Double-belt conveyor with an intermediate drive
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- WO · WO
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2026-01-14
- Publication Date
- 2026-08-13
Smart Images
Figure EP2026050859_13082026_PF_FP_ABST
Abstract
Description
[0001] Double belt conveyor with intermediate drive
[0002] The present invention relates to double belt conveyors for conveying bulk materials, unit loads, and / or similar materials. The double belt conveyor comprises a carrying belt that at least partially receives the conveyed material during operation, and a cover belt associated with the carrying belt along a conveying path. The carrying belt and the cover belt are each designed as endless belts with a conveying section that is brought into contact with the conveyed material. A receiving space is provided, at least partially, between the conveying sections for receiving the conveyed material during its transport along the conveying path. The carrying belt and the cover belt are guided around a first deflection element located at the beginning of the conveying path and a second deflection element located at the end of the conveying path. At least one of the second deflection elements is driven.Furthermore, the double belt conveyor includes at least one intermediate drive arranged along the conveyor path. The intermediate drive is operatively connected to at least one of the conveyor sections, and the carrying belt and the cover belt can be additionally driven, at least indirectly, via the intermediate drive.
[0003] Such double belt conveyors are also referred to as double belt conveyors or cover belt conveyors, and for the purposes of this application, they all refer to the same type of conveyor. Therefore, in this application, the term "belt" is used synonymously with "belt." To overcome inclines or conveying heights, the double belt conveyor is preferably designed as a steep or vertical conveyor with the conveying path and thus also the conveying direction angled at least partially, in particular by up to 90 degrees, relative to the ground. The ground is understood to be the surface on which the double belt conveyor is to be installed.
[0004] In conveying applications using the aforementioned type of double-belt conveyor, it is desirable from both a technical and economic perspective to overcome particularly long conveying distances with as few conveyors as possible. This entails an increasing conveyor length, especially when these conveyors are intended to overcome significant conveying heights, which in turn leads to undesirably high tensile forces in the belts. To reduce these tensile forces, at least one intermediate drive is provided along the conveyor path. Nevertheless, the desire remains to manufacture and operate such double-belt conveyors with intermediate drives more economically.
[0005] Conventional conveyor systems with a conveyor track without incline and without a cover belt are known, which overcome long conveyor tracks in various ways using their support belt.
[0006] In a first type of conventional conveyor, a material-carrying conveyor belt encircles several individually driven support belts arranged sequentially along the conveyor path. The support belts each support the conveyor belt section by section and drive it. However, to transmit the drive force from the individual support belts to the conveyor belt via friction, the support belts must be comparatively long. The necessary normal force for power transmission between each support belt and the conveyor belt is generated solely by the weight of the support belt and the conveyed material. This results in a disadvantageously high number and a considerable overall length of conveyor belts. Furthermore, drive components can only be attached to an edge region of the conveyor belt, as the conveyed material is located in the central section.In this marginal area, however, the driving components have only a comparatively small effect, since the coefficient of friction between the belts, which are usually made of rubber, is relatively low, especially under unfavorable environmental conditions, and the deformation, especially the flexing, of the belt consumes a comparatively high proportion of the drive energy.
[0007] A second type of conventional conveyor features a multitude of support rollers that carry the conveyor belt along the conveying path, and these support rollers are driven. However, designing all support rollers as drive rollers is comparatively uneconomical. Furthermore, neither the solutions used in the first nor the second type of conveyor are readily transferable to double-belt conveyors. This is because, on steeper conveyor belt inclines, the downward force exerted by the conveyor belt and the conveyed material is greater than the achievable frictional force between the conveyor belt and the support belt or support rollers.
[0008] A third type of conventional conveyor features several support belts along its conveying path, divided into separate belt loops and arranged sequentially. Due to the division of the conveyor path into several consecutive, separate sections, a transfer of the conveyed material between these sections is necessary, which is disadvantageous. The transfer stations typically used for this purpose are inefficient, prone to wear, and require intensive maintenance. Furthermore, such transfers are associated with high dust and noise emissions. Other components typically used in combination with double belt conveyors, such as adjacent walkways, also become significantly more complex as a result.
[0009] Therefore, the three types of conventional conveyors described above do not provide solutions that can be transferred to double belt conveyors, nor do they offer satisfactory solutions in terms of economic efficiency.
[0010] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a double belt conveyor in which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least reduced and which can be manufactured and operated economically, especially with long conveying distances and / or high conveying heights.
[0011] According to the invention, the conveying sections of the carrying belt and the cover belt are deflected, at least partially, by means of the intermediate drive. Thus, the joint deflection of both conveying sections enables effective power transmission from the intermediate drive to both the carrying belt and the cover belt. The double belt conveyor can therefore be driven more economically overall. This is achieved in particular by increasing the contact area available for power transmission between the intermediate drive and at least one of the belts by means of the deflection. Furthermore, the use of such efficient intermediate drives allows the belt tension of the carrying belt and the cover belt to be kept relatively low over the entire length of the conveyor track during operation of the double belt conveyor. Thus, regardless of the total length of the conveyor track, the belts, i.e.,The belt and / or cover belt may contain comparatively lightweight reinforcements, particularly fabric reinforcements. Such belts are lighter and more cost-effective compared to belts with, for example, steel mesh reinforcements. This, in turn, has a beneficial effect on the dimensions and power rating of the intermediate drives, allowing for more economical selection of these as well.
[0012] A double belt conveyor can also be advantageously designed without transfer stations. The associated disadvantages, such as dust and noise emissions, are thus avoided. Compared to conventional conveyors, at least smaller angles of deflection along the entire conveyor path can be implemented, as the intermediate drives can be used as deflection points. Therefore, the double belt conveyor is structurally simple, economical to manufacture, and economical to operate, and can also overcome long conveying distances and significant conveying heights economically.
[0013] The conveyed material is preferably conveyed continuously, i.e., without interruptions or transfers, along the conveyor track. For the purposes of this application, the term "carrying belt" refers to the belt inclined closer to the ground (i.e., the belt closer to the ground) when the conveyor track is inclined at less than 90 degrees to a surface assumed to be horizontal. When the conveyor track is perpendicular to the ground, the term "carrying belt" refers to the belt that is first subjected to the conveyed material, for example, on a section of the carrying belt that precedes the vertically running section of the conveyor track, particularly a horizontal section. The conveyed material is considered to be supported by the carrying belt insofar as, when the conveyor track is inclined at less than 90 degrees to the ground, the conveyed material is at least predominantly supported by the carrying belt, or the weight of the conveyed material is transferred via the carrying belt.On a vertically running conveyor track, the conveyed material can be at least approximately half absorbed or carried by the conveyor belt.
[0014] In contrast, the cover belt is understood to be the belt that is at least partially superimposed on the carrier belt. The carrier belt and the cover belt are therefore two separate belts. The conveying path along which the cover belt is associated with the carrier belt corresponds to the conveying section along which the conveyed material is transported between the carrier belt and the cover belt. The conveying path preferably runs between the conveying sections of the carrier belt and the cover belt. It is also preferably arranged between the first deflection elements and the second deflection elements. If the conveying height of the double belt conveyor is not zero, the conveying path is arranged at least partially at an angle to the substrate. The design of the conveyor belt and cover belt as endless belts means a continuous belt configuration, with each belt specifically rotating around a first deflection element and a second deflection element.The term "conveyor section" refers to the portion of the conveyor belt used to form the receiving area and convey the conveyed material, i.e., the load section. At least in some areas, the conveyor sections define the receiving area between them. In the case of conveyor sections that are adjacent to each other, particularly at their edges, the receiving area is also at least approximately enclosed, and thus specifically limited, by the conveyor sections in a lateral direction perpendicular to the conveying direction.
[0015] Both the first and second deflection elements are preferably designed as roller bodies, and particularly preferably as deflection drums. Each belt is assigned a first deflection element and a second deflection element. The second deflection element is understood to be, in particular, the deflection element at the discharge end or head end. With a conveyor inclined towards the ground, the first deflection element is thus always the one located closer to the ground, while the second deflection element is always the one located further away from the ground. The at least one driven second deflection element can be designed as a head drive.
[0016] In contrast, an intermediate drive is understood to be an additional drive located neither at the beginning nor at the end of the conveyor track. At least one of the two belts is thus driven both by one of the second deflection elements and by at least one intermediate drive. This intermediate drive, arranged along the conveyor track, is positioned between the first and second deflection elements when viewed from a perpendicular perspective to the conveying direction. The intermediate drive preferably drives the carrying belt and the cover belt in such a way that at least one of the belts is directly driven by the intermediate drive on its conveying section. The other belt can then be moved, for example, via friction, and thus indirectly driven. For this purpose, the intermediate drive is operatively connected to both conveying sections.
[0017] The deflection of the conveying channels by means of the intermediate drive refers to a change in the direction of the conveying channels, at least in sections, as they pass through at least part of the intermediate drive. This deflection, in particular, changes the angle of the channel's path, i.e., the conveying direction, relative to the ground. The angle of the conveying direction before the section of the intermediate drive passed, relative to the ground, especially immediately before it, differs from the angle of the conveying direction after passing this section of the intermediate drive, relative to the ground, especially immediately after it. These sections of the intermediate drive are formed, in particular, by the roller bodies described in more detail below, of which the intermediate drive can comprise several.Therefore, it is possible that the conveying channels first pass through a first part, in particular a first roller body, of the intermediate drive and are thereby deflected in a first direction by a first amount. Subsequently, the conveying channels can pass through another part, in particular another roller body, of the intermediate drive and be deflected in a second direction, reversed by the same amount. Then, after passing through the entire intermediate drive, i.e., after both parts, in particular those designed as roller bodies, the conveying channels exhibit no angular difference relative to the conveying section located before the intermediate drive in their conveying section, in particular immediately after the intermediate drive. Nevertheless, the conveying channels are then deflected twice by such an intermediate drive within the meaning of this application.
[0018] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveying sections of the support belt and the cover belt are deflected together while lying one above the other, particularly also together with the receiving space. Preferably, both conveying sections are deflected at least section by means of the intermediate drive while maintaining the receiving space formed between them. The deflection of the conveying sections by means of the intermediate drive can be at least indirect, wherein, in particular, at least one of the conveying sections is deflected directly by the intermediate drive and the other conveying section is deflected along with the first of the conveying sections by bearing against it. Thus, an advantageous power transmission to both conveying sections is achieved. At the same time, continuous conveying of the material can be ensured.
[0019] In a further, preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate drive comprises a first roller body, in particular designed as a drum, with a first circular arc-shaped drive area, wherein the first drive area is partially enclosed by the conveying channels to deflect them in a first direction of deflection. One of the conveying channels is preferably in planar contact with the first roller body via the first drive area and is driven by the intermediate drive via this drive area. The deflection of the conveying channels is thus achieved in a structurally comparatively simple manner.
[0020] Preferably, the intermediate drive comprises a second roller body, in particular designed as a drum, following the first roller body in the conveying direction of the conveyor track, with a second circular arc-shaped driving area. This second driving area is partially enclosed by the conveying belts to redirect the conveying belts in a second direction. This allows for a structurally simple redirection of the carrier belt and the cover belt. For this purpose, the conveying belts of the carrier belt and the cover belt preferably run between the first and second roller bodies. The conveying belts are redirected, in particular, along the section that begins, in particular, immediately before the first roller body and ends, in particular, immediately after the second roller body.As with the first roller body, only one of the conveying channels is in, and in particular direct, contact with the second roller body, and the other conveying channel is indirectly deflected by contact with the conveying channel in contact. The deflected conveying channel then indirectly encircles the drive area and is thus indirectly driven. The arrangement of the second roller body following the first roller body in the conveying direction, when viewed in the conveying direction, means an arrangement behind the first roller body. The distance of the second roller body relative to the first roller body is, in increasingly preferred order, less than a factor of 5, less than a factor of 3, less than a factor of 1, of the diameter of the first roller body, measured at the first drive area. In particular, this distance is, in increasingly preferred order, less than 100 cm, less than 50 cm, less than 30 cm.
[0021] Improved wrap-around and thus power transmission can be achieved by arranging the second roller body offset relative to the first roller body, particularly in the vertical direction, when viewed in the conveying direction. The second roller body is therefore out of alignment with the first roller body when viewed in the conveying direction, and is offset, in particular, in the direction towards the ground. The offset, measured perpendicular to the conveying direction, is, in increasingly preferred order, less than a factor of 5, less than a factor of 3, less than a factor of 1 of the diameter of the first roller body, measured at the first drive area. In particular, the offset is, in increasingly preferred order, less than 100 cm, less than 50 cm, less than 30 cm.Thus, advantageous power transmission can be achieved without, for example, using structurally complex pairs of rollers positioned directly opposite each other across the conveyor path, pressing the conveying sections between them. Preferably, the first deflection direction, compared to the conveying direction predominating in the conveying direction, particularly immediately before the intermediate drive, is directed more towards the ground, i.e., more strongly downwards. In particular, the second deflection direction, compared to the first, is directed more away from the ground, i.e., more strongly upwards. When viewed from the side of the conveyor path, the deflection is therefore preferably at least approximately S-shaped. Thus, in the case of two roller bodies, the conveying sections are deflected twice per intermediate drive.In the case of a conveyor track angled towards the ground, such a deflection advantageously reduces the overall incline of the conveyor track and, if necessary, supplements the conveyor track with conveying sections that run at least approximately horizontally. These sections allow for the provision of horizontal platforms alongside the walkways typically installed next to the double belt conveyor for maintenance purposes, significantly simplifying operation and maintenance. It is also possible, in principle, to implement the deflection in reverse order, i.e., first directing the conveyor track more away from the ground and then more towards the ground.
[0022] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the deflection angle of the deflected conveying channels, particularly per roller body, is, in increasingly preferred order, 35 degrees to 105 degrees, 45 degrees to 96 degrees, 55 degrees to 85 degrees, and 65 degrees to 75 degrees. With a preferably present drive section, or multiple drive sections in the case of several roller bodies, the deflection angle corresponds to the wrap angle. The total deflection angle is then twice as large as the deflection angle per roller body when two roller bodies are preferably present. In the case of more than two roller bodies per intermediate drive, the total wrap angle then increases by one deflection angle for each additional roller body. With such a dimensioned deflection angle, the deflection can act as a barrier against unwanted slippage of the conveyed material against the conveying direction.This prevents slippage similar to an "avalanche stop", and the double belt conveyor can be operated more economically and safely.
[0023] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveying direction of the conveyor track, particularly immediately after the intermediate drive, is angled, and in particular steeper, compared to a conveying direction of the conveyor track, particularly immediately before the intermediate drive. The terms "before" and "after" refer to the conveying direction. A steeper gradient means a gradient steeper relative to the assumed horizontal surface. "After the intermediate drive" here means after the entire intermediate drive, so that in the case of an intermediate drive with multiple roller bodies, the direction of the conveyor track after all roller bodies of the intermediate drive is decisive. Thus, a deflection of the overall conveying track can be achieved easily by means of the intermediate drive, which is very difficult to implement with known conveyors.This allows the conveyor belt to be advantageously adapted to the surrounding topography, for example, of a quarry. Preferably, the carrying belt and the cover belt are tensioned by means of the intermediate drive, particularly between the first and second roller bodies. Thus, the drive force(s) of the intermediate drive are transmitted to the respective belt via the belt tension of the carrying and cover belts. This eliminates the need to press the intermediate drive, and especially its roller bodies, against the belt(s). The additional drive via the intermediate drive is therefore comparatively efficient and particularly simple in design.
[0024] Preferably, at least one of the belts of the carrying belt and the cover belt, i.e., the carrying belt and / or the cover belt, is pre-tensioned, in particular by means of a tensioning device that interacts with a respective return run of the belt. The pre-tensioning is achieved, in particular, such that at least one tensioning station per pre-tensioned belt can generate sufficient belt tension for the entire conveyor track and all intermediate drives along it. The pre-tensioned belt can then be easily accommodated by the intermediate drive or drives in a structurally simple manner. This improves the positive transmission of the drive force(s) to the respective belt.
[0025] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the roller body of the intermediate drive is designed to be driven. In particular, both roller bodies of the intermediate drive are preferably designed to be driven. In the case of two driven roller bodies, both belts, i.e., both the support belt and the cover belt, can thus advantageously be used to transmit the intermediate drive forces from the intermediate drive to the respective belt. Each roller body drives, in particular, one of the belts. The power transmission then depends less on the frictional engagement between these belts and is therefore more efficient. For this purpose, preferably at least one drive element, for example a motor, is provided for each driven roller body.
[0026] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate drive, in particular the first and second roller bodies of the intermediate drive, are arranged on the side of the conveyed section facing away from the conveyed material. In the case of two roller bodies, one of the roller bodies is thus arranged on the side of the conveyed section of the carrier belt facing away from the conveyed material, and the other roller body is arranged on the side of the conveyed section of the cover belt facing away from the conveyed material. There, the respective roller bodies are preferably operatively connected to the respective conveyed section for driving it. Each roller body of the intermediate drive has, in particular, direct contact with each of the conveyed sections. Thus, the intermediate drive is not contaminated by the conveyed material or by the conveyed material side of the respective belt.
[0027] Preferably, the roller body has two edge-side support bodies forming the drive area, which create a space between them transversely to the conveying direction. A portion of at least one of the belts, projecting or bulging radially inwards, particularly due to the conveyed material, can be displaced into this space. "Edge-side" refers to the edge of the belts located in a direction transverse to the conveying direction. The belts, particularly with their edge facing away from the conveyed material, can rest on the respective support body and be driven or carried along by its drive area. The radially inward direction is understood to be directed towards a rotational axis of the roller body. Preferably, at least one of the conveying channels is recessed into this space in a trough-like manner, at least when subjected to the conveyed material, thus at least partially forming the receiving space.The central sections of the conveyor belts, which define the receiving area, preferably have no direct contact with the support elements located at the edges. This allows for a generously dimensioned receiving area while maintaining efficient power transmission, thus enabling economical operation of the double belt conveyor. The two support elements are preferably rigidly connected to each other so that they can be driven by a common drive mechanism. For this purpose, at least one shaft connecting the support elements can be provided, for example.
[0028] The features described in the present application with regard to the roller body or one of the first or second roller bodies can, where technically feasible, also apply to the other roller body and are not listed repeatedly for each of these roller bodies only for the sake of clarity. In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the roller body has at least one support bracket that limits a projection of one of the belts towards the free space, on which the respective belt can be supported centrally, wherein, in particular, a plurality of support brackets are provided, distributed around a roller body axis of rotation. In particular, the belt that has direct contact with the roller body can be supported. Central support is understood to mean support located centrally in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, i.e., in the central section lying in this direction between the edge sections.If the roller body is a driven roller body, the counter-support(s) are preferably driven along with at least one of the edge support bodies. This allows the respective belt to be driven even across its central area. The counter-supports are preferably designed as roller bodies, which are rotatably mounted. This prevents the belt from slipping off the edge support bodies into the open space. Rotatable mounting of the counter-supports also reduces their susceptibility to wear, thus improving cost-effectiveness.
[0029] Preferably, the outer surface of the support body, which at least partially forms the conveying area, is designed on its side facing the free space without a right-angled or acute-angled transition, and in particular with a rounded edge, to prevent damage to the belt. The belt, when subjected to conveyed material during operation of the double belt conveyor, can thus be displaced into the free space over the edge of the outer surface bordering the free space, or run into the free space in a troughed shape, without causing damage to the belt. Such damage could occur, for example, with a right-angled or acute-angled edge due to increased wear and can be avoided by obtuse-angled, and in particular rounded, edges.
[0030] Preferably, the roller body has a friction element, in particular a friction lining, to improve frictional engagement with the respective belt. To prevent damage to the belt, the friction lining is preferably flush-mounted in a recess of the roller body, especially the bearing surface.
[0031] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate drive is configured to also function as a backstop. For this purpose, a backstop mechanism, similar to conventional backstop mechanisms, can be provided in a drive element or gearbox of the intermediate drive. This mechanism prevents the belts from moving backwards in the opposite direction to the conveying direction when the double belt conveyor stops, for example, by means of clamping elements. When multiple intermediate drives are used, the backstop forces, consisting of the weight of the belts and the conveyed material, do not accumulate across the respective sections of the conveyor track driven by the intermediate drives. Thus, the maximum permissible belt tension of the carrying belt and / or cover belt is not exceeded, even when a fully loaded double belt conveyor stops. Furthermore, in the event of a belt breakage, the intermediate drive holds the broken belt, thereby enabling safer operation.In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, both roller bodies are driven or can be driven, wherein at least one, in particular the second, is driven or can be driven with a higher power output compared to the other roller body. This makes it easier to overcome the higher belt run-off force acting on the second roller body during operation of the double belt conveyor, which is caused by the drive of the first roller body. For this purpose, a drive element, for example a motor, of the second roller body can have a higher power output, or be operable with a higher power output, than a drive element of the first roller body.
[0032] Alternatively, both roller bodies can be driven or driven with the same power output. If the roller bodies are of the same size and power output, the same drive mechanisms with identical power outputs and roller bodies with identical diameters can also be selected. This simplifies, among other things, the control of these components using a control unit, preferably already present in the double belt conveyor, as well as spare parts management.
[0033] Preferably, the double belt conveyor has several intermediate drives, the number of which is selected such that the operation of the double belt conveyor can continue even if one of the intermediate drives fails. For this purpose, the intermediate drives are distributed evenly along the conveyor track, i.e., at least approximately identical distances from each other. Each of the intermediate drives is preferably designed to generate a greater driving force than is required for conveying its upstream section of the conveyor. This ensures that the operation of the double belt conveyor can continue even if one of the intermediate drives fails.
[0034] Preferably, the double-belt conveyor has at least one centering station arranged upstream of the intermediate drive in the conveying direction for at least partially centering the conveyed material in the receiving area. This advantageously allows the conveyed material to be centered on the belt(s) upstream of the intermediate drive, and any undesirable presence of conveyed material between the preferably present support elements is at least reduced, and in particular avoided, at the edges. The centering preferably occurs at least partially in a direction transverse to the conveying direction and parallel to the substrate, i.e., towards the center of the belt. The centering station preferably has centering elements designed as rollers, which are arranged on the side of the respective belt, and in particular at least the support belt, facing away from the conveyed material. These cause, in particular, at least in certain areas, a trough-shaped contour of the belt.
[0035] Further advantages of the invention can be seen in the following description of the figures. The schematic representation shows:
[0036] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a double belt conveyor according to the invention.
[0037] Fig. 2 is an enlarged view of detail II from Fig. 1, Fig. 3 is a sectional view in the direction of 13-13 through the object from Fig. 2,
[0038] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the sectional view from Fig. 3.
[0039] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the intermediate drive from Figs. 2 to 4 and
[0040] Fig. 6 shows a perspective view of a section of the double belt conveyor from Fig. 1.
[0041] Individual technical features of the embodiments described below can also be combined with previously described embodiments and the features of one of the claims to form articles according to the invention. Where appropriate, functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals.
[0042] Fig. 1 shows a double belt conveyor 2 for conveying bulk goods, unit loads, and / or similar materials. The conveyor features a carrying belt 4 that at least partially receives the conveyed material during operation of the double belt conveyor 2, and a cover belt 8 associated with the carrying belt 4 along a conveying path 6. For clarity, purely linear sections of the conveying path 6 are shown in abbreviated form. The carrying belt 4 and the cover belt 8 are each designed as continuous belts with a conveying section 10, 10' that is brought into contact with the conveyed material. Between the conveying sections 10, 10', they form at least a partial receiving space 12 (see Fig. 3) for receiving the conveyed material during its transport along the conveying path 6.The carrying belt 4 and the cover belt 8 are each guided around a first deflection element 16 arranged at the beginning 14 of the conveyor track 6 and a second deflection element 20 arranged at the end 18 of the conveyor track 6, wherein at least one of the second deflection elements 20 is usually driven by a head drive. To receive the conveyed material, the carrying belt 4 is preferably longer at the beginning 14 of the conveyor track 6, i.e., with a greater extension in the conveying direction 30, than the cover belt 8. Conversely, for discharging the conveyed material, the cover belt 8 is preferably longer at the end 20 of the conveyor track 6 than the carrying belt 4. The conveyor 2 here comprises several intermediate drives 22 arranged along the conveyor track 6, which are operatively connected to at least one, in this case both, of the conveying sections 10, 10' and via which the carrying belt 4 and the cover belt 8 are additionally driven, at least indirectly.According to the invention, the conveying passages 10, 10' of the carrying belt 4 and the cover belt 8 are deflected at least section by means of the intermediate drives 22, of which there may also be only one (see Fig. 2).
[0043] The double belt conveyor 2 shown in Fig. 1 has several intermediate drives 22, the number of which is selected such that even if one of the intermediate drives 22 fails, the operation of the double belt conveyor 2 can continue safely and the transport of the conveyed material is ensured. The distance between the intermediate drives 22 in the conveying direction 30 is, in an increasingly preferred sequence, at least 1 meter, 2 meters, 3 meters, 4 meters, 5 meters.
[0044] Fig. 2 shows the double belt conveyor 2 and one of its intermediate drives 22 in detail. The conveying sections 10, 10' of the carrying belt 4 and the cover belt 8 are deflected together by the intermediate drive 22 in a superimposed position, particularly also together with the receiving space 12 formed between them (see Fig. 3). For this purpose, the intermediate drive 22 has a first roller body 24, in particular designed as a drum, with a first arc-shaped driving section 26 (see Fig. 6). The first driving section 26 is partially encircled by the conveying sections 10, 10' in a first deflection direction 28, here in the encircling section 29. In addition, the intermediate drive 22 has a [missing information] in the conveying direction 30 of the conveyor track 6 (see Fig. 3).
[0045] 1) Following the first roller body 24, a second roller body 32, in particular designed as a drum, with a second arc-shaped drive area 34 (see Fig. 5). The second drive area 34 is also partially enclosed by the conveying channels 10, 10' to deflect them in a second direction 36. The arc-shaped form of the roller bodies 24, 32 refers to the arc-shaped deflection of the belts 4, 8 thus made possible. Therefore, for the purposes of this application, roller bodies 24, 32 with any recesses or the like (see Fig. 5) in their arc-shaped section, for example for improved grip on the belts 4, 8, also fall under the category of an arc-shaped form.It is evident that the first roller body 24 is in direct physical contact only with the conveying section 10 of the support belt 4, while the second roller body 32 is in direct physical contact only with the conveying section 10' of the cover belt 8. The other belt 4, 8 is only indirectly deflected by the system on the directly deflected belt 4, 8.
[0046] Fig. 2 also shows that the first deflection direction 28, compared to the conveying direction 30 predominant in the conveying direction 30 before the intermediate drive 22, is directed more towards the surface shown schematically here by line 38. While the conveying direction 30 runs away from the surface 38, the deflection direction 28 here runs towards the surface 38. Furthermore, in this case, the second deflection direction 36 is directed more away from the surface 38 compared to the first deflection direction 28. The second deflection direction 36 is arranged parallel to the conveying direction 30 and therefore also runs away from the surface 38. The angle between the two deflection directions 28 and 36 is approximately 90 to 110 degrees in this embodiment, but can also be 80 to 120 degrees, 70 to 130 degrees, or 60 to 140 degrees.
[0047] In the intermediate drive 22 shown in Fig. 2, a particularly advantageous power transmission from the intermediate drive 22 to the belts 4, 8 is achieved by having a deflection angle 29 of the deflected conveying sections 10, 10', particularly for both roller bodies 24, 32, of 65 degrees to 75 degrees. This angle can, however, also be larger or smaller. Furthermore, the wrap angle or deflection angle 29 of the roller bodies 24, 32 can also be of different sizes. This can be advantageous in another preferred embodiment of the double belt conveyor 2 to generate a conveying direction 30' of the conveyor track 6 after the intermediate drive 22 compared to a conveying direction 30 of the conveyor track 6 before the intermediate drive 22, which is angled, and in particular steeper. This is schematically illustrated here by a conveying direction shown as line 30', along which the conveyor track 6 would then continue at a steeper angle.Alternatively, a flatter continuation of the conveyor track 6 after the intermediate drive 22 is conceivable.
[0048] The support belt 4 and the cover belt 8 are tensioned by means of the intermediate drive 22, in particular between the first roller body 24 and the second roller body 32. For this purpose, at least one of the belts of support belt 4 and cover belt 8 is pre-tensioned by a tensioning device 42, comprising tension rollers, which interacts with a respective return run 11, 1T of the belt 4, 8. Independently of the tensioning device 42, the intermediate drives 22 are preferably arranged without contact with the return runs 11, 1T, in particular without exerting a driving effect on them.
[0049] The intermediate drive 22 shown in Fig. 2, in particular the first and second roller bodies 24, 32 of the intermediate drive 22, is / are arranged on the rear side 46, 46' of the conveying section 10, 10' facing away from the conveyed material. Thus, the roller bodies 24, 32 advantageously have no contact with the respective conveying sides 44, 44' of the conveying sections 10, 10' and are protected from contamination or the like.
[0050] Figures 3 and 4 show the second roller body 32 of the intermediate drive 22. This roller body and / or the first roller body 24 can, as shown here, have two edge-mounted support bodies 48 forming the conveying area 34, which create a clearance 50 between them transverse to the conveying direction 30. A partial section 52 of at least one of the belts 4, 8 can be displaced into this clearance 50, so that, as shown, it extends at least partially into the clearance 50 defined by the support bodies 48. Thus, an advantageous receiving space 12 for receiving the conveyed material remains even when the belts 4, 8 are deflected. The roller body 32 here has at least one counter support 54 (not shown in every figure) that limits a projection of one of the belts 4, 8 towards the clearance 50, on which the respective belt 4, 8 can be supported centrally. In the present case, a plurality of counter supports 54 are provided, distributed around a roller body rotation axis 56.This limits the displacement of the section 52 towards the roller body's axis of rotation 56 and prevents the sections located in the drive area 34 from slipping towards the free space 50. For this purpose, the counter supports 54 are preferably designed as rollers, which are rotatably mounted.
[0051] A cylindrical surface 58 of the support body 48, which at least partially forms the drive area 34, can be designed on its side facing the clearance 50 without a right-angled or acute-angled transition 60, in particular rounded, to prevent damage to the belt 4, 8. A chamfer is provided at the transition 60 in each case. Alternatively or additionally, a rounding or the like can be provided. Furthermore, the roller bodies 24, 32 have a friction element 62 on their cylindrical surface 58, designed in particular as a friction lining, for improved frictional engagement with the respective belt 4, 8, thereby further improving power transmission. The friction element 62 has a plurality of adhesion-enhancing projections.
[0052] Fig. 5 shows both roller bodies 24, 32 of the intermediate drive 22, wherein the roller bodies 24, 32 are each designed to be driven. For this purpose, each of the roller bodies 24, 32 has a drive element 66 operatively connected to it, in this case designed as a motor, for driving the respective roller body 24, 32.
[0053] Fig. 6 further shows a section of the double belt conveyor 2 with an intermediate drive 22 according to the invention. In addition, the double belt conveyor 2 here has a walkway 68 with at least one platform 70, arranged, in particular, laterally, adjacent to the conveyor track 6. It is evident that the deflection of the conveyor track 6 at the intermediate drive 22 results in a conveyor track 6 that is flatter in that section, in particular horizontal to the ground 38, and correspondingly a platform 70 of the walkway 68 that is flatter, in particular horizontal to the ground 38. Maintenance of the double belt conveyor 2, in particular of the intermediate drive 22, is therefore considerably easier for maintenance personnel. Furthermore, the overall gradient of the double belt conveyor 2 is advantageously reduced (cf. Fig. 1). The double belt conveyor 2 shown here also has at least one centering station 64 arranged in the conveying direction 30 upstream of the intermediate drive 22 (cf. Fig. 2).5) for at least partial centering of the conveyed material in the receiving space 12 (see Fig. 3). This can be achieved, for example, as shown here, by means of at least one of the belts 4, 8, angled at the edge, particularly upwards, which are designed here as adjusting rollers. This prevents the conveyed material from leaving the receiving space 12 at the edge. Reference numeral list.
[0054] Double belt conveyor
[0055] carrying strap
[0056] conveyor belt
[0057] Cover tape
[0058] Conveyor belt
[0059] ' Conveyor belt cover belt
[0060] Return side of carrying strap
[0061] 'Return tube cover tape recording chamber
[0062] Start of the conveyor belt
[0063] first deflection element
[0064] End of the conveyor belt
[0065] second deflection element intermediate drive
[0066] first roller body
[0067] first pick-up area
[0068] First deflection direction, wrapping section, deflection angle, 30' conveying direction
[0069] second roller body
[0070] second carriage area
[0071] second deflection direction subsurface
[0072] Clamping device
[0073] Conveyor side Conveyor tube Carrying belt ' Conveyor side Conveyor tube Cover belt Rear of conveyor tube Carrying belt ' Rear of conveyor tube Cover belt Support body
[0074] open space
[0075] Band section area
[0076] Counterholder roller body rotation axis cylindrical surface
[0077] transition
[0078] friction element
[0079] Centering station
[0080] propulsion system
[0081] catwalk
[0082] Podium
[0083] adjusting element
Claims
Patent claims 1. Double belt conveyor (2) for conveying bulk goods, unit loads and / or similar materials, comprising a conveyed material, a support belt (4) which at least partially receives the conveyed material during operation of the double belt conveyor (2), a cover belt (8) associated with the support belt (4) along a conveying path (6), wherein the support belt (4) and the cover belt (8) are each designed as an endless belt with a respective conveying section (10, 10') to be brought into contact with the conveyed material, and a receiving space (12) for receiving the conveyed material during its transport along the conveying path (6) is provided at least sectionally between the conveying sections (10, 10'), and wherein the support belt (4) and the cover belt (8) are each guided around a first deflection element (16) arranged at the beginning (14) of the conveying path (6) and a second deflection element (20) arranged at the end (18) of the conveying path (6), wherein at least one of the second deflection elements (20) is powered,and comprising at least one intermediate drive (22) arranged along the conveyor track (6), which is operatively connected to at least one of the conveyor sections (10, 10') and via which the support belt (4) and the cover belt (8) can be additionally driven at least indirectly, characterized in that the conveyor sections (10, 10') of the support belt (4) and the cover belt (8) are deflected at least sectionally by means of the intermediate drive (22).
2. Double belt conveyor (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the conveyor sections (10, 10') of the support belt (4) and the cover belt (8) are deflected together in a superimposed position, in particular also together with the receiving space (12).
3. Double belt conveyor (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the intermediate drive (22) has a first roller body (24) in particular designed as a drum with a first circular arc-shaped conveying area (26), wherein the first conveying area (26) is sectionally enclosed by the conveying ducts (10, 10') to deflect the conveying ducts (10, 10') in a first deflection direction (28).
4. Double belt conveyor (2) according to claim 3, characterized in that the intermediate drive (22) has a second roller body (32) following in a conveying direction (30) of the conveyor track (6) after the first roller body (24), in particular designed as a drum, with a second circular arc-shaped conveying area (34), wherein the second conveying area (34) is sectionally enclosed by the conveying sections (10, 10') to deflect the conveying sections (10, 10') into a second deflection direction (36).
5. Double belt conveyor (2) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the first deflection direction (28) is directed more towards the substrate (38) compared to the conveying direction (30) predominant in the conveying direction (30) before the intermediate drive (22), and in particular the second deflection direction (36) is directed more away from the substrate (38) compared to the first deflection direction (28).
6. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a deflection angle (29) of the deflected conveying sections (10, 10'), in particular per roller body (24, 32), is 35 degrees to 105 degrees, preferably 45 degrees to 95 degrees, particularly preferably 55 degrees to 85 degrees, further particularly preferably 65 degrees to 75 degrees.
7. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a conveying direction (30) of the conveyor track (6) after the intermediate drive (22) is angled, in particular steeper, compared to a conveying direction (30) of the conveyor track (6) before the intermediate drive (22).
8. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the support belt (4) and the cover belt (8) are tensioned and held in place by means of the intermediate drive (22), in particular between the first roller body (24) and the second roller body (32).
9. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the belts of carrying belt (4) and cover belt (8) is pretensioned in particular by means of a tensioning device (42) cooperating with a respective return run (11 ,11') of the belt (4, 8).
10. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims and including claim 3, characterized in that the roller body (24), in particular both roller bodies (24, 32), of the intermediate drive (22) is / are designed to be driven.
11. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate drive (22), in particular the first and the second roller body (24, 32) of the intermediate drive (22), is arranged on the side (46, 46') of the conveyor section (10, 10') facing away from the conveyed material.
12. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims and including claim 3, characterized in that the roller body (24, 32) has two edge-side support bodies (48) forming the conveying area (26, 34), which form a free space (50) between them transverse to the conveying direction (30), into which a partial area (52) of at least one of the belts (4, 8) can be displaced.
13. Double belt conveyor (2) according to claim 12, characterized in that the roller body (24, 32) has at least one counter support (54) limiting a shape of one of the belts (4, 8) towards the free space (50), on which the respective belt (4, 8) can be supported centrally, wherein in particular a plurality of counter supports (54) distributed around a roller body rotation axis (56) are provided.
14. Double belt conveyor (2) according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that a circumferential surface (58) of the support body (48) forming at least the conveying area (26, 34) is formed on its side facing the free space (50) without a right-angled or acute-angled transition (60), in particular rounded, to avoid damage to the belt (4, 8).
15. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims and including claim 3, characterized in that the roller body (24, 32) has a friction element (62) designed in particular as a friction lining for improved frictional engagement with the respective belt (4, 8).
16. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the intermediate drive (22) is arranged in such a way that it can also function as a backstop.
17. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims and including claim 4, characterized in that both roller bodies (24, 32) are driven, wherein at least one of the roller bodies (24, 32) can be driven with a higher power compared to the other roller body (24, 32).
18. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of claims 1 to 16 and including claim 4, characterized in that both roller bodies (24, 32) are driven with the same power.
19. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by several intermediate drives (22), the number of which is selected such that in the event of failure of one of the intermediate drives (22) the operation of the double belt conveyor (2) can be continued.
20. Double belt conveyor (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least one centering station (64) arranged in the conveying direction (30) in front of the intermediate drive (22) for at least section-wise centering of the conveyed material in the receiving space (12).