US 4,280,616 AGranted

Vibratory belt cleaner with auxiliary vibratory resonance

OwnerTheodore S. Wadensteninventor

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Abstract

The cleaning of conveyor belts has been a problem since their widespread acceptance and the adoption of belts for the transporting of materials. Many materials so conveyed have a tackiness and/or an affinity or attraction for the outer surface of a conveyor belt. When this attraction occurs, the cleaning or removal of this material from the surface of the belt is a problem. Many methods have been used for removing this material or residue adhering to the conveyor belt. In the present invention there is shown a vibration device which is attached so as to vibrate the lower belt extent. This apparatus is carried on the under and inner side of the conveyor belt so that a vibration occurs shortly after the discharge of the material from this belt. Shortly after passing over the discharge roller the conveyor belt is brought in way of a vibrated resonant roller and/or scraper in contact with the outer surface whereby any residual material on the exterior of the belt is loosened and knocked free by means of the localized vibrations. The weight of the vibrator and the roller is not excessive and is locally applied to the inner side and under extent of the belt. A resonant vibration is induced into the lower extent of the belt by providing a vibrated resonant roller and/or scraper which in most cases engages the outer surface of the belt near the discharge roller. The main vibrated roller is a short distance further from the discharge roller and engages the inner surface of the belt. The vibratory unit induces vibrations in both the inner roller and the resonant roller and/or scraper.

A vibratory belt cleaning apparatus for an endless conveyor belt as carried by a conveyor support frame, said apparatus disposed immediately adjacent a discharge pulley to remove attracted particles from the carrying surface of said belt as the belt is vibrated and moved on its return portion of movement, said belt cleaning apparatus including:

(a) a support frame for the conveyor belt and pulley;
(b) a first pair of forwardly extending arm members;
(c) securing means for pivotally retaining said first pair of forwardly extending arm members to a selected and adjustably determined position on said support frame;
said first pair of forwardly extending arm members carried by and below said securing means;
(d) a second pair of forwardly extending arms disposed below and substantially parallel to said first pair of forwardly extending arms, this second pair of arms extending toward the discharge pulley;
(e) vibration isolators interposed between said first and second pair of forwardly extending arms, these isolators arranged so as to inhibit vibration transmittal to said support frame;
(f) a variable speed and force vibrator carried on and by a support member secured to the second pair of forwardly extending arm members;
(g) a shaft carried at each end by bearing means secured to the support member and attached to the second pair of extending arms at a point which is intermediate their length, this shaft adapted to accept and support a first free turning roller carried on and by this shaft, this first free turning roller vibrated by the force vibrator and with this first free turning roller disposed to engage the inside surface and under extent of the conveyor belt at a determined position away and downstream from the discharge pulley;
(h) means cooperatively associated with and depending from said second pair of forwardly extending arms and providing a second vibrated additional cleaning means for said return extent of belt, this second vibrated additional cleaning means adapted to engage the outer surface of the returning belt;
(i) means for adjustably positioning the first freely turning roller so that the engagement with the inside of the conveyor belt and the vibratory actuation is at a maximum resonance and at said position the first pair of forwardly extending arms are permamently secured, and
(j) means for adjustably positioning said second vibrated additional cleaning means so that vibratory actuation with the outside of the returning belt is made with a light engagement therewith, this second vibratory actuation adjustably positioned to determine a maximum resonance and at said position securing said second vibrated additional cleaning means.

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Abstract

Claims24