Conveyor belt assembly and conveyor belt cleaning assembly and method for holding a doctor blade

Abstract

A conveyor belt cleaning assembly includes a first track member, a second track member, and a locking mechanism for removably securing the first track member to the second track member. The first track member includes a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from an opposite second end of the first base wall, a first bottom retention wall, and a first side retention wall defining a first inner tapered portion extending inwardly toward the second leg. The second track member includes a second base wall, an inner wall, opposite outer walls, a second bottom retention wall, and a second side retention wall defining a second inner tapered portion extending inwardly toward the inner wall. The second inner tapered portion is a mirror image of the first inner tapered portion.

Description

[0001] Cross-reference to related applications

[0002] This application claims priority to jointly pending U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 239,491, filed September 1, 2021, entitled “Conveyor Belt Assembly and Cleaning Assembly for Holding a Scraper,” and U.S. Non-Provisional Patent Application No. 17 / 868,299, filed July 19, 2022, entitled “Conveyor Belt Assembly and Cleaning Assembly for Holding a Scraper,” the entire contents of which, including the accompanying drawings, are incorporated herein by reference. Technical Field

[0003] This specification generally relates to conveyor belt assemblies for transporting materials via conveyor belts, and more specifically to conveyor belt cleaning assemblies for removing materials from the surface of conveyor belts. Background Technology

[0004] Conveyor belt cleaners are devices used on belt conveyors, which were previously considered secondary equipment but are now recognized as process equipment. This has increased the reputation and demand for conveyor belt cleaners in terms of availability, safety, ease of maintenance, and environmental impact.

[0005] Traditional belt cleaners (including primary and secondary belt cleaners) consist of a one-piece scraper retainer and a scraper fixed within the retainer to precisely position the scraper against the outer surface of the conveyor belt. However, replacing scrapers with a one-piece scraper retainer is very difficult when the scraper's lifespan is exhausted or requires repair. Typically, scrapers must be replaced using tools to loosen the scraper from the retainer and slide it along the longitudinal axis of the retainer until the specific scraper slides out of the retainer and can be removed. This maintenance requires the use of tools, whether loosening any screw or fastening type, or even using a hammer to slide the scraper along the guide rail.

[0006] Therefore, there is a need for an improved conveyor belt cleaning scraper retainer that allows the scraper to be removed without the use of any tools. Summary of the Invention

[0007] In one embodiment, a conveyor belt cleaning assembly includes: a first track member including a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from a second end of the first base wall opposite to the first leg, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall, the first side retaining wall defining a first inner tapered portion extending inward toward the second leg, wherein the first base wall, the first leg, and the second leg define a longitudinal channel; a second track member including a second base wall, an inner wall, an outer wall opposite to the inner wall, a second bottom retaining wall, and a second side retaining wall, the second side retaining wall defining a second inner tapered portion extending inward toward the inner wall, the second inner tapered portion being a mirror image of the first inner tapered portion; and a locking mechanism for removably securing the first track member to the second track member.

[0008] In another embodiment, a conveyor belt assembly includes: a roller; a conveyor belt rotatable on an outer surface of the roller; and a conveyor belt cleaning assembly including: a first track member, the first track member including a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from a second end of the first base wall opposite to the first leg, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall, the first side retaining wall defining a first inner tapered portion extending inward toward the second leg, wherein the first base wall, the first leg, and the second leg define a longitudinal channel; and a second track member, the second track member including a second base wall, an inner... The conveyor belt includes: a wall, an outer wall opposite to the inner wall, a second bottom retaining wall and a second side retaining wall, the second side retaining wall defining a second inner tapered portion extending inward toward the inner wall, the second inner tapered portion being a mirror image of the first inner tapered portion; a locking mechanism for removably securing the first track member to the second track member; and a scraper secured between the first track member and the second track member, the scraper including a first shoulder, a second shoulder and a neck, the neck having a width less than the distance between the first shoulder and the second shoulder, wherein the end of the scraper is positioned to contact the outer surface of the conveyor belt.

[0009] In another embodiment, a method includes: providing a first track member having a first scraper cavity; positioning a first shoulder of the scraper within the first scraper cavity; positioning a second track member to engage with the first track member such that a second shoulder of the scraper is received within a second scraper cavity; and securing the second track member to the first track member to prevent the scraper from being removed from the first track member and the second track member.

[0010] These and additional features provided by the embodiments described herein will be more fully understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the following detailed description. Attached Figure Description

[0011] The embodiments illustrated in the accompanying drawings are illustrative and exemplary in nature and are not intended to limit the subject matter as defined by the claims. The following detailed description of the illustrative embodiments will be understood when read in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein the same structures are indicated by the same reference numerals, and wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 A perspective view of a conveyor belt assembly according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein is illustrated schematically.

[0013] Figure 2 The illustrations schematically depict one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 1 A partial perspective view of the conveyor belt cleaning component of the conveyor belt assembly;

[0014] Figure 3 The illustrations schematically depict one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 2 End view of the conveyor belt cleaning component;

[0015] Figure 4 The illustration schematically depicts a partially removed position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 2 A perspective view of the conveyor belt cleaning assembly;

[0016] Figure 5 The illustrations schematically depict one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 2 End view of the first track component of the conveyor belt cleaning assembly;

[0017] Figure 6 The illustrations schematically depict one or more embodiments according to those shown and described herein. Figure 2 An end view of the second track component of the conveyor belt cleaning assembly; and

[0018] Figure 7 The illustration schematically depicts a mating position according to one or more embodiments shown and described herein. Figure 5 The first track component and Figure 6 End view of the second track component. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The embodiments described herein relate to conveyor belt assemblies and conveyor belt cleaning assemblies for allowing the removal of a cleaning scraper without the use of any tools. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly includes a first track member, a second track member, and a locking mechanism for removably securing the first track member to the second track member. The first track member includes a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from an opposite second end of the first base wall, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall, the first side retaining wall defining a first inner tapered portion extending inward toward the second leg. The second track member includes a second base wall, an inner wall, an opposite outer wall, a second bottom retaining wall, and a second side retaining wall, the second side retaining wall defining a second inner tapered portion extending inward toward the inner wall. The second inner tapered portion is a mirror image of the first inner tapered portion. Different embodiments of the conveyor belt cleaning assembly and the operation of removing the scraper from the conveyor belt cleaning assembly are described in more detail herein. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used in all figures to denote the same or similar parts.

[0020] As used in this article, the term "longitudinal direction" refers to the front-to-back direction (i.e., Figure 1 The coordinate axes shown are in the + / -Z direction. The term "lateral direction" refers to the lateral direction (i.e., Figure 1 The coordinate axes shown are in the + / -X direction, and are horizontal to the vertical direction. The term "vertical direction" refers to the up-down direction (i.e., Figure 1 The coordinate axes shown are in the + / - Y direction. As used herein, "up" and "above" are defined as the positive Y direction of the coordinate axes shown in the figure. "Down" and "below" are defined as the negative Y direction of the coordinate axes shown in the figure. Furthermore, as used herein, the terms "outer" or "outward" refer to the relative position of a component with respect to the centerline. As used herein, the terms "inner" or "inward" refer to the relative position of a component with respect to the centerline.

[0021] Now for reference Figure 1This illustration shows a conveyor belt assembly 100 according to one or more embodiments described herein. The conveyor belt assembly 100 typically includes a conveyor belt 102, a roller 104, a chute 106, and a conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108. The conveyor belt 102, having an inner surface 110 and an outer surface 112 opposite to the inner surface 110, is wound around the outer surface 114 of the roller 104 and moves in the direction of arrow A. Thus, the inner surface 110 of the conveyor belt 102 contacts the outer surface 114 of the roller 104. In an embodiment, the roller 104 may be rotatably fixed to the chute 106 or some other mounting structure and has a smooth outer surface 114 with a low coefficient of friction that allows the conveyor belt 102 to pass over the outer surface 114 of the roller 104 with minimal resistance. In this embodiment, the conveyor belt 102 may be pulled on the roller 104 by another roller (not shown) in the direction of arrow A. Alternatively, roller 104 may passively rotate about the axis of rotation R in the direction of arrow B to facilitate movement of conveyor belt 102 in the direction of arrow A. Therefore, roller 104 may be rotatably coupled to trough 106 or some other mounting structure. In this embodiment, the outer surface 114 of roller 104 may have a high coefficient of friction to grip the inner surface 110 of conveyor belt 102 and assist in pulling conveyor belt 102 in the direction of arrow A. In other embodiments, a motor (not shown) or similar device may be provided for mechanically operating roller 104 and rotating roller 104 in the direction of arrow B to pull conveyor belt 102 in the direction of arrow A.

[0022] As shown, the feed trough 106 includes a housing 116 having one or more walls defining an open interior 118. In an embodiment, the one or more walls include a front wall 120, a rear wall 122 opposite to the front wall 120, a first side wall 124, a second side wall 126 opposite to the first side wall 124, a top wall 128, and a bottom wall 130 opposite to the top wall 128. An entry port 132 is formed in the front wall 120 to allow the conveyor belt 102 to enter and exit the open interior 118 of the feed trough 106. In an embodiment, the lower portion 134 of the front wall 120 may define an inwardly tapering portion 136. As shown, the roller 104 is at least partially positioned within the open interior 118 of the feed trough 106. Therefore, the portion of the conveyor belt 102 wound around the roller 104 is also positioned within the open interior 118 of the feed trough 106. Although not shown, one or more of the front wall 120, rear wall 122, top wall 128, and bottom wall 130 may include one or more openings for allowing material to enter and exit the trough 106.

[0023] In use, conveyor belt 102 can be used to transport materials from one location to another. However, materials may become adhered to the surface of conveyor belt 102, such that if the materials are not removed, they may affect the performance of conveyor belt 102 when it returns to collect additional materials or transport additional products. Therefore, conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 is provided within trough 106 to clean the outer surface 112 of the conveyor belt as it enters trough 106 and before it leaves trough 106.

[0024] More specifically, in an embodiment, a first window 138 may be formed in a first sidewall 124, and a second window 140 may be formed in a second sidewall 126. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 can be inserted into the open interior 118 of the trough 106 via the first window 138 and the second window 140, and is removably secured to the appropriate position in the trough 106 using one or more fasteners (e.g., screws, bolts, rivets, clips, jigs, etc.). As described in more detail herein, the conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 may include a first mounting bracket 142 and a second mounting bracket 144 for securing the conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 to the outer surfaces of the first sidewall 124 and the second sidewall 126, respectively. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 also includes one or more scrapers 146 positioned relative to the conveyor belt 102 to contact the outer surface 112 of the conveyor belt 102 and dislodge or otherwise remove material as the conveyor belt 102 rotates past the roller 104 and through the trough 106. As material is removed from the conveyor belt 102, the removed material is collected at the bottom of the trough 106.

[0025] Now refer to Figure 2The conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 is shown separated from the trough 106. In an embodiment, the conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 includes a tensioner 148, a track assembly 150 including a first track member 152 and a second track member 154, and a guide rail 156. The tensioner 148 may be a pneumatic tensioner or the like, used to position the conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 relative to the conveyor belt 102 and roller 104 when the conveyor belt cleaning assembly 108 is within the trough 106. As shown, the tensioner 148 may be fixed to or extend from a first mounting bracket 142. A support bracket 158 ​​extends from the tensioner 148 or the first mounting bracket 142 and is dimensioned to receive the track assembly 150, specifically receiving the first track member 152. In an embodiment, the support bracket 158 ​​is a U-shaped member extending along the periphery of the first track member 152. Although only one is shown, a pair of slots 160 are formed on opposite sides of the support bracket 158 ​​for receiving the locking pin 162 when it is in the inserted position. In an embodiment, the support bracket 158 ​​and the first track member 152 can be a single-piece integral structure, such that the support bracket 158 ​​forms the bottom surface of the first track member 152. Therefore, the first track member 152 is secured to the tensioner 148. This allows the tensioner 148 to slide relative to the guide rail 156 together with the first track member 152.

[0026] Track assembly 150, particularly the first track member 152, has a pair of holes 164 formed on its opposite sides. Figure 3 The locking pin 162 is used to receive the locking pin 162 when the hole 164 in the track assembly 150 is aligned with the slot 160 formed in the support bracket 158. Thus, when in the inserted position and extending through the slot 160 formed in the support bracket 158 ​​and the hole 164 formed in the track assembly 150, the locking pin 162 locks the track assembly 150 in place relative to the tensioner 148.

[0027] As described in more detail herein, guide rail 156 is shown extending longitudinally through track assembly 150. In an embodiment, guide rail 156 further includes a pair of holes 166 formed on opposite sides of guide rail 156. Figure 3 ( ), for receiving the locking pin 162 when aligned with the hole 164 formed in the track assembly 150 and the slot 160 formed in the support bracket 158 ​​of the tensioner 148. For example Figure 2 As shown, locking pin 162 is shown in the removed position after removal from support bracket 158, allowing track assembly 150 to be removed from tensioner 148 and guide rail 156. Alternatively, in Figure 3 In the diagram, locking pin 162 is shown in its insertion position within guide rail assembly 150 and guide rail 156.

[0028] As described in more detail herein, when the locking pin 162 is removed from the guide rail assembly 150, guide rail 156, and support bracket 158, the guide rail assembly 150 is allowed to slide longitudinally along the guide rail 156 for removal from the guide rail 156 and support bracket 158. In an embodiment, the guide rail assembly 150 may include a handle 168 disposed near a first end 170 of the guide rail assembly 150 to facilitate pulling the guide rail assembly 150 from the guide rail 156 once the locking pin 162 is removed. In an embodiment, the handle 168 is secured to the first track member 152 and extends from the first track member 152 at any suitable angle to facilitate pulling the track assembly 150 from the support bracket 158 ​​and guide rail 156. In an embodiment, the handle 168 may extend vertically upward from the first track member 152 toward one or more scrapers 146. In other embodiments, the handle 168 may extend parallel to the longitudinal direction of the track assembly 150. In other embodiments, the handle 168 may extend from the first track member 152 in a downward vertical direction away from one or more scrapers 146. In other embodiments, the handle 168 may be pivotally attached to the first track member 152, such that the orientation of the handle 168 relative to the track assembly 150 can be adjusted as needed to facilitate pulling the track assembly 150 from the support bracket 158 ​​and the guide rail 156.

[0029] Now for reference Figure 3 Guide rail 156 is shown extending through guide rail assembly 150, with locking pin 162 in the inserted position. However, support bracket 158 ​​and tensioner 148 are not shown to better illustrate other components. As described herein, locking pin 162 inserts through a hole 164 formed in guide rail assembly 150 (specifically, the first rail portion) and a hole 166 formed in guide rail 156. In an embodiment, locking pin 162 includes a first end 172 and a second end 174 opposite to the first end 172. Collar 176 may be disposed at or near the first end 172 of locking pin 162. The outer diameter of collar 176 is larger than that formed in support bracket 158 ​​(… Figure 3 The diameter of the slot 160 in the first track member 152 is larger than the diameter of the hole 164 formed in the first track member 152, such that the collar 176 abuts against the support bracket 158 ​​to act as a stop, thereby preventing the locking pin 162 from being fully inserted through the support bracket 158 ​​and the first track member 152. The hole 178 may be formed in the locking pin 162 near its second end 174 to receive a clip 180. Once the clip 180 is inserted into the hole 178, the locking pin 162 is secured in the inserted position and prevented from moving to the removed position until the clip 180 is removed from the hole 178, allowing the second end 174 of the locking pin 162 to pass through each slot 160 formed in the support bracket 158.

[0030] Still referencing Figure 3 As described in more detail herein, the first track member 152 of the track assembly 150 defines a channel 182 for receiving the guide rail 156. The channel 182 defined by the first track member 152 has a cross-sectional geometry corresponding to the cross-sectional geometry of the guide rail 156 to prevent rotation of the track assembly 150 relative to the guide rail 156 before the locking pin 162 is inserted. As shown, in an embodiment, the channel 182 has a rectangular cross-sectional geometry corresponding to the rectangular cross-sectional geometry of the guide rail 156. However, it should be understood that the channel 182 of the first track member 152 and the guide rail 156 can have any suitable cross-sectional geometry, such as a triangle, a square, etc. The first track member 152 rests on the guide rail 156 when the track assembly 150 is slidably positioned on the guide rail 156. In an embodiment, as shown, the channel 182 may be defined by an open bottom end 184. While the channel 182 may have an open bottom end 184, it should be understood that the track assembly 150 is only permitted to be removed from the guide rail 156 by removing the locking pin 162 and allowing the track assembly 150 to slide longitudinally along the guide rail 156, rather than by lifting the track assembly 150 vertically relative to the guide rail 156. In other embodiments, the first track member 152 may define a closed bottom end 184 of the channel 182. As described herein, the support bracket 158 ​​may be formed as a single-piece integral structure with the first track member 152, thereby defining the closed bottom end 184.

[0031] As described in more detail herein, one or more locking mechanisms 186 are provided for securing the second track member 154 to the first track member 152. Figure 3 As shown, the locking mechanism 186 includes an externally threaded bolt 187, which includes a bolt head 190 disposed at an end 194 of the bolt 187. In an embodiment, the bolt 187 extends through a pair of holes 192 formed on opposite sides of the second track member 154. Figure 6 In one embodiment, the locking mechanism 186 includes an internally threaded shaft 188 and a knob 196 disposed near an end 198 of the shaft 188. In another embodiment, the shaft 188 includes a hexagonal outer profile portion near the end 198 and a cylindrical outer profile portion opposite the hexagonal outer profile portion. The knob 196 is configured to engage with the hexagonal outer profile portion of the shaft 188. In use, an externally threaded bolt 187 engages with the internally threaded shaft 188. In another embodiment, the knob 196 disposed at a second end 198 of the shaft 188 may include a plurality of spokes 200. Figure 4To improve the grip and rotation of knob 196. Knob 196 allows shaft 188 to rotate relative to bolt 187. Thus, rotating shaft 188 in a first direction via knob 196 will cause shaft 188 to thread into bolt 187, while rotating shaft 188 in the opposite second direction will cause shaft 188 to thread out of bolt 187. Therefore, it should be understood that rotating knob 196 in the first direction to disengage shaft 188 from bolt 187 will allow second track member 154 to separate from first track member 152. In an embodiment, bolt 187 may be integrally formed with first track member 152 as a single-piece integral structure. In other embodiments, it should be understood that shaft 188 may extend through first track member 152 in the opposite direction for engaging bolt 187 disposed in second track member 154. Alternatively, in an embodiment, bolt 187 may have internal threads configured to engage with external threads of shaft 188.

[0032] In an embodiment, the fixing rod 195 may be disposed in the first recessed portion 250 of the first track member 152. Figure 5 Within the track assembly 150, and can extend longitudinally along the track assembly 150. Bolt 187 extends through the fixing rod 195. In an embodiment, bolt 187, specifically bolt head 190, is fixed to the fixing rod 195, for example, by welding. In an embodiment, it should be understood that multiple locking mechanisms 186 may be provided, such as... Figure 4 As shown. Therefore, the fixing rod 195 facilitates the positioning of the bolts 187 of each locking mechanism 186 relative to each other to maintain a fixed spacing relationship between each bolt 187. This allows each bolt 187 to move simultaneously, so that each bolt 187 can be easily and simultaneously oriented within the hole 192 in the second track member 154.

[0033] Now for reference Figure 4 The track assembly 150 is shown to be slidably removed from the guide rail 156 along the longitudinal direction, and one or more locking mechanisms 186 are released to allow the second track member 154 to separate from the first track member 152, and thus remove one or more scrapers 146. More specifically, once the track assembly 150 has been slidably removed from the guide rail 156, one or more locking mechanisms 186 can be rotated to allow the second track member 154 to be removed from the first track member 152. Figure 4As shown, a plurality of locking mechanisms 186 are configured to extend through the second track member 154. The locking mechanisms 186 are spaced apart from each other along the second track member 154 to engage the first track member 152. In an embodiment, the locking mechanisms 186 may be spaced apart from each other along the second track member 154. While the locking mechanisms 186 can be disengaged to allow removal of the second track member 154 before the track assembly 150 is slid away from the guide rail 156, it should be understood that the locking mechanisms 186 may be inaccessible when the track assembly 150 is positioned within the trough 106.

[0034] In embodiments, the first track member 152 and the second track member 154 may be formed of a rigid material, such as metal, aluminum, steel, etc. Therefore, in embodiments providing multiple locking mechanisms 186, it may be necessary for each of the locking mechanisms 186 to be at least partially released to allow the second track member 154 to separate from the first track member 152. As described herein, one or more scrapers 146 are disposed between the first track member 152 and the second track member 154. In embodiments, a single scraper 146 may be provided having a length extending along the longitudinal direction of the track assembly 150 substantially equal to the length of the second track member 154. Alternatively, as shown, multiple scrapers 146 may be disposed and positioned adjacent to each other to extend along the longitudinal direction of the track assembly 150 such that the total length of the multiple scrapers 146 is substantially equal to the length of the second track member 154. In this embodiment, once the locking mechanism 186 is at least partially unscrewed from the first track member 152 to allow the second track member 154 to separate from the first track member 152, the individual scraper 146 can be slidably removed between the first track member 152 and the second track member 154. Therefore, when the scraper 146 is worn and needs to be replaced with a new scraper 146, the individual scraper 146 can be removed.

[0035] like Figure 3 and 4 As shown, the scraper 146 has an end 202 for contacting the conveyor belt 102 during use to remove material from it and a base end 204 opposite to the end 202. In an embodiment, the end 202 of the scraper 146 may be flat, such that the end 202 conforms to the flat surface of the conveyor belt 102 it contacts. When the locking mechanism 186 is secured to the first track member 152 and the second track member 154, the base end 204 of the scraper 146 is received between and secured therebetween the first track member 152 and the second track member 154. The base end 204 of the scraper 146 is defined by a neck 206, a first shoulder 208, and a second shoulder 210. The first shoulder 208 and the second shoulder 210 extend outward from the neck 206 opposite to the end of the scraper 146, such that the neck 206 has a width reduced compared to the distance between the first shoulder 208 and the second shoulder 210.

[0036] Now refer to Figure 5 The diagram illustrates a first track member 152. The first track member 152 includes a first base wall 212 having a first end 214 and a second end 216 opposite to the first end 214, a first leg 218 extending from the first end 214, and a second leg 220 extending from the second end 216 opposite to the first leg 218. The first base wall 212, the first leg 218, and the second leg 220 define a channel 182 discussed herein for receiving a guide rail 156. The first leg 218 has an inwardly extending first end portion 222 formed opposite to the first base wall 212 and extending toward the second leg 220. Similarly, the second leg 220 has an inwardly extending second end portion 224 formed opposite to the first base wall 212 and extending toward the first leg 218. In an embodiment, the first end portion 222 and the second end portion 224 partially extend across the channel 182 to define an open bottom end 184 of the channel 182. As shown, the first end 222 and the second end 224 each have a circular profile. This reduces the distance between the opening bottom 184 of the channel 182 and the second end 224, preventing the first track member 152 from being removed from the guide rail 156 in any way other than sliding in the longitudinal direction. In other embodiments, the first end 222 and the second end 224 may extend completely or substantially through the channel 182 to define a closed or substantially closed bottom 184 of the channel 182.

[0037] The first track member 152 also includes an intermediate wall 226 extending vertically from the first base wall 212 above the first leg 218, a first bottom retaining wall 228 extending horizontally from the intermediate wall 226 opposite to the first base wall 212, i.e., in a lateral direction, and a first side retaining wall 230 extending vertically from the intermediate wall 226 and substantially perpendicular to the first bottom retaining wall 228. In an embodiment, the first track member 152, including the first base wall 212, the first leg 218, the second leg 220, the intermediate wall 226, the first bottom retaining wall 228, and the first side retaining wall 230, is a single-piece integral structure. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the first track member 152 may include a plurality of separable components that are attached to or otherwise connected to each other.

[0038] The nut recess 232 is defined by a first base wall 212, an intermediate wall 226, and a first bottom retaining wall 228 for receiving the nut 190, as described herein. Figure 3As shown. More specifically, the nut recess 232 is defined by an upper finger 234 and a lower finger 236 extending inward from the first bottom retaining wall 228 and the first base wall 212, respectively. The upper concave surface 238 is formed opposite to the intermediate wall 226 at the intersection of the upper finger 234 and the first bottom retaining wall 228. Additionally, the lower concave surface 240 is also formed opposite to the intermediate wall 226 at the intersection of the lower finger 236 and the first base wall 212. The upper finger 234 and the lower finger 236 define a stop for abutting against when the nut 190 is positioned within the nut recess 232, thereby retaining the nut 190 within the nut recess 232.

[0039] The nut recess 232 is further defined by a first upper step portion 242, a first lower step portion 244 opposite to the first upper step portion 242, a second upper step portion 246, and a second lower step portion 248 opposite to the second upper step portion 246. Thus, the nut recess 232 includes a first recessed portion 250 defined on one side between the upper finger portion 234 and the lower finger portion 236, and on the opposite side between the first upper step portion 242 and the first lower step portion 244. The nut recess 232 also includes a second recessed portion 252 defined on one side between the first upper step portion 242 and the first lower step portion 244, and on the opposite side between the second upper step portion 246 and the second lower step portion 248. The inner diameter of the second recessed portion 252 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first recessed portion 250. The nut recess 232 also includes a third recessed portion 254 defined on one side between the second upper step portion 246 and the second lower step portion 248, and on the opposite side by a central wall 226. In one embodiment, as shown, the inner diameter of the third recess 254 is smaller than the inner diameter of the second recess 252. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments not shown, the inner diameter of the third recess 254 may be larger than the inner diameter of the second recess 252. The third recess 254 is used to receive the end of the locking mechanism 186 extending through the shaft 188 of the nut 190, as described herein.

[0040] The first bottom retaining wall 228 and the first side retaining wall 230 define a first scraper cavity 256 for receiving and retaining the neck 206 and the first shoulder 208 of the scraper 146. More specifically, the inner surface 258 of the first side retaining wall 230 forms a first inner tapered portion 260 corresponding to the contour of the transition from the first shoulder 208 of the scraper 146 to the neck 206 of the scraper 146, the first inner tapered portion extending inward toward the free end of the first bottom retaining wall 228 and the first leg 218. The outer surface of the first side retaining wall 230 also forms a first outer tapered portion 262.

[0041] In one embodiment, the upper surface 264 of the first bottom retaining wall 228 includes one or more ridges 266. More specifically, the upper surface 264 of the first bottom retaining wall 228 includes a plurality of ridges 266 extending longitudinally along the first track member 152. The plurality of ridges 266 may be formed as a result of extrusion of the first track member 154. In one embodiment, the plurality of ridges 266 do not extend above the upper surface of the first bottom retaining wall 228. It should be understood that the formation of the ridges 266 controls the straightness of the first bottom retaining wall 228 during the extrusion process.

[0042] Now for reference Figure 6 The diagram illustrates a second track member 154. The second track member 154 includes a second base wall 268, an inner wall 270, and an outer wall 272 opposite to the inner wall 270. The inner wall 270 and the outer wall 272 extend vertically from and perpendicular to the second base wall 268. The inner wall 270 has an upper end 274 and a lower end 276 opposite to the upper end 274. An upper convex surface 278 is formed at the upper end 274 on the outer surface 279 of the inner wall 270, and a lower convex surface 280 is formed at the lower end 276 on the outer surface 279 of the inner wall 270. An inner leg recess 282 is formed in the inner wall 270 extending towards the outer wall 272 between the upper convex surface 278 and the lower convex surface 280.

[0043] The second track member 154 also includes a second bottom retaining wall 284 and a second side retaining wall 286, the second bottom retaining wall and the second side retaining wall defining a second scraper cavity 288 for receiving and retaining a neck 206 and a second shoulder 210 of the scraper 146. Figure 4 More specifically, the inner surface 285 of the second side retaining wall 286 forms a second inner tapered portion 287 that extends inward toward the inner wall 270, corresponding to the contour of the transition from the second shoulder 210 of the scraper 146 to the neck 206 of the scraper 146. It should be understood that the second inner tapered portion 287 is a mirror image of the first inner tapered portion 260. A step portion 290 extends toward the inner wall 270 and is formed between the second bottom retaining walls 284. As described herein, the step portion 290 is configured to receive the end of the first bottom retaining wall 228 of the first track member 152. Figure 5 Thus, the end of the first bottom retaining wall 228 prevents the second track member 154 from separating from the first track member 152 in the vertical direction. In this embodiment, the second track member 154, including the second base wall 268, inner wall 270, outer wall 272, second bottom retaining wall 284, and second side retaining wall 286, is a single-piece integral structure. However, it should be understood that in other embodiments, the second track member 154 may include multiple separable components that are attached to or otherwise connected to each other.

[0044] In one embodiment, a channel 292 is formed between the second base wall 268, the inner wall 270, the outer wall 272, and the second bottom retaining wall 284. The channel 292 extends longitudinally through a large portion of the second track member 154. In another embodiment, the channel 292 extends completely through the second track member 154 in the longitudinal direction. It should be understood that the channel 292 can be provided to reduce the weight of the second track member 154, thereby reducing material costs. As described herein, a pair of holes 192 are formed in the second track member 154 for receiving the shaft 188 of the locking mechanism 186. Figure 3 Specifically, holes 192 are formed in the inner wall 270 and the outer wall 272, respectively, so that the shaft 188 extends through the channel 292.

[0045] Now for reference Figure 7 The first track member 152 and the second track member 154 are shown in a mating position. In the mating position, the second track member 154 rests on the first track member 152. More specifically, the second base wall 268 of the second track member 154 rests on the first base wall 212 of the first track member 152. In the mating position, the hole 192 formed in the second track member 154 is coaxial with the nut recess 232 formed in the first track member 152, such that the shaft 188 of the locking mechanism 186 ( Figure 3 A nut can be inserted through the second track member 154 and received within the first track member 152. It should be understood that, in the embodiments, when in the mating position, a gap may be formed between the second base wall 268 of the parallel second track member 154 and the first base wall 212 of the first track member 152 to ensure alignment of the hole 192 formed in the second track member 154 with the nut recess 232 formed in the first track member 152. In other embodiments, when in the mating position, the second base wall 268 of the second track member 154 may be in direct contact with the first base wall 212 of the first track member 152.

[0046] Furthermore, when the first track member 152 and the second track member 154 are in the mating position, the convex surface 280 of the second track member 154 is received within the concave surface 240 formed in the first track member 152. Similarly, the convex surface 278 of the second track member 154 is received within the concave surface 238 of the first track member 152. Additionally, the first bottom retaining wall 228 of the first track member 152 is received within the step portion 290 formed in the second track member 154. Therefore, when in the mating position, the first scraper cavity 256 and the second scraper cavity 288 cooperate to hold the scraper 146 ( Figure 4The scraper is held between the first track member 152 and the second track member 154. Specifically, the first scraper cavity 256 and the second scraper cavity 288 respectively receive the first shoulder 208 and the second shoulder 210 of the scraper 146, and define a tapered geometry corresponding to the neck 206 of the scraper 146 to prevent the scraper 146 from being removed in the vertical direction when the first track member 152 and the second track member 154 are fastened to each other. Instead, if the locking mechanism 186 is removed, the scraper 146 can be removed. Figure 3 If the second track member 154 is not completely removed from the first track member 152, the scraper 146 can slide longitudinally along the first track member 152 and the second track member 154. Therefore, the distance between the first track member 152 and the second track member 154 at the first position of the neck 206 configured to receive the scraper 146 is less than the distance between the first track member 152 and the second track member 154 at the second position of the first shoulder 208 and the second shoulder 210 configured to receive the scraper 146. The first position is closer to the first bottom retaining wall 228 than the second position.

[0047] Furthermore, when the first track member 152 and the second track member 154 are in the mating position, a plurality of ridges 266 formed on the first bottom retaining wall 228 are positioned at equidistant midpoints between the first side retaining wall 230 and the second side retaining wall 286. Therefore, the plurality of ridges 266 are positioned at the midpoint of the bottom end 184 of the scraper 146 between the first shoulder 208 and the second shoulder 210.

[0048] As can be understood from the above, this document defines a two-piece conveyor belt cleaning assembly, comprising a first track member having a first internal tapered portion, a second track member having a second internal tapered portion, and a locking mechanism for removably fastening the first track member to the second track member. The first internal tapered portion of the first track member defines a first scraper cavity for receiving a first shoulder of a scraper, and the second internal tapered portion of the second track member defines a second scraper cavity for receiving a second shoulder of a scraper. The second scraper cavity is a mirror image of the first scraper cavity.

[0049] Although specific embodiments have been described and illustrated herein, it should be understood that various other changes and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the claimed subject matter. Furthermore, while various aspects of the claimed subject matter have been described herein, these aspects need not be used in combination. Therefore, the appended claims are intended to cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the claimed subject matter.

Claims

1. A conveyor belt cleaning assembly, comprising: A first track member includes a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from a second end of the first base wall opposite to the first leg, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall. The first side retaining wall defines a first internal tapering portion extending inward toward the second leg. The first base wall, the first leg, and the second leg define a longitudinal channel, and a plurality of ridges are formed on the upper surface of the first bottom retaining wall. A second track member, comprising a second base wall, an inner wall, an outer wall opposite the inner wall, a second bottom retaining wall, and a second side retaining wall, the second side retaining wall defining a second inner tapering portion extending inward toward the inner wall, the second inner tapering portion being a mirror image of the first inner tapering portion; and A locking mechanism for removably securing the first track member to the second track member.

2. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first track component also includes: A first end, formed at the end of the first leg opposite to the first base wall and extending toward the second leg; and The second end is formed at the end of the second leg opposite to the first base wall and extends toward the first leg, the first end and the second end defining the bottom opening of the channel.

3. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The channel has a rectangular cross-sectional geometry.

4. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The first leg and the second leg have holes formed therein for receiving locking pins.

5. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly of claim 1, further comprising a handle pivotally attached to the first track member.

6. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 5, wherein, The handle is pivotally attached to the end of the first track member.

7. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 1, wherein, The locking mechanism includes an internally threaded shaft and an internally threaded bolt.

8. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 7, wherein, The nut recess is defined by the first base wall, the first bottom retaining wall, and an intermediate wall extending between the first base wall and the first bottom retaining wall, and the second end of the internally threaded shaft is received within the nut recess.

9. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 8, wherein, The locking mechanism also includes a fixing rod, to which the bolt is fixed.

10. A conveyor belt assembly, comprising: Roller; A conveyor belt, the conveyor belt being able to rotate on the outer surface of the roller; Conveyor belt cleaning components, including: A first track member includes a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from a second end of the first base wall opposite to the first leg, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall. The first side retaining wall defines a first internal tapering portion extending inward toward the second leg. The first base wall, the first leg, and the second leg define a longitudinal channel, and a plurality of ridges are formed on the upper surface of the first bottom retaining wall. A second track member, comprising a second base wall, an inner wall, an outer wall opposite the inner wall, a second bottom retaining wall, and a second side retaining wall, the second side retaining wall defining a second inner tapering portion extending inward toward the inner wall, the second inner tapering portion being a mirror image of the first inner tapering portion; and A locking mechanism for removably securing the first track member to the second track member; and A scraper, which is fastened between the first track member and the second track member, includes a first shoulder, a second shoulder, and a neck, the neck having a width smaller than the distance between the first shoulder and the second shoulder, wherein the end of the scraper is positioned to contact the outer surface of the conveyor belt.

11. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The first track component also includes: A first end, formed at the end of the first leg opposite to the first base wall and extending toward the second leg; and The second end is formed at the end of the second leg opposite to the first base wall and extends toward the first leg, the first end and the second end defining the bottom opening of the channel.

12. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The first leg and the second leg have holes formed therein for receiving locking pins.

13. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly of claim 10, further comprising a handle pivotally attached to an end of the first track member.

14. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 10, wherein, The locking mechanism includes an internally threaded shaft and an internally threaded bolt.

15. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 14, wherein, The nut recess is defined by the first base wall, the first bottom retaining wall, and an intermediate wall extending between the first base wall and the first bottom retaining wall, and the second end of the internally threaded shaft is received within the nut recess.

16. The conveyor belt cleaning assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The locking mechanism also includes a fixing rod, to which the bolt is fixed.

17. A method for holding a scraper, comprising: A first track member having a first scraper cavity is provided. The first track member includes a first base wall, a first leg extending from a first end of the first base wall, a second leg extending from a second end of the first base wall opposite to the first leg, a first bottom retaining wall, and a first side retaining wall. The first side retaining wall defines a first inner tapered portion extending inward toward the second leg. The first base wall, the first leg, and the second leg define a longitudinal channel. A plurality of ridges are formed on the upper surface of the first bottom retaining wall of the first track member. Position the first shoulder of the scraper within the cavity of the first scraper; The second track member is positioned to mate with the first track member such that the second shoulder of the scraper is received within the second scraper cavity. The second track member includes a second base wall, an inner wall, an outer wall opposite to the inner wall, a second bottom retaining wall, and a second side retaining wall. The second side retaining wall defines a second inner tapered portion extending inward toward the inner wall, the second inner tapered portion being a mirror image of the first inner tapered portion. The second track member is removably secured to the first track member by a locking mechanism to prevent the scraper from being removed from both the first and second track members.

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein, Fastening the second track member to the first track member includes inserting the locking mechanism through the second track member and threading the first track member.

19. The method of claim 17, wherein, The first scraper cavity is a mirror image of the second scraper cavity.

20. The method of claim 17, wherein, The longitudinal channel is used to receive the guide rail.

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