TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to conveyor belt systems and more particularly to conveyor belt roller assemblies for use in such systems.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002] Conveyor belt systems generally comprise an endless belt which is adapted to run on a series of rollers including driven rollers or drums and idlers. Conveyor belt systems have been developed for use in many different applications. For example, systems have been designed to handle different loads and extraction rates for the material to be conveyed. An example of this is in the coal mining industry. In an initial stage of the mining process, a conveyor system which is often referred to as a development conveyor system is utilised. At a later stage in the mining operation, a conveyor system which is often referred to as a maingate conveyor system is used. The maingate conveyor system is designed to handle much higher material loads and extraction rates than the development conveyor system. The maingate conveyor belt system uses a conveyor belt which is typically much wider than that used on the development conveyor belt system.

[0003] The two conveyor systems are used in the same mine heading, at different stages of the mining process. As such, it is usually the practice to install the smaller conveyor during development and then remove it to allow for the installation of the larger maingate conveyor system. This results in a time-consuming procedure. Another option is to install the maingate system only and modify it for initial use with a narrow belt as used in development conveyor systems. This arrangement results in a less favourable belt profile and can lead to spillage and excessive roller wear.

SUMMARY OF DISCLOSURE

[0004] In a first aspect embodiments are disclosed of an adaptor for use in a conveyor belt roller assembly, the assembly being configured so as to be operable in two modes of use, the assembly comprising a main frame which includes a base section including base roller supports to which a base roller can be operatively mounted, main frame wing roller supports (38) on each side of the base roller supports to which wing rollers can be mounted when the assembly is in a first mode of use, the wing rollers being absent therefrom when the assembly is in a second mode of use, the adaptor comprising an adaptor body which includes adaptor wing roller supports to which one of the wing rollers can be mounted when the assembly is in the second mode of use, the adaptor further including an adaptor mounting for attaching the adaptor to the main frame when the assembly is in the second mode of use, such that the adaptor wing roller supports are displaced inwardly in a direction towards the base section relative to the main frame wing roller supports.

[0005] In certain embodiments the adaptor mountings are operatively mounted to or adjacent to the main frame wing roller supports when in the second mode of use.

[0006] In certain embodiments wherein the main frame of the assembly comprises side sections extending from the base section, the main frame wing roller supports being on the side sections, the adaptor body having a main axis, the adaptor roller supports being offset from the adaptor mountings in the direction of the main axis.

[0007] In certain embodiments the adaptor body is elongated in form having opposed spaced apart ends, the main axis extending in a direction between the ends, and wherein the adaptor roller supports comprises spaced apart brackets on the adaptor body for mounting a wing roller thereto, and wherein the adaptor mounting comprises two spaced apart mounting elements for attaching the adaptor to the main frame when in the second mode of use, the two brackets and the two mounting elements being offset from one another in the direction of the main axis.

[0008] In certain embodiments the ends of the adaptor body comprise an inner end and an outer end, wherein one of the brackets is at the inner end and the other of the brackets is intermediate the ends, and wherein one of the mounting elements is at the outer end and the other of the mounting elements is intermediate the ends. [0009] In certain embodiments the brackets extend from the adaptor body in a lateral direction with respect to the main axis, the brackets being spaced apart from one another so as to receive a wing roller therebetween.

[0010] In certain embodiments the adaptor mountings comprise channel shaped members.

[0011] In certain embodiments the side sections of the main frame comprise an inner end and an outer end, wherein one of the main frame roller supports is at the inner end and the other of the roller supports is at the outer end, the adaptor mounting elements being sized and configured so as to be fitted to respective ones of the roller supports when in the second mode of use.

[0012] In certain embodiments the adaptor mountings which comprise spaced apart pins which extend from the adaptor body in a lateral direction with respect to the main axis and are adapted to be received in tubular members on the main frame when in the second mode of use.

[0013] In a second aspect embodiments are disclosed of a conveyor belt roller assembly which is configured so as to be operable in two modes of use, the assembly comprising a main frame which includes a base section to which a base roller can be operatively mounted, wing roller support to which wing rollers can be mounted when the assembly is in a first mode of use, the roller being absent when the assembly is in a second mode of use, the rollers each having a respective rotation axis, the axes extending away from the base section when mounted to the roller support and away from one another in an inclined fashion, the wing rollers being configured so that in the second mode of use they are displaced inwardly towards the base section relative to their position when in the first mode of use.

[0014] In certain embodiments the assembly includes an adaptor as described above which can be mounted to the main frame when in the second mode of use. [0015] In certain embodiments, wherein the second mode of use, the assembly comprises two adaptors one on each side of the base roller. The arrangement is such that, when in the second mode of use, the wing rollers mounted to the adaptors are at least in part are closer together than when the rollers are mounted to of the main frame when in the first mode of use. The adaptors are configured, when in the second mode of use, to reposition the wing rollers relative to the base section of the main frame and thereby provide a profile for a narrower belt than that used in the first mode of use.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] Notwithstanding any other forms which may fall within the scope of the method and apparatus set forth in the summary, specific embodiments of the method and apparatus will now be described by the way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing in which:

[0017] Figure l is a schematic isometric view of a conveyor belt roller assembly according to one embodiment;

[0018] Figures 2 and 3 are side elevations of the assembly shown in figure 1;

[0019] Figure 4 is an end elevation of the assemblies shown in figure 1;

[0020] Figures 5 to 9 are illustrations of the assembly in and between different modes of operation; and

[0021] Figures 10 and 11 are more detailed schematic views of the assembly.

[0022] Figure 12 is a schematic isometric view of a conveyor belt roller assembly according to another embodiment;

[0023] Figure 13 is an end elevation of the assembly shown in figure 12 in one mode of operation;

[0024] Figure 14 is an end elevation of the assembly shown in figure 12 in another mode of operation; [0025] Figure 15 is a side elevation of the assembly in the mode of operation shown in figure 13;

[0026] Figure 16 is a side elevation of the assembly in the mode of operation shown in figure 14;

[0027] Figure 17 is an end elevation of the assembly shown in figure 12 in the first mode of operation;

[0028] Figure 18 is a schematic isometric view of that shown in figure 17;

[0029] Figure 19 and 20 are isometric views of the adaptor as shown in figure 13;

[0030] Figure 21 is an isometric detail of part of the assembly;

[0031] Figure 22 is an end elevation detail of part of the assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Referring to the figures 1 to 11 of the drawings, there is shown a conveyor roller assembly, generally indicated at 10. The assembly 10 illustrated is in the form of what is known as a troughing idler which is configured so that, when in use and carrying a load, the conveyor belt 85 adopts a trough like shape as it moves along the conveyor belt path of travel. This is illustrated in figure 3.

[0033] The assembly 10 comprises a main frame 12 which includes a base section 14 having opposed spaced apart ends 16 and 17 with a base section axis X-X extending in a direction from one end to the other. Figures 5 to 9 illustrate the main frame 12 mounted to a main structure 80 of a conveyor belt system. Return rollers 82 are mounted below the assembly 10 for supporting the belt 85 on its return pass. The main frame 12 further includes two side sections 30 and 31, each having an outer end 32 and an inner end 33, and each extending from respective ends 16 and 17 of the base section 14. The base section 14 and side sections 30 and 31, in the form shown, are a unitary or one-piece body. These side sections each have an axis Y-Y extending in a direction between their ends. As shown, the side sections 30 and 31 extend away from respective ends 16 and 17 of the base section 14 and are inclined away from each other. It can be seen that the main frame 12 is generally U-shaped or trough shaped when viewed in the direction of travel of the belt. As shown in figure 5 for example, the main frame 12 is mounted to the main structure 80 and by means of arms 48 with struts 49, providing added strength. In the embodiment illustrated the structure 80 is adapted to be suspended from a roof of a mine for example by means of chains 86.

[0034] The base section 14 includes roller supports 18 and 19 for mounting base roller 20 to the base section 14. The roller supports 18 and 19 are in the form of brackets

21 and 22, each having a slot 23 therein for receiving the roller shaft. The brackets 21 and

22 extend laterally with respect to the base section 14 so that the roller 20 is offset from the main plane of the main frame 12. This is clearly shown in figure 4.

[0035] Each of the side sections 30 and 31 include wing roller supports 35, 36, 37 and 38 for mounting wing or side section rollers 46 thereto when the assembly 10 is configured for a first mode of use. The wing roller supports 35, 36, 37 and 38 are in the form of brackets 40, 41, 42, 43 which extend from the side sections 30 and 31, and include slots 45 for receiving the roller shaft of wing rollers 46. As shown, one of the brackets 40 and 42 is disposed in the region of the outer end 32 of respective side sections with the other brackets 41 and 43 disposed in the region of the inner end 33. Thus, when the wing rollers 46 are mounted to the side sections 30 and 31, when in the first mode of use, they are positioned relative to one another and to the main frame 12 including the roller 20 on the base section 14 in a first orientation. As can be seen in the drawings, the rotation axes of the wing rollers 46 are substantially parallel to the axis Y-Y of the side sections 30 and 31 when mounted thereto. In the embodiment illustrated, each side section 30 and 31 has one wing roller 46 mounted thereto. The wing rollers 46 are inclined at an angle of about 45° to the base section 14 of the main frame 12. It will be apparent however that each side section 30 and 31 may have more than one wing roller 46 mounted thereto with the rollers arranged end to end. In this embodiment shown the roller 20 and the wing rollers 46 are laterally displaced in the first mode of use; that is the roller axis of roller 20 is disposed in one plane and the roller axis of the wing rollers 46 are disposed in another plane which is parallel to and spaced from the first mentioned plane.

[0036] The assembly 10 further includes two adaptors 50 which are arranged for securement to the main frame 12 when the assembly 10 is configured for a second mode of use. As shown each adaptor 50 comprises an elongated body 51 having opposed spaced apart outer and inner ends 52 and 53 with an axis Z-Z extending in a direction along the adaptor body 51 between the ends 52 and 53. As best illustrated in figures 10 and 11 , the adaptor 50 includes roller supports 55 and 57 arranged in spaced apart relation along the adaptor body 51 to which wing rollers 46 can be mounted. The roller supports 55 and 57 on the adaptor body 51 and the roller supports 18 and 19 on the side sections 30 and 31 of the main body/frame 12 are configured so that wing rollers 46 of the same general type or dimension and can be mounted either to the side sections 30 and 31 of the main frame 12, when in the first mode of use, or to the roller supports 55 and 57 on the adaptor body 51, when in the second mode of use. The supports 55 and 57 are in the form of brackets 58 and 59, which extend from the adaptor body 51 , and have a slot 60 therein for receiving the roller shaft of the rollers 46. As shown in figures 10 and 11, the mounting bracket 58 is disposed at one end 53 of the adaptor body 51 and the bracket 59 is spaced from the other end 52. The distance between brackets 58 and 59 is substantially identical to the distance between brackets 42 and 43, for example, on the side sections 30 and 31 of the main frame 12, so as to accept the same roller as used on the main frame.

[0037] The adaptor 50 further includes mountings 61 and 62 for mounting the adaptor 50 to the main frame 12 of the assembly 10, when configured for the second mode of use. The mountings 61 and 62 are disposed in spaced apart relation along the adaptor body 51 and are offset in the direction of axis Z-Z with respect to the roller supports 55 and 57. As shown in figures 10 and 11, one of the mountings 61 is disposed at the outer end 52 of the adaptor body 51, and the other mounting 62 is spaced from the inner end 53. Supports 55 and 57 are arranged to cooperate with respective roller supports 35, 36, 37 and 38 on the side sections 30 and 31 of the main frame 12. As shown in the drawings, two adaptors 50 are used, when the assembly 10 is in the second mode of use, each one mounted to a respective side section of the main frame 12. The mountings 61 and 62 are in the form of channel shaped members 63 and 64. One channel shaped member 63 is secured at the outer end 52 of the adaptor body 51, while the other channel shaped member 64 is secured to and disposed between two parts of the adaptor body 51. The channels 63 and 64 are adapted to receive the brackets 40, 41, 42 and 43 therein when fitted. A cotter pin 66 retains the brackets 40, 41, 42 and 43 within the channels 63 and [0038] As discussed earlier, the assembly 10 is configured for two modes of use. In the first mode of use, the adaptors 50 are not fitted and the wing rollers 46 are mounted to the side sections 30 and 31 of the main frame 12 so as to facilitate the use of a larger conveyor belt 85A. This is illustrated in figure 9. In the second mode of use, the wing rollers 46 are removed from the side sections 30 and 31 of the main frame 12 and the adaptors 50 with the wing rollers 46 mounted thereto are fitted to the side sections 30 and 31 of the main frame 12. This is illustrated in figure 3. In this configuration, a smaller conveyor belt 85 can be effectively used. As can be seen from a comparison between figures 8 and 9, the innermost or lower ends of the wing rollers 46 on the side sections in figure 8 are closer together than those in figure 9. As it is apparent from figure 11, the wing roller mountings 55 and 57 are displaced inwardly in a direction towards the base section 14 of the mainframe 12, relative to the mountings 37 and 38, for example, on the side section 31. This arrangement is the same for an adaptor 50 fitted to side section 30. As such, the distance between the lowermost ends of the wing rollers 46, when mounted to the adaptors 50 which in turn are mounted to the side sections 30 and 31 of the main frame 12 (the second mode of use), is closer together than when the wing rollers 46 are mounted directly to the side sections 30 and 31 of the main frame 12 (the first mode of use).

[0039] As shown in figure 3, the assembly 10 is in the second mode of use, with the adaptor 50 mounted to the frame 12, and with the wing rollers 46 mounted to the adaptors. As is apparent, the inner ends of the wing rollers are positioned so that they can support a conveyor belt 85. Figure 9 illustrates the assembly in the first mode of use, in which the wing rollers 46 are mounted to the frame 12. The inner ends of the wing rollers are spaced further apart when the rollers 46 are mounted to the adaptors, and thereby can accommodate a conveyor belt 85 A, which is larger the conveyor belt 85, shown in figure 3.

[0040] Figures 12 to 22 illustrates a second embodiment. The assembly as shown is also in the form of a troughing idler of similar construction to the first embodiment. [0041] Figure 12 illustrates two roller assemblies 110 and 110A, mounted to a main structure 180 of a conveyor belt system. Assembly 110 (shown in phantom line) is illustrated in the second mode of use, and assembly 110A is illustrated in the first mode of use. Each assembly comprises a base roller 20, and wing rollers 46 on opposite sides of the base roller 20. As shown when in the first mode of use, the rotation axes of the base roller 20 and wing rollers 46 in assembly 110A, are in the same plane. As is the case for the first embodiment, more than one base roller 20 may be used. Where there are more than one, the base rollers are arranged end to end. Similarly, more than one wing roller 46 can be used on the opposite sides of the base roller or rollers, and these wing rollers are arranged end to end. Furthermore, as clearly shown in figures 13 and 14, the assembly can accommodate conveyor belts 85 or 85A in a similar fashion to the first embodiment.

[0042] The assemblies 110 and 110A each comprise a frame 112 which includes a base section 114 in the form of an elongated member having opposed spaced part ends 116 and 117, with a base section axis X-X extending in a direction from one end to the other. Figure 12 illustrates the frame 112 which is mounted to or forms part of the main structure 180 of the conveyor belt system. The frame 112 also includes struts 113 which extend from the base section. Return rollers 182 are mounted below the assembly 110 for supporting the belt 85 or 85A on its return pass.

[0043] As best shown in figures 13 and 14, the base section 114 includes roller supports 118 and 119 for mounting the roller 20 to the base section 14. The roller supports 118 and 119 are in the form of brackets 121 and 122, each having a slot therein for receiving the roller shaft of roller 20.

[0044] The frame further includes roller supports 135, 136, 137, 138 for mounting wing rollers 46 thereto when the assembly is configured for a first mode of use. The roller supports are in the form of brackets 140, 141, 142, 143 which include slots for receiving the roller shaft of the wing rollers 46. As shown, one of the brackets 141 and 142 disposed in the region of the base section 114 and brackets 140 and 143 are secured to outer sections of the frame 112. As shown in figure 14, brackets 121 and 141 as well as brackets 122 and 142, are a one-piece structure of generally V-shaped configuration, secured to the base section 114. As clearly illustrated in figure 14, the rotation axes of the wing rollers 46 are inclined at an angle (such as, for example 45°) to the rotation axis of base roller 20.

[0045] The assembly further includes two adaptors 150, which are arranged for securement to the main frame 112 when the assembly is configured for a second mode of use. One of the adaptors is configured for use on one side of the base roller, and the other for use on the other side; that is, one is left-handed and the other is right-handed. As shown in figures 19 and 20, each adaptor 150 comprises an elongated body 151, having opposed spaced apart outer and inner ends 152 and 153, with an axis Z-Z extending in a direction along the adaptor body 151, between the ends 152 and 153. As best illustrated in figures 19 and 20, the adaptor 150 includes roller supports 155 and 157 arranged in spaced apart relation along the adaptor bodyl51. The adaptor roller supports 155 and 157, and the frame roller supports 135, 136, 137 and 138, are configured so wing rollers of the same general type or dimension can be used with either, for the first and second modes of use. The supports 155 and 157 are in the form of brackets 158 and 159, which extend from the adaptor body 151. The distance between brackets 158 and 159 is substantially to the same as the distance between brackets 140 and 141, as well as 142 and 143;, as to accept the same roller as used on the main frame.

[0046] The adaptor 150 further includes mountings 161 and 162 for mounting the adaptor 150 to the main frame 112 of the assembly of the assembly 10, when configures for the second mode of use. The mountings 161 and 162 are disposed in spaced apart relation along the adaptor body 151 and are offset in the direction of axis Z-Z with respect to the roller supports 155 and 157. As shown, one of the mountings 161 is disposed at the outer end 152 of the adaptor body 151 and the other mounting 162 is spaced from the inner end 153. The mountings 161 and 162 are in the form of pins 164 and 165, which extend from the adaptor body 151 in a lateral direction with respect to its longitudinal axis Z-Z. The pins 164 and 165 form part of a mounting arrangement and are adapted to be received in tubular members 166 and 167 on the main frame 112, which form part of or are adjacent to the frame roller supports 135, 136, 137 and 138. It will be appreciated that in another embodiment, the tubular members could be attached to the adaptor body and the pins attached to the main frame. The pins include rings or washers 168 and cotter pins 169 for retaining the pins 164 and 165 within the tubular members.

The above described arrangements provide many advantages over current arrangements. For example, only one conveyor system needs to be installed because it can operate in two modes of use. The same conveyor rollers can be used in both modes of use. The belt profile changes reduce spillage and provides for positive tracking in either mode of use. No specialised tools are required to change the conveyor system from one mode of use to the other. There is less downtime because there is only one conveyor system, and changing from one mode to the other reduces spillage and provides for positive belt tracking in either mode of use.

[0047] In the forgoing description of preferred embodiments, specific terminology has been resorted to for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to specific terms so selected, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar technical purpose. Terms such as “front” and “rear”, “inner” and “outer”, “above”, “below”, “upper” and “lower” and the like are used as words of convenience to provide reference points and are not to be construed as limiting terms.

[0048] The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

[0049] In this specification the word “comprising” is to be understood in its “open” sense, that is, in the sense of “including”, and thus not limited to its “closed” sense, that is the sense of “consisting only of’. A corresponding meaning is to be attributed to the corresponding words “comprise”, “comprised” and “comprises” where they appear.

[0050] In addition, the foregoing describes only some embodiments of the invention(s), and alterations, modifications, addition and/or changes can be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed embodiments, the embodiments being illustrative and not restrictive.

[0051] Furthermore, invention(s) have been described in connection with what are presently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is not to be limited to the disclosed embodiments, but on the contrary, is intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the invention(s). Also, the various embodiments described above may be implemented in conjunction with other embodiments, e.g. aspects of one embodiment may be combined with aspects of another embodiment to realise yet other embodiments. Further, each independent feature or component of any given assembly may constitute an additional embodiment.

[0052] The reference numerals in the following claims do not in any way limit the scope of the respective claims.

TABLE OF PARTS

Conveyor roller assembly 10

Main frame 12

Base section 14

Ends 16, 17

Base section axis X-X

Roller supports 18, 19

Roller 20

Brackets 21, 22

Slot 23

Side sections 30, 31

Outer end 32

Inner end 33

Side section axis Y-Y

Roller supports 35, 36, 37, 38

Brackets 40, 41, 42, 43

Slot 45

Wing roller 46

Mounting arms 48

Struts 49

Adaptor 50

Body 51

Ends 52, 53

Axis Z-Z

Roller supports 55, 57 Brackets 58, 59

Slots 60

Mountings 61, 62

Channels 63, 64

Pin 66

Main structure 80

Return rollers 82

Belt 85

Conveyor roller assembly 110/110A

Frame 112

Base section 114

Ends 116/117

Struts 113

Main Structure 180

Return rollers 182

Conveyor belt 85/85A

Roller supports 118/119

Brackets 121/122

Base Roller 20

Roller Supports 135/136/137/138

Wing Roller 46

Brackets 140/141/142/143

Adaptor 150

Body 151

Ends 152/153 Roller supports 155/157

Brackets 158/159

Mountings 161/162

Pins 164/165

Tubular members 166/167

Washers 168

Cotter pins 169