Abstract: A braking device for braking a belt of a downward belt conveyor adopting a head drive is provided. The belt includes first and second belt surfaces opposite to each other. The braking device includes a first clamping plate arranged at a side of the first belt surface, and a second clamping plate arranged at a side of the second belt surface. The first and second clamping plates are configured to move toward each other to allow the second clamping plate and the first clamping plate respectively abut against the second belt surface and the first belt surface, so as to clamp the belt to achieve the braking. The first and second clamping plates are configured to move away from each other to release the belt.