Attached frame for joining in a conveyor belt and associated joint.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- BR112022016856
- Authority / Receiving Office
- BR · BR
- Patent Type
- Patents
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Publication Date
- 2026-09-08
Smart Images
Figure 00000037_0000 
Figure 00000037_0001 
Figure 00000038_0000
Abstract
Description
1 / 32 “ATTACHED FRAME FOR JOINING ON A CONVEYOR BELT AND ASSOCIATED JOINT” TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates generally to the technical field of conveyor belt joints designed to connect the ends of at least one conveyor belt. For simplicity, the term "conveyor belt" will, in this description, have the meaning of both a conveyor belt and a drive belt.
[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a frame for a conveyor belt joint comprising a body made of flexible material, within which a reinforcement composed of cables is housed. PREVIOUS TECHNIQUE
[0003] Conveyor belts are known to be used to transport different materials or products, such as coal, ores, or industrial or agricultural products. These conveyor belts consist of belts made of reinforced elastomer or reinforced synthetic material, of suitable length and width, where the ends must be connected to each other, before or after assembly, in support and drive devices consisting of deflection and rest rollers. Often, these devices also include tensioning elements to ensure that the conveyor belt is properly tensioned.
[0004] These conveyor belts are used in particular in mines, quarries and other locations where they are subject to severe working conditions and high internal stresses. Consequently, such conveyor belts are equipped with reinforcements in the form of wires or cables, for example of steel, arranged longitudinally along the conveyor belt and embedded in its body, which is usually made of elastomer or synthetic material. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 114 / 160 2 / 32 to give it the necessary strength for the specific application for which the belt was designed.
[0005] There are many solutions for connecting the ends of conveyor belts. Originally, and still today, vulcanization is used when the belt is made of a reinforced vulcanizable elastomer. After preparatory work aimed at creating, for example, complementary profiles at each end that are applied together when said ends are brought together, vulcanization is carried out with the application of heat and vacuum, as is known. A variant of vulcanization is cold bonding.
[0006] In the case of a cable-reinforced conveyor belt, the vulcanization or hot welding effect does not allow the two strands of cable reinforcement at each end to be fastened together. This results in a discontinuity in the reinforcement, to the detriment of tensile mechanical strength. Solutions are also known that consist of a clever distribution of the cables and their ends along the longitudinal extent of the connection, so that, for example, the discontinuities are not all aligned along the same transverse axis, which would weaken the conveyor belt locally and substantially at the junction.This solution, which is very common today, requires completely stripping the end portions of all cables on both sides of the joint to be made, over a relatively long length, and then creating a tangle of these cable end portions over a certain length, while simultaneously arranging their ends in a longitudinally staggered manner along the width of the belt. In this way, two adjacent cable ends are not aligned transversely, that is, in the direction of the width. Once this operation is performed, the cables must then be embedded in the material that constitutes the body of the belt and a vulcanization operation is performed to finalize the joint.
[0007] The implementation of such a method is Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 115 / 160 3 / 32 particularly restrictive. Firstly, the multiplicity of operations requires a very long maintenance time, exceeding one day, or even several days. Furthermore, the very severe operating conditions of the conveyor belt demand careful work in performing the joints, which can only be done by highly qualified specialists. Given the length of the maintenance period, several teams of people must take turns, each of them needing to be qualified. In addition, these joints require work to be carried out over a very long length, several meters in length, generally between 5 and 10 meters. As the vulcanization operation must be performed in a single step along the entire length of the joint, it is necessary to have a vulcanization press on site, usually at the location where the joint is to be repaired, and adapt said vulcanization to the length of the joint.The execution time and associated costs are therefore very significant.
[0008] Other solutions are also known that connect the ends of the cables, for example, by means of splices. However, here too, such solutions require specialized personnel and generally require cable stripping operations in the vicinity of the end portions of the conveyor belt, which is very time-consuming to implement.
[0009] Another known connection method is the use of clamps, generally U-shaped, cut from metal strips, wherein the clamps comprise upper and lower plates connected by hinges. These clamps are fixed in two series, spanning each end of the conveyor belt to be connected, so that the hinges protrude and those of one series can be interlocked with the hinges of the other series. A connecting shaft and hinge are then passed inside the interlocking hinges to connect the two ends, thus forming a kind of hinge. The known means used to fix the clamps to the ends of the belt. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 116 / 160 4 / 32 conveyor belt fasteners consist of shaft-shaped fasteners, such as bolts, rivets and / or screws. These shafts have the advantage of being able to pass through the cables embedded in the conveyor belt and therefore through the end portions to be connected to each other. However, experience has shown that this solution is not always satisfactory in terms of tensile strength, as the cable is subject to a high degree of unwinding. In order to minimize this unwinding effect, clamps are generally used to cover the end portions of the conveyor belt along a longer length, so as to be able to spread the shaft-shaped fasteners along a longer length of cable, such a feature being particularly restrictive as it is detrimental to the flexibility of the joint when it passes over the deflection rollers.
[0010] Many other solutions have been developed in an attempt to further improve the tensile strength and flexibility of the joint, as well as to reduce the maintenance time required during which the conveyor belt must remain stopped. For example, more recent solutions have been proposed that provide joining devices using flat connecting elements, usually made of reinforced elastomer or synthetic material, arranged transposed on either side, respectively, of the ends of the conveyor belt and fixed to said ends to be connected. Examples of such joining devices are given in patents EP0827575-B1 and EP-1163459-B1. These devices comprise an upper plate and a lower plate, optionally connected by a central portion. These lower and upper plates have a clearance suitable for engaging with the specific end of a conveyor belt.In other words, these joining devices comprise two pairs of opposing fastening flanges, with the ends of the conveyor belt inserted between two flanges of the same pair.
[0011] The lower and upper parts, which form junction plates at the ends of the conveyor belt, are generally Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 117 / 160 5 / 32 fastened by means of shaft-shaped fasteners, such as rivets, pins, bolts, screw nut systems, or by cold bonding or flat vulcanization of the flanges against the external flat surfaces of the conveyor belt engaged between the flanges. These joining devices are made of a flexible and elastic material, for example vulcanized rubber, or a synthetic material such as polyurethane, and generally comprise an incorporated frame.
[0012] Such solutions are used effectively for fabric-reinforced conveyor belts. However, in the case of cable reinforcements, the problem of passing shaft-shaped fasteners through the cables is always present: multiplying shaft-shaped fasteners to minimize local cable deterioration leads to stiffening of the joint, contrary to the intended flexibility for passing over the deflection rollers.
[0013] There is, therefore, a strong need, for one skilled in the art, to obtain a more effective solution than those proposed by the prior art for joining two ends of a conveyor belt of the type comprising a body made of flexible material, within which is housed a reinforcement consisting of cables. DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION
[0014] The objective of the present invention is to provide a solution that is an evolution of existing junctions for cable-reinforced conveyor belts and that addresses some or all of the above problems.
[0015] One of the objectives of the invention is, in particular, to propose a solution that ensures better structural resistance of the joint of such a conveyor belt to withstand high tensile stresses, in particular for use in the transport of various materials, such as coal or ores, providing the necessary flexibility for the passage of the deflection rollers. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 118 / 160 6 / 32
[0016] The objective is also to reduce costs, proposing a solution with low manufacturing, storage and distribution costs, and easy implementation so as not to require specialized labor and reduce maintenance time, thus reducing maintenance costs and conveyor belt downtime, without compromising the quality of the product obtained, i.e., maintaining or even improving the quality and strength of the joint.
[0017] To this end, the invention relates to a junction frame intended to be attached to at least one first end portion of a conveyor belt of the type comprising a body made of flexible material, within which is housed a reinforcement composed of cables, the frame being characterized in that it comprises retaining members having at least one body configured to extend at least partially transversely with respect to the conveyor belt and anchoring members configured to engage with at least part of the cables so as to secure the body of the retaining members to the first end portion of the conveyor belt,wherein the retaining members comprise a retaining interface for retaining fastening means of a joining device intended to join the first end portion with a second end portion of the conveyor belt when a tensile force is applied between the joining device and the conveyor belt.
[0018] A frame with this combination of characteristics is particularly advantageous insofar as it forms a retaining structure for the fastening means of a joining device, allowing it to absorb the tensile forces that pass through the joint. Furthermore, a fastening means of a joining device can exert its forces on a retaining member, which is itself integral with anchoring members, at least two, engaging in two separate cables, preferably adjacent and transversely spaced. Under these conditions, the tension of Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 119 / 160 7 / 32 The tensile stress experienced by each anchoring means is divided by at least two in relation to the tensile stress experienced by the fastening means of the joining device, and this tensile stress of one anchoring means can be absorbed by at least two cables. The frame thus forms a means of distributing the tensile stress experienced by the anchoring means, which allows for a reduction in the effect of cable unwinding compared to the previous technique.
[0019] Furthermore, since the anchoring members do not pass through the entire thickness of the conveyor belt joint, but only through a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the end portion obtained after a stripping operation, the flexibility of the joint is not substantially affected.
[0020] Finally, such a frame allows, directly, or even indirectly, if a longitudinal space is formed between the two ends of the conveyor belt, to touch the ends of the cables housed in each of the substantially transversely aligned portions. Such a joint is easier to implement and allows the length of the joint to be substantially reduced.
[0021] The retaining interface of the retaining members allows the retention of fastening means of a joining device intended to join the first portion of the retainer with a second end portion of the conveyor belt in a joining position in which the first and second end portions are arranged between two joining plates of the joining device fastened together by said fastening means. In such a configuration, the frame attached to at least the first end portion of the conveyor belt is separated from the joining device. In particular, the anchoring members are separated from the fastening means used to fasten the joining device, wherein said joining device of the type comprising at least two joining plates, each covering a distinct side of the first and second end portions of the conveyor belt, so that the first and second end portions of the Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 120 / 160 8 / 32 said conveyor belt are arranged between the two junction plates, the junction plates being fastened to each other by fastening means. In this way, the retaining interface (or interfaces) ensures a retaining function for the fastening means of the junction device when a tensile force is applied between the junction device and the conveyor belt. The attached frame thus ensures a reinforcing function for at least the first end portion of the conveyor belt in order to retain the junction device when subjected to tensile forces.
[0022] Preferably, the anchor members each comprise a shaft configured to pass through the first end portion. These shafts may be anchor pins that form the retaining member or, for example, a shaft of a bolt that forms a retaining element.
[0023] Preferably, the frame has a rigid structure. Such a structure allows for better retention than a flexible structure, such as a cable.
[0024] Preferably, the anchoring members and / or the body of the retaining members are metallic.
[0025] According to one embodiment, the retention interface of at least some of the retention members is supported by the body of said retention members. This simplifies the frame structure. In an advantageous configuration, the retention interface has a concave surface forming a longitudinally oriented or open impression so as to support at least one fastening means. This support forms a receiving cradle for a fastening means, allowing for a uniform distribution of the forces absorbed by the cables in which the associated anchorage members are engaged.
[0026] According to one embodiment, at least a plurality of retaining members is connected along an axis intended to extend transversely with respect to the conveyor belt. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 121 / 160 9 / 32 This feature facilitates the installation of the retaining members by the operators. This makes it possible to connect multiple retaining members at the same time. Furthermore, an integral connection in the transverse direction of the conveyor belt helps maintain the belt's flexibility.
[0027] According to one embodiment, the frame comprises at least one support plate configured to cover at least part of the same side of the first end portion and the second end portion of the conveyor belt, wherein the support plate comprises at least some of a plurality of retaining members arranged in a predetermined pattern, for example, in a staggered pattern. Preferably, the pattern will be chosen to ensure a homogeneous distribution of tensile forces along the length of the end portions of the cables. The purpose of such a support plate is to fix or connect at least some of the retaining members also in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, without impairing flexibility.Thus, using such a support plate, preferably made of the same flexible material as the conveyor belt body, it is possible to connect, in a single operation, a plurality of retaining members that are pre-positioned on said support plate so as to reach their corresponding place on the associated end portion.
[0028] According to one embodiment, the distance separating two anchor members from a retaining member corresponds to the distance separating two cables from the first end portion of the conveyor belt. In this way, the retaining members are connected to two separate adjacent cables. More generally, a distance separating two anchor members from a retaining member can be chosen and configured to substantially correspond to a multiple of the distance separating two cables from the first end portion of the conveyor belt.
[0029] In one modality, at least some of the Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 122 / 160 10 / 32 anchorage members of at least some of the retaining members comprise bolts, having anchorage tabs located along the length of the body of the associated retaining member, each bolt preferably being formed in one piece.
[0030] In one embodiment, the body of the retaining members comprises an upper and / or a lower part connected to each other by the anchoring members, wherein the lower and / or upper parts of the retaining member body are intended to come from one side or the other of the first end portion of the conveyor belt, depending on its thickness. This configuration also allows the corresponding end portion of the conveyor belt to be secured with pressure distributed over a larger surface. This pressure reduces the transmission of forces through the anchoring member to the cable, since the tensile forces are then absorbed both by the cable retaining the anchoring member and by the material of the end portion secured between the upper and lower parts of the retaining member.
[0031] According to one embodiment, a first of the two parts consisting of the upper and lower parts of the retaining member body comprises at least one recess, such as a recess, suitable for receiving a head of one of the anchor members, and the second of the two parts comprises at least one anchor interface, such as a threaded hole, with which an anchor portion of said anchor member is suitable for cooperating.
[0032] According to one embodiment, a first part of the upper or lower part comprises at least one notch suitable for accommodating at least part of a head or part of a central transverse shaft of an anchoring member, such as a bolt. According to a complementary or alternative embodiment, a second part between the upper or lower part comprises at least one notch suitable for accommodating at least part of the ends of Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 123 / 160 11 / 32 anchoring members, preferably curved under the piece.
[0033] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to a conveyor belt extending along a longitudinal axis comprising a body made of a flexible material, within which is housed a reinforcement composed of cables extending axially at least in part, wherein the conveyor belt comprises a first and a second end portion connected to each other by a joining device comprising at least two joining plates, each covering a separate side of the first and second end portions of the conveyor belt, such that the first and second end portions of said conveyor belt are disposed between the two joining plates, the joining plates being fastened to each other by fastening means, the joint being characterized by comprising at least one joining frame as described above,attached to the first end portion and the second end portion and configured to retain the fastening means of the joining device when a tensile force is applied between the joining device and the conveyor belt.
[0034] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a conveyor belt joint as described above, characterized by comprising at least the following steps:
[0035] - strip an upper and a lower part of the conveyor belt body at the first end portion and at the second end portion of the conveyor belt;
[0036] - install at least one junction frame attached to the first end portion and the second end portion of the conveyor belt;
[0037] - Install the joining device to join the first and second end portions of the conveyor belt.
[0038] This method is particularly advantageous because it is Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 124 / 160 12 / 32 easy to perform by one person, no special skills required.
[0039] According to one embodiment, the step of stripping an upper and a lower part of the conveyor belt body in the first end portion and in the second end portion of the conveyor belt corresponds to a material removal operation in the flexible material body of the corresponding end portion, wherein said material is located on an outer and inner peripheral layer or layer of the associated end portion, surrounding a central layer within which reinforcements such as cables are located. The central layer is not stripped during this step, as the method does not require the removal of all material around the cables of the end portion, which saves considerable time, reducing maintenance costs and conveyor belt downtime. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0040] Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, with reference to the accompanying figures, which illustrate: [0041 ] [Figure 1 A]: an exploded view of a conveyor belt joint according to a first embodiment;
[0042] [Figure 1B]: a top perspective view of the joint assembled according to this first embodiment;
[0043] [Figure 2]: a view of a first end portion and a second end portion of the conveyor belt, each provided with a frame according to this first embodiment;
[0044] [Figure 3]: a top perspective view of the joint assembled according to a second embodiment;
[0045] [Figure 4A]: a detail of figure 3;
[0046] [Figure 4B]: a detailed partial top perspective view of the assembled joint according to a third embodiment; Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pages 125 / 160 13 / 32
[0047] [Figure 5]: a detailed bottom perspective view of the joint assembled according to this third embodiment method;
[0048] [Figure 6A]: a local cross-sectional view of a fastening means support against a retaining member according to a fourth embodiment;
[0049] [Figure 6B]: a top perspective view of the cross-sectional view of Figure 6A;
[0050] [Figure 6C]: a bottom perspective view of the cross-sectional view of Figure 6A;
[0051] [Figure 7]: a top perspective view of a local cross-section of a support for a fastening means against a retaining member according to a fifth embodiment;
[0052] [Figure 8]: A view of a frame for a joint according to a sixth embodiment;
[0053] [Figure 9]: a detail of a joint comprising the frame according to this sixth modality;
[0054] [Figure 10]: a top perspective view of the joint assembled according to this sixth embodiment;
[0055] [Figure 11]: A top perspective view of a joint assembled according to a seventh embodiment;
[0056] [Figure 12]: A view of a support plate for a joint according to an eighth embodiment;
[0057] [Figure 13]: a view of a conveyor belt joint according to this eighth embodiment;
[0058] [Figure 14]: A view of a support plate for a joint according to a ninth embodiment.
[0059] For clarity, identical or similar elements are marked with identical reference signs in all figures.
[0060] In the description and claims, for Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 126 / 160 14 / 32 To clarify the description and claims, the terms longitudinal, transversal and vertical will be adopted, in a non-limiting way, with reference to the X, Y, Z axes shown in the figures. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A MODALITY
[0061] Figures 1A, 1B and 2 illustrate a junction 10 of a conveyor belt 1 according to a first embodiment. The conveyor belt 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X, generally corresponding to the direction of displacement of the same along a conveyor belt. The conveyor belt 1 comprises a body 2 made of a flexible material, such as a vulcanizable elastomer or a synthetic material, reinforced with a reinforcement 3 comprising cables 4 embedded in the body 2. The forces absorbed by the conveyor belt 1 are mainly longitudinal, so the cables 4 are arranged in the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1 extending axially and said cables work in tension during the use of said conveyor belt 1.
[0062] The conveyor belt 1 has a first end edge 11' and a second end edge 12', of which a first end portion 11 and a second end portion 12 extend over the conveyor belt 1 and are joined by a joining device 100, ensuring the joining 10 of the two end portions 11, 12. It should be noted in practice that, taking into account the distances for transporting different materials or different products according to the uses in quarries or other places of use, a single conveyor belt 1 can be formed by joining a plurality of longitudinal portions of conveyor belt joined together by a joining device 100.
[0063] The end portions 11, 12 are configured so that, at the junction position, the junction 10 in the junction device 100 has the same thickness as the conveyor belt 1. In this way, the use of the junction device 100 does not create a local excess thickness in the end portions 11, 12 thereof, the thickness being constant. Such Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 127 / 160 15 / 32 characteristic is particularly important to avoid premature wear due to the passage of scrapers on the conveyor. In order to satisfy this restriction, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 are thinned, in particular after having been stripped by a stripping operation, to ensure the installation of the junction device 100. This stripping preferably extends in thickness to the cables 4, i.e. to a thickness corresponding to the thickness of the cables 4.
[0064] The conveyor belt 1 houses the reinforcement cables 4 in its body 2. The conveyor belt 1 is structured so as to comprise, in terms of its thickness, a substantially central layer 1A which incorporates the cables 4, interposed vertically between two outer layers of flexible material of the body 2 without reinforcement 3, namely: an upper part and a lower part of the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1.
[0065] Each of the cables 4 of the conveyor belt 1 extends longitudinally in the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1 continuously in the corresponding end portion, in which the loose and cut end of each cable 4 is located. The end portions 11, 12 are formed, in the longitudinal extension of the conveyor belt, from the central layer 1A integrating the cables and stripped of the outer layers, i.e., stripped of the lower and upper layers of material normally located, in the remainder of the conveyor belt beyond the junction 10, on both sides of the central layer 1A. The thickness of the end portions 11, 12 corresponds to the thickness of the central belt 1A obtained after the stripping operation, and preferably equal to an average diameter of the cables 4 or to the diameter of the largest cable 4.Therefore, perfect stripping of each cable is not necessary, corresponding to the complete removal of all the body 2 material surrounding the cables 4 and, in particular, the body 2 material between the cables 4.
[0066] The junction device 100 for joining the two end portions 11, 12 comprises two junction plates 101, Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 128 / 160 16 / 32 102, each dimensioned so as to cover all or part of the width of the conveyor belt 1 and preferably the entire width, the first end portion 11 and the second 12 on the same side of the conveyor belt 1. The junction plates 101, 102 comprise a lower junction plate 101 that spans the first and second end portions 11, 12 and a lower junction plate 102 that spans the first and second end portions 11, 12 so as to overlap them. These junction plates 101, 102 each have a thickness complementary to that of the corresponding end portion configured to jointly fill the material removal caused during the stripping step to thin the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12. In this way, after joining, the junction 10 is level with the lower 1” and upper 1’ surfaces of the conveyor belt 1, i.e., the thickness of the conveyor belt 1 is constant, without relief.As mentioned above, this feature makes it possible to avoid premature wear due to the use of scrapers (not shown) located in the path of the transported materials and configured to scrape the upper surface 1' of the conveyor belt 1.
[0067] The first and second end portions 11, 12 of said conveyor belt 1 are fixed or fastened vertically between the two junction plates 101, 102, each of which creates a material bridge between the first and second ends 11, 12. Said junction plates 101, 102 are made of a flexible and elastic material, for example vulcanized rubber, or a synthetic material such as polyurethane, and may comprise an embedded frame, for example a textile frame. Said material is preferably the same flexible material that constitutes the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1.
[0068] The lower junction plates 101 and upper 102 are fixed by means of shaft-shaped fasteners 110, such as rivets, pins, studs and / or screw nut systems. The fasteners 110 pass through the thickness and successively: a first of the two junction plates 101 Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 129 / 160 17 / 32 or 102, then one of the two end portions 11 or 12 and, finally, the second of the two junction plates 101 or 102. In this first embodiment, the fasteners 110 are screws comprising, each comprising, a head 111 and an anchoring portion 112 provided with a thread, the junction plates 101, 102 comprising first interfaces 113 for cooperating with the heads 111 of the fasteners 110 and / or second interfaces 114 for cooperating with the anchoring portions 112 of the fasteners 110. The first and second interfaces 113, 114 are carried by inserts that are embedded in the junction plates 101, 102 or that are attached (for example, a washer 115). Preferably, the insert that carries the second interface, here the threaded insert, corresponds locally to a portion of a cable 4 or a group of cables 4, for example following the same curvature, which allows a large amount of tightening without deforming it (see figure 5).
[0069] The first interfaces 113 comprise vertically perforated washers 115, each comprising an impression suitable for receiving a head 111 of one of the fastening means 11. In such a configuration, the washers 115 forming the first interfaces 113 thus form attachments associating around and complementing a hole in the upper junction plate 101, suitable for the passage of the fastening means 110. These washers 115 each have, on their periphery, points oriented towards the supporting junction plate for penetrating and fitting into said junction plate. Alternatively, or in combination, for example, in the case where different first interfaces 113 are integrated into the same junction plate, these washers 115 may be incorporated into the junction plate 101, that is, embedded in the flexible and elastic material such as, for example, the vulcanized rubber that forms the associated junction plate.
[0070] The second interfaces 114 comprise a cylindrical tubular portion 116, an inner cylindrical surface of which is suitable for cooperating with the anchoring portion 112 of the fastening means. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pages 130 / 160 18 / 32 110, by means of a threaded hole supplementary to the thread of the anchoring portion 112.
[0071] According to the invention, the junction 10 comprises a junction frame 20 attached to the first end portion 11 and another frame 20 fixed to the second end portion 12. These frames 20 are configured to retain all or part of the fastening means 110 of the junction device 100 when a tensile force is applied between the junction device 100 and the conveyor belt 1.
[0072] In particular, the frames 20 are attached to the first and second end portions 11, 12, which are tapered in thickness, this being
[0073] - after a stripping step of the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 of the conveyor belt 1, as a result of which the central layer 1A is stripped, the central layer of which integrates the cables, the thickness of the end portion 11, 12 being preferably reduced to that of the cables 4, and
[0074] - before installation of the junction device 100 by means of which the two junction plates 101, 102 are superimposed, crossing the first and second end portions 11, 12 of the conveyor belt 1 fitted with said frames 20.
[0075] The frames 20 comprise retaining members 30 comprising a plurality of bolts 301. Each bolt 301 has a general “U” shape before being fixed to the conveyor belt. A bolt 301 is formed from a single-piece shaft, preferably of metal. The body 31 of the bolts 301 is formed from a central transverse portion of the shaft forming a retaining interface 32, wherein said body 31 is configured to extend transversely relative to the conveyor belt 1. The central portion of the shaft is interposed between two lateral portions of the shaft forming the anchoring members 40. In other words, each bolt 301 comprises anchoring tabs 33 formed from Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 131 / 160 19 / 32 extensions of the central portion of the axis, that is, on both sides of the body 31.
[0076] These anchor members 40, here the anchor tabs 33, are each shaft-shaped and comprise points and ends thereof to facilitate their insertion into the associated end portion 11, 12 to pass vertically through the thickness thereof. The ends of the anchor tabs 33 of each bolt 301 are bent or curved under the corresponding end portion 11, 12 after insertion to lock the bolt 301 in place once installed and ensure that it cannot be removed during the operation of the conveyor belt 1.
[0077] The retaining interface 32 of the retaining members 30 is configured to retain fastening means 110 when a tensile force is applied between the joining device 100 and the conveyor belt 1. The retaining interface 32 is supported by the body 31 of said retaining members 30. The anchoring tabs 33 of the same pin 301 are anchored to two separate cables 4 of the same corresponding end portion 11, 12, the cables 4 extending axially relative to the conveyor belt 1. The body 31 of each pin 301 is then positioned at least partly transversely between two adjacent cables 4 forming a connecting bridge between the two cables 4, therefore also transversely along a Y-axis relative to the conveyor belt 1. The two anchoring tabs 33 of the same pin 301 are spaced by a distance d equal to a distance separating the central axes of two cables 4 of the end portion. corresponding to 11, 12 (see figure 5).More generally, this distance d is chosen to be a multiple of the average spacing between two cables to ensure a homogeneous distribution of the cables along the width of the conveyor belt 1. Of course, variations may be possible, such as a bolt with more than two anchoring tabs 33, for example three, each anchoring to one of the three adjacent cables.
[0078] The 301 bolts of each of the 20 frames are distributed evenly over each of the two portions of Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pages 132 / 160 20 / 32 end 11, 12 in a suitable pattern. Each of the two end portions 11, 12 shall comprise sufficient retaining members 30 to ensure its function of retaining the fastening means 110 of the junction device 100 when a tensile force is applied to the belt, but not so much as to significantly degrade the flexibility of said conveyor belt 1 at the junction 10.
[0079] When the conveyor belt 1 is being used, it moves longitudinally to transport the different materials or products. This transport involves a resistance force on the conveyor belt 1 that acts in tension. In particular, at the junction 10, the tensile forces tend to push the first end portion 11 away from the second end portion 12, which are then held in relation to each other by the junction device 100. When subjected to such a tensile force, one of the two end portions 11, 12 applies a tensile force to the fastening means 110 of the fastening device 100 that passes through them, the fastening means 110 being held by the junction plates 101, 102 of the connection device 100, themselves held by the other of the two end portions 11, 12, preferably symmetrically with respect to a vertical junction plane parallel to the transverse Y axis located between, or even containing, the two end edges 11', 12'.The junction plates 101, 102 of the junction device 100 are thus subjected to high tensile stresses, and the fastening means 110 allow the axial separation of the ends 11, 12 from each other to be maintained. The frame 20 forms a reinforcement of the associated end portion 11, 12, absorbing the tensile forces of the screws 110 that come into contact with the retaining interfaces 32 of the retaining members 30 placed in their path during traction. Such supports are illustrated in detail with reference to figures 6A, 6B, 6C and 7, according to different variants.
[0080] Each retaining member 30 is arranged longitudinally between at least one of the fastening means 110 and one of the Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 133 / 160 21 / 32 end edges 11', 12' of conveyor belt 1, that is, the associated end portion 11, 12. In this way, the fastening means 110 are retained by the retaining members 30 so as to support, directly or indirectly, against at least one of the retaining interfaces 32. Furthermore, these retaining means 30 are fixed to at least two distinct cables 4, preferably two adjacent cables 4 as illustrated in this embodiment. In this way, each retaining member 30 forms an obstacle to the longitudinal displacement of the bolts 110 during the application of tensile forces of the associated end portion 11, 12 in relation to the joining device 100. This feature contributes to reinforcing the connection between the two end portions 11, 12, thus reinforcing the joint 10.
[0081] The retaining interfaces 32 carried by the retaining members 30 that are anchored in the first end portion 11, retain the fastening means 110 of the junction device 100 in a first tensile direction T1 (see Figure 1B). The retaining interfaces 32 carried by the retaining members 30 that are anchored in the second end portion 12 in turn, retain the fastening means 110 of the junction device 100 in a second tensile direction T2, opposite to the first tensile direction T1. Thus, when a tensile force is applied between the junction device 100 and each end of the conveyor belt 1, the frames 20 contribute to maintaining the relative longitudinal spacing of the end portions 11, 12 and the structural strength of the ends of the conveyor belt 1 and the junction 10 is ensured to withstand significant tensile stresses.Furthermore, since the retaining members 30 are located only on the tapered end portions 11, 12, the impact of the so-called retaining members 30 on the belt's flexibility is reduced. Finally, even if the shaft-shaped fastening means 110 pass through the reinforcing cables 4, the tensile force of a single fastening means 110 is distributed over at least two cables, which reduces the tensile force absorption by cable 4, thus limiting the unwinding effect. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 134 / 160 22 / 32
[0082] In this embodiment, the retaining members 30 are arranged in a plurality of, in particular three, separate transverse alignments or rows per end portion 11, 12. The retaining members 30 are further arranged in a plurality of longitudinal alignments per end portion 11, 12, each longitudinal alignment of one end portion 11, 12 being aligned with a longitudinal alignment of the other end portion 12, 11. Each retaining member 30 is fixed to two separate adjacent cables 4. A cable is here connected by the retaining means 30 to a single adjacent cable, so that the cables are connected in independent pairs. In such a configuration, one of the cables on a side edge may not have any retaining members passing through it if the end portion of the end portion 11, 12 comprises an odd number of cables.In general, such a configuration is interesting insofar as it maintains good flexibility of the joint 10 to promote the channeling of the conveyor belt 1. Of course, such distribution of the retaining members 30 may be different. For example, the retaining members 30 comprising the pins 301 may be arranged in a staggered manner, so that they are positioned, for example, in three separate transverse alignments or rows by end portion 11, 12, the pins 301 being displaced from one row to the next by a step corresponding to an average space between two cables 4. This distribution also depends on the pattern formed by the fastening means 110 in the joint device 100.
[0083] It should be noted that this first embodiment provides fastening means 110 that pass through the two connecting plates 101, 102 of the connecting device 100 along a central row, without crossing any of the end portions 11, 12, but passing through a longitudinally delimited space between the two end edges 11', 12' of the conveyor belt 1. It should be noted that in an alternative embodiment, the two end portions 11, 12 may be brought together at the junction. In this Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 135 / 160 23 / 32 In the case where a central row of fastening means 110 is provided, said fastening means 110 of that row pass through one of the end portions which has a suitable length, slightly greater than that of the other end portion. In yet another variant, the two junction plates 101, 102 are joined in the center of each other by a material joint forming an “H” profile of the junction device 100, wherein the joint may be formed in one piece with either of the two connection plates 101, 102, or form an insert.
[0084] Two rows of fastening means 110 are arranged so as to delimit the longitudinal ends of the joining device 100, and further comprise a protective edge that projects longitudinally outward from the joint 10 from the first interfaces 113, here the washers 115. The two edges that longitudinally delimit the upper joining plate 101 are then reinforced, which limits the risk of wear that could create a relief and therefore the risk that the joining plate could get in the way of any scrapers. Evidently, this reinforced edge can be applied in addition to or as an alternative to the lower joining plate 102.
[0085] Figures 3, 4A, 4B, 5, 6 and 7 illustrate other embodiments that differ from the first embodiment, particularly in that the joining device 100 is configured so that each fastening means 110 supports separate retaining members 30 positioned in its path during traction. The pattern formed by the arrangement of the fastening means 110 that connect the two joining plates 101, 102 and that pass through a corresponding end portion 11, 12 is thus associated with and similar to that of the retaining members 30. The distribution of the fastening means 110 then depends on the retaining members 30. Such a structure provides improved tensile strength. These embodiments are devoid of a central row of fastening means 110.
[0086] On the contrary, in the first modality Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 136 / 160 24 / 32 illustrated in Figures 1A and 1B, the fastening means 110 of the joining device 100 are not perfectly aligned longitudinally, two by two, with each of the retaining interfaces 32 of the retaining members 30. The pattern formed by the retaining members 30 in the first and second end portions 11, 12 can be selected so that most, but not necessarily all, of the fastening means 110 of the joining device 100 are retained and aligned longitudinally with the retaining members 30, directly or indirectly supporting against at least one retaining interface 32. Such an embodiment is practical in the case where the frames 20 and the joining device 100 are fixed under difficult conditions, or even the precision of the assembly is not perfect. This reduces the time required to install the frame 20.In this case, the retention effect is still ensured, although some of the fastening elements 110 may be arranged through a cable 4 and / or displaced from a retaining member 30 of the frame 20. In such a configuration, the arrangement of the fastening means 110, here the screws, randomly in relation to the pitch of the belt cables 1, preferably combine to rest on the retaining members 30, tightening said screws 110 on the belt and passing some fastening means 110 through the cables.
[0087] With reference to Figures 3 and 4A, this second embodiment illustrates retaining members 30 of the stud type 301 comparable to the first embodiment, with the difference that its retaining interface 32 has a longitudinally oriented or open notch 320. This notch 320 forms the retaining interface 32 allowing at least one of the fastening means 110, here only one, to be received in support, directly or indirectly. This support forms a receiving cradle for a shaft-shaped fastening means 110, in particular the shaft itself, minimizing the relative transverse movements between the associated end portion and the joining device 100 and allowing a uniform distribution of the forces absorbed in the two cables in which the associated stud 301 is anchored thanks to the anchoring members 40, in particular here the anchoring tabs 33. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 137 / 160 25 / 32
[0088] Figures 4B and 5 illustrate views of a third embodiment that differs substantially from the second in that the retaining interfaces 32 of the pin-type retaining members 301 are straight, similar to the first embodiment.
[0089] Figures 6A, 6B, and 6C illustrate views of a fourth embodiment that differs substantially from the second in that the retention interfaces 32 of the retaining members 301 of the stud type 32 are straight, similar to the first embodiment. Furthermore, each retaining member 30 comprises a lower part 35' configured to connect two anchoring members 40, in particular two anchoring tabs 33 of the same retaining member 30. Each lower part 35' is located on the side vertically opposite to the side of the end portion that receives the body 31 of the stud shaft 301. The lower parts 35' are generally oblong in shape, having a notch in at least one front side wall and oriented longitudinally. This notch 320 forms a retention interface 32 complementary to that borne by the body 31 of the stud 301 and makes it possible to receive in support at least one of the fastening means 110, directly or indirectly.This notch 320 ensures a better distribution of forces on the cables in which the associated retaining member is anchored. A suitable impression is provided on one side of each lower part 35' to receive at least part of each of the two anchoring tabs 33 of pin 301, bent under the end portion 11, 12.
[0090] Figure 7 illustrates a top perspective view of a local cross-section of a fastening means support against a retaining member according to a fifth embodiment. This embodiment differs from the previous fourth embodiment by comprising, in addition to a lower part 35', an upper part 34' that receives pin 301. The functions of the lower part 35' and the upper part 34' are similar to those of the lower and upper parts 34, 35 of body 31 with reference to the embodiments described below, since each retaining member 30 comprises a Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 138 / 160 26 / 32 upper part 34 and a lower part 35 connected to each other by anchoring members 40. The lower and upper parts 34, 35 of the body 31 of each retaining member 30 form inserts intended to support vertically on both sides of the first associated end portion 11, 12 of the conveyor belt 1, in the direction of the thickness thereof. The upper part 34' comprises a suitable impression, on one of its sides, to receive at least one portion of the body 31 of the pin 301, whether straight or with a notch 320. The presence of the upper part 34' here displaces the retaining interface 32 on its lateral edge. The body 31 of the retaining members 30 comprises the upper part 34' forming an insert that carries the retaining interface 32.
[0091] Figures 8, 9 and 10 illustrate views of a frame 20 for a joint 10 according to a sixth embodiment. This sixth embodiment differs substantially from the previous embodiments in that the body 31 of each retaining member 30 comprises an upper part 34 and a lower part 35 connected to each other by anchoring members 40. The lower and upper parts 34, 35 of the body 31 of each retaining member 30 form inserts intended to support vertically on both sides of the first associated end portion 11, 12 of the conveyor belt 1, in the direction of the thickness thereof. The anchoring members 40 comprise screws provided with a head 41 and a threaded shaft forming at least partially an anchoring portion 42.The anchoring members 40 extend through the associated end portion 11, 12 vertically within its thickness to connect and secure the lower and upper parts of the body 34, 35 of the body 31 against each side vertically of the associated end portion 11, 12.
[0092] The upper part 34 forms an integral metal plate and comprises two recesses 310, such as recesses, each suitable for receiving a head 41 of one of the anchoring members 40. The lower part 35 vertically opposite the upper part 34 in relation to Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 139 / 160 The 27 / 32 associated end portion forms another integral metal plate and comprises two anchoring interfaces 311, such as threaded holes, with which each of the anchoring portions 42 of the two screw-type anchor members 40 are suitable to cooperate.
[0093] One advantage of this arrangement is that a plurality of the retaining members 30 are connected together along an axis Y' intended to extend transversely, i.e., parallel to a transverse axis Y of the conveyor belt 1. Such a connection is preferably configured so that the length of this assembly corresponds to the width of the conveyor belt 1. In this way, the frame 20 can be quickly positioned directly, arranging a plurality of connected retaining members 30.
[0094] The retaining interface 32 of each of the retaining members 30 is supported by the body 31 of said retaining members 30. The upper 34 and lower 35 parts of the retaining members 30 are generally oblong in shape, having a notch in at least one front side wall and oriented longitudinally. This notch 320 forms the retaining interface 32 allowing at least one of the fastening means 110 to be received, directly or indirectly. This support forms a receiving cradle for a shaft-shaped fastening means 110, in particular the shaft itself, minimizing the relative transverse movements between the associated end portion and the joining device 100. Preferably, the notch 320 corresponds to the shape of the retaining cable, for example with a 1 / 3 angle.
[0095] Each upper 34 and lower 35 portion of the same retaining member 30 comprises tips oriented towards the end portion 11, 12 that supports it and configured to penetrate said end portion 11, 12 to help anchor the retaining member 30 to the body 2 of the end portion 11, 12, this being in addition to the anchoring members 40 that pass through the cables 4. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 140 / 160 28 / 32
[0096] The retaining members 30 each comprise two anchoring members 40 spaced a distance d apart sufficient to ensure anchoring on two adjacent reinforcing cables 4. This distance d is equal to the distance separating the central axes of two cables 4 from the corresponding end portion 11, 12. An integral row of a plurality of retaining members 30 is configured so that each retaining member 30 is connected to another retaining member 30 by a flexible connection 300 in order to promote conveyor belt channeling, namely transverse flexibility. This advantage is further enhanced in the event that these connections, flexible 300 or not, are broken or separated during a separation operation of the retaining members 30, for example, after a fixing step of the anchoring members 40, and more generally after the frame installation step 20.
[0097] Figure 11 illustrates a top perspective view of a joint assembled according to a seventh embodiment in which, in relation to the sixth embodiment, a row of fastening means 110 is arranged so as to flank each longitudinal end of the joint device 100 with a protective edge projecting longitudinally from the first interfaces 113, in a manner comparable to the first embodiment.
[0098] Figures 12 and 13 illustrate views of support plates 21, 22 for a junction 10 according to an eighth embodiment.
[0099] This embodiment comprises 30 retaining members comparable to the sixth and seventh embodiments. However, this embodiment differs substantially from those embodiments in that the 30 retaining members are not connected to each other in continuous rows extending transversely along the width of the conveyor belt 1, but have support plates 21, 22 comprising a plurality of 30 retaining members. The support plates 21, 22 are configured to extend longitudinally so as to cover the same side of the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 of the belt. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 141 / 160 29 / 32 conveyor belt 1 along at least a predetermined transverse portion, or even the entire length, of the conveyor belt incorporating a portion of the retaining members 30 so as to allow pre-positioning of said retaining members 30 when the frame 20 is installed. In particular, the frame 20 comprises:
[0100] - upper support plates 21 in the form of straps, each comprising a plurality of upper parts 34 of retaining members 30 distributed in a certain pattern on or in the support plate; and
[0101] - lower support plates 22 in the form of straps comprising the lower parts 35 of the retaining members 30 arranged in the same pattern as the upper parts 34 of the upper support plates 21 which are vertically overlapped so as to allow alignment of the recesses 310 with the anchoring interfaces 311 in order to bolt them together.
[0102] This predetermined pattern can be configured to obtain retaining members 30 arranged in longitudinal and / or transverse alignments, alone or in groups of several, such as in pairs, in transverse alignments, i.e., in rows with longitudinal offsets, as in a staggered pattern, etc. An alternating arrangement of the inserts 34, 35 promotes the channeling of the joint and also the wrapping around the deflection rollers of the conveyor without creating a break line.
[0103] The support plates 21, 22 are preferably formed of the same material as the conveyor belt body 1. However, this may vary and said plates may comprise a body made of a flexible material and more generally of an elastomer or synthetic material. In this embodiment, the inserts 34, 35 are pre-molded from rubber, polyurethane (PU) or any other material.
[0104] Thus, the frames are in the form of support plates 21, 22 which are easy to attach to the end portions. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pages 142 / 160 30 / 32 11, 12 of belt 1. Once the support plates are installed, simply secure them with anchoring members, such as screws 40. Support plates 21, 22 cover the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 along their entire length. However, they have a narrower width than the conveyor belt 1 itself, so a plurality of support plates 21, 22 must be connected transversely to cover the entire width of the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12. In this way, the support plates can be manufactured more easily. They can be made in a continuous belt or in a large longitudinal dimension and then cut to the desired length. Depending on the width of the support plates, it is also possible to easily adapt to the width of belt 1.
[0105] Figure 14 illustrates a view of a support plate 21 for a joint according to a ninth embodiment. This support plate has the form of a longitudinal connection of a plurality of retaining members 30. A single upper support plate 21 connects a plurality of pins 301. It should be noted that various materials can be used to form the support plate, such as a more flexible material like leather or a textile reinforcement.
[0106] The manufacture of a conveyor belt joint 10 according to the invention is therefore particularly simple and generally comprises the following steps:
[0107] - strip an upper and a lower part of the body 2 of the conveyor belt in the first end portion 11 and in the second end portion 12 of the conveyor belt 1, so as to obtain a stripped central layer 1A supplied with the ends of the cables;
[0108] - install at least one junction frame attached to the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 of the conveyor belt 1; Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 143 / 160 31 / 32
[0109] - Install the joining device 100 to join the first and second end portions 11, 12 of the conveyor belt 1.
[0110] In summary, this junction allows limiting the preparation of the end portions to only removing the top and bottom belt covers to result in a tapered end portion corresponding to the central layer, thus facilitating implementation.
[0111] The use of such a frame according to the invention allows creating or recreating a weave by means of the retention interfaces 32, between each cable or in another configuration, for example any other cable, for the flexibility of the connection and depending on the resistance of the belt, crossing the cables with the help of the anchoring members 40.
[0112] Furthermore, such a frame is compatible with the use of a known joining device from the prior art, facilitating supply to users and reducing costs.
[0113] During assembly, tightening the fastening means 110 of the joint at the ends comprising the cables is sufficient to secure the frame to the ends of the conveyor belt. Slippage is then limited, as the secure connection abuts the frame created with the retaining interfaces when a tensile force is applied to the conveyor belt.
[0114] By combining the clamping force of the fastening means 110 of the joining device 100 and the support of the screws in the frame, a connection is obtained that is sufficient to withstand the desired forces.
[0115] Obviously, the invention is described above by way of example. It is understood that one skilled in the art is able to implement different embodiments of the invention without going beyond the scope of the invention.
[0116] For example, it is understood that fastening means or anchoring means other than screws may be used while Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 144 / 160 32 / 32 provide the same function. Furthermore, the vertical orientations of the retaining members and / or fastening means may be different, in which case their direction is reversed in relation to the figures.
[0117] Finally, the term “transverse” in conjunction with the edge of the frame, or the junction plate, should be understood as extending, once the junction device has been assembled with the ends of the belt, from one side to the other of the conveyor belt and running along its width. This does not limit the invention to an arrangement of the junction plates perpendicular to the conveyor belt, the junction may perfectly well have an angle other than 90° with respect to the longitudinal axis.
[0118] It is noted that all features, insofar as they become apparent to one skilled in the art from the present description, the drawings and the accompanying claims, even if they have been described only in relation to other identified features, either individually or in any combination, may be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided that this has not been expressly excluded or technical circumstances render such combinations impossible or meaningless. Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pp. 145 / 160
Claims
1 / 4 CLAIMS 1. A junction frame (20) characterized in that it is intended to be attached to at least one first end portion (11) of a conveyor belt (1) of the type comprising a body (2) made of flexible material, within which is housed a reinforcement (3) comprising cables (4), wherein the frame (20) comprises retaining members (30) having at least one body (31) configured to extend at least partially transversely with respect to the conveyor belt (1) and anchoring members (40) configured to engage with at least part of the cables (4) through a thickness of the first end portion (11) so as to fix the body (31) of the retaining members to the first end portion (11) of the conveyor belt (1),the retaining members (30) comprising a retaining interface (32) for retaining fastening means (110) of a joining device (100) intended to join the first end portion (11) with a second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1) when the first and second end portions (11, 12) are disposed between two joining plates (101, 102) of the joining device (100) fastened together by said fastening means (110), the retaining interface (32) being configured to retain the fastening means (110) when a tensile force is applied between the joining device (100) and the conveyor belt (1).
2. Joining frame (20) (10), according to claim 1, characterized in that the anchoring members (40) each comprise a shaft configured to pass through the first end portion (11).
3. Joining frame (20) (10), according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the retaining interface (32) of at least some of the retaining members (30) is supported by the body (31) of said retaining members (30).
4. Frame (20) of joint (10), according to any Petition 870220076138, of 24 / 08 / 2022, p. 146 / 160 2 / 4 one of the previous claims, characterized in that at least a plurality of the retaining members (30) are connected to each other along an axis (Y') intended to extend transversely in relation to the conveyor belt (1).
5. Joining frame (20) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises at least one support plate (21, 22) configured to cover at least part of the side of the first end portion (11) and the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1), wherein the support plate (21, 22) comprises at least some of a plurality of retaining members (30) arranged in a predetermined pattern, for example, staggered.
6. Joining frame (20) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the distance (d) separating two anchoring members (40) from a retaining member (30) is configured to correspond to a distance separating two cables (4) from the first end portion (11) of the conveyor belt (1).
7. Joining frame (20) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some of the anchoring members (40) of at least some of the retaining members (30) comprise pins, having anchoring tabs (33) located on the extension of the associated body (31), each pin preferably being formed in one piece.
8. Joining frame (20) (10), according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the body (31) of the retaining members (30) comprises an upper part (34, 34') and / or a lower part (35, 35') connected to each other by the anchoring members (40), the lower and / or upper parts (34, 35) of the body (31) of the retaining members (30) being intended to come from one side or the other of the first end portion (11) of the conveyor belt (1), according to the thickness (e) thereof. Petition 870220076138, dated 24 / 08 / 2022, pp. 147 / 160 3 / 4 9. Joining frame (20) (10), according to claim 8, characterized in that a first of the two parts constituting the upper and lower parts (34, 35) of the body (31) of the retaining member (30) comprises at least one recess (310), such as a recess, suitable for receiving a head (41) of one of the anchor members (40), and in that the second of the two parts (34, 35) comprises at least one anchor interface (311), such as a threaded hole, with which an anchor portion (42) of said anchor member (40) is suitable for cooperating.
10. Conveyor belt joint (10) characterized in that it extends along a longitudinal axis (X) comprising a body (2) made of flexible material, within which is housed a reinforcement (3) comprising cables (4) extending at least partially axially, wherein the conveyor belt (1) comprises a first (11) and a second (12) end portion connected to each other by a joint device (100) comprising at least two joint plates (101, 102), each covering a separate side of the first and second end portions (11, 12) of the conveyor belt (1), such that the first and second end portions (11, 12) of said conveyor belt (1) are disposed between the two joint plates (101, 102), the joint plates (101, 102) being fastened to each other by fastening means (110), wherein the joint (10) comprises at least one joint frame (20) (10),according to any of the preceding claims, attached to the first end portion (11) and the second end portion (12), and configured to retain the fastening means (110) of the joining device (100) when a tensile force is applied between the joining device (100) and the conveyor belt (1).
11. Method of manufacturing a junction (10) of a conveyor belt (1), according to claim 10, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: Petition 870220076138, dated 24 / 08 / 2022, page 148 / 160 4 / 4 - stripping an upper and a lower part of the body (2) of the conveyor belt at the first end portion (11) and at the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1); - installing at least one junction frame (20) attached to the first end portion (11) and at the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1); - installing the junction device (100) so as to join the first and second end portions (11, 12) of the conveyor belt (1). Petition 870220076138, dated 08 / 24 / 2022, pages 149 / 160