WO2011152710A1

WO2011152710A1 - Foldable conveyor and method therefor

Info

Publication number: WO2011152710A1
Application number: PCT/NL2011/050335
Authority: WO
Inventors: Barend Maarten Kortleven; Fransisca Herdiana Widijowati
Original assignee: Pura Tekniko B.V.
Priority date: 2010-06-01
Filing date: 2011-05-17
Publication date: 2011-12-08
Also published as: DE112011101882T5; NL2004794C2

Abstract

The present invention relates to a foldable conveyor (2) and method for transporting goods, the foldable conveyor (2) comprising: -at least two side elements (4, 6) extending in longitudinal direction of the conveyor (2); -a conveyor belt (36, 38) that in an unfolded state of the conveyor (2) is located between the at least two side elements (4, 6); and -a connecting beam (14) that is connected to at least two side elements (4, 6) in a hinged manner such that the conveyor (2) is foldable in width direction between an infolded and the unfolded state.

Description

FOLDABLE CONVEYOR AND METHOD THEREFOR

The present invention relates to a foldable conveyor. Such conveyor enables transport of scrap, broken bricks and muck, for example.

Conveyors are widely spread in industry. Conventional conveyors often involve relatively heavy weight

constructions that are not easily transportable. Known transportable conveyors require mounting and dismounting of the conveyor to enable transport. This makes the transport of such transportable conveyor labour intensive.

The object of the present invention is to improve the conventional conveyors, specifically the transportability of such conveyors .

This object is achieved with the foldable conveyor according to the present invention, the conveyor comprising:

at least two side elements extending in longitudinal direction of the conveyor; a conveyor belt that in an unfolded state of the conveyor is located between the at least two side elements; and

a connecting beam that is connected to at least the two side elements in a hinged manner such that the conveyor is foldable in the width direction between an infolded and the unfolded state.

By providing two different states for the conveyor, this conveyor can be transformed from an infolded to an unfolded state and vice versa. This transformation is achieved by providing a connecting beam that is connected to at least two side elements on both sides of the conveyor.

This connection is provided in a hinged manner such that the conveyor is foldable in a width direction of the conveyor. Therefore, when folding the conveyor, side elements on both sides extending in the longitudinal direction of the

conveyor are folded towards each other. This achieves a compact conveyor for storage and transport. This enables an efficient transport of such conveyors according to the present invention. For example, in case of an earthquake or similar type of disaster, goods, including food and rescue material such as the conveyor, need to be transported fast and efficiently, as the amount of available transport means is often limited. In addition, setting up the conveyor fast is extremely important in these operations. Therefore, enabling a fast transformation between the infolded and unfolded state with the foldable conveyor according to the present invention is extremely important.

In addition, enabling a transformation in the width direction of the conveyor, folding back of a conveyor belt is not required. Furthermore, unfolding the conveyor is possible in a limited space, only requiring enough space for the volume of the conveyor in the unfolded state in which it will be used.

A further advantage or effect is that the amount of mounting and dismounting steps required for transforming the conveyor between the different states, are kept to a

minimum. Also, the transformation can be performed easily without requiring additional tools or lifting equipment and can be performed by the end user without requiring specific skills .

Preferably, the conveyor comprises one or more endless conveyor belts. When folding in the width direction of the conveyor, these conveyor belts are maintained between the side elements on both sides of the conveyor and are

therefore protected against damage. Furthermore, folding in the width direction prevents the conveyor belts from being folded back and forth which could limit the life cycle of the conveyor belt and the conveyor. The conveyor belt can be manually and/or motor driven, for example, using a 12 Volt or 24 Volt motor that can be connected to a car battery or truck battery, respectively.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the conveyor comprises a central beam extending in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor such that a trough shaped conveyor is achieved.

Providing at least one central beam extending

substantially parallel to the side elements enables

providing a trough shaped conveyor. This shape is beneficial as goods that are transported on the foldable conveyor according to the invention are maintained more easily on the conveyor. Preferably, a conveyor belt is provided on both sides of the central beam. This achieves a clear and

convenient configuration for the conveyor according to the invention. Preferably, the two conveyor belts on both sides of the central beam are provided at an angle of about 20° with the horizontal ground surface, for example. Depending on the type of goods that are to be transported other angles are possible. Also, it will be understood that it would be possible to provide more than one central beam if required, for example when using more than two conveyor belts.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention the side elements comprise a guide element for guiding a slide element that is provided on the connecting beam.

Providing the side elements with a guide or guide- element enables a translating movement of (an end of) the connecting beam relative to the side element. By providing the two side elements on both sides of the conveyor, with the side elements being connected with the connecting beam, with such guide element moving the two ends of the connecting beam in counter direction achieves a rotational movement of this connecting beam around its central point. This rotational movement brings the two side elements close together when folding the conveyor according to the present invention. By providing the guide elements when folding the conveyor the side elements are moved towards each other displacing only in a direction substantially perpendicular to their longitudinal direction.

Preferably, the connecting beam comprises a ball joint or cylinder joint comprising the slide element. The (ball) joint enables the rotational movement of the connecting beam, and at the same time its outer ends, with the sliding elements. This enables a fast transformation between the different states of the conveyor.

In a preferred embodiment according to the invention, the conveyor further comprises a connecting tube that extends between the central beam and the connecting beam in the unfolded state of the conveyor such that, when folding the conveyor, the central beam is moved or relocated

relative to the connecting beam.

Providing the connecting tube between the central beam and the connecting beam when the conveyor is in use, i.e. in the unfolded state, provides robustness and stability to the conveyor. Considered from a point of view wherein the conveyor is in use the connecting tube moves downwards to the connecting beam when folding the conveyor. For example, the connecting beam moves through an opening that is provided in the connecting beam. During the folding of the conveyor the central beam is lowered towards the connecting beam. Preferably, at the same time during this folding operation, the connecting beam makes the movement described above, thereby bringing the side elements of the conveyor more towards each other. Preferably, the connecting tube is provided with

(screw) thread over at least a part of its length to enable a thorough connection with the connecting beam. Preferably, the thread is provided over a lower part of the connecting tube to provide a stable and robust connection when the conveyor is in use. For example, thread is provided over the lower 20 millimetres of the connecting tube.

Also preferably, the connecting tube comprises a joint such that at least a part of the tube can be folded when folding the conveyor. This joint prevents the connecting tube sticking out below the connecting beam in the folded state of the conveyor. Optionally, securing means can be provided to secure the connecting tube when in use, thereby preventing accidentally folding the conveyor. The securing means may comprise a pen or ring, for example.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention in the unfolded state the connecting beam is positioned over the dead centre position.

By positioning the connecting beam over the dead centre position a stable and robust configuration is achieved when using the conveyor. Accidentally folding of the conveyor when in use is prevented as a little force is required for transforming the conveyor.

In a preferred embodiment according to the present invention the conveyor comprises adjustable legs.

When comprising adjustable legs the conveyor can be positioned on a rough ground surface. Furthermore, providing adjustable legs enables adjustment to the working height of the conveyor when in use.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the conveyor comprises wheels or rollers for supporting the conveyor. By providing wheels or rollers it is possible to transport and/or position the conveyor relatively easy.

Preferably, the conveyor can be positioned manually by a single person. This enables positioning and repositioning the conveyor efficiently. This is important in case of disasters, such as an earth quake, when time is important.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention the conveyor comprises connecting elements for connecting the conveyor to one or more adjacent

conveyors.

Providing connecting elements enables the connection between adjacent conveyors thereby enabling transport of goods over relatively long distance. Adjacent conveyors can be positioned in series or step-like.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the present invention, the conveyor is provided with a light^¬ weight construction with a ratio between the weight and the running metre of the conveyor of almost 10 kg/m.

Providing such specific ratio between the weight and the running metre is possible by providing a construction as described above. This enables a relatively easy transport and positioning of the conveyor according to the invention. Preferably, the conveyor is of a light-weight material comprising aluminium, magnesium, fibre-glass reinforced, SMC. Other light-weight materials involving composite materials, involving carbon for example, are also possible. Preferably, the conveyor belts are made of aramide fibres.

In a further preferred embodiment according to the invention the one or more conveyor belts are driven by a low voltage motor and/or manually.

By providing a low voltage motor it is possible to drive the conveyor belt using a car or truck battery

involving a voltage of 12 Volt or 24 Volt. An advantage thereof is that a car or truck is often available at the location of an earth quake, for example. This assures the correct operation of the conveyor to the present invention, even in non-optimal circumstances. Preferably, in the embodiment wherein two conveyor belts are provided on both sides of one central beam, both conveyor belts are driven by a single motor, using a two-shaft engine, a gearbox, a driven axis connected with cross-linked belts to the

conveyor belts, or the like. Alternatively, or in

combination therewith, the belts are driven manually. This enables operation of the conveyor under all circumstances. Also, it is possible to provide one drive for each conveyor belt. This has the additional advantage that a slightly different speed can be selected such that products to be conveyed will be aligned. Suitable motors include a drum motor and a jackshaft or tubular motor, for example.

The present invention also relates to a method of transporting goods, comprising the steps of providing a foldable conveyor as described above.

Such method provides the same effects and advantages as those related to the foldable conveyor.

Further advantages, features and details of the

invention are elucidated on basis of preferred embodiments thereof, when reference is made to the accompanying

drawings, wherein:

- figure 1 shows the conveyor according to the present invention in an unfolded state;

- figure 2 shows the conveyor of figure 1 between the infolded and unfolded state;

- figure 3 shows the conveyor of figure 1 in the

infolded state;

- figure 4 shows the sliding element of the conveyor of figure 1; - figure 5 shows the connecting tube of the conveyor of figure 1; and

- figure 6 shows a drive for the conveyor of figure 1. Conveyor 2 (figure 1) comprises a first side element 4 and a second side element 6. Each side element 4,6 comprises a lower beam 8, an upper beam 10 and connecting beams 12 extending between upper beam 10 and lower beam 8. Between side elements 4,6, and more specifically between the lower beams 8 thereof, there is provided connecting beam 14. On both ends connecting beam 14 comprises a ball joint 16 that is connected to a slide element 18. Slide element 18

translates in guide element 20 that is provided in the lower beams 8 of side elements 4,6. In the centre between side elements 4,6 there is provided central beam 22. From central beam 22 a connecting tube 24 extends downwards towards ground or surface G. In the illustrated embodiment

connecting beam 14 is provided with an opening 26 through which connecting beam 24 can be displaced when folding conveyor 2. Between side elements 4,6, and more specifically the upper beams 10 thereof, there is provided a number of carrier beams 28. Carrier beam 28 is on one end connected to side element 4,6 with rotation axis 30 and on the other end connected to central beam 22 with rotation axis 32. These axes 30,32 enable a rotational movement of carrier beam 28 when folding the conveyor 2. In the illustrated embodiment connecting rod 12 is provided with opening 34 for receiving part of the outer end of carrier beam 28 in the folded state of conveyor 2. In the illustrated embodiment conveyor 2 comprises two endless conveyor belts 36,38 (shown in dashed lines) with one belt on each side of central beam 22.

In a state between the unfolded and infolded states of conveyor 2 (figure 2) connecting rod 14 is provided at an angle relative to the lower beams 8 of side elements 4,6. During the transformation between different states the most outer ends of connection rod 14 move in opposite directions in openings 20 of lower beams 8.

In the folded state of conveyor 2 (figure 3) carrier rods 28 extend substantially in a vertical, or close to vertical, direction such that the upper beams 10 of side elements 4,6 are positioned close to each other. The same applies to the lower beams of side elements 4,6. Conveyor belts 36,38 are rotated around their longitudinal direction relative to their position in the unfolded state (figure 1) and are positioned in the infolded state (figure 3) between side elements 4, 6. In the infolded state central beam 22 is lowered and engages connecting rod 14. Connecting tube 24 is provided with a hinge 40. Hinge 40 is provided near the outer end of connecting tube 24 that is close to central beam 22 such that when connecting tube 24 is pushed or moved through opening 26 in the infolded state hinge 40 has just passed opening 26. After folding conveyor 2 connecting tube 24 can be rotated with hinge 40 such that connecting tube 24 no longer extends downwards and is positioned substantially parallel to the lower beams 8 of side elements 4,6.

Connecting beam 14 (figure 4) is provided with ball joint 16 that is connected to sliding element 18. Element 18 is arranged in opening 22 of lower beams 8 of side elements 4,6 such that a sliding movement is enabled. In the

transitional mode between the unfolded and infolded state of conveyor 2 sliding element 18 is in between the outer ends of opening 20 in lower beam 8.

Connecting tube 24 (figure 5) is provided with outer thread 42 on the lower end. Outer thread 42 engages the inner thread 44 that is provided in opening 26 of connecting beam 14. In the illustrated embodiment thread 42, 44 relates to an almost vertical thread. In the illustrated embodiment, conveyor 2 comprises adjustable legs 46 (figure 1) by providing a number of telescopic connecting beams 12. Also in the illustrated embodiment, legs 46 are provided with wheels 48.

When unfolding conveyor 2 from in infolded state to an unfolded state in which conveyor 2 is ready for use, side elements 4,6 are pulled away from each other. This pulling away of the side elements can be performed by the end user, for example. When moving side elements 4,6 away from each other in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction the side elements 4, 6 connecting beam 14 rotates around its centre position. In the

illustrated embodiment this centre position corresponds to the position of opening 26 for connecting tube 24. When rotating connecting beam 14 on its outer ends ball joint 16 and slide elements 18 translate along openings 20 in lower beams 8 of side elements 4,6. In the illustrated embodiment connecting beam 14 is rotated somewhat through its dead centre point, such that connecting beam makes a small angle with the perpendicular or normal line of the lower beams 8 of side elements 4,6. This prevents accidentally folding conveyor 2. When pulling away side elements 4,6 carrier beams 28 rotate around axis 30 relative to upper beams 10 of side elements 4,6. At the same time carrier elements rotate relative to central beam 22 around axis 32. By pulling away side elements 4,6 central beam 22 moves upwards. Due to the movement of the carrier beams 28 first and second conveyor belt 36,38 make similar movements. In the illustrated embodiment conveyor belt 36,38 are provided at an angle of about 20° relative to the ground surface such that a trough shaped conveyor is achieved. In the unfolded position outer thread 42 engages inner thread 44 of opening 26. Optionally, a securing element is provided. In case of a disaster like an earth quake, conveyor 2 is transported to the required location. During

transportation conveyor 2 is unfolded and stones and bricks are placed on conveyor 2 by rescue members in search of people being trapped below the collapsed building, for example. The rescue workers put stones and bricks on a first side of conveyor 2 such that the goods are transported towards the exit side of conveyor 2. If required, the stones and bricks are transferred to another conveyor 2 for further transport thereof. This enables a relatively easy removal of the stones and bricks. Conveyor belts 36,38 are driven by a motor 50, preferably a low voltage motor or alternatively manually. This enables the use of conveyor 2 under

exceptional circumstances.

In the illustrated embodiment drive 50 uses a motor 52 to drive an axis 54 on which first gear 56 is mounted

(figure 6) . In use first gear 56 is coupled to conveyor belt 36 by protrusions provided on the inner side of belt 36, or using additional coupling means like gears, belts, and/or chains. Gear 58 is coupled to belt 38 in a similar way.

Drive 50 drives belt 38 through coupling 60. In the

illustrated embodiment coupling 60 is flexible to enable folding and unfolding conveyor 2.

In an alternative embodiment for drive 50 (not shown) a first gear engages with another first gear. Both first gears are directly or indirectly arranged to central beam 22. In an unfolded state one of the first gears engages a second gear provided on the central axis of conveyor belt 36 and the other first gear engages a second gear provided on the central axis of conveyor belt 38. In a folded state first gears and second gears are disengaged. It will be understood that also other alternative drives may be applied, for example using belts. It will be understood that other applications of conveyor 2 are also possible. For example, agricultural applications, such as placing harvested potatoes in a storage facility, are possible with these conveyors 2. An advantage of these conveyors 2 is that they can be

transported together with the harvest equipment, such that conveyors 2 can be used more efficiently.

In the illustrated embodiment the transport length of conveyor 2 is about 5 metres. The width direction in the unfolded state is about 750 millimetres and in the infolded state about 250 millimetres. Also in the illustrated

embodiment the width of the conveyor belt is about 350 millimetres. The height of the frame of conveyor 2 is about 500 mm. The weight of conveyor 2 including a drive is about 50 kg. This enables positioning of conveyor 2 with two persons, or in case wheels 48 are provided, with a single person. The frame of conveyor 2 is provided from magnesium, aluminium and/or composite material, including carbon.

The present invention is by no means limited to the above described preferred embodiments therefore. The rights sought are defined by the following claims in the scope of which many modifications can be envisaged. For example, side elements 4,6 can be enforced using diagonal elements between lower beams 8 and upper beams 10. It will be understood that also other configurations of side elements 4,6 are possible depending on the characteristics of the goods to be

transported by conveyor 2, for example.

Claims

Foldable conveyor, comprising:

at least two side elements extending in

longitudinal direction of the conveyor;

a conveyor belt that an in unfolded state of the conveyor is located between the at least two side elements; and

a connecting beam that is connected to at least the two side elements in a hinged manner such that the conveyor is foldable in width direction between an infolded and the unfolded state.

Foldable conveyor according to claim 1, comprising a central beam extending in longitudinal direction of the conveyor, such that a trough shaped conveyor is

achieved .

Foldable conveyor according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein on both sides of the central beam a conveyor belt is provided.

Foldable conveyor according to claims 1, 2 or 3, wherein the side elements comprising a guide element for guiding a slide element provided on the connecting beam.

Foldable conveyor according to one or more of the claims 1-4, wherein the connecting beam comprise a ball joint or cylinder joint for connecting to the slide element .

Foldable conveyor according to one or more of the claims 1-5, comprising a connecting tube extending between the central beam and the connecting beam in the unfolded state such that during folding the central beam relocates relative to the connecting beam.

Foldable conveyor according to claim 6, wherein the connecting tube is provided with a screw thread over at least part of its length to enable a connection with the connecting beam.

Foldable conveyor according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the connecting tube comprising a joint for folding at least a part of the tube in the infolded state of the conveyor .

Foldable conveyor according to one or more of the claims 1-8, wherein in the unfolded state of the conveyor, the connecting beam is positioned over the dead-center position.

Foldable conveyor according to one or more of the claims 1-9, further comprising adjustable legs.

Foldable conveyor according to one or more of the claims 1-10, further comprising wheels or rollers for transporting the conveyor.

Foldable conveyor according one or more of the claims 1-11, further comprising connecting elements for connecting the conveyor with an adjacent conveyor.

13. Foldable conveyor according to one or more of the claims 1-12, provided with a light-weight

construction such that a weight ratio between weight and running meter of the conveyor is achieved of at most 10 kg/meter.

14. Foldable conveyor according to one or more of the claims 1-13, wherein the one or more conveyor belts are driven by a low voltage motor and/or manually.

15. Method for transporting goods comprising the step of providing a foldable conveyor according to one or more of the claims 1-14.