Folding mechanism for a conveyor device

The invention relates to a conveyor device (20) for a material machining device (10), comprising a base portion (110) and a transport portion (24). The base portion (110) is designed for coupling to the material machining device (10) and is connected to the transport portion (24) via joint portion (30) such that the transport portion (24) is rotatable or pivotal and can be folded inwards about a longitudinal axis between an operation position and a transport position on at least one part of the adjustment path of the transport portion (24) by means of a first and a second rotary joint (36, 35). The joint portion (30) has a first and a second connection element (40, 80) and a joint central part (50); the first connection element (40) is equipped for directly or indirectly coupling to the material machining device (10), and the second connection element (80) is equipped for directly or indirectly coupling to the transport portion (24); and the connection elements (40, 80) and the joint central part (50) are coupled by means of the two rotary joints (35, 36). The conveyor device (20) can be mounted and used on both sides of the material machining device (10) by means of the joint portion (30).

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to a conveyor device for a materials processing device, having a base portion and a transport portion, wherein the base portion is realized for coupling to the materials processing device and is connected to the transport portion by means of a joint portion in such a manner that the transport portion is rotatable or pivotable about a longitudinal axis by means of a first and a second rotary joint along at least part of the adjustment path of the transport portion between an operating position and a transport position and can be folded-in.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Document EP 1 628 896 B1 discloses a foldable conveyor belt which is attached to the side of a movable chassis. It consists of three part regions. A base region is connected fixedly to the chassis. A central region is connected pivotably to a base region, whilst an end region is mounted so as to be pivotable on the central region. A two-part support device connects the chassis to the end portion. The two part portions of the support device can be nested together in the manner of a telescope and fixed in a respective position. Three movable connections are formed. A first movable connection is realized between the first part portion of the support device and the chassis, a second movable connection is realized between the two part portions and a third movable connection is realized between the second part portion and the end region of the conveyor belt. The first and the third movable connections each enable two or three degrees of freedom of movement, whilst the second enables longitudinal adjustment and rotation. As a result of the support device, the conveyor belt can be held in its operating position. As a result of the movable connections, the support device is able to follow the movement of the conveyor belt when the conveyor belt is folded. The two outer part regions of the conveyor belt can thus be folded against the chassis, for example for transport purposes. As a result of the overlapping folding movement, the conveyor belt on the side of the chassis is aligned pointing forward or rearward such that it does not protrude upward beyond the chassis. In this case, the belt points with its surface in the direction of the chassis, as a result of which a smaller space requirement is achieved. The arrangement requires a plurality of movable components which have to be precisely matched to one another as regards their lengths and degrees of freedom. If one of the components is misaligned slightly in relation to the other movable components, for example under rough operating conditions as a result of external influences during the intended use, the movement is blocked. If, then, the introduction of force by the drive elements is not immediately interrupted, this can result in serious damage to the conveyor belt and to the associated support elements.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 8,113,332 B2 describes a conveyor system for a mobile screening unit. A three-part conveyor belt can be adjusted between an operating and a transport position. In the operating position, the three parts are aligned with respect to one another in a row. For transport, the outer end part of the conveyor system is folded-in about a first axis which runs transversely to the conveyor belt such that it lies parallel to a central part of the conveyor system. The central part is then folded-in about a second axis in relation to a base part. The first and the second axes are at an angle to one another. As a result, when folding about the second axis, the conveyor system is additionally rotated about its longitudinal axis such that the belt abuts longitudinally against the side of the screening unit aligned somewhat horizontally. In this case, the belt is aligned with its transport surface toward the screening unit. Many movably mounted connecting elements, which are designed for a sufficient load-bearing capacity in the operating position and the necessary mobility of the central part in relation to the base part, are necessary between the base part and the central part in this case too. Consequently, in this case too, there is the disadvantage of the components still having to be aligned precisely to one another after a long operating period and after heavy mechanical stresses in order to ensure the complex movement sequence.

EP 2 137 090 B1 discloses a materials processing apparatus with a conveyor. In a folded-out state, the conveyor protrudes laterally from the device and can be folded-in against the conveyor in such a manner and at the same time rotated about its longitudinal axis that its front or rear side faces the device. The conveyor is connected to the apparatus by way of a corresponding joint connection which enables two rotational movements which are perpendicular to one another. A rigid connecting element is arranged above or below the conveyor and is fastened so as to be movable on one side of the conveyor and on the apparatus. A linear actuating element is arranged between the conveyor and the connecting element. When extended, the linear actuating element realizes the one side of the conveyor and the connecting element realizes a triangle. When the linear actuating element is retracted, the side of the conveyor is pulled approximately parallel to the connecting element. In this case, the conveyor is rotated about the two rotational axes of the joint connection such that it bears laterally against the materials processing device.

WO 2013/057300 describes a materials processing device with a conveyor belt which is arranged protruding laterally in an operating position. For transport, the conveyor belt can be folded about a first joint connection onto the materials processing device. In this case, a rotational movement of the conveyor belt is effected in such a manner that it abuts against a first side of the materials processing device by way of its front or rear side. The end of the conveyor belt now protruding beyond the first side of the materials processing device can be folded down by means of a second joint connection such that it abuts against a second side of the materials processing device. The first joint connection is formed by a rotational axis arranged at an angle, about which the central part of the conveyor belt is rotated to the materials processing device.

A disadvantage of said disclosed folding mechanisms is additionally that the joints are arranged in such a manner that there is always a combined rotational movement of the conveyor belt about its longitudinal axis and at the same time a folding movement of the conveyor belt to the materials processing device. It is not possible to actuate and carry out the two movements separately. As a result, the joint connections have to be structurally modified when the conveyor belt is to be provided for different materials processing devices or when the same conveyor belt is to be used at different positions on the materials processing device.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a sturdy folding mechanism for a conveyor device which is able to be adapted individually to the respective installation site of the conveyor device.

The object of the invention is achieved in that the joint portion comprises a first and a second connection element and a joint central part, that the first connection element is provided for indirect or direct coupling to the materials processing device and the second connection element is provided for indirect or direct coupling to the transport portion, and that the connection elements and the joint central part are coupled by means of the two rotary joints. As a result of the rotary joints being arranged in a row, the rotating or pivoting about the longitudinal axis, on the one hand, and the folding-in, on the other hand, are able to be actuated and carried out independently of one another. Consequently, the movement sequence can be adapted individually to the spatial conditions of the mobile materials processing device without the joint central part or the connecting element having to be structurally modified. This makes it possible, for example, to couple the conveyor device to the mobile materials processing device both on the right and on the left and to adjust, in a corresponding manner, the rotating or pivoting about the longitudinal axis and the folding-in in the necessary direction, for example rearward in the direction of travel of the mobile materials processing device. At the same time, the design is compact with a smaller amount of expenditure on parts and assembly, as a result of which the production and assembly costs of the conveyor device can be clearly reduced compared to known folding mechanisms.

Simple mounting of the conveyor device on both sides of the mobile materials processing device can be achieved in that the first connection element comprises a mechanical interface, by way of which it is couplable as an option to one of the two sides of the materials processing device so as to be releasable.

The mounting of the conveyor device can be additionally simplified in that the second connection element comprises a mechanical interface, by way of which it is couplable with the transport portion so as to be releasable. The interface makes it possible to use the identical joint central part for conveyor belts with transport portions that are of varying lengths.

A simple joint connection which, at the same time, is able to withstand heavy loads can be achieved in that the joint central part comprises a first joint receiving means which is in alignment with a second joint receiving means of the first connection element or of the second connection element, and that the joint receiving means are coupled together by way of a second bearing bolt to form the first rotary joint.

According to a preferred design of the invention, it can be provided that fastened on the joint central part is a first bearing sleeve, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned toward the second connection element, that fastened on the second connection element is a second bearing sleeve, the longitudinal axis of which is aligned to the longitudinal axis of the first bearing sleeve and that a bearing bolt is rotatably mounted in one of the bearing sleeves and is fastened non-rotatably in the other bearing sleeve. In this way, a rotary joint is created, about the rotational axis of which the longitudinal axis of the front transport portion can be rotated or pivoted. As a result of choosing the bearing sleeves and the bearing bolt suitably, the rotary joint can be realized in a smooth-running and nevertheless sturdy manner such that even high transverse forces acting on the transport portion of the conveyor device can be reliably absorbed. The rotary bearing can be produced in a cost-efficient manner and is simple to mount.

A simple design of the joint portion can be achieved in that the joint central part receives the two rotary joints and that the rotational axes of the two rotary joints are arranged at an angle, preferably of 90°, with respect to one another. The arrangement of the rotary joints at an angle enables the rotating and pivoting movement to be carried out about the longitudinal axis of the transport portion and the folding-in movement thereof. If the two rotational axes are arranged at an angle of 90°, many positions of the transport portion can be adjusted as its transport position. In this case, a suitable alignment of the two rotational axes enables the rotating and pivoting movement about the longitudinal axis of the transport portion and the folding-in movement to be separated from one another and consequently to be able to be actuated individually and independently of one another.

Separation of the rotating and pivoting movement about the longitudinal axis of the transport portion, on the one hand, and the folding-in movement of the transport portion, on the other hand, can be achieved in that a second rotational axis of the second rotary joint is aligned in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the transport portion and that a first rotational axis of the first rotary joint is aligned at an angle with respect to the first rotational axis. As a result of the second rotational axis being aligned in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the transport portion, it can be rotated or pivoted about its longitudinal axis without this influencing the folding movement of the transport portion. Correspondingly, the transport portion can be folded-in about the first rotational axis of the first rotary joint without this influencing the rotating or pivoting about the longitudinal axis of the transport portion. The two movements can be actuated and carried out separately from one another in this manner. Consequently, the movements of the transport portion can be adapted optimally and without structural modifications to the joint portion to the respective installation situation of the conveyor device.

If it is provided that the second rotary joint has assigned thereto a first and/or the first rotary joint has assigned thereto a second actuator, the rotating and pivoting movements about the longitudinal axis of the transport portion, on the one hand, and the folding-in movement of the transport portion, on the other hand, can be actuated independently of one another.

It can be provided in a preferred manner that the joint central part comprises a coupling element which is connected to the second actuator in order to fold-in the transport portion. The second actuator can thus be connected simply and quickly to the joint central part. The joint central part can then be folded-in about the first rotary joint by means of the second actuator. The coupling of the second actuator to the joint central part is advantageous as said joint central part is always realized in an identical manner independently of the provided transport portion and consequently a standard design, for example of variously long conveyor belts, can be achieved.

According to a preferred design of the invention, it can be provided that the joint central part comprises a first and a second coupling element, or that the joint central part comprises a coupling element which is arranged in such a manner that it is couplable with the second actuator optionally on the left or right side of the joint central part. The first and the second coupling elements can be arranged, for example, situated opposite on the sides of the joint central part. The second actuator can then be connected to the first or the second coupling element in dependence on the desired folding direction. Correspondingly, the folding direction can also be chosen by a coupling element which is couplable with the second actuator as an option on the left or right side of the joint central part.

The rotating or pivoting movement of the transport portion about its longitudinal axis can be brought about in that the first actuator acts between the joint central part and the second connection element in such a manner that it rotates or pivots the transport portion about a longitudinal axis. The arrangement of the first actuator between the joint central part and the second connecting element produces a design which can be realized independently of the coupling of the conveyor device to the materials processing device. The arrangement can consequently be used without structural modifications with many conveyor belts and models of materials processing devices.

In order to be able to achieve both a right-hand and a left-hand rotation of the transport portion, it can be provided that the first actuator is fastenable on the joint central part in two different mounting positions in dependence on the chosen method of attachment of the transport portion on the materials processing device.

Precise alignment of the transport portion of the conveyor device, in particular in its operating position, can be achieved in that a stop element is operative between the joint central part and one of the connection elements for limiting the rotating/pivoting or folding movement of the transport portion.

It can preferably be provided, in this case, that the alignment of the transport portion about the longitudinal axis thereof is adjustable by means of an adjusting element (adjustable stop element). The rest positions of the transport portion can thus be determined in a precise manner.

A locking position of the second rotary joint can be adjusted in that at least one locking pin is fixable on the joint central part, that the stop element arranged on the second connection element abuts against the locking pin in the locked position of the second rotary joint at least in one direction of rotation of the second rotary joint and that the position of the stop element is adjustable in relation to the second connection element. The locking pin can be removed and consequently the rotational movement released for rotating or pivoting and folding-in the transport portion.

The alignment of the first rotary joint in the operating position of the transport portion can be fixed in that a support strut is operative between the joint portion, preferably the joint central part, and the materials processing machine. The support strut can be fixed for this purpose by way of one side, for example on the base portion of the conveyor device and, once the operating position has been achieved, can be connected to the joint portion. The support strut prevents the transport portion unintentionally rotating about the first rotational axis if transverse forces arise, for example counter the adjusting action of the second actuator.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1shows a mobile materials processing device10in an operating position. The materials processing device10serves for crushing excavation material which is fed to the materials processing device10via a feed hopper11with funnel walls11.1. The material is removed by means of a conveyor device20. Conveyor device20may also be referred to as a conveyor connector apparatus20. The conveyor device20is connected to a chassis13of the mobile materials processing device10by means of a base portion110. A transport portion24of the conveyor device20is coupled to the base portion110by means of a joint portion30. A belt23of the conveyor device20is guided along a support profile26of the transport portion24. To this end, it is mounted on rollers22and held laterally by lateral belt guides21and on the bottom side of the conveyor device20by bottom belt guides25.

The base portion110is connected to the chassis13so as to be movable in such a manner that the inclination of the conveyor device20is able to be adjusted.

FIG. 2shows the mobile materials processing device10shown inFIG. 1in a transport position. In said transport position, the funnel walls11.1of the feed hopper11are folded downward and the return guide12is retracted. As a result, the height of the materials processing device10is clearly reduced in relation to the operating position.

The transport portion24of the conveyor device20is rotated about its longitudinal axis and is folded against the chassis13of the mobile materials processing device10. To this end, the base portion110, and consequently the entire conveyor device20, is initially lowered until, with the materials processing device10standing horizontally, it is aligned at least approximately horizontally standing out from the side of the mobile materials processing device10in its longitudinal extension. The transport portion24is then rotated or pivoted about its longitudinal axis at the joint portion30and folded against the chassis13. Said two movement sequences are preferably coordinated with one another such that they run at the same time. As an alternative to this, the rotating or pivoting about the longitudinal axis can be effected initially followed by the folding-in against the chassis13.

As a result of the folding-in of the conveyor device20and the rotating or pivoting about its longitudinal axis, the lateral dimensions of the mobile materials processing device10are reduced to such an extent that it is able to be transported on public roads.

FIG. 3shows an exploded representation in perspective of the joint portion30of the conveyor device20.

A first connecting element40is realized for connecting the joint portion30to the base portion110. A joint central part50, which has assigned thereto a bearing bolt70, follows the first connection element40. The bearing bolt70may also be referred to as a bearing pin70. A second connection element80is designed to connect the joint portion30to the support profile26of the transport portion24of the conveyor device20.

Facing the joint central part50, the first connecting element40comprises a first joint receiving means45. Joint receiving means45may also be referred to as a joint receptacle45. The connection element additionally comprises mounting bores for connecting the first connecting element40to the base portion110.

The joint central portion50comprises a top plate52.1and a bottom plate52.2. The two plates52.1,52.2are connected together at a spacing by a transverse web52.3and a first and a second fastening web55,56. A second joint receiving means51is arranged on the side of the joint central part50facing the first connecting element40. Joint receiving means51may also be referred to as a joint receptacle51. Said second joint receiving means includes a third bearing sleeve57. The third bearing sleeve57is held in two oppositely situated, aligned bores in the top and the bottom plates52.1,52.2.

Coupling elements53,54are arranged between the transverse web52.3and the first fastening web55, protruding laterally and located opposite one another in each case, and are fastened to said webs. The coupling elements53,54are formed in each case by two cantilevers53.1,54.1which are arranged in a spaced manner. Two bores, which are aligned with one another, are arranged on the outside in each of said cantilevers53.1,54.1.

The fastening webs55,56each comprise two oppositely situated receiving means55.2,55.3,56.2,56.3which are aligned toward the side of the joint central part50and are open. The receiving means55.2,55.3,56.2,56.3are realized in a U-shaped manner. Bores are admitted in the oppositely situated legs of the receiving means55.2,55.3,56.2,56.3. The receiving means55.2,55.3,56.2,56.3can be closed by bearing bolts59which are inserted into the bores.

A first bearing sleeve58is arranged between the top and the bottom plates52.1,52.2. The bearing sleeve58is held in sleeve breakthroughs52.4in the transverse web52.3and the first and the second fastening webs55,56. The bearing sleeve58is aligned with its center longitudinal axis toward the bearing bolt70and the second connecting element80.

A first actuator90is mounted so as to be movable in two receiving means55.3,56.3which are arranged on one side of the joint central part50, as is described in more detail in connection withFIGS. 4 and 5.

A second bearing bolt60is shown in alignment with the third bearing sleeve57of the second joint receiving means51. The second bearing bolt60may also be referred to as a second bearing pin60. A bolt flange60.1is integrally molded on the end of the second bearing bolt60. A first split pin bore60.2is admitted into the second bearing bolt60located opposite the bolt flange60.1. A first axial bearing61and a first radial bearing62, which is arranged in a partially concealed manner, are shown between the second bearing bolt60and the third bearing sleeve57. A second radial bearing63and a fastening disk64are arranged situated opposite the bearing sleeve57.

The bearing bolt70is aligned with its center longitudinal axis aligned with the first bearing sleeve58. A stop70.1is integrally molded on the end of the bearing bolt70. The stop70.1is followed by a press-in portion70.2, a first bearing portion70.3, a central portion70.4, a second bearing portion70.5, a groove70.6and a closure flange70.7of the bearing bolt70. A second axial bearing71and a third radial bearing72are shown between the bearing bolt70and the joint central part50. A fourth radial bearing73, spacers74and a first and a second half shell75.1,75.2of a clamping ring, which can be mounted by means of screws75.3, are arranged on the oppositely situated side of the joint central part50.

The second connecting element80comprises a U-profile as a basic body. A second bearing sleeve83is guided inside the U-profile and held in a sleeve breakthrough of a closure plate82. The second bearing sleeve83is aligned with its center longitudinal axis toward the bearing bolt70. Mounting plates81,85are fastened at the side on the U-profile84in a spaced manner. Two brackets84.1,84.2are mounted on the U-profile84following the mounting plates81,85. A journal carrier86is arranged on one side of the U-profile. The journal carrier86is fastened on the second mounting plate85in the present alignment. A journal86.3is fastened on the journal carrier86toward the joint central part50. Two stop webs87.1,87.2are arranged situated opposite one another in the transition from the U-profile to the connection plate82.

For mounting the joint portion30, the bearing bolt70is introduced into the second bearing sleeve83from the side of the transport portion24of the conveyor device20and secured therein by way of its press-in portion70.2. The third and the fourth radial bearings72,73are introduced into the first bearing sleeve58. The second axial bearing71is slid onto the bearing bolt70up to the second bearing sleeve83. The joint central part50is then slid onto the bearing bolt70by way of its first bearing sleeve58in such a manner that the first bearing portion70.3of the bearing bolt is rotatably mounted in the region of the third radial bearing72and the second bearing portion70.5is rotatably mounted in the region of the fourth radial bearing73. When mounted, the bearing bolt70with its groove70.6and the closure flange70.7projects out of the first bearing sleeve58. It can thus be axially secured by means of the two half shells75.1,75.2which are inserted into the groove70.6and are connected together. Prior to this, the axial play of the bearing bolt70is adjusted by means of the spacers74which are arranged between the first bearing sleeve58and the half shells75.1,75.2. A joint connection, by way of which the second connecting element80can be rotated or pivoted about its longitudinal axis in relation to the joint central part50, is obtained by way of said arrangement. For further mounting, the first radial bearing62and the second radial bearing are introduced into the end of the third bearing sleeve57and are secured there. The first axial bearing61is designed to be in alignment with the opening of the third bearing sleeve57. The joint central part50is then slid between the flanges of the first connecting element40in such a manner that the first joint receiving means45and the second joint receiving means51are in alignment with one another. The two joint receiving means45,51can then be connected so as to be foldable by introducing the second bearing bolt60. The second bearing bolt60is axially secured by means of a split pin.

The joint portion30consequently includes two joints which are arranged together in a row, the rotational axes of which are arranged at an angle with respect to one another. In this case, the joint arranged between the first connection element40and the joint central part50enables the transport portion24of the conveyor device20connected to the second connecting element80to be folded in, whilst the joint arranged between the joint central part50and the second connecting element80enables the transport portion24to rotate or pivot about its longitudinal axis. The joint central part50is designed such that both the folding-in and the rotating or pivoting of the transport portion24about its longitudinal axis is possible in each case in both directions. It is thus possible for the conveyor device20to be attached on each side of the mobile materials processing device and to be folded-in in a suitable manner.

As shown inFIG. 3, the first bearing sleeve58is fastened in the first sleeve breakthrough52.4and can be connected to the first fastening webs55,56. The second bearing sleeve83is held in sleeve breakthroughs in the connecting plate82and in a second transverse web89and is fixedly connected to both of these. Together with the sturdily realized bearing bolt70, a connection which is able to withstand heavy loads and is at the same time rotatable is thus produced between the joint central part50and the second connecting element80.

Consequently, a first rotary joint35is realized between the first connecting element40and the joint central part50and a second rotary joint36is realized between the joint central part50and the second connecting element80. The rotational axes of the two rotary joints35,36are aligned at an angle with respect to one another. The angle is preferably 90°.

The first rotary joint35consequently enables the folding-in of the joint central part50with the second connecting element80coupled thereon and consequently the transport portion24of the conveyor device20. The transport portion24of the conveyor device20can thus be folded against the chassis13of the materials processing device10, as shown inFIG. 2. The rotating about the rotational axis of the first rotary joint35can be effected clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the drive provided. It is also possible to choose the angle of rotation freely. As a result, it is possible to mount the conveyor device20on an arbitrary side of the mobile materials processing device10and to fold it in there for transport purposes.

The rotational axis of the second rotary joint36runs in the direction of the longitudinal extent of the second bearing sleeve83. The rotational axis of the second rotary joint36is consequently aligned in the direction of the longitudinal extension of the second connecting element80and of a transport portion24of the conveying device20connected thereto and shown inFIGS. 1 and 2. The second rotary joint36consequently enables rotating or pivoting of the second connecting element80, and consequently of the transport portion24of the conveyor device20, about the longitudinal axes thereof. The rotating about the rotational axis of the second rotary joint36can be effected, in this case, clockwise or anti-clockwise depending on the drive provided. It is also possible to choose the angle of rotation freely. Consequently, the transport portion24can be folded against the chassis13in the transport position, for example with its top side or its bottom side aligned toward the chassis13, or the side on which the conveyor device20is mounted on the materials processing device10can be freely chosen.

FIG. 4shows a perspective representation of a joint portion30with mounted actuators90,100, with the conveyor device20in an operating position.

The first connecting element40is releasably connected to a connecting portion115of the base portion110by means of corresponding fastening elements (screws). A support strut33is releasably connected to the base portion110. The support strut33is fastened on the second coupling element54at its second end. Located opposite the support strut33, a second actuator100, which is realized as a hydraulic cylinder, connects the base portion110to the joint central part50. The first actuator90is also realized as a hydraulic cylinder. It comprises a first joint head92and a first piston rod93which is retracted in the chosen representation and shown inFIG. 5. The first actuator90is held by means of a hinge94. Laterally protruding journals94.1are rotatably mounted in the second receiving means55.3of the first fastening web55and in the fourth receiving means56.3of the second fastening web56. To this end, the journals94.1, mounted opposite on the hinge94, are introduced into the second or fourth U-shaped receiving means55.3,56.3and the openings of the second and fourth receiving means are closed by means of bearing bolts59. The first joint head92is placed with a through-hole onto the journal86.3of the journal carrier86and is held there by means of a screw. The first actuator90is consequently arranged laterally and transversely with respect to the rotational axis of the second rotary joint36.

The U-profile84of the second connecting element80is connected releasably by means of suitable fastening means (screws) to the support profile26of the transport portion24of the conveyor device20.

An adjustable stop element32, in the present embodiment in the form of a screw, is mounted on the first stop web87.1.

As a result of retracting the second piston rod102of the second actuator100, the joint central part50is rotated about the rotational axis of the first rotary joint35, as is shown inFIG. 5. As a result of extending the first piston rod93of the first actuator90, the second connecting element80is rotated about the rotational axis of the second rotary joint36, as is also shown inFIG. 5. As a result of said movement sequences, the support profile26, and consequently the transport portion24of the conveyor device20fastened on the support profile26, can be folded-in about the rotational axis of the first rotary joint35and rotated or pivoted about the rotational axis of the second rotary joint36.

The support strut33is released from the second coupling element54. The second piston rod102of the second actuator100is retracted. The first piston rod93of the first actuator90is extended.

As a result of retracting the second piston rod102of the second actuator100, the joint central part50with the coupled second connecting element80is rotated about the rotational axis of the first rotary joint35.

As a result of extending the first piston rod93of the first actuator90, the second connecting element80is rotated or pivoted about its longitudinal axis. As the first actuator is held fixedly on the joint central part50at its housing by means of the hinge94, the bearing bolt70, which is rotatably mounted in the first bearing sleeve58of the joint central part50, is rotated, in this case, and consequently the connected second connecting element80. The first actuator90is itself rotated, in this case, about a rotational axis formed by the hinge journal94.1.

For folding-in the transport portion24from its operating position into its transport position, first of all the inclination of the conveyor device20is adjusted. To this end, the base portion110is pivoted about a bearing assigned to it and the conveyor device is consequently tilted downward. The adjusting of the inclination is effected by means of a further actuator, which is not shown, for example a further hydraulic cylinder. Once the inclination has been adjusted and the support strut33released, the first actuator90is extended and the second actuator100retracted. The two movements, in this case, can be effected at the same time or one after the other. As a result, the support profile26, which is mounted on the second connecting element80, and consequently the transport portion24of the conveyor device, is rotated or pivoted about its longitudinal axis and folded-in to the chassis13of the mobile materials processing device10.

To fold-out the transport portion24from its transport position into the operation position, the first actuator90is retracted and the second actuator100is extended. As a result, the joint central part50is rotated about the first rotational axis again and the second connecting element80, and consequently the transport portion24, is rotated or pivoted about its longitudinal axis. In order to align the transport portion24precisely in its operating position, the support strut33is then mounted, as shown inFIG. 4. The support strut33continues to absorb transverse forces acting on the transport portion24such that the transport portion24is not rotated out of its operating position about the first rotational axis35counter the adjustment of the second actuator100. A locking pin31is secured on the second fastening web56of the joint central part50. The stop element32shown inFIG. 4impacts against said locking pin when the second connecting element80is rotated into the operating position. The position of the stop element32can be adjusted. The precise position of the transport portion24is consequently predetermined.

The assemblies of the joint portion30are arranged symmetrically on both sides of the joint portion30. Consequently, the components which bring about the movement of the transport portion24can be mounted on both sides. If, for example, the second actuator100is connected to the second coupling element54, the joint central part50, and consequently the transport portion24of the conveyor device, can thus be folded-in about the first rotational axis35in the opposite direction to in the case of the realization shown where the second actuator100is connected to the first coupling element53. Correspondingly, the first actuator90can be secured with its hinge journals94.1in the oppositely situated first and second receiving means55.2,56.2and the journal carrier86can be fastened on the oppositely situated first mounting plate81. As a result, the second connecting element80, and consequently the connected transport section24, is rotated or pivoted about its longitudinal axis in the opposite direction to the case in the exemplary embodiment shown inFIG. 5. In this way, the conveyor device20can be mounted, for example, on the right or the left of the materials processing device10using an identical joint portion30. In addition, the choice can be made as to whether the transport portion24is folded-in aligned toward the chassis with its top side or its bottom side. A further advantage is produced from the independent actuation of the two rotational movements, as is produced from the independent actuators90,100used and the chosen rotational axes of the two rotary joints35,36. Thus it can be freely chosen how far the transport portion24is folded about the first rotary joint35against the chassis13. In addition, it can be freely chosen how strongly the transport portion24is rotated or pivoted about its longitudinal axis. Consequently, the movement can be adapted optimally to the space conditions produced from the design of the materials processing device10. The identical joint portion30can thus also be used for various materials processing devices10.

As a result of the movable bearing arrangement of the base portion110, the inclination of the conveyor device20and consequently the conveyor height can be adjusted. The inclination of the base portion110with the transport portion24folded-in can also be adjusted. The base portion110is preferably aligned horizontally in the transport position with the materials processing device being in the horizontal position. However, it can also be adjusted at an inclination, as a result of which the transport portion24abuts somewhat higher or lower against the side of the chassis13. In this case, the transport portion24can continue to be placed flatly against the side of the chassis13as a result of the freely selectable angle of rotation about the second rotational axis36. The position of the transport portion24is also able to be adapted optimally to the spatial conditions of a mobile materials processing device10as a result.

One of the rotational axes of the two rotary joints35, is aligned in an advantageous manner almost approximately in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the transport portion24of the conveyor device. In the exemplary embodiment shown, the rotational axis of the second rotary joint36can be aligned lying directly along the longitudinal axis of the transport portion24or parallel to the longitudinal axis. In the first case, the transport portion24is rotated about its longitudinal axis, in the second case it is pivoted about the same. Consequently, the rotating or pivoting movement about the longitudinal axis and the folding-in movement can be adjusted and carried out separately and independently of one another. The transport position can thus be adapted optimally to the spatial conditions of the materials processing device10. This is not possible in the case of known joint arrangements with rotational axes aligned at an angle to the longitudinal axis of the transport portion24or of the second connection element80, as here rotation about one of the rotational axes always produces a combined rotating or pivoting movement and fold-in movement which are not adjustable independently of one another.

The first case of the rotational axis of the second rotary joint36being aligned lying directly along the longitudinal axis of the transport portion24can also be described as the rotational axis of the second rotary joint being co-axial with the longitudinal axis of the conveyor transport portion so that the conveyor transport portion can be rotated about the longitudinal axis of the conveyor transport portion relative to the base portion.

The second case of the second rotary joint36being parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transport portion24can also be described as the rotational axis of the second rotary joint being parallel to and laterally offset from the longitudinal axis of the conveyor transport portion so that the longitudinal axis of the conveyor transport portion can be pivoted about the rotational axis of the second rotary joint.