Conveyor correcting mechanism

Abstract

A conveyor correction mechanism (10, 100, 200) is used to guide a conveyor belt (20), typically but not limited to a belt of a trough conveyor. The conveyor correction mechanism (10, 100, 200) includes a mounting frame (12) for operably mounting the conveyor correction mechanism (10, 100, 200) to a conveyor frame and a sub-structure (16, 208) pivotably mounted to the mounting frame (12) by a main pivot (18). A pair of turning or wing rollers (26) is mounted in an outwardly cantilevered manner relative to the substructure (16, 208). In particular, the correction mechanism (10, 100, 200) is configured so as not to protrude substantially laterally from the mounting frame (12) or the conveyor frame. In a preferred form of the invention, the turning or wing roller (26) is adjustable, with the allowed adjustment range between about 0 degrees and about 65 degrees.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application claims priority to Australian Application No. 2022900965 filed on April 11, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as if repeated herein.

[0002] The present invention relates to trough conveyors. More particularly, the present invention relates to trough conveyor correction mechanisms for guiding troughed conveyor belts. Background Art

[0003] Devices for guiding a troughed belt typically have one or more center rollers and wing rollers on either side of the center roller that are angled upward from the horizontal to match the profile or trough angle of the belt.

[0004] Troughed conveyor belts tend to be difficult to guide or steer because the correction or steering mechanism (particularly the wing rollers) tends to push into the belt as the mechanism attempts to correct the belt. In addition, the trough configuration of different belts is not standardized and particularly the trough angle may vary from conveyor to conveyor.

[0005] Therefore, known trough conveyor correction mechanisms are often provided with pivotally adjustable wing rollers. The adjustment range of these known correction mechanisms is very limited, and the range is usually only a few degrees. In addition, the known correction mechanisms tend to dock laterally from the sides of the correction mechanism and tend to protrude from the conveyor frame or be located outside the conveyor frame and into the maintenance walkway extending along the side of the conveyor.

[0006] This can create potential safety issues and may prevent the use of guards or other coverings that are typically used on conveyors of this nature. As a result, such guards often have to be custom made in the area where the correction mechanism is installed, which increases the complexity of conveyor installation and maintenance.

[0007] Furthermore, it is believed that the bulky structure of the prior art correction mechanisms may negatively impact the efficiency of the correction mechanisms. Summary of the invention

[0008] It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a trough conveyor correction mechanism and a trough conveyor incorporating such a correction mechanism which will at least partially address the above mentioned disadvantages.

[0009] It is another object of the present invention to provide a trough conveyor correction mechanism and a trough conveyor incorporating such a correction mechanism which will be a useful alternative to existing or known correction mechanisms and trough conveyors.

[0010] According to the present invention, there is provided an adjustment mechanism for a trough conveyor belt correction device, the adjustment mechanism not substantially protruding laterally beyond the mounting arrangement for mounting the device to the conveyor belt frame. In a preferred form of the invention, the turning rollers or wing rollers of the device are mounted to the device frame in a cantilever manner and the adjustment mechanism is incorporated into the cantilever mounting arrangement. Preferably, the adjustment mechanism allows the wing rollers to be adjusted to an angle of 0 degrees so that the wing rollers are substantially in the same plane as the center roller(s).

[0011] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveyor correction mechanism, comprising:

[0012] a mounting frame for operably mounting the conveyor correction mechanism to the conveyor frame;

[0013] a substructure pivotably mounted to the mounting frame via a main pivot;

[0014] A pair of deflecting rollers are mounted relative to the substructure in an outwardly facing cantilevered manner.

[0015] Furthermore, according to the first aspect of the invention, at least a portion of each steering roller may be tapered. Each steering roller may be mounted to the sub-frame by a respective tubular bracket having a hole in which the shaft of the respective wing roller is operably received. The tubular bracket may form part of the angle adjustment mechanism (in the case of an adjustable steering roller), or may be fixed relative to the sub-frame.

[0016] In addition, in some embodiments of the first aspect of the present invention, each steering roller can be pivotally adjusted relative to the substructure. Each steering roller can be mounted to the substructure by an angular adjustment mechanism. In some examples, each angular adjustment mechanism can include a tubular bracket having a hole, and the shaft of the corresponding steering roller can be operably received and retained in a cantilever manner in the hole. The shaft of the corresponding steering roller can be fixed relative to the tubular bracket by at least a first grub screw.

[0017] The tubular support may be pivotally mounted to the substructure against its first end via a first pivot. An adjustable linkage may extend between the second end of the tubular support and the substructure. The adjustable linkage may be pivotally fixed to both the tubular support and the substructure via a second pivot and a third pivot, respectively. The effective length of the adjustable linkage is adjustable to allow the tubular support to pivot about the first pivot to adjust the angle of the tubular support relative to the substructure. The adjustable linkage may include a threaded rod with a locking nut arrangement for releasably fixing the position of the adjustable linkage.

[0018] In addition, each steering roller can be adjusted between about 0 and 65 degrees relative to the plane in which the center roller is arranged. It should be understood that the end values ​​of the adjustable range can be included. In addition, the specific configuration of the correction mechanism can be such that the end values ​​of the adjustable range can be different from the values ​​specified above. In particular, the end values ​​can take any value between 0 and 65 degrees, and therefore any such feasible value is included in this article, just as it is specifically repeated in this article.

[0019] In some cases, the correction mechanism may further include at least a first, but usually two, center rollers arranged between a pair of steering rollers (and on opposite sides of the main pivot where two center rollers are provided). The center rollers may be replaced by support plates.

[0020] In other cases, the correction mechanism need not be provided with a center roller or support plate. In some such cases, the correction mechanism can be configured as a return tracker, and each angle adjustment mechanism can include:

[0021] a first pivot shaft connected to the substructure and the shaft of the corresponding steering roller;

[0022] a lever member pivotably arranged relative to the substructure;

[0023] a base plate fixed relative to the substructure; and

[0024] An adjustable member extends between the rod and the base plate.

[0025] Now, the adjustable member may comprise a threaded member received in the threaded hole of the lever and may have a first end arranged to bear against the base plate.The threaded member may comprise an elongated member having a second end supported relative to the distal end of the respective deflection roller.

[0026] Each steering roller may be configured to be pivotably adjusted in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the substructure is pivotable about the main pivot axis.

[0027] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveyor correction mechanism, comprising:

[0028] a mounting frame for operably mounting the conveyor correction mechanism to the conveyor belt frame;

[0029] a substructure pivotably mounted to the mounting frame via a main pivot;

[0030] a pair of deflecting rollers, carried by the substructure,

[0031] a pair of angular adjustment mechanisms, each angular adjustment mechanism being associated with a respective one of the steering rollers and comprising:

[0032] an adjustable linkage extending substantially vertically from a distal portion of the substructure; and

[0033] An inclined support plate extends between the adjustable linkage and a distal portion of the corresponding steering roller.

[0034] Furthermore, according to the second aspect of the invention, the adjustable linkage mechanism may include a locking device for locking its position relative to the substructure. The adjustable linkage mechanism may include a threaded rod with a locking nut configured as a locking mechanism, or a rod having a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes with a locking pin configured as a locking device. The footprint (viewed in plane) of the substructure and a pair of diagonal adjustment mechanisms may fall within the footprint (viewed in plane) of the mounting frame.

[0035] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conveyor, comprising:

[0036] Main conveyor frame;

[0037] A conveyor correction mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims mounted to the main conveyor frame; and

[0038] The belt is at least partially supported on the conveyor belt correction mechanism. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] The present invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0040] Figure 1 A front view showing a correction mechanism for a trough conveyor according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 2 Shows Figure 1 A top view of the correction mechanism;

[0042] Figure 3 Shows Figure 1 A side view of a correction mechanism;

[0043] Figure 4 Shows Figure 1 A three-dimensional diagram of the correction mechanism;

[0044] Figure 5 Shows Figure 1 A sectional front view of a correction mechanism;

[0045] Figure 6 Shows the formation Figure 1 A detailed view of an angle adjustment mechanism that is a portion of a correction mechanism;

[0046] Figure 7 Shows Figure 6A partial perspective view of the angle adjustment mechanism shown, wherein some parts are omitted to illustrate specific details;

[0047] Figure 8 Shows Figure 6 and Figure 7 A partial front view of the angle adjustment mechanism shown, in which some parts are omitted to show specific details;

[0048] Fig. 9 Shows Figures 6 to 8 An exploded partial front view of another embodiment of the angle adjustment mechanism;

[0049] Fig.10 Shows Fig. 9 A three-dimensional diagram of an angle adjustment mechanism;

[0050] Fig.11 Shows Fig. 9 A top view of an angle adjustment mechanism;

[0051] Fig.12 A front view showing a return correction mechanism of a conveyor according to one aspect of the present invention;

[0052] Fig.13 Shows Fig.12 A top view of a return angle adjustment mechanism;

[0053] Fig.14 Shows Fig.12 A partial front view of a return angle adjustment mechanism;

[0054] Fig.15 Shows Fig.12 A partial detailed front view of the angle adjustment mechanism;

[0055] Fig.16 Shows Fig.12 A three-dimensional diagram of a return angle adjustment mechanism;

[0056] Fig.17 Shows Fig.12 A partial detailed stereoscopic diagram of a return angle adjustment mechanism;

[0057] Fig.18 Shows Fig.12 A front view of an alternative embodiment of a return angle adjustment mechanism;

[0058] Fig.19 A front view showing a correction mechanism according to an alternative aspect of the present invention;

[0059] Fig. 20 Shows Fig.19 A top view of the correction mechanism;

[0060] Fig.21 Shows Fig.19 Side view of the correction mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0061] Before explaining any embodiment of the present invention in detail, it should be understood that the present invention is not limited in its application to the construction details and component arrangements set forth in the following description or shown in the following drawings. The present invention can have other embodiments and can be practiced or implemented in a variety of ways. In addition, it should be understood that the words and terms used herein are for descriptive purposes only and should not be considered as limiting. "Including", "comprising" or "having" and its variants used herein mean to include the items listed below and their equivalents and additional items. Unless otherwise specified or limited, the terms "mounting", "connection", "engagement" and their variants are used in a broad sense, including direct and indirect mounting, connection, support and connection, and are therefore intended to include direct connection between two components without any other components therebetween, and indirect connection between components with one or more other components therebetween. In addition, "connection" and "engagement" are not limited to physical or mechanical connections or connections. Additionally, words such as "lower", "upper", "upward", "lower" and "downward" indicate directions with reference to the drawings. Terms include the above-mentioned words, their derivatives and words or similar meanings. It should be noted that the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," as well as any singular use of any word used in this specification and the appended claims, include plural references unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one reference. As used herein, the term "include" and its grammatical variations are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list does not exclude other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0062] Reference Figures 1 to 11 , wherein like reference numerals indicate like features, a non-limiting example of a conveyor correction mechanism (or simply “correction mechanism”) according to the present invention is generally indicated by reference numeral 10 .

[0063] The correction mechanism described in detail herein is of a type in which the outer rollers or wing rollers are configured as steering rollers. The center roller, if present, generally does not play an active or primary role in the steering or correction of the belt. Thus, the correction mechanism discussed herein with "steering" or "wing" rollers is different from other types of correction mechanisms in which the side rollers function as "activation rollers" and in which case the center roller plays an active or primary role in the steering or correction of the belt.

[0064] The correction mechanism 10 is designed in particular as a trough conveyor correction mechanism.

[0065] The correction mechanism 10 comprises a mounting frame 12 having end mounting brackets 14 which, in use, are mounted to a conveyor frame structure (not shown). The mounting frame 12 is telescopically adjustable (in width) to facilitate use with various conveyor frame structure configurations.

[0066] The correction mechanism 10 also includes a substructure in the form of a subframe 16 that is pivotally mounted to the mounting frame 12 via a main pivot (or pivot post) 18 .

[0067] A set of rollers (collectively indicated by reference numeral 20) is supported by the subframe 16. The set of rollers 20 is operable to support the conveyor belt (e.g. Figure 1 Schematically indicated by the dashed line and reference numeral 22).

[0068] The set of rollers 20 typically includes at least one, but preferably a pair of, center rollers 24 and a pair of tapered wing rollers 26. The wing rollers 26 are configured as steering rollers, as discussed more fully below. The center roller 24 is disposed forwardly and aftwardly (in the direction of travel of the belt 22) of the main pivot 18. The wing rollers 26 are disposed on either side of the pair of center rollers 24. The wing rollers 26 are disposed at an angle 28 relative to the center roller 24 to define a groove angle 30 (due to the tapering of the wing rollers 26, the groove angle 30 is slightly less than the wing roller angle 28). The edge portions of the belt 22 are carried and supported by the wing rollers 26. Since the set of rollers 20 is fully supported by the subframe 16, the entire set of rollers 20 can pivot about the main pivot 18. As is known in the art, if the belt 22 becomes misaligned during use, one edge of the belt 22 will pass upwardly over one of the wing rollers 26, while the other edge of the belt 22 will pass downwardly over the opposite wing roller 26. Because the wing rollers 26 are tapered, this causes uneven forces to be applied to the two wing rollers 26, which results in a moment about the main pivot 18, causing the subframe 16 to pivot or oscillate on the main pivot 18. This in turn will cause the correction mechanism 10 (particularly the steering rollers or wing rollers 26) to steer the belt 22 back to a center position where the forces on the wing rollers 26 are substantially equal and the subframe 16 is substantially perpendicular to the length or direction of travel of the belt 22.

[0069] Importantly, each wing roller 26 is mounted proximally relative to the subframe 16 (thus towards the center of the correction mechanism or towards the main pivot 18) in an outwardly cantilevered manner. Thus, the outward (distal) end 32 of each wing roller 26 is unsupported, and thus the wing roller 26 is supported relative to the subframe 16 only at its lower or proximal end 34.

[0070] It will be readily appreciated that the wing rollers are arranged in a cantilevered manner:

[0071] i. The overall footprint of the sub-frame 16 is reduced, which makes the assembly of shields and other structures relative to the conveyor structure more feasible while reducing the possibility of contact, entrapment or clamping of personnel or equipment near the conveyor structure;

[0072] ii. potentially reducing the overall mass of the subframe 16 (due to the removal of the external support structure provided to support the outward end 32 of the wing roller 26);

[0073] iii. removing heavy and outwardly protruding support and adjustment mechanisms, thereby making the distal end of the sub-frame 16 and / or wing roller 26 lighter (thus, the weight distribution of the correction mechanism is shifted towards the axis of rotation (main pivot 18)); and

[0074] iv. The rotational inertia of the sub-frame 16 and the group 20 is reduced.

[0075] The inventors have discovered that the reduction in moment of inertia as described above improves the ability of the correction mechanism 10 to steer the belt 22 compared to prior art correction mechanisms 10 that do not use such a cantilever arrangement. More specifically, the reduced moment of inertia helps the correction mechanism 10 pivot faster through its alignment arc in response. This allows for a more sensitive, faster, and more accurate response to misalignment of the belt 22 (even a slight misalignment), which enhances steering and trackability. In other words, a lower moment of inertia requires a lower torque about the main pivot 18 (caused by the unbalanced forces transmitted to the wing rollers 26, as described above) to steer the belt 22 back to a substantially centered position.

[0076] As discussed in more detail below, Figures 1 to 11 The illustrated embodiment has a wing roller 26 that is pivotally adjustable relative to the sub-frame 16. That is, it should be understood that the present disclosure is not limited to correction mechanisms 10 having such pivotally adjustable wing rollers 26, and therefore also extends to configurations in which the wing rollers 26 are fixed in position relative to the sub-frame 16. Such configurations are not shown in the figures, nor discussed in greater detail herein.

[0077] Since not all trough conveyors or belts have the same construction, i.e. the trough angle 30 of different conveyor arrangements may be different, a pivotable adjustment of the wing roller 26 is provided. An angle adjustment mechanism 36 is incorporated into the support structure by which the wing roller 26 is supported in a cantilevered manner relative to the subframe 16 for this purpose. The angle adjustment mechanism 36 thus enables adjustment of the wing roller angle 28, which in turn enables adjustment of the trough angle 30. The angle adjustment mechanism 36 thus facilitates adjustment of the wing roller 26 in the direction of the arrow 38.

[0078] Specific reference Figures 6 to 11, the angle adjustment mechanism 36 includes a tubular bracket 40 having a central hole 42, in which the proximal portion of the shaft 44 of the wing roller 26 is received. At least one, but typically two, grub screws 46 are used to secure the shaft 44 relative to the tubular bracket 40. The fit between the central hole 42 and the shaft 44 is relatively delicate or tight.

[0079] The tubular support 40 is mounted relative to the sub-frame 16 via a first pivot 48. More specifically, the first pivot 48 is proximate a first end 50 (i.e., a distal end or top end) of the tubular support 40. The first pivot 48 is attached to a plate 52 that forms a portion of the sub-frame 16. Thus, the tubular support 40 can pivot relative to the sub-frame 16 about the first pivot 48.

[0080] The angle adjustment mechanism 36 also includes an adjustable linkage 54, which is pivotally fixed to the second end 56, i.e., the proximal end or lower end, of the tubular support 40 via a second pivot 58. In addition, the adjustable linkage 54 is supported relative to the sub-frame 16 (more specifically, the plate 52) via a third pivot 60. Therefore, the adjustable linkage 54 extends between the second end 56 of the tubular support 40 and the sub-frame 16. The adjustable linkage 54 can slide relative to the third pivot 60 to adjust the distance between the second pivot and the third pivot (58, 60). Therefore, the "effective length" 62 of the adjustable linkage 54 defined between the second pivot and the third pivot (58, 60) is adjustable. Since the relative positions of the first and third pivot axes ( 48 , 60 ) are fixed (both are fixed relative to the subframe 16 ), adjusting the effective length 62 causes the tubular support 40 , and thus the wing roller 26 , to pivot about the first pivot axis 48 .

[0081] The adjustable linkage 54 is capable of being releasably locked in position (to lock the effective length 62, and thereby the wing roll 26). The adjustable linkage 54 is in the form of a threaded rod, and the third pivot 60 is associated with a hole or bushing through which the rod extends (and through which the rod is free to move longitudinally). The position of the rod relative to the third pivot 60 (and thereby the effective length 62) can be locked by a stop in the form of a locking nut 64. By adjusting the locking nut 64, very fine adjustments of the effective length 62, and thereby the wing roll angle 28 and the slot angle 30, can be made.

[0082] Due to the configuration of the angle adjustment mechanism 36, the wing roll angle 28 can be adjusted between about zero and about 65 degrees, and thus can be adjusted to any angle between (and including) these extreme values. It should be appreciated that this represents a relatively large range of angle adjustment (compared to the adjustment ranges of prior art correction mechanisms). This large range of angle adjustment and the ability to make fine or minute angle adjustments within that range provide important benefits and added functionality to the correction mechanism 10:

[0083] i. By being adjustable to about 0 degrees, the correction mechanism 10 can be very compactly enclosed, which facilitates transportation;

[0084] ii. A wide range of groove angles 30 can now be achieved with a single correction mechanism 10, which eliminates the need to provide different correction mechanism 10 models for different ranges of groove angles, eliminates the need to order custom manufactured correction mechanisms 10, and enables the end user to maintain less inventory or spare parts;

[0085] iii. Fine adjustments (on the order of a degree or two) are sometimes required to enhance the function and effectiveness of the correction mechanism.

[0086] It will be appreciated that the wing rollers 26 are arranged to pivot in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane that allows the sub-frame 16 to pivot about the main pivot axis 18. The wing rollers 26 are arranged to pivot in a plane that is substantially perpendicular or vertical relative to the surface supporting the conveyor, while the sub-frame pivots in a plane that is substantially horizontal relative to the surface supporting the conveyor.

[0087] It should be understood that the above description provides only one preferred example embodiment of the conveyor correction mechanism 10 and that many variations are possible without departing from the spirit and / or scope of the present invention.

[0088] For example, the first, second and third pivots (48, 58, 60) are typically in the form of nut and bolt assemblies extending through suitable bushings, although alternative arrangements such as pins and C-clips may be used.

[0089] In some embodiments, a single center roller may be provided instead of two center rollers. In some alternative embodiments, the one or more center rollers may be replaced together with one or more support plates made of a low friction material such as a polished metal or a low friction polymer (it should be noted here again that the center roller in this type of correction mechanism does not play a significant role in steering the belt).

[0090] Theoretically, a configuration in which the center roller 24 cannot be pivoted relative to the support frame 12 or about the main pivot axis 18 is also possible (particularly in view of the fact that the center roller 24 is not configured as a deflection roller).

[0091] The adjustable linkage 54 and the stop may take other forms, such as an unthreaded rod having a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes through which pins may be placed (as stops). In this case, the effective length 62 may only be adjusted in increments, and thus fine adjustment of the wing roll angle 28 would not be possible. However, some of the basic principles described above may still be achieved with such a construction. The adjustment mechanism 36 may take alternative forms, such as the adjustment mechanism 210 discussed below (with appropriate design adjustments as necessary).

[0092] Furthermore, different belt widths, conveyor speeds and load weights will determine the physical properties and strength required of the various components, including the angle adjustment mechanism.The present invention is therefore not limited to the embodiments shown in the drawings.

[0093] Next go to Figures 12 to 18 An alternative form of correction mechanism, more specifically a correction mechanism in the form of a return tracker or return correction mechanism (again referred to simply as a "correction mechanism") is generally indicated by the reference numeral 200. It should be understood that the correction mechanism 200 can be used with belts configured in either a flat or slotted configuration.

[0094] Figures 12 to 18 The correction mechanism 200 and Figures 1 to 11 The correction mechanisms 10 of the EMBODIMENT 1 share many components and functions, and like features will be indicated by like reference numerals.

[0095] The correction mechanism 200 includes two turning rollers 202 having a generally cylindrical main body portion 204 and a tapered end portion 206. Here, the tapered end portion 206 plays an important role in the turning of the belt. It should be understood that the correction mechanism 200 does not include a center roller or even a center support plate.

[0096] The correction mechanism 200 comprises a substructure 208 (in this configuration, not in the form of a subframe) and two angle adjustment mechanisms (each associated with a respective deflection roller 202 , collectively denoted by reference numeral 210 ).

[0097] Each angle adjustment mechanism 210 includes a first pivot 212, a lever 214, a base plate 216, and an adjustable member 218. The lever 214 can pivot about the first pivot 212, and thereby can pivot relative to the substructure 208. The base plate 216 is fixed relative to the substructure 208. The adjustable member 218 extends between the lever 214 and the base plate 216. The shaft 220 of each steering roller 202 is fixed relative to the lever 214.

[0098] The adjustable member 218 is in the form of a threaded rod received within a threaded hole in the rod 214. The first end 222 of the adjustable member 218 bears against the base plate 216. Thus, adjustment of the adjustable member 218 pivotally adjusts the rod 214 relative to the base plate 216 and pivotally adjusts the steering roller relative to the substructure 208.

[0099] In some cases, and especially Fig.18 As shown, the threaded rod is elongated and extends longitudinally along the length of the turn roller 202. The second end 224 of the threaded rod 218 is now supported by the support plate 226 relative to the distal end 228 of the turn roller 202. The elongated rod 218 enables adjustment of the angle of the roller 202 to the side of the conveyor structure, which facilitates adjustment.

[0100] The correction mechanism 200 again facilitates fine adjustment of the roller angle (not shown). In particular, when it comes to returning the tracker, fine adjustments (on the order of one to two degrees) tend to be very effective in ensuring proper contact of the outer edge portion of the belt with the tapered end portion 206, thereby facilitating more effective tracking and correction of the belt. Such fine adjustments are facilitated by the correction mechanism 200. In addition, the angle adjustment mechanism 210 allows the steering roller 202 to be arranged in a flat configuration or a V-shaped configuration depending on the specific application and requirements. It should be appreciated that the correction mechanism 200 also achieves many other advantages associated with the correction mechanism 10.

[0101] Another aspect of the present invention is Figures 19 to 21 Here, another non-limiting example of a trough conveyor correction mechanism (or simply "correction mechanism") is indicated by reference numeral 100. Since the correction mechanisms (10 and 100) operate in substantially the same manner, the workings of these mechanisms will not be discussed in detail. Like components will be numbered the same.

[0102] Go to Fig.19 It can be noted that the steering roller or wing roller 26 is mounted and supported on the support mechanism at both ends (proximal and distal) (i.e. not in a cantilevered manner). However, in this embodiment, the upper or outward (distal) end 32 of the wing roller 26 is supported on a support bracket 102, which includes an inclined support plate 104 having a slot at the upper end to accommodate the shaft 44 of the wing roller 26. The support plate 104 is connected to the subframe 16 by an adjustment mechanism 106, which is arranged substantially vertically (relative to the surface of the conveyor being supported) and is therefore configured to raise or lower the support plate 104 using a threaded rod 108 and a nut 110. By raising or lowering the support plate 104, the angle 28 of the wing roller 26 is changed.

[0103] Figures 19 to 21One advantage of the adjustment mechanism shown is that it will provide more support for the wing roller 26, which can be very useful in heavy-duty applications. Another advantage is that the adjustment mechanism does not extend laterally beyond the edge of the mounting bracket 14.

[0104] The footprint (viewed in plan view) of the sub-frame and a pair of diagonal adjustment mechanisms falls within the footprint (viewed in plan view) of the mounting frame, particularly the mounting bracket 14. Therefore, since conveyors are typically provided with walkways on both sides of the conveyor for maintenance purposes, the fact that the adjustment mechanisms are located on the inside of the mounting bracket 14 means that the adjustment mechanisms will be much less obstructive to maintenance personnel as they pass by. Furthermore, these compact correction mechanisms can be installed within a conveyor having a shroud or cover without the need to modify the shroud or cover.

[0105] It should be understood that each of the correction mechanisms, steering rollers or wing rollers discussed above are arranged in line with the main pivot 18. Therefore, the tracking mechanism can be used to correct the belt traveling in the forward or reverse direction.

[0106] It should be understood that the above description provides only exemplary embodiments of certain aspects of the invention and that numerous variations are possible without departing from the spirit and / or scope of the invention.

[0107] It can be easily understood from this specification that the specific features of the present invention, as generally described in the figures and shown in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to various different configurations. Thus, the description of the present invention and the related drawings are not provided to limit the scope of the present invention, but simply represent selected embodiments.

[0108] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that the technical features of a given embodiment can actually be combined with the features of another embodiment, unless otherwise stated or it is obvious that these features are incompatible. In addition, unless otherwise stated, the technical features described in one embodiment can be isolated from other features of this embodiment.

Claims

1. A conveyor correction mechanism, comprising: a mounting frame for operably mounting the conveyor correction mechanism to a conveyor frame; a substructure pivotally mounted to the mounting frame via a main pivot; A pair of deflection rollers are mounted in an outwardly cantilevered manner relative to the substructure.

2. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 1, wherein: At least a portion of each of the turning rollers is tapered.

3. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein: Each deflecting roller can be pivotably adjusted relative to the substructure.

4. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 3, wherein: Each steering roller is mounted to the substructure by an angular adjustment mechanism.

5. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: Each angle adjustment mechanism includes a tubular bracket having a hole in which the shaft of the corresponding steering roller is operably received and retained in a cantilevered manner.

6. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 5, wherein: The axle of the respective deflecting roller is fixed relative to the tubular support by at least a first grub screw.

7. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 5 or 6, wherein: The tubular support is pivotally mounted to the substructure proximate a first end thereof via a first pivot.

8. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 7, wherein: An adjustable linkage extends between the second end of the tubular support and the substructure, wherein the adjustable linkage is pivotally secured to the tubular support and the substructure via a second pivot and a third pivot, respectively.

9. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 8, wherein: The effective length of the adjustable linkage is adjustable to allow the tubular support to pivot about the first pivot axis to adjust the angle of the tubular support relative to the substructure.

10. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 8 or 9, wherein: The adjustable linkage comprises a threaded rod having a locking nut arrangement for releasably securing the position of the adjustable linkage.

11. The conveyor correction mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 10, wherein: Each steering roller is adjustable between approximately 0 and 65 degrees relative to the plane in which the center roller is disposed.

12. A conveyor straightening mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one first center roller disposed between the pair of deflection rollers.

13. The conveyor correction mechanism of claim 12, comprising two center rollers disposed on opposite sides of the main pivot.

14. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 4, wherein: Each angle adjustment mechanism includes: a first pivot shaft connected to the substructure and to the corresponding shaft of the steering roller; a lever member pivotably arranged relative to the substructure; a base plate fixed relative to the substructure; and An adjustable member extends between the rod and the base plate.

15. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 14, wherein: The adjustable member includes a threaded member received within a threaded hole of the rod and having a first end arranged to bear against the base plate.

16. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 15, wherein: The threaded member includes an elongated member having a second end supported relative to a distal end of a corresponding one of the deflection rollers.

17. The conveyor correction mechanism according to any one of claims 3 to 16, wherein: Each steering roller is configured to be pivotably adjustable in a plane that is substantially perpendicular to the plane in which the substructure is pivotable about the main pivot axis.

18. A conveyor correction mechanism, comprising: a mounting frame for operably mounting the conveyor correction mechanism to a conveyor belt frame; a substructure pivotally mounted to the mounting frame via a main pivot; a pair of steering rollers, the pair of steering rollers being supported by the substructure, a pair of angular adjustment mechanisms, each angular adjustment mechanism being associated with a respective one of the pair of steering rollers and comprising: an adjustable linkage extending substantially vertically from a distal portion of the substructure; as well as An inclined support plate extends between the adjustable linkage and a distal portion of a corresponding one of the steering rollers.

19. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 18, wherein: The adjustable linkage mechanism includes a locking device for locking its position relative to the substructure, and wherein the adjustable linkage mechanism includes one of the following: a) a threaded rod with a locking nut configured as a locking mechanism; and b) a rod having a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes with a locking pin configured as a locking device.

20. The conveyor correction mechanism according to claim 18 or 19, wherein: The occupied areas of the substructure and the pair of diagonal adjustment mechanisms as viewed in a plan view fall within the occupied area of ​​the mounting frame as viewed in a plan view.

21. A conveyor, comprising: Main conveyor frame; a conveyor correction mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims mounted to the main conveyor frame; and A belt is at least partially supported on the conveyor correction mechanism.

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