CONVEYOR MACHINE HAVING PIVOT CONNECTOR COMPRISING CURVED TRACK AND ROLLERS ENGAGING TRACK

摘要

A mobile conveyor machine is provided for a cascading conveyor system in the form of a series of mobile conveyor machines pivotably connected together in the form of a conveyor train. The conveyor machine comprises an elongate supporting frame arranged substantially horizontally and having longitudinal side frame members and first and second ends. The supporting frame extends along a central longitudinal axis of the conveyor machine. A conveyor belt system is mounted on the supporting frame and arranged to convey materials from the first end to the second end. A pair of transversely aligned propelling devices are each separately connected to the supporting frame for pivotable movement about a generally vertical pivot axis. This pair is located near but spaced from the first end and has a common axis of rotation when the propelling devices are positioned to move the conveyor machine in a straightforward direction. The machine also comprises a power mechanism for steering the pair of propelling devices. A pivot mechanism for pivotably connecting the mobile conveyor machine at the first end to an end section of another mobile conveyor machine comprises a curved track bent in a horizontal circular arc having a center of curvature located midway between the propelling devices on the axis of rotation and rigidly mounted on the supporting frame. The pivot mechanism further comprises a hitch unit mounted for rolling movement on the track and connected to the track. This hitch unit has roller means engaging the track and is adapted for detachable connection to the another mobile conveyor machine.