Screw conveyor device with support unit

Abstract

A screw conveyor device for conveying material, such as food powder, within a processing plant. The screw conveyor device includes a housing (10) with an internal passageway (11) and a helical screw (14) in the passageway (11). A drive unit (20) is releasably coupled to a first portion (16A) of the housing (10) to engage the helical screw (14). A support unit (30) is coupled to the housing (10) and the drive unit (20) to define a pivotal movement (D1) of the drive unit (20) away from the first portion (16A) when the drive unit (20) is released from the housing (10). The support unit (20) facilitates handling of the drive unit (20) during maintenance and repair, such as cleaning, and allows the drive unit (20) to be rotated away to access the helical screw (14) and the passageway (11). The support unit (30) can be installed on an existing screw conveyor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure generally relates to the field of screw conveyors, and more particularly to a screw conveyor device that is easy to disassemble and maintain. Background Technology

[0002] A screw conveyor is a device that uses a rotating, helical screw (often called an auger or "propeller") to transport liquids, granules, or semi-solid materials within a tube. These devices are used in many large-scale processing industries, including but not limited to food processing plants. In modern industry, screw conveyors are typically used horizontally or at a slight inclination as an efficient way to transport materials such as grains, food powders, food ingredients, food waste, meat, bones, animal feed, aggregates, sawdust, boiler ash, municipal solid waste, and others.

[0003] A screw conveyor defines an internal channel containing a helical screw, which can be configured as helical blades rotating around an axis or a shaftless helix. The volumetric transfer rate is proportional to the rotational speed of the shaft. In industrial control applications, this device is typically used as a variable-speed feeder to convey materials into a process at a measured rate or quantity by changing the rotational speed of the shaft. The helical screw is usually driven by a motor, which is bolted or otherwise connected to the housing portion to engage with the helical screw at the end of the internal channel.

[0004] In industrial environments, regular maintenance and upkeep are essential to ensure consistent output quality and high availability. Such services and maintenance may include replacing, inspecting, or cleaning the helical screw; cleaning or inspecting internal channels; and repairing or inspecting the motor or any transmission components between the motor and the helical screw. Disassembly and reassembly of screw conveyors during repair and maintenance often require significant manual labor and handling of heavy objects, and are typically time-consuming.

[0005] These drawbacks are present in many screw conveyors currently used in industrial facilities. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Its purpose is to at least partially overcome one or more limitations of the existing technology.

[0007] One of the purposes is to facilitate the disassembly of the screw conveyor for repair and maintenance.

[0008] Another purpose is to facilitate access to the helical screw and internal channels of existing screw conveyors.

[0009] One or more of these objectives, and further objectives as can be seen from the description below, can be achieved, at least in part, by the screw conveyor device and support unit as described in the independent claims, embodiments of which are defined by the dependent claims.

[0010] A first aspect is a screw conveyor device. The screw conveyor device includes a housing defining an elongated channel; a helical screw arranged in the channel extending from a first portion of the housing to a second portion of the housing; a drive unit releasably connected to the housing in the first portion and arranged to engage with the helical screw; and a support unit connected to the housing and the drive unit and arranged to limit pivoting movement of the drive unit away from the first portion when the drive unit is released from the housing.

[0011] The screw conveyor device of the first aspect includes a support unit connected to a housing for supporting the drive unit during maintenance and repair when it is released from the housing. The support unit reduces the time required for maintenance personnel to access the helical screw and internal channels, greatly facilitating the operation of the drive unit. By configuring the support unit to limit pivoting motion, the support unit can rotate the drive unit away from the first end portion of the housing (where the drive unit has been released) to access the helical screw and internal channels. Therefore, the configuration of the support unit allows maintenance personnel to safely remove the drive unit in a controlled manner. By removing the drive unit from the first end portion, maintenance personnel can freely access the end portion and obtain a working position with less physical stress. According to an embodiment, the pivoting motion can also cause the helical screw to be withdrawn from the internal channels at the first end portion. It is understood that the support unit reduces the risk of injury and the risk of parts falling to the ground through its supporting function.

[0012] By properly installing support units, existing screw conveyors can be converted into the screw conveyor device described in the first aspect. Therefore, the first aspect provides an efficient, simple, and convenient solution to address many of the shortcomings of screw conveyors currently used in industrial facilities.

[0013] Various implementation schemes of the first aspect will be defined below. These implementation schemes provide at least some of the technical effects and advantages described above, as well as other technical effects and advantages that are readily understood by those skilled in the art, for example, according to the detailed description below. These additional technical effects and advantages include, but are not limited to: further facilitating the maintenance of the helical screw and internal channels, improving the versatility of the support unit, providing a simple and / or robust support unit structure, and providing easy mounting of the support unit on the housing and / or drive unit, etc.

[0014] In some embodiments, the support unit is further configured to limit the sliding motion of the drive unit away from the first partial housing when the drive unit is released from the first partial housing.

[0015] In some embodiments, the support unit includes a hinge element that defines a pivot for pivoting motion.

[0016] In some embodiments, the support unit is connected to the shell, and the pivot of the hinge element is substantially parallel to gravity.

[0017] In some embodiments, the support unit includes a first sub-unit for connecting the housing and a second sub-unit for connecting the drive unit, the first and second sub-units being connected by a hinge element.

[0018] In some embodiments, the hinge element includes a pivot pin arranged in a guide element, which is part of a second subunit to which the first subunit is connected.

[0019] In some embodiments, the first subunit includes a base element and a slider element for connection to the housing, the slider element being arranged to slide relative to the base element in a direction substantially transverse to gravity, wherein the slider element is connected to the second subunit via a hinge element.

[0020] In some embodiments, the slider element includes a support rod that slides within spaced-apart supports arranged on the base element.

[0021] In some embodiments, the support rod is connected to a hinge element.

[0022] In some embodiments, the slider element includes another support rod that is slidably movable in other supports spaced apart on the base element, the support rod and the other support rod being parallel to each other and connected to a hinge element.

[0023] In some embodiments, the base element is attached to the housing to arrange a support rod above another support rod, wherein the ends of the support rod and the other support rod are connected to a hinge element.

[0024] In some embodiments, the base element includes a clamping portion releasably connected to the housing, the clamping portion being arranged to surround the housing and including a releasable bracket whose shape matches the outer contour of the housing.

[0025] In some embodiments, the second subunit includes a plate-like element having a through hole that mates with a connection hole on the flange of the drive unit.

[0026] In some embodiments, the housing includes a support pin that extends into a channel at a second portion, and the drive unit includes a drive pin that extends into the channel at a first portion when the drive unit is connected to the housing at a first portion, and a helical screw engages with the drive pin and the support pin.

[0027] The second aspect is a support unit for the screw conveyor device of the first aspect or any embodiment thereof. The support unit of the second aspect has the same advantages as the screw conveyor device of the first aspect. All embodiments of the first aspect, as long as applicable to the support unit, are equally applicable to the second aspect.

[0028] The third aspect is a method of operating a screw conveyor device according to the first aspect or any embodiment thereof. The method includes: operating the screw conveyor device to convey a first food powder; releasing a drive unit from a housing; pivoting the drive unit away from a first portion; cleaning at least one of a spiral or an elongated channel; pivoting the drive unit toward the first portion; attaching the drive unit to the housing; and operating the screw conveyor device to convey a second food powder.

[0029] Other objectives, implementation schemes, features, aspects, and technical advantages can also be seen from the following detailed description and accompanying figures. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of a partial cross-section of a screw conveyor.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a perspective view of a screw conveyor with a support unit according to an embodiment.

[0032] Figure 3-4 yes Figure 2 Perspective views of the screw conveyor unit before and after disassembly of the drive unit.

[0033] Figure 5-6 yes Figure 2-4 Partial exploded perspective view of the end section of the medium screw conveyor.

[0034] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the operation method for a screw conveyor device. Detailed Implementation

[0035] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate some, but not all, of the embodiments. In fact, the subject matter of this disclosure can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments are provided to enable this disclosure to meet applicable legal requirements. Identical numerals refer to the same elements.

[0036] Furthermore, it is understood that, where possible, any advantages, features, functions, apparatus and / or operational aspects of any embodiment described and / or considered herein may be included in any other embodiment described and / or considered herein, and / or vice versa. Moreover, unless expressly stated otherwise, any term expressed in the singular herein includes the plural form and / or vice versa, where possible. As used herein, “at least one” means “one or more”, and these phrases are interchangeable. Therefore, the terms “a” and / or “one of” should refer to “at least one” or “one or more”, even if the phrases “one or more” or “at least one” are used herein. As used herein, the term “and / or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0037] For the sake of brevity and / or clarity, well-known functions or structures may not be described in detail. Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein (including technical and scientific terms) have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic side view of the screw conveyor 1, in which some parts are shown in cross-section or in dashed lines. Figure 1 This is merely an example of a conventional screw conveyor or screw feeder to illustrate the following disclosure. The screw conveyor 1 includes a tubular shell or housing 10 defining an internal channel 11. The housing 10 defines one or more feed ports 12 (one feed port as shown) at the feed end of the screw conveyor 1 and one or more discharge ports 13 (one discharge port as shown) at the discharge end of the screw conveyor 1. The channel 11 is elongated to accommodate a helical screw 14 arranged and rotating within the channel 11. The screw 14 is also referred to as a propeller or auger. Figure 1 In this configuration, the screw 14 is configured as a helical blade surrounding a central axis 15. In another configuration, the screw 14 can be a "shaftless helix," i.e., a helical blade without a central axis. A channel 11 extends from a first portion 16A of the housing 10 to a second portion 16B of the housing 10. The cross-section of the channel 11 can match the outer contour of the screw 14, optionally with allowance. In a detailed example described further below, the channel 11 has a circular cross-section.

[0039] The screw 14 is driven to rotate within the channel 11 by a drive unit 20 releasably connected to the housing at the first portion 16A. The drive unit 20 includes a motor 20A that can be electrically driven. Figure 1In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 20 includes a connector 20' driven to rotate by a motor 20A, which engages with a screw 14. The connector 20' can have any structure. To facilitate disassembly of the screw conveyor, the connector 20' can be shaped to engage with the screw 14 such that the engagement disengages when the connector 20' is pulled away from the screw 14, and vice versa. In the illustrated embodiment, the drive unit 20 includes an intermediate block 20B between the motor 20A and the housing 10. The intermediate block 20B may include bearings for the connector 20', a drive shaft, a transmission mechanism connected to the motor 20A, etc. Generally, the drive unit 20 can adopt a conventional configuration and include any combination of conventional components.

[0040] The screw conveyor 1 illustrated is suitable for food processing plants or other facilities with stringent hygiene requirements. In these environments, it is best to restrict access to the access points of the removable housing 10 to the channel 11 and the screw 14. Each access point creates a junction where substances may accumulate over time, affecting hygiene. There is also a risk of leakage from the channel 11 to the surrounding area at each access point. To mitigate these risks, Figure 1 The screw conveyor 1 is configured to enter channel 11 only through portions 16A and 16B. In the illustrated embodiment, the first portion 16A defines an end flange. A corresponding flange 20C on the drive unit 20 mates with and is releasably connected to the end flange 16A. Any type of releasable connection element can be used to form the releasable connection, including but not limited to bolts (as shown), grippers, clamps, etc. Similarly, the second portion 16B defines an end flange. An end plate 17 is releasably connected to the end flange 16B, in this example, by bolts passing through the end plate 17 and engaging the end flange 16B. The end plate 17 defines a support pin 17' extending into channel 11, which supports engagement with the screw 14. The connector 20' and the support pin 17' together define the axis of rotation of the screw 14.

[0041] During operation of the screw conveyor 1, the drive unit 20 drives the screw 14 to rotate within the channel 11. Material entering the feed inlet 12 is conveyed to the discharge outlet 13 by the pushing motion of the rotating screw 14.

[0042] One specific application of the screw conveyor 1 is the conveying of food powders. Here, food powder refers to the powder of any food material. Food material is any material that can be safely ingested by humans or animals. Powder is any collection of discrete solid particles that typically flow freely when shaken or tilted. These solid particles range in size from nanometers to several millimeters.

[0043] To meet hygiene requirements, the screw conveyor needs to be cleaned intermittently, such as according to a predetermined schedule or when the material conveyed by screw conveyor 1 changes. To clean the screw conveyor, end plate 17 can be removed from housing 10. Any type of cleaning can be performed, such as using cleaning agents, hot water, compressed air, etc. Channel 11 can be cleaned with screw 14 in place. Alternatively, screw 14 can be pulled out of channel 11, and then channel 11 and / or screw 14 can be cleaned. After cleaning, end plate 17 is reattached to housing 10 with screw 14 in place. However, it may also be necessary to open screw conveyor 1 at the other end to clean channel 11. For example, if channel 11 is long, such as several meters, it may be difficult to properly clean the far end of channel 11 from the second section 16B. Furthermore, the position of screw conveyor 1 may make it difficult to access the second section 16B, or at least difficult to pull screw 11 out of channel 14 when end plate 17 is removed.

[0044] It should be understood that the screw conveyor 1 is a heavy-duty machine, such as a screw conveyor 1 used in food processing. The drive unit 20 can be quite heavy and difficult to operate manually. It is not uncommon for the drive unit 20 to weigh between 10 and 100 kg. Therefore, cleaning the screw conveyor 1 may require additional lifting equipment and / or the effort of several mechanics. Similar difficulties are encountered when servicing the screw conveyor 1, such as replacing or repairing the screw 14 or other internal components.

[0045] The applicant has found a practical way to alleviate these difficulties by providing an accessory that can be used to support the drive unit 20 when it is separated from the housing 10. Thus, this accessory forms a support unit that can be connected to the housing 10 and the drive unit 20. A design feature of the support unit is that, when the drive unit 20 is separated from the housing 10, the support unit can limit the pivoting movement of the drive unit 20 away from the first portion 16A. Therefore, the support unit 30 will define a controlled path of movement for the drive unit 20 to open the opening of the channel 10 at the first portion 16A and provide passage for the channel 11 and the screw 14. In some embodiments, the pivoting movement is defined relative to a pivot axis that is fixed substantially parallel to gravity. Therefore, the weight of the drive unit 20 will be substantially along the fixed pivot axis direction, exerting a smaller driving force on the pivoting movement about the pivot axis. Accordingly, the need for manual handling of the weight of the drive unit 20 is also limited. Here, "basically along" means that the angle between the pivot and the direction of gravity is less than ±20°, ±15°, ±10°, or ±5°.

[0046] Another optional design feature of the support unit is that, when the drive unit 20 is released from the housing 10, the support unit, after connection, defines a sliding motion of the drive unit 20 away from the first portion 16A. This sliding motion can facilitate the separation of the drive unit 20 from the housing 20 and the screw 14. For example, the sliding motion can release the connector 20' from the screw 14. Furthermore, the sliding motion can also be used to further remove the drive unit 20. The sliding motion can be defined as following a linear path. In some embodiments, the sliding motion is substantially transverse to the direction of gravity. Therefore, the weight of the drive unit 20 exerts a smaller driving force on the sliding motion, and correspondingly, the need for manual handling of the weight of the drive unit 20 is correspondingly limited. In this case, "substantially transverse" may mean an angle between the sliding motion and the transverse direction of gravity of less than ±20°, ±15°, ±10°, or ±5°.

[0047] An example of a support unit is as follows Figure 2-6 As shown, it is denoted by reference numeral 30. The screw conveyor 1 combined with the support unit 30 is called a "screw conveyor device" and is denoted by reference numeral 1'. Figure 1 The components of the medium screw conveyor also exist Figure 2-6 The screw conveyor in the text will not be described in detail. (And...) Figure 1 compared to, Figure 2-6 The screw conveyor 1 in the middle has an optional safety device, including switches 41 and 42, which are connected via their respective brackets (see...). Figure 6 Switch 41A) is connected to corresponding portions 16A, 16B of housing 10 and is configured to indicate when either end of housing 10 is open. The control unit (not shown) of screw conveyor 1 is configured such that drive unit 20 is automatically deactivated whenever switches 41, 42 indicate that housing 10 is open.

[0048] like Figure 2 As shown in the perspective view, the support unit 30 includes a first sub-unit 30A and a second sub-unit 30B, which are connected by a hinge 36. The hinge 36 defines a pivot A for the aforementioned pivoting movement. The first sub-unit 30A is connected to the housing 10, and the second sub-unit 30B is connected to the drive unit 20. Figure 2 As shown, the support unit 30 is connected to the screw conveyor 1, and the pivot A is substantially parallel to the direction of gravity indicated by arrow g.

[0049] Figure 3-4 This is a perspective view of the screw conveyor assembly 1' before and after the drive unit 20 separates from the housing 10. Figure 4 In the middle, the bolt 38 connecting the drive unit flange 20C to the end flange 16A Figure 5The drive unit 20 has been unscrewed, disengaging it from the housing 10. Furthermore, the drive unit 20 is manually pulled, sliding it away from the housing 10 along direction D2 to expose the open end of the channel 11, and then rotated about pivot A along direction D1, moving it away from the open end of the channel 11. The pivoting motion D1 moves the drive unit 20 away from the open end. This makes the channel 11 and the screw 14 accessible for cleaning or any other service and maintenance. Additionally, the screw 14 can be retracted from the channel 11. In the illustrated embodiment, the sliding motion D1 disengages the connector 20' from its shape-fitted engagement with the central axis 15 of the screw 14. In the illustrated embodiment, the connector 20' is a drive pin configured to fit within the open end of the central axis 15. The sliding motion D1 also releases the guide pin 22 on the drive unit flange 20C from its corresponding guide hole 22' on the end flange 16A.

[0050] Figure 5-6 The partial cross-sectional perspective view further illustrates the structure of the support unit 30 in the illustrated embodiment. Hinge 36 ("hinge element") includes a pivot pin 36B arranged in a guide element 36A that rotates within the guide element 36A, which defines a collar for receiving the pivot pin 36B. To ensure free rotation of the pivot pin 36B within the guide element 36A, the guide collar 36" ( Figure 6 A collar is inserted to define the distance between the pivot pin 36B and the inner surface of the collar. A guide element 36A is part of the second subunit 30B. In the illustrated embodiment, the guide element 36A is part of a plate-shaped connecting element 35 configured to connect the drive unit 20. The connecting element 35 is mounted between the motor 20A and the block 28B and defines a central opening for the drive shaft 20G to pass through the block 20B. When the block 20B is mounted onto the motor 20A, the drive shaft 20G extends into and engages with the motor 20A. In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting element 35 is forked. Figure 6 As shown, connecting element 35 defines a through hole 35', which is arranged to mate with connecting holes on the mounting flange 20E of motor 20A and the mounting flange 20D of block 20B. Bolt 20F is arranged in the connecting hole and the through hole 35' for securing the second subunit 30B between motor 20A and block 20B. In a variant not shown, connecting element 35 is configured to be mounted between end flange 16A and drive unit flange 20C at the other end of block 20B.

[0051] The first subunit 30A defines sliding movement via a slider element that can slide relative to a base element configured to connect to the housing 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the slider element is a support rod 33 arranged slidingly in a bracket 32 ​​and connected to a hinge 36. Each support rod 33 is arranged in two spaced-apart brackets 32, but more brackets 32 can also be used for each support rod 33. Figure 5 As indicated by the double arrows, bracket 32 ​​is connected to base plate 37, defining two straight parallel movement paths for support rods 33. One end of each support rod 33 includes a stop 34 to limit the displacement of drive unit 20 away from housing 10 by sliding movement. The other end of each support rod 33 includes a fastener 39 for connecting the support rod 33 to pivot pin 36B. In the illustrated embodiment, the end of the support rod 33 is received in a mounting hole 36′ at the corresponding end of pivot pin 36B. The end of rod 33 defines a threaded hole, and bolt 39 is arranged to engage the threaded hole in rod 33 through mounting hole 36′.

[0052] The base plate 37 is connected to the shell 10, so that the support rods 33 are substantially transverse to the direction of gravity and superimposed on each other (in the direction of gravity), thereby making the pivot A of the hinge 36 substantially parallel to the direction of gravity.

[0053] In the illustrated example, the base plate 37 includes a clamping element whose shape conforms to the outer contour of the housing 10 to secure the first subunit 30A to the housing 10. The clamping element includes a first portion 37A extending from the base plate 37 and a separate second bracket-shaped portion 37C. The second portion 37C is configured to connect to the first portion 37A to secure the base plate 37 to the housing 10. At least one of the first portion 37A and the second portion 37C may include one or more engagement elements for conforming engagement with the shape of the housing 10, such as a groove 37C′ on the second portion 37C for engaging with a rib on the housing 10. Figure 4 Engaging element 37C' is used to secure the clamping element to the housing 10, as well as when the drive unit 20 rotates away from the housing 10, which significantly increases the torque on the clamping element. The base plate 37 may include two or more clamping elements. However, in the illustrated embodiment, the base plate 37 includes a tab 37B configured to connect to the end flange 16A. For example, a bolt may be arranged in a through-hole in the tab 37B and engage with the flange 16A. Using the tab 37B in this way effectively eliminates the risk of the first sub-unit 30A shifting due to the weight of the drive unit 20, but requires the tab 37B to be compatible with the flange 16A and vice versa. In the illustrated embodiment, the tab 37B is connected to the flange 16 by the same bolt 38 used to connect the end flange 16 to the drive unit flange 20C.

[0054] The screw conveyor assembly 1' described above and shown in the figures is merely an example. Those skilled in the art will readily understand that many variations are possible. For example, the slider element may include any number of support rods. A single support rod may be used, but at least two support rods are required to improve stability and robustness. Furthermore, although support unit 1 is described as an accessory attached to an existing screw conveyor, the support unit may also be an integral part of the screw conveyor.

[0055] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of an example method for conveying food powder using the screw conveyor device 1′ described herein in a food processing plant. In step 701, the screw conveyor device 1′ is operated to convey first food powder, for example, via a control signal from the control unit. After or during step 701, a need to clean the screw conveyor is detected, and operation of the drive unit 20 is stopped. In step 702, the operator releases the drive unit 20 from the screw conveyor housing 10, for example, by removing one or more connecting elements. In step 703, the operator pivots the drive unit 20 away from the first portion 16A using the support unit 30. In step 703, if sliding is permitted by the support unit 30, the operator may also slide the drive unit 20 away from the first portion 16A. In step 704, the operator performs a cleaning operation on the screw 14 and / or the channel 11. In step 705, when the cleaning operation is complete and the screw 14 (if retracted) is reinstalled into the channel 11, the drive unit 20 is pivoted and slid back to the first portion 16A using the support unit 30. In step 706, the drive unit 20 is reconnected to the housing 10. In step 707, the screw conveyor device 1' is operated to convey a second food powder, which may be the same as or different from the first food powder.

Claims

1. A screw conveyor assembly, comprising: Shell (10), which defines an elongated channel (11), A helical screw (14), arranged in the channel (11), extends from the first portion (16A) of the shell (10) to the second portion (16B) of the shell (10). A drive unit (20), which is releasably connected to the housing (10) in its first part (16A) and is arranged to engage with the helical screw (14), and A support unit (30) is connected to the housing (10) and the drive unit (20) and is configured to limit the pivoting movement (D1) of the drive unit (20) away from the first portion (16A) when the drive unit (20) is released from the housing (10); The support unit (30) includes a hinge element that defines a pivot axis (A) for the pivoting motion; The support unit (30) includes a first sub-unit (30A) for connection to the housing (10) and a second sub-unit (30B) for connection to the drive unit (20), wherein the first sub-unit (30A) and the second sub-unit (30B) are connected by the hinge element; The first subunit (30A) includes a base element for connection to the housing (10) and a slider element arranged to slide relative to the base element in a direction substantially transverse to gravity (g), wherein the slider element is connected to the second subunit (30B) via the hinge element.

2. The screw conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein, When the drive unit (20) is released from the housing (10), the support unit (30) is further configured to limit the sliding motion (D2) of the drive unit (20) away from the first part (16A) of the housing.

3. The screw conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the support unit (30) is connected to the housing (10) via the pivot axis (A) of the hinge element which is substantially parallel to gravity (g).

4. The screw conveyor device according to claim 1, wherein the hinge element includes a pivot pin (36B) arranged in a guide element (36A), wherein the guide element (36A) is part of the second subunit (30B), and wherein the first subunit (30A) is connected to the pivot pin (36B).

5. The screw conveyor apparatus of claim 1, wherein the slider element includes a support rod arranged for sliding movement in spaced-apart supports on the base element.

6. The screw conveyor device according to claim 5, wherein the support rod is connected to the hinge element.

7. The screw conveyor device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the slider element includes another support rod arranged for sliding movement in other spaced-apart supports on the base element, wherein the support rod and the other support rod are parallel to each other and connected to the hinge element.

8. The screw conveyor device according to claim 7, wherein the base element is connected to the housing (10) to arrange the support rod above the other support rod, and wherein the end of the support rod and the end of the other support rod are connected to the hinge element.

9. The screw conveyor device according to claim 8, wherein the base element includes a clamping portion releasably connected to the housing (10), wherein the clamping portion is arranged to surround the housing (10) and includes a releasable bracket whose shape matches the outer contour of the housing (10).

10. A screw conveyor device according to any one of claims 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, or 9, wherein the housing (10) includes a support pin (17') extending into the channel (11) at the second portion (16B), wherein the drive unit (20) includes a drive pin extending into the channel (11) at the first portion (16A) when the drive unit is connected to the housing (10), and wherein the helical screw (14) is arranged to engage with the drive pin and the support pin (17').

11. A support unit for the screw conveyor apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A method for conveying food powder by means of a screw conveyor apparatus according to any one of claims 1-11, the method comprising: Operate the screw conveyor device to convey the first food powder; Release the drive unit from the housing (10); Pivot the drive unit away from the first portion (16A); Clean at least one of the spiral screw (14) or the elongated channel (11); Pivot the drive unit toward the first portion (16A); Connect the drive unit to the housing (10); as well as Operate the screw conveyor device to convey a second type of food powder.

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