Conveyor Belt Cleaner Scraper Blade Mount

Abstract

In one aspect, a scraper blade mount for a conveyor belt cleaner is provided that includes a resilient single blade mount member. The single blade mount member has an upwardly extending blade support portion configured to have a scraper blade attached thereto and an upwardly extending base portion configured to be secured to an elongate support of the conveyor belt cleaner. The blade mount member has a lower arcuate portion connecting the base portion and the blade support portion that allows movement of the cleaner blade support portion toward the base portion during operation of the conveyor belt cleaner. The blade mount member further includes a pocket having an upwardly facing opening and a blocker connected to the blade mount member configured to restrict debris from entering the upwardly facing opening and accumulating in the pocket. The debris can be scraped material, dust, and / or dirt, as some examples.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 326,691, filed April 1, 2022, which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] Field This disclosure relates to conveyor belt cleaners, and more specifically, to conveyor belt cleaners that use resilient blade mounts to support a scraper blade that engages a conveyor belt. [Background technology]

[0003] background

[0003] Conveyor belt cleaners are used to remove material from conveyor belts. One type of conveyor belt cleaner uses several scraper blades individually attached to a cushion. The cushion is in turn attached to a support pole that extends laterally across the conveyor belt. At the end of the pole, the conveyor belt cleaner has a mount that provides rigid or resilient support for the pole depending on the particular application. The mount is configured to position the pole so that the scraper blade engages the belt. The cushion allows the scraper blade to resiliently flex away from the conveyor belt in response to encountering an irregularity in the conveyor belt, such as a splice or tear in the belt. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004]

[0004] One type of conveyor belt cleaner cushion uses two metal plates with a molded rubber pad between them. The metal plates include a first metal plate secured to a pole of the conveyor belt cleaner and a second metal plate with a scraper blade secured thereto. The rubber pad resiliently joins the metal plates while allowing movement of the second metal plate relative to the first metal plate. Specifically, the rubber pad flexes to allow the second metal plate and the scraper blade thereon to move relative to the first metal plate when the scraper blade encounters an irregularity in the conveyor belt.

[0005]

[0005] During assembly of the conveyor belt cleaner cushion, the rubber pad is chemically bonded to the surface of the metal plate. The surface bond interface between the rubber pad and the metal plate is subjected to shear, compression, tension, and peel stresses during operation of the conveyor belt as the associated scraper blade engages the belt and is intermittently subjected to irregularities in the conveyor belt. If the bond between the rubber and one of the metal plates fails during conveyor belt operation, the scraper blade supported by the metal plate will no longer be able to clean the associated section of the conveyor belt. Furthermore, failure of the bond between the rubber and the metal plate may result in the scraper blade supported by the metal plate falling into the downstream conveyor system receiving the material conveyed from the conveyor belt, thereby creating a hazard for the downstream conveyor system.

[0006]

[0006] With proper process control, the bond between the rubber pad and the metal plate can remain functional for a usable period. However, the bond between the rubber pad and the metal plate is susceptible to failure due to corrosion of the metal plate, excessive deflection or compression of the rubber pad, and high cycle fatigue loading. The bond between the rubber and the metal plate can also degrade due to insufficient process control that appears compliant but cannot be detected without destructive testing.

[0007]

[0007] Furthermore, conventional conveyor belt cleaner cushions with metal plates bonded by rubber pads were developed decades ago when many conveyors operated at slower speeds and had smaller diameter pulleys. As belt speeds increase and pulley diameters increase to provide larger capacity conveyors, the need for strength and durability of conveyor belt cleaner cushions also increases. The strength of the rubber-to-metal bond of conventional conveyor belt cleaner cushions is insufficient to provide long-term service and optimal tension in some harsh environment applications, such as mining, because the inherent properties of the chemical bond between the rubber and the metal plate limit the durability of cushions that rely on such bonds. Furthermore, simply scaling up conventional cushions to provide higher strength for harsh environment applications is impractical due to space constraints in many environments. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] overview

[0008] According to one aspect of the disclosure, a scraper blade mount for a conveyor belt cleaner is provided that includes a resilient single blade mount member. The single blade mount member has an upwardly extending blade support portion configured to have a scraper blade attached thereto and an upwardly extending base portion configured to be secured to an elongated support of the conveyor belt cleaner. The blade mount member has a lower arcuate portion connecting the base portion and the blade support portion, and a pocket between the blade support portion and the base portion for providing spacing therebetween. The arcuate portion of the blade mount member allows movement of the cleaner blade support portion relative to the base portion during operation of the conveyor belt cleaner. The scraper blade mount further includes a blocker connected to the blade mount member configured to restrict debris from entering an upwardly facing opening of the pocket and accumulating in the pocket. The debris may be material removed from the conveyor belt or environmental debris, such as dust or dirt. The blockers improve the durability of the scraper blade mount by limiting debris from becoming lodged in pockets and inhibiting movement of the blade support portion relative to the base portion.

[0009]

[0009] The present disclosure is also directed to a scraper blade mount having a resilient unitary blade mount member with a blade support plate portion configured to operatively move a scraper blade connected thereto. The blade mount member also has a base plate portion configured for fastening to an elongated support of a conveyor belt cleaner. In one embodiment, at least one of the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion is substantially flat. The term substantially flat is intended to include planar configurations and planar configurations with small protrusions, such as decorative projections, channels, and ridges, having a height of 300% or less of the thickness of the material forming the base mount member. For example, the blade support plate portion may include a step profile to provide ridges to increase the stiffness of the blade support plate portion or a recess to receive the scraper blade. Substantially flat is also intended to include some curvature in the blade support plate portion and / or the base plate portion, such as a geometric deviation of up to 5 degrees from flat.

[0010]

[0010] The blade support plate portion and the base plate portion extend substantially parallel to one another in the undeflected orientation of the blade support plate portion. The substantially parallel orientation of the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion allows the blade mount to be a retrofit to conveyor belt cleaners that use conventional cleaner cushions having parallel metal plates joined by rubber pads. The term substantially parallel, as used herein with reference to the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion, is intended to encompass a parallel orientation of the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion, as well as an orientation in which the plate portions extend transverse to one another at + / - 3° from parallel.

[0011]

[0011] The blade mount member further includes an arcuate portion interconnecting the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion such that the blade support blade portion has an inner surface facing toward the inner surface of the base plate portion. The arcuate portion of the blade mount member allows for resilient deflection of the blade support member portion relative to the base plate portion during conveyor belt cleaner operation. In this manner, the arcuate portion of the blade mount member provides a resilient connection between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion. The arcuate portion of the blade mount member may thereby transfer impact loads from the blade support plate portion to the base plate portion without relying solely on a chemical bond between a rubber pad and a metal plate for this purpose as in conventional cushions. The arcuate portion of the blade mount also reduces stress concentrations in the blade mount member when resiliently bending the blade support plate portion toward the base plate portion. Additionally, the substantially parallel orientation of the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion allows the arcuate extension of the arcuate portion to be sized to provide a spring constant comparable to conventional cleaner cushions while providing space to accommodate deflection of the blade support plate portion during conveyor belt operation.

[0012]

[0012] A scraper blade mount is also provided that includes a single blade mount member of a resilient metallic material, a blade support portion of the blade mount member configured to have a scraper blade connected thereto, and a base portion of the blade mount member for fastening to an elongated support. The blade mount member further includes an arcuate portion interconnecting the blade support portion and the base portion. The arcuate portion allows movement of the blade support portion toward the base portion. The scraper blade mount further includes an elastomeric member having a body portion intermediate the blade support portion and the base portion. The body portion of the elastomeric member is configured to be resiliently deflected upon resilient movement of the blade support portion toward the base portion. The elastomeric member and the blade mount member have interlocking portions configured to prevent separation of the elastomeric member and the blade mount member during operation of the conveyor belt cleaner. The interlocking portions provide a robust mechanical connection between the elastomeric member and the blade mount member compared to having only a surface bond between the elastomeric member and the blade mount member. Additionally, a robust mechanical connection allows the scraper blade mount to withstand the cyclic loads and high shocks experienced by the belt cleaner during belt operation. The number, size, and shape of the interlocking portions can be selected to provide the necessary strength for a particular embodiment of the connection between the blade mount member and the elastomeric member.

[0013]

[0013] According to another aspect of the present disclosure, a conveyor belt cleaner is provided for cleaning a conveyor belt moving in a longitudinal belt travel direction. The conveyor belt cleaner includes an elongated support sized to extend laterally across the conveyor belt and a mounting plate portion of the elongated support. The conveyor belt cleaner further includes a scraper blade mount including a resilient single blade mount member, a blade support plate portion configured to have a scraper blade connected thereto, a base plate portion of the blade mount member having an opening, and an arcuate portion of the blade mount member connecting the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion. The scraper blade mount includes a fastener extending through the opening in the base plate portion of the blade mount member. The fastener protrudes from the base plate portion and is sized to extend through the opening in the mounting plate portion of the elongated support to connect the scraper blade mount to the elongated support.

[0014]

[0014] The scraper blade mount further includes a resilient member intermediate the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion of the blade mount member. The resilient member is of a different material than that of the resilient blade mount member and is configured to be compressed between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion upon resilient movement of the blade support plate portion toward the base plate portion. In this manner, the arcuate portion of the blade mount member provides a primary load-bearing connection between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion of the blade mount member. The resilient member provides a secondary damping function when the resilient member is altered by movement of the blade support plate portion relative to the base plate portion. The resilient member also resists movement of the fastener relative to the base plate portion, such as rotation of the fastener and / or longitudinal shift of the fastener out of the opening in the base plate portion. The resilient member thereby keeps the fastener engaged with the base plate portion, which provides a rigid structure of the fastener and the blade mount member for fastening to the elongated support of the conveyor belt cleaner.

[0015]

[0015] The present disclosure also provides a scraper blade mount including a single blade mount member of a resilient metallic material. The scraper blade mount has a blade support portion having a scraper blade connected thereto, a base portion for fastening to an elongate support, and an arcuate portion interconnecting the blade support portion and the base portion to allow movement of the blade support portion toward the base portion. The scraper blade mount has an elastomeric member assembled to the blade mount member intermediate the blade support portion and the base portion. The scraper blade mount includes a snap-fit ​​connection of the blade mount member and the elastomeric member for fastening the elastomeric member to the blade mount member and for keeping the elastomeric member separate from the blade mount member during a belt cleaning operation. The snap-fit ​​connection facilitates manufacturing of the scraper blade mount using, for example, a press machine rather than molding the elastomeric member to the blade mount member. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0016] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [Figure 1] 1 is a rear perspective view of a conveyor belt cleaner including a scraper blade engaged with a surface of a conveyor belt; [Diagram 2]

[0017] FIG. 2 is a front perspective view of the scraper blade mount of the conveyor belt cleaner of FIG. 1 showing a resilient metal blade mount member of the scraper blade mount secured to a mounting plate of an elongated support pole of the conveyor belt cleaner and a pair of support arms operatively connecting the scraper blade to the scraper blade mount. [Diagram 3]

[0018] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the scraper blade mount of FIG. 2 illustrating different sized protrusions of an elastomeric member extending through holes in a blade support plate portion of the blade mount member with the elastomeric member in a pocket formed between the blade support portion and the base plate portion. [Figure 4]

[0019] A cross-sectional view taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 3 showing the enlarged head portion of the upper projection, the body portion of the elastomeric member in the pocket between the blade support portion and the base plate portion, and the neck portion of the elastomeric member extending into an opening in the blade support plate portion between the enlarged head portion and the body portion of the elastomeric member to form a mechanical interlock between the elastomeric member and the metal blade mount member. [Diagram 5]

[0020] FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the scraper blade mount of FIG. 3 showing fasteners extending through holes in a base plate portion of the blade mount member for extending through holes in a mounting plate secured to the elongated support pole shown in FIG. [Figure 6]

[0021] 6 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 6-6 of FIG. 5, showing the lower projection of the elastomeric member extending through the lower opening of the blade support plate portion and the polygonal neck portion of the fastener engaged in the polygonal fastener opening of the base plate portion. [Figure 7]

[0022] 7 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5, showing the rear projection of the elastomeric member extending in the upper opening of the base plate portion of the blade mount member. [Figure 8]

[0023] FIG. 1 is a side view of a scraper blade mount fastened to a mounting plate of a support pole, showing the scraper tip of the scraper blade extending perpendicular to the outer surface of the conveyor belt as the conveyor belt extends around the head pulley. [Figure 9]

[0024] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of another conveyor belt cleaner having a rigid mount on an opposite end portion of an elongated support pole and a scraper blade mount fastened to a mounting plate of the elongated pole, the scraper blade mount having a scraper blade operatively secured thereto. [Figure 10]

[0025] FIG. 10 is a front view of the intermediate scraper blade mount of FIG. 9 showing a pair of lower loop portions spaced apart from each other on the blade mount members of the scraper blade mount. [Figure 11]

[0026] 11 is a rear perspective view of the scraper blade mount of FIG. 10 showing the elastomeric member and the opening in the base plate portion of the blade mount member that receives the protrusion of the fastener. [Figure 12]

[0027] 12 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 12-12 in FIG. 11 showing the elastomeric material covering the head portion of the fastener in the pocket of the blade mount member. [Figure 13]

[0028] 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 13-13 in FIG. 11 showing an elastomeric member having a sloped upper surface having a higher portion near a base plate portion and a lower portion by a blade support plate portion. [Figure 14]

[0029] FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of another scraper blade mount having a blade mount member with a pair of spaced apart lower loop portions and an elastomeric member having an uninterrupted lower portion extending across the lower loops. [Figure 15]

[0030] 15 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 14 showing an elastomeric member having a curved, sloped upper surface having a higher portion near the blade support plate portion and a lower portion near the base plate portion. [Figure 16]

[0031] FIG. 15 is a rear perspective view of the scraper blade mount of FIG. 14 showing the protrusions of the elastomeric member and the fasteners extending in the openings in the base plate portion. [Figure 17]

[0032] 17 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 17-17 in FIG. 16 showing the head portion of the fastener and the washer covered by the elastomeric member in the pocket of the scraper blade mount. [Figure 18]

[0033] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a scraper blade mount having an elastomeric member assembled to a blade mount member of the scraper blade mount. [Figure 19]

[0034] 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 19-19 in FIG. 18, showing the snap-fit ​​connection between the elastomeric member and the blade mount member of FIG. 18. [Figure 20]

[0035] 20 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 20-20 in FIG. 18, showing a head portion of the bolt of the scraper blade mount received in a pocket of the elastomeric member. [Figure 21]

[0036] 19 is a perspective view of the elastomeric member of FIG. 18 showing a retainer in a pocket of the elastomeric member for engaging a bolt head portion received in the pocket of the elastomeric member. [Figure 22]

[0037] 19 is a cross-sectional view of the scraper blade mount of FIG. 18 prior to assembly of the elastomeric member and the blade mount member, showing a blade support plate portion of the blade mount member inclined to extend obliquely relative to a base plate portion of the blade mount member. [Diagram 23]

[0038] 23 is a cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 22 showing the elastomeric member advanced into the pocket of the blade mount member and biasing the angled blade support plate portion away from the base plate portion of the blade mount member. [Figure 24]

[0039] 23 is a view similar to FIG. 22 showing the elastomeric member seated in the pocket of the blade mount member and the blade support plate portion deflected in a parallel orientation relative to the base plate portion of the blade mount member. [Diagram 25]

[0040] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative method for manufacturing the scraper blade mount of FIG. 18, in which the blade mount member is bent around an elastomeric member. [Figure 26] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of an alternative method for manufacturing the scraper blade mount of FIG. 18 in which the blade mount member is bent around an elastomeric member. [Figure 27]

[0041] FIG. 13 is a perspective view of an alternative scraper blade mount having two snap-fit ​​connections between the blade support plate portion of the scraper blade mount and an elastomeric member. [Figure 28]

[0042] 28 is a perspective view of the elastomeric member of FIG. 27 showing a plug portion of the elastomeric member extending into an opening in the blade support plate portion. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0017] Detailed Description

[0043] 1, there is shown a portion of a conveyor belt cleaner 10 configured to remove material from an outer surface 12 of a conveyor belt 14 moving in a direction 16 about a head pulley 17. The conveyor belt cleaner 10 has mounts (see, e.g., mounts 302, 304 in FIG. 9) that support an elongated member, e.g., a pole 18, to extend laterally across the conveyor belt 14 perpendicular to its downstream longitudinal direction of travel. The pole 18 has a bracket, e.g., a flange or mounting plate 20, affixed thereto, e.g., via welding. The mounting plate 20 has openings 22 that receive fasteners, e.g., bolts 24 of scraper blade mounts 26. The scraper blade mounts 26 may include scraper blade mounts 30 of the subject disclosure and conventional scraper blade mounts 31.

[0018]

[0044] 3-7, scraper blade mount 30 includes a blade mount member 32 with a generally J-shaped cross-section and a resilient member 33, such as an elastomeric member 34, at least a portion of which is positioned in a lower pocket 36 of blade mount member 32. Pocket 36 has an upwardly facing opening 37, and elastomeric member 34 has an upper portion 196 that includes an upper surface 200 that extends across upwardly facing opening 37.

[0019]

[0045] 1, the blade mount member 32 has a cleaner arm 40 connected thereto by a fastener 142. The cleaner arm 40 connects the blade mount member 32 to a scraper blade 44 having a scraping tip 46 of a harder material (e.g., carbide) that engages the outer conveyor belt surface 12. In one embodiment, the conveyor belt cleaner 10 has a shield 50 connected to the scraper blade. The shield 50 directs scraped material from the belt surface 12 that would otherwise fall at the blade mount 26 along the shield 50 in a general direction 52 away from the blade mount 26.

[0020]

[0046] In the embodiment of FIG. 1, the scraper blade mount 30 has a blocker 29 connected to the blade mount member 32. The blocker 29 is configured to restrict debris from entering the upwardly facing 37 opening and accumulating in the pocket 36. The scraper blade mount 30 may be installed in a conveyor system used to transport collected material. Dust and particles of the collection that fall over the scraper blade mount 30 mix in the pocket 36 and restrict the movement of the blade mount member 32. The blocker redirects the debris from entering the upwardly facing 37 opening so that debris accumulation on the scraper blade mount 30 is restricted. In one embodiment, the blocker 29 includes an elastomeric member 34 and a shield 50. In another embodiment, the shield 50 is not used and the elastomeric member 34 acts as the blocker 29.

[0021]

[0047] In one embodiment, one or more of the mounts of the conveyor belt cleaner 10 resiliently bias the pole 18 in the direction 18A to return the scraping tip 46 to engagement with the conveyor belt 14. When the splice of the conveyor belt 14 strikes the scraping tip 46, the scraper blade mount 30 flexes as discussed below, and the mounts of the conveyor belt cleaner 10 allow the pole 18 to rotate in the direction 18B as the scraping tip 46 shifts away from the conveyor belt 14 into a gap with the conveyor belt splice, which allows the conveyor belt splice to move past the scraping tip 46. The one or more resilient mounts of the conveyor belt cleaner 10 resiliently bias the pole 18 in the direction 18A to return the scraping tip 46 to engagement with the conveyor belt 14. For example, one or more of the mounts of the conveyor belt cleaner 10 may include a spring tensioner as disclosed in US Pat. No. 8,662,283, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0022]

[0048] 2, the blade mount member 32 has a blade support portion, e.g., blade support plate portion 60, an arcuate portion 62, and a base portion, e.g., base plate portion 64. In the illustrated form, portions 60-64 are formed from plate material such that they may have the same thickness. Due to the illustrated J-shaped cross-section of the blade mount member 32, the blade support plate portion 60 and the base plate portion 64 have a substantially flat configuration and extend parallel to one another. The base plate portion 64 is mounted to the mounting plate 20 of the pole 18. A threaded shank 154 (see FIG. 6) of the bolt 24 protrudes from the base plate portion 64, extends through an opening 22 in the mounting plate 20, and is secured to the mounting plate 20 via a nut 25 along the shank 154. The base plate portion 64 may have a footprint similar to that of the base plate of a conventional blade mount 31 such that the scraper blade mount 30 may be retrofitted to the mounting plate 20 of an existing conveyor belt cleaner.

[0023]

[0049] The force of the impact on the scraping tip 46 is transmitted through the cleaner arm 40 to the blade support plate portion 60 and causes the blade support plate portion 60 to pivot in a direction 70 (see FIG. 2 ) toward the base plate portion 64. Preferably, the blade mount member 32 is of a resilient metallic material, such as a spring steel material. In this regard, the arcuate portion 62 of the blade mount member 32 acts as a primary spring that resists movement of the blade support plate portion 60 in the direction 70. The spring steel material of the blade mount member 32 may have effectively zero compression set or strain memory to enable the blade mount member 32 to return the scraping tip 46 to the same initial orientation each time the scraping tip 46 hits the conveyor belt.

[0024]

[0050] Additionally, scraper tip 44 may contact irregularities such as splices in conveyor belt 12 that generally load scraping tip 46 in direction 230 (see FIG. 8 ). Blade support plate 60 is oriented obliquely relative to forces in direction 230 such that component forces in directions 230, 232 cause blade support plate portion 60 to pivot toward base plate portion 64. Arcuate portion 62 resiliently resists pivoting of blade support plate portion 60 relative to base plate portion 64. Blade mount member 32 enables blade mount 30 to have a tailored flexure spring constant via the shape of actuating portion 62, which may be selected to provide a required spring constant, discussed in more detail below. Additionally, because the arcuate portion 62 interconnects the blade support plate portion 60 and the base plate portion 64, the metallic material of the blade mount member 32 transmits forces from the scraper blade 44 to the pole 18 rather than relying on metal-to-elastomer bonds to dissipate shear, normal, and peel stresses as in conventional cushions.

[0025]

[0051] The elastomeric member 34 acts as a secondary spring member to resist narrowing of the distance 76 (see FIG. 2) between the blade support plate portion 60 and the base plate portion 64 when the blade support plate portion 60 is shifted to the deflected position 114 as shown in FIG. 4. The elastomeric member 34 thereby exerts a resilient restoring force on the blade support plate portion 60 urging the blade support plate portion 60 back in the direction 77 toward its initial undeflected position 115. Still further, the elastomeric member 34 has a damping feature that absorbs vibration energy caused by the scraping tip 46 engaging the conveyor belt which dampens the movement of the blade support plate portion 60 and limits harshness of the scraping tip 46.

[0026]

[0052] 3 and 5, the scraper blade mount 30 includes an interlocking portion 80 of the blade support plate portion 60 and the elastomeric member 34, and an interlocking portion 82 of the base plate portion 64 and the elastomeric member 34. As shown in FIG. 3, the interlocking portion 80 includes an upper opening 84, a lower opening 86, and a lower opening 88 of the blade support plate portion 60, and a large upper protrusion 90, a smaller lower protrusion 92, and a smaller lower protrusion 94 of the elastomeric member 34. The upper protrusion 90, the lower protrusion 92, and the lower protrusion 94 are oversized decorative protrusions formed on the outer surface 130 of the blade support plate portion 60 and are larger than the upper opening 84, the lower opening 86, and the lower opening 88, respectively, across the blade support plate portion 60. In this manner, the elastomeric member 34 is mechanically secured to the blade support plate portion 60.

[0027]

[0053] More specifically, and referring to FIG. 4 , the upper projection 90 has an enlarged end portion, e.g., head 100, formed on the outer surface 130 of the blade support plate portion 60, outside of the pocket 30 of the blade mount member 32, and a neck portion 102 that extends from the body 85 of the elastomeric member 34 in the pocket 36 through the upper opening 84. The head portion 100 has an enlarged dimension 106 that is greater than a smaller dimension 108 that spans the upper opening 84. The head 100 secures the elastomeric member 34 to the blade support plate portion 60 and prevents penetration of the upper projection 90 in an inward direction 110 through the upper opening 84. The lower projections 92, 94 have similar enlarged end portions and narrower neck portions that mechanically secure the anchor elastomeric member 34 to the blade support plate portion 60.

[0028]

[0054] 4, when the scraping tip 46 engages a conveyor belt irregularity, such as a metallic fastener of a conveyor belt splice, the impact force shifts the scraping tip 40 away from the belt surface 12, which moves the cleaner arm 40 with it, thereby urging the blade support plate portion 60 in the general direction 70 to a deflected position 114, allowing the splice to pass without damage to the scraping tip 46. The deflection of the blade support plate portion 60 in the direction 70 compresses the elastomeric member 34 between the blade support plate portion 60, the arcuate portion 62, and the base plate portion 64, which causes the body 104 of the elastomeric member 34 to bulge upwardly as shown by the bulging portion 120. The compressed elastomeric member 34 and the arcuate portion 62 of the blade mount member 32 resiliently urge the blade support plate portion 60 back in the direction 77 toward the initial undeflected position 115. Additionally, head portion 100 resists penetration of upper projection 90 and maintains upper projection 90 fixed to blade support plate portion 60 in flush engagement therewith in pocket 34 .

[0029]

[0055] In some circumstances, the blade support plate portion 60 may move or bounce in direction 77 past the initial undeflected position 115, for example, due to the impact of the scraping tip 46 against a damaged splice. The pole 18 may be rotated in direction 18B due to the impact, causing the scraping tip 46 to momentarily lose contact with the conveyor belt 14 such that the bouncing blade mount member 32 and elastomeric member 34 cause the blade support plate portion 60 to move too far past the initial undeflected position 115. However, due to an interference configuration of the head portion 100 of the elastomeric member 34 with the top opening 84 through which the projection 90 extends, the neck portion 102 is placed in tension, resiliently urging the blade support plate portion 60 back toward the initial undeflected position 115 in direction 70. The scraping tip 46 can then re-engage the conveyor belt 14 with the blade support plate portion 60 in substantially the initial undeflected position 115 as the pole 18 rotates in the direction 18A when the damaged splice moves past the conveyor belt cleaner 10.

[0030]

[0056] 4, the elastomeric member 34 may be formed such that a portion of the elastomeric member 34, such as the upper portion 85, may be in tension when the blade support plate portion 60 is in an initial, undeflected position 115. The tensioned upper portion 85 of the elastomeric member 34 tensions the upper projection 90 in the direction 110.

[0031]

[0057] 5, the interlocking portion 82 of the base plate portion 64 and the elastomeric member 34 includes a protrusion 126 on the elastomeric member 34 and an opening 128 on the base plate portion 64. The engaged protrusion 126 and opening 128 resist movement of the elastomeric member 34 away from the base plate portion 64. Additionally, the opening 128 provides additional surface area thereat for bonding with the elastomeric member 34.

[0032]

[0058] During installation of the conveyor belt cleaner 10, the pole 18 can be adjusted so that the scraping tips 46 are in stationary engagement with the outer conveyor belt surface 12 and the blade support plate portion 60 is slightly deflected in the direction 70 to preload the blade mount member 32 and the elastomeric member 34. The preload on the blade mount member 32 and the elastomeric member 34 causes the scraper blade mount 30 to resiliently bias the scraping tips 46 into engagement with the conveyor belt surface 12 during conveyor belt operation.

[0033]

[0059] As discussed, the blade mount member 32 is preferably of a metallic material, such as steel, stainless spring steel, or aluminum, stamped or otherwise processed from a flat sheet or plate of the metallic material to obtain the desired shape of the blade mount member 32. As noted above, the resilient member 33 can be an elastomeric member 34. The elastomeric member 34 can be, for example, synthetic rubber, natural rubber, polyurethane, and / or high temperature resistant silicone. As another example, the resilient member 33 can be a closed or open cell foam. In another approach, the resilient member 33 can be a liquid-filled bladder with a stretchable membrane.

[0034]

[0060] Manufacturing the blade mount 30 may include, for example, positioning the blade mount member 32 in a mold and molding the elastomeric member 34 in situ onto the blade mount member 32. The in situ formation of the elastomeric member may result in a surface bond between the elastomeric member 34 and the blade mount member 32. In one approach, an adhesive, such as an adhesion promoter, may be applied to the blade mount member 32 prior to molding to promote chemical bonding between the elastomeric member 34 and the blade mount member 32. The surface bond between the elastomeric member 34 and the blade mount member 32 is a secondary attachment mechanism between the elastomeric member 34 and the blade mount member 32. In contrast, the primary attachment mechanism is provided by the aforementioned interlocking portions 80, 82 that mechanically secure the elastomeric member 34 and the blade mount member 32. In this manner, the bond between the elastomeric member 34 and the blade mount member 32 is less critical from a design and manufacturing standpoint. Additionally, the arcuate portion 62 of the blade mount member 32 transfers forces from the blade support plate portion 60 to the base plate portion 64 which eliminates the need for a surface bond between the elastomeric member 34 and the blade mount member 32 to dissipate the shear, normal, and peel stresses imparted to the scraper blade mount 30 during conveyor belt cleaner operation.

[0035]

[0061] 5, the blade support plate portion 60 has one or more openings 140 for receiving fasteners 142 for securing the cleaner arm 40, FIG. 2, thereto. The blade mount member 32 operatively mounts the scraper blade 44, which is secured directly to the cleaner arm 40 at or near its upper end, to the mounting plate 20 of the cleaner pole 18. The base plate portion 64 has fastener openings 146 configured to receive the bolts 24. Referring to FIG. 6, the bolts 24 may be square bolts having a head portion 150, a square neck portion 152, and a threaded shank 154 extending from the neck portion 152. The fastener openings 146 may each have a square configuration slightly larger than the square neck portion 152 to locate the square neck portion 152. The mating engagement between the non-circular cross-section of the neck portion 152 and the fastener openings 146 prevents rotational movement of the bolts 24 relative to the base plate portion 64. More specifically, the neck portion 152 has a flat that contacts a straight surface 156 that extends about the square fastener opening 146. The abutting contact between the flat of the neck portion 152 of the bolt 24 and the straight surface 156 of the blade mount member 32 resists rotation of the bolt 24 relative to the blade mount member 32. The fastener opening 146 and neck portion 152 may have a non-circular configuration, such as the square configuration described above, but may also be triangular, octagonal, oblong, or elliptical, as some examples.

[0036]

[0062] 6, the base plate portion 64 has an inner surface 160 to which the elastomeric member 34 is bonded. The blade mount 30 further includes a washer 162 in the pocket 36 positioned between the head portion 150 of the bolt 24 and the inner surface 160 of the base plate portion 64. The base plate portion 64 further has an outer surface 164 that may be flat for mounting against a flat surface of the mounting plate 20. The threaded shank 154 of the bolt 34 projects outwardly from the outer surface 164 of the base plate portion 64. The protruding threaded shank 154 is easily advanced by an installer into the opening 22 (see FIG. 1) of the mounting plate 20 of the pole 18.

[0037]

[0063] The elastomeric member 34 is molded in situ with the blade mount member 32, the bolt 24 and the washer 162. The elastomeric member 34 covers the head portion 150 and the washer 162 in the pocket 36 of the blade mount member 32. The molded elastomeric member 34 resists movement of the bolt 24 in direction 170 and the head portion 50 is larger than the fastener opening 146 to block movement of the bolt 24 in direction 172. In this manner, the elastomeric member 34 captures the bolt 24 in the base plate portion 64 and completely covers the head portion 150 of the bolt 24 in the pocket 36 to prevent corrosion.

[0038]

[0064] 7, in situ molding of elastomeric member 34 allows the elastomeric material of elastomeric member 34 to flow into openings 128 in base plate portion 64 during molding to form protrusions 126 that extend therein. The series of engaged protrusions 126 and openings 128 resist relative movement between rear portion 180 of elastomeric member 34 and base plate portion 64 as blade support plate portion 60 shifts in directions 70 and 77 (see FIG. 4) during conveyor belt operation.

[0039]

[0065] 7, the base plate portion 64 has an upper free end 190 and the blade support plate portion 60 has an upper free end 192. The blade support plate portion 60 is longer than the base plate portion 64 and extends a distance 194 beyond the free end 190 of the base plate portion 64. The elastomeric member 34 has an upper end portion 196 that is above the free end 190 of the base plate portion 64 and a convex outer surface 200 that extends from the blade support plate portion 60 to the base plate portion 64. The blade support plate portion 60 extends beyond the convex outer surface 200 of the elastomeric member 34 to form a free end mounting portion 197 thereof that includes an opening 140 for fastening the cleaner arm 40 thereto. Additionally, debris, such as dirt or dust, removed from the conveyor belt 12 by the scraper blade 44 or present in the surrounding environment may fall generally in a direction 202 onto the convex outer surface 200 of the elastomeric member 34. The convex outer surface 200 is configured to direct debris generally in the direction 204 away from the blade mount 30. Movement of the debris in the direction 204 is encouraged by the conveyor belt action and movement of the blade support plate portion 60 and vibrations from the associated bulge 120 (see FIG. 4 ) of the elastomeric member 34. In this manner, debris is more likely to roll off the elastomeric member 34 rather than accumulating and potentially impeding movement of the blade support plate portion 60 relative to the base plate portion 64.

[0040]

[0066] 8, conveyor belt cleaner 10 including scraper blade mount 30 is shown adjacent head pulley 17 as a primary cleaner. As head pulley 17 rotates in direction 16, conveyor belt 14 moves thereover in direction 16. Scraping tip 46 removes material from outer surface 12 during conveyor belt movement. Scraper blade mount 30 and cleaner arm 40 support scraping tip 46 to extend along a radius 220 from the center of axis of rotation 222 of head pulley 17. Additionally, scraping tip 46 extends perpendicular to outer surface 12 of conveyor belt 14 such that scraping tip 46 is perpendicular to tangent 225 that is 90 degrees 227 from radius 220.

[0041]

[0067] When the scraper blade 44 is tensioned against the conveyor belt, the blade support plate portion 60 is oriented at an angle to the tangent 225. The impact of an irregularity in the conveyor belt 14 against the scraping tip 46 imparts an impact force to the scraping tip 46 having components in a peeling or tangential direction 230 and a radially outward direction 232. The impact force acts on the scraping tip 46 and causes the scraping tip 46 to urge the cleaner arm 40 to a deflected position in the direction 70. Because the scraping tip 46 is oriented perpendicular to the conveyor surface 12 and the blade support plate portion 60 is oriented at an angle to the tangent 225, the impact force of the conveyor belt irregularity striking the scraping tip 46 causes the blade support plate portion 60 of the blade mount member 32 to pivot. The arcuate portion 62 has portions that are disposed in tension and compression as the blade support plate portion 60 pivots to absorb the impact force. In this manner, the blade mount member 32 is positioned to absorb shock from conveyor belt irregularities through compression and expansion of the blade mount member 32 as the primary means for withstanding impact forces rather than relying on a surface bond between a rubber pad and a metal plate as in conventional cushions.

[0042]

[0068] 1, a conventional scraper blade mount 31 is shown to illustrate the similar size of scraper blade mount 30 and conventional scraper blade mount 31, such that scraper blade mount 30 is suitable to replace a damaged conventional scraper blade mount 31. For new installations of conveyor belt cleaner 10, conveyor belt cleaner 10 may be provided with two or more scraper blade mounts 30 suitable for the installation, and conventional scraper blade mount 31 may not be provided.

[0043]

[0069] 9, a belt cleaner 300 similar in many respects to the conveyor belt cleaner 10 discussed above is provided with the differences highlighted. The conveyor belt cleaner 300 includes mounts 302, 304 supporting an elongated member, such as a pole 306. The pole 306 has a plate 308 for supporting a scraper blade mount 310 having a scraper blade 312 connected thereto. The scraper blade mount 310 has conventional scraper blade mounts 314, 316 and a scraper blade mount 320. The scraper blade mount 320 interfaces with the plate 308 in a manner similar to the scraper blade mounts 314, 316. Additionally, the scraper blade mount 320 is similar in size to the conventional scraper blade mounts 314, 316. The scraper blade mount 320 is thereby suitable as a retrofit to an existing belt cleaner system. For new installations of the belt cleaner 300, the belt cleaner 300 may be provided with two or more scraper blade mounts 320 suitable for installation, and the conventional scraper blade mounts 314, 316 may not be provided.

[0044]

[0070] The plate 308 of the pole 306 may project radially from the tubular wall 322 of the pole 306. In another embodiment, the elongated support is an angle iron instead of the pole 306, and the plate 308 is the leg of the angle iron to which the scraper blade mount 310 is attached. The mounts 302, 304 each include a split block 330 having a fastener 332 operable to clamp an end portion 334 of the pole 306 between the halves of the respective split block 330.

[0045]

[0071] The mounts 302, 304 further each include a side frame member 336 that is secured to a surface near the conveyor belt, such as the frame of a conveyor belt system. The side frame members 336 each have a vertical adjustment slot 338 that receives a fastener of the split block 330 so that the split block 330 and the pole end portion 324 clamped therein can be adjusted vertically relative to the conveyor belt. For example, the mounts 302, 304 may each have a vertical adjustment screw 340 that threadably engages with nuts 342, 344 on opposite sides of the bracket 346 and a nut 348 on the split block assembly 330. Rotating the nut 348 vertically shifts the split block 330 and the pole end portion 324 clamped therein.

[0046]

[0072] The fasteners 332 of the split block assembly 330 may be loosened to allow the pole 306 to be rotated in directions 350, 352 to position the scraper blade 312 at a desired angle of attack relative to the conveyor belt surface. Once the belt cleaner 300 is installed, the mounts 302, 304 are rigid and fix the vertical and rotational position of the pole 306 relative to the side frame members 336. In other embodiments, the conveyor belt cleaner 300 may use resilient mounts to provide another mechanism for absorbing forces from the conveyor belt acting on the scraper blade 312.

[0047]

[0073] 10, the scraper blade mount 320 includes a blade mount member 360 with a blade support plate portion 362, an arcuate portion 364, and a base portion 366 (see FIG. 10). While the arcuate portion 62 (see FIG. 2) has a single loop that spans the full width 370 of the blade mount member 32, the arcuate portion 364 has a pair of loops 372 of minimum width 374 that are each less than half the maximum width 376 of the blade mount member 360. The narrowed loops 372, 373 define a space 380 between the loops 372, 373. The space 380 allows the arcuate portion 364 to have less material to resist movement of the blade support plate portion 362 relative to the base plate portion 366. In this manner, the blade mount member 360 of the scraper blade mount 320 is less stiff than the blade mount member 32 of the scraper blade mount 30 and applies less spring force to return the associated scraper blade into engagement with the conveyor belt. It will be appreciated that the arcuate portion 364 of the blade mount member 360 may have a selected shape, such as a widened or narrowed spacing 380, to provide a desired spring force for the blade mount member 360.

[0048]

[0074] 11, the scraper blade mount 320 has an elastomeric member 390 in a pocket 392 of the blade mount member 360. The elastomeric member 390 has an upper surface 472 (see FIG. 13) that covers an upwardly facing opening 473 of the blade mount member 360. Like the arcuate portion 364 of the blade mount member 360, the elastomeric member 390 has a lower notched portion 394 (see FIG. 9) that includes a pair of sloping sides 396 on opposite sides of the spacing 381 of the elastomeric member 390. Due to the reduced material of the lower notched portion 394 of the elastomeric member 390 compared to the continuous lower portion 400 (see FIG. 3) of the elastomeric member 34, the elastomeric member 390 has a reduced stiffness to resist movement of the blade support plate portion 362 relative to the base plate portion 366 compared to the elastomeric member 34. In this manner, spacing 380 at the lower end of blade mount member 360 and spacing 381 of elastomeric member 390 provide a cushion stiffness for scraper blade mount 320 that is less than the cushion stiffness of scraper blade mount 30 of FIG.

[0049]

[0075] 11 and 12, scraper blade mount 320 includes a front interlocking portion 430 that includes lower projections 432, 434 of elastomeric member 390 and openings 433, 435 in blade mount member 360. Scraper blade mount 320 has a rear interlocking portion 450 (see FIG. 11) that includes projection 452 of elastomeric member 390 and opening 454 in base plate portion 366.

[0050]

[0076] 13, another feature of the scraper blade mount 320 that reduces the stiffness of the scraper blade mount 320 compared to the scraper blade mount 30 discussed above is that the elastomeric member 390 has an upper portion 470 with an upper surface 472 that slopes downwardly from a free end 474 of the base plate portion 366 toward the scraper plate portion 362. The upper portion 470 thereby has a portion 480 that is elevated at the base plate portion 366 and a portion 482 that is depressed at the scraper plate portion 362. The downwardly sloping upper surface 470 forms a recess 488 in an inner surface 490 of the scraper plate portion 362. The recess 488 removes elastomeric material near the scraper plate portion 362 such that the elastomeric material 392 provides less biasing force against the blade support plate portion 362 as the blade support plate portion 362 moves toward the base plate portion 366.

[0051]

[0077] The presence of elastomeric member 390 in pocket 392 of blade mount member 362 prevents debris from filling pocket 392. Debris that accumulates on upper surface 472 of elastomeric member 390 is urged away from elastomeric member 390 due to vibration during conveyor belt operation. Additionally, movement of blade support plate portion 362 toward base portion 366 compresses elastomeric member 390 and causes an upward bulge of upper surface 472 which results in the movement of debris and helps urge the debris away from upper surface 472.

[0052]

[0078] 14, a scraper blade mount 500 similar in many respects to the scraper blade mounts 30, 320 discussed above is provided with the differences being emphasized. The scraper blade mount 500 has a blade mount member 502 with a blade support plate portion 504, an arcuate portion 506, and a base plate portion 508. The blade mount member 502 has a pocket 503 that receives an elastomeric member 520.

[0053]

[0079] Arcuate portion 506 includes loops 510, 512 and spaces 514 between loops 510, 512. Unlike scraper blade mount 320 discussed above, elastomeric member 520 of scraper blade mount 500 has a continuous lower portion 522 similar to continuous lower portion 400 of scraper blade mount 30. The presence of continuous lower portion 522 provides additional elastomeric material in pocket 503 to resist movement of blade support plate portion 504 relative to base plate portion 508.

[0054]

[0080] Another difference between the scraper blade mount 500 and the scraper blade 320 discussed above is that the scraper blade mount 500 has an interlocking portion 530 that includes an upper projection 532 that extends through an upper opening 534 in the blade support portion 504. With reference to FIG. 15, the elastomeric member 520 has an upper portion 540 with a concave upper surface 542 that curves downwardly from a portion 544 elevated on the inner surface 546 of the scraper plate portion 504 downwardly toward a lower portion 550 of the inner surface 552 of the base plate portion 508. The upper portion 540 of the elastomeric member 520 provides support for the scraper plate portion 504 a distance 554 above the free end 556 of the base plate portion 508.

[0055]

[0081] 14 and 17, the front interlocking portion 530 includes a lower protrusion 570 that extends through a lower opening 572 in the blade support plate portion 504. The scraper blade mount 500 further includes a rear interlocking portion 580 that includes a protrusion 582 in the elastomeric material 520 and an opening 584 in the base plate portion 508.

[0056]

[0082] 6 and 15, scraper blade mount 30 has a larger portion of elastomeric material 334 above free end 190 of base plate portion 64 compared to elastomeric member 520 of scraper blade mount 500. This removed elastomeric material of scraper blade mount 500 reduces the stiffness of scraper blade mount 500 compared to scraper blade mount 30. Additionally, spacing 514 between loops 510, 512 (see FIG. 14) reduces the stiffness of blade mount member 502 compared to blade mount member 32.

[0057]

[0083] Thus, comparing blade mount members 30, 320, 500, scraper blade mount 30 is the stiffest, scraper blade mount 320 is the least stiff, and scraper blade mount 500 has a stiffness between scraper blade mounts 30, 320. In accordance with the foregoing, the scraper blade mount for a particular application can be selected to provide the stiffness and resiliency desired for a particular conveyor belt system.

[0058]

[0084] 18, a scraper blade mount 600 is provided that is similar in many respects to the scraper blade mount discussed above. The scraper blade mount 600 includes a generally J-shaped blade mount member 602 that may be made from a metallic material, such as spring steel. The blade mount member 602 includes a blade support plate portion 604, a base plate portion 606, and an arcuate portion 608 connecting the blade support plate portion 604 and the base plate portion 606. The arcuate portion 608 includes spaced apart loop portions 610, 612 having an opening 614 therebetween. The scraper blade mount 600 further includes an elastomeric member 620 received in a pocket 622 in the blade mount member 602.

[0059]

[0085] Manufacture of the scraper blade mount 600 involves advancing the elastomeric member 620 in a direction 624 into a pocket 622 of the blade mount member 602 rather than forming the elastomeric member 620 in situ with the blade mount member 602. Prior to assembly of the elastomeric member 620 and the blade mount member 602, the elastomeric member 620 has an initial maximum width 630 (see FIG. 21 ) that is greater than a width 632 (see FIG. 22 ) between the blade support plate portion 604 and the base plate portion 606 at a top opening 780 of the pocket 622. As shown in FIG. 22 , the blade mount member 602 has an initial, undeflected configuration in which the blade support plate portion 604 is initially tilted at an angle 640 relative to a plane 636 that extends parallel to the base plate portion 606.

[0060]

[0086] The process of advancing elastomeric member 620 into pocket 622 of blade mount member 602 urges blade support plate portion 604 in direction 642 until blade support plate portion 604 is aligned with plane 636 as elastomeric member 620 is also compressed, as shown in Figures 22-24. In this manner, assembly of elastomeric member 620 and blade mount member 602 creates a prestress in blade mount member 602, including tension and compression at loop portions 610, 612. Additionally, assembly of elastomeric member 620 and blade mount member 602 creates a prestress in elastomeric member 620 due to elastomeric member 620 being compressed between blade support plate portion 604 and base plate portion 606.

[0061]

[0087] Returning to FIG. 18, when a conveyor belt cleaner including scraper blade mount 600 is installed to scrape a conveyor belt, scraper blade mount 600 is further loaded due to the scraper blade tip tension that scraper blade mount 600 exerts on the scraper blade. For example, during installation of a conveyor belt cleaner including scraper blade mount 600, the conveyor belt cleaner is adjusted to tension the scraper blade supported by scraper blade mount 600 against the conveyor belt. The tensioning action deflects the scraper blade and blade support plate portion 604, for example, by 4 mm. Thus, the scraper blade supported by scraper blade mount 600 exerts a scraping force against the belt, and the belt exerts a reaction force in the opposite direction against the scraper blade. The reaction force deflects blade support plate portion 604 in direction 650 (see FIG. 18) and further loads scraper blade mount 600 to a steady state preload. The steady state preload corresponds to a deformation in the scraper blade mount 600 when the scraper blade mount 600 is installed but the conveyor belt is not running or when the conveyor belt is running and the scraper blade is engaging the relatively smooth outer surface of the conveyor belt.

[0062]

[0088] When the conveyor belt is in operation, a mechanical splice in the conveyor belt may impact the scraper blade supported on the blade support plate portion 604. The blade support plate portion 604 pivots backward in direction 650 to provide clearance for the scraper blade to move past the splice. Pivoting the blade support plate portion 604 in direction 650 bends the spaced apart loops 610, 612, compresses the elastomeric member 620 between the blade support plate portion 604 and the base plate portion 606, and increases the resilient load that the scraper blade mount 600 exerts on the scraper blade, returning the scraper blade to engagement with the belt. When the scraper blade returns to engagement with the conveyor belt, the spaced apart loops 610, 612 and the elastomeric member 620 are partially unloaded and the scraper blade mount 600 returns to a steady state preload.

[0063]

[0089] Because the elastomeric member 620 is wider than the pocket 622, as the elastomeric member 620 advances into the pocket 622, the elastomeric member is compressed between the base plate portion 606 and the blade support plate portion 604. In this manner, the elastomeric member 620 has an interference fit with the blade mount member 602 such that the elastomeric member resists shifting out of the pocket 622 in the direction 660 (see FIG. 18 ) during conveyor belt operation. Additionally, the interference fit also prevents water and water-based materials from being sucked into small spaces between the elastomeric member 620 and the blade mount member 602 that may be present around the periphery of the elastomeric member 620 due to manufacturing variations in the blade support member 602 and the elastomeric member 620.

[0064]

[0090] The scraper blade mount 600 also has a snap fit connection 670 that resists movement of the elastomeric member 620 in the pocket 622. With reference to FIG. 19 , the snap fit connection 670 includes a snap fit connection 670 on an opposite side of the elastomeric member 620. The snap fit connection 670 may be formed by protrusions, such as projections 672, 674, on either side of the elastomeric member 620 that engage the base plate portion 606 and the blade support plate portion 604 to prevent shifting of the elastomeric member 620 out of the pocket 622 in the direction 660. More specifically, the projections 672, 674 have upper surfaces 700, 702 that overlap or face or engage lower stop surfaces 704, 706 of the base plate portion 606 and the blade support plate portion 604. The overlapping engagement between surfaces 700, 704 and 702, 706 prevents movement of elastomeric member 620 out of pocket 622 in direction 660. Additionally, protrusions 672, 674 each have opposing sides 676, 678 (see FIG. 21 ) that can engage opposing sides 682, 684 (see FIG. 18 ) of loop portions 610, 612. The engagement between protrusion sides 676, 678 and loop sides 682, 684 resists twisting movement of elastomeric member 620 in directions 690, 692.

[0065]

[0091] 20 and 21, the elastomeric member 620 has pockets 710, 712, 714, 716 on opposite sides 715, 717 of the elastomeric member 620. Each pocket 710, 712, 714, 716 is configured to receive a head portion 720 of one of the fasteners, such as square neck root angle bolts 722, extending through a through hole 724 in the base plate portion 606. Because the opposite sides 715, 717 of the elastomeric member 620 include pockets 710, 712, 714, 716, the elastomeric member 620 is bidirectional such that either side 715, 717 may be positioned to face the bolt 722. The bidirectional configuration of the elastomeric member 620 allows for simpler assembly of the elastomeric member 620 and the blade mount member 602.

[0066]

[0092] 21, the elastomeric member 620 has a retainer 730 in each pocket 710-716 that facilitates positioning of the elastomeric member 620 in the pocket 622 and resists shifting and / or rotation of the bolt. More specifically, each retainer 730 includes a tapered surface 732 for camming engagement with an upper convex surface portion 734 of an associated bolt 722 as the elastomeric member 620 is advanced downwardly in a direction 736 (see FIG. 23) into the pocket 622. The camming engagement helps bias the base plate portion 606 away from the blade support plate portion 604 to temporarily widen the pocket 622 to receive the elastomeric member 620. With reference to FIGS. 21 and 24, the retainer 730 has an upper fastener engagement surface 740 that engages a lower convex surface portion 735 of the bolt head portion 720 when the elastomeric member 620 is installed in the pocket 622 as shown in FIG. The fastener engaging surface 740 engages the convex outer surface 734 and resists rotation of the bolt 722 .

[0067]

[0093] 22, the elastomeric member 620 has an initial, undeflected configuration, the elastomeric member having a maximum width 750 defined between sides 752, 754 of the projections 672, 674 that is wider than the initial width 632 between the upper opening 780 of the pocket 622, the blade support plate portion 604, and the base plate portion 606. Further, the maximum width 750 is greater than the distance between the lower stop surfaces 704, 706 (see FIG. 19) of the base portion 606 and the blade support plate portion 604. The elastomeric member 620 further includes upper sides 760, 762 having a width 764 therebetween that is also wider than the width 632.

[0068]

[0094] 22-24, the projections 672, 674 have lower tapered surfaces 770, 772 that cooperate with rounded lower surface portions 774, 776 of the elastomeric member 620 to cam into engagement with the blade support plate portion 604, the base plate portion 606, and the head portion 720 of the bolt 722 as the elastomeric member 620 advances into the pocket 622. The camming engagement between the elastomeric member 620 and the blade support member 602 temporarily urges the blade support plate portion 604 and the base plate portion 606 apart, resiliently enlarging the upper opening 780 of the pocket 622 and facilitating the advancement of the elastomeric member 620 fully into the pocket 622.

[0069]

[0095] As the elastomeric member 620 is advanced further into the pocket 622 decreasing the width 750, 764 (see FIG. 22) of the elastomeric member 602, the protrusions 672, 674 and upper surfaces 760, 762 are compressed by the blade mount member 602. When the elastomeric member 602 is installed in the pocket 622, the protrusions 672, 674 fit into the openings 614 below the lower stop surfaces 704, 706 (see FIG. 19) of the base portion 606 and the blade support plate portion 604. When the elastomeric member 602 is installed as shown in FIG. 24, the protrusions 672, 674 spring back into the expanded configuration, but the upper surfaces 760, 762 of the elastomeric member 620 remain compressed together between the blade support plate portion 604 and the base plate portion 606 applying a preload to the elastomeric member 620. Conversely, the compressed elastomeric member 620 exerts a resilient reaction force on the blade support plate portion 604 and the base plate portion 606 that deflects the blade support plate portion 604 into a position in plane 636 in FIG. 22 and preloads the blade mount member 602. In other words, positioning an elastomeric member 620 that is too large in the pocket 622 preloads both the elastomeric member 620 and the blade mount member 602.

[0070]

[0096] 21, the elastomeric member 620 has a peripheral edge 790 that projects from the periphery of a generally U-shaped outer surface 792 of a body 793 of the elastomeric member 620. The peripheral edge 790 engages an inner surface 793 (see FIG. 22) of the pocket 622 when the elastomeric member 620 is seated in the pocket 622. Compression of the elastomeric member 620 between the blade support plate portion 604 and the base plate portion 606, and seating of the elastomeric member 620 in the pocket 622 flattens the peripheral edge 790 against the blade mount member 602. The engagement between the peripheral edge 790 of the elastomeric member 620 and the inner surface 793 of the pocket 622 forms a seal between the elastomeric member 620 and the blade mount member 602 to prevent the ingress of debris and liquids, improving the durability of the scraper blade mount 600. The compression of perimeter 790 is greater than the compression of body 793 of resilient member 620, so that perimeter 790 acts similar to an O-ring and fits more snugly against blade mount member 602. Perimeter 790 includes side perimeter portions 795 and vertical perimeter portions 797A, 797B that protrude to engage blade support plate portion 604. Perimeter 790 further includes arcuate perimeter portions 799A, 799B that protrude to engage arcuate portion 608 of blade mount member 602. Perimeter 790 extends on the opposite side of elastomeric member 620 (not shown in FIG. 21 ) and includes side and vertical perimeter portions that protrude to engage base plate portion 606 of blade mount member 602. In one embodiment, the elastomeric member 620 is symmetrical such that opposite sides of the elastomeric member 620 have identical peripheral portions 795, 797A, 797B.

[0071]

[0097] 25 and 26, an alternative method 900 for assembling the scraper blade mount 600 is provided. The method 900 includes providing the blade mount member 602 in a flat configuration with the bolts 722 installed in the through holes 724 (see FIG. 23) of the base plate portion 606. The method 900 includes using a press machine to force a bottom tip 902 of the elastomeric member 620 in a direction 904 against the flat blade mount member 602 and bend the base plate portion 606 and the blade support plate portion 604 in directions 906, 908 around the elastomeric member 620. The elastomeric member 620 acts as a mandrel during the bending operation. The blade support plate portion 604 is over-bent, for example to the position shown in FIG. 22, such that when the scraper blade mount 600 is removed from the press, the blade support plate portion 604 springs back to a position substantially parallel to the base plate portion 606 shown in FIG. 18.

[0072]

[0098] With reference to Figure 27, a scraper blade mount 950 is provided that is similar in many respects to the scraper blade mount discussed above. The scraper blade mount 950 includes a blade mount member 952 and an elastomeric member 1000 assembled to the blade mount member 952. The blade mount member 952 includes a blade support plate portion 954, an arcuate portion 956, and a base plate portion 958. Unlike the arcuate portion 608 of the scraper blade mount 600 of Figure 18, the arcuate portion 956 does not include a pair of spaced apart loops.

[0073]

[0099] 27 and 28, the scraper blade mount 950 includes a pair of snap-fit ​​connections 960 between the blade support plate portion 954 and an elastomeric member 1000. The snap-fit ​​connections 960 each include a protruding portion, e.g., a plug portion 1002, of the elastomeric member 1000 that extends into a respective through hole 962 of the blade mount member 952 when the elastomeric member 1000 is seated in a pocket 970 of the blade mount member 952.

[0074]

[0100] 28, the plug portions 1002 each have a tapered surface 1004 that cammingly engages the blade support plate portion 954 as the elastomeric member 1000 advances into the pocket 970 and biases the blade support plate portion 954 away from the base plate portion 958. The plug portions 1002 are compressed as the elastomeric member 1000 advances into the pocket 970 and resiliently spring or snap outwardly into the opening 962 when the plug portions 1002 are aligned with the opening 962.

[0075]

[0101] Use of singular terms, e.g., "a," "an," is intended to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The terms "comprising," "having," "including," and "containing" are intended to be construed as open-ended terms. The phrase "at least one of" is intended to be construed in a disjunctive sense as used herein. For example, the phrase "at least one of A and B" is intended to encompass A, B, or both A and B.

[0076]

[0102] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been illustrated and described, it is to be understood that numerous changes and modifications will occur to those skilled in the art, and it is intended that the present invention cover all such changes and modifications within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A scraper blade mount for a conveyor belt cleaner, wherein the scraper blade mount is A resilient single-blade mounting member, The blade support portion extending upward of the blade mounting member, which is configured to attach a scraper blade, The blade mounting member has an upward-extending base portion configured to be fixed to the elongated support of the conveyor belt cleaner, The lower curved portion of the blade mount member connecting the base portion and the blade support portion, wherein the curved portion allows the cleaner blade support portion of the blade mount member to move relative to the base portion of the blade mount member during the operation of the conveyor belt cleaner, A pocket of the blade mounting member for providing a gap between the blade support portion and the base portion that allows the blade support portion to move, the pocket having an opening that faces upward, A blocker connected to the blade mount member is configured to restrict debris from entering the upward-facing opening and accumulating in the pocket. A scraper blade mount, including...

2. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein at least a portion of the blocker is located in the pocket.

3. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the blocker is configured to be compressed by the movement of the blade support portion toward the base portion.

4. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the blocker includes an elastomer member molded or assembled to the blade mount member.

5. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the blocker has an upper surface that extends from the blade support portion of the blade mount member to the base portion.

6. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the blocker includes an elastomer member, at least a portion of which is contained within the pocket.

7. The blade mounting member is made of a metallic material, and the blocker includes an elastomer member. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the elastomer member and the blade mount member include mutual locking portions for fixing the elastomer member and the blade mount member.

8. The blade mounting member is made of a metallic material, and the blocker includes an elastomer member. At least one of the blade support portion and the base portion includes an opening, The elastomer member includes a projection having an enlarged end portion that extends through the opening and is configured to prevent the projection from penetrating the opening. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1.

9. The blade support portion and the base portion include an opening, The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the blade mounting member is made of a metallic material, and the blocker includes a resilient member having a projection that extends through the opening of the blade support portion and the base portion.

10. The scraper lower blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the arc-shaped portion of the blade mount member includes a lower loop portion having a gap between them.

11. The scraper blade mount according to claim 10, wherein the blocker includes an elastomer member having a notched lower portion with gaps open between the loops.

12. The scraper blade mount according to claim 10, wherein the blocker is an elastomer member having a lower portion with the convex lower surface extending over the distance between the loop portions of the arched portion such that a portion of the convex lower surface of the elastomer member is not covered by the loop portion.

13. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, further comprising a threaded mounting member protruding from the base portion of the blade mount member on the opposite side of the pocket for fixing the blade mount member to the elongated support of the conveyor belt cleaner.

14. The base portion includes a non-circular opening, and the scraper blade mount is A bolt having a head portion in the pocket, a neck portion having a non-circular cross-section extending into the non-circular opening that forms a non-rotatable connection between the bolt and the base plate, and a threaded shank extending outside the pocket away from the base portion. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, further comprising:

15. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the blade support portion includes an opening for receiving a fastener associated with the scraper blade.

16. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the blade support portion and the base portion extend upward from the arched portion, and the blade support portion extends further than the base portion.

17. The scraper blade mount according to claim 1, wherein the pocket of the blade mount member is formed at least partially by the blade support portion, the base portion, and the arched portion.

18. A scraper blade mount for a conveyor belt cleaner, wherein the scraper blade mount is A resilient single-blade mounting member, The blade support plate portion of the blade mounting member, configured to operatively attach a scraper blade connected thereto, wherein the blade support plate portion has an inner surface of the blade support plate portion and an outer surface of the blade support plate portion opposite to the inner surface of the blade support plate portion, A base plate portion of the blade mount member configured to be fixed to the elongated support of the conveyor belt cleaner, wherein the base plate portion has an inner surface of the base plate portion and an outer surface of the base plate portion opposite to the inner surface of the base plate portion. It has, The blade support plate portion and the base plate portion extend substantially parallel to each other in the direction in which the blade support plate portion is not bent. The aforementioned scraper blade mount, The arched portion of the blade mount member locks the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion together such that the inner surface of the blade support plate portion faces the inner surface of the base plate portion, wherein the arched portion of the blade mount member allows for resilient deflection of the blade support plate portion relative to the base plate portion during conveyor belt cleaner operation. A scraper blade mount, including...

19. The scraper blade support plate portion has a first free end, and the base plate portion has a second free end. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the scraper blade support plate portion and the base plate portion extend from the arched portion to the first and second free ends which are substantially parallel to each other in the non-bent direction of the blade support plate portion.

20. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the single blade mount member has a J-shaped cross-section in a plane perpendicular to the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion, such that the blade support plate portion is longer than the base plate portion.

21. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the blade support plate portion has an opening that allows the mounting member of the scraper blade to be fastened to the base plate portion.

22. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the arc-shaped portion of the blade mount member includes a plurality of loops.

23. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion extend away from the arched portion, and the blade support plate portion extends further away from the arched portion than the base plate portion.

24. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the blade mount member is configured such that there is a space between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion, and the scraper blade mount further includes a blocker connected to the blade mount member to prevent debris accumulation in the space between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion.

25. The scraper blade mount according to claim 24, wherein the blocker is an elastomer member, and at least a portion of the elastomer member is located in the space between the base plate portion and the blade support plate portion.

26. The blade mounting member includes a metallic material and has a through hole, and the scraper blade mount is The elastomer member on the blade mount member includes the portion extending through the through hole of the blade mount member. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, further comprising:

27. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, further comprising a resilient material located between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion, wherein the resilient material is compressed by the movement of the scraper blade support plate portion toward the base plate portion.

28. The scraper blade mount further includes a resilient material located between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the blade mounting member and the resilient material include mutual locking portions for fixing the blade mounting member and the resilient material.

29. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the base plate portion includes a through hole, and the scraper blade mount further includes a fastener that extends into the through hole of the base plate portion and connects to the elongated support of the conveyor belt cleaner.

30. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the blade mounting member is made of a metallic material.

31. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the base plate portion includes a non-circular through hole, and the scraper blade mount further includes a fastener having a portion extending into the non-circular through hole, wherein the fastener portion has a non-circular cross-section configured to form a non-rotatable connection between the fastener and the base plate portion.

32. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion each include opposite inner and outer planar portions that extend parallel to each other, and the base plate portion has through holes extending between the inner and outer planar portions of the base plate portion, which are sized to allow fasteners to extend through them.

33. The scraper blade mount according to claim 18, wherein the base plate portion and the blade support plate portion are substantially flat.

34. A scraper blade mount for a conveyor belt cleaner, wherein the scraper blade mount is A single blade mounting member made of resilient metallic material, The blade support portion of the blade mount member, which is configured to have a scraper blade connected thereto, The blade mount member comprises a base portion configured to be fixed to a long support, and an arched portion of the blade mount member that interconnects the blade support portion and the base portion, wherein the arched portion is configured to allow the blade support portion to move toward the base portion. An elastomer member having a main body portion located midway between the blade support portion and the base portion, wherein the main body portion of the elastomer member is configured to bend resiliently with the resilient movement of the blade support portion toward the base portion, The mutual locking portion of the elastomer member and the blade mount member is configured to prevent separation of the elastomer member and the blade mount member during the operation of the conveyor belt cleaner. A scraper blade mount, including...

35. The aforementioned mutual locking portion, The opening of the blade support member, The protruding portion of the elastomer member extends from the main body portion of the elastomer member into the opening of the blade support member and through it. Includes, The scraper blade mount according to claim 34, wherein the protruding portion of the elastomer member includes an enlarged end portion of the blade mount member on the side opposite to the main body portion of the elastomer member.

36. The scraper blade mount according to claim 35, wherein the blade support portion includes the opening of the blade support member.

37. The aforementioned mutual locking portion, The openings of the blade support portion and the base portion, The protruding portion of the elastomer member extends from the main body portion of the elastomer member into the opening of the blade support portion and the base portion. A scraper blade mount according to claim 34, including the following:

38. The blade support portion of the blade mounting member includes an inner surface of the blade support portion, an outer surface of the blade support portion, and a through-hole in the blade support portion that extends from the inner surface of the blade support portion to the outer surface of the blade support portion. The mutual locking portion includes the blade support projection of the elastomer member that extends into the through hole of the blade support portion. The scraper blade mount according to claim 34.

39. The base portion of the blade mounting member includes an inner surface of the base portion, an outer surface of the base portion, and a through hole in the base portion extending from the inner surface of the base portion to the outer surface of the base portion. The mutual locking portion includes a base projection that extends into the through hole of the base portion. The scraper blade mount according to claim 38.

40. The scraper blade mount according to claim 34, wherein the blade support portion includes a blade support plate portion, and the base portion includes a base plate portion.

41. The scraper blade mount according to claim 40, wherein the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion extend substantially parallel to each other.

42. The arc-shaped portion includes the loop of the blade mounting member, The scraper blade mount according to claim 34, wherein the blade mounting member includes the spacing between the loops that are open to the elastomer member.

43. The elastomer member is rubber, Polyurethane, and foam A scraper blade mount according to claim 6 or 34, comprising at least one of the following.

44. A conveyor belt cleaner for cleaning a conveyor belt that moves in the longitudinal direction of belt movement, wherein the conveyor belt cleaner is A long support structure, which is sized to extend the conveyor belt laterally perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of belt movement, The mounting plate portion of the elongated support having an opening, A scraper blade mount, A resilient single-blade mounting member, The blade support plate portion of the blade mounting member, which is configured to have the scraper blade connected thereto, The base plate portion of the blade mounting member having an opening, The blade mounting member has an arched portion which locks the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion together and allows the blade support plate portion to move toward the base plate portion during conveyor belt operation, A fastener extending through the opening of the base plate portion, wherein the fastener protrudes from the base plate portion and is sized to extend through the opening of the mounting plate portion of the elongated support in order to connect the blade mount member to the elongated support, A scraper blade mount including a resilient member located between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion, wherein the resilient member is made of a different material than that of the resilient blade mount member, and is configured to be compressed between the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion by the resilient movement of the blade support plate portion toward the base plate portion. A conveyor belt cleaner, including one.

45. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the resilient member contacts the fastener and resists relative movement between the fastener and the base plate portion of the blade mount member.

46. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the resilient member includes an elastomer member assembled to the blade mount member.

47. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion are substantially parallel to each other.

48. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the fastener includes a head portion and a shank portion, and the shank portion protrudes from the base plate portion on the side opposite to the blade support plate portion of the base plate portion.

49. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the fastener and the opening in the base plate portion of the blade mount member are configured to form a non-rotatable connection between the fastener and the blade mount member.

50. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the resilient member includes an elastomer member.

51. At least one of the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion includes a resilient member opening. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the resilient member includes a projection that extends into the opening of the resilient member and forms an interlocking engagement between the resilient member and at least one of the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion.

52. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the single blade mounting member is made of a metallic material and the resilient member is made of an elastomer material.

53. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the arched portion includes a plurality of loops.

54. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the scraper blade includes a plurality of scraper blades and the scraper blade mount includes a plurality of scraper blade mounts.

55. The conveyor belt cleaner according to claim 44, wherein the resilient member resists relative movement between the fastener and the base plate portion of the blade mount member.

56. A scraper blade mount for a conveyor belt cleaner, wherein the scraper blade mount is A single blade mounting member made of resilient metallic material, The blade support portion of the blade mount member, which has a scraper blade connected thereto, The base portion of the blade mounting member for fixing to the elongated support, An arc-shaped portion of the blade mounting member that interconnects the blade support portion and the base portion, wherein the arc-shaped portion is configured to allow the blade support portion to move toward the base portion, An elastomer member assembled to the single blade mount member located between the blade support portion and the base portion, wherein the elastomer member is configured to bend resiliently as the blade support portion moves toward the base portion, The blade mount member and the elastomer member have a snap-fit ​​connection portion for fixing the elastomer member to the blade mount member and keeping the elastomer member separated from the blade mount member during belt cleaning operation. A scraper blade mount, including...

57. The scraper blade mount according to claim 56, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection portion includes the surfaces of the elastomer member and the blade mount member, configured to engage with each other and to bias the blade support portion and the base portion apart when the elastomer member is assembled to the blade mount member.

58. The scraper blade mount according to claim 56, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection portion includes a first projection of the elastomer member for engaging with the base portion and a second projection for engaging with the blade support portion, in order to prevent the elastomer member from separating from the blade mount member.

59. The elastomer member has an interference fit between the blade support portion and the base portion. The scraper blade mount according to claim 56, wherein the blade mounting member is incorporated from the outset because the elastomer member is located between the blade support portion and the base portion.

60. The scraper blade mount is a bolt connected to the base portion of the blade mount member, the bolt further comprising a threaded shank portion protruding from the base portion and a head portion located on the opposite side of the base portion from the shank portion, The scraper blade mount according to claim 56, wherein the elastomer member comprises a pocket in which the head portion is received, and a retainer that engages with the head portion to restrict the movement of the bolt relative to the blade mount member.

61. The scraper blade mount according to claim 56, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection portion includes a return portion of the elastomer member and a stop surface of the blade mount member with which the return portion engages.

62. The arched portion of the blade mounting member includes a pair of spaced-apart loop portions having an opening between them, The scraper blade mount according to claim 56, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection portion includes a protruding portion of the elastomer member extending into the opening.

63. The arc-shaped portion of the blade mounting member includes a pair of spaced-apart loop portions having an opening between the blade support portion and the base portion, The scraper blade mount according to claim 56, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection portion includes at least one projection of the elastomer member that extends into the opening and engages with at least one of the base portion and the blade support plate portion.

64. The scraper blade mount according to claim 56, wherein the snap-fit ​​connection portion includes a pair of snap-fit ​​connection portions on the opposite side of the elastomer member.

65. The blade support portion includes the blade support plate portion, and the base portion includes the base plate portion, The scraper blade mount according to claim 1 or 56, wherein the blade support plate portion and the base plate portion extend substantially parallel to each other.

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