Conveyor and method therefor

Abstract

The present invention relates to a conveyor for transporting material, wherein the conveyor comprises: a frame; a conveyor device which is connected to the frame and is provided with a drive, wherein the conveyor device extends from a supply end to an outfeed end and wherein the conveyor device is configured to transport material in a transport direction from the supply end to the outfeed end; and a connecting element which is arranged on a first side of the frame and is configured to connect the conveyor to an excavator, an infeed element which is arranged on a second side of the frame, wherein the second side is positioned opposite the first side, wherein the infeed element is configured to guide material onto the conveyor device in a direction substantially perpendicularly of the conveyor device.

Description

[0001] CONVEYOR AND METHOD THEREFOR

[0002] The present invention relates to a conveyor for transporting material, particularly a conveyor which is connectable to an excavator. The invention further relates to a method for displacing material with the conveyor.

[0003] JPH11247223A relates to a device for transporting material. The device can be attached to an excavator. The attachment of the device to the excavator is provided on the underside of the excavator. For the purpose of attaching the device to the excavator, the excavator comprises a number of hooks on the underside, wherein the conveyor belt of the device can be attached suspended by the hooks. The conveyor belt has a transport direction which is parallel to the longitudinal direction of the excavator or, in other words, is parallel to the normal direction of movement of the caterpillar tracks of the excavator.

[0004] A drawback of the known device is that the attachment to the excavator is not stable. A further drawback is that the device takes up an unnecessarily large amount of space and displacing thereof is inconvenient.

[0005] The present invention has for its object to obviate or at least reduce the above stated problems. It can be a particular object of the invention to provide a conveyor which is simpler to use.

[0006] This object is achieved with a conveyor for transporting material, wherein the conveyor comprises: a frame; a conveyor device which is connected to the frame and is provided with a drive, wherein the conveyor device extends from a supply end to an outfeed end and wherein the conveyor device is configured to transport material in a transport direction from the supply end to the outfeed end; and a connecting element which is arranged on a first side of the frame and is configured to connect the conveyor to an excavator, an infeed element which is arranged on a second side of the frame, wherein the second side is positioned opposite the first side, wherein the infeed element is configured to guide material onto the conveyor device in a direction substantially perpendicularly of the conveyor device.

[0007] An advantage of the invention is that, owing to the conveyor device, the boom of the excavator need not move upward several metres every time the bucket of the boom is loaded full of material in order to load material into a dumper. This has the advantage, among others, that the loading time of the truck and / or articulated dumper is halved. A further advantage is that the truck and / or articulated dumper can work 10% more efficiently because it is stationary for loading for less long. Alternatively or additionally, the fuel consumption of the excavator drops by about 50%. This increases the sustainability of the use of the excavator.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor provides the option of using electric excavators, since the reduction in energy consumption necessitates a smaller battery. A further advantage is that the conveyor is connectable to the front side of an excavator in simple manner by the connecting element, whereby no structural adjustments to the excavator are necessary in order to use the conveyor. One of the options is to weld a number of eyes onto the chassis of the crane.

[0009] In a state of the conveyor in which it is connected to the excavator the conveyor device extends substantially perpendicularly of the normal direction of movement of the excavator.

[0010] The normal direction of movement of the excavator is defined as the direction in which the excavator moves if the wheels are straight, or the direction in which the caterpillar tracks extend. The connecting element is preferably configured to be connected to the front side of the excavator.

[0011] A further advantage of the invention is that the truck can be positioned adjacently of the excavator in simple manner in that the transport direction is perpendicular of the normal direction of movement of the excavator. Alternatively or additionally, the excavator and / or the truck can also easily change position when there is no more material on the ground or when the truck is full.

[0012] Yet another advantage of the invention is that the safety is increased since the excavator moving up and downward with its mast, and particularly rotation of the excavator, is almost wholly prevented. Alternatively or additionally, work becomes lighter and simpler for the operator of the excavator. This increases the productivity of the excavator, which increases the labour productivity of the operator. A further advantage is that workforce productivity can increase by up to 100%. The shorter loading time that can be achieved with the present invention also allows the drivers of the truck to work more efficiently.

[0013] In an embodiment according to the invention the infeed element comprises an inclining surface which is configured to guide material to the supply end of the conveyor device.

[0014] The inclining surface is preferably configured to guide material in a first direction. The first direction preferably extends substantially perpendicularly of the transport direction.

[0015] The inclining element is preferably arranged on a first side of the frame, wherein the connecting element is arranged on an opposite, second side of the frame. The conveyor device preferably extends in a transport direction which is substantially parallel to the first and second side.

[0016] The inclining element preferably extends at an angle of inclination from the upper plane of the frame to the ground surface.

[0017] The inclining surface simplifies the placing of material onto the conveyor device.

[0018] In an embodiment according to the invention the connecting element comprises a hookshaped element. The hook-shaped element enables the conveyor to be connected to the excavator in simple and effective manner. The excavator is in this case preferably provided with an eye in which the hook is placeable. The hook-shaped element comprises a first end with a hook and a second end which is connected to the frame.

[0019] In an embodiment according to the invention a distance of the hook-shaped element to the frame is adjustable in a direction perpendicularly of the transport direction.

[0020] The adjustable connection preferably comprises an extendable connection between the hook-shaped element and the frame. The extendable connection can comprise a telescopic connection. The telescopic connection is preferably a hollow housing which is connected fixedly to the frame, wherein an extending part is arranged in the hollow housing. The extending part can be driven by means of a cylinder. The hook is provided on the extending part. The hollow housing and the extending part can comprise any geometric form, such as beam-shaped and / or cylindrical.

[0021] The distance of the hook-shaped element to the frame can alternatively be adjusted in a direction perpendicularly of the conveyor device by means of a rotation movement of the hookshaped element. The rotation axis of the hook-shaped element is preferably oriented perpendicularly of the upper surface of the frame and / or the ground surface, and in the transport direction. In this embodiment the hook-shaped element comprises at a first end a hook and at second end a rotatable connection. This rotatable connection is connected to the frame, preferably to a wall thereof. The rotatable connection enables the hook to rotate upward and downward so that the hook can be attached to an eye or connecting rod of an excavator in simple manner.

[0022] The adjustability perpendicularly of the conveyor device realizes a simple and reliable connection between the excavator and the conveyor. A further advantage is that the conveyor can be connected to excavators of any size.

[0023] In an embodiment according to the invention the first and second side are both provided with a connecting element and an infeed element.

[0024] Providing a connecting element and infeed element on both sides enables the excavator to be attached on both the first and the second side. This greatly simplifies switching sides, and thereby also switching transport directions. This particularly enables the conveyor device to be adjusted to be both to the left and to the right of the excavator. A more versatile conveyor is hereby obtained.

[0025] In an embodiment according to the invention the infeed elements are a plate connected rotatably on the first and second side, wherein the infeed element has an inclining position and a loading position, wherein in the inclining position the infeed element is configured to guide material onto the conveyor device and wherein in the loading position the infeed element is positioned substantially vertically upward and is configured to obstruct material. The infeed element can also be referred to as a rotatable wall element in this embodiment.

[0026] The rotatable connection enables multifunctional use of the infeed element. In the inclining position the infeed element is extended from the ground surface to the supply end of the conveyor device. This enables the excavator to easily carry the material lying on the ground surface to the conveyor device.

[0027] In the loading position the infeed element extends from the frame substantially straight upward, preferably perpendicularly of the upper plane of the frame and / or the plane of the conveyor device. The material is thereby obstructed in effective manner at the side where the excavator is attached, whereby the material is unable to end up on the excavator or between the excavator and the frame.

[0028] Preferably, the infeed element is in the loading position at the side where the excavator is connected to the frame, and the infeed element is in the inclining position at the opposite side, where the excavator is not connected to the frame.

[0029] In an embodiment according to the invention an obstructing wall which is configured to obstruct material is arranged on the first side, wherein the connecting element is arranged on the obstructing wall.

[0030] The obstructing wall preferably extends from the frame substantially straight upward, preferably perpendicularly of the upper plane of the frame and / or the plane of the conveyor device.

[0031] An advantage of the obstructing wall is that the material is obstructed in effective manner at the side where the excavator is attached, whereby the material is unable to end up on the excavator or between the excavator and the frame. Because the connecting element is mounted on the obstructing wall, the conveyor can be connected to the excavator in effective manner.

[0032] In an embodiment according to the invention the obstructing wall and the infeed element are interchangeable.

[0033] Interchangeable is understood to mean that the obstructing wall is placeable on the second side and the infeed element on the first side. An advantage thereof is that switching sides, and thereby also switching transport directions, is greatly simplified. This particularly enables the conveyor device to be adjusted to be both to the left and to the right of the excavator. A more versatile conveyor is hereby obtained.

[0034] In an embodiment according to the invention the obstructing wall is provided with protective wheels which are configured to protect the conveyor against the caterpillar tracks or wheels of the excavator.

[0035] The protective wheels are configured to be positioned in line with the caterpillar tracks or wheels of the excavator. The protective wheels are disposed such that the productive wheels are the part of the conveyor lying closest to the excavator, with the exception of the connecting element. An advantage of the protective wheels is that the protective wheels begin to rotate about their shaft at the moment that the protective wheels make contact with the caterpillar tracks or wheels of the excavator. This makes the caterpillar tracks or wheels of the excavator unable to move the conveyor upward in the event of contact, which prevents undesired movements of and / or forces on, and thereby damage to, the conveyor.

[0036] In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor further comprises a distributing element arranged at the supply end, preferably comprising bars, wherein the distributing element is configured to break up material placed onto the supply end of the conveyor device, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicularly of the transport direction.

[0037] The distributing element can for instance be a plurality of bars, for instance a grating, which is arranged above the supply end of the conveyor device. In the embodiment of bars, these bars preferably extend substantially parallel to the transport direction.

[0038] An advantage of the distributing element is that, when material is supplied via the infeed element, it is obstructed in the direction substantially perpendicularly of the transport direction. This prevents the conveyor device from shifting in lateral direction, i.e. shifting in a direction substantially perpendicularly of the transport direction. This prevents damage to the conveyor. This particularly has an advantageous effect in the embodiment in which the conveyor device comprising a conveyor belt.

[0039] In an embodiment according to the invention a guide housing is arranged on the conveyor device for the purpose of guiding the material on the conveyor device.

[0040] The guide housing preferably comprises part of the conveyor device, for instance 1 / 8 part of the whole length of the conveyor device. The length must be seen in the direction of the transport direction. The guide housing preferably tapers, as seen in the transport direction.

[0041] The guide housing prevents excessively large amounts of material from being displaced on the conveyor device at once. This reduces loss of material falling off the conveyor device, which increases the efficiency of the conveyor further.

[0042] In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor further comprises a return device for returning material to the conveyor device, wherein the return device preferably comprises a ramp.

[0043] The return device is preferably positioned on the periphery of the opening in the guide housing. A ramp is an advantageous embodiment, wherein the material is as it were carried upward from below and back to the conveyor device by the ramp.

[0044] The return device returns material which is in danger of being carried out of the guide housing back to the conveyor device. This prevents the material from falling outside the conveyor. This increases the efficiency of the conveyor. In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor device comprises a lifting hook, preferably positioned close to the centre of gravity of the conveyor.

[0045] The lifting hook is preferably rotatable. The lifting hook is preferably rotatable through 360 degrees. The lifting hook is preferably tiltable. The lifting hook is preferably arranged on the guide housing.

[0046] The lifting hook enables the bucket of the excavator to engage, whereby the conveyor can be lifted freely off the ground as a whole by the lifting hook. The conveyor, when it is connected to the excavator, can hereby be positioned at a different location in simple manner. This is particularly advantageous in combination with the connecting element.

[0047] The lifting hook being rotatable makes it easier to move the conveyor away. Because the hook is positioned at the centre of gravity, the bucket of the excavator can engage on the hook and lift it upward. The rotation of the hook enables the conveyor to be moved away to any desired location.

[0048] In an embodiment according to the invention the lifting hook is provided with a rotary motor which is configured to rotate the lifting hook.

[0049] Owing to the rotary motor, the lifting hook can be rotated in simple manner. The rotary motor is preferably remotely controllable, wherein suitable communication means are in that case connected operatively to the rotary motor. This enables an operator of the excavator to rotate the conveyor in simple manner once it has been lifted.

[0050] In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt.

[0051] The conveyor belt enables the material to be transported from the supply end to the discharge end of the conveyor device in effective manner.

[0052] In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor device is provided at a transport angle relative to an upper surface of the frame.

[0053] The upper surface of the frame is preferably substantially parallel to the ground surface in use.

[0054] The transport angle enables the material to be carried to a position higher than the bucket of the excavator, without the boom and the bucket of the excavator having to bridge the height difference. This increases the efficiency of the excavator.

[0055] In an embodiment according to the invention the transport angle lies in the range of 10-80 degrees, preferably in the range of 30-60 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 40-50 degrees.

[0056] Owing to said angles, the material is carried to a height in an efficient manner. In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor device comprises two parts, wherein a first part extending to the supply end extends substantially parallel to the upper surface of the frame and a second part extending to the outfeed end extends at the transport angle.

[0057] The material can be positioned on the first part by the bucket of the excavator. Owing to the extension parallel to the upper surface of the frame, the bucket need not tilt, which simplifies the work. The material is carried to a height higher than the bucket in effective manner by the second part, without the bucket itself having to bridge this height.

[0058] In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor further comprises adjusting means which are connected to the conveyor device and configured to adjust the transport angle by tilting the conveyor device relative to the frame.

[0059] With the adjusting means the transport angle can be adjusted in simple manner, so that the height of the outfeed end can be adjusted to different trucks and / or articulated dumpers. The adjusting means preferably comprise at least one cylinder which is connected operatively between the frame and the second part of the conveyor device.

[0060] In an embodiment according to the invention the frame further comprises a battery which is connected operatively to the drive of the conveyor device.

[0061] The battery is preferably connected operatively to adjusting means for adjusting the transport angle.

[0062] The battery enables the conveyor to operate wholly autonomously, and does not rely on a power source of the excavator. This enables the conveyor to be driven with wholly sustainable energy. This increases the sustainability of the invention.

[0063] In an embodiment according to the invention the connecting element is a tiltable connecting element, wherein the tiltable connecting element is tiltable about an axis extending substantially parallel to the normal direction of movement of the excavator.

[0064] The tiltable connection realizes slack in the connection between the conveyor and the excavator. This slack prevents undesirable forces on the connection if the ground surface is uneven. This increases the lifespan of the connection. Alternatively or additionally, the chances of breaking of or wear to the connection are smaller.

[0065] In an embodiment according to the invention the connecting element comprises an operational state and a locking state, wherein the connecting element is tiltable in the operational state and the connecting element is locked against tilting in the locking state, wherein the connecting element is placeable into the locking state by lifting a side of the frame positioned away from the connecting element.

[0066] Locking the tilting during the lifting simplifies the transport.

[0067] In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor further comprises a remote control, wherein the connection can be uncoupled by means of the remote control. Owing to the remote control, the worker sitting on the excavator need not leave the cab of the excavator in order to uncouple the conveyor. This increases the safety and the efficiency of the invention.

[0068] In an embodiment according to the invention the conveyor further comprises a slide element arranged under the frame.

[0069] The slide element enables a simpler displacement when the frame is placed on the ground.

[0070] The invention further relates to an excavator provided with an conveyor according to the invention.

[0071] The excavator has similar advantages and effects as described for the conveyor according to the invention.

[0072] In an embodiment according to the invention the excavator further comprises an eye or connecting rod which is arranged on the excavator, wherein the eye or the connecting rod is configured to be connected to the connecting element of the conveyor.

[0073] Connecting the eye and the hook realizes a robust connection between the excavator and the conveyor. The eye is preferably arranged on the front side of the excavator.

[0074] The invention further relates to a method for displacing material, the method comprising the steps of: providing an excavator according to the invention; carrying material onto the conveyor device with the excavator; and transporting material to a desired location with the conveyor device.

[0075] The method has similar advantages and effects as described for the conveyor and the excavator according to the invention.

[0076] In an embodiment according to the invention the method further comprises of: connecting the conveyor to the excavator.

[0077] Further features, advantages and details of the invention are described on the basis of embodiments thereof, wherein reference is made to the accompanying drawings, in which: figure 1 is a side view of an excavator provided with a conveyor according to the invention; figure 2 is a perspective view of a conveyor according to the invention; figure 3 is a perspective view of a connecting element; figures 4A-B are side views of a connecting element; figure 5 is a perspective view of a conveyor according to the invention; figure 6 is a perspective view of a conveyor according to the invention; and figure 7 is a perspective view of a conveyor according to the invention.

[0078] Conveyor 2 (figure 1) is connected with connecting element 10 to excavator 60. Excavator 60 is provided with boom 62 with bucket 64 provided at the end thereof. Bucket 64 can carry material 66 via infeed element 12 to conveyor belt 20. Material 66 is carried upward via conveyor belt 20 to discharge end 24. From discharge end 24, material 66 can be poured into an articulated dumper (not drawn).

[0079] Conveyor 2 (figure 2) comprises a frame 4 and conveyor device 6. Frame 4 comprises a first side 7 and second, opposite side 8. Connecting element 10 is arranged on first side 7. Infeed element 12 is arranged on second side 8. Conveyor device 6 comprises first part 14 which runs parallel to the upper plane of frame 4, and second part 16 which extends from frame 4 at transport angle a. Conveyor device 6 is provided with rollers 18 over which conveyor belt 20 runs. Conveyor belt 20 is driven by drive 22, which is arranged at discharge end 24 of second part 16. The drive 22 rotates drive roller 21, whereby drive roller 21 sets conveyor belt 20 into motion over rollers 18. Drive 22 is powered by battery 26 which is arranged on frame 4. Conveyor device 6 is configured to transport material from supply end 23 to discharge end 24.

[0080] Infeed element 12 is connected rotatably to frame 4 on second side 8. Infeed element 12 is connected for pivoting around rotation axis A. On first side 7 wall part 28 is connected rotatably to frame 4. Infeed element 12 is disposed at an angle P relative to the upper surface of frame 4. Wall part 28 is disposed substantially perpendicularly relative to the upper plane of frame 4, wherein wall part 28 is directed substantially upward. If the excavator is connected on second side 8 to conveyor 2, infeed element 12 can be rotated upward in order to serve as wall part 28. At the same time, wall part 28 is rotated downward and provided at angle relative to the upper surface of frame 4, whereby wall part 28 can function as infeed element 12.

[0081] Guide housing 30 is arranged on second part 16. Guide housing 30 is provided with inlet opening 32 and outlet opening 34. Inlet opening 32 has a greater surface area than outlet opening 34. Guide housing 30 thereby tapers from inlet opening 32 toward outlet opening 34. Lifting hook 38 is mounted on upper wall 36 of guide housing 30. Lifting hook 38 is rotatable through 360° about rotation axis C. Lifting hook 38 is positioned substantially at centre of gravity 40 of conveyor 2. Conveyor 2 can hereby be lifted by the excavator in simple manner by engagement of the bucket of the excavator on lifting hook 38.

[0082] Connecting element 10 (figures 3 and 4 A) is shown in extended state 56. Connecting element 10 comprises hook 44, which is connected pivotally to piston 46 by means of hinge connection 50. Hook 44 is pivotable about hinge connection 50 by means of hook cylinder 48. Hook cylinder 48 is retracted, whereby hook 44 points upward. Piston 46 is arranged telescopically in housing 52. In the shown embodiment housing 52 is beam-shaped. It will be apparent to the skilled person that other forms, such as a cylindrical housing 52, are also possible. Piston 46 is movable in housing 52 by means of piston cylinder 54. The retracting or extending of piston cylinder 54 makes the protruding length of hook 44 relative to housing 52 adjustable. In extended state 56 the extended length is Li. Connecting element 10 (figure 4B) is shown in retracted state 42. In retracted state 42 piston cylinder 54 is retracted, whereby hook 44 is positioned partially in housing 52. In retracted state 42 the extended length is L2.

[0083] Connecting element 10 (figure 5) is shown in extended state 56 on first side 7. Housing 52 is arranged on frame 4. Hook cylinder 48 is retracted, whereby hook 44 points upward. This makes hook 44 simple to attach to an eye or connecting rod of an excavator. An identical connecting element 10 is provided on second side 8, so that conveyor 2 can be connected to excavator 60 on both sides 7, 8.

[0084] Obstructing wall 170 (figure 6) is mounted on frame 104 of conveyor 102 on first side 107. Obstructing wall 170 extends substantially perpendicularly relative to conveyor belt 120. Because conveyor belt 120 on frame 104 runs parallel to the upper surface of frame 104, obstructing wall 170 also extends substantially perpendicularly of the upper surface of frame 104. Connecting element 110 is connected to obstructing wall 170. Connecting element 110 is embodied as hook 144. Connecting element 110 is connected with hinge connection 174 to obstructing wall 170. Hook cylinder 176 is further provided on obstructing wall 170. Hook cylinder 176 is connected to obstructing wall 170 above hinge connection 174 and extends to cylinder hinge connection 178. Connecting element 110 can hereby be pivoted about hinge connection 174 by adjustment of the extended length of hook cylinder 176. Connecting element 110 can hereby be automatically coupled to or uncoupled from connecting rod 172 arranged on excavator 160. Infeed element 112 is provided on second side 108.

[0085] Obstructing wall 170 is further provided with two protective wheels 180. Protective wheels 180 are directed toward excavator 160. Protective wheels 180 are positioned such that the outer periphery of protective wheels 180 is in line with caterpillar tracks 182 of excavator 160. It is possible for conveyor 2 to swing about the connection between connecting element 10 and the excavator during use. Protective wheels 180 prevent caterpillar tracks 182 from being able to bump against frame 104 during the swinging or during other undesired movements wherein frame 104 moves toward caterpillar tracks 182. This reduces the chances of damage to the conveyor.

[0086] In an embodiment infeed element 112 and obstructing wall 170 can be switched, i.e. infeed element 112 can be mounted on frame 104 on first side 107 and obstructing wall 170 on second side 108. The hydraulic connections for hook cylinder 176 can be manually released on first side 107 and connected on second side 108.

[0087] In an embodiment conveyor 2 is provided. Second part 16 is set to a transport angle a. An articulated dumper is positioned under discharge end 24 of conveyor device 6. Piston 46 is positioned outside housing 52 of connecting element 10 by piston cylinder 54. Hook cylinder 48 is shortened, whereby hook 44 pivots about hinge connection 50. Hook 40 is then attached to an eye or connecting rod of an excavator on side 7 of frame 4. On side 7 wall part 28 is directed substantially upward in order to obstruct material placed onto supply end 23 by the excavator. Infeed element 12 is arranged at an angle P relative to the upper surface of frame 4 on second side 8. The excavator carries material via infeed element 12 to supply end 23 of conveyor device 6. The material is there placed onto conveyor belt 20. Drive 22 drives drive roller 21, whereby conveyor belt 20 carries material in transport direction T. Transport direction T is perpendicular to normal direction of travel R of excavator 60. The material is carried upward by second part 16 of conveyor device 6 so that it can be carried into the articulated dumper. The material is distributed uniformly over conveyor belt 20 by guide housing 38, this reducing loss of material to the side of conveyor belt 20. If the material in the immediate vicinity of conveyor 2 has already been carried into the articulated dumper, the bucket of the excavator can engage on lifting hook 38 and thereby lift up conveyor 2. After this, the excavator can position itself to a subsequent location so that new material can be carried to supply end 23.

[0088] Conveyor 202 (figure 7) is largely identical to conveyor 102 in figure 6. Conveyor 202 differs from conveyor 102 in the fact that grating 284 is arranged above conveyor device 206 at supply end 223. Grating 284 comprises a plurality of bars 288. Bars 288 extend substantially in transport direction T. Fed-in material is fed in in infeed direction I. Bars 288 break up material which is fed in via infeed element 212, this reducing the force of the fed-in material. Conveyor device 206 is hereby protected against lateral forces, i.e. forces extending perpendicularly of the transport direction.

[0089] Guide housing 230 is provided with inlet opening 232. Return devices 233, embodied as a ramp in the shown embodiment, are arranged on either side close to the periphery of inlet opening 232. Return devices 233 return an excess of material which does not fit through inlet opening 232 back onto conveyor device 206. This prevents material from falling outside conveyor 202.

[0090] The present invention is by no means limited to the above described embodiments thereof. The rights sought are defined by the following claims, within the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Conveyor for transporting material, comprising: a frame; a conveyor device which is connected to the frame and is provided with a drive, wherein the conveyor device extends from a supply end to an outfeed end and wherein the conveyor device is configured to transport material in a transport direction from the supply end to the outfeed end; and a connecting element which is arranged on a first side of the frame and is configured to connect the conveyor to an excavator, an infeed element which is arranged on a second side of the frame, wherein the second side is positioned opposite the first side, wherein the infeed element is configured to guide material onto the conveyor device in a direction substantially perpendicularly of the conveyor device.

2. Conveyor according to claim 1 , wherein the infeed element comprises an inclining surface which is configured to guide material to the supply end of the conveyor device.

3. Conveyor according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the connecting element comprises a hookshaped element.

4. Conveyor according to claim 3 or 4, wherein a distance of the hook-shaped element to the frame is adjustable in a direction perpendicularly of the transport direction.

5. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the first and second side are both provided with a connecting element and an infeed element.

6. Conveyor according to claim 5, wherein the infeed element is a plate connected rotatably on the first and second side, wherein the infeed element has an inclining position and a loading position, wherein in the inclining position the infeed element is configured to guide material onto the conveyor device and wherein in the loading position the infeed element is positioned substantially vertically upward and is configured to obstruct material.

7. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein an obstructing wall which is configured to obstruct material is arranged on the first side, wherein the connecting element is arranged on the obstructing wall.

8. Conveyor according to claim 7, wherein the obstructing wall and the infeed element are interchangeable.

9. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the obstructing wall is provided with protective wheels which are configured to protect the conveyor against the caterpillar tracks or wheels of the excavator.

10. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a distributing element arranged at the supply end, preferably comprising bars, wherein the distributing element is configured to break up material placed onto the supply end of the conveyor device, preferably in a direction substantially perpendicularly of the transport direction.

11. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein a guide housing is arranged on the conveyor device for the purpose of guiding the material on the conveyor device.

12. Conveyor according to claim 11, further comprising a return device for returning material to the conveyor device, wherein the return device preferably comprises a ramp.

13. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the conveyor device comprises a lifting hook, preferably positioned close to the centre of gravity of the conveyor.

14. Conveyor according to claim 13, wherein the lifting hook is provided with a rotary motor which is configured to rotate the lifting hook.

15. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the conveyor device comprises a conveyor belt.

16. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the conveyor device is provided at a transport angle relative to an upper surface of the frame.

17. Conveyor according to claim 16, wherein the transport angle lies in the range of 10-80 degrees, preferably in the range of 30-60 degrees, and most preferably in the range of 40- 50 degrees.

18. Conveyor according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the conveyor device comprises two parts, wherein a first part extending to the supply end extends substantially parallel to the upper surface of the frame and a second part extending to the outfeed end extends at the transport angle.

19. Conveyor according to any one of the claims 16-18, further comprising adjusting means which are connected to the conveyor device and are configured to adjust the transport angle by tilting the conveyor device relative to the frame.

20. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the frame further comprises a battery which is connected operatively to the drive of the conveyor device.

21. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, wherein the connection is a tiltable connection, wherein the tiltable connection is tiltable about an axis extending substantially parallel to the normal direction of movement of the excavator.

22. Conveyor according to claim 21, wherein the connection comprises an operational state and a locking state, wherein the connection is tiltable in the operational state and the connection is locked against tilting in the locking state, wherein the connection is placeable into the locking state by lifting a side of the frame positioned away from the connection.

23. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a remote control, wherein the connection can be uncoupled by means of the remote control.

24. Conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims, further comprising a slide element arranged under the frame.

25. Excavator provided with a conveyor according to any one of the foregoing claims.

26. Excavator according to claim 25, further comprising an eye or connecting rod arranged on the excavator, wherein the eye or the connecting rod is configured to be connected to the connecting element of the conveyor.

27. Method for displacing material, comprising of: providing an excavator according to claim 26; carrying material onto the conveyor device with the excavator; andtransporting material to a desired location with the conveyor device.

28. Method according to claim 27, further comprising of: connecting the conveyor to the excavator.

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