Conveyor system for conveying material in working machine

Abstract

A conveyor system for conveying material in a work machine. The conveyor system includes a conveyor frame and an endless flexible member that moves relative to the conveyor frame. The annular flexible member defines a first edge portion, a second edge portion, and a delivery surface therebetween for receiving material. The annular flexible member further includes a first wall extending vertically from the first edge portion and a second wall extending vertically from the second edge portion. The conveyor system further includes one or more rollers defining one or more discrete roller segments and one or more gap segments. When the endless flexible member is moved relative to the conveyor frame, the discrete drum segments contact one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion, respectively, and the gap segments allow the first wall and the second wall to pass through, respectively.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a conveyor system in a working machine. More specifically, this invention relates to a conveyor system comprising a conveyor belt having upright walls to retain milled material during material conveying. Background Technology

[0002] Machines such as cold milling machines typically include one or more conveyor belt assemblies. A conveyor belt assembly typically includes a conveyor belt (or annular flexible member) that can receive material (e.g., milled material) from a milling operation performed by the machine. The conveyor belt can be used to transport the received material away from the machine via a conveying operation of the conveyor assembly.

[0003] The materials being transferred typically include granular materials such as bitumen, asphalt, and / or concrete. Such granular materials may move or be pushed during transport, and therefore may escape or spill from one or more sides of the conveyor belt, for example, due to vibrations accompanying the conveying operation. To control material spillage, side plates can be placed along the sides of the conveyor belt. Additionally, rubber abrasion pads or components can seal or close the gap between the side plates and the conveyor belt. However, contact between these components and the moving conveyor belt (e.g., prolonged contact) can wear down these components, exposing the gap between the side plates and the conveyor belt, and potentially causing material spillage. Therefore, these components require frequent adjustment or replacement.

[0004] Chinese Patent Publication No. CN202170718U discloses a conveyor belt with raised edges to prevent material splashing, aiming to solve technical problems such as easy loosening and damage of the raised edges and transverse partitions during threaded connections, and easy material spillage and splashing. The edge-raised conveyor belt includes a base belt, two wavy raised edges, and transverse partitions. The two wavy raised edges are arranged on the base belt, and the transverse partitions are arranged between the two wavy raised edges. Each transverse partition has baffles integrally formed at both ends, and the transverse partitions are fixed to the crests of the wavy raised edges. The baffles protrude forward and insert into the grooves of the wavy raised edges. Therefore, when the conveyor belt runs to the rollers, although the wavy raised edges extend, no gap is left between the wavy raised edges and the transverse partitions, effectively preventing the spillage and splashing of bulk materials. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In an embodiment, the present invention relates to a conveyor system for conveying materials in a working machine. The conveyor system includes a conveyor frame and an annular flexible member movable relative to the conveyor frame. The annular flexible member defines a first edge portion, a second edge portion, and a conveying surface therebetween for receiving material. The annular flexible member further includes a first wall extending vertically from the first edge portion and a second wall extending vertically from the second edge portion. The conveyor system further includes one or more rollers. Each roller defines one or more discrete roller segments and one or more gap segments. As the annular flexible member moves relative to the conveyor frame, the discrete roller segments correspondingly contact one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion, such that the annular flexible member impacts the conveyor frame and supports the annular flexible member. The one or more gap segments correspondingly allow the first and second walls to pass through, providing channels for the first and second walls to pass through the one or more rollers.

[0006] In another embodiment, the present invention relates to a milling machine including a machine frame and a milling assembly coupled to the machine frame, and including a milling drum for milling material from a surface located below the milling machine. The milling machine further includes a conveyor system for conveying material away from the milling assembly to remove material from the milling assembly. The conveyor system includes a conveyor frame and an annular flexible member movable relative to the conveyor frame. The annular flexible member defines a first edge portion, a second edge portion, and a conveying surface therebetween for receiving material. The annular flexible member further includes a first wall extending vertically from the first edge portion and a second wall extending vertically from the second edge portion. The conveyor system further includes one or more rollers. Each roller defines one or more discrete roller segments and one or more gap segments. As the annular flexible member moves relative to the conveyor frame, the discrete roller segments correspondingly contact one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion to cause the annular flexible member to impact with the conveyor frame and support the annular flexible member. The one or more gap segments correspondingly allow the first and second walls to pass through, providing channels for the first and second walls to pass through the one or more rollers. Attached Figure Description

[0007] Figure 1 This is a side view of a milling machine according to some embodiments of the present invention.

[0008] Figure 2 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 1 Perspective view of the conveyor system of a medium milling machine.

[0009] Figure 3 According to some embodiments of the present invention Figure 2 A top view of the conveyor system; and

[0010] Figure 4-5 These are different embodiments of the present invention. Figure 2 A partial view of the bottom of a conveyor system, which has rollers with discrete roller sections and gap sections. Detailed Implementation

[0011] Specific embodiments or features will now be described in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Throughout the drawings, the same reference numerals are used wherever possible to refer to the same or similar parts.

[0012] Reference Figure 1 An exemplary working machine 100 is disclosed. The working machine 100 may include a road construction machine 100', such as a milling machine 100''. Although a milling machine 100'' is disclosed, the working machine 100 may include other road construction machines 100', such as road / pavement profilers, road planers, and / or any machine that may use or include a conveyor system, aspects of the present invention being applicable to these machines. The milling machine 100 may be used to perform road construction operations, such as milling operations that modify a surface 104 below the milling machine 100''. For example, a milling operation may include loosening, removing, mixing, and / or recycling materials from the surface 104. The surface 104 may be a worn surface of a road formed from one or more of asphalt, asphalt concrete, concrete, and / or other pavement materials.

[0013] The milling machine 100'' may include a machine frame 108 and a milling assembly 112. The milling assembly 112 may be coupled to the machine frame 108. The milling assembly 112 may be used to mill material from a surface 104 below the milling machine 100''. The milling assembly 112 may further include a milling cavity 116 and a milling drum 120. The milling cavity 116 may be supported by and / or suspended below the machine frame 108 of the milling machine 100''. The milling drum 120 may be housed within the milling cavity 116. During milling operations, the milling drum 120 may engage and mill the surface 104 to produce or obtain milled material.

[0014] The milling machine 100' may further include an operator station 124 configured to accommodate one or more operators of the milling machine 100. The operator station 124 may include one or more control devices, such as one or more panels, joysticks, steering units, etc., and one or more input / output devices, including one or more displays, audio units, touchscreens, etc. The milling machine 100' further includes a power source 128 configured to power the movement of the milling machine 100' on the surface 104 for milling the surface 104. The power source 128 may include an internal combustion engine, a gas turbine, or any other prime mover known in the art. In some embodiments, the power source 128 may be an electric power source and may include a battery system, fuel cell, etc.

[0015] The milling machine 100`` further includes a set of traction units 132. The traction units 132 can support the machine frame 108 on the surface 104. The traction units 132 can be powered by a power source 128 to propel the milling machine 100`` across the surface 104. The traction units 132 can include, but are not limited to, tracks, wheels, or combinations thereof. In the example, the milling machine 100`` may include four traction units (e.g., one at each corner of the machine frame 108 facing the milling machine 100``; however, fewer or more traction units 132 are contemplated. In some embodiments, the traction units 132 may include a forward traction unit 132` and a rearward traction unit 132``.

[0016] The milling machine 100'' further includes a conveyor system 140 for conveying material away from the milling assembly 112. The conveyor system 140 is configured to receive milling material (e.g., generated during milling operations) and convey said milling material from the milling assembly 112 to a dumping position or dump body of a transport vehicle (e.g., a dump truck) (not shown), which can move in front of the milling machine 100'' during milling operations.

[0017] In some embodiments, the conveyor system 140 may be a main conveyor system 144 or an auxiliary conveyor system 148. The main conveyor system 144 may be positioned closer to the milling assembly 112 to receive and remove milling material from the milling chamber 116. Further, the auxiliary conveyor system 148 may be positioned to receive milling material from the main conveyor system 144 and further transfer the milling material away from the milling machine 100. The auxiliary conveyor system 148 may be movable relative to the machine frame 108 to align with the dump truck's dump body. Aspects of the invention may be applied to either the main conveyor system 144 and / or the auxiliary conveyor system 148.

[0018] Reference Figure 2and Figure 3 The conveyor system 140 will now be discussed. One or more aspects of the conveyor system 140 are described with respect to the main conveyor system 144. The description of the main conveyor system 144 can also be applied to the auxiliary conveyor system 148. The conveyor system 140 includes a conveyor frame 152. The conveyor frame 152 may include a generally elongated profile having end regions 154 (e.g., a first end region 154' and a second end region 154''). The end regions 154 may be arranged opposite to each other.

[0019] In some embodiments, the conveyor system 140 may include a first side plate 156 and a second side plate 158 coupled to a conveyor frame 152. The first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 may be coupled to the conveyor frame 152 using a plurality of brackets 160 and fasteners 162. The conveyor system 140 may further include a rotating assembly 164. The rotating assembly 164 may include a rotor 166 mounted on the conveyor frame 152 using a mounting member 168. In some embodiments, the mounting member 168 may be coupled to the conveyor frame 152 by welding, although other coupling methods, such as fastening, are contemplated. In some embodiments, the rotating assembly 164 may be mounted on a first end region 154' of the conveyor frame 152. The rotor 166 may be rotated using an electric motor (not shown), although other methods for rotating the rotor 166 are also contemplated.

[0020] The conveyor system 140 further includes an annular flexible member 170 configured to move relative to the conveyor frame 152. In this example, the annular flexible member 170 is movably wound and tensioned around the conveyor frame 152. The annular flexible member 170 may be a conveyor belt 170'. In some embodiments, the annular flexible member 170 may be formed of an elastomeric material such as rubber, which may include fabric reinforcement or similar materials.

[0021] The annular flexible member 170 can convey milling material from the milling assembly 112 to an auxiliary conveyor system (e.g., auxiliary conveyor system 148). In some embodiments, a main conveyor system 144 can convey milling material from the milling assembly 112 to the auxiliary conveyor system 148, and the auxiliary conveyor system 148 can convey the milling material to a dump truck. In some embodiments, the annular flexible member 170 is moved about a conveyor frame 152 using a rotating assembly 164. In an example, a rotor 166 causes the annular flexible member 170 to move about the conveyor frame 152 to allow the conveyor to transfer milling material from the milling assembly 112 to the auxiliary conveyor system (e.g., auxiliary conveyor system 148).

[0022] The annular flexible member 170 may include a first edge portion 172 and a second edge portion 174. The first edge portion 172 and the second edge portion 174 may define respective edges 172' and 174'. The width W of the annular flexible member 170 may be defined by the distance between the respective edge 172' of the first edge portion 172 and the edge 174' of the second edge portion 174. The annular flexible member 170 further includes a conveying surface S located between the first edge portion 172 and the second edge portion 174 for receiving milling material. The conveying surface S allows milling material to be conveyed from the milling assembly 112 to an auxiliary conveyor system (e.g., auxiliary conveyor system 148).

[0023] As the annular flexible member 170 moves relative to the conveyor frame 152, one or more of the conveyor surface S, the first edge portion 172, and the second edge portion 174 define a first side 176 for conveying milling material. The annular flexible member 170 further defines a second side 178 opposite to the first side 176, where there is no material on the annular flexible member 170.

[0024] The annular flexible member 170 further includes a first wall 180 extending vertically from a first edge portion 172 and a second wall 184 extending vertically from a second edge portion 174. Each of the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 is integrated into the annular flexible member 170. Each of the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 defines a width T. The width T is defined in and along the width W direction of the annular flexible member 170. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 define a height H. The height is defined in and along the direction perpendicular to the width W direction of the annular flexible member 170. In some embodiments, the height H may range from 1 to 8 inches.

[0025] In some embodiments, each of the first walls 180 may extend at an angle relative to the first edge portion 172, and the second wall 184 may extend at an angle relative to the second edge portion 174. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 may extend outward relative to the first edge portion 172 and the second edge portion 174, respectively. For example, the angle between the first wall 180 and the first edge portion 172 may range from 40 to 90 degrees. Similarly, the angle between the second wall 184 and the second edge portion 174 may range from 40 to 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 are made of the same material as the annular flexible member 170. In some embodiments, each of the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 is bonded, crosslinked, vulcanized, or mechanically joined to the delivery surface S of the annular flexible member 170 by means of an adhesive, crosslinking, vulcanization, or a fastener.

[0026] In some embodiments, the first wall 180, the second wall 184, and the conveying surface S collectively define a conveying cavity 186 to retain milling material received therein throughout the entire conveying movement of the annular flexible member 170. The conveying cavity 186 may be a U-shaped region defined by the first wall 180, the second wall 184, and the conveying surface S. The conveying cavity 188 allows milling material to be conveyed from the milling assembly 112 to an auxiliary conveyor system (e.g., auxiliary conveyor system 148) without spilling milling material from the conveyor system 140.

[0027] In some embodiments, each of the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 includes a corrugated profile C to accommodate bending in the annular flexible member 170 as it moves (e.g., circumferentially) relative to the conveyor frame 152. The corrugated profile C defines a plurality of alternating ridges and grooves that extend continuously along the circumference of the annular flexible member 170. In some embodiments, each of the alternating ridges is equidistant from each other.

[0028] In some embodiments, the first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 may be disposed outward and upward from the first wall 180 and the second wall 184, respectively. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 may be spaced apart to define a space M between them. The first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 may be disposed at least partially within the space M. The first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 may define a gap relative to the first wall 180, the second wall 184, and the conveying surface S to avoid interfering with the movement of the annular flexible member 170. Further, in some embodiments, the first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 may be disposed above the first wall 180 and the second wall 184, respectively. In some embodiments, the first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 may be made of metal, but the use of different materials is also contemplated. In the example, the first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 define a gap L with the annular flexible member 170, so that they do not come into contact with the annular flexible member 170 when the annular flexible member 170 moves. The first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 can prevent the milling material to be conveyed from overflowing around the conveyor frame 152.

[0029] Reference Figure 4The conveyor system 140 includes one or more rollers 220 (e.g., first roller 220', second roller 220'') disposed on one or more roller shafts 226. The roller shafts 226 may be mounted on a conveyor frame 152. In some embodiments, the roller shafts 226 may be mounted on the conveyor frame 152 using mounting brackets 222. In some embodiments, the mounting brackets 222 may be welded to the conveyor frame 152, although other connection methods, such as fastening, are also contemplated. The rollers 220 are generally cylindrical in shape, but other shapes are also contemplated. The rollers 220 may roll into engagement with an annular flexible member 170. In the example, the rollers 220 may be rotatably coupled to a first side 176 (e.g., conveyor surface S) of the annular flexible member 170. The rollers 220 may help to tension the annular flexible member 170 around the conveyor frame 152. As the annular flexible member 170 moves around the conveyor frame 152, the rollers 220 may help to eliminate slack in the annular flexible member 170.

[0030] Each of one or more rollers 220 defines one or more discrete roller segments 224 (e.g., a first discrete roller segment 224' and a second discrete roller segment 224'') and one or more gap segments 228 (e.g., a first gap segment 228' and a second gap segment 228''). The discrete roller segments 224 are mounted on a roller shaft 226. In some embodiments, the discrete roller segments 224 are coaxial with each other. In some embodiments, the gap segments 228 are formed by removing material from the rollers in a certain region. In some embodiments, each gap segment 228 is located between two consecutively arranged discrete roller segments 224.

[0031] One or more discrete roller segments 224 correspondingly define one or more first diameters D1. In some embodiments, the one or more first diameters may be equal. One or more gap segments 228 correspondingly define one or more second diameters D2. In some embodiments, the one or more first diameters may be equal. In some embodiments, the second diameter D2 is smaller than the first diameter D1. Further, the gap G defined by each of the one or more gap segments 228 is greater than the width T of each of the first wall 180 and the second wall 184. This allows the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 to pass through the gap segments 228 of the roller 220.

[0032] One or more discrete roller segments 224 roll into contact with one or more of the conveyor surface S, the first edge portion 172, and the second edge portion 174 of the second side 178, so that the annular flexible member 170 impacts with and is supported by the conveyor frame 152. In some embodiments, only one or more rollers 220 having discrete roller segments 224 may roll into contact with the bottom surface B opposite to the conveyor surface S of the annular flexible member 170. The rollers 220 contacting the bottom surface B of the annular flexible member 170 may consist only of discrete roller segments 224, because the bottom surface B of the annular flexible member 170 does not include any sidewalls; therefore, as the annular flexible member 170 moves around the conveyor frame 152, only the discrete roller segments 224 contact the bottom surface B of the annular flexible member 170.

[0033] Reference Figure 5 In an alternative embodiment, the rollers 220 of the conveyor system 140 may include a first discrete roller segment 224a and a second discrete roller segment 224b. The first discrete roller segment 224a and the second discrete roller segment 224b can be formed by removing material from a region R of the discrete roller segment 224 surrounding the shaft 226. Therefore, by removing material from the rollers 220, the weight of the conveyor system 140 can be reduced, thereby providing a cost-effective conveyor system 140. In some embodiments, the first discrete roller segment 224a and the second discrete roller segment 224b together form a plurality of wheels 232. The wheels 232 may contact one or more of the conveying surface S, the first edge portion 172, and the second edge portion 174. In the example, the wheels 232 may contact some portions of the conveying surface S, as well as the first edge portion 172 and the second edge portion 174.

[0034] Industrial applicability

[0035] During operation, when the milling machine 100'' is operated, the milling drum 120 rotates and breaks the surface 104 to form milled material. The milled material is then transferred to an annular flexible member 170. The annular flexible member 170 moves relative to the conveyor frame 152 to convey the milled material from the milling drum 120 to an auxiliary conveyor. To prevent the milled material from overflowing around the edges 172' and 174' of the annular flexible member 170, a first wall 180 and a second wall 184 are provided.

[0036] As the annular flexible member 170 moves relative to the conveyor frame 152, the discrete roller segment 224 correspondingly contacts one or more of the conveyor surface S, the first edge portion 172, and the second edge portion 174. Therefore, the discrete roller segment 224 impacts the conveyor frame 152 and supports the annular flexible member 170. In this situation, the gap segment 228 accordingly allows the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 to pass through, providing a passage for the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 to pass through the roller 220.

[0037] The gap section 228 helps keep the conveyor's movement undisturbed by the roller 220, thus allowing the annular flexible member 170 to operate smoothly and uninterruptedly. Furthermore, the conveyor system 140, including the annular flexible member 170 with first wall 180 and second wall 184, allows milling material to be conveyed from the milling assembly 112 to an auxiliary conveyor system (e.g., auxiliary conveyor system 148) without any spillage. Further, the first wall 180 and second wall 184 also eliminate the need for rubber wear pads or elements that might otherwise be needed to seal or close the gap between the side plates (first side plate 156 and second side plate 158) and the annular flexible member 170. Therefore, the lifespan of the conveyor system 140 is increased, and the need for replacement or adjustment of such wear pads is eliminated.

[0038] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the methods and / or systems of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. Other embodiments will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon consideration of the specification and practice of the methods and / or systems disclosed herein. This specification and examples are intended to be considered merely exemplary, and the true scope of the invention is indicated by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A conveyor system for conveying materials in a working machine, the conveyor system comprising: Conveyor frame; An annular flexible member that moves relative to the conveyor frame defines a first edge portion, a second edge portion, and a conveying surface therebetween for receiving material, a first wall extending vertically from the first edge portion, and a second wall extending vertically from the second edge portion; as well as One or more rollers, each of the one or more rollers defining one or more discrete roller segments and one or more gap segments, wherein when the annular flexible member moves relative to the conveyor frame... The one or more discrete roller segments respectively contact one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion, so that the annular flexible member impacts and supports the conveyor frame, and The one or more gaps accordingly allow the first wall and the second wall to pass through, providing a passage for the first wall and the second wall to pass through the one or more rollers.

2. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein each of the first wall and the second wall includes a corrugated profile to accommodate bending in the annular flexible member as the annular flexible member moves relative to the conveyor frame.

3. The conveyor system of claim 2, wherein the corrugated profile defines a plurality of alternating ridges and grooves that extend continuously along the circumference of the annular flexible member.

4. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein each gap segment is positioned between two consecutively arranged discrete roller segments.

5. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the one or more discrete roller segments correspondingly define one or more first diameters, and the one or more gap segments correspondingly define one or more second diameters, the one or more second diameters being smaller than the one or more first diameters.

6. The conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein: The annular flexible member can be movably wound and tensioned around the conveyor frame. As the annular flexible member moves relative to the conveyor frame, one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion define a first side for conveying the material and a second side opposite the first side where the annular flexible member does not contain the material. The one or more discrete roller segments roll into contact with one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion on the second side, so that the annular flexible member impacts the conveyor frame and supports the annular flexible member.

7. The conveyor system according to claim 1, further comprising a first side plate and a second side plate connected to the conveyor frame, and respectively disposed outward and upward from the first wall and the second wall to define a gap with the annular flexible member.

8. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the conveying surface together define a conveying cavity to retain the material received therein throughout the conveying motion of the annular flexible member.

9. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more gap segments defines a gap larger than the maximum width of each of the first wall and the second wall.

10. The conveyor system of claim 1, wherein the first wall and the second wall are integrally formed with the annular flexible member and are made of the same material as the annular flexible member.

11. A milling machine, comprising: Machine frame; A milling assembly is coupled to the machine frame and includes a milling drum for milling material from a surface located below the milling machine; A conveyor system for conveying the material away from the milling assembly to remove the material from the milling assembly, the conveyor system comprising: Conveyor frame; An annular flexible member that moves relative to the conveyor frame, the annular flexible member defining a first edge portion, a second edge portion, and a conveying surface therebetween for receiving the material, a first wall extending vertically from the first edge portion, and a second wall extending vertically from the second edge portion; and One or more rollers, each of the one or more rollers defining one or more discrete roller segments and one or more gap segments, wherein when the annular flexible member moves relative to the conveyor frame... The one or more discrete roller segments respectively contact one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion, so that the annular flexible member impacts and supports the conveyor frame, and The one or more gaps accordingly allow the first wall and the second wall to pass through, providing a passage for the first wall and the second wall to pass through the one or more rollers.

12. The milling machine of claim 11, wherein each of the first wall and the second wall includes a corrugated profile to accommodate bending in the annular flexible member as the annular flexible member moves relative to the conveyor frame.

13. The milling machine of claim 12, wherein the corrugated profile defines a plurality of alternating ridges and grooves that extend continuously along the circumference of the annular flexible member.

14. The milling machine of claim 11, wherein each gap segment is positioned between two consecutively arranged discrete roller segments.

15. The milling machine of claim 11, wherein the one or more discrete roller segments correspondingly define one or more first diameters, and the one or more gap segments correspondingly define one or more second diameters, the one or more second diameters being smaller than the one or more first diameters.

16. The milling machine according to claim 11, wherein The annular flexible member can be movably wound and tensioned around the conveyor frame. As the annular flexible member moves relative to the conveyor frame, one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion define a first side for conveying the material and a second side opposite the first side where the annular flexible member does not contain the material. The one or more discrete roller segments roll into contact with one or more of the conveying surface, the first edge portion, and the second edge portion on the second side, so that the annular flexible member impacts the conveyor frame and supports the annular flexible member.

17. The milling machine of claim 11, further comprising a first side plate and a second side plate connected to the conveyor frame and disposed outward and upward from the first wall and the second wall respectively, to define a gap with the annular flexible member.

18. The milling machine of claim 11, wherein the first wall, the second wall, and the conveying surface together define a conveying cavity to retain the material received therein throughout the entire conveying movement of the annular flexible member.

19. The milling machine of claim 11, wherein each of the one or more gap segments defines a gap larger than the maximum width of each of the first wall and the second wall.

20. The milling machine of claim 11, wherein the first wall and the second wall are integrally formed with the annular flexible member and are made of the same material as the annular flexible member.

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