LATERAL GUIDE DEVICE FOR AN ENDLESS CONVEYOR BELT OF A TROUGH CONVEYOR

Abstract

The device (1A / 1B) is used for the lateral guidance of an endless conveyor belt of a trough conveyor, and comprises a support (10) and an idle guide roller (11), which is capable of being removably mounted on the support (10), between a first part (101) for supporting one end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) at a high point and a second part (102) for supporting the other end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) at a low point. The first part (101) of the support is movable between an operational position and a retracted position. The device comprises a locking means (13), which makes it possible to lock the first part (101) in said operational position.Once the first part (101) is locked and the roller (11) is mounted on the support (10), the first part (101) can be unlocked and be completely disengaged from the end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) by being brought into said retracted position, and preferably the roller (11) is able to pivot downwards by gravity. FIG.3.

Description

Title of the invention: DEVICE FOR LATERALLY GUIDING AN ENDLESS CONVEYOR BELT TROWL Technical field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of "trough conveyors" comprising an endless conveyor belt, which is deformable so as to form a trough. In this technical field, the invention relates more particularly to the lateral guidance of the trough-shaped conveyor belt. Prior art

[0002] Trough conveyors have been known and used for many years for "bulk" transport, that is to say for transporting from one point to another any type of bulk products or objects or any type of bulk materials. The advantage of the trough shape is to prevent the bulk objects, products or materials from leaving the conveyor belt laterally during their transport.

[0003] An endless conveyor belt of a trough conveyor is deformable so as to form a trough. This is the case, for example, in the trough conveyors described in publications US 2,695,701 and US 4,720,005 and US 6,269,994.

[0004] To guide the upper transport strand of the endless conveyor belt of a trough conveyor, there are two types of rotating guide roller, of the idler roller type.

[0005] A first type of guide roller described for example in European patent application EP 1 564 166 is a guide roller, which is horizontal and positioned centrally under the upper transport strand of the conveyor belt, the axis of rotation of the roller being perpendicular to the longitudinal conveying axis of the conveyor. In European patent application EP 1 564 166, this guide roller is retractable by rotation, between a position in which it supports and guides the conveyor belt and a retracted position in which it is no longer in contact with the conveyor belt.

[0006] A second type of idler guide roller, described for example in the trough conveyors of the aforementioned publications US 2,695,701 and US 4,720,005 and US 6,269,994, is a lateral guide roller, which is inclined or can be inclined by a greater or lesser angle, and which allows lateral guidance of one of the two raised lateral parts of the trough formed by the upper strand of the conveyor belt. The greater the inclination of this type of guide roller, the greater the depth of the trough formed by the conveyor belt, which in practice makes it possible to transport a greater volume of bulk material per linear meter.

[0007] Generally, the guide roller is mounted in a removable manner on a support in order to be able to ensure its maintenance.

[0008] When the endless conveyor belt of a trough conveyor is deformable so as to form a trough, these guide rollers not only have a lateral guide function but also, depending on their positioning on the path of the conveyor belt, a troughing or trough-maintaining function.

[0009] The guide rollers enabling troughing are mounted in an upstream station of the conveyor, in which they support and guide the conveyor belt by deforming it from its initial (unstressed) substantially flat shape to its final trough shape at the outlet of the troughing station.

[0010] The terms “upstream” and “downstream” are defined here in relation to the direction of movement of the upper strand of the conveyor belt.

[0011] The lateral guide rollers which are positioned on the path of the conveyor belt downstream of the troughing station, allow them to fulfill a function of guiding and simply maintaining the conveyor belt in the shape of a trough.

[0012] In some cases, a horizontal guide roller of the first type mentioned above may be interposed between two lateral guide rollers of a pair. In other embodiments, it is possible not to place a guide roller of the first type between two lateral guide rollers.

[0013] This having been explained, in a trough conveyor, once the conveyor belt is mounted, the dismantling of a lateral guide roller from its support as well as its mounting are complicated and very tedious because of the pressure that the conveyor belt exerts on the guide roller, due to its tensioning, and this even in the absence of bulk on the conveyor belt. This pressure is all the stronger and more problematic as the conveyor belt is deformed or is kept deformed by the guide roller.

[0014] Thus, to date, to proceed with the assembly or disassembly of a lateral guide roller without having to slacken the belt, at least one person must reduce the pressure exerted by the conveyor belt on the guide roller, for example by moving the conveyor belt away from the guide roller by means of a bar used as a lever, while another person proceeds with the assembly or disassembly of the lateral guide roller. In addition to the difficulty of the operation, it can be emphasized that at least two people are mobilized for the assembly or disassembly, and the assembly / disassembly operation causes risks of accidents.

[0015] In certain cases, the pressure exerted by the conveyor belt on the guide roller is too great and detrimentally requires the complete dismantling of the device (support and lateral guide roller) and / or the reduction of the tension of the conveyor belt.

[0016] Another problem lies in the difficulty encountered in accessing a lateral guide roller during a disassembly operation. This difficulty is further increased due to the generally obligatory presence of an entry point protection.

[0017] Attempts have also already been made to facilitate the dismantling or mounting of a lateral guide roller on a trough conveyor by proposing to use an inflatable envelope which is interposed between the conveyor belt and a support point close to the guide roller, and which is inflated to move the conveyor belt away from the guide roller.

[0018] This solution may at first seem attractive, but it generates other disadvantages. In particular, it may be difficult to access a support point that is suitable for the implementation of this inflatable envelope. In addition, and especially with this solution, each maintenance team is forced to equip itself with additional equipment (compressor and bulky inflatable envelope), which must be transported to the trough conveyor for each maintenance operation of a lateral guide roller. Presentation of the invention

[0019] An objective of the invention is to propose a new technical solution, which makes it possible to completely simplify the operations of mounting and dismounting a lateral guide roller in a trough conveyor, in the presence of an endless conveyor belt which exerts pressure on the lateral guide roller, while avoiding the implementation of additional specific equipment to carry out the mounting / dismounting of the lateral guide roller. Summary of the invention

[0020] This objective is achieved by means of a lateral guiding device for an endless conveyor belt of a trough conveyor, the support of the guide roller of which has been improved.

[0021] This lateral guide device comprises, in a manner known in the prior art, a support and an idle guide roller, which is capable of being mounted in a removable manner on the support, between a first part making it possible to support one end of the axis of the roller at a high point and a second part making it possible to support the other end of the axis of the roller at a low point.

[0022] Characteristically according to the invention, the first part of the support is movable between an operational position and a retracted position; the lateral guide device comprises a locking means, which makes it possible to lock the first part in said operational position; once the first part is locked and the roller mounted on the support, the first part can be unlocked and be completely released from the end of the roller axis by being brought into said retracted position; the support comprises a fixed support element and the locking means allows the first part to be clamped against this fixed support element; the fixed support element comprises a centering element, which is capable of cooperating with a complementary centering element of the first part of the support, so as to center the first part when it is brought into said operational position and is locked by being clamped against the fixed support element.

[0023] Optionally according to the invention, the lateral guidance device of the invention may also include the following optional technical characteristics, taken individually or in combination: - When the first part is completely clear of the end of the roller shaft, the roller is preferably able to pivot downwards by gravity, being supported at the low point by the second part of the support. - The first part of the support is not detached from the rest of the support (i.e. remains attached to the support) when it is retracted. - In said retracted position of the first part of the support, the roller is completely axially accessible, and preferably can be removed from the second part of the support by pulling the roller in its axial direction. - The support comprises a rotating joint allowing the pivoting of the first part of the support between said operational position and said retracted position. - The joint allows the first part of the support to pivot over an angular range of at least 60°. - The support comprises a third connecting part which rigidly connects the first part to the second part; the first part of the support is movable relative to this third connecting part for its movement between said operational position and said retracted position. - The articulation is between the first part of the support and said third connecting part. - the high point and the low point of the support define a support axis and the axis of rotation of the articulation of the first part of the support is horizontal and transverse to this support axis, and preferably perpendicular to this support axis. - The roller being able to pivot downwards by gravity when the first part is completely disengaged from the end of the roller axis, the support comprises a retaining element, the function of which, when the first part of the support is brought into the retracted position and no longer supports the roller, is to retain the roller vertically in a disassembly position when the roller is pivoted downwards, disassembly position in which the end of the roller axle is supported at the low point by the second part of the support. - The retaining element is inclined upwards from its end closest to the second part, and preferably at substantially the same inclination as the roller mounted on its support. - The retaining element is also suitable for laterally holding the guide roller in its disassembly position. - The retaining element comprises a retaining wall which is positioned under the roller, when the latter is mounted on the support. - The retaining element comprises two lateral retaining walls which, together with the retaining wall, form a retaining and lateral retaining bowl for the roller in its disassembly position. - In its disassembled position the roller is kept tilted upwards from its low point. - The low point and the high point of support define a support axis, and the angle (a) of tilting of the roller in its disassembly position relative to this support axis is strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45°, and preferably between 5° and 20°. - The locking means comprises a clamping nut and a threaded shaft fixed to the support; the first part comprises an oblong through opening, which is positioned and oriented in such a way that it allows the passage of the threaded shaft through the first part when the latter is brought into said operational position. - The device comprises at least one entry point protection which is fixed to a fixed part of the support, preferably in a removable manner, and which prevents access to the roller via at least one of its two main sides, said entry point protection preferably comprising a rectangular type plate whose width is greater than the diameter of the roller, and whose length is greater than the length of the roller.

[0024] Another subject of the invention is a lateral guide assembly for an endless conveyor belt of a trough conveyor, which assembly defines a central conveying axis and comprises at least one pair of lateral guide devices, in which at least one first device is a lateral guide device of the invention and the second lateral guide device may or may not be a device of the invention; in this assembly, said first and second lateral guide devices are positioned on either side of the central conveying axis, being spaced from each other, the low point of the support of the first device being closer of this central conveying axis than the high point of its support.

[0025] Preferably, said second device is also a lateral guidance device of the invention.

[0026] Preferably, the two lateral guide devices are mounted on the same crosspiece.

[0027] Another subject of the invention is a trough conveyor comprising a conveyor belt, which is deformable so as to form a trough and one or more guide devices of the invention or one or more lateral guide assemblies of the invention.

[0028] Another subject of the invention is a method for dismantling an idle guide roller from a lateral guide device of the invention, which is mounted in contact with the upper strand of a trough-shaped conveyor belt of a trough conveyor, the upper strand exerting pressure on the idle guide roller (11), and being deformed locally or kept deformed locally by said roller, said method comprising the following succession of steps: a. the first part of the support is unlocked; b. this first part is retracted so as to free the end of the axis of the roll at the high point, c. the roll is removed from its support, preferably by pulling it in its axial direction to completely release its end at the low point of the second part of the support.

[0029] Preferably, in the disassembly step (b), once the end of the roller axis at the high point is released from the first part, the roller is able to pivot downwards by gravity and is manually retained or pivots downwards by itself by gravity, preferably until it is retained by the retaining element in said disassembly position, more preferably still without it being necessary to manually retain the roller, and the roller still being supported at its other end at the low point of the support.

[0030] The invention also relates to a method for mounting an idle guide roller of a lateral guide device of the invention, the support of which is already mounted in a trough conveyor comprising a trough-shaped conveyor belt, which is deformable for placing it in a trough or keeping it in a trough, said method comprising the following succession of steps: a. the first part of the support being retracted, the roller is positioned relative to the support element and moved so as to position one end of the roller axis on the second part of the support, so that it is supported at a low point of the support of this roller; b. lift the roller by pivoting it slightly upwards to bring it into contact with the upper strand of the conveyor belt; c. the first part of the support is brought into its operational position and locked in this position; d. the other end of the roller shaft is positioned on the second part of the support, so that it is supported at a high point of the support.

[0031] Preferably, in the mounting step (b), when the support of the device comprises a retaining element, the roller is pivoted upwards, using a lever and taking the retaining element as a support point for this lever. Brief description of the figures

[0032] The characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear more fully on reading the detailed description below of a preferred embodiment of the invention, which detailed description is given as a non-limiting and non-exhaustive example of the invention, and with reference to the appended drawings in which: - [Fig.l] [Fig.l] is an isometric perspective view showing the upstream part of a trough conveyor whose conveyor belt is troughed by means of lateral guide devices, the first of which is in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention and is part of a lateral guide assembly with two rollers, only one of which is visible in [Fig.l]. - [Fig.2] [Fig.2] is an isometric perspective view representing the two-roller side guide assembly of [Fig.l], in its operational condition, the support associated with each roller being locked. - [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is an isometric perspective view showing the lateral guide assembly of [Fig.2], one of the parts of the support associated with each idler guide roller being unlocked and having been retracted to completely release the end at the high point of the roller axis, the two rollers having pivoted by gravity into their disassembly position, in which they are, in this preferred variant, each held vertically by a retaining element and are completely accessible and can be very easily removed from their support. Detailed description

[0033] [Fig.l] shows the upstream part of a trough conveyor C comprising: - an upstream troughing station S produced by means of a monolithic lateral guide assembly E and comprising two lateral guide devices IA and IB, which are produced in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention, and of which only one lateral guide device IA is visible in [Fig.l], - and, at the exit of the S troughing station, a second guidance device lateral 1' which is known in the state of the art, and which makes it possible to maintain the trough shape of the upper strand of the conveyor belt B. This second device could also have been a lateral guiding device of the invention

[0034] The contribution of the invention lies mainly in the new structure of the support 10 of the guide roller 11 of the device 1 A.

[0035] Trough conveyor - [Fig. 11- Lateral guide devices IA and IB (invention) and 1' (prior art)

[0036] This trough conveyor C is usually used for transporting "bulk" from one point to another, i.e. any type of bulk products or materials (for example and not exhaustively: powders, granular materials, waste, etc.) or bulk objects, and can be used in any type of industry (for example and not exhaustively: food industry, civil engineering, manufacturing and production of road surfaces, waste treatment, agriculture, etc.).

[0037] The trough conveyor C of [Fig.l] comprises an endless conveyor belt B, which is deformable so as to be able to form a trough AU. Conventionally, this carrying conveyor belt B is diverted around an upstream detour drum R and around a downstream detour drum (not shown) and is tensioned between these two detour drums. Other rollers, in particular for tension adjustment, can also be used if necessary on the return strand (lower strand). One of the two detour drums is motorized and allows the conveyor belt to be driven in a known manner, the other detour drum being mounted freely and driven in rotation by friction by the conveyor belt.

[0038] In [Fig.l], only the upstream part of the upper strand of the conveyor belt is shown, which is in contact with the guide rollers 11 and 11' of the lateral guide devices 1A and 1', the deviation of the conveyor belt around the roller R not being shown.

[0039] In [Fig.l], the endless conveyor belt B defines a longitudinal conveying axis A1 and its upper strand, which is used for transporting bulk material, is driven in the conveying direction T. Only the guide rollers of the devices 1A and 1' are visible on one of the sides of the conveyor belt B, it being specified that the upper strand is deformed in a similar manner on its opposite side, preferably in a substantially symmetrical manner with respect to the longitudinal conveying axis A1, by means of lateral guide devices IB ([Fig.2]) and 1' positioned in contact with the other side, with respect to the conveying axis A1, of the upper strand of the conveyor belt B.

[0040] In the troughing station S, the upper strand is troughed by the inclined rollers 11 of the lateral guide devices IA and IB (IB not visible in [Fig.l]), in order to move from an initial, substantially flat, unconstrained shape to a constrained, trough-shaped shape. At the outlet of the troughing station S, this upper strand of the conveyor belt B is held in shape by a succession of pairs of subsequent lateral guide devices, such as, for example, the lateral guide device 1', which are judiciously distributed and spaced along this path, up to the bulk delivery point. In [Fig.l], the lateral guide devices, after the one referenced 1', are not shown, and may advantageously be lateral guide devices in accordance with the invention; the device 1' of [Fig.l] may also be replaced by a device of the invention.

[0041] Generally, but not exclusively, the delivery of the transported bulk is carried out by gravity at the downstream drive drum, due to the change in direction of the upper strand. Before reaching this downstream drive drum, the upper strand is no longer constrained and returns to its initial flat shape. In practice, for the transition between the trough shape and the flat shape of the upper strand, an assembly of the invention similar for example to that E of the troughing station S is used as the last pair of lateral guide rollers.

[0042] It will be noted that within the framework of the invention, the trough conveyor may comprise only lateral guide devices in accordance with the invention or may comprise lateral guide devices in accordance with the invention and conventional guide devices such as that 1' of [Fig.l].

[0043] It is understood in light of [Fig.l] that the conveyor belt, in particular due to its tensioning and its deformation by the lateral guide rollers 11, 11', exerts significant pressure on these rollers 11, 11', which makes it difficult and tedious for the devices 1' of the prior art to remove the guide roller 11' from its support 10' and also to mount it on its support 10'. In addition, access to the roller 11' to remove it is difficult, and is even more difficult when the device includes an entry point protection P, such as that of the lateral guide device 1A of [Fig.l].

[0044] The new lateral guide device of the invention, a preferred, non-limiting embodiment of which will now be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3, advantageously makes it possible to completely simplify the operations of mounting and dismounting a lateral guide roller of a trough conveyor, with a view to its maintenance, in particular its checking, cleaning, repair or replacement.

[0045] [Fig.2] and [Fig.31- Preferred embodiment variant- Set E of two dis- lateral guidance positives 1

[0046] [Fig.2] shows the lateral guide assembly E for the trough conveyor of [Fig.l], which defines a central conveying axis A2 and comprises two guide devices lateral IA and IB, each of which corresponds to a preferred embodiment variant.

[0047] Each device IA and IB comprises a support 10 and a guide roller 11, of the idler roller type.

[0048] The idler rollers 11 are perfectly known and already implemented in devices of the prior art, in particular such as that 1' of [Fig.l].

[0049] It will simply be recalled that an idle roller 11 can comprise a roller 110, which is mounted idle on a shaft which passes through the roller 110 or on two ends of shafts aligned and positioned at the two ends of the roller 110.

[0050] In this text, the following terms are used: - “axis” of the idle guide roller 11, indifferently a shaft crossing the roller 110 or the two ends of shafts aligned at the ends of the roller 110, - and by “axis of rotation” of the idle guide roller 11, the fictitious axis of rotation ([Fig.2] - axes of rotation 112) of the roller 110 on its “axis”.

[0051] The support 10 defines a high support point and a low support point for the axis of the roller 11, which are herein designated respectively "high point" and "low point", and which are aligned along an axis, herein designated "support axis".

[0052] When the roller 11 is mounted on the support 10, it is inclined while being supported between the high point and the low point of the support 10 and its axis of rotation 112 is parallel to this support axis.

[0053] The lateral guide devices 1 A and 1 B are positioned on either side of the central conveying axis A2 of the assembly E, being spaced apart from each other, the low point of their support 10 being closer to this central conveying axis A2 than the high point of its support (10) which is further away from it.

[0054] The support axis of the lateral guide devices IA and IB is oriented transversely to this central conveying axis A2 and forms with this central conveying axis A2 an angle of 90° or an angle in an angular range around 90° which is more or less significant, and which can preferably be adjustable (for example over an angular range of + / - 10° around 90°).

[0055] In this preferred example, the two devices IA and IB are identical and symmetrical to each other with respect to the plane (XY) and have an angle of 5° with respect to the perpendicular of the central conveying axis A2 of the assembly E.

[0056] In [Fig.2], the two devices IA and IB are in their operational state, and can laterally guide and trough-shape or maintain the trough-shape of the aforementioned conveyor belt B ([Fig.l]).

[0057] In [Fig. 3], the rollers 11 of the two devices IA and IB are in their disassembly position (i.e. ready to be removed from their support 10) in which they are easily accessible and can easily be removed from their support 10.

[0058] In the following, we refer mainly to the AI ​​device, knowing that the description and the explanations can obviously be transposed to the twin IB system. Support 10

[0059] In [Fig.2], the idle lateral guide roller 11, designated for simplification by the The "roller" suite is mounted, in a removable manner on its carrier support 10 and is inclined, in this case at an angle of approximately 35°. This value is obviously not limiting of the invention, and the support 10 can easily be modified on a case-by-case basis to obtain a different angle of inclination, depending on the desired depth for the trough shape AU ([Fig. 1]).

[0060] In addition, the support 10 can be modified so as to allow different angles of inclination of the roller 11 for the same support.

[0061] This support 10 may, for example, be made of galvanized or stainless steel, and comprises two support elements 101 and 102 which respectively constitute a first part and a second part of the support 10, and which are fixed on a plate 103. This plate 103 constitutes a third part of the support 10 and makes it possible to rigidly connect the two support elements 101 and 102, so as to form a monolithic support 10 (i.e. a single piece).

[0062] The support 10 also comprises a retaining element 104 which will be described later.

[0063] The two support elements 101 and 102, and the plate 103, which will now be described in more detail, can advantageously be produced by simply cutting and folding a flat sheet, which facilitates their manufacture (no assembly) and makes it possible to give them excellent mechanical strength. This provides a robust support 10 capable of resisting, reliably and over time, the forces transmitted by the ends of the axis of the roller 11, due to the pressure exerted on the roller 11 by the conveyor belt. Fixed support element (102)

[0064] Preferably, the support element 102 is a V-shaped folded sheet metal which is welded onto the plate 103.

[0065] This support element 102 comprises a cutout 102b which is made in its fold 102a, and which makes it possible to receive and support one of the two ends 111 of the axis of the roller 11 at the low point.

[0066] In this preferred example, the geometry and dimensions of this cutout 102b are adapted to those of the end 111 of the roller shaft, such that this shaft end 111 can be inserted without forcing, from above, into the cutout 102b, and that once this shaft end 111 is inserted: - The axis of the roller 11 rests vertically on the support element (i.e. low point), - The axis of the roller 11 is immobilized in rotation in a plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation 112; - The axis of the roller 11 is blocked by the support element 102 in translation downwards axially (axis 112) and in the mounting direction M ([Fig.3]). - When the roller 11 is released from the other support element 102, it can freely pivot downwards by gravity (i.e. under the effect of its own weight) and is not blocked in translation axially (axis 112) in its disassembly direction D ([Fig.3]).

[0067] It will be noted mainly that this support element 102 has the main function of supporting the end 111 of the axis of the roller 11 at a low point. The invention is not limited to this particular structure of element 102, which can, more generally, be replaced by any equivalent means, of different structure, fulfilling the same function of supporting an end 111 of the axis of the roller 11 at a low point. Movable support element 101

[0068] The other support element 101 is also made of a cut and folded sheet metal. It comprises a main arm 101a which is extended, with a folding angle, by an upper plate 101b.

[0069] At its lower end, the arm 101a is connected to the plate 103 by a rotational articulation 105, which allows it to pivot around an axis of rotation 105a, relative to the plate 103.

[0070] Preferably, this rotational articulation 105 allows pivoting of the support element 101 over an angular range of at least 60° so as to free up maximum access to the roller 11 when the support element 101 is in the retracted position ([Fig.3])•

[0071] The upper plate 101b of the support element 101 has a U-shaped notch 101b, which is made in its upper edge (cf. Device 1B - [Fig.l]), and which allows, when the support element 101 is locked in its operational position of [Fig.3], to receive and support one end 111 of the axis of the roller 11 at the high point.

[0072] The geometry and dimensions of this notch 111 are adapted to those of the end 111 of the roller shaft, such that this shaft end 111 can be inserted without forcing, from above, into the notch 111, and that once this shaft end 111 is inserted: - The axis of the roller 11 rests vertically on the support element 101 (i.e. high point), - The axis of the roller 11 is immobilized in rotation in a plane perpendicular to its axis of rotation 112; - The axis of the roller 11 is blocked by the support element 102 in translation towards the top axially (axis 112) and in the disassembly direction D ([Fig.2]).

[0073] It will be noted mainly that this support element 101 has the main function of supporting the end 111 of the axis of the roller 11 at a high point.

[0074] The invention is not limited to this particular structure of element 101, which can, more generally, be replaced by any equivalent means, of different structure, which more generally is movable between a lockable operational position and a retracted position, and which once locked in this operational position can support one end 111 of the axis of the roller 11 at a high point.

[0075] The high point and the low point of the support 10 are aligned along an axis, designated here “support axis”. When the roller 11 is mounted on the support 10, its axis of rotation 112 is parallel to this support axis.

[0076] In the preferred example of Figures 1 and 2, the axis of rotation 105a of the element 102 is horizontal and transverse, and preferably perpendicular, to this support axis, that is to say in practice to the axis of rotation 112 of the roller 11, when the roller 11 is mounted on the support 10. Thus, advantageously in its retracted position of [Fig. 3], the support element 102 does not occupy space on either side of the device IA.

[0077] Locking / Unlocking the support element 101

[0078] Each adjustment device IA (IB) comprises a means 13 for locking the support element 101 in its operational position of [Fig.2].

[0079] More particularly in the preferred embodiment of the appended figures, this locking means 13 comprises a nut 13a and a threaded axis 13b (of the threaded rod type) which is integrated into the support 10, and more particularly in this example which is fixed to the retaining element 104.

[0080] In the absence of a retaining element 104, the threaded axis 13b can be fixed at any fixed point of the support 10.

[0081] The plate 101b of the support element 101 comprises a through opening 101c of oblong shape ([Fig.3]), which is positioned and oriented in such a way that it allows the passage of the threaded axis 13b through the plate 101b, when the support element 101 pivots in said operational position of [Fig.2].

[0082] In addition, the support 10 comprises a support plate 106 which is fixed, for example by welding, between the retaining element 104 and the plate 103.

[0083] This support plate 106 has been cut in such a way that one 106a (support edge) of its edges has a recess 106b, constituting a male centering element.

[0084] The arm 101a of the element 101 comprises a through centering opening 101e, of oblong shape, which is sized and oriented relative to the male centering element 106b, such that during the pivoting of the support element 101 from its retracted position of [Fig.3] to its operational position of [Fig.2], this opening 101e of the plate 101b is positioned opposite the centering element 106b.

[0085] By continuing the pivoting, the centering element 106b passes through the opening 101e, and makes it possible to guide the support element 101 into its operational position ([Fig.2]), bearing on the bearing edge 106a of the plate 106 and to align it perfectly with respect to the other support element 102 which is fixed.

[0086] Once pivoted into this operational position of [Fig.2], the support element 101 is correctly centered, the high point of the support element 101 being correctly aligned with the low point of the other support element 102 which is fixed.

[0087] Locking the support element 101 in this operational position can then be easily achieved by threading the nut 13a onto the threaded shaft 13b and tightening this nut 13a sufficiently to reliably block the pivoting of the support element 101 around the joint 105 and to clamp the support element 101 in abutment against the bearing edge 106a of the bearing plate.

[0088] To unlock the support element 101, in order to retract it, it is sufficient to loosen and remove the nut 13a from the threaded axis 13b. Retaining element 104

[0089] The retaining element 104 of the support 10 generally has the main function of holding the roller 11 vertically in its disassembly position of [Fig. 3] and of preventing it from falling under the effect of its own weight.

[0090] More particularly, when the roller 11 is mounted on the support 10, the retaining element 104 is positioned under the roller 11, and is spaced from this roller 11.

[0091] Preferably, the retaining element 104 is centered relative to the roller 11 mounted on the support 10.

[0092] In the variant of the appended figures, the retaining element 104 also has the additional function of laterally holding the roller 11 in its disassembly position.

[0093] More particularly, in the particular example of figures 2 and 3, the retaining element comprises a U-shaped profile comprising a base forming a retaining plate 104a and two lateral holding walls 104b. It thus forms a bowl for retaining and lateral holding of the roller 11 in its disassembly position.

[0094] The retaining element 104 is fixed, at its base, on the upper edge of the support plate 106 and one of its ends is fixed to the fixed support element 102 and 103, for example by welding ([Fig.3])

[0095] This retaining element 104 is preferably inclined upwards from its end closest to the support element 102, and more preferably still has substantially the same inclination as the support axis of the support 10, in other words the same inclination as the roller 11 mounted on its support 10.

[0096] The inclination of the retaining element 104 and its spacing relative to the roller 11 are preferably chosen such that:

[0097] - in its disassembly position, the roller 11 is kept inclined upwards from its lowest point, which prevents it from accidentally slipping and falling when it is not held during an assembly or disassembly operation,

[0098] and / or - the tilting angle (a) ([Fig.3]) of the roller 1 in its disassembled position relative to this support axis can be very small and between 0° (not included) and 45° and preferably between 5° and 20°.

[0099] The minimum angle value of 5° mentioned above is most of the time largely sufficient for the roller 11 to be sufficiently spaced from the belt and no longer subject to excessive pressure from the conveyor belt.

[0100] In the extreme, even if the roller 11 does not pivot at all (a = 0) disassembly would be possible by axially removing the roller 11, because the friction with the upper strand of the strip B remains low. It is therefore conceivable within the framework of the invention to have a roller 11 which does not pivot by gravity when its end of axis 111 at the high point is released, for example either because its other end of axis 111, opposite the low point, keeps it cantilevered or because a wedge has been implemented which holds the roller 11 and prevents it from pivoting downwards.

[0101] The maximum angle value of 45° is recommended (but is not limiting) to prevent the extent of the tilting of the roller 11 from being too great and to prevent the roller 11 from accidentally “bouncing” on this retaining element 104, when the roller 11 is not held during its tilting.

[0102] In the variant of Figures 2 and 3, the retaining walls 104b and the retaining wall 104a are an integral part of the same part (U-shaped profile). In another variant, the retaining element 104 may not be made of a single part, or even be monolithic, the retaining wall 104a and the retaining walls 104b being able, for example, to be fixed separately to a fixed part of the support 10. Incoming point protection P

[0103] The device IA or IB of the invention may, depending on its position in the conveyor, be equipped with at least one entry point protection P which is fixed to the support 10, on a fixed part of this support 10, and for example to the retaining element 104. The entry point protection P prevents, in a known manner, access to the roller 11 from at least one of its two sides [upstream side of the roller relative to the direction of travel of the belt to avoid pinching between the belt and the roller].

[0104] In the invention, to avoid wasting time on unnecessary disassembly and reassembly, it advantageously remains in place for the entire duration of the intervention on the conveyor trough, during operations of assembly or disassembly of a roller 11.

[0105] It will be emphasized that thanks to the invention, maintaining the entry point protection is not a disadvantage for accessing the roller 11 due to the accessibility to the roller 11 obtained, in the invention, thanks to the retraction of the support element 101.

[0106] This entry point protection P is preferably removable from the support 10 so as to be able to adapt its positioning on one side or the other of the support 10 to take into account the direction of advancement of the upper strand of the endless belt B, relative to the rollers 11.

[0107] The positioning on the support 10 of this entry point protection P is preferably adjustable so as to be able to adjust its operating clearance with the strip.

[0108] This entry point protection P is obtained for example by means of a plate 108 ([Fig.l]) of rectangular type whose width is greater than the diameter of the roller 11, and whose length is greater than the length of the guide roller.

[0109] Assembly E under the upper strand of the conveyor belt B

[0110] This lateral guide assembly E is monolithic, that is to say in one piece.

[0111] More particularly, and in a non-limiting manner of the invention, the assembly E comprises a crosspiece 2 on which the supports 10 of the two devices IA and IB are mounted and fixed, for example by bolting. The spacing between the supports 10 of the two devices IA and IB on the crosspiece 2 is preferably adjustable.

[0112] To place and fix the assembly E (without the rollers 11) on a supporting structure, under the upper strand of the conveyor belt B, it is sufficient to align in the same vertical plane the conveying axis A2 of the assembly E and the aforementioned conveying axis Al ([Fig.l]) of the trough conveyor, which allows centering of the supports 10 relative to the conveying axis Al of the conveyor.

[0113] The operations of mounting and dismounting a roller 11 on its support 10, in the presence of the conveyor belt B will now be described. Operation of mounting a roller 11

[0114] It is assumed that the support element 101 is locked in its operational position of [Fig.2], but that it does not support a roller 11.

[0115] To mount a roller 11 on this support 10, it is very simple to carry out the following successive steps.

[0116] The support element 101 is unlocked by loosening and removing the clamping nut 13a from the threaded shaft 13b.

[0117] This support element 101 is pivoted into its retracted position in [Fig.3].

[0118] The roller is positioned relative to the support element 10 and is moved so as to insert one end 111 of the axis of this roller 11 into the cutout 102b of the support element 102. The roller 11 can then advantageously be released, and it is then in the disassembly position of [Fig.3], resting on the low point of the support 10.

[0119] The roller 11 is lifted by pivoting it slightly upwards to bring it into contact with the upper strand of the conveyor belt B.

[0120] This operation can advantageously be facilitated by using a bar that is inserted between the roller 11 and the retaining element 104, and by using this retaining element 104 as a support point for a lever, which makes it easier to exert pressure on the roller 11, which is in contact with the conveyor belt, and to more easily position its other end at a sufficient height (i.e. slightly above the high point of the support 10), by pushing back the upper strand of the carrying conveyor belt.

[0121] The support element 101 is then pivoted upwards into its operational position and locked in this position by means of the nut 13a.

[0122] The pressure on the roller 11 can then be released so as to make it descend slightly so that its axis end 111 at the high point penetrates downwards into the notch 101d of the plate 101b of the support element 101.

[0123] Preferably, the nut 13a is checked and, if necessary, tightened using a torque wrench.

[0124] This assembly operation can be carried out easily, quickly and safely by a single person. Operation of dismantling a roller 11

[0125] To remove roller 11 from its support, it is very simple to carry out the following successive steps.

[0126] The support element 101 is unlocked by loosening and removing the clamping nut 13a from the threaded shaft 13b.

[0127] This support element 101 is pivoted into its retracted position of [Fig. 3], which makes it possible to very easily release the end 111 of the roller axis at the high point, which roller 11 pivots downwards by itself, by simple effect of gravity (i.e. under its own weight), while still being supported in support (low point) at its other end, and descends to the retaining element 104 which blocks it vertically in its disassembly position of [Fig. 3].

[0128] In this disassembly position, the pressure exerted by the conveyor belt on the roller 11 is significantly lower than in the operational position of the roller. In addition, the roller 11 is easily accessible ([Fig.3]), the support element 101 no longer being an obstacle thanks to its retraction. It is then very easy to remove the roller 11 by pulling it in its axial direction to completely release its end 111 at the low point of the support element 102.

[0129] This disassembly operation can be carried out by a single person easily, quickly and safely.

[0130] It can also be emphasized that the device of the invention can easily be installed on all existing conveying installations using a trough conveyor, and in particular can advantageously replace existing lateral guide devices, such as that 1' of [Fig.l], for example in the context of an operation to modernize existing trough conveyors.

[0131] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiment of the attached figures. In a non-exhaustive manner, the following modifications may be made.

[0132] The support element 101 may be retractable by implementing another movement (for example a translation) or a combination of movements (for example translation(s) and rotation(s), other than rotation alone.

[0133] The rotational articulation 105 is not necessarily between the support element 101 and the plate 103, but could for example be provided on the support element 101 itself, for example between the arm 101a and the upper plate 101b of this support element 101, so that it is the plate 101b which would be retractable by pivoting and would constitute “said first part of the support”. In this case it is also necessary to modify the locking so that it is the plate 101b which is lockable on a fixed point of the support.

[0134] The support 10 may be designed such that the support element 101 may be retracted by being detached from the rest of the support 10.

[0135] The support 10 can be modified so as to allow adjustment of the inclination of the roller 11.

[0136] The device of the invention is not necessarily part of a monolithic assembly, such as that E of the appended figures, the crosspiece 2 not being able to be implemented and each device IA, IB being able to be independent of one another.

[0137] In a degraded variant, the support 10 of the device may not include a retaining element 104. In this case, the operations of dismantling and mounting the roller 11 are a little less easy. During dismantling, the operator must himself hold the roller so that it does not fall to the ground. During mounting, the operator must also carry the roller 11, and cannot rely on the retaining element 104 to push the strip back by lever effect.

Claims

Claims

1. Device (IA / IB) for lateral guidance of an endless conveyor belt (B) of a trough conveyor, the device comprising a support (10) and an idle guide roller (11), which is capable of being mounted in a removable manner on the support (10), between a first part (101) making it possible to support one end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) at a high point and a second part (102) making it possible to support the other end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) at a low point, the first part (101) of the support is movable between an operational position and a retracted position, the lateral guidance device comprising a locking means (13), which makes it possible to lock the first part (101) in said operational position, and once the first part (101) is locked and the roller (11) is mounted on the support (10),the first part (101) being able to be unlocked and to be completely disengaged from the end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) by being brought into said retracted position, in which the support (10) comprises a fixed support element (106) and the locking means (13) allows a clamping of the first part (101) against this fixed support element (106), and in which the fixed support element (106) comprises a centering element (106b), which is able to cooperate with a complementary centering element (101e) of the first part (101) of the support, so as to center the first part (101) when it is brought into said operational position and is locked by being clamped against the fixed support element (106).,

2. A lateral guide device according to claim 1, wherein, when the first part (101) is completely disengaged from the end (111) of the axis of the roller (11), the roller (11) is able to pivot downwards by gravity, being supported at the low point by the second part (102) of the support (10).

3. A lateral guidance device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part (101) of the support (10) is not detached from the rest of the support (10) when it is retracted.

4. Lateral guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein in said retracted position of the first part (101) of the support (10), the roller (11) is completely axially accessible, and is adapted to be removed axially from the second part (102) of the support (10).

5. Lateral guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, in which the support (10) comprises a rotating articulation (105) allowing the pivoting of the first part (101) of the support (10) between said operational position and said retracted position.

6. Device according to claim 5, in which the articulation (105) allows pivoting of the first part (101) of the support over an angular range of at least 60°.

7. Lateral guidance device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the support (10) comprises a third connecting part (103) which rigidly connects the first part (101) to the second part (102) and wherein the first part (101) of the support is movable relative to this third connecting part (103) for its movement between said operational position and said retracted position.

8. Lateral guidance device according to claim 7, wherein the articulation (105) is between the first part (101) of the support (10) and said third connecting part (103).

9. Lateral guidance device according to any one of claims 5, 6 or 8, wherein the high point and the low point of the support (10) define a support axis and the axis of rotation (105a) of the articulation (105) of the first part (101) of the support is horizontal and transverse to this support axis, and preferably perpendicular to this support axis.

10. Lateral guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the roller (11) being able to pivot downwards by gravity when the first part (101) is completely disengaged from the end (111) of the axis of the roller (11), the support comprises a retaining element (104), which has the function, when the first part (101) of the support (10) is brought into the retracted position and no longer supports the roller (11), of vertically retaining the roller (11) in a disassembly position when the roller (11) pivots downwards, disassembly position in which the end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) is supported at the low point by the second part (102) of the support (10).

11. A lateral guide device according to claim 10, wherein the retaining element (104) is inclined upwards from its end closest to the second part (102), and preferably at substantially the same inclination as the roller (11) mounted on its support.

12. A lateral guide device according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the retaining element (104) is also adapted to laterally hold the guide roller in its disassembled position.

13. Lateral guide device according to any one of claims 10 to 12, in which the retaining element comprises a retaining wall (104a) which is positioned under the roller (11), when the latter is mounted on the support (10).

14. Lateral guide device according to claim 13, in which the retaining element (104) comprises two lateral holding walls (104b) which form, with the retaining wall (104a), a retaining and lateral holding bowl for the roller (11) in its disassembled position.

15. A lateral guide device according to any one of claims 10 to 14, wherein in its disassembled position the roller (11) is held inclined upwards from its low point.

16. Lateral guidance device according to any one of claims 10 to 15, in which the low point and the high support point (10) define a support axis, and the angle (a) of tilting of the roller (11) in its disassembly position relative to this support axis is strictly greater than 0° and less than or equal to 45°, and preferably between 5° and 20°.

17. A lateral guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the locking means (13) comprises a clamping nut (13a) and a threaded shaft (13b) fixed to the support (10), and wherein the first part (101) comprises an oblong through opening (101c), which is positioned and oriented in such a way that it allows the passage of the threaded shaft (13b) through the first part (101) when the latter is brought into said operational position.

18. Lateral guiding device according to any one of claims 1 to 17, comprising at least one entry point protection (P) which is fixed to a fixed part of the support, preferably in a removable manner, and which prevents access to the roller (11) by at least one of its two main sides, said entry point protection preferably comprising a plate (108) of rectangular type whose width is greater than the diameter of the roller (11), and whose length is greater than the length of the roller (11).

19. Lateral guide assembly (E) of an endless conveyor belt (B) of a trough conveyor (C), which assembly defines a central conveying axis (A2) and comprises at least one pair of lateral guide devices (IA / IB), in which at least one first device (IA) is a lateral guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 18 and the second lateral guide device (IB) may or may not be a device according to any one of claims 1 to 18, in which said first and second lateral guide devices are positioned on either side of the central conveying axis (A2), being spaced from each other, the low point of the support (10) of the first device (IA) being closer to this central conveying axis (A2) than the high point of its support (10).

20. Lateral guide assembly according to claim 19, wherein said second device (IB) is also a lateral guide device according to any one of claims 1 to 20, and the low point of the support (10) of the second device (IB) being closer to this central conveying axis (A2) than the high point of its support (10).

21. Lateral guide assembly according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the two lateral guide devices (IA; IB) are mounted on the same crosspiece (2).

22. Trough conveyor (C) comprising a conveyor belt (B), which is deformable so as to form a trough, and one or more guide devices according to any one of claims 1 to 18 or one or more lateral guide assemblies according to any one of claims 19 to 21.

23. Method for dismantling an idler guide roller (11) from a lateral guide device (IA or IB) of any one of claims 1 to 18, which is mounted in contact with the upper strand of a trough-shaped conveyor belt (B) of a trough conveyor (C), the upper strand exerting pressure on the idler guide roller (11), and being locally deformed or kept locally deformed by said roller (11), said method comprising the following succession of steps: a. unlocking the first part (101) of the support (10); b. retracting this first part (101) so as to release the end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) at the high point; c. removing the roller (11) from its support, preferably by pulling it in its axial direction to completely release its end (111) at the low point of the second part (102) of the support.

24. A disassembly method according to claim 23, wherein, in step (b) once the end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) at the high point is released from the first part (101), the roller (11) is able to pivot downwards by gravity and is manually retained or pivots downwards by itself by gravity, preferably until it is retained by the retaining element (104) in said disassembly position, more preferably still without it being necessary to manually retain the roller (11), and the roller (11) still being supported at its other end at the low point of the support (10).

25. Method for mounting an idler guide roller of a lateral guide device of any one of claims 1 to 18, the support (10) of which is already mounted in a trough conveyor comprising a trough-shaped conveyor belt (B), which is deformable for placing it in a trough or keeping it in a trough, said method comprising the following succession of steps: a. the first part (101) of the support being retracted, the roller is positioned relative to the support element (10) and it is moved so as to position one end (111) of the axis of the roller (11) on the second part (102) of the support (10), so that it is supported at a low point of the support (10) of this roller (11); b. the roller (11) is lifted by pivoting it slightly upwards to bring it into contact with the upper strand of the conveyor belt (B); c. the first part (101) of the support (10) is brought into its operational position and locked in this position; d. the other end (111) of the roller axis (11) is positioned on the second part (102) of the support (10), so that it is supported at a high point of the support (10).

26. Mounting method according to claim 25, wherein the lateral adjustment device being that referred to in any one of claims 10 to 16, in step (b), the roller (11) is pivoted upwards, using a lever and taking the retaining element (104) as a point support of this lever.

27. Use of the trough conveyor according to claim 22 for the transport of bulk.

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