AU2015329685A1

AU2015329685A1 - Conveyor belt arrestor system

Info

Publication number: AU2015329685A1
Application number: AU2015329685A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Pierre VIVIERS
Original assignee: Viviers Familie Trust
Current assignee: Viviers Familie Trust
Priority date: 2014-09-10
Filing date: 2015-09-10
Publication date: 2016-11-24
Also published as: CL2016003196A1; CA2948985A1; WO2016055882A2; WO2016055882A3

Abstract

This invention relates to a conveyor belt arrestor system (1) and more particularly, but not exclusively to a conveyor belt arrestor (9A, 9B) for use in arresting a conveyor belt used in mining operations in case of failure of the belt (2). The invention relates to a conveyor belt arrestor system comprising a first arrestor (9A) having belt arresting means (16, 17) movable between an open position in which a belt (2) moves freely with respect to the arrestor (9A) and a closed position in which a belt (2) is secured by the arresting means (16, 17) and a second arrestor (9B) having belt arresting means (24, 25) movable between an open position in which a belt (2) moves freely with respect to the arrestor (9B) and a closed position in which a belt (2) is secured by the arresting means (24, 25), the second arrestor (9B) having activating means (30-33), when activated allowing the movement of its arresting means (24, 25) from its open to its closed positions and the activating means (24, 25) being activated when the arresting means (16, 17) of the first arrestor (9A) moves from its open to its closed position.

Description

PCT/IB2015/056935 WO 2016/055882

CONVEYOR BELT ARRESTOR SYSTEM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a conveyor belt arrestor system and more 5 particularly, but not exclusively to a conveyor belt arrestor for use in arresting a conveyor belt used in mining operations in case of failure of the belt.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Conveyor belt arrestors and arrestor systems are well known and widely used. 10 A problem with prior art arrestor systems described later on herein is that there is not always enough tension in the belt to ensure that the bottom arrestor remains in its open operative position in case where both top and bottom arrestors are used. If there is not enough tension in the belt, the 15 bottom arrestor closes without the belt having failed.

Another difficulty with the prior art arrestors described herein is that they work only with flat conveyor belts 2 as is shown in the drawings, especially figure 6. 20 Prior art arrestors described herein also do not suffice for use when the belt needs to be secured for maintenance work. 1 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935

Conveyor belt holdback apparatuses are well known and the use thereof is a legal requirement in some jurisdictions. The aim of a holdback apparatus is to prevent a conveyor belt from moving backwards in the event of the conveyor belt drive being switched off thus halting the movement of the conveyor belt in 5 the forward direction. If the belt rolls back it may gain momentum and damage equipment.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of this invention to provide a conveyor belt arrestor system 10 which, at least partially, alleviates any one or more of the above-mentioned difficulties.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with this invention there is provided a conveyor belt arrestor 15 system comprising a first arrestor having belt arresting means movable between an open position in which a belt moves freely with respect to the arrestor and a closed position in which a belt is secured by the arresting means and a second arrestor having belt arresting means movable between an open position in which a belt moves freely with respect to the arrestor and 20 a closed position in which a belt is secured by the arresting means, the second arrestor having activating means, when activated allowing the movement of its arresting means from its open to its closed positions and the 2 PCT/IB2015/056935 WO 2016/055882 activating means being activated when the arresting means of the first arrestor moves from its open to its closed position. A retaining pin is releasably securable to the second arrestor to prevent 5 movement of the arresting means from its open to its closed position.

The pin is releasably securable against a spring bias with a release and the release is connected to the arrestor means of the first arrestor with a connection means. 10

The connection means is a cable.

The pin includes a slot or a hole for receiving the release therein to releasably secure the pin the second arrestor. 15

The release is a release pin or a release plate.

The release is movable out of engagement with the pin by movement of the connection means this allowing the pin to move with the spring bias out of the 20 way of the arresting means of the second arrestor to allow movement of the second arrestor’s arresting means form its open to its closed position.

The system includes a conveyor belt holdback apparatus having a support frame with a first end of an arm pivotably connected to the support frame and 25 a second free end of the arm terminating in a first jaw formation and a 3 PCT/IB2015/056935 WO 2016/055882 movement actuator for pivoting the arm from a rest position in which the arm is spaced from a second complimentary jaw formation to allow a conveyer belt to move freely between the jaw formations and an activated position in which the movement actuator forces the first jaw formation towards the second jaw 5 formation to clamp the belt between the jaw formations. A movement sensor activates the movement actuator when it senses movement of the belt in a predetermined direction. 10 The first jaw formation is a lower jaw and the second jaw formation is an upper jaw. A controller controls the actuator in response to inputs received from an input means and/or the movement sensor. 15

The movement sensor includes a roller which abuts the conveyor belt and rolls freely with the movement of the conveyor belt.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 One embodiment of the invention is described below by way of example only and with reference to the drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a conveyor belt system 1 including prior art upper and lower arrestors and a holdback; 4 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935

Figure 2 shows a close up side view with of an upper arrestor 9A of the

Figure 3 arrestor system of figure 1 with the arrestor in an operative position; shows the same view as figured but with the upper arrestor 9A 5 in a closed position; Figure 4 shows a close up view of a lower or bottom arrestor 9B of the arrestor system of figure 1, with the arrestor in an operative position; Figure 5 shows the same view as figure 4 but with the upper arrestor 9B 10 in a closed position; Figure 6 show a perspective view of a section of conveyor belt; Figure 7 shows a perspective view of a section of a bucket conveyor belt; Figure 8 shows a schematic diagram of a front view of a wedge bar, conveyor belt and ram bar of the upper arrestor of figure 1; 15 Figure 9 shows perspective views of the upper and bottom arrestors in their operative positions; Figure 10 show the same view of figure 8 but with wedge bar stubs 20A instead of a complete wedge bar to receive a bucket part of a bucket conveyor belt between the stubs in the wedged or closed 20 position; Figure 11 show a perspective view of an upper arrestor having wedge bar stubs 20A to receive a bucket part of a bucket conveyor belt between the stubs in the wedged or closed position; 5 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935

Figure 12 show a perspective view of a lower arrestor having wedge bar Figure 13 stubs to receive a bucket part of a bucket conveyor belt between the stubs in the wedged or closed position; shows a side view of an arrestor system with an activation 5 means for activating the bottom arrestor upon activation of the top arrestor and an enlarged view of the activation means in a charged position; Figure 14 shows a side view of an arrestor system with an activation means for activating the bottom arrestor upon activation of the 10 top arrestor and an enlarged view of the activation means in a activated position; Figure 15 shows the same view as figure 14 but with the activation means activated; Figure 16 shows a perspective view of a second embodiment of an 15 arrestor system; and Figure 17 shows an enlarged view of the holdback 100 also shown in figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 20 With reference to the drawings, in which like features are indicated by like numerals.

Figure 1 shows a conveyor belt system 1, having prior art upper 9A and lower 9B arrestors. The system 1 includes a driven roller 4 at one end thereof that 6 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935 drives a closed loop conveyor belt 2 around itself, a main passive roller 3 and over support passive or idler rollers 23 that support the weight of the conveyor belt along its length. The main passive roller 3 is located at the other end of the system. The conveyor belt forms a closed loop around both rollers to 5 define a top belt part 11 and a lower belt part 12. The conveyor belt is supported the idler rollers 23 between the driven and passive rollers (4 and 3). Tensioning of the belt is achieved as follows: a free weighted roller 6 on the inside of the lower part or bottom part 12 of the looped belt 2 is attached to a weight 8 via a cable 7. The cable 7 is attached on opposite ends of an axis of 10 the free weighted roller 6. The weighted roller thus pulls the conveyor belt tight over rollers 3, 4 and 23, under force of gravity as well as over two guide rollers 5. Upper ends of the two guide rollers 5 are located in line, with lower ends of the driven and drive rollers. The guide rollers are spaced apart to allow the belt to pass over the guide rollers and underneath the weighted 15 roller that hangs between the two guide rollers 5. The weighted roller 6 hangs lower that the guide rollers but vertically in-between the guide rollers.

The driven roller drives the belt to move in the direction of arrow 19 under normal operation. 20

The upper belt arrestor 9A consists of a frame 14 for supporting all the components thereof. Each of two arrestor arms 17, one at each side of the frame, has one end connected at a lower end of the frame 14 to an axis 18. The axis 18 extends across the width of the frame and underneath and across 25 the width of the upper belt part 11 that passes through the arrestor 9. The 7 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935 arms 17 are thus connected to the axis 18 at opposite ends of the axis. The axis is rotatably supported by the frame 14. A free end of each arrestor arm is connected to a ram bar 16. The ram bar extends between the free ends of the arrestor arms 17. 5 A moment arm 28 extends radially outwardly from the axis 18. A free end of the moment arm terminates in a weight 15. Under normal operation, as is described below, the weight 15 is supported above a horizontal plane of the axis 18, so that a rotational force is exerted on the axis by force of gravity on 10 the weight 15 as well as on the moment arm 28.

An idler arrestor rollers 13 is located between the arrestor arms, attached thereto or to the axis 18 to support the upper part 11 of the conveyor belt above the arrestor arms, under normal operation of the arrestor as is 15 described below. The idler arrestor roller 13 facilitates ease of movement of the belt through the arrestor 9. The weight of the section of the belt that passes through the arrestor is supported by the roller 13. A wedge bar 20 (also referred to as a “top beam” or “beam”) extends across 20 an upper part of the frame 14, across the width of the frame. The arms, wedge bar and ram bar form arresting means.

Apart from missing a moment arm 28 and a weight 15, a lower arrestor 9B is a mirror image in a plane defined by the belt 2, of the upper arrestor 9A. A 8 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935 moment arm 28 and weight 15 may however also be included in the lower arrestor, if required.

The lower arrestor 9B thus has a frame 27, wedge bar 22, idler arrestor roller 5 21, ram bar 24, arrestor arm 25 and axis 26, similar to that of the upper arrestor 9A.

Unlike with the upper arrestor 9A, the tension in the belt that passes through the lower arrestor, maintains the lower arrestor in in open position in that it 10 pushes against the idler arrestor roller 21 and maintains the arrestor arm 25 substantially parallel to the belt keeping it from swinging downwards under force of gravity.

The weight and tension of the belt part that passes through the upper arrestor 15 together with the tension in the belt ensures that the arrestor arm 17 remains parallel to the belt and that it does not swing upwards about the axis 18 as a result of the moment exerted on the axis 18 by the moment arm 28 and weight 15. r 20 In use, when the belt fails and especially its upper part 11 wants to move in the opposite directions of arrow 19. The tension in the belt is now relaxed, the weight of the belt and the tension in the belt cannot maintain arrestor arms 17 and 25 in their operative positions (parallel with the belt as shown in figures 1, 2 and 4) and these arms move from their open to their wedge or closed 25 positions (as shown in figures 3 and 5) under force of gravity (in case of arm 9 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935 17 as a result of the moment exerted by force of gravity on weight 15 and in the case of arm 25 as a result of its own weight), in which the ram bars (16 and 24) engage with wedge bars (20 and 22) to wedge the belt between the ram bars and wedge bars against reverse movement in the opposite direction 5 of movement of the belt as indicated by arrow 19. The wedge position of each arrestor arm is shown in figures 3 and 5.

Figure 6 shows a part perspective view of a conveyor belt for use in the arrestors described thus far herein. 10

The conveyor belt of figure 7 can be used with the upper and lower arrestors as shown in figures 10, 11 and 12 together with the stubs 20A so that the bucket sections 2C fit between the stubs and the outer flat sections 2A are clamped between the ram bars and the stubs. 15

Figures 13, 14 and 15 show activation means for use on an upper and lower arrestors. A pin 33 (retaining pin) extending through the frame of the lower arrestor from the outside thereof prevents the arm 25 from falling downwards under force of gravity. The pin 33 has a thickened outer end 32A. A coil 20 spring 32 locates between the frame and the thickened outer end 32A. A release pin 31a or a release plate 31 engages through a hole or in an indent in the pin 33 when the pin 33 is inserted though the frame against the force of the spring to keep the pin in place to prevent the arm 25 (on the side of the 10 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935 spring) and thus the ram 24 from moving downwards under force of gravity (as well as of course the corresponding arm 25 on the other side of the ram).

The release pin or release plate is pulled out of its engagement with the pin 33 5 when the upper arm 17 moves and pulls on cable 30 (connecting means) as a result of the belt failing and the weight forcing arm 17 to move upwards, as a result of the cable 30 attached between arm 17 and release pin 31a or release plate 31. 10 The pin 33 is now ejected out of the frame under force from the spring and the pin 33 clears the way for the arms 25 to move downwards and to eventually cause wedging of the belt between the ram and the wedge bar 22.

Figures 10,-11 and 12 show alternative embodiments of the wedge bar (20A) 15 to receive a bucket part of a bucket conveyor belt therein. Alternatively, the ram bar could be split into two stubs to also so receive the bucket part.

The conveyor belt holdback apparatus 100 shown in figures 1 and 17 includes a support frame 101 consisting of two main spaced apart, upright plate 20 structures locatable either side of a lower section 12 of a conveyor belt 2. First ends of two pivot arms 102 are pivotally attached on an inside of each of the plate structures. Opposite free ends of the pivot arms 102 terminate in a lower jaw formation or RAM -shaped beam 104. The lower jaw formation 104 extends transversely across the support frame between the free ends of the 25 two pivot arms. 11 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935 A movement actuate in the form of an hydraulic telescoping device, having a main hydraulic section 108 and an extendable telescoping arm 109, is pivotally connected between the support frame and the pivot arm 102 so that 5 it may be used to move the arm 102 about its pivot point 103 and secure it in a desired position. A controller 107 controls movement of the actuator and receives a signal from movement sensor or roller 105 or from an input means to allow manual 10 actuating or release.

In use, as soon as the sensor 105 detects movement of the conveyor belt in a reverse direction, it sends a signal to the controller 107. At this point in time, the lower jaw is spaced from an upper jaw or transverse crossbeam 106 15 where between the conveyor belt 2, and more particularly its lower section 12, freely moves. In this position, the pivot arm 102 is in its rest position. The actuator now causes movement of the pivot arm towards the upper jaw 106 by extending the telescoping arm 109 under hydraulic pressure. This causes the lower jaw to clamp the conveyor belt 2 between itself and the upper jaw 106. 20

The jaws are now in their activated position in which the conveyor belt is clamped between them thus preventing the conveyor belt from moving in any direction whatsoever. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that any type of actuator can be used and the actuator need not be limited to a 12 WO 2016/055882 PCT/IB2015/056935 hydraulic actuator. For example, the actuator might be a mechanical spring-loaded actuator or the like.

The holdback apparatus may form part of the conveyor belt arrestor (9A and 5 9B shown in figure 1). These may all be integral or at least supported in a common frame structure.

It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the precise details as described or shown herein and many embodiments 10 are possible without departing from the scope of the invention. 15 13

Claims

1. A conveyor belt arrestor system comprising a first arrestor having belt arresting means movable between an open position in which a belt moves freely with respect to the arrestor and a closed position in which a belt is secured by the arresting means and a second arrestor having belt arresting means movable between an open position in which a belt moves freely with respect to the arrestor and a closed position in which a belt is secured by the arresting means, the second arrestor having activating means, when activated allowing the movement of its arresting means from its open to its closed positions and the activating means being activated when the arresting means of the first arrestor moves from its open to its closed position.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the activating means includes a retaining pin releasably securable to the second arrestor to prevent movement of the arresting means from its open to its closed position.

3. A system as claimed in claim 2 in which the pin is releasably securable against a spring bias with a release and the release is connected to the arrestor means of the first arrestor with a connection means.

4. A system as claimed in claim 3 which the connection means is a cable.

5. A system as claimed in any one of claims 2 to 4 in which the pin includes a slot or a hole for receiving the release therein to releasably secure the pin the second arrestor.

6. A system as claimed in claim 5 in which the release is a release pin or a release plate.

7. A system as claimed in any one of claims 3 to 6 in which the release is movable out of engagement with the pin by movement of the connection means this allowing the pin to move with the spring bias out of the way of the arresting means of the second arrestor to allow movement of the second arrestor’s arresting means form its open to its closed position.

8. A system as claimed in any one of the preceding claims in which the system includes a conveyor belt holdback apparatus having a support frame with a first end of an arm pivotably connected to the support frame and a second free end of the arm terminating in a first jaw formation and a movement actuator for pivoting the arm from a rest position in which the arm is spaced from a second complimentary jaw formation to allow a conveyer belt to move freely between the jaw formations and an activated position ini which the movement actuator i . ' forces the first jaw formation towards the second jaw formation to clamp the belt between the jaw formations.

9. A system as claimed in claim 8 in which a movement sensor activates the movement actuator when it senses movement of the belt in a predetermined direction.

10. A system as claimed in claim 8 or 9 in which the first jaw formation is a lower jaw and for the second jaw formation to be an upper jaw.

11. A system as claimed in claim 8, 9 or 10 in which a controller controls the actuator in response to inputs received from an input means and/or the movement sensor.

12. A system as claimed in claim 9, 10 or 11 in which the movement sensor includes a roller which abuts the conveyor belt and rolls freely with the movement of the conveyor belt.