Belt cleaning sprocket

Abstract

A sprocket for an endless conveyor is disclosed having a plurality of fluid outlet passages arranged radially between the center of the sprocket and its outer circumferential surface. The outlet passages are positioned along the length of the sprocket in a helical path and are in fluid communication with an annular fluid conduit extending lengthwise along the center of the sprocket. A fluid inlet connected to the conduit supplies fluid under pressure to the conduit, the fluid spraying radially outwardly through the outlet passages to impinge on the inside surface of the endless conveyor and remove any accumulated debris. Nozzles are positioned within the outlet passages to control the fluid spray.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A rotatable support for an endless conveyor movable along a path, said support being connectable to a source of pressurized fluid for spraying the fluid on said conveyor, said support comprising: 
 an elongated body being rotatable about a lengthwise axis of rotation oriented transversely of the path of the conveyor, said body having an outer surface engageable with a facing surface of the conveyor and providing support thereto, said body rotating with motion of the conveyor;    a fluid conduit extending lengthwise within said body from one end thereof;    a fluid inlet passage located at said one end and communicating with said fluid conduit, said fluid inlet passage being connectable to the source of pressurized fluid; and    a fluid outlet passage extending between said fluid conduit and said body outer surface, said fluid flowing from the source of pressurized fluid through said fluid inlet passage into said fluid conduit and outwardly from said body through said fluid outlet passage, said fluid impinging on the facing surface of the conveyor as said body rotates.