System for continuously conveying loose materials

Abstract

A system (1) for conveying materials comprising two mutually parallel cables (2a, 2b) extending along a longitudinal axis (X), a plurality of guide members (10) spaced apart from one another in the longitudinal direction (X) along each of the cables (2a, 2b) and movable respectively along one of the cables (2a, 2b), and a belt assembly (20) delimited transversely along a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) by two free ends (21a, 21b) each secured to a guide member (10). Each guide member (10) comprises at least one fixing clamp (17) engaging with a corresponding free end (21a, 21b) of the belt assembly (20).

Description

[0001] CONTINUOUS CONVEYOR SYSTEM FOR BULK MATERIALS

[0002] DESCRIPTION

[0003] Technical field of the invention

[0004] The present invention relates to the field of systems for conveying or transporting materials, particularly in bulk. For example, the present invention can be used in the mining industry, in the food industry, but also in any type of industry requiring the transport of bulk material on predefined paths.

[0005] State of the prior art

[0006] There are conventional belt conveyors comprising a belt, generally covered with a rubber coating, placed on a plurality of rollers parallel to each other and movable in rotation in order to allow the movement of the belt.

[0007] However, the energy efficiency of such conveyors is not satisfactory because they involve contact between the rubber-covered belt and the rollers, which generates dissipation by indentation.

[0008] Furthermore, periodic deformations of the belt and the material transported as the rollers pass are frequent and also generate dissipation.

[0009] In order to eliminate contact between the belt and the rollers, it is known to support the belt by a mobile carriage via rollers.

[0010] Reference may be made in particular to document EP 2 460 745 - Al which describes a conveyor system comprising a rubber belt fixed under rigid axles on which are mounted wheels which roll on suspended steel cables.

[0011] The belt is kept flat by the attachments to the rigid axles, so the conveyor system necessarily includes deformable dimpled sides to contain the materials to be moved. These sides deform as the belt rotates with pulleys at the ends of the conveyor.

[0012] However, it is not possible to clean this type of belt with existing systems that rub on the upper surface of the belt due to the axles.

[0013] Also known is document WO 2019 / 79859 - A1 which describes a conveyor system comprising a tube-shaped belt transported by carriages which roll on rails. These carriages are independent of the belt but they roll at the same speed by friction drive with the belt. The carriages are connected to each other by a flexible cable in order to maintain a regular spacing between them. The belt is in direct contact with tensioning and drive rollers, as in a conventional system.

[0014] Finally, we know the document DE 10 2019 219782 - Al which describes a conveyor system comprising a belt held by its lateral ends via connecting elements to support rollers which roll on rails. However, fixing the belt to the connecting elements risks damaging said belt.

[0015] Thus, there is a need to address the above-mentioned drawbacks.

[0016] Statement of the invention

[0017] The invention aims to improve bulk material conveying systems.

[0018] The invention aims in particular to improve the energy efficiency of the continuous transport of bulk materials while providing a robust and durable solution.

[0019] The present invention relates to a system for conveying, in particular continuously, materials, in particular in bulk, comprising two cables, commonly called carrier cables, or rails extending along a longitudinal axis and parallel to each other, a plurality of guide members spaced, for example, regularly, from each other in the longitudinal direction along each of the cables and movable respectively along one of the cables and a belt assembly delimited transversely along a transverse axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axis by two free ends each secured to a guide member.

[0020] Each guide member comprises at least one fixing clamp cooperating with a corresponding free end of the strip assembly.

[0021] By "cable" is meant a supporting cable, or rail, which does not deform under the weight of the belt assembly.

[0022] By "clamp" is meant an element formed of two branches brought close to each other to grasp and hold a free end of the band assembly.

[0023] Thus, the clamping of the free ends of the strip assembly prevents damage to the strip assembly and therefore provides a more durable attachment than that proposed in the prior art.

[0024] Such a solution allows the rubber band-roller contact to be replaced by contact between a rigid or semi-rigid wheel and a rigid or semi-rigid rail or cable.

[0025] Such a solution also allows the belt and material to move as stationary as possible, which means that the wheels move along with the belt and are not attached to the conveyor frame.

[0026] The longitudinal tractive force that enables the movement and transport of the material is transmitted by the belt assembly which is driven by at least one drive pulley of the conveyor system.

[0027] The band assembly is made of a composite material comprising a rubber, in particular an elastomer, in particular rubber, a transverse reinforcement embedded in said rubber and two rods on which said transverse reinforcement is turned up to form two free ends of the band assembly, for example a cradle or a band in the case where there is no cradle, each clamp holding a free end of the band assembly comprising the rod. In other words, each cable making up the transverse reinforcement is turned up on each rod.

[0028] Thus, a clamp cooperates with a free end of the strip assembly, for example of a cradle or of a strip in the case where there is no cradle, comprising the rod on which the transverse reinforcements are returned.

[0029] Such attachment of the clamp at the free ends of the strip assembly comprising the rods allows reliable attachment of the strip assembly, either of the cradle alone, or of the support strip in the case where there is no cradle, without being intrusive in the structure of the strip assembly.

[0030] This solution is sustainable over time and has the advantage of moving the clamp over the entire strip in order to stress another portion of the entire strip if the clamped portion shows signs of fatigue.

[0031] For example, the transverse reinforcement may be made from a carcass comprising cables extending in the transverse direction and made of synthetic fiber, for example polymer, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester or even metallic material.

[0032] Preferably, each cradle comprises a rubber, in particular made of elastomer, in particular rubber, a transverse reinforcement embedded in said rubber and made from a fabric with reinforced selvedges comprising a plurality of warp threads extending in the longitudinal direction and parallel to each other in the transverse direction.

[0033] Preferably, the transverse reinforcement comprises a plurality of cables extending in the transverse direction.

[0034] For example, the rods are made of synthetic material, for example polymer material, such as polyester, polyamide or polyurethane, or even metallic material.

[0035] Each rod can have a circular section or a non-circular section, for example tapered into a drop shape.

[0036] Alternatively, the transverse reinforcement is made from a fabric with reinforced selvedges comprising a plurality of warp threads extending in the longitudinal direction and parallel to each other in the transverse direction. Advantageously, each rod comprises a diameter greater than at least three times the diameter of the transverse reinforcement.

[0037] For example, said transverse reinforcement has a diameter between 0.5mm and 1.5mm.

[0038] According to a first embodiment, the belt assembly comprises a plurality of cradles or belt supports arranged in parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction and each comprising a first and a second free end each secured to a clamp of at least one guide member, the belt assembly further comprising a longitudinal transport belt extending in the longitudinal direction and supported by the cradles and configured to support the materials, in particular in bulk.

[0039] The longitudinal conveyor belt may also be configured to transmit a tensile force from at least one drive pulley of the conveyor system.

[0040] The longitudinal conveyor belt is made in the form of a closed loop.

[0041] The term "cradle" means a support member for a longitudinal conveyor belt.

[0042] Preferably, the cables are substantially parallel and are distributed, for example regularly, along the length of the cradle (extending in the longitudinal direction).

[0043] Preferably, the transverse reinforcement further comprises the plurality of warp threads. The cables and the warp threads are arranged so as to form a fabric whose transverse ends are each turned back on each rod, forming a free end of the cradle.

[0044] Advantageously, the cradles are flexible, that is to say deformable under the action of an external stress and capable of returning to their initial shape when said external stress stops.

[0045] The fact that each cradle is flexible allows the conveyor belt to be turned over at the end of the conveyor system. Alternatively, it could be provided that the first and second free ends secured to the cradle are each secured to a clamp, each clamp belonging to an independent guide member. This improves the stability of the cradle when the carrier cable might cross an obstacle.

[0046] Advantageously, each cradle comprises a rod which extends longitudinally at each of its ends.

[0047] In other words, each cradle has two rods, one rod at each end.

[0048] Each rod preferably extends only along the length of the cradle. In other words, the rods do not extend beyond the free ends of each cradle in the longitudinal direction.

[0049] For example, each cradle has a U-shape during a material transport phase comprising two vertical parts connected by a transverse part, the longitudinal transport belt being placed on the transverse part of each cradle.

[0050] Preferably, the cradles are regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction.

[0051] For example, the band assembly further comprises two longitudinal cords respectively connecting the first ends of the cradles and the second ends of the cradles.

[0052] Thus, the ropes prevent the separation of an adjacent cradle beyond the length of the rope fixed between the two clamps holding these adjacent cradles.

[0053] Ropes are flexible, that is, more flexible than cables.

[0054] Preferably, the width of each cradle is at least as wide as the width of the conveyor belt.

[0055] For example, the width of the longitudinal conveyor belt is between 1m and 3m.

[0056] By "width" is meant the dimension in the transverse direction. By "length" is meant the dimension in the longitudinal direction.

[0057] For example, the length of each cradle is between 15cm and 50cm, preferably between 20cm and 40cm.

[0058] This ensures stable positioning of the conveyor belt on the cradle and distributes the contact pressure of the belt on the cradle over a sufficient area to prevent damage to the belt and the cradle.

[0059] Advantageously, the longitudinal conveyor belt is made of a composite material comprising a rubber, in particular an elastomer, in particular rubber, and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcements or warp threads embedded in said rubber.

[0060] For example, longitudinal reinforcements can be made from a textile carcass consisting of one to six dense fabrics with a standard canvas reinforcement, or more complex fabrics.

[0061] For example, the threads that make up these textiles are between 0.5mm and 3mm in diameter. For example, these threads are made of synthetic fibers, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester.

[0062] Alternatively, the longitudinal reinforcements can be made from a carcass of metal wires with a diameter between 2.5mm and 13mm.

[0063] According to a second embodiment, the belt assembly comprises a longitudinal conveyor belt comprising a first and a second free end, each secured to a clamp of at least one guide member, the longitudinal conveyor belt being configured to support the materials, in particular in bulk.

[0064] The longitudinal conveyor belt may also be configured to transmit a tensile force from at least one drive pulley of the conveyor system.

[0065] Preferably, the belt assembly comprises a single conveyor belt. The single conveyor belt is formed in the form of a closed loop.

[0066] Preferably, the longitudinal conveyor belt has a U-shape during a material conveying phase comprising two vertical portions connected by a curved transverse portion.

[0067] Advantageously, in the case where the belt assembly comprises a conveyor belt connected by its free ends to a clamp, the two longitudinal rods extend along the first ends and second ends of the longitudinal conveyor belt.

[0068] Advantageously, the longitudinal conveyor belt is made of composite material comprising rubber, in particular elastomer, in particular rubber, the transverse reinforcement embedded in said rubber and at least one longitudinal reinforcement or traction reinforcement embedded in said rubber and arranged below and / or above the transverse reinforcement.

[0069] Preferably, the rubber of the longitudinal conveyor belt comprises an overthickness extending in the vertical direction and arranged centrally in the transverse direction.

[0070] Such extra thickness improves wear resistance linked to contact with the transported material, particularly in the transition zones of the conveyor system where impacts or friction may occur.

[0071] The longitudinal reinforcement is preferably embedded in the excess thickness of the rubber.

[0072] For example, longitudinal reinforcement can be made from a textile carcass consisting of one to six dense fabrics with a standard canvas reinforcement, or more complex fabrics.

[0073] For example, the threads that make up these textiles are between 0.5mm and 3mm in diameter. For example, these threads are made of synthetic fibers, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester.

[0074] Alternatively, the longitudinal reinforcement may be made from a carcass of metal wires with a diameter of between 2.5mm and 13mm. Preferably, the transverse reinforcement comprises a plurality of cables extending in the transverse direction. The cables are substantially parallel and are distributed, for example regularly, along the length of the conveyor belt (extending in the longitudinal direction). In addition, the transverse reinforcement further comprises the plurality of warp threads. The cables and the warp threads are arranged so as to form a fabric whose transverse ends are each turned over on each rod forming a free end of the conveyor belt.

[0075] For example, in the embodiment where the strip assembly does not include a cradle, the longitudinal rods are flexible, i.e., more flexible than the cables.

[0076] For example, longitudinal rods are made of synthetic material, for example polymer material, such as polyester, polyamide or polyurethane, or even metallic material.

[0077] Advantageously, each guide member comprises at least one wheel mounted for rotation on a rolling axis secured to a connecting member.

[0078] In a non-limiting manner, the wheels may have a conical groove to ensure satisfactory guidance when the cables have a circular section.

[0079] Advantageously, each connecting member comprises at least one support structure secured to the rolling axle and comprising a connecting branch extending vertically towards the band assembly and connected to a clamp for fixing a free end of the band assembly.

[0080] In a non-limiting manner, the support structure has an inverted U shape comprising two vertical branches connected to each other by a transverse branch.

[0081] For example, the two vertical branches are opposite each other and each include an orifice for receiving the rotation axis, fixed on each side by a nut. Alternatively, another method of fixing the rotation axis to the associated support structure could be provided.

[0082] For example, the connecting branch extends vertically from one of the vertical branches to the band assembly to a clamp.

[0083] Advantageously, each clamp comprises a first tab secured to the connecting branch and a second tab facing the first tab in the transverse direction, said tabs delimiting between them a space for receiving a free end of the strip assembly.

[0084] Preferably, the receiving space has a shape in conformity with a free end of the strip assembly.

[0085] For example, each clamp comprises an upper end in which the legs are secured to each other, for example by screw means, for example a screw and two nuts, and a free lower end in which the legs are spaced apart from each other by a transverse clearance.

[0086] Preferably, each guide member comprises a support structure, a clamp and a wheel.

[0087] Alternatively, a different number of support structures, clamps and wheels could be provided per guide member.

[0088] Indeed, one could foresee that each guide organ comprises two support structures, two clamps and two wheels.

[0089] Preferably, the cables are rigid or semi-rigid, that is to say they resist torsion and shear forces and do not deform under the weight of the guide members and the belt assembly.

[0090] For example, cables have a circular cross-section.

[0091] Advantageously, the conveying system comprises a bulk material transport portion and a turning portion at the end of the conveying system.

[0092] The turning portion corresponds to a transition zone at one end of the conveyor system, opposite the bulk material supply end, in which the belt assembly transports the bulk materials until they are discharged at the time of the U-turn on a pulley.

[0093] The total length of the conveyor system may be greater than 500m, for example between 500m and 50km. The turning part may extend over a length of between 10m and 30m.

[0094] The belt assembly is driven by a drive pulley, for example a first pulley in the direction of movement of the transport belt.

[0095] The material carried by the belt assembly is discharged from said belt at the first pulley.

[0096] For example, the belt assembly rotates around a plurality of pulleys to move from a transport position to a flat position and then back to a transport position. Before passing through the first pulley, the belt assembly is, for example, supported by a plurality of fixed guide rollers before making a half turn on the first pulley.

[0097] Brief description of the drawings

[0098] Other aims, characteristics and advantages of the invention will appear on reading the following description, given solely by way of non-limiting example, and made with reference to the appended drawings in which:

[0099] [Fig. 1] very schematically represents a partial view of a continuous conveyor system comprising a belt assembly according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[0100] [Fig.2] is a detail view of Figure 1;

[0101] [Fig.3] shows in detail the fixing of the band assembly of figure 2;

[0102] [Fig.4], [Fig.5] illustrate front views of the fixing of figure 3 according to two alternative embodiments; [Fig.6A] is a partial sectional view of the band assembly of figure 2 laid flat along the transverse axis according to an exemplary embodiment;

[0103] [Fig.ôB] is a partial sectional view of the strip assembly of figure 2 laid flat along the transverse axis according to another exemplary embodiment;

[0104] [Fig.7] very schematically represents a partial view of a continuous conveyor system comprising a belt assembly according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[0105] [Fig.8] is a detail view of Figure 7;

[0106] [Fig.9] shows in detail the fixing of the band assembly of figure 8;

[0107] [Fig. 10] illustrates a front view of the attachment of Figure 9;

[0108] [Fig. 11A] is a partial sectional view of the strip assembly of Figure 8 laid flat along the transverse axis according to an exemplary embodiment; and

[0109] [Fig. ll B] is a partial sectional view of the strip assembly of Figure 8 laid flat along the transverse axis according to another exemplary embodiment.

[0110] Detailed description of at least one embodiment

[0111] In the following description, the terms "longitudinal", "transverse", "vertical", "front", "rear", "left" and "right" are defined according to the usual orthogonal reference system for conveyor systems, shown in the drawings, and which includes:

[0112] - a longitudinal axis X, horizontal and oriented from rear to front in the direction of movement of the entire belt of the conveyor system;

[0113] - a transverse axis Y, horizontal, perpendicular to the longitudinal axis X and oriented from left to right of the conveyor system when the belt assembly moves; - a vertical axis Z, orthogonal to the longitudinal and transverse axes X and Y and directed from bottom to top.

[0114] Figure 1 illustrates an example of a part of a continuous conveying system, referenced 1, as a whole and comprising two cables or rails 2a, 2b extending along the longitudinal axis X and parallel to each other, a plurality of guide members 10 and a belt assembly 20 suspended by its lateral sides from the guide members 10.

[0115] The guide members 10 are movable respectively along one of the cables 2a, 2b.

[0116] The guide members 10 are, here, regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction X along the cables 2a, 2b.

[0117] The cables 2a, 2b are rigid or semi-rigid, that is to say they resist torsion and shear forces and do not deform under the weight of the guide members 10 and the band assembly 20.

[0118] For example, cables 2a, 2b have a circular section.

[0119] The guide members 10, one of which is visible in detail in FIG. 3, each comprise a wheel 12a, 12b mounted for rotation on a rolling axis 14 secured to a connecting member 13a, 13b.

[0120] In a non-limiting manner, the wheels 12a, 12b may have a conical groove to ensure satisfactory guidance when the cables 2a, 2b have a circular section.

[0121] Each connecting member 13a, 13b comprises a support structure 15, here in the shape of an inverted U, comprising two vertical branches 16a, 16b connected to each other by a transverse branch 16c. The two vertical branches are opposite each other and each comprise an orifice (not referenced) for receiving the rotation axis 14, fixed on each side by a nut 14a, 14b. Alternatively, another method of fixing the rotation axis 14 to the associated support structure 15 could be provided.

[0122] The support structure 15 further comprises a connecting branch 16d extending vertically from one of the vertical branches 16b towards the strip assembly 20 to a clamp 17 for fixing one side of the strip assembly 20. Each clamp 17 comprises, here, two tabs 17a, 17b facing each other in the transverse direction Y and delimiting between them a space E for receiving a lateral side of the strip assembly 20.

[0123] The receiving space E has a shape in conformity with the lateral side of the strip assembly 20.

[0124] The clamp 17 comprises an upper end in which the legs 17a, 17b are secured to each other by screw means, here a screw 18 and two nuts 19 and a free lower end in which the legs 17a, 17b are spaced from each other by a transverse clearance.

[0125] The lateral sides of the band assembly 20 are thus suspended and fixed by clamps 17 each connected to at least one guide wheel 12a, 12b movable in rotation on a guide cable 2a, 2b.

[0126] In other words, the strip assembly is delimited transversely along the transverse axis Y by two free ends 21a, 21b, each suspended and attached to a clamp 17 of one of the guide members 10.

[0127] By "clamp" is meant an element formed of two branches brought close to each other to grasp and hold a free end of the band assembly.

[0128] As illustrated in Figure 4, each guide member 10 comprises a support structure 15, a clamp 17 and a wheel 12a.

[0129] Alternatively, a different number of support structures, clamps and wheels could be provided per guide member.

[0130] Indeed, in the example illustrated in FIG. 5, each guide member 10 comprises two support structures 15, two clamps 17 and two wheels 12a.

[0131] In the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 to 6B, the belt assembly 20 comprises a plurality of cradles 21 arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction X and each comprising two free ends 21a, 21b each secured to a clamp 17 of a guide member 10. The belt assembly 20 further comprises a longitudinal transport belt 22 extending in the longitudinal direction X and placed on the cradles 21.

[0132] As illustrated, each cradle 21 has a U-shape during a transport phase T of the materials, visible in FIG. 1. Each cradle 21 comprises two vertical parts 21 c, 21 d connected by a transverse part 21 e.

[0133] The longitudinal conveyor belt 22 is placed on the transverse part 21 e of each cradle 21 .

[0134] The cradles 21 are, here, regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction X.

[0135] The band assembly 20 further comprises two longitudinal cords 27a, 27b respectively connecting the first ends 21a of the cradles 21 and the second ends 21b of the cradles 21.

[0136] The ropes 27a, 27b have the function of maintaining the longitudinal spaces between the cradles 21. The rope 25a, respectively 25b, is fixed to the clamps 17 positioned on the cable or rail 2a, respectively 2b. Thus, the ropes 27a and 27b prevent the separation of an adjacent cradle 21 beyond the length of the rope 27a, 27b fixed between the two clamps 17 maintaining these adjacent cradles 21.

[0137] Strings 27a, 27b are flexible, i.e. more flexible than cables 2a, 2b.

[0138] The longitudinal conveyor belt 22 is configured to support bulk materials.

[0139] The longitudinal conveyor belt 22 is made of a composite material comprising a rubber (not visible in the figures), in particular an elastomer, in particular rubber, and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcements or warp threads 22a embedded in said rubber.

[0140] The longitudinal reinforcements 22a may be made from a textile carcass consisting of one to six dense fabrics with a standard canvas reinforcement, or more complex fabrics. For example, the threads that make up these textiles are between 0.5 mm and 3 mm in diameter. For example, said threads are made of synthetic fiber, for example polymer, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or polyester.

[0141] Alternatively, the longitudinal reinforcements 22a can be made from a carcass of metal wires with a diameter between 2.5mm and 13mm.

[0142] The width of the longitudinal conveyor belt 22 can be between 1m and 3m.

[0143] By "width" we mean the dimension in the transverse Y direction.

[0144] By "length" is meant the dimension in the longitudinal direction X.

[0145] The width of each cradle 21 is at least as wide as the width of the conveyor belt 22.

[0146] The length of each cradle 21 may be between 15cm and 50cm, preferably between 20cm and 40cm in order to ensure stable positioning of the transport belt 22 on the corresponding cradle 21 with sufficient contact pressure.

[0147] Each cradle 21 is made of composite material comprising a rubber 23, in particular elastomer, in particular rubber, and a transverse reinforcement 24 embedded in said rubber 23.

[0148] In the example illustrated in FIG. 6A, the transverse reinforcement 24 can be produced from a carcass comprising cables extending in the transverse direction Y and made of synthetic fiber, for example polymer, for example polyamide, such as nylon, or aramid or even polyester or even metallic material.

[0149] More specifically, the transverse reinforcement 24 comprises a plurality of cables extending in the transverse direction Y. The cables are substantially parallel and are distributed, for example regularly, along the length of the cradle (extending in the longitudinal direction X).

[0150] Each cradle 21 comprises a rod 25a, 25b which extends longitudinally at each of its ends 21a, 21b. Each rod 25a, 25b extends only along the length of the cradle 21. In other words, the rods 21a, 21b do not exceed the length of the free ends 21a, 21b of each cradle 21.

[0151] The rods 25a, 25b are made of synthetic material, for example of polymer material, such as for example polyester, polyamide or polyurethane, or of metallic material.

[0152] Each rod 25a, 25b may have a circular section, as seen in Figures 6A and 6B, or a non-circular section, for example tapered in the shape of a drop, as seen in Figure 3.

[0153] The transverse reinforcement 24 of the cradle 21 is returned on each rod 25a, 25b, forming a free end 21a, 21b of the cradle 21. In other words, each cable making up the transverse reinforcement 24 is returned on each rod 25a, 25b.

[0154] Said transverse reinforcement 24 has a diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0155] The diameter of the rods 25a, 25b is greater than at least three times the diameter of the transverse reinforcement 24.

[0156] For example, each 24 cable has two or three strands.

[0157] In the example illustrated in Figure 6B, the cradle 21 comprises a rubber 23, in particular made of elastomer, in particular rubber, a transverse reinforcement 24 embedded in said rubber 23 and made from a fabric with reinforced selvedges comprising a plurality of warp threads 26 extending in the longitudinal direction X and parallel to each other in the transverse direction Y.

[0158] More specifically, the transverse reinforcement 24 comprises a plurality of cables extending in the transverse direction Y. The cables are substantially parallel and are distributed, for example regularly, over the length of the cradle (extending in the longitudinal direction X). In addition, the transverse reinforcement 24 further comprises the plurality of warp threads 26. The cables and the warp threads 26 are arranged so as to form a fabric whose transverse ends are each turned over on each rod 25a, 25b, forming a free end 21a, 21b of the cradle 21. As illustrated in FIG. 1, the conveying system 1 comprises a transport portion T for bulk materials and a turning portion R at the end of the conveying system 1.

[0159] The turning part R corresponds to a transition zone at one end of the conveyor system 1, opposite the bulk material supply end, in which the belt assembly 20 transports the bulk materials until they are discharged at the time of the U-turn onto a pulley 3 a.

[0160] The total length of the conveyor system 1 may be greater than 500m, for example between 500m and 50km.

[0161] The turning part R can extend over a length between 10m and 30m.

[0162] As illustrated in Figure 1, in the transition zone R, the conveyor belt 22 rotates around a plurality of pulleys 3a, 3b, 3c, 3d to move from a conveying position to a flat position and then back to a conveying position. Before passing through the first pulley 3a, the conveyor belt 22 is separated from the cradles 21 and is guided by a plurality of fixed guide rollers 4.

[0163] The conveyor belt 22 is driven by a drive pulley, for example the first pulley 3a in the direction of movement of the conveyor belt 22. The additional pulleys 3b, 3c, 3d make it possible to tension the conveyor belt 22 before it resumes its material transport position.

[0164] The material carried by the conveyor belt 22 is discharged from said belt 22 at the first pulley 3a.

[0165] The guide members 10 and the cradles 21 are themselves guided by a pulley 5. The cradles 21 are laid flat before making them perform a half-turn on the associated pulley 5.

[0166] After the passage of the respective pulleys, the cradles 21 and the conveyor belt 22 are again assembled and are subjected to an axial rotation to turn them over on themselves so that the cradles 21 are found under the conveyor belt 22. This makes it possible to transport materials in both directions of movement of the conveyor system 1. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11 B, in which the same elements bear the same references, differs from the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 6B in particular by the structure of the belt assembly.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0179] More specifically, the transverse reinforcement 34 comprises a plurality of cables extending in the transverse direction Y. The cables are substantially parallel and are distributed, for example regularly, over the length of the conveyor belt (extending in the longitudinal direction X).

[0180] Said transverse reinforcement 34 is returned on each longitudinal rod 35a, 35b, forming a free end 31a, 31b of the longitudinal transport strip 31. In other words, each cable making up the transverse reinforcement 34 is returned on each rod 35a, 35b.

[0181] Said transverse reinforcement 34 has a diameter between 0.5 mm and 1.5 mm.

[0182] The diameter of the longitudinal rods 35a, 35b is greater than at least three times the diameter of the transverse reinforcement 34.

[0183] For example, each cable 34 comprises two or three strands.

[0184] In the example illustrated in FIG. 11A, the rubber 33 comprises an excess thickness 33a extending in the vertical direction and arranged centrally in the transverse direction Y.

[0185] Such an extra thickness 33a makes it possible to improve the wear resistance and the impact resistance and to reduce the risks of perforation, caused by the material transported by the conveyor system 1.

[0186] The longitudinal reinforcement 36 is, here, located above the transverse reinforcement 34. Alternatively, it is possible to provide for the longitudinal reinforcement 36 to be located below the transverse reinforcement 34 or for there to be both a longitudinal reinforcement 36 located above the transverse reinforcement 34 and a longitudinal reinforcement located below the transverse reinforcement 34, as visible in FIG. 11B.

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

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

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

[0190] More specifically, the transverse reinforcement 34 comprises a plurality of cables extending in the transverse direction Y. The cables are substantially parallel and are distributed, for example regularly, over the length of the conveyor belt (extending in the longitudinal direction X). In addition, the transverse reinforcement 34 further comprises the plurality of warp threads 38. The cables and the warp threads 38 are arranged so as to form a fabric whose transverse ends are each turned over on each rod 35a, 35b, forming a free end 31a, 31b of the conveyor belt 31.

[0191] In the example illustrated in Figure 11B, the longitudinal conveyor belt 31 comprises an upper longitudinal reinforcement 36 located above the transverse reinforcement 34 and a lower longitudinal reinforcement 37 located below the transverse reinforcement 34. The longitudinal reinforcements 36, 37 are produced in the same manner as those described with reference to Figure 11A.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Claims

materials comprising two cables (2a, 2b) extending along a longitudinal axis (X) and parallel to each other, a plurality of guide members (10) spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction (X) along each of the cables (2a, 2b) and movable respectively along one of the cables (2a, 2b) and a band assembly (20, 30) delimited transversely along a transverse axis (Y) perpendicular to the longitudinal axis (X) by two free ends (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) each integral with a guide member (10), each guide member (10) comprising at least one fixing clamp (17) cooperating with a corresponding free end (21a, 21b, 31a, 31b) of the band assembly (20, 30), characterized in that the band assembly (20, 30) is made of composite material comprising a rubber (23, 33), a transverse reinforcement (24, 34) embedded in said rubber (23, 33) and two rods (25a, 25b;35a, 35b) on which said transverse reinforcement (24, 34) is returned to form two free ends (21 a, 21b, 31 a, 31b) of the strip assembly (20, 30), each clamp (17) holding a free end (21 a, 21b, 31 a, 31b) of the strip assembly (20, 30) comprising the rod (25a, 25b; 35a, 35b).; 2. Conveying system (1) according to claim 1, in which the rods (25a, 25b, 35a, 35b) are made of synthetic material or metallic material.

3. Conveying system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, in which the transverse reinforcement (24, 34) comprises a plurality of cables extending along the transverse axis (Y).

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

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

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

7. Conveying system (1) according to claims 2 and 6 taken in combination with any one of the preceding claims, in which the cables of the transverse reinforcement (24) are substantially parallel and distributed along the length of the cradle (21).

8. Conveying system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, in which each rod (25a, 25b) extends only over the length of the associated cradle (21).

9. Conveying system (1) according to claim 8, in which the transverse reinforcement (24) further comprises the plurality of warp threads (26) and in which the cables and the warp threads (26) of the transverse reinforcement (24) are arranged so as to form a fabric whose transverse ends are each turned over on each rod (25a, 25b), forming a free end (21a, 21b) of the cradle (21).

10. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein each cradle (21) has a (U) shape during a phase of transport of the materials comprising two vertical parts (21 c, 21 d) connected by a transverse part (21 e), the longitudinal transport belt (22) being placed on the transverse part (21 e) of each cradle (21), the longitudinal transport belt (22) being configured to support the materials. 1 1. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 10, in which the cradles (21) are regularly spaced from each other in the longitudinal direction (X).

12. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 11, wherein the belt assembly (20) further comprises two longitudinal cords (27a, 27b) respectively connecting the first ends (21a) of the cradles (21) and the second ends (21b) of the cradles (21).

13. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 12, wherein the width of each cradle (21) is at least as wide as the width of the conveyor belt (22).

14. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, in which the length of each cradle (21) is between 15 cm and 50 cm, preferably equal to 20 cm.

15. Conveying system (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 14, in which the longitudinal conveyor belt (22) is made of composite material comprising a rubber and a plurality of longitudinal reinforcements (22a) embedded in said rubber.

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

17. Conveying system (1) according to claims 2 and 16, in which the cables of the transverse reinforcement (24) are substantially parallel.

18. Conveying system (1) according to claim 17, wherein the two rods (35a, 35b) extend along the first ends (31a) and the second ends (31b) of the longitudinal conveyor belt (31).

19. Conveying system (1) according to claim 18, wherein the transverse reinforcement (34) further comprises the plurality of warp threads (38), and wherein the cables and the warp threads (38) are arranged so as to form a fabric whose transverse ends are each turned over on each rod (35a, 35b), forming a free end (31a, 31b) of the transport belt (31).

20. Conveying system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 taken in combination with one of claims 16 to 19, in which the longitudinal conveyor belt (31) further comprises at least one longitudinal reinforcement (36, 37) embedded in the rubber (33) and arranged below and / or above the transverse reinforcement (34).

21. Conveying system (1) according to one of claims 1 to 5 taken in combination with any one of claims 16 to 20, in which the rubber (33) of the longitudinal conveyor belt (31) comprises an excess thickness (33a) extending in the vertical direction (Z) and arranged centrally in the transverse direction (Y).

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

23. Conveying system (1) according to claim 22, in which each clamp (17) comprises an upper end in which the legs (17a, 17b) are integral with one another and a free lower end in which the legs (17a, 17b) are spaced from one another by a transverse clearance.

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

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