Patent Description:
A sealing apron device according to the preamble of claim <NUM> is for example known from <CIT>. <CIT> discloses an installation for the formation of a sealing apron along a conveyor belt by using sealing apron blocks in the form of panels which can be moved individually with respect to the frame of the installation towards the conveyor belt, characterized in that that the panels comprise a series of parallel grooves which extend transversely to the direction in which the panels can be moved and in that each of them is retained by a retaining member which comprises a means of blocking the panel through an element that is supported in a groove belonging to the panel.

A bulge is provided which is located at the upper part of the panel, to provide a striking surface suitable for a hammer or a mallet, for adjusting each panel to a given height relative to the conveyor.

A disadvantage of the known sealing apron device is that the hammer or mallet blows could dislocate a panel with respect to an adjacent panel or the retaining member. Also, the friction between the panel and the moving conveyor belt could cause a rotation of the panel relative to the retaining member in the direction of conveyance. Another disadvantage of the known sealing apron device is that the clamping force of the retaining member for holding the panel to the supporting frame can be unintentionally adjusted to a level that damages the panel. Moreover, the nut or nuts have to be loosened to move the panel towards the conveyor belt.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an alternative sealing apron device, wherein a dislocation and/or rotation of a sealing apron block with respect to an adjacent sealing apron block or a retaining member can be prevented.

According to a first aspect, the invention provides a sealing apron device for a transport system, wherein the transport system comprises a conveyor and a wall arranged above said conveyor, wherein the sealing apron device comprises a sealing apron block for sealing gaps between the wall and the conveyor in a sealing direction and a holder for holding said sealing apron block relative to said wall in a mounting plane parallel to said sealing direction, wherein the sealing apron block comprises a main body and a protrusion extending away from said main body in a protrusion direction perpendicular to the sealing direction, wherein the sealing apron block is adjustable with respect to the holder in the sealing direction along an adjustment path by applying blows of a hammer or a mallet to the protrusion, wherein the holder comprises a bracket with a mounting section for mounting the bracket relative to the wall and a retaining section for retaining the sealing apron block in the sealing direction, wherein the retaining section comprises a retaining part for clamping the sealing apron block in a clamping direction transverse to the mounting plane, wherein the retaining section further comprises a guiding part for guiding the protrusion of the sealing apron block along at least a part of the adjustment path, wherein the guiding part is arranged for engaging the protrusion of the sealing apron block along at least a part of the adjustment path.

By guiding the protrusion of the sealing apron block, the sealing apron block can be guided at the location where the blows of the hammer or the mallet are applied. Hence, the sealing apron block is less prone to dislocation with respect to an adjacent sealing apron block and/or rotation with respect to the bracket.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the guiding part and the protrusion are in mutual engagement along at least a part of the adjustment path.

In a further embodiment, the sealing apron block is arranged to be adjusted with respect to the holder from a start position into an end position along the adjustment path, wherein the retaining part is arranged for engaging the sealing apron block at least when the sealing apron block is in a first part of the adjustment path between the start position and an intermediate position between the start position and the end position. The sealing apron block can thus be retained in at least the first part of the adjustment path.

In a further embodiment thereof, the guiding part is arranged for engaging the protrusion of the sealing apron block at least when the sealing apron block is in a second part of the adjustment path between the intermediate position and the end position. In the first part of the adjustment path, the sealing apron block is still in or close to its starting position and thus less prone to dislocation. It is during the second part of the adjustment path, when the engagement between retaining member and the sealing apron block is released, that the guiding becomes more important.

In a further embodiment thereof, the retaining part is arranged for at least partially running out of the engagement with the sealing apron block in the sealing direction when the sealing apron block is in the second part of the adjustment path. Consequently, the guiding of the protrusion can at least partially compensate for the running out of engagement of the retaining part. Together, the guiding part and the retaining part can still effectively prevent dislocation.

In a further embodiment, the guiding part and the retaining part are arranged for simultaneously engaging the sealing apron block in at least a part of the adjustment path. Together, the guiding part and the retaining part can effectively prevent dislocation.

In a further embodiment, the guiding part is arranged for engaging the sealing apron block at one or more guiding positions, wherein the retaining part is arranged for engaging the sealing apron block at one or more retaining positions, wherein the one or more guiding positions are spaced apart from the one or more retaining positions. By having the spaced apart positions, the position of the sealing apron block relative to the bracket can be more defined and the sealing apron block is less prone to dislocation in the form of tilt or rotation relative to said positions.

In a further embodiment, the guiding part comprises one or more guides extending in the sealing direction for engaging the protrusion of the sealing apron block. The one or more guides can linearly guide the protrusion in the sealing direction.

In a further embodiment thereof, the bracket comprises a bracket opening for receiving the protrusion in the protrusion direction and wherein the one or more guides comprises two guides which are arranged on either side of the bracket opening for engaging the part of the protrusion extending through the bracket opening. The spaced apart guides on opposite sides of the bracket opening can more accurately guide the protrusion in the sealing direction while preventing dislocation in the form of tilt or rotation about an axis between those guides.

In a further embodiment thereof, the two guides are formed by the edges of the bracket opening. Hence, the guides can be formed conveniently as integral elements of the guiding part without requiring separate guiding means.

In a further embodiment, the protrusion comprises a head portion and a neck portion that connects the head portion to the main body, wherein the neck portion has a neck width and the head portion has a head width in a width direction parallel to the mounting plane and perpendicular to the sealing direction, wherein the guides are arranged for engaging the protrusion at said neck portion. Hence, the guides can be securely received between the head portion and the main body, thereby limiting movement, in particular rotation, of the sealing apron block relative to the bracket.

In a further embodiment thereof, the bracket opening has an upper portion and lower portion that is downstream with respect to said upper portion in the sealing direction, wherein the upper portion has a receiving width in the width direction that is equal to or greater than the head width, wherein the lower portion has a guiding width in the width direction that is smaller than the head width and equal to or larger than the neck width. Hence, the protrusion can be received into and retracted out of the bracket opening through the upper portion, while the lower portion of the bracket opening can prevent retraction of the head portion out of the bracket opening.

In a further embodiment thereof, the guides are arranged in the lower portion only. Hence, the protrusion can be received through the bracket opening at the upper portion without interference from the guides while the protrusion can be brought in engagement with the guides when the sealing apron block is moved along the adjustment path in the sealing direction into the second portion of the bracket opening.

In a further embodiment thereof the bracket comprises a stop part for limiting a movement of the protrusion in the sealing direction. The stop part can prevent a release of the sealing apron block from the bracket in the sealing direction.

Preferably, the neck portion is defined by two side recesses which are arranged for engaging the two guides and a bottom recess which is arranged for engaging the stop part. The simultaneous engagement of the side recesses with the guides and of the bottom recess with the stop part can further prevent rotation of the sealing apron block relative to the bracket, for example as a result of the friction between the sealing apron block and the moving conveyor, even when said sealing apron block is in the end position at the stop part.

In a further embodiment, the protrusion direction is opposite to the clamping direction. Hence, the protrusion extends away from the wall and can be easily accessed for applying the blows of the hammer or the mallet.

In a further embodiment, the retaining part comprises one or more saw teeth for biting into the sealing apron block in the clamping direction. Said one or more saw teeth can therefore securely retain the sealing apron block.

In a further embodiment thereof, the one or more saw teeth each comprise a wedge-shaped surface that is inclined in the clamping direction and the sealing direction towards the sealing apron block. The wedge-shaped surface ensures that - when a sufficient force is applied to the protrusion in the sealing direction - the relative movement of the sealing apron block with respect to the one or more saw teeth in the sealing direction temporarily displaces the one or more saw teeth out of biting engagement with said sealing apron block. Hence, the position of the sealing apron block in the sealing direction can be adjusted by forcing the sealing apron block over the tops of the one or more saw teeth over a short distance in the sealing direction before the one or more saw teeth bitingly engage the sealing apron block again.

In a further embodiment, the retaining section is resiliently flexible with respect to the mounting section in a direction away from the sealing apron block, wherein the sealing apron block is arranged to displace the retaining section relative to the mounting section through sliding contact with the wedge-shaped surface of the one or more saw teeth in the sealing direction. The resilience allows for the one or more saw teeth to be displaced by the apron sealing block to allow for the aforementioned adjustment.

In a further embodiment, the sealing apron block comprises one or more grooves extending through the main body in the sealing direction, wherein each groove is arranged for receiving the retaining part. Hence, the retaining part and the one or more grooves can provide an additional guiding of the sealing apron block.

In a further embodiment, the protrusion forms a striking surface for receiving the blow of a hammer or a mallet in the sealing direction. By providing a dedicated striking surface, the blows of the hammer or the mallet can be received at a well-defined surface, thereby preventing that the hammer or mallet slips and damages other parts of the sealing apron device.

In a further embodiment, the main body has a first side and a second side opposite to the first side in the clamping direction, wherein the main body comprises an abutment surface at said second side thereof for directly abutting the wall. When the abutment surface directly abuts the wall, accumulation of dirt or bulk material between the wall and the sealing apron block can be prevented.

In a further embodiment, the retaining section is arranged for retaining the sealing apron block in a position relative to mounting section such that the mounting plane is coplanar with the wall. Thus, the sealing apron block can abut the wall in the mounting plane.

In a further embodiment, the sealing apron device comprises a further sealing apron block directly adjacent to the sealing apron block. Hence, the sealing apron block and the adjacent sealing apron block can be individually adjusted in the sealing direction. Thus, the contour of the conveyor can be followed more precisely by the sealing apron device and a better sealing can be achieved.

In a further embodiment thereof, the sealing apron block comprises a first profile at its lateral side facing the further sealing apron block and the further sealing apron block comprises a second profile at its lateral side facing the sealing apron block, wherein the first profile of the sealing apron block and the second profile of the directly adjacent further sealing apron block are complementary profiles. Thus, two adjacent sealing apron block can form a contiguous or continuous sealing apron. Hence, gap forming between adjacent sealing apron blocks can be prevented. Consequently, accumulation of dirt or bulk material between adjacent sealing apron blocks can be prevented.

In a further embodiment thereof, the sealing apron block further comprises a third profile identical or substantially identical to the second profile. Hence, another further sealing apron block can be fitted against the sealing apron block to form a contiguous or continuous sealing apron.

In a further embodiment, the first profile and the second profile are stepped profiles. Hence, the profiles of adjacent sealing apron block can be overlapped. Thus, gaps between adjacent sealing apron blocks can be prevented. Moreover, the stepped profiles can be front fitted.

According to a second aspect, the invention provides an assembly comprising a transport system and a sealing apron device according to the invention, wherein the transport system comprises a conveyor and a wall arranged above said conveyor. The assembly comprises the sealing apron device according to the first aspect of the invention and thus has the same technical advantages, which will not be repeated hereafter for reasons of conciseness.

According to a third aspect, the invention provides a method for sealing a gap between a wall and a conveyor using the sealing apron device according to the invention, wherein the method comprises the step of mounting the sealing apron block and the bracket to the wall by fixedly securing the mounting section with respect to the wall.

The retaining part exerts a clamping force on the sealing apron block which can be independent of a fastening torque at the mounting section such that the sealing apron block can be clamped by a predetermined clamping force and no alteration of the fastening torque is required between retaining and adjustment. Consequently, damaging the sealing apron block through an excessive clamping force can be prevented.

In an embodiment thereof, the method further comprises the step of adjusting the sealing apron block along the adjustment path towards the conveyor by exerting an adjustment force to the sealing apron block in the sealing direction, wherein the retaining section is resiliently flexible with respect to the mounting section in a direction away from the sealing apron block, wherein the adjustment of the sealing apron block along the adjustment path displaces the retaining section relative to the mounting section through sliding contact with the retaining part. The relative movement of the sealing apron block with respect to the retaining part in the sealing direction can temporarily displace the retaining part. Hence, the position of the sealing apron block in the sealing direction can be adjusted by forcing the sealing apron block over a short distance in the sealing direction.

In a further embodiment thereof, the sealing apron block is adjusted along the adjustment path without loosening the mounting section with respect to the wall. Hence, the sealing apron blocks can be adjusted more easily.

<FIG> shows a transport system <NUM> for transporting bulk material <NUM>. The transport system <NUM> comprises a conveyor <NUM> for conveying said bulk material <NUM>. The transport system <NUM> further comprises a set of walls <NUM> arranged above the conveyor <NUM> for preventing an overflow of the bulk material <NUM> over the sides of the conveyor <NUM>. The transport system <NUM> further comprises a sealing apron device <NUM> according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention for sealing any gaps <NUM> between the wall <NUM> and the conveyor <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, in this exemplary embodiment, the transport system <NUM> is arranged for receiving the bulk material <NUM> and for transporting the bulk material <NUM> in a transport direction U along the conveyor <NUM>. The conveyor <NUM> comprises a conveyor belt <NUM> having a concave or substantially concave transport surface <NUM> extending in the transport direction U. In particular, the transport surface <NUM> has a trough form in cross section. The conveyor belt <NUM> is supported by rotatable support rolls <NUM>, e.g. mounted on a centering assembly according to <CIT>. The support rolls <NUM> allow the conveyor belt <NUM> to progress in the transport direction U. The support rolls <NUM> are spaced apart in the transport direction U. Between the support rolls <NUM>, the conveyor belt <NUM> may flex, causing the transport surface <NUM> to be uneven or undulating.

The walls <NUM> extend above and along the conveyor <NUM> in the transport direction U. Each wall <NUM> is provided with the sealing apron device <NUM> according to the invention.

The sealing apron device <NUM> comprises a plurality of sealing apron blocks <NUM> which are individually adjustable in a sealing direction B for contacting the conveyor <NUM>. In other words, the sealing apron blocks <NUM> are arranged for sealing gaps <NUM> between the wall <NUM> and the conveyor <NUM> in the sealing direction B. In particular, the sealing apron blocks <NUM> are arranged for contacting the transport surface <NUM> of the conveyor belt <NUM>. In this embodiment, the sealing direction B is parallel or substantially parallel to the wall <NUM>. More particularly, in this embodiment, the sealing direction B is directed in a downward or vertical direction.

As can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sealing apron device <NUM> further comprises a holder <NUM> for holding the sealing apron blocks <NUM> relative to the wall <NUM> in a mounting plane P parallel to the sealing direction B. The sealing apron blocks <NUM> are adjustable with respect to the holder <NUM> in the sealing direction B along an adjustment path L. As is best shown in <FIG>, the sealing apron blocks <NUM> form a contiguous or a substantially contiguous sealing apron <NUM> in the transport direction U in the mounting plane P along the wall <NUM>. In other words, the sealing apron blocks <NUM> form a continuous or a substantially continuous sealing apron <NUM> in the transport direction U along the wall <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, the holder <NUM> comprises one or more brackets <NUM> for mounting and retaining the sealing apron blocks <NUM> with respect to the wall <NUM>. In particular, the sealing apron blocks <NUM> of the sealing apron device <NUM> are each mounted to the wall <NUM> by a respective bracket <NUM>. The brackets <NUM> are arranged for clamping the sealing apron blocks <NUM> against the wall <NUM> in a clamping direction C transverse to the mounting plane P. The brackets <NUM> are arranged for retaining the sealing apron blocks <NUM> with respect to the wall <NUM> in a retaining direction A opposite to the sealing direction B while permitting adjustment of the sealing apron blocks <NUM> in the sealing direction B when a sufficiently large adjustment force F is applied to the sealing apron block <NUM> in the sealing direction B. Said adjustment force F can for example be a blow of a hammer or mallet. In particular, the sealing apron blocks <NUM> are adjustable with respect to the brackets <NUM> in the sealing direction B between a start position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, and an end position, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, along the adjustment path L.

The brackets <NUM> may be mounted directly to the wall <NUM>. However, in this example, the holder <NUM> comprises a common mounting member <NUM> for mounting the brackets <NUM> with respect to the wall <NUM> at the mounting plane P. The brackets <NUM> are mounted to the wall <NUM> or the common mounting member <NUM> using suitable fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g. bolts.

As can best be seen in <FIG> and <FIG>, the sealing apron block <NUM> comprises a main body <NUM>. The main body has a first side <NUM> and a second side <NUM> opposite to the first side <NUM> in the clamping direction C. The main body <NUM> has a block thickness T in the clamping direction C. At said second side <NUM>, the main body <NUM> comprises an abutment surface <NUM> for abutting the wall <NUM>. The abutment surface <NUM> is in line with the mounting plane P for mounting the sealing apron block <NUM> relative to the wall <NUM>. The main body <NUM> comprises an upper side <NUM> and a lower side <NUM> opposite to the upper side <NUM> in the sealing direction B. In this exemplary embodiment, the lower side <NUM> of the main body <NUM> comprises an inclined wear surface <NUM> inclined towards or as to match an inclination angle of the transport surface <NUM>. At its first side <NUM>, the main body <NUM> extends from the upper side <NUM> to the lower side <NUM> in the sealing direction B over an initial block height H, as is best shown in <FIG>.

The main body <NUM> further comprises a first lateral side <NUM> and a second lateral <NUM> side opposite to the first lateral side <NUM> in a width direction Y, parallel to the mounting plane P and perpendicular to the sealing direction B. In this particular embodiment, the width direction Y is parallel to the transport direction U. The main body <NUM> extends from the first lateral side <NUM> to the second lateral side <NUM> in the width direction Y over a block width W.

The sealing apron block <NUM> comprises a protrusion <NUM> extending away from the first side <NUM> of the main body <NUM> in a protrusion direction G. In this exemplary embodiment, the protrusion direction G is opposite to the clamping direction C. The protrusion <NUM> is located at or near the upper side <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> comprises a head portion <NUM> and a neck portion <NUM> that connects the head portion <NUM> with the main body <NUM>. The head portion <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> extends in the width direction Y over a head width X1. The head width X1 is smaller than the sealing apron block width W.

As shown in <FIG>, the neck portion <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> is formed by two side recesses <NUM> undercutting the protrusion <NUM> in the width direction Y. The neck portion <NUM> has a neck width X2 in said width direction Y. The neck width X2 is smaller than the head width X1. As best seen in <FIG>, the neck portion <NUM> is further defined by a bottom recess <NUM> facing in the sealing direction B.

The protrusion <NUM> forms a striking surface <NUM> for receiving the adjustment force F. The striking surface <NUM> faces in or substantially in the retaining direction A. In this exemplary embodiment, the protrusion <NUM> lies flush with the upper side <NUM> of the main body <NUM> for forming the striking surface <NUM>.

The sealing apron block <NUM> comprises two parallel grooves <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> extend through the main body <NUM> from the upper side <NUM> to the lower side <NUM> in the sealing direction B. In this embodiment, the grooves <NUM> are located at the first side <NUM> of the main body <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> are located on either side of the protrusion <NUM> in the width direction Y.

As is best shown in <FIG>, the sealing apron device <NUM> comprises a further sealing apron block <NUM> directly adjacent to the sealing apron block <NUM>. The further sealing apron block <NUM> is identical or substantially identical to the sealing apron block <NUM> having essentially the same features. The sealing apron block <NUM> comprises a first profile <NUM> at its first lateral side <NUM> facing the further sealing apron block <NUM>. The further sealing apron block <NUM> comprises a second profile <NUM> at its second lateral side <NUM> facing the sealing apron block <NUM>. In this embodiment, the sealing apron block <NUM> comprises a third profile at its second lateral side <NUM> identical to the second profile <NUM>. The first profile <NUM> and the second profile <NUM> of two adjacent blocks <NUM> are complementary profiles. In particular, the first profile <NUM> and the second profile <NUM> are stepped profiles. The first profile <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM> is arranged to be fitted between the wall <NUM> and the second profile <NUM> of a further sealing apron block <NUM> upstream in the width direction Y and directly adjacent to the sealing apron block <NUM>.

As can best be seen in <FIG>, the bracket <NUM> comprises a mounting section <NUM> for mounting the bracket <NUM> relative to the wall <NUM> and a retaining section <NUM> for retaining the sealing apron block <NUM> in the sealing direction B. The bracket <NUM> further comprises a bridge section <NUM> for connecting the retaining section <NUM> to the mounting section <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, the retaining section <NUM>, the mounting section <NUM> and the bridge section <NUM> are formed as one piece and/or integral. In other words, the bracket <NUM> is formed in one piece and/or as a single part. In particular, the bracket <NUM> is formed from a single piece of plate material. The bridge section <NUM> is formed as a bend in the plate material. In this exemplary embodiment, the bridge section <NUM> extends transverse to the mounting plane P. The retaining section <NUM> extends parallel to the mounting plane P along the entire adjustment path L. The mounting section <NUM> and the retaining section <NUM> are both oriented parallel to the mounting plane P. The mounting section <NUM> and the retaining section <NUM> are spaced apart in the clamping direction C over a fixed distance.

The retaining section <NUM> comprises a retaining part <NUM> for clamping the sealing apron block <NUM> in a clamping direction C transverse to the mounting plane P. The retaining section <NUM> is arranged for retaining the sealing apron block <NUM> in a position relative to mounting section <NUM> such that the mounting plane P is coplanar with the wall <NUM>. The retaining part <NUM> is further arranged for retaining the sealing apron block <NUM> in the retaining direction A. The retaining part <NUM> is however configured for permitting the sealing apron block <NUM> to move in the sealing direction B when the adjustment force F is applied. The mounting section <NUM> and the retaining section <NUM> are spaced apart in the sealing direction B.

The retaining part <NUM> is arranged for engaging the sealing apron block <NUM> at least when the sealing apron block <NUM> is in a first part L1 of the adjustment path L between the start position and an intermediate position between the start position and the end position. The retaining part <NUM> engages the sealing apron block in one or more retaining positions. The retaining part <NUM> is arranged for at least partially running out of the engagement with the sealing apron block <NUM> in the sealing direction B when the sealing apron block <NUM> is in a second part L2 of the adjustment path L downstream in the sealing direction B, as is best shown in <FIG>.

In this exemplary embodiment, the retaining part <NUM> comprises one or more saw teeth <NUM> for biting into the sealing apron block <NUM> in the clamping direction C. More particularly, a plurality of saw teeth <NUM>. The saw teeth <NUM> each comprise a wedge-shaped surface that is inclined in the clamping direction C and the sealing direction B towards the sealing apron block <NUM>. In particular, the saw teeth <NUM> are arranged for allowing a one-way displacement of the sealing apron block <NUM> in the sealing direction B. The retaining section <NUM> is resiliently flexible.

The retaining part <NUM> is substantially U-shaped, having two parallel or substantially parallel legs <NUM> extending in the clamping direction C towards the grooves <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> are arranged for receiving the legs <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The saw teeth <NUM> are located at the respective terminal ends of the legs <NUM>. In this embodiment, the one or more retaining positions are located at or near the terminal ends of the saw teeth <NUM>.

As is best shown in <FIG>, in an embodiment, the retaining section <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> further comprises a guiding part <NUM> for guiding the sealing apron block <NUM>. In particular, the guiding part <NUM> is arranged for guiding the protrusion <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM> along at least a part of the adjustment path L. More particularly, as is clearly shown in <FIG>, the guiding part <NUM> is arranged for guiding the protrusion <NUM> by directly engaging said protrusion <NUM>, i.e. in a face to face contact. Preferably, the guiding part <NUM> is arranged to guide the protrusion <NUM> over the entire or substantially the entire adjustment path L. The guiding <NUM> part engages the sealing apron block <NUM> at one or more guiding positions. In this embodiment, the guiding positions are located within the side recesses <NUM>. The guiding part <NUM> is arranged for engaging the protrusion <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM> at least when the sealing apron block <NUM> is in the second part L2 of the adjustment path L. In this embodiment, the guiding part <NUM> and the retaining part <NUM> are arranged for simultaneously engaging the sealing apron block <NUM> in at least a part of the adjustment path L. In particular, the guiding part <NUM> and the retaining part <NUM> are arranged for simultaneously engaging the sealing apron block in the one or more guiding positions and the one or more retaining positions, respectively. The guiding positions are spaced apart from the retaining positions.

The guiding part <NUM> comprises two parallel guides <NUM> extending in or substantially in the sealing direction B for engaging the protrusion <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM>.

In this particular embodiment, the guiding part <NUM> comprises a bracket opening <NUM> for receiving and guiding the protrusion <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM>. The protrusion <NUM> extends through the bracket opening <NUM> in the protrusion direction G. The guides <NUM> are arranged on either side of the bracket opening <NUM> for constraining movements of the protrusion <NUM> in the width direction Y. The guides <NUM> are arranged for engaging the protrusion <NUM> at said neck portion <NUM>. In this exemplary embodiment, the guides <NUM> are formed by the edges of the bracket opening <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the bracket opening <NUM> has an upper portion <NUM> and a lower portion <NUM> downstream in the sealing direction with respect to said upper portion <NUM>. The upper portion has a receiving width S1 in the width direction Y that is equal to or greater than the head width X1. The upper portion <NUM> is arranged for receiving the protrusion <NUM> in the start position. The lower portion <NUM> has a guiding width S2 in the width direction Y that is smaller than the head width X1 and equal or larger than the neck width X2.

In this exemplary embodiment, the guides <NUM> are arranged in the lower portion <NUM> only. As is best shown in <FIG>, the guides <NUM> and the side recesses <NUM> are in mutual engagement when the protrusion <NUM> is displaced from the start position towards the end position into an intermediate position.

The bracket <NUM> further comprises a stop part <NUM> bounding the bracket opening <NUM> at its lower end for constraining the movement of the sealing apron block <NUM> in the sealing direction B. The stop part <NUM> can prevent that the protrusion <NUM> moves in the sealing direction B beyond the end position as shown in <FIG>. The stop part <NUM> is arranged for abutting the protrusion <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM> in the end position. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, the stop part <NUM> is arranged for engaging the bottom recess <NUM> at the neck portion <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM>.

In the exemplary embodiment as shown in <FIG>, the mounting section <NUM> comprises a mounting surface <NUM> for mounting the mounting section <NUM> relative to the wall <NUM>. The mounting surface <NUM> faces the mounting plane P. In this example, the mounting section <NUM> further comprises one or more fastener holes <NUM> for receiving the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. The mounting section <NUM> is rigidly mounted to the wall <NUM>. In other words, the mounting section <NUM> is prevented or substantially prevented from moving with respect to the wall <NUM>. When the mounting section <NUM> is mounted to the wall <NUM>, the orientation of the mounting surface <NUM> relative to the wall <NUM> and/or a mutual distance between the mounting surface <NUM> and the wall <NUM> is independent of a fastening force of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>.

The retaining section <NUM> is solely connected to the mounting section <NUM> by the bridge section <NUM>. In other words, the retaining section <NUM> is solely supported by the mounting section <NUM>. Preferably, the retaining section <NUM> is resiliently connected to the mounting section <NUM>. More particularly, the retaining section <NUM> is resiliently flexible with respect to the mounting section <NUM> in a direction away from the sealing apron block <NUM>. The sealing apron block <NUM> is arranged to displace the retaining section <NUM> relative to the mounting section <NUM> through sliding contact with the wedge-shaped surface of the saw teeth <NUM> in the sealing direction B. The retaining section <NUM> and the wall <NUM> are spaced apart in the clamping direction C over a clamping distance D. The clamping distance D is larger than the block thickness T of the sealing apron block <NUM>. As a result, the mounting section <NUM> can be rigidly mounted relative to the wall <NUM> without a tolerance. The clamping distance D between the retaining part <NUM> and the mounting plane P in the clamping direction C is independent of a fastening force of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, a clamping force with which the retaining part <NUM> clamps the sealing apron block <NUM> onto the wall <NUM> is independent of a fastening force of the fasteners <NUM>, <NUM>.

The legs <NUM> of the retaining part <NUM> extend in the clamping direction C from the clamping distance D towards the sealing apron block <NUM> and are received within the slots <NUM>. The saw teeth <NUM> protrude from the legs <NUM> into the sealing apron block <NUM> for retaining said sealing apron block <NUM>. Preferably, the saw teeth <NUM> bite into the sealing apron block <NUM> over a depth of at least one millimeter. More preferably, the saw teeth <NUM> bite into the sealing apron block <NUM> over a depth between one and three millimeter. Most preferably, the saw teeth <NUM> bite into the sealing apron block <NUM> over a depth of two millimeter. The saw teeth <NUM> are made of a rigid material. Preferably, the saw teeth <NUM> are made of a metal. Most preferably, the saw teeth <NUM> are made of a steel alloy. In particular, the sealing apron block <NUM> is made of a material with a lower hardness than the material of the saw teeth <NUM>. The sealing apron blocks <NUM> are preferably made of a deformable material, more preferably an elastically deformable material, most preferably rubber.

As is best shown in <FIG>, in this exemplary embodiment, the common mounting member <NUM> comprises a mounting strip <NUM>. The mounting strip <NUM> is fixedly mounted directly onto the wall <NUM> in the mounting plane P. The bracket <NUM> is arranged to be rigidly mounted to the mounting strip <NUM>. The fasteners <NUM>,<NUM> comprise a pair of first fastening elements <NUM> associated with said mounting strip <NUM>. The fasteners <NUM>, <NUM> further comprise second fastening elements <NUM> for being fastened onto the first fastening elements <NUM>. The first fastening elements <NUM> and the second fastening elements <NUM> are arranged for securing the bracket <NUM> with respect to the wall <NUM>. In this particular embodiment, the first fastening elements <NUM> are threaded studs and the second fastening elements <NUM> are threaded nuts. Alternatively, the mounting strip <NUM> may for example be provided with threaded holes for receiving bolts therein.

The mounting strip <NUM> is mounted to the wall <NUM> in the mounting plane P. The mounting strip <NUM> extends in the transport direction U. The first fastening elements <NUM> extend from the mounting strip <NUM> in a direction opposite to the clamping direction C to provide distinct mounting points for the bracket <NUM>.

In this exemplary embodiment, the mounting strip <NUM> is welded to the wall <NUM>. Alternatively, the mounting strip <NUM> may be fixed to the wall <NUM> by bolting, adhering, or any other suitable fastening method for rigidly connecting the mounting strip <NUM> to the wall <NUM>. The mounting strip <NUM> comprises cutouts <NUM> at its bottom side for providing weld locations such that a welding line or welding slag can be prevented to extend below the mounting strip <NUM>.

In this embodiment, the mounting surface <NUM> of the mounting section <NUM> abuts the mounting strip <NUM>. Alternatively the mounting surface <NUM> can directly abut the wall <NUM> in the mounting plane P. The bracket <NUM> is rigidly connected to the mounting strip <NUM> by fastening said second fastening elements <NUM> onto the first fastening elements <NUM>. In other words, the mounting section <NUM> is rigidly mounted with respect to the wall <NUM>.

A method for mounting and adjusting the sealing apron blocks <NUM> with respect to the wall <NUM> will be illustrated using <FIG>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the sealing apron block <NUM> mounted to the wall <NUM> in the start position. The sealing apron block <NUM> and the bracket <NUM> have been mounted to the wall <NUM> by fixedly securing the mounting section <NUM> to the wall <NUM>. The first profile <NUM> has been fitted between the second profile <NUM> of an adjacent further sealing apron block <NUM> and the wall <NUM> as shown in <FIG>. The abutment surface <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM> is in direct abutment with the wall <NUM>. The upper side of the sealing apron block <NUM> is located downstream of or below the mounting strip <NUM> in the sealing direction B. The protrusion <NUM> of the apron sealing block <NUM> has been fitted through the bracket opening <NUM>. The bracket <NUM> has been rigidly mounted with respect to the wall <NUM> by fastening the second fastening elements <NUM> onto the first fastening elements <NUM>.

The legs <NUM> of the retaining part <NUM> of the bracket <NUM> are placed in the grooves <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM> for retaining and/or guiding the sealing apron block <NUM> in the sealing direction B. The retaining part <NUM> is retaining the sealing apron block <NUM> at the one or more retaining positions. The sealing apron block <NUM> is clamped against the wall <NUM> in the clamping direction C by the bracket <NUM>.

Movements of the sealing apron block <NUM> in the retaining direction A, for example due to irregularities in the transport surface <NUM>, are suppressed by the retaining part <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. The saw teeth <NUM> of the retaining part <NUM> at least partly protrude into the main body <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM> for securely retaining the sealing apron block <NUM> at the one or more retaining positions.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the sealing apron block <NUM> mounted to the wall <NUM> in the intermediate position between the start position and the end position. The sealing apron block <NUM> has been adjusted in the sealing direction B along the first part L1 of the adjustment path L by exerting the adjustment force F to the striking surface <NUM> of the sealing apron block <NUM>. The adjustment force F is for example exerted by striking the striking surface <NUM> with a hammer. The adjustment of the sealing apron block <NUM> along the adjustment path L displaces the retaining section <NUM> relative to the mounting section <NUM> through sliding contact with the retaining part <NUM>. Preferably, the sealing apron block <NUM> is adjusted along the adjustment path L without loosening the mounting part <NUM> with respect to the wall <NUM>. In other words, the connection between the first fastening elements <NUM> and the second fastening elements <NUM> can be unaltered.

In the intermediate position, the protrusion <NUM> is engaged by the guides <NUM>. The guides <NUM> are received and engaged within the side recesses <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM>. The guides <NUM> engage the sealing apron block <NUM> at the one or more guiding positions. The protrusion <NUM> is thus constrained by the bracket <NUM> in both the clamping direction C and the width direction Y.

At the location of the retaining part <NUM> the sealing apron block <NUM> is clamped against the wall <NUM> in the clamping direction C by the bracket <NUM>. At said location of the retaining part <NUM>, the legs <NUM> are received within the grooves <NUM> constraining the sealing apron block <NUM> in the width direction Y. The retaining part <NUM> engages the sealing apron block <NUM> at the one or more retaining positions. The one or more retaining positions are spaced apart from the one or more guiding positions. In this particular embodiment, the one or more retaining positions are spaced apart from the one or more guiding positions in both the width direction Y and the sealing direction B. Hence, the sealing apron block <NUM> is constrained in the width direction Y at both the location of the protrusion <NUM> and the location of the retaining part <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> show the sealing apron block <NUM> in the end position. The sealing apron block <NUM> has been further adjusted in the sealing direction B over the second part L2 of the adjustment path L. In other words, the sealing apron block <NUM> has been adjusted over the entire adjustment path L. The guiding part <NUM> is in engagement with the sealing apron block <NUM> at the one or more guiding positions. In this embodiment, the retaining part <NUM> is in engagement with the sealing apron block <NUM> at a part of the one or more guiding positions. The retaining part <NUM> is partly running out of the engagement with the sealing apron block <NUM> in the sealing direction. In the end position, the protrusion <NUM> abuts the stop part <NUM> of the bracket <NUM>. In particular, as shown in <FIG>, the neck portion <NUM> of the protrusion <NUM> is securely held in place by the side recesses <NUM> and the bottom recess <NUM> to prevent rotation of the sealing apron block <NUM> relative to the bracket <NUM>. The length of the adjustment path L is larger than fifty percent of the initial block height H of the sealing apron block <NUM>. Preferably, the adjustment path is larger than fifty-five percent of the initial block height H, more preferably more than sixty percent.

In this exemplary embodiment, the length of the adjustment path L is equal to or substantially equal to the part of the initial block height H of the sealing apron block <NUM> below the protrusion <NUM>.

Claim 1:
Sealing apron device (<NUM>) for a transport system (<NUM>), wherein the transport system (<NUM>) comprises a conveyor (<NUM>) and a wall (<NUM>) arranged above said conveyor (<NUM>), wherein the sealing apron device (<NUM>) comprises a sealing apron block (<NUM>) for sealing gaps (<NUM>) between the wall (<NUM>) and the conveyor (<NUM>) in a sealing direction (B) and a holder (<NUM>) for holding said sealing apron block (<NUM>) relative to said wall (<NUM>) in a mounting plane (P) parallel to said sealing direction (B), wherein the sealing apron block (<NUM>) comprises a main body (<NUM>) and a protrusion (<NUM>) extending away from said main body (<NUM>) in a protrusion (<NUM>) direction perpendicular to the sealing direction (B), wherein the sealing apron block (<NUM>) is adjustable with respect to the holder (<NUM>) in the sealing direction (B) along an adjustment path (L) by applying blows of a hammer or a mallet to the protrusion (<NUM>), wherein the holder (<NUM>) comprises a bracket (<NUM>) with a mounting section (<NUM>) for mounting the bracket (<NUM>) relative to the wall (<NUM>) and a retaining section (<NUM>) for retaining the sealing apron block (<NUM>) in the sealing direction (B), wherein the retaining section (<NUM>) comprises a retaining part (<NUM>) for clamping the sealing apron block (<NUM>) in a clamping direction (B) transverse to the mounting plane (P), characterized in that the retaining section (<NUM>) further comprises a guiding part (<NUM>) for guiding the protrusion (<NUM>) of the sealing apron block (<NUM>) along at least a part of the adjustment path (L), wherein the guiding part (<NUM>) is arranged for engaging the protrusion (<NUM>) of the sealing apron block (<NUM>) along at least a part of the adjustment path (L).