Conveyor system for conveying materials in work machines

Abstract

A conveying system for transporting materials within a machine. The conveying system comprises a conveying frame and an endless flexible element that can move relative to the conveying frame. The endless flexible element defines a first edge region, a second edge region, and an intermediate conveying area for receiving the materials. The endless flexible element further comprises a first wall extending vertically from the first edge region and a second wall extending vertically from the second edge region. The conveying system also includes one or more rollers, which define one or more discrete roller segments and one or more free-space segments.As the endless flexible element moves in relation to the conveyor frame, the discrete roller segments touch one or more of the conveyor surfaces, the first edge area and the second edge area, and the free space segments maintain a corresponding distance to the first wall and the second wall.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to conveying systems in construction machinery. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a conveying system that includes a conveyor belt with upright walls to retain ground materials during transport. State of the art

[0002] Machines, such as milling machines, generally include one or more conveyor assemblies. A conveyor assembly typically comprises a conveyor belt (or an endless flexible element) that can pick up materials (e.g., milled material) from a milling operation performed by the machine. The conveyor belt can be used to transport the picked-up material away from the machine via a conveying operation of the conveyor assembly.

[0003] The materials conveyed generally include granular materials such as asphalt, bitumen, and / or concrete. Such granular materials can shift or be pushed around during conveying, potentially escaping or spilling along one or more sides of the conveyor belt, for example, due to vibrations associated with conveying operations. To prevent material spillage, side plates can be fitted to the sides of the conveyor belt. Additionally, rubberized wear pads or elements can seal or close any gap between the side plates and the conveyor belt. However, prolonged contact between such elements and a moving conveyor belt can cause wear on these elements, which in turn exposes the gap between the side plates and the conveyor belt, potentially leading to material spillage.Therefore, an adjustment or replacement of such elements is often necessary.

[0004] Chinese patent publication No. CN202170718U discloses a conveyor belt with raised edges to prevent material splashing, addressing the technical problems of raised edges and cross walls easily loosening and becoming damaged in bolted connections, and of materials easily overflowing and splashing, among others. The conveyor belt with raised edges comprises a base belt, two corrugated raised edges, and cross walls. The two corrugated raised edges are arranged on the base belt, the cross walls are positioned between the two corrugated raised edges, each end of a cross wall forms a retaining plate integrated with the cross wall, and the cross walls are attached to the crests of the corrugated raised edges.The retaining plates project forward and are inserted into grooves in the wave-shaped raised edges, so that when the conveyor belt is conveyed to a roller, no gaps form between the wave-shaped raised edges and the cross walls, even though the wave-shaped raised edges expand, and overflow and splashing of the bulk materials is effectively prevented. Summary of the invention

[0005] In one embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a conveying system for transporting materials in a machine. The conveying system includes a conveying frame and an endless flexible element that can move relative to the conveying frame. The endless flexible element defines a first edge region, a second edge region, and an intermediate conveying surface for receiving the materials. The endless flexible element further includes a first wall extending vertically from the first edge region and a second wall extending vertically from the second edge region. The conveying system further includes one or more rollers. Each roller defines one or more discrete roller segments and one or more free-space segments.As the continuous flexible element moves relative to the conveyor frame, the discrete roller segments contact one or more of the conveyor surfaces, the first edge section, and the second edge section, respectively, to engage and support the continuous flexible element with the conveyor frame. The one or more clearance segments clear the first and second walls, thus allowing passage to the first and second walls over the one or more rollers.

[0006] In a further embodiment, the present disclosure relates to a milling machine comprising a machine frame and a milling device connected to the machine frame, the milling device including a milling drum for milling materials from a surface located below the milling machine. The milling machine further includes a conveying system for conveying the materials away from the milling device in order to clear the milling device of the materials. The conveying system includes a conveying frame and an endless flexible element that can move relative to the conveying frame. The endless flexible element defines a first edge region, a second edge region, and an intermediate conveying area for receiving the materials. The endless flexible element further includes a first wall extending vertically from the first edge region and a second wall extending vertically from the second edge region.The conveying system further includes one or more rollers. Each roller defines one or more discrete roller segments and one or more clearance segments. As the continuous flexible element moves relative to the conveying frame, the discrete roller segments contact one or more of the conveying surfaces, the first edge section, and the second edge section, respectively, to engage and support the continuous flexible element with the conveying frame. The one or more clearance segments clear the first and second walls, thus allowing passage to the first and second walls over the one or more rollers. Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a side view of a milling machine according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. Figure 2 is a perspective view of a conveyor system of the milling machine. Fig. 1 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; Fig. 3 is a top view of the conveyor system made of Fig. 2 according to some embodiments of the present disclosure; and Fig. 4-5 are partial views of a subside of the conveyor system. Fig. 2 with rollers having discrete roller segments and free space segments according to various embodiments of the present disclosure. Detailed description

[0007] Specific embodiments or features will now be discussed in detail, examples of which are shown in the accompanying drawings. Where possible, the same reference numerals are used in the drawings to indicate identical or similar parts.

[0008] With reference to Fig. In Section 1, an exemplary working machine 100 is disclosed. The working machine 100 may include a road construction machine 100', for example, a milling machine 100". Although the milling machine 100" is disclosed, the working machine 100 may also include other road construction machines 100', such as a road / pavement profiler, a road milling machine, and / or any machine that may use or include a conveying system and is applicable to the aspects of this disclosure. The milling machine 100 may be used to perform a road construction operation, for example, a milling operation to modify a surface 104 below the milling machine 100". The milling operation may, for example, include breaking up, removing, mixing, and / or recovering material from the surface 104.Surface 104 can be a worn surface of a roadway made of one or more of the materials asphalt, bitumen, concrete and / or other road surface materials.

[0009] The milling machine 100" can include a machine frame 108 and a milling attachment 112. The milling attachment 112 can be connected to the machine frame 108. The milling attachment 112 can be used to mill materials from a surface 104 located below the milling machine 100". The milling assembly 112 can further include a milling chamber 116 and a milling drum 120. The milling chamber 116 can be supported by and / or suspended from the machine frame 108 of the milling machine 100". The milling drum 120 can be housed within the milling chamber 116. During the milling process, the milling drum 120 can engage and mill the surface 104 to produce or obtain milled materials.

[0010] The milling machine 100" can further include an operator station 124 configured to accommodate one or more operators of the milling machine 100. The operator station 124 can include one or more controls, which may include one or more control panels, levers, steering units, etc., as well as one or more input / output devices, which may include one or more displays, acoustic units, touchscreens, and the like. The milling machine 100" further includes a power source 128 configured to drive the movement of the milling machine 100" on the surface 104 for milling the surface 104. The power source 128 can include an internal combustion engine, a gas turbine, or any other drive system known in the field. In some embodiments, the power source 128 can be an electrical power source and may include batteries, fuel cells, and the like.

[0011] The milling machine 100" further comprises a set of drive units 132. The drive units 132 can support the machine frame 108 above the surface 104. The drive units 132 can be powered by the energy source 128 to move the milling machine 100 over the surface 104. The drive units 132 can include, among other things, tracks, wheels, or a combination thereof. In one example, the milling machine 100" can include four drive units (e.g., one at each corner of the machine frame 108 of the milling machine 100"), although a smaller or larger number of drive units 132 can also be considered. In some embodiments, the drive units 132 can include front drive units 132' and rear drive units 132".

[0012] The milling machine 100" also includes a conveying system 140 for conveying the materials away from the milling assembly 112. The conveying system 140 is configured to pick up the milled materials (e.g., those produced during the milling process) and transport these milled materials from the milling assembly 112 to a storage position or a loading area of ​​a transport vehicle (e.g., a dump truck) (not shown) that can move in front of the milling machine 100" during the milling process.

[0013] In some embodiments, the conveying system 140 can be a primary conveying system 144 or a secondary conveying system 148. The primary conveying system 144 can be located closer to the milling assembly 112 to receive and remove the milled materials from the milling chamber 116. Furthermore, the secondary conveying system 148 can be arranged to receive the milled materials from the primary conveying system 144 and transfer them further away from the milling machine 100. The secondary conveying system 148 can be movable relative to the machine frame 108 to be aligned with the tipping body of the dump truck. Aspects of this disclosure can be applied to the primary conveying system 144 and / or the secondary conveying system 148.

[0014] With reference to the Fig. 2 and Fig. Section 3 now explains the conveying system 140. One or more aspects of the conveying system 140 are described in relation to the primary conveying system 144. The description for the primary conveying system 144 can also be appropriately applied to the secondary conveying system 148. The conveying system 140 includes a conveying frame 152. The conveying frame 152 can have a generally elongated profile with end sections 154 (e.g., a first end section 154' and a second end section 154"). The end sections 154 can be arranged opposite each other.

[0015] In some embodiments, the conveying system 140 may include a first side plate 156 and a second side plate 158 connected to the conveying frame 152. The first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 may be connected to the conveying frame 152 using a variety of brackets 160 and fasteners 162. The conveying system 140 may further include a rotating assembly 164. The rotating assembly 164 may include a rotor 166, which is attached to the conveying frame 152 using a bracket 168. In some embodiments, the bracket 168 may be connected to the conveying frame 152 by welding, although other connecting means, such as fasteners, may also be considered. In some embodiments, the rotating assembly 164 may be attached to the first end region 154' of the conveying frame 152.The rotor 166 can be rotated using an electric motor (not shown), although other means of rotating the rotor 166 may also be considered.

[0016] The conveying system 140 further includes an endless flexible element 170 configured to move relative to the conveying frame 152. In one example, the endless flexible element 170 is movably wrapped and tensioned around the conveying frame 152. The endless flexible element 170 can be a conveyor belt 170'. In some embodiments, the endless flexible element 170 can be formed from an elastomeric material such as rubber, which may include fabric reinforcements or similar materials.

[0017] The endless flexible element 170 can convey the milled materials from the milling assembly 112 to an auxiliary conveying system (e.g., a secondary conveying system 148). In some embodiments, the primary conveying system 144 can convey the milled materials from the milling assembly 112 to the secondary conveying system 148, and the secondary conveying system 148 can convey the milled materials to the dump truck. In some embodiments, the endless flexible element 170 moves around the conveying frame 152 using the rotary device 164. In one example, the rotor 166 moves the endless flexible element 170 around the conveying frame 152 so that the conveyor can transfer the milled materials from the milling assembly 112 to the auxiliary conveying system (e.g., secondary conveying system 148).

[0018] The endless flexible element 170 can include a first edge section 172 and a second edge section 174. The first edge section 172 and the second edge section 174 can each define corresponding edges 172' and 174'. A width W of the endless flexible element 170 can be defined by a distance between the corresponding edge 172' of the first edge section 172 and the edge 174' of the second edge section 174. The endless flexible element 170 further includes a conveying surface S between the first edge section 172 and the second edge section 174 for receiving the milled materials. The conveying surface S enables the milled material to be conveyed from the milling assembly 112 to the auxiliary conveying system (e.g., the secondary conveying system 148).

[0019] When the endless flexible element 170 moves relative to the conveying frame 152, one or more of the conveying surfaces S, the first edge section 172, and the second edge section 174 define a first side 176 at which the ground materials are conveyed. The endless flexible element 170 further defines a second side 178 opposite the first side 176 at which the endless flexible element 170 is free of materials.

[0020] The endless flexible element 170 further comprises a first wall 180 extending vertically from the first edge section 172, and a second wall 184 extending vertically from the second edge section 174. Both the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 are integrated into the endless flexible element 170. Both the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 define a width T. The width T is defined in and along a direction of the width W of the endless flexible element 170. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 define a height H. The height is defined in and along a direction perpendicular to the direction of the width W of the endless flexible element 170. In some embodiments, the height H may be in the range of 1 to 8 inches.

[0021] In some embodiments, each of the first walls 180 can extend at an angle from the first edge section 172, and the second wall 184 can extend at an angle from the second edge section 174. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 can each extend outwards with respect to the first edge section 172 and the second edge section 174, respectively. For example, an angle between the first wall 180 and the first edge section 172 can be between 40 and 90 degrees. Similarly, an angle between the second wall 184 and the second edge section 174 can be between 40 and 90 degrees. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 are made of the same material as the endless flexible element 170.In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 are each connected to each other on the conveying surface S of the endless flexible element 170 by gluing, crosslinking, vulcanizing or by mechanical means such as fasteners and the like.

[0022] In some embodiments, the first wall 180, the second wall 184, and the conveying surface S together form a conveying cavity 186 to retain the milled materials contained therein during a conveying movement of the endless flexible element 170. The conveying cavity 186 can be a U-shaped area defined by the first wall 180, the second wall 184, and the conveying surface S. The conveying cavity 186 enables the milled material to be conveyed from the milling assembly 112 to the auxiliary conveying system (e.g., secondary conveying system 148) without the milled material spilling out of the conveying system 140.

[0023] In some embodiments, both the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 incorporate a corrugated profile C to accommodate bends in the endless flexible element 170 as the endless flexible element 170 moves relative to the conveyor frame 152 (e.g., around it). The corrugated profile C defines a plurality of alternating ribs and grooves that extend serially along one circumference of the endless flexible element 170. In some embodiments, the alternating ribs are spaced at equal intervals.

[0024] In some embodiments, the first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 can each be arranged outwards and upwards from the first wall 180 and the second wall 184, respectively. In some embodiments, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 can be spaced apart from each other to define a space M between them. The first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 can be arranged at least partially within the space M. The first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 can define a distance from the first wall 180, the second wall 184, and the conveying surface S so as not to impede the movement of the endless flexible element 170. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 can each be arranged 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 can be made of metal, although other materials are also possible. In one example, the first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 define a gap L to the endless flexible element 170, so that they do not touch the endless flexible element 170 when the endless flexible element 170 is moved. The first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158 can protect the milled material being conveyed from spilling around the conveying frame 152.

[0025] With reference to Fig. 4. The conveying system 140 includes one or more rollers 220 (e.g., a first roller 220', a second roller 220") arranged on one or more roller shafts 226. The roller shaft 226 can be attached to the conveying frame 152. In some embodiments, the roller shaft 226 can be attached to the conveying frame 152 using mounting brackets 222. In some embodiments, the mounting brackets 222 can be connected to the conveying frame 152 by welding, although other connecting means, such as fasteners, are also possible. The rollers 220 can generally have a cylindrical shape, although other shapes are also possible. The rollers 220 can be in rolling contact with the endless flexible element 170. In one example, the rollers 220 can be rotatably connected to the first side 176 (e.g., the conveying surface S) of the endless flexible element 170.The rollers 220 can help to tension the endless flexible element 170 around the conveyor frame 152. The rollers 220 can help to remove sag from the endless flexible element 170 as the endless flexible element 170 moves around the conveyor frame 152.

[0026] Each roller 220 of the 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 free space segments 228 (e.g., a first free space segment 228' and a second free space segment 228"). The discrete roller segments 224 are mounted on the roller shaft 226. In some embodiments, the discrete roller segments 224 are arranged coaxially with respect to one another. In some embodiments, the free space segments 228 can be formed by removing material from the roller in a specific area. In some embodiments, each free space segment 228 is positioned between two consecutively arranged discrete roller segments 224.

[0027] The one or more discrete roller segments 224 define one or more first diameters D1. In some embodiments, the one or more first diameters may be the same. The one or more clearance segments 228 define one or more second diameters D2. In some embodiments, the one or more first diameters may be the same. In some embodiments, the second diameter D2 is smaller than the first diameter D1. Furthermore, each clearance segment 228 of the one or more clearance segments 228 defines a gap G that is larger than the width T 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 clearance segment 228 of the rollers 220.

[0028] The one or more discrete roller segments 224 are in rolling contact with one or more of the conveying surfaces S, the first edge section 172 and the second edge section 174 of the second side 178, in order to touch and support the endless flexible element 170 with the conveying frame 152. In some embodiments, one or more rollers 220 with only discrete roller segments 224 can be in rolling contact with a base surface, B, which is arranged opposite the conveying surface S of the endless flexible element 170. The rollers 220, which are in contact with the underside, B, of the endless flexible element 170, can only include discrete roller segments 224, since the underside, B, of the endless flexible element 170 has no side wall and therefore only the discrete roller segments 224 come into contact with the underside, B, of the endless flexible element 170 when the endless flexible element 170 moves around the conveyor frame 152.

[0029] With reference to Fig.In an alternative embodiment, the rollers 220 of the conveying system 140 can comprise first discrete roller segments 224a and second discrete roller segments 224b. The first discrete roller segments 224a and the second discrete roller segments 224b can be formed by removing material from a region, R, of the discrete roller segment 224 around the shaft 226. By removing material from the rollers 220, the weight of the conveying system 140 can therefore be reduced, thus providing a cost-effective conveying system 140. In some embodiments, the first discrete roller segments 224a and the second discrete roller segments 224b together form a plurality of wheels 232. The wheels 232 can come into contact with one or more of the conveying surface, S, the first edge section 172, and the second edge section 174.In one example, the wheels 232 can come into contact with some sections of the conveying surface, S, the first edge section 172 and the second edge section 174. Industrial applicability

[0030] During operation, the milling drum 120 rotates when the milling machine 100 is running and breaks up the surface 104 to form the milled material. The milled material is then transferred to the endless flexible element 170. The endless flexible element 170 moves relative to the conveyor frame 152 to convey the milled material from the milling drum 120 to the auxiliary conveyor. To prevent spillage of the milled material at the edges 172' and 174' of the endless flexible element 170, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 are provided.

[0031] When the endless flexible element 170 moves relative to the conveyor frame 152, the discrete roller segments 224 contact one or more of the conveyor surfaces S, the first edge region 172, and the second edge region 174. The discrete roller segments 224 thus abut the endless flexible element 170 and support it with the conveyor frame 152. In this case, the clearance segments 228 release the first wall 180 and the second wall 184, providing a passage to the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 via the rollers 220.

[0032] The clearance segments 228 ensure that the movement of the conveyor is not affected by the rollers 220, thus enabling smooth and uninterrupted operation of the endless flexible element 170. Furthermore, the conveyor system 140, which incorporates the endless flexible element 170 with the first wall 180 and the second wall 184, allows the milled material to be conveyed from the milling assembly 112 to the auxiliary conveying system (e.g., secondary conveying system 148) without spillage. In addition, the first wall 180 and the second wall 184 also eliminate the need for rubberized wear pads or elements that would otherwise be required to seal or close a gap between the side plates (the first side plate 156 and the second side plate 158) and the endless flexible element 170.This increases the service life of the conveyor system 140 and eliminates the need to adjust or replace such wear pads.

[0033] It will be clear to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made to the method and / or system of the present disclosure without departing from the scope of the disclosure. Other embodiments will be apparent to those skilled in the art from a review of the patent specification and the practice of the method and / or system disclosed herein. It is intended that the patent specification and the examples given are to be considered merely illustrative, with the true scope of the disclosure being specified by the following claims and their equivalents. QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] CN 202170718U

[0004]

Claims

[1] Conveyor system for conveying materials in a working machine, wherein the conveying system comprises: a funding framework; an endless flexible element that moves in relation to the conveying frame, wherein the endless flexible element defines a first edge section, a second edge section and an intermediate conveying surface for receiving the materials, a first wall extending vertically from the first edge section, a second wall extending vertically from the second edge section; and one or more rollers, each roller of the one or more rollers defining one or more discrete roller segments and one or more free space segments, wherein, as the endless flexible element moves with respect to the conveyor frame, the one or more discrete roller segments come into contact with one or more of the conveying surfaces, the first edge section and the second edge section, in order to engage and support the endless flexible element with the conveying frame, and the one or more free space segments which clear the first wall and the second wall accordingly, thus enabling passage to the first wall and the second wall via the one or more rollers. [2] Conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein both the first wall and the second wall include a corrugated profile to accommodate bends of the endless flexible element when the endless flexible element moves relative to the conveyor frame. [3] Conveyor system according to claim 2, wherein the corrugated profile defines a plurality of alternating ribs and grooves extending serially along a circumference of the endless flexible element. [4] Conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein each free space segment is positioned between two successively arranged discrete roller segments. [5] Conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the one or more discrete roller segments define one or more first diameters and the one or more free space segments define one or more second diameters, wherein the one or more second diameters are smaller than the one or more first diameters. [6] Conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein: the endless flexible element is movably wrapped and tensioned around the conveyor frame, When the endless flexible element moves relative to the conveying frame, one or more of the conveying surfaces, the first edge section and the second edge section define a first side where materials are conveyed, and a second side opposite the first side where the endless flexible element is free of materials. The one or more discrete roller segments are in rolling contact with one or more conveying surfaces, the first edge section and / or the second edge section of the second side, in order to engage and support the endless flexible element with the conveying frame. [7] Conveyor system according to claim 1, further comprising a first side plate and a second side plate connected to the conveyor frame and each arranged outside and above the first wall and the second wall to form a gap with the endless flexible element. [8] Conveying system according to claim 1, wherein the first wall, the second wall and the conveying surface together form a conveying cavity to retain the materials contained therein during a conveying movement of the endless flexible element. [9] Conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein each free space segment of the one or more free space segments defines a gap which is larger than the maximum width of the first wall or the second wall. [10] Conveyor system according to claim 1, wherein the first wall and the second wall are integrally formed with the endless flexible element and are made of the same material as the endless flexible element. [11] Milling machine, comprising: a machine frame; a milling assembly that is connected to the machine frame and includes a milling drum for milling materials from a surface located below the milling machine; a conveying system for conveying the materials away from the milling assembly in order to free the milling assembly from the materials, wherein the conveying system comprises: a funding framework; an endless flexible element that moves in relation to the conveying frame, wherein the endless flexible element defines a first edge section, a second edge section and an intermediate conveying surface for receiving the materials, a first wall extending vertically from the first edge section, a second wall extending vertically from the second edge section; and one or more rollers, each roller of the one or more rollers defining one or more discrete roller segments and one or more free space segments, wherein, as the endless flexible element moves with respect to the conveyor frame, the one or more discrete roller segments come into contact with one or more of the conveying surfaces, the first edge section and the second edge section, in order to engage and support the endless flexible element with the conveying frame, and Clear one or more free space segments accordingly, clearing the first wall and the second wall, thus enabling passage to the first wall and the second wall via one or more rollers. [12] Milling machine according to claim 11, wherein both the first wall and the second wall include a corrugated profile to accommodate bending of the endless flexible element when the endless flexible element moves relative to the conveyor frame. [13] Milling machine according to claim 12, wherein the corrugated profile defines a plurality of alternating ribs and grooves extending serially along a circumference of the endless flexible element. [14] Milling machine according to claim 11, wherein each free space segment is positioned between two successively arranged discrete roller segments. [15] Milling machine according to claim 11, wherein the one or more discrete roller segments define one or more first diameters and the one or more clearance segments define one or more second diameters, wherein the one or more second diameters are smaller than the one or more first diameters. [16] Milling machine according to claim 11, wherein the endless flexible element is movably wrapped and tensioned around the conveyor frame, When the endless flexible element moves relative to the conveying frame, one or more of the conveying surfaces, the first edge section and the second edge section define a first side where materials are conveyed, and a second side opposite the first side where the endless flexible element is free of materials. The one or more discrete roller segments are in rolling contact with the conveying surface, the first edge section and / or the second edge section of the second side in order to engage and support the endless flexible element with the conveying frame. [17] Milling machine according to claim 11, further comprising a first side plate and a second side plate connected to the conveyor frame and each arranged outside and above the first wall and the second wall to define a gap with the endless flexible element. [18] Milling machine according to claim 11, wherein the first wall, the second wall and the conveying surface together form a conveying cavity to retain the materials received therein during a conveying movement of the endless flexible element. [19] Milling machine according to claim 11, wherein each free space segment of the one or more free space segments defines a gap which is larger than the maximum width of the first wall or the second wall. [20] Milling machine according to claim 11, wherein the first wall and the second wall are integrally formed with the endless flexible element and are made of the same material as the endless flexible element.

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