DE102012104784A1 - Lock structure for supplying firewood to combustion furnace e.g. heating boiler, has sensor device that is set to scan scanning area of projecting fuel material, and scanning area that is formed upstream of intermediate storage area - Google Patents

Abstract

The lock structure (1) has lock housing (2) in which lock chamber (3) is formed. The lock housing is provided with inlet (4) which is formed towards combustion chamber and outlet. A feeding device (6) is provided with an intermediate storage area (7) and a scanning area (8). The intermediate storage area is formed between inlet and outside of lock chamber. The scanning area is formed upstream of intermediate storage area. A sensor device (9) is provided for scanning the scanning area of projecting fuel material. An independent claim is included for a method for supplying firewood.

Description

The invention relates to a lock for the supply of particulate fuel, in particular logs, from an outside space to a combustion chamber of a combustion furnace, such as a boiler, according to the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding method with this lock.

The feeding of the fuel to the combustion chamber by means of the lock takes place without directly opening the combustion chamber to the outside, i. there is no direct flow of air and / or gas between the combustion chamber and the outside.

The lock comprises a lock housing and inside the lock housing a lock chamber, wherein the lock housing to the outside through an inlet for lumpy fuel and the combustion chamber towards an outlet for lumpy fuel. The inlet is preceded by a supply device for the lumpy fuel outside the lock chamber. The outlet usually opens directly into the combustion chamber of the incinerator, but it is also the interposition of an antechamber possible.

In lumpy fuel, especially in logs, there is a risk of blockage of the lock and thus the fuel supply to the combustion chamber of the incinerator by misleading or oversized fuel that clogs the feeder or the lock so that proper operation of the lock or the entire fuel supply is no longer guaranteed.

The present invention has for its object to provide a new lock and a new method, which overcome the disadvantages described above and thereby compared to known locks and methods a trouble-free and thus more reliable supply of lumpy fuel, in particular firewood, to a combustion chamber of a combustion furnace enable.

This object is achieved with regard to the lock by the features of claim 1 and with respect to the method by the features of claim 10. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are specified in the respective dependent claims.

The lock according to the invention is characterized in that the delivery device comprises an intermediate storage area and a scanning area. The intermediate storage area is upstream of the inlet outside the lock chamber and provided for the intermediate storage of fuel before it enters the lock chamber. The scanning area, in turn, precedes the intermediate storage area. Furthermore, at least one sensor device is provided for scanning the scanning region for contained or protruding fuel.

The advantages of the invention are, in particular, that the sensor device and the scanning region provide a possibility to check the proper filling of the intermediate storage area with lumpy fuel material and thereby to detect a misalignment of the fuel or oversized fuel. If the scanning area contains fuel material or projects fuel into the scanning area, it may be assumed that the fuel material has failed or an oversized fuel material. In this case, appropriate measures can be taken to eliminate this error, which could lead to disturbances in the lock operation or in the supply of fuel to the combustion chamber of the incinerator, before these disturbances can occur. Thus, the lock according to the invention allows in comparison to known locks a trouble-free and thus more reliable supply of particulate fuel, in particular logs, to the combustion chamber of a combustion furnace.

The sensor device may comprise a sensor, in particular an inductive or capacitive or magnetic sensor or an ultrasound sensor or a light sensor, by means of which the scanning region can be scanned and fuel contained or projecting in it can be registered.

Alternatively or additionally, however, the sensor device can also comprise a mechanical scanning device, by means of which the scanning region can be scanned by means of mechanical movement and any fuel contained or protruding therein can be registered. For example, the mechanical scanning device may comprise a flap or a slider.

According to a further development, however, it may also be provided that the lock comprises a gripper for the fuel which is arranged on a transport device, in particular a gantry device or crane, and which can be moved in and out of the feed device of the lock, and the mechanical scanning device is then this gripper or she then includes this gripper. In this case, the scanning range can be scanned by a movement of the gripper. This includes both a movement of the gripper as a whole and the movement of one or more components of the gripper, such as a gripper arm, relative to others Gripper components, which stand still or even can be moved, understood. Fuel material contained in the scanning region or projecting into the scanning region can be registered in this way. For example, the scanning region can be scanned through the underside of the gripper, which is accordingly adapted to the intended scanning range in terms of their shape and dimensions. Another example is the scanning of the scanning by the movement of at least one gripping arm, in particular by a closing movement of at least one gripping arm. If this fuel is detected, which is included in the scanning or protrudes into the scanning, for example, by current measurement of the gripper arm moving motor, this fuel can be equal gripped by the gripping arm and lifted by appropriate movement of the gripper back out of the feeder.

In addition, it can be provided that the sensor device for registering contained in the scanning or projecting into the scanning fuel by the movement of the gripper comprises at least one gripper sensor for scanning a transition between scanning and storage area, for example, an inductive or capacitive or magnetic sensor or a Ultrasonic sensor or a light sensor. In this case, the reaching of the transition by the gripper can be detected by means of this gripper sensor. However, it can alternatively or additionally be provided that the sensor device for registering contained in the scanning or projecting into the scanning fuel by the movement of the gripper means for detecting the tension of at least one holding element of the gripper, in particular a rope or a chain or a Belt, includes.

In the case of scanning the scanning region by means of a movement of at least one gripping arm, it can be provided that the sensor device comprises a sensor for detecting a blockage of the movement or a resistance to the movement, in particular a sensor for detecting at least one parameter of a motor driving the moving gripper arm, For example, a current measuring device for determining the current consumption of the motor.

In general, at least one sensor cooperating with the mechanical scanning device, in particular an inductive or capacitive or magnetic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or a light sensor, may be provided as part of the scanning device in all types of mechanical scanning devices. At least one parameter related to the movement of the mechanical scanning device can be detected by means of this sensor, and the fuel material contained in the scanning region or protruding into the scanning region can be registered.

A further development of the lock according to the invention provides that the inlet and / or outlet of the lock housing have at least one closing device, in particular a flap and / or a slide, for opening and closing and / or that the lock at least one slide for transporting the fuel through the lock and / or from the lock through the outlet into the combustion chamber.

An embodiment of the lock according to the invention provides that in the lock chamber, a cell wheel rotatable relative to the lock housing is provided with at least one lock cell for receiving the fuel to be blown, that is, in the lock is a rotary valve. In addition, at least one position sensor, in particular an inductive or capacitive or magnetic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor or a light sensor, may be provided for detecting at least one position of the at least one lock cell of the cell wheel relative to the lock housing. Also, at least one or more seals may be provided between the cellular wheel and lock housing, which prevent a direct gas and / or air flow between the inlet and outlet of the lock housing through the lock chamber therethrough. Air or gas can thus only indirectly from the outlet to the inlet and vice versa with the interposition of the lock cell, which must be rotated for this purpose.

A development of the lock according to the invention provides that the lock arranged on a transport device, in particular a gantry or crane, and in the feeder of the lock and extendable gripper for the fuel with at least one movable gripper arm, in particular exactly one movable gripper arm there the construction can be performed very simply and inexpensively with only one movable arm comprises. The movable gripper arm can be attached, for example, to a rotatable shaft. Furthermore, the feed device comprises a funnel, via which filled fuel material reaches the intermediate storage area. Furthermore, the funnel has at least one enlarged area, which is designed and arranged such that by means of the movable gripping arm of the gripper retracted into this enlarged area in the intermediate storage area and / or in the scanning area arranged fuel material can be gripped. The fuel can then removed by means of the gripper back from the feeder and dropped again in the intermediate storage area or even, as for the sluice intended to be stored in a warehouse for unsuitable fuel.

The dimensions, in particular the cross-section and the volume, of the intermediate storage area or of the intermediate storage area and the sampling area together detected space are expediently smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the lock chamber or - in the case of a rotary valve - the lock cell selected. This ensures that properly stored in the intermediate storage area burning material also fits securely into the lock chamber or into the lock cell. It can also be provided that the intermediate storage area expands towards the inlet in order to ensure a safe and reliable continuation of the fuel.

In order to improve the transfer of the fuel from the lock chamber or lock cell in the combustion chamber, it may be provided that the dimensions of the lock chamber, in particular the cross-sectional dimensions smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the outlet and / or a discharge chute and / or an opening of the combustion chamber are selected. It can also be provided that the lock chamber or the lock cell expands towards the outlet in order to allow a safe and reliable falling out of the fuel.

According to an embodiment variant of the lock according to the invention, the cross-sectional dimensions of the inlet and outlet correspond at least to the respective adjacent, corresponding cross-sectional dimensions of the intermediate storage area and the lock chamber or - in the case of a rotary valve - the lock cell.

A further embodiment variant of the lock according to the invention provides that at least one suction channel is assigned to the inlet in order to suck off smoke and / or dust that can reach the inlet from the combustion chamber via the lock chamber, for example when turning the cell wheel via the lock cell, and one suitable continuation or treatment. For example, so that the combustion air can be preheated, or it can be ensured that no or less heat is lost as waste heat through the lock.

In a variant embodiment, the lock can be designed such that the fuel falls by gravity from the gripper into the intermediate storage area and / or from the intermediate storage area into the lock chamber or the lock cell and / or from the lock chamber or lock cell via the outlet into the combustion chamber. However, embodiments are also possible in which individual or some or all of the aforementioned conveying steps for the fuel are carried out by one or more movable elements. These moving elements transport, in particular push or lift, the fuel to be transported as needed in the intermediate storage area and / or in the lock chamber or lock cell and / or in the combustion chamber, starting from the previous storage location.

A further development provides that a control device of the lock detects a blockage of one of the provided drives, in particular a rotary drive of the cellular wheel and / or a gripper drive, by means of suitable measuring devices, for example at least one current and / or time measuring device. The control device can then respond appropriately to corresponding measurement results, for example, output an error message. However, the control device can interpret, for example, a blockage of the rotary drive of the cellular wheel as a level message for the combustion chamber. In this case, the control device can be set up in such a way that it is first waited for and after a certain time again the rotation of the cell wheel is attempted.

According to one embodiment variant, one or more mechanically movable protective elements, for example protective flap or protective slide or a type of roller blind, can be provided for protecting the lock, for example corresponding protective elements can be attached to the outlet of the lock.

The inventive method is a method for supplying lump fuel, in particular logs, from an outside space to a combustion chamber of a combustion furnace without directly opening the combustion chamber to the outside space. For this purpose, the lock according to the invention described above is used in any embodiment.

The inventive method provides that the fuel is added to the feeder and then scanned by the at least one sensor device, the scanning on scanned or projecting fuel. In the case of a fuel material registered by the at least one sensor device during scanning, which is contained in the scanning region or projects into the scanning region, the fuel is removed from the feeding device. In the case of the determination of the at least one sensor device that no fuel is contained in the scanning region and also no fuel material protrudes into the scanning, the fuel is transferred via the inlet into the lock chamber.

A further development of the method is based on the fact that the lock, as already described above, comprises a gripper for the fuel which is arranged on a transport device, in particular a gantry device or crane and can be moved in and out of the feed device of the lock, which holds the fuel when it is closed Allow inlet from a drop point to fall into the feeder.

Further, the gripper is used as a mechanical scanning device of the sensor device by being retracted into the scanning area. A previously described gripper sensor for sensing a transition between the scanning area and the intermediate storage area detects when the gripper reaches the transition and thereby registers that fuel is neither contained in the scanning area nor projects into the scanning area. In this case, the inlet is opened and the fuel falls into the lock chamber, for example in the case of a rotary valve in the lock cell. A likewise already described device for detecting the tension of at least one holding element of the gripper, in particular a rope or a chain or a belt, detects when the gripper encounters a resistance and thus fuel in the scanning before reaching the transition. In this case, the gripper lifts the fuel out of the feeder again and either drops it back into the feeder at the drop point or removes it, brings in other fuel and lets it fall into the feeder from the drop point.

As an alternative or in addition to scanning the scanning region by the retracting gripper, at least one of the gripping arms, in particular the movable gripping arm, can be moved relative to the remaining gripper, in particular to the stationary gripping arm, in particular to perform a closing movement, thereby scanning the scanning region. One or more sensors detect whether the gripper arm moves as intended or whether the movement is blocked. For example, one or more parameters of the drive motor of the moving gripper arm can be detected for this purpose, for example its current consumption. By means of the sensor or sensors it is detected whether the moving gripper arm encounters a resistance or is blocked. If this is not the case, then neither fuel is contained in the scanning range still protrudes fuel into the scanning. The inlet can then be opened and the fuel falls into the lock chamber, for example in the case of a rotary valve in the lock cell. However, if the moving gripper arm encounters resistance and thus fuel in the scanning area, the gripper lifts the fuel out of the feeder and either drops it back into the feeder at the discharge point or removes it, brings in other fuel and leaves it from the discharge point from falling into the feeder.

The invention will be explained in more detail below with regard to further features and advantages with reference to the description of embodiments and with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings. Show

1 in a three-dimensional representation of an embodiment of a lock according to the invention,

2 the lock after 1 in a side view, and

3 a sectional view taken along the line III-III in 2 ,

1 to 3 show in various schematic views of the basic structure of a lock according to the invention 1 , which can be operated by the method according to the invention.

The lock 1 is designed and intended for the supply of particulate fuel, in particular firewood, from an outside space to a combustion chamber of a combustion furnace, without in this case the combustion chamber must be opened directly to the outside space. The lock 1 includes a lock housing 2 and inside the lock housing 2 a lock chamber 3 , To the outside, the lock housing 2 an inlet 4 for lumpy fuel and the combustion chamber towards an outlet 5 for lumpy fuel on, in 3 the inlet 4 at the top of the lock housing 2 and the outlet 5 at the bottom of the lock housing 2 is provided so that the fuel by gravity through the inlet 4 into the lock chamber 3 falls and by gravity through the outlet 5 from the lock chamber 3 fall out. At the outlet 5 forms the lock 1 this a discharge shaft 14 out.

At the in 1 to 3 shown lock 1 it is a rotary valve. Inside the lock chamber 3 is a rotatable on the lock housing 2 stored cell wheel 15 with a lock cell 16 , However, embodiments with two or more lock cells are also possible. lock chamber 3 and cell wheel 15 have a substantially cylindrical shape with a common longitudinal axis, wherein the cell wheel 15 around this longitudinal axis within the fixed lock chamber 3 is rotatable. The lock cell 16 points to the cylinder shell of the cellular wheel 15 an opening on and extends into the cell wheel 15 into, in the illustrated embodiment with only one lock cell 16 over the axis of rotation of the cell wheel 15 time.

Between lock chamber 3 and cell wheel 15 are seals 18 provided that a direct gas or air flow within the lock chamber 3 between inlet 4 and outlet 5 prevent. The distance and the arrangement of the seals 18 are in this case on the opening of the lock cell 16 tuned that at every rotational position of the cellular wheel 15 the sealing of the gas or air flow is ensured, so that a direct gas or air flow between the combustion chamber and the outside space is impossible.

The cell wheel is powered by a motor 22 , the side on the outside of the lock housing 2 is arranged. In an upper rotational position, the in 3 is shown is the opening of the lock cell 16 the inlet 4 in the lock housing 2 assigned, so the inlet 4 opened and fuel in the lock cell 16 can fall. In a lower rotational position (not shown), in which the cell wheel 15 can be brought by turning with filled fuel, is the opening of the lock cell 16 the outlet 5 in the lock housing 2 assigned, leaving the outlet 5 opened and fuel through the outlet 5 through the lock cell 16 can fall, for example, in the combustion chamber of a combustion furnace. In this way, fuel from the outside space is channeled into the combustion chamber, without direct opening of the combustion chamber to the outside.

For an exact positioning of the cell wheel 15 relative to the lock housing 2 in one or more intended positions, is a position sensor 17 provided, the side of the lock housing 2 is arranged. This may be, for example, an inductive or capacitive or magnetic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor or a light sensor. The position sensor 17 can change the position of the cell wheel 15 For example, determine that it is oriented so that it can recognize when the opening of the lock cell 16 He moved past him. In this case, he looks into the lock cell, so to speak 16 into it.

In 1 to 3 it can be seen that the inlet 4 outside the lock chamber 3 a feeder 6 is upstream of the lumpy fuel. Especially 3 shows that the feeder 6 an intermediate storage area 7 and a scanning area 8th as well as a transition 13 between scanning area 8th and temporary storage area 7 includes. The intermediate storage area 7 is outside the lock chamber 3 directly to the inlet 4 upstream, it is for the intermediate storage of fuel before it enters the lock cell 16 intended. The scanning range 8th borders on the transition 13 to the intermediate storage area 7 and is thus the intermediate storage area 7 upstream.

3 shows that the dimensions of the intermediate storage area 7 , in particular the horizontal cross-section and the volume, smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the lock cell 16 are to ensure that properly in the interim storage area 7 Intermediate fuel completely in the lock cell 16 falls. Even the dimensions, in particular again cross-section and volume, of intermediate storage area 7 and scanning range 8th together they are smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the lock cell 16 , Conversely, the dimensions, in particular the horizontal cross-sectional dimensions, of the lock cell 16 smaller than the corresponding dimensions of the outlet 5 and the discharge shaft 14 as well as the opening of the associated combustion chamber, to ensure that the fuel when transferring it into the combustion chamber completely out of the lock cell 16 falls out.

Specifically, it is envisaged that the cross-sectional dimensions of the lock cell 16 at its opening larger than the cross-sectional dimensions of the intermediate storage area 7 are. Furthermore, the lock cell 16 slightly widened towards its opening, the cross-sectional dimensions of the lock cell 16 At any point always at least the cross-sectional dimensions of the intermediate storage area 7 correspond. These measures are designed to ensure that fuel is properly stored in the interim storage area 7 was introduced, for a reliable in the lock cell 16 fits in and on the other hand when emptying the lock cell 16 also leaves again reliably. In particular, tilting of logs in the lock cell can be achieved 16 avoid this.

1 to 3 further show a sensor device 9 for scanning the scanning area 8th on contained or projecting fuel. This includes a mechanical scanning device 10 , to which a central scanning component is a gripper 11 belongs, which arranged on at least one holding element, not shown, for example, a rope or a chain or a belt on a gantry device or crane, not shown, and in the feeder 6 can be moved in and out. A task of the gripper 11 is the bringing of fuel, such as logs, to a drop point, from which the gripper 11 the fuel in the feeder 6 dropping. For this purpose, the gripper has a fixed gripper arm 23 and one opposite the fixed gripper arm 23 movable gripper arm 19 but it can also be performed both arms gripping arms. The movable gripper arm 19 For example, on a rotatable shaft and the fixed gripper arm 23 be attached to the housing of a worm gear. Of course, alternative drives and / or attachments of the gripping arms are possible.

The function of the gripper 11 as a component of the mechanical scanning device 10 it follows that the scanning range 8th by the movement of the griffin 11 , in particular by its entry into the feeder 6 , is palpable and can register contained or protruding fuel. In particular, thus the scanning area 8th through the bottom of the gripper 11 sampled. Accordingly, the shape and dimension of the bottom of the gripper 11 at least largely to the shape and dimension of the scanning 8th customized. Alternatively or additively, the scanning range 8th also by a movement of the movable gripper arm 19 relative to the fixed gripper arm 23 be scanned. In this case, the shape and dimension of the movable gripper arm should be 19 and / or the fixed gripping arm 23 suitably to the shape and dimension of the scanning area 8th be adjusted.

Furthermore, the sensor device comprises 9 several gripper sensors 12 at the side of the feeder 6 at the height of the transition 13 between scanning area 8th and temporary storage area 7 are arranged. With these gripper sensors 12 they may, for example, be inductive or capacitive or magnetic sensors or ultrasound sensors or light sensors. With these gripper sensors 12 is detectable, whether the gripper 11 in his movement the transition 13 between intermediate storage area 7 and scanning range 8th reached.

Furthermore, it can be provided that the sensor device is a device, not shown, for detecting the tension of the at least one holding element of the gripper 11 includes, for example, a device for detecting the rope or chain or belt tension. The gripper hits 11 in its movement to a resistance, so the tension of the holding elements or after. This is determined by the aforementioned device and allows the conclusion that fuel is in the scanning 8th is located and the movement of the gripper 11 with special needs.

About a control device, not shown, the data of the gripper sensors 12 and the device for detecting the tension of the one or more holding elements of the gripper 11 be evaluated. Detect, for example, the gripper sensors 12 that the gripper 11 reaches the transition, without the device for detecting the voltage previously detected a decreasing voltage, so the controller closes on a proper intermediate storage of the fuel in the storage area 7 , that is no fuel is in the scanning range 8th included or protrudes into the scanning area 8th into it, and continues the lock process by the cell wheel 15 , which is initially in a position in which the inlet 4 is closed, is turned to a position in which the inlet 4 is open and the fuel in the lock cell 16 can fall. Subsequently, the cell wheel 15 rotated by 180 °, leaving the opening of the lock cell 16 above the outlet 5 is arranged. Now the fuel falls into the combustion chamber of the incinerator.

1 to 3 show that the feeder 6 one the scanning area 8th upstream funnel 20 whose task is to feed the gripper 11 falling fuel into the intermediate storage area 7 is, ie the filled fuel passes over the hopper 20 in the interim storage area 7 , The funnel 20 has an enlarged area in the middle 21 on, in which the diameter transverse to the longitudinal axis of the lock 1 opposite the other funnel 20 is enlarged. Also an off-center arrangement of the enlarged area 21 at the funnel 20 is possible, and also several enlarged areas 21 be provided. The dimensions of this enlarged area 21 are on the dimensions of the gripper 11 tuned so that the gripper 11 in the scanning area 8th and / or the intermediate storage area 7 can be retracted and further by means of its movable gripping arm 19 in the interim storage area 7 and / or in the scanning area 8th arranged fuel can grab again.

Represents, for example, the device for detecting the tension of the holding device of the gripper 11 a decreasing tension, although the gripper sensors 12 not yet signal that the gripper 11 already the transition 13 between scanning area 8th and temporary storage area 7 has reached, the controller assumes that the fuel is not stored properly, that is, fuel is either in the scanning 8th included or protrudes into the scanning area 8th into it. The controller then stops the lock process and fetches by means of the gripper 11 the firing again from the feeder 7 out. Following this, the control device can re-eject the fuel into the feeder 6 make. If several times in succession an improper intermediate storage of the fuel material is repeatedly determined, it is to be assumed that the fuel is unsuitable in terms of its dimensions for the lock operation and the control device removes the fuel by means of the gripper 11 finally, for example by storage at a special storage location.

As you pass through the lock cell 16 Smoke and / or dust from the combustion chamber after turning the cell wheel 15 at the inlet 4 can escape to the side of the inlet 4 suction 24 provided, through which this smoke and / or dust is sucked.

• 1. Der mittels einer Transporteinrichtung, insbesondere eines Portalsystems oder Krans, bewegte Greifer 11 holt stückiges Brennmaterial, beispielsweise einen oder mehrere Holzscheite, aus einem Lager und bleibt über dem Trichter 20 der Zuführvorrichtung 6 stehen.
• 2. Der Greifer 11 wird bis zu einer vorgegebenen Höhe, dem Abwurfpunkt, über den Trichter 20 abgesenkt.
• 3. Der Einlass 4 ist durch entsprechende Drehstellung des Zellrads 15 geschlossen bzw. wird durch entsprechende Drehbewegung des Zellrads 15 geschlossen.
• 4. Der Greifer 11 gibt durch Öffnen des beweglichen Greifarms 19 das Brennmaterial frei, dieses fällt in den Trichter 20 und weiter in den Zwischenlagerbereich 7.
• 5. Anschließend wird der geöffnete Greifer 11 abgesenkt, bis die Greifer-Sensoren 12 am Übergang 13 zwischen Abtastbereich 8 und Zwischenlagerbereich 7 ansprechen oder bis der Greifer 11 auf Widerstand stößt und die Vorrichtung zum Erfassen der Spannung der Haltervorrichtung des Greifers 11 eine nachlassende bzw. sich lockernde Spannung der Haltevorrichtung signalisiert.
• 6. Wenn die Greifer-Sensoren 12 ansprechen, kann davon ausgegangen werden, dass das Brennmaterial richtig im Zwischenlagerbereich 7 liegt und daher in die Schleusenzelle 16 passt. Das Zellrad 15 wird daher nunmehr derart gedreht, dass die Öffnung der Schleusenzelle 16 nach oben, also zum Einlass 4 hin, offen ist.
• 7. Das Brennmaterial fällt aus dem Zwischenlagerbereich 7 in die Schleusenzelle 16.
• 8. Das Zellrad 15 wird nun gedreht, bis die Öffnung der Schleusenzelle 16 nach unten, also zum Auslass 5 hin, offen ist und das Brennmaterial aus der Schleusenzelle 16 heraus fällt.
• 9. Sollten hingegen in Verfahrensschritt 5 die Greifer-Sensoren 12 nicht ansprechen, die Vorrichtung zum Erfassen der Spannung der Haltevorrichtung jedoch eine nachlassende bzw. sich lockernde Spannung signalisieren, so wird der Greifer 11 durch entsprechende Bewegung des beweglichen Greifarms 19 wieder geschlossen, wobei der Greifer 11 das Brennmaterial erneut greift. Durch Anheben des Greifers 11 wird dann das Brennmaterial wieder aus der Zuführvorrichtung 6 herausgehoben und am Abwurfpunkt durch Öffnen des Greifers 11 wieder losgelassen. Dann wird wieder die Abtastung entsprechend Verfahrensschritt 5 vorgenommen.
• 10. Sollte die Abtastung nach mehrmaligen aufeinanderfolgenden Versuchen jeweils zu einem negativen Ergebnis führen, das heißt das Brennmaterial kann nicht in die Schleusenzelle verbracht werden, sondern muss wieder herausgehoben werden, so wird das Brennmaterial letztmalig herausgehoben und anschließend außerhalb der Schleuse abgelegt.

The following is an example of an operating method with the in 1 to 3 shown lock 1 described:

• 1. The by means of a transport device, in particular a portal system or crane, moving gripper 11 gets lumpy fuel, such as one or more logs, from a warehouse and stays above the hopper 20 the feeder 6 stand.
• 2. The gripper 11 is up to a given height, the drop point, over the funnel 20 lowered.
• 3. The inlet 4 is by appropriate rotational position of the cellular wheel 15 closed or by appropriate rotational movement of the cellular wheel 15 closed.
• 4. The gripper 11 gives by opening the movable gripper arm 19 the fuel is released, this falls into the funnel 20 and further into the intermediate storage area 7 ,
• 5. Subsequently, the opened gripper 11 lowered until the gripper sensors 12 at the transition 13 between scanning area 8th and temporary storage area 7 address or until the gripper 11 encounters resistance and the device for detecting the voltage of the holder device of the gripper 11 a decreasing or loosening voltage of the holding device signals.
• 6. If the gripper sensors 12 address, it can be assumed that the fuel right in the interim storage area 7 lies and therefore in the lock cell 16 fits. The cell wheel 15 is therefore now rotated so that the opening of the lock cell 16 up, so to the inlet 4 out, open.
• 7. The fuel falls out of the intermediate storage area 7 into the lock cell 16 ,
• 8. The cell wheel 15 is now rotated until the opening of the lock cell 16 down, so to the outlet 5 out, open and the fuel from the lock cell 16 falls out.
• 9. Should, however, in process step 5 the gripper sensors 12 However, the device for detecting the voltage of the holding device signal a decreasing or loosening voltage, so the gripper 11 by appropriate movement of the movable gripping arm 19 closed again, with the gripper 11 the fuel reaches again. By lifting the gripper 11 Then the fuel is again from the feeder 6 lifted out and at the discharge point by opening the gripper 11 let go again. Then the scanning is again in accordance with method step 5 performed.
• 10. Should the sampling lead to a negative result after repeated successive attempts, ie the fuel can not be brought into the lock cell, but must be lifted out again, so the fuel is lifted last time and then stored outside the lock.

As an alternative to the supply of the fuel by means of a gripper attached to a transport device in accordance with the aforementioned points 1 and 2, the fuel can also be supplied in a different way to the feeder 6 be supplied. In this case, the further method steps according to the aforementioned points 3 to 10 can nevertheless be carried out by means of a gripper provided. However, it is also possible in this case, as an alternative or in addition to the gripper, to provide at least one alternative sensor for scanning the scanning region and / or other devices and / or methods for removing unsuitable fuel from the feeding device. For example, at points 5, 6 and 9, the gripper in its function as a mechanical scanning device and the gripper sensor may also be replaced by another moving device cooperating with a suitable sensor.

It is generally proposed a lock and an operating method for this lock, in which the actual lock upstream of a feeder. This feeding device in turn comprises an intermediate storage area and a scanning area, wherein the scanning area is empty in the intermediate storage area with proper storage of the fuel, in particular one or more logs. Accordingly, it can be determined by scanning the scanning, whether the fuel is arranged in the intended manner in the intermediate storage area and thus the lock chamber or the lock cell can be opened, or if the fuel is stored in a manner not intended and therefore must be removed again. If the scanning area is empty, the fuel is stored correctly. If the scanning area is not empty, the fuel is not stored correctly and must be removed. One or more sensor devices are used for scanning the scanning region, preferably a gripper for automatically loading the lock is used as sensor or mechanical scanning device for scanning the scanning region.

LIST OF REFERENCE NUMBERS

1

 lock

2

 lock housing

3

 lock chamber

4

 inlet

5

 outlet

6

 feeder

7

 Temporary storage area

8th

 scanning

9

 sensor device

10

 mechanical scanning device

11

 grab

12

 Claw sensor

13

Transition between scanning area 8th and temporary storage area 7

14

 chute

15

 bucket wheel

16

 lock cell

17

 position sensor

18

 poetry

19

 movable gripper arm

20

 funnel

21

 enlarged area

22

 engine

23

 fixed gripper arm

24

 suction

Claims (11)

Lock ( 1 ) for the supply of particulate fuel, in particular logs, from an outside space to a combustion chamber of a combustion furnace without directly opening the combustion chamber to the outside, the lock ( 1 ) a lock housing ( 2 ) and within the lock housing ( 2 ) a lock chamber ( 3 ), wherein the lock housing ( 2 ) to the exterior an inlet ( 4 ) for lumpy fuel and to the combustion chamber towards an outlet ( 5 ) for particulate fuel, the inlet ( 4 ) outside the lock chamber ( 3 ) a feeding device ( 6 ) is upstream of the lumpy fuel, characterized in that the delivery device ( 6 ) an intermediate storage area ( 7 ) and a scanning area ( 8th ), wherein the intermediate storage area ( 7 ) outside the lock chamber ( 3 ) the inlet ( 4 ) and for the interim storage of fuel before it enters the lock chamber ( 3 ), the scanning area ( 8th ) the intermediate storage area ( 7 ), and wherein at least one sensor device ( 9 ) is provided for scanning the scanning area on contained or projecting fuel. Lock ( 1 ) according to claim 1, characterized in that the sensor device ( 9 ) a mechanical scanning device ( 10 ), by which the scanning region ( 8th ) can be scanned by means of mechanical movement and thereby contained or projecting fuel can be registered. Lock ( 1 ) according to claim 2, characterized in that the lock ( 1 ) arranged on a transport device, in particular a gantry device or crane, and in the feeder ( 6 ) of the lock ( 1 ) retractable and extendable gripper ( 11 ) for the fuel, the mechanical scanning device ( 10 ) this gripper ( 11 ) or this gripper ( 11 ), and wherein the scanning area ( 8th ) by a movement of the gripper ( 11 ) can be scanned and contained or projecting fuel is registered. Lock ( 1 ) according to claim 3, characterized in that for registering in the scanning area ( 8th ) or within the scanning range ( 8th ) projecting fuel by the movement of the gripper ( 11 ) the sensor device ( 9 ) at least one gripper sensor ( 12 ) for scanning a transition ( 13 ) between scanning area ( 8th ) and temporary storage area ( 7 ), in particular an inductive or capacitive or magnetic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or a light sensor, wherein by means of this gripper sensor ( 12 ) the achievement of the transition ( 13 ) by the gripper ( 11 ) is detectable, and / or a device for detecting the tension of at least one holding element of the gripper ( 11 ), in particular a rope or a chain or a belt. Lock ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that inlet ( 4 ) and / or outlet ( 5 ) of the lock housing ( 2 ) at least one closing device, in particular a flap and / or a slide, for opening and closing have and / or that the lock ( 1 ) at least one slide for transporting the fuel through the lock and / or out of the lock through the outlet ( 5 ) in the combustion chamber. Lock ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the lock chamber ( 3 ) one opposite the lock housing ( 2 ) rotatable cellular wheel ( 15 ) with at least one lock cell ( 16 ) is provided for receiving the fuel to be spun. Lock ( 1 ) according to claim 6, characterized in that at least one position sensor ( 17 ), in particular an inductive or capacitive or magnetic sensor or an ultrasonic sensor or an optical sensor or a light sensor, for detecting at least one position of the at least one lock cell ( 16 ) of the cellular wheel ( 15 ) relative to the lock housing ( 2 ) is provided. Lock ( 1 ) according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that between Zellrad ( 15 ) and lock housing ( 2 ) at least one or more seals ( 18 ) which provide a direct flow of gas and / or air between inlet ( 4 ) and outlet ( 5 ) of the lock housing ( 2 ) through the lock chamber ( 3 ) through. Lock ( 1 ) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the lock ( 1 ) arranged on a transport device, in particular a gantry device or crane, and in the feeder ( 6 ) of the lock ( 1 ) retractable and extendable gripper ( 11 ) for the fuel with at least one movable gripper arm ( 19 ), in particular exactly one movable gripper arm ( 19 ), that the feeder ( 6 ) a funnel ( 20 ) via the filled fuel into the intermediate storage area ( 7 ), and that the funnel ( 20 ) at least one enlarged area ( 21 ), which is designed and arranged such that by means of the movable gripper arm ( 19 ) of the enlarged area ( 21 ) retracted gripper ( 11 ) in the interim storage area ( 7 ) and / or in the scanning area ( 8th ) arranged fuel is tangible. Method for feeding particulate fuel, in particular firewood, from an outside space to a combustion chamber of a combustion furnace without directly opening the combustion chamber to the outside with a lock ( 1 ) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the fuel is fed into the delivery device ( 6 ) is given by means of the at least one sensor device ( 9 ) the scanning area ( 8th ) is scanned for contained or projecting fuel, in the case of a scanning by the at least one sensor device ( 9 ) registered fuel that is in the scanning area ( 8th ) or in the scanning area ( 8th ), the fuel from the feeder ( 6 ) is removed, in the case of determining the at least one sensor device ( 9 ) that no fuel in the scanning area ( 8th ) and also no fuel in the sampling area ( 8th ), the fuel through the inlet ( 5 ) into the lock chamber ( 3 ) is transferred. Method according to claim 10, characterized in that the lock ( 1 ) arranged on a transport device, in particular a gantry device or crane, and in the feeder ( 6 ) of the lock ( 1 ) retractable and extendable gripper ( 11 ) for the fuel, which fuels the fuel when the inlet ( 4 ) from a discharge point into the delivery device ( 6 ) that the gripper ( 11 ) as a mechanical scanning device ( 10 ) of the sensor device ( 9 ) is used by placing it in the scanning area ( 8th ), that a gripper sensor ( 12 ) for scanning a transition ( 13 ) between scanning area ( 8th ) and temporary storage area ( 7 ) determines when the gripper ( 11 ) the transition ( 13 ) and thereby registering that fuel is neither in the scanning range ( 8th ) is still in the scanning area ( 8th ), in which case the inlet ( 4 ) is opened and the fuel into the lock chamber ( 3 ) that a device ( 14 ) for detecting the tension of at least one holding element of the gripper ( 11 ), in particular a rope or a chain or a belt, determines when the gripper ( 11 ) before reaching the transition ( 13 ) to a resistance and thus to fuel in the sampling area ( 8th ), in which case the gripper ( 11 ) the fuel again from the feeder ( 6 ) and either at the discharge point back into the feeder ( 6 ) drops or removes other fuel and this from the discharge point in the feeder ( 6 ) drops in it.

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