OA21151A - Cable conveyor belt joining device provided with cable locking elements - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a cable blocking element (50) intended to be fixed to at least one portion (40) of at least one cable (4), the blocking element (50) comprising at least one support (51 ) on a first side and a support (52) on a second side opposite the first side, the supports (51, 52) being configured to grip at least the portion of the cable, the supports (51, 52) each having at least one groove (71, 72) together delimiting at least part of a through cavity (70) to receive at least the portion (40) of the cable (4) passing through the blocking element (50) between an opening of inlet (50A) and an outlet opening (50B) aligned along a reference axis (X), the blocking element (50) being characterized in that the cavity (70) receiving the portion (40) of the cable comprises a enlarged intermediate part (73), between portions of inlet (50A) and outlet (50B) openings, enlarged radially relative to the inlet opening portion (50A) and to the opening portion of outlet (50B), the blocking element (50) comprising at least one anchoring member (80) configured to occupy at least partially a portion (40) of the enlarged intermediate part (42) of the cavity (70) located in the alignment of the inlet and outlet openings (50 A. 50B), so as to locally create udc radial deformation (45) of the section of the portion (40) of the cable (40).

Description

DESCRIPTION

TITLE: CABLE CONVEYOR BELT JOINING DEVICE PROVIDED WITH CABLE LOCKING ELEMENTS

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The invention relates, in general, to the technical field of locking elements for at least one cable, such as cable clamps or cable locks.

[0002] The invention relates more specifically to a cable blocking element(s) intended to be fixed on at least one portion of at least one cable, the blocking element comprising two supports configured to grip the portion of the cable. cable, blocking it,

STATE OF PRIOR ART

[0003] Numerous solutions are known from the prior art for securing a clamp to a cable or locally connecting several cables together. A cable tie, for example, is generally used to join two portions of several distinct cables, generally two, or to join two portions of the same cable, for example to create a closed loop with the corresponding cable. Fixing elements are also used to attach to a single portion of a cable, for example to attach an accessory, such a configuration generally depending on the desired use. In this case, for example, it may be a handle for gripping a cable to ensure its handling.

[0004] These fixing elements are configured so as to clamp at least a portion of each of the cables between two supports, which are constrained relative to each other by a tightening means such as a bolt,

[0005] A disadvantage of these fixing elements is that in certain uses, too great a longitudinal tensile force on the cable can cause relative sliding of the cable relative to the supports of the fixing elements. In this case, it is known to dimension the fixing element to ensure sufficient tightening of the cable(s) to prevent its relative sliding along the cable once subjected to tensile forces.

This type of sizing generally leads to the design of solutions that are bulky and incompatible with certain applications. For example, we can cite as an application requiring a junction of cable(s) of reduced size and significant resistance, that of conveyor belt junctions reinforced by a cable reinforcement.

[0006] We could also consider configuring the contact surfaces of said supports so that they have a certain relief or significant roughness to increase the friction forces, and therefore the adhesion between the cable and the clamping interface of the supports of the fixing elements. However, such configurations are in practice likely to degrade the cable more quickly locally at the level of the fixing element, which is particularly problematic for certain uses where we seek to improve the quality of the fixing while reducing operations as much as possible. maintenance to replace a cable. Furthermore, these configurations do not make it possible to resolve the problem of the volume of the fixing elements depending on the desired application.

[0007] In certain applications also, the fixing of cable(s) requires preparation of the portion(s) of cable(s) to be fixed, which are sometimes long and tedious. In the field of junctions of two ends of a conveyor belt reinforced by a cable reinforcement, it is generally necessary to mobilize qualified people to carry out operations of stripping the cables in the vicinity of the end portions of the conveyor belt to connect, which takes a very long time to implement. Furthermore, once the junction has been made, the joined cables must then be embedded in the material constituting the body of the strip and a vulcanization operation is carried out to finalize the junction, this constituent material being a flexible and elastic material, for example in vulcanized rubber, or a synthetic material such as polyurethane.

[0008] The implementation of these steps is particularly restrictive. First of all, the multiplicity of operations requires a very long maintenance period, more than a day, or even several days. In addition, the very severe conditions of use of the conveyor belt require careful work when making the joints which can only be done by very qualified specialists. Given the duration of maintenance, several teams of people must take turns, each of these people must be qualified. Furthermore, these junctions require that this work be carried out over a very significant length, several meters long, generally between 5 and 10 meters. Since the vulcanization operation must be carried out in a single step over the entire length of the joint, it is necessary to be able to have a vulcanizing press on site, generally at the location where the joint is to be repaired, and to adapt it to the length of the junction. The execution times and the corresponding costs are then very high.

[0009] There is therefore a significant need, for a person skilled in the art, to achieve a more effective solution than those proposed by the prior art to achieve a cable locking element intended to be fixed to at least a portion of 'at least one cable, which is particularly resistant and of low gauge, and preferably participating in an improved junction of two ends of a conveyor belt of the type comprising a body of flexible material inside which is housed a reinforcement comprising cables.

STATEMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The object of the present invention is to propose a solution which responds to all or part of these technical problems, and in particular to propose a solution having improved tensile resistance characteristics, guaranteeing blocking of the element of fixing in relation to the cable, while reducing the risks of premature wear of the cable, and having a relatively small size.

[0011] To this end, the invention relates to a cable locking element intended to be fixed to at least one portion of at least one cable, the locking element comprising at least one support on a first side and a support on a second side opposite the first side, the supports being configured to enclose at least the portion of the cable, the supports each having at least one groove, together delimiting at least part of a through cavity to receive at least the portion of the cable passing through the blocking element between an inlet opening and an outlet opening aligned along a reference axis, the blocking element being characterized in that the cavity receiving the portion of the cable comprises an enlarged intermediate part, between of the

[0012]

[0013] portions of inlet and outlet openings, widened radially relative to the inlet opening portion and the outlet opening portion, the blocking element comprising at least one anchoring member configured to at least partially occupy a portion of the enlarged intermediate part of the cavity located in alignment with the inlet and outlet openings, so as to locally create a radial deformation of the section of the cable portion.

[0014] Thanks to such a combination of characteristics, one or more portion(s) of cable(s) are enclosed between the supports, and for a given portion of cable, it is possible to locally create a radial deformation of the section of the cable. the given cable portion, by the introduction of the anchoring member. This deformation can then locally increase the size of the cable deformed by the anchoring member which is contained in the enlarged zone of the intermediate part, itself framed axially by two portions of reduced section, one towards the opening of entrance and the other towards the cable exit opening. The opening portions each form a portion of the opening cavity towards, or on the side of, the associated opening of the blocking element. In a blocked position of the cable portion in the blocking element, the cable itself participates in the blocking which, thanks to its radial deformation and consequently due to its size, comes to bear against these reduced sections and is blocked between the entrance and exit opening portions.

[0015] According to one embodiment, the blocking element comprises at least one tightening means to ensure tightening of the two supports relative to each other. Preferably, the tightening means comprises at least one screw and/or a crampon and/or a rivet and/or a crimp. Generally speaking, the tightening means(s) can be removable, which is particularly the case for the screw and the crampon.

[0016] According to one embodiment, the blocking element is configured to enclose at least a first portion and a second portion of the same cable, or of two separate cables.

[0017] According to one embodiment, the tightening means comprises the anchoring member so that the anchoring member participates in the tightening of the two supports relative to each other. In this way, the bulk of the blocking element is minimized by pooling the two tightening and anchoring functions using a single means.

[0018] According to one embodiment, the supports are formed in one piece. In such a configuration, we obtain a portion of cable continuously surrounded by the supports. In this case the supports can be discontinuous and distributed over at least two zones facing each other for example, or linked together so as to form a circumferential tightening.

According to one embodiment, the anchoring member comprises a rod portion configured to penetrate the portion of the cable.

According to one embodiment, the anchoring member preferably comprises at least one crampon and/or a screw and/or a rivet and/or a pin.

[0021[ According to one embodiment, the portion of the cable comprises a structure of the type comprising wires, the anchoring member comprising a distal end, opposite a head, provided with a point so as to penetrate at least in part in the cable by separating the wires from the cable structure. The use of a point makes it easier to introduce the anchoring member through the corresponding portion of the cable, without requiring the use of specific tools. This tip can be machined, for example folded, or cut after positioning the anchoring member, depending on the configuration of the blocking element.

[0022] According to one embodiment, at least one first of the two supports comprises at least one through hole opening into the enlarged intermediate part of the cavity to allow the anchoring member to penetrate into the enlarged intermediate part of the cavity .

[0023] According to one embodiment, the first of the two supports comprises at least a first interface, for example a cup or recess, capable of housing a head of one of the anchoring members, and in that a second of the two supports comprises at least a second interface with which an anchoring section of said anchoring member, for example a thread, is capable of cooperating. Of course, these first and second interfaces are adapted to the associated anchoring member. This characteristic is all the more advantageous when the anchoring member forms, or constitutes, the clamping means itself, the interfaces making it possible to ensure the good holding of the anchoring member and the clamping means.

[0024] According to one embodiment, the inlet opening portion and/or the outlet opening portion locally have a narrowing section, preferably configured so that this narrowing has a diameter strictly less than the diameter d 'a cylindrical casing of the cable. Such a characteristic aims to ensure tightening of the portion of the cable at the entry and exit of the blocking element through the opening portions. Such a narrowing of section can be continuous or discontinuous around the periphery of the cylindrical casing of the cable. Such a discontinuity can be formed for example by at least one, or even a circumferential succession of tooth(s) capable of penetrating into the given cable portion. Uii shrinkage can be continuous when it is formed for example by a flange or a portion of flange extending circumferentially relative to said portion of cable. Such a narrowing can also be formed by an insert which would locally cover part of the portion of the cable in the cavity, for example at the level of the entry and/or exit openings, or its opening opening portions. entry and/or exit.

According to one embodiment, the enlarged intermediate part of the cavity has a radial enlargement in a plane orthogonal to an axis of a rod portion of the anchoring member configured to penetrate the cable. This axis preferably corresponds to the axis of insertion of the anchoring member through the cavity, preferably through the enlarged intermediate part. The radial enlargement is preferably greater than or equal to 10%, more preferably greater than or equal to 25% of a diameter of the cable, and preferably less than or equal to 50%, more preferably less than 40% of the diameter of the cable. cable, on each side in relation to the cavity.

According to one embodiment, the entry and exit opening portions of the cavity receiving the cable have a shape partially delimiting a cylindrical envelope configured to cooperate with a cylindrical envelope of the cable. Preferably in this case, the portions of entry and exit openings of the cavity each extending axially along a length greater than or equal to the axial length of the enlarged intermediate part of the cavity.

[0027] According to a second aspect, the invention also relates to an assembly of at least two cable locking elements, characterized in that it comprises at least a first and a second locking element having all or part of the characteristics described above, the first and second locking elements being connected together by assembly means.

[0028] According to one embodiment, the first and the second blocking elements are associated in pairs so as to form each of the supports of a third blocking element having all or part of the characteristics of a blocking element such as described above. Preferably in this case, the assembly means comprise the tightening means(s) to ensure tightening of these two supports relative to each other. In this case, the clamping means may also comprise or consist of the anchoring member.

[0029] According to one embodiment, the assembly of at least two cable locking elements is intended to join at least a first portion and a second end portion of at least one cable, the assembly means successively linking a plurality of blocking elements, at least one of the blocking elements being configured to be fixed to one of the two end portions and at least one other of the blocking elements being configured to be fixed to the other of the two end portions. The assembly means preferably comprise in this case at least one connecting cable.

[0030] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a device for joining at least one conveyor belt of the type extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a body of flexible material inside which is housed a reinforcement comprising cables extending at least partly axially, the junction device being intended to connect at least a first and a second aligned end portions of the conveyor belt, the junction device being remarkable in that it comprises at least an assembly of blocking elements having all or part of the characteristics described above and intended to be attached to the first end portion and the second end portion of the conveyor belt, so as to connect at least part of the reinforcing cables of the first end portion of the conveyor belt with at least part of the reinforcing cables of the second end portion of the conveyor belt.

[0031] In other words, the invention also relates to a device for joining at least one conveyor belt of the type extending along a longitudinal axis and comprising a body of flexible material inside which is housed a reinforcement comprising reinforcing cables extending at least partly axially, the junction device being intended to connect at least a first and a second end portion of the conveyor belt, the junction device being characterized in that it comprises at least one assembly of at least two blocking elements connected together by assembly means, the assembly means comprising at least one connecting cable, the assembly being intended to be attached to the first portion of end and the second end portion of the conveyor belt, so as to connect at least part of the reinforcing cables of the first end portion of the conveyor belt with at least part of the reinforcing cables of the second portion of end of the conveyor belt, each cable locking element comprising at least two opposite supports configured to enclose at least the portion of an associated cable among the reinforcing cables and the connecting cable, the supports each having at least one groove together delimiting at least part of a through cavity to receive at least the portion of the associated cable passing through the blocking element between an inlet opening and an outlet opening aligned along a reference axis, the cavity comprising an intermediate part widened, between portions of inlet and outlet openings, widened radially relative to the inlet opening portion and to the outlet opening portion, the blocking element comprising at least one locking member anchor configured to occupy at least partially a portion of the enlarged intermediate part of the cavity located in alignment with the inlet and outlet openings, so as to locally create a radial deformation of the section of the portion of the associated cable. According to one embodiment, some of the blocking elements, or even each cable blocking element, comprises all or part of the aforementioned characteristics.

[0032] According to one embodiment, the junction device comprises at least two junction plates configured to each cover a distinct side of the end portions of the conveyor belt so that the end portions of the conveyor belt are arranged between the two junction plates, the junction plates being fixed together by fixing means arranged to pass respectively through a junction plate, one of the ends of the conveyor belt then the other junction plate, each junction plate being made in a flexible and elastic material and comprising the assemblies of blocking elements as described above, preferably embedded at least partly in the flexible and elastic material of the corresponding junction plate.

[0033] According to one embodiment, the junction device comprises at least: an upper longitudinal assembly of at least two upper blocking elements among the blocking elements, connected together by an upper connecting cable among the connecting cables for overlap the two ends of said reinforcing cables to be connected, and a lower longitudinal assembly of at least two lower blocking elements among the blocking elements, connected together by a lower connecting cable among the connecting cables to overlap the two ends of said reinforcing cables to be connected, the upper blocking elements of the upper longitudinal assembly being shaped to be assembled with the lower blocking elements of the lower longitudinal assembly by forming together a junction assembly, and to enclose at least part of the reinforcing cables of the first end portion of the conveyor belt and at least part of the reinforcing cables of the second end portion of the conveyor belt, the junction device preferably comprising a plurality of junction assemblies arranged parallel to each other and configured to be distributed evenly on Injunction.

[0034] According to one embodiment, some of the assembly means are constituted by some of the fixing means, which are arranged to pass through respectively a junction plate, one of the ends of the conveyor belt then the other junction plate.

According to one embodiment, in a clamped position of the reinforcing cables of the first end portion and the second end portion, the reinforcing cables are arranged parallel to each other, and parallel to the longitudinal reference axis of the portions of connecting cables blocked with their corresponding blocking element.

[0036] According to one embodiment, support parts of the blocking element are configured to enclose at least the portion of a first cable among the reinforcing cables and the connecting cable, the blocking element comprising a groove delimiting at least part of a through cavity for receiving a second cable among the reinforcing cables and the connecting cable, the through cavity having two axial end openings.

[0037] According to one embodiment, the fixing means each comprise a head and an anchoring section, the junction plates comprising at least first interfaces for cooperating with the heads of the fixing means and/or second interfaces for cooperate with the anchoring sections of the fixing means, the junction plates being arranged to mate with one another. Preferably the first and second interfaces are carried by blocking elements of at least one of the assemblies housed in the corresponding junction plate.

[0038] According to one embodiment, each blocking element ensures the fixing of three portions of different cables extending longitudinally generally in a parallel manner two, two of which a central cable forming a connecting cable passes through the element blocking longitudinally and two reinforcing cables to be blocked by an anchoring member configured to occupy at least partially a portion of the corresponding intermediate part.

[0039] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a conveyor belt junction extending along a longitudinal axis comprising a body of flexible material inside which is housed a reinforcement comprising cables extending at least in part axially, the conveyor belt comprising a first and a second end portion connected together by a junction device, the junction being characterized in that the junction device comprises at least one assembly of blocking elements having all or part of the characteristics described above and attached to the first end portion and the second end portion of the conveyor belt, so as to connect at least part of the reinforcing cables of the first end portion of the conveyor belt with a at least part of the reinforcing cables of the second end portion of the conveyor belt.

[0040] According to one embodiment, the junction comprises at least one assembly of blocking elements, preferably a plurality, connecting all the reinforcing cables of the first end portion of the conveyor belt with all the reinforcing cables of the second end portion of the conveyor belt.

[0041] According to one embodiment, the junction comprises a plurality of assemblies of axially aligned blocking elements, each of the assemblies having an axial offset with at least one adjacent assembly, the axial offset being preferably greater than or equal to the axial length of a blocking element.

[0042] According to another aspect, the invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a conveyor belt junction as described above, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps:

- peeling of an upper part and a lower part of the body of the conveyor belt at the level of the first end portion and the second end portion of the conveyor belt;

- installation of at least one assembly of blocking elements so as to connect at least part of the reinforcing cables of the first end portion of the conveyor belt with at least part of the reinforcing cables of the second end portion of the conveyor belt.

[0043] According to one embodiment, the manufacturing method comprises at least one step of placing at least two junction plates each covering a distinct side of the first and second end portions of the conveyor belt so that the first and second end portions of said conveyor belt are arranged between the two junction plates, the junction plates being preferably formed of vulcanizable material, the step of placing the junction plates being preferably concomitant with the the step of setting up at least one assembly of blocking elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DESFIGERES

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will emerge on reading the description which follows, with reference to the appended figures, which illustrate;

[Fig. 1]:unc isometric view of an assembly of two blocking elements according to a first embodiment of the invention;

[Fig. 2]; a perspective view from below of the assembly according to this first embodiment;

[Fig. 3]: a horizontal sectional view from above of this assembly according to this first embodiment;

[Fig. 4]: a cross-sectional view of this same assembly according to this first embodiment;

[Fig. 5]: a cutaway side view of this same assembly according to this first embodiment;

[Fig. 6]: an exploded isometric view of a part of a conveyor belt junction comprising assemblies of junction elements according to this first embodiment;

[Fig. 7]: an isometric view of this conveyor belt junction according to this first embodiment, in a junction position;

[Fig, 8j: an exploded isometric view of a conveyor belt junction comprising assemblies of junction elements according to this same first embodiment;

[Fig. 9]: an isometric top view of a blocking element according to a second embodiment of the invention;

[Fig. 10] ; an isometric view from below of the blocking element according to this second embodiment;

[Fig. 11]: a cross-sectional view of Figure 9;

[Fig. 12]: a view of a cross section of a blocking element according to an alternative embodiment;

[Fig. 13]: a view of part of the blocking element according to this second embodiment;

[Fig. 14]: an isometric top view of a blocking element according to a third embodiment of the invention;

[Fig. I5j: a cross-sectional view of the blocking element according to this third embodiment;

[Fig. 16]: a view of part of the blocking element according to this third embodiment;

[Fig. 17]: a view of part of a conveyor belt junction comprising locking elements according to this third embodiment;

[0045] For greater clarity, identical or similar elements are identified by identical reference signs in all of the figures.

[0046] In the description and the claims, to clarify the description and the claims, we will adopt, on a non-limiting basis, the terminology longitudinal, transverse and vertical with reference to the trihedra X, Y, Z or X', Y', 7' indicated in figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF AN EMBODIMENT

[0047] With reference to Figures 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5, the figures illustrate an assembly 150 of two blocking elements 50 according to a first embodiment of the invention.

[0048] The assembly ISOillustrated comprises two blocking elements 50dc cables4, a first blocking element 50upper, and a second blocking element 50lower, which are superimposed vertically. Each blocking element 50 of cable 4 ensures its blocking in relation to a portion 40 of a cable 4. Preferably, the blocking elements 50 are shaped, or made, of metallic material(s). To ensure this fixation, each blocking element 50 comprises a body crossed by a cavity 70 configured to receive at least the portion 40 of the cable 4, the cavity 70 passing through the body right through between an inlet opening 50A on the one hand, and an outlet opening 50B on the other hand, these openings being aligned along a longitudinal axis of reference X.

The cavity 70 is configured to enclose the portion 40 of cable 4 over all or part of its length. To do this, and in general, the blocking element 50 comprises at least one support 51 on a first side and a support 52 on a second side opposite the first side, the supports 51, 52 being configured to grip the minus the portion 40 of the cable4. Each of the supports Sl, 52 has a groove 71, 72 together delimiting at least part of the cavity 70 and accommodating the portion 40 of cable 4. In this embodiment, the body of the blocking element 50 passes through an opening 50A to the other SOB through the cavity 70 is a single piece, so that the supports 51, 52 are formed together, in one piece. The cavity 70c is therefore here open axially longitudinally at the level of the inlet openings 50A and outlet SOB, the cavity 70c being closed radially by the supports 51, 52 so that the gorgcs71, 72 come together to form a closed contour surrounding the portion 40 of cable 4.

[0050] The cavity 70 of each of the two blocking elements SOrccevant the portion 40 of the cable 4 comprises an intermediate or central enlarged part 73, which is arranged between inlet opening portions 50A and outlet openings 50B, enlarged radially relative to the portion input opening 50A and relative to the output opening portion 50B. This enlarged intermediate part 73 is arranged in alignment with the inlet openings SOA and outlet 50B, that is to say that said enlarged intermediate part 73 is located on the longitudinal reference axis X, here centered on this axis X, but it can possibly be off-centered. The opening portions form portions of the cavity 70 extending generally longitudinally and opening out in relation to the blocking element 50 through the associated opening 50A, 50B.

[0051] Each blocking element provided with at least one anchoring member 80 configured to occupy at least partially a portion of the enlarged intermediate part 73 of the cavity 70, so as to locally create a deformation 45 of the section of the portion 40 of the cable 4 following at least one radial component. As is visible for example in Figure 4, the anchoring member 80 is here formed by a rectilinear rod of which a portion 83 of the rod 80 penetrates into the enlarged intermediate part 73. When a portion 40 of cable 4 is housed in the cavity 70, this rod 80 then passes through it locally, preferably here radially relative to the longitudinal axis of reference X. The cable 4 comprises a structure having a core 41 surrounded by strands 42, each of the strands 42 and the core 41 being made up of wires 43. The rod of the anchoring member 80, by penetrating into the cable 4, locally separates a part of the wires 43 of the structure of the cable 4 from another part, these two parts of wires 43 being spaced outwards relative to the anchoring member 80 locally creating swelling, that is to say an increase in the size of the portion 40 of the corresponding cable 4.

[0052] This swelling extends relative to a substantially cylindrical envelope of the cable4 along a generally radial component and in two opposite directions, that is to say along a transverse axis Y, which is perpendicular to the longitudinal axis to a vertical axis A of the rod of the anchoring member 80, thus creating a transverse deformation45 of the initially cylindrical section of the portion 40 of the cable 4 generally along this transverse axis Y', in one direction and in the other. Each of the 5 blocking elements 50 is configured so that this deformation 45, once the anchoring member 80 positioned, comes into contact and bears with at least part of the interior walls delimiting the enlarged intermediate part 73dc the cavity 70.

[0053] This insertion of the rod 80 into the cable is facilitated when the anchoring member 80 comprises a distal end 82, opposite a head 81, provided with a tip 820 so as to penetrate at least partially into the cable 4 by gradually separating the wires 43 from the structure of the cable 4. This tip 820 is preferably rounded so as to allow the wires 43 to be separated from the structure without compromising their structural integrity. A radius of curvature of the rounding is then chosen so as to facilitate the spacing of the wires 43 without damaging them.

[0054] To enable the installation of this rod 80, one of the two supports 51,

52 accessible from the outside has a through hole 53 opening into the enlarged intermediate part 73 of the cavity 70 to allow the engagement of a first rod 801, and thus allow said rod 801 to penetrate, here in translation, into the intermediate part 73 enlarged by the cavity 70 (see Figure 4). The other of the two supports 51, 52 20 also includes a second hole 53', for example passing through as shown, but not necessarily, in order to receive the tip 820 of a second rod 802ct to hold it. This second hole 53' is arranged facing, radially with respect to the longitudinal axis X of the cable 4, the through hole 53 emerging. The rod 80, 801, 802 is held integral with 1 blocking element 50 by being shrink-fitted in each of the two holes

53, 53 successively in the direction of insertion during its positioning. Holes 53,

53' fully housing the rod 801, 802 here forming the anchoring member 80, the hole 53 forms a first interface SlOcapable of housing the head 81 of the anchoring member 80, and the hole 53 forms a second interface 520 with which is capable of cooperating with an anchoring section 84 of said anchoring member SO. In this embodiment, the two rods 801, 802 each form a separate anchoring member 80 for one of the blocking elements 50 considered, but it could alternatively be envisaged that the same rod be common to the two blocking elements 50 superposed vertically.

The cavity 70 receiving the portion 40 of cable 4 has at its ends, in the vicinity of each of the inlet openings 50A and outlet SOB, a shape delimiting a cylindrical envelope configured to cooperate with a cylindrical envelope of said cable 4. The supports 51 , 52 being formed in one piece and completely surrounding the portion 40 of cable 4, the longitudinal ends of the cavity 70 are formed by cylindrical portions which form the opening portions and which are complementary to this cable 4, or even of slightly more reduced so as to allow a slight tightening increasing the frictional forces between the cable 4 and the corresponding groove 71, 72 of the cavity 70. In this configuration, the cable 4cst sufficiently clamped so as not to be arranged loosely in the cavity 70, but not too much, to allow the installation of the cable4 through said cavity 70 by a manual operation carried out by an operator, preferably without the aid of specific tools. Additional tightening means 60 can be provided to ensure tightening of the two supports 51, 52 relative to each other. In this example a crimping 60 is provided at each of the inlet and outlet openings 50A, 50B, the crimping being obtained by punching one of the supports on an exterior surface, creating a deformation of material projecting at the inside the cavity 70, in the corresponding groove 71, 72, as is visible in particular in Figure 5. Of course, any type of crimping can make it possible to form a clamping means depending on the configuration of the blocking element 50.

[0056] These cylindrical end portions of the cavity 70, or opening portions, open axially onto the inlet and outlet openings 50A, 50B. These opening portions each extend axially along a length 1 _S(1A andfroB, each being less than or equal to the axial length L73 of the enlarged intermediate part 73 of the cavity 70.

[0057] As is visible for example in Figure 3, the enlarged intermediate part 73 of the cavity 70 has a radial widening 75 extending generally along a plane P orthogonal to the axis A of the rod portion 83 of the member d anchor 80 configured to penetrate the cable 4. This 75transverse enlargement of the cavity is preferably greater than or equal to 10%, more preferably greater than or equal to 25% of a diameter D of the cable 4, and preferably less than or equal to 50%, preferably even less than 40% of the diameter D of the cable 4, on each side in relation to the cavity 70 (see for example Figure 3). For example, for a cable 4 of 5 mm in diameter, crossed substantially in the middle by a rod 83 of 3 mm in diameter, the cable 4 will have a bulge on either side of the rod 83, this bulge being directed generally transversely by relative to the longitudinal axis of reference X of the cavity 70, in one direction and in the other. The enlarged intermediate part 73 of the cavity 70 is then configured to present a transverse enlargement 75 configured to accommodate this bulge, and to present a dimension corresponding to 30% of the diameter D of the cable 4 on each side of the axis A.

[0058] In such a configuration, each of the blocking elements 50 makes it possible to keep a portion of cable blocked thanks on the one hand to the frictional forces of the blocking element SOIocally with the portion 40 of cable4, in particular between the supports 51, 52 supplemented by the complementary clamping means 60, and on the other hand, the deformation 45 of the portion 40 of cable 4 ensured by the anchoring member 80. This deformation 45 of the cable is allowed by the internal widening 75 of the cavity 70 at the level of the portion of the enlarged intermediate part 73 disposed between two portions of smaller sections of the cavity 70 which block the cable4 in axial translation.

[0059] As mentioned previously, in this first embodiment is illustrated an assembly 150 provided with two blocking elements 50 of cables assembled vertically along a vertical axis Z: a first upper blocking element 50 is configured to associate with a second element 50lower locking device, connected together by fixing meansllO.

[0060] This pair of lower and upper blocking means 50 is configured to grip together at least one other portion of cable 4', preferably two adjacent cables 4', as illustrated in Figures 1 to 6. In this way, the first and second lower and upper blocking elements 50 together form clamping jaws configured to grip these two cables 4', in an interior space 151 of the assembly 150. In a configuration not particularly illustrated in these figures, it will be noted that such clamping jaws can form supports 51, 52 of the same blocking element 50 within the meaning of the present invention: in this case the two supports 51, 52 are not made in one piece, but in two pieces distinct and the fixing means llO then constitute clamping means 60.

The cavities 70 of each of the blocking elements 50 are positioned, in an assembled position of the first and second lower and upper blocking elements 50, so as to be substantially parallel, and in particular symmetrical with respect to a clamping plane Ps These cavities 70 of each of the lower and upper blocking elements 50 are positioned aligned in a vertical plane, parallel to the longitudinal axis two lower and upper blocking elements 50 are arranged parallel to each other, parallel to the longitudinal axis of reference X of the two portions 40 of cables 4 blocked with their corresponding blocking element 50, and parallel to the associated lower and upper connecting cables.

The two 4' cables gripped by the jaws 50 of the assembly 150 are offset from the aforementioned vertical plane and positioned symmetrically with respect to this vertical plane. The lower and upper blocking elements 50 each have on the interior side directed towards the interior space 151, a groove 171 each receiving one of the cables 4' in support. The grooves are associated in pairs of one groove of each of the lower and upper blocking elements 50. The grooves 171 of the pair are aligned or superimposed vertically and together delimit at least part of a through cavity 170 to receive the corresponding portion of the cable 4' passing through the assembly 150 between two openings open axially. Thus, two cavities 170 are formed between the jaws forming an interface to grip the corresponding 4' cable portions. Here again, in a configuration not illustrated in these figures, each of the two cavities 170 could form in one embodiment a cavity also having an enlarged intermediate part within the meaning of the invention.

[0063] The lower and upper blocking elements 50 each have on the interior side a bulge 172 oriented towards the interior space located substantially to the right, vertically, of the corresponding cavity 70 and extending substantially longitudinally between the two inlet openings and output 50A, 50B. This makes it possible to provide an extra thickness allowing a sufficient quantity of material to receive one end of the anchoring member 80 and guarantee its anchoring, here to guarantee a hole 53' dimensioned so as to guarantee good fit of the end of the rod 83. Such a bulge 172 can, in general, be located just to the right of the enlarged intermediate part 73 of the cavity 70 without necessarily extending longitudinally. However, in the case of such a jaw, a bulge 172 which continues longitudinally makes it possible to delimit at least part of a groove, here the two grooves on either side transversely.

[0064] The hole 53' forming the second interface 520dc each of the two blocking elements 50 with which an anchoring section 84 of said anchoring member 80 is capable of cooperating and receiving the tip 520 of the rod 83, has an edge opening into the enlarged intermediate part 73 of the cavity 70. This emerging edge is configured so as to present a rounding over its entire circumference. In this way, when the portion 40 of cable 4 is pressed against the groove 72 of the interior support 52, which is the support located on the interior side of the blocking element 50 forming a jaw, namely the closest to the interior space 151, during insertion of the anchoring member 80, the cable 4 is pressed radially against the cavity 70, in particular against the interior wall in the enlarged intermediate part 73, and comes into contact with this rounding and not with a sharp circumferential edge, which limits its wear.

[0065] As illustrated in Figures 6, 7 and 8, the blocking elements 50 are used in combination to form a particular assembly. In particular, these blocking elements 50 are used as part of a junction 10 of conveyor belt 1. Such conveyor belts 1 are used in particular in mines, quarries and other places where they are subject to working conditions severe and high internal tensions.

The conveyor belt 1 extends along a longitudinal axis X' corresponding generally to its direction of movement along a conveyor. The conveyor belt 1 comprises a body 2 formed of a flexible material such as a vulcanizable elastomer, or a synthetic material, reinforced with a reinforcement 3 comprising cables 4', for example made of steel, embedded in the body 2. The forces taken up by the conveyor belt 1 are mainly longitudinal so that the cables 4' are arranged in the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1 extending axially and that they work in traction during the use of said conveyor belt 1 .

The conveyor belt 1 comprises a first end edge 11' and a second end edge 12', from which extend on the conveyor belt 1 a first end portion 11 and a second end portion 11 connected together by a junction device lOOensuring the junction 10 of the two end portions 11, 12. In the junction position, the end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 are aligned vertically, the first end edge 1' and the ι

second end edge l2' being opposite each other longitudinally, preferably butted together. It will be noted in practice that, taking into account the distances for conveying the different materials or different products depending on the uses in quarries or other places of use, the same conveyor belt can be formed by the junction of several

S longitudinal portions of conveyor belt connected together by a junction device 100.

[0068] The end portions 11, 12 are configured so that in the joined position, the junction lO at the level of the junction device lOO is of thickness equal to that of the conveyor belt!. In this way, the use of the junction device 100 does not locally create an extra thickness at the level of its end portions 11, 12, the thickness being constant. Such a characteristic is particularly important to avoid any premature wear due to the passage of scrapers on the conveyor. To satisfy this constraint, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 are thinned, in particular after having been peeled by a shelling operation, to guarantee the installation of the junction device 100. This shelling is 'preferably extends in thickness up to the cables 4', that is to say up to a spacing corresponding to the thickness of the cables 4.

[0069] The conveyor belt accommodates the reinforcing cables 4’ in its body 2. The conveyor belt 1 is structured so as to comprise, in the direction of its thickness, 20 a substantially central layer lA which integrates the cables 4', interposed vertically between two exterior layers of flexible material of the body 2 devoid of reinforcement 3, to save: an upper part and a lower part of the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1.

[0070] Each of the cables 4' of the conveyor belt 1 extends longitudinally in the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1 continuously up to the corresponding end portion where the loose and severed end of each cable 4' is located. The end portions 11, 12 are formed, in the longitudinal extension of the conveyor belt, of the central ply integrating the cables and stripped or peeled of the outer plies, namely peeled of the lower and upper layers of material normally located, on the rest of the conveyor belt outside the junction 10, on either side of the central layer 1Λ. I.the thickness of the end portions 11, 12corrcsponds to the thickness of the central ply IA obtained after the peeling operation, and preferably equal to an average diameter of the cables 4' or to the diameter of the cable 4' in addition large size. Perfect stripping of each cable corresponding to the complete removal of all the material from the body surrounding the 4' cables, and in particular the material from the body 2 between the 4' cables, is therefore not necessary in this embodiment.

[0071] The junction device 100 ensuring the junction of the two end portions 11, 12 aligned longitudinally here comprises two junction plates 101, 102 each sized to cover, over all or part of the width of the conveyor belt 1 and preferably over the entire width, the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 on the same side of the conveyor belt 1. The junction plates 101, 102 comprise a lower junction plate 101 located astride the first and second end portions 11,12 and an upper junction plate 102 positioned astride the first and second end portions! 1, 12 so as to cover them. These junction plates 101, 102 each have a thickness complementary to that of the corresponding end portion configured to together fill the removal of material carried out during the peeling step aimed at obtaining the thinning of the first end portion 11 and the second portion of cxtremitél2. In this way, after joining, we obtain a flush of the junction lO with the lower surfaces!'' and upper l' of the conveyor belt!, that is to say a thickness constant of the conveyor belt l, without relief. As already mentioned above, such a characteristic makes it possible to avoid any premature wear due to the use of scrapers (not illustrated) located on the path of the conveyed materials and configured to scrape the upper surface 1 of the conveyor belt!.

The first and second end portions 11, 12 of said conveyor belt 1 are taken between, or clamped between, vertically, the two junction plates 101, 102 which each create a bridge of material between the first and second ends 11 , 12. These junction plates 101, 102 are made of a flexible and elastic material, for example vulcanized rubber, or of a synthetic material such as polyurethane. It is preferably the same flexible material as that constituting the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1.

[0073] According to the invention, the junction device 100 comprises at least one assembly 150 of blocking elements 50 attached to the first end portion and the second end portion 12 of the conveyor belt 1, so as to to connect at least part of the reinforcement cables 4' of the first end portion 11 of the conveyor belt 1 with at least part of the reinforcement cables 4' of the second end portion 12 of the conveyor belt 1.

[0074] To guarantee the joining of the two end portions of the conveyor belt, the blocking elements 50 are connected together in different ways.

[0075] Locking elements SO are assembled vertically, in pairs, so that for each assembly 150, a first upper blocking element 50 is configured to associate with a second blocking element SOlower, connected together by the fixing means llO, a such a pair of SOlower and upper locking means being configured to enclose at least one cable 4' _s, preferably two adjacent cables 4'. As previously described in relation to the previous figures, the first and second SOlower and upper locking elements together form clamping jaws configured to grip at least one portion of cable 4'.

[0076] Furthermore, several upper blocking elements are also connected together longitudinally by a cable 4 which forms a connecting cable for the junction 10 and which passes through a cavity 70 of each of said upper blocking elements. Likewise, several lower blocking elements 50 are also connected together longitudinally by a connecting cable 4dc which passes through a cavity 70 of each of the so-called lower blocking elements 50. In the context of a junction of the end portions 11, 12 of the conveyor belt 1, reinforced by cables 4', it is possible to use a longitudinally axial assembly of several blocking elements 50 connected together by an overlapping connecting or junction cable. the two ends of said cables 4' to be connected to the conveyor belt 1. In this embodiment, a longitudinal assembly 150 of several upper blocking elements 50 is associated with a complementary lower longitudinal assembly 150, thus forming a plurality of jaws tightening one of the ends of cables 4' and another plurality of jaws gripping the other of the ends of cables 4' thus forming a connection.

[0077] We obtain a junction assembly 150' of a plurality of pairs of lower and upper blocking means 50 as described above, which are connected longitudinally, by a lower cable 4 successively connecting the lower blocking elements, and by a 4upper cable successively connecting the upper blocking elements 50. Such a junction assembly is divided into two removable parts, namely an upper part and a lower part.

[0078] By applying a configuration to the junction 10 of a conveyor belt, and by multiplying such junction assemblies 1SO' arranged parallel to each other and distributed regularly on the junction 10, it is then possible to ensure the joining of the two end portions of the conveyor belt 1 by connecting each end of cable 4' of the first end portion to another end of cable 4' of the second end portion 12. In this embodiment , the junction assemblies 150' are integrated into the junction plates 101, 102, the blocking elements 50 being embedded in the flexible and elastic material such as for example vulcanized rubber forming the associated junction plate 101, 102. The upper parts of the junction assemblies 150' of the same junction device 100 (upper blocking elements 50 and upper connecting cables 4) are in fact easily integrated into the material constituting the upper junction plate 102, and the lower parts junction assemblies 150' of the same junction device 100 (SOinféricurs blocking elements and lower connecting cables 4) are in fact easily integrated into the material constituting the lower junction plate 101.

[0079] Alternatively, they could be attached to these first and second end portions 11, 12, then covered with a junction plate. However, such an embodiment has less flexibility and requires a greater thickness of the junction thus produced.

The fixing of the junction plates, lower 101 and upper 102, is carried out by means of fixing 110 with a rod such as screw-nuts. The fixing means 110 pass through the thickness and successively: a first of the two junction plates 101 or 102, then one of the two end portions 11 or 12, and finally the second of the two junction plates 101 or 102. this embodiment, the fixing means 110 are screws each comprising a head 111 and an anchoring section 112 provided with a thread, the junction plates 101, 102 comprising first interfaces 113 to cooperate with the heads 111 of the fixing means 110 and/or second interfaces 114 to cooperate with the anchoring sections 112 of the fixing means 110. The first and second interfaces 113, 114 are carried by the blocking elements SO integrated in the junction plates 101, 102. Thus , in this embodiment, the fixing means 110 are shared to ensure on the one hand the fixing of the junction plates 101, 102 between them with the end portions 11 or 12, and on the other hand, ensure the connection of a 5 pair of locking elements 50 forming jaws to grip one or more portions of cables4'. In a particular configuration not illustrated here, the fixing means 110 can also form a clamping means 60 of a blocking element 50 which would be formed by the combination of a pair of interior and upper blocking elements 50 superimposed when each element locking device 50 forming one of the jaws 10 forms, or constitutes, supports 51, 52 as described above with one or more cavity(s) 170 making it possible to accommodate a deformation of one of the cables 4' of the end portion 11, 12 of the corresponding conveyor belt 1. Such a configuration is also possible, even if the SOlower and upper blocking elements with such cavities 170, enclosing two cables, without necessarily having a third central cable 15, the jaws would then only be supports 51, 52 of the same locking element. blocking 50, without these supports constituting in themselves blocking elements 50.

[0081] The first interfaces 113 each comprise a bowl capable of housing a head 111 of one of the fixing means 110. The second interfaces 114 comprise a cylindrical tubular part 116 of which an interior cylindrical surface is capable of cooperating 20 with the section d anchor 112 of the fixing means 110, here thanks to a complementary tapping of the thread of the anchoring section 112.

[0082] The fixing means llO are arranged so as to pass through the cables 4' of the corresponding cable 4' of the associated end portion 11 or 12. Each pair of lower and upper blocking means 50 is crossed by two screw-type fixing means 25 110 and each passing through one of the cavities 170 of the assembly, and the cable 4' which is housed there. The fixing means are offset by a transverse axis Y' passing through the anchoring member 80 so as not to be aligned transversely, one of the two fixing means 100 being offset by one step towards the forward, the other being shifted one step backwards. In this way, the transverse size of the blocking element and/or the assembly can be reduced.

[0083] Each lower and upper locking element 50 of the assemblies 150 comprises two wings 54 extending transversely, which are configured to bear against the adjacent connecting cables 4 of the adjacent assemblies 150, on one side and the other . Preferably this support envelops at least partially a portion of the exterior surface of the cable so as to gain stability and minimize any wear at the interface with the 4’ cable.

[0084] The junction plates 101, 102, coming from either side of the end portions 11, 12, of the conveyor belt consisting of the central ply 1A which integrates the cables 4', it is not necessary to perfectly strip all the 4' cables from the end portions 11, 12. The junction is manufactured by implementing the following steps:

shelling of an upper part and a lower part of the body 2 of the conveyor belt 1 at the level of the first end portion llct of the second end portion 12dc the conveyor belt 1;

installation of the two junction plates 101, 102 each covering a distinct side of the first and second end portions 11, 12 of the conveyor belt 1 so that the first and second end portions 11, 12 of said conveyor belt 1 are arranged between the two junction plates 101,102;

during this step of setting up the junction plates 101,102, the junction assemblies 150' are put in place concomitantly by coming associated two by two, in pairs, the upper blocking elements 50 forming upper jaw with blocking elements SOlower forming lower jaw, so as to connect the reinforcing cables 4* of the first end portion 11 with the reinforcing cables 4' of the second end portion 12;

fixing of Injunction by putting in place the fixing means 110 to fix each pair of lower and upper blocking elements 50 together.

[0085] Preferably, the pairs of lower and upper blocking elements 50 are configured so as to be arranged generally in a staggered manner. In this way, they are not all aligned transversely with respect to the transverse axis Y' of the conveyor belt 1.

[0086] The junction assemblies 150' are also positioned so that each reinforcing cable 4' of the first end portion 11 or the second end portion 12cst connected by one of the junction assemblies 150' , with the adjacent reinforcing 4'dc cable cable on a first side, and by another of the junction assemblies 150', with the adjacent reinforcing 4'dc cable cable on a second side, opposite the first side .

[0087] Figures 9 to 13 illustrate a blocking element 50 according to a second embodiment. This locking element 50, made of metal, makes it possible to secure three strands of different cables or portions of cables, among which two cables are blocked by an anchoring member 80 configured to occupy at least partially a portion of the intermediate part. 73 corresponding. Among these three cables, the blocking element has a central 4” cable and two side cables4.

[0088] The central 4” cable passes through the blocking element 50 longitudinally and is permanently fixed in the orifice which it passes through by any means such as gluing, welding or molding of the SOmetallic blocking element directly. on the cable. This central orifice opening out on either side of the blocking element 50 can be cylindrical (see Figure 11) or different, for example ovoid (see Figure 12), but other shapes are of course possible ( oblong, etc.). The two lateral cables 4 each pass through the blocking element 50, each portion 40 of corresponding cable 4 being housed in a separate cavity 70. These three portions of 4.4” cables extending longitudinally generally in parallel two by two

[0089] In the same way as in the first embodiment, the body of the blocking element 50 is crossed from an inlet opening 50A to the other outlet opening 50B for each of the two cavities 70 configured to receive a portion of cable. The body of the blocking element 50 is formed by a single piece, so that the supports 51, 52 are formed in one piece. Each of these cavities 70 is similar to that described with reference to the first embodiment. Thus, each of the two cavities receiving one of the portions 40 of cables 4 comprises an enlarged intermediate or central part 73, which is arranged between, and in alignment, corresponding inlet 50A and outlet 50B openings. The widened intermediate parts73 of each of the two cavities70 are offset longitudinally, that is to say they are not aligned along a transverse axis Y to the longitudinal axis an optimized position of the anchoring member 80 as we will see below.

[0090] The anchoring member 80cst here is a crampon. The clamp 80 has a general “U” shape before its attachment to the conveyor belt. A crampon 80 is formed from a one-piece rod, namely in one piece and preferably metallic. The head 81 of the crampon 80 is formed from a central part of the substantially rectilinear one-piece rod, which is interposed between two lateral rod parts each forming a rod portion 83 configured to each penetrate one of the two cable portions 40 4 to block. Each rod connected to the head 81 by an elbow forms in itself an anchoring member 80 to penetrate into one of the two widened intermediate parts 73 to create the deformation 45 of each of the two portions 40 of corresponding cables 4 and thus block them, as in the first embodiment.

[0091] The portions 83 of the rods 80 have points 820 at their ends extending in their extension opposite the head 81 to facilitate their introduction each through one of two enlarged intermediate parts 73, to pass through the body of the element blockagc50 vertically in its thickness.

[0092] On an exterior side of the blocking element 50, on the side of a first support 51 forming an upper support, the blocking element 50 has a first interface 510 such as a groove making it possible to accommodate complementary manner all or part of the head 81 of the crampon 80. On another exterior side of the blocking element 50 on the side of a second support 52 forming an upper support, the blocking element 50 presents a second interface 520 such as a groove or two making it possible to accommodate all or part of the points 820 of the crampon 80 which are curved or folded under the blocking element 50 after their insertion to lock the fixing of the crampon 80 once installed, and thus ensure that it cannot become detached during use of the conveyor belt 1. The curved tips 820r of the crampon 80 therefore each form an anchoring section 84 of said anchoring member 80 ensuring the anchoring of said crampon 80 on the blocking element 50by allowing to prevent its removal and lock its assembly.

[0093] While the rod portions 83 penetrate vertically into one of the two portions 40 of cables 4 to be blocked, the head 81 extends along a transverse component to connect the two cables 4, but at an angle, it is that is to say with a certain inclination relative to the transverse axis also justifying that the enlarged intermediate parts 73 of each of the two cavities are offset longitudinally. In addition to gaining volume, it emerges from such a configuration that, when the tensile forces are applied to the two separate cables 4 in which the crampon 80 is anchored, this results in a rotational force of the crampon 80 around a vertical axis, which would have the effect of further constraining the deformation of the cable outwards, blocking the cables 4 even better.

[0094] The enlarged intermediate parts 73 of each of the two cavities 70 are interposed axially between two generally cylindrical portions complementary to the cylindrical envelope of the corresponding cable portion, or even slightly smaller, these cylindrical portions forming portions of openings each opening axially onto the cntrcc opening 50A and respectively the output opening 50B. An enlarged section of each enlarged intermediate part 73 presents a section of larger dimension than that of the cylindrical portions which frame it. This increase in dimension, or widening, extends at least partly transversely with respect to the blocking element SO, that is to say along the transverse axis Y perpendicular to the associated longitudinal axis A vertical of the rod of the anchoring member 80, thus creating a transvcrsalc45 deformation of the initially cylindrical section of the portion 40 of the cable 4 generally along this transverse axis Y, in one direction and in the other. Note that in certain possible variants, axis A may not be vertical.

[0095] The blocking element 50 further comprises, in this second embodiment, tightening means 60 to ensure tightening of the two supports 51, 521' one in relation to the other. These supports 51, 52 being here formed in one piece, it is practical to carry out a crimping along all or part of the cylindrical end portions of each of the cavities 70. This crimping is visible from the outside by a borrows 61 left on the blocking element 50 after the tightening operation, here crimping.

[0096] A set of such blocking elements 50 can be used, for example, to form a junction assembly participating in the junction of the end portions of a conveyor belt. The central 4” cable is in this case preferably a connecting cable along which several blocking elements are fixed successively forming a longitudinal assembly. Such an assembly (not illustrated) of blocking elements 50 is configured in this case to be attached astride the first end portion 11 and the second end portion 12 of the conveyor belt 1, so as to connect a part at least reinforcing cables 4' of the first end portion 11 of the conveyor belt 1 with at least part of the reinforcing cables 4' of the second end portion 12 of the conveyor belt 1.

[0097] In such a configuration, the central cable 4” of each blocking element straddles the first and second end portions 11, 12, and the two lateral cables 4 are on one side longitudinally of the assembly a reinforcing cable 4 from one of the two end portions 11, 12, and on the other longitudinal side of the assembly a reinforcing cable 4' from the other of the two end portions 11,12 .

[0098] The production of such a junction, however, requires the complete decortication of the portions of reinforcing cables constituting the end portions 11, 12 of the conveyor belt 1. Once the cables are connected, it is possible to vulcanize the junction so as to reform the body of the conveyor belt 1 around the reinforcement reconstituted by the junction. It should be noted that vulcanization can also be preferably replaced by the use of two junction plates 101, 102, and/or the use of a cast resin. These alternatives make it possible to avoid a long and complex vulcanization step to implement.

[0099] To facilitate the installation of the locking elements 50, these could be designed in two distinct parts, each forming one of the two lower and upper supports 51, 52, like jaws. To ensure the centering of the two grooves 71, 72 of each of the supports 51, 52, an added connecting element can be provided, for example an articulation between the two supports guaranteeing perfect superposition of the supports and facilitating installation around the portions corresponding cables.

[00100] Figures 1.4 to 17 illustrate a blocking element 50 according to a third embodiment which differs essentially from the second embodiment in that it does not have a central 4” cable, and in that the two cavities 70r each receiving a cable communicate with each other so as to present a single enlarged intermediate part 73. The locking element 50 has the shape of a one-piece sleeve, that is to say that the supports 51, 52 are also formed in one piece, but it makes it possible to guarantee the blocking of two portions 40 of cable(s). ) 4 in the same cavity 70.

[00101] In such a configuration, the 50A input and SOB output openings also communicate with each other. These inlet 50A and outlet 50B openings are aligned with each other longitudinally along the reference axis embodiment.

[00102] The enlarged intermediate part 73 presents an enlarged sscment75 centered in relation to the cavity allowing each of the cables 4 to be able to extend, due to the insertion of 1 anchoring member 80 through its structure, into this complementary space of the local deformation or swelling of the template of the corresponding cable portion 4. The anchoring member 80 is a crampon similar to that described in relation to the second embodiment. In this example, the widened intermediate part 73 being common for the two cables 4, the widening 75 of the cavity 70 is provided for a given cable 4 on the side of the cavity opposite the other cable 4. For cables 4 of 8mm of diameter, each crossed substantially in the middle by a rod 83 of 2.9 mm in diameter, each cable 4 will have a bulge on either side of the rod 83, this bulge being directed generally transversely with respect to the longitudinal axis reference X of the cavity 70, in one direction and the other. The enlarged intermediate part 73 of the cavity 70 is then configured to present a transverse widening 75 configured to accommodate the bulge of a cable on one side, and the bulge of the other cable on the other side, each bulge 75 having a dimension corresponding to approximately 18% of the diameter D of the corresponding cable 4.

[00103] The crampon 80 has a head 81 which extends at an angle, that is to say with an inclination relative to the axes of the cables also justifying that the bulges of the two cables are offset longitudinally relative to each other. 'other. The bulge of a cable is lodged on one side in the 75transverse widening of the intermediate part

73widened and, on the opposite side, the bulge moves towards the other cable, or even comes into contact and rests against it.

[00104] A set of such blocking elements 50 can be used, for example, to form a junction assembly participating in the junction of the end portions of a conveyor belt. In this case, of the two cables blocked by each blocking element 50, one of the two is one of the reinforcing cables 4 of one of the two end portions 11, 12, and the other of the two blocked cables is a reinforcing cable 4' of the other of the two end portions 11, 12. In this embodiment, no connecting cables are used straddling the two end portions 11, 12dc so that the reinforcing cables of the perfectly peeled end portions 11, 12 become entangled in Injunction 10. Alternately and parallel to each other. The blocking elements 50 are then arranged alternately and staggered relative to each other over the extent of the entanglement of the portions of cables 4', the blocking elements 50 connecting the cables two by two and being preferably spaced apart every both cables. Each pair of cables is preferably fixed together by at least three, preferably at least five blocking elements 50. Once the cables are connected to the end portions 11,12, it is possible to carry out a vulcanization of Injunction of so as to reform the body of the conveyor belt 1 around the framework reconstituted by Injunction.

[00105] Naturally, the invention is described in the above by way of example. It is understood that those skilled in the art are able to carry out different variants of the invention without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00106] For example, it is understood that other fixing means, tightening means or anchoring members such as screws can be used while ensuring the same function. Furthermore, the vertical orientations of the fixing means and/or tightening means and/or anchoring members may be different.

[00107] Furthermore, is described in relation to the figures an anchoring member 80 formed by a rectilinear rod of which a portion 83 of the rod 80 penetrates into the enlarged intermediate part 73 and locally passes through the cavity 70 radially relative to to the axis cross the cable. The rod can in this case be rectilinear, of circular or rectangular section for example and provided with a tip 820 having a beveled edge allowing, when it is introduced, to locally move the portion 40 of the cable 4 to create the deformation 45.

[00108] Concerning a conveyor belt, the longitudinal direction is by convention and for the convenience and clarity of the presentation throughout the present description, the longitudinal direction of the conveyor belt, and applies also to the junction device considered as it must be mounted on the conveyor belt. The transverse direction is the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction thus defined, whatever the dimensions of the junction device considered in isolation.

[00109] In a particular configuration, not illustrated in the figures, the supports are not necessarily in one piece so that all or part of the cavity can be formed by at least one insert. For example, a first part of two supports, in one piece or not, can present or delimit a first through hole having a cylindrical envelope, therefore of constant diameter, and complementary end pieces can be provided to be placed at the longitudinal ends of this first through hole by cooperating therein, these end pieces each presenting or delimiting a second through hole delimiting the inlet and outlet openings as well as the inlet and outlet portions. The enlarged intermediate part would then be delimited longitudinally between these ends and would have an internal diameter corresponding to the diameter of the first hole.

[00110] Ixs supports can grip the portion(s) of cable(s) directly as can be seen in the figures or also indirectly grip the portion(s) of cable(s). This is the case for example if an intermediate part, for example made of plastic, is placed between the groove of at least one of the metal supports and receiving the cable portion. Such a plastic part could be used as a consumable to preserve the wear of the blocking element while allowing the coefficient of friction to be varied. The attached part could be changed depending on wear.

[00111] The connecting and/or reinforcing cable(s) may also include only strands, without necessarily having a core. Typically include bundles of twisted wires. Preferably the cables are metallic, that is to say made of metal wires.

[00112] It is emphasized that all the characteristics, as they emerge for a person skilled in the art from the present description, the drawings and the attached claims, even if concretely they have only been described in relation to other specified features, both individually and in any combinations, may be combined with other features or groups of features disclosed herein, provided this has not been expressly excluded or technical circumstances make such combinations impossible or meaningless.

Claims (20)

1. Device for joining (100) at least one conveyor belt (1) of the type extending along a longitudinal axis (X') and comprising a body (2) of flexible material inside which a reinforcement is housed (3) comprising reinforcing cables (4') extending at least partly axially, the junction device (100) being intended to connect at least a first (11) and a second (12) end portions of the conveyor belt (1), the joining device (100) being characterized in that it comprises at least one assembly (150) of at least two blocking elements (50) connected together by assembly means, the assembly means comprising at least one connecting cable (4, 4”), the assembly (150) being intended to be attached to the first end portion (11) and the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt, so as to connect at least part of the reinforcing cables (4') of the first end portion (11) of the conveyor belt (1) with at least part of the cables (4') of reinforcement of the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1), each cable blocking element (50) comprising at least two opposing supports (51,52) configured to grip at least the portion of a cable associated among the reinforcing cables (4') and the connecting cable (4, 4”), the supports (51, 52) each having at least one groove (71, 72) together delimiting at least part of a cavity (70) through to receive at least the portion (40) of the associated cable (4) passing through the blocking element (50) between an inlet opening (50Λ) and an exit opening (50B) aligned along an axis of reference (X), the cavity (70) comprising an enlarged intermediate part (73), between portions of inlet (50A) and outlet (50B) openings, enlarged radially relative to the opening portion of inlet (50A) and to the outlet opening portion (50B), the blocking element (50) comprising at least one anchoring member (80) configured to at least partially occupy a portion of the intermediate part (73 ) enlarged of the cavity (70) located in the alignment of the inlet and outlet openings (50Λ, 50B), so as to locally create a radial deformation (45) of the section of the portion (40) of the associated cable . 2. Junction device (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that it comprises at least two junction plates (101, 102) configured to each cover a distinct side of the end portions (l 1, 12) of the conveyor belt (1) so that the end portions (II, 12) of the conveyor belt (1) are each arranged between the two junction plates (101, 102), the junction plates (101, 102) being fixed together by fixing means (110) arranged to pass respectively through a junction plate, one of the ends of the conveyor belt (1) then the other junction plate, each junction plate (101, 102) being made of a flexible and elastic material and comprising the assemblies (150) of blocking elements, preferably embedded at least partly in the flexible and elastic material of the corresponding junction plate (101, 102). 3. Junction device (100) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the junction device comprises at least: an upper longitudinal assembly (150) of at least two upper blocking elements (50) among the blocking elements (50), connected together by an upper connecting cable among the connecting cables to overlap the two ends of said cables (4 ') of reinforcement to be connected, and a lower longitudinal assembly (150) of at least two lower blocking elements (50) among the blocking elements, connected together by a lower connecting cable among the connecting cables to overlap the two ends of said reinforcing cables (4') to be connected, the upper blocking elements of the upper longitudinal assembly being shaped to be assembled with the lower blocking elements of the lower longitudinal assembly by forming together a junction assembly (15Ο ^{4 5} ), and to enclose at least part of the reinforcing cables (4') of the first end portion (11) of the conveyor belt (1) and at least part of the reinforcing cables (4') of the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1), the junction device (100) preferably comprising a plurality of junction assemblies (150') arranged parallel to each other and configured to be distributed regularly on Injunction (10). 4. Junction device (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that some of the assembly means are constituted by some of the fixing means (110), which are arranged to pass through respectively a junction plate, one of the ends of the conveyor belt (l) then the other junction plate. 5. Junction device (100) according to claim 3 or claim 4, characterized in that in a clamped position the cables (4 ') for reinforcing the first end portion (11) and the second portion of end (12), the reinforcing cables (4') are arranged parallel to each other, and parallel to the longitudinal reference axis (X) of the portions (40) of connecting cables (4) blocked with their connecting element corresponding blocking (50). 6. Junction device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that support parts (51, 52) of the blocking element (50) are configured to grip at least the portion of a first cable among the reinforcing cables and the connecting cable, the blocking element (50) comprising a groove (171) delimiting at least part of a through cavity (170) for receiving a second cable among the reinforcing cables and the connecting cable, the through cavity having two axial end openings. 7. Junction device (100) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that all or part of the blocking elements (50) comprises at least one clamping means (60) to ensure tightening of the two supports (51, 52) relative to each other, the tightening means (60) preferably comprising at least one screw and/or a crampon and/or a rivet and/or a crimp. 8. Junction device (lûO) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the tightening means (60) comprises the anchoring member (80) so that the anchoring member (80) participates in the tightening of the two supports (51, 52) relative to each other. 9. Junction device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the supports (51, 52) of at least some of the blocking elements are formed in one piece. 10. Junction device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the anchoring member (80) of at least some of the blocking elements comprises a rod portion (83) configured to penetrate into the portion (40) of the cable (4), the anchoring member (80) preferably comprising at least one crampon and/or a screw and/or a rivet and/or a pin. 11. Junction device (lOO) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portion (40) of the associated cable comprises a structure of the type comprising wires (43), the anchoring member (80) at least some of the blocking elements comprising a distal end (82), opposite a head (81), provided with a tip (820) so as to penetrate at least partly into the associated cable by separating the wires (43 ) of the associated cable structure. 12. Junction device (lOO) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one first of the two supports (51, 52) of at least some of the blocking elements comprises at least one through hole (53 ) opening into the enlarged intermediate part (73) of the cavity (70) to allow the anchoring member (80) to penetrate into the enlarged intermediate part (73) of the cavity (70). 13. Junction device (lOO) according to claim 12, characterized in that the first of the two supports (51, 52) comprises at least a first interface (510), for example a bowl or countersink, capable of housing a head ( 81) of one of the anchoring members (80), and in that a second of the two supports (51, 52) comprises at least a second interface (520) with which an anchoring section is able to cooperate (84) of said anchoring member, for example a tapping. 14. Junction device (lOO) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the inlet opening (50A) and/or outlet opening (50B) portions of at least some of the elements of blocking present(s) locally a narrowing in section, preferably configured so that this narrowing has a diameter (d) strictly less than the diameter (D) of a cylindrical envelope of the associated cable (4). 15. Junction device (lOO) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the enlarged intermediate part (73) of the cavity (70) of at least some of the blocking elements has a radial enlargement (75) in a plane orthogonal (P) to an axis (A) of a rod portion (83) of the anchoring member (80) configured to penetrate the associated cable, the radial widening (75) being preferably greater or equal to 10%, more preferably greater than or equal to 25% of a diameter (D) of the associated cable, and preferably less than or equal to 50%, more preferably less than 40% of the diameter (D) of the cable associated, on each side relative to the cavity (70). 16. Junction device (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the portions of inlet and outlet openings (50A, 50B) of the cavity (70) of at least some of the elements of blocking receiving the cable have a shape partially delimiting a cylindrical envelope configured to cooperate with a cylindrical envelope of the associated cable, the portions of entry and exit openings (50Λ, 50B) of the cavity (70) each extending axially along a length (1 _50Λ , M greater than or equal to the axial length (L ₇₃ ) of the enlarged intermediate part (73) of the cavity (70). 17. Junction device (100) according to any one of claim 1, characterized in that each blocking element makes it possible to ensure the fixing of three portions of different cables extending longitudinally generally in a parallel manner two, two among which a central cable (4”) forming a connecting cable passes through the blocking element (50) longitudinally and two reinforcing cables (4') to be blocked by an anchoring member (80) configured to occupy at least partially a portion of the corresponding intermediate part (73). 18. Junction (lO) of conveyor belt (l) extending along a longitudinal axis (X') comprising a body (2) of flexible material inside which is housed a reinforcement (3) comprising cables (4') reinforcement extending at least partly axially, the conveyor belt (1) comprising a first (11) and a second (12) end portions connected together by a junction device (100) according to any one of claims previous, at least one assembly (150) being attached to the first end portion (11) and the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1), so as to connect at least part of the cables of reinforcement (4') of the first end portion (11) of the conveyor belt (l) with at least part of the reinforcement cables (4') of the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt ( 1). 19. Method for manufacturing a junction (10) of a conveyor belt (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least the following steps: peeling of an upper part and a lower part of the body (2) of the conveyor belt at the level of the first end portion (11) and the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1 ) ; - installation of at least one assembly (150) of blocking elements (50) so as to connect at least part of the reinforcing cables (4') of the first end portion (11) of the strip conveyor (1) with at least part of the cables (4') reinforcing the second end portion (12) of the conveyor belt (1). 20. Manufacturing method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it comprises at least one step of placing at least two junction plates (101, 102) each covering a distinct side of the first and second portions of ends (11, 12) of the conveyor belt (1) so that the first and second end portions (11, 12) of said conveyor belt (1) are arranged between the two junction plates (101, 102), the junction plates (101, 102) being preferably formed of vulcanizable material, the step of placing the junction plates (101, 102) preferably being concomitant with the step of placing at least one assembly (150) of blocking elements (50).