Dynamic impact bed

Abstract

An impact bed module (10) for a conveyor system, the impact bed module (10) comprising a main structural support (14) operatively extending in a transverse direction (4) and a first impact subassembly (16). The first impact subassembly (16) comprises a dynamic subassembly structure which is supported relative to the main structural support (14) in displaceable fashion. Furthermore, at least a first impact member (28) is supported relative to the dynamic subassembly structure so as to be displaceable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the belt extends (6). The first impact member (28) is configured operatively to contact a bottom surface of the belt in a loading zone of the conveyor system. Two or more impact bed modules (10) may be arranged successively to form an impact bed (12) for a conveyor system.

Description

[0001] DYNAMIC IMPACT BED

[0002] BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

[0003] This invention relates to a dynamic impact bed. More particularly, the present invention relates to a dynamic impact idler bed for loading zones of conveyor systems.

[0004] Typically, a continuous stream of raw material is loaded onto a conveyor belt by being dumped onto the belt through a chute. In some cases, plant layout and configuration result in drop heights of up to 10 meters. Due to the weight and velocity of the material impacting the belt in the loading zone, very high loads are transferred to the belt. In addition to this, concentrated loads may in some cases be caused by highly abrasive materials or materials with large particle sizes such as rocks and ore.

[0005] An impact bed is typically provided or located below an area where the material is dumped onto the belt, to prevent or minimise damage that would be caused had the belt been unsupported at the impact location. Impact beds are therefore designed to provide support to the belt and thereby limit the amount of damage or abrasion caused to the belt by the impact of the material.

[0006] Typically, impact beds have the same shape (cross-sectional) as the conveyor belt, that is, for trough belts, the impact bed has a horizontal central section, and sloping side sections which mirror the shape of the belt. Impact beds typically comprise a robust frame on which impact slats or pads, aligned with a travel direction of belt, are mounted. Each impact slat or pad typically comprises a steel joist to which a resilient rib of elastomeric material is mounted. The ribs are designed to flex under impact in order to absorb loads caused as the falling material strikes the belt. The resilient ribs are manufactured of a material having a relatively low coefficient of friction.

[0007] The potential amount of energy absorption provided by an impact bed of such a configuration is limited by the resilience and elasticity properties of the impact slats or pads, the thickness thereof and the like. Due to limited space and practical considerations, the capacity for impact absorption of these beds is limited. Furthermore, these impact beds are considered “static” or “stationary” in that the slats or pads are mounted in static fashion to a static frame. Such a static system is not capable of distributing loads experienced by the belt in one area, to other areas of the belt. It is believed that a “dynamic” impact bed could potentially provide improvements in terms of load distribution and energy absorption, leading to improved impact protection and belt service life. A need therefore exists for an impact bed with which the potential impact and energy absorption can be improved to increase belt service life.

[0008] It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide an impact bed module and an impact bed that will, at least partially, address the above disadvantages.

[0009] It is also an object of the invention to provide an impact bed module and an impact bed which will be a useful alternative to existing impact beds.

[0010] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In accordance with a first aspect of the invention there is provided an impact bed module for a conveyor system, the impact bed module comprising: a main structural support operatively extending in a transverse direction; a first impact subassembly comprising: a dynamic subassembly structure which is supported relative to the main structural support in displaceable fashion; and at least a first impact member supported relative to the dynamic subassembly structure so as to be displaceable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the belt extends, the first impact member configured operatively to contact a bottom surface of the belt in a loading zone of the conveyor system.

[0012] In a first example embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the impact bed module may further comprise a second impact member supported relative to the dynamic subassembly structure. The second impact member may similarly be configured operatively to contact the bottom surface of the belt in the loading zone.

[0013] In this first example embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the dynamic subassembly structure comprises a rocker body which may be mounted relative to the main structural support by means of a rocker pivot. This may allow the rocker body to be pivotable about a rocker axis extending in the transverse direction. The first and second impact members may be mounted to the rocker body on opposite sides of the rocker axis.

[0014] The first and second impact members may comprise a first set of impact members. The impact members of the first set may extend substantially parallel and in the transverse direction. The first impact subassembly may further comprise a swingarm. A first end portion of the swingarm may be mounted relative to the main structural support by means of a swingarm pivot so as to be pivotable about a swingarm axis extending in the transverse direction. A second end portion of the swingarm may define, support, carry or be pivotably connected to the rocker pivot.

[0015] The second end portion of the swingarm may be biased away from the main structural support by means of a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism may comprise a coil spring extending between the main structural support and the swingarm or the rocker pivot, a tortional spring arranged about the swingarm pivot or an inflatable bladder extending between the main structural support and the swingarm or the rocker pivot.

[0016] In a second example embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the dynamic subassembly structure itself comprises at least a first swingarm. Again, a first end portion of the swingarm may be mounted relative to the main structural support by means of a swingarm pivot so as to be pivotable about a swingarm axis extending in the transverse direction. Now, a second end portion of the swingarm may directly support or carry the at least first impact member.

[0017] Again, the second end portion of the swingarm may be biased away from the main structural support by means of a biasing mechanism. The biasing mechanism may comprise a coil spring extending between the swingarm and the main structural support, a tortional spring arranged about the swingarm pivot or an inflatable bladder extending between the swingarm and the main structural support.

[0018] Further according to the second example embodiment of the first aspect of the invention, the first impact subassembly may comprise a second impact member and a second dynamic subassembly structure in the form of a second swingarm. The second impact member and second swingarm may be substantially similar to the first impact member and the first swing arm. The first and second swingarms may be mounted relative to the main structural support such that the first and second impact members are spaced apart in an operative average travel direction of the belt.

[0019] In either the first and second example embodiments of the first aspect of the invention, the (or each) impact member may have outer contact surface manufactured from an elastic material. The elastic material may comprise a polymeric material such as natural rubber, synthetic rubber, or other polymers including ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (IIHMWPE). In some cases, the (or each) impact member may comprise impact pads.

[0020] Alternatively, and preferably, the (or each) impact member may comprise an impact roller. The impact roller may comprise a cylindrical roller or, preferably, a grooved, ring or castellated roller. The (or each) impact roller may be rotationally mounted to the dynamic subassembly structure, and therefore to the rocker body or the swingarm, as the case may be.

[0021] Further in accordance with the either example of the first aspect of the invention, the first impact subassembly may take the form of a central impact subassembly, while the impact bed module may comprise a second and third impact subassembly. These may be substantially similar or identical to the first impact subassembly. The second and third impact subassemblies may be arranged transverse to or to the sides of the first impact subassembly.

[0022] The second and third impact subassemblies may be mounted relative to the main structural support by means of pivotably adjustable subframes. At least one of the second and third impact subassemblies may be configurable in a flat configuration to configure the impact bed module in a “maintenance configuration”. In this configuration, a top surface of the at least one of the second and third impact subassemblies and that of the first impact subassembly may be substantially aligned.

[0023] Further in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the impact bed module may comprise skirting support structures which may be located transversely outside of the complement of impact subassemblies.

[0024] In accordance with a second aspect of the invention there is provided an impact bed, comprising at least a first and second impact bed module according to the first aspect of the invention, the impact bed modules arranged next to each other in an operative travel direction of a belt operatively supported by the impact bed.

[0025] The impact bed may comprise a main frame relative to which the at least first and second impact bed modules are mounted.

[0026] The at least first and second impact bed modules may be mounted to the main frame in transversely slidable fashion, to allow one or both of the at least first and second impact bed modules operatively to be transversely slid from underneath the belt when the respective impact bed module is configured in a “maintenance configuration”. In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a conveyor system, associated with a loading zone and an unloading zone, the conveyor system comprising: an endless belt supported by a plurality of rollers, the endless belt extending between the loading and unloading zones operatively to transport material from the loading zone to the unloading zone; an impact bed according to the second aspect of the invention arranged to support the endless belt in the loading zone.

[0027] The conveyor system may further comprise a raw material loading chute provided in communication with the loading zone.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] The invention will now be described in more detail, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0030] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an impact bed module in accordance with the invention;

[0031] Figure 2 shows a front view of the impact bed module of Figure 1 ;

[0032] Figure 3 shows a top view of the impact bed module of Figure 1 ;

[0033] Figure 4 shows a sectioned front view of the impact bed module of Figure 1 ;

[0034] Figure 5 shows an enlarged sectional front view of a portion of the impact bed module of

[0035] Figure 1 ;

[0036] Figure 6 shows a sectioned side view of the impact bed module of figure 1 ;

[0037] Figure 7 shows an impact bed according to another aspect of the invention, the impact bed comprising two impact bed modules of Figure 1 arranged in side-by-side fashion; and Figure 8 shows a sectioned side perspective view of the impact bed module of Figure 1 , better to illustrate details of a roller subassembly thereof.

[0038] DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS

[0039] Before any embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangement of components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the following drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or of being carried out in various ways. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Unless specified or limited otherwise, the terms "mounted", "connected", "engaged" and variations thereof are used broadly and encompass both direct and indirect mountings, connections, supports, and couplings and are thus intended to include direct connections between two members without any other members interposed therebetween and indirect connections between members in which one or more other members are interposed therebetween. Further, "connected" and "engaged" are not restricted to physical or mechanical connections or couplings. Additionally, the words "lower", "upper", "upward", "down" and "downward" designate directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The terminology includes the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words or similar import. It is noted that, as used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the," and any singular use of any word, include plural referents unless expressly and unequivocally limited to one referent. As used herein, the term “include” and its grammatical variants are intended to be non-limiting, such that recitation of items in a list is not to the exclusion of other like items that can be substituted or added to the listed items.

[0040] Throughout this disclosure, a “transverse direction” will be taken to refer to a direction which is substantially perpendicular to an operative average travel direction of a belt of a conveyor system. The transverse direction is generally indicated by the arrow indicated by reference numeral 4 and the operative average travel direction is generally indicated by the arrow indicated by reference numeral 6.

[0041] Referring to the drawings, in which like numerals indicate like features, a first non-limiting example of an impact bed module (or simply “module”), in accordance with the invention, is generally indicated by reference numeral 10. As shown in figure 9, two modules 10 may be arranged in side-by-side fashion to create an impact bed 12. The impact bed 12 is not limited by the number of modules received in side-by-side fashion. Typically, the number of modules 10 provided will be determined by a size of a loading zone. A main frame (not shown) may support the modules 10 relative to each other.

[0042] The module 10 comprises a main structural support, in the form of a frame 14 which operatively extends in the transverse direction 4.

[0043] The module 10 also comprises at least a first impact subassembly 16. Typically, as shown in the figures, the module 10 also comprises a second and third impact subassemblies (18, 20) arranged outside of the first impact subassembly 16. The first and second impact assemblies (18, 20) are substantially and conceptually similar to the first impact subassembly 16 and any details, features or subcomponents described in relation to the first impact subassembly 16 will be taken to apply to the second and third impact subassemblies (18, 20) too.

[0044] In use, an endless belt (not shown) of a conveyor system (also not shown) runs over the impact bed 12 and makes contact with upper surfaces of the impact subassemblies (16, 18, 20), such that the belt is supported thereby. The impact bed 12 is typically installed in a loading zone of the conveyor system below a feed chute (not shown).

[0045] The first impact subassembly 16 comprises a dynamic subassembly structure which is supported relative to the main structural support 14 in displaceable fashion. In the example embodiment shown in the figures, the dynamic subassembly structure takes the form of a rocker body 22 which is mounted relative to the main structural support or frame 14 by means of a rocker pivot 24. The rocker pivot 24 allows the rocker body 22 to pivot about a rocker axis 26 which extends in the transverse direction 4. More particularly, the rocker body 22 pivots about the rocker pivot 24 in see-saw fashion. The relevance of this will become apparent from what follows.

[0046] The rocker body 22 is made up of two parallel and spaced apart plates.

[0047] First and second impact members (28, 30) are mounted to and supported by the rocker body 22. The impact members (28, 30) are arranged on opposite sides of, and are equidistantly spaced from, the rocker pivot 24. The first and second impact members (28, 30) define an upward-facing support surface 32 which operatively contacts a bottom surface of the belt. At least the upward- facing support surface 32 of the impact members (28, 30) is manufactured from an elastic material, such as a polymeric material, for example natural or synthetic rubber, ultra-high- molecular-weight polyethylene (LIHMWPE), or the like.

[0048] The first and second impact members (28, 30) form a set of impact members which extend parallel to each other in the transverse direction 4.

[0049] In some embodiments, which are not shown, the impact members (28, 30) may comprise impact pads, and wherein the belt is configured to slide over the pads, in use.

[0050] More preferably, and as shown in the embodiment illustrated in the figures, the impact members (28, 30) may be formed by impact rollers, and more particularly, ring, grooved or castellated rollers. In the remainder of this disclosure, the features “impact rollers” and “impact members” will be interchangeably used with reference to the same numerals.

[0051] The use of ring, grooved or castellated rollers are considered particularly beneficial, since the rings, grooves or castellations of the rollers allow more elastic deformation than comparable solid rollers, therefore more effectively absorbing of impacts associated with falling raw material loaded onto the belt in the loading zone. That said, the use of cylindrical rollers is not precluded. Also, in the case of impact members formed by pads, same may be planar or grooved.

[0052] The first and second impact rollers (28, 30) are mounted relative to the rocker body 22 to be rotational about impact roller shafts 34, which are fixed between the parallel plates of the rocker body 22 and which extend in the transverse direction 4. The rollers (28, 30) are fitted to the shafts 34 by means of bearings (not shown).

[0053] The first impact subassembly 16 further comprises a swingarm 36 defining a first and second end portion (38, 40). The swingarm 36 extends from the first end portion 38 to the second end portion 40 in the travel direction 6. The first end portion 38 is mounted or fixed relative to the main structural support or frame 14 by means of a swingarm pivot 42. The swingarm pivot 42 allows the swingarm 36 to pivot about a swingarm axis 44 which extends in the transverse direction 4. The second end portion 40 of the swingarm 36 defines, carries or supports the rocker pivot 24. The swingarm 36 therefore extends between the rocker body 22 and the frame 14 and links the two. Furthermore, apart from rocking in see-saw fashion about the rocker pivot 24, the rocker body 22 is also allowed to pivot about the swingarm pivot 42. The rocker body 22 is therefore displaceable in two degrees of freedom. The second end portion 40 of the swingarm 36 is biased away from the main structural support or frame 14 (and therefore in a general direction towards the belt). A biasing mechanism is provided for this purpose. The biasing mechanism takes the form of a coil spring 46 which extends between the swingarm 36 (and more particularly between the second end portion 40 or rather, the rocker pivot 24) and the main structural support frame 14.

[0054] The use of other biasing mechanisms, such as, but not limited to, a torsion spring arranged about the swingarm axis 44, inflatable bladders and the like would be feasible.

[0055] The swingarm pivot 42 and spring 46 may both be mounted to an impact subassembly base plate 48, which may be fixed directly to the frame 14.

[0056] As mentioned, the module 10 may typically comprise three impact subassemblies (16, 18, 20) mounted in side-by-side fashion and spaced in the transverse direction 4.

[0057] Each of the second and third subassemblies (18, 20) is mounted to a respective pivotably adjustable subframe 50. The pivotably adjustable subframes 50 are pivotably fixed to the main structural support or frame 14. An adjustment mechanism 52 extends between a lateral end portion of each pivotably adjustable subframe 50 and the frame 14. As shown in the example embodiment shown in the figures, the adjustment mechanisms 52 may take the form of scissor- style adjustment mechanisms. That said, the use of adjustment mechanisms 52 of different and alternative configurations would be feasible.

[0058] The adjustment mechanisms 52 are used to adjust and lock a troughing angle 54 of the impact bed module 10.

[0059] At least one, if not both of the second and third impact subassemblies (18, 20) may be configured into a flat configuration (by adjusting the respective adjustment mechanism 52) which a “maintenance configuration”. When in the maintenance configuration, the respective impact subassembly (18, 20) will lie substantially in-line with, or in a plane similar to, the first impact subassembly 16. By providing the second and / or third impact subassemblies (18, 20) in the maintenance configuration, the whole impact bed module 10 may be slid out from underneath the belt (in the transverse direction 4) to allow maintenance or replacement thereof.

[0060] The module 10 also comprises, towards an outside of the second and third impact subassemblies (18, 20), first and second skirt support structures (56, 58). The skirt supporting structures (56, 58) have skirt support surfaces 60 which are in line with the upward-facing support surfaces 32 of the impact members (28, 30).

[0061] The impact bed 12 mitigates or at least alleviates damaging effects associated with high impact loads experienced in conveyor loading zones. For this purpose, the impact members (28, 30) are mounted directly under the loading zone.

[0062] It is believed that the pivoting of the rocker body 22 in see-saw fashion allows the impact bed 12 dynamically and continuously to absorb and dissipate the energy from high-impact loads, protecting the conveyor belt from damage.

[0063] When a load impacts the belt, the load is dynamically transferred to the rollers directly beneath the point of impact which, causes a roller on the opposite side of the rocker pivot 24 to lift, creating a counterbalancing effect. This lifting motion helps absorb the impact force. As the load moves across the surface of the impact bed, the rocking motion allows the rollers continually to adjust and absorb impact forces. The continuous movement of the load ensures that the weight itself aids in counterbalancing the opposing roller. This dynamic movement reduces the direct load transmitted to the belt, spreading the load across a larger area and minimizing stress.

[0064] In addition to the dissipating effect created by the rocking motion of the rocker body 22, the spring 46 further enhances the shock or load absorbing capability of the impact members (28, 30) by operating in conjunction with the rocker body 22.

[0065] Lastly, the elastic deformation of the impact members (28, 30) serves as a third impact absorbing mechanism working in conjunction with the aforementioned mechanisms to absorb and dissipate loads and energy caused by raw material being loaded onto the belt. A number of degrees of freedom therefore exist: the rocking of the rocker body 22, the pivoting of the swingarm 36, the deflection of the impact members (28, 30) and even the rotation of the impact members (28, 30).

[0066] It is believed that the use of the impact bed 12 will increase the service life of the belt.

[0067] The skirt support structures (56, 58) (which remain stationary relative to the belt, which slides thereover) provide sealing against outside edge portions of the belt, controlling dust and spillage around the loading zone, ensuring a cleaner and more efficient conveyor environment. This may further enhance service life of the impact bed 12. It is believed that the impact bed 12 would be effective for drop heights ranging from 2 to 10 meters (and potentially even higher) and will be capable of handling loads exceeding 11 tons.

[0068] The configuration of the impact bed 12, and particularly the orientation and adjustability of the second and third impact subassemblies (18, 20) coupled with the enhanced impact and load absorption and dissipation qualities of the impact subassemblies (16, 18, 20), enhances belt tracking in the loading zone and assists in inhibiting misalignment caused by uneven loading of material in the impact zone.

[0069] It will be appreciated that the above description only provides an example embodiment of the invention and that there may be many variations without departing from the spirit and / or the scope of the invention.

[0070] For example, an embodiment (which is not shown in the figures) without a rocker body, but where each impact member is mounted to a separate swingarm could, even though not as efficiently, also provide some advantages in terms of providing dynamic impact absorption. Here the dynamic subassembly structure therefore takes the form of a rocker body.

[0071] It is possible for the swingarm axis to extend in a direction other than the transverse direction.

[0072] It will be easily understood from the present description that the particular features of the present invention, as generally described and illustrated in the figures, can be arranged and designed according to a wide variety of different configurations. In this way, the description of the present invention and the related figures are not provided to limit the scope of the invention but simply represent selected embodiments.

[0073] The skilled person will understand that the technical characteristics of a given embodiment can in fact be combined with characteristics of another embodiment, unless otherwise expressed or it is evident that these characteristics are incompatible. Also, the technical characteristics described one embodiment can be isolated from the other characteristics of this embodiment unless otherwise expressed.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . An impact bed module for a conveyor system, the impact bed module comprising: a main structural support operatively extending in a transverse direction; a first impact subassembly comprising: a dynamic subassembly structure which is supported relative to the main structural support in displaceable fashion; and at least a first impact member supported relative to the dynamic subassembly structure so as to be displaceable in a direction which is substantially perpendicular to a direction in which the belt extends, the first impact member configured operatively to contact a bottom surface of the belt in a loading zone of the conveyor system.

2. The impact bed module according to claim 1 , comprising a second impact member supported relative to the dynamic subassembly structure and configured operatively to contact the bottom surface of the belt in the loading zone, and wherein: the dynamic subassembly structure comprises a rocker body which is mounted relative to the main structural support by means of a rocker pivot so as to be pivotable about a rocker axis extending in the transverse direction; and the first and second impact members are mounted to the rocker body on opposite sides of the rocker axis.

3. The impact bed module according to claim 2, wherein the first and second impact members comprise a first set of impact members and wherein the impact members of the first set extend substantially parallel and in the transverse direction.

4. The impact bed module according to claim 2, wherein the first impact subassembly further comprises a swingarm, a first end portion of which is mounted relative to the main structural support by means of a swingarm pivot so as to be pivotable about a swingarm axis and wherein a second end portion of the swingarm defines, supports or carries the rocker pivot.

5. The impact bed module according to claim 4, wherein the second end portion of the swingarm is biased away from the main structural support by means of a biasing mechanism, and wherein the biasing mechanism comprises one of: i) a coil spring extending between the main structural support and one of the swingarm and the rocker pivot; ii) a tortional spring arranged about the swingarm pivot; and iii) an inflatable bladderextending between the main structural support and one of the swingarm and the rocker pivot.

6. The impact bed module according to claim 1 , wherein the dynamic subassembly structure comprises at least a first swingarm, a first end portion of which is mounted relative to the main structural support by means of a swingarm pivot so as to be pivotable about a swingarm axis and a second end portion of the swingarm supporting the at least first impact member.

7. The impact bed module according to claim 6, wherein the second end portion of the swingarm is biased away from the main structural support by means of a biasing mechanism, and wherein the biasing mechanism comprises one of: i) a coil spring extending between the swingarm and the main structural support; ii) a tortional spring arranged about the swingarm pivot; and iii) an inflatable bladder extending between the swingarm and the main structural support.

8. The impact bed module according to claim 6, wherein the first impact subassembly further comprises a second impact member and a second dynamic subassembly structure in the form of a second swingarm, the second impact member and second swingarm being substantially similar to the first impact member and the first swing arm, and wherein the first and second swingarms are mounted relative to the main structural support such that the first and second impact members are spaced apart in an operative average travel direction of the belt.

9. The impact bed module according to claim 1 , wherein each impact member has an outer contact surface of an elastic material.

10. The impact bed module according to claim 9, wherein the elastic material comprises a polymeric material selected from the list comprising: natural rubber; synthetic rubber; and ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (LIHMWPE).

11. The impact bed module according to claim 1 , wherein each impact member comprises one of: i) an impact pad; and ii) an impact roller selected from the further list comprising a substantially cylindrical roller and a grooved roller.

12. The impact bed module according to claim 11 , wherein when each impact member comprises an impact roller, each impact roller is rotationally mounted relative to the dynamic subassembly structure.

13. The impact bed module according to claim 1 , wherein the first impact subassembly comprises a central impact subassembly, and wherein the impact bed module comprises a second and third impact subassembly which are similar to the first impact subassembly, the second and third impact subassemblies arranged transverse to the first impact subassembly.

14. The impact bed module according to claim 13, wherein the second and third impact subassemblies are mounted relative to the main structural support by means of pivotably adjustable subframes.

15. The impact bed module according to claim 14, wherein at least one of the second and third impact subassemblies are configurable in a flat configuration to configure the impact bed module in a maintenance configuration.

16. The impact bed module according to claim 1 , comprising skirting support structures transversely outside of the complement of impact subassemblies.

17. An impact bed, comprising at least a first and second impact bed module according to claim 1 , wherein the first and second impact bed modules are arranged next to each other in an operative travel direction of a belt operatively supported by the impact bed.

18. The impact bed according to claim 17, comprising a main frame relative to which the at least first and second impact bed modules are mounted.

19. The impact bed according to claim 18, wherein the at least first and second impact bed modules are mounted to the main frame in transversely slidable fashion, to allow either of the at least first and second impact bed modules operatively to be transversely slid from underneath the belt when the respective impact bed module is configured in a maintenance configuration.

20. A conveyor system, associated with a loading zone and an unloading zone, the conveyor system comprising:an endless belt supported by a plurality of rollers, the endless belt extending between the loading and unloading zones operatively to transport material from the loading zone to the unloading zone; an impact bed according to claim 17 arranged to support the endless belt in the loading zone.

21. A conveyor system according to claim 20, further comprising a raw material loading chute provided in communication with the loading zone.

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