GB2113642A

GB2113642A - A conveyor assembly

Info

Publication number: GB2113642A
Application number: GB08236318A
Authority: GB
Inventors: John Reginald Douglas Orwin
Original assignee: MIDDLETON DOUGLAS Ltd
Current assignee: MIDDLETON DOUGLAS Ltd
Priority date: 1982-01-15
Filing date: 1982-12-21
Publication date: 1983-08-10

Abstract

Conveyor apparatus comprises a conveyor arrangement and guide means for guiding the conveyor arrangement along a predetermined path, the conveyor arrangement comprising at least one movable conveyor 20 and having input and output areas for material to be conveyed and, in use being arranged at least in part above or alongside a stationary conveyor 14 to discharge material on to said stationary conveyor. The movable conveyor may be belt, vibratory or a scraper bar conveyor. In the latter case the load bed is composed of sections which are articulated to permit the bed to curve. A single scraper chain at the corner side of the curve is provided. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to conveyers The invention relates to conveyors especially but not exclusively for use in working in confined spaces, for example in mines.

It is the common practice in mines to provide a main conveyor extending along a tunnel, roadway or gallery or near one wall thereof. A problem arises when it is desired to drive a new tunnel off such a main tunnel at an angle. Not only is working space restricted but the material removed has to be loaded quickly on to the main conveyor to keep the original tunnel clear so that other work can continue. Initially the working area is close to the main conveyor and rubble can be loaded thereon relatively easily but as work progresses on the new tunnel excavated material has to be moved some distance from the tunnelling machine to the main conveyor. A point is reached where the side tunnel is long enough (typically lOM) to receive a main conveyor of its own.The removal of material prior to the start of the operation of the new main conveyor without causing interruptions in the main tunnel presents a problem.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate the above-mentioned problem.

The present invention provides a conveyor apparatus comprising a conveyor arrangement and guide means for guiding the conveyor arrangement along a predetermined path, the conveyor arrangement comprising at least one movable conveyor and having input and output areas for material to be conveyed and in use being arranged at least in part above or alongside a stationary conveyor to discharge material on to said stationary conveyor.

In one embodiment the conveyor arrangement comprises a train of at least two conveyors mounted for movement along the guide means, the conveyors being arranged so that material discharging from one conveyor passes to the next conveyor in the train until it is discharged from an output end of the train. The said conveyors may be vibrating or scraper conveyors but are preferably belt conveyors.

Preferably the guide means is a track and the conveyors are mounted on bogies which run on the track. One bogie may support the input end of one conveyor and the output end of the neighbouring conveyor. An output end of one conveyor is preferably supported above an input end of the neighbouring conveyor. Preferably all the conveyors are driven at the same speed. Drive means for the conveyors may be pneumatic, hydraulic, electric or mechanical.

In another embodiment the conveyor arrangement comprises a scraper conveyor having scraper flight bars and abed consisting of a plurality of sections articulated so that the conveyor can conform to said track and operate when said track is in a curved configuration, means being provided for constraining the scraper flight bars to negotiate the curve.

Preferably each of said sections is pivotally connected at a corner to a neighbouring section. Each section is preferably of generally rectangular shape with a shelf like recess in the load bed at one end and a load bed at an opposite end extended to form a tongue, the tongue of one section nesting on the shelf of another section. The recesses and tongues are preferably shaped such that when the sections are arranged in a straight line the tongue of one section substantially fills the recess of its neighbour.

The tongue of each section is preferably arcuate in plan the centre of the arc being the centre of a corner pivot of the section.

Means may be provided for securing the sections to one another in a straight line. These means may be provided by a spigot and socket arrangement each section having a spigot on one end and a socket on the other end or more preferably a socket on one end in which can be inserted a rigid bar to lie alongside and optionally be attached to a neighbouring section.

Each section is preferably provided with side walls to retain material on the scraper bed and an undersection along which the return run of the scraper chain and flights pass.

It will be understood that the pivots are provided at sides of the sections corresponding to the inner radius of curve in the conveyor.

The means for constraining the scraper flight bars to negotiate a curve comprises a plurality of pulleys or sprocket wheels on the sides of the sections corresponding to the inner radius of the curve.

The movable conveyor is preferably provided with a scraper chain movable along only one side of each of the sections, the flight bars being fixed to and extending rigidly from the scraper chain at the point of fixing, the scraper chain contacting the said pulleys or sprocket wheels. The material retaining side walls may also help to guide the flight bars to negotiate the curve.

The guide means may be arranged to guide the conveyor arrangement along a straight or curved path and may be provided by a length of track laid alongside the stationary conveyor, and the movable conveyor, or where a conveyor train is provided, the last conveyor in the train, at the output end thereof, is mounted at an angle with respect to the track so that it discharges on to the stationary conveyor whatever its position along the track. Aiternatively an angled chute may be provided. A third alternative is to mount the track or other guide means at least in part above the stationary conveyor. Preferably a remote end of the track curves away from the stationary conveyor in a direction towards the workings. Preferably means are provided on the leading end of the train for attaching it to an excavating apparatus whereby the train is pulled along behind the excavator as it progresses.

Preferably where the conveyor arrangement comprises a train of belt conveyors the track comprises a pair of rails held in spaced apart relation. The rails are preferably each of channel section having their opening in facing relationship, each bogie being mounted on wheels or rollers, rolling within the channel sections. However, when the conveyor arrangement comprises a scraper conveyor flanged rollers may be used as the guide means side walls of the conveyor being received between the flanges of the rollers.

Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a schematic plan view of a first conveyor train according to the invention, and Figure 2 is a schematic lateral cross-sectional view of a conveyor forming part of a conveyor train shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a schematic plan view of a second conveyor train according to the invention shown partly cut-away.

Figure 4 is a schematic side elevation of the conveyor train shown in Figure 3 partly cut away.

Figure 5 is a plan view on an enlarged scale of a conveyor pan shown partly cut away of a type used in the conveyor train of Figures 3 & 4.

Figure 6 is a cross-sectional view on line VI - VI of Figure 5 shown partly cut away and with some parts omitted for clarity.

Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view on line VII-VII of Figure 5 showing a cross section of a hinge structure when the conveyor pan is linked to another pan via the hinge.

Figure 8 is a side elevational view on an enlarged scale in the direction of arrow A of Figure 7 showing part of two conveyor pans linked together.

Figure 9 is a schematic view on a still larger scale of part of the conveyor pan shown in Figure 7 and showing also a part of a scraper chain and scraper flight bar and Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the scraper chain and scraper flight bar shown in Figure 8.

Figure 1 shows a gallery 10 from which a side gallery 12 is being excavated. A main conveyor 14 is arranged near one wall of the gallery 10 and carries excavated material in the direction of the arrow. A track 18 is laid in the gallery 10, a portion 18a of said track lying alongside the main conveyor 14. The track curves away into a limb 18b which extends into the newly excavated side gallery 12. A train 20 of linear conveyors 22 is mounted to run on the track 18, the conveyors being mounted to form a cascade carrying material from an input end 20b to an output end 20a of the conveyor train. As the side gallery 12 is excavated the conveyor train is drawn into the side gallery after laying more track on the limb 18b if necessary. The train is attached at its leading end to the mining machine excavating the side gallery and as the machine advances it pulls the train with it.The outlet end 20a of the conveyor train moves progressively in a direction opposite to that shown by the arrow until it reaches the region of the curve in the track 18 whereupon either the side gallery is long enough to have its own permanent conveyor installed therein, or if required the length of the train 20 is extended by adding more linear conveyors. The output end of the conveyor train has a conveyor having a belt angled with respect to the track 18 so that it overlies the main conveyor 14 and discharges excavated material on to it.

The power for the conveyor train may be provided from any power source which is convenient such as a main air supply or hydraulic system. Links by means of which the power source is conveyed between the linear conveyors need to be flexible in order to allow the conveyors to move relative one to the other when negotiating a curve in the track 18.

Figure 2 shows a bogie upon which are mounted respective ends of two conveyors (not shown). The bogie comprises a truck 24 having thereon an axle bearing a pair of wheels 26 and a platform 28 which is rotatable relative to the truck 24 and upon which is mounted one end of a conveyor 22 (not shown in Figure 2).

When the track 18 is substantially horizontal each of the conveyors 22 is inclined from the leading to the trailing end so that the trailing end of each conveyor but the last conveyor overlies the leading end of a neighbouring conveyor.

Whilst in the foregoing description the section 18a of the track was mounted alongside the main conveyor 14, the track may alternatively be mounted above the main conveyor 14 as shown chain dotted at 18e in Figure 1.

Turning now to the second conveyor train shown in Figures 3-9. It is required to excavate a side gallery 112 from a main gallery 110. A main belt conveyor 114 has overlying a part of it a conveyor train which comprises a scraper chain conveyor 116 consisting of a number of scraper conveyor pans 118 which are capable of articulation one relative to another by means to be described hereinafter. When the conveyor pans are disposed in a straight line as those generally indicated at 120 then they may be locked together in such a line. When they are freed to articulate they may be disposed around a curved track as indicated generally at 122. The conveyor 116 is mounted above the conveyor 114 by means of rollers 124 mounted at spaced intervals above the conveyor 114 and which have flanges.The conveyor pans roll along these rollers, the flanges providing a guide for outer side portions of the conveyor pans.

The part of conveyor 116 overlying the belt conveyor 114 and the parts not overlying said belt conveyor are linked by a gradient section 126 of approximately 3 inclination. A rigid curved track 128 fixed to the floor of the gallery (by fixings or by its own weight) constrains the conveyor pans to follow a curve the track having walls which partially enclose the conveyor pans. The tendency of the conveyor 116 to move along the conveyor 114 in a direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 4 due to the conveyor pans running down the gradient 126 is countered by a winch 127 which can be controlled to release the conveyor 116 as more of the conveyor is needed in the side gallery 112.

The scraper chain conveyor is able to be curved by virtue of the conveyor having one endless chain 130 disposed at one side of the deck corresponding to the smaller radius of the curve. The flight bars 132 are cantilevered from links of this chain (see Figures 9 and 10) and the chain is constrained to pass round the curve by pulleys 134 which form part of articulation hinges 136a, 136b about to be described. In order that there shall not be gaps in the conveyor deck the conveyor pans are provided with sector shaped extensions which overlie neighbouring plates to varying degrees. The conveyor 116 is driven by a chain drivehead 138 in the usual manner.

A return end 140 is provided at the input end of the conveyor 116.

Referring particularly to Figures 5, 6,7 and 8 the conveyor pans each consist of a substantially rectangular deck 142 upon which material is conveyed, the deck having at one end a recess 144 and at an opposite end a sector-shaped extension 146 of reduced thickness. When the conveyor pans are arranged in a straight ling the sector-shaped extension of one conveyor pan overlies substantially all the recess 144 of the deck of a neighbouring conveyor pan. Each conveyor pan is provided with bushes at one side of each end two bushes 136a at one end of one conveyor pan receiving between them in use a bush 136b of an adjacent conveyor pan (see Figure 7). The bushes 136a are bifurcated and each receive between their arms a pulley 134 with bearing (not shown), the whole being united by a pivot pin 148.Thus as will be seen from Figures 7 and 8 the conveyor pans can pivot about the pins 148 one relative to the other and rotatable pulleys 134 are pivoted at these points to guide horizontal links of the scraper chain 130. When adjacent conveyor pans are angled one relative to the other the sector shaped extensions 146 will overlie a smaller portion of the recesses 144. This will leave a small depression in the deck which will become filled with coal dust whereupon the deck will in effect be substantially continuous. An upper pulley 134 will guide the outwardly moving chain and a lower pulley the chain on its return (seeR in Figure 7).

The conveyor pans 118 are provided with overhanging sides 148 to inhibit the fouling of the drive chain (upon whichever side it is placed) by conveyed material. Spill guards 150 are provided to prevent material faliing from the conveyor. The spill guards are provided with brackets 152 which can in use receive spigot members (not shown) bolted to an adjacent conveyor pan when the pans are to be used in a straight line. Such members add rigidity to the conveyor.

In use, the conveyor train 116 is mounted with most of it overlying the conveyor 114. As the side galery 112 is excavated conveyor pan sections are moved into the side gallery after releasing any spigot members so that the pans may negotiate the curved track. When all but the end of the conveyor 116 is in the side gallery a more permanent conveyor may be established there.

With respect to the conveyor train, the tracks therefor may be of channel section, the channels being arranged in a back to back configuration so that coal debris will not accumulate within the channels to impede the passage of the conveyor train wheels or rollers.

Various modifications may be made within the scope of the invention. For example the conveyor 114 may, instead of being a belt conveyor, be a scraper conveyor. A track of the kind described with reference to the first conveyor train may be used instead of the roller arrangement described with respect to the second conveyor train.

Claims

1. Conveyor apparatus comprising a conveyor arrangement and guide means for guiding the conveyor arrangement along a predetermined path, the conveyor arrangement comprising at least one movable conveyor and having input and output areas for material to be conveyed and, in use, being arranged at least in part above or alongside a stationary conveyor to discharge material on to said stationary conveyor.

2. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the guide means is a track, and the conveyor arrangement is mounted on bogies which run on the track.

3. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the conveyor arrangement comprises a train of at least two conveyors mounted for movement along the guide means, the conveyors being arranged so that material discharging from one conveyor passes to the next conveyor in the train until it is discharged from the output end of the train.

4. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 3 in which at least one of the conveyors is a belt conveyor.

5. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 3 or claim 4 in which at least one of the conveyors is a vibratory conveyor.

6. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 5 in which the guide means is a track, and the conveyors are mounted on bogies which run on the track at least one of the bogies supporting an input end of one conveyor and an output end of a neighbouring conveyor.

7. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 6 in which the track comprises a pair of rails held in spaced apart relation the rails being of channel section arranged in back-to-back relation, each bogie being mounted on wheels or rollers, rolling within the channel sections.

8. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7 in which the output end of each conveyor in the train, except the conveyor adjacent the stationary conveyor overlies an input end of a neighbouring conveyor, and the conveyor adjacent the stationary conveyor has an output end overlying said stationary conveyor.

9. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 3 to 8 in which all the conveyors are driven so that they convey material at the same speed.

10. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 1 in which the conveyor comprises a scraper conveyor having scraper flight bars and a bed consisting of a plurality of sections articulated so that the conveyor can conform to said predetermined path and operate when said path is curved, means being provided for constraining the scraper flight bars-to negotiate the curve.

11. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 10 in which each of said sections is pivotally connected at a corner to a neighbouring section, the pivots being provided at sides of the sections corresponding to the inner radius of the curve.

12. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 10 or claim 11 in which each of said sections is preferably of generally rectangular shape with a shelf-like recess in the load bed at one end and a load bed at an opposite end extended to form a tongue.

13. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 12 in which the shelf-like recess and tongue are shaped such that when the sections are arranged in a straight line the tongue of one section substantially fills the recess of a neighbouring section.

14. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 11 to 13 in which the tongue of each section is arcuate in plan, the centre of the arc being the centre or a corner pivot of the section.

15. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14 in which securing means are provided for securing the sections to one another in a straight line.

16. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in which said securing means are provided by a spigot and socket arrangement, each section having at least one spigot on one end and at least one socket on the other end.

17. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 15 in which said securing means are provided by at least one socket provided on one end of each section said socket in use receiving a rigid bar arranged to lie alongside a neighbouring section.

18. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 17 in which said rigid bar is attached to said neighbouring section.

19. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 18 in which each section is provided with side walls to retain material on the scraper bed and an undersection along which the return run of the scraper chain and flights passes.

20. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 19 in which said means for constraining the scraper flight bars to negotiate the curve comprises a plurality of pulleys on the sides of the sections corresponding to the inner radius of the curve.

21. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 19 in which said means for constraining the scraper flight bars to negotiate the curve comprises a plurality of sprocket wheels on the sides of the sections corresponding to the inner radius of the curve.

22. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 20 or claim 21 in which the scraper conveyor is provided with a scraper chain movable along only one side of each of the sections, the flight bars being fixed to and extending rigidly from the scraper chain at the point of fixing, the scraper chain contacting said pulleys or sprocket wheels.

23. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 or 8 to 21 in which the guide means is a track laid alongside the stationary conveyor and the movable conveyor; or where the conveyor arrangement is provided by a train of conveyors, the last conveyor in the train, at the output end thereof; is mounted at an angle with respect to the track so that it discharges material on to the stationary conveyor whatever its position along the track.

24. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 6 or 9 to 21 in which the guide means is a track laid alongside the stationary conveyor and the movable conveyor; or where the conveyor arrangement is provided by a train of conveyors, the last conveyor in the train, at the output end thereof; is provided with an angled chute so that it discharges material on to the stationary conveyor whatever its position along the track.

25. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 1 to 22 in which the guide means is a track and is provided at least in part above the stationary conveyor.

26. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in claim 23, 24 or 25 in which the track curves away from the stationary conveyor.

27. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any preceding claim in which means are provided for attaching the conveyor arrangement at an input end to an excavating machine, so that, as the excavating machine advances the conveyor arrangement is drawn along with it with the output end still discharging material on to the stationary conveyor.

28. Conveyor apparatus as claimed in any of claims 10 to 27 in which the guide means comprises a plurality of flanged rollers, side walls of the scraper conveyor being received between the flange of the rollers.

29. Conveyor apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 3 of the accompanying drawings.

30. Conveyor apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 4 to 9 of the accompanying drawings.

31. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter herein disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.