Conveying system, particularly continuous, for materials, particularly bulk materials

Abstract

A material conveying system (1) comprising two cables (2a, 2b) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and parallel to each other, a plurality of guide members (10) spaced apart in the longitudinal direction (X) along each of the cables (2a, 2b) and movable respectively along one of the cables (2a, 2b), and a belt assembly (20) delimited transversely along a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) by two free ends (21a, 21b), each fixed to a guide member (10). Each guide member (10) comprises at least one clamping clip (17) cooperating with a corresponding free end (21a, 21b) of the belt assembly (20). Figure for the abbreviation: Fig 2

Description

Title of the invention: Conveying system, in particular continuously, for materials, in particular in bulk Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of systems for conveying or transporting materials, particularly in bulk. For example, the present invention can be used in the mining industry, in the food industry, but also in any type of industry requiring the transport of bulk material on predefined paths. State of the prior art

[0002] There are conventional belt conveyors comprising a belt, generally covered with a rubber coating, placed on a plurality of rollers parallel to each other and movable in rotation in order to allow the movement of the belt.

[0003] However, the energy efficiency of such conveyors is not satisfactory because they involve contact between the rubber-covered belt and the rollers, which generates dissipation by indentation.

[0004] Furthermore, periodic deformations of the strip and the material transported as the rollers pass are frequent and also generate dissipation.

[0005] In order to eliminate contact between the belt and the rollers, it is known to support the belt by a mobile carriage via rollers.

[0006] Reference may be made in particular to document EP 2 460 745 - A1 which describes a conveyor system comprising a rubber belt fixed under rigid axles on which are mounted wheels which roll on suspended steel cables.

[0007] The belt is kept flat due to the attachments to the rigid axles, so the conveyor system necessarily includes deformable dimpled sides to contain the materials to be moved. These sides deform as the belt rotates with pulleys at the ends of the conveyor.

[0008] However, it is not possible to clean this type of belt with existing systems that rub on the upper surface of the belt because of the axles.

[0009] Also known is document WO 2019 / 79859 - A1 which describes a conveyor system comprising a tube-shaped belt transported by carriages which roll on rails. These carriages are independent of the belt but they roll at the same speed by friction drive with the belt. The carriages are connected to each other by a flexible cable in order to maintain a regular spacing between them. The belt is in direct contact with tensioning and drive rollers, as on a classic system. [OO1O] Finally, we know the document DE 10 2019 219782 - Al which describes a conveyor system comprising a belt held by its lateral ends via connecting elements to support rollers which roll on rails. However, fixing the belt to the connecting elements risks damaging said belt.

[0011] Thus, there is a need to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks. Statement of the invention

[0012] The invention aims to improve bulk material conveying systems.

[0013] The invention aims in particular to improve the energy efficiency of the continuous transport of bulk materials while proposing a robust and durable solution.

[0014] The present invention relates to a system for conveying, in particular continuously, materials, in particular in bulk, comprising two cables, commonly called carrier cables, or rails extending along a longitudinal axis and parallel to each other, a plurality of guide members spaced, for example, regularly, from each other in the longitudinal direction along each of the cables and movable respectively along one of the cables and a belt assembly delimited transversely along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by two free ends each secured to a guide member.

[0015] Each guide member comprises at least one fixing clamp cooperating with a corresponding free end of the strip assembly.

[0016] By "cable" is meant a carrier cable, or rail, which does not deform under the weight of the belt assembly.

[0017] By "clamp" is meant an element formed of two branches brought close to each other to grasp and hold a free end of the strip assembly.

[0018] Thus, the clamping of the free ends of the strip assembly makes it possible to avoid damaging the strip assembly and therefore provides a more durable attachment than that proposed in the prior art.

[0019] Such a solution makes it possible to replace the rubber strip-roller contact with a contact between a rigid or semi-rigid wheel and a rigid or semi-rigid rail or cable.

[0020] Such a solution also allows the belt and material to be moved as stationary as possible, which means that the wheels move forward at the same time as the belt, and that they are not fixed to the conveyor frame.

[0021] The longitudinal tensile force which allows the movement and transport of the material is transmitted by the belt assembly which is driven by at least one drive pulley of the conveyor system.

[0022] For example, the band assembly is made of a composite material comprising a rubber, in particular an elastomer, in particular rubber, a transverse reinforcement embedded in said rubber and two rods onto which said transverse reinforcement is turned up to form two free ends of the band assembly, for example a cradle or a band in the case where there is no cradle, each clamp holding a free end of the band assembly comprising the rod.

[0023] Thus, a clamp cooperates with a free end of the strip assembly, for example of a cradle or of a strip in the case where there is no cradle, comprising the rod on which the transverse reinforcements are returned.

[0024] Such fixing of the clamp at the free ends of the strip assembly comprising the rods allows reliable attachment of the strip assembly, either of the cradle alone, or of the support strip in the case where there is no cradle, without being intrusive in the structure of the strip assembly.

[0025] This solution is sustainable over time and has the advantage of moving the clamp over the entire strip so as to stress another portion of the entire strip if the clamped portion shows signs of fatigue.

[0026] For example, the transverse reinforcement can be made from a carcass comprising threads extending in the transverse direction and made of synthetic fiber, for example polymer, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester or even metallic material.

[0027] For example, the rods are made of synthetic material, for example of polymer material, such as for example polyester, polyamide or polyurethane, or even of metallic material.

[0028] Each rod may have a circular section or a non-circular section, for example tapered into a drop shape.

[0029] Alternatively, the transverse reinforcement is made from a fabric with reinforced selvedges comprising a plurality of warp threads extending in the longitudinal direction and parallel to each other in the transverse direction.

[0030] Advantageously, each rod comprises a diameter greater than at least three times the diameter of the transverse reinforcement.

[0031] For example, said transverse reinforcement has a diameter between 0.5mm and 1.5mm.

[0032] According to a first embodiment, the belt assembly comprises a plurality of cradles or belt supports arranged in parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and each comprising a first and a second free end each secured to a clamp of at least one guide member, the belt assembly further comprising a longitudinal transport belt extending in the longitudinal direction and supported by the cradles and configured to support the materials, in particular in bulk.

[0033] The longitudinal conveyor belt may also be configured to transmit a tensile force from at least one drive pulley of the conveyor system.

[0034] The longitudinal conveyor belt is made in the form of a closed loop.

[0035] By "cradle" is meant a support member for a longitudinal conveyor belt.

[0036] Advantageously, the cradles are flexible, that is to say deformable under the action of an external stress and capable of returning to their initial shape when said external stress stops.

[0037] The fact that each cradle is flexible makes it possible to turn the conveyor belt at the end of the conveyor system.

[0038] Alternatively, it could be provided that the first and second free ends secured to the cradle are each secured to a clamp, each clamp belonging to an independent guide member. This makes it possible to improve the stability of the cradle when the carrying cable might cross an obstacle.

[0039] Advantageously, each cradle comprises a rod which extends longitudinally at each of its ends.

[0040] In other words, each cradle comprises two rods, respectively one rod at each of its ends.

[0041] Each rod preferably extends only along the length of the cradle. In other words, the rods do not extend beyond the free ends of each cradle in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] For example, each cradle has a U-shape during a material transport phase comprising two vertical parts connected by a transverse part, the longitudinal transport belt being placed on the transverse part of each cradle.

[0043] Preferably, the cradles are regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0044] For example, the band assembly further comprises two longitudinal cords respectively connecting the first ends of the cradles and the second ends of the cradles.

[0045] Thus, the ropes prevent the separation of an adjacent cradle beyond the length of the rope fixed between the two clamps holding these adjacent cradles.

[0046] The ropes are flexible, that is, more flexible than the cables.

[0047] Preferably, the width of each cradle is at least as wide as the width of the conveyor belt.

[0048] For example, the width of the longitudinal conveyor belt is between 1m and 3m.

[0049] By "width" is meant the dimension in the transverse direction.

[0050] By "length" is meant the dimension in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] For example, the length of each cradle is between 15cm and 50cm, preferably between 20cm and 40cm.

[0052] This ensures stable positioning of the conveyor belt on the cradle and distributes the contact pressure of the belt on the cradle over a sufficient area to prevent damage to the belt and the cradle.

[0053] Advantageously, the longitudinal conveyor belt is made of a composite material comprising a rubber, in particular an elastomer, in particular rubber, and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcements or warp threads embedded in said rubber.

[0054] For example, the longitudinal reinforcements can be made from a textile carcass consisting of one to six dense fabrics with a standard canvas reinforcement, or more complex fabrics.

[0055] For example, the threads that make up these textiles are between 0.5mm and 3mm in diameter. For example, said threads are made of synthetic fiber, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester.

[0056] Alternatively, the longitudinal reinforcements can be made from a carcass of metal wires with a diameter of between 2.5mm and 13mm.

[0057] According to a second embodiment, the belt assembly comprises a longitudinal conveyor belt comprising a first and a second free end, each secured to a clamp of at least one guide member, the longitudinal conveyor belt being configured to support the materials, in particular in bulk.

[0058] The longitudinal conveyor belt may also be configured to transmit a tensile force from at least one drive pulley of the conveying system.

[0059] Preferably, the belt assembly comprises a single transport belt.

[0060] The single conveyor belt is made in the form of a closed loop.

[0061] Preferably, the longitudinal conveyor belt has a U-shape during a material transport phase comprising two vertical parts connected by a curved transverse part.

[0062] Advantageously, in the case where the belt assembly comprises a transport belt connected by its free ends to a clamp, the two longitudinal rods extend along the first ends and second ends of the longitudinal transport belt.

[0063] Advantageously, the longitudinal conveyor belt is made of composite material comprising rubber, in particular elastomer, in particular rubber, the transverse reinforcement embedded in said rubber and at least one longitudinal reinforcement or traction reinforcement embedded in said rubber and arranged below and / or above the transverse reinforcement.

[0064] Preferably, the rubber of the longitudinal conveyor belt comprises an excess thickness extending in the vertical direction and arranged centrally in the transverse direction.

[0065] Such extra thickness makes it possible to improve the resistance to wear linked to contact with the transported material, particularly in the transition zones of the conveyor system where impacts or friction may occur.

[0066] The longitudinal reinforcement is preferably embedded in the excess thickness of the rubber.

[0067] For example, the longitudinal reinforcement can be made from a textile carcass consisting of one to six dense fabrics with a standard canvas reinforcement, or more complex fabrics.

[0068] For example, the threads that make up these textiles are between 0.5mm and 3mm in diameter. For example, said threads are made of synthetic fiber, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester.

[0069] Alternatively, the longitudinal reinforcement can be made from a carcass of metal wires with a diameter of between 2.5mm and 13mm.

[0070] For example, in the embodiment where the strip assembly does not include a cradle, the longitudinal rods are flexible, i.e. more flexible than the cables.

[0071] For example, the longitudinal rods are made of synthetic material, for example of polymer material, such as for example polyester, polyamide or polyurethane, or even of metallic material.

[0072] Advantageously, each guide member comprises at least one wheel mounted for rotation on a rolling axis secured to a connecting member.

[0073] In a non-limiting manner, the wheels may have a conical groove to ensure satisfactory guidance when the cables have a circular section.

[0074] Advantageously, each connecting member comprises at least one support structure secured to the rolling axle and comprising a connecting branch extending vertically towards the band assembly and connected to a clamp for fixing a free end of the band assembly.

[0075] In a non-limiting manner, the support structure has an inverted U shape comprising two vertical branches connected to each other by a transverse branch.

[0076] For example, the two vertical branches are opposite each other and each comprise an orifice for receiving the rotation axis, fixed on each side by a nut.

[0077] Alternatively, another method of fixing the rotation axis to the associated support structure could be provided.

[0078] For example, the connecting branch extends vertically from one of the branches verticals towards the band assembly to a clamp.

[0079] Advantageously, each clamp comprises a first tab secured to the connecting branch and a second tab facing the first tab in the transverse direction, said tabs delimiting between them a space for receiving a free end of the strip assembly.

[0080] Preferably, the receiving space has a shape that matches a free end of the strip assembly.

[0081] For example, each clamp comprises an upper end in which the legs are secured to each other, for example by screw means, for example a screw and two nuts, and a free lower end in which the legs are spaced apart from each other by a transverse clearance.

[0082] Preferably, each guide member comprises a support structure, a clamp and a wheel.

[0083] Alternatively, a different number of support structures, clamps and wheels could be provided per guide member.

[0084] Indeed, it could be provided that each guide member comprises two support structures, two clamps and two wheels.

[0085] Preferably, the cables are rigid or semi-rigid, that is to say they resist torsion and shear forces and do not deform under the weight of the guide members and the belt assembly.

[0086] For example, the cables have a circular section.

[0087] Advantageously, the conveying system comprises a bulk material transport portion and a turning portion at the end of the conveying system.

[0088] The turning portion corresponds to a transition zone at one end of the conveyor system, opposite the bulk material supply end, in which the belt assembly transports the bulk materials until they are discharged at the time of the U-turn onto a pulley.

[0089] The total length of the conveyor system may be greater than 500m, for example between 500m and 50km. The turning portion may extend over a length of between 10m and 30m.

[0090] The belt assembly is driven by a drive pulley, for example a first pulley in the direction of movement of the transport belt.

[0091] The material carried by the belt assembly is discharged from said belt at the first pulley.

[0092] For example, the belt assembly rotates around a plurality of pulleys to move from a transport position to a flat position and then back to a transport position. Before passing through the first pulley, the belt assembly is, for example, supported by a plurality of fixed guide rollers before making a half turn on the first pulley. Brief description of the drawings

[0093] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0094] [Fig.l] very schematically represents a partial view of a continuous conveyor system comprising a belt assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0095] [Fig.2] is a detail view of [Fig.l];

[0096] [Fig.3] shows in detail the fixing of the band assembly of [Fig.2];

[0097] [Fig.4], [Fig.5] illustrate front views of the attachment of [Fig.3] according to two variant embodiments;

[0098] [Fig.6A] is a partial sectional view of the strip assembly of [Fig.2] laid flat along the transverse axis according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0099] [Fig.6B] is a partial sectional view of the strip assembly of [Fig.2] laid flat along the transverse axis according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0100] [Fig.7] very schematically represents a partial view of a continuous conveyor system comprising a belt assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0101] [Fig.8] is a detail view of [Fig.7];

[0102] [Fig.9] shows in detail the fixing of the band assembly of [Fig.8];

[0103] [Fig. 10] illustrates a front view of the attachment of [Fig.9];

[0104] [Fig. 11 A] is a partial sectional view of the strip assembly of [Fig.8] laid flat along the transverse axis according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0105] [Fig.llB] is a partial sectional view of the strip assembly of [Fig.8] laid flat along the transverse axis according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0106] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0107] In the following description, the terms “longitudinal”, “transverse”, “vertical”, “front”, “rear”, “left” and “right” are defined according to the usual orthogonal reference system for conveyor systems, shown in the drawings, and which includes:

[0108] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and oriented from rear to front in the direction of movement of the entire belt of the conveyor system;

[0109] - a transverse axis Y, horizontal, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and oriented left to right of the conveyor system when the belt assembly is moving;

[0110] - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse axes X and Y and directed from bottom up.

[0111] [Fig. 1] illustrates an example of a part of a continuous conveying system, referenced 1, as a whole and comprising two cables or rails 2a, 2b extending along the longitudinal axis X and parallel to each other, a plurality of guide members 10 and a belt assembly 20 suspended by its lateral sides from the guide members 10.

[0112] The guide members 10 are movable respectively along one of the cables 2a, 2b.

[0113] The guide members 10 are, here, regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction X along the cables 2a, 2b.

[0114] The cables 2a, 2b are rigid or semi-rigid, that is to say they resist torsion and shear forces and do not deform under the weight of the guide members 10 and the band assembly 20.

[0115] For example, the cables 2a, 2b have a circular section.

[0116] The guide members 10, one of which is visible in detail in [Fig.3], comprise each a wheel 12a, 12b mounted for rotation on a rolling axle 14 secured to a connecting member 13a, 13b.

[0117] In a non-limiting manner, the wheels 12a, 12b may have a conical groove to ensure satisfactory guidance when the cables 2a, 2b have a circular section.

[0118] Each connecting member 13a, 13b comprises a support structure 15, here in the shape of an inverted U, comprising two vertical branches 16a, 16b connected to each other by a transverse branch 16c. The two vertical branches are opposite each other and each comprise an orifice (not referenced) for receiving the rotation axis 14, fixed on each side by a nut 14a, 14b. Alternatively, another method of fixing the rotation axis 14 to the associated support structure 15 could be provided.

[0119] The support structure 15 further comprises a connecting branch 16d extending vertically from one of the vertical branches 16b towards the strip assembly 20 to a clamp 17 for fixing one side of the strip assembly 20.

[0120] Each clamp 17 comprises, here, two tabs 17a, 17b facing each other in the transverse direction Y and delimiting between them a space E for receiving a lateral side of the strip assembly 20.

[0121] The receiving space E has a shape in conformity with the lateral side of the strip assembly 20.

[0122] The clamp 17 comprises an upper end in which the legs 17a, 17b are secured to each other by screw means, here a screw 18 and two nuts 19 and a free lower end in which the legs 17a, 17b are spaced from each other by a transverse clearance.

[0123] The lateral sides of the band assembly 20 are thus suspended and fixed by clamps 17 each connected to at least one guide wheel 12a, 12b movable in rotation on a guide cable 2a, 2b.

[0124] In other words, the strip assembly is delimited transversely along the transverse axis Y by two free ends 21a, 21b, each suspended and attached to a clamp 17 of one of the guide members 10.

[0125] By "clamp" is meant an element formed of two branches brought close to each other to grasp and hold a free end of the strip assembly.

[0126] As illustrated in [Fig.4], each guide member 10 comprises a support structure 15, a clamp 17 and a wheel 12a.

[0127] Alternatively, a different number of support structures, clamps and wheels could be provided per guide member.

[0128] Indeed, in the example illustrated in [Fig.5], each guide member 10 comprises two support structures 15, two clamps 17 and two wheels 12a.

[0129] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6B, the band assembly 20 comprises a plurality of cradles 21 arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction X and each comprising two free ends 21a, 21b each secured to a clamp 17 of a guide member 10.

[0130] The belt assembly 20 further comprises a longitudinal transport belt 22 extending in the longitudinal direction X and placed on the cradles 21.

[0131] As illustrated, each cradle 21 has a U-shape during a transport phase T of the materials, visible in [Fig.l]. Each cradle 21 comprises two vertical parts 21c, 21d connected by a transverse part 21e.

[0132] The longitudinal conveyor belt 22 is placed on the transverse part 21e of each cradle 21.

[0133] The cradles 21 are, here, regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction X.

[0134] The band assembly 20 further comprises two longitudinal cords 27a, 27b respectively connecting the first ends 21a of the cradles 21 and the second ends 21b of the cradles 21.

[0135] The ropes 27a, 27b have the function of maintaining the longitudinal spaces between the cradles 21. The rope 25a, respectively 25b, is fixed to the clamps 17 positioned on the cable or rail 2a, respectively 2b. Thus, the ropes 27a and 27b prevent the separation of an adjacent cradle 21 beyond the length of the rope 27a, 27b fixed between the two clamps 17 maintaining these adjacent cradles 21.

[0136] The ropes 27a, 27b are flexible, that is to say more flexible than the cables 2a, 2b.

[0137] The longitudinal conveyor belt 22 is configured to support bulk materials.

[0138] The longitudinal conveyor belt 22 is made of a composite material comprising a rubber (not visible in the figures), in particular an elastomer, in particular rubber, and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcements or warp threads 22a embedded in said rubber.

[0139] The longitudinal reinforcements 22a may be made from a textile carcass consisting of one to six dense fabrics with a standard canvas reinforcement, or more complex fabrics. For example, the threads that constitute these textiles are between 0.5 mm and 3 mm in diameter. For example, said threads are made of synthetic fiber, for example polymer, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester.

[0140] Alternatively, the longitudinal reinforcements 22a can be made from a carcass of metal wires with a diameter of between 2.5mm and 13mm.

[0141] The width of the longitudinal conveyor belt 22 can be between 1m and 3m.

[0142] By “width” is meant the dimension in the transverse direction Y.

[0143] By “length” is meant the dimension in the longitudinal direction X.

[0144] The width of each cradle 21 is at least as wide as the width of the conveyor belt 22.

[0145] The length of each cradle 21 may be between 15cm and 50cm, preferably between 20cm and 40cm in order to ensure stable positioning of the transport belt 22 on the corresponding cradle 21 with sufficient contact pressure.

[0146] Each cradle 21 is made of composite material comprising a rubber 23, in particular an elastomer, in particular rubber, and a transverse reinforcement 24 embedded in said rubber 23.

[0147] In the example illustrated in [Fig.6A], the transverse reinforcement 24 can be produced from a carcass comprising cables extending in the transverse direction Y and made of synthetic fiber, for example polymer, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester or metallic material.

[0148] Each cradle 21 comprises a rod 25a, 25b which extends longitudinally at each of its ends 21a, 21b.

[0149] Each rod 25a, 25b extends only over the length of the cradle 21. In other words, the rods 21a, 21b do not exceed the length of the free ends 21a, 21b of each cradle 21.

[0150] The rods 25a, 25b are made of synthetic material, for example of polymer material, such as for example polyester, polyamide or polyurethane, or even of metallic material.

[0151] Each rod 25a, 25b may have a circular section, as seen in FIGS. 6A and 6B, or a non-circular section, for example tapered in the shape of a drop, as seen in [Fig. 3].

[0152] The transverse reinforcement 24 of the cradle 21 is returned on each rod 25a, 25b, forming a free end 21a, 21b of the cradle 21.

[0153] Said transverse reinforcement 24 has a diameter between 0.5mm and 1.5mm.

[0154] The diameter of the rods 25a, 25b is greater than at least three times the diameter of the transverse reinforcement 24.

[0155] For example, each cable 24 comprises two or three strands.

[0156] In the example illustrated in [Fig.6B], the cradle 21 comprises a rubber 23, in particular made of elastomer, in particular rubber, a transverse reinforcement 24 embedded in said rubber 23 and made from a fabric with reinforced selvedges comprising a plurality of warp threads 26 extending in the longitudinal direction X and parallel to each other in the transverse direction Y.

[0157] As illustrated in [Fig.l], the conveying system 1 comprises a bulk material transport portion T and a turning portion R at the end of the conveying system 1.

[0158] The turning part R corresponds to a transition zone at one end of the conveyor system 1, opposite the bulk material supply end, in which the belt assembly 20 transports the bulk materials until they are discharged at the time of the U-turn onto a pulley 3a.

[0159] The total length of the conveyor system 1 may be greater than 500m, for example between 500m and 50km.

[0160] The turning part R can extend over a length of between 10m and 30m.

[0161] As illustrated in [Fig.l], in the transition zone R, the conveyor belt 22 rotates around a plurality of pulleys 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to pass from a position of transport to a flat position and then back to a transport position. Before passing through the first pulley 3a, the conveyor belt 22 is separated from the cradles 21 and is guided by a plurality of fixed guide rollers 4.

[0162] The conveyor belt 22 is driven by a drive pulley, for example the first pulley 3a in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 22. The additional pulleys 3b, 3c, 3d make it possible to tension the conveyor belt 22 before it resumes its material transport position.

[0163] The material carried by the conveyor belt 22 is discharged from said belt 22 at the first pulley 3a.

[0164] The guide members 10 and the cradles 21 are themselves guided by a pulley 5. The cradles 21 are laid flat before making them perform a half-turn on the associated pulley 5.

[0165] After the passage of the respective pulleys, the cradles 21 and the conveyor belt 22 are again assembled and are subjected to an axial rotation to turn them over on themselves so that the cradles 21 are found under the conveyor belt 22. This makes it possible to transport materials in both directions of movement of the conveyor system 1.

[0166] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 11B, in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6B in particular by the structure of the band assembly.

[0167] As illustrated in Figures 7 to 11B, the belt assembly 30 comprises a longitudinal transport belt 31 comprising two free ends 31a, 31b each secured to a clamp 17 of a guide member 10.

[0168] The lateral sides of the band assembly 30 are thus suspended and fixed by clamps 17 each connected to at least one guide wheel 12a, 12b movable in rotation on a guide cable 2a, 2b.

[0169] As illustrated, the longitudinal conveyor belt 31 has a U-shape during the conveyor phase T visible in [Fig.7].

[0170] The longitudinal conveyor belt 31 comprises two vertical parts 31c, 31d connected by a curved transverse part 31e.

[0171] The strip assembly 30 further comprises two longitudinal rods 35a, 35b extending along the first ends 31a of the strip 31 and the second ends 31b of the strip 31.

[0172] The longitudinal rods 35a, 35b are flexible, that is to say more flexible than the cables 2a, 2b.

[0173] The longitudinal rods 35a, 35b are made of synthetic material, for example of polymer material, such as for example polyester, polyamide or polyurethane, or even of metallic material.

[0174] Each longitudinal rod 35a, 35b may have a circular section, as seen in Figures 11A and 11B or a non-circular section, for example tapered in the shape of a drop as seen in [Fig.9].

[0175] The longitudinal conveyor belt 31 is configured to support bulk materials.

[0176] The longitudinal conveyor belt 31 here forms a closed loop.

[0177] The longitudinal conveyor belt 31 is made of composite material comprising a rubber 33, in particular made of elastomer, in particular made of rubber, a transverse reinforcement 34 embedded in said rubber 33 and at least one longitudinal reinforcement 36 or traction reinforcement embedded in said rubber 33.

[0178] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 11 A], the transverse reinforcement 34 can be made from a carcass comprising threads extending in the transverse direction Y and made of synthetic fiber, for example polymer, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester or even metallic material.

[0179] Said transverse reinforcement 34 is returned on each longitudinal rod 35a, 35b, forming a free end 31a, 31b of the longitudinal transport strip 31.

[0180] Said transverse reinforcement 34 has a diameter between 0.5mm and 1.5mm.

[0181] The diameter of the longitudinal rods 35a, 35b is greater than at least three times the diameter of the transverse reinforcement 34.

[0182] For example, each cable 34 comprises two or three strands.

[0183] In the example illustrated in [Fig. llA], the rubber 33 comprises an excess thickness 33a extending in the vertical direction centrally arranged in the transverse direction Y.

[0184] Such an extra thickness 33a makes it possible to improve the wear resistance and the impact resistance and to reduce the risks of perforation, caused by the material transported by the conveyor system 1.

[0185] The longitudinal reinforcement 36 is, here, located above the transverse reinforcement 34.

[0186] Alternatively, it may be provided that the longitudinal reinforcement 36 is located below the transverse reinforcement 34 or that there is both a longitudinal reinforcement 36 located above the transverse reinforcement 34 and a longitudinal reinforcement located below the transverse reinforcement 34, as visible in [Fig. 11B].

[0187] The longitudinal reinforcement 36 may be made from a textile carcass consisting, for example, of one to six dense fabrics with a standard canvas reinforcement, or more complex fabrics. For example, the threads that constitute these textiles are between 0.5 mm and 3 mm in diameter. For example, said threads are made of synthetic fiber, for example polymer, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester.

[0188] Alternatively, the longitudinal reinforcement 36 can be made from a carcass of wires metal with a diameter between 2.5mm and 13mm.

[0189] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 11B], the longitudinal conveyor belt 31 comprises a rubber 33, in particular made of elastomer, in particular rubber, a transverse reinforcement 34 embedded in said rubber 33 and made from a fabric with reinforced selvedges comprising a plurality of warp threads 38 extending in the longitudinal direction X and parallel to each other in the transverse direction Y.

[0190] In the example illustrated in [Fig. 11B], the longitudinal conveyor belt 31 comprises an upper longitudinal reinforcement 36 located above the transverse reinforcement 34 and a lower longitudinal reinforcement 37 located below the transverse reinforcement 34.

[0191] The longitudinal reinforcements 36, 37 are produced in the same manner as those described with reference to [Fig. 1 IA].

[0192] As illustrated in [Fig.7], the conveying system 1 comprises a bulk material transport portion T and a turning portion R at the end of the conveying system 1.

[0193] The turning part R corresponds to a transition zone at one end of the conveyor system 1, opposite the bulk material supply end, in which the belt assembly 20 transports the bulk materials until they are discharged at the time of the U-turn onto a pulley 3a.

[0194] The total length of the conveyor system 1 may be greater than 500m, for example between 500m and 50km. The turning portion R may extend over a length between 10m and 30m.

[0195] The conveyor belt 31 is driven by a drive pulley, for example the first pulley 3a in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 31.

[0196] The material carried by the conveyor belt 31 is discharged from said belt 31 at the first pulley 3a.

[0197] As illustrated in [Fig.7], in the transition zone R, the conveyor belt 31 rotates around a plurality of pulleys 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to move from a conveying position to a flat position and then back to a conveying position. Before passing through the first pulley 3a, the conveyor belt 31 is supported by a plurality of fixed guide rollers 4 before making a half turn on the first pulley 3a.

[0198] Generally speaking, the compounds mentioned in the description may be of fossil or bio-sourced origin. In the latter case, they may be, partially or totally, derived from biomass or obtained from renewable raw materials derived from biomass. In the same way, the compounds mentioned may also come from the recycling of materials already used, that is to say they may be, partially or totally, derived from a recycling process, or obtained from raw materials themselves derived from a recycling process. Are concerned in particular the matrix, the reinforcing threads, the strands, filaments, polymers, plasticizers, fillers, etc.

[0199] Generally, the conveyor belt 31 or 22 alone or the cradles 21 are respectively obtained by a method comprising a step of assembling a sheet of reinforcing elements between two films composed of a “rubber” or otherwise called “polymeric composition” then a step of pressing this assembly. The sheet of reinforcing elements is obtained by weaving the reinforcing elements. The films can be obtained beforehand by an extrusion step and / or a calendering step of a polymeric composition. Thus the reinforcing elements are embedded in a matrix of polymeric composition. Finally, this assembly is subjected to a baking step to form the conveyor belt 31 or 22 alone or the cradles 21.

[0200] The matrix of the rubber 23, 33 of the transport belts 31 or 22, or of the cradle 21 may be composed of a polymeric composition.

[0201] By "polymeric composition" is meant a composition comprising at least one polymer. Preferably, the polymer may be a thermoplastic, for example a polyester or a polyamide, a thermosetting polymer, an elastomer, for example natural rubber, a thermoplastic elastomer or a mixture of these polymers.

[0202] By "elastomer" is meant a composition comprising at least one elastomer or rubber and, optionally, at least one other component. Preferably, the elastomer composition also comprises a vulcanization system, and optionally a filler. More preferably, the elastomer is diene.

[0203] In the case of metal reinforcements, each reinforcing element comprises one or more reinforcing wires composed of a metal, preferably steel. The metal or steel used, whether in particular a carbon steel or a stainless steel, may itself be coated with a metallic layer improving, for example, the processing properties of the metal wire and / or its constituent elements, or the usage properties of the wires and / or the conveyor belt themselves, such as the adhesion properties, corrosion resistance or even resistance to aging. According to a preferred embodiment, the steel used is covered with a layer of brass (Zn-Cu alloy) or zinc.

[0204] In the case of reinforcements made of synthetic material, i.e. polymer, each reinforcing element comprises an assembly comprising at least one multifilament strand of aromatic polyamide or aromatic copolyamide, aliphatic polyamide or polyester.

[0205] By aramid reinforcing element, that is to say aromatic polyamide or aromatic copolyamide, it is recalled in a well-known manner that it is a filament of linear macromolecules formed from aromatic groups linked together by amide bonds of which at least 85% are directly linked to two aromatic nuclei, and more particularly of poly (p-phenylene terephthalamide) (or PPTA) fibers, manufactured for a very long time from optically anisotropic spinning compositions. Among the aromatic polyamides or aromatic copolyamides, mention may be made of polyarylamides (PAA), poly(metaxylylene adipamide), polyphthalamides (or PPA, notably known under the trade name Amodel from the company Solvay), or para-aramids (or poly(paraphenylene terephthalamide or PA PPD-T).

[0206] By nylon reinforcing element, that is to say aliphatic polyamide, is meant a filament of linear macromolecules of polymers or copolymers containing amide functions not having aromatic cycles and which can be synthesized by polycondensation between a carboxylic acid and an amine.Among the aliphatic polyamides, we can cite nylons PA4.6, PA6, PA6.6 or even PA6.10.

[0207] By polyester reinforcing element, it is recalled that it is a filament of linear macromolecules formed of groups linked together by ester bonds. Polyesters are manufactured by polycondensation by esterification between a dicarboxylic acid or one of its derivatives a diol. For example, polyethylene terephthalate can be manufactured by polycondensation of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Among the known polyesters, mention may be made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutylene naphthalate (PBN), polypropylene terephthalate (PPT) or polypropylene naphthalate (PPN).

[0208] Thanks to the particular structure of the belt assembly, its attachment by clamps to a guide member allows a more robust and durable attachment, without damaging the transport belt.

Claims

Claims

1. System (1) for conveying materials comprising two cables (2a, 2b) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and parallel to each other, a plurality of guide members (10) spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction (X) along each of the cables (2a, 2b) and movable respectively along one of the cables (2a, 2b) and a belt assembly (20, 30) delimited transversely along a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) by two free ends (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) each integral with a guide member (10), characterized in that each guide member (10) comprises at least one fixing clamp (17) cooperating with a corresponding free end (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) of the belt assembly (20, 30).

2. Conveyor system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the belt assembly (20, 30) is made of composite material comprising a rubber (23, 33), a transverse reinforcement (24, 34) embedded in said rubber (23, 33) and two rods (25a, 25b; 35a, 35b) on which said transverse reinforcement (24, 34) is turned up to form two free ends (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) of the belt assembly (20, 30), each clamp (17) holding a free end (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) of the belt assembly (20, 30) comprising the rod (25a, 25b; 35a, 35b).

3. Conveying system (1) according to claim 2, wherein the rods (25a, 25b, 35a, 35b) are made of synthetic material or metallic material.

4. Conveying system (1) according to claim 2 or 3, in which each longitudinal rod (25a, 25b, 35a, 35b) comprises a diameter greater than at least three times the diameter of the transverse reinforcement (24).

5. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, in which each rod (25a, 25b, 35a, 35b) has a circular section or a tapered drop-shaped section.

6. Conveyor system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the belt assembly (20) comprises a plurality of cradles (21), preferably flexible, arranged in parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction (X) and each comprising a first and a second free end (21a, 21b) each integral with a clamp (17) of at least one guide member (10), the belt assembly (20) further comprising a transport belt longitudinal (22) extending in the longitudinal direction (X) and supported by the cradles (21).

7. A conveying system (1) according to claim 6, wherein each rod (25a, 25b) extends only along the length of the associated cradle (21).

8. Conveying system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein each cradle (21) has a (U) shape during a phase of transport of the materials comprising two vertical parts (21c, 21d) connected by a transverse part (21e), the longitudinal transport belt (22) being placed on the transverse part (21e) of each cradle (21), the longitudinal transport belt (22) being configured to support the materials.

9. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 8, in which the cradles (21) are regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction (X).

10. Conveyor system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the belt assembly (20) further comprises two longitudinal cords (27a, 27b) respectively connecting the first ends (21a) of the cradles (21) and the second ends (21b) of the cradles (21).

11. A conveyor system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, wherein the width of each cradle (21) is at least as wide as the width of the conveyor belt (22).

12. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, in which the length of each cradle (21) is between 15cm and 50cm, preferably equal to 20cm.

13. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, in which the longitudinal transport belt (22) is made of composite material comprising a rubber and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcements (22a) embedded in said rubber.

14. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the belt assembly (30) comprises a longitudinal conveyor belt (31) comprising first and second free ends (31a, 31b) each secured to a clamp (17) of at least one guide member (10), the longitudinal conveyor belt (31) being configured to support the materials.

15. Conveying system (1) according to claim 14, wherein the two rods (35a, 35b) extend along the first ends (31a) and second ends (31b) of the longitudinal conveyor belt (31).

16. Conveyor system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5 taken in combination with claim 14 or 15, in which the longitudinal conveyor belt (31) further comprises at least one longitudinal reinforcement (36, 37) embedded in the rubber (33) and arranged below and / or above the transverse reinforcement (34).

17. Conveyor system (1) according to one of claims 2 to 5 taken in combination with any one of claims 14 to 16, in which the rubber (33) of the longitudinal conveyor belt (31) comprises an excess thickness (33a) extending in the vertical direction (Z) and arranged centrally in the transverse direction (Y).

18. Conveying system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which each guide member (10) comprises at least one wheel (12a, 12b) rotatably mounted on a rolling axis (14) secured to a connecting member (13a, 13b).

19. Conveying system (1) according to claim 18, in which each clamp (17) comprises an upper end in which the legs (17a, 17b) are integral with each other and a free lower end in which the legs (17a, 17b) are spaced from each other by a transverse clearance.

20. Conveying system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the cables (2a, 2b) are rigid or semi-rigid.

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