Conveyor drive assembly

Abstract

To provide a drive end of a conveyor with a sanitary system to be easily set up, moved to a cleaning position, and / or removed away.SOLUTION: A drive assembly for a conveyor belt includes one pair of end plates opposed to each other for mounting a conveyor drive unit and a mount assembly for mounting at least one of a position limiter assembly, a scraper assembly, a combined limiter / scraper assembly, and a side guard. The scraper assembly and the combined limiter / scraper assembly includes a leaf spring to which a tension is selectively given by a tension imparting element on the end plate in order to urge a scraper blade of the scraper assembly toward an operation position.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] Cross-Reference to Related Applications This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 850,171 entitled "Drive Assembly for a Conveyor" filed on May 20, 2019, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62 / 859,458 entitled "Drive Assembly for a Conveyor" filed on June 10, 2019. The contents of both aforementioned applications are incorporated herein by reference.

[0002] The present invention relates to power-driven conveyors. More specifically, the present invention relates to a drive assembly for a conveyor for moving a conveyor belt through a circuit and moving conveyed articles out of the conveyor.

Background Art

[0003] Power-driven conveyors are used to convey articles. Infeed assemblies are used to transfer products onto a conveyor as the conveyor belt moves from a return path to a conveying path above the return path. Outfeed assemblies are used to transfer products out of the conveyor as the belt moves from the conveying path to the return path. A drive moves the conveyor belt through the conveying circuit. For example, a drive sprocket mounted to a rotatable shaft can engage the conveyor belt to drive the conveyor belt along the conveying circuit. The drive sprocket can be located at the outfeed section of the conveyor or in the return path of the circuit. A scraper can be attached to the outfeed section to remove debris from the conveyor belt before the conveyor belt enters the return path. Sanitation issues associated with conveyors can arise because dust, debris, bacteria and other contaminants can become trapped within different components.

Summary of the Invention

[0004] A drive assembly for a conveyor includes opposing end plates for mounting the conveyor drive unit and a scraper assembly. The scraper assembly includes a leaf spring for selectively biasing the scraper blade to the operating position when the scraper assembly is mounted between the opposing end plates.

[0005] According to one embodiment, a drive assembly for a conveyor belt includes a pair of opposing end plates, a drive unit attached to the pair of opposing end plates and extending between the pair of opposing end plates, and a limiter / scraper assembly attached to a pair of opposing side plates. The limiter / scraper assembly includes opposing assembly mounting arms for mounting the position limiter and scraper assembly between opposing assembly mounting arms. Each assembly mounting arm includes a lower mounting portion which includes an opening for a position limiter bearing, a front saddle for the scraper assembly, and rearward-facing fingers terminating at an outward-facing stop portion for hooking the assembly mounting arm to the end plate.

[0006] In another embodiment, a drive assembly for a conveyor belt includes a pair of opposing end plates, a drive unit attached to the pair of opposing end plates and extending between the pair of opposing end plates, a first mounting assembly attached to the first end plate, and a second mounting assembly attached to the second end plate, each mounting assembly including a mounting portion for attaching at least one of a scraper assembly and a position limiter assembly to the associated end plate.

[0007] In another embodiment, a drive assembly for a conveyor belt includes a pair of opposing end plates, a drive unit attached to the pair of opposing end plates and extending laterally between the pair of opposing end plates, a scraper assembly attached to a saddle on each end plate and extending between the saddles, and a tensioning device including a leaf spring attached to each end plate for selectively moving the scraper assembly between an operating position and a cleaning position.

[0008] In another embodiment, a scraper assembly for a conveyor belt includes a pair of opposing scraper mounting plates, a substantially cylindrical base extending laterally between the pair of opposing scraper mounting plates for mounting a scraper blade, and a leaf spring attached to a mounting portion connected to each scraper mounting plate, the leaf spring extending longitudinally inward from the mounting plate for selectively biasing the scraper blade to a peeling position relative to the conveyor belt. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0009] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a drive assembly for a conveyor according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] Figure 2 is a side view of the end plate of the drive assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a perspective view of the scraper assembly of the drive assembly shown in Figure 1. [Figure 4] Figure 4A is a side view of the outer portion of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 3 in a tensioned state. Figure 4B is a perspective view of the side of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 3 in a tensioned state. [Figure 5] Figure 5A is a side view of the outer portion of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 3 in a relaxed state. Figure 5B is a perspective view of the side of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 3 in a relaxed state. [Figure 6] Figure 6 is an exploded view of the outer portion of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 3. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a top view of the scraper base of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 3. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a detailed perspective view of the scraper base shown in Figure 7. [Figure 9] Figure 9A is a cross-sectional view of the outer portion of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 4A when the scraper blade is inserted. Figure 9B is a cross-sectional view of the outer portion of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 4A when the scraper blade is inserted into the scraper base. [Figure 10]Figure 10 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of Figure 1 in the operating position, with the leaf spring of the scraper assembly under tension. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of Figure 1 with the scraper assembly in a relaxed state. [Figure 12] Figure 12 is a perspective view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 1 with the side guard removed. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a perspective view of the drive assembly from Figure 12 with the side guards removed. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a detailed view of the locking portion of the side guard according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a cross-sectional view of the locking portion shown in Figure 14. [Figure 16] Figure 16 is a detailed front view of the side guard in a drive assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 17] Figure 17 is a perspective view of the drive assembly according to another embodiment before the insertion of the scraper assembly. [Figure 18] Figure 18 is a perspective view of the drive assembly in Figure 17 when the scraper assembly is inserted. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a perspective view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 17 in operation. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a perspective view of the drive assembly from Figure 19 with the side guards attached. [Figure 21] Figure 21 is a perspective view of the drive assembly according to another embodiment before the insertion of the scraper assembly. [Figure 22] Figure 22 is a perspective view of the drive assembly from Figure 21, fully assembled and tensioned. [Figure 23] Figure 23 is a partial rear view of the side of the drive assembly shown in Figure 22. [Figure 24] Figure 24 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 25] Figure 25 is a side cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Figure 24, including a chute for receiving the discharged product. [Figure 26] Fig. 26 is a perspective view of the limiter / scraper assembly of Fig. 25. [Figure 27] Fig. 27 is a perspective view of the limiter / scraper assembly of Fig. 26 without a scraper blade. [Figure 28] Fig. 28 is a perspective view of the roller limiter of Fig. 27. [Figure 29] Fig. 29 is a front cross-sectional view of the limiter / scraper assembly of Fig. 26. [Figure 30] Fig. 30 is a perspective view of an assembly mounting arm of the limiter / scraper assembly of Fig. 26. [Figure 31] Fig. 31 is a side view of the drive assembly of Fig. 24 in an operating position. [Figure 32] Fig. 32 is a perspective view of a drive assembly provided with a molded operating handle according to an embodiment. [Figure 33] Fig. 33 is a perspective view of the drive assembly of Fig. 32 in a cleaning position. [Figure 34] Fig. 34 is a perspective view of a molded handle for a drive assembly integrated with a spray bar according to an embodiment. [Figure 35] Fig. 35 is a perspective view of a drive assembly including a guard for protecting a nip point between a roller limiter and a conveyor belt. [Figure 36] Fig. 36 is a detailed cross-sectional view of the drive assembly of Fig. 35 showing the guard. [Figure 37] Fig. 37 is a perspective view of the guard of the drive assembly of Fig. 35. [Figure 38] Fig. 38 is a perspective view of a chute suitable for being integrated into a drive assembly according to an embodiment. [Figure 39] Fig. 39 is a perspective view of a drive assembly using the chute of Fig. 38. [Figure 40] Fig. 40 is a perspective view showing attachment of the chute of Fig. 38 to an end plate of the drive assembly. [Figure 41]Figure 41 is a detailed view of the lower mounting portion of the chute in Figure 38 that engages with the assembly mounting arm according to the embodiment. [Figure 42] Figure 42 is a perspective view of the drive assembly, which includes a chute on top of the scraper. [Figure 43] Figure 43 shows the limiter / scraper assembly of the drive assembly from Figure 42, including the cover plate. [Figure 44] Figure 44 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to an embodiment, which includes a pillow block bearing housing for receiving a bearing for a roller limiter, and also includes an integrated scraper saddle. [Figure 45] Figure 45 is a detailed view of the bearing housing shown in Figure 44. [Figure 46] Figure 46 is a perspective view of the first side of the bearing housing shown in Figure 45. [Figure 47] Figure 47 is a perspective view of the second side of the bearing housing shown in Figure 46. [Figure 48] Figure 48 is a side view of the bearing housing within the drive assembly shown in Figure 44. [Figure 49] Figure 49 is a perspective view of the drive assembly, including the position limiter mounting plate attached to the outside of the end plate. [Figure 50] Figure 50 is an inside perspective view of the position limiter mounting plate of the drive assembly shown in Figure 49. [Figure 51] Figure 51 is an external perspective view of the position limiter mounting plate shown in Figure 50. [Figure 52] Figure 52 is a side view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 49. [Figure 53] Figure 53 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 54] Figure 54 is a side view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 53. [Figure 55] Figure 55 is a perspective view of the scraper assembly of the drive assembly shown in Figure 53. [Figure 56] Figure 56 is a perspective view of the drive assembly from Figure 53 with the scraper assembly removed. [Figure 57] Figure 57 is a bottom perspective view of the side portion of the drive assembly shown in Figure 53. [Figure 58] Figure 58 is a side cross-sectional view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 53. [Figure 59] Figure 59 is an external perspective view of the bearing housing shown in Figure 53. [Figure 60] Figure 60 is an internal perspective view of the bearing housing shown in Figure 59. [Figure 61] Figure 61 is a perspective view of a drive assembly for a conveyor belt with flights according to another embodiment. [Figure 62] Figure 62 is a front view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 61. [Figure 63] Figure 63 is a perspective view of the drive assembly from Figure 61 with the position limiter mounting plate removed. [Figure 64] Figure 64 is an external perspective view of the limiter mounting plate of the drive assembly shown in Figure 61. [Figure 65] Figure 65 is an inside perspective view of the limiter mounting plate shown in Figure 64. [Figure 66] Figure 66 is a perspective view of the position limiter assembly of the drive assembly shown in Figure 61. [Figure 67] Figure 67 is a perspective view of a scraper assembly for a drive assembly including a leaf spring according to another embodiment. [Figure 68] Figure 68 is a detailed side view of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 67. [Figure 69] Figure 69 is a detailed view of the leaf spring mounting portion of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 67. [Figure 70] Figure 70 is a side cross-sectional view of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 67. [Figure 71] Figure 71 is a side perspective view of a scraper assembly including a leaf spring according to another embodiment. [Figure 72] Figure 72 is a side view of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 71. [Figure 73] Figure 73 is a side view of the bottom of a scraper assembly including a leaf spring according to another embodiment. [Figure 74] Figure 74 is a side perspective view of the scraper assembly shown in Figure 73. [Figure 75] Figure 75 is a side perspective view of a scraper assembly including a leaf spring according to another embodiment. [Figure 76] Figure 76 is a perspective view of a drive assembly according to another embodiment. [Figure 77] Figure 77 is a side view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 76 in its operating position. [Figure 78] Figure 78 is a side view of the drive assembly shown in Figure 76 in the cleaning position. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0010] The present invention provides a sanitary system for the drive end of a conveyor that can be easily installed, moved to a cleaning position, and / or removed. The present invention will be described below in relation to exemplary embodiments. Those skilled in the art will understand that the present invention can be carried out in a number of different uses and embodiments, and that the uses of the present invention are not specifically limited to the particular embodiments shown herein.

[0011] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conveyor drive assembly 10 forming a feed section for a conveyor. The drive assembly 10 includes a pair of opposing end plates 20 extending between a pair of end plates 20 for mounting a drive shaft 42 of a reversing element, such as a sprocket or other conveyor drive unit, for the conveyor belt 40 at the feed end of the transport path. An exemplary conveyor belt 40 is a forward-driven low-tension conveyor belt. Examples of suitable forward-driven low-tension conveyor belts include, but are not limited to, THERMODRIVE® belts available from Intralox, LLC in Harahan, LA, USA; Cleandrive belts available from Habasit AG; Gates Mectrol PosiClean® belts available from Gates Mectrol; Volta SuperDrive® belts available from Volta Belting; and other forward-driven low-tension conveyor belts, and other forward-driven low-tension conveyor belts known in the art. An exemplary conveyor belt 40 has a smooth outer surface with substantially no discontinuities and an inner surface with multiple teeth or other suitable drive elements at a given belt pitch. The conveyor belt 40 transports products along a transport path from a feed-in section to a discharge-out section and returns along a return path below the transport path. The conveyor belt 40 may include flights or other features and is not limited to the exemplary example. The end plate 20 also mounts a scraper assembly 60 for cleaning the conveyor belt 40. Side guards 80 are attached to the end plate 20 to protect the edges of the conveyor belt 40 in the discharge area and / or to accommodate products on the transport path of the conveyor belt. The exemplary side guards 80 also cover a reversal element.

[0012] Referring to Figure 2, each end plate 20 has a body whose height extends from the top edge 21 to the bottom edge 22 and whose length extends from the front edge 23 to the rear edge 13, which is attached to the rear mounting plate 12. An opening for the shaft, shown as a tapered inclined channel 24, extends from a wide opening between the top edge 21 and the front edge 23 and terminates in a seat 25 for the shaft 42 of an electric sprocket or another reversing element. Alternatively, the bearing assembly may be provided within or integrated with the seat 25 to house the shaft of a sprocket driven by an external motor or other reversing element. The scraper assembly 26 extends from the bottom of the front edge 23. An exemplary scraper assembly seat 26 is an open seat including a curved projection, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Rear of the scraper assembly seat 26, a limiting groove 27 is formed in the bottom edge 22 to restrict the rotation of the scraper assembly away from the belt, as will be described in detail below. A tensioning lever 28, or other feature, is used to selectively apply tension to and release tension to the tensioning device in the scraper assembly, as will be described below. An exemplary tensioning lever 28 includes a rounded contact projection 120 at the end of a connecting leg 121, which is pivotally connected to a handle 122 via a pivot point 123. Each end plate 20 further includes a molded recess 29 between the top edge 21 and the rear edge 13 for receiving the corresponding molded pivoting mounting portion of the side guard 80, as will be described below.

[0013] Referring to Figure 3, the scraper assembly 60 includes a substantially cylindrical base 61 extending between a pair of opposing scraper mounting plates 62. The scraper blade 63 extends upward from the base 61. The base includes a reduced-diameter neck portion configured to receive a scraper assembly seat 26 for mounting the scraper assembly between two end plates 20. Each scraper mounting plate 62 includes a substantially flat bottom wall 68 and a semicircular front wall 67 that transitions into a downwardly sloping top wall 69. The channel 72 extends inward between the flat bottom wall 68 and the downwardly sloping top wall 69 to mount a leaf spring 90 or other tensioning element for the scraper assembly 60 and to form a pair of legs (upper leg 71 and lower leg 73). The upper leg 71 terminates at a downwardly extending projection 74 for guiding the leaf spring 90. A cylindrical pin 75 extends laterally at the end of the lower leg 73 so as to interact with a groove 27 in the end plate 20 to restrict the movement of the scraper assembly 60 and to form a pivot point (fulcrum) for the leaf spring 90. The scraper assembly 60 further includes a molded projection 76 within a channel 72 at the outer end of the lower leg 73 for mounting the leaf spring 90 via an opening 92 at the outer end of the leaf spring 90. The top of the molded projection 76 is larger than the opening to restrain the leaf spring 90, and the body of the molded projection 76 is tapered toward the lower leg 73 to allow the outer end of the leaf spring to slide on the molded projection. An exemplary leaf spring 90 may be deformed to mount the leaf spring 90 onto the molded projection 76, and tools may be required to mount and / or remove the leaf spring from the scraper mounting plate 62. When mounted on the scraper mounting plate 62, the elongated leaf spring 90 extends inward, away from the scraper blade 63. Thus, the leaf spring is easily replaceable, repairable, and adjustable, and provides a reliable, consistent, and cleanable tensioning mechanism to ensure proper contact between the scraper blade and the conveyor belt.

[0014] Referring to Figures 4A and 4B, in the tensioned position, the leaf spring 90 applies torque to the scraper assembly 60. In the tensioned position, the inner end 91 of the leaf spring is pushed down, causing the leaf spring 90 to pivot downward around the pin 75, pushing up the outer end including the opening 92, and lifting the scraper mounting plate 62. The molded projection 76 and the downward-extending projection 74 restrain the upward movement of the outer end of the leaf spring.

[0015] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, in the non-tensioned position, for example, when the scraper 60 is removed, the outer end of the leaf spring 90 can sit on the bottom of the molded projection 76 that extends through the opening 92, the body of the leaf spring 90 is positioned at a distance from the downward-extending projection 74, and the inner portion of the body rests on the pin 75. When no pressure is applied to the leaf spring, the spring is held loosely and can be moved away from each contact point with little force for easy cleaning.

[0016] Figures 6 to 9B show the blade 63 and scraper base 61 of the scraper assembly 60. The blade 63 can be easily and detachably attached to the scraper base 61 without tools. The blade 63 includes a tapered body 64 terminating at a pointed tip 65, which in the operating position is biased against the conveyor belt 40 to remove debris from the surface of the conveyor belt. The exemplary scraper blade 63 also applies a continuous force to the conveyor belt to ensure proper engagement between the drive element and the drive unit in the conveyor belt. As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, the exemplary blade body 64 has an inclined triangular shape. In another embodiment, the blade body 64 has different shapes, such as a tapered lower portion and a tapered upper portion extending at a predetermined angle to the tapered lower portion. The blade body 63 may have a constant width, or both its width and thickness may be tapered towards the edge 65. The blade 63 further includes a mounting tab 161 extending downward from the bottom of the tapered blade body 64. The corresponding scraper base 61 includes a series of openings, shown as channels 162, configured to receive the mounting tab 161 for mounting the blade 63 to the scraper base. The exemplary openings 162 include a central bend or curve 163, shown in Figures 7 and 8, to facilitate a firm grip of the mounting tab 161 when inserted into the base openings 162. The central bend or curve 163 ensures three pressure contact points between the mounting tab 161 and the channels 162, while the dimensions of the channels 162 are configured to ensure sufficient clearance to accommodate a wide tolerance range for the scraper blade 63. The width of each exemplary channel 162 is wider than the thickest mounting tab 161, but the difference between the straight edge of the channel 162 and the end of the bend is smaller than that of the thinnest scraper mounting tab 162 within tolerance. Alternatively, a single curved channel extending the length of the base 61 may be used, or other configurations for the channel may be used.

[0017] As shown in Figures 9A and 9B, each mounting tab 161 includes a rounded recess 164 between the blade body 64 and the mounting tab 161 to facilitate cleaning, although the rounded recess 164 may have a different shape, size, and configuration, or may be omitted entirely. When inserted into the base 61, the bottom of the blade body 64 rests on the base 61, as shown in Figure 9B.

[0018] Referring to Figure 10, in the operating position, the tension-applying lever 28 is positioned such that the contact projection 120 contacts the inner end 91 of the leaf spring 90, pushing down the inner end 91 and applying tension to the leaf spring 90. The downward force on the inner end 91 of the leaf spring 90 causes the outer end of the leaf spring 90 to rotate upward relative to the projection 76, causing the scraper mounting plate 62 to rotate upward, and as a result, the blade tip 65 presses against the conveyor belt 40. Therefore, the tensioned leaf spring 90 presses the scraper blade tip 65 against the conveyor belt 40.

[0019] Figure 11 shows the drive unit 10 when the tension-applying lever 28 for releasing tension in the leaf spring 90 is released. The tension-applying lever 28 can rotate clockwise around the pivot point 123, moving the contact projection 120 upward and outward, releasing tension from the leaf spring 90 and allowing the scraper blade tip 65 to pivot away from the conveyor belt 40. In an exemplary embodiment, the rotation of the scraper assembly away from the conveyor belt is limited by interference between the pin 75 and the groove 27 in the end plate 20, as shown in Figure 2. The allowable amount of movement can be adjusted by modifying the dimensions, position, or configuration of the interfering components.

[0020] In another embodiment, the tensioning lever 28 may also serve to press the scraper assembly so that it is disengaged from the conveyor belt. For example, the scraper mounting plate 62 may include a projection or other feature designed to engage with the tensioning lever 120, which is designed to contact the scraper mounting plate 62 when rotated for both releasing tension and rotating the scraper mounting plate 62 within the saddle 26.

[0021] Referring to Figures 12 to 16, an exemplary drive assembly 10 includes side guards 80 that can be easily integrated with the drive assembly 10 and removed for cleaning or other purposes. Each exemplary side guard 80 includes a molded block of UHMW (ultra-high molecular weight polyethylene) or another low-friction material forming a main rail 81 positioned adjacent to the transport path ahead of the sprocket 14, a molded mounting portion 82 at the inner end of the main rail 81, and a front rail 83 that curves downward and forward from the front end of the main rail 81 and terminates at a locking portion 84. The molded mounting portion 82 is configured to be received in a molded recess 29 in the end plate 20 and pivot around the molded recess 29 in order to attach the side guard to the drive assembly 10. The front rail 83 covers the front wall 23 of the corresponding end plate 20 when the drive assembly 10 is assembled, as shown in Figure 1. The tapered inward projection 84 extends radially inward from the curved portion at the boundary between the main rail 81 and the front rail 83, fits within the tapered channel 24 of the end plate 20 and sits on the seat 25 for the shaft 42, thereby terminating in the block 86 that covers the exposed portion of the sprocket 14. The side guard 80 can have any preferred size, shape, and configuration depending on the specific configuration of the end plate 20. In another embodiment, a separate pivot point for pivotally attaching the side guard 80 to the end plate 20 may be used, for example, a pin extending from the end plate that is received in an opening in the side guard.

[0022] Referring to Figures 14 and 15, the exemplary locking portion 84 includes an opening 87 for receiving a locking portion 180, which is shown as an embedded bolt having a head 181, a shank 182, and an end threaded portion 183, received in an opening in the wall 23. The threaded portion 183 is wider than the shank portion 182, and the opening 87 is of varying size to accommodate the bolt within the locking portion 84 to accommodate the different widths. After inserting the molded mounting portion 82 into the molded recess 29, the rail 81 is rotated around the pivot point formed by the molded mounting portion 82 so that the rail 81 aligns with the top edge 21 of the end plate, the tapered inward projection 84 is inserted into the tapered channel 24, the front rail 83 aligns with the front wall 23, and the opening 87 aligns with the locking opening in the front wall. The bolt is then rotated to insert the threaded portion 183 of the bolt 180 into the capture opening. In one embodiment, fixing the side guard 80 in place also blocks the scraper assembly 60 and prevents it from coming out of the seat 26. The shank 182 may also include a threaded portion that engages with the threaded portion in the opening 87.

[0023] Figure 16 is a cross-sectional view of the interface between the main rail 81 and the end plate 20 of the side guard 80. The exemplary main rail 81 includes a channel 184 that receives an inner flange 186 of the top edge 21 of the end plate 20 to restrain the lateral movement of the side guard 80. The exemplary main rail 81 has a substantially rectangular cross-section, and the inner end of the main rail 81 covers the edge of the conveyor belt. The channel 184 is formed on the bottom surface of the rail body, and a lower projection 187 extends along the inner wall of the end plate 20 between the end plate and the edge of the conveyor belt 40.

[0024] Figures 17 to 20 show a drive assembly 210 for a conveyor according to another embodiment. The scraper assembly 60 is the same as the scraper assembly 60 in Figures 1 to 16, but differs in the means for applying tension to the leaf spring 90. The exemplary drive assembly 210 includes a tension-applying support 228 extending from the end plate 220 near the intersection of the bottom edge and the trailing edge. As soon as the scraper assembly 60 is seated on the scraper assembly seat 226, tension is applied to the spring plate 90 by the tension-applying support 228 without requiring any additional steps, as shown in Figure 19. As shown in Figure 20, the side guard 80 can be attached to the drive assembly 210 after the scraper assembly has been seated. The attached side guard 80 prevents the scraper assembly 60 from being removed from the seat 226.

[0025] In another embodiment shown in Figures 21 to 23, the tensioning device for the leaf spring 90 in the scraper assembly 60 for the drive assembly 310 may include a receiving plate 328 extending upward and outward from a tensioning support column 329 at a predetermined angle to guide the end of the leaf spring 90 to the tensioning position shown in Figure 22 when the scraper assembly 60 is inserted into the scraper assembly seat 326.

[0026] Figures 24-25 show another embodiment of the drive assembly 410 for the conveyor, which includes a position limiter to ensure proper engagement between the drive element on the conveyor belt 440 and the conveyor drive unit, such as the sprocket 414. The exemplary position limiter is a roller limiter 470, but alternatively, it may be a non-roller, full-width position limiter, a series of individual position limiters, or any other suitable type of position limiter. The drive assembly 410 includes a pair of opposing end plates 420 connected by a transverse mounting plate 412 for mounting or integrating a bearing 408 that rotatably houses the drive shaft 442 of a reversing element, such as the sprocket 414, for the conveyor belt 440 at the feedout end of the transport path, extending between a pair of end plates 420. The end plates 420 also mount a limiter / scraper assembly 460 for mounting both the roller position limiter 470 and a scraper assembly for cleaning the conveyor belt 440. Figure 24 shows the drive assembly 410 with the scraper blade removed, and Figure 25 shows the scraper blade 463 mounted within the limiter / scraper assembly 460. The side guards 480 are attached to the end plates 420 to protect the edges of the conveyor belt 440 in the feed area and / or to accommodate products on the conveying path of the conveyor belt.

[0027] The drive assembly 410 may further include a chute 402, as shown in Figure 25, which is attached to the end plate 420 for receiving products discharged from the conveyor belt 440.

[0028] Figure 26 shows the limiter / scraper assembly 460 of Figures 24 and 25, including a scraper blade 463 mounted on a base 461 that extends between scraper mounting plates 459 mounted on assembly mounting arms 462. The assembly mounting arms 462 are mounted outside the end plates 420 to mount the scraper assembly and the position limiter and scraper assembly to the drive assembly 410. The scraper mounting plates 459 are similar to the scraper mounting plates 62 described above, and each scraper mounting plate 459 is fitted with a leaf spring 490 for biasing the scraper blade 463 to engage with the conveyor belt. The roller limiter 470 extends between the assembly mounting arms 462, including an opening 471 for receiving a bearing 472, as shown in Figure 27, so that the roller limiter 470 can rotate relative to the assembly mounting arms 462. As shown in Figures 28 and 29, the roller limiter 470 may include a tapered end 488.

[0029] Figure 30 is a detail view of an assembly mounting arm 462 of an embodiment of the present invention. The assembly mounting arm 462 can precisely hold the roller limiter and / or scraper in an operating position and a cleaning position relative to the conveyor drive unit, allowing not only removal from the conveyor frame without the use of tools, but also movement between these two positions. An exemplary assembly mounting plate 462 includes a lower mounting portion 473 including an opening 471 for receiving a bearing 472. One or more fingers 474 extend rearward from the lower mounting portion 473, and the upper fingers 474 terminate at an outward-facing stop portion 475, shown as an angular projection extending laterally outward from a connecting portion 476 forming a recess. The lower mounting portion 473 further includes a saddle 477 at its front end for mounting a scraper assembly 460. The exemplary saddle 477 includes converging legs 478, 479 that form a molded opening 487 for receiving the base 461 of the scraper. The molded opening 487 includes an upper cylindrical portion that intersects the lower cylindrical portion, allowing the scraper base 461 to move within the opening 487 while preventing the base 461 from detaching without intentional effort. For example, in the cleaning position when the assembly mounting arm 462 is inverted, as described below, the scraper base 461 can drop from the first leg 478 to the second leg 479, allowing cleaning of the first leg 478, in which the scraper base 461 is normally held.

[0030] The molded arm extends upward from the lower mounting portion 473, includes a lower curved portion 481, and terminates at the upper locking portion 482. The lower curved portion 481 includes a narrow portion 483, which may contain a hole, designed as a designated failure point, allowing the assembly mounting arm 462 to break, bend, or otherwise deform before other components in the assembly in the event of excessive force being applied to the arm, thereby preventing catastrophic failure. The molded nose 484 protrudes forward from the top of the narrow portion 483, and the pivot arm 429 extends laterally outward between the molded nose and the narrow portion 483. The upper locking portion 482 forms a keyhole opening 485 with a narrow opening formed by a substantially straight side wall 486.

[0031] Returning to Figures 24 and 31, the end plate 420 includes mounting features for mounting the limiter / scraper assembly 460. An exemplary end plate 420 includes an upper mounting projection 423 for receiving an upper latch 482 and a lower projection 424 forming a stop. The upper mounting projection includes a flat sliding portion and rounded top and bottom portions and is designed to be received by the upper latch 482, so that the mounting arm 462 can rotate around the upper projection without being removed from the assembly. As shown in Figures 24 and 31, when in the operating position, the stop 475 of the limiter / scraper assembly 460 abuts against the lower projection 424 of the end plate 420, positioning the roller limiter and scraper blade in the appropriate position relative to the conveyor belt 440. The lower projection 424 of the end plate 420 may include a latching arm 427 designed to receive the stop 475 and latch onto it, so as to fit within the space formed between the stop 475 and the connecting portion 476. In one embodiment, the lower projection 424 can rotate to move the latching arm 427 to engage with and disengage from the stop 475. The leaf spring 490 also rests on the stop 475, abutting against the lower projection 424. The end of the leaf spring 490 is bent downward, and as a result, engagement with the lower projection 424 biases the scraper blade to engage with the conveyor belt. Alternatively, the leaf spring 490 may extend below the projection 424 to bias the leaf spring. The limiter / scraper assembly 460 can be rotated around the upper mounting projection 423 to position the assembly in a cleaning position with the scraper blade and roller limiter moved away from the conveyor belt.

[0032] In another embodiment shown in Figures 32 and 33, the drive assembly 410 may include a molding handle 528 pivotally connected to an assembly mounting arm 462 at a pivot point 429 near the nose 484. The molding handle 528 is also pivotally connected to a lower projection 524 of the end plate 420. In the operating position shown in Figure 32, the handle 528 is pushed down, and the lower end of the handle applies pressure to a leaf spring 490, biasing the scraper blade into place. The handle 528 also rotates the lower projection 524 into place so that a connected latching arm 527 latches onto the stop 475. The molding handle 528 may include a spring tab 530 for connecting the molding handle to the pivot point 429 of the assembly mounting arm, shown as a pin extending from the assembly mounting arm 462. The spring tab 530 prevents the handle 528 from moving from the operating position without intentional effort.

[0033] The handle 528 can be pulled backward and rotated around the lower projection 524, as shown in Figure 33, to release the stopper 475 from the locking arm 527, thereby pivoting the limiter / scraper assembly 460 upward from the operating position to the cleaning position around the upper projection 423, and further releasing tension on the leaf spring 490. The handle 528 can also be used to disengage the scraper from the belt without moving the arm assembly completely to the cleaning position. An exemplary handle is connected to both assembly mounting arms 462 via a torsion bar extending between the end plates 420, thereby allowing the assembly to be moved between the operating position and the locking position from one side of the conveyor. Terminating at projections 524 extending from each end plate 420, the torsion bar has its sides positioned within saddles formed in the end plates and can be inserted through slots. Bolts or other fasteners can lock the torsion bar in place.

[0034] Referring to Figure 34, in one embodiment, the handle 528 may be connected to or integrated with a spray bar 540 for cleaning the conveyor belt. The spray bar 540 may extend between mounting plates 520 to form the torsion bar described above and include a nozzle 542 connected to a cleaning fluid source for spraying cleaning fluid onto the conveyor belt in the drive assembly 410.

[0035] Referring to Figures 35 to 37, in one embodiment, the drive assembly 410 may include a guard 580 to protect the pinching point between the roller limiter 470 and the conveyor belt 440, thereby providing stability to the system while protecting the roller limiter 470. An exemplary guard 580 may extend between opposing assembly mounting arms 462 and be attached to the opposing assembly mounting arms 462. The exemplary guard includes a curved fin 581 extending from a first side to a second side. At each side, an upper connecting tab 582 includes an opening for receiving a fastener 584 for fastening the guard to the inner surface of the assembly mounting arm 462. Each side of the guard 580 further includes a folded lower connecting tab 586, which includes an opening for receiving another fastener 588 for fastening the guard 580 to the lower edge of the assembly mounting arm 462.

[0036] As previously described, the drive assembly 410 may include a chute 402 for receiving products lowered to the drive end of the conveyor using the drive assembly 410. Referring to Figures 38 to 41, an exemplary chute 402 includes a planar sliding portion 610 having side walls 611 and a connecting arm 620 for attaching the chute to the end plate 420. When attached, the planar sliding portion 610 of the chute extends from the end plate 420 and rests under the scraper mounting bar 461, so that the limiter / scraper assembly can be rotated to the washing position while the chute remains attached to the end plate 420. Each connecting arm 610 includes an upper connecting portion 611 having two seat portions 612, 613, each seat portion 612, 613 configured to receive connecting pins 428, 429 on the end plate 420. As shown in Figure 41, the chute connecting arm 620 further includes a lower portion 614 which includes a planar portion 615 connected to the body of the chute connecting arm 620, and which terminates in an upwardly extending tab 616. The exemplary tab 616 forms a contact point with the limiter / scraper connecting arm 462. When the limiter / scraper assembly 460 is in the operating position, the limiter / scraper connecting arm 462 locks the chute in place by applying tension to the chute to reduce vibration. The chute 402 may have any preferred means of bordering the limiter / scraper assembly. The tab 616 may alternatively extend laterally from a portion of the chute 402 to contact the relevant portion of the limiter / scraper assembly. The weight of the chute 402 holds the chute against the connecting pins 428, 429. Any preferred means may be used to connect the chute to the drive assembly in the conveyor.

[0037] The chute for the drive assembly can be positioned in any preferred location. For example, the chute 402 in Figures 38–41 is positioned below the scraper assembly. Alternatively, the chute 402 can be positioned in any preferred location relative to the conveyor belt. For example, as shown in Figures 42–43, the chute 402 can be positioned above the scraper. In an exemplary embodiment, the limiter / scraper assembly 460' may include a cover plate 630 to extend the sliding portion 610 of the chute 402 above the scraper. The exemplary cover plate 630 may be rotated backward or otherwise moved to allow the limiter / scraper assembly 460' to move to the cleaning position as needed.

[0038] Figures 44–48 show another embodiment of a drive assembly 710 for a conveyor, including a mounting assembly, shown as a pillow block bearing housing 760 for receiving bearings for roller limiters, and an integrated scraper saddle. Each bearing housing 760 includes a mounting portion 761 for attaching the bearing housing to an end plate 720 of the drive assembly, a bearing opening 762 for receiving bearings 772 for roller limiters, and a front saddle 726 for receiving the base 61' of a scraper assembly 60', the components of which are the same as those of the scraper assembly 60 described above. The mounting portion 761 is joined to the bottom surface 721 of the mounting plate using fasteners, shown as bolts 780, but can alternatively be joined to another surface of the end plate. In one embodiment, the bolts 780 have two sets of threads, and the openings in the mounting portion 761 and the bottom surface 721 are threaded to engage with each set of threads. In another embodiment, the bolt 780 is a sealing bolt that includes one or more sealing washers for sealing the interface between the bolt 780 and the mounting assembly and the end plate 720.

[0039] In another embodiment shown in Figure 49, the drive assembly 810 includes opposing end plates 820 connected by transverse mounting plates 812, and mounting an assembly, shown as a position limiter mounting plate 860, attached to the outer surface of the end plates 820. The exemplary position limiter mounting plate 860 extends below each end plate 820 for mounting one or more snap-on position limiters 870. The position limiters 870 ensure proper engagement between the drive structure in the conveyor belt and the drive structure in the sprocket 814 or other drive element. Each end plate 820 includes an opening 825 for receiving a bearing 808 for rotatably housing the drive shaft 842 of the sprocket 814 or other drive element.

[0040] Each exemplary limiter mounting plate 860 includes a flat plate that is tapered over a length from a curved top surface 861 to a flat bottom surface 862 for housing a bearing 808 and a drive shaft 842, as shown in Figures 50 and 51. While the exemplary position limiter mounting plate 860 has a certain width, the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper portion of the plate forms a connecting portion for mounting the limiter mounting plate 860 to the outer surface of an associated end plate 820. The exemplary connecting portion includes offset openings 871, 872 for receiving fasteners 873, 874 that can be inserted through the limiter mounting plate 860 and into corresponding openings in the end plate 820. The fasteners 873, 874 may include bolts with integral sealing washers. The connecting portion further includes offset pins 875, 876 that can be used to mount a chute or other additional feature. As shown in the figure, the outer end of the connecting portion includes an upper fastening opening 871 and a pin 876 below the fastening opening 871, while the inner end of the connecting portion includes an upper pin 875 and a fastening opening 872 below the projection 875, but the present invention is not limited thereto. The position limiter mounting bar 880 extends laterally inward from the plate below the connecting portion. An exemplary position limiter mounting bar 880 includes a lateral channel 881 and an axial notch 882 for receiving the end, and the locking tab of the position limiter 870 secures the position limiter on the position limiter mounting bar 880 in both axial and lateral directions in the operating position, but any preferred means for securing the position limiter 870 to the mounting bar 880 may be used.

[0041] As shown in Figure 52, when assembled, the leading edge of the position limiter 870 protrudes beyond the leading edge of the position limiter mounting plate 860, and the limiting surface of the position limiter is adjacent to the conveyor belt driven by the sprocket 814.

[0042] In addition, the protrusion 890 may extend from the back plate 812 to prevent the conveyor belt from bending backward.

[0043] An exemplary drive assembly 810 positions each position limiter 870 at the side edge of the conveyor belt, with open space between them to accommodate a conveyor belt with flights in the central portion of the conveyor belt; however, alternatively, the mounting bar 880 may extend across the entire width of the drive assembly to accommodate a series of spaced-out snap-on position limiters 870 across the entire width of the drive assembly.

[0044] Referring to Figures 53 to 60, another embodiment of the drive assembly 910 includes a mounting assembly, shown as a bearing housing 980 fastened to the outside of the end plate 920 for mounting the roller limiter 970 and scraper assembly 960. The end plate 920 extends between laterally extending rear mounting plates 912. The sprocket 914 or other drive or reversing element is mounted between the end plates 920 using bearings within the openings of the end plates 920, as described above.

[0045] The belt entanglement prevention bar 913 may extend from the back plate 912 to prevent the belt teeth from getting caught on the frame member and being pulled back to the drive sprocket, but the present invention is not limited to including the belt entanglement prevention bar 913.

[0046] An exemplary scraper assembly 960, shown in Figure 55, includes a substantially cylindrical base 961 with tapered ends and a cylindrical mounting projection 966 extending between a pair of opposing scraper mounting plates 962. The scraper blade 963 extends upward from the base 961, similar to the embodiments of the scraper assembly described above. Each scraper plate 962 includes an opening 967 for receiving a projection on the cylindrical mounting projection 966 to attach the cylindrical base 962 to the scraper plate. Each scraper mounting plate 962 includes a channel 972 between its upper and lower legs, as described above, for mounting a leaf spring 990 or other tensioning element for the scraper assembly 960. A cylindrical pin 977 extends laterally at the end of the lower leg to restrict the movement of the scraper assembly 960 and to form a pivot point (fulcrum) for the leaf spring 990. In the embodiments shown in Figures 53 to 55, the exemplary cylindrical base 962 is positioned below the leaf spring 990.

[0047] In an exemplary embodiment, the handle 964 extends upward from the scraper mounting plate 962 to manually move the scraper assembly forward to perform some cleaning while keeping the leaf spring 990 within its elastic limits.

[0048] Referring to Figures 56 to 58, each bearing plate 980 includes, as described below, a mounting portion for attaching the bearing plate to the outer surface of the associated end plate 920, a bearing opening 982 for receiving the bearing of the roller limiter 970 in order to rotatably mount and position the roller limiter 970 relative to the sprocket 914, and a saddle 926 for receiving the cylindrical mounting projection 966 of the scraper assembly 960 in order to position the scraper blade 963 relative to the sprocket 914.

[0049] Figures 59 and 60 show the bearing plate 980 in detail, with the saddle 926 and bearing opening 982. The connecting portion includes offset openings 971, 972 for receiving fasteners (973, 974 in Figure 56) that can be inserted through the bearing plate 980 and into corresponding openings in the end plate 920. The fasteners 973, 974 may include sealing bolts with sealing washers that seal the interface between the joined components and the fasteners. The exemplary connecting portion further includes offset pins 975, 976 that can be used to mount a chute or another element, although the bearing plate 980 does not require offset pins 975, 976. The bearing plate 980 also includes a curved upper surface 861 for accommodating a sprocket bearing or an opening in the end plate 920. The bearing opening 982 may include a recess 983 to facilitate the insertion and removal of a bearing that holds the end of the roller limiter 970. The bearing plate 980 further includes an outwardly extending tension-applying support 928 for applying tension to the leaf spring 990 of the scraper assembly in order to press the scraper blade 963 into the proper position relative to the sprocket 914 and the conveyor belt. When the scraper assembly 960 is inserted into the saddle 926, the leaf spring 990 extends below the tension-applying support 928, which pulls up the opposite end of the leaf spring 990 and presses the scraper blade 963 into the working position.

[0050] The channel 978 on the outer surface of the bearing plate 960 can receive the cylindrical pin 977 of the scraper assembly 960 to ensure that the scraper cannot be opened excessively so as to move the leaf spring 990 beyond its yield point when the scraper is in a predetermined position.

[0051] Figures 61 to 66 show another embodiment of the drive assembly 1010, suitable for a flight-type conveyor belt, which includes a mounting assembly, shown as a position limiter plate 1060 mounted on the outer surface of each end plate 1020 for mounting the position limiter assembly 1080 to a sprocket 1014 or other drive element. The exemplary position limiter assembly 1080 includes spaced-apart snap-type position limiters 1081 to ensure proper engagement between the drive structure in the conveyor belt and the drive structure in the sprocket 1014 or other drive element.

[0052] As shown in Figures 64 and 65, each position limiter plate 1060 includes a flat plate with a length from a concave curved upper surface 1061 to a flat bottom surface 1062. While the exemplary limiter mounting plate 1060 has a certain width, the present invention is not limited thereto. The upper portion of the plate forms a connecting portion for attaching the limiter mounting plate 1060 to the outer surface of an associated end plate 1020. The exemplary connecting portion includes offset openings 1071, 1072 for receiving fasteners 1073, 1074 that can be inserted through the limiter mounting plate 1060 and into corresponding openings in the end plate 1020. The fasteners 1073, 1074 may be sealing bolts including sealing washers for sealing the interface between the joined components and the fasteners. The connecting portion further includes offset pins 1075, 1076 that can be used to mount chutes or other additional features. The opening 1080 for mounting the position limiter assembly 1068 extends below the connection portion and through the position limiter plate 1060. An exemplary opening 1068 includes a substantially rectangular upper portion with chamfered edges and a lower portion in the shape of a rounded slot extending substantially perpendicular to and intersecting the upper portion.

[0053] Referring to Figure 66, an exemplary position limiter assembly 1080 includes a lateral support bar 1082 which includes a vertical mounting bar 1083 having a cylindrical projection 1084 at its apex, the cylindrical projection 1084 which includes an outwardly extending mounting tab 1085 configured to be received by a position limiter plate opening 1068. The lateral support bar 1082 further includes a series of spaced-out vertical limiter bars 1086 which terminate at position limiter mounting projections 1087 which include a feature for mounting position limiters 1081. The space between the position limiters 1081 can accommodate flights on a conveyor belt used with the drive assembly 1010. In one embodiment, each position limiter mounting projection 1087 includes a lateral channel and intersecting axial notches to receive the tip and locking tab of the position limiter 1081, however any preferred means may be used to secure the position limiter to the limiter mounting projection 1087.

[0054] Referring to Figures 67–70, exemplary drive assemblies are not limited to the scraper assemblies described above. Figures 67–70 show another embodiment of a scraper assembly 560 for a conveyor drive assembly, which includes a pair of leaf springs 590 for biasing the scraper blade tip 565 to contact the conveyor belt. Each leaf spring 590 is attached to a mounting base 562 extending from a mounting plate 564. A scraper base 561 with a narrow constricted portion 566 extends between the mounting plates 564 and mounts the scraper blade 563. Sealing bolts 576 attach the front end of the leaf spring 590 to the base 562. The relatively wide portion of the leaf spring 590 rests on a rounded lip 573 that forms a pivot point for the leaf spring 590. The rounded lip 573 is formed within the recess of the mounting base 562 to receive and seat the wide portion of the leaf spring 590.

[0055] As shown in Figure 70, the sealing bolt 576 includes an upper sealing washer 577 between the upper boundary surface of the leaf spring and the bolt head, and a lower sealing washer 578 between the bottom of the leaf spring, the bolt shank, and the mounting base 562.

[0056] The scraper assembly 560 can be used with any drive assembly, such as those described above, to selectively bias the scraper blade tip 565 to a predetermined position relative to the conveyor belt used with the drive assembly, using the biasing mechanism in the leaf spring 590.

[0057] Referring to Figures 71 and 72, in another embodiment, a scraper assembly 660 for a conveyor belt drive assembly, such as that described above, includes a leaf spring 690 attached to a molded mounting base 662 using a sealing bolt 676, as described above. The mounting base 662 includes an upper channel 674 that separates a rounded lip 673, which forms a pivot point for the leaf spring 690, from an opening for the sealing bolt 676. In addition, a central projection 675 extends upward from the rounded lip 673, aligns with the sealing bolt 676, and is received in a slot 691 in the leaf spring 690 to maintain the lateral position of the leaf spring on the mounting base 662. Other suitable means for restraining the leaf spring may also be used. Other components of the exemplary scraper assembly 660 are similar to those of the mounting spring 560.

[0058] In another embodiment shown in Figures 73 and 74, the scraper assembly 1260 for a drive assembly, such as the drive assembly described above, includes a dumbbell-shaped projection 1273 extending from the side of the mounting plate 1264. The dumbbell-shaped projection 1273 forms a fulcrum for a leaf spring 1290 used to bias the scraper blade to a peeling position relative to the conveyor belt driven by the drive assembly, and also restrains the leaf spring 1290 between two end projections. The molded mounting portion 1262 includes an opening for receiving a sealing bolt 1276, such as the sealing bolt 576 and sealing washer described above, for fastening the leaf spring 1290 to the scraper assembly 1260.

[0059] In yet another embodiment shown in Figure 75, the scraper assembly 1360 includes a dumbbell-shaped projection 1373 for seating and providing a fulcrum for a leaf spring 1390, and a sealing bolt 1376 within a molded mounting portion 1362, both extending from the side of the mounting plate 1364. The exemplary molded mounting portion 1362 extends downward and captures the end of the leaf spring between the dumbbell-shaped projection 1373 and the molded mounting portion 1362, and the sealing bolt 1376 is located below the molded mounting portion 1362.

[0060] According to yet another embodiment shown in Figures 76 to 78, the drive assembly 1110 includes a pneumatic tensioning device 1130 for the scraper assembly 1160. The tensioning device 1130 can move the scraper assembly 1160 between an operating position in which the scraper blade 1163 is biased to contact the conveyor belt 1140 and a cleaning position in which the scraper blade 1163 is pressed so as not to contact the conveyor belt 1140. The scraper assembly 1160 can be easily removed from the drive assembly 1110 without the need for tools. The tensioning device 1130 includes a leaf spring 1131 attached to a transverse mounting plate 1112, and an air cylinder 1132 attached to the end of the leaf spring 1131 and an end plate 1120, the air cylinder having a piston 1133 connected to an eccentric scraper mounting plate 1162. To bias the scraper blade 1163 to contact the conveyor belt, the air cylinder 1132 pushes the piston 1133 forward, rotating the eccentric scraper mounting plate 1162 and pressing the blade 1163 to contact the conveyor belt 1140. The piston 1133 retracts, pulling the scraper blade 1163 away from the conveyor belt.

[0061] The claims are not limited to the details of the exemplary embodiments described.

Claims

1. In a drive assembly for a conveyor belt, The first end plate and A second end plate located on the opposite side of the first end plate, A drive unit attached to the first end plate and the second end plate, extending laterally between the first end plate and the second end plate, A first saddle connected to the first end plate, A second saddle connected to the second end plate, A scraper assembly attached and extending between the first saddle and the second saddle, A drive assembly comprising a tension-applying device including a first leaf spring engaged with the first end plate and a second leaf spring engaged with the second end plate, the tension-applying device for selectively moving the scraper assembly between an operating position and a cleaning position.

2. The drive assembly according to claim 1, wherein the tension-applying device includes an air-operated tension-applying device attached to the first end plate.

3. The drive assembly according to claim 1, the scraper assembly includes a pair of opposing scraper mounting plates and a scraper base for attaching a laterally extending scraper tip between each scraper mounting plate, A drive assembly characterized in that the first leaf spring extends from the first scraper mounting plate, and the second leaf spring extends from the second scraper mounting plate.

4. The drive assembly according to claim 3, further comprising one of a column, a lever, and an arm for selectively pressing the end of the leaf spring downward to bias the scraper assembly to the operating position.

5. In a scraper assembly for a conveyor belt, A pair of opposing scraper mounting plates, A substantially cylindrical base extending laterally between the pair of opposing scraper mounting plates for attaching a scraper blade, the substantially cylindrical base including a constricted portion with a reduced diameter, Each scraper mounting plate is attached to a mounting portion, and includes a leaf spring extending in a first direction from the scraper mounting plate to selectively bias the scraper blade to a peeling position relative to the conveyor belt, A scraper assembly characterized in that the reduced diameter constricted portion of the substantially cylindrical base is received by scraper assembly seats provided on each of a pair of opposing end plates at the end of the conveyor belt, thereby attaching the scraper assembly to the conveyor belt.

6. A scraper assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that each mounting portion includes a molded projection extending upward from a channel of the corresponding scraper mounting plate.

7. A scraper assembly according to claim 5, wherein each scraper mounting plate further includes a cylindrical pin extending laterally from the end of the scraper mounting plate to form a pivot point for the leaf spring.

8. A scraper assembly according to claim 5, characterized in that each mounting plate has a sealing bolt including a sealing washer for attaching the first end of a corresponding leaf spring to the mounting portion.

9. A scraper assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the mounting portion further includes a molded pivot point positioned at a distance from the sealing bolt that forms the pivot point for the leaf spring.

10. A scraper assembly according to claim 9, characterized in that the forming pivot point forms a seat for restraining the lateral movement of the leaf spring.

11. In a scraper assembly for a conveyor belt, A pair of opposing scraper mounting plates, each scraper mounting plate including channels forming an upper leg portion and a lower leg portion, and a molded projection extending upward from the lower leg portion, A substantially cylindrical base extending laterally between the pair of opposing scraper mounting plates for attaching the scraper blade, A scraper assembly characterized by including a first leaf spring attached to a first molded protrusion, the first leaf spring extending in a first direction from a first scraper mounting plate to selectively bias the scraper blade to a peeling position relative to the conveyor belt.

12. A scraper assembly according to claim 11, further comprising a second leaf spring attached to a second molded projection, the second spring extending from the second scraper mounting plate in the first direction.

13. In a scraper assembly for a conveyor belt, A pair of opposing scraper mounting plates, A substantially cylindrical base extending laterally between the pair of opposing scraper mounting plates for attaching the scraper blade, The first mounting portion on the first scraper mounting plate, A leaf spring attached to the first mounting portion, which selectively biases the scraper blade to a peeling position relative to the conveyor belt, A scraper assembly characterized by including a molded pivot point on a first scraper mounting plate, which is spaced apart from the first mounting portion and forms a pivot point for the leaf spring.

14. A scraper assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the forming pivot point includes a cylindrical pin extending from the end of the scraper mounting plate.

15. A scraper assembly according to claim 13, characterized in that the first mounting portion includes a bolt for attaching the leaf spring to a mounting base extending from the first scraper mounting plate.

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