SUPPORT FRAME FOR BELT CONVEYORS, CONVEYORS AND CORRESPONDING ASSEMBLY PROCEDURE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates, in a first aspect, to a support frame for a belt conveyor.

[0002] Belt conveyors are commonly used on construction sites to transport excavated or backfill materials, eliminating the need for vehicles such as trucks. These conveyors consist of a series of support frames arranged one after the other, with the moving belt supported by these frames along its entire length. These support frames typically include a base onto which belt support stations are mounted, for example, using clamping nuts.

[0003] On construction sites, especially very large ones, it is necessary to have conveyors that can be easily installed and dismantled.

[0004] Support frames made up of a set of metal profiles bolted together are known. Installing such a conveyor requires assembling all the frames on site, then completely dismantling them for possible reassembly of the conveyor at another location on the site.

[0005] The structure of this type of conveyor makes assembly and disassembly long and tedious.

[0006] Other belt conveyor support frames are known from documents FR 2 133 531 A1, which discloses a belt conveyor support frame according to the preamble of claim 1, FR 2 824 816 A1 and FR 3 029 184 A1.

[0007] The invention aims to provide a support frame for a belt conveyor that can be assembled and disassembled easily and quickly, and to facilitate storage by reducing the number of parts required.

[0008] For this purpose, the invention relates to a support frame for a belt conveyor as described in claim 1.

[0009] This makes assembling the support frame quick and easy. The frame has a limited number of components. The frame components are assembled by inserting the ends of the support elements into the retaining stations without the need for bolts. The retaining stations ensure the support frame is securely held in place. Each upper belt support station is easily installed by the operator as it rests directly on the frame. Therefore, a single operator can assemble the support frame.

[0010] According to particular embodiments, the support frame comprises one or more of the features described in claims 2 to 6, taken individually or in all technically possible combinations.

[0011] The invention also relates, according to a second aspect, to a belt conveyor according to claim 7.

[0012] The invention relates, according to a third aspect, to a method of mounting a support frame as described above, according to claim 8.

[0013] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following description, given solely by way of example and with reference to the attached drawings, among which: [ Fig 1 ] ] Fig 2 ] THE figures 1 And 2 are perspective views of a support frame for a belt conveyor according to the invention, [ Fig 3 ] there figure 3 is a side view of the support chassis of the figures 1 And 2 , [ Fig 4 ] ] Fig 5 ] ] Fig 6 ] ] Fig 7 ] ] Fig 8 ] THE figures 4 à 8 are detailed views of certain elements of the support chassis of the figures 1 And 2 .

[0014] We have represented on the figures 1 à 3 a support frame 10 for belt conveyor according to the invention.

[0015] The support frame 10 is intended for use in a belt conveyor comprising a plurality of such support frames 10 arranged one after the other along the length of the conveyor. In the following description, reference is made to a longitudinal direction L corresponding to the length of the conveyor, i.e., the direction of movement of the belt. The transverse direction T, substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, corresponds to the width of the conveyor. The vertical direction Z corresponds to the height of the conveyor. It is substantially perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction L and the transverse direction T.

[0016] In the following description, the terms "upper" and "lower" are relative to the Z elevation direction. Thus, an "upper" element is positioned above a "lower" element along the Z elevation direction.

[0017] The belt conveyor comprises a transport belt (not shown), known from the prior art, folded back on itself, and a belt drive device (not shown) to set the belt in motion, also known from the prior art.

[0018] The strip is folded back on itself to form a loop.

[0019] The belt comprises an upper strand for transporting the products and a lower strand allowing the belt to return in the opposite direction to the direction of product transport.

[0020] The support frames 10 are, for example, regularly distributed along the longitudinal direction, for example spaced 5 to 10 m apart.

[0021] Each support frame 10 includes a frame 12, at least one upper tape support station 14, at least one removable assembly member 16 for fixing the upper tape support station 14 to the frame 12, and at least two holding stations 18.

[0022] In the illustrated example, the support frame 10 has exactly two upper belt support stations 14 mounted on the frame 12 and exactly two holding stations 18.

[0023] Advantageously, in the embodiment presented, the support frame 10 further comprises two hoops 20 mounted on the upper belt support stations 14, four hoop support members 22 mounted on the upper belt support stations 14 and a tarpaulin 24.

[0024] According to the invention, the frame 12 comprises two support elements 26, preferably identical to each other. Each support element 26 extends along a principal direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L. In other words, the two support elements 26 extend along parallel directions. Each support element 26 comprises a main section 28 and two end sections 30 arranged on either side of the main section 28. The main section 28 and the end sections 30 are, for example, connected to each other by angled sections 32. The main section 28 extends along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L. The end sections 30 each extend along a direction substantially parallel to the elevation direction Z.

[0025] Each support element 26 is, for example, tubular. Each support element 26 is, for example, made in one piece, that is to say that the main section 28, the end sections 30 and any bent sections 32 are made from a single piece of material.

[0026] Alternatively, each support element 26 is formed by assembling a plurality of interlocking elements. This facilitates the transport of the various elements forming the frame 12.

[0027] Alternatively, each support element 26 is formed by welding a plurality of elements.

[0028] The end sections 30 are received in part in the maintenance stations 18.

[0029] The support stations 18 are intended to hold the support elements 26. The support stations 18 are intended to be in contact with the ground on which the support frame 10 is placed. The support stations 18 extend in directions substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. Each support station 18 defines two housings 34 ( figure 4 ) each extending along a principal direction substantially parallel to the Z-axis elevation direction. The housings 34 are located at each end of the support stations 18. The distance along the transverse direction T between the two support elements 26 is, for example, between 1 m and 2 m. Each housing 34 comprises a lower portion 36 and an upper portion 38 along the principal direction of the housing 34. Advantageously, at least the lower portion 36 has a polygonal cross-section along a plane substantially perpendicular to the principal direction. For example, the cross-section is pentagonal. This prevents the rotation of the ends of the support elements 26 along the Z-axis.

[0030] The end of the support elements 26, i.e., at least a portion of the end sections 30, received in the housing 34, has an additional cross-section. This ensures secure retention by locking the support elements 26 in the retaining stations 18.

[0031] The support stations 18 are preferably made of concrete. This allows the support frame 10 to be weighted on the ground, improving its stability.

[0032] The support frame 10 preferably includes two upper belt support stations 14 resting on the support elements 26 in directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L, i.e. substantially parallel to the transverse direction T.

[0033] The 14 upper tape support stations support the upper strand of the tape.

[0034] Each upper belt support station 14 comprises a support 40 formed, for example, by an angled element. In particular, the support 40 includes a central portion 42 and two lateral portions 44 connected to the central portion 42 and extending on either side of it. The central portion 42 extends primarily in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. Each lateral portion 44 extends in a direction forming an angle between 20° and 60° with the principal direction of extension of the central portion 42.

[0035] The support 40 comprises on its upper surface 46 legs 48 and a plurality of rotating rollers 50 carried by the legs 48. The rotating rollers 50 are arranged along the extension direction of the support 40. The rotating rollers 50 define a recessed bearing surface 52 that receives the belt. In particular, in the illustrated example, each upper belt support station 14 comprises three rotating rollers 50 fixed respectively to each of the central 42 and lateral 44 portions of the support.

[0036] Each upper belt support station 14 extends between two ends 54. Each end 54 partially surrounds one of the two support elements 26 of the frame 12 around a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction L ( figure 5 ).

[0037] In particular, the upper support station 14 of the belt includes a retaining tab 56 fixed to each end of the lateral portions 44 of the support 40. The retaining tab 56 preferably extends in a direction substantially perpendicular to the principal direction of extension of the corresponding lateral portion 44. The retaining tab 56 preferably defines at least two through openings receiving a portion of the removable assembly member 16.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the support frame 10 includes two removable assembly members 16 for fixing each upper band support station 14, in particular at each of the ends 54.

[0039] Each removable assembly member 16 includes, for example, a clip 58 and a locking member 60. The locking member 60 is, for example, a flat.

[0040] The clip 58 is, for example, formed by a deformed rod. The clip 58 comprises two ends 62 and a retaining space 63 between the two ends 62. The retaining space 63 surrounds the end 54 of the upper belt support station 14. The ends 62 of the clip 58 are curved and received through the through openings of the retaining tab 56. The ends 62 and the retaining tab 56 internally define two spaces between them that receive the locking member 60. Thus, the locking member 60 secures the clip 58 around the end 54 of the upper belt support station 14 and the support element 26 of the frame 12.

[0041] Preferably, as illustrated on the figure 1 à 3 , the support chassis 10 includes at least one lower station 64 of tape support.

[0042] The lower tape support station 64 supports the lower strand of the tape.

[0043] The lower belt support station 64 comprises, for example, a support 66 and a plurality of rotating rollers 68 mounted on the support 66. In the illustrated example ( figure 3 The lower belt support station 64 comprises exactly three rotating rollers 68, and in particular a central roller 67 and two lateral rollers 69 on either side of the central roller. The rotating rollers 68 define a recessed bearing surface 70 that receives the belt, and in particular the lower strand of the belt. In the illustrated example, the support 66 defines two through-holes.

[0044] More specifically, in the illustrated example, the support 66 comprises two support members 94, each freely received in an orifice of the holding station 18. Each support member 94 supports one end of the central rotating roller 68 and one of the lateral rotating rollers 69.

[0045] Each support element 94 is rotatable relative to the holding station 18 along an axis of rotation substantially parallel to the Z-axis of elevation and passing through the opening in the holding station 18. This allows adjustment of the relative position of the lateral rotating rollers 69 with respect to the central rotating roller 67, particularly in conveyor curves. Specifically, the support elements 94 can be positioned independently of each other on the holding station 18. Each support element 94 defines a through-opening.

[0046] Each support element 94 is mounted on the holding station 18 by means of a removable assembly device 72.

[0047] For example, as can be seen in particular on the figure 8 Each assembly device 72 comprises a pin 74 projecting from an upper surface 76 of the holding station 18 and passing through the through opening of the support member 94. The pin 74 has a rod 78 fixed to the holding station 18, and a head 80 connected to the rod 78. The assembly device 72 further comprises a locking element 82 interposed between the head 80 and the support member 94 of the lower belt support station 64.

[0048] Each roll bar support component 22 ( figure 7 ) comprises a first portion 84 mounted by fitting onto the upper band support station 14, and a second portion 86 receiving by fitting one end 88 of the hoop 20.

[0049] In particular, in the embodiment shown, each end 54 of the upper band support station 14 defines a housing receiving the first portion 84 of the hoop support member 22.

[0050] Alternatively, the first portion 84 of the hoop support member 22 defines a housing receiving the end 54 of the upper band support station 14.

[0051] Similarly, the end 88 of the hoop 20 defines a housing receiving the second portion 86 of the hoop support member 22.

[0052] Alternatively, the second portion 86 of the hoop support member 22 defines a housing receiving the end 88 of the hoop 20.

[0053] Advantageously, the hoop support member 22 defines a receiving housing 90 for retaining a cable, for example, a cable connected to an emergency stop system for the conveyor. Alternatively or in addition, the hoop support member 22 further defines a passage 92 for receiving at least one fastening element for the tarpaulin 24, such as a strap.

[0054] The support element for the hoop 22 is, for example, made of plastic.

[0055] For example, the roll bar support element 22 is obtained by molding.

[0056] The support frame 10 includes as many hoops 20 as there are upper belt support stations 14. In the illustrated example, the support frame 10 includes two hoops 20 arranged above each of the upper belt support stations 14 along the Z-axis elevation direction.

[0057] Each hoop 20 has a curved shape, preferably substantially U-shaped, oriented towards the bearing surface 52 of the rotating rollers 50 of the upper belt support station 14. Each hoop 20 is, for example, made in one piece. Alternatively, each hoop 20 is formed by a plurality of elements fixed together.

[0058] For example, the tarpaulin 24 is mounted on the hoops 20 so as to cover at least the upper belt support stations 14 and the upper strand of the belt. The tarpaulin 24 is, for example, held onto the hoops 20 by means of a plurality of fastening elements. Alternatively or in addition, the tarpaulin 24 is held onto the hoop support members 22 by means of one or more fastening elements, such as straps.

[0059] Alternatively, the tarpaulin 24 extends to the support stations 18 so as to also cover the lower belt support station 64, and in particular the lower strand of the belt. The tarpaulin 24 is, for example, held on the support stations 18 and / or on the support elements 26 of the frame 12.

[0060] A method for mounting a support frame 10 as described above will now be described, in particular with reference to figures 5 And 6 .

[0061] First, the ends of the support elements 26 are inserted into the housings 34 of the holding stations 18, allowing the rotation of the support elements 26 to be blocked in the Z direction.

[0062] The upper tape support stations 14 are then positioned in support on each of the support elements 26 in a direction substantially parallel to the transverse direction T. Each upper tape support station 14 is stable on the support elements 26.

[0063] Each upper band support station 14 is then fixed with a removable assembly member 16 on each of the support elements 26. In the illustrated example, the clip 58 is positioned so as to clamp each of the ends 54 of the upper band support stations 14 and to hold the support element 26 between the clip 58 and the retaining tab 56. The locking member 60 is then inserted to lock the assembly.

[0064] Preferably, the lower tape support station 64 is mounted on one of the holding stations 18. In particular, the lower tape support station 64 is positioned so that the pins 74 pass through the through-holes in the support 66 of the lower tape support station 64. The lower tape support station 64 is locked onto the holding station 18 by inserting the locking element 82 between the head 80 of the pin 74 and the support 66.

[0065] The hoop support members 22 are then fitted onto each end 54 of each of the upper tape support stations 14. In particular, the first portion 84 of the hoop support members 22 is inserted into each of the recesses at the ends 54 of the upper tape support stations 14.

[0066] Then the hoops 20 are mounted by interlocking them onto the hoop support members 22. In particular, the second portion 86 of each of the hoop support members 22 is inserted into the end housings 88 of the hoops 20.

[0067] Finally, the tarpaulin 24 is fixed to the hoops 20 so as to cover at least the upper belt support stations 14, alternatively, so as to cover the upper belt support stations 14 and the lower belt support station 64.

[0068] The support frame 10 according to the invention is particularly advantageous because its assembly is quick and easy. The frame 12 comprises a limited number of elements. The frame elements 12 are assembled by inserting the ends of the support elements 26 into the holding stations 18 without the need for bolts. The holding stations 18 ensure secure support of the support frame 10. The upper belt support station 14 is easily installed by the operator as it rests on the frame 12. Thus, a single operator can assemble the support frame 10 using only a hammer.

Claims

1. A support frame (10) for a belt conveyor, the support frame (10) including: - a mount (12) comprising two support elements (26), each support element (26) extending between two ends along a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal direction (L), - at least one upper belt support station (14) and at least one removable assembly member (16), the upper belt support station (14) resting on the support elements (26) along a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), the upper support station (14) being mounted on each of the support elements (26) with at least one removable assembly member (16), - at least two holding stations (18) that hold the support elements (26), the holding stations (18) defining housings (34) that receive a part of the ends of the support elements (26), - at least one arch (20) and at least two arch support members (22), each arch support member (22) having a first portion (84) mounted by engaging on the upper belt support station (14), and a second portion (86) mounted by engaging on one end (88) of the arch (20).

2. The frame (10) according to claim 1, wherein the upper belt support station (14) extends between two ends (54), each end (54) partially surrounding one of the two support members (26).

3. The frame (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein each support element (26) comprises a main section (28) extending along a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal direction (L) and two end sections (30) on both sides of the main section (28), the end sections (30) extending along directions substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (L), the end sections (30) being partially received in the housings (34) of the holding stations (18).

4. The frame (10) according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein each housing (34) extends along a main direction, the housing (34) comprising a lower portion (36) along the main direction, a cross-section of the lower portion (36) along a plane substantially perpendicular to the main direction being polygonal, preferentially pentagonal, at least a part of the end of the support elements (26) having a matching cross-section.

5. The frame (10) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each arch support member (22) defines a receiver housing (90) for holding a cable.

6. The frame (10) according to any of the preceding claims, including: - at least two upper belt support stations (14) each extending between two ends (54) and resting on the support elements (26), - at least two arches (20), - at least four arch support members (22) mounted on the ends (54) of the upper belt support stations (14), - a tarpaulin (24) resting on the two arches (20), the tarpaulin (24) covering the upper belt support stations (14).

7. A belt conveyor including a plurality of support frames (10) according to any of claims 1 to 6 and at least one movable belt supported by the support frames (10).

8. A method for mounting a support frame (10) according to any of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps: - insert the ends of the support elements (26) into the housings (34) of the holding stations (18), - position the upper belt support station (14) against each of the support elements (26), - fasten the upper belt support station (14) with a removable assembly member (16) on each of the support (26) elements, - mounting by engaging the arch support members (22) on each of the ends (54) of the upper belt support station (14), - mounting by engaging the arch (20) onto the arch support members (22).