SISTEMA DE TRANSPORTE DE MATERIAL A GRANEL

Description

1 / 10 BULK MATERIAL TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM TECHNICAL FIELD

[001] The present invention relates to a bulk material transport system, more specifically to a system for loading and unloading bulk material onto a vessel. STATE OF THE ART

[002] In the area of ​​transporting bulk materials, such as corn, soybeans or wheat, it is desirable to implement equipment and systems to carry out processes that aim to achieve benefits such as increased production, reduced costs, guaranteed quality of the final product and operational safety.

[003] In this context, document BR102016029729-0 reveals a logistics system designed to carry out transshipment operations of bulk material transported in semi-trailers of trucks for loading onto transport barges with the aid of a floating platform. Furthermore, BR102016028469-4 reveals a process of rigging, loading and unloading airships onto barges that allows the docking and loading and unloading operations of cargo airships onto barges moored in lakes or rivers.

[004] A challenge that still persists relates to the loading and unloading of bulk material from vessels in locations subject to natural and dynamic movements imposed by the aquatic environment, such as variations in ocean tide levels, and seasonal fluctuations and river currents due to the rainfall cycle. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[005] With the aim of solving the drawbacks of the prior art, the present invention proposes a bulk material transport system that Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 12 / 40 2 / 10 comprises a walkway having a first end and a second end, the walkway supporting a belt conveyor configured to move bulk material between the first end and the second end of the walkway, wherein the first end of the walkway is supported by support means on a fixed structure, the support means being configured to produce one degree of freedom in rotation about a horizontal axis orthogonal to a longitudinal axis of the walkway, and wherein the second end of the walkway is supported by support cables on a floating structure.

[006] In a vessel unloading operation, a vessel unloader removes the bulk material from the vessel and feeds the conveyor belt with the bulk material at the far end of the suspended walkway on the floating structure. Then, the conveyor belt moves the bulk material towards the first end of the walkway and unloads the bulk material into a facility located next to the fixed structure on land. In a vessel loading operation, the conveyor belt is fed with bulk material at the far end of the walkway. Then, the conveyor belt moves the bulk material towards the second end of the suspended walkway on the floating structure to load the bulk material onto the vessel with the aid of a vessel loader.

[007] Advantageously, the fact that the transport system comprises the walkway with a belt conveyor supported by support cables on the floating structure in water and supported by means of support on the fixed structure on land with one degree of freedom in rotation around a horizontal axis allows the walkway to remain stable and adapt to the movement of the floating structure. Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 13 / 40 3 / 10 depending on variations in water level and movement, ensuring stress relief, structural stability, and system integrity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[008] The invention will be better understood with the detailed description that follows, which will be better interpreted with the aid of the figures, namely:

[009] Figure 1 shows a view of a bulk material conveying system according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[010] Figure 2 shows a view of a bulk material conveying system according to a second embodiment of the invention in a high tide position.

[011] Figure 3 shows a view of the transport system of the second embodiment of the invention at a low tide position.

[012] Figure 4 shows a front view of a second end of the walkway of the transport system according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[013] Figure 5 shows a side view of the second end of the walkway of the transport system according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[014] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of a fixed structure of the transport system according to the second embodiment of the invention, with the walkway hidden.

[015] Figure 7 shows a perspective view of the first end of the walkway supported on the fixed structure of the transport system according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[016] Figure 8 presents another perspective view of the fixed structure of the transport system according to the second embodiment of the invention, with the Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 14 / 40 4 / 10 hidden walkway.

[017] Figure 9 presents a perspective view of a receiving hopper of the fixed structure of the transport system according to the second embodiment of the invention.

[018] Figure 10 shows a view of a bulk material conveying system according to a third embodiment of the invention.

[019] Figure 11 shows a view of a bulk material conveying system according to a fourth embodiment of the invention.

[020] Figure 12 shows a front view of a second end of the walkway of the transport system according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[021] Figure 13 presents a partially exploded perspective view of the footbridge support means on the fixed structure according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[022] Figure 14 shows a perspective view of the footbridge support means on the fixed structure according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[023] Figure 15 presents an exploded perspective view of the footbridge support means on the fixed structure according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[024] Figure 16 shows a top view of the footbridge support means on the fixed structure according to the fourth embodiment of the invention.

[025] Figure 17 shows a cross-sectional view along the AA cutting plane shown in Figure 16. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[026] The present invention proposes a bulk material transport system. Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 15 / 40 5 / 10 comprising a walkway (20) having a first end (20a) and a second end (20b), the walkway (20) supporting a belt conveyor (23) configured to move bulk material between the first end (20a) and the second end (20b) of the walkway (20), wherein the first end (20a) of the walkway (20) is supported by support means (25) on a fixed structure (30), the support means (25) being configured to produce one degree of freedom in rotation around a horizontal axis (E1) orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (L) of the walkway (20), and wherein the second end (20b) of the walkway (20) is supported by support cables (2131) on a floating structure (40).

[027] Figure 1 illustrates a first embodiment of the invention in which the conveyor system can be configured for loading bulk material onto a vessel, in the case of the belt conveyor (23) transporting bulk material from the first end (20a) to the second end (20b) of the walkway (20), or for unloading bulk material from a vessel, in the case of the belt conveyor (23) transporting bulk material from the second end (20b) to the first end (20a) of the walkway (20).

[028] Figures 2 to 9 illustrate a second embodiment of the invention in which the transport system is configured for unloading bulk material from a vessel (50), wherein a vessel unloader (60) removes the bulk material from the vessel (50) and feeds the belt conveyor (23), through a feed hopper (41), with bulk material in the region of the second end (20b) of the walkway (20) suspended on the floating structure (40). Then, the belt conveyor (23) moves the bulk material towards the first end (20a) of the walkway (20) and discharges the bulk material into Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 16 / 40 6 / 10 a receiving hopper (31) located next to the fixed structure (30) on land. More specifically, as can be seen in Figures 4 and 5, the second end (20b) of the walkway (20) is supported by support cables (2131) on a tower (4) located on the floating structure (40).

[029] Figure 10 illustrates a third embodiment of the invention in which the transport system is configured for loading bulk material onto a vessel (50) and Figures 11 to 17 illustrate a fourth embodiment of the invention in which the transport system is configured for loading bulk material onto a vessel. In both cases, the belt conveyor (23) is fed with bulk material in the region of the first end (20a) of the walkway (20). Then, the belt conveyor (23) moves the bulk material towards the second end (20b) of the walkway (20) suspended on the floating structure (40) to load the bulk material onto the vessel (50) with the aid of a vessel loader (70). More particularly, as can be seen in Figure 12, the second end (20b) of the walkway (20) is supported by support cables (2131) on a tower (4) present on the floating structure (40).

[030] Advantageously, the fact that the transport system comprises the walkway (20) with belt conveyor (23) supported by support cables (2131) on the floating structure (40) in water and supported by support means (25) on the fixed structure (30) on land with one degree of freedom in rotation around a horizontal axis (E1) allows the walkway (20) to remain stable and adapt to the movement of the floating structure (40) as a function of variations in level and movement of the water, ensuring stress relief, stability of the structure and integrity of the system. Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 17 / 40 7 / 10

[031] Preferably, the support means (25) comprise a pair of lower plates (2121) articulated via a horizontal axis (E1) to a pair of upper plates (2123) fixed to the walkway (20), which can be better visualized in Figures 7 and 13 to 17. For example, the horizontal axis (E1) can be formed by a pin and cotter pin assembly or by a screw and nut assembly.

[032] Preferably, the support means (25) are configured to produce a degree of freedom in rotation around a vertical axis (E2). According to the second embodiment of the invention, the vertical axis (E2) is formed by a mounting gap between the lower plates (2121) and the upper plates (2123). Note that a few millimeters of gap in this mounting represent a rotation arc of the walkway (20) around the vertical axis (E2) on the order of meters at the second end (20b) of the walkway (20). According to the fourth embodiment of the invention, the support means (25) comprise a base structure (24) where the lower plates (2121) are fixed, the base structure (24) being equipped with the vertical shaft (E2), which is coupled to a shaft housing (37) present in the fixed structure (30), which can be better visualized in Figures 13 to 17. In the embodiment shown, the vertical shaft (E2) is coupled to the shaft housing (37) by means of a bushing (371).Furthermore, in the represented incorporation, the base structure (24) supports a plurality of counterweights (241), with the purpose of assisting in maintaining the vertical axis (E2) of the base structure (24) coupled to the axis housing (37). Advantageously, the fact that the walkway (20) is movable around the vertical axis (E2) allows the walkway (20) to adapt to current movements in the horizontal direction parallel to the earth.

[033] Preferably, the support means (25) are configured to produce one degree of freedom in translation along a horizontal course orthogonal to the axis. Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 18 / 40 8 / 10 horizontal (E1). According to the second embodiment of the invention, each lower plate (2121) is provided with at least one trolley (212) equipped with a plurality of casters (2122) cooperating with a respective rail (211) present in the fixed structure (30), the rail (211) defining the horizontal course, which can be visualized in Figures 6 and 7. In the embodiment shown, the movement of the trolleys (212) on their respective rails (211) is limited by end stops (214). Advantageously, the fact that the walkway (20) is mobile in translation along the horizontal course allows the walkway (20) to adapt to movements caused by the displacement of the floating structure (40) in the horizontal direction orthogonal to the ground.

[034] According to the second embodiment of the invention, and as can be better visualized in Figures 6, 8 and 9, the fixed structure (30) comprises a receiving hopper (31) provided with a receiving opening (32), which is movable in translation along a horizontal course parallel to the horizontal course of the trolley (212), the receiving hopper (31) being closed by a movable sealing system (22) capable of keeping the interior of the receiving hopper (31) sealed.In the embodiment shown, the receiving opening (32) is formed by a nozzle (322) movable in lateral guides (324), for example, in the form of a “U” profile, and the movable sealing system (22) comprises a first movable sealing strip (221) connected to one side of the nozzle (322) and a second movable sealing strip (222) connected to the opposite side of the nozzle (322), said movable sealing strips (221, 222) being connected to a counterweight system (223) by means of cables (224) to move in the lateral guides (324) in conjunction with the movement of the nozzle (322). Furthermore, in the embodiment shown, the movable sealing strips (221, 222) are supported and guided by deflector rollers (225). The nozzle (322) and the movable sealing strips (221, 222) cover the... Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 19 / 40 9 / 10 totality of an upper opening of the receiving hopper (31), in order to prevent the dust generated by the movement of the bulk material from escaping into the environment.

[035] Furthermore, according to a second embodiment of the invention, a passage tunnel (not shown) is mounted at the first end (20a) of the walkway (20) to direct the bulk material from the conveyor belt outlet (23) to the receiving opening (32) of the receiving hopper (31). The passage tunnel has one of its ends fixed to the walkway (20) and the opposite end fixed to the nozzle (322). Thus, when the walkway (20) moves in the horizontal course, the passage tunnel also moves in the same direction, so as to displace the nozzle (322) in the same direction, causing the sealing strips (221, 222) that are fixed to the nozzle (322) to also be moved. With the displacement of the sealing strips (221, 222), the counterweight system (223) is moved by means of the cables (224) in order to keep the sealing strips (221, 222) always stretched for proper sealing of the receiving hopper (31).For example, the passage tunnel is made of semi-rigid material, such as semi-rigid rubber, in order to provide a height variation between the walkway (20) and the nozzle (322) as a function of the articulation of the walkway (20) around the horizontal axis (E1) and at the same time promote the horizontal displacement of the nozzle (322) in the side guides (324).

[036] The support means (25) of the first embodiment of the invention and the third embodiment of the invention are configured in an identical manner to the support means (25) of the second embodiment of the invention.

[037] The belt conveyor (23) is equipped with a conveyor belt Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 20 / 40 10 / 10 (231) supported by sets of rollers in a manner known in the state of the art. For example, the belt conveyor (23) is configured as the belt conveyor described in BR102019004398-9, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[038] The preferred or alternative embodiments described herein do not limit the present invention to structural forms, and there may be constructive variations that are equivalent without, however, departing from the scope of protection of the invention. Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 21 / 40

Claims

1 / 3 CLAIMS 1. BULK MATERIAL TRANSPORT SYSTEM characterized by comprising a walkway (20) having a first end (20a) and a second end (20b), the walkway (20) supporting a belt conveyor (23) configured to move bulk material between the first end (20a) and the second end (20b) of the walkway (20), wherein the first end (20a) of the walkway (20) is supported by support means (25) on a fixed structure (30), the support means (25) being configured to produce one degree of freedom in rotation around a horizontal axis (E1) orthogonal to a longitudinal axis (L) of the walkway (20), wherein the second end (20b) of the walkway (20) is supported by support cables (2131) on a floating structure (40).

2. SYSTEM, according to claim 1, characterized by the support means (25) comprising a pair of lower plates (2121) articulated via horizontal axis (E1) to a pair of upper plates (2123) fixed to the walkway (20).

3. SYSTEM, according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the support means (25) being configured to produce one degree of freedom in rotation around a vertical axis (E2).

4. SYSTEM, according to claim 3, characterized in that the vertical axis (E2) is formed by a mounting gap between the lower plates (2121) and the upper plates (2123).

5. SYSTEM, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the support means (25) being configured to produce a degree of freedom in translation along a horizontal course orthogonal to the horizontal axis (E1).

6. SYSTEM, according to claim 5, characterized in that each lower plate (2121) is provided with at least one trolley (212) fitted with a plurality of castors (2122) cooperating with a respective rail (211) present in the fixed structure (30), the rail (211) defining the horizontal course.

7. SYSTEM, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the support means (25) comprise a base structure (24) where the lower plates (2121) are fixed, the base structure (24) being fitted with the vertical shaft (E2), which is coupled to a shaft housing (37) present in the fixed structure (30).

8. SYSTEM, according to any of the preceding claims, characterized by the fixed structure (30) comprising a receiving hopper (31) having a receiving opening (32), which is movable in translation along a horizontal course parallel to the horizontal course of the trolley (212), the receiving hopper (31) being closed by a movable sealing system (22) capable of keeping the interior of the receiving hopper (31) sealed.

9. SYSTEM, according to claim 8, characterized in that the receiving opening (32) is formed by a nozzle (322) movable in side guides (324) and the movable sealing system (22) comprises a first movable sealing strip (221) connected to one side of the nozzle (322) and a second movable sealing strip (222) connected to the opposite side of the nozzle (322), said movable sealing strips (221, 222) being connected to a counterweight system (223) by means of cables (224) to move in the side guides (324) together with the movement of the nozzle (322).

10. SYSTEM, according to claim 9, characterized by the movable sealing strips (221, 222) being supported and guided by deflector rollers (225). Petition 870250057503, dated 07 / 07 / 2025, page 24 / 40

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