FI130584B

FI130584B - Conveyor system of a mobile mineral material processing plant

Info

Publication number: FI130584B
Application number: FI20225081A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Tuomas Juutinen
Original assignee: Metso Finland Oy
Priority date: 2022-01-31
Filing date: 2022-01-31
Publication date: 2023-11-23
Also published as: FI20225081A1; WO2023144440A1

Abstract

A hanging conveyor system (100) of a mobile mineral material processing plant (500) is compacted. A conveyor frame (130) is supported to a platform frame (112) of the plant of the plant by a horizontal pivoting between an operating and storage positions. At least three folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138), intermediate section joints (133, 135, 137), and an actuation mechanism enable folding and unfolding the conveyor frame by pivoting up or down a remote end of a first folding section (132) at a discharge end of the conveyor frame by more than 90 degrees over a first pivotable folding section joint (133); and pivoting upwards a base end of a second folding section (134) and a remote end of a third folding section (136).

Description

A CONVEYOR SYSTEM OF A MOBILE MINERAL MATERIAL PROCESSING PLANT

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure generally relates to a conveyor system of a mobile mineral material processing plant.

BACKGROUND

This folding section illustrates useful background information without admission of any technique described herein representative of the state of the art.

Mobile mineral material processing plants should be compact enough when transported to allow simple road transport within the width of lanes and the height of bridges. On the other — hand, it is sometimes desirable to circulate some fraction(s) of processed mineral material back to an upstream processing point using a return conveyor. The longer the return conveyor, the further back the circulation can be arranged, but the more the return conveyor requires space so hindering transportability. To this end, the return conveyor may be made foldable to mitigate these problems.

One way to fold a return conveyor for transport is to fold a discharge folding section upwards so that the conveyor discharge hopper is under transport height. Another way to implement a folding return conveyor is to fold the discharge folding section upwards and also use an upper support with adjustable length. Adjustable length of an upper support enables fitting a little longer conveyor to a same transport height as without adjustment. Yet another way to implement a folding return conveyor third option is to fold the discharge folding section downwards. Still another way to implement a folding return conveyor third option is to use a return conveyor without any folding mechanism and use a telescopic upper support to

N lower the discharge folding section under the transport height. The drawback of this

O

N implementation is a long transport length.

N

+ 25 US 4981204 A discloses a mobile material handling apparatus that includes a collapsible

I conveyor system supported on a wheel-supported vehicle frame. The conveyor system may = be shifted from a collapsed state to an extended state through operation of fluid powered % rams. US 4427104 A discloses a portable radial stacker includes a conveyor for transporting a material along the length thereof. The conveyor is foldable, including a horizontal folding

N 30 axis located at the top of the conveyor, an “A” frame located intermediate relatively folding portions of the conveyor, and an extensible motor whose ends are attached respectively to one of said relatively foldable conveyor portions and to said intermediate “A” frame, said motor being located medially between lateral sides of each of said portions of said conveyor.

However, a different mechanism may be needed to enable using an extremely long return conveyor that can feed a pre-screen of a cone crusher unit, for example. Particularly long return conveyors may reside, even when folded, along an entire length of a mobile mineral material processing plant. In such a case, various laterally protruding parts may collide with the return conveyor and thus require redesigning so that such colliding parts could be located inside a frame of the mobile mineral material processing plant. Locating parts inside the frame of the mobile mineral material processing plant may, however, increase its height or width or hinder maintenance.

SUMMARY

The appended claims define the scope of protection.

According to a first example aspect there is provided a conveyor system for a mobile mineral material processing plant that comprises a platform frame, the conveyor system comprising a conveyor frame; a pivot configured to pivotably attach the conveyor frame on a lateral side of the platform frame so that the conveyor frame is pivotable between an operating position and a storage position, the storage position residing adjacent to the platform frame and the operating position differing from the storage position; a hanging support configured to hang the conveyor frame from the platform frame; the conveyor frame comprising sequentially at least three folding sections pivotably attached by intermediate pivotable folding section joints between adjacent folding sections; and the conveyor system further comprises a folding actuator system configured to fold the folding sections from an operating configuration, in which the folding sections each

N 25 extend from a base end to a remote end that is towards a discharge end of the conveyor

N frame, to a compacted configuration, with movements comprising: 3 pivoting up or down a remote end a first folding section by more than 90 degrees over - a first pivotable folding section joint attaching the first folding section with a second folding = section, wherein the first folding section resides at the discharge end of the conveyor frame; and

O pivoting upwards a base end of the second folding section and a remote end of a third

O folding section.

The movements may further comprise synchronously with the pivoting upwards of the base end of the second folding section and a remote end of a third folding section, pivoting downwards the remote end of the second folding section.

The folding actuator system may be further configured to pivot upwards a base end of a fourth folding section that is adjacent to the third folding section, and / or pivoting down a remote end of the fourth folding section.

The folding actuator system may be further configured to fold the folding sections from the compacted configuration back to the operating configuration.

The hanging support may be further configured to elevate a discharge end of the conveyor frame to an operating angle in the operating configuration. The hanging support may be configured to hang the conveyor frame to the platform frame at a position above the entire first folding section when the conveyor frame is in the operating configuration. The hanging support may be configured to hang the conveyor frame to the platform frame at a position above the entire second folding section, when the conveyor frame is in the operating configuration.

The pivot may comprise an upper platform frame pivoting joint and a lower platform frame pivoting joint. The hanging support may be attached to the upper platform frame pivoting joint. The lower platform frame pivoting joint be attached to the third folding section. The lower platform frame pivoting joint be attached to the third folding section via an arm. The lower platform frame pivoting joint be attached to the fourth folding section. The lower platform frame pivoting joint be attached to the fourth folding section via an arm.

The folding actuator system may comprise a first folding section actuator configured to change an angle between the first folding section and the second folding section.

The folding actuator system may comprise second folding section actuator configured to

N change an angle between the second folding section and the third folding section.

O

N 25 The folding actuator system may comprise third folding section actuator configured to

N change an angle between the third folding section and the fourth folding section. +

I In the operating configuration, the first folding section, the second folding section, and the

Ao - third folding section may be linearly aligned. If a fourth folding section is present, in the % operating configuration, the fourth folding section may reside at an angle in relation to the a 30 third folding section. In the operating configuration, the third folding section may have a

Q greater elevation angle than the fourth folding section.

In the folded compacted configuration, the first folding section may be pivoted in a first direction by an angle a1.

In the folded compacted configuration, the second folding section may be pivoted in the first direction by an angle a2.

In the folded compacted configuration, the third folding section may be pivoted in a second direction, opposite to the first direction, by an angle a3.

A1 may be greater than 120 degrees. A1 may be greater than 150 degrees. A1 may be greater than 160 degrees. A1 may be less than 150 degrees. A1 may be less than 180 degrees. A1 may be more than two times A2. A1 may be more than three times A2.

A2 may be greater than 20 degrees. A2 may be greater than 30 degrees. A2 may be greater than 45 degrees. A2 may be greater than 60 degrees. A2 may be less than 45 degrees. A2 may be less than 60 degrees. A2 may be less than 80 degrees. A2 may be less than 90 degrees.

A3 may be greater than 10 degrees. A3 may be greater than 20 degrees. A3 may be greater than 30 degrees. A3 may be greater than 40 degrees. A3 may be less than 20 degrees. A3 — may be less than 30 degrees. A3 may be less than 40 degrees. A3 may be less than 90 degrees.

In an embodiment, A1-(A2+A3) < 20 degrees. In an embodiment, A1-(A2+A3) < 10 degrees.

In an embodiment, A1-(A2+A3) < 5 degrees.

In an embodiment, A1-(A2+A3) > -20 degrees. In an embodiment, A1-(A2+A3) > -10 degrees. In an embodiment, A1-(A2+A3) > -5 degrees.

The folding actuator system may be configured to fold the conveyor frame so that in the folded compacted configuration, the second folding section resides entirely at a height

AN areater than 75 %; 60 %; or 50 % of a top height of the platform frame and at most at the

N -

S top height of the platform frame.

N

TT 25 In the folded compacted configuration, a pocket may be left between the second folding > section, the third folding section, and the remote end of the first folding section, for laterally

E protruding eguipment. The laterally protruding eguipment may be parts of the mineral — material processing plant. The laterally protruding eguipment may be parts of a screen. 00

O

O The folding actuator system may be configured to fold the conveyor frame so that in the

N v. -

S 30 folded compacted configuration, all parts of the conveyor frame have greater or equal ground clearance than in the operating configuration.

In the folded compacted configuration, the conveyor frame may be pivotable next to the platform frame and apart of the platform frame for providing maintenance room about the conveyor frame.

The hanging support may be longitudinally adjustable. The hanging support may be a 5 longitudinally adjustable hanging actuator.

In the folded compacted configuration, the first folding section may reside higher than a lowest part of the third folding section and / or a lowest part of the fourth folding section.

In the folded compacted configuration, the first folding section may be at least partly serviceable by personnel while standing on a level ground. Advantageously, use of ladders — for maintenance of the conveyor may be avoided by folding the conveyor frame to the folded compacted configuration and optionally pivoting the conveyor frame sideways and / or optionally lowering further the conveyor with the longitudinally adjustable hanging actuator.

The hanging support may comprise a hanging part interconnecting the conveyor frame with the platform frame. The hanging part may comprise a chain. The hanging part may comprise a wire. The hanging part may comprise a belt. The hanging part may be actuated by a winch. The hanging part may comprise a pressure fluid movable linear actuator. The pressure fluid movable linear actuator may comprise a pneumatic cylinder. The pressure fluid movable linear actuator may comprise a hydraulic cylinder. The hanging support may reside entirely above the conveyor frame.

The hanging conveyor system may comprise an endless conveyor element configured to carry mineral material supported by the conveyor frame. The endless conveyor element may comprise a belt.

According to a second example aspect there is provided a hanging conveyor system of a

N mobile mineral material processing plant is compacted. A conveyor frame is supported to a a 25 platform frame of the plant of the plant by a horizontal pivoting between an operating and

N storage positions. At least three folding sections, intermediate section joints, and an + actuation mechanism enable folding and unfolding the conveyor frame by pivoting up or z down a remote end of a first folding section at a discharge end of the conveyor frame by * more than 90 degrees over a first pivotable folding section joint; and pivoting upwards a 2 30 base end of a second folding section and a remote end of a third folding section.

N According to a third example aspect there is provided a method for compacting a hanging

N conveyor system of a mobile mineral material processing plant, wherein the mobile mineral material processing plant comprises a platform frame, the method comprising supporting a conveyor frame to the platform frame using a pivot configured to pivotably attach the conveyor frame on a lateral side of the platform frame so that the conveyor frame is pivotable between an operating position and a storage position, the storage position residing adjacent to the platform frame and the operating position differing from the storage position; hanging the conveyor frame from the platform frame using a hanging support; pivotably attaching in a sequence at least three folding sections of the conveyor frame with intermediate pivotable folding section joints between adjacent folding sections; and folding the folding sections by a folding actuator system from an operating configuration, in which the folding sections each extend from a base end to a remote end that is towards a discharge end of the conveyor frame, to a compacted configuration, with movements comprising: pivoting down a remote end a first folding section by more than 90 degrees over a first pivotable folding section joint attaching the first folding section with a second folding section, wherein the first folding section resides at the discharge end of the conveyor frame; and pivoting upwards a base end of the second folding section and a remote end of a third folding section.

The method may further comprise pivoting upwards a base end of a fourth folding section that is adjacent to the third folding section, and / or pivoting downwards a remote end of the — fourth folding section.

The method may further comprise folding the folding sections by the folding actuator system from the compacted configuration back to the operating configuration.

The method may further comprise rotating the conveyor frame to the storage position adjacent to the platform frame when in the compacted configuration.

N 25 The method may further comprise rotating the conveyor frame from the storage position

N adjacent to the platform frame to a sideways direction before unfolding the folding sections = to the operating configuration. = According to a fourth example aspect there is provided a screening assembly for a mobile = mineral material processing plant, comprising the hanging conveyor system of the first > 30 example aspect. The screening assembly may comprise a mounting base configured to

O enable mounting of a screen unit to the screening assembly. The screening assembly may

O comprise the screen unit. The screen unit may comprise a multi-deck screen. The screen unit may comprise separate conveyors for oversize material flow of each deck of the multi- deck screen. The screening assembly may comprise a fines conveyor configured to transfer undersize material that has passed through the entire screen.

According to a fifth example aspect there is provided a mobile mineral material processing plant comprising the hanging conveyor system of the first or second example aspect or the screening assembly of the fourth example aspect.

Different non-binding example aspects and embodiments have been illustrated in the foregoing. The embodiments in the foregoing are used merely to explain selected aspects or steps that may be utilized in different implementations. Some embodiments may be presented only with reference to certain example aspects. It should be appreciated that corresponding embodiments may apply to other example aspects as well.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

Some example embodiments will be described with reference to the accompanying figures, in which:

Fig. 1 shows a portion of a mobile mineral material processing plant with a hanging conveyor system according to an example embodiment;

Fig. 2 shows the hanging conveyor system of Fig. 1 in a first partially folded configuration;

Fig. 3 shows the hanging conveyor system of Fig. 1 in a folded compacted configuration;

Fig. 4 shows some details of the hanging conveyor system of Fig. 3;

Fig. 5 shows a schematic drawing of a mobile mineral material processing plant of Fig. 1;

Fig. 6 shows an alternative actuation for the third folding section;

Fig. 7 shows a further alternative actuation for the third folding section; and

Fig. 8 shows a flow chart according to an example embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, like reference signs denote like elements or steps. The

N reference signs are numbered to commence with respective figure numbers.

N

N 25 Fig. 1 shows a portion of a mobile mineral material processing plant with a hanging conveyor < system 100 according to an example embodiment, and Fig. 5 shows a schematic drawing r of an entire mobile mineral material processing plant 500. The mobile mineral material

Ao - processing plant comprises a mobile platform 110 that comprises a platform frame 112 and % a track base 114 for self-propelling movement. In another example embodiment, the mobile a 30 platform 110 is towable on skids, wheels, and / or crawler tracks, and / or the mobile platform

S 110 is self-propelling by means of wheels. The platform frame 112 may support various mineral material processing devices such as a feeder 510 and a crusher 520.

The platform 110 may carry hanging processing devices such as a screen 120 attached to the platform frame as an overhang, for example.

The hanging conveyor system 100 comprises a conveyor frame 130 that here comprises four folding sections denoted as a first folding section 132, a second folding section 134, a third folding section 136, and a fourth folding section 138. The folding sections are pivotably attached in a sequence by corresponding first, second, and third pivotable folding section joints 133, 135 and 137 that connect adjacent base end of one pivotable folding section with a remote end of another folding section, wherein the remote end is towards a discharge end of the conveyor frame. In operation, a conveyor that is implemented using the conveyor frame 130 discharges processed mineral material at the discharge end, which appears in

Fig. 1 on the left-hand side of the drawing.

The hanging conveyor system 100 can be pivotable upwards and downwards for elevation adjustment of the conveyor frame 130. A longitudinally adjustable hanging actuator 140 is presented as a hanging support that can adjustably hang the conveyor frame 130 from the platform frame 112 with an adjustable effective length to adjust the elevation of the conveyor frame 130. For adjustable elevation, the conveyor frame 130 is connected to the platform frame 112 through a lower conveyor frame pivot joint, which is here further functions as the third pivotable folding section joint 137. The connection of the conveyor frame 130 to the platform frame 112 through the lower pivot joint can be offset using a subframe 570.

Fig. 6 illustrates another example embodiment of a hanging support 140’ that is not actuated or not adjustable during operation. For example, the hanging support 140° may here be a chain that can be set to a given length and attached to the second folding section 134 at a given fixing point at such a position that desired compacted configuration and operating configuration are attained. It shall be understood that the hanging support as a term covers — both actuated and other types of implementations. Unless actuation is required, the reader

N should understand that also non-actuated type is egually usable. a The conveyor frame 130 is further rotatable in horizontal direction about upper and lower + hinges 550, 560 and a shared (as in Fig. 5) hinge shaft 540, or separate ones. Also, other > types of hinge mechanisms can be used. The subframe 570 connects the conveyor frame

E30 130 to the lower hinge 560. 3 In embodiments in which the hanging actuator 140 is longitudinally adjustable, an angle of

N the hanging actuator 140 changes at its attaching at both ends on adjusting the elevation

N of the conveyor frame 130. Moreover, similar angle changes occur on compacting the conveyor system or resuming the conveyor system to its operating configuration with both the adjustable and non-adjustable hanging supports. To this end, there are respective first hanging pivot 142 and a second hanging pivot 144 for the attaching to the conveyor frame 130 and to the platform frame 112, respectively. The first hanging pivot further allows changing of the angle between the hanging actuator 140 and the second folding section 134 on pivoting the second folding section 134 as a part of folding the conveyor frame 130 to and from the compacted configuration.

The hanging actuator 140 and particularly the second hanging pivot 144 resides above the lower conveyor frame pivot joint, i.e., here the third pivotable folding section joint 137. In an example embodiment, a vertical component of a distance between the second hanging pivot — joint and the lower conveyor frame pivot joint has a length 11. In an example embodiment, a horizontal component of a distance between a discharge end of the conveyor frame and the lower conveyor frame pivot joint has a length 12. In an example embodiment, 11 divided by 12 is at least 0.15; 0.20; 0.25; or 0.30. In an example embodiment, 11 divided by 12 is at most 0.20; 0.25; 0.30; 0.50; or 1.00. In an example embodiment, the hanging actuator has alength I3. In an example embodiment, 11 divided by 13 is at least 0.30; 0.40; 0.50; or 0.60.

In an example embodiment, 11 divided by 13 is at most 0.40; 0.50; 0.60; or 1.00.

A folding actuator system may be provided, e.g., such as the one exemplified by Fig. 4. The folding actuator system can be configured to move adjacent ones of the folding sections 132, 134, 136, 138 to configure the conveyor frame to an extended operating configuration as shown in Fig. 1 or to a folded compacted configuration as shown in Fig. 3, or in a first partially folded configuration, such as shown in Fig. 2.

In Fig. 2, the first folding section 132 is pivoted down to a second direction so that a discharging end of the first folding section 132 is brought close to the second folding section 134. By dimensioning a length of the first folding section 132 smaller than a height of the first pivotable folding section joint 133, sufficient room is provided for the folding of the first

N folding section to its transport folding, in which the conveyor system 100 is in the first

N partially folded configuration. Thereafter, the third folding section 136 is folded in an - example embodiment to a first direction that is opposite to the second direction. On folding = the third folding section 136 to the first direction, the second folding section 134 is caused

E 30 to fold in the second direction because its remote end remains supported at a constant — distance from the platform frame 112 while its base end is lifted by the discharge end of the 3 third folding section 136. In an example embodiment, thereafter or concurrently, the fourth

N folding section 138 is pivoted in the second direction, for example, by lifting its base end.

N

In another example embodiment, the first folding section 134 is pivoted up to the first direction. It shall be appreciated that while Figs. 1 to 5 show the hanging support and a first folding actuator 420 so that they appear to hinder pivoting up the first folding section 134 against the second folding section, the various actuator and support structures can be and preferably are attached to opposite sides of the conveyor frame 130. Hence, the first folding section 132 can be pivotable on top against the second folding section 134.

Fig. 4 shows some details of the hanging conveyor system of Fig. 3. The folding actuator system comprises a portion shown in Fig. 4 for folding the first folding section 132. Similar portions may be provided for folding the third folding section 136 and for folding the fourth folding section 138. As mentioned in the foregoing, the folding of the third folding section 136 in Figs. 1 and 5 will also fold the second folding section 134.

A first folding actuator 420 is attached to the second folding section 134 by a first folding actuator pivot 422, and a second folding actuator pivot 412. A lever 410 is fixedly attached to the first folding section 132 and pivoted by the first pivotable folding section joint 133 that also pivotably attaches together the first folding section 132 and the second folding section 134. A free end of the lever 410 supports the second folding actuator pivot 412. In this embodiment, the folding actuator 420 can be positioned along a side of the conveyor frame so that the folding actuator 420 requires little spaces about the conveyor frame 130.

Fig. 5 further shows a second folding actuator 580 attached between the second and third folding sections 134, 136; and third a folding actuator 590 attached between the third and fourth folding sections 136, 138.

In an example embodiment, the hanging conveyor system is configured to automatically compacting into the compacted configuration in the storage position and / or to automatically extend to the operating configuration in the operating position. To this end, the hanging conveyor system may be equipped with a configuration logic circuitry configured to automatically perform a seguence of movements to extend the conveyor frame to the

N 25 operating configuration in the operating position and / or fold to the compacted configuration

S in the storage position. The configuration logic circuitry may comprise one or more limit

N switches and / or one or more angle sensor configured to indicate current angle of one or + more parts of the hanging conveyor system.

E The configuration logic circuitry may be configured to inhibit movements of the hanging — 30 conveyor system such that any part of the hanging conveyor system would collide or risk 3 colliding with any parts of the mineral material processing plant. ä Fig. 6 shows an alternative actuation for the third folding section. Here, the second folding actuator 580 is connected between the hanging support 140’ and a second folding section joint 135 that pivotably connects the second folding section 134 with the third folding section

136. Using this second folding section joint 135 as one attachment point for the second folding actuator is only one example, while the second folding actuator 580 could be likewise attached to the third folding section 136, spaced apart from its base end and preferably closer to a remote end, or to a base end or near the base end of the second folding section 134. Even if attached to the second folding section 134 at the base end, the second folding actuator 580 could still move the third folding section 136 via the second folding section joint 135.

Fig. 7 shows a further alternative in which the second folding actuator 580 interconnects a remote end of the third folding section 136 with the subframe 570. Fig. 7 further shows — another way of supporting the fourth folding section so that a good clearing is maintained while the third folding section pivots upward, using a non-actuated link coupled between the subframe 570 and the third folding section 136. The link may comprise a rod; an adjustable length rod; a wire; a chain; a belt; a screw; and / or a bolt.

Fig. 8 shows a flow chart according to an example embodiment. Fig. 6 illustrates a method — for compacting a hanging conveyor system of a mobile mineral material processing plant, wherein the mobile mineral material processing plant comprises a platform frame, the method comprising 801. supporting a conveyor frame to the platform frame using a pivot configured to pivotably attach the conveyor frame on a lateral side of the platform frame so that the conveyor frame is pivotable between an operating position and a storage position, the storage position residing adjacent to the platform frame and the operating position differing from the storage position; 802. hanging the conveyor frame from the platform frame using an optionally actuated hanging support; 803. pivotably attaching in a sequence at least three folding sections of the conveyor frame

N with intermediate pivotable folding section joints between adjacent folding sections;

N 804. folding the folding sections by a folding actuator system from an operating

N configuration, in which the folding sections each extend from a base end to a remote > end that is towards a discharge end of the conveyor frame, to a compacted

Ek 30 configuration, with movements comprising: = 805. pivoting up or down a remote end a first folding section by more than 90 degrees over 3 a first pivotable folding section joint attaching the first folding section with a second

N folding section, wherein the first folding section resides at the discharge end of the

S conveyor frame; and 806. pivoting upwards a base end of the second folding section and a remote end of a third folding section.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 807. folding the folding sections by the folding actuator system from the compacted configuration back to the operating configuration.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 808. elevating a discharge end of the conveyor frame by the hanging support to an operating angle in the operating configuration.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 809. changing by a first folding section actuator an angle between the first folding section and the second folding section.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 810. changing by a second folding section actuator an angle between the second folding section and the third folding section.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 811. pivoting upwards a base end of a fourth folding section that is adjacent to the third folding section, and / or pivoting downwards a remote end of the fourth folding section.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 812. changing by a third folding section actuator an angle between the third folding section and the fourth folding section.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 813. folding by the folding actuator system the conveyor frame so that in the folded compacted configuration, the second folding section resides entirely at a height

N greater than 75 %, 60 %; or 50 % of a top height of the platform frame and at most at

N 25 the top height of the platform frame.

N

3 In an example embodiment, the method further comprises ” 814. folding by the folding actuator system the conveyor frame leaving in the folded

I a. compacted configuration a pocket between the second folding section, the third 5 folding section, and the remote end of the first folding section, for laterally protruding

O . . . .

W 30 eguipment of the mineral material processing plant.

N

N In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 815. folding by the folding actuator system the conveyor frame so that in the folded compacted configuration, the first folding section is at least partly serviceable by personnel while standing on a level ground.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 816. rotating the conveyor frame to the storage position adjacent to the platform frame when in the compacted configuration.

In an example embodiment, the method further comprises 817. rotating the conveyor frame from the storage position adjacent to the platform frame to a sideways direction before unfolding the folding sections to the operating configuration.

Numerous advantages may result from different embodiments. For example, the folding actuator system may fold the conveyor frame so that in the folded compacted configuration, the second folding section resides entirely at a height greater than 75 % of a top height of the platform frame and at most at the top height of the platform frame. In result, the second folding section 134 will not increase a transportation height denoted by T in Figs. 1 to 3. On the other hand, the second folding section 134 leaves plenty of space beneath for the first folding section 132 and allows pivoting upwards the third folding section at its remote end.

Collisions with laterally protruding parts attached or formed by the platform frame may thus be avoided. For example, in the folded compacted configuration, a pocket 310 may be left between the second folding section, the third folding section, and the remote end of the first folding section for laterally protruding equipment of the mineral material processing plant, as shown in Fig. 3.

In an example embodiment, a hanging conveyor system (100) of a mobile mineral material processing plant (500) is compacted. A conveyor frame (130) is supported to a platform frame (112) of the plant of the plant by a horizontal pivoting between an operating and storage positions. At least three folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138), intermediate section

N 25 joints (133, 135, 137), and an actuation mechanism enable folding and unfolding the

N conveyor frame by pivoting up or down a remote end of a first folding section (132) at a = discharge end of the conveyor frame by more than 90 degrees over a first pivotable folding

J section joint (133); and pivoting upwards a base end of a second folding section (134) and

E aremote end of a third folding section (136). pa 30 Any of the afore described methods, method steps, or combinations thereof, may be 3 controlled or performed using hardware; software; firmware; or any combination thereof.

O The software and/or hardware may be local; distributed; centralised; virtualised; or any combination thereof. Moreover, any form of computing, including computational intelligence, may be used for controlling or performing any of the afore described methods,

method steps, or combinations thereof. Computational intelligence may refer to, for example, any of artificial intelligence; neural networks; fuzzy logics, machine learning; genetic algorithms; evolutionary computation; or any combination thereof.

Various embodiments have been presented. It should be appreciated that in this document, words comprise; include; and contain are each used as open-ended expressions with no intended exclusivity.

The foregoing description has provided by way of non-limiting examples of particular implementations and embodiments a full and informative description of the best mode presently contemplated by the inventors for carrying out the invention. It is however clear to a person skilled in the art that the invention is not restricted to details of the embodiments presented in the foregoing, but that it can be implemented in other embodiments using eguivalent means or in different combinations of embodiments without deviating from the characteristics of the invention.

Furthermore, some of the features of the afore-disclosed example embodiments may be used to advantage without the corresponding use of other features. As such, the foregoing description shall be considered as merely illustrative of the principles of the present invention, and not in limitation thereof. Hence, the scope of the invention is only restricted by the appended patent claims.

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Claims

1. A conveyor system (100) for a mobile mineral material processing plant (500) that comprises a platform frame (112), the conveyor system comprising a conveyor frame (130); and a folding actuator system configured to fold the folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) to a compacted configuration from an operating configuration, in which the folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) each extend from a base end to a remote end that is towards a discharge end of the conveyor frame (130); characterised in that the conveyor system (100) further comprises a pivot configured to pivotably attach the conveyor frame (130) on a lateral side of the platform frame (112) so that the conveyor frame (130) is pivotable between an operating position and a storage position, the storage position residing adjacent to the platform frame (112) and the operating position differing from the storage position; a hanging support (140) configured to hang the conveyor frame (130) from the — platform frame (112); the conveyor frame (130) comprising seguentially at least three folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) pivotably attached by intermediate pivotable folding section joints (133, 135, 137) between adjacent folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138); and the folding actuator system being configured to perform the folding of the folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) from the operating configuration to the compacted configuration with movements comprising: pivoting up or down a remote end a first folding section (132) by more than 90 degrees over a first pivotable folding section joint (133) attaching the first folding section (132) with a second folding section (134), wherein the first folding section (132) resides at the discharge end of the conveyor frame (130); and N pivotina upwards a base end of the second folding section (134) and a remote end of O a third folding section (136).

= 2. The conveyor system (100) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the folding actuator system is J further configured to fold the folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) from the compacted E 30 configuration back to the operating configuration.

% 3. The conveyor system (100) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the hanging a support (140) is further configured to elevate a discharge end of the conveyor frame (130) S to an operating angle in the operating configuration.

4. The conveyor system (100) of any one of preceding claims, further comprising a first folding section actuator (420) configured to change an angle between the first folding section (132) and the second folding section (134).

5. The conveyor system (100) of any one of preceding claims, further comprising a second folding section actuator (580) configured to change an angle between the second folding section (134) and the third folding section (136).

6. The conveyor system (100) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the folding actuator system is further configured to pivot upwards a base end of a fourth folding section (138) that is adjacent to the third folding section (136), and / or pivoting down a remote end of the fourth folding section (138).

7. The conveyor system (100) of claim 6, further comprising a third folding section actuator (590) configured to change an angle between the third folding section (136) and the fourth folding section (138).

8. The conveyor system (100) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the folding actuator system is further configured to fold the conveyor frame (130) so that in the folded compacted configuration, the second folding section (134) resides entirely at a height greater than 75 % of a top height of the platform frame (112) and at most at the top height of the platform frame (112).

9. The conveyor system (100) of any one of preceding claims, wherein the folding actuator system is further configured to leave in the folded compacted configuration a pocket (310) between the second folding section (134), the third folding section (136), and the remote end of the first folding section (132), for laterally protruding equipment of the mineral material processing plant (500).

10. The conveyor system (100) of any one of preceding claims, wherein in the folded N compacted configuration, the first folding section (132) is at least partly serviceable by a 25 personnel while standing on a level ground. N N

11. A mobile mineral material processing plant (500) comprising the hanging conveyor + — system (100) of any one of claims 1 to 10. I a =

12. A method for compacting a hanging conveyor system (100) of a mobile mineral % material processing plant (500), wherein the mobile mineral material processing plant (500) a 30 comprises a platform frame (112), the method comprising N supporting a conveyor frame (130) to the platform frame (112) using a pivot configured to pivotably attach the conveyor frame (130) so that the conveyor frame (130) is pivotable between an operating position and a storage position, the operating position differing from the storage position; pivotably supporting in a sequence at least three folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) of the conveyor frame (130) with intermediate pivotable folding section joints (133, 135, 137) between adjacent folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138); and folding the folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) by a folding actuator system to a compacted configuration from an operating configuration, in which the folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) each extend from a base end to a remote end that is towards a discharge end of the conveyor frame (130); characterised in that the method further comprises performing the pivotably attaching of the conveyor frame (130) on a lateral side of the — platform frame (112); the storage position residing adjacent to the platform frame (112); hanging the conveyor frame (130) from the platform frame (112) using a hanging support; and performing the folding of the folding sections (132, 134, 136, 138) from the — operating configuration to the compacted configuration with movements comprising: pivoting up or down a remote end a first folding section (132) by more than 90 degrees over a first pivotable folding section joint (133) supporting the first folding section (132) with a second folding section (134), wherein the first folding section (132) resides at the discharge end of the conveyor frame (130); and pivoting upwards a base end of the second folding section (134) and a remote end of a third folding section (136).

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising pivoting upwards a base end of a fourth folding section (138) that is adjacent to the third folding section (136), and / or pivoting downwards a remote end of the fourth folding section (138).

14 The method of claim 12 or 13 further comprising folding the folding sections (132, 134, N 136, 138) by the folding actuator system from the compacted configuration back to the N operating configuration. 3

15. The method of any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising rotating the conveyor frame (130) to the storage position adjacent to the platform frame (112) when in the E 30 compacted configuration. © 2 S