Method for stretching stretchable conveyors and conveyor belts

Abstract

This invention provides an extendable conveyor and a method for extending a conveying belt that can be used even in short-distance tunnels. [Solution] The stretch conveyor 100 includes a pair of belt clips 3 for securing both ends of the removed transport belt 1 when connecting the stretch belt 10 to the transport belt 1, and a belt tension section 4 without belt storage, configured to adjust the tension of the transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 by moving the connected transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 in the transport direction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an extensible conveyor and a method for extending a conveyor belt.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, methods for extending extensible conveyors and conveyor belts have been known (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Patent Document 1 discloses an extensible conveyor including a belt body, an extension belt, and a belt storage device (belt storage) for storing the extension belt in the extensible conveyor, capable of being extended by connecting the extension belt to the belt body. In Patent Document 1, after releasing the connection state between one end and the other end of the belt body, one end and the other end of the extension belt fixed to the storage device at one end and the other end of the belt body are connected. Further, the belt storage device has the function of a belt tensioning unit that adjusts the tension of the belt body and the extension belt.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Although not disclosed in Patent Document 1 above, in an extensible conveyor equipped with a belt storage, the entire length of the extensible conveyor is such that the length of the belt storage occupies more than half of the total length. Due to this, the total length of the extensible conveyor cannot be made smaller than the length of the belt storage, and it has been difficult to use an extensible conveyor in a short-distance tunnel having a total length equal to or less than the length of the belt storage. Therefore, there has been a demand for an extensible conveyor that can be used in a short-distance tunnel. [[ID=4@]]

[0006] This invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and one of its objectives is to provide an extendable conveyor and a method for extending a conveying belt that can also be used in short-distance tunnels. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] To achieve the above objective, the first phase of the stretch conveyor is a stretch conveyor that can be stretched by connecting a stretch belt to a transport belt, and comprises a transport belt with both ends detachably connected, belt connecting parts provided at each end of the transport belt and for detachably connecting both ends of the transport belt, a pair of belt fixing parts for fixing each end of the transport belt that has been removed when the stretch belt is connected to the transport belt, and a belt tensioning part that does not include a belt storage, configured to adjust the tension of the transport belt and the stretch belt by moving the connected transport belt and the stretch belt in the transport direction.

[0008] In the first phase of the extension conveyor, as described above, when connecting the extension belt to the conveyor belt, it includes a pair of belt fixing parts that fix both ends of the removed conveyor belt, and a belt tensioning part that does not include a belt storage, configured to adjust the tension of the conveyor belt and the extension belt by moving the connected conveyor belt and extension belt in the conveying direction. As a result, the belt tensioning part does not need to store the extension belt like a belt storage and can adjust the tension of the conveyor belt and the extension belt, so the belt tensioning part can be made smaller compared to a belt storage. Consequently, the overall length of the extension conveyor can be made smaller than that of an extension conveyor equipped with a belt storage, so it can be used in short-distance tunnels as well.

[0009] In the stretching conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the belt tensioning section includes at least a tension adjustment trolley for adjusting the tension of the conveying belt, and is configured to adjust the tension between the connected conveying belt and the stretching belt by moving the tension adjustment trolley in the conveying direction. With this configuration, the tension between the connected conveying belt and the stretching belt can be adjusted by moving the tension adjustment trolley, so the device for adjusting the tension between the conveying belt and the stretching belt can be made smaller compared to the case where a belt storage is provided. As a result, the overall length of the stretching conveyor can be further shortened.

[0010] In the stretching conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, a retraction section is further provided to adjust the position of the end of the stretching belt relative to the end of the conveying belt fixed to the belt fixing section by retracting the stretching belt. With this configuration, the position of the end of the stretching belt can be easily adjusted.

[0011] In the stretchable conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the pair of belt fixing parts include a first fixing member located above the stretchable belt and a second fixing member located below the stretchable belt, and when fixing the conveying belt, at least one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member is movable in the vertical direction, and the first fixing member and the second fixing member are configured to sandwich the conveying belt from above and below. With this configuration, the conveying belt can be firmly fixed by sandwiching it between the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

[0012] In this case, preferably, the pair of belt fixing parts includes a shaft portion to which the first fixing member and the second fixing member are attached, and a fastening member that fastens the first fixing member and the second fixing member to the shaft portion. When fixing the conveyor belt, the fastening state of the fastening member is released, and at least one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member moves vertically along the shaft portion, so that the first fixing member and the second fixing member sandwich the conveyor belt from above and below. With this configuration, the conveyor belt can be fixed more firmly by firmly fastening the first fixing member and the second fixing member with the fastening member. In addition, since the positions of the first fixing member and the second fixing member can be adjusted by releasing the fastening state of the fastening member, the position in which the conveyor belt is fixed can be easily adjusted.

[0013] In a configuration in which the above pair of belt fixing parts comprises a first fixing member located above the stretching belt and a second fixing member located below the stretching belt, preferably the configuration further includes a drive unit that includes a drive source for moving at least one of the first fixing member or the second fixing member in the vertical direction, and when fixing the conveying belt, the drive unit moves at least one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member in the vertical direction so that the first fixing member and the second fixing member sandwich the conveying belt from above and below. With this configuration, by including a drive unit, the conveying belt can be automatically sandwiched and fixed by the first fixing member and the second fixing member.

[0014] In the extension conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, a pair of belt fixing parts are configured to adjust the position of the end of the conveying belt by moving them in the conveying direction during belt connection work. With this configuration, the position where the conveying belt is fixed can be finely adjusted by moving the belt fixing parts in the conveying direction, so that the conveying belt and the extension belt can be easily connected.

[0015] In the stretchable conveyor according to the first aspect described above, preferably, the belt connecting portion includes a pair of comb-shaped joints provided at each end of the conveying belt, and a connecting pin that is inserted into and connects both ends of the conveying belt when the comb-shaped joints provided at each end of the conveying belt are engaged with each other. With this configuration, both ends of the conveying belt can be connected by fixing the connecting pin while the comb-shaped joints are engaged with each other, thus shortening the time required for connection and making connection easier compared to when the ends of the conveying belt are joined by vulcanization bonding or the like. In addition, since the connection between both ends of the conveying belt can be released by removing the connecting pin, the time required to release the connection between both ends of the conveying belt when connecting the conveying belt and the stretchable belt can be shortened.

[0016] The method for extending the conveyor belt according to the second phase described above includes the steps of fixing each end of the conveyor belt with a fixing member, releasing the connection between the ends of the conveyor belt that are connected to each other after the fixing step, connecting one end of the conveyor belt and one end of the extending belt after releasing the connection between the ends of the conveyor belt, releasing the fixing of one end of the conveyor belt and moving the conveyor belt in the conveying direction to extend the belt The process includes: extending the belt; fixing the other end of the stretching belt with a fixing member after the stretching belt extension step; connecting the other end of the conveying belt with the other end of the stretching belt after the fixing member step; and moving the connected conveying belt and stretching belt in the conveying direction and adjusting the tension of the conveying belt and stretching belt with a belt tension section that does not include a belt storage.

[0017] The second method for extending the conveyor belt, as described above, includes a step of moving the connected conveyor belt and extension belt in the conveying direction and adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt and extension belt using a belt tensioning section that does not include belt storage. As a result, the belt tensioning section can adjust the tension of the conveyor belt and extension belt without including belt storage. Therefore, the belt tensioning section can be made smaller compared to a belt storage. Consequently, the overall length of the extension conveyor can be reduced compared to an extension conveyor equipped with belt storage, making it usable even in short tunnels. [Effects of the Invention]

[0018] According to the present invention, as described above, it is possible to provide an extendable conveyor and a method for extending a conveying belt that can also be used in short-distance tunnels. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0019] [Figure 1] This figure shows an example of an extendable conveyor. [Figure 2] Figure 2(a) shows the connection between one end and the other end of the conveying belt, and Figure 2(b) shows the connection between the conveying belt and the extending belt. [Figure 3] Figure 3(a) shows the connection between one end and the other end of the conveying belt, and Figure 3(b) shows the connection between the conveying belt and the extending belt. [Figure 4] This is a view of the belt clip according to the first embodiment, as seen from the conveying direction. [Figure 5] This is a side view of a belt clip according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] This is a diagram of the belt clip section as seen from the line V1-V1 in Figure 1. [Figure 7]It is a diagram showing a state where the conveyor belt according to the first embodiment is fixed. [Figure 8] It is a diagram showing a state where one end of the conveyor belt according to the first embodiment and one end of the stretching belt are connected. [Figure 9] It is a diagram showing a state where the stretching belt is stretched in a state where one end of the conveyor belt according to the first embodiment and one end of the stretching belt are connected. [Figure 10] It is a diagram showing a state where the other end of the conveyor belt according to the first embodiment and the other end of the stretching belt are connected. [Figure 11] It is a side view of the belt clip according to the second embodiment. [Figure 12] It is a view of the belt clip according to the second embodiment as seen from the conveying direction. [Figure 13] It is a diagram showing a state where the pulling-in part according to the second embodiment is arranged. [Figure 14] It is a diagram showing a state where the pulling-in part according to the second embodiment and the stretching belt are connected. [Figure 15] It is a diagram showing a state where the stretching belt according to the second embodiment is pulled in to the connecting position. [Figure 16] It is a side view of the belt clip according to the third embodiment [Figure 17] It is a view of the belt clip according to the third embodiment as seen from the conveying direction. [Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0020] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on the drawings

[0021] [First Embodiment] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 10, the configuration of the stretching conveyor 100 according to the first embodiment will be described.

[0022] The extended conveyor 100 is a transport device for long-length transport materials (excavated spoil) installed inside a tunnel. It is configured to transport materials generated during tunnel excavation from the tunnel face to the tunnel entrance or outside the tunnel by placing them on the transport belt 1. The transport materials (excavated spoil) consist of rock fragments, soil, etc., excavated from the ground during tunnel excavation.

[0023] As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the extendable conveyor 100 comprises a transport belt 1, a coupling fitting 2, a pair of belt clips 3, and a belt tensioning section 4. The extendable conveyor 100 can be extended by connecting the extendable belt 10 to the transport belt 1. The pair of belt clips 3 is an example of the "pair of belt fixing sections" described in the claims. The coupling fitting 2 is an example of the "belt connecting section" described in the claims. In the first embodiment, the transport direction is the X direction, the vertical direction is the Z direction, and the left-right direction perpendicular to the X and Z directions is the Y direction. In the X direction, the tunnel entrance side is the X1 side, and the tunnel face side is the X2 side. The tunnel entrance is the entrance side of the tunnel, and the tunnel face side is the excavation surface side.

[0024] Figure 1 shows the area around the head pulley 20 installed on the tunnel entrance side of the extension conveyor 100. The conveyor belt 1 transports material (not shown) from the tunnel face side to the tunnel entrance side and releases the material at the head pulley 20. After the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 1 is changed via the vent pulley 30, any attached material is removed by the cleaning device 40. After the material is removed by the cleaning device 40, the conveyor belt 1 passes through the belt connecting frame 50 and the belt tension is adjusted at the belt tension section 4. After the belt tension is adjusted, the conveyor belt 1 returns towards the tunnel face via the vent pulley 30. The conveyor belt 1 that moves towards the tunnel entrance side and transports the material is called the carrier belt, and the conveyor belt 1 that returns to the tunnel face side via the vent pulley 30 is called the return belt. The carrier belt is located above the return belt.

[0025] The conveyor belt 1 is detachably connected at both ends. When conveying an object, the conveyor belt 1 is formed in a ring shape, and both ends in the X direction are detached when connecting the extension belt 10. The conveyor belt 1 is configured to rotate by a drive source (not shown) and convey the object. The conveyor belt 1 is made of, for example, rubber.

[0026] As shown in Figure 2, the joint fittings 2 are provided at both ends of the conveyor belt 1. As shown in Figure 2(a), the joint fittings 2 detachably connect both ends of the conveyor belt 1 on the X-direction side. In the first embodiment, the joint fittings 2 are integrally provided with the conveyor belt 1 and cannot be removed from the conveyor belt 1. By joining using the joint fittings 2, the jointing work when extending the belt can be simplified. As shown in Figure 2(b), the joint fittings 2 are provided at both ends of the extension belt 10 and are used to connect it to the conveyor belt 1. Furthermore, in the conveyor belt 1 to which the extension belt 10 is connected, the position of the joint fittings 2 (joint position) indicates the position where the extension belt 10 has already been connected, and as the number of extensions increases, the joint position also increases.

[0027] As shown in Figures 2 and 3, the joint fitting 2 includes a pair of comb-shaped joints 2a and a connecting pin 2b. As shown in Figures 2(a) and 3(a), the pair of comb-shaped joints 2a are provided at both ends of the conveyor belt 1. Specifically, the pair of comb-shaped joints 2a are provided at both ends on the X side of the conveyor belt 1 (one end 1a and the other end 1b) and face each other. The pair of comb-shaped joints 2a have their comb-shaped interlocking parts alternately arranged at the X1 end and the X2 end of the conveyor belt 1. The connecting pin 2b is inserted along the Y direction into both ends on the X side of the conveyor belt 1 when the comb-shaped joints 2a provided at both ends of the conveyor belt 1 are aligned with each other. This connects both ends on the X side of the conveyor belt 1. Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2(b) and 3(b), a pair of comb-shaped joints 2a are also provided at both ends of the stretching belt 10. The connecting pin 2b is inserted into the ends of the conveying belt 1 and the stretching belt 10 when the comb-shaped joints 2a at the ends of the conveying belt 1 and the stretching belt 10 are aligned, thereby connecting the conveying belt 1 and the stretching belt 10. Figures 2(b) and 3(b) illustrate the case where one end 1a of the conveying belt 1 is connected to one end 10a of the stretching belt 10.

[0028] As shown in Figure 1, belt clips 3 are provided on the upstream and downstream sides of the belt connecting frame 50. The belt connecting frame 50 and the pair of belt clips 3 are located on the mine entrance side (closer to the head pulley 20 than to the tail pulley 60). The belt connecting frame 50 is used to connect the conveyor belt 1 and the extension belt 10. The belt clips 3 prevent the cut conveyor belt 1 from being pulled back by the remaining belt tension when the extension belt 10 is connected to the conveyor belt 1 during the extension operation. The pair of belt clips 3 are configured to fix both ends of the removed conveyor belt 1 when the extension belt 10 is connected to the conveyor belt 1. Specifically, they are located near the belt connecting frame 50, which is positioned below, and are configured to fix the return belt.

[0029] As shown in Figures 4 and 5, a pair of belt clips 3 are provided facing each other in the X direction. Two belt clips 3 are provided in the X direction to fix one end (X2 side) and the other end (X1 side) of the conveyor belt 1, respectively.

[0030] The belt clip 3 includes a belt fixing member 3a, a belt fixing moving member 3b, a guide threaded rod 3c, and a fixing nut 3d. The belt clip 3 includes one pair each of the belt fixing member 3a, the belt fixing moving member 3b, the guide threaded rod 3c, and the fixing nut 3d, and the pair of belt fixing members 3a, the pair of belt fixing moving members 3b, the pair of guide threaded rods 3c, and the pair of fixing nuts 3d are arranged in line in the Y direction. The belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b are examples of the "first fixing member" and "second fixing member" described in the claims. The guide threaded rod 3c is an example of the "shaft portion" described in the claims. The fixing nut 3d is an example of the "fastening member" described in the claims.

[0031] The belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b are members for clamping the conveyor belt 1 from above and below. Specifically, the belt fixing member 3a is configured to be located above (on the Z1 side) the conveyor belt 1. The belt fixing movable member 3b is configured to be located below (on the Z2 side) the conveyor belt 1. The belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b are, for example, made of H-beams and are configured to fix the conveyor belt 1 with a flat portion extending along the X direction. The belt fixing member 3a has a flat lower surface that contacts the conveyor belt 1. The belt fixing movable member 3b has a flat upper surface that contacts the conveyor belt 1. When fixing the conveyor belt 1, at least one of the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b is movable in the vertical direction, and the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b are configured to clamp the conveyor belt 1 from above and below. In the first embodiment, the belt fixing movable member 3b moves in the vertical direction, and the belt fixing member 3a contacts the conveyor belt 1 from above. The belt fixing member 3a contacts the conveyor belt 1 when the conveyor belt 1 is pushed up by the belt fixing movable member 3b.

[0032] The guide threaded rod 3c is to which the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b are attached. Specifically, the guide threaded rod 3c is inserted through both ends of the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b on the Y-direction side. The belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b move vertically along the guide threaded rod 3c. The guide threaded rod 3c is a vertically extending rod-shaped member with a threaded surface.

[0033] The fixing nut 3d is configured to fasten the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b to the guide thread rod 3c. The fixing nut 3d is configured to clamp and fix the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b from above and below, respectively. Specifically, the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b for clamping the conveyor belt 1 are installed on guide thread rods 3c installed on both sides in the Y direction so as to be able to slide up and down, and are fixed to each with the fixing nut 3d. When fixing the conveyor belt 1, the fastening state of the fixing nut 3d is released, and at least one of the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b moves up and down along the guide thread rod 3c, so that the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b clamp the conveyor belt 1 from above and below.

[0034] As shown in Figures 1 and 6, the belt tensioning unit 4 is configured to adjust the tension of the conveying belt 1 and the stretching belt 10 by moving the conveying belt 1, or the connected conveying belt 1 and stretching belt 10, in the conveying direction. Unlike conventional systems, the belt tensioning unit 4 does not include belt storage. Therefore, the stretching belt 10 is prepared in advance and transported to near the stretching conveyor 100. Also, because the belt tensioning unit 4 does not include belt storage, its length in the X direction can be reduced compared to conventional systems, thus reducing the X-direction length of the stretching conveyor 100. Note that in Figure 6, a portion of the belt connecting frame 50 is omitted.

[0035] The belt tensioning unit 4 includes a tension adjustment trolley 4a. The tension adjustment trolley 4a is a pulley trolley on which pulleys 4b are arranged. The tension adjustment trolley 4a is configured to adjust the tension of at least the conveyor belt 1. The tension adjustment trolley 4a includes a plurality of wheels 4c arranged in the X and Y directions. A movable rail 50a extending along the X direction is provided on the upper surface of the belt connecting frame 50, and the tension adjustment trolley 4a moves along the X direction as the wheels 4c rotate on the movable rail 50a. The conveyor belt 1 is attached to the pulley 4b, and the tension adjustment trolley 4a is configured to adjust the tension between the connected conveyor belt 1 and the stretching belt 10 as it moves in the conveying direction. The belt tensioning unit 4 adjusts the tension of the entire conveyor belt 1 by pulling the movable tension adjustment trolley 4a, which is installed on the movable rail 50a, with an electric winch 4d (see Figure 7). Specifically, as the tension adjustment trolley 4a moves in the conveying direction, the conveying belt 1 and the stretching belt 10 move in the X2 direction via the pulley 4b, thereby stretching the conveying belt 1 and the stretching belt 10 and adjusting their tension. In this case, the conveying belt 1 and the stretching belt 10 are adjusted to the pre-designed appropriate tension. The pre-designed appropriate tension is based on the pre-pressure tension required to prevent slippage of the drive pulley (not shown) that drives the conveying belt 1 and the stretching belt 10.

[0036] The method for extending the conveyor belt 1 will be explained based on Figures 7 to 10. The extension belt 10 is prepared separately from the extension conveyor 100. Similar to the conveyor belt 1, the extension belt 10 has joint fittings 2 integrally provided at one end 10a and the other end 10b. The total length of the extension belt 10 is set based on a predetermined extension length (excavation length) per cycle. The extension belt 10 is transported in a roll shape with one end 10a and the other end 10b not connected. The extension belt 10 is configured to be transported by transport equipment appropriate to the site, and in the first embodiment, it is transported by a truck T.

[0037] The method for extending the conveyor belt 1 includes the step of stopping the joint fitting 2 provided on the conveyor belt 1 on the belt connecting frame 50 (first step). It also includes the step of fixing each of the ends of the conveyor belt 1 with a pair of belt clips 3 (second step). Furthermore, the method for extending the conveyor belt 1 includes the step of releasing the connection between the ends of the conveyor belt 1, where both ends are connected (third step). The method for fixing the conveyor belt 1 includes the step of connecting one end 1a of the conveyor belt 1 with one end 1a of the extension belt 10, after the step of releasing the connection between the ends of the conveyor belt 1 (fourth step). The method for extending the conveyor belt 1 includes the step of releasing the fixing state of one end 1a of the conveyor belt 1, moving the conveyor belt 1 in the conveying direction, and extending the extension belt 10 (fifth step).

[0038] The method for fixing the conveyor belt 1 includes a step of fixing the other end 10b of the extension belt 10 with a belt clip 3 (sixth step) after the step of extending the extension belt 10. The method for extending the conveyor belt 1 includes a step of connecting the other end 1b of the conveyor belt 1 with the other end 10b of the extension belt 10 (seventh step) after the step of fixing the other end 10b of the extension belt 10 with a belt clip 3. The method for extending the conveyor belt 1 includes a step of moving the connected conveyor belt 1 and extension belt 10 in the conveying direction and adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt 1 and extension belt 10 with a belt tension section 4 that does not include a belt storage (eighth step).

[0039] Steps 1 through 8 described above will now be explained in detail. As shown in Figure 7, step 1 is the step of stopping the coupling fitting 2 provided on the conveyor belt 1 between a pair of belt clips 3 on the belt connecting frame 50. In step 1, the conveyor belt 1 is stopped manually or automatically so that the coupling fitting 2 is positioned between the pair of belt clips 3. If stopping automatically, it may be stopped by the control unit. Step 2 is the step of fixing the X1 side end and the X2 side end of the conveyor belt 1 (return belt) with a pair of belt clips 3. The X1 side end and the X2 side end of the conveyor belt 1 are the ends to which the coupling fitting 2 is provided. One belt clip 3 is configured to fix the Y1 side and the Y2 side of the conveyor belt 1. In step 3, the connection of the coupling fitting 2 of the conveyor belt 1 is released. Figure 7 shows the state in which one end 1a and the other end 1b of the conveyor belt 1 are not connected. In Figure 7, the tension of the conveyor belt 1 is loosened to its maximum extent.

[0040] Figure 7 illustrates a tail pulley 60 to be installed at the face end (X2 side end) of the extension conveyor 100. The tail pulley 60 is mounted on a mobile trolley (not shown) and is configured to move along the X direction.

[0041] As shown in Figure 8, in the fourth step, the joint fitting 2 at one end 10a of the stretching belt 10 is connected to the joint fitting 2 at the detached end 1a of the conveying belt 1.

[0042] In the fifth step, one end 1a (X2 side) of the conveyor belt 1 is opened from the pair of belt clips 3. As a result, the tail pulley 60 moves in the face direction (X2 direction), causing the stretching belt 10 to also move in the face direction, and the stretching belt 10 is unwound (stretched). Consequently, the connection point between one end 1a of the conveyor belt 1 and one end 10a of the stretching belt 10, which is circled with a dashed line in Figure 8, moves to the area circled with a dashed line in Figure 9.

[0043] As shown in Figure 9, in the sixth step, the other end 10b of the extended stretching belt 10 is fixed by the belt clip 3 on the X2 side in a position opposite to the other end 1b of the conveying belt 1. The position of the conveying belt 1 is adjusted by the stretching by the tail pulley 60 and the belt tensioning section 4.

[0044] As shown in Figure 10, in the seventh step, the connecting fittings 2 provided on the other end 1b of the conveying belt 1 and the other end 10b of the stretching belt 10 are connected.

[0045] In the eighth step, with the joint fitting 2 at the other end 10b of the stretching belt 10 and the joint fitting 2 at the other end 1b of the detached conveying belt 1 joined together, the fixing state of the pair of belt clips 3 is released, and the belt tensioning unit 4 applies appropriate tension to the conveying belt 1 to which the stretching belt 10 is connected, making it ready for transport. Specifically, the tension adjustment trolley 4a of the belt tensioning unit 4 is moved from the X1 side to the X2 side by the electric winch 4d, and the stretching belt 10 is pulled from the X1 side to the X2 side to apply appropriate tension. Then, the transport of the conveyed object is started.

[0046] (Effects of the first embodiment) The extension conveyor 100 of the first embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0047] In the first embodiment of the stretch conveyor 100, as described above, when connecting the stretch belt 10 to the transport belt 1, it includes a pair of belt clips 3 that fix both ends of the removed transport belt 1, and a belt tension section 4 that does not include a belt storage, configured to adjust the tension of the transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 by moving the connected transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 in the transport direction. As a result, the belt tension section 4 does not need to store the stretch belt like a belt storage, and can adjust the tension of the transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10, so the belt tension section 4 can be made smaller compared to a belt storage. As a result, the overall length of the stretch conveyor 100 can be made smaller than that of a stretch conveyor equipped with a belt storage, so it can be used in short-distance tunnels as well.

[0048] Furthermore, in the stretch conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the belt tension section 4 includes at least a tension adjustment trolley 4a for adjusting the tension of the conveying belt 1, and the tension adjustment trolley 4a is configured to adjust the tension between the connected conveying belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 by moving in the conveying direction. As a result, the tension between the connected conveying belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 can be adjusted by moving the tension adjustment trolley 4a, and the device for adjusting the tension between the conveying belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 can be made smaller compared to the case where a belt storage is provided. As a result, the overall length of the stretch conveyor 100 can be further shortened.

[0049] Furthermore, in the stretch conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the pair of belt clips 3 include a belt fixing member 3a located above the stretch belt 10 and a belt fixing movable member 3b located below the stretch belt 10. When fixing the conveyor belt 1, at least one of the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b is movable in the vertical direction, and the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b are configured to sandwich the conveyor belt 1 from above and below. As a result, the conveyor belt 1 can be firmly fixed by sandwiching it between the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing movable member 3b.

[0050] Furthermore, in the extendable conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the pair of belt clips 3 include a guide screw rod 3c to which the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b are attached, and a fixing nut 3d that fastens the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b to the guide screw rod 3c. When fixing the conveyor belt 1, the fastening state of the fixing nut 3d is released, and at least one of the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b moves vertically along the guide screw rod 3c, so that the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b sandwich the conveyor belt 1 from above and below. As a result, the conveyor belt 1 can be fixed more firmly by firmly fastening the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b with the fixing nut 3d. In addition, by releasing the fastening state of the fixing nut 3d, the positions of the belt fixing member 3a and the belt fixing moving member 3b can be adjusted, so the position in which the conveyor belt 1 is fixed can be easily adjusted.

[0051] Furthermore, in the stretchable conveyor 100 of the first embodiment, as described above, the joint fitting 2 includes a pair of comb-shaped joint portions 2a provided at each end of the conveying belt 1, and a connecting pin 2b that is inserted into and connects both ends of the conveying belt 1 when the comb-shaped joint portions 2a provided at each end of the conveying belt 1 are aligned with each other. As a result, both ends of the conveying belt 1 can be connected by fixing the connecting pin 2b with the comb-shaped joint portions 2a interlocked, thus shortening the time required for connection and making connection easier compared to when both ends of the conveying belt 1 are connected by vulcanization bonding or the like. In addition, since the connection state of both ends of the conveying belt 1 can be released by removing the connecting pin 2b, the time required to release the connection of both ends of the conveying belt 1 when connecting the conveying belt 1 and the stretchable belt 10 can be shortened.

[0052] Furthermore, the extension method of the extension conveyor 100 in the first embodiment includes a step of moving the connected transport belt 1 and extension belt 10 in the transport direction and adjusting the tension of the transport belt 1 and extension belt 10 using a belt tension section 4 that does not include belt storage. As a result, the belt tension section 4 can adjust the tension of the transport belt 1 and extension belt 10 without including belt storage. Therefore, the belt tension section 4 can be made smaller compared to a belt storage. As a result, the overall length of the extension conveyor 100 can be reduced compared to an extension conveyor equipped with belt storage, and it can be used in short-distance tunnels.

[0053] [Second Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the stretchable conveyor 100 according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 and Figures 7 to 15. In the second embodiment, the belt clip 203 includes a pneumatic cylinder 203c. The pair of belt clips 203 is an example of the "pair of belt fixing parts" described in the claims. The pneumatic cylinder 203c is an example of the "drive part" described in the claims.

[0054] As shown in Figures 11 and 12, the belt clip 203 in the second embodiment includes a belt fixing movable member 203a, a belt fixing member 203b, a pneumatic cylinder 203c, and a support pin 203d. In the second embodiment, the belt fixing movable member 203a is located on the Z1 side of the conveyor belt 1, and the belt fixing member 203b is located on the Z2 side of the conveyor belt 1. The belt fixing movable member 203a is an example of the "first fixing member" described in the claims. The belt fixing member 203b is an example of the "second fixing member" described in the claims.

[0055] The pneumatic cylinder 203c is configured to extend in the Z2 direction and retract in the Z1 direction. One pneumatic cylinder 203c is provided. The pneumatic cylinders 203c, which are arranged in the Y direction, are installed at an inclination so that they are parallel to each other. By installing them at an inclination, it is possible to suppress an increase in the length in the Z direction. The Z2 end of the pneumatic cylinder 203c is connected to the Y1 side of the belt fixing member 203a, and is configured to move the belt fixing member 203a in the Z direction. The belt fixing member 203a is fixed to the tip (lower end) of the rod of the pneumatic cylinder 203c.

[0056] The support pin 203d is inserted through the Y2 side of the belt fixing member 203a and is configured to rotatably support the belt fixing member 203a.

[0057] In the second embodiment, the pneumatic cylinder 203c, which includes a drive source, is extended with the support pin 203d as the pivot point, and the belt fixing member 203a is rotated and pushed down, causing the conveyor belt 1 to come into contact with the belt fixing member 203b, and the conveyor belt 1 is sandwiched and fixed between the belt fixing member 203b and the belt fixing member 203a. In Figure 11, the belt fixing member 203a before fixing the conveyor belt 1 is shown with a solid line, and the belt fixing member 203a with the conveyor belt 1 fixed is shown with a dashed line.

[0058] As shown in Figures 13 and 14, in the second embodiment, the stretch conveyor 200 further includes a pull-in section 5. The pull-in section 5 is configured to adjust the position of the end of the stretch belt 10 relative to the end of the conveyor belt 1 fixed to the belt clip 203 by pulling in the stretch belt 10. The pull-in section 5 is located between a pair of belt clips 203 in the X direction. The pull-in section 5 includes a winch 5a and a wire rope 5b. The wire rope 5b is wound around and housed in the pull-in section 5. One end of the wire rope 5b is provided with a joint fitting 2 (see Figure 2) that can be connected to one end 10a of the stretch belt 10. The winch 5a is configured to wind up the wire rope 5b, and by winding up the wire rope 5b, the stretch belt 10 can be pulled up to a predetermined position.

[0059] The retraction operation of the retraction section 5 will be explained based on Figures 13 to 15. As shown in Figure 13, the stretching belt 10 is positioned on the X1 side of the stretching conveyor 200. The stretching belt 10 is also wound onto a winding device located on the ground.

[0060] As shown in Figure 14, the wire rope 5b of the pull-in section 5 is stretched, and one end of the wire rope 5b is connected to one end 10a of the extension belt 10 by the joint fitting 2. At this time, the wire rope 5b is positioned via a pulley 5c to facilitate winding up with the winch 5a. In Figures 14 and 15, the wire rope 5b is shown with a thick line, and the extension belt 10 is shown with a thin line. Also in Figures 14 and 15, the connection point between one end of the wire rope 5b and one end 10a of the extension belt 10 is enclosed in a dashed circle.

[0061] As shown in Figure 15, the pull-in section 5 uses the winch 5a to wind up the wire rope 5b, pulling in one end 10a of the extension belt 10 to a position where it can be connected to the conveyor belt 1. Specifically, one end 10a of the extension belt 10 is pulled in between a pair of belt clips 203 and up to the upper surface of the belt connecting frame 50.

[0062] After one end 10a of the stretching belt 10 is pulled in, the conveying belt 1 is extended according to the method of extending the conveying belt 1 shown in Figures 7 to 10. Note that the operation of pulling in one end 10a of the stretching belt 10 may be performed before the second and third steps, after these steps, between the second and third steps, or in parallel with the first and second steps.

[0063] The other configurations of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0064] (Effects of the second embodiment) The extension conveyor 200 of the second embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0065] In the second embodiment of the stretch conveyor 200, as described above, when connecting the stretch belt 10 to the transport belt 1, it includes a pair of belt clips 3 that fix both ends of the removed transport belt 1, and a belt tension section 4 that does not include a belt storage, configured to adjust the tension of the transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 by moving the connected transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 in the transport direction. As a result, the belt tension section 4 does not need to store the stretch belt like a belt storage, and can adjust the tension of the transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10, so the belt tension section 4 can be made smaller compared to a belt storage. As a result, the overall length of the stretch conveyor 200 can be made smaller than that of a stretch conveyor equipped with a belt storage, so it can be used in short-distance tunnels as well.

[0066] Furthermore, in the stretching conveyor 200 of the second embodiment, as described above, by pulling in the stretching belt 10, the position of the end of the stretching belt 10 relative to the end of the conveying belt 1 fixed to the belt clip 3 can be easily adjusted.

[0067] Furthermore, the extendable conveyor 200 of the second embodiment is further equipped with a pneumatic cylinder 203c that includes a drive source for moving at least one of the belt fixing moving member 203a or the belt fixing member 203b in the vertical direction, as described above. When fixing the conveyor belt 1, the pneumatic cylinder 203c moves at least one of the belt fixing moving member 203a and the belt fixing member 203b in the vertical direction, so that the belt fixing moving member 203a and the belt fixing member 203b sandwich the conveyor belt 1 from above and below. As a result, by providing the pneumatic cylinder 203c, the conveyor belt 1 can be automatically sandwiched and fixed by the belt fixing moving member 203a and the belt fixing member 203b.

[0068] Furthermore, the other effects of the second embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0069] [Third Embodiment] Next, the configuration of the stretchable conveyor 300 according to the third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3, Figure 16, and Figure 17. In the third embodiment, a pair of belt clips 303 are configured to be movable in the conveying direction. The pair of belt clips 303 is an example of the "pair of belt fixing parts" described in the claims.

[0070] As shown in Figures 16 and 17, the pair of belt clips 303 in the third embodiment are configured to adjust the position of the end of the conveyor belt 1 by moving in the conveying direction during belt connection work.

[0071] Specifically, a pair of belt clips 303 includes a belt fixing member 303a, a belt fixing movable member 303b, a guide threaded rod 303c, a fixing nut 303d, and a movable part 303e. The belt fixing member 303a and the belt fixing movable member 303b are examples of the "first fixing member" and "second fixing member" described in the claims. The guide threaded rod 303c is an example of the "shaft" described in the claims. The fixing nut 303d is an example of the "fastening member" described in the claims.

[0072] The movable part 303e includes a base part 313e and a guide part 323e. The base part 313e is rectangular in shape, extending in the X direction, and is connected to the lower end of the guide thread rod 303c. The guide part 323e also extends in the X direction and guides the base part 313e so that it can move in the X direction. The guide part 323e is U-shaped, with the Y direction side open when viewed from the X direction, and guide parts 323e are provided on the Y1 side and the Y2 side for one base part 313e. The base part 313e is fitted into the opening of the guide part 323e so that it can move in the X direction. The base part 313e moves in the X direction along the guide part 323e. As the base part 313e moves in the X direction, the belt clip 303 moves in the X direction. The movable part 303e is used, for example, when aligning with the end of the stretching belt 10. For example, when connecting the stretching belt 10 and the conveying belt 1, if the position of one end 10a of the stretching belt 10 and the position of one end 1a of the conveying belt 1 do not match, the moving part 303e is configured to move one end 1a of the conveying belt 1 towards X1.

[0073] The other configurations of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment described above.

[0074] (Effects of the third embodiment) The extension conveyor 300 of the third embodiment can provide the following effects.

[0075] In the third embodiment of the stretch conveyor 300, as described above, when connecting the stretch belt 10 to the transport belt 1, it includes a pair of belt clips 3 that fix both ends of the removed transport belt 1, and a belt tension section 4 that does not include a belt storage, configured to adjust the tension of the transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 by moving the connected transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10 in the transport direction. As a result, the belt tension section 4 does not need to store the stretch belt like a belt storage, and can adjust the tension of the transport belt 1 and the stretch belt 10, so the belt tension section 4 can be made smaller compared to a belt storage. As a result, the overall length of the stretch conveyor 300 can be made smaller than that of a stretch conveyor equipped with a belt storage, so it can be used in short-distance tunnels as well.

[0076] Furthermore, in the extension conveyor 300 of the third embodiment, as described above, the pair of belt clips 303 are configured to adjust the position of the end of the conveyor belt 1 by moving them in the conveying direction during belt connection work. As a result, by moving the belt clips 303 in the conveying direction, the position in which the conveyor belt 1 is fixed can be finely adjusted, making it easy to connect the conveyor belt 1 and the extension belt 10.

[0077] Furthermore, the other effects of the third embodiment are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[0078] [Differentiation] The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered in all respects to be illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is indicated by the claims rather than the description of the embodiments above, and further includes all modifications (modifications) within the meaning and scope equivalent to the claims.

[0079] For example, in the first to third embodiments described above, the belt connecting portion was shown to be a joint fitting, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the belt connecting portion may be formed by folding back the end of the conveying belt to form a comb-like shape. Alternatively, the belt connecting portion may not be formed in a comb-like shape.

[0080] Furthermore, while the first to third embodiments described above show examples where the belt connecting portion is integrally provided with the conveying belt, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the belt connecting portion may be constructed separately from the conveying belt and be detachable from the conveying belt.

[0081] Furthermore, while the first to third embodiments described above show examples in which the belt connecting portion is integrally provided with the stretching belt, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the belt connecting portion may be constructed separately from the stretching belt and be detachable from the stretching belt.

[0082] Furthermore, while the first to third embodiments described above show examples in which the stretching belt is prepared with one end and the other end unconnected, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stretching belt may be prepared with one end and the other end connected.

[0083] Furthermore, while the first to third embodiments described above show examples where the first fixing part, the second fixing part, the shaft part, and the fastening member are provided in two in the Y direction, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the belt fixing part may be provided in only one in the Y direction.

[0084] Furthermore, while the first to third embodiments described above show examples in which the first and second fixing members are made of H-beams, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first and second fixing members may be made of flat plate-shaped members.

[0085] Furthermore, while the first and third embodiments described above show examples in which the second fixing member moves vertically, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the first fixing member may move, or both the first and second fixing members may move.

[0086] Furthermore, although the second embodiment described above shows an example in which the first fixing member moves in the vertical direction, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the second fixing member may move, or both the first and second fixing members may move.

[0087] Furthermore, while the first and third embodiments described above show examples where the shaft is a guide threaded rod and the fastening member is a fixing nut, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, in the present invention, the shaft may be a rod-shaped member that has a bolt fastening hole and is not threaded, and the fastening member may be a bolt.

[0088] Furthermore, while the first and third embodiments described above show examples in which the first fixing member contacts the conveyor belt when the conveyor belt is pushed up by the second fixing member, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, the first fixing member may contact the conveyor belt regardless of the movement of the second fixing member.

[0089] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the second fixing member is shown to contact the conveyor belt when the conveyor belt is pushed down by the first fixing member, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, the second fixing member may contact the conveyor belt regardless of the movement of the first fixing member.

[0090] Furthermore, although the second embodiment described above shows an example in which the drive units are inclined to be parallel to each other, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the present invention, the drive units may be provided along the Z direction, or they may be inclined in different directions from each other.

[0091] Furthermore, in the first to third embodiments described above, an example was shown in which the position of the process conveying belt is adjusted by stretching with a tail pulley in the process of fixing the other end of the stretching belt with a belt clip, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the position of the conveying belt may be adjusted by a belt tensioning section.

[0092] Furthermore, although the second embodiment described above shows an example where the drive unit is a pneumatic cylinder, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the drive unit may use a different drive source, for example, a hydraulic cylinder or an electric cylinder.

[0093] Furthermore, although the second embodiment described above shows an example in which two drive units are provided, the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, one drive unit may be provided, or three or more may be provided.

[0094] Furthermore, although the second embodiment described above shows an example in which the stretchable conveyor is equipped with a retraction section, the present invention is not limited thereto. In the present invention, the stretchable conveyors of the first and third embodiments may also be equipped with a retraction section.

[0095] Furthermore, in the second embodiment described above, the retraction section assisted in the retraction of the extension belt by a winch, but the present invention is not limited to this. In the present invention, the retraction section may include components other than a winch. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0096] 1. Conveyor belt 1a One end 1b other end 2. Joint fittings (belt connection part) 2a joint 2b Connecting pin 3, 203, 303 Belt clip (belt fixing part) 3a, 303a Belt fixing part (first fixing member) 3b, 303b Belt fixing mechanism (second fixing member) 3c, 303c Guide threaded rod (shaft part) 3d, 303d Fixing nut (fastening component) 4. Belt tension section 4a Tension adjustment trolley 5. Entrance section 10 Stretching belt 10a One end 10b other end 100, 200, 300 extension conveyor 203a Belt fixing mechanism (first fixing member) 203b Belt fixing part (second fixing member)

Claims

1. An extendable conveyor that can be extended by connecting an extension belt to a conveyor belt, The conveying belt, whose ends are detachably connected, A belt connecting portion is provided at each end of the conveying belt and is detachably connected to both ends of the conveying belt, When connecting the stretching belt to the conveying belt, a pair of belt fixing parts are provided to fix both ends of the removed conveying belt, A stretching conveyor comprising a belt tensioning section, which does not include a belt storage, configured to adjust the tension of the conveying belt and the stretching belt by moving the connected conveying belt and the stretching belt in the conveying direction.

2. The belt tensioning section includes at least a tension adjustment trolley for adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt, The stretching conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the tension adjusting trolley is configured to adjust the tension between the connected conveying belt and the stretching belt by moving in the conveying direction.

3. The stretching conveyor according to claim 1, further comprising a pull-in section that adjusts the position of the end of the stretching belt relative to the end of the conveying belt fixed to the belt fixing section by pulling in the stretching belt.

4. The pair of belt fixing parts includes a first fixing member located above the stretching belt and a second fixing member located below the stretching belt. The extendable conveyor according to claim 1, wherein, when fixing the conveying belt, at least one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member is movable in the vertical direction, and the first fixing member and the second fixing member are configured to sandwich the conveying belt from above and below.

5. The pair of belt fixing portions includes a shaft portion to which the first fixing member and the second fixing member are attached, and a fastening member that fastens the first fixing member and the second fixing member to the shaft portion. The stretchable conveyor according to claim 4, wherein when the conveying belt is fixed, the fastening state of the fastening member is released, and at least one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member is moved vertically along the shaft portion, so that the first fixing member and the second fixing member sandwich the conveying belt from above and below.

6. The system further includes a drive unit that includes a drive source for moving at least one of the first or second fixing member in the vertical direction, The stretchable conveyor according to claim 4, wherein when fixing the conveying belt, the drive unit moves at least one of the first fixing member and the second fixing member in the vertical direction so that the first fixing member and the second fixing member sandwich the conveying belt from above and below.

7. The stretchable conveyor according to claim 4, wherein the pair of belt fixing parts are configured to adjust the position of the end of the conveying belt by moving in the conveying direction during belt connection work.

8. The stretchable conveyor according to claim 1, wherein the belt connecting portion includes a pair of comb-shaped connecting portions provided at each end of the conveying belt, and a connecting pin that is inserted into and connects both ends of the conveying belt when the comb-shaped connecting portions provided at each end of the conveying belt are aligned with each other.

9. The process involves fixing each end of the conveyor belt with a fixing member, After the step of fixing with the aforementioned fixing member, the step of releasing the connection between the two ends of the conveyor belt, where both ends are connected to each other, After the step of releasing the connection between both ends of the conveying belt, the step of connecting one end of the conveying belt to one end of the stretching belt, After the step of connecting one end of the conveying belt and one end of the extending belt, the fixing state of one end of the conveying belt is released, the conveying belt is moved in the conveying direction, and the extending belt is extended. The process of extending the stretching belt is followed by the process of fixing the other end of the stretching belt with the fixing member, After the step of fixing the other end of the stretching belt with the fixing member, the step of connecting the other end of the conveying belt and the other end of the stretching belt, A method for stretching a conveyor belt, comprising the steps of: connecting the other end of the conveyor belt to the other end of the stretching belt; moving the connected conveyor belt and stretching belt in the conveying direction; and adjusting the tension of the conveyor belt and the stretching belt using a belt tensioning section that does not include a belt storage.

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