Scraper with easily replaceable scraper elements

Abstract

The present invention relates to a scraper (18) for a conveyor belt (12), a scraper module (26, 126) therefor, a belt conveyor (10) including the same, and a method for replacing a scraper element (42) on the scraper (18) or belt conveyor (10). The scraper (18) according to the present invention comprises a system support (24) including at least one scraper module (26, 126). The scraper module (26, 126) has a base element (32) arranged on the system support (24) and a scraper element (42) that contacts the conveyor belt (12). To enable particularly easy replacement of the scraper element (42), the scraper element (42) is rotatably mounted about a rotation axis (64) relative to the base element (32) by a rotary coupling. The rotation coupling is configured such that when the scraper element (42) is in a rotatable position within the fixed angle range (68b), the scraper element (42) is rigidly coupled to the base element (32) in the direction of the rotation axis (64), and when the scraper element (42) is in a rotatable position within the release angle range (68a), the scraper element (42) can be released from the base element (32) in the direction of the rotation axis (64) (20).

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a scraper for a conveyor belt, a scraper module thereof, a belt conveyor equipped therewith, and a method for replacing a scraper element. [Background technology]

[0002] The use of scrapers is known in the conveyor belts of belt conveyors, which are arranged to transport the most diverse materials. The scraper elements are applied to the moving conveyor belt so that the materials adhering to the belt are scraped off. Known scraper systems have a system carrier aligned transversely to the running direction of the conveyor belt, on which a number of scraper modules with the scraper elements are arranged.

[0003] DE 102013006821 A1 describes a belt scraper system consisting of modules for the return region of a conveyor belt. A system carrier is arranged transversely to the running direction of the conveyor belt. A number of scraper modules are mounted next to each other on the system carrier. The scraper modules each hold a scraper lamella which abuts against the belt in a peeling manner.

[0004] WO 95 / 19310 describes a device for scraping foreign objects from a conveyor belt in a conveyor belt system. The system carrier is fixed to a bearing frame for the belt conveyor. A scraper element with a scraper lamella fixed to a lamella support is arranged to abut the belt conveyor in a peeling manner in the working position. The scraper element has a torsion spring joint and the lamella support is guided in a spring-loaded manner to pivot about a horizontal pivot axis so that it can pivot away when it encounters an obstacle that is firmly attached to the belt conveyor and then pivot back to the working position. The lamella support is pivotally mounted by a swivel bearing with a limited rotation angle so that the scraper lamella abutting the belt webbing can automatically rotate to adapt to the contour of the belt webbing. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] DE102013006821A1 [Patent Document 2] WO95 / 19310 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The scraper elements, which in operation abut against the conveyor belt, are subject to considerable wear during operation and therefore need to be replaced periodically. It can be seen as an objective to propose a method for replacing the scraper elements on a scraper, which allows for an easy replacement of the scraper, its scraper module, the belt conveyor and the scraper elements. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This object is achieved by a scraper according to claim 1, a scraper module therefor according to claim 13, a belt conveyor according to claim 14 and a method according to claim 15. The dependent claims refer to advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0008] The scraper according to the invention has at least one scraper module, preferably several scraper modules, on the system carrier. Each scraper module comprises at least one base element arranged on the system carrier and one scraper element arranged for abutting against the conveyor belt. The scraper element can be, for example, a scraper block made of a flexible material, especially if the scraper is arranged as a press scraper, i.e. for arrangement in the area of ​​the flexure of the conveyor belt. The scraper can preferably be arranged in the return area of ​​the conveyor belt. The scraper element more preferably has a scraper edge, particularly preferably made of metal, for example carbide. The scraper element can preferably abut against the conveyor belt in a peeling manner.

[0009] The base element of the scraper module can be attached to the system carrier in various ways, preferably removably, and is particularly preferably attached to the system carrier by means of a clamping holding device.

[0010] According to the invention, the scraper element is attached to the base element by means of a rotary coupling so that it can rotate about its axis of rotation, which is formed in such a way that, depending on the rotational position of the scraper element relative to the axis of rotation, different couplings are obtained, whereby in rotational positions within an angular range, referred to herein as the fixed angular range, the scraper element is rigidly connected to the remainder of the scraper module, i.e. in particular to the base element, with respect to a movement in the direction of the axis of rotation, whereas in rotational positions within an angular range, referred to herein as the release angular range, the scraper element can be detached from the remainder of the scraper module, i.e. in particular to the base element, in the direction of the axis of rotation.

[0011] The rotational coupling therefore ensures rotatability of the scraper element about its axis of rotation and allows alignment relative to the belt surface so that during operation the scraper element has good contact with the conveyor belt and can, for example, follow the shape of the conveyor belt with little slack.

[0012] Furthermore, the rotary coupling ensures a fixed coupling with respect to longitudinal movements in the direction of the rotation axis in a fixed angle range, i.e. in rotation positions within the fixed angle range, the scraper element can indeed rotate but cannot be removed from the base element. When the scraper element is rotated so that it assumes a rotation position within the release angle range, in contrast, the rotary coupling releases the scraper element in the direction of the rotation axis so that it can be removed, preferably pulled out.

[0013] The fixed angle range and the release angle range can preferably be selected such that during operation, i.e. when the scraper element is in contact with the conveyor belt, the scraper element is always in the fixed angle range and there is a sufficient distance from the release angle range that the scraper element does not reach with sufficient certainty, i.e. contact with the conveyor belt prevents the scraper element from rotating into the release angle range. The fixed angle range can, for example, be selected such that the horizontal alignment of the scraper element or the alignment of the scraper element parallel to the system carrier is located within the fixed angle range, preferably at least substantially centrally. This position can be assumed to be an intermediate position, in which case the fixed angle range, starting from the intermediate position, is preferably at least more than + / - 30°, more preferably at least more than + / - 40°, particularly preferably at least more than + / - 60°. The release angle range is therefore particularly preferably only started with a strong twist (rotation) around the rotation axis of, for example, 90° + / - 20°, so that a reliable coupling is always ensured in all normally expected operating positions.

[0014] On the other hand, the scraper element can be removed in a simple manner for maintenance purposes from the base element and thus from the system carrier by simply rotating it about the rotation axis until the release angle range is reached, and the scraper element can then be pulled out in the direction of the rotation axis, preferably without the need for further decoupling.

[0015] The result is a scraper with easily replaceable scraper elements which can be realized with a very simple construction. The rotatability about the rotation axis is used twice, on the one hand for aligning the scraper elements during operation and on the other hand for removing them when replacing them. The scraper elements can preferably be rotated manually without tools.

[0016] For replacement, i.e. replacing for example a worn scraper element with a new one, it is sufficient to rotate the old scraper element into the release angle range (for this it is necessary beforehand to move the system carrier into a position in which the scraper element is at a sufficient distance from the conveyor belt to allow the rotation), and then the scraper element can be removed from the base element and the new scraper element, arranged in a rotation position within the release angle range, can be attached to the base element, e.g. inserted into the base element, and then rotated into a rotation position within the fixed angle range for locking.

[0017] The rotary coupling can be realized in various ways to perform the function according to the invention. According to a preferred embodiment, it has an engagement element and an insertion opening, which are formed such that the engagement element is guided through the insertion opening in a first rotation position, which lies within a release angle range, and is locked in the insertion opening in a second rotation position, which lies within a fixed angle range. The insertion opening and its rim can be part of the base element or can be attached to the base element, and the engagement element can be provided on the side of the scraper element or vice versa.

[0018] The engagement element can particularly preferably be arranged on a shaft which can be inserted into the insertion sleeve, in which case the insertion opening is formed. The rim of the insertion opening can be formed to protrude inwards into the insertion sleeve. The shaft is preferably connected to the scraper element and is, for example, rigidly and immovably attached to the scraper element, while the insertion sleeve is fixed to the base element. The rotatability of the scraper element is preferably ensured by the rotatability of the shaft in the insertion sleeve. Preferably, the shaft and / or the insertion sleeve, and particularly preferably the rotation axis, can extend at least substantially perpendicular to the scraper edge of the scraper element or at an angle β of at least more than 45°, preferably more than 60°.

[0019] Also, the axis of rotation is preferably arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the system carrier or at an angle β of at least more than 60°. When viewed from above or below, the axis of rotation therefore preferably extends at least substantially parallel to the running direction of the conveyor belt. When viewed from the side, i.e. horizontally and transversely to the running direction of the conveyor belt, the axis of rotation can in preferred embodiments subtend a relatively small angle γ, for example 0-35°, with the running direction of the conveyor belt. However, alternative advantageous embodiments are also conceivable in which the axis of rotation is arranged significantly steeper, i.e. at a larger angle γ, with respect to the running direction of the conveyor belt.

[0020] According to a preferred embodiment, the rotation of the scraper element about the axis of rotation is slightly damped or purposely slowed so that free rotation does not occur when, for example, only gravity is acting on the scraper element. In contrast, the rotary coupling operates so smoothly that it allows free rotation and alignment of the scraper element while it is subject to the forces resulting from its contact with the conveyor belt. The targeted damping or slowness facilitates the installation of the scraper element, since the desired alignment of the scraper element can be predefined, for example by manual rotation, without changing it in an undesirable way. In the case of a preferred configuration of the rotary coupling with a shaft insertable in an insertion sleeve, the damping can be provided, for example, by friction elements provided for contacting the inside of the shaft and / or the sleeve in order to damp the relative movement, in particular the rotation, between the shaft and the insertion sleeve.

[0021] Furthermore, in the preferred case of the configuration of the rotary coupling with a shaft and an insertion sleeve, a sealing element can be provided for sealing between the shaft and the inside of the insertion sleeve to avoid the ingress of contaminants. The sealing element can preferably completely surround the shaft, for example as an O-ring. In particular, the sealing element can also be utilized to achieve a desired damping of the relative movement between the shaft and the insertion sleeve.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the scraper module may have a joint with which the scraper element can be pivoted relative to the system carrier. The pivot axis of the joint may preferably be aligned at least substantially parallel to the system carrier. Even more preferably, the pivot axis of the joint is aligned at least substantially perpendicular to the rotation axis of the rotary coupling or at least at an angle of at least 60° thereto. By pivoting the scraper element in the joint, a variable contact with the conveyor belt can preferably be achieved, and the possibility that the scraper element can be pivoted (pivoted) away from the belt surface by a pivoting movement in the joint in order to allow obstacles to pass is particularly preferred.

[0023] A spring element can preferably be provided for applying a pressing force against the scraper element in the direction of the conveyor belt. Thus, a resilient contact between the scraper element and the conveyor belt can be achieved. For this purpose, it is essentially possible to use any type of spring element, for example a torsion spring, a spiral spring, a tension spring or a compression spring. The use of a rubber torsion spring, which is more preferably arranged in the joint, is particularly preferred.

[0024] According to an advantageous embodiment, a stop is provided for the pivoting movement of the scraper element in the joint, so that the movement of the scraper element in the direction of the conveyor belt can be particularly limited. The stop is preferably arranged in such a way that in the stopped position there is still a bias in the direction of the surface of the conveyor belt.

[0025] The scraper element may preferably be connected to the joint via a scraper arm, the rotational coupling being formed on the scraper arm.

[0026] A scraper module according to the invention as defined in claim 13 is provided as part of the described scraper and includes at least a base element, a scraper element and a rotation coupling.

[0027] If scrapers are provided on the belt conveyor according to the invention as claimed in claim 14, the system carrier is aligned transversely to the conveyor belt so that the scraper element, or preferably several scraper elements, abuts against the conveyor belt.

[0028] Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail below with reference to the drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0029] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a belt conveyor having a conveyor belt and a scraper according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1a] FIG. 2 shows an enlarged perspective view of the holding device in FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a portion of a belt conveyor having a conveyor belt and a scraper according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a side view of the scraper in FIGS. 1 and 2. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 shows a top view of a scraper module of the scraper in FIGS. 1 to 3. [Diagram 5] FIG. 4 shows a partially cutaway side view of a scraper module of the scraper in FIGS. 1 to 3. [Figure 6] 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the scraper module taken along line AA in FIG. 5. [Figure 7] FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the scraper module of FIGS. 4 and 5 with the scraper element removed. [Figure 8a] 1A-1D show perspective views of different positions of a portion of a scraper according to a first embodiment during withdrawal of the system carrier; [Figure 8b] 1A-1D show perspective views of different positions of a portion of a scraper according to a first embodiment during withdrawal of the system carrier; [Figure 8c] 1A-1D show perspective views of different positions of a portion of a scraper according to a first embodiment during withdrawal of the system carrier; [Figure 8d] 1A-1D show perspective views of different positions of a portion of a scraper according to a first embodiment during withdrawal of the system carrier; [Figure 8e] 1A-1D show perspective views of different positions of a portion of a scraper according to a first embodiment during withdrawal of the system carrier; [Figure 9a] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the scraper according to the first embodiment when the pull-out aid is used. [Figure 9b] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the scraper according to the first embodiment when the pull-out aid is used. [Figure 9c] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the scraper according to the first embodiment when the pull-out aid is used. [Figure 10] A cross-sectional view taken along line BB in FIG. 8b is shown. [Figure 11] FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of a portion of a belt conveyor having a conveyor belt and a scraper according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 shows a top view of the system carrier of the scraper in FIG. 11 . [Figure 13] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the scraper in FIGS. 11 and 12. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 shows a view similar to FIG. 10 for the scraper of FIGS. 11-13 according to a second embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0030] 1 and 2 show a perspective view of a portion of a belt conveyor 10 having, in a first embodiment, a conveyor belt 12 that is bent around a bending drum 14. The shaft of the bending drum is attached to a belt foot (belt scaffold) 16, here only a portion of which is shown diagrammatically.

[0031] In the belt conveyor 10, a scraper 18 having a plurality of scraper modules 26 is provided with a system carrier 24, a holding device 20 for mounting on the belt leg 16, and a counter support 22.

[0032] The holding device 20 and the counter support 22 each have a mounting part which is fixed to or is part of the belt leg 16, here each in the form of a mounting plate 28. A holding element in the form of a holding plate 30 is in each case attached to the mounting plate 28.

[0033] In the illustrated embodiment, the system carrier 24 is a tube of constant circular cross section. The retaining plates 30 each have a circular recess into which a plastic sliding bush 33 is inserted, in which the system carrier 24 is rotatably mounted.

[0034] In Fig. 3, two scraper modules 26 are shown in side view. Each scraper module 26 comprises a base element 32 removably mounted to the system carrier 24 at a clamping device 34. A scraper arm 36 is pivotally mounted to the base element 32 about a pivot axis 38. At the end of each scraper arm 36, a scraper element holder 40 having a scraper element 42 is arranged.

[0035] For example, as can be seen in FIG. 2, a number of scraper modules 26 are arranged next to each other on the system carrier 24, which extends transversely (transversely) to the width of the conveyor belt 12, i.e., the direction of its travel. In a first embodiment, the scraper modules 26 arranged next to each other have short and long scraper arms 36 alternating such that the scraper elements 42 are arranged in two staggered rows, where a slight overlap between the scraper elements 42 of the two rows is always provided, as viewed in the direction of travel of the conveyor belt. The scraper modules 26 are arranged next to each other such that the rows extend at least substantially across the entire width of the conveyor belt 12.

[0036] During operation of the belt conveyor 10 and scraper 18, the scraper edge of the scraper element 42 comes into peeling contact with the surface of the conveyor belt 12, for example in the return region of the conveyor belt 12, as shown in Fig. 3. The scraper element 42 is elastically pressed against the surface of the conveyor belt 12. As a result, foreign objects and adhering conveyed material are scraped off from the moving conveyor belt 12 by the scraper element 42.

[0037] 4 and 5, one of the scraper modules 26 is shown in greater detail. As shown therein, a joint 44 is provided between the base element 32 and the scraper arm 36 to allow the scraper arm 36 to pivot about the pivot axis 38. As shown, the joint 44 includes a stirrup 46 that surrounds the base element 32.

[0038] A rubber torsion spring (not shown) that exerts a torque on the scraper arm 36 acts within the joint 44 .

[0039] On the base element 32 a protruding tab is provided as a stop 48. In the stop position, a part of the stirrup 46 abuts against the stop 48, preventing further pivoting of the scraper arm 36 about the pivot axis 38. A rubber torsion spring is formed acting on the scraper arm 36 in the direction of the stop, the spring bias 48 prevailing in the stop position shown in FIG.

[0040] Due to the effect of the spring of each of the scraper modules 26, the scraper elements 42 are pressed against the surface of the conveyor belt 12, but by pivoting in the joints 44 under the influence of corresponding forces during operation, they can take avoidance action, for example due to stationary (unchanging) belt damage, bumps or the like on the surface of the conveyor belt 12, by corresponding pivoting movement of the scraper arms 36 about the pivot axis 38 against the effect of the springs.

[0041] The bias of the entire scraper 18, which presses the entire scraper element 42 against the conveyor belt 12, is predetermined by identifying the rotational position of the system carrier 24. A tensioning device 50 is provided on the retention device 20 between the retention plate 30 and the system carrier 24.

[0042] 1a shows an enlarged view of the retention device 20. The clamp ring attached to the system carrier 24 has tensioning arms 54 projecting radially from the system carrier 24 which can be tensioned by tensioning screws 56 against an attachment fixedly mounted to the retention plate 30. Adjustment of the tensioning screws 56 allows the system carrier 24 to be rotated and the spring bias of the scraper module 26 to be adjusted.

[0043] 1 and 1a, a plate-shaped support element 80 is disposed between the mounting plate 28 and the holding plate 30 in the illustrated embodiment and is further attached to the mounting plate 28 of the holding device 20. The shape and function of the support element 80 will be explained in more detail below with respect to Figures 8a-8d and 10.

[0044] During operation of the scraper 18, the scraper elements 42 are constantly subject to wear and therefore require regular inspection and maintenance. The scraper 18 is designed in a particularly simple manner with regard to its attachment to the belt legs 16 and with regard to the attachment of the scraper elements 42 to the scraper modules 26.

[0045] As can be seen in particular from Figures 4, 5 and 7, the scraper arm 36 comprises two elements which are removably fixed to one another: a shaft 58 mounted on the scraper element holder 40 and a sleeve 60 connected to the base element 32, i.e. fixed to the stirrup 46 of the joint 44. The shaft 58 is inserted into the sleeve 60 (Figure 5) and fixed in the direction of the longitudinal axis 64 of the scraper arm 36 by means of a twist lock 62.

[0046] The longitudinal axis 64 in the illustrated embodiment extends perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the system carrier 24, i.e. at an angle β of 90° (see FIG. 8e), in a vertical view parallel to the running direction of the conveyor belt 12, as is evident from FIGS. 2 and 3. In a horizontal view from the side (FIG. 3), the longitudinal axis 64 extends at an angle γ of approximately 9° to the running direction of the conveyor belt 12. The longitudinal axis 64 in the illustrated embodiment is furthermore aligned perpendicularly to the contact edge of the scraper element 42, i.e. at an angle δ of 90° (see FIG. 4).

[0047] The shaft 58 can freely rotate in the sleeve 60 about a longitudinal axis 64, which is therefore also called the axis of rotation. However, a sealing ring 66 is provided which, on the one hand, seals the inner space of the sleeve 60 against the shaft 58, and, on the other hand, produces a certain sluggishness in the movement of the shaft 58 relative to the sleeve 60 due to friction caused by its contact with the inside of the sleeve 60.

[0048] The twist lock 62 has a rim (frame portion) on the side of the sleeve 60 that protrudes into the inside of the sleeve 60 and is disposed inside the rim. As an insertion opening It includes an elongated window 62 a and, on the side of the shaft 58 , an elongated plate-like engagement element 62 b fixedly attached to a smaller diameter extension 63 at the end of the shaft 58 .

[0049] As is particularly evident from the cross-sectional view of FIG. 6, the engagement element 62b and the window 62a are aligned parallel to each other when the engagement element 62b is aligned parallel to the window 62a (shown in dotted lines). 62a 6. The aperture 62a is configured such that it can be inserted through the aperture 62 in the direction of the longitudinal axis 64 while being locked in a twisted position relative to parallel alignment with the rim of the window 62a, as shown (solid lines).

[0050] Thus, there is a rotational position dependency regarding the fixation of the shaft 58 to the sleeve 60 in the axial direction of the longitudinal axis 64 .

[0051] In the position of the engagement element 62b parallel to the window 62a (shown in dotted lines), the shaft 58 with attached scraper element holder 40 and scraper element 42 are located in a position within the release angle range 68a. In the rotational position of the release angle range, the twist lock 62 is released and the shaft 58 is free to move longitudinally relative to the sleeve 60.

[0052] As shaft 58 is twisted further relative to sleeve 60, the end of engagement element 62b engages behind the rim of window 62a, fixing shaft 58 longitudinally relative to sleeve 60. The corresponding position of shaft 58 is within a fixed angle range 68b within which twist lock 62 is locked.

[0053] As shown, the release angle range 68a is centered on a rotational position shown in dotted lines in FIG. 6, in which the front edge of the scraper element 42 provided for contacting the conveyor belt 12 is positioned 90° relative to the longitudinal direction of the system carrier 24 and the pivot axis 38 of the scraper module 26. In contrast, the fixed angle range 68b is centered on a rotational position rotated 90° therewith and shown in solid lines in FIG. 6, in which the scraper edge of the scraper element 42 is aligned parallel to the longitudinal direction of the system carrier 24 and the pivot axis 38 of the joint 44.

[0054] The free rotation of the shaft 58 inside the sleeve 60 allows each scraper element 42 to align itself according to the contour of the conveyor belt 12 while in contact with it. In reality, this is not always flat across the width of the belt, but curves, for example, towards the ends. Due to the contact pressure, the scraper element holder 40 constantly adjusts itself so that the scraper elements 42 follow the shape of the conveyor belt 12.

[0055] However, a rotational position that is within the release angle range 68a is not achieved in any of the operating positions. Thus, the twist locks 62 always remain in a fixed angle range while the scraper elements 42 are in contact with the conveyor belt 12, thus ensuring the fixation of the respective scraper module 26 to the base element 32.

[0056] To enable working with the scraper 18 and the scraper module 26, in particular to enable the unit comprising the scraper element 42, the scraper element holder 40 and the shaft 26 to be replaced, the system carrier 42 on which the scraper module 26 is mounted can be removed and pulled out laterally in a particularly simple manner, as will be described below with reference to Figures 8a-8e.

[0057] Thus, on the side of the holding device 20, a specific attachment of the holding plate 30 to the mounting plate 28 is provided, and on the side of the counter support 22, bearings of the system carrier 24 in the bearing bushes 33 of the holding plate 30 are provided so that the system carrier 24 can move freely in its longitudinal direction.

[0058] 1a, the retaining plate 30 is fixed to the mounting plate 28 of the retaining device 20 by two plug connections 70 and a screw connection 72. The plug connections 70 are formed by two bolts arranged parallel to each other at a distance on the mounting plate 28 and received with a precise fit in holes in the retaining plate 30. The plug connections 70 can be removed by disengaging the retaining plate 30 from the mounting plate 28 in the longitudinal direction of the system carrier 24.

[0059] The threaded connection 72 formed between the two plug connections 70 includes threads aligned parallel to the bolts by which the retainer plate 30 is fastened to the mounting plate 28 .

[0060] In the operating position for operation of the belt conveyor 10 and the scraper 18, the retaining plate 30 is fixed to the mounting plate 28 by a threaded connection 72.

[0061] If operation is interrupted, the parts of the scraper 18 to be maintained can be extracted by transferring the scraper 18 into an assembly arrangement. The retaining plate 30 can be removed from the mounting plate 28 by loosening the screw connection 72 and subsequently removing the plug connections 70a, 70b by pulling the system carrier 24 longitudinally. A handle 74 is provided for this purpose.

[0062] 8a shows that, starting from the activated position, first the screw connection 72 is released. The retaining plate 30 together with the system carrier 24 is then pulled longitudinally away from the mounting plate 28 and the plug connections 70a, 70b are removed.

[0063] As already mentioned, the holding device 20 between the mounting plate 28 and the holding plate 30 comprises a support element 80. The support element 80 has a hook-shaped holding part 82, which, as is clear from Fig. 8b, extends in the direction of the system carrier 24 and partially surrounds it, which defines a recess 86. The holding part 82 and the recess 86 have, as shown, an inner contour (rounded in this case) in certain parts that corresponds to the outer contour (rounded in this case) of the system carrier 24. The holding part 82 is arranged in such a way that in the working position, i.e. when the holding plate 30 is fixed to the mounting plate 28, it does not come into contact with the system carrier 24 but leaves a certain distance of a few millimeters therefrom. Above the holding part 82, the support element 80 has a cutout 84 through which the system carrier 24 passes.

[0064] In the assembled position, i.e. following release of the screw connection 72 and the plug connections 70a, 70b (Fig. 8b), the system carrier 24 sinks slightly and then rests on the holding part 82 of the support element 80 in the recess 86. After removing the connection between the holding plate 30 and the mounting plate 28, the support element 80 takes over the holding of the system carrier 24. As shown, the support element 80 is fixed to the holding plate 28 and therefore to the belt foot 16. As shown in Fig. 10, the holding part 82 surrounds the system carrier 24 in the recess 86 over a circumferential area α of about 135° and supports the system carrier 24 from below so that it does not fall off.

[0065] In a further step, the system carrier 24 together with the retaining plate 30 and the tensioning device 50 is pulled out in the direction of its longitudinal axis (FIG. 8b). In the process, the support elements 82 support the system carrier 24 so that it does not fall off. The mobility of the system carrier 24 in the bearing bushes 33 of the countersupport 22 makes it possible to pull it out particularly easily.

[0066] The scraper module 26 can pass through the mounting plate 28 and the support element 80 because the hook shape of the holding part 82 with the cutout 84, which only partially surrounds the system carrier 24, leaves enough free space so that the scraper module 26 can be transferred to an unloading position outside the belt area when the system carrier 24 is unloaded (Fig. 8d). The scraper module 26 can therefore be guided through the free area of ​​the surface of the support element 80 and the mounting plate 28 without collision. The cutout 84 of the support element 80 forms part of the free area.

[0067] In the withdrawn position, the scraper modules 26 are easily accessible and can be inspected and maintained. In particular, worn scraper elements 42 can be replaced by removing the respective units consisting of the scraper element 42, scraper element holder 40 and shaft 58 of the respective scraper module as described above, twisting them about the rotation axis 64, separating them longitudinally, and then installing new elements in the same manner.

[0068] The process of inspection and maintenance of the scraper 18 is therefore particularly facilitated. In the illustrated embodiment, it is possible to laterally pull out the system carrier 24 together with the scraper module 26 by simply loosening one screw (screw connection 72). Thanks to the support provided by the support element 80, this can be done by one person.

[0069] If there is sufficient space available to the side of the conveyor belt 12, the handling of the system carrier 24 can be made even easier by using a pull-out aid to pull it out. For this purpose, as shown in FIG. 9 a, an adapter 76 can first be attached laterally to the system carrier 24 and clamped or otherwise fixed. A tube can then be attached to the adapter 76, which serves as a pull-out aid 78 and is attached to an extension of the system carrier 24. By means of the pull-out aid 78, the system carrier 24 can be handled particularly well, in particular with respect to its support on the holding portion 82 of the support element 80.

[0070] A scraper 118 according to a second embodiment is shown in Figures 11 to 14. The scraper 118 according to the second embodiment corresponds in many details to the scraper 18 according to the first embodiment, so that only the differences will be explained in more detail below, otherwise reference is made to the previous description. The same reference numbers indicate corresponding elements between the embodiments.

[0071] While in the first embodiment of the scraper 18 described and illustrated, the scraper elements 42 are arranged in two rows, the second embodiment of the scraper 118 includes a single row arrangement of scraper elements 42 on the scraper module 126, each of which is the same length and which are arranged next to each other on the system carrier 24.

[0072] As is particularly clear from Figure 12, the scraper edges of the scraper elements 42 are not aligned in a straight line with the transverse direction of the conveyor belt 12 as in the first embodiment, but are aligned obliquely at an angle of about 15° in the example shown. However, the scraper arm 36 extends with its longitudinal axis 64 with respect to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 12, i.e. at an angle β of 90° as in the first embodiment.

[0073] The scraper elements 42 are mounted at an angle δ of approximately 75° relative to the scraper arm 36. Adjacent scraper modules 126 on the system carrier 24 are positioned very close together, as viewed in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt 12, such that there is a slight overlap of the scraper elements 42, thereby providing a scraping effect across the entire belt width.

[0074] In other respects, the scrapers 118 according to the second embodiment are identical in structure and function to the scrapers 18 according to the first embodiment, i.e. in common with the scrapers 18, each scraper 118 comprises a base element 32 removably mounted on the system carrier 24 in a clamping device 34 and a scraper arm 36 on whose end a scraper element holder 40 is arranged, which is pivotally mounted about a pivot axis 38 and has a scraper element 42. The biased torsion spring provides a torque during operation of the scraper 118 such that the scraper edge of the scraper element 42 comes into peeling contact with the surface 12 of the conveyor belt 12 and is elastically pressed against the surface 12 in order to scrape off foreign objects (deposits). In case of a stationary obstacle on the surface of the conveyor belt 12, the scraper element 42 can perform an avoidance operation by pivoting movement of the scraper arm 36 about the pivot axis 38 against the action of the spring.

[0075] 13 shows a horizontal side view of the second embodiment, from which the angle γ between the running direction of the conveyor belt 12 and the longitudinal axis 64 can be seen. Depending on the arrangement and configuration, the angle γ can be, for example, between 0° and 20°; in the embodiment shown, the angle γ is about 15°.

[0076] As with the second embodiment, the scraper arm 36 includes a shaft 58 attached to the scraper element holder 40, which is inserted into a sleeve 60 in which it can rotate about a longitudinal axis 64. A twist lock 62 ensures that the shaft 58 can be withdrawn from or inserted into the sleeve 60 in a corresponding alignment, i.e., rotated from the normal position defined by the belt contact point.

Claims

1. A scraper for a conveyor belt (12), comprising: A system carrier (24) including at least one scraper module (26, 126), The scraper module (26, 126) has a base element (32) disposed on the system carrier (24) and a scraper element (42) for abutting against the conveyor belt (12); The scraper element (42) is rotatably mounted to the base element (32) about a rotation axis (64) by a rotation coupling; The rotary coupling is said scraper element (42) being rigidly connected to said base element (32) in the direction of said rotation axis (64) when said scraper element (42) is in a rotational position within a fixed angular range (68b); and the scraper element (42) is formed such that, when the scraper element (42) is in a rotational position within a release angle range (68a), the scraper element (42) can be removed from the base element (32) in the direction of the rotation axis (64), A scraper characterized by:

2. the rotary coupling has an insertion opening (62a) and an engagement element (62b) configured such that the engagement element (62b) is guided through the insertion opening (62a) in a rotational position within the release angle range (68a) and the engagement element (62b) is locked in the insertion opening (62a) in a rotational position within the fixed angle range (68b); 2. The scraper according to claim 1 .

3. The engaging element (62b) is disposed on a shaft (58) that can be inserted into an insertion sleeve (60), and the insertion opening (62a) is formed in the insertion sleeve (60); The rim of the insertion opening (62a) is formed so as to protrude inwardly into the insertion sleeve (60).

3. The scraper according to claim 2 .

4. the shaft (58) or the insertion sleeve (60) is rigidly connected to the scraper element (42); 4. The scraper according to claim 3.

5. the axis of rotation (64) has an angle (β) of more than 60° with respect to the system carrier (24) and is preferably disposed at least substantially perpendicular; 5. A scraper according to claim 1, wherein the scraper is a rotatable member.

6. The fixed angle range (68b) begins at a midpoint and extends over at least + / - 30 degrees.

6. A scraper according to claim 1, wherein the scraper is a rotatable member.

7. The rotary coupling has a shaft (58) that can be inserted into an insertion sleeve (60); a friction element (66) for abutting the inside of the shaft (58) and / or the insertion sleeve (60) is provided to damp relative movement between the shaft (58) and the insertion sleeve (60); 7. A scraper according to claim 1, wherein the scraper is a rotatable member.

8. The rotary coupling has a shaft (58) that can be inserted into an insertion sleeve (60); A sealing element (66) is provided for sealing between the shaft (58) and the inside of the insertion sleeve (60).

8. A scraper according to claim 1, wherein the scraper is a rotatable member.

9. The scraper module (26, 126) has a joint (44), the scraper element (42) is pivotable in the joint (44) relative to the system carrier (24); 9. A scraper according to any one of the preceding claims.

10. a spring element is provided for acting on the scraper element (42) in the direction of the conveyor belt (12), 10. The scraper according to claim 9.

11. The scraper element (42) is connected to the joint (44) via a scraper arm (36), The rotary coupling is formed on the scraper arm (36).

11. A scraper according to claim 9 or 10.

12. A stop (48) is provided for the pivoting movement of the scraper element (42).

12. A scraper according to any one of claims 9 to 11.

13. A scraper module (26, 126) for a scraper (18, 118) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising a base element (32) and a scraper element (42), the scraper element (42) being rotatably mounted to the base element (32) about a rotation axis (64) by a rotation coupling; The rotary coupling is when the scraper element (42) is in a rotational position within a fixed angular range (68b), the scraper element (42) is rigidly connected to the base element (32) with respect to a movement in the direction of the rotation axis (64), and the scraper element (42) is formed such that, when the scraper element (42) is in a rotational position within a release angle range (68a), the scraper element (42) can be removed from the base element (32) in the direction of the rotation axis (64), 13. A scraper module comprising:

14. A conveyor belt (12); A scraper (18, 118) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, The system carrier (24) is arranged in a transverse direction relative to the conveyor belt (12); The scraper element (42) abuts against the conveyor belt. A belt conveyor characterized by:

15. A method for replacing a scraper element (42) on a scraper (18, 118) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 or on a belt conveyor (10) according to claim 14, comprising: the system carrier (24) is brought to a position sufficiently distant from the conveyor belt (12) so that the scraper element (42) can be rotated to a rotational position within the release angle range (68a); The scraper element (42) is detached from the base element (32); a new scraper element (42) positioned at a rotational position within said release angle range (68a) is attached to said base element (32) and rotated to a rotational position within said fixed angle range (68b); A method comprising:

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