CN110072786B

CN110072786B - Clamping limiter for conveying belt

Info

Publication number: CN110072786B
Application number: CN201780076670.3A
Authority: CN
Inventors: M·L·富尔内; M·H·德格鲁特; R·马
Original assignee: Laitram LLC
Current assignee: Laitram LLC
Priority date: 2016-12-12
Filing date: 2017-12-11
Publication date: 2021-07-20
Anticipated expiration: 2037-12-11
Also published as: EP3551554A1; WO2018111743A1; JP2020500802A; EP3551554A4; JP6941174B2; CN110072786A

Abstract

A conveyor employs a low tension, direct drive belt and a snap stop for ensuring proper engagement of the belt with a drive sprocket. The stopper includes: the stop device comprises a main body, a limiting surface and a clamping clip arranged opposite to the limiting surface, wherein the clamping clip is used for clamping the stop device to a mounting shaft. The retainer may include a mounting arm for mounting a conveyor belt scraper at a front portion of the retainer. A mounting plate at the conveyor end supports a mounting shaft for mounting the stop or other conveyor component in position relative to the drive sprocket.

Description

Clamping limiter for conveying belt

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. patent application No.15/376,056 entitled "Snap-On Position Limiter for a Conveyor Belt" filed On 12.12.2016, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to power-driven conveyors and more particularly to thermoplastic toothed endless belts driven by sprockets.

Background

Stops, such as those described in U.S. patent No. 7,850,562 (the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference), are used in low tension, positive drive belt systems to ensure proper engagement of the belt with the drive sprocket by controlling the belt position during drive tooth handoff. The stop may be disposed against the belt near the exit. Examples of stops include scrapers, rollers, and track shoes (shoes).

Existing limiters are secured to a mounting shaft that may trap dirt and debris and prevent disassembly and/or replacement of the limiter. Furthermore, existing stops are usually located where the conveyor belt will naturally fall away from the drive sprocket when no pretension is applied, typically at a position wound 165 ° from where the belt enters the drive sprocket. The stop thus competes with the belt scraper (if used) for the same space. Further, the limiter must be axially aligned with the drive sprocket, requiring a locking collar or fastener that may become a bacterial shelter, thereby presenting a food safety risk.

Disclosure of Invention

According to one aspect, a mounting plate for a conveyor frame includes a flat panel portion, a connecting portion, a top pocket, and a lower pocket. The flat panel portion has an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a rear edge. The connecting portion mounts the plate portion to another component in a conveyor frame. The top receiving portion is formed in the plate portion and is used for mounting a driving member. The lower housing is formed in the plate portion below the top portion and receives an end of the mounting shaft to position the mounting shaft relative to a central axis of the top housing.

According to another aspect, a conveyor frame for a conveyor belt, comprising: a mounting plate including an integrated receiving portion for receiving an end of a mounting shaft; a handle coupled to the mounting plate. The integrated accommodating part includes: an opening extending through the mounting plate, and a recess in an outward facing surface of the integrated pocket. The handle includes: a circular protrusion for insertion into an opening of the integrated accommodating part; and a curved channel for engaging a pin inserted into the recess.

According to another aspect, a conveyor frame for a conveyor belt, comprising: a mounting plate having an upper receiving portion and a lower receiving portion; a mounting shaft received in the lower receiving portion; and a scraper assembly mounted to the mounting shaft. The scraper assembly comprises: a scraper mounting part mounted on the mounting shaft; a scraper base inserted into the scraper mounting part; a scraper receiving portion extending from the scraper base; and a blade inserted into the blade accommodating portion.

Drawings

The disclosed systems and methods can be understood with reference to the drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale.

FIG. 1 illustrates an end portion of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a limiter according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the stop of FIG. 1;

fig. 3A to 3C illustrate a process of mounting the stopper of fig. 1 to a mounting bar;

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of an end of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a stopper assembly according to one embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is an assembled view of the system of FIG. 4 during installation of the stop assembly;

FIG. 6 shows the system of FIG. 5 in a subsequent step in the installation process;

FIG. 7A shows the system of FIG. 5 after it is fully assembled;

FIG. 7B is an internal view of the assembled system of FIG. 7A;

FIG. 8 is another view of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a stopper assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9A is an isometric view of a retainer including a mounting roller according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9B is another view of the retainer of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 10 is an exploded view of the retainer of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 11 is an isometric view of an end portion of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including the stop of FIG. 9A;

FIG. 12 is an isometric view of an end portion of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a limiter having a scraper mounted thereon according to another embodiment of the invention;

fig. 13 is an isometric view of an end portion of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a limiter having an alternative scraper configuration;

fig. 14 is an isometric view of an end portion of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a limiter having an alternative scraper configuration;

fig. 15 is an isometric view of an end portion of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a limiter having an alternative scraper configuration;

fig. 16 is an isometric view of an end portion of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a limiter having an alternative scraper configuration;

FIG. 17 shows a conveyor belt system including a stopper assembly having a scraper mounted thereon;

FIG. 18 is an end view of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a stopper assembly designed to accommodate flights (flight) in the conveyor belt;

FIG. 19 shows another embodiment of a stop;

FIG. 20 shows another embodiment of a stop;

FIG. 21 shows the limiter of FIG. 20 mounted to a shaft;

FIG. 22 shows the sprocket assembly mounted to the drive shaft;

FIG. 23 is an isometric view of a stopper according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the stopper includes rollers that form a limiting surface;

FIG. 24 is a side view of the retainer of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 is a top view of the retainer of FIG. 23;

FIG. 26 is an isometric view of the retainer of FIG. 23;

fig. 27 is a side view of a retainer according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the retainer is adapted to restrain an edge of a conveyor belt;

FIG. 28 is an isometric view of the retainer of FIG. 27;

FIG. 29 is a front view of the retainer of FIG. 27;

FIG. 30 is a top view of the retainer of FIG. 27;

FIG. 31 is a bottom view of the retainer of FIG. 27;

FIG. 32 is a rear view of the retainer of FIG. 27;

FIG. 33 is an isometric view of an edge stop mounted to a conveyor frame using a mounting device;

FIG. 34 is another view of the edge stop of FIG. 33;

FIG. 35 shows another edge stop, wherein the edge stop is mounted to a frame using a mounting base;

FIG. 36A is a side view of a stop according to another embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 36B is an isometric view of the retainer of FIG. 36A;

FIG. 36C is a side view of the retainer of FIG. 36A, with the retainer mounted to a shaft;

FIG. 36D is an isometric view of the retainer and shaft of FIG. 36C;

fig. 37A to 37D show another embodiment of a scraper mounting according to another embodiment of the present invention, wherein the scraper mounting is mounted to a shaft;

fig. 38A to 38D show a scraper base, wherein the scraper base is adapted for the scraper mounting of fig. 37A to 37D;

FIGS. 39A and 39B show a shaft including a plurality of scraper mounts mounted thereon and a scraper supported by the scraper mounts;

FIGS. 40A and 40B illustrate another embodiment of a doctor assembly mounted to a shaft;

FIGS. 41A and 41B illustrate another embodiment of a doctor assembly mounted to a shaft;

42A-42C illustrate an end portion of a conveyor including a plurality of stops and scraper assemblies mounted to a shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention;

fig. 43A-43C show the end portion of fig. 42A-42C in a first position;

fig. 44A-44C show the end portion of fig. 42A-42C in a second position;

fig. 45A-45C show the end portion of fig. 42A-42C in a third position;

46A-46E illustrate an embodiment of a mounting plate for a conveyor frame for mounting a drive member and a mounting shaft according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 47 is a cross-sectional view of the mounting plate of FIG. 46B through

line

1546 and 1546;

FIGS. 48A and 48B illustrate portions of a conveyor frame including mirror image mounting plates mounted to end plates according to embodiments of the invention;

FIGS. 49A-49C illustrate a delivery head assembly employing the mounting plate of FIGS. 46A-46E;

FIG. 50 shows a handle for moving a mounting rod in the delivery head assembly of FIGS. 49A-49C;

FIG. 51 is a detailed view of the interface between the mounting shaft, handle and mounting plate of an embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description

The conveyor employs a positive drive belt, drive sprockets, and snap-in stops to ensure proper engagement of the belt with the drive sprockets. The retainer can be installed, held, and removed from the shaft without or with minimal use of tools. An embodiment of the stop employs a snap clip having an anchor (e.g., a tab) that engages a channel in the shaft of the conveyor (referred to as a universal frame). The main body of the snap clamp is matched with the shaft main body. Optionally, the axial projection engages a notch or other seat in the shaft. The loosening body of the snap clamp may be different from the shaft, but is stretched or compressed to match the shaft and lock in place. The snap clamp may be used to interchangeably mount the components to the shaft while locking the components axially and radially relative to the shaft during operation. The invention will be described hereinafter with reference to specific illustrative embodiments but the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

Fig. 1 illustrates a portion of a low tension, direct drive conveyor belt system including a stop 50 according to one embodiment of the present invention. The conveyor system comprises: low-tension, positive-drive belts, e.g.

Tape, available from Intralox responsibility, Inc. of Hara, los Angeles. The illustrated conveyor belt 10 includes: a drive element, shown as drive tooth 12 (also known as a drive bar), engages a recess 22 in a corresponding drive sprocket 20. A stop 50 mounted to the shaft 40 below the sprocket ensures that the belt engages the sprocket 20. The limiter 50 is positioned relative to the sprocket 20 to form a channel through which the belt 10 passes. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 50 snaps onto the shaft to facilitate assembly and disassembly of the conveyor system. The shaft includes an engagement mechanism to limit axial and radial movement of the stop when the stop is snapped onto the shaft, as described below. In the illustrated embodiment, the limiter 50 is plastic and the shaft 40 is stainless steel, although other materials may be used.

In the illustrated embodiment, the pitch of the sprocket is less than the pitch of the belt so that only one tooth on the belt is actively driven by the sprocket at a time. The belt engages the sprocket at the top position 13 and begins to wrap around the sprocket 20. Sprocket 20 is in active engagement with drive tooth 12 in the actuated position and releases the drive tooth in the released position. In the illustrated embodiment, the stop 50 is positioned such that: the front part of the limiting surface abuts the conveyor belt at a front position which is at a distance of about 160 deg. to about 220 deg. from the top position 13 (top position 0 deg.). The limiter limiting surface preferably extends at least one full pitch, for example, greater than 36 ° for a ten-tooth sprocket, before pulling away from the belt at the release position 15. In one embodiment, the release position 15 is approximately 250 ° from the top position 13, however, the invention is not limited thereto. Preferably, the stop is mounted and shaped out of the product stream to prevent product accumulation. Without a stop, the belt would tend to release from the sprocket at about 165 ° if not pre-tensioned. The illustrated stopper 50 allows for a larger band of windings around the sprocket, thereby moving the stopper further away from the conveyed stream of food product.

Preferably, at one time, the sprocket is effectively driving only one tooth of the sprocket (unless in a period when the leading drive tooth is disengaged from the sprocket and handed to the adjacent trailing tooth when the trailing tooth becomes the leading drive tooth). The stop 50 helps to control this handoff.

Referring to fig. 2, a stopper 50 of one embodiment of the present invention includes a body 52. The top of the body forms a restraining surface 54 designed to engage the conveyor belt 10 to ensure proper engagement between the belt and the corresponding sprocket. The illustrative limiting surface 54 covers a length greater than one sprocket pitch, although the invention is not limited thereto. A fastening member (shown as a snap clip 60) is at the opposite end of the body, mounting the stop to the shaft.

The limiting surface 54 provides area contact to the conveyor belt and comprises a concave portion 55 at the front end, the concave portion 55 being connected to a convex portion 56 at the rear end. The female portion 55 and the male portion 56 may be connected tangentially. The illustrative concave portion has an arc that is shallower than the arc of the convex portion 56. As shown, the concave portion 55 matches the configuration of the associated sprocket. The concave portion is preferably curved through an arc that corresponds to at least one pitch, and preferably is greater than the sprocket (at least 36 for a ten-tooth sprocket). The front edge 57 of the limiting surface may be sharp or of other shapes. The shape and size of the convex portion 56 is selected according to the properties of the associated conveyor belt. The convex portion 56 controls the return bend of the belt and thus the shape and size of the convex portion 56 is related to the rate of return bend of the belt and is selected to appropriately control the return bend and control the disengagement of the driven belt teeth so as to gently force the teeth back into the drive recess as they approach the restrictor. The transition between the convex and concave portions corresponds to the release point 15 of the conveyor belt from the sprocket 20.

The illustrative body 52 has a limiting surface 54 connected to a snap clip 60 and may be shaped to reduce weight.

The illustrative snap clip 60 includes a generally semicircular gripping element forming two

legs

64, 65. Clip 60 is defined by a radially outer surface 61, a radially inner surface 62, and a side surface 63. The first leg 64 terminates in a flat end surface 69 and the second leg 65 terminates in a barbed tip 66. The barb tip is defined by angled tip outer surface 67 and inner tip surface 68 which intersect to form a barb shape. The inner tip surface extends radially inward from the radially inner surface 62. A tab 70 extends between the radially inner surface 62 of the clip and the tip 66. The projections 70 mate with corresponding recesses on the shaft 40, as described below.

The radially inner surface 62 may include a clearance cavity or recess to enhance clearance when the limiter is mounted to the shaft.

When the inner tip surface 68 is substantially horizontal, the tip 66 may be lower than the end 69 of the first leg. The bottom surface 69 and the tip inner surface 68 may be non-parallel.

The stiffness and tension of the snap clips 60 may vary depending on the material used, the leg thickness, the degree of wrapping of the gripping element, and other factors that may vary.

Preferably, the snap clip 60 is integral to the body of the stopper, although the invention is not limited thereto.

Fig. 3A-3B illustrate the snapping of a retainer (e.g., retainer 50) comprising a snap clip onto a shaft 40 of a delivery system, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The illustrative method of securing the retainer to the shaft may be used to secure any conveyor component to another conveyor component using snap lock geometry integrated into the conveyor component and the conveyor component. The conveyor component is attached to the frame by: the component is stretched up the center around the conveyor member by applying a greater force than the component is subjected to when resting. Mating geometries in the retainer and the shaft engage to secure the retainer to the shaft. In one embodiment, the minimum inner diameter of the snap clamp is less than the outer diameter of the mating conveyor member. Alternatively, the stops or other conveyor components may be compressible to allow engagement.

In fig. 3A and 3B, the illustrative shaft 40 has a flat bottom surface 42 extending between each end of a rounded outer surface 43. The flat bottom surface 42 includes at least one generally linear channel 44 extending from a first end to a second end. The limiter is first positioned proximally of the shaft as shown in fig. 3A such that the axial alignment tab 70 is aligned with the alignment notch 41 in the shaft 40 and the

legs

64, 65 straddle the shaft 40. Then, the operator inserts the tip 66 serving as a key into the recess 44 serving as a key groove on the flat surface side 42 of the shaft 40 as shown in fig. 3B while rotating the first leg 64 around the outer surface 43 of the shaft until the first leg 64 contacts the shaft 40. Then, as shown in FIG. 3C, the user creates a clamping force by pulling the legs 64 along the center of the shaft to snap the stopper 50 into place while inserting the tabs 70 into the notches 41 to prevent axial movement of the stopper relative to the shaft. The engagement between the tip 66 and the recess 44 prevents radial movement of the limiter 50 about the shaft 40. The legs of the snap clip flex slightly to allow the retainer 50 to be mounted to the shaft and then spring back into place after being rotated in the center to lock the retainer to the shaft 40. When engaged, the axially inner surface 62 of the retainer 50 abuts the rounded outer surface 43 of the shaft 40.

In another embodiment, the continuous clamping force is maintained by: having the inner diameters of

legs

64, 65 smaller than the outer diameter of shaft 40 places the illustrative snap clip 60 under continuous strain while remaining within its yield limit of material properties.

In other embodiments, small protrusions are added to the perimeter of the inner radial surface 62 of the leg 64 to fit into notches in the shaft 40 when the clip 60 is fully seated on the shaft 40.

The locked in place design of the stop can be assembled to the shaft without fasteners or other tools. The illustrative snap clips ensure that the components mounted thereon do not rotate about the shaft 40 or slide along the shaft 40.

Fig. 4-7B illustrate the process of mounting the shaft 40 (with the plurality of stops 50 mounted thereon) to the conveyor frame. The conveyor frame includes:

conveyor end plates

81, 82 for mounting the shaft or crankshaft 21 and the receiving shaft 40, the mounting shaft or crankshaft 21 including one or more sprockets 20, the receiving shaft 40 for supporting one or more stops 50 in position against the conveyor belt 10. Each conveyor end plate includes a recess 83 for mounting a shaft including the sprocket 20. As shown, the crankshaft 21 extending from the sprocket is inserted into the recess 83. As shown, the shaft 40 is mounted between two

shaft mounting plates

91, 92, the

shaft mounting plates

91, 92 being mounted to the conveyor frame to position the stop 50 relative to the conveyor belt 10. A series of stops 50 are mounted along the length of the shaft 40.

The illustrative axle mounting plate has a rounded triangular shape. The shaft 40 is mounted between two portions 91a, 92a on the

plates

91, 92. Opposite the shaft end, the shaft mounting plate includes a mounting tab 93, the mounting tab 93 having a flat side in the illustrated embodiment. A flat-sided mounting tab 95 extends from another location on the

plates

91, 92.

A tool 96 is provided for engaging the

tabs

93, 95 on the

triangular mounting plates

91, 92 to position and orient the shaft and the stop. Each tool 96 includes a rod 97, a handle 98 and an eccentric cam portion 99 forming a channel.

The mounting tabs 94 extend from the third locations 91b, 92b in the triangular shaft mounting plate. The illustrative mounting tabs have a circular cross-section, although the invention is not limited thereto. The recess 84 in the conveyor end plate rotatably receives the mounting tab 94, as shown in fig. 5, to dispose the stop in a first position relative to the conveyor belt.

After the mounting tabs 94 are inserted into the recesses 84, the tool bars 97 are inserted into the recesses 88 such that the slots in the cam portions 99 are disposed adjacent to the tool openings 89 in the end plate of the conveyor, as shown in FIG. 5. The shaft assembly is then rotated about mounting tabs 94 so that tabs 95 are aligned with openings 89. Initially, the tool 96 is positioned such that the cam channel is separated from the opening. The user moves the handle 98, pivots the tool 96 about the rod 97, rotates the eccentric cam portion 99 to engage the tab 95, locking the shaft assembly into the position shown in fig. 6 relative to the conveyor belt 10. The user or automated tool then releases the tool and rotates the shaft assembly to the engaged position, as shown in fig. 7A and 7B. In the engaged position, the stop 50 is disposed adjacent the conveyor belt at a selected location adapted to ensure engagement of the sprocket 20 and the belt 10. In this position, the tab 93 is aligned with the opening 89. The tool 96 is then rotated to the engaged position to hold the tab 93 and shaft assembly in the engaged position. The shaft assembly can be easily moved to an unengaged position or removed from the conveyor frame as needed.

Fig. 8 shows another embodiment of a conveyor 2 employing a stop 50 for a conveyor belt 10 on a motorized pulley or a shaft including at least one sprocket 20 according to another embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, the tool 196 is used to secure an axle assembly including the axle 40 with the axle 40 having the stops mounted thereon and extending between the two axle mounting plates 91', 92' in either an engaged or disengaged position relative to the sprocket mounting plates 81', 82'. An illustrative tool 196 is a DE-STA-CO material handling clamp available from DE-STA-CO from Orben mountain, Michigan. Tool 196 selectively inserts pins into openings in side plates 81', 82', 91 'and/or 92' to help position the axle assembly.

Other suitable handles may be used for positioning the array of stops relative to the belt. For example, an array of stops on the shaft may be manipulated using a handle connected to the shaft 40 and lockable in place.

Fig. 8 also shows a belt guide 210 that is connected to the shaft assembly to help guide the conveyor belt 10 after it is released from the sprockets 20.

Fig. 9A and 9B illustrate a stopper 150 including a roller according to another embodiment of the present invention. The limiter 150 includes a limiting surface formed by two

rollers

156 and 155. The two

restraining rollers

155, 156 are disposed about one sprocket pitch apart near the drive teeth and tooth discharge position. The rollers are disposed between the

side plates

152, 153 using

axles

157, 158. Roller stops 150 are particularly suited to abrasive environments.

The retainer 150 includes a snap clip 160 formed by the side plates. The snap clip is similar in form to the snap clip of the retainer 50.

The body of the retainer is formed by

side plates

152, 153, the

side plates

152, 153 abutting the sides of the roller and forming a snap clip 160. In one embodiment, the

side plates

152, 153 may be plastic, the rollers may be UHMW (ultra high molecular weight), and the crankshaft may be stainless steel. As shown, the snap clip 160 includes a generally semicircular recess in the plate. The snap clip 160 includes a barbed tip 166 and a tab 170.

In another illustrative embodiment, two retainers are used to support one or more rollers therebetween. In this embodiment (not shown), the roller or roller axle may be seated in a saddle in the restrictor body.

As shown in fig. 10, the

crankshafts

157, 158, which extend into the side plates, include an enlarged central portion and smaller diameter ends.

The

side plates

152, 153 may be coupled together by any suitable means to mount the roller and assembly stops 150, including but not limited to: snap-fit connections, gluing, welding or the use of fastening means. When assembled, the plates form a recess for mounting the

rollers

155, 156. The limiter 150 uses two limiting

rollers

155, 156 to control tooth handoff between the positive drive belt and the drive sprocket.

Fig. 11 shows the stopper 150 when mounted to the shaft 40 to position the stopper 150 relative to the conveyor belt 10 wrapping around the sprocket 20. A stop 150 is mounted to the shaft 44, similar to the stop 150. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear roller 155 is larger than the front roller 156. The upper edges of the

plates

152, 153 have a slightly concave curve between the two rounded ends where the rollers are mounted. The shape of the rollers and plate upper edge are selected such that the smaller front roller 156 contacts or abuts the conveyor belt at the restraining position 114 (about 160 ° to about 220 °, preferably about 165 ° to about 215 ° from the top) to perform the restraint, while the larger rear roller 155 controls the return bend in the belt 10 after the belt 10 is released from the sprocket 20 at the release position 115 (which preferably exceeds the restraining position 114 by at least one sprocket pitch).

Mounting the shaft limiter to the shaft 40 using the snap clip 160 locks the components in place relative to one another as shown in fig. 11.

Preferably, the roller is free to rotate on the crankshaft.

The roller may comprise roller halves, each roller half being coupled to form a complete roller. The roller width can be varied as required by the retainer.

In addition, a third roller may be mounted between the front and

rear rollers

155, 156 to provide additional restraining force. Any suitable number of rollers may form the limiting surface of the limiter.

According to another embodiment of the invention, as shown in fig. 12, the retainer 250 may include a mounting arm 220 for receiving the conveyor belt scraper 230 or the base of the scraper. A scraper extends from the mounting arm 220 and contacts the conveyor belt to remove debris ahead of the stopper 250. The illustrative scraper is slightly curved due to the spring effect of the material and has a constant cross-section, although the scraper may have any suitable shape.

In another embodiment (not shown), the mounting arm for receiving the belt scraper or scraper base may comprise an integrated snap clip, while the limiter body is omitted.

Fig. 13-16

show scrapers

231, 232, 233, 234 mounted to various embodiments of a stop 250. For example, the scraper 231 of fig. 13 has a generally tear-drop shaped cross-section with a planar front surface mounted to the base 239, the base 239 being inserted into the mounting arm 220 of the stopper 250. The front and back surfaces are tapered to a point for scraping the belt. The scraper 232 of fig. 14 includes a planar front portion, a shaped rear surface, and a curved scraping surface facing the conveyor belt 10. The scraper 234 of fig. 15 comprises a shaped outer surface and an inner surface having a lower section and an upper section, the inner surface facing the conveyor belt, thereby providing a larger contact area with the conveyor belt 10. The scraper 234 is connected to a curved base 239' inserted into the retainer scraper arm 220. As shown in fig. 16, in another embodiment, the scraper 235 may have a planar outer surface and a shaped inner surface to provide an even greater contact area with the conveyor belt 10.

Fig. 17 shows the mounting shaft 40 with the plurality of scraper limiters 250 mounted to the conveyor frame 280, similar to the previous embodiment. The shaft assembly is mounted to place the scraper 231 in a scraping position relative to the conveyor belt 10.

In another embodiment, the scraper is separate from the stopper and separately mounted to the shaft. The scraper holder may be mounted to the shaft in the opposite direction to the stopper using snap clips or other suitable means.

According to another embodiment of the invention, as shown in fig. 18, the mounting plates and mounting bars for a series of stops may be configured to accommodate conveyor belts having flights. For example, the mounting

plates

391, 392 include a lowered shaft 344, the lowered shaft 344 includes a center connector 347, the center connector 347 is coupled to the mounting nub 345, and the center retainer 50 is mounted on the mounting nub 345. Nubs 346 extend from

side plates

391, 392 for mounting outer stops 50 o. This configuration allows space to be created between the shaft 344 and the belt 310 to accommodate the scraper 311.

Fig. 19 shows another embodiment of a snap stop 450. The retainer 450 snaps onto a shaft configured to receive the retainer 450. The stops are positioned relative to the drive elements (e.g., sprockets) to form a channel through which the direct drive conveyor belt passes. The snap stop 450 of FIG. 19 has a geometry configured to optimize the handoff of the front driving teeth to the middle trailing teeth when the trailing teeth engage the sprocket. The snap stopper 45 further includes: a recess 469 in the clip inner surface 462 to facilitate cleaning.

In the embodiment of FIG. 19, the radius R1 of the convex portion 456 of the limiting surface 454 is designed to be less than the expected natural arc of curvature of the associated belt at this location (where the belt is discharged). The radius R2 of the transition point 457 of the limiting surface 454 is selected so that the limiting surface conforms to the belt as it is discharged, thereby ensuring that the belt does not excessively buckle. The concave portion radius R3 is selected so that concave portion 455 captures the immediately adjacent trailing tooth that will become fully engaged with the sprocket during handoff. Female portion 455 includes a tangential extension 459 for controlling disengagement of the front belt teeth from the sprocket when fully engaged teeth are disengaged during handoff. The tangential extension 459 may be straight, or of a large radius convex or concave shape, or even of a shape with a different radius. The leading edge 457 may form a curve having a radius R4. The curve at the leading edge 457 is configured as: in the event that the tooth loses synchronism with the sprocket recess, the drive tooth is lightly forced back into the sprocket recess as the tooth approaches the limiter 450.

Fig. 20 and 21 show that the retainer 550 includes a twist lock for securing the retainer to the shaft 540. The limiter 550 includes a snap clip similar to the previous embodiment, but also includes a shaped first leg 564 that forms a lip to receive a corner of the shaped shaft 540. The first leg 564 includes an alignment or locking tab 571 to be received in a notch of the shaped shaft 540. Any suitable snap clip design may be used to attach the stop to the shaft.

Fig. 22 shows a sprocket assembly 700 suitable for use as a stopper in a positive drive conveyor belt system. The sprocket assembly 700 includes a plurality of sprockets snap-fit together that are mounted to a drive shaft 710. Each sprocket 702 includes a pair of sprocket members that resemble partial apostrophes in shape and have peripheral drive teeth 722. The two sprocket assemblies are coupled together and mounted to the drive shaft 710 to form the complete sprocket 702. The drive shaft includes three channels 744 that form keyways to receive projections on the sprocket assembly.

Fig. 23-26 show another embodiment of a limiter 850 including a limiting surface formed by rollers according to another embodiment of the present invention. The stop 850 includes two

side plates

852, 853 to form a body for mounting the

rollers

855, 856, 857 therebetween. The roller forms a limiting surface. The stop 850 also includes snap clips 860, the snap clips 860 being below the

side plates

852, 853 for mounting the stop, as previously described. As shown, the snap clip 860 includes a ring-shaped ferrule having a barbed tip 866 and a projection 868, although the invention is not limited thereto. The illustrative snap clip 860 includes: a cut-out or recess 869 on the inner surface 862 of the clip to facilitate cleaning.

The restricting roller includes: a rear limit roller 855, and two

smaller rollers

856, 857. The roller mounting part 870 mounts the roller to the limiter body. The illustrative roller mounting 870 includes three

axles

875, 876, 877 that extend perpendicular to the spine 871 for mounting rollers. Each crankshaft extends through an opening in the first side plate 853, through a corresponding roller, and through an aligned

opening

872, 873 or seat 874 in the second side plate 852.

In one embodiment, the shafts are separated by unequal separation distances, i.e., the central shaft 877 is closer to one of the

end shafts

875 or 876, thereby ensuring that the larger rollers are not accidentally inserted into the wrong position.

The locking mechanism locks the roller mounting portion 870 to the limiter body to ensure assembly. In one embodiment, the locking mechanism comprises: a flexible arm 880, which is connected to the second side plate 852, has a protrusion 881 for selective engagement with a recess 882 in the intermediate crankshaft 876. The flexible arms 880 can be pulled back to release the intermediate crankshaft 876 and allow the roller mount 870 to slide out of engagement with the roller body. Any suitable structure may be used to lock the crankshaft to the retainer body.

Fig. 27-35 show an embodiment of a retainer according to another embodiment of the present invention for a conveyor belt mountable along an edge of the conveyor belt. An illustrative stop 950 is mounted to the inner edge of the conveyor frame 901.

The stopper 950 includes: an upper limiting surface 954 for guiding the conveyor belt. The upper limiting surface comprises a convex curved portion 956 and a slightly concave portion 955. The limiting surface 954 has any suitable size and shape and is not limited to the embodiment shown.

The stopper 950 includes: a main body 952; and mounting structure for mounting the stopper 950 to the frame 901. The mounting structure includes: a first opening 962 for receiving the pin 902 connected to the frame. The first opening is disposed below the concave portion 955 of the limiting surface. Below the male portion 956, the stop 950 comprises a seat 963 for another pin 903 connected to the frame. The illustrative seat 963 is a semi-circular collar for receiving the top portion of the pin 903. Locking tab 970 secures pin 903 within seat 963. The locking protrusion 970 includes: a flexible arm portion extending from the base surrounding the opening 962; and a protrusion 974 for engaging the slot 904 in the pin 903 to hold the stop in place. The locking tab 970 can be lifted to pull the tab out of engagement with the pin 903 and allow the stopper to slide off the

902, 903.

As shown, the body of the stopper includes a shaped bottom surface 953 to facilitate cleaning.

The

illustrative pins

902, 903 include tapered middle sections, although the invention is not limited thereto.

As shown in fig. 33 and 34, the

pins

902, 903 may be removably mounted to the frame 901 through openings 907 using mounting means 908. In another embodiment shown in fig. 35, the

pins

902, 903 used to mount the stop 950 to the frame 901 may be mounted to the base 910, which base 910 is then connected to the frame 901.

Fig. 36A-36D illustrate another embodiment of a retainer 1050 suitable for use in a conveyor. The stopper 1050 includes: a snap clamp portion 1060 and a restraining portion forming a restraining surface 1054. The limiting surface has a rounded nose 1057, a slightly concave portion 1055, a flat portion 1056, and a rounded end portion 1058 which transitions to the outer surface of the clamping portion. On the snap clamp portion, the tip 1066 engages a channel 1044 on the corresponding shaft 1040, and the tab 1070 engages an axial notch (not shown) in the shaft to clamp the limiter 1050 to the shaft 1040. The illustrative retainer 1050 includes: cut-outs 1069 on the inner surface of the clip to facilitate cleaning.

In one embodiment of the invention, the scraper mounting may be used in combination with a stop to mount the scraper to a shaft on which one or more stops are mounted. For example, fig. 37A and 37B show the scraper mounting portion 1180 mounted to the shaft 1140 using an integrated snap clip. The scraper mounting portion 1180 includes a forefoot 1181 extending from a body of the scraper mounting portion 1180. The foot 1181 includes a recess or channel 1182 to receive a portion of the scraper 1190, as shown in fig. 37C and 37D. The scraper 1190 includes: a mounting bar 1192 configured to be inserted into the channel 1182; a spring base 1193; a scraper 1194 mounted in a scraper accommodation 1195. The scraper mounting member 1180 is easily snapped onto the shaft 1140 and holds the scraper inserted into the scraper receiving portion in the correct position, as described below.

Fig. 38A-38D illustrate another embodiment of a scraper base 1293 that can be connected to a shaft by a scraper mounting 1180. The scraper base 1293 may mount the elongated scraper using a plurality of scraper receptacles 1195. The scraper base includes a mounting bar 1292, which mounting bar 1292 is insertable into the scraper mounting recess to mount the scraper base to the shaft. The blade receiving portion includes a wide front finger 1296 and a narrow finger 1297. The wide front finger 1296 determines the vertical position of the blade. The narrow fingers 1297 pinch the scraper because the scraper is thicker than the channel formed between the wide and narrow fingers. The narrow fingers deflect slightly as the scraper is inserted. In this position, the scraper is held firmly in place by friction.

Fig. 39A and 39B show the scraper assembly mounted to a shaft 1140 using the scraper base 1293 of fig. 38A and 38B. As shown, the scraper mounting member 1180 is mounted to the shaft using an integrated snap clip. The shaft 1140 has a channel and an axial recess corresponding to the snap clip, as previously described. The mounting bar 1292 of the scraper base 1293 is then inserted into the scraper mounting receptacle 1182. The blade 1194 is inserted into a blade receiving portion 1295 of the scraper base.

In another embodiment, as shown in fig. 40A and 40B, the scraper assembly scraper base 1293' includes a weighted shaft 1250 that facilitates positioning of the scraper blade 1294 when installed in the receptacle 1295. The weighted shaft 1250 acts as a counterweight such that the scraper base 1292 pivots within the base to maintain a constant pressure of the scraper tip 1294 against the belt.

As shown in fig. 41A and 41B, the scraper mounting portion 1280 can have a weighted disk 1251, the weighted disk 1251 being connected to an end of the mounting bar 1252 by a connector 1253. The weighted disc 1251 acts as a counterweight to bias the scraper tip 1294 against the belt.

Fig. 42A is an exploded view of an end of a conveyor frame including a stop assembly and scraper assembly according to an embodiment of the invention. The conveyor frame includes

end plates

1301, 1302 for mounting a diverting element (e.g., a sprocket 1305) to drive or otherwise guide a conveyor belt 1304. Fig. 42B is an isometric view of the end of fig. 42A after assembly with the sprockets and the conveyor belt unseated. Fig. 42C is an end view of the conveyor end with the sprockets and the conveyor belt in place. The stopper assembly 1300 includes: a plurality of stops 1350 that are mounted to the shaft 1340 using integrated snap clips, as previously described. Also mounted on the shaft 1340 is a series of scraper mounts 1380, which are also mounted using integrated snap clips. The illustrative shaft 1340 has three scraper mounts: one on each end and one in the middle. The scraper assembly 1370 is mounted to the scraper mount 1380. The doctor assembly 1370 includes: a mounting bar 1392; a blade receiving section 1393; a scraper 1394 inserted into the accommodation section 1393; a curved plate mounting bracket 1372 connected to an end of mounting bar 1392; and a handle 1374 extending outwardly from the plate mounting bracket 1372. The use of a central support for the scraper improves the uniformity of the scraper against the surface of the belt, thereby enhancing scraping. The shaft 1340 (on which the stop 1350 and scraper mount 1380 are mounted) is mounted between the

conveyor end plates

1301, 1302, the

conveyor end plates

1301, 1302 holding sprockets 1305 or other diverting elements around which the conveyor belt 1304 is driven (train). When assembled, the shaft 1340 holds the stop 1350 and scraper 1394 in position adjacent to the conveyor 1304.

The assembly 1300 further includes: bushing 1303, which is received in opening 1307 of

end plates

1301, 1302. On the outside, each sleeve 1303 receives a protrusion (shown as boss 1411) of handle 1410. On the inner side, each bushing 1303 receives an end of a shaft 1340, including a slot 1341 in the end face of the shaft 1340. The bushing 1303 also includes a pin 1308, the pin 1308 engaging a curved channel 1412 on the handle 1410 and limiting rotation of the handle 1410. Rotation of handle 1410 moves shaft 1340. Handle 1410 may include an eccentric pin extending from boss 1411 that fits through bushing 1303 and is received by slot 1341 in shaft 1340. The eccentric pin is offset from the handle pivot point, which coincides with the center of curvature of the curved channel 1412 and the center of the protrusion 1411. When the handle 1410 is rotated and locked, the cam pin locking shaft 1340 bears against a firm stop (in the frame or bushing) while the handle also deflects and snaps onto an unrelated outer pin 1308 on the bushing. In this position, shaft 1340 is prevented from moving backwards.

Fig. 43A-43C show an end portion of the frame of fig. 42A-42C with the handle 1410 in a first position. Fig. 43B is a sectional view through line a-a of fig. 43A. By means of the handle 1410, the stop assembly 1300 and the scraper assembly 1370 will be in the first position, setting the limiting surfaces of the stop 1350 and the scraper 1394 adjacent to the conveyor belt 1304 in the operational mode. If the blade is attached, the counterweight forces the blade against the belt.

Fig. 44A-44C show the end portion of the frame with the handle 1410 in a second position. In this position, the handle 1410 is rotated 180 ° from the first position. Since handle 1410 is attached to shaft 1340 by the engagement of biasing pin 1342 to a slot in the end face of shaft 1340, rotation of handle 1410 pushes shaft 1340 and attached

components

1350, 1380 slightly forward and away from band 1304. The stop is still in the operating position. If a scraper is installed, the counterweight of the scraper assembly can be considered to provide a size-adjustable gap between the scraper and the belt and a small gap between the restrictor and the belt so that a degree of cleaning can be performed during operation if necessary.

Fig. 45A-45C show the end portion of the frame with the handle 1410 in the second position and the blade assembly housing 1372 moved to release the blade 1394. In this position, with the handle 1410 released, the handle 1374 and the shelf 1372 of the blade assembly 1370 rotate about the mounting bar 1392 to push the blade 1394 away from the tape. This allows the scraper 1394 to be removed for cleaning or for another purpose or operation without scraping.

The unlocked handle 1410 is removable from the assembly. When handle 1410 is removed, shaft 1340 can move forward within opening 1307 and pivot downward, exposing a different surface to the conveyor belt. In this position, the restraint can handle light loads so that the belt can be driven during cleaning operations. Further, the shaft and the restrainer may be pivoted upward and removed from the conveyor.

The illustrative doctor assembly 1370 allows the doctor blade to be easily attached and removed from the conveyor without the use of tools. The scraper assembly automatically urges the scraper into engagement with the conveyor belt and provides a uniform scraping pressure.

Fig. 46A-46E show an embodiment of a homogeneous steel cast mounting plate 1500 for a conveyor frame for mounting a stopper assembly relative to a conveyor belt trained about a drive sprocket or another suitable drive. Fig. 47 is a cross-sectional view of mounting plate 1500 through line 1546. The mounting plate 1500 includes a major planar section in which receptacles are formed for mounting drive members (for the conveyor belt drives) and mounting shafts (universal frame for mounting other conveyor components). The major planar portion extends along a length from the front edge 1501 to the back edge 1502, along a height from the top edge 1506 to the bottom edge 1507, and along a thickness from the inner surface 1504 to the outer surface 1503. The upper mounting receptacle 1510 includes an opening 1511 in the planar portion for receiving a drive member. The drive member may be any component for driving the conveyor belt. For example, the mounting plate may mount a drive shaft for a sprocket or motorized pulley having an internal bearing with a protruding fixed shaft. In the case of a stationary shaft for a motorized pulley, the mounting plate may have a slot to receive the stationary shaft.

In the illustrated embodiment, the bearing housing 1512 surrounds a top opening 1511 on the outside of the planar portion and receives bearings that support the rotatable drive shaft. The bearing housing 1512 protrudes from the outer surface 1503 of the major planar portion. The bearing housing 1512 includes an opening 1534 for drainage and cleaning. In the illustrated embodiment, the interior shape of the bearing housing 1512 is spherical for housing the bearings. The spherical interface 1517 between the bearing and the upper housing facilitates smooth rotation of the drive shaft mounted therein. Alternatively, the upper housing 1510 includes a slot to receive a fixed shaft of a motorized pulley.

The lower mounting receptacle 1520 receives a universal frame or other mounting shaft to mount and position the stop and/or scraper assembly relative to the drive member. The bottom mounting receptacle includes a slot 1521 extending from the front edge 1501 of the plate below the upper mounting receptacle 1510. The slot 1521 includes a widened portion 1522 to facilitate insertion of the mounting shaft. At the termination of the slot, the bottom mounting receptacle 1520 includes a cap (shown as an outward projection 1523) for receiving the end of the mounting shaft. The cap 1523 includes a central opening 1524, flat sides, and rounded top and bottom. A recess 1526 is formed below the central opening 1524 for receiving a handle pin (not shown), as described below.

As shown in fig. 46B, the bottom mounting receptacle 1520 is recessed from the front edge 1501 of the plate portion relative to the top receptacle 1510. As shown in fig. 46B, the center of the cap 1523 is offset (not aligned) with a line 1546, the line 1546 bisecting the top opening 1511. In the illustrated embodiment, the front side of cap 1523 is aligned to line 1546, although the invention is not so limited.

The mounting plate 1500 for supporting a first side of a drive shaft (or other drive member) and a first side of a mounting shaft further includes: a connecting portion showing a mounting structure for mounting the mounting plate to the end plate. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting structure includes: a protrusion 1540 extending perpendicular to the planar portion; and openings 1541 for receiving bolts to mount the mounting plate to the end plate. Any suitable mounting body or connector may be used to connect the mounting plate to the end plate, or other structures may be used.

Fig. 48A and 48B show a portion of a conveyor frame 1700, the conveyor frame 1700 including: mirror

image mounting plates

1500a, 1500b attached to end plate 1600 to form a structure for mounting a drive member (e.g., a drive shaft) and a mounting shaft (e.g., a universal frame for mounting a stop). The mounting

plates

1500a, 1500b are mounted to the end plate 1600 using bolts 1610 or other suitable fasteners. The mounting

plates

1500a, 1500b are separated with the inner surfaces 1504 of the mounting plates facing each other.

Fig. 49A-49C illustrate the delivery handpiece assembly 1702 employing the homogeneous mounting plate of fig. 46A-46E when mounted as shown in fig. 48A and 48B. The conveyor head assembly 1702 further includes a diverter element (shown as a sprocket 1720 for driving the conveyor belt) mounted between the

end plates

1500a, 1500 b. Sprocket 1720 fits into drive shaft 1721. The top housing 1510 of the mounting plate receives the end of the drive shaft, which is mounted in the housing 1510 using bearings 1513. The top housing 1510 is shaped to receive and house the bearings 1513 to allow the drive shaft 1721 to rotate relative to the mounting

plates

1500a, 1500b while fixing the position of the drive shaft relative to the mounting

plates

1500a, 1500 b.

The bottom mounting receptacle 1520 mounts a mounting shaft 1730 and the upper mounting shaft 1730 mounts various components such as a stop and scraper. The mounting shaft 1730 has slots in one or both end faces to facilitate mounting of the mounting shaft. The end of the mounting shaft 1730 is received in the receiver cap 1523. The bottom mounting receptacle 1520 seats the mounting shaft 1730 with respect to the central axis of the upper receptacle 1510. A handle 1760 coupled to the receiver cap 1523 selectively moves the mounting bar 1730 relative to the drive shaft 1721. The handle 1760 includes a biasing pin that engages a slot in an end face of the mounting bar to displace the mounting bar as the handle 1760 is rotated. In this way, components mounted to the mounting shaft (e.g., the stop and scraper assembly) can be positioned relative to the conveyor belt being trained around the sprocket 1720.

The mounting shaft 1730 may include a channel or other feature for receiving a tip for mounting a snap clip for mounting a stop. Scrapers or other conveyor components, as previously described. The mounting shaft may also include axial tabs, as previously described, for engaging the snap-fit clips to secure the conveyor component to the mounting shaft. Furthermore, the mounting shaft need not extend completely between the mounting plates, but may include nubs extending from the mounting plates for mounting components only on the edges of the frame. The term "mounting shaft" is not limited to an elongated member extending between two separate mounting plates. The mounting shaft may be any axial member for mounting conveyor components. For example, the mounting plate 1500 may be used to mount short nodules on which conveyor components are mounted.

As shown in fig. 50 and 51, the handle 1760 includes: base portion 1761, with circular projection 1762 extending from base portion 1761); and a handle 1764 extending from the base portion in a direction perpendicular to the circular projection 1762. Circular projection 1762 fits into the opening formed by end cap 1523. Extending from the circular boss is a central eccentric pin 1763 offset from boss 1762. The base portion 1761 includes: a curved channel 1765 around projection 1762. The illustrative curved channel has a region of reduced diameter.

The bottom mounting receptacle 1523 includes a pin 1527, the pin 1527 being inserted into the recess 1526 to engage the curved channel 1765. Curved channel 1765 receives pin 1527, which allows handle 1760 to rotate about circular projection 1762. The reduced diameter section of the curved channel allows the handle position to be rotationally locked.

As shown in fig. 51, when the handle 1760 is inserted into the receiver cap 1523, the eccentric pin 1763 extends through the cap 1523 and is received in a slot 1735 in the end face of the mounting shaft 1730. Rotation of the handle 1760 about the pivot point moves the mounting shaft 1730 forward or rearward relative to the axis of the drive shaft or other drive member mounted above the mounting shaft in the mounting plate. The slot 1521 and receptacle 1520 are designed to allow the mounting shaft 1730 to shift therein depending on the orientation of the handle 1760.

The stopper is favorable to the assembly, the disassembly, the operation and the cleanness of conveyer. The retainer can be easily snapped onto a shaft designed to receive the retainer and can be removed when necessary for cleaning or replacement. The stops can increase the wrap of the conveyor belt and are advantageously positioned away from the product stream. In addition, the illustrative embodiments position the stop relative to the mounting shaft in a manner that enhances the securement of the stop. The stopper is arranged such that: the reaction forces from the belt are compressively transferred through the plastic body to the shaft (which may be stainless steel) to increase the life of the stopper and/or the load that the belt is able to transmit.

The invention is not limited to the illustrative embodiments described above.

Claims

1. A mounting plate for a conveyor frame, comprising:

a flat panel portion having an inner surface, an outer surface, a top edge, a bottom edge, a front edge, and a rear edge;

a connecting portion for mounting the plate portion to another component in the conveyor frame;

a top receiving portion formed in the plate portion for mounting a driving member; and

a lower receptacle formed in the plate portion, the lower receptacle including a slot extending from the front edge of the flat panel portion to below the top receptacle, the slot terminating in a cap that extends outwardly from an outer surface of the flat panel portion and is for receiving an end of a mounting shaft to position the mounting shaft relative to a central axis of the top receptacle.

2. The mounting plate of claim 1, wherein the mounting plate is homogenous.

3. The mounting plate of claim 1, wherein the top receptacle extends outwardly from the planar plate portion.

4. The mounting plate of claim 3, wherein the top receptacle further comprises an opening to facilitate hygiene.

5. The mounting plate of claim 1, wherein the outwardly extending cap has a central opening.

6. The mounting plate of claim 5, wherein the outwardly extending cap includes a recess and the mounting plate further includes a pin inserted into the recess and extending outwardly from the outwardly extending cap.

7. The mounting plate of claim 6, wherein the lower receiving portion is inset from the front edge of the plate portion relative to the top receiving portion.

8. The mounting plate of claim 1, wherein the slot includes a widened portion to facilitate insertion of the mounting shaft.

9. The mounting plate of claim 5, wherein the front side of the cap is aligned with a vertical line bisecting the top receptacle.

10. A conveyor frame for a conveyor belt, comprising:

a mounting plate including an integrated pocket for receiving an end of a mounting shaft, the integrated pocket including an opening extending through the mounting plate and a recess in an outward-facing surface of the integrated pocket; and

a handle coupled to the mounting plate, the handle comprising: a circular protrusion for insertion into the opening of the integrated receiving part; and a curved channel for engaging a pin inserted into the recess.

11. The conveyor frame of claim 10, wherein the integrated pocket comprises: a cap extending outwardly from the mounting plate.

12. The conveyor frame of claim 10, further comprising: a mounting shaft inserted into the circular boss and extending inwardly from the mounting plate.

13. The conveyor frame of claim 12, wherein the mounting shaft has an end face with a slot therein and the handle has an eccentric pin extending from the circular boss for engaging the slot such that rotation of the handle about a pivot point moves a mounting bar forward or rearward relative to the mounting plate.

14. The conveyor frame of claim 10, further comprising: an upper receiving portion in the mounting plate for mounting a drive member.

15. The conveyor frame of claim 14, wherein the upper receiver extends outwardly from an outward facing surface of the mounting plate.

16. A conveyor frame for a conveyor belt, comprising:

a mounting plate as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9;

a mounting shaft received in the lower receiving portion; and

a scraper assembly mounted to the mounting shaft, the scraper assembly comprising: a scraper mounting part mounted on the mounting shaft; a scraper base inserted into the scraper mounting portion; a scraper receiving portion extending from the scraper base; and a blade inserted into the blade accommodating part.

17. The conveyor frame of claim 16, further comprising: a drive member received in the top receptacle; and a drive for the conveyor belt mounted to the drive member.

18. The conveyor frame of claim 17, further comprising: a stop mounted to the mounting shaft, the stop having a limiting surface disposed opposite the driver.

19. The conveyor frame of claim 16, further comprising means for moving the mounting shaft relative to the mounting plate.