A belt deflector assembly for a belt conveyor

Abstract

A belt deflector assembly, wherein the belt deflector assembly is detachably mountable to a conveyor support structure of a belt conveyor system, wherein the belt deflector assembly comprises a deflector shaft and two support brackets for supporting the deflector shaft when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure, wherein the deflector shaft comprises two opposite end portions and a central portion, wherein each of the support brackets comprises a shaft-receiving portion for receiving a respective one of the end portions of the deflector shaft, wherein the shaft-receiving portion circumferentially extends around at least a part of a circumference of the deflector shaft and is axially slidable along at least one of the end portions.

Description

[0001] A belt deflector assembly for a belt conveyor

[0002] Technical field

[0003] The present invention relates to conveyors and especially to a belt deflector assembly for a belt conveyor system and to an apparatus, in particular a belt conveyor, comprising such a belt deflector assembly.

[0004] Background

[0005] Conveyors are used in the prior art for many different applications. Especially in the food processing industry, conveyors are used for the efficient conveying of multiple separate food products e.g. for processing, cutting, trimming, scanning, weighing, packing, sorting, portioning and / or batching the food products, such as pieces of fresh and / or frozen fish or meat.

[0006] One type of conveyors are belt conveyors. A belt conveyor comprises a conveyor support structure, one or more belt deflectors and a carrier medium, in particular a closed loop carrier medium. The carrier medium rotates about the one or more belt deflectors, in particular in an endless loop that defines an upper run and a return run, each extending between two end deflectors. The carrier medium is also referred to as a conveyor belt, or simply as a belt. The items or material being conveyed rest on the belt and are transported along the conveyor as the belt moves. To this end, belt conveyors include one or more - typically two or more, belt deflector assemblies, each comprising a deflector and a deflector mounting structure. For example, DE102020103374 discloses a conveyor system for transporting and storing food portions has at least one conveyor unit, which comprises an endless conveyor belt or several endless conveyor belts arranged in parallel and circulating over at least one deflection roller. The deflection roller transfers radial forces by rolling on at least one support roller which is located between the upper run and the slack run of the conveyor belt.

[0007] As the belt deflectors of a belt conveyor are in contact with the belt on which the items or material to be conveyed rest(s), the belt deflectors and other parts of the belt deflector assembly are subjected to the material being conveyed.

[0008] In such conveyors it is generally desirable to provide a belt deflector assembly that is easy to clean and hygienic. Hygiene is a particular concern in applications within the food industry and / or similar applications where the hygiene of the items being conveyed by the conveyor system is important.

[0009] It is further generally desirable to provide a belt deflector assembly that is durable.

[0010] It is further generally desirable to provide a belt deflector assembly that can be manufactured and / or operated efficiently and in a cost-efficient manner.

[0011] It is thus desirable to provide a belt deflector assembly for a belt conveyor that addresses one or more of the above problems and / or one or more other problems of prior art conveyor systems, or that can at least serve as an alternative to existing solutions. Summary:

[0012] On this background, various embodiments of a belt deflector assembly are disclosed herein. Embodiments of the belt deflector assembly are detachably mountable to a conveyor support structure of a belt conveyor, thereby facilitating cleaning of the belt deflector assembly and the conveyor support structure to which the belt deflector assembly is mountable. In particular, the belt deflector assembly may be disconnected and detached from the conveyor support structure such that the belt deflector assembly can be thoroughly cleaned. The cleaned belt deflector assembly may then be re-attached to the conveyor support structure.

[0013] The belt deflector assembly comprises a deflector shaft and two support brackets for supporting the deflector shaft when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure. The deflector shaft defines a longitudinal shaft axis. The deflector shaft has two opposite end portions and a central portion, in particular such that the central portion is configured to receive a radial force from a conveyor belt when the conveyor belt is led around a portion of the circumference of the central portion of the deflector shaft and thereby redirected between an incoming direction and an outgoing direction. Each of the support brackets comprises a shaft-receiving portion for receiving a respective one of the end portions of the deflector shaft. The shaft-receiving portion circumferentially extends around at least a part of a circumference of the deflector shaft such that the support bracket is axially slidable along at least one of the end portions of the deflector shaft, preferably in an axially inward direction from the end portion towards the central portion of the deflector shaft, i.e. along some or all of the length of the end portion towards the central portion and, optionally, even along at least a portion of the central portion of the deflector shaft.

[0014] In particular, the belt deflector assembly may be repeatedly attachable to, and detachable from, the conveyor support structure, preferably without the need for any specialized tools or even any tools at all, thereby facilitating cleaning, maintenance or otherwise. The belt deflector assembly may be detachable as a single integral unit, i.e. with at least the support brackets and the deflector shaft mounted to each other and, optionally, with additional one or more support rods mounted to the support brackets, as will be described in further detail below. Moreover, as the shaft-receiving portions and, hence, the support brackets are slidable along the deflector shaft, the circumferential surface of the deflector shaft is more accessible for cleaning. To this end, the support brackets are axially slidable relative to the deflector shaft at least when, and in some embodiments only when, the belt deflector assembly is detached from the conveyor support structure. In particular, the support brackets are preferably slidable along the deflector shaft without sliding off an end of the deflector shaft.

[0015] The deflector shaft may have engagement portions at its respective end portions. The engagement portions may be the portions of the circumference of the deflector shaft that are at least partially surrounded by the respective shaft-receiving portions when the deflector shaft is received by the shaft-receiving portions, i.e. the engagement portions are the portions of the circumference of the deflector shaft that are covered by the respective shaft-receiving portions during operation of the belt conveyor. The engagement portions may thus be received by the respective shaft-receiving portions in rotatable engagement when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to a conveyor support structure in its operational position. The engagement portion may include a bearing.

[0016] When the support brackets are axially slidable along the deflector shaft far enough to completely expose the engagement portions of the deflector shaft, at least when the deflector assembly is detached from a conveyor support structure, cleaning of the belt deflector assembly, including the engagement portions, is facilitated without the need for disassembling the entire belt deflector assembly.

[0017] The shaft-receiving portion defines a width, measured along the direction of the longitudinal shaft axis of the deflector shaft when the deflector shaft is received by the shaft-receiving portion. The width defines the axial extent of the portion of the circumference of the deflector shaft that is at least partially surrounded by the shaft-receiving portion when the deflector shaft is received by the shaft-receiving portion, i.e. the width of the portion of the circumference of the deflector shaft that is covered by the shaft-receiving portion during operation of the belt conveyor. Preferably, the shaft-receiving portion is axially slidable along at least a portion of the deflector shaft, wherein said portion has a length in the axial direction of the deflector shaft no smaller than the width of the shaft-receiving portion, preferably a length larger than the width of the shaft-receiving portion, such as a length that is at least twice the width of the shaft-receiving portion. Accordingly, the support bracket may be slid sufficiently far along the deflector shaft to completely expose the part of the circumference of the deflector shaft that is surrounded by the shaft-receiving portion during operation of the belt conveyor, thereby facilitating cleaning of the entire circumference of the deflector shaft without the need for disassembling the deflector shaft assembly. In various embodiments, the support backets may individually be slidable along the deflector shaft, independently from each other.

[0018] Each support bracket may be slidable axially inwards from a respective one of the end portions of the deflector shaft and at least partially towards a central portion of the deflector shaft. The deflector shaft and each support bracket may be configured to prevent the support bracket from sliding axially outward from a respective one of the end portions of deflector shaft. Accordingly, the support brackets may be moved along the deflector shaft to facilitate cleaning of the deflector shaft without the need for disassembly of the belt deflector assembly.

[0019] The deflector shaft may comprise one or more stop members configured to prevent the support brackets from sliding off an end of the deflector shaft. For example, a slidable part of the end portion of the deflector shaft may have a diameter selected small enough to allow the shaft-receiving portion of the support bracket to slide along said slidable part of the end portion. The stop member may be provided as an increased-diameter portion, e.g. as a flange or otherwise, having a diameter larger than the diameter of the slidable portion and large enough to prevent the shaft-receiving portion from sliding outwards past the stop member. The one or more stop members may be provided at or proximal to respective ends of the deflector shaft, in particular axially outward from the slidable portion. The one or more stop members may be provided as one or more flanges, as one or more radial projections, as a housing of a ball bearing, or otherwise.

[0020] The one or more stop members may be permanently integrated into the deflector shaft, i.e. such that they cannot be disassembled from the deflector shaft in a nondestructive manner. Alternatively, the stop members may be detachable from the deflector shaft. To this end, the stop members may be provided as separate components that can be assembled with and disassembled from the deflector shaft. Examples of a permanently integrated stop member include a flange provided by milling down a portion of a shaft to provide the slidable part of the end portion of the deflector shaft, while leaving an increased-diameter flange. Examples of a stop member that can be assembled with and disassembled from the deflector shaft include a stop member than can be screwed into a suitable axial bore in the end face of the deflector shaft. In some embodiments, the stop members may be formed by respective ball bearings coupled to the end portions of the deflector shaft. The ball bearings may be shaped and sized to fit snug into the respective shaft-receiving portions of the support bracket. The shaftreceiving portions may thus form seats for the respective ball bearings. The support brackets may each comprise an abutment member extending radially inwards relative to the shaft-receiving portion, which forms the seat for the ball bearing, and positioned axially inwards relative to the position of the ball bearing when the ball bearing is received by the shaft-receiving portion. The abutment member may radially extend inwards far enough to prevent the ball bearing from axially sliding inwards past the abutment member but not so far to prevent the remainder of the deflector shaft from sliding axially through the shaft-receiving portion and past the abutment member. The ball bearings may be coupled to the end portions of the deflector shaft by screws that prevent the ball bearings from sliding off the end of the deflector shaft, or they may otherwise be prevented from liding off the end of the deflector shaft.

[0021] In some embodiments, the belt deflector assembly comprises a first support rod having opposite mounting ends. Each support bracket may include a first rod-receiving portion for receiving a respective mounting end of the first support rod, such that the first support rod axially extends at least between the support brackets, preferably radially spaced apart from the deflector shaft, i.e. such that there is a gap between the deflector shaft and the first support rod. The first rod-receiving portions of the support brackets may be formed as respective holes, such as through holes into or through which a respective mounting end of the first support rod may extend. In some embodiments, the first support rod extends parallel to the deflector shaft when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure. The support brackets may each be axially slidable along at least a portion of the first support rod.

[0022] The belt deflector assembly may be mounted to the conveyor support structure by attaching the mounting ends of the first support rod to respective rod-receiving portions of the conveyor support structure, where the rod-receiving portions of the conveyor support structure may be arranged on opposite lateral sides of the belt. The rod-receiving portions of the conveyor support structure may e.g. be provided as respective open slits, in particular upwardly open slits, depressions, channels or the like in a support member, such that the first support rod can slide into and rest in the slit, depression, channel, or the like.

[0023] The first support rod may be mounted to the conveyor support structure such that the belt deflector assembly is pivotable between an operating position and a maintenance position, in particular such that the first support rod defines the pivot axis. In the operating position, the conveyor belt may be pulled tight around the deflector shaft and impart a radial tension force onto the deflector shaft. In the maintenance position, the tension on the conveyor belt may be removed so as to facilitate cleaning and / or detachment of the belt deflector assembly and / or of the belt. In some embodiments, the belt deflector assembly further comprises a second support rod having opposite mounting ends. Each support bracket may include a second rod-receiving portion for receiving a respective mounting end of the second support rod, such that the second support rod axially extends at least between the support brackets, preferably radially spaced apart from the deflector shaft and from the first support rod, e.g. in the gap between the deflector shaft and the first support rod, such that the deflector shaft and the support rods do not touch each other. In some embodiments, the second support rod extends parallel to the deflector shaft when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure. The support brackets may each be slidable axially along at least a portion of the second support rod.

[0024] When the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure, the second support rod may, at least when the belt deflector assembly is in its operating position, rest on or otherwise engage respective rod support portions of the conveyor support structure, where the rod support portions may be arranged on opposite sides of the belt, in particular between the edges of the belt and the respective support brackets, e.g. so as to prevent the support brackets from axially sliding inwards towards the belt. Alternatively, or additionally, one or both of the support brackets may include respective protrusions, e.g. taps, flanges, rods, etc., that extend laterally away from the support bracket and are configured to, at least when the belt deflector assembly is in its operating position, rest on or otherwise engage respective bracket support portions of the conveyor support structure. The protrusions may extend away from an inward side of the support bracket, i.e. away from the side facing the corresponding other support bracket. When mounted to the conveyor support structure, the support brackets may be held axially apart from each other by the conveyor support structure, at least when the belt deflector assembly is in its operating position, preferably also when the belt deflector assembly is in its maintenance position. For example, each rod-receiving portion of the conveyor support structure and / or each rod support portion may define an outward abutment face, facing laterally away from the belt such that, when the belt deflector assembly is mounted, at least in its operating position, the support bracket is positioned laterally outward from the rod-receiving portion of the conveyor support structure and / or from the rod support portion of the conveyor support structure, i.e. with the rod-receiving portion and / or rod support portion of the conveyor support structure located between the support bracket and the belt. The support bracket may thus abut the abutment face and be prevented from moving inwards towards the belt.

[0025] In some embodiments, the support brackets may be non-slidably connected to the first and / or the second support rod. In some embodiments, the first and / or the second support rod may be configured such that the support brackets can only slide along a portion of the first and / or second support rod, in particular such that the support brackets are kept away from each other with a minimum clearance between the support brackets. For example, the first and / or second support rod may comprise a central portion having a diameter larger than the mounting ends so as to prevent the support brackets from sliding across the central portion. In such an embodiment, the stop members of the deflector shaft may be positioned axially inward or outward from the support brackets. In some embodiments, the belt deflector assembly comprises at least one fastening member, e.g. a clamp, clip, latch or other type of fastener for detachably securing the belt deflector assembly to the conveyor support structure, when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure, in particular to maintain the belt deflector assembly in its operating position. In some embodiments, the fastener is an elastic fastener, a spring-loaded fastener, or the like. In some embodiments, the at least one fastening member may include a first fastener, such as a first spring-loaded fastener, for keeping the first support rod in contact with at least one of the rod-receiving portions of the conveyor support structure, while allowing the belt deflector assembly to pivot between the operating position and the maintenance position. The at least one fastening member may include a second fastener, such as a second elastic or spring-loaded fastener, for keeping the belt deflector assembly in its operating position, i.e. for preventing the belt deflector assembly from pivoting into the maintenance position. Generally, the at least one fastening member may comprise first and second fasteners that are configured to be individually and separately engaged or disengaged, so as to allow the belt deflector assembly to be selectively secured to the conveyor support structure in the operating position or such that the belt deflector assembly can be pivoted into the maintenance position. It will be appreciated that other embodiments may include two separate fastening members for this purpose or a single fastening member that has a fastener that can be brought into two different engagement states. Preferably, the at least one fastening member is configured to be operated without the use of tools.

[0026] In some embodiments, the deflector shaft and the shaft-receiving portion are configured to allow the deflector shaft to rotate about its longi- tudinal shaft axis when the deflector shaft is received in the shaft-receiving portion, i.e. the deflector shaft is rotatable around its longitudinal axis when the deflector shaft is received in the shaft-receiving portion. Accordingly, the shaft-receiving portion may comprise a shaft bearing. Accordingly, the deflector shaft may be operable as a roller, thereby allowing the conveyor belt to move around the deflector shaft with little friction and, consequently, little wear of the conveyor belt. In alternative embodiments, the deflector shaft is received by the shaftreceiving portion in a non-rotatable manner. In such embodiments the conveyor belt may thus glide circumferentially around the stationary deflector shaft.

[0027] In some embodiments, the shaft-receiving portions and / or the deflector shaft comprise respective ball bearings, preferably open ball bearings for facilitating cleaning. Each shaft-receiving portion may be configured to accommodate a respective one of the ball bearings. The provision of ball bearings reduces wear of the shaft-receiving portion. The deflector shaft may include detachable end stops for preventing the support brackets and / or the ball bearings, from axially sliding off the respective ends of the deflector shaft. For example, the detachable end stops may be formed as screws that are axially screwed into the respective ends of the deflector shaft.

[0028] In other embodiments, the shaft-receiving portion defines a sliding bearing having a fixed bearing surface that circumferentially extends around at least a part of the circumference of the deflector shaft, such that the circumferential surface of the deflector shaft directly contacts and slides on the fixed bearing surface. The provision of a sliding bearing reduces the number of surfaces interfacing each other and moving relative to each other, thereby facilitating cleaning and decreasing the risk of contamination with bacteria. In some embodiments, the deflector shaft comprises ball bearings coupled to the respective end portions of the deflector shaft. The ball bearings may be shaped and sized to be received by the shaft-receiving portions of the support brackets. In some embodiments, the ball bearings are axially slidable relative to the shaft-receiving portion, when received in the respective shaft-receiving portion.

[0029] In some embodiments, the shaft-receiving portion has a C-shaped cross section in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the deflector shaft, i.e. the shaft-receiving portion only partially extends around the circumference of the deflector shaft, thereby facilitating easy disassembly of the belt deflector assembly and facilitating cleaning of the interface surfaces of the bearing surfaces. In some embodiments, the inward facing surface of the C-shaped shaft-receiving portion may serve as a sliding bearing surface that is in direct contact with the circumferential surface of the deflector shaft. In particular, in some embodiments, the deflector shaft may include non-detachable end stops for preventing the support brackets to axially slide off the respective ends of the deflector shaft, thereby further reducing the number of parts to clean and the number of interface surfaces between assembled parts that may be contaminated. For example, the non-detacha- ble end stops may be formed as one or more circumferential flanges or other increased-diameter portions at the respective ends of the deflector shaft.

[0030] Alternatively, the C-shaped shaft-receiving portion may form a seat or housing for a bearing, e.g. for a ball-bearing, which may be coupled to the end portion of the deflector shaft. The C-shaped shaft-receiving portion may allow the deflector shaft to be radially pulled out of and pushed into the shaft-receiving portion of the support bracket, e.g. by a snap fit and / or by providing the deflector shaft with a reduced-diameter portion to which the support bracket can be axially slid, at least when the belt deflector assembly is detached from the conveyor support structure.

[0031] Generally, in various embodiments of the belt deflector assembly, each of the various components of the belt deflector assembly may be made from any suitable material, such as metal or plastics materials. In some embodiments, the support brackets are made from plastics material, such as polyethylene, and the deflector shaft may be made from metal, such as stainless steel. Accordingly, the support brackets, which are subject to wear, in particular when the shaft-receiving portions comprise a sliding bearing, are relatively inexpensive in manufacture and can be replaced when needed. Making the deflector shaft from metal facilitates the manufacturing of a robust shaft that can withstand high radial loads from the conveyor belt. In other embodiments, the support brackets and the deflector shaft may be made from metal, such as stainless steel, optionally provided with a suitable coating for allowing the shaft-receiving portion to function as a gliding bearing.

[0032] The present disclosure relates to different aspects including the apparatus described above and in the following, corresponding systems, methods, and / or products, each yielding one or more of the benefits and advantages described in connection with one or more of the other aspects, and each having one or more embodiments corresponding to the embodiments described in connection with one or more of the other aspects and / or disclosed in the appended claims. In another aspect, disclosed herein is an apparatus, in particular a belt conveyor, comprising one or more, such as two or more, belt deflector assemblies as disclosed herein. The conveyor may further comprise a conveyor support structure and a conveyor belt. The conveyor support structure may be a support frame or another suitable type of support structure. The conveyor may further include a belt drive, e.g. a drive pulley and a motor, or otherwise. The one or more belt deflector assemblies may include one or more end belt deflector assemblies. The deflector shaft of an end belt deflector assembly may define an end of the conveyor system where the conveyor belt is turned between the transport run, typically the upper run, and a return run of the belt. Alternatively or additionally, the one or more belt deflector assemblies may include one or more redirecting belt deflector assemblies other than end deflectors, e.g. redirecting deflectors for directing the belt around a drive pulley or for providing another desired redirection of the conveyor belt.

[0033] In yet another aspect, disclosed herein is a method of cleaning a belt deflector assembly as described herein, the method comprising: -detaching the belt deflector assembly from a conveyor support structure,

[0034] - cleaning the deflector shaft wherein cleaning the deflector shaft includes axially sliding the support brackets along the deflector shaft to expose engagement portions of the deflector shaft.

[0035] Preferably, the method may include detaching the belt deflector assembly from a conveyor support structure as an integral unit, and cleaning the assembled belt deflector assembly, including the deflector shaft, i.e. without disassembling the detached belt deflector assembly. Brief descriptions of the drawings

[0036] FIG. 1 shows a partially exploded view of an example of a belt deflector assembly.

[0037] FIG. 2 shows the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 1 in assembled form. FIG. 3 shows the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 1 mounted to a conveyor support structure with the belt deflector assembly in its operating position.

[0038] FIG. 4 shows the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 1 mounted to a conveyor support structure with the belt deflector assembly in its maintenance position.

[0039] FIG. 5 shows another example of a belt deflector assembly mounted to a conveyor support structure.

[0040] FIGs. 6A-C show another example of a belt deflector assembly.

[0041] Detailed description

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a partially exploded view of an example of a belt deflector assembly, generally designated by reference numeral 1 , and FIG.

[0043] 2 shows the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 1 in assembled form.

[0044] The belt deflector assembly 1 is detachably mountable to a conveyor support structure of a belt conveyor system as will be described in more detail below.

[0045] The belt deflector assembly 1 comprises a deflector shaft 11 that comprises two opposite end portions 112 and a central portion 111. When mounted to the belt conveyor, the belt of the belt conveyor is redirected via the deflector shaft. To this end, the belt passes around at least the central portion and, optionally, around a part of the end portions. Nevertheless, at least the outer ends of the end portions extend axially outward beyond the lateral edges of the belt. The deflector shaft may, as illustrated in FIGs. 1 and 2, have a profiled central portion with varying shaft diameter for guiding the belt around the shaft; however, other embodiments may have a different profile or lack such a profile. The deflector shaft 11 comprises increased-diameter portions 113 at the respective ends of the shaft. These are operable as stop members as will be described below.

[0046] The deflector shaft is made from stainless steel, e.g. by milling or otherwise machining a rod to the desired diameter or diameter profile. However, in other embodiments, the deflector shaft may be made from a different material and / or be manufactured in a different manner.

[0047] The belt deflector assembly 1 further comprises two support brackets 12 for supporting the deflector shaft when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to a conveyor support structure. Each of the support brackets comprises a shaft-receiving portion 121 for receiving a respective one of the end portions 112 of the deflector shaft 11 .

[0048] The shaft-receiving portion 121 of each support bracket circumferentially extends around at least a part of a circumference of the deflector shaft and is axially slidable along at least one of the end portions. In the present embodiment, the shaft-receiving portion 121 has a C- shaped cross section in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft. The inward facing surface of the C-shaped shaft-receiving portion serves as a sliding bearing surface that is in direct contact with the circumferential surface of the deflector shaft. Accordingly, the deflector shaft and the support brackets may be assembled by clicking the deflector shaft radially into the C-shaped shaft-receiving portions 121 . Optionally, the support bracket 12 may be mounted to the deflector shaft 11 at a reduced-diameter portion of the central portion of the deflector shaft and then slid axially outward towards one of the ends of the deflector shaft. The shaft-receiving portion 121 defines a sliding bearing having a fixed bearing surface that circumferentially extends around at least a part of the circumference of the deflector shaft and that allows the deflector shaft to rotate around its longitudinal axis, when the end portion 112 of the deflector shaft is accommodated within the shaft-receiving portion 121. The increased-diameter portions 113 of the deflector shaft serve as end stop members that prevent the support brackets from sliding off the deflector shaft. To this end, the increased-diameter portions 113 have a diameter larger than the inner diameter of the shaft-receiving portions 121 .

[0049] The support brackets 12 may be made from plastics material, such as polyethylene, and manufactured by an injection molding process. Alternatively, the support brackets may be made from another suitable material, e.g. metal, and / or made by another suitable manufacturing process. Preferably the material should be approved for food or feed processing.

[0050] The belt deflector assembly 1 further comprises a first support rod 13 having opposite mounting ends 131 and a central portion 132. The central portion 132 of the first support rod 13 has a diameter larger than the diameter of the mounting ends 131 ; however, in other embodiments, the first support rod 13 may have a uniform diameter along its entire length or a different diameter profile. Each of the support brackets 12 includes a first rod-receiving portion 122 for receiving a respective mounting end 131 of the first support rod 13. In the present example, the first rod-receiving portions 122 for receiving the first support rod are formed as through holes in the respective support brackets 12, through which the respective mounting ends of the first support rods can extend such that each support bracket can axially slide along a respective one of the mounting ends 131.

[0051] In the present example with an increased-diameter central portion 132 of the first support rod, the axial movement of the support brackets is restricted to the mounting ends 131 , in particular such that the support brackets cannot slide along the increased-diameter central portion of the first rod. In this way, the support brackets are also prevented from sliding towards the center reduced-diameter parts of the deflector shaft, while the first support rod is attached to the support brackets. Accordingly, the support brackets 12 are prevented from unintentionally disengaging from the deflector shaft.

[0052] The support brackets 12 are prevented from sliding off the ends of the first support rods 13 by screws 133 that can be screwed into an axial hole 134 on the corresponding ends of the first support rod, thereby allowing disassembly of the belt deflector assembly, e.g. for replacing the support bracket.

[0053] The belt deflector assembly 1 further comprises a second support rod 14 having opposite mounting ends 141. The second support rod is formed and mounted in a similar fashion as has been described in connection with the first support rod. To this end, each support bracket 12 includes a second rod-receiving portion 123 for receiving a respective mounting end of the second support rod such that each support bracket is axially slidable along a respective one of the mounting ends 141 of the second support rod. The second support rod also has an increased-diameter central portion 142 that limits the axial movement of the support bracket along the second support rod. The support brackets are prevented from sliding off the ends of the second support rods by screws 143 that can be screwed into respective axial holes 144 on the corresponding ends of the second support rod.

[0054] The belt deflector assembly 1 further comprises two fastening members 15 for detachably securing the belt deflector assembly to the conveyor support structure, when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure, in particular to maintain the belt deflector assembly in its operating position.

[0055] When the belt deflector assembly 1 is not mounted to a belt conveyor, the belt deflector assembly can be handled as an integral assembly, where the support brackets 12 can slide axially along at least a part of the length of the deflector shaft 11 and the first and second support rods 13 and 14, respectively, while being prevented from sliding off the ends of the deflector shaft or the support rods. Accordingly efficient cleaning of the belt deflector assembly and, in particular, of the entire circumferential surface of the deflector shaft is facilitated.

[0056] FIG. 3 shows the belt deflector assembly 1 of FIG. 1 mounted to a conveyor support structure 2 with the belt deflector assembly in its operating position. In particular, FIG. 3 shows an end portion of a belt conveyor with the belt deflector assembly mounted to it. At the end portion, a conveyor belt 3 is wound around the deflector shaft 11 of the belt deflector assembly and changes direction between an upper run of the belt to a return run. It will be appreciated, however, that the belt deflector assembly may also be mounted to other parts of the belt conveyor, other than the end of the belt conveyor, where the belt is to change direction, e.g. for providing tension to the belt or otherwise. The belt conveyor comprises a support structure 2 and a belt 3. It will be appreciated that the belt conveyor may comprise one or more other components, such as a motor for driving the conveyor belt.

[0057] In FIG. 3, the belt 3 is shown in phantom to allow parts of the conveyor structure and belt deflector assembly, which would otherwise be obstructed from view by the belt, to be visible.

[0058] The support structure 2 comprises support members 20 that extend along the belt on either side of the belt 3, i.e. such that the belt 3 travels between the support members. In the example of FIG. 3, the support members are elongated plates, but they may alternatively be provided as profiles beams, bars or in another form.

[0059] The belt deflector assembly is mounted to the support members 20. In particular, the first support rod 13 rests in rod-receiving portions 21 of the respective support members 20 while the second support rod rests on rod-supporting portions 22 of the support members 20. In the present embodiment, the rod-receiving portions 21 are embodied as slits, and the rod-supporting portions 22 are embodied as edges of the support members 20. However, the support members 20 may provide other suitable forms of rod-receiving portions and / or rod-supporting portions for supporting the support rods and / or the support brackets, e.g. in the form of depressions, holes, abutment surfaces, and / or the like.

[0060] The support brackets 12 are positioned laterally outwards from the support members 20, i.e. on the outer sides of the support members that face away from the belt. Accordingly, the support members 20 prevent the support brackets from sliding inward while the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the support structure. It will be appreciated that the conveyor support structure may otherwise be configured to prevent the support brackets from sliding towards the center of the belt when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure and in its operational position.

[0061] The belt deflector assembly is secured to the conveyor support structure by fastening members 15 that prevent the belt deflector assembly from being lifted out of the rod-receiving portions 21 . In particular each fastening member 15 comprises a through hole 151 , through which the first support rod 13 extends, and a clip portion 152 configured to engage a respective one of the support members 20. With the clip portion 152 engaged, the first support rod cannot be lifted out of the slit it rests in, but the belt deflector assembly is still able to be pivoted around the first support rod 13. When the clip portions 152 are disengaged from the support members 20, the belt deflector assembly can be disconnected from the support structure, e.g. for cleaning.

[0062] FIG. 4 shows the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 1 mounted to a conveyor support structure with the belt deflector assembly in its maintenance position, i.e. pivoted upwards around the first support rod 13 and with the clip portions 152 being disengaged. For the purpose of illustration, in FIG. 4, the belt 3 is shown in its operational position. However, it will be appreciated that, in practice, the belt will still be led around deflector shaft 11 when the belt deflector assembly is in its maintenance position.

[0063] The belt deflector assembly can thus be mounted to and disconnected from the support structure without the need for tools. Also, pivoting the belt deflector assembly helps to mount the belt and / or to perform cleaning or maintenance operations with the belt deflector assembly mounted to the conveyor support structure. FIG. 5 shows another example of a belt deflector assembly mounted to a conveyor support structure 2.

[0064] The belt deflector assembly of FIG. 5 is similar to the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 1 in that it comprises a deflector shaft 11 , two support brackets 12, a first support rod 13, a second support rod 14 and two fastening members 15. The belt deflector assembly of FIG. 5 differs from the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 1 in that the shaft-receiving portions 121 of the support brackets 12 have mounted therein respective ball bearings 116. The stop members are formed by screws 115 screwed into axial holes in the respective ends of the deflector shaft in a similar manner as explained for the support rods of the previous embodiment. Accordingly, as in the previous embodiment, the support brackets can, at least when not mounted to the support structure of the belt conveyor, axially slide along at least a portion of the deflector shaft and the support rods, while being prevented from sliding off the ends of the deflector shaft or the support rods. The belt deflector assembly can be disassembled by unscrewing the screws and axially sliding the support brackets off the deflector shaft and the support rods.

[0065] The fastening member 15 of the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 5 comprises a clip portion 152 and a through hole (not visible in FIG. 5) as described in connection with FIG. 1. The fastening member 15 of the embodiment of FIG. 5 differs from the fastening member of the embodiment of FIG. 1 in that the fastening member 15 of FIG. 5 further comprises an additional elastic arm 153 that secures the support bracket 12 in its operating position, i.e. prevents the belt deflector assembly 1 from being pivoted. When the arm 153 is push away from the support bracket 12, the belt deflector assembly can pivot around the first support rod 13 while still being prevented from being disconnected from the support member 20 by the clip portion 152. It will be appreciated that the embodiment of FIG. 1 may also be provided with a fastening member as shown in FIG. 5 and vice versa.

[0066] FIGs. 6A-C show another example of a belt deflector assembly. In particular, FIG. 6A shows a three-dimensional view of the assembled belt deflector assembly, while FIG. 6B shows a cross-sectional view of the belt deflector assembly, and FIG. 6C shows a portion of the belt deflector assembly when mounted to a conveyor support structure 2.

[0067] The belt deflector assembly of FIGs. 6A-C is similar to the belt deflector assembly of FIGs. 1 and 5 in that it comprises a deflector shaft 11 , two support brackets 12, a first support rod 13, a second support rod 14 and two fastening members 15.

[0068] As in the example of FIGs. 1 and 5, the belt deflector assembly 1 of the present embodiment is detachably mountable to a conveyor support structure of a belt conveyor system.

[0069] The deflector shaft 11 comprises two opposite end portions 112 and a central portion 111. When mounted to the belt conveyor, the belt 3 of the belt conveyor is redirected via the deflector shaft 11 . To this end, the belt passes around at least the central portion 111 and, optionally, around a part of the end portions. Nevertheless, at least the outer ends of the end portions extend axially outward beyond the lateral edges of the belt. The deflector shaft is made from stainless steel, e.g. by milling or otherwise machining a rod to the desired diameter or diameter profile. However, in other embodiments, the deflector shaft may be made from a different material and / or be manufactured in a different manner. The support brackets 12 support the deflector shaft 11 when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to a conveyor support structure. Each of the support brackets comprises a shaft-receiving portion 121 for receiving a respective one of the end portions 112 of the deflector shaft 11.

[0070] The shaft-receiving portion 121 of each support bracket circumferentially extends around at least a part of a circumference of the deflector shaft and is axially slidable along at least one of the end portions. The shaft-receiving portion 121 has a C-shaped cross section in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the shaft. The inward facing surface of the C-shaped shaft-receiving portion serves as a seat for a ball bearing 116.

[0071] The support brackets 12 may be made from metal, e.g. from stainless steel, and / or from another suitable material. Preferably, the material should be approved for food or feed processing.

[0072] The first support rod 13 has opposite mounting ends 131 and a central portion 132. The first support rod 13 has a uniform diameter along its entire length; however, in other embodiments, the first support rod 13 may have or a different diameter profile. Each of the support brackets 12 includes a first rod-receiving portion for receiving a respective mounting end 131 of the first support rod 13. In the present example, the first rod-receiving portions for receiving the first support rod are formed as through holes in the respective support brackets 12, through which the respective mounting ends of the first support rods can extend such that each support bracket can axially slide along a respective one of the mounting ends 131 . The support brackets 12 are prevented from sliding off the ends of the first support rods 13 by screws 133 that can be screwed into an axial hole 134 on the corresponding ends of the first support rod, thereby allowing disassembly of the belt deflector assembly, e.g. for replacing the support bracket.

[0073] The second support rod 14 is formed and mounted in a similar fashion as has been described in connection with the first support rod. To this end, each support bracket 12 includes a second rod-receiving portion for receiving a respective mounting end of the second support rod such that each support bracket is axially slidable along a respective one of the mounting ends 141 of the second support rod. The second support rod also has a uniform diameter. The support brackets are prevented from sliding off the ends of the second support rods by screws 143 that can be screwed into respective axial holes 144 on the corresponding ends of the second support rod.

[0074] The belt deflector assembly of FIGs. 6A-C is similar to the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 5 and differs from the belt deflector assembly of FIG. 1 in that the belt deflector assembly comprises ball bearings 116 for rotatably coupling the deflector shaft with the shaft-receiving portions of the support bracket. The deflector shaft 11 has ball bearings 116 rotatably coupled at its respective end portions 112. The ball bearings 116 are shaped and sized such that they fit snugly into the C- shaped shaft-receiving portions 121 of the respective support brackets 12. In the assembled belt deflector assembly, the ball bearings are received, in particular slidably received, by the shaft-receiving portions 121 of the support brackets 12. The C-shaped shaft-receiving portions 121 thus have mounted therein, and form seats for, the respective ball bearings 116. The ball bearings 116 are secured to the end portions 112 of the deflector shaft 11 by screws 115 that prevent the ball bearings from axially sliding off the ends of the deflector shaft. Each end portion 112 of the deflector shaft has an outermost reduced diameter portion onto which a respective one of the ball bearings 116 fits, while preventing the ball bearing 116 from sliding axially inwards along the deflector shaft 11. The support brackets 12 comprise radially inward extending flanges 124 located on the inward facing side of the shaftreceiving portion that prevent the support brackets from sliding axially outward past the respective ball bearing 116. Hence, the screws 115, which prevent the ball bearings 116 from sliding off the ends of the deflector shaft, also prevent the support brackets 12 from sliding off the ends of the deflector shaft, i.e. the screws 115 function as stop members.

[0075] Accordingly, as in the previous embodiment, the support brackets 12 can, when not mounted to the support structure of the belt conveyor, axially slide along at least a portion of the deflector shaft and the support rods, while being prevented from sliding off the ends of the deflector shaft or the support rods. In particular, when the belt deflector assembly 1 is not mounted to a belt conveyor, the belt deflector assembly can be handled as an integral unit, where the support brackets 12 can slide axially along at least a part of the length of the deflector shaft 11 and along at least a part of the length of the first and second support rods 13 and 14, respectively, while being prevented from sliding off the ends of the deflector shaft or of the support rods. Accordingly efficient cleaning of the belt deflector assembly and, in particular, of the entire circumferential surface of the deflector shaft is facilitated.

[0076] The belt deflector assembly can be disassembled by unscrewing the screws and axially sliding the support brackets off the deflector shaft and the support rods. Optionally, the support bracket 12 may be mounted to the deflector shaft 11 at a reduced-diameter portion of the central portion of the deflector shaft by inserting the reduced-diameter portion into the C-shaped shaft-receiving portion. The support brackets may then slide axially outward along the deflector shaft towards the respective ball bearings 116.

[0077] The fastening members 15 of the present embodiment are for detachably securing the belt deflector assembly to the conveyor support structure 2, when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure, in particular to maintain the belt deflector assembly in its operating position. The fastening members 15 of the belt deflector assembly of FIGs. 6A-C comprise a clip portion 152 and a through hole 151 as described in connection with FIG. 1. As in the embodiment of FIG. 5, the fastening member 15 of the embodiment of FIGs. 6A-C further comprises an additional elastic arm 153 that secures the support bracket 12 in its operating position, i.e. prevents the belt deflector assembly 1 from being pivoted. When the arm 153 is push away from the support bracket 12, the belt deflector assembly can pivot around the first support rod 13 while still being prevented from being disconnected from the support member 20 by the clip portion 152. It will be appreciated that the embodiment of FIG. 1 may also be provided with a fastening member as shown in FIGs. 6A-C and vice versa. The provision of the fastening members allows the belt deflector assembly to be attached to and detached from the conveyor support structure as an integral unit and without the use of tools.

[0078] While embodiments of the invention have been illustrated and described in detail in the drawings and foregoing description, such illustration and description are to be considered illustrative or exemplary and not restrictive; the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodi- merits. Other variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure, and the appended claims.

[0079] For example, some embodiments may only include a single support rod or more than two support rods. For example, the second support rod may be omitted. Instead, the support brackets may comprise one or more protrusions that extend inwardly toward the corresponding other support bracket and that can rest of a suitable support of the support structure, e.g. engage a slit in a support member as shown with respect to the second support rod in FIGs. 3 and 5.

[0080] Various embodiments of the belt deflector assembly disclosed herein are easy to clean and handle, relatively inexpensive to manufacture yet durable. Various embodiments of the belt deflector include few parts and, in particular few interface surfaces that are in contact with each other and move relative to each other. The interface surfaces that move relative to each other are easily accessible for e.g. cleaning.

[0081] In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

Claims

Claims1 . A belt deflector assembly (1 ), wherein the belt deflector assembly is detachably mountable to a conveyor support structure (2) of a belt conveyor, wherein the belt deflector assembly comprises a deflector shaft (11 ) and two support brackets (12) for supporting the deflector shaft when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure, wherein the deflector shaft (11 ) comprises two opposite end portions (112) and a central portion (111 ), wherein each of the support brackets comprises a shaft-receiving portion (121 ) for receiving a respective one of the end portions of the deflector shaft, wherein each shaft-receiving portion circumferentially extends around at least a part of a circumference of the deflector shaft and wherein each shaft-receiving portion is axially slidable along at least a respective one of the end portions.

2. The belt deflector assembly according to claim 1 , further comprising a first support rod (13) having opposite mounting ends (131 ), wherein each of the support brackets includes a first rod-receiving portion (122) for receiving a respective mounting end of the first support rod.

3. The belt deflector assembly according to claim 2, wherein the belt deflector assembly is mountable to the conveyor support structure by attaching the mounting ends of the first support rod to respective rodreceiving portions (21 ) of the conveyor support structure, wherein the rod-receiving portions of the conveyor support structure are arranged on opposite sides of a conveyor belt (3) of the conveyor.

4. The belt deflector assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the first support rod is mountable to the conveyor support structure suchthat the belt deflector assembly is pivotable between at least an operating position and a maintenance position.

5. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of claims 2 through 4, further comprising a second support rod (14) having opposite mounting ends (141 ), wherein each support bracket includes a second rod-receiving portion (123) for receiving a respective mounting end of the second support rod.

6. The belt deflector assembly according to claim 5, wherein the second support rod, at least when the belt deflector assembly is in its operating position, is configured to rest on or otherwise engage respective rod support portions (22) of the conveyor support structure.

7. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one fastening member (15) for detachably securing the belt deflector assembly to the conveyor support structure, when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to the conveyor support structure, in particular to maintain the belt deflector assembly in its operating position.

8. The belt deflector assembly according to claim 7, when directly or indirectly dependent on claim 4, wherein at least one of the at least one fastening members comprises a first fastener for keeping the first support rod in contact with at least one of the rod-receiving portions of the conveyor support structure, while allowing the belt deflector assembly to pivot between the operating position and the maintenance position, and a second fastener for keeping the belt deflector assembly in its operating position and for preventing the belt deflector assembly from pivoting into the maintenance position.

9. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflector shaft is configured to be received by the shaft-receiving portions such that the deflector shaft is axially rotatable when received by the shaft-receiving portions.

10. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft-receiving portion includes a ball bearing, preferably an open ball bearing.11 . The belt deflector assembly according to any one of claims 1 through 9, wherein the shaft-receiving portion defines a sliding bearing having a fixed bearing surface that circumferentially extends around at least a part of the circumference of the deflector shaft.

12. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of claims 1 through 9, comprising ball bearings rotatably coupled to the respective end portions of the deflector shaft and shaped and sized to be received by the respective shaft-receiving portions.

13. The belt deflector assembly according to claim 12, wherein each support bracket comprises an abutment member configured to prevent the support bracket to slide axially outward past the ball bearing receiving in the shaft-receiving portion of said support bracket.

14. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft-receiving portion has a C-shaped cross section in a plane orthogonal to the axial direction of the deflector shaft.

15. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support brackets are made from plastics material,such as polyethylene, and where the deflector shaft is made from metal, such as stainless steel.

16. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support brackets are individually slidable along the deflector shaft.

17. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each support bracket is slidable axially inwards from a respective one of the end portions of the deflector shaft and at least partially towards a central portion of the deflector shaft.

18. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflector shaft and each support bracket are configured to prevent the support bracket from sliding axially outward from a respective one of the end portions of deflector shaft.

19. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflector shaft comprises one or more stop members configured to prevent the support brackets from sliding off an end of the deflector shaft.

20. The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shaft-receiving portion defines a width, and wherein the shaft-receiving portion is axially slidable along at least a portion of the deflector shaft, wherein said portion has a length in the axial direction of the deflector shaft no smaller than the width of the shaft-receiving portion.21 . The belt deflector assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the deflector shaft has engagement portions at the respective end portions, the engagement portions being received by the respective shaft-receiving portions in rotatable engagement when the belt deflector assembly is mounted to a conveyor support structure in its operational position, and wherein, when the deflector assembly is detached from a conveyor support structure, the support brackets are axially slidable along the deflector shaft far enough to completely expose the engagement portions of the deflector shaft.

22. A method of cleaning a belt deflector assembly as defined in any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:-detaching the belt deflector assembly from a conveyor support structure,- cleaning the deflector shaft wherein cleaning the deflector shaft includes axially sliding the support brackets along the deflector shaft to expose engagement portions of the deflector shaft.

23. A belt conveyor, comprising one or more belt deflector assemblies as defined in any one of claims 1 through 21 .

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