in section.

4. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said endless conveyor is a flexible low friction belt.

5. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the upper surface of said belt when said belt is passing through said|; tube is provided with projecting ribs. v. - 14 - 200363

6. Art elevator according to claim 5 wherein said ribs are formed in a chevron or herring-bone pattern.

7. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said means for conforming said belt comprises a transition piece having a contour progressing from flat to semi-circular over which said belt passes.

8. An elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein said means for conforming said belt comprises a set of troughing rollers.

9. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said inlet comprises a hopper feeding radially into said tube.

10. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said tube is provided with a backstop at the lower edge of said inlet to reduce flow of particulate matter downstream from the direction of travel of said endless belt in said tube.

11. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said outlet from said tube is axial from one end thereof.

12. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said outlet is provided with shrouding to reduce the escape of dust therefrom.

13. An elevator according to claim 12 wherein said shrouding deflects the matter being discharged from said outlet through an angle.

14. An elevator according to claim 12 or 13 wherein there is provided a flange surrounding the discharge opening of s.aid shrouding adapted to receive an extension attached thereto.

15. An elevator according to any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein there is provided a deflection plate at said outlet for deflecting particulate matter being discharged therefrom.

16. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein said elevator is mounted on a frame on wheels to be portable.

17. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is provided means to vary the angle of conveying of said elevator.

18. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims in which there is provided an idler roller on said frame in association with the return lap of said endless conveyor for supporting said endless conveyor.

19. Apparatus according to Claim 7 in which there is provided a washing liquid conduit opening into said transition piece, the arrangement being such that in use a film of washing liquid' is spread between said belt and said transition piece, which film may be carried upwardly by the said belt within said tube when said belt is in motion.

20. An elevator according to any one of the preceding claims wherein there is provided an anti-choking means in said hopper, the arrangement being such that in use a pathway is provided for admission of air into said tube along with particulate material being fed into said tube from said hopper. - 16 - 200363

21. An elevator for handling particulate matter substantially as herein described with reference to Figures 1 to 13 of the drawings accompanying the provisional specification and Figures 14 to 19 of the drawings accompanying the complete specification. By His/JtsifAuthorised Agents, A. J. PARK & SON