AU2021107628B4

AU2021107628B4 - Roller Support Apparatus & Method

Info

Publication number: AU2021107628B4
Application number: AU2021107628A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Graham Dean Holford
Original assignee: Tuffstuff Int Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Tuffstuff International Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2020-05-06
Filing date: 2021-11-26
Publication date: 2022-08-11
Anticipated expiration: 2028-05-06
Also published as: AU2022100160B4; AU2020203013A1; AU2021107628A4; AU2023201018A1; AU2022100160A4

Abstract

An apparatus (10, 110) for supporting one or more rollers (12, 112) relative to a conveyor belt (116). The apparatus (10, 110) includes a roller support assembly (18, 118) adapted to pivotally couple to a conveyor frame (120) and an actuation means (19, 119) adapted to operatively pivot the roller support assembly (18, 118) between a first condition, in which the one or more rollers (12, 112) carried by the roller support assembly (18, 118) are engagable with the belt (116), and a second condition, in which the one or more rollers (12, 112) are movable away from the belt (116). A related method is also disclosed.

Description

Roller Support Apparatus & Method

Technical Field

[001] The invention relates to a roller support apparatus and method. In particular, the invention relates to a roller support apparatus and method that allows ease of maintenance and changing of conveyor rollers.

Background

[002] Conveyors such as those used in mining include a conveyor frame and a series of roller frames with rollers that support and guide a belt of the conveyor. The roller frames are fixed to the conveyor frame and, as such, to change the rollers the belt must be lifted or removed to allow the rollers to be removed or replaced. Accordingly, there exists a problem to provide easy, safe and quick access and changing of rollers.

[003] The invention disclosed herein seeks to overcome one or more of the above identified problems or at least provide a useful alternative.

Summary

[004] In accordance with a first main aspect there is provided, an apparatus for supporting one or more rollers relative to a belt of a conveyor, the apparatus includes a roller support assembly adapted to pivotally couple to a conveyor frame and an actuation means adapted to operatively pivot the roller support assembly between a first condition, in which the one or more rollers carried by the roller support assembly are engagable with the belt, and a second condition, in which the one or more rollers are movable away from the belt, wherein the roller support assembly includes a roller support frame adapted to be pivotally coupled to the conveyor frame via end supports, and wherein the actuation means includes a ratchet mechanism adapted to pivotally move the roller support frame relative to the conveyor frame in a controlled and supported movement between the first and second conditions.

[005] In an aspect, the actuation means is hand operable.

[006] In yet another aspect, the apparatus includes one or more end of travel stops to inhibit pivotal movement of the roller assembly past the first or second conditions.

[007] In yet another aspect, the roller support frame includes a bar arranged to engage with the belt so as to provide at least one of the one or more end of travel stops in the second condition.

[008] In yet another aspect, the roller support frame includes a bar arranged to engage with the belt so as to support a mass of the belt in the second condition.

[009] In yet another aspect, wherein the roller support frame includes a support arranged to engage with the belt so as to inhibit sagging of the belt in at least the second condition.

[0010] In yet another aspect, the roller support frame includes supports two of the one or more rollers and a bar that are arranged relative to a pivot axis extending between the fixed end supports such that pivoting of the roller support frame towards the second condition results in movement of the two of the one or more rollers away from the belt and the movement of the bar towards the belt such that the bar provides at least one of the one or more end of travel stops in the second condition.

[0011] In yet another aspect, at least one of the roller support assembly and end supports include a lug arranged to provide at least one of the one or more end of travel stops in the first or second conditions.

[0012] In yet another aspect, the roller support assembly includes a roller removal arrangement adapted to allow the one or rollers to be moved in a transverse direction relative to the belt in the second condition.

[0013] In yet another aspect, the roller removal arrangement includes a roller carriage adapted to support each of the one or more rollers relative to the roller frame.

[0014] In yet another aspect, each roller carriage is independently laterally slidable relative to the roller frame so that each of the one or more rollers is accessible from or toward a side of the belt.

[0015] In yet another aspect, each roller carriage includes a handle.

[0016] In yet another aspect, each roller carriage includes an associated retaining means adapted to secure the roller carriage in at least one of an inward and outward condition.

[0017] In yet another aspect, each roller carriage includes a slidable coupling to slidably retain the roller carriage to an associated roller support bar of the roller frame.

[0018] In yet another aspect, each roller carriage and the associated roller support bar are adapted to inhibit rolling over the roller carriage.

[0019] In yet another aspect, the roller carriage includes a triangular profile adapted to slide along a corresponding profile of the roller support bar.

[0020] In accordance with a second broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for supporting one or more rollers relative to a belt of a conveyor, the apparatus includes a roller support assembly adapted to pivotally couple to a frame of the conveyor and an actuation means adapted to operatively pivot the roller support assembly between a first condition, in which the one or more rollers carried by the roller support assembly are engagable with the belt, and a second condition, in which the one or more rollers are moved away from the belt, wherein the roller support assembly includes a roller removal arrangement adapted to allow the one or rollers to be moved in a transverse direction relative to the belt in the second condition to a third condition in which the one or more rollers are located toward a side of the belt.

[0021] In accordance with a third broad aspect there is provided, a method for moving one or more rollers relative to a belt of a conveyor, the method including: operating an actuator coupled to a roller support assembly of an apparatus such that the one or more rollers are pivotally moved from a first condition, in which the one or more rollers engage with the belt, to a second condition in which the one or more rollers are moved away from the belt so as to provide space between the which the one or more rollers and the belt.

[0022] In an aspect, the method further includes: moving a roller support carriage carrying at least one or the one or more rollers in the second condition in a direction toward a side of the belt so that the at least one or the one or more rollers are in a third condition toward the side of the belt.

[0023] In accordance with a fourth broad aspect there is provided, an apparatus for supporting one or more rollers relative to a belt of a conveyor, the apparatus includes a roller support assembly adapted to pivotally couple to a conveyor frame and an actuation means adapted to operatively pivot the roller support assembly between a first condition, in which the one or more rollers carried by the roller support assembly are engagable with the belt, and a second condition, in which the one or more rollers are movable away from the belt and a support bar of the roller support assembly is movable to support an underside of the belt. The support bar may also take other forms such as a member, part or another roller that support the underside of the belt to inhibit sagging once the one or more rollers are disengaged form the belt.

Brief Description of the Figures

[0024] The invention is described, by way of non-limiting example only, by reference to the accompanying figures, in which;

[0025] Figure 1 is a top perspective view illustrating a first example of an apparatus for supporting rollers;

[0026] Figure 2 is a top view illustrating the first example of the apparatus;

[0027] Figure 3 is a front view illustrating the first example of the apparatus;

[0028] Figure 4 is a side view illustrating the first example of the apparatus;

[0029] Figure 5 is a top perspective view illustrating a second example of an apparatus for mounting rollers;

[0030] Figure 6 is a front view illustrating the second example of the apparatus;

[0031] Figure 7 is an end view illustrating the second example of the apparatus;

[0032] Figure 8 is a top perspective view illustrating the second example of the apparatus in a fitted condition;

[0033] Figure 9 is a side view illustrating the second example of the apparatus in the fitted condition;

[0034] Figure 10 is a front view illustrating the second example of the apparatus in the fitted condition;

[0035] Figure 11 is side view illustrating the second example of the apparatus in a pivoted or second condition;

[0036] Figure 12 is another side view illustrating the second example of the apparatus in the pivoted or second condition;

[0037] Figure 13 is a front view illustrating the second example of the apparatus in the pivoted or second condition;

[0038] Figure 14 is a top perspective view illustrating a third example of the apparatus;

[0039] Figure 15 is top view illustrating the third example of the apparatus;

[0040] Figure 16 is a front view illustrating the third example of the apparatus;

[0041] Figure 17 is an end view illustrating the third example of the apparatus;

[0042] Figure 18 is an underside perspective view illustrating the third example of the apparatus in an operative fitted condition;

[0043] Figure 19 is an underside perspective view illustrating the third example of the apparatus in the operative fitted condition;

[0044] Figure 20 is a side view illustrating the third example of the apparatus in the operative fitted condition;

[0045] Figure 21 is a top perspective view illustrating the third example of the apparatus in a maintenance condition;

[0046] Figure 22 is an underside perspective view illustrating the third example of the apparatus in the maintenance condition;

[0047] Figure 23 is a side view illustrating the third example of the apparatus in the maintenance condition; and

[0048] Figure 24 is a front view illustrating the third example of the apparatus in the maintenance condition.

Detailed Description

[0049] Referring to Figures 1 to 14 there are shown first and second examples of an apparatus 10,110 for supporting one or more rollers 12, 112 so that the rollers 12, 112 may be moved, such as by pivoting, away from a conveyor belt 116. The pivoting away from the conveyor belt 116 allows for access, maintenance and changing of the rollers 12,112.

[0050] The first example 110 shown in Figures I to 7 may be a flat roller set for a return side of the belt and the second example 112 shown in Figures 8 to 14 may be "U" or "V" shaped for the active or carrying side of the belt 116. Aside from the shape, the first and second examples are mostly similar and as such like sequences of numerals (i.e. 10, 110) are used to denoted like parts.

[0051] Figures 15 to 24 show a third example of the apparatus 210 and this example may be provided in a straight or "U" or "V" shaped version, although in this example only the "U" or "V" shaped version is illustrated. The third example of the apparatus 210 functions in a similar way to the first and second examples 10, 110, however, the third example also includes a roller removal arrangement 270 adapted to allow lateral movement of the rollers 212. Nevertheless, aside from the roller removal arrangement 270 of the third example of the apparatus 210, most features remain similar to the first and second examples 10, 110 and, as such, like sequences of numerals (i.e. 110, 210) are used to denote like or similar parts or features.

[0052] Turning now to the first and second examples of the apparatus 10, 110 in more detail, the apparatus 10, 110 includes roller support assembly 18, 118 adapted to pivotally couple with a conveyor frame 120 (shown in Figure 8), and an actuation means 19, 119 adapted to operatively move, more specifically pivot, the roller support assembly 18, 118 between a first condition or operative condition, in which the one or more rollers 12, 112, carried by the roller support assembly 18, 118 are engagable with the belt 116, and a second condition or maintenance condition, in which the one or more rollers 12, 112 are moved away from the belt 116.

[0053] The roller support assembly 18, 118 is coupled to the conveyor frame 120 by end supports 24, 124 and includes a roller support frame 22, 122 arranged to pivot relative to end supports 24, 124. The roller support frame 22, 122 supports the one more rollers 12, 112, in this case, two rollers 12, 112.

[0054] The actuation means 19, 119 includes an actuator 25, 125 arranged between the end supports 24, 124 and the roller support frame 22, 122 so that movement of the actuator 25, 125 affects movement of the roller support frame 22, 122 between the first and second conditions. The roller support frame 22, 122 includes an axle 27, 127 extending between the end supports 24, 124 and two adjacent roller support subframes 28, 128 that each support a roller 12, 112 and an end stop bar or support 30,130.

[0055] The two adjacent roller support subframes 28, 128 are fixed together for likewise movement and are pivotally coupled to the fixed end supports 24, 124 via the axle 27, 127. The two adjacent roller support subframes 28, 128 each include arms 38, 138 that are dimensioned to support the one or more rollers 12, 112 on one side of the axle 27, 127 and the end stop bar 30, 130 on the other side. It is noted that the arms 38, 138 are dimensioned to support the end stop bar 30, 130 so as engage with an underside of the belt 116 in the maintenance condition so at to provide an end of travel stop and belt support. In particular, the end stop bar 30, 130 also supports the underside of the belt 116 in the second condition and inhibits sagging of the belt 116. The end stop bar , 130 could take other forms such as another part, member, roller or the like to achieve the same function.

[0056] The actuator 25, 125 may be operated to pivot the roller support assembly 18, 118 to move the rollers 12, 112 between the first or operational and second or maintenance conditions. The actuator 25, 125 may be a ratchet and screw mechanism 140, 142 adapted to extend and retract in a controlled and supported manner so as to affect the pivoting movement of the roller support assembly 18, 118. Whilst an example of a manual actuator is provided, other suitable means may also be provided including electric and pneumatic actuators to provide the same or similar function.

[0057] The apparatus 10, 110 may further include a locking means 43, 143 provided in this example in the form of a removable pin 44, 144 to lock the roller support assembly 18, 118 in the operational condition, and also include an further end of travel stop (not shown) in the form of a lug (not shown) to assist to stop over pivoting of the roller support assembly 18, 118 and provide feedback to the operator of the actuator 25, 125.

[0058] In more detail, each of the end supports 24, 124 include a first member 48, 148 pivotally coupled to a second member 50, 150. The first member 48, 148 and second member 50, 150 are pivotally coupled at a pivot 53, 153 toward one end thereof and coupled by the actuator 25, 125 at the opposing end so as to provide a jaw or scissor like action. The first member 48, 148 is fixed to the conveyor frame 120 and the second member 50, 150 is connected to the axle 27, 127. Accordingly, movement of the second member 50, 150 raises and lowers the roller support assembly 18, 118 in response to actuation of the actuator 25, 125. The first member 48, 148 and the second member 50, 150 may be metal plates or the like.

[0059] Turning now to the third example, the third example of the apparatus 210 functions in a similar manner to the first and second examples, and as such all parts and functions are not again described here. The third example of the apparatus 210 includes the roller removal arrangement 270 including a roller support bar 272 and roller carriages 274 that each carry an associated one of the rollers 212.

[0060] The roller support bar 272 is supported by the arms 238 parallel to and spaced apart from the axle 227 and serves as a guide for the roller carriages 274 that are adapted to slide from in inward operative position to an outward position toward or at sides of the belt 16. In this example, the roller carriages 274 and associated rollers 212 extend substantially past and proud of the end supports 224 of the conveyor frame 220.

[0061] The roller carriages 274 include handles 276 at the outward facing ends thereof to allow each carriage to be slid by hand and a retainer 278 in the form of a fastener bolt 279 that is arranged to secure and release the roller carriages 274 from the inward operative position.

[0062] The roller carriages 274 are adapted to inhibit rolling over by use of the triangular profile 282 along a bottom thereof that slides along a corresponding profile 283 of the roller support bar 272. Roller support tabs 284 extend from the triangular profile 282 to support opposing ends of the rollers 212.

[0063] The roller carriages 274 further include a slidable coupling 280 that retains the roller carriages 274 to the roller support bar 272 whilst allowing only inward and outward lateral movement. Accordingly, accidental rolling over and separation of the roller carriages 274 and the roller support bar 272 is inhibited.

[0064] In use, the assembly 10, 110, 210 may be coupled to an existing conveyor frame 116, 216 and extend between beams or other frame members thereof. The rollers 12, 112, 212 may be initially supported and locked in the operational condition in which the rollers 12, 112, 212 are positioned to engage with the belt 116, 216.

[0065] To move the rollers 12, 112, 212 to the second or maintenance condition, the locking means 43, 143, 243 is released and the actuation means 19, 119, 219 is operated which results in pivoting of the roller support assembly 18, 118, 218 toward the second condition in which the rollers 12, 112, 212 are moved, more specifically lowered away from the belt 116, 216. In this example, the user may be actuating the ratchet 40, 140, 240 until the end of travel is reached that may be the end stop bar 30, 130, 230 engaging with an underside of the belt 116, 216.

[0066] Now, in the first and second examples of the apparatus 10, 110, the rollers 12, 112 may be removed in the second or maintenance condition by, for example, lifting the rollers 12, 112 from the supporting arms 38, 138. Fasteners at the ends of the rollers 12, 112 may also need to be loosened.

[0067] In the third example 210 in addition to being removable in the second condition, the roller carriages 274 may be slid from the initial inward position to an outward position where the rollers 212 are accessible at or toward the sides of the belt 216. The user may need to firstly remove the retainer 278 and then may pull the handle 276. The rollers 212 may then be accessed for maintenance or replacement. The above actions may be reversed to move the rollers 12, 112, 212 back to an operative condition in engagement with the belt 116, 216.

[0068] Advantageously, there has been described examples of an apparatus for supporting and moving one or more rollers between a first operative condition and a second maintenance condition in which the one or more rollers may be accessed for maintenance or replacement.

[0069] One of the examples provides a further function of the rollers being movable on carriages to outward positions proximate edges for the belt for greater ease of access. The examples of the apparatus include an actuation means that provides for controlled and supported pivoting movement of the rollers and an end of travel stop to support the apparatus in at least the second maintenance condition. Such examples of the apparatus therefore provide the ability to have rollers that may be more easily maintained such as being replaced and may reduce the lifting, time, and persons required to maintain such rollers.

[0070] Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

[0071] The reference in this specification to any known matter or any prior publication is not, and should not be taken to be, an acknowledgment or admission or suggestion that the known matter or prior art publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the field to which this specification relates.

[0072] While specific examples of the invention have been described, it will be understood that the invention extends to alternative combinations of the features disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

[0073] Many and various modifications will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the scope of the invention disclosed or evident from the disclosure provided herein.

Claims

The claims defining the Invention are as follows:

1. An apparatus for supporting one or more rollers relative to a belt of a conveyor, the apparatus includes a roller support assembly adapted to pivotally couple to a conveyor frame and an actuation means adapted to operatively pivot the roller support assembly between a first condition, in which the one or more rollers carried by the roller support assembly are engagable with the belt, and a second condition, in which the one or more rollers are movable away from the belt, wherein the roller support assembly includes a roller support frame adapted to be pivotally coupled to the conveyor frame via end supports, and wherein the actuation means includes a ratchet mechanism adapted to pivotally move the roller support frame relative to the conveyor frame in a controlled and supported movement between the first and second conditions.

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the apparatus includes one or more end of travel stops to inhibit pivotal movement of the roller assembly past the first or second conditions.

3. The apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the roller support frame includes a bar arranged to engage with the belt so as to provide at least one of the one or more end of travel stops in the second condition.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the roller support assembly includes a roller removal arrangement adapted to allow the one or rollers to be moved in a transverse direction relative to the belt in the second condition to a third condition in which the one or more rollers are located toward a side of the belt.

5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the roller removal arrangement includes a roller carriage adapted to support each of the one or more rollers relative to the roller frame.