EP3322655A1

EP3322655A1 - A covered belt conveyor with an integrated idler and cover multipurpose frame

Info

Publication number: EP3322655A1
Application number: EP16738467.6A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Anders Olsen; Henrik SØRENSEN; Kim Dyreborg NIELSEN; Mads MIKKELSEN; Anders Bejder RASMUSSEN
Original assignee: FLSmidth AS
Current assignee: FLSmidth AS
Priority date: 2015-07-17
Filing date: 2016-07-14
Publication date: 2018-05-23
Also published as: WO2017012984A1

Abstract

A covered belt conveyor comprising a base frame (1), the base frame (1) extending in a longitudinal direction of the covered belt conveyor having a first longitudinal rail (1a) and a second longitudinal rail 1lb), the first longitudinal rail (1a) being substantially parallel to the second longitudinal rail (1b); a plurality of idlers (3); a cover (4); a multipurpose frame (10) for supporting the cover (4) on the base frame (1), the multipurpose frame (10) extending in a transverse direction substantially normal to the longitudinal direction of the covered belt conveyor, the cover (4) being directly supported by the multipurpose frame (10) such that the cover (4) rests on the multipurpose frame; wherein at least one of the plurality of idlers is attached to the multipurpose frame such that the at least part of the weight of the at least one idler is supported by the multipurpose frame.

Description

A COVERED BELT CONVEYOR WITH AN INTEGRATED IDLER AND COVER

MULTIPURPOSE FRAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a covered belt conveyor intended for the transport of bulk materials, for example in the mining, cement and minerals industries.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Belt conveyors are used to transport bulk materials. In the overland

transportation of bulk materials it has been found that the use of long stretches of belt conveyors are a cost efficient and reliable method of transporting materials from place to place. In the in-plant transportation of bulk material it is often the only solution possible.

Typical belt conveyors have base frames on which one or more idler frames are mounted. The idler frames support idlers which support a belt on which the bulk material moves. Many belt conveyors also have covers for covering part or all of the conveyor belt / idlers e.g. in order to protect the bulk material on the belt from the weather elements, to shield belt operators and maintenance personnel from the running belt and material being transported thereon and to reduce the amount of dust. However, such covers are typically very heavy and relatively expensive due to high material costs. For example, some covers are made of heavy / expensive materials in order to provide rigidity to the cover structure.

The use of such materials results in covers which are relatively high in cost and more difficult to transport and assemble.

Other covers on the market include covers which are less heavy. However, because such covers are not as rigid, cover frames are required to support such covers. In current covered belt conveyors, cover frames are being provided in addition to idler frames. As a result, currently existing covered belt conveyors have an excess number of parts which need to be fabricated (e.g. an idler frame and a cover frame) leading to increased manufacturing and assembly costs and added unnecessary weight to the frame of the covered belt conveyor.

Additionally, such arrangements increase the footprint of the covered belt conveyor in that it is wider than required.

It will be clearly understood that any reference herein to background material or information, does not constitute an admission that any material, information, forms part of the common general knowledge in the art, or is otherwise

admissible prior art.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to overcome or at least alleviate one or more of the above problems and/or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A covered belt conveyor is provided. The covered belt conveyor may comprise: a base frame, the base frame extending in a longitudinal direction of the covered belt conveyor having a first longitudinal rail and a second longitudinal rail, the first longitudinal rail being substantially parallel to the second longitudinal rail; a plurality of idlers; a cover; a multipurpose frame for supporting the cover on the base frame, the multipurpose frame extending in a transverse direction

substantially normal to the longitudinal direction of the covered belt conveyor, the cover being directly supported by the multipurpose frame such that the cover rests on the multipurpose frame; wherein at least one of the plurality of idlers is attached to the multipurpose frame such that the at least part of the weight of the at least one idler is supported by the multipurpose frame.

In some embodiments, the multipurpose frame may further comprise: a first multipurpose frame attachment portion with a first end attached to the first lateral rail; a second multipurpose frame attachment portion with a first end attached to the second lateral rail; a top connecting portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the connecting portion attached to a second end of the first multipurpose frame attachment portion and the second end of the connecting portion attached to the second end of the second multipurpose frame attachment portion.

In some embodiments, the cover may be directly supported by at least a portion of the top connecting portion. In some embodiments, the at least one idler may be supported by at least one of the first frame attachment portion or the second frame attachment portion.

In some embodiments, the multipurpose frame may further comprise a bottom connecting portion with a first end attached to the first multipurpose frame attachment portion and a second end attached to the second multipurpose frame attachment portion. The at least one idler may be attached to a brace such that a first end of the brace may be attached to the bottom connecting portion and a second end of the brace may be attached to the first multipurpose frame attachment portion. The brace (30) may further comprise a connecting portion (33), the connecting portion (33) being attached to and disposed between the first end of the brace (31 ) and the second end of the brace (32).

In some embodiments, the cover is segmented such that there are gaps between one or more of the cover segments. The gaps may be vertically aligned with the multipurpose frame. In some embodiments, the upper face of the multipurpose frame may be U-shaped. In some embodiments, the cover may be a lightweight cover.

Other details, objects, and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description of certain present exemplary embodiments thereof and certain present exemplary methods of practicing the same proceeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the invention, by way of example only, will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows an isometric topside view of an exemplary embodiment of the covered belt conveyor contemplated herein. Figure 2 shows an isometric close-up view of an exemplary embodiment of the multipurpose frame contemplated herein.

Figure 3 shows an isometric close-up view of an exemplary embodiment of the multipurpose frame with the plurality of idlers contemplated herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Applicant's Danish Application entitled "A Covered Belt Conveyor With An

Adjustable Idler Frame and a Method for Safely Adjusting the Same" filed on July 17, 2015 is hereby fully incorporated herein.

Referring to Figures 1 through 3, exemplary embodiments of a covered belt conveyor are shown. Figure 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an

assembled covered belt conveyor including a base frame (1 ). The base frame (1 ) extends in the longitudinal direction of the covered belt conveyor. The base frame (1 ) may have a first longitudinal rail (1 a) and a second longitudinal rail (1 b). In an exemplary embodiment, the first longitudinal rail (1 a) is substantially parallel to the second longitudinal rail (1 b). Legs can also be attached to the underside (or lower face) of the longitudinal rails (1 a, 1 b). The legs function to lift the base frame off of the ground and to provide support for the base frame (1 ) and other structures which are attached to or supported by the base frame (1 ). In some embodiments, the longitudinal rails (1 a, 1 b) can be C-shaped beams and such rails may have an upper face and a lower face. The base frame may be comprised of e.g. steel.

As shown in Figure 1 , the covered belt conveyor may be comprised of a plurality of idlers (3), a cover (4) and a multipurpose frame (10) for supporting the cover (4) on the longitudinal rails (1 a,1 b) of the base frame (1 ). In one embodiment, there may be three idlers (3). The multipurpose frame (10) may extend in a transverse direction substantially normal to the longitudinal direction of the covered belt conveyor. As shown in Figure 1 , the cover (4) may be directly supported by the multipurpose frame (10) such that the cover (4) rests on the multipurpose frame (10). One or more of a plurality of idlers (3) may be attached to the multipurpose frame (10) so that at least part of the weight of the at least one idler (3) is supported by the multipurpose frame (10). Such an arrangement of the multipurpose frame (10) is advantageous in that the covered belt conveyor will have a small footprint, less parts, less materials, lower in weight and in turn will be lower in cost. Such an arrangement is also advantageous in that it is easier to manufacture and assemble. It should also be noted that by resting the cover (4) on the multipurpose frame (10) problems when needing to adjust the idlers are eliminated. For example, when knocking the multipurpose frame (10) the cover (4) can freely move on top of the multipurpose frame (10) and maintain its proper alignment. In some embodiments the cover (4) is comprised of a steel, aluminum, plastic or other similar material.

In some embodiments, and as shown in e.g. Figure 1 , the cover (4) may be segmented (4a, 4b). Such segmentation allows for easy adjustment of the multipurpose frame (10) or the cover (4) itself and also provides for easy transportation and assembly. In addition, such segmentation is advantageous in that only portions of the cover (4a, 4b) are able to be removed for accessing certain portions of the multipurpose frame (10). Also, such segmentation assists in proper alignment of uphill running belt conveyors in that the cover segments (4a, 4b) can be tilted. In embodiments with the segmented cover (4a, 4b), there may be gaps (20) between one or more of the cover segments (4a, 4b). The gaps (20) provide another avenue for ease of assembly in that the cover segments (4a, 4b) need not align perfectly. In addition, the gaps (20) eliminate issues with rainwater and debris getting in between the cover segments (4a, 4b) (especially when the covered belt conveyor runs downhill) which would be present if the cover segments simply overlapped each other. In some

embodiments, the gaps (20) between the segments may be approximately 5 mm.

The gaps (20) may be aligned vertically with the multipurpose frame (10) meaning that the multipurpose frame substantially fills the gap between the cover segments. In some embodiments, and as shown in Figures 1 -3 the upper face (1 1 ) of the multipurpose frame (10) may be U-shaped. Such a shape provides a mechanism for the multipurpose frame (10) to catch and drain rainwater entering the gaps (20) away from the belt and idlers (3). The multipurpose frame (10) supports idlers (3) on the base frame (1 ). In an exemplary embodiment, the idler frame (2) may extend in a transverse direction substantially normal to the longitudinal direction. As shown most clearly in Figures 2-3, the multipurpose frame (10) may be comprised of a first

multipurpose frame attachment portion (10a) with a first end attached to the first lateral rail (1 a); a second multipurpose frame attachment portion (10b) with a first end attached to the second lateral rail (1 b); and a top connecting portion (10d) having a first end (10e) and a second end (1 Of), the first end of the connecting portion (10e) attached to a second end of the first multipurpose frame attachment portion (10a) and the second end of the connecting portion (1 Of) attached to the second end of the second multipurpose frame attachment portion (10b). In some embodiments, the cover frame (10) may be a single integral piece or in other embodiments may be constructed of separate pieces and fused together, for example by using screws or welding. In some embodiments, the cover (4) may be attached to one or more of the longitudinal rails (1 a, 1 b) by a cover

attachment means. The cover attachment means may be a metal rod affixed to the longitudinal rails (1 a, 1 b) by nuts. Other attachment means e.g. include screws, nuts, bolts, welding, nails, and other like attachment mechanisms well known in the art. In some embodiments, and as shown in Figure 1 , the cover is directly supported by at least a portion of the top connecting portion (10d). And, in some

embodiments as shown in Figures 1 and 3, the at least one idler (3) is supported by at least one of the first frame attachment portion (10a) or the second frame attachment portion (10b). As shown in Figure 2, in some embodiments, the multipurpose frame (10) further comprises a bottom connecting portion (10g) with a first end (1 Oh) attached to the first multipurpose frame attachment portion (10a) and a second end (10i) attached to the second multipurpose frame attachment portion (10b).

As shown in Figure 3, in an exemplary embodiment, the at least one idler (3) may be attached to a brace (30). A first end of the brace (31 ) may attached to the bottom connecting portion (10g) and a second end of the brace (32) may be attached to the first multipurpose frame attachment portion (10a). In some embodiments, in order to provide further support for the idlers, the brace (30) may be further comprised of a connecting portion (33) which is attached to and between the first and second ends of the brace (31 , 32). In other embodiments the brace may only contain a first end (31 ) and a second end (32).

As compared to previous covered belt conveyors offered by FLSmidth, the above described design will result in a covered belt conveyor which is significantly lighter.

It is to be understood that the form of this invention as shown is merely a preferred embodiment. Various changes may be made in the function and arrangement of parts; equivalent means may be substituted for those illustrated and described; and certain features may be used independently from others without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

List of Components:

I - base frame

1 a - first longitudinal rail

1 b - second longitudinal rail

3- plurality of idlers

4- cover

4a, 4b - cover segments

10 - multipurpose frame

10a - first multipurpose frame attachment portion 10b - second multipurpose frame attachment portion

10d - top connecting portion

10e - first end of top connecting portion

10f - second end of top connecting portion

10g - bottom connecting portion

10h - first end of bottom connecting portion

10i - second end of bottom connecting portion

I I - upper face of multipurpose frame

20 - gaps

30 - brace

31 - first end of brace

32 - second end of brace

33 - connecting portion

Claims

1 . A covered belt conveyor comprising:

a base frame (1 ), the base frame (1 ) extending in a longitudinal direction of the covered belt conveyor having a first longitudinal rail (1 a) and a second longitudinal rail (1 b), the first longitudinal rail (1 a) being substantially parallel to the second longitudinal rail (1 b);

a plurality of idlers (3);

a cover (4);

a multipurpose frame (10) for supporting the cover (4) on the base frame

(1 ), the multipurpose frame (10) extending in a transverse direction substantially normal to the longitudinal direction of the covered belt conveyor, the cover (4) being directly supported by the multipurpose frame (10) such that the cover rests on the multipurpose frame (10);

wherein at least one of the plurality of idlers (3) is attached to the multipurpose frame (10) such that the at least part of the weight of the at least one idler (3) is supported by the multipurpose frame (10).

2. The covered belt conveyor of claim 1 wherein the multipurpose frame (10) further comprises:

a first multipurpose frame attachment portion (10a) with a first end attached to the first lateral rail (1 a);

a second multipurpose frame attachment portion (10b) with a first end attached to the second lateral rail (1 b);

a top connecting portion (10d) having a first end (10e) and a second end

(1 Of), the first end of the connecting portion (10e) attached to a second end of the first multipurpose frame attachment portion (10a) and the second end of the connecting portion (1 Of) attached to the second end of the second multipurpose frame attachment portion (10b).

3. The covered belt conveyor of claim 2 wherein the cover (4) is directly supported by at least a portion of the top connecting portion (10d).

4. The covered belt conveyor of any of claims 1 -2 wherein the at least one idler is supported by at least one of the first frame attachment portion (10a) or the second frame attachment portion (10b).

5. The covered belt conveyor of any of claims 2-4 wherein the multipurpose frame (10) further comprises a bottom connecting portion (10g) with a first end (1 Oh) attached to the first multipurpose frame attachment portion (10a) and a second end (10i) attached to the second multipurpose frame attachment portion (10b).

6. The covered belt conveyor of claim 5, wherein the at least one idler (3) is attached to a brace (30) such that a first end of the brace (31 ) is attached to the bottom connecting portion (10g) and a second end of the brace (32) is attached to the second multipurpose frame attachment portion (10b).

7. The covered belt conveyor of any of the preceding claims wherein the cover (4) is segmented (4a, 4b) such that there are gaps (20) between one or more of the cover segments (4a, 4b).

8. The covered belt conveyor of claim 7 wherein the gaps (20) are vertically aligned with the multipurpose frame (10).

9. The covered belt conveyor of any of the preceding claims wherein the upper face (1 1 ) of the multipurpose frame (10) is U-shaped.

10. The covered belt conveyor of claim 5 wherein the brace (30) further comprises a connecting portion (33), the connecting portion (33) being attached to and disposed between the first end of the brace (31 ) and the second end of the brace (32).