US20060131138A1 - Conveyor belt guide - Google Patents
Conveyor belt guide Download PDFInfo
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- US20060131138A1 US20060131138A1 US11/059,745 US5974505A US2006131138A1 US 20060131138 A1 US20060131138 A1 US 20060131138A1 US 5974505 A US5974505 A US 5974505A US 2006131138 A1 US2006131138 A1 US 2006131138A1
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- Prior art keywords
- belt
- endless belt
- endless
- opening
- conveyor
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
- B65G15/00—Conveyors having endless load-conveying surfaces, i.e. belts and like continuous members, to which tractive effort is transmitted by means other than endless driving elements of similar configuration
- B65G15/60—Arrangements for supporting or guiding belts, e.g. by fluid jets
- B65G15/64—Arrangements for supporting or guiding belts, e.g. by fluid jets for automatically maintaining the position of the belts
Definitions
- This invention is in the field of belt conveyors and in particular mechanisms for properly tracking the conveyor belt with respect to the conveyor rollers.
- Belt conveyors are used in a wide range of applications for transporting both individual packages and bulk material such as grain, ore, gravel, and the like.
- Such belt conveyors typically comprise a top conveying run on which the load is placed, and a bottom return run.
- the ends of the belt are connected together by a belt lace or like device to form an endless belt mounted on end rollers at each end of the belt conveyor.
- package belt conveyors typically have a flat top conveying run supported on a plate or rollers, while bulk belt conveyors have outer edges of the belt on the top conveying run raised to form a trough to retain the bulk material on the belt.
- the top conveying run may be supported in the troughed configuration by rollers or plates, and in many applications the conveying run passes through a tube that supports it in the troughed configuration.
- the belt is flat as it passes over the end rollers, and typically the return run is flat and is supported by idler rollers, plate sections or the like spaced at suitable intervals under the conveyor.
- the mechanisms used to drive the belt will vary depending on the conveyor length, load, configuration, and like conditions.
- a motor can be used to drive one of the end rollers of the conveyor. Friction between the belt and drive roller causes the belt to move with the surface of the roller. Where increased force is required to drive the belt because of long length, high load, or the like, the return run typically passes through an S-drive mounted under the conveyor. In the S-drive, idler rollers cause the belt to wrap farther around the drive roller, increasing the frictional force between the belt and drive roller and allowing more power to be transferred from the drive roller to the belt.
- a problem with belt conveyors is that the belt must be tracked properly, meaning it must be maintained in alignment with the end rollers, idler rollers, and S-drive rollers. Such belts tend to move laterally along the surface of the rollers toward one roller edge or the other where the belt edge will rub against support brackets and the like and be damaged.
- adjustments are provided to track the belt by moving the ends of the rollers forward or rearward. In an initial adjustment the end rollers and S-drive rollers are squared with the proper belt path, such that the belt should track properly.
- conveyor belts have a tendency to wander laterally and frequent tracking adjustment is required in prior art belt conveyors. Such adjustment is conventionally accomplished by moving one end of an end roller, or one end of a drive roller, to tighten or loosen the belt.
- U.S. Pat. No. 779,666 to Robins Jr. for example provides guide rollers oriented perpendicular to the edges of the belt on the conveying run and return run of a belt conveyor. When the belt moves laterally the belt edges contact the guide rollers and inhibit the lateral movement. The belt edges however tend to curl upward and climb the guide rollers, allowing the belt to move out of alignment and causing damage to the belt.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,232 to Densmore discloses flanged guide rollers oriented to rotate about axes perpendicular to the belt edges and spaced along the conveying and return runs of a conveyor belt following a curved path. Lateral movement of the belt is inhibited when the edges of the belt contact and rotate the rollers. The flanges extend over the edges of the belt to prevent the edges of the belt from curling up and climbing the guide rollers.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,289 to Hoggan discloses, contrary to the guide rollers of Densmore, flanged guide rollers spaced along the conveying and return runs of a conveyor belt but oriented to rotate about axes parallel to the belt edges.
- the flanged rollers inhibit lateral movement of the belt when the edges of the belt contact the flanges extending downward.
- the rollers extend over the edges of the belt to prevent the edges of the belt from curling up when they contact the flanges.
- Prior art flanged guiding rollers used to maintain tracking provide resistance to lateral belt movement only at discrete points along the belt edge. Providing such guide rollers is costly both in terms of initial cost and continued maintenance. Further, the top conveying run of a bulk conveyor is often enclosed in a tube, such that guide rollers cannot be conveniently provided on that portion of the belt.
- U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,251 to Bankholz discloses conveyor rollers that skew in response to lateral belt movement in order to maintain the belt in the center of the rollers.
- the present invention provides in one embodiment, a belt guide apparatus adapted for attachment to a belt conveyor comprising an endless belt with a conveying run and a return run.
- the apparatus comprises right and left top plates and right and left bottom plates.
- a right wall extends between the right top plate and the right bottom plate and a left wall extends between the left top plate and the left bottom plate.
- the right and left top plates, right and left bottom plates, and right and left walls form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening that substantially corresponds to a cross-section of the endless belt such that the endless belt can slide freely through the belt opening yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically.
- a front entrance of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the endless belt into the belt opening, and when attached to the belt conveyor the belt envelope is oriented such the right and left walls are aligned with a desired path of the endless belt, and the endless belt passes through the belt opening.
- the invention provides a belt conveyor comprising front and rear end rollers mounted on a frame, and an endless belt mounted on the end rollers and driven such that a top conveying run of the endless belt moves from the front roller toward the rear roller along a top of the frame, and a bottom return run of the endless belt moves from the rear roller toward the front roller along a bottom of the frame.
- a belt guide comprises right and left top plates; right and left bottom plates; a right wall extending between the right top plate and the right bottom plate; and a left wall extending between the left top plate and the left bottom plate.
- the right and left top plates, right and left bottom plates, and right and left walls form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening that substantially corresponds to a size of a cross-section of the endless belt such that the endless belt can slide freely through the belt opening yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically.
- a front entrance of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the endless belt into the belt opening.
- At least one belt guide is mounted on the frame such the right and left walls are aligned with a desired path of the bottom return run of the endless belt, and such that the bottom return run of the endless belt passes through the belt opening.
- the belt passes through a belt envelope with an opening substantially equal in size to the cross section of the belt and aligned on the desired path of the belt, generally a path along the middle of the end and drive rollers of the belt conveyor.
- the belt is restricted to that path while passing through the belt guide, and the belts tendency to move laterally on the rollers is reduced.
- One or more belt guides can be provided on a belt conveyor, depending on size, configuration, loading and like conditions.
- FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a belt conveyor with a flat top conveying run and with a belt guide of the invention mounted such that the bottom return run of the belt conveyor passes through the belt guide;
- FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the belt guide of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the belt guide of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 4 is a front view of the belt guide of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the endless belt of the belt conveyor of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 6 is a top view of the belt guide of FIG. 1 showing the belt passing through the belt guide;
- FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the belt guide of the invention.
- FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the belt guide of FIG. 1 ;
- FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a belt conveyor with a troughed top conveying run and with three belt guides of the invention mounted such that the bottom return run of the belt conveyor passes through the belt guides.
- FIG. 1 illustrates a belt conveyor 1 of the present invention wherein the top conveying run of the endless belt is substantially flat, typical of a belt conveyor adapted to transfer packages and like discreet articles.
- the belt conveyor 1 comprises front and rear end rollers 2 , 4 mounted on a frame 6 , and an endless belt 8 mounted on the end rollers 2 , 4 and driven such that a top conveying run 8 T of the endless belt 8 moves in the belt travel direction B from the front roller 2 toward the rear roller 4 along a top of the frame 6 , and a bottom return run 8 B of the endless belt 8 moves from the rear roller 4 toward the front roller 2 along a bottom of the frame 6 .
- the endless belt 8 is driven by a motor 9 rotating the rear end roller 4 .
- the front and rear end rollers 2 , 4 are mounted on the frame 6 perpendicular to the desired path of the endless belt 8 .
- a belt guide 10 of the invention is mounted to the frame 6 adjacent to the rear end roller 4 such that the bottom return run 8 B of the endless belt 8 passes through the belt guide 10 after passing over the rear end roller 4 .
- a further belt guide 10 A is mounted to the frame 6 adjacent to the front end roller 2 such that the top conveying run 8 T of the endless belt 8 passes through the belt guide 10 after passing over the front end roller 2 .
- the belt guide 10 can be installed on a variety of belt conveyors, both as original equipment and on existing conveyors. Typically, in order to avoid interfering with the material being conveyed, belt guides will be mounted such that the bottom return run 8 B rather than the top conveying run 8 T passes through the belt guide, but if desired belt guides can also be placed in the position of belt guide 10 A such that the top conveying run passes through the belt guide.
- the belt guide 10 comprises a top plate 12 and a bottom plate 14 .
- a right and left walls 16 extend between the top plate 12 and the bottom plate 14 and the top plate 12 , bottom plate 14 , and walls 16 form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening 20 that substantially corresponds to a size of a cross-section of the endless belt 8 , illustrated in FIG. 5 , such that the endless belt 8 can slide freely through the belt opening 20 yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically.
- the belt guide 10 is mounted on the frame 6 such that the right and left walls 16 are aligned with a desired path of the bottom return run 8 B of the endless belt 8 .
- the desired path will generally be a path centered laterally on the rear end roller 4 .
- the belt guide 10 is placed adjacent to the rear end roller 4 with the walls thereof aligned with that path so that as the endless belt 8 comes off the rear end roller 4 its travel path is restricted to the desired path just after it comes off the rear end roller 4 .
- a second belt guide 10 can be placed adjacent to the front end roller 2 so that the endless belt 8 is restricted to the desired path just prior to passing over the front end roller 2 . While it is contemplated that the belt guide will provide improved tracking regardless of where it is located on the bottom return run 8 B of the endless belt 8 , it is also contemplated that a location in proximity to one of the end or drive rollers will be preferred in practice. While the belt guide 10 of the invention can be made in varying lengths, from a short length such that the top and bottom plates 12 , 14 are like bars, to a length in the order of a multiple of the width of the endless belt 8 as illustrated in FIGS. 2 and 6 , it is contemplated that shorter belt guides are likely to cause more wear on the belt than longer ones.
- the front entrance 22 of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the endless belt 8 into the belt opening 20 .
- the front entrance 22 is formed by bending the top plate 12 upward, the bottom plate 14 downward, and the walls 16 outward.
- FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein edges of the top and bottom plates 112 , 114 at the front entrance 22 are rounded, either by welding a cylindrical rod along the edges, or by grinding or otherwise forming a rounded edge. Similarly the edges of the walls of belt guide 110 would be rounded.
- endless belts are often made by joining the ends of a conveyor belt with a belt lace 26 , such as shown in FIG. 6 , and such a lace could catch on sharp edges, and so same should be avoided. Further, where a belt lace 26 is present, the cross section of the endless belt 8 at the lace may be somewhat larger than in the rest of the belt. Care must be taken that the belt opening 20 is large enough to allow the belt lace to pass through.
- the top and bottom plates 12 , 14 extend from the right wall to the left wall, however it is contemplated that a center portion of the belt guide could be left open as in the belt guide 210 schematically illustrated in cross section in FIG. 7 .
- the belt guide 210 comprises right and left top plates 212 R, 212 L and right and left bottom plates 214 R, 214 L.
- a right wall 216 R extends between the right top plate 212 R and the right bottom plate 214 R, and a left wall 216 L extends between the left top plate 212 L and the left bottom plate 214 L.
- the plates 212 R, 212 L, 214 R, 214 L and walls 216 R, 216 L form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening 220 that substantially corresponds to a size of a cross-section of the endless belt 208 , such that the endless belt 208 can slide freely through the belt opening 220 yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically.
- the plates 212 R, 212 L, 214 R, 214 L do not allow the outer portions and edges of the endless belt 208 to move vertically, and the walls 216 R, 216 L prevent lateral movement. While the central portion of the endless belt 208 is not vertically restricted, it is contemplated that by restricting vertical movement of the outer portions of the endless belt 208 , the belt will be maintained in the desired location.
- the plates 212 R, 212 L, 214 R, 214 L of FIG. 7 are simply connected to form a substantially planar top and bottom plates 12 , 14 extending from the right wall to the left wall 16 R, 16 L. It is contemplated that it also might be desirable to provide apertures in the central portion of the top and bottom plates 12 , 14 in order to allow foreign material to exit the belt guide 10 .
- FIG. 8 also illustrates a convenient structure for making the belt guide 10 by forming a metal plate in a U-shape to provide the bottom plate 14 and right and left walls 16 R, 16 L, and forming another metal plate in corresponding U-shape to provide the top plate 12 and flanges to attach, with bolts 28 , screws, or like fasteners, to the portions of the walls 16 R, 16 L extending above the opening 20 .
- the belt guide 10 can thus readily be installed on the endless belt 8 by positioning the two U-shaped metal plates on the top and bottom of the belt and fastening them together. Suitable mounting brackets for installing the belt guide 10 will be readily provided by those skilled in the art.
- FIG. 9 illustrates a belt conveyor 301 adapted to transfer bulk material wherein the top conveying run 308 T of the endless belt 308 is troughed and passes through a tube 330 that is mounted on a frame or supporting structure that, for clarity of illustration, is not shown.
- the endless belt 308 passes over front and rear end rollers 302 , 304 the endless belt 308 flattens out such that the bottom return run 308 B is flat.
- the bottom return run 308 B of the endless belt 308 of the belt conveyor 310 is supported on idler rollers 331 and passes through an S-drive 332 , such as is well known in the art.
- the illustrated embodiment shows a belt guide 310 mounted on the frame adjacent to the front end roller 302 , rear end roller 304 , and upstream from the S-drive 332 .
- the bottom return run 8 B of the endless belt 8 passes through a belt guide 310 prior to passing over the front end roller 302 and prior to passing through the S-drive 332 , and just after passing over the rear end roller 304 .
- the endless belt 8 is restricted to the desired path down the middle of the rollers of the S-drive 332 , and the front and rear end rollers 302 , 304 at locations adjacent to those rollers.
- maximum tracking guidance is provided by the three belt guides 310 illustrated in FIG. 8 .
- the belt guide 310 of such a troughed conveyor will be attached such that a flat portion of the bottom return run 308 B of the endless belt 308 passes therethrough.
- belt guides can also be mounted on a flat portion of the top conveying run where desired, and where same will not interfere with material being carried on the endless belt.
- a belt guide could be positioned such that a troughed portion of the top conveying run of endless belt passed therethrough, provided that the belt opening was formed into the desired troughed path of the endless belt. It is contemplated however that the expense of forming the belt guide to provide the properly shaped belt opening, and the limited locations for placing the belt guide where it will not interfere with material being conveyed, will make it impractical and undesirable, as well as unnecessary, to position the belt guide so that a troughed portion of the endless belt passes therethrough.
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Abstract
A belt guide apparatus for attachment to a belt conveyor comprises top and bottom plates. Walls extend between the top and bottom plates. The plates and walls form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening that substantially corresponds to a cross-section of the endless belt such that the endless belt can slide freely through the belt opening yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically. A front entrance of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the endless belt into the belt opening, and when attached to the belt conveyor the belt envelope is oriented such that the right and left walls are aligned with a desired path of the endless belt, and the endless belt passes through the belt opening.
Description
- This invention is in the field of belt conveyors and in particular mechanisms for properly tracking the conveyor belt with respect to the conveyor rollers.
- Belt conveyors are used in a wide range of applications for transporting both individual packages and bulk material such as grain, ore, gravel, and the like. Such belt conveyors typically comprise a top conveying run on which the load is placed, and a bottom return run. The ends of the belt are connected together by a belt lace or like device to form an endless belt mounted on end rollers at each end of the belt conveyor.
- Typically package belt conveyors have a flat top conveying run supported on a plate or rollers, while bulk belt conveyors have outer edges of the belt on the top conveying run raised to form a trough to retain the bulk material on the belt. The top conveying run may be supported in the troughed configuration by rollers or plates, and in many applications the conveying run passes through a tube that supports it in the troughed configuration. At the ends of the conveyor with either a troughed or flat conveying run, the belt is flat as it passes over the end rollers, and typically the return run is flat and is supported by idler rollers, plate sections or the like spaced at suitable intervals under the conveyor.
- The mechanisms used to drive the belt will vary depending on the conveyor length, load, configuration, and like conditions. In a simple configuration, a motor can be used to drive one of the end rollers of the conveyor. Friction between the belt and drive roller causes the belt to move with the surface of the roller. Where increased force is required to drive the belt because of long length, high load, or the like, the return run typically passes through an S-drive mounted under the conveyor. In the S-drive, idler rollers cause the belt to wrap farther around the drive roller, increasing the frictional force between the belt and drive roller and allowing more power to be transferred from the drive roller to the belt.
- A problem with belt conveyors is that the belt must be tracked properly, meaning it must be maintained in alignment with the end rollers, idler rollers, and S-drive rollers. Such belts tend to move laterally along the surface of the rollers toward one roller edge or the other where the belt edge will rub against support brackets and the like and be damaged. Typically adjustments are provided to track the belt by moving the ends of the rollers forward or rearward. In an initial adjustment the end rollers and S-drive rollers are squared with the proper belt path, such that the belt should track properly. During use however, conveyor belts have a tendency to wander laterally and frequent tracking adjustment is required in prior art belt conveyors. Such adjustment is conventionally accomplished by moving one end of an end roller, or one end of a drive roller, to tighten or loosen the belt.
- This tracking problem has been well recognized in the prior art. U.S. Pat. No. 779,666 to Robins Jr. for example provides guide rollers oriented perpendicular to the edges of the belt on the conveying run and return run of a belt conveyor. When the belt moves laterally the belt edges contact the guide rollers and inhibit the lateral movement. The belt edges however tend to curl upward and climb the guide rollers, allowing the belt to move out of alignment and causing damage to the belt.
- U.S. Pat. No. 4,917,232 to Densmore discloses flanged guide rollers oriented to rotate about axes perpendicular to the belt edges and spaced along the conveying and return runs of a conveyor belt following a curved path. Lateral movement of the belt is inhibited when the edges of the belt contact and rotate the rollers. The flanges extend over the edges of the belt to prevent the edges of the belt from curling up and climbing the guide rollers.
- U.S. Pat. No. 6,390,289 to Hoggan discloses, contrary to the guide rollers of Densmore, flanged guide rollers spaced along the conveying and return runs of a conveyor belt but oriented to rotate about axes parallel to the belt edges. The flanged rollers inhibit lateral movement of the belt when the edges of the belt contact the flanges extending downward. In Hoggan the rollers extend over the edges of the belt to prevent the edges of the belt from curling up when they contact the flanges.
- Prior art flanged guiding rollers used to maintain tracking provide resistance to lateral belt movement only at discrete points along the belt edge. Providing such guide rollers is costly both in terms of initial cost and continued maintenance. Further, the top conveying run of a bulk conveyor is often enclosed in a tube, such that guide rollers cannot be conveniently provided on that portion of the belt.
- Rather than forcing the belt to track properly using guide rollers, U.S. Pat. No. 2,655,251 to Bankauf discloses conveyor rollers that skew in response to lateral belt movement in order to maintain the belt in the center of the rollers.
- It is an object of the present invention to provide a belt guide apparatus for maintaining proper tracking in a belt conveyor that overcomes problems in the prior art.
- The present invention provides in one embodiment, a belt guide apparatus adapted for attachment to a belt conveyor comprising an endless belt with a conveying run and a return run. The apparatus comprises right and left top plates and right and left bottom plates. A right wall extends between the right top plate and the right bottom plate and a left wall extends between the left top plate and the left bottom plate. The right and left top plates, right and left bottom plates, and right and left walls form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening that substantially corresponds to a cross-section of the endless belt such that the endless belt can slide freely through the belt opening yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically. A front entrance of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the endless belt into the belt opening, and when attached to the belt conveyor the belt envelope is oriented such the right and left walls are aligned with a desired path of the endless belt, and the endless belt passes through the belt opening.
- In a second embodiment the invention provides a belt conveyor comprising front and rear end rollers mounted on a frame, and an endless belt mounted on the end rollers and driven such that a top conveying run of the endless belt moves from the front roller toward the rear roller along a top of the frame, and a bottom return run of the endless belt moves from the rear roller toward the front roller along a bottom of the frame. A belt guide comprises right and left top plates; right and left bottom plates; a right wall extending between the right top plate and the right bottom plate; and a left wall extending between the left top plate and the left bottom plate. The right and left top plates, right and left bottom plates, and right and left walls form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening that substantially corresponds to a size of a cross-section of the endless belt such that the endless belt can slide freely through the belt opening yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically. A front entrance of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the endless belt into the belt opening. At least one belt guide is mounted on the frame such the right and left walls are aligned with a desired path of the bottom return run of the endless belt, and such that the bottom return run of the endless belt passes through the belt opening.
- In the belt guide of the invention the belt passes through a belt envelope with an opening substantially equal in size to the cross section of the belt and aligned on the desired path of the belt, generally a path along the middle of the end and drive rollers of the belt conveyor. Thus the belt is restricted to that path while passing through the belt guide, and the belts tendency to move laterally on the rollers is reduced. One or more belt guides can be provided on a belt conveyor, depending on size, configuration, loading and like conditions.
- While the invention is claimed in the concluding portions hereof, preferred embodiments are provided in the accompanying detailed description which may be best understood in conjunction with the accompanying diagrams where like parts in each of the several diagrams are labeled with like numbers, and where:
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FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a belt conveyor with a flat top conveying run and with a belt guide of the invention mounted such that the bottom return run of the belt conveyor passes through the belt guide; -
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the belt guide ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional side view of the belt guide ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 4 is a front view of the belt guide ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the endless belt of the belt conveyor ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 6 is a top view of the belt guide ofFIG. 1 showing the belt passing through the belt guide; -
FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view of an alternate embodiment of the belt guide of the invention; -
FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view of the belt guide ofFIG. 1 ; -
FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of a belt conveyor with a troughed top conveying run and with three belt guides of the invention mounted such that the bottom return run of the belt conveyor passes through the belt guides. -
FIG. 1 illustrates a belt conveyor 1 of the present invention wherein the top conveying run of the endless belt is substantially flat, typical of a belt conveyor adapted to transfer packages and like discreet articles. The belt conveyor 1 comprises front and rear end rollers 2, 4 mounted on a frame 6, and anendless belt 8 mounted on the end rollers 2, 4 and driven such that a top conveyingrun 8T of theendless belt 8 moves in the belt travel direction B from the front roller 2 toward the rear roller 4 along a top of the frame 6, and abottom return run 8B of theendless belt 8 moves from the rear roller 4 toward the front roller 2 along a bottom of the frame 6. In the illustrated embodiment theendless belt 8 is driven by a motor 9 rotating the rear end roller 4. The front and rear end rollers 2, 4 are mounted on the frame 6 perpendicular to the desired path of theendless belt 8. - A
belt guide 10 of the invention is mounted to the frame 6 adjacent to the rear end roller 4 such that thebottom return run 8B of theendless belt 8 passes through thebelt guide 10 after passing over the rear end roller 4. Afurther belt guide 10A is mounted to the frame 6 adjacent to the front end roller 2 such that thetop conveying run 8T of theendless belt 8 passes through thebelt guide 10 after passing over the front end roller 2. - The
belt guide 10 can be installed on a variety of belt conveyors, both as original equipment and on existing conveyors. Typically, in order to avoid interfering with the material being conveyed, belt guides will be mounted such that thebottom return run 8B rather than the top conveying run 8T passes through the belt guide, but if desired belt guides can also be placed in the position ofbelt guide 10A such that the top conveying run passes through the belt guide. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 2-4 , thebelt guide 10 comprises atop plate 12 and abottom plate 14. A right and leftwalls 16 extend between thetop plate 12 and thebottom plate 14 and thetop plate 12,bottom plate 14, andwalls 16 form a belt envelope that defines abelt opening 20 that substantially corresponds to a size of a cross-section of theendless belt 8, illustrated inFIG. 5 , such that theendless belt 8 can slide freely through thebelt opening 20 yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically. - The
belt guide 10 is mounted on the frame 6 such that the right and leftwalls 16 are aligned with a desired path of thebottom return run 8B of theendless belt 8. InFIG. 1 , the desired path will generally be a path centered laterally on the rear end roller 4. Thebelt guide 10 is placed adjacent to the rear end roller 4 with the walls thereof aligned with that path so that as theendless belt 8 comes off the rear end roller 4 its travel path is restricted to the desired path just after it comes off the rear end roller 4. - Similarly a
second belt guide 10 can be placed adjacent to the front end roller 2 so that theendless belt 8 is restricted to the desired path just prior to passing over the front end roller 2. While it is contemplated that the belt guide will provide improved tracking regardless of where it is located on thebottom return run 8B of theendless belt 8, it is also contemplated that a location in proximity to one of the end or drive rollers will be preferred in practice. While thebelt guide 10 of the invention can be made in varying lengths, from a short length such that the top andbottom plates endless belt 8 as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 6 , it is contemplated that shorter belt guides are likely to cause more wear on the belt than longer ones. - The
front entrance 22 of the belt envelope is configured to funnel theendless belt 8 into thebelt opening 20. In the embodiment illustrated inFIGS. 2-4 and 6, thefront entrance 22 is formed by bending thetop plate 12 upward, thebottom plate 14 downward, and thewalls 16 outward.FIG. 10 illustrates an alternate embodiment wherein edges of the top andbottom plates front entrance 22 are rounded, either by welding a cylindrical rod along the edges, or by grinding or otherwise forming a rounded edge. Similarly the edges of the walls ofbelt guide 110 would be rounded. - Rounding or bending the edges of
front entrance belt opening endless belt 8. As well, endless belts are often made by joining the ends of a conveyor belt with abelt lace 26, such as shown inFIG. 6 , and such a lace could catch on sharp edges, and so same should be avoided. Further, where abelt lace 26 is present, the cross section of theendless belt 8 at the lace may be somewhat larger than in the rest of the belt. Care must be taken that thebelt opening 20 is large enough to allow the belt lace to pass through. - In the belt guide illustrated in
FIGS. 2-4 , and 6 the top andbottom plates belt guide 210 schematically illustrated in cross section inFIG. 7 . Thebelt guide 210 comprises right and lefttop plates 212R, 212L and right and leftbottom plates top plate 212R and theright bottom plate 214R, and aleft wall 216L extends between the left top plate 212L and theleft bottom plate 214L. As in thebelt guide 10 ofFIGS. 2-4 , and 6, theplates walls 216R, 216L form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening 220 that substantially corresponds to a size of a cross-section of theendless belt 208, such that theendless belt 208 can slide freely through the belt opening 220 yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically. Theplates endless belt 208 to move vertically, and thewalls 216R, 216L prevent lateral movement. While the central portion of theendless belt 208 is not vertically restricted, it is contemplated that by restricting vertical movement of the outer portions of theendless belt 208, the belt will be maintained in the desired location. - In the
belt guide 10 ofFIGS. 2-4 , and 6, and as illustrated in cross section inFIG. 8 , theplates FIG. 7 are simply connected to form a substantially planar top andbottom plates bottom plates belt guide 10. -
FIG. 8 also illustrates a convenient structure for making thebelt guide 10 by forming a metal plate in a U-shape to provide thebottom plate 14 and right and left walls 16R, 16L, and forming another metal plate in corresponding U-shape to provide thetop plate 12 and flanges to attach, withbolts 28, screws, or like fasteners, to the portions of the walls 16R, 16L extending above theopening 20. Thebelt guide 10 can thus readily be installed on theendless belt 8 by positioning the two U-shaped metal plates on the top and bottom of the belt and fastening them together. Suitable mounting brackets for installing thebelt guide 10 will be readily provided by those skilled in the art. -
FIG. 9 illustrates abelt conveyor 301 adapted to transfer bulk material wherein thetop conveying run 308T of theendless belt 308 is troughed and passes through atube 330 that is mounted on a frame or supporting structure that, for clarity of illustration, is not shown. At the ends of thebelt conveyor 301, theendless belt 308 passes over front andrear end rollers endless belt 308 flattens out such that thebottom return run 308B is flat. Thebottom return run 308B of theendless belt 308 of thebelt conveyor 310 is supported onidler rollers 331 and passes through an S-drive 332, such as is well known in the art. - The illustrated embodiment shows a
belt guide 310 mounted on the frame adjacent to thefront end roller 302,rear end roller 304, and upstream from the S-drive 332. Thebottom return run 8B of theendless belt 8 passes through abelt guide 310 prior to passing over thefront end roller 302 and prior to passing through the S-drive 332, and just after passing over therear end roller 304. Thus theendless belt 8 is restricted to the desired path down the middle of the rollers of the S-drive 332, and the front andrear end rollers FIG. 8 . - Typically, it is contemplated that the
belt guide 310 of such a troughed conveyor will be attached such that a flat portion of thebottom return run 308B of theendless belt 308 passes therethrough. As discussed above however, belt guides can also be mounted on a flat portion of the top conveying run where desired, and where same will not interfere with material being carried on the endless belt. - Similarly, it is contemplated that a belt guide could be positioned such that a troughed portion of the top conveying run of endless belt passed therethrough, provided that the belt opening was formed into the desired troughed path of the endless belt. It is contemplated however that the expense of forming the belt guide to provide the properly shaped belt opening, and the limited locations for placing the belt guide where it will not interfere with material being conveyed, will make it impractical and undesirable, as well as unnecessary, to position the belt guide so that a troughed portion of the endless belt passes therethrough.
- The foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous changes and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all such suitable changes or modifications in structure or operation which may be resorted to are intended to fall within the scope of the claimed invention.
Claims (20)
1. A belt guide apparatus adapted for attachment to a belt conveyor comprising an endless belt with a conveying run and a return run, the apparatus comprising:
right and left top plates;
right and left bottom plates;
a right wall extending between the right top plate and the right bottom plate; and
a left wall extending between the left top plate and the left bottom plate;
wherein the right and left top plates, right and left bottom plates, and right and left walls form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening that substantially corresponds to a cross-section of the endless belt such that the endless belt can slide freely through the belt opening yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically;
wherein a front entrance of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the endless belt into the belt opening; and
wherein the belt envelope, when attached to the belt conveyor, is oriented such the right and left walls are aligned with a desired path of the endless belt, and the endless belt passes through the belt opening.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 adapted for attachment to the belt conveyor such that a flat portion of the endless belt passes through the belt opening.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the flat portion of the endless belt is a portion of the return run of the endless belt.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the right and left top plates are connected to form a top plate extending from the right wall to the left wall.
5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the right and left bottom plates are connected to form a bottom plate extending from the right wall to the left wall.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein ends of a belt are connected by a belt lace to form the endless belt.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the belt conveyor is adapted to transfer packages and wherein the conveying run of the endless belt is substantially flat.
8. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the belt conveyor is adapted to transfer bulk material and wherein the conveying run of the endless belt is troughed.
9. The apparatus of claim 8 wherein the conveying run of the endless belt passes through a tube.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 adapted for attachment to the belt conveyor adjacent to an end roller of the belt conveyor.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the belt conveyor comprises an S-drive, and wherein the apparatus is adapted for attachment to the belt conveyor adjacent to the S-drive such that the return run of the endless belt passes through the belt envelope prior to passing through the S-drive.
12. A belt conveyor comprising:
front and rear end rollers mounted on a frame, and an endless belt mounted on the end rollers and driven such that a top conveying run of the endless belt moves from the front roller toward the rear roller along a top of the frame, and a bottom return run of the endless belt moves from the rear roller toward the front roller along a bottom of the frame;
at least one belt guide comprising:
right and left top plates;
right and left bottom plates;
a right wall extending between the right top plate and the right bottom plate; and
a left wall extending between the left top plate and the left bottom plate;
wherein the right and left top plates, right and left bottom plates, and right and left walls form a belt envelope that defines a belt opening that substantially corresponds to a cross-section of the endless belt such that the endless belt can slide freely through the belt opening yet is substantially prevented from moving laterally or vertically; and
wherein a front entrance of the belt envelope is configured to funnel the endless belt into the belt opening;
wherein the at least one belt guide is mounted on the frame such the right and left walls are aligned with a desired path of the bottom return run of the endless belt, and such that the bottom return run of the endless belt passes through the belt opening.
13. The belt conveyor of claim 12 wherein the right and left top plates are connected to form a substantially planar top plate extending from the right wall to the left wall.
14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the right and left bottom plates are connected to form a substantially planar bottom plate extending from the right wall to the left wall.
15. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the belt conveyor is adapted to transfer packages and wherein the top conveying run of the endless belt is substantially flat.
16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the belt conveyor is adapted to transfer bulk material and wherein the top conveying run of the endless belt is troughed.
17. The belt conveyor of claim 16 wherein the top conveying run of the endless belt passes through a tube.
18. The apparatus of claim 12 comprising a belt guide mounted to the frame adjacent to the front end roller such that the bottom return run of the endless belt passes through the belt opening prior to passing over the front end roller.
19. The apparatus of claim 12 comprising a belt guide mounted to the frame adjacent to the rear end roller such that the bottom return run of the endless belt passes through the belt opening after passing over the rear end roller.
20. The apparatus of claim 12 comprising an S-drive, and a belt guide mounted to the frame adjacent to the S-drive such that the bottom return run of the endless belt passes through the belt opening prior to passing through the S-drive.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
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US12/357,049 US8061511B2 (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2009-01-21 | Conveyor belt guide |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
CA2490586A CA2490586C (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2004-12-21 | Conveyor belt guide |
CA2,490,586 | 2004-12-21 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US12/357,049 Continuation US8061511B2 (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2009-01-21 | Conveyor belt guide |
Publications (1)
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US20060131138A1 true US20060131138A1 (en) | 2006-06-22 |
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Family Applications (2)
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US11/059,745 Abandoned US20060131138A1 (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2005-02-17 | Conveyor belt guide |
US12/357,049 Active 2025-10-18 US8061511B2 (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2009-01-21 | Conveyor belt guide |
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US12/357,049 Active 2025-10-18 US8061511B2 (en) | 2004-12-21 | 2009-01-21 | Conveyor belt guide |
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US (2) | US20060131138A1 (en) |
CA (1) | CA2490586C (en) |
Cited By (2)
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US20090255784A1 (en) * | 2008-04-10 | 2009-10-15 | Fki Logistex, Inc. | Modular Conveyor Transfer Systems and Methods |
US9714142B1 (en) * | 2016-04-01 | 2017-07-25 | Hytrol Conveyor Company, Inc. | Belt tracking device and system |
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US8931632B2 (en) * | 2012-07-17 | 2015-01-13 | Ncr Corporation | Jam reduction |
CN105328501A (en) * | 2015-12-04 | 2016-02-17 | 四川燚成钢结构有限公司 | Section bar guide device for improving use efficiency of machine tool |
CN106865152A (en) * | 2017-04-10 | 2017-06-20 | 东旭科技集团有限公司 | Glass conveying mechanism |
CA3046751A1 (en) * | 2019-06-17 | 2020-12-17 | Lyndon Graff | Belt conveyor capable of conveying oilseed products |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
US8061511B2 (en) | 2011-11-22 |
CA2490586C (en) | 2011-03-08 |
CA2490586A1 (en) | 2006-06-21 |
US20090218198A1 (en) | 2009-09-03 |
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