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, particularly continuous, for materials, particularly in bulk Technical field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of conveying or transport systems for materials, particularly bulk materials. For example, the present invention can be applied in the mining industry, the food processing industry, but also in any type of industry requiring the transport of bulk materials along predefined paths. Prior art

[0002] There are conventional belt conveyors comprising a belt, generally covered with a rubber coating, placed on a plurality of parallel rollers which are 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-coated belt and the rollers, which generates dissipation by indentation.

[0004] Furthermore, periodic deformations of the belt and of the material transported during the passage of the rollers are frequent and also generate dissipations.

[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 can be made in particular to document EP 2 460 745 - Al which describes a conveying system comprising a rubber belt fixed under rigid axles on which wheels are mounted which roll on suspended steel cables.

[0007] The belt is held flat by the rigid axle fixings, so the conveying system necessarily includes deformable, honeycomb-shaped sides to contain the materials to be moved. These sides deform when 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 which rub against the upper surface of the belt because of the axles.

[0009] We also know of document WO 2019 / 79859 - A1 which describes a conveyor system comprising a tube-shaped belt transported by trolleys that run on rails. These trolleys are independent of the belt but they travel at the same speed by friction drive with the belt. The trolleys are connected to each other by a flexible cable in order to maintain a regular spacing between them. The The belt is in direct contact with tensioning and drive rollers, as on a conventional system.

[0010] Finally, we are aware of document DE 10 2019 219782 - Al which describes a conveyor system comprising a belt held at its lateral ends by means of connecting elements to support rollers which run on rails. However, the attachment of the belt to the connecting elements risks damaging said belt.

[0011] Thus, there is a need to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks. Description 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 continuous transport of bulk materials while offering a robust and sustainable solution.

[0014] The present invention relates to a conveying system, in particular continuous, of 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 set of belts delimited transversely along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by two free ends each attached to a guide member.

[0015] Each guiding member includes at least one fixing clamp cooperating with a corresponding free end of the band assembly.

[0016] By "cable", we mean a carrier cable, or rail, which does not deform under the weight of the entire strip.

[0017] By "clamp", we mean an element formed of two branches brought close together to grasp and hold a free end of the band assembly.

[0018] Thus, clamping the free ends of the band assembly prevents damage to the band assembly and therefore provides a more durable fixing than that proposed in the prior art.

[0019] Such a solution makes it possible to replace the rubber band-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 the material to be moved in as stationary a manner as possible, which implies 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 traction force which enables the movement and transport of the material is transmitted by the belt assembly which is driven by at least one drive pulley of the conveying system.

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

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

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

[0025] This solution is durable over time and has the advantage of moving the clamp on the entire band so as to stress another portion of the entire band 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 of polymer, for example of polyamide, such as nylon, or of aramid, or even of polyester, or even of metallic material.

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

[0028] Each rod can have a circular section or a non-circular section, for example tapered in the shape of a teardrop.

[0029] Alternatively, the transverse reinforcement is made from a fabric with reinforced selvedges comprising a plurality of warp yarns 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 belt cradles or supports arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and each comprising a first and a second free end, each attached to a clamp of at least one guiding member, the assembly of belt further comprising a longitudinal conveyor belt extending along the longitudinal direction and supported by cradles and configured to support materials, including bulk materials.

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

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

[0035] By "cradle" is meant a support element for a longitudinal transport belt.

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

[0037] The fact that each cradle is flexible allows the transport belt to be turned around at the end of the conveyor system.

[0038] Alternatively, the first and second free ends attached to the cradle could each be attached to a clamp, each clamp belonging to an independent guide element. This improves the stability of the cradle when it encounters an obstacle on the support cable.

[0039] Advantageously, each cradle includes 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 extends, preferably, 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-shaped form 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 connecting respectively 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 to say, more supple 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 transport strip is between 1m and 3m.

[0049] By "width" we mean the dimension in the transverse direction.

[0050] By "length" we mean 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 transport belt is made of composite material comprising a rubber, in particular an elastomer, in particular a rubber, and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcements or warp threads embedded in said rubber.

[0054] For example, 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 yarns that make up these textiles are between 0.5mm and 3mm in diameter. For example, said yarns 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 between 2.5mm and 13mm.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0063] Advantageously, the longitudinal conveyor belt is made of a composite material comprising rubber, in particular elastomer, in particular rubber, the transverse reinforcement embedded in said rubber and at least one longitudinal reinforcement or tensile 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 overthickness extending in the vertical direction and arranged centrally in the transverse direction.

[0065] Such an additional thickness makes it possible to improve resistance to wear related to contact with the transported material, particularly in the transition areas of the conveying system where impacts or friction may occur.

[0066] The longitudinal reinforcement is preferably embedded in the extra 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 yarns that make up these textiles are between 0.5mm and 3mm in diameter. For example, said yarns 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 between 2.5mm and 13mm.

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

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

[0072] Advantageously, each guiding member comprises at least one wheel mounted for rotation on a rolling axis integral with a connecting member.

[0073] Without limiting the possibility of further limitation, the wheels may have a conical groove to ensure satisfactory guidance when the cables have a circular cross-section.

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

[0075] In no way limiting, 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 includes an orifice for receiving the axis of rotation, fixed on each side by a nut.

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

[0078] For example, the connecting arm extends vertically from one of the vertical branches to the band assembly up to a clamp.

[0079] Advantageously, each clamp comprises a first leg attached to the connecting arm and a second leg opposite the first leg in the transverse direction, said legs delimiting between them a space for receiving a free end of the band assembly.

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

[0081] For example, each clamp includes an upper end in which the legs are secured to each other, for example by means of screws, 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 guiding member comprises a support structure, a clamp and a wheel.

[0083] Alternatively, a different number of support structures, clamps and wheels could be provided for per guiding element.

[0084] Indeed, it could be foreseen that each guiding element comprises two support structures, two clamps and two wheels.

[0085] Preferably, the cables are rigid or semi-rigid, that is to say they resist torsional and shear forces and do not deform under the weight of the guide elements and the entire band.

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

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

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

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

[0091] The material carried by the belt assembly is unloaded from said belt at the level of 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 objects, features and advantages of the invention will become apparent from the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0094] [Fig.1] represents very schematically a partial view of a continuous conveying system comprising a set of belts according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0095] [Fig.2] is a detailed view of [Fig.1];

[0096] [Fig.3] represents in detail the fixing of the entire band of [Fig.2];

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

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

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

[0100] [Fig.7] represents very schematically a partial view of a continuous conveying system comprising a set of belts according to a second embodiment of the invention;

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

[0102] [Fig.9] represents in detail the fixing of the entire band of the [Fig.8];

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

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

[0105] [Fig.llB] is a partial cross-sectional view of the entire strip of [Fig.8] laid flat along the transverse axis according to another 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 coordinate system of conveyor systems, shown in the drawings, and which includes:

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

[0109] - a horizontal transverse axis Y, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and oriented from left to right of the conveyor system as the entire belt assembly moves;

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

[0111] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of 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 set of belt 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 torsional and shear forces and do not deform under the weight of the guide members 10 and the band assembly 20.

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

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

[0117] Without limiting the foregoing, the wheels 12a, 12b may have a conical groove to ensure satisfactory guidance when the cables 2a, 2b have a circular cross-section.

[0118] Each connecting member 13a, 13b comprises a support structure 15, here in the shape of an inverted U, comprising two vertical arms 16a, 16b connected to each other by a transverse arm 16c. The two vertical arms are opposite each other and each comprises an (unreferenced) receiving orifice for the axis of rotation 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 includes a connecting arm 16d extending vertically from one of the vertical arms 16b towards the band assembly 20 to a clamp 17 for fixing one side of the band assembly 20.

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

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

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

[0123] The lateral sides of the band assembly 20 are thus suspended and fixed by clips 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 band assembly is delimited transversely along the transverse axis Y by two free ends 21a, 21b, each suspended and hooked to a clamp 17 of one of the guiding members 10.

[0125] By "clamp" is meant an element formed of two branches brought close together to grasp and hold a free end of the band 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 guiding member.

[0128] Indeed, in the example illustrated in [Fig.5], each guiding 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 attached to a clamp 17 of a guide member 10.

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

[0131] As illustrated, each cradle 21 has a U-shaped form during a material transport phase T, visible in [Fig. 1]. Each cradle 21 comprises two vertical parts 21c, 21d connected by a transverse part 21e.

[0132] The longitudinal transport 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 includes two longitudinal cords 27a, 27b connecting respectively the first ends 21a of the cradles 21 and the second ends 21b of the cradles 21.

[0135] The ropes 27a, 27b serve to maintain the longitudinal spaces between the cradles 21. The rope 25a, respectively 25b, is attached to the clips 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 clips 17 holding these adjacent cradles 21.

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

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

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

[0139] The longitudinal reinforcements 22a can be made from a textile carcass consisting of one to six dense fabrics with a standard plain weave, or more complex fabrics. For example, the yarns that make up these textiles are between 0.5 mm and 3 mm in diameter. For example, said yarns 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 metal wire carcass with a diameter between 2.5mm and 13mm.

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

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

[0143] By “length”, we mean 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 can 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 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 made from a frame 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 includes 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 protrude beyond the length of the free ends 21a, 21b of each cradle 21.

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

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

[0152] The transverse reinforcement 24 of the cradle 21 is turned over 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 of elastomer, in particular of rubber, a transverse reinforcement 24 embedded in said rubber 23 and made from a fabric with reinforced selvedges comprising a plurality of warp yarns 26 extending in the longitudinal direction X and parallel to each other in the transverse direction Y.

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

[0158] The turning part R corresponds to a transition zone at one end of the conveying system 1, opposite the bulk material supply end, in which the belt assembly 20 transports the bulk materials until they are dumped at the time of the half-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 between 10m and 30m.

[0161] As illustrated in [Fig. 1], in the transition zone R, the conveyor belt 22 rotates around a plurality of pulleys 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to move from a transport position 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 allow the conveyor belt 22 to be tensioned before it returns to its material transport position.

[0163] The material carried by the conveyor belt 22 is unloaded from said belt 22 at the level of 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 they are rotated half a turn on the associated pulley 5.

[0165] After the respective pulleys have passed, the cradles 21 and the conveyor belt 22 are reassembled and are subjected to an axial rotation to turn them around so that the cradles 21 end up under the conveyor belt 22. This allows materials to be transported in both directions of movement of the conveyor system 1.

[0166] The embodiment illustrated in Figures 7 to 1 IB, 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 strip assembly.

[0167] As illustrated in Figures 7 to 1 IB, the belt assembly 30 comprises a longitudinal transport belt 31 comprising two free ends 31a, 31b each attached to a clamp 17 of a guide member 10.

[0168] The lateral sides of the band assembly 30 are thus suspended and fixed by clips 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 transport band 31 has a U-shaped form during the transport phase T visible in [Fig.7].

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

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

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

[0173] The longitudinal rods 35a, 35b are made of synthetic material, for example polymer material, such as polyester, polyamide or polyurethane, or even 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 teardrop as seen in [Fig.9].

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

[0176] The longitudinal transport strip 31 here forms a closed loop.

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

[0179] Said transverse reinforcement 34 is turned over 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. 1 IA], the eraser 33 comprises an extra thickness 33a extending in the vertical direction arranged centrally in the transverse direction Y.

[0184] Such an extra thickness 33a makes it possible to improve wear resistance and 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, the longitudinal reinforcement 36 may be located below the transverse reinforcement 34, or there may be both a longitudinal reinforcement 36 located above and above the transverse reinforcement 34 and a longitudinal reinforcement located below the transverse reinforcement 34, as seen in [Fig.llB].

[0187] The longitudinal reinforcement 36 can be made from a textile carcass consisting, for example, of one to six dense fabrics with a standard plain weave, or of more complex fabrics. For example, the yarns that make up these textiles are between 0.5 mm and 3 mm in diameter. For example, said yarns 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 metal wires with a diameter between 2.5mm and 13mm.

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

[0190] In the example illustrated in [Fig.llB], 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 made in the same way as those described with reference to [Fig. 1 IA].

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

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

[0194] The total length of the conveying system 1 can be greater than 500m, for example between 500m and 50km. The turning section R can 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 unloaded from said belt 31 at the level of 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 transport position to a flat position, and then back to a transport position. Before passing through the first pulley 3a, the conveyor belt 31 is supported by a plurality of fixed guide rollers 4 before operating a half turn on the first pulley 3a.

[0198] Generally speaking, the compounds mentioned in the description may be of fossil origin or bio-based. In the latter case, they may be partially or totally derived from biomass or obtained from renewable raw materials derived from biomass. Similarly, 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. This includes, in particular, the matrix, reinforcing yarns, strands, filaments, polymers, plasticizers, fillers, etc.

[0199] Generally, the conveyor belt 31 or 22 alone, or the cradles 21, are respectively obtained by a process comprising a step of assembling a web of reinforcing elements between two films composed of a "rubber" or otherwise called a "polymer composition," followed by a step of pressing this assembly. The web of reinforcing elements is obtained by weaving the reinforcing elements. The films may be obtained beforehand by an extrusion step and / or a calendering step of a polymer composition. Thus, the reinforcing elements are embedded in a polymer composition matrix. Finally, this assembly is subjected to a curing step to form the conveyor belt 31 or 22 alone, or the cradles 21.

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

[0201] By "polymer 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] The term "elastomer" means 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 metallic reinforcements, each reinforcing element comprises one or more reinforcing wires made of a metal, preferably steel. The metal or steel used, whether in particular carbon steel or 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 performance properties of the wire and / or the conveyor belt itself, such as adhesion properties, corrosion resistance or resistance to aging. According to a preferred embodiment, the steel used is coated with a layer of brass (Zn-Cu alloy) or zinc.

[0204] In the case of synthetic material reinforcements, i.e. polymer, each reinforcement 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, i.e., aromatic polyamide or aromatic copolyamide, it is well known that this refers to a filament of linear macromolecules formed of aromatic groups linked together by amide bonds, of which at least 85% are directly linked to two aromatic rings, and more particularly to 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, examples include polyarylamides (PAA), poly(metaxylylene adipamide), polyphthalamides (or PPA, notably known under the trade name Amodel from the Solvay company), or para-aramids (or poly(paraphenylene terephthalamide or PA PPD-T).

[0206] By nylon reinforcing element, i.e. aliphatic polyamide, is meant a filament of linear macromolecules of polymers or copolymers containing amide functional groups without aromatic rings and which can be synthesized by polycondensation between a carboxylic acid and an amine. Examples of aliphatic polyamides include PA4.6, PA6, PA6.6, and PA6.10 nylons.

[0207] A polyester reinforcing element is defined as a filament of linear macromolecules formed from groups linked together by ester bonds. Polyesters are manufactured by polycondensation through esterification between a dicarboxylic acid or one of its derivatives and a diol. For example, polyethylene terephthalate can be manufactured by polycondensation of terephthalic acid and ethylene glycol. Known polyesters include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyethylene naphthalate (PEN), polybutylene terephthalate (PBT), polybutylene naphthalate (PBN), polypropylene terephthalate (PPT), and polypropylene naphthalate (PPN).

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

Claims

Demands

1. 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, 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), each guide member (10) comprising at least one clamping clip (17) cooperating with a corresponding free end (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) of the belt assembly (20, 30), characterized in that that the band 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 over to form two free ends (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) of the band assembly (20, 30), each clip (17) holding one free end (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) of the band assembly (20, 30) comprising the rod (25a, 25b ; 35a, 35b).;

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

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

4. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein each rod (25a, 25b, 35a, 35b) has a circular section or a tapered teardrop-shaped section.

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

6. Conveying system (1) according to claim 5, wherein each rod (25a, 25b) extends only over the length of the associated cradle (21).

7. Conveying system (1) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein each cradle (21) has a (U) shape during a material transport phase comprising two vertical parts (21c, 21d) connected by a transverse part (21e), the longitudinal conveying belt (22) being placed on the transverse part (21e) of each cradle (21), the longitudinal conveying belt (22) being configured to support the materials.

8. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 7, in cradles (21) are regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction (X).

9. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 8, wherein the belt assembly (20) further comprises two longitudinal cords (27a, 27b) connecting respectively the first ends (21a) of the cradles (21) and the second ends (21b) of the cradles (21).

10. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 9, wherein the width of each cradle (21) is at least as wide as the width of the conveyor belt (22).

11. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 10, wherein the length of each cradle (21) is between 15cm and 50cm, preferably equal to 20cm.

12. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 5 to 11, wherein the longitudinal conveying belt (22) is made of composite material comprising a rubber and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcements (22a) embedded in said rubber.

13. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the belt assembly (30) comprises a longitudinal conveying belt (31) comprising a first and a second free end (31a, 31b) each attached to a clamp (17) of at least one guide member (10), the longitudinal conveying belt (31) being configured to support the materials.

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

15. Conveying system (1) according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the longitudinal conveying belt (31) further comprises at least one longitudinal reinforcement (36, 37) embedded in the rubber (33) and disposed below and / or above the transverse reinforcement (34).

16. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the rubber (33) of the longitudinal conveyor belt (31) comprises an overthickness (33a) extending in the vertical direction (Z) and centrally arranged in the transverse direction (Y).

17. Conveying system (1) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each guiding member (10) comprises at least one wheel (12a, 12b) mounted for rotation on a rolling axle (14) integral with a connecting member (13a, 13b).

18. Conveying system (1) according to claim 17, wherein each connecting member (13a, 13b) comprises at least one support structure (15) integral with the bearing shaft and comprising a connecting arm (16d) extending vertically towards the belt assembly and connected to a clamp (17) for securing a free end of the belt assembly, and wherein each clamp (17) comprises a first tab integral with the connecting arm and a second tab opposite (17b) the first tab in the transverse direction, said tabs defining between them a receiving space for a free end of the belt assembly, each clamp (17) comprising an upper end in which the tabs (17a, 17b) are integral with each other and a free lower end in which the tabs (17a, 17b) are spaced apart from each other by a clearance transversal.

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

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