Roller support device, carrier idler device, and method for removing rollers from carrier idler device

Abstract

The present invention provides a roller support device that allows for easy and rapid replacement of side rollers in a carrier idler device, even when the belt conveyor has electrical cables running along its sides, attached components such as walkways, or installed on the floor. [Solution] The roller support device S1 is used as an idler device for the carrier of a belt conveyor that moves the conveyor belt in a circular motion, and comprises a base frame 1, a guide member 2 provided on the base frame 1 whose guide direction is directed outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt 4 and which is inclined upward at a predetermined angle, and a slider 30 attached to the guide member 2 that is movable along the guide direction and has support brackets 32 and 35, and a side roller 31 can be rotatably and detachably pivotally supported on the support brackets 32 and 35 with its longitudinal direction parallel to the guide direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a roller support device, a carrier idler device, and a method for removing a roller from the carrier idler device. Specifically, when replacing the side rollers of the carrier roller device, even when the belt conveyor has an electric cable passing through its side, has accessories such as a walkway attached, or is installed on the floor, it relates to a device that can perform the replacement work of the side rollers easily and quickly without any problems.

Background Art

[0002] Belt conveyors are widely used as means for continuously conveying bulk solids such as ores, coals, and earth and stones. Many belt conveyors include a conveyor belt endlessy hung between pulleys, a carrier roller device that supports the conveyor belt at regular intervals on the carrier side, and a return roller device that supports the conveyor belt on the return side.

[0003] Among these, the carrier roller device has a structure in which a center roller and side rollers that slope upward outward on both sides thereof are rotatably supported by support brackets. As a result, the conveyor belt supported by the center roller and both side rollers forms a trough shape on the carrier side, and during the conveying operation, the load of the conveyor belt and the conveyed material continuously acts on each roller. [[ID=?]]

[0004] [[ID=?]] Therefore, each roller of the carrier roller device is subjected to a very large load compared to, for example, the rollers of the return roller device. Thus, the outer peripheral portion of the roller and the ball bearing are likely to be damaged or worn out, and it is necessary to replace the rollers at a not-insignificant frequency. Also, in the replacement work, due to the structure of the carrier roller device, the side roller is lifted against the pressure from the conveyor belt and removed from the support bracket.

[0005] It seems there are some consecutive tags with no content in between in the original text which might be an error. I've translated it as accurately as possible while keeping the tags intact. If you have any further clarifications or corrections regarding the original text, feel free to let me know.However, the conveyor belt resting on the side rollers is heavy and under high tension, making it difficult to lift by hand even when no goods are loaded. While methods such as using chain blocks or belt lifters to hoist the conveyor belt exist, these methods are extremely time-consuming. To address these inconveniences, the belt conveyor disclosed in Patent Document 1 has been proposed.

[0006] The carrier roller device for a belt conveyor described in Patent Document 1 is configured such that the frame supporting each of the center roller and side rollers via a support member is divided into two parts, and each part is movably mounted on the carrier beam, allowing it to slide on the carrier beam and be fixed in a predetermined position. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Publication number 4-39217 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0008] While the conventional belt conveyor described above had the effect of resolving the aforementioned inconveniences, it also had the following challenges. Specifically, when replacing each roller, the frame to which the rollers are attached by support members is moved outward along the carrier beam, and once the pressure of the conveyor belt is released, the damaged or worn rollers can be removed from the support members and the side rollers and center rollers can be replaced with new ones.

[0009] However, on the other hand, electrical cables connected to equipment are typically attached to and routed through the sides of the belt conveyor, or auxiliary components such as walkways are attached or placed on the floor. In the conventional belt conveyor equipped with the aforementioned carrier roller device, if the setup is carried out in the usual manner, electrical cables and auxiliary components interfere with or get in the way when moving the frame outwards during roller replacement work, causing inconveniences such as making replacement work impossible or delaying the work.

[0010] The present invention was conceived in view of the above points, and aims to provide a roller support device, a carrier idler device, and a method for removing rollers from a carrier idler device that allow for easy and rapid replacement of side rollers without hindrance, even when the belt conveyor has electrical cables running along its sides, attached components such as walkways, or installed on the floor. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] [1] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a roller support device for an idler device for a carrier of a belt conveyor that moves an endless conveyor belt in a circular motion, comprising: a base frame; a guide member provided on the base frame and inclined upward at a predetermined angle outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt; and a slider provided on the guide member so as to be movable along the guiding direction and having a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a side roller.

[0012] According to the roller support device of the present invention, the base frame serves as the base portion of the roller support device. A guide member provided on the base frame, which is inclined upward at a predetermined angle outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt, serves as a guide portion that allows the slider to move in the width direction and vertical inclination direction of the conveyor belt. The slider is also movable along the guide member with the side rollers pivotally supported by support brackets.

[0013] Furthermore, when replacing a side roller in the carrier idler device of a belt conveyor due to damage or wear, the side roller is moved outward along the guide member in the width direction of the conveyor belt, while the conveyor belt remains on the side roller.

[0014] This allows the side roller to be slid diagonally upward at a predetermined angle against the underside of the conveyor belt resting on it, maintaining contact between the flat surface of the conveyor belt and the cylindrical surface of the side roller, and then removed by sliding it in a direction approximately parallel to the length of the side roller.

[0015] Since the contact between these two surfaces is approximately linear, between the flat surface of the conveyor belt and the cylindrical surface of the side roller, even if a considerable pressure is applied to the side roller from the conveyor belt due to the load of the conveyor belt, the frictional force is kept relatively small, making it easy to remove. The process of returning the side roller to the guide member after replacement can be performed using approximately the reverse procedure of the removal process described above.

[0016] In this way, when replacing the side rollers, the side rollers can be removed without moving the frame to which the rollers are attached by support members outwards, as was done in the past. As a result, even if the belt conveyor has electrical cables running along its sides, or has attached components such as walkways, or is installed on the floor, the side rollers can be replaced easily and quickly without any problems.

[0017] [2] The roller support device of the present invention may also be configured such that the slider is fixed to the guide member at a predetermined position and is removable.

[0018] In this case, by fixing the slider with a support bracket to the guide member at a predetermined position, the carrier idler device can be used to support the conveyor belt during the conveying of goods by the belt conveyor. Furthermore, by making the slider removable, it becomes possible to remove the side rollers and return them to the guide member.

[0019] [3] The roller support device of the present invention may also be configured to have a vibration-preventing structure that suppresses vibration or rattling of the slider relative to the guide member.

[0020] In this case, by having a vibration-preventing structure, vibration or rattling of the slider relative to the guide member can be suppressed, thereby ensuring the stability of the rotating side rollers during transport operations.

[0021] [4] The roller support device of the present invention may also be configured such that the guide members are arranged symmetrically in a vertical V-shape in the width direction of the conveyor belt.

[0022] In this case, the roller support device is configured such that the guide members are arranged symmetrically in a roughly V-shape vertically in the width direction of the conveyor belt. This allows the attached side rollers to support the conveyor belt with a V-shaped cross-section, where the center in the width direction is concave and both ends slope upward outward. At the same time, both side rollers can be removed by sliding them diagonally upward at a predetermined angle against the underside of the conveyor belt they rest on. This releases the pressure of the conveyor belt on the side rollers, allowing them to be replaced. Note that the term "roughly V-shape" is used to include shapes where the adjacent base ends of the guide members are slightly separated.

[0023] 〔5〕The roller support device of the present invention may be configured such that a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a center roller is provided at the central portion in the width direction of the conveyor belt on the base frame, and the guide member is provided adjacent to the outer side of each support bracket.

[0024] In this case, the roller support device can support the conveyor belt in a shape in which the central portion in the width direction of the conveyor belt is recessed and both end sides are inclined upward outward by a center roller provided at the central portion in the width direction of the conveyor belt on the base frame and side rollers provided on both sides in the length direction of the center roller.

[0025] Further, one or both of the side rollers on both sides can be slid and removed obliquely upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the lower surface of the conveyor belt placed on the side roller. This enables the replacement of the side roller when the pressure of the conveyor belt on the side roller is released.

[0026] [6] The roller support device of the present invention is provided with a first moving frame and a second moving frame on the base frame so as to be movable in the length direction thereof. The first moving frame can be fixed to one end side of the base frame, and the guide member is provided thereon. The second moving frame can be fixed to the other end side of the base frame, and a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a center roller is provided on the side closer to the first moving frame, and a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a side roller in a state of being inclined upward outward is provided on the far side. Or, the first moving frame can be fixed to one end side of the base frame, and a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a center roller is provided on the side closer to the second moving frame, and the guide member is provided on the far side. The second moving frame can be fixed to the other end side of the base frame, and a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a side roller in a state of being inclined upward outward is provided. Or, the first moving frame can be fixed to one end side of the base frame, and one of the guide members is provided thereon. The second moving frame can be fixed to the other end side of the base frame, and a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a center roller is provided on the side closer to the first moving frame, and the other guide member is provided on the far side.

[0027] In the case of the above-described configuration in the previous paragraph, the roller support device supports the conveyor belt in a shape in which the central portion in the width direction of the conveyor belt is recessed and both end sides are inclined upward outward by the center roller provided on the side closer to the first moving frame of the second moving frame and the side rollers provided on both sides in the length direction of the center roller, that is, the first moving frame and the side closer to the first moving frame of the second moving frame.

[0028] Further, the side roller pivotally supported by the support bracket of the slider movably provided on the guide member of the first moving frame can be slid and removed diagonally upward at a predetermined angle with respect to the lower surface of the conveyor belt placed on the side roller. Thereby, when the pressure of the conveyor belt on the side roller is released, the side roller can be replaced.

[0029] Furthermore, the center roller and side rollers, which are pivotally supported by the support bracket of the second movable frame, can be moved inward and outward along the base frame by releasing the fixation of the second movable frame. This allows the center roller and side rollers to be replaced once the second movable frame is moved outward and the pressure of the conveyor belt on them is released.

[0030] In the configuration shown in the middle section above, the roller support device can support the conveyor belt in a shape in which the center of the conveyor belt in the width direction is recessed and both ends are inclined upward outward, by a center roller provided on the side of the first moving frame closer to the second moving frame in the width direction of the conveyor belt, and by side rollers provided on both sides of the center roller in the length direction, i.e., on the side of the first moving frame further from the second moving frame and on the second moving frame.

[0031] Furthermore, the side roller, which is pivotally supported by a slider support bracket movably mounted on the guide member of the first moving frame, can be removed by sliding it diagonally upward at a predetermined angle against the underside of the conveyor belt resting on the side roller. This allows the side roller to be replaced once the pressure of the conveyor belt on the side roller is released.

[0032] Furthermore, the side rollers, which are pivotally supported by the support brackets of the second movable frame, can be moved inward and outward along the base frame by releasing the fixation of the second movable frame. This allows the side rollers to be replaced once the pressure of the conveyor belt on the side rollers is released by moving the second movable frame outward.

[0033] In the configuration described in the latter part of the above, the roller support device can support the conveyor belt in a shape in which the center of the conveyor belt in the width direction is recessed and both ends are inclined upward outward, by a center roller provided on the side of the second moving frame closer to the first moving frame in the width direction of the conveyor belt, and side rollers provided on both sides in the length direction of the center roller, that is, on the first moving frame and on the side of the second moving frame further from the first moving frame.

[0034] Furthermore, the side rollers, which are pivotally supported by the guide members of the first moving frame and the slider support brackets movably mounted on the guide members of the second moving frame, can be removed by sliding them diagonally upward at a predetermined angle against the underside of the conveyor belt resting on the side rollers. This allows the side rollers to be replaced once the pressure of the conveyor belt on both side rollers is released.

[0035] Furthermore, the center roller and side rollers, which are pivotally supported by the support bracket of the second movable frame, can be moved inward and outward along the base frame by releasing the fixation of the second movable frame. This allows the center roller and side rollers to be replaced once the second movable frame is moved outward and the pressure of the conveyor belt on them is released. In this way, the side rollers pivotally supported by the support bracket of the second movable frame can be released from the pressure of the conveyor belt by the two methods described above.

[0036] [7] To achieve the above objective, the present invention provides a carrier idler device for a belt conveyor that causes an endless conveyor belt to circumferentially move, comprising: a base frame; a guide member provided on the base frame and inclined upward at a predetermined angle outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt; a slider provided on the guide member so as to be movable along the guiding direction and having a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a side roller; and a side roller rotatably pivotally supported on the support bracket.

[0037] According to the idler device for carriers of the present invention, in the roller support device of [1] above, the side roller is rotatably supported on a support bracket capable of supporting the side roller. As a result, by sliding the side roller diagonally upward at a predetermined angle relative to the underside of the conveyor belt resting on the side roller, the conveyor belt can be removed by sliding it in a direction approximately parallel to the length of the side roller while maintaining contact between the flat surface of the conveyor belt and the cylindrical surface of the side roller.

[0038] Since the contact between these two surfaces is approximately linear, between the flat surface of the conveyor belt and the cylindrical surface of the side roller, even if a considerable pressure is applied to the side roller from the conveyor belt due to the load of the conveyor belt, the frictional force is kept relatively small, making it easy to remove. The process of returning the side roller to the guide member after replacement can be performed using approximately the reverse procedure of the removal process described above.

[0039] In this way, when replacing the side rollers, the side rollers can be removed without moving the frame to which the rollers are attached by support members outwards, as was done in the past. As a result, even if the belt conveyor has electrical cables running along its sides, or has attached components such as walkways, or is installed on the floor, the side rollers can be replaced easily and quickly without any problems.

[0040] [8] To achieve the above objective, the present invention relates to a method for removing rollers from a carrier idler device of a belt conveyor that circumfers an endless conveyor belt, comprising the step of sliding a slider, on which a side roller is rotatably supported via a support bracket, along a predetermined guide member, and removing the side roller while bringing its cylindrical surface into contact with the lower surface of the conveyor belt in an outward direction in the width direction of the conveyor belt and in an oblique upward direction.

[0041] According to the roller removal method for a carrier idler device of the present invention, a side roller, which is rotatably supported via a support bracket, is guided diagonally upward at a predetermined angle outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt along a guide member, and can be removed while the cylindrical surface of the side roller is in contact with the lower surface of the conveyor belt that rests on the side roller.

[0042] Since the contact between these two sides is approximately linear, between the underside of the conveyor belt and the cylindrical surface of the side roller, even if a considerable pressure is applied to the side roller from the conveyor belt due to the load of the conveyor belt, the frictional force is kept relatively small, making it easy to remove.

[0043] After removing the side roller, the side roller to be replaced, which is pivotally supported by the support bracket, can be replaced with a new side roller. Then, the new side roller, which is rotatably supported by the support bracket, can be slid diagonally downward along the guide member, with the cylindrical surface of the side roller in contact with the underside of the conveyor belt, in a direction approximately parallel to the length of the side roller, and the slider can be fixed in the predetermined position on the guide member.

[0044] In this way, when replacing the side rollers, the side rollers can be removed without moving the frame to which the rollers are attached by support members outwards, as in conventional methods. As a result, even if electrical cables are routed along the side of the belt conveyor, or if accessories such as walkways are attached or installed on the floor, no large protrusions are created on the side of the belt conveyor during replacement work, allowing the side rollers to be replaced easily and quickly without any problems. [Effects of the Invention]

[0045] The present invention provides a roller support device, a carrier idler device, and a method for removing rollers from a carrier idler device, which allow for easy and quick replacement of side rollers without causing problems, even when the side rollers of the carrier idler device of a belt conveyor are damaged or worn out, because no large portion protrudes from the side of the belt conveyor. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0046] [Figure 1] This is a front view showing a carrier idler device equipped with a first embodiment of the roller support device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a front view diagram of one of the side rollers of a carrier idler device. [Figure 3] This is an exploded front view diagram of one of the side rollers of a carrier idler device. [Figure 4] The structure of the side roller kit is shown, with (a) being a front view, (b) a left side view, and (c) a right side view. [Figure 5] This is an exploded perspective view illustrating the structure of the guide frame and side roller kit. [Figure 6] This is an explanatory diagram showing one side roller kit being pulled out from the carrier idler device. [Figure 7] This is an explanatory diagram of a V-type roller device showing a carrier idler device equipped with a second embodiment of the roller support device according to the present invention. [Figure 8] This is an explanatory diagram of a split-type roller device showing a carrier idler device equipped with a third embodiment of the roller support device according to the present invention. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0047] Referring to Figures 1 to 6, the form of the roller support device S1 of the present invention and the carrier idler device A1 equipped with the roller support device S1 will be described in more detail. The carrier idler device A1, including the rollers described later, is made of metal (mainly steel) with sufficient strength.

[0048] The carrier idler device A1 is used in a belt conveyor that causes the conveyor belt 4, which will be described later, to rotate, and consists of a roller support device S1 and a center roller 13 and two side rollers 31, which will be described later and attached to the roller support device S1.

[0049] The roller support device S1 is equipped with a base frame 1 of a predetermined length. The base frame 1 is made of angle steel and is used by placing it in an inverted position. In addition, bottom plates 10, 10 of a predetermined length are fixed to the underside of both ends of the base frame 1 at a right angle to the length of the base frame 1 to ensure stability when it is placed in a fixed position (see Figures 2 and 5).

[0050] Support brackets 11, 11 for supporting the center roller 13 are erected vertically across the top edge of the center of the base frame 1 in the width direction, at positions a predetermined distance apart on both the left and right sides from the center of the base frame 1 in the width direction, reinforced with reinforcing plates (not shown) (see Figure 5).

[0051] The support brackets 11, 11 are plate-shaped, and each has a receiving groove 12 of a predetermined width formed from its upper end. A center roller 13 is rotatably supported between the support brackets 11, 11. When the carrier idler device A1 is installed, the length direction of the base frame 1 is the same as the width direction of the conveyor belt 4.

[0052] Here, we will explain the structure of the center roller 13 that is pivotally supported between the support brackets 11, 11. The structure of the center roller 13 and the side roller 31, which will be described later, are the same, so we will omit a further explanation of the structure of the side roller 31. However, in the drawing of the side roller 31, the reference numerals for the roller body 130, end plate 131, rotating shaft 132, and fitting groove 133, which will be described later, are shown in parentheses.

[0053] For convenience, Figures 2 through 5 will also be used to explain the center roller 13. Furthermore, since the structure of the center roller 13 is common, only a brief explanation will be provided. The mounting methods for each center roller 13 and side roller 31 will be explained as needed.

[0054] The center roller 13 has a hollow roller body 130 with a roughly cylindrical outer shape. A rotating shaft 132 is pivotally supported in the roller body 130 via a bearing (not shown) equipped with ball bearings, passing through end plates 131 on both sides in the longitudinal direction (see Figures 1, 2, and 3). As a result, both ends of the rotating shaft 132 protrude outward from the end plates 131 by a predetermined length (see Figure 1).

[0055] Near both ends of the rotating shaft 132, there are insertion grooves 133 formed in two locations in the diametrical direction, into which the rotating shaft can be fitted into the receiving grooves 12 of the support brackets 11, 11 so as not to rotate relative to the support brackets 11, 11 (see Figures 2 and 3). The center roller 13 is then mounted between the support brackets 11, 11 by fitting the insertion grooves 133 of the rotating shaft 132 into the receiving grooves 12 (see Figures 1 and 2). In this state, the rotating shaft 132 does not rotate relative to the support brackets 11, 11, and only the roller body 130 rotates (see Figure 1).

[0056] Furthermore, on the base frame 1, guide frames 2 are provided on the outside of each of the support brackets 11, 11 to guide the sliding of each side roller kit 3, which will be described later. The guide frames 2 are made of angle material and are used in an inverted position. The guide frames 2 are attached by fixing the inner end (leftward in Figure 2) to the base frame 1 via a reinforcing plate (notation omitted), and by fixing the outer end (rightward in Figure 2) to the upper end of a rectangular column-shaped support member 20 that is erected vertically near the outer end of the base frame 1 (see Figures 2, 3, and 5).

[0057] Near the inner end of the guide frame 2, a stopper member 21 for stopping the side roller kit 3 is erected perpendicularly to the top of the center of the guide frame 2 in the width direction. The upper part of the stopper member 21 is formed to be wide, and circular through-pin holes 22, 22 are provided in that part at predetermined intervals (see Figure 5).

[0058] Furthermore, support plates 23 are stretched over approximately the entire length of the upper surfaces of both V-shaped inclined plates (not shown) of the guide frame 2 (see Figures 3 and 5: the support plate 23 on the far side is not visible). Each support plate 23 has a smooth surface finish to ensure good sliding properties. Screw holes 24 are provided near the outer ends of the guide frame 2, passing through each support plate 23 and both V-shaped inclined plates.

[0059] A side roller kit 3 is attached to the guide frame 2. The side roller kit 3 consists of a slider 30 and side rollers 31. The slider 30 is made of angle material and is used in a face-down position. A support bracket 32 ​​is erected perpendicular to the center of the slider 30's width direction, slightly spaced from the inner end, near the inner end (see Figures 4(a), (b), and 5).

[0060] The support bracket 32 ​​has a receiving groove 33 of a predetermined width formed from its upper end. The middle section of the support bracket 32 ​​in the height direction is wider, and two pins 34, 34, which are round rod-shaped with chamfered and slightly pointed ends, are provided in this section parallel to the slider 30 and facing inward.

[0061] Each pin 34 is positioned to correspond to the diameter and spacing of each pin hole 22, allowing for insertion (see Figures 2, 3, 4(a), (b), and 5). The structure in which each pin 34 is inserted into each pin hole 22 forms a vibration-preventing structure. This suppresses vibration or rattling of the slider 30 relative to the guide frame 2, thereby ensuring the stability of the rotating side rollers 31 during transport operations.

[0062] Furthermore, a support bracket 35 is erected perpendicularly to the center of the width direction of the slider 30, straddling the top edge, near the outer end of the slider 30 (see Figures 4(a), (c), and 5). A receiving groove 36 of a predetermined width is formed in the support bracket 35 from its upper end. Bolt holes 37 are provided near the outer end of the slider 30, passing through both of the V-shaped inclined plates. The slider 30 and the support brackets 32 and 35 constitute a support section that rotatably supports the side roller 31.

[0063] The bolt holes 37 are positioned so that when the slider 30 is placed on the guide frame 2 and each pin 34 is inserted into each pin hole 22, the inward tip of the slider 30 is brought into contact with the stopper member 21, and the position of the screw holes 24 coincides with the position of the screw holes 24. Then, by passing the fixing bolts 38 through the bolt holes 37 to the screw holes 24 and screwing them in, the side roller kit 3 can be fixed to the guide frame 2 in the operating position of the side roller 31 (see Figures 2 and 3).

[0064] In this state, the slider 30 of the side roller kit 3 is fixed to the guide frame 2 and stopper member 21 without any rattling. As a result, the side roller 31 can rotate stably (idle rotation) even when a continuous force is applied in the direction of movement by the circulating conveyor belt 4.

[0065] The carrier idler device A1 has a similar guide frame 2 and side roller kit 3 symmetrically arranged on the opposite side of the center roller 13 from the guide frame 2 and side roller kit 3 (see Figure 1). In this embodiment, the angle of the guide frame 2, i.e., the angle of the side roller 31, is set to 30° relative to the base frame 1, but it is not limited to this angle, and any angle can be set as appropriate.

[0066] (action) The operation of the roller support device S1 and the carrier idler device A1 equipped with the roller support device S1 will be explained with reference to Figures 1 to 6. The carrier idler device A1 is installed and used at a constant interval in the conveying direction beneath the carrier-side conveyor belt 4, which is the upper route of the belt conveyor (not shown in the figure) (see Figure 1).

[0067] As a result, the conveyor belt 4 deforms along the upper surface of the roller body 130 of the center roller 13 and both side rollers 31, as shown in Figure 1. During operation of the belt conveyor, it maintains this shape on the carrier side while carrying and transporting the conveyed objects, and rotates around the carrier side and the return side of the lower route.

[0068] Furthermore, if the side rollers 31 of the center roller 13 are damaged or worn out due to the long-term use of the carrier idler device A1, the damaged side roller 31 will be replaced with a new side roller 31. The method for removing the side rollers 31 during replacement is as follows.

[0069] (1) In Figure 1 of the carrier idler device A1, if the right-side roller 31 generates abnormal noise during operation, for example, if wear is suspected due to damage to the ball bearings or other components inside the side roller 31, the side roller 31 will be replaced.

[0070] (2) In this case, loosen the fixing bolt 38 that secures the right side roller kit 3 to the guide frame 2 and remove it from the screw hole 24 and bolt hole 37. This releases the side roller kit 3 from its fixation to the guide frame 2, allowing it to slide diagonally upward (to the right).

[0071] (3) With the side rollers 31 still pivotally supported by the support brackets 32 and 35, the side roller kit 3 is pulled up along the guide frame 2 (see Figure 6). At this time, the weight of the conveyor belt 4, and if there are conveyed objects on the conveyor belt 4, the weight of the conveyed objects as well, is added to the lower surface of the conveyor belt 4 and the upper surface of the side rollers 31 that are in contact with this lower surface. However, since both of these surfaces are in approximately linear contact between the flat surface of the conveyor belt 4 and the cylindrical surface of the side rollers 31, the frictional force is kept relatively small, and the kit can be easily pulled up.

[0072] (4) After removing the lifted side roller kit 3 from the guide frame 2, lift and remove the side roller 31 from the support brackets 32 and 35. Then, attach the new side roller 31 to the support brackets 32 and 35 and place the slider 30 of the side roller kit 3 onto the guide frame 2. At this time, the conveyor belt 4 only needs to be slightly deformed inward in the part corresponding to the side roller 31, and once the tip of the side roller 31 (left end in Figure 1) is under the conveyor belt 4, push the side roller kit 3 inward.

[0073] (5) When the side roller kit 3 is pushed down, each pin 34 of the support bracket 32 ​​is inserted into each pin hole 22 of the stopper member 21, and when the inward tip of the slider 30 hits the stopper member 21, the bolt hole 37 aligns with the position of the screw hole 24, so the fixing bolt 38 is screwed in here to fix it in place, and the replacement of the side roller 31 is completed.

[0074] (6) When replacing the side roller 31 on the opposite side, the procedure can be carried out in substantially the same manner as in [2] to [5] above. If the center roller 13 becomes worn and needs to be replaced, it can be replaced independently of the two side rollers 31 by, for example, using a belt lifter or the like in the conventional method to lift the conveyor belt 4, although the explanation will be omitted.

[0075] Thus, with the carrier idler device A1, when replacing the side rollers 31, it is not necessary to move the frame to which the rollers are attached by support members outward, as in conventional devices. As a result, even if electrical cables are routed along the side of the belt conveyor, or if accessories such as walkways are attached or the belt conveyor is installed on the floor when the belt conveyor is initially installed, no part of the belt conveyor will protrude outwards during replacement work, allowing the side rollers to be replaced easily and quickly without any problems.

[0076] Next, with reference to Figures 7 and 8, the structures of carrier idler devices A2 and A3, which are modified versions of carrier idler device A1, will be described.

[0077] The carrier idler device A2 shown in Figure 7 includes a roller support device S2 and side rollers 31. The roller support device S2 has side rollers 31, 31 that are mounted in the same structure as the side rollers 31 of the carrier idler device A1, but are arranged in a roughly V-shape with their inner ends (the side that contacts the base frame 1) slightly spaced apart. Each side roller 31 can support the conveyor belt 4 in a V-shape with a recess in the center in the width direction and both ends sloping upward outward.

[0078] Furthermore, both side rollers 31 can be removed in a direction approximately parallel to the length of the side roller 31 by sliding them diagonally upward at a predetermined angle against the underside of the conveyor belt 4 that rests on the side roller 31, similar to the side rollers 31 of the carrier idler device A1 described above. The side rollers 31 can also be replaced in the same manner.

[0079] The carrier idler device A3 shown in Figure 8 comprises a roller support device S3, a center roller 13a, and side rollers 31, 31a provided on both sides thereof. The first movable frame 1a and the second movable frame 1b are slidably mounted on the base frame 1 and fixed in place with fixing bolts 17. The fixing bolts 17 are screwed in using bolt holes 16 provided in the movable frames 1a and 1b and corresponding screw holes (not visible in Figure 8) provided in the base frame 1.

[0080] In Figure 8, one side roller 31 is attached to the left movable frame 1a in the same structure as the side roller 31 of the carrier idler device A1. On the right movable frame 1b, which is provided separately from movable frame 1a, a center roller 13a is provided at one end (left side in Figure 8) via support brackets 11, 11, and the other side roller 31a is provided at the other end via a support bracket 14 and a support member 15, symmetrically with the same inclination angle as the first side roller 31.

[0081] The carrier idler device A3 supports the conveyor belt 4 in a shape where the center of the conveyor belt 4 in the width direction is recessed, and both ends are sloped upward outwards, thanks to the center roller 13a located in the center of the base frame 1 in the width direction, and the side rollers 31 (attached in the same structure as the side rollers 31 of the carrier idler device A1 above) and 31a (other general side rollers that slope upward outwards) located on both sides in the length direction of the center roller 13a.

[0082] Furthermore, the side roller 31 of the first moving frame 1a can be removed by sliding it diagonally upward at a predetermined angle against the underside of the conveyor belt 4 that rests on the side roller 31, in a direction approximately parallel to the length of the side roller 31. This releases the pressure of the conveyor belt 4 on the side roller 31, allowing for the replacement of the side roller 31 as described above.

[0083] The center roller 13a and side rollers 31a of the second movable frame 1b can be released from their fixation by the fixing bolts 17 of the second movable frame 1b and moved outward along the base frame 1. This allows the center roller 13a and side rollers 31a to be replaced once the pressure of the conveyor belt 4 on the side rollers 31a is released.

[0084] Thus, in the carrier idler devices A2 and A3 described above, when replacing the side rollers 31, it is not necessary to move the frame to which the rollers are attached by support members outward, as in the conventional method. As a result, even if electrical cables are routed along the side of the belt conveyor, or if accessories such as walkways are attached or installed on the floor when the belt conveyor is initially installed, no part protrudes from the side of the belt conveyor during replacement work, so the side rollers can be replaced easily and quickly without any problems.

[0085] When replacing the side roller 31a of the carrier idler device A3, the second moving frame 1b and its attached parts will protrude to the side of the belt conveyor. In this case, sufficient care should be taken to ensure that they do not interfere with electrical cables, etc.

[0086] Furthermore, although not shown in the diagram, as a variation of the carrier idler device A3, for example, a center roller may be pivotally supported on a support bracket provided on the side of the first moving frame closer to the second moving frame, and side rollers with a mounting structure similar to the side rollers 31 of the carrier idler device A1 may be provided on both sides in the longitudinal direction of the center roller, that is, on the side of the first moving frame further from the second moving frame, and side rollers pivotally supported on the second moving frame with an upward inclination outward.

[0087] According to this structure, the side roller, which is pivotally supported by a slider support bracket movably mounted on a guide member of the first moving frame, can be removed by sliding it diagonally upward at a predetermined angle against the underside of the conveyor belt resting on the side roller. This allows the side roller to be replaced once the pressure of the conveyor belt on the side roller is released.

[0088] Furthermore, the side rollers, which are pivotally supported on the support bracket of the second movable frame at an upward inclination outward, can be moved inward and outward along the base frame by releasing the fixing of the second movable frame to the base frame. This allows the side rollers to be replaced when the pressure of the conveyor belt on them is released by moving the second movable frame outward.

[0089] Furthermore, the carrier idler device can also be configured to have the same mounting structure as the side rollers 31 of the first moving frame 1a, instead of the side rollers 31a of the second moving frame 1b of the carrier idler device A3.

[0090] According to this, the side rollers, which are pivotally supported by the guide members of the first moving frame and the slider support brackets movably mounted on the guide members of the second moving frame, can be removed by sliding them outward and diagonally upward at a predetermined angle against the underside of the conveyor belt resting on the side rollers. This allows the side rollers to be replaced once the pressure of the conveyor belt on both side rollers is released.

[0091] Furthermore, the center roller and side rollers, which are pivotally supported by the support bracket of the second movable frame, can be moved inward and outward along the base frame by releasing the fixation of the second movable frame. This allows the center roller and side rollers to be replaced once the second movable frame is moved outward and the pressure of the conveyor belt on them is released. In this way, the side rollers pivotally supported by the support bracket of the second movable frame can be released from the pressure of the conveyor belt by the two methods described above.

[0092] The terms and expressions used in this specification and claims are for illustrative purposes only and are not limiting in any way, and there is no intention to exclude terms or expressions equivalent to the features and parts thereof described herein and in the claims. Furthermore, it goes without saying that various modifications are possible within the scope of the technical concept of the present invention. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0093] A1 Carrier Idler Device S1 Roller support device 1 frame 10 Bottom plate 11 Support bracket 12 receiving groove 13 Center Roller 130 Roller body 131 End plate 132 Rotation axis 133 Inset groove 2 Guide Frames 20 Support members 21 Stopper member 22 pin holes 23 Receiving plate 24 screw holes 3 Side Roller Kit 30 Sliders 31 Side Roller 32 Support brackets 33 Receiving groove 34 pins 35 Support bracket 36 Receiving groove 37 Bolt holes 38 Fixing bolts 4. Conveyor belt A2 Carrier Idler Device S2 Roller support device A3 Carrier Idler Device S3 Roller support device 1a First movement frame 1b Second movement frame 13a Center Roller 31a Side Roller 14 Support bracket 15 Support member 16 bolt holes 17 volts

Claims

1. A roller support device for an idler device for a carrier of a belt conveyor that moves an endless conveyor belt in a circular motion, Base frame and A guide member is provided on the frame and is inclined upward at a predetermined angle outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt, The guide member includes a slider that is movably mounted along the guiding direction and has a support bracket capable of pivotally supporting a side roller. Roller support device.

2. The slider is provided so as to be fixable and removable at a predetermined position relative to the guide member. The roller support device according to claim 1.

3. The slider has a vibration-preventing structure that suppresses vibration or rattling relative to the guide member. A roller support device according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The guide members are arranged symmetrically in a roughly V-shape vertically in the width direction of the conveyor belt. A roller support device according to claim 1 or 2.

5. The base frame has a support bracket in the center of the width direction of the conveyor belt, on which a center roller can be pivotally supported, and the guide members are provided adjacent to each of the support brackets on the outer side. A roller support device according to claim 1 or 2.

6. The aforementioned base frame is provided with a first movable frame and a second movable frame so as to be movable in the longitudinal direction thereof. The first movable frame is fixed to one end of the base frame and is provided with the guide member, and the second movable frame is fixed to the other end of the base frame and is provided with a support bracket on the side closer to the first movable frame on which a center roller can be pivotally supported, and a support bracket on the far side on which a side roller can be pivotally supported in an outwardly upward inclined position. Alternatively, The first movable frame is fixed to one end of the base frame, and a support bracket is provided on the side closer to the second movable frame, on which a center roller can be pivotally supported, and the guide member is provided on the side further away from the second movable frame. The second movable frame is fixed to the other end of the base frame, and a support bracket is provided on which a side roller can be pivotally supported in an outwardly upward inclined position. Alternatively, The first movable frame is fixed to one end of the base frame and has one of the guide members provided on it, and the second movable frame is fixed to the other end of the base frame and has a support bracket on the side closer to the first movable frame on which a center roller can be pivotally supported and has the other guide member on the side further away. A roller support device according to claim 1 or 2.

7. An idler device for a carrier of a belt conveyor that causes an endless conveyor belt to rotate around it, Base frame and A guide member is provided on the frame and is inclined upward at a predetermined angle outward in the width direction of the conveyor belt, The guide member is provided with a slider having a support bracket that is movable along the guiding direction and capable of pivotally supporting the side roller, The system comprises a side roller rotatably supported on the aforementioned support bracket. Idler device for carriers.

8. A method for removing rollers from an idler device for a carrier of a belt conveyor that moves an endless conveyor belt in a circular motion, The process includes sliding a slider, on which side rollers are rotatably supported via support brackets, along a predetermined guide member, and removing the conveyor belt while bringing the cylindrical surface of the side roller into contact with the lower surface of the conveyor belt in an outward direction in the width direction of the conveyor belt and in an oblique upward direction. Method for removing rollers from a carrier idler device.

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