Removal device and conveyance facility

Abstract

To provide a removal device for removing deposits on the ground, which can continue a smooth operation even when there is an obstacle.SOLUTION: A removal device (30) removes a deposit (200a) on the ground (G). The removal device (30) comprises: a movable body (31); a rotor (32); and a rope-like member (33). The rotor (32) is provided so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis (Z) vertically extending with respect to the movable body (31). The base end (331) of the rope-like member (33) is attached to the rotor (32). The rope-like member (33) is configured to scrape off the deposit (200a) to the outside of the movable body (31) along with rotation of the rotor (32).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a removal device for removing deposits on the ground, and to a transport facility including the removal device. [Background technology]

[0002] Belt conveyors have been used in various facilities in the past. For example, in port facilities, belt conveyors are used to transport raw materials (bulk materials) such as iron ore and coal unloaded from cargo ships.

[0003] A belt conveyor has an endless transport belt. The transport belt transports raw materials with the upper side as the carrier side and the lower side as the return side. On the return side of the transport belt, powdered raw materials remaining on the transport belt may peel off from the transport belt and fall to the ground. The fallen raw materials accumulate on the ground below the transport belt. If the raw material deposits grow, they may rub against parts of the belt conveyor, such as the return side of the transport belt, shortening the life of the belt conveyor.

[0004] Conventionally, raw materials that have fallen below the conveyor belt are scraped out from below the conveyor belt by an operator using a shovel or the like, and then returned to the conveyor belt by the operator or by heavy machinery such as a small backhoe.

[0005] Typically, a large space is provided below the conveyor belt to facilitate the recovery of raw materials using a shovel or similar tool. However, in recent years, for safety reasons, both sides of the belt conveyor have been covered with wire mesh or similar, making it difficult to recover raw materials below the conveyor belt while the belt conveyor is in operation. In addition, supports (pillars) for the conveyor belt are provided at regular intervals below the conveyor belt, making it difficult to use heavy machinery, so the recovery of raw materials must be carried out by workers. Therefore, when the belt conveyor is stopped for a relatively long period of time, a large number of personnel are deployed to handle the raw materials that have fallen below the conveyor belt. However, there is a problem in that it is difficult to secure personnel due to reasons such as the difficulty of determining a schedule.

[0006] In response to this, Patent Document 1 discloses a recovery device for recovering raw materials that have fallen from a conveyor belt. The recovery device in Patent Document 1 includes a recovery belt and multiple guide plates. The recovery belt is placed on the ground to the side of the conveyor belt. The guide plates are arranged below the return side of the conveyor belt and are each configured to generate vibrations. Each guide plate is, for example, curved in an upwardly convex arc. The raw materials that have fallen from the conveyor belt are guided to the recovery belt by the vibrations of the guide plates. The raw materials on the recovery belt are returned to the conveyor belt via a transfer unit. Patent Document 1 describes that raw materials that have fallen from the conveyor belt onto the recovery belt can be returned to the conveyor belt without requiring any special work by an operator.

[0007] For example, in the recovery device of Patent Document 1, even if raw materials that fall from the conveyor belt remain on the guide plate due to friction with the guide plate, when the raw materials pile up and grow and come into contact with the conveyor belt or the like, the vibrations caused by the contact cause the raw materials to slide off the guide plate. Because the slid-off raw materials are discharged to the side of the belt conveyor, it is only necessary to perform the raw material recovery work in the areas on both sides of the belt conveyor. However, if too much raw material piles up on the guide plate or if the raw materials harden on the guide plate, it is difficult to guide the raw materials to the side of the belt conveyor by natural flow alone.

[0008] Meanwhile, Patent Document 2 discloses a removal device for removing deposits of raw material accumulated below the return side of a conveyor belt. The removal device in Patent Document 2 includes a moving body and a discharge section. The moving body is configured to be movable along the extension direction of the conveyor belt, below the return side of the conveyor belt and inside a plurality of supports that support the conveyor belt. The discharge section has a rotating body that is rotatable about a vertical axis. The rotating body includes, for example, a plurality of rotating blades. When the moving body moves in the extension direction of the conveyor belt, the deposited material below the conveyor belt is scraped out toward the side (outside in the width direction) of the belt conveyor by the rotationally driven rotating body. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-66492 [Patent Document 2] Patent Publication No. 2021-130557 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In the removal device of Patent Document 2, sediments are removed by rotating blades attached to a rotating body. However, if stones, clumps of sediments, etc. are present in the ground, they can become obstacles to the removal device. In other words, in the removal device of Patent Document 2, when the rotating blades, which are rigid bodies, come into contact with these obstacles, the rotation of the rotating body may stop, hindering smooth operation.

[0011] The present disclosure provides a removal device for removing deposits on the ground that can continue to operate smoothly even when there are obstacles. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] A removal device according to the present disclosure removes deposits from the ground. The removal device includes a moving body, a rotating body, and a rope-like member. The rotating body is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction relative to the moving body. The base end of the rope-like member is attached to the rotating body. The rope-like member is configured to scrape the deposits outward from the moving body as the rotating body rotates. [Effects of the Invention]

[0013] The removal device according to the present disclosure makes it possible to continue smooth operation even when an obstacle is present. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0014] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic side view showing a transfer facility according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II of FIG. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of the removal device as seen from above. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a modified example of the moving body. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a modified example of the conveying equipment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VII-VII in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing another modified example of the transport facility. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0015] A removal device according to an embodiment removes deposits on the ground. The removal device includes a moving body, a rotating body, and a rope-like member. The rotating body is rotatable about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction relative to the moving body. The base end of the rope-like member is attached to the rotating body. The rope-like member is configured to scrape out the deposits to the outside of the moving body as the rotating body rotates (first configuration).

[0016] In the removal device according to the first configuration, the rope-like member has its base end attached to the rotating body. Therefore, when the rotating body rotates about a rotation axis extending in the vertical direction, the rope-like member rotates together with the rotating body about the rotation axis. Because the rope-like member is flexible, it can deform even when it collides with an obstacle, such as a stone or sediment buried in the ground. As a result, even when the rope-like member collides with an obstacle, the rotation of the rotating body is unlikely to stop, and the rope-like member can continue to scrape the sediment outside the moving body. Therefore, the removal device according to the first configuration can continue to operate smoothly even when an obstacle is present.

[0017] The removal device according to the first configuration may further include a weight, which is attached to the tip of the rope-like member, for example (second configuration).

[0018] In the second configuration, a weight is attached to the tip of the rope-like member. In this case, when the rope-like member rotates together with the rotor, the weight can be collided with the deposits on the ground, making it easier to crush the deposits. By attaching a weight to the tip of the rope-like member, it is possible to ensure crushing power equal to or greater than that of the rotating blade described in Patent Document 2, for example.

[0019] The removal device according to the first or second configuration may include a plurality of rope-like members (third configuration).

[0020] In the third configuration, multiple rope-like members are attached to the rotating body. When multiple rope-like members are attached to the rotating body, the amount of deposits scraped out toward the outside of the moving body can be increased compared to when a single rope-like member is attached to the rotating body, assuming the rotating speed of the rotating body is the same.

[0021] In the removal device according to the third configuration, each of the rope-shaped members may have a base end attached to the rotating body at a different height from the other rope-shaped members (fourth configuration).

[0022] When the base ends of multiple rope-like members are attached to the rotating body at the same height, these rope-like members rotate at the same height when the rotating body rotates around the rotation axis extending in the vertical direction. For example, when these rope-like members rotate to remove the lower part of a pile on the ground, if the removal device is not moving, the lower part of the pile will be removed first, and then the upper part will fall, and the upper part of the pile will be removed by the rope-like members. However, if the removal device is moving, the upper part of the pile may not be removed in time, and the pile may remain. In contrast, in the fourth configuration, the base ends of multiple rope-like members are attached to the rotating body at different heights. This reduces the time lag between the removal of the lower part of the pile and the removal of the upper part of the pile. In other words, after one rope-like member removes the lower part of the pile, another rope-like member can quickly reach the pile as the rotating body rotates and remove the upper part. Alternatively, multiple rope-like members attached to the rotating body at different heights can simultaneously remove both the upper and lower parts of the pile. This makes it easy to remove the pile even when the pile is high on the ground.

[0023] The conveying equipment according to the embodiment includes an endless conveying belt, a plurality of supports, and a removal device according to any one of the first to fourth configurations. The conveying belt is disposed above the ground. The supports are provided on both sides of the width direction of the conveying belt at intervals in the extension direction of the conveying belt. The supports support the conveying belt. The removal device is disposed below the conveying belt. The movable body is configured to be movable inside the supports in the width direction along the extension direction (fifth configuration).

[0024] In the conveying equipment according to the fifth configuration, the remover moves below the conveyor belt in the direction of its extension, inside the support in the width direction of the conveyor belt, and scrapes the deposits on the ground to the outside of the moving body. In this case, there is a possibility that the rope-like member of the remover may collide with the support of the conveyor belt. However, because the rope-like member is flexible, it can deform even if it collides with the support. Therefore, even when the rope-like member collides with the support, the rotation of the rotating body is unlikely to stop, and the remover can continue to operate smoothly.

[0025] In the fifth configuration, the rope-like member deforms when it hits the support and slides along the base of the support as the moving body moves, so that the rope-like member can also remove deposits located near the support.

[0026] In the conveying equipment according to the fifth configuration, the rope-like member may be configured so that the tip of the rope-like member passes outside the support in the width direction when the rotating body rotates (sixth configuration).

[0027] In the removal device of Patent Document 2, for example, moving rotors are provided on both sides of the moving body in the width direction of the conveyor belt. Each moving rotor is supported to be swingable relative to the moving body so that the moving body can travel between the supports while avoiding contact between the rotating blade and the support. Furthermore, in each moving rotor, the rotating blade is covered from above with a protective member to prevent contact with the support. On the other hand, in the removal device of the conveyor equipment according to the embodiment, deposits are removed using a rope-like member attached to the rotor. When the rope-like member comes into contact with the support during movement of the moving body, it can deform to fit the support without stopping the rotation of the rotor. Therefore, even when the tip of the rope-like member passes outside the support in the width direction of the conveyor belt as the rotor rotates, as in the sixth configuration, there is no need to provide the removal device with a mechanism to prevent contact between the rope-like member and the support. This simplifies the configuration of the removal device.

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components are designated by the same reference numerals, and the same description will not be repeated.

[0029] 1 is a schematic side view showing a conveying facility 100 according to an embodiment. The conveying facility 100 is installed in, for example, a steelworks, and is used to load raw materials (bulk materials) such as iron ore and coal into a raw material yard or to unload them from the raw material yard. The conveying facility 100 includes an endless conveying belt 10, a plurality of supports 20, and a removal device 30.

[0030] Referring to Fig. 1, the transport belt 10 and the support 20 are included in a belt conveyor C. The belt conveyor C further includes a plurality of roller units 40 and a plurality of return rollers 50. Various known belt conveyors can be used as the belt conveyor C. Therefore, the configuration of the belt conveyor C will be briefly described.

[0031] The conveyor belt 10 is positioned above the ground G. The conveyor belt 10 is wound around a pair of pulleys (not shown). When one of the pulleys is driven to rotate, the conveyor belt 10 rotates around the pulley. The conveyor belt 10 includes a carrier portion 11 and a return portion 12. The carrier portion 11 is the portion of the conveyor belt 10 that conveys the raw material. The return portion 12 is the portion of the conveyor belt 10 that returns. The return portion 12 is positioned below the carrier portion 11. The carrier portion 11 and the return portion 12 extend from one pulley to the other pulley. Hereinafter, the extension direction of the carrier portion 11 and the return portion 12 will be referred to as the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10. Furthermore, the direction perpendicular to the extension direction and the up-down direction of the conveyor belt 10 will be referred to as the width direction of the conveyor belt 10.

[0032] The roller units 40 are arranged along the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10. The return rollers 50 are also arranged along the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10. The roller units 40 support the carrier portion 11 of the conveyor belt 10. The return rollers 50 support the return portion 12 of the conveyor belt 10.

[0033] Fig. 2 is a cross-sectional view taken along line II-II in Fig. 1. Referring to Fig. 2, each roller unit 40 includes a central roller 41 and a pair of inclined rollers 42. The central roller 41 supports the central portion of the carrier portion 11 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10. The inclined rollers 42 support the carrier portion 11 on both sides of the central roller 41 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10. Each of the inclined rollers 42 is disposed at an angle relative to the central roller 41. The central roller 41 and the inclined rollers 42 support the carrier portion 11 of the conveyor belt 10 by curving it into a trough shape.

[0034] The roller units 40 are disposed below the carrier portion 11 of the conveyor belt 10 and are supported by the conveyor frame 60. Each of the return rollers 50 is disposed below the return portion 12 of the conveyor belt 10 and is supported by the conveyor frame 60.

[0035] 1 and 2, a plurality of supports 20 are provided on both sides of the width direction of the conveyor belt 10 at intervals in the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10. Each of the supports 20 is part of a conveyor frame 60. The conveyor frame 60 including the supports 20 supports the conveyor belt 10. Each of the supports 20 is disposed on the ground G. Each of the supports 20 is formed, for example, in a columnar shape.

[0036] As shown in FIG. 2, in the conveying equipment 100, raw material 200 may be deposited on the ground G below the conveyor belt 10. For example, raw material 200 may spill from the carrier section 11 during conveying, or powdered raw material 200 remaining in the return section 12 may peel off and deposit on the ground G. Also, raw material 200 may roll into the belt conveyor C from outside and deposit on the ground G below the conveyor belt 10. Hereinafter, the raw material 200 deposited below the conveyor belt 10 will be referred to as a deposit 200a. The ground G may be, for example, the ground surface. However, the ground G does not necessarily have to be the ground surface, and may be any surface on which the deposit 200a is placed.

[0037] The removal device 30 is used to remove the deposits 200a on the ground G. The configuration of the removal device 30 will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. FIG. 3 is a top view showing a schematic configuration of the removal device 30. In FIG. 3, the conveyor belt 10 is indicated by a two-dot chain line to clarify the positional relationship between the conveyor belt 10 and the removal device 30. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 1.

[0038] 3, the removing device 30 is disposed below the conveyor belt 10. In this embodiment, the removing device 30 travels on a guide rail 70.

[0039] The guide rail 70 includes, for example, a first guide portion 71 and a second guide portion 72. The first guide portion 71 is disposed below the conveyor belt 10. The first guide portion 71 extends in the direction in which the conveyor belt 10 extends, at the middle of the support 20 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10. In this embodiment, the first guide portion 71 is provided in a cleaning range below the conveyor belt 10, i.e., a range below the conveyor belt 10 from which deposits 200a (FIG. 2) should be removed. The second guide portion 72 extends in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10 from an end of the cleaning range. Specifically, the second guide portion 72 bends from the first guide portion 71 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10 and extends to the outside of the support 20 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10.

[0040] The removal device 30 includes a moving body 31, at least one rotating body 32, and at least one rope-like member 33. In this embodiment, the removal device 30 includes a plurality of rotating bodies 32. Each of the rotating bodies 32 is provided with a plurality of rope-like members 33.

[0041] The movable body 31 is configured to be movable inside the support body 20 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10 along the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10. In this embodiment, the movable body 31 moves along a guide rail 70. Below, the positional relationship of each part of the removal device 30 will be described when the movable body 31 is located directly below the conveyor belt 10, i.e., when the movable body 31 is located on the first guide part 71.

[0042] 4, the moving body 31 includes a main body 311 and a plurality of wheels 312. The main body 311 is provided at a distance above the ground G. To prevent the main body 311 from getting caught on unevenness in the ground G or clumps of deposits 200a, the distance between the ground G and the main body 311 is preferably 1 cm or more. From the viewpoint of ensuring the amount of deposits 200a removed by the removal device 30 and from the viewpoint of keeping the height of the deposits 200a low to prevent corrosion of the components below the conveyor frame 60, the distance between the ground G and the main body 311 is preferably 3 cm or less.

[0043] The main body 311 includes a hollow portion 311a and a pair of locking portions 311b. The hollow portion 311a is formed at the bottom of the main body 311 in the center of the width direction of the conveyor belt 10. The hollow portion 311a penetrates the main body 311 in the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10 and opens downward. The guide rail 70 passes through the hollow portion 311a.

[0044] The locking portions 311b are formed at the bottom of the main body 311, in the center of the width direction of the conveyor belt 10. The locking portions 311b are located below the heads 73 of the guide rails 70. In this embodiment, each of the locking portions 311b is locked to the heads 73 of the guide rails 70, thereby restricting the main body 311 from moving upward relative to the ground G.

[0045] The wheels 312 are provided inside the main body 311. The wheels 312 are supported by the main body 311 so as to be rotatable around axes extending in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10. The main body 311 is supported by the guide rails 70 via the wheels 312.

[0046] In this embodiment, the main body 311 may be provided with a drive device (e.g., a motor), not shown. The main body 311 may also house a control device, a power supply device, and the like, not shown. At least one wheel 312 is rotationally driven by the drive device. This allows the moving body 31 to move along the guide rail 70. Specifically, the moving body 31 can move in the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10 by being guided by a first guide portion 71 (FIG. 3) of the guide rail 70. The moving body 31 can also move in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10 by being guided by a second guide portion 72 (FIG. 3) of the guide rail 70.

[0047] The control device controls, for example, a drive device for rotating the wheels 312. The power supply device can supply power to the drive device. By controlling the drive device with the control device, the rotation direction of the wheels 312 can be changed. This makes it possible to reverse the traveling direction of the moving body 31, and to move the moving body 31 back and forth on the guide rails 70.

[0048] The moving body 31 may move along the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10 in a state of being tilted forward with respect to the traveling direction. In other words, the moving body 31 may move along the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10 in a state in which the front end side in the traveling direction is closer to the ground G than the rear end side.

[0049] 3 again, in this embodiment, the removal device 30 is provided with two rotating bodies 32. One rotating body 32 is disposed on the left side in the traveling direction of the moving body 31. The other rotating body 32 is disposed on the right side in the traveling direction of the moving body 31.

[0050] 3 and 4, each of the rotating bodies 32 includes a support member 321, a shaft member 322, and a drive device 323.

[0051] Each of the rotating bodies 32 is attached to the moving body 31 via a support member 321. The rotating bodies 32 are provided at a distance above the ground G. The distance between the ground G and the rotating bodies 32 is preferably, for example, 1 cm or more and 3 cm or less, similar to the distance between the ground G and the main body 311.

[0052] Each of the rotating bodies 32 is provided rotatably around a rotation axis Z relative to the moving body 31. The rotation axis Z extends in the vertical direction. The rotation axis Z may extend in the vertical direction or may be slightly tilted relative to the vertical direction. For example, if the moving body 31 is tilted forward with respect to the direction of travel, the rotation axis Z may be correspondingly tilted relative to the vertical direction. If the rotation axis Z extends mainly in the vertical direction, it is considered that the rotation axis Z extends in the vertical direction.

[0053] In each of the rotating bodies 32, the shaft member 322 is a member whose axis is the rotation axis Z. The shaft member 322 is arranged inside the support 20 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10 so as not to come into contact with the support 20 while the moving body 31 is moving. The shaft member 322 is rotationally driven by a drive device 323 and rotates around the rotation axis Z. The drive device 323 is controlled, for example, by a control device provided in the moving body 31. The drive device 323 may be supplied with power from a power supply device provided in the moving body 31.

[0054] The rotation of the shaft member 322 causes the rotating body 32 to rotate around the rotation axis Z. The two rotating bodies 32 may rotate around the rotation axis Z in different rotation directions. For example, the rotating body 32 located on the right side of the moving body 31 in the traveling direction rotates clockwise. For example, the rotating body 32 located on the left side of the moving body 31 in the traveling direction rotates counterclockwise. The rotation direction of the rotating body 32 may be switched depending on the traveling direction of the moving body 31.

[0055] In this embodiment, a plurality of rope-like members 33 are attached to each of the rotating bodies 32. The base end 331 of each of the rope-like members 33 is attached to the rotating body 32. The rope-like members 33 can be attached to the rotating body 32 by various methods.

[0056] Although not particularly limited, for example, the rope-like member 33 is fixed to the shaft member 322 of the rotating body 32 by sandwiching the base end portion 331 between metal plates 34 from above and below and fastening them with bolts 35 and nuts 36. The portion of each rope-like member 33 that is not fixed by the metal plates 34 may extend linearly toward the outside in the rotational radial direction of the rotating body 32, for example. In other words, the rope-like member 33 may be fixed to the rotating body 32 so as to extend substantially horizontally from the rotating body 32. The tip end portion 332 of the rope-like member 33 may be located lower than the base end portion 331. In this case, a portion of the rope-like member 33 may come into contact with the ground G.

[0057] In the example of FIG. 4 , each of the rope-like members 33 has its base end 331 attached to the rotating body 32 at a height different from that of at least one of the other rope-like members 33. That is, of the multiple rope-like members 33, one or more rope-like members 33 are attached to the rotating body 32 above the other one or more rope-like members 33. In this embodiment, two rope-like members 33 are attached to the rotating body 32 above the other two rope-like members 33. In the example of FIG. 4 , the rope-like members 33 are attached to the rotating body 32 at two different attachment heights, but the rope-like members 33 may also be attached to the rotating body 32 at three or more different attachment heights. Alternatively, all of the rope-like members 33 may be attached to the rotating body 32 at the same height.

[0058] In this embodiment, the rope-like members 33 are attached to the rotating body 32 with their positions shifted by approximately 90° around the rotation axis Z. Specifically, with respect to each of the lower rope-like members 33, the upper rope-like members 33 are positioned with their positions shifted by approximately 90° around the rotation axis Z. However, for example, the upper rope-like members 33 may be positioned directly above the lower rope-like members 33.

[0059] In this embodiment, the multiple rope-like members 33 are separate. However, two or more rope-like members 33 may be integrated. For example, in the example shown in FIG. 4, the two rope-like members 33 in the lower row may be connected at the position of the shaft member 322. Similarly, the two rope-like members 33 in the upper row may be connected at the position of the shaft member 322.

[0060] The rope-like member 33 is configured to scrape the deposit 200a outward from the moving body 31 as the rotating body 32 rotates. That is, when the rope-like member 33 rotates around the rotation axis Z together with the rotating body 32, the deposit 200a is thrown by the rope-like member 33 to the side of the moving body 31 in the traveling direction so as to move away from the moving body 31. For example, when the rotating body 32 on the left side in the traveling direction rotates counterclockwise, the rope-like member 33 attached to this rotating body 32 throws the deposit 200a to the left. For example, when the rotating body 32 on the right side in the traveling direction rotates clockwise, the rope-like member 33 attached to this rotating body 32 throws the deposit 200a to the right. The rope-like member 33 rotates around the rotation axis Z in a rotational orbit that is substantially or roughly parallel to the ground G.

[0061] The rope-like member 33 may be configured so that the tip 332 passes outside the support 20 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10 when the rotating body 32 rotates. In this case, the rotation path of the rope-like member 33 passes outside the support 20 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10.

[0062] The rope-like member 33 is flexible. The rope-like member 33 is formed of one or more linear members so as to be elastically deformable. The linear member is, for example, a wire rope. That is, the rope-like member 33 may be formed of one or more wire ropes. A wire rope has a configuration in which multiple wires are twisted together. However, the linear member does not necessarily have to be one in which multiple wires or multiple fibers are twisted together like a wire rope. The linear member may also be, for example, a chain.

[0063] In this embodiment, each rope-like member 33 is formed from a single linear member. The tip portion 332 of each rope-like member 33 is folded back. That is, in each rope-like member 33, a linear member such as a wire rope is folded back so that it is doubled at the tip portion 332. However, the tip portion 332 of each rope-like member 33 does not necessarily have to be folded back.

[0064] A weight 37 is attached to the tip end 332 of each rope-like member 33. The weight 37 has, for example, a cylindrical shape. In this case, the tip end 332 of the rope-like member 33 is inserted into the weight 37. The weight 37 is made of, for example, a metal such as iron.

[0065] [effect] The removal device 30 according to this embodiment includes multiple rotating bodies 32. A rope-like member 33 is attached to each of the rotating bodies 32. The rope-like member 33 rotates integrally with the rotating bodies 32 around the rotation axis Z to scrape the deposits 200a on the ground G to the outside of the moving body 31. When the removal device 30 is used in the conveyance facility 100, the rope-like member 33 can scrape the deposits 200a to the outside of the support 20 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10. Because the rope-like member 33 is flexible, it can elastically deform even when it collides with an obstacle, such as a stone or lump-like deposit 200a buried in the ground G or the support 20 of the belt conveyor C. Therefore, even when the rope-like member 33 collides with an obstacle, the rotation of the rotating bodies 32 is unlikely to stop, and the rope-like member 33 can continue to remove the deposits 200a. Therefore, even if an obstacle is present in the cleaning range of the removal device 30, the removal device 30 can continue to operate smoothly.

[0066] The removal device 30 can continue to remove the deposits 200a without stopping operation, even if there are obstacles such as stones buried in the ground or deposits 200a. When the removal device 30 passes an obstacle, the rope-like member 33 rotates while being bent in the rotational direction by an amount corresponding to the scraping resistance, and continues to remove the deposits 200a. The removal device 30 performs the removal operation multiple times, and the rope-like member 33, which rotates together with each rotor 32, is repeatedly caused to collide with such obstacles, thereby removing the obstacles.

[0067] Before starting operation of the removal device 30 according to this embodiment, it is preferable to prepare at least the cleaning area of ​​the ground G so as not to impede the movement of the removal device 30. In this case, by performing periodic removal work using the removal device 30, the deposits 200a can be bounced off by the rope-like members 33 rotating together with the rotating bodies 32 before they grow into large lumps. The deposits 200a are bounced outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10 and accumulated. In this case, the accumulated deposits 200a can be returned to the conveyor belt 10 using a known recovery device.

[0068] When the rope-like member 33, which rotates together with each rotating body 32, collides with the support body 20, the rope-like member 33 deforms and slides along the base of the support body 20 as the moving body 31 moves. Therefore, the rope-like member 33 can also remove the deposits 200a near the support body 20.

[0069] The removal device 30 according to this embodiment includes a plurality of weights 37 corresponding to a plurality of rope-like members 33. Each weight 37 is attached to the tip 332 of the corresponding rope-like member 33. In this case, when the rope-like member 33 rotates together with the rotor 32, the weight 37 can be caused to collide with, for example, stones or lumpy deposits 200a. This makes it easier for the stones or lumpy deposits 200a to be crushed. In other words, by attaching the weights 37 to the rope-like members 33, sufficient crushing force can be ensured.

[0070] In the removal device 30 according to this embodiment, a plurality of rope-like members 33 are attached to each of the rotors 32. When a plurality of rope-like members 33 are attached to the rotors 32, the amount of deposits 200a scraped out to the outside of the moving body 31 can be increased, as long as the rotation speed of the rotors 32 is the same, compared to when a single rope-like member 33 is attached to the rotors 32. From the viewpoint of suppressing vibration of the rotors 32, the plurality of rope-like members 33 are preferably arranged evenly around the rotation axis Z.

[0071] In the removal device 30 according to this embodiment, the base end 331 of each rope-shaped member 33 is attached to the rotating body 32 at a different height than the base end 331 of at least one other rope-shaped member 33. This makes it easier for the rope-shaped members 33 of each rotating body 32 to remove the deposits 200a, even if, for example, 50 mm or more of deposits 200a have accumulated on the ground G. Specifically, when multiple rope-shaped members 33 rotate integrally with the rotating body 32, the rope-shaped members 33 attached at a lower position can collide with the lower part of the deposits 200a, and then the rope-shaped members 33 attached at a higher position can collide with the upper part of the deposits 200a. This makes it easier for the deposits 200a to be removed, even if the deposits 200a have accumulated to a high level on the ground G.

[0072] In the removal device 30 according to this embodiment, the rope-like member 33 of each rotating body 32 may be configured so that the tip 332 passes outside the support 20 when the rotating body 32 rotates. In this case, the deposit 200a can be removed by the rope-like member 33 rotating together with the rotating body 32 between the supports 20 aligned in the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10. On the other hand, at positions in the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10 where the supports 20 are present, the rope-like member 33 can deform to fit along the supports 20. Therefore, there is no need to provide the removal device 30 with a mechanism for preventing contact between the rope-like member 33 and the supports 20. Therefore, the configuration of the removal device 30 can be simplified while the deposit 200a can be removed between the supports 20 aligned in the extension direction of the conveyor belt 10.

[0073] Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure.

[0074] The removal device 30 according to the above embodiment includes multiple rotating bodies 32. However, the removal device 30 may include a single rotating body 32. The arrangement of the rotating bodies 32 in the removal device 30 can also be adjusted as appropriate. For example, the height of one of the rotating bodies 32 may be made different from the height of the other rotating bodies 32 depending on the shape of the ground G or the structure of the conveyor frame 60, etc.

[0075] The removal device 30 according to the above embodiment is configured to be self-propelled. However, the removal device 30 does not necessarily have to be self-propelled. The configuration described in Patent Document 2 can be applied to the mobile body 31 of the removal device 30.

[0076] For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the moving body 31 of the removal device 30 may be pulled by a linear member 314 such as a rope.

[0077] In this case, the moving body 31 of the removal device 30 does not need to travel on the guide rail 70. In this case, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, the moving body 31 may be provided with a plurality of sliding members 315. The sliding members 315 are members that have the same function as the runners of a sled. The sliding members 315 support the moving body 31 so that it can slide in the extension direction relative to the ground G.

[0078] The movable body 31 may be provided with a pair of upper regulating members 316 and a pair of side regulating members 317. When the upper regulating members 316 come into contact with the return roller 50, the movable body 31 is regulated from moving upward. When either of the side regulating members 317 comes into contact with the support body 20, the movable body 31 is regulated from moving outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10.

[0079] In the conveying equipment 100 according to the above embodiment, the conveyor belt 10 is supported by a conveyor frame 60 provided on the ground G. However, as described in Patent Document 2, the conveyor belt 10 may be supported by an elevated conveyor frame 60. As shown in FIG. 8, the elevated conveyor frame 60 includes a retaining plate 61 and a pair of passage plates 62. The retaining plate 61 is provided below the conveyor belt 10 so as to retain the raw material 200 that has fallen from the conveyor belt 10. In other words, the retaining plate 61 corresponds to the ground on which the deposits 200a accumulate. The passage plates 62 are disposed on both sides of the retaining plate 61 in the width direction of the conveyor belt 10. The remover 30 can scrape the deposits 200a from the retaining plate 61 toward the passage plates 62 using a rope-like member 33 that rotates together with the rotor 32.

[0080] In the above embodiment, an example in which the removal device 30 is provided on the conveyance facility 100 has been described. However, the removal device 30 does not necessarily have to be provided on the conveyance facility 100. In any location where the removal device 30 can travel, the rope-like members 33 of each rotating body 32 can remove deposits on the ground. The rope-like members 33 of each rotating body 32 can clean the ground depending on the ground condition, such as unevenness or undulation. For example, the removal device 30 can travel in a parking lot, a sidewalk, etc., and the rope-like members 33 rotating with each rotating body 32 can scrape snow deposits to the outside of the moving body 31. Furthermore, for example, the removal device 30 can travel in a field, etc., and the rope-like members 33 rotating with each rotating body 32 can scrape grass deposits to the outside of the moving body 31.

[0081] When the removal device 30 is used in a location other than the transport facility 100, the removal device 30 is configured to be self-propelled. For example, the removal device 30 may remove deposits within a predetermined cleaning range by having a control device within the removal device 30 execute a prepared control program. [Explanation of symbols]

[0082] 100:Transportation equipment 10: Conveyor belt 20:Support 200a: Sediment 30:Removal device 31: Mobile 32: Rotating body 33: Rope-like member 331: Proximal end 332:Tip 37: Weight

Claims

1. 1. A removal device for removing deposits on the ground, comprising: A moving object and a rotating body provided rotatably around a rotation axis extending in a vertical direction relative to the moving body; a rope-like member having a base end attached to the rotating body and configured to scrape out the deposit to the outside of the moving body as the rotating body rotates; A removal device comprising:

2. 10. The removal device of claim 1, further comprising: A removal device comprising a weight attached to the tip of the rope-like member.

3. 10. The removal device of claim 1, A removal device comprising a plurality of the rope-like members.

4. 4. The removal device of claim 3, A removal device, wherein each of the rope-like members has the base end attached to the rotating body at a different height than the other rope-like members.

5. A conveying facility comprising: an endless conveyor belt disposed above the ground; a plurality of supports provided on both sides of the conveyor belt in a width direction thereof at intervals in an extension direction of the conveyor belt, the supports supporting the conveyor belt; The removal device according to claim 1 , which is disposed below the conveyor belt; and Equipped with The transport equipment is configured so that the movable body is movable along the extension direction inside the support body in the width direction.

6. The conveying facility according to claim 5, The rope-like member is configured so that a tip end of the rope-like member passes outside the support body in the width direction when the rotating body rotates.

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