WO2021056060A1

WO2021056060A1 - Conveyor belt tracking apparatus and system

Info

Publication number: WO2021056060A1
Application number: PCT/AU2020/051007
Authority: WO
Inventors: Joshua Pritchard
Original assignee: Joshua Pritchard
Priority date: 2019-09-23
Filing date: 2020-09-23
Publication date: 2021-04-01
Also published as: AU2020356726A1; AU2020356726B2

Abstract

Provided is a conveyor belt steering apparatus (10) comprising a support frame (14), a roller base (32) displaceably arranged on the support frame (14) so that the roller base (32) is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame (14), and a roller support (16) slewably arranged on the roller base (32) and configured to support at least one steering roller (18). Apparatus (10) also includes an urger (20) arranged on the support frame (14) and configured to selectively raise or lower (36) the roller base (32), as well as an actuator (22) configured to selectively slew the roller support (16) relative to the roller base (32). In this manner, a conveyor belt (12) operatively running on the steering roller (18) is selectively steerable via the actuator (22) controlling a slew angle (34) of the roller support (16) relative to the roller base (32) whilst the urger (20) selectively urges the steering roller (18) against the belt (12), via selective raising or lowering (36), to control an efficacy of such steering.

Description

CONVEYOR BELT TRACKING APPARATUS AND SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This invention relates to the field of endless belt conveyors, in general, and more specifically to a conveyor belt steering apparatus and associated system, as well as a conveyor arrangement including such apparatus, and a method for steering a conveyor belt in such an endless conveyor belt system.

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] Conveyor systems are known in the art, which generally comprise an endless belt running on idlers or rollers arranged so that the conveyor belt travels thereover in a belt travel direction or path.

[0004] However, conveyor belts may meander or drift laterally toward one side or the other of the rollers due to reasons such as uneven loads carried by the belt. When a conveyor belt is not properly aligned it can rub and wear against the surrounding structures which eventually results in severe damage to the conveyor belt, as well as the idler frames and conveyor structure itself. [0005] Similarly, when bulk materials are irregularly or unevenly loaded, the conveyor belt tensioners and runners can deviate from the optimal alignment and cause conveyor belt drift. When this occurs, the edge of the conveyor belt overshoots the support rollers. Material can be lost or, in extreme cases, the belt is derailed or damaged.

[0006] Conveyor belt tracking devices have been developed that respond to belt drift to attempt to redirect the belt back to its correct travel path substantially centered on the conveyor rollers. Accordingly, it is known in the art that some conveyor belts may require some form of steering facility for returning it to a central position on its support or return rollers whenever it tends to drift laterally to one or other side of a desired path of movement during operation.

[0007] One method of facilitating such proper belt tracking is by means of training rollers which are typically idler rollers that are free to slew around a generally central transverse pivotal axis with the lateral movement of the belt itself being arranged to achieve the steering or tracking effect. As a general rule, such devices operate by virtue of increased drag that is occasioned when the belt moves towards one side of its desired path.

[0008] The Applicant has identified a shortcoming in the art of conveyor belt tracking and the present invention was conceived with this shortcoming in mind in an attempt to ameliorate, at least partially, conventional conveyor belt tracking or steering. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] According to a first aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor belt steering apparatus comprising: a support frame; a roller base displaceably arranged on the support frame so that the roller base is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame; a roller support slewably arranged on the roller base and configured to support at least one steering roller; an urger arranged on the support frame and configured to selectively raise or lower the roller base; and an actuator configured to selectively slew the roller support relative to the roller base; wherein a conveyor belt operatively running on the steering roller is selectively steerable via the actuator controlling a slew angle of the roller support relative to the roller base whilst the urger selectively urges the steering roller against the belt, via selective raising or lowering, to control an efficacy of such steering.

[0010] Typically, the slew angle of the roller support is ±20 degrees relative to a perpendicular direction of travel of the conveyor belt.

[0011] Typically, the roller base is displaceably arranged on the support frame by the support frame supporting the roller base in a slidable manner.

[0012] Typically, the support frame is configured as a conventional idler roller frame for a conveyor system. [0013] Typically, the apparatus includes the steering roller (s) having an elastically resilient outer surface for engaging with the conveyor belt.

[0014] Typically, the steering roller(s) is arrangeable on the roller support to support the conveyor belt in a trough arrangement or as a return arrangement.

[0015] Typically, the urger comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator for selectively raising the roller base on the support frame in order to vary a force with which the steering roller(s) abut against the conveyor belt to control an efficacy of the steering.

[0016] Similarly, the actuator comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator whereby the slew angle is selectively controllable and maintainable in order to steer the conveyor belt as required.

[0017] Typically, the actuator and urger are automatically controlled by means of a suitable controller which is arranged to monitor the conveyor belt running relative to the apparatus.

[0018] In an embodiment, the urger and actuator are linked to operate in unison.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor belt tracking system comprising: a support frame; a roller base displaceably arranged on the support frame so that the roller base is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame; a roller support slewably arranged on the roller base and configured to support at least one steering roller; an urger arranged on the support frame and configured to selectively raise or lower the roller base; and an actuator configured to selectively slew the roller support relative to the roller base; at least one sensor for sensing a conveyor belt relative to the steering roller; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the urger, actuator and sensor, said controller configured to selectively control a slew angle of the roller support relative to the roller base, via the actuator, to steer a conveyor belt operatively running on the steering roller whilst selectively controlling the urger urging the steering roller against the belt, via selective raising or lowering, to control an efficacy of such steering.

[ 0020 ] Typically, the controller selectively controls the slew angle of the roller support between ±20 degrees relative to a perpendicular direction of travel of the conveyor belt.

[ 0021 ] Typically, the roller base is displaceably arranged on the support frame by the support frame supporting the roller base in a slidable manner.

[ 0022 ] Typically, the support frame is similarly configured as a conventional idler roller frame for a conveyor system. [0023] Typically, the steering roller(s) is arrangeable on the roller support to support the conveyor belt in a trough arrangement or as a return arrangement.

[0024] Typically, the apparatus includes the steering roller (s) having an elastically resilient outer surface for engaging with the conveyor belt.

[0025] Typically, the urger comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator for selectively pivoting the roller support on the roller base in order to vary a force with which the steering roller(s) abut against the conveyor belt to control an efficacy of the steering.

[0026] Similarly, the actuator comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator whereby the slew angle is selectively controllable and maintainable in order to steer the conveyor belt as required.

[0027] Typically, the sensor comprises a conveyor belt drift sensor, such as an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a capacitive sensor, or the like.

[0028] Typically, the sensor includes a belt load sensor configured to sense a load on the belt.

[0029] Typically, the system comprises at least two sensors arranged distal from each other to determine the efficacy of belt steering over a predetermined belt distance. [0030] Typically, the controller comprises any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as transitory and/or non-transitory electronic storage.

[0031] Typically, the controller is configured to sense the conveyor belt relative to the steering roller, and to steer the conveyor via the steering roller, in substantial real time.

[0032] It is to be appreciated that reference herein to 'substantial real-time' is to be understood as meaning an instance of time that may include a delay typically resulting from processing, calculation and/or transmission times inherent in computer processing systems. These transmission and calculations times, albeit of generally small duration, do introduce some measurable delay, i.e. typically less than a second or within milliseconds, but a result is produced relatively quickly or within 'substantial real-time'.

[0033] Typically, the controller is adapted with a fail safe operation where a fault with the urger, actuator, sensor and/or controller results in the urger and/or actuator being deactivated entirely, i.e. the steering roller(s) disengages from the belt.

[0034] According to a third aspect of the invention there is provided a conveyor arrangement comprising: an endless belt conveyor system; at least one support frame a having a roller base displaceably arranged thereon so that the roller base is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame, and a roller support slewably arranged on the roller base and configured to support at least one steering roller; an urger arranged on the support frame and configured to selectively raise or lower the roller base; and an actuator configured to selectively slew the roller support relative to the roller base; at least one sensor for sensing a conveyor belt relative to the steering roller; and at least one sensor for sensing a conveyor belt relative to the steering roller; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the urger, actuator and sensor, said controller configured to selectively control a slew angle of the roller support relative to the roller base, via the actuator, to steer a conveyor belt operatively running on the steering roller whilst selectively controlling the urger urging the steering roller against the belt, via selective raising or lowering, to control an efficacy of such steering.

[0035] Typically, the support frame is positioned proximal a head or tail pulley of the belt conveyor system.

[0036] Typically, the controller is adapted with a fail safe operation where a detectible fault with the urger, actuator, sensor and/or controller results in the urger and/or actuator being deactivated entirely, i.e. the steering roller (s) disengages from the belt.

[0037] According to a fourth aspect of the invention there is provided a method for steering a conveyor belt running on an endless belt conveyor system, said method comprising the step of: sensing, via a suitable sensor, the conveyor belt relative to at least one steering roller supported on a support frame having a roller base displaceably arranged thereon so that the roller base is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame, and a roller support slewably arranged on the roller base and configured to support at least one steering roller, an urger arranged on the support frame and configured to selectively raise or lower the roller base, and an actuator configured to selectively slew the roller support relative to the roller base; and in response to sensing said belt, selectively controlling, via a suitable controller arranged in signal communication with the urger, actuator and sensor, a slew angle of the roller support relative to the roller base, via the actuator, to steer a conveyor belt operatively running on the steering roller whilst selectively controlling the urger urging the steering roller against the belt, via selective raising or lowering, to control an efficacy of such steering.

[ 0038 ] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided a computer programme product which, when executed by a suitable processing system, facilitates the performance of the method according to the fourth aspect of the invention above.

[ 0039 ] According to a further aspect of the invention there is provided conveyor belt steering apparatus, a conveyor belt tracking system, a conveyor arrangement and a method for steering a conveyor belt, substantially as herein described and/or illustrated.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The description will be made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of an example of a conveyor belt steering apparatus, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the conveyor belt steering apparatus of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is diagrammatic perspective-view representation of another example of a conveyor belt steering apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present invention;

Figures 4A & B are diagrammatic top-view representations of the conveyor belt steering apparatus of Figure 3 showing exaggerated belt steering via changes in a slew angle of steering rollers;

Figure 5 is a diagrammatic top-view representation of a conveyor belt tracking system, in accordance with an aspect of the present invention;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of a preferred embodiment of conveyor belt steering apparatus, in accordance with aspects of the present invention, showing the steering rollers supporting the conveyor belt in a trough configuration;

Figure 7 is diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the conveyor belt steering apparatus of Figure 6;

Figure 8 is a diagrammatic side-view representation of a preferred embodiment of conveyor belt steering apparatus, showing the steering rollers supporting the conveyor belt in a return configuration; and

Figure 9 is a diagrammatic perspective-view representation of the conveyor belt steering apparatus of Figure 8.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0040] Further features of the present invention are more 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 to the skilled addressee. It should not be understood as a restriction on the broad summary, disclosure or description of the invention as set out above. In the figures, incorporated to illustrate features of the example embodiment or embodiments, like reference numerals are used to identify like parts throughout. Additionally, features, mechanisms and aspects well-known and understood in the art will not be described in detail, as such features, mechanisms and aspects will be within the understanding of the skilled addressee.

[0041] With reference now to the accompanying figures, there is shown embodiments of a conveyor belt steering apparatus 10 which finds particular application in steering or tracking of conveyor belts 12 whilst said belt is in motion, often carrying particulate material for conveyance, e.g. coal, iron ore, grain, etc.

[0042] Broadly, apparatus 10 comprises a support frame 14, a roller base 32 displaceably arranged on the support frame 14 so that the roller base 32 is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame 14, and a roller support 16 slewably arranged on the roller base 32 and configured to support at least one steering roller 18. Apparatus 10 also includes an urger 20 arranged on the support frame 14 and configured to selectively raise or lower 36 the roller base 32, as well as an actuator 22 configured to selectively slew the roller support 16 relative to the roller base 32. In this manner, a conveyor belt 12 operatively running on the steering roller 18 is selectively steerable via the actuator 22 controlling a slew angle 34 of the roller support 16 relative to the roller base 32 whilst the urger 20 selectively urges the steering roller 18 against the belt 12, via selective raising or lowering 36, to control an efficacy of such steering.

[ 0043 ] The slew angle 34 of the roller support 16 is generally in a range between ±20 degrees relative to a perpendicular direction of travel of the conveyor belt 12. In an embodiment, the roller base 32 is displaceably arranged on the support frame 14 by the support frame 14 supporting the roller base 32 in a slidable manner, as shown in Figures 6 to 9. Typically, the support frame 14 is configured as a conventional idler roller frame for a conveyor system, as is known in the art.

[ 0044 ] The apparatus 10 typically includes the steering roller (s) 18 having an elastically resilient outer surface for engaging with the conveyor belt 12. Typically, the steering roller (s) 18 is arrangeable on the roller support 16 to support the conveyor belt in a trough arrangement, as in Figure 6 and 7, or as a return arrangement, as in Figures 8 and 9. [0045] Typically, the urger 20 comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator for selectively raising or lowering 36 the roller base 32 relative to the support frame 14 in order to vary a force with which the steering roller(s) 18 abut against the conveyor belt 18 to control an efficacy of the steering. Similarly, the actuator 22 comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator whereby the slew angle 34 is selectively controllable and maintainable in order to steer the conveyor belt as required.

[0046] In an embodiment, the actuator 22 and urger 20 are automatically controlled by means of a suitable controller 24 which is arranged to monitor the conveyor belt running relative to the apparatus 10. In an embodiment, the urger 20 and actuator 22 are linked to operate in unison, but variations hereon are possible and expected.

[0047] In the exemplified embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the apparatus 10 generally comprises a support frame 14, a roller base 32 which is slewably arranged on the support frame 14 through a slew angle 34, a roller support 16 pivotably arranged on the roller base 32 and configured to support at least one steering roller 18, as well as an urger 20 arranged between the roller support 16 and roller base 32 and which is configured to selectively urgably pivot the roller support 14 on the roller base 32.

[0048] Apparatus 10 also includes an actuator 22 which is configured to slew the roller base 32 relative to the support frame 14, through slew angle 34, wherein a conveyor belt 12 operatively running on the steering roller 18 is selectively steerable via the actuator 22 controlling the slew angle 34 of the roller base 32 on the support frame 14 whilst the urger 20 urges the steering roller 18 against the belt 12 to control an efficacy of said steering.

[0049] The skilled addressee will appreciate that a force with which the steering roller(s) 18 is urged against the belt 12 influences how effective the belt 12 is engaged with the steering roller 18 in order to steer or track the belt 12 according to requirements. Importantly, the urger 20 is also able to remove the steering roller(s) 18 entirely from abutment against the belt 12 when no steering is required, which prolongs steering roller life and may prevent interference with belt operation.

[0050] The slew angle 34 of the roller base is typically between ±20 degrees relative to a perpendicular direction of travel of the conveyor belt 12, but variations hereon are possible and within the scope of the invention. The actuator 22 typically comprises a stepper motor whereby the slew angle 34 is selectively controllable and maintainable in order to steer the conveyor belt 12 as required.

[0051] In the embodiment of Figures 1 to 4, the roller support 14 is pivotably arranged on the roller base by means of a clevis arrangement mounted on a rod which is, in turn, rotatably mounted on the support frame 14, said rod operatively slewable by the actuator 22. Again, variations hereon are entirely possible and within the scope of the invention. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the support frame 14 is typically similarly configured as a conventional idler roller frame for a conveyor system. [0052] The apparatus 10 generally includes the steering roller (s) 18 which typically include an elastically resilient outer surface for engaging with the conveyor belt 12, such as rubber, or the like. In addition, the urger 20 generally comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator for selectively pivoting the roller support 16 on the roller base 32 in order to vary a force with which the steering roller(s) 18 abut against the conveyor belt 12 to control an efficacy of the steering. Other configurations for the urger 20 are possible and within the scope of the present invention.

[0053] In one embodiment, the urger 20 and actuator 22 are linked to operate in unison, e.g. the urger 20 urges the steering roller(s) 18 into abutment with the belt before the actuator changes the slew angle 34 to steer the belt 12, or the like. In one embodiment, as shown in Figure 3 and 4, the urger 20 and actuator 22 are mechanically-operated manual linkages, which may be a simple embodiment of the apparatus 10.

[0054] However, a preferred embodiment of the present invention, as diagrammatically shown in Figure 5, includes a conveyor belt tracking system wherein the actuator 22 and urger 20 are automatically controlled by means of a suitable controller 24 which is arranged to monitor the conveyor belt 12 running relative to the apparatus 10. Typically, the support frame 14 is positioned proximal a head or tail pulley of a conventional belt conveyor system.

[0055] The sensor(s) 26 generally comprises a conveyor belt drift sensor, such as an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a capacitive sensor, or the like. Typically, the system comprises at least two sensors 26 arranged distal from each other to determine the efficacy of belt steering over a predetermined belt distance, or the like. Again, variations on the number, type and arrangement of sensors are possible and expected.

[0056] The sensor 26 may also include a belt load sensor configured to sense a load on the belt, e.g. how much of a load is carried on the belt at that moment in time. An efficacy of steering of the belt, as determined by a force with which the urger 20 urges the steering roller(s) 18 against the belt 12 may be calculated or determined by the controller 24 in accordance with the sensor 26 sensing a particular load on the belt, e.g. an empty belt typically requires less steering force than a heavily-load belt, or the like.

[0057] The controller 24 may comprise any suitable processor or microcontroller configured to receive input, perform logical and arithmetical operations on a suitable instruction set, and provide output, as well as transitory and/or non-transitory electronic storage. Typically, the controller is configured to sense the conveyor belt relative to the steering roller, and to steer the conveyor via the steering roller, in substantial real-time.

[0058] Typically, the controller 24 is adapted with a fail safe operation where a fault with the urger 20, actuator 22, sensor 26 and/or controller 24 results in the urger 20 and/or actuator 22 being deactivated entirely, i.e. the steering rollers 18 disengage from the belt entirely. [0059] The invention also extends to a conveyor arrangement comprising an endless belt conveyor system including at least one of the apparatus 10, as described herein.

[0060] In addition, the invention includes an associated a method for steering a conveyor belt 12 running on an endless belt conveyor system, as well as a computer programme product which, when executed by a suitable processing system, facilitates the performance of such a method.

[0061] Applicant believes is particularly advantageous that the present invention provides for apparatus 10 which facilitates steering or tracking of a loaded conveyor belt in operation, said apparatus 10 being able to influence an efficacy of such steering by being able to determine a force with which the steering roller(s) 18 are urged against the belt 12.

[0062] In particular, the skilled addressee is to appreciate that the efficacy of steering a conveyor belt is determined by a load carried by the belt and that such a load can vary dynamically, e.g. a belt can carry varying loads at various time during operation. As such, the force necessary to steer an empty belt is much less than the force required to steer a heavily-loaded belt. Conventional steering or tracking practices are generally unable to cater for this changing belt loads, which can lead to wear-and-tear to the belt of idler rollers if a 'one-size-fits-all' approach is taken with steering or tracking. The present invention addresses this shortcoming .

[0063] Optional embodiments of the present invention may also be said to broadly consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated herein, individually or collectively, in any or all combinations of two or more of the parts, elements or features, and wherein specific integers are mentioned herein which have known equivalents in the art to which the invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as if individually set forth. In the example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail, as such will be readily understood by the skilled addressee.

[0064] The use of the terms "a", "an", "said", "the", and/or similar referents in the context of describing various embodiments (especially in the context of the claimed subject matter) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including, " and "containing" are to be construed as open- ended terms (i.e., meaning "including, but not limited to,") unless otherwise noted. As used herein, the term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed subject matter as essential to the practice of the claimed subject matter.

[0065] Spatially relative terms, such as "inner, " "outer, " "beneath, " "below, " "lower, " "above, " "upper, " and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature (s) as illustrated in the figures. Spatially relative terms may be intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as "below" or "beneath" other elements or features would then be oriented "above" the other elements or features. Thus, the example term "below" can encompass both an orientation of above and below. The device may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[ 0066 ] It is to be appreciated that reference to "one example" or "an example" of the invention, or similar exemplary language (e.g., "such as") herein, is not made in an exclusive sense. Various substantially and specifically practical and useful exemplary embodiments of the claimed subject matter are described herein, textually and/or graphically, for carrying out the claimed subject matter.

[ 0067 ] Accordingly, one example may exemplify certain aspects of the invention, whilst other aspects are exemplified in a different example. These examples are intended to assist the skilled person in performing the invention and are not intended to limit the overall scope of the invention in any way unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Variations (e.g. modifications and/or enhancements) of one or more embodiments described herein might become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading this application. The inventor (s) expects skilled artisans to employ such variations as appropriate, and the inventor (s) intends for the claimed subject matter to be practiced other than as specifically described herein.

Claims

1. A conveyor belt steering apparatus comprising: a support frame; a roller base displaceably arranged on the support frame so that the roller base is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame; a roller support slewably arranged on the roller base and configured to support at least one steering roller; an urger arranged on the support frame and configured to selectively raise or lower the roller base; and an actuator configured to selectively slew the roller support relative to the roller base; wherein a conveyor belt operatively running on the steering roller is selectively steerable via the actuator controlling a slew angle of the roller support relative to the roller base whilst the urger selectively urges the steering roller against the belt, via selective raising or lowering, to control an efficacy of such steering.

2. Apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slew angle of the roller support is in a range of ±20 degrees relative to a perpendicular direction of travel of the conveyor belt.

3. Apparatus of either of claims 1 or 2, wherein the roller base is displaceably arranged on the support frame by the support frame supporting the roller base in a slidable manner.

4. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the support frame is configured as a conventional idler roller frame for a conveyor system.

5. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 4, which includes the steering roller(s) having an elastically resilient outer surface for engaging with the conveyor belt.

6. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the steering roller(s) is arrangeable on the roller support to support the conveyor belt in a trough arrangement or as a return arrangement.

7. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the urger comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator for selectively raising the roller base on the support frame in order to vary a force with which the steering roller(s) abut against the conveyor belt to control an efficacy of the steering.

8. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the actuator comprises at least one hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder and/or electromechanical or mechanical linear actuator whereby the slew angle is selectively controllable and maintainable in order to steer the conveyor belt as required.

9. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the actuator and urger are automatically controlled by means of a suitable controller which is arranged to monitor the conveyor belt running relative to the apparatus.

10. Apparatus of any of claims 1 to 9, wherein the urger and actuator are linked to operate in unison.

11. A conveyor belt tracking system comprising: a support frame; a roller base displaceably arranged on the support frame so that the roller base is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame; a roller support slewably arranged on the roller base and configured to support at least one steering roller; an urger arranged on the support frame and configured to selectively raise or lower the roller base; and an actuator configured to selectively slew the roller support relative to the roller base; at least one sensor for sensing a conveyor belt relative to the steering roller; and a controller arranged in signal communication with the urger, actuator and sensor, said controller configured to selectively control a slew angle of the roller support relative to the roller base, via the actuator, to steer a conveyor belt operatively running on the steering roller whilst selectively controlling the urger urging the steering roller against the belt, via selective raising or lowering, to control an efficacy of such steering.

12. The system of claim 11, wherein the sensor comprises a conveyor belt drift sensor, such as an optical sensor, a mechanical sensor, a capacitive sensor, or the like.

13. The system of either of claims 11 or 12, wherein the sensor includes a belt load sensor configured to sense a load on the belt.

14. The system of any of claims 11 to 13, which comprises at least two sensors arranged distal from each other to determine the efficacy of belt steering over a predetermined belt distance.

15. The system of any of claims 11 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to sense the conveyor belt relative to the steering roller, and to steer the conveyor via the steering roller, in substantial real-time.

16. The system of any of claims 11 to 15, wherein the controller is adapted with a fail-safe operation where a fault with the urger, actuator, sensor and/or controller results in the urger and/or actuator being deactivated entirely, i.e. the steering roller(s) disengages from the belt.

17. A method for steering a conveyor belt running on an endless belt conveyor system, said method comprising the step of: sensing, via a suitable sensor, the conveyor belt relative to at least one steering roller supported on a support frame having a roller base displaceably arranged thereon so that the roller base is selectively raisable or lowerable relative to the support frame, and a roller support slewably arranged on the roller base and configured to support at least one steering roller, an urger arranged on the support frame and configured to selectively raise or lower the roller base, and an actuator configured to selectively slew the roller support relative to the roller base; and in response to sensing said belt, selectively controlling, via a suitable controller arranged in signal communication with the urger, actuator and sensor, a slew angle of the roller support relative to the roller base, via the actuator, to steer a conveyor belt operatively running on the steering roller whilst selectively controlling the urger urging the steering roller against the belt, via selective raising or lowering, to control an efficacy of such steering.