EP3068711A1

EP3068711A1 - Method and conveying device for conveying bulk material

Info

Publication number: EP3068711A1
Application number: EP14818884.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Rolf Kamps; Bertram PSCHERER; Christof Kaufmann
Original assignee: Buehler GmbH
Current assignee: Buehler GmbH
Priority date: 2013-11-14
Filing date: 2014-11-13
Publication date: 2016-09-21

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for conveying bulk material by means of a conveying device having a conveying channel and at least two conveying elements (266, 269) located loosely in the conveying channel. The conveying elements are mechanically driven in the direction of conveyance in a first segment of the conveying channel, before bulk material is delivered to the conveying channel in a second segment of the conveying channel. The bulk material is conveyed to a third segment of the conveying channel by way of movement of the conveying elements along the direction of conveyance, wherein in said third segment of the conveying channel, the first conveying element (269) is pushed through the conveying channel in the direction of conveyance by the second conveying element (266) and/or the bulk material. The invention further relates to a conveying device for carrying out said method.

Description

Method and conveyor for conveying bulk material

The invention relates to a method and a conveyor for conveying bulk material.

Such conveyors, which are suitable for conveying bulk material such as rice, flour, wheat or corn along, inter alia, curved tubes from an inlet for the bulk material to an outlet for the bulk material, are known from the prior art

Tube chain conveyor or baffle plate conveyor known.

From US 4, 197, 938 is a conveyor for bulk material comprising

disc-like carriers known. The drivers are arranged on a rope, the cable comprising the drivers by means of a

Gear is drivable for conveying the bulk material, inter alia, along curved pipe sections from an inlet to an outlet.

This known conveyor for bulk material has the disadvantage that, for example, in case of damage to the driver in the

Operation whose replacement is complex, which increases maintenance costs and reduces the average throughput of bulk material through the conveyor. In addition, when using a cable as a tension element with drivers mounted thereon a length adjustment, for example, when shortening or lengthening the conveyor consuming. In addition, the previously known conveyor has the disadvantage that a degree of filling of the conveyor is not adjustable.

From NL 1025855 a conveyor with a plurality of carriers is known, which contain an electrically conductive and / or magnetic material.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to avoid the disadvantages of the known, so in particular a conveyor, a driver and a feeder and a method

to provide a more reliable operation of the

Conveyor is made possible with a low maintenance, the conveyor is inexpensive to operate. A further object is the provision of a supply device for enabling the adjustability of a filling level of the conveyor. An additional object of the present invention is the provision a method for upgrading and / or retrofitting of already installed conveyors, so that they are easy to maintain and cost in operation. These objects are achieved by a method and a conveyor according to the claims.

General description of the principle of a erfindunqsgemäßen

Conveyor

For example, a conveyor comprises a conveyor channel. The delivery channel is designed in particular as a delivery tube. in the

Delivery channel is arranged at least one driver. In particular, at least two drivers are arranged in the conveying channel. The

Conveying device has at least one drive for driving the at least one driver for conveying bulk material along a conveying channel axis. The at least one driver is arranged at least in sections along the conveyor channel axis loosely in the conveyor channel.

Under a "conveyor" is in the sense of the present

Application understood a device for continuous conveying of bulk material in particular. Under a "continuous promotion" of bulk material is understood in the context of the present application, in particular, such a promotion of bulk material, in which the

Bulk material flow in the conveying channel is partially interrupted by driver.

For the purposes of the present application, a "delivery channel" is understood to mean a channel along the longitudinal axis of which bulk material can be conveyed. For example, a conveyor channel as an open channel or as

Hollow body with circular, triangular, rectangular or

be formed square cross-section or any other cross-sectional shapes. In particular, the delivery channel is designed as a delivery tube with a circular cross-section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the delivery tube. In particular, the delivery channel is circumferentially formed as a closed loop. For the purposes of the present application, a "delivery channel axis" is understood to be the longitudinal axis of the delivery channel along which the bulk material is conveyed when used as intended. Under a "driver"("conveyorelement") is in the sense of

present application such an element understood, with which when used as intended substantially parallel to

Longitudinal axis of the conveying channel bulk material is conveyed by positioning the driver, along the longitudinal axis. In particular, the driver in a hollow body such as a conveyor tube can be arranged and positioned along the axis of the hollow body for conveying bulk material along the axis of the hollow body.

For the purposes of the present application, the term "bulk material" is understood to mean a granular, floury or else lumpy material which is present in a pourable form and, in particular, is free-flowing.

In particular, rice, flour, grain, wheat, corn, flowable, powdery substances and any combinations thereof are understood as bulk goods.

Under a "loose arrangement of a driver at least in sections along the conveying channel axis" is understood in the context of the present application, such a driver, which is not directly connected in the section with a drive; in the section becomes

such driver only by along the conveyor channel axis adjacent arranged driver and / or bulk material, which is conveyed, moves along the conveying channel axis; For example, in a drive section, a force is exerted on a driver substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis, whereby the driver and positioned in contact with bulk material is positioned substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis, wherein driver and / or bulk material are moved outside the drive section of the conveyor along the conveyor channel axis , The term "A and / or B" is used in the sense of the present

Registration understood the following possible combinations: A; B; A and B; A and not B; B and no A.

The design of the conveyor with at least one loosely arranged in the conveyor channel driver has the advantage that an exchange a damaged driver, for example, can be done easily because the driver is arranged loosely in the conveyor channel. Thus, the maintenance costs are reduced and thus the operation of the conveyor more cost efficient. In addition, an adaptation to different delivery channel lengths by removal or addition of a driver is advantageous.

In particular, the delivery channel is S-shaped in at least one side view. This has the advantage that a space-saving arrangement of the conveyor especially on only one

Floor is possible; In the prior art usually two or three floors are required for this, in which the

Conveyor is arranged.

The delivery channel, in particular the delivery tube, can at least in

Drive area contain or consist of steel.

Preferably, the conveying channel is designed as a guide device along the conveying channel axis for the driver. Under a "leadership institution" is in the sense of the present

Application understood a device for limiting the movement of the driver substantially perpendicular to the conveying channel axis.

This embodiment of the conveyor channel as a guide means for the driver has the advantage that the driver can perform only a small movement perpendicular to the conveyor channel axis, whereby damage to the driver can be minimized during operation.

This design of the conveying channel as a guide device can be achieved, for example, in that the central cross section of the conveying channel along the conveying channel axis substantially has a congruent shape to the central cross section of the driver along the conveying channel axis, so that the driver but still in

Delivery channel is used and in a direction laterally to

Conveyor channel axis has little play.

Particularly preferably, the drive is designed such that at least partially a force substantially parallel to

Förderkanalachse by the drive directly on the driver is exercisable. The driver can for this purpose at least one drive surface to which said force can be exerted.

Advantageously, the drive surface is elastic and may for example consist of plastic or rubber or be coated therewith. In this way it can be achieved that there is not only a punctiform contact between the drive and the driver, but a line-shaped or even a sheet-like contact.

Furthermore, the driving slat may contain or consist of steel.

Under the formulation that "a force is directly exercisable", in the sense of the present application is understood that the force is exerted by the drive on the corresponding driver and not by further between the drive and driver arranged driver and / or bulk material.

This design of the drive has the advantage that the

Power transmission to the driver can be done reliably even with loose arrangement of the driver. Most preferably, the drive engages at least in one

Drive section in the conveying channel for applying a force substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis to a in the

Drive section arranged driver. This has the advantage that the drive must be arranged only in a portion of the device, which the maintenance of

Conveying facilitated and simplifies the structural design of the conveyor. In particular, the total length is arranged in the conveyor channel

Driver smaller than the length of the conveyor channel axis. Preferably, the total length of the driver is greater than the length of the conveying channel axis minus the length of the at least one drive section. This has the advantage that the drive of the driver in the conveyor channel is reliably guaranteed.

Under the "total length" of the driver becomes the effective longest

Extension of a driver along the Förderkanalach.se multiplied by the number of arranged in the conveyor channel driver understood. If the drivers are designed differently, then under the "total length" of the driver is the sum of the longest effective

Expansions of the driver understood along the conveyor channel axis. Preferably, the drive is designed such that a force in

Essentially facing in the inner wall of the conveyor channel

Peripheral region of the driver is exercisable on the driver.

Under the formulation that "a force essentially in the

Peripheral range of the driver is exercisable, the inner wall of the

In the context of the present application, it is understood that the drive engages with a drive device on the driver for force application, the drive device having a

Section directly touched in the circumferential direction of the driver.

This embodiment has the advantage that the drive only has to engage in the conveying channel in the area of the inner wall in order to prevent the

Drive effect to be achieved, whereby collisions of the drive with other parts of the driver or a compression of bulk material are minimized.

The drive is particularly preferred from the list of the following

Drive types or any combinations thereof selectable or selected: chain drive, belt drives, coupling gears,

Gear transmission, worm gear, magnetic gear, servo drives, direct drives. The coupling gear can, for example, as

Be formed four-bar linkage, especially as

Straight-line transmission. Such drives are known in the art. Advantageously, the most suitable drive according to the requirements as well

For example, the constructive boundary conditions are selected.

In particular, a coupling gear is used, which has proven to be particularly advantageous during operation.

In particular, when using a magnetic drive, it is necessary to select the material for the driver accordingly, so that by the magnetic Wechselfeider generated by the magnetic drive

Drive the driver is possible. In a first preferred variant, the drive has at least one driving pin, by means of which, at least in sections, a force substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis can be exerted directly on the driver, in particular on a driving surface of the driver

Driver. Preferably, the driving pin extends at least during the exercise of force on the driver in a vertical

Direction.

Advantageously, the drive in this first variant as

Chain gear formed and has at least one pair of drive chains, wherein each of two opposite ends of the driving pin is attached to a respective drive chain of the drive chain pair. In the case of vertically extending driving pin, the drive then has at least one lower drive chain and at least one upper drive chain.

The drive may have only a single or multiple drive chain pairs with respective drive pins. In some embodiments of the first variant, the driving pins are arranged laterally from the conveying channel. Preferably, the driving pins of a first

Drive chain pair disposed on a first side of the conveying channel, and the driving pins of a second drive chain pair are on one of the first side opposite the second side of the

Transport channel arranged. In this way, a wedging of the

Mitnehmer be prevented while the drive pins exert a force on them.

Also preferably, the distance between two adjacent driving pins is substantially identical to the extension of the driver along the conveying channel axis. This means that the distance between two adjacent driving pins is at least as great as the extent of the

Carrier along the conveying channel axis and at most 1.5 times, preferably at most 1.25 times, and more preferably at most 1.1 times this extent. This can be accomplished that the drivers during driving at least almost touch each other and therefore have the smallest possible distance. Preferably, the distance between two adjacent driving pins is greater than the extension of the driver along the conveying channel axis;

in particular, the ratio of these quantities may be at least 1.01. In this way, a certain amount of play can be achieved to compensate for manufacturing tolerances or wear tolerances.

In a second preferred variant of the drive as

Chain transmission or belt drive formed and has at least one drive chain, which contains at least one driving projection. By means of this driving projection, at least in sections, a force substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis can be exerted directly on the driver, in particular on a drive surface of the driver.

In the second variant, the drive chain from the side of

Be arranged conveyor channel. There may be only a single or multiple drive chains. For example, a first drive chain with driver projections on a first side of the

Be arranged conveyor channel, and a second drive chain with

MitnehmervorSprüngen can be arranged on one of the first side opposite the second side of the conveyor channel. This also makes it possible to prevent wedging of the drivers while the driving pins exert a force on them.

Also preferred is the distance between two adjacent

Tappet projections essentially identical to the extent of the

Driver along the conveyor channel axis. This means that the distance between two adjacent driver projections is at least as great as the extent of the drivers along the conveyor channel axis and at most 1.5 times, preferably at most 1.25 times and more preferably at most 1.1 times this extent is. This can also be accomplished so that the drivers during driving at least almost touch each other and therefore have a possible small distance. Preferably, the distance between two adjacent

Mitnehmervorsprünge greater than the extension of the driver along the conveyor channel axis; in particular, the ratio of these quantities may be at least 1.01. In this way, a certain amount of play can be achieved to reduce manufacturing tolerances or wear tolerances

to balance.

In a third preferred variant of the drive as

Worm gear formed and has at least one rotatable

Drive screw on, by means of which rotational movement, at least in sections, a force substantially parallel to

Förderkanalachse is exercisable directly on the driver, in particular on a drive surface of the driver. For this purpose, it is particularly preferred if the axis of rotation of the drive worm extends substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis.

Also in this third variant, only a single or even several rotatable drive screws can be present. For example, a first drive screw may be disposed on a first side of the delivery channel, and a second delivery screw may be located on a second side of the delivery channel opposite the first side

be arranged.

Also preferred is the extension of the driver along the

Förderkanalachse essentially an integer multiple of the

Pitch of the drive screw. This means that the ratio of the extent of the driver along the conveying channel axis and the pitch of the drive screw at most by 0.4, preferably at most by 0.2 and more preferably at most by 0.1 smaller than an integer, where this integer for example, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6 can be. For example, the ratio mentioned could be in the range from 3.6 to 4, preferably from 3.8 to 4 and particularly preferably from 3.9 to 4. This can also be accomplished that the drivers during driving at least almost touch each other and therefore have the smallest possible distance. Also preferably, said ratio is smaller than said integer by at least 0.01; In this way, a certain amount of play can be achieved to compensate for manufacturing tolerances or wear tolerances. In the case of multiple drive chain pairs and / or drive chains and / or drive screws these are preferably synchronized with each other. This is possible, for example, with a per se known gear transmission via which the driving force of a motor on several or all drive chains and / or drive screws is transferable. By such a synchronization can be ensured in particular that the driving pin described above, at least during the exercise of force on the driver in a vertical

Extend direction and that several driving pins,

Move the driver projections or drive screws at the same speed. The drive section preferably has a length in the direction of the delivery channel axis which is at least twice, preferably at least three times, the length of a carrier. This can

be ensured that at any time at least one driver is completely in the drive section.

At least one guide element may be present on an inner wall of the conveyor channel, and the driver may be a corresponding one

Have counter-guide, by means of which the driver along the guide element is feasible. This can prevent tilting or wedging of the driver. The guide element may be formed, for example, as a side baffle. Preferably, at least two and more preferably exactly two opposing side baffles are arranged on the inner wall of the conveying channel.

Optionally, a centering of the driver over the top

described driving pin done. The one described above

Drive chain can be guided laterally and can absorb lateral forces.

Very particularly preferably, a force transmission between two adjacent in the conveyor channel parallel to the conveyor channel axis arranged drivers by means of direct contact between the carriers can be achieved and / or arranged between the carriers in the conveyor channel bulk material.

This has the advantage that the arrangement of a drive in one

Drive section is sufficient, what the conveyor

cheaper and easier to maintain.

General description of the principle of a conveying element

Another aspect concerns a driver for the promotion of

Bulk material in a conveyor as described above. Of the

Driver comprises a driver surface and an alignment device for at least partially aligning the middle

Surface perpendicular of the driver surface substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis. Under a "driving surface" of the driver is in the sense of

This application understood the surface, which essentially the promotion of the bulk material in the conveyor at

intended use of the driver causes.

An "alignment device" is understood as meaning such a device by means of which the driver surface of the driver in the

Delivery channel is aligned so that the driver at

Proper use is suitable to promote bulk material. For example, this can be achieved by an appropriate dimensioning as a cylinder, by means arranged on the circumference of the driver parallel to the conveying axis struts (shafts) or spaced-apart discs, which are connected to a strut (a shaft). For the purposes of the present application, the average value of the carrier surface is defined as the "average surface perpendicularity" of the driver surface

Understand surface perpendicular to the effective driving surface, which may come into contact with bulk material when used as intended.

The orientation of the driver surface with an alignment device substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis has the advantage that the driver surface occupies a desired position during operation and thus enables efficient and cost-effective operation. Because the

Alignment device is arranged on the driver itself, a simple replacement is possible, for example in case of damage to the driver, since the driver is loosely arranged in the conveyor channel, which simplifies maintenance. When the mean vertical surface area of the driver surface is aligned substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis, the driver surface preferably covers the middle conveyor channel cross-section to less than 100%. Preferably, the average conveying channel cross section is covered in the range from 50% to 99.9% and particularly preferably from 80% to 99.9%. In particular, coverage may range from 85% to 99.9%, optionally in the range of 90% to 99.8% and further optionally from 92% to 97%; In particular, the cover is selected depending on the bulk material to be conveyed. Under the "middle Förderkanalguerschnitt" is in the sense of

present application, the average of the cross-sectional areas

understood perpendicular to the conveying channel axis, by the at

Proper use of bulk material is promoted.

This has the advantage of efficiently conveying bulk material along the conveyor channel, which makes operation cost-efficient.

Particularly preferably, the alignment device is formed as at least a first surface element and a second surface element, which are spaced from each other substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis and operatively connected to each other, wherein the average surface perpendiculars of the surface elements are arranged substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis.

This has the advantage of simple structural design of the driver. Next, this embodiment, the above for

Orientation device listed advantages. For example, so the driver of two parallel to

Förderachachse be spaced apart circular discs formed by means of a strut (a shaft), the

optionally arranged substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis, are interconnected.

The driving surface of the driver can on one of the two

Surface elements may be arranged. In particular, the cam surface may be formed by a first side of one of the two circular discs, and the drive surface may be through one of the first side

be formed opposite second side of this disc.

Most preferably, the surfaces enclosed by the circumference of the first surface element and the second surface element are at one

Projection parallel to the mean surface verticals in the

Essentially designed congruent.

The "area enclosed by the circumference" of the first surface element or of the second surface element is used in the sense of the present invention

Registration understood that the outer envelopes of the first

Surface element or the second surface element when arranged in a Delivery channel are substantially congruent to each other can be mapped;

For example, two parallel, all-round, circular discs of identical diameter with parallel

mutually arranged surfaces formed substantially congruent; Also, a circular, full-surface disc without openings is when arranged in a conveyor tube with a circular cross-section in

Substantially congruent with a surface element comprising radially arranged struts (shafts) formed with cavities between the struts, when the struts have the same radius as the circular, full-surface disc.

The formation of the first surface element and the second

Surface element substantially congruent to each other has the advantage that the driver is structurally simple ausgestaltbar, which further simplifies maintenance and reduces the cost of the driver.

Preferably, the conveying direction of the bulk material facing first surface element of the driver for the bulk material is permeable.

In particular, the second surface element comprises the driver surface. In particular, the second surface element is arranged on the side facing away from the conveying direction of the driver.

For the purposes of the present application, the term "conveying direction" is understood to mean the direction in which the bulk goods are conveyed in the middle along the

Delivery channel is conveyed in the conveyor, in particular in a section along the conveyor channel.

For the purposes of the present application, the term "permeable" for a surface element means a permeability to the bulk material to be conveyed; For example, a permeability through

Arrangement of sufficiently large openings for the bulk material in the first surface element to be configured.

The permeability of the first surface element, which is arranged at a distance substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis to the second surface element, has the advantage that the space between the

Surface elements can be used to convey bulk material, which increases throughput and is therefore more efficient in terms of cost. Particularly preferably, the driver on the conveying direction facing and / or on the side facing away from the conveying direction on a spacer. In particular, the spacer is an im

Essentially arranged parallel to the conveyor channel axis arm. In particular, the spacer is formed at the end remote from the driver spherical or dome-shaped.

For the purposes of the present application, the term "spherical or dome-shaped" is understood to mean that the driver

remote from the spacer a ball or a dome is arranged. Under a dome is a flattened spherical section understood.

The arrangement of at least one spacer on the driver has the advantage that a minimum distance for the efficient promotion of

Bulk material in the delivery channel can be achieved with structurally simple means, which reduces the maintenance effort and designed the operation cost-effective and efficient. The arrangement of a spherical or dome-shaped spacer has the advantage that also in

curved delivery channels of the spacer works reliably and the occurrence of high point loads is minimized, which

Wear and thus reduced maintenance.

Most preferably, the driver on the conveying direction facing or on the side facing away from the conveying direction a

Recess which is formed such that the spacer can engage in the recess.

In particular, the recess is funnel-shaped and further in particular at least partially spherical or at least partially parabolic.

This has the advantage that a spacer can reliably engage in the recess even in curved areas of the conveying channel, which makes the operation more reliable and the wear

reduced for less maintenance. General description of the principle of a feeder for

Bulk material, for example, for a fiction, according conveyor

A further aspect relates to a feed device for bulk material in an inlet into a conveying device comprising a conveying channel with an inner wall. In particular, the feeder is used with a conveyor as described above and optionally with a dog as described above. The bulk material is in the

Substantially conveyed by gravity into the conveyor. In particular, the supply device is arranged on a substantially horizontal portion of the conveyor. The inlet covers an angular range of the inner wall of greater than 0 ° to less than 180 ° and / or less than 0 ° to greater -180 ° with respect to the direction of gravity. The angular range is preferably greater than 20 ° to less than 160 ° and / or less than -20 ° to greater than -160 °. Particularly preferred is the angular range greater than 45 ° to less than 150 ° and / or less than -45 ° to greater -150 °.

An "angle with respect to the direction of gravity" in the context of the present application means that the direction of gravity defines an angle of 0 ° and a positive angle is measured in the clockwise direction with respect to the direction of gravity and a negative angle in the counterclockwise direction. A "substantially horizontal section" is in the sense of

present application, a portion which is arranged substantially perpendicular to the direction of gravity.

For the purposes of the present application, an "angular range sweeping over the inner wall" is understood to mean that the inlet in the conveying device covers an opening angle, measured from the conveying channel axis, ie. H. the center of the delivery channel. Of the

Angle range is to be understood as mean angle range. For example, the inlet, if the inlet in an im

Essentially horizontal section of the conveyor is arranged laterally.

The arrangement of the inlet in the angular range described has the advantage that a filling level or a degree of filling in the delivery channel is adjustable according to the requirements. The angle range can advantageously be selected depending on the bulk material used.

For example, the angular range can be fixed; This has the advantage that the angle range, for example, for one

conveying bulk material can be fixed to an optimum value, which makes the operation of the conveyor more reliable.

Preferably, the angular range is adjustable, in particular by means of a slider.

For example, the slider as a rotary valve and / or as

Roughing be arranged on the conveyor channel and / or on the supply device.

The adjustability of the angular range has the advantage that in

Dependence on the requirements for the bulk material conveying and also on the bulk material to be conveyed, the angular range

adjustable to adjust the filling level in the delivery channel.

Particularly preferably, the feed device comprises a deflection region for conveying the bulk material to the inlet.

This has the advantage that the bulk material, which is for example stored upstream in a storage container, through the

Deflection is conveyed to the conveyor channel, wherein through the

Deflection, the conveying speed or delivery rate of the bulk material is adjustable in the delivery channel. For the purposes of the present application, a "deflection region" is understood to mean a region in which a deflection of the bulk material takes place from a conveying direction essentially parallel to the direction of gravity. Most preferably, the deflection is designed as a deflection and in a deflection angle relative to the

Direction of gravity in the range of 30 ° to 70 °.

The deflection angle is preferably arranged in the range from 40 ° to 60 °, particularly preferably from 45 ° to 55 °. Alternatively, the deflection angle may also be -30 ° to -70 °, preferably from -40 ° to -60 °, and more preferably from -45 ° to -55 °. The arrangement of a deflection in the angular range described has the advantage that depending on the bulk material used and the required flow rate, the amount of supplied bulk material is adjustable. In particular, the deflection angle is adjustable, which advantageously has an adjustability of the deflection angle as a function of the respective

Requirements allowed.

General description of the principle of a method for conveying bulk material with a conveyor according to the invention and / or at least one conveying element described above

An additional aspect of the present invention relates to

Method for conveying bulk material with a conveyor as described above. Optionally, the conveyor comprises a

Carrier as described above. Further optionally, the device comprises a supply device as described above. The method comprises the step of conveying the bulk material from an inlet to a

Outlet.

The method has the advantages described above.

General description of the principle of a method for upgrading and / or converting a conveyor according to the invention

Another aspect relates to a method for upgrading and / or converting a conveyor for conveying bulk material. The method comprises the step of assembling at least one driver for producing a conveyor as described above.

In particular, a driver is mounted as described above. The method further optionally includes the step of mounting a feeder as described above.

This has the advantage that already installed conveyors can be upgraded and / or converted to an inventive Conveyor, which is inexpensive, since no installation of a completely new conveyor is necessary.

Basic explanations, general definitions and specific features which are set forth in a particular paragraph (e.g.

Conveyor) in the present application also apply to other paragraphs (e.g., relating to the conveyor element) in this application.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments for better understanding, without the invention being limited to the embodiments. Show it:

Figure 1: perspective view of an inventive

Conveyor; Figure 2 front view of the inventive conveyor

according to Figure 1; enlarged view of the drive section of the inventive conveyor according to Figure 1;

Front view of a section of the inventive conveyor according to Figure 1 comprising the

Driving section; Figure 5: section of a conveyor according to the invention

comprising two drivers in a straight conveyor pipe;

Section of a conveyor according to the invention with two drivers in a curved conveying channel; Photographic representation of two inventive

Carrier in operative connection in a conveyor trough;

Figure 8: perspective view of an inventive

Driver; FIG. 9: side view of the driver according to FIG. 8;

Figure 10: schematic representation of an inventive

Feeding device with a conveyor channel;

FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of part of an alternative conveyor device according to the invention with carriers and bulk material;

FIG. 12: schematic representation of a conveyor with S-shaped conveyor pipe;

FIG. 13a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention with a conveyor belt according to the invention

Drive chain pair arranged driving pin;

FIG. 13b shows a plan view of the conveyor device according to FIG. 13a; FIG. 14a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention with driving pins arranged on two drive chain pairs;

FIG. 14b shows a plan view of the conveyor device according to FIG. 14a;

FIG. 15a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention with driver projections disposed on a drive chain; FIG. 15b shows a plan view of the conveyor device according to FIG. 15a;

FIG. 16a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveyor device according to the invention with driver projections arranged on two drive chains;

FIG. 16b shows a top view of the conveyor device according to FIG. 16a;

FIG. 17 a: a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention with a conveyor

Driving worm; FIG. 17b shows a plan view of the conveyor device according to FIG. 17a;

FIG. 18 a: a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention with two

Drive screw;

FIG. 18b shows a top view of the conveyor device according to FIG. 18a; Figure 18c is a view of another embodiment of a

inventive conveyor with a

Rolling Ring Drive;

FIG. 18 d shows a view of a further embodiment of a

inventive conveyor with a

Worm drive in the conveyor tube;

FIG. 19a shows a conveying device with a four-joint drive at a first point in time;

FIG. 19b shows the conveying device according to FIG. 19a to a second one

Second point;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention with two

Drive chains;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention with two

Drive belts;

FIG. 22 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention with two

Drive belts;

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of a conveying device according to the invention, eg with two hydraulic elements; FIG. 24 shows a view of a further embodiment of a conveyor according to the invention with a conveyor

Gear drive in an inner arc section of the

Conveying channel, in particular as an intermediate drive;

FIG. 25: a view of a further embodiment of a

inventive conveyor with a

Linkage; Figure 26a: a view of an embodiment of a mechanical

drive;

FIG. 26b shows a detailed view of a further embodiment of a mechanical drive;

Figure 26c is a view of the embodiment of Figure 26b;

FIG. 27a is a view of a pipe cut according to the state of FIG

Technology;

FIG. 27b is a perspective view of a pipe section according to FIG

State of the art;

Figure 28a is a view of a pipe cut, e.g. as a feed opening according to an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 28b is a perspective view of a pipe cut, e.g. when

Feed port according to an embodiment of the present invention

Figure 29a is a view of a pipe cut, e.g. as an outlet opening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 29b is a perspective view of a pipe cut, e.g. when

Outlet opening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 30a shows a view of a pipe section, for example as an outlet opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 30b shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, eg as an outlet opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 31a shows a view of a pipe cutout, for example as an outlet opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 31b is a perspective view of a tube cut, e.g. when

Outlet opening according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 32a is a view of a pipe cut, e.g. as a viewing window according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 32b is a perspective view of a pipe cut-off of e.g. when

Viewing window according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 33a shows a first view of a pipe cut, e.g. when

Drive opening according to an embodiment of the present invention

Invention;

Figure 33b is a second view of a tube cut, e.g. when

Drive port according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 33c is a perspective view of a pipe cut, e.g. when

Drive port according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 34a is a first view of a pipe cut-away, e.g. when

Drive port according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 34b is a second view of a pipe cut, e.g. when

Drive port according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 34c shows a perspective view of a pipe cutout, for example as a drive opening, according to an embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 35a shows a first view of a pipe cut, eg as

Drive port according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 35b is a second view of a pipe cut, e.g. when

Drive opening according to an embodiment of the present invention

Invention;

Figure 35c is a perspective view of a pipe cut-off of e.g. when

Drive port according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 36a is a view of a pipe cut, e.g. as an insertion opening for a conveying element according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 36b is a perspective view of a pipe cut, e.g. when

Inlet Opening for a Conveying Element According to an Embodiment of the Present Invention Figure 36c is a perspective view of a pipe cutout of e.g. when

Einführöffnung for a conveyor element with a

to be introduced conveying element;

FIG. 37 shows a view of a conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment of the invention in a conveyor channel;

Figure 38a: a detailed view of the conveying element according to the

Embodiment in Figure 37; FIG. 38b shows a detailed view of a conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 38c shows a detailed view of a conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment of the invention; FIG. 39 shows a view of a conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment of the invention in a conveyor channel;

Figure 40: a view of a conveyor channel with several

conveyor elements according to the invention;

FIG. 41: a perspective view of a conveying element according to FIG

an embodiment of the invention; FIG. 42: a perspective view of a conveying element according to FIG

an embodiment of the invention.

Hereinafter, first, FIGS. 1 to 19 will be described. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a conveyor 1 according to the invention for conveying bulk material. Of the

Delivery channel 4 is designed as a delivery pipe 5, which may for example consist of steel or plastic. The delivery channel 4 is

formed circumferentially closed, so that arranged in the conveyor channel 4 driver (conveying elements) 2 can rotate endlessly.

In the conveyor 1, a plurality of drivers 2

arranged, by means of the drive 6 in the drive section. 8

are driven. The drivers are arranged loosely in the conveying channel 4 along the delivery channel axis.

Bulk material is conveyed by means of the supply device 18 into the delivery channel 4. In Figure 2, the conveyor 1 according to Figure 1 is shown in a front view.

Identical reference characters denote the same features in the figures below and are therefore explained again only when needed.

In the illustration according to FIG. 2, an outlet 22 is shown. In operation, bulk material is fed through the feeder 18 into the

Conveying channel 4 promoted. The bulk material in the conveyor channel 4 is conveyed by means of the driven driver 2 to the outlet 22, where the bulk material from the conveyor 1, for example, falls into a collecting container, not shown here.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the area comprising the drive section 8 of the conveyor device 1 according to FIG. 1

shown. The delivery pipe 5 has an inner wall 9, which as

Guide device along the conveying channel axis for the driver 2 acts. In the drive section 8 is by means of drive arms 25, a force substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis on the driver. 2

exercised. The drive arms 25 are moved by means of a drive chain 2 4 in the drive section 8 substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis. The force is substantially in that of the inner wall 9 of the conveyor channel facing the peripheral region of the driver 2 on the

Driver 2 exercised.

FIG. 4 shows a front view of part of the section of the conveyor 1 according to FIG.

The driven by means of the drive chain 24 drive arms 25 engage in the conveyor tube 5 through an engagement opening 2 6 a. There one

Feeding of bulk material takes place only downstream of the drive section to the drive 6, a sealing of the EingreifÖffnung 2 6 is not necessary in any case.

FIG. 5 schematically shows a detail of a delivery channel 4, which is designed as a delivery tube 5, comprising two drivers 2

shown. The drivers 2 point on the conveying direction

facing side of the driver 2 arms 17, which serve as spacers. On the side facing away from the conveying direction have the

Carrier 2 recesses 16, in which optionally an adjacently arranged driver 2 can engage with the arm 17. The drivers 2 include struts (shafts) 23, the present in the

Are arranged substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis 7.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a detail of a conveying device with a curved conveying channel with carriers 2 arranged therein. FIG. 7 shows photographically a detail of a conveying device 1 with a conveying channel 4 designed as a conveying channel, in which two drivers 2 with arm 17 and recess 16 are shown in a curved section of the conveying channel.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a driver 2 according to the invention. The driver 2 according to FIG. 8 has an arm 17 which, when used as intended, is arranged in a conveying channel on the side facing the conveying direction.

The driver 2 has a first surface element 13, which is permeable to bulk material. The driver 2 also has a second surface element 14, which comprises the driver surface not shown here. The first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14 are arranged by means of a strut (a shaft) 23 spaced from each other for the operative connection of the two surface elements.

In addition, the driver 2 on the side facing away from the conveying direction of the second surface element 14 has a recess 16 into which an arm 17 of an adjacent arranged driver can engage. FIG. 9 shows a side view of the driver 2 according to FIG. 8 according to the invention.

The driver 2 has a spacer 15, which is designed as an arm 17. The arm 17 is formed on the end remote from the driver 2 spherical. On the side facing away from the conveying direction of the driver 2 has a recess 16 which is partially spherical in shape, so that the spherical spacer 15 can engage in the complementary recess 16 of another driver.

The first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14 are operatively connected to one another by means of the strut (shaft) 23, wherein the first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14 as

Alignment device 11 act. The first surface element 13 is permeable to bulk material. The second surface element 14 comprises on a first side the

Driving surface 10 for conveying the bulk material along the

Delivery channel and on one of the first side opposite the second side of a drive surface 27. The drive surface 27 may be formed elastically and in particular made of plastic or rubber. Alternatively, however, the drive surface 27 may be made of steel. On this drive surface 27, the drive can exert a force to drive the driver 2.

That of the circumference of the first Fl chenelements 13 and the second

Surface element 14 enclosed areas are in a projection substantially parallel to the average surface vertical 12 in

Essentially formed congruent to each other, which leads to the desired orientation of the driver 2 in the conveyor channel.

FIG. 10 shows a feed device 18 according to the invention for feeding bulk material 3 into a conveying tube 5 of the conveying device in a side view.

The conveying tube 5 has an inlet 19, which sweeps over an angular range a of approximately 90 °. By means of a slider 20, the as

Rotary slide is formed, the angle range a can be adjusted according to the requirements.

The supply means 18 has a deflection region 21 which is arranged with a deflection angle u relative of approximately 50 ⁰ to the direction of gravity. FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a detail of an alternative conveying device according to the invention. For a better overview here the conveyor tube was hidden.

In the conveying tube, a plurality of drivers 2 is arranged, in the present case three drivers 2 are visible. By means of a drive chain 24 (only partially shown) and arranged thereon

Drive arms 25 is a force on the driver 2 substantially parallel to the delivery channel axis exercisable. The driver 2 have no spacers. Between the drivers 2 is bulk 3 arranged, which leads to the present desired spacing of the driver 2.

FIG. 12 is a schematic representation of a side view of a conveying device 1 with a conveying tube 5. The delivery pipe 5 is S-shaped. In a lower area is a

Inlet tank 23 arranged for the supply of bulk material, which is conveyed by means not shown driver to the outlet container 24. The inlet and the outlet are not shown here.

The conveyor 1 according to Figures 13a and 13b includes a chain drive 6 with a drive chain pair, which consists of a lower drive chain 28a and an upper drive chain 28b. At these drive chains 28a, 28b are four drive pins 29th

fastened, wherein the respective lower ends of the driving pins 29 are attached to the lower drive chain 28a and the upper ends of the driving pins 2 9 on the upper drive chain 28b. In this way, the driving pins 2 9 extend in a vertical direction. The two drive chains 28a, 28b are driven by means of a drive shaft 30 and two sprockets 31 attached thereto. At the

opposite end, the drive chains 28a, 28b are deflected by means of a deflection axis 32. Also conceivable are more or fewer than four drive pins 29 which are attached to the drive chains 28a, 28b.

By rotation of the drive shaft 30, the driving pins 2 9 are moved along the conveying channel axis 7. This causes the

Carrier pin 2 9 in contact with the Antriebstlachen 27 of the driver 2 and drive them thus.

The distance between two adjacent driving pins 29 is approximately 1.02 times the extent of the drivers 2 along the conveying channel axis 7 and thus substantially identical to this extent in the sense of the above definition. This can be accomplished that the driver 2 almost touch each other during driving. However, a contact is prevented in order to prevent unintentional collisions of adjacent drivers 2. In addition, the drive section along the conveyor channel axis 7 twice as long as the driver 2. Thus, at any time at least one driver 2 is completely in the drive section. The embodiment shown in Figures 14a and 14b includes two chain transmission 6 and 6 'with drive chain pairs 28a, 28b and 28a', 28b ', each having four drive pins 29 and 29'. The two drive chain pairs 28a, 28b and 28a ', 28b ¹ are on

arranged opposite sides of the conveying channel 4. In order to enable synchronous movement and vertical alignment of the slave pins 29, 29 ', the two drive shafts 30, 30' can be driven by a common motor via a gear transmission, not shown here.

The chain transmission 6 in the embodiment according to FIGS 15a and 15b includes a drive chain 33 which is driven by a drive shaft 30 and a deflection axis 32 is deflected. At the

Drive chain 33 are screwed four MitnehmervorSprünge 34, by means of which the driver 2 can be driven. The drive chain 33 is arranged laterally from the conveyor channel 4.

The distance between two adjacent driver projections 34 is approximately 1.02 times the extent of the driver 2 along the conveyor channel axis 7 and thus substantially identical to this extent in the sense of the above definition. This can be accomplished that the driver 2 almost touch each other during driving. In addition, the drive section is also in this example along the

Delivery channel axis 7 twice as long as the driver 2. Thus, at any time at least one driver 2 is completely in the drive section.

In contrast to FIGS. 15a and 15b, the conveying device 1 according to FIGS. 16a and 16b comprises two opposite drive chains 33, 33 'with respective drive shafts 30 and 30' and deflection axles 32 and 32 'as well as driver projections 34 and 34', respectively. Also in this

Embodiment, the synchronization of the two drive shafts 30 and 30 'carried out by means of a gear transmission, not shown here.

In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 17a and 17b, the drive is designed as a worm drive 6 with a rotatable drive worm 35 whose axis of rotation D is parallel to the conveyor channel axis 7 runs. In this embodiment, the drive is the

Driver 2 by rotation of the drive worm 35 about its axis of rotation D.

The extent of the driver 2 along the conveyor channel axis 7 is about 3.9 times the pitch G of the drive screw 35. This can be accomplished that the driver 2 almost touch each other during driving.

The exemplary embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 18 a and 18 b shows two drive screws 35, 35 'with respective axes of rotation D, D' which run parallel to the conveyor channel axis 7. Again, the

Synchronization of the two drive screws 35, 35 'take place via a gear transmission, not shown here. The exemplary embodiments illustrated in FIGS. 18c and 18d show a drive 6 which takes place in the conveyor tube itself along the longitudinal axis 7. In particular, in this case, the conveyor tube itself can be rotated about its longitudinal axis 7. In Fig. 18c, e.g. the principle of a Wälzmutter or a Rollringgetriebes shown in which an angle setting W the feed can be adjusted. Alternatively and / or additionally, a central worm drive such as e.g. may be provided in the delivery tube shown in Fig. 18d. Here are

Pipe sections 4A and 4C before and / or after a pipe section 4B fixed, while rotating in the pipe section 4B, a worm drive.

FIGS. 19a and 19b show a drive 4 designed as a four-joint drive. A first end of a first lever 36 is fixed to a first drive shaft 37, while a second end of the first lever 36 is rotatably connected via a hinge 38 to a first end of a second lever 39. The second lever 39 includes a slot 40 in which a pin 41 engages, whereby a guide of the second lever 39 is made possible. Further, a first end of a third lever 42 is fixed to a second drive shaft 43, while a second end of the third lever 42 is rotatably connected via a hinge 44 to a first end of a fourth lever 45. The fourth lever 45 includes a slot 46 into which a pin 47

engages, whereby a guide of the fourth lever 45 is made possible. The first drive shaft 37 and the second drive shaft 43 are driven by a common drive belt 4 8, whereby a

Synchronization of the drive shafts 37, 43 is achieved. Figures 19a and 19b show the drive 6 at two different times. The drive 6 is designed and arranged such that in sections by means of a second end 4 9 of the second lever 39 and a second end 50 of the fourth lever 45, a force parallel to the conveyor channel axis 7 on driver 2 is exercised when the drive 6 by movement of the Drive belt 48 moves. In addition, the drive 6 is designed and arranged such that the second end 49 of the second lever 39 exerts a force on a first driver 2 until the second end 50 of the fourth lever 45 begins to exert a force on a second driver 2 and vice versa. The drive section in this embodiment has the length of a driver 2. Alternatively to that shown in Figures 19a and 19b

Embodiment, the movement of levers over at least one backdrop, preferably at least two scenes, are controlled, either the levers with vertically movable

Carrier pin directly over the drivers leads or is placed indirectly in the drive.

The present invention thus comprises, i.a. the following aspects:

Conveying device (1) comprising a conveying channel (4),

in particular a conveyor tube (5), at least one driver (2) arranged in the conveyor channel (4), in particular at least two

Carrier (2), and at least one drive (6) for driving the at least one driver (2) for conveying bulk material (3) along a conveyor channel axis (7), characterized in that the at least one driver at least partially along the conveyor channel axis (7 ) is arranged loosely in the conveying channel (4).

Conveying device (1) according to aspect 1, characterized in that the conveying channel (4) as a guide device along the

Delivery channel axis (7) for the driver (2) is formed.

3. conveyor (1) according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized

in that the drive (6) is designed in such a way that, at least in sections, a force substantially parallel to the Conveying channel axis (7) by the drive (6) directly on the

Driver (2) is exercisable.

Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 1 to 3, characterized in that the drive (6) at least in one

Drive section (8) in the conveying channel (4) engages the

Applying a force substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis (7) on a driver (2) arranged in the drive section (8).

Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 1 to 4, characterized in that the drive (6) from the list of the following drive types or any combinations thereof is selected or selected: chain drive, belt drives, coupling gear, gear transmission, worm gear, magnetic gear, servo drives, Direct drives.

Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 3 to 5, characterized in that the drive (6) at least one

Mitnehmerbolzen (29, 29 '), by means of which, at least in sections, a force substantially parallel to

Förderkanalachse (7) directly on the driver (2) is exercisable.

Conveying device (1) according to aspect 6, characterized in that the drive is designed as a chain drive (6) and has at least one drive chain pair (28a, 28b; 28a ', 28b'), each of two opposite ends of the driving pin (29, 29 ') on each drive chain (28a, 28b, 28a', 28b ') of the drive chain pair (28a, 28b, 28a', 28b ') is attached.

Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 3 to 7, characterized in that the drive as chain transmission (6)

is formed and at least one drive chain (33, 33 ') having at least one driver projection (34, 34'), by means of which at least partially a force substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis (7) directly on the driver (2) is exercisable.

Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 3 to 8, characterized in that the drive is constructed as a worm gear (6) and at least one rotatable drive worm (35, 35 '), by means of which at least rotational movement

in sections, a force substantially parallel to

Förderkanalachse (7) directly on the driver (2) is exercisable. 10. conveying device (1) according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that a force transmission between two in

Delivery channel (4) parallel to the conveyor channel axis (7) adjacent arranged drivers (2) by direct contact between the drivers (2) and / or by between the drivers (2) arranged in the conveyor channel bulk material can be achieved.

11. driver (2) for conveying bulk material (3) in one

Conveying device (1) according to one of the preceding aspects, comprising a driver surface (10), characterized in that the driver (2) comprises an alignment device (11) for at least partially aligning the middle

Surface perpendicular (12) of the driver surface (10) in

Essentially parallel to the conveying channel axis (7). 12. driver (2) according to aspect 11, characterized in that when aligning the average surface vertical (12) of the

Driving surface (10) substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis (7), the driving surface (10) the medium conveying channel cross-section to less than 100% covers, preferably in the range of 50% to 99.9% and particularly preferably from 80 to 99.9%.

Carrier (2) according to aspect 11 or 12, characterized in that the alignment device (11) as at least a first

Surface element (13) and a second surface element (14)

is formed, which are spaced from each other substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis (7) and operatively connected to each other, wherein the average surface perpendiculars (12) of the surface elements arranged substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis (7) s ind.

Carrier (2) according to aspect 13, characterized in that the conveying direction of the bulk material (3) facing first surface element (13) for the bulk material (3) is permeable, wherein in particular the second surface element (14) comprises the driver surface (10). Driver (2) according to any one of aspects 11 to 14, thereby

in that the driver (2) has a spacer (15) on the side facing and / or facing away from the conveying direction, in particular a substantially parallel to the

Förderkanalachse (7) arranged arm (17), which is in particular formed at the end remote from the driver (2) spherical or dome-shaped.

Carrier (2) according to aspect 15, characterized in that the driver (2) facing on the conveying direction or

side facing away from a recess (16) which is formed such that the spacer (15) can engage in the recess (16), wherein the recess (16) is in particular funnel-shaped, and wherein the recess (16) preferably at least partially is formed spherical and / or at least partially parabolic.

Method for conveying bulk material (3) with a

Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 1 to 10, optionally with a driver (2) according to one of the aspects 11 to 16, further optionally with a feed device (18), comprising the step of conveying the bulk material (3) from an inlet ( 19) to an outlet (22).

Method for upgrading and / or converting a conveying device (1) for conveying bulk material (3), comprising the step of assembling at least one driver (2), in particular one

Carrier (2) according to one of the aspects 11 to 16, for the production of a conveyor (1) according to one of the aspects 1 to 10 and optionally the step of mounting a supply device (18).

For example, on the basis of the basic explanations, general definitions and features already given above, as well as the explanatory notes to the drawings, the present one proceeds

Invention of the idea that bulk in one

Conveying channel, e.g. a delivery pipe is conveyed by loosely located in the conveyor channel conveying elements, which are pushed or pressed in the conveying channel in the conveying direction and thereby move the bulk material through the conveying channel. These are with the

Conveying elements to separate individual body or (bulk) entrainment, the e.g. during the bulk material conveying in the conveying channel (only) are positively connected with each other. For example, this can be done in sections of the delivery channel where no

Drive device is located in the conveyor channel in

Moving conveying element moving a pushing element located in front of this pushing or pushing through the conveyor channel.

The basic concept, in which the pressure is transmitted from one conveying element to the next conveying element in the conveying direction, distinguishes itself from known tube chain conveyors by its improved

Energy efficiency, increased conveying speed and performance, better hygiene and gentler conveying of the bulk material. Here, the increased energy efficiency is e.g. achieved in that is transported very low friction compared to tube chain conveyors. In addition, only a drive device may be necessary, which is provided in particular in a first portion of the conveyor channel and thus does not come into contact with the bulk material, the first in a second

Section of the delivery channel is fed into this. In addition, with the inventive concept, a method and a

Conveyor to be provided for the promotion

various bulk materials, such as rice, flour, grains, corn and wheat can be used. For example, so far have been for rice

Tube chain conveyor, for flour bucket conveyors and for grains

BecherförderSysteme used, but divorced at least for the rice transport due to the explosion protection problem, the

Risk of accident due to crushing and shearing and for space and cost reasons. On the other hand, the tubular chain conveyors could cover the requirements for rice applications to some extent, however, a tubular chain conveyor excretes in flour for hygiene reasons and grain for reasons of conveying capacity. With the present Invention, all these bulk materials can be easily and

be promoted hygienic and highly efficient.

The invention achieves the above-described objects with the features of the claims.

The present invention relates to a conveyor and a method for conveying bulk material by means of a conveyor with a conveyor channel and at least two loosely located in the conveyor channel conveyor elements. In a first section of the conveying channel, the conveying elements are mechanically driven in the conveying direction, i. via direct (touching) contact with a drive device.

In one embodiment, during the driving process, in each case one conveying element projects beyond an opening in the first section of the

Delivery channel with at least one drive element in direct contact. In particular, located substantially outside of the conveying channel (or the conveying pipe, wherein the conveying tube at least in one

Section after supply of the bulk material is closed over its cross-section) a drive means, through the opening in the first portion of the conveying channel, a direct force on her

At least one drive element can exert on the conveyor elements and thus in the conveying direction through the first section of the

Conveyor channel pushes / pushes.

For example, at least one conveying element, as described above, may comprise two discs and a shaft running perpendicularly to them, which connects the discs centrally and which, at least in the first portion of the conveying channel, is parallel to the conveying direction

is aligned. The distance of the discs of the conveyor element in

In this case, the conveying direction may be larger (eg 1 mm to 5 mm larger, 2 mm to 3 mm larger, or in particular approx. 2 mm larger) than half the length of the conveying element in the conveying direction. In one embodiment, the conveying elements in the first section of the conveying channel are driven by direct contact with one of the discs and / or both discs and / or the shaft. In particular, during the drive, a drive element engages a front portion of the conveyor element, for example on the front disc (guide disc, which has the driver surface described above) and pushes on this way, the conveying element through the first section of the conveying channel. The front portion of the conveyor element is in this case, for example, the front half in the conveying direction in the longitudinal direction of the shaft, in particular the front half of the conveyor element, which also includes the front disc. Alternatively and / or additionally, during the drive, a drive element on the rear disc in the conveying direction (scraper disc having the above-described driving surface) of the conveyor element attack and thus pushes the

Conveying element through the first section of the conveying channel.

In one embodiment, the conveying elements in the transition region between the first and the second portion of the conveying channel by direct contact with the rear in the conveying direction disc

(Räumerscheibe) of the conveying element driven. In this way, the conveying element is pushed over the more stable Räumerscheibe through the first portion of the conveyor channel. Accordingly, it can be avoided that the entire load from preceding conveying elements and bulk material rests in the second and third section of the conveying channel on the front, in particular weakened by recesses, disc (guide disc).

In one embodiment, per length of a conveyor element in

Delivery direction provided via the opening in the first section of the conveyor channel at least two drive elements. For example, the drive device has the at least two drive elements, wherein the spacing of the drive elements in the conveying direction corresponds to half the length of a conveyor element.

Since per length of a conveyor element not only one, but two

Drive elements are provided for the drive of the conveyor element, also a false clocking of the drive elements and thus damage to the conveyor element can be avoided. In particular, the distance between two drive elements is half

Conveyor length in the conveying direction, while the distance between the Räumerscheibe to the front disc (guide disc, the e.

multiple recesses as described above) of the conveying element is greater than half the length of the conveying element.

At a distance between two drive elements, which corresponds to the length of a conveyor element, it is possible that a drive element engages incorrectly in the conveying element and so, for example, advances the conveying element on its guide disc and not just on its reamer in the conveying channel in the conveying direction. Such Fehltaktung can happen especially when the length of the circulating

closed guide channel is greater than the sum of the lengths of the individual conveying elements in the delivery channel. However, it may be advantageous that the sum of the lengths of the conveyor elements is less than the length of the conveyor channel, e.g. to promote larger quantities of bulk material. If, in this case, the conveying element were to run onto an upstream conveying element in a transitional area between the first and second sections of the conveying tube, the entire load would come from preceding conveying elements and bulk material on the (weaker) guide plate, so that it could be damaged or even destroyed.

At a distance between two drive elements, which corresponds to half the length of a conveyor element, wherein the distance between

Scraper disc and guide plate of a conveying element is slightly larger than half the length of the conveyor element, pushes in the above case, the drive element also the guide plate in the first section of the conveyor channel in the conveying direction. However, that slows down

Conveying element in the moment in which it is on an upstream

Conveying element in a transition region between the first portion and the second section meets, briefly, and the load changes from the drive element on the guide disc on the subsequent drive element, which acts at that moment on the (stronger) reamer.

In this way, a Fehltaktung at entry of an isolated conveyor element (in contrast to the power network between the

Conveying elements, in the second and third section of the

Delivery channel exists) can be avoided in the first section of the delivery channel. In one embodiment, the drive elements are the ones above

described (driver) bolt and / or those described above

Mitnehmervorsprünge and / or hydraulic elements and / or

Pneumatic elements. In this case, two hydraulic elements and / or compressed air elements arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction can be connected such that they alternately exert a force on the conveying element exercise and / or at the same time in different places (such as on the guide disc and the RäumungsScheibe) a force on the

Exercise conveyor element. According to the invention, in a second section of the conveyor channel, which preferably adjoins the first section of the conveyor channel, bulk material is introduced into the conveyor channel via a feed opening, e.g. from one

Feeding device supplied. The bulk material is then by movement of the conveying elements along the conveying direction in a third

Promoted portion of the conveyor channel, wherein in this third portion of the conveyor channel, and in particular in the second portion of the conveyor channel, the first conveyor element is pushed or pushed by the second conveyor element and / or the bulk material through the conveyor channel in the conveying direction. The bulk material is e.g. from a feed opening for feeding the bulk material into the conveying channel in the second section up to an outlet in the conveying channel at the end of the third

Promoted section, wherein the conveying elements are pushed through the conveying channel by means of the drive in the first section and the adhesion between the conveying elements in the second and third sections. The frictional connection takes place here between the respective ends of the conveying elements in the conveying direction and possibly over the supplied bulk material between these ends, so that

Conveying elements and bulk material are pressed through the delivery channel. The invention also relates to the above u.a. conveying device described in connection with the method with a conveying channel and at least two conveying elements and comprises the mechanical

Drive device for driving the conveying elements in the conveying direction in a first portion of the conveying channel, wherein the

Conveying elements are loosely located in the conveying channel and a feed opening for supplying bulk material in the conveying channel in a second

Section of the delivery channel. Here, the conveyor is configured to carry out the method described above, in particular such that in a third section of the conveyor channel, the first conveyor element is pressed by the second conveyor element and / or bulk material through the conveyor channel in the conveying direction.

In one embodiment, the delivery channel has in its second

Section an opening through which the bulk material from one

Feeding device can be fed into the delivery channel. These Feed opening is (in particular in a longitudinal section of the conveying channel viewed) not rectangular. For example, the width of the

Feed opening (or the length of the arc edge of the opening in the

Conveying pipe) at the rearmost in the conveying direction of the

Feed opening be less than elsewhere in the

Feed opening.

Such a design of the feed opening has the advantage that abutting edges can be avoided in pipe cutouts. For example, openings in the delivery channel may be configured such that a shearing action occurs as the delivery elements pass through the openings so that the bulk material is not destroyed and the delivery elements are not damaged. Especially with long cut-out edges, which are provided perpendicular to the conveying direction, a high occurs

Wear of the conveyor elements, v.a. the discs, and an increased breakage in the bulk material to be conveyed on.

In one embodiment, the delivery channel has an opening for driving e.g. in the first section of the conveyor channel and / or a

Outlet opening for emptying the bulk material, e.g. at or at the end of the third section of the delivery channel and / or one or more

Inspection windows (inspection window) for inspections in one or more sections of the conveyor channel and / or an introduction opening for the conveyor elements before and / or in the first section of the conveyor channel or between the third and the first section of the conveyor channel. For such openings, the same principles apply here as for the feed opening described above, so that even with these openings, abutting edges can be avoided as far as possible in the case of pipe cutouts. In the described openings, which in particular have no rectangular shape, the wear of the conveyor elements is reduced: For rectangular cutouts, a point-like loading takes place at the edges, while in the described and preferred embodiments, the load in the linear movement of the conveyor element at different locations of the conveyor element moves.

In one embodiment, the insertion opening for the conveying elements, for example, according to the "Poka Yoke" principle designed such that only certain conveying elements can be introduced into the conveying channel and / or conveying elements can only be inserted in the correct position in this. In this way it can be prevented that eg conveying elements of a wrong size, length or with a non-drive suitable distance between the scraper disc and guide disc in the

Conveyor and there may lead to malfunction, in particular, e.g. even if conveyor elements against the

Conveying direction are placed in the conveyor channel. For example, the shape of the insertion opening in the conveying pipe wall can substantially correspond to the shape of the conveying element projected in the correct position onto the conveying pipe wall or, in particular, be only insignificantly larger from a practical point of view in order to facilitate the insertion of the conveying element

To allow conveyor element.

In one embodiment, at least one of the conveying elements is provided with a label for automatic identification and / or localization, and the conveying device has a reading device for reading out the label. In particular, the label may be a code drawn / printed on the conveyor (e.g., a label providing certain information) and / or an RFID transponder having a code which may be read by the reader e.g. at one or more locations in / on the conveyor channel, e.g. through a viewing window or other opening, can be read. In this way, e.g. Start or stop operations are controlled, e.g. can the

Conveyor be configured so that it (only) starts when a (certain) conveying element has been identified at a certain point, and / or then stops when a (certain) conveying element has been pushed to a specific location. For example, thus a well-defined number of cycles in the

Conveyor be predetermined.

In one embodiment, the conveyor, in particular the conveyor channel is lockable. This can e.g. then be of advantage if it is to be ensured in a special way that no

Contamination with other bulk materials, unwanted contamination or even toxins can get into the conveyor. For example, it can be provided that the conveyor or the delivery channel is sealed at all sections which have an opening in the channel wall (or the delivery tube wall) with the devices connected thereto, e.g. is sealed, is. This can e.g. for one

Drive means which engages in a corresponding opening in the first portion of the conveying channel in this, a feed device on the following through the feed opening in the first section second section of the conveying channel, the bulk material to be introduced, and an outlet device for the bulk material, which is arranged at the end of the second section following the third section or in a subsequent to the third section fourth section of the conveying channel via an outlet opening on the conveyor channel, apply , In particular, the conveyor may be configured such that the bulk material from a feeder (with possibly

upstream, sealed connected, other facilities) to the outlet and possibly sealed

connected, other facilities permanently in one

completed system is located.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with FIGS. 20 to 36 for better understanding.

Similar to the embodiments in FIGS. 13 to 16, FIGS. 20 to 22 show perspective views of further embodiments with special drive devices.

FIGS. 20 and 21 each represent a bilateral one

Drive device 201, 211, each having a drive chain 202, 212, at which there are a plurality of drive elements 203, 213, which push the conveyor elements 204, 214 in the conveying direction (see arrow) through the conveyor channel. In contrast to the embodiments shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, in the embodiments according to FIGS. 20 and 21 the distance between two drive elements 203, 213 is less than the length of a conveyor element 204, 214, e.g. In particular, the distance between two drive elements 203, 213 to the distance between the Räumerscheibe 204 a, 214 a and the guide plate 204 b, 214 b of the conveyor element 204, 214 as well as at the total length of the conveying element 204, 214 adapted to be that in traction between the conveying element 204, 214 and a preceding conveying element of the drive of the conveying element 204, 214 in the conveying direction only via the reamer 204a, 214a.

Similar to the embodiments in FIGS. 20 and 21, FIG. 22 shows an embodiment of a drive device 221 with two

Drive belts 222, on which drive elements 223 are arranged, whose distance is less than the length of a conveying element 224 in the conveying direction (see arrow). In particular, the distance is the

Drive elements 223 in this case half as large as the distance of the Räumerscheibe 224a to the guide plate 224b of the conveyor element 224. In this way, as already explained above, be prevented in a misfire of the drive, the entire load on the

Guide plate 224b of the conveyor element 224 is as soon as the

Conveying element runs on a preceding conveyor element. In one embodiment of the invention, (for example, alternatively or in addition to those generally described above

Drive devices) pneumatic and / or hydraulic drives can be provided. Figure 23 shows a drive device with two drive elements, which are designed as pneumatic, hydraulic or motor-driven cylinder. The cylinders in this case push the conveying element with a lifting movement, e.g. on the disk element, in front. At the coupling point of the force introduction point between the drive and disc element, e.g. a pawl may be provided, so that the return stroke can take place without contact with the conveying element in the return direction. In particular, two (or 4 or 6 etc.) such drive elements are advantageous, so that the one drive element is in the load stroke, while the other drive element moves back in the idle stroke.

Figure 24 illustrates a gear drive 241 whose radius in

Substantially with that of an inner arc portion 242a of the conveyor pipe

242 matches. In this way, the conveying elements 243 can be pushed in the arc section through the conveying tube 242. In one embodiment, such a gear transmission may e.g. when

Be provided intermediate drive in the conveyor. In this case, the distance in the conveying direction between two adjacent teeth 244 of the gear drive in about the length of a conveying element

243 correspond.

In a particular embodiment may also be provided that the drive is not parallel to the longitudinal axis of the conveyor tube, but at an (acute) angle to this runs. This can be achieved, for example, by providing a large radius as the feed direction, as is the case, for example, as shown in FIG. 24 shown gear drive 241 as a drive for a straight

Conveyor pipe section can be used.

FIG. 25 shows a view of a coupling mechanism, in particular of a four-link coupling mechanism, in which a coupling point makes a rectilinear output movement over a certain distance, via which the transmission can drive the conveying elements.

Figure 26a shows a mechanical drive device 261 having a drive chain 262 and drive elements (e.g., bolts) 263 which are fed from the drive chain 262 via a gear 264 through a drive port 265 into a first section 265 of the production tubing. In FIG. 26a, one of the bolts 263 engages due to an incorrect timing

Conveying element 266 not on its Räumungsscheibe 267, but on its guide plate 268 and pushes the conveyor element 266 thus by the first portion 265 of the conveyor tube by direct

Force acting on the guide plate 268. However, as soon as the conveying element 266 runs onto a preceding conveying element, the entire load of the preceding conveying elements and the bulk material to be conveyed on the guide plate 268 of the conveying element 266, so that it could be damaged or even destroyed.

For this reason, in one embodiment of the invention

additional drive elements (e.g., bolts) are provided in the drive means. In FIGS. 26b and 26c, the conveying element 266 is likewise pushed on its guide disk 268 by a bolt 263 in the conveying direction (see arrow). However, the conveying element 266 is only advanced by the bolt 263 until this on a

upstream conveying element 269 runs in a transition region ÜB from the first portion 265 of the conveying tube to a second portion of the conveying tube. In that in this embodiment the

Distance between reamer disc 267 and guide disc 268 of the

Conveying element 266 is slightly larger than the distance between two adjacent bolts 263 in the conveying direction, brakes the conveyor element 266 (and all subsequent conveyor elements) in the moment in which it runs on the preceding conveyor element, briefly and the bolt 263a directly behind the force-transmitting until now Bolt 263 engages the reamer wheel 267. In this way, at this moment the load changes from the weaker guide washer 268 to the more stable one Scraper disc 267 of the conveyor element 266 and damage to the conveyor element 266 can be avoided.

Figures 27a and 27b show an opening in a conveyor tube according to the prior art. Usually, such pipe sections are rectangular in shape, but have the disadvantage that long AusSchnittkanten 271 perpendicular to the conveying direction (see arrow) exist through this form. However, such abutting edges can

Damage to the conveyor elements, lead to increased wear of the conveyor discs and an increased breakage in the bulk material to be delivered.

FIGS. 28 to 36 show embodiments of openings or

Pipe sections for the delivery channel of an inventive

Conveyor.

Figures 28a and 28b represent e.g. a feed opening through which bulk material can be fed into the conveying tube. In particular, in this embodiment, no cutting edge runs perpendicular to the conveying direction (see arrow). In addition, it can be provided that the feed opening consists of two tube sections 283a and 283b mirrored in a plan view on the longitudinal axis 282 of the conveyor tube 281.

Figure 29a and Figure 29b represent e.g. an outlet opening through which the bulk material is discharged from the conveyor. Again, in particular, none of the cut edges runs perpendicular to

Conveying direction (see arrow). In the illustrated embodiment, the outlet opening consists of two in a plan view of the

Longitudinal axis 292 of the conveyor pipe 291 mirrored pipe sections 293a and 293b and a symmetrical to this longitudinal axis pipe section

294. The tubular sections 293a and 293b in this case have at the point at which a conveying element which moves in the conveying direction on the

Outlet opening meets, curved abutting edges to protect the conveyor element from damage.

The pipe cut 294 can here in a plan view the

have geometric shape of a kite quadrangle and is in particular configured such that, for example, bulk material, which is located in the conveyor tube at the bridge between the tube sections 293a and 293b, is ejected from the outlet opening, to possibly later mixing avoid. As shown in FIGS. 30a and 30b, such a kite quadrangle may also serve alone as an outlet opening 301, in which case the pointed end 302 of the kite rectangle 301 is passed by a conveying element moving in the conveying tube in the conveying direction in front of the opposite blunt end 303 (FIG. See arrow) . In a particular embodiment, the kite quadrilateral may be diamond-shaped.

In one embodiment, the outlet orifice may be substantially in the form of a (elongated) drop, such as e.g. is shown in Figures 31a and 31b. Again, in particular, none of the

Cut edges perpendicular to the conveying direction (see arrow).

Figures 32a and 32b illustrate e.g. a viewing window through which the delivery process can be observed. The width of the pipe cut-out shown in plan view is at the rearmost in the conveying direction (see arrow) point of the opening smaller than at another point of the pipe cut. In particular, the pipe cut-out can be substantially arrow-shaped and point in the conveying direction.

Figures 33a to 34c represent e.g. Pipe sections as drive openings, wherein the pipe sections on their in the conveying direction (see arrow) front portions 331, 341 and rear portions 332, 342 in a plan view (see Figure 33b) are formed arrowhead-shaped. In contrast to FIG. 33, with a first pipe cutout 333 and a second pipe cutout 334, which lies opposite the first pipe cutout 333 in a side view (see FIG

Drive opening in Figure 34 only a pipe cut 343.

Two-sided pipe cuts, as shown in Figure 33, can

especially in the above-described two-sided mechanical drives use.

Figures 35a to 35c represent pipe sections, which can also serve as drive openings. In contrast to the embodiments in FIGS. 33 and 34, the pipe cutouts are not in both

Areas 351 and 352, but only in the direction of conveyance rear portion 352 arrowhead-shaped. The front region 351 of the pipe cutout in the conveying direction can in this case be provided perpendicular to the conveying direction. FIGS. 36a and 36b illustrate, for example, tubular sections as an insertion opening for a conveying element. The insertion opening 361 for the

Conveying elements here is e.g. designed according to the "poka yoke" principle such that only certain conveying elements 362 can be introduced into the conveying tube 363, such as e.g. also shown in Figure 36c. In this way it can be prevented that e.g. Conveying elements with an unsuitable distance between reamer disc 362a and guide disc 362b get into the conveyor and there, especially during

Intervention of the drive device, can lead to malfunction. For example, the shape of the insertion opening 361 in the production pipe wall may be substantially the shape of that projected onto the production pipe wall

Conveying element 363 correspond.

The present invention also relates to a conveying element, in particular as already described above, and in particular for use in one of the methods described above and / or below and / or in one of the conveying devices described above and / or below.

A conveyor element according to the invention has a disc element (eg a "second surface element" as described above), eg as a reamer disc, with an upper side ("driver surface"), a lower side and a side surface along the circumference of the disc element and a shaft ("strut") For example, at its upper end (upper end portion) has a shaft head, in particular a ball or calotte head, and then, for example, at its lower end (lower end portion) connected to the top of the disc element The conveying element comprises a device for the shaft head receiving, in particular a ball head receiving or Kalottenkopfaufnähme, eg on the underside of the disc element in one embodiment, the Schaftkopfaufnähme on the shaft itself be provided the lower end of the shaft is the sheep T head, the Schaftkopfaufnähme be provided at the upper end of the shaft. According to the invention, the side surface of the

Disc element at least partially inclined relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft.

The longitudinal axis of the shaft may, for example, pass through the center of the top of the disc element. In particular, the shaft is arranged perpendicular to the disc element. The disk element can serve as a scraper disc of the conveying element, which pushes the bulk material through the conveyor channel and is particularly suitable, the

Pushing movement of a drive device (e.g., with driving pins as described above) record. The shaft of the conveying element has the task of the drive means on the reamer

introduced forces to the shaft head and thus continue on

to transfer the preceding conveying element in the conveying channel, in order to push / push the bulk material through the conveying channel in this way. In one embodiment, the disk element may be a

be radially symmetric, curved disk. In this case, the top and bottom of the disc member may also be bent, e.g. the top of the disc member such that the longitudinal spacing between the center of the top and the stem head is greater than the longitudinal spacing between the (maximum) circumference of the top of the disc member and the disc

Shaft head. The side surface of the disc member extends along the (maximum) circumference of the disc member and in particular connects the top to the bottom of the disc member via upper and lower peripheral edges.

According to the invention, in a longitudinal section of the conveyor element through the longitudinal axis of the shaft, the side surface of the disk element is inclined at least in sections relative to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (in the direction of the center of the upper side of the disk element). In particular, portions of the side surface at the upper peripheral edge have such an inclination with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft. Due to the at least partially inclination of the side surface relative to the

Longitudinal axis of the shaft, damage to the disc element can be reduced, if this e.g. encounters pipe joints in the conveying channel.

In one embodiment, an inclined portion of the side surface of the disc element as a side surface of a centering of the

Disc element or formed as side surfaces of centering cams. A centering strip runs e.g. along the circumference of the top of the disc member and not only prevents damage to the

Conveying element, in particular the reamer, but can additionally serve to optimally align the conveyor element in the conveyor channel cross-section and in particular to counteract a tilting of the conveyor element when hitting pipe joints. As an alternative to a Centering can be provided, for example centering cam along the circumference of the top of the disk element.

In one embodiment, the edge of the disc member located between the side surface and the top of the disc member, that is the upper peripheral edge of the side surface, is more rounded than the lower peripheral edge (that is the edge of the disc)

Side surface located between the side surface and the bottom of the disk element), e.g. To prevent damage to the Räumerscheibe when hitting pipe joints. An edge is in this case more rounded when the radius of the arcuate portion, which represents the rounded upper peripheral edge in a longitudinal section of the conveying element through the longitudinal axis of the shaft, is greater than the radius of the arc portion of the lower peripheral edge. A longitudinal section of a conveying element through the longitudinal axis of the shaft is in this case e.g. shown in Fig. 1 (in an exemplary embodiment with

Centering cam).

According to the invention, the conveying element has a device for

Shank head pickup on. In one embodiment, the

Disc element e.g. have on its underside a recess / recess into which a shaft head of a shaft of a subsequent conveyor element can be accommodated. The indentation may be formed in this case complementary to the shaft head end, wherein the radius of the recess for practical reasons slightly larger (eg, by 1 mm to 15 mm, especially 2 mm to 8 mm, for example, about 3 mm to 5 mm larger) than that Radius of the shaft head can be so that the

Shank head end of a subsequent conveyor element can be easily absorbed by the Schaftkopfaufnähme. In one embodiment, e.g. the shaft head end may be provided on the underside of the disc element, and the other end of the shaft has the e.g.

Shank body formed complementary to the shaft head, so that a shaft head on the underside of the disc element of

Conveying element of the Schaftkopfaufnähme a subsequent

Conveying element can be added.

In one embodiment, the shaft may be centered through the

Disc member and form a Schaftkopfaufnähme or a shaft head on the underside of the disc member. In both cases, for example, the diameter of the shaft slightly larger (eg 2 mm to 30 mm, in particular 4 mm to 16 mm, for example 6 mm to 10 mm larger) than the diameter of the shaft head end, so that the

Schaftkopfaufnähme the shaft a correspondingly fitting recess (in the sizes as defined above) for a Schaftko fende a

Having subsequent or before running conveyor element.

In one embodiment, the conveying element is completely formed of plastic and in particular integrally formed (for example by a

Injection molding process). For certain bulk materials, however, it may be advantageous to use heavier more dimensionally stable conveying elements, which are then e.g. a metal core and / or a metallic alloy core such as e.g. Steel. In one embodiment, the core is e.g. no magnet. The core can be e.g. only in the shaft or in the shaft and the reamer. The outer surfaces of this embodiment, in particular all areas of the conveying element around the core around, can then again formed from plastic and

be formed in one piece in particular. For example, such a conveying element can be produced by placing the core in a corresponding injection mold, the injection mold having the shape of the conveying element to be produced, and then the

appropriate injection molding is carried out so that the core is located in the end product within the conveying element and the

Outer surfaces of the conveying element are integrally formed. In one embodiment, the disc element has a

Wear indicator, e.g. on the side surface of the

Disc element and / or is arranged in the disc element at a certain distance from the surfaces of the disc element. With appropriate wear on the side surface or the top of the disc element, with which the bulk material through the delivery channel

can be transported, e.g. in the case of a wear indicator located in the disc member, marks become visible at which the degree of wear, e.g. through a corresponding

Color gradient from outside to inside can be seen in the disc element. Alternatively or additionally, a wear indicator body having a particular shape (e.g., two-sided arrow) may be integrated with the disc member, and in particular, a different color than the disc member

have surrounding material. In this case, the degree of

Wear by the appearance of certain sections of the

Wear indicator body are detected (eg initially only the Arrowhead viewed from the front, so a small point that becomes larger in the course of operation due to wear). Alternatively or additionally, a wear indicator can be realized by a marking on the outside of the side surface of the conveying element, which for example partially surrounds the interior of the disk element by a well-defined

Length extends. If, during operation, the marking is no longer recognizable, e.g. be determined that the too worn conveyor element must be replaced. In one embodiment, the conveying element has a

A guide disk element ("first surface element" as described above) which is arranged substantially parallel to the disk element in the direction of the shaft head of the shaft

Guide disc elements. The guide disk element is in particular provided with openings / recesses, so that the

Guide disk element is permeable to bulk material. In this way, the delivery volume can be increased and the bulk material is in

Delivery channel bends not crushed. In addition, that can

Guide disk element be configured so that it

Conveying element in the conveyor channel leads so that after leaving the conveyor element from the frictional Förderelementverbund preceding and subsequent conveyor elements back into the

Shank head receiving device of the preceding conveyor element finds and thus restores the composite. Like the disk element, the guide disk element can also have a radially symmetrical shape and, in particular, be a disk bent in itself. The

In one embodiment, the guide disk element can be inclined relative to the disk element and / or can be made flexible in itself and / or be flexibly fastened to the shaft. In this way, e.g. Pressure differences on the Führungssschibenelementelement

Bulk transport through an arc section in the conveyor pipe

be compensated: The guide disc element can e.g. be configured such that e.g. is deflected / tilted to one side when e.g. the bulk material to be pushed through the production pipe is denser on one side (e.g., the inside of a pipe bend) than on another side (e.g., the outside of the pipe bend).

In one embodiment, the distance in the longitudinal direction between the reamer and the guide plate of a conveying element is greater than half the length of the conveyor element in the longitudinal direction. With a

Such arrangement of the disc elements, wherein the

FührungsScheibenelement is provided near the shaft head, the guide disk element when leaving the composite can quickly restore the adhesion to the preceding conveyor element by centering the shaft head within the cross section of the conveyor channel.

In one embodiment, the conveyor element has at least one camera and / or at least one sensor (e.g., a temperature sensor and / or a humidity sensor) and / or at least one illuminator that covers the area, e.g. can capture the camera, illuminates. For example, the system arranged on the conveyor element may include cameras and lighting devices for inspecting the conveyor tube,

especially in non-easily accessible sections. In this case, the conveying element may e.g. each having a camera and a lighting device at its front end in the conveying direction and at its rear end in the conveying direction. For example, 2 or 4 or 6 cameras / sensors and / or a corresponding number of lighting devices may be arranged on the shaft of the conveyor element, e.g. to illuminate and inspect the conveyor inner wall. Possible malfunctions or leaks can be quickly localized, identified and thus selectively remedied or repaired without the entire delivery channel

must be disassembled. The conveying element may e.g. be used in the conveyor during operation and is e.g. transports a round through the conveyor channel, whereby the conveyor element records data, on the basis of which the condition with regard to wear (by, for example, wear marks in the critical points of the

Conveying channel), hygiene, dirt spots, pipe joints,

Product infeed and product outlet can be analyzed. Alternatively or additionally, the conveyor element may comprise one or more sensors, such as an ultrasonic probe, e.g. to measure the pipe wall thickness and in this way the condition of the conveyor pipe to

check.

In one embodiment, the conveying element has a

Cleaning device, which is arranged in particular on the shaft of the conveying element. The cleaning device can in this case one or more brushes or Faserbesätze for the mechanical cleaning of

Be the inner tubes of the conveyor. The conveying element with the Cleaning device can during operation in the

Be used conveyor and is then transported one or more rounds through the conveyor channel to clean the conveyor channel. One advantage is that the conveying element can be removed after the cleaning of the inner tubes from the conveyor without any effort and then can be decontaminated separately. The

Cleaning device may e.g. depending on the bulk material to be conveyed e.g. Plastic brushes, steel brushes, stainless steel brushes, brass brushes, microfiber fabrics, rubber, felt, wool, cotton, etc.

In one embodiment, the conveyor element is provided with a label for automatic identification and / or localization. A conveyor according to the invention in this case comprises e.g. a reader for reading the label. In particular, the label may be an RFID transponder having a code which may be read by the reader e.g. at one or more locations in / on the conveyor channel, e.g. through a

Viewing window or another opening, can be read. In this way, e.g. Start or stop operations are controlled, e.g. For example, the conveyor may be configured to start (only) when a (particular) conveyor element has been identified at a particular location and / or to stop once a conveyor (s) have been pushed to a particular location. For example, thus a well-defined number of cycles in the conveyor can be predetermined and / or the promotion of the

Bulk goods are stopped when there is an unidentifiable conveyor element in the conveyor channel.

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to embodiments in connection with Figures 37 to 42 for better understanding.

Similar to the embodiments in FIGS. 5 to 9, FIGS. 37 to 42 show views of further embodiments of certain conveying elements. FIG. 37 is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section of the conveying element 201x through the longitudinal axis of the shaft 204x of FIG

Conveying element 201x. The conveying element 201x has a disk element 203x with a top 203ax, a bottom 203bx and a

Side surface 203cx along the (maximum) circumference Ux of

Disc element 203x. The side surface 203cx connects the top 203ax with the bottom 203bx of the disk member 203x over an upper peripheral edge 203aUx and a lower peripheral edge 203bUx. The shaft 204x has a shaft head, in this example a ball head, 205x at its upper end 204ax (the forward end of the shaft in the conveying direction, the conveying direction in the longitudinal axis of the shaft being indicated above by an arrow or arrowhead) at its lower end 204bx (the rearward end of the shaft in the conveying direction) is centrally connected to the upper side 203ax of the disk element 203x. The conveying element 201x also has a device 206x for shaft head receiving on the underside 203bx of the disk element 203x. The side surface 203cx of the disk member 203x is at least

Sectionally inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis 204cx of the shaft 204x, in the embodiment shown in Figure 37, these portions of the side surface 203cx concern the side surfaces of the

Centering cam 207x. For a better understanding, not only the (outer) centering cams visible in the longitudinal section, but also further centering cams are shown in FIG

are arranged uniformly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. The conveyor 201x may also have a wear indicator 208x, e.g. in and / or on the disk element 203x.

Figures 38a, 38b and 38c show detail views of three

Embodiments of a disk element 213x. In the first embodiment according to FIG. 38a, the disk element has

213x centering cams 217ax, which protect the disk element 213x against abutting edges 219x between two pipe elements 219ax and 219bx during transport of the conveying element in the conveying channel in the conveying direction (see arrow). In the second embodiment according to Figure 38b has the

Disc member 213x has a centering ledge 217bx extending along the entire circumference of the disc member 213x (indicated in Fig. 38b by the dashed line in opposition to the centering cams in Fig. 38a). In the third embodiment shown in FIG. 38c, the side surface 213cx is inclined from the lower peripheral edge 213bUx to the upper peripheral edge 213aUx for protection from the abutting edges described above.

Figure 39 is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section through a conveying element 221x in a conveying channel 222x and in particular has the same features as Figure 39. In addition, on the shaft 224x, a guide pulley member 223'x is arranged parallel to the pulley member 223x. The guide plate element 223'x can

Have openings / recesses (not shown) to the

Increase delivery volume and avoid crushing of the bulk material.

In FIG. 40, by way of example, two conveying elements 231ax and 231bx are shown in a conveying channel 232x, which are in the composite, i. that the ball head 235bx of the conveying element 231bx in the

Ball head receiving device 236ax of the conveying element 231ax engages. Are the conveying elements 231ax and 231bx during the

Conveying process in the illustrated composite, the conveying elements are pushed by the fact that the each in the conveying direction (see arrow) rear conveying element 231bx pushes on the leading therefrom conveyor element 231ax, through the conveying channel 232x. In this way, bulk material from the conveying elements 23lax, 231bx in the conveying channel 232x

be transported.

Figure 41 shows a perspective view of a

Inspection element formed conveying element 241x with a plurality of cameras 242Kx and a plurality of lighting devices 242Lx that illuminate the areas that can detect the cameras, for.

To subject delivery pipes to an inspection. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors, e.g. be provided for temperature measurement and / or moisture measurement. The conveying element 241x in the illustrated embodiment has e.g. in each case one camera 242Kx and one illumination device 242Lx at its front end 24lax in the conveying direction (see arrow) and at its rear end 241bx in the conveying direction and additionally two further cameras 242Kx with corresponding ones

Illuminators 242Lx attached to the shaft 244x of the

Conveying element 241x are arranged, for. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 244x to inspect inner pipe sections. In the

In the illustrated embodiment, the rear disc 243x may have openings similar to the front disc 243'x, in this case to perform an inspection along the longitudinal axis of the shaft 244x.

FIG. 42 shows a perspective view of a conveying element 251x designed as a cleaning element with at least one

Cleaning device 252x, for example, at the front and / or rear end 254ax, 254bx of the shaft 254x of the conveying element 251x arranged is and in the conveying direction (see arrow) forward through the guide plate 253 ^λ χ, and in the conveying direction to the rear by the reamer 253x against unwanted slipping by the shaft 254x are secured.

The present invention thus provides a method, a conveyor element and a conveyor, with which the delivery rate can be increased while saving energy. In addition, delivery heights of about 60 m can be achieved with the present concept, so that the conveyor through more effective use in all

Dimensions of the space at constant capacity overall less footprint needed and can also be individually designed. The fact that the promotion of the bulk material in the conveying pipe by means of separate individual body (conveying elements, driver), which push or push the bulk material through the conveyor pipe, takes place only a small relative movement of the bulk material, which is a

Demixing and reducing internal friction. In addition, the

Conveyor easy to set up, assemble and maintain (easy to replace individual conveyor elements, easy to inspect tube with special conveyor elements during conveyor operation) and also easy to clean, as residues can not accumulate in the conveyor tube, bulk material can not be removed and cleaning with special conveying elements provided for this purpose can take place during the operation of the conveying device. In addition, only a drive in a certain section of the conveyor tube is required, so that - with spatial separation of the drive from the

Bulk material feed device - the drive does not come into contact with the bulk material (high sanitation). The present invention thus comprises, i.a. also the

following aspects:

1. conveying element (201) for conveying bulk material, comprising a disc element (203) with a top (203 a), a

Bottom (203b) and a side surface (203c) along the

Circumference of the disc member, and a shaft (204) having at its upper end (204 a) or at its lower end a shaft head (205) and at its lower end (204b) is connected to the top surface (203a) of the disk element, the conveying element having means for Schaftköpfaufnähme (206) on the underside (203b) of the disc member or on the shaft, and wherein the side surface (203c) of the disc element at least partially inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shaft (204).

Conveying element according to aspect 1, wherein inclined portions of the

Side surface of the disc element as side surfaces of

Centering cams (207; 217a) of the disc element are formed.

Conveying element according to aspect 1 or 2, wherein the edge of the

Side surface of the disc element to the top of the

Disc element is more rounded than the edge of the

Side surface to the underside of the disc element.

Conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 3, wherein the shaft through the disc element to the bottom thereof

extends and there as a device for Schaftkopfaufnähme

is trained.

Conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 4, wherein at least the outer surfaces of the conveying element are formed from plastic.

Conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 5, wherein the

Outer surfaces of the conveying element are integrally formed.

Conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 6, wherein the shaft has a metal core, which is in particular no magnet.

Conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 7, wherein the

Disc element has a wear indicator.

Conveying element according to aspect 8, wherein the wear indicator (208) on the side surface of the disc element and / or in the

Disc element is arranged. 10. conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 9 with a guide disc element (223 ¹ ) which is arranged substantially parallel to the disc element (203; 223) in the direction of the shaft head (205) of the shaft (204).

11. conveying element according to aspect 10, wherein the guide disc element has recesses for the passage of bulk material.

12. conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 11, with at least

a cleaning device.

13. conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 12, with at least

a camera and / or a sensor and / or a

Lighting device.

14. conveying element according to one of the aspects 1 to 13 with a label for the automatic identification and / or localization of the

Conveying element.

15. A conveyor for conveying bulk material with at least one conveying element according to claim 14 and a reading device for reading the label.

Further aspects of the present invention also relate to the conveying element. For example, two or more of the conveying elements shown in Figures 5 to 9 and 37 to 42 and explained in connection therewith can be e.g. be connected with joints. In this way, a generally described above conveying element with its shaft would be formed such that the shaft now has one or more joints and correspondingly more of the discs described above are provided. Instead of a joint, a chain o.a. be provided.

Such a conveying element with at least one joint or a "composite" of several conveyor elements, for example, with a chain is also loosely arranged in the conveyor tube / conveyor channel and is pushed as described above in the first section of the conveyor channel of the drive through the conveyor channel and in the second and third sections of the conveyor channel by a following conveyor element in the conveying direction pressed forward. A conveying element with at least one joint or at least one chain can be advantageous, in particular, when the conveying channel of the conveying device not only runs in a straight line, but, for example

Bow sections, to which the conveyor element due to its joints or chains in its forward movement easier to adapt than rigid embodiments. In this way, premature wear of both the conveyor element and the conveyor channel is prevented, and the bulk material is transported more gently. In addition, when using such a conveying element, e.g. reduces the number of driving pins and / or generally the drive in the first section of the conveyor channel are adapted to the spatial conditions easier.

Claims

claims

1. A method for conveying bulk material by means of a

A conveying device with a conveying channel and at least two conveying elements (266, 269) located loosely in the conveying channel, comprising the following steps: mechanical driving of the conveying elements (266, 269) in

Conveying direction in a first section of the conveying channel,

Feeding of bulk material in the delivery channel in a second

Section of the conveyor channel,

Conveying the bulk material by moving the conveying elements (266, 269) along the conveying direction in a third section of the

Delivery channel, wherein in the third section of the conveyor channel, the first

Conveying element (269) is pressed by the second conveyor element (266) and / or the bulk material through the conveyor channel in the conveying direction.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein in the mechanical driving a conveying element (266) via an opening (265) in the first

Section of the conveyor channel with at least one drive element

(263) is in direct contact.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein each length of a conveyor element

(266) in the conveying direction via the opening (265) in the first section of the conveying channel at least two drive elements (263)

are provided.

4. The method of claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the longitudinal axis

at least one conveying element (266) in the first section of the conveying channel substantially parallel to the conveying direction

is aligned.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the conveying elements (266) in

first section of the conveying channel are driven by direct contact with at least one conveying element. A method according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the conveying elements in the transition region (BB) between the first and the second

Section of the conveyor channel by direct contact with the downstream in the conveying direction or front disc (267, 268)

Be driven conveyor element.

Conveying device for conveying bulk material with a conveying channel and at least two conveying elements (266, 269), wherein the conveying device comprises: a mechanical drive device (261) for driving the conveying elements (266, 269) in the conveying direction in a first

Section of the conveying channel, wherein the conveying elements are loosely in the conveying channel, wherein the conveying channel has a feed opening for supplying

Has bulk material in a second portion of the conveyor channel, and wherein the conveyor is configured such that in a third section of the conveyor channel, the first conveyor element (269) from the second conveyor element (266) and / or bulk material is pressed through the conveyor channel in the conveying direction.

Conveying device according to claim 7, wherein the conveying channel in the first section has an opening (265) over which the

Drive device (261) via direct contact to the

Conveying elements (266) pushes them in the conveying direction through the first portion of the conveyor channel.

Conveying device according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the mechanical drive means (261) comprises at least two drive elements (263), wherein the distance of the drive elements in the conveying direction corresponds to half the length of a conveying element.

0. A conveyor according to any one of claims 7 to 9, wherein

Drive elements (263) of the mechanical drive device are bolts and / or hydraulic elements and / or compressed air elements.

11. A conveyor according to any one of claims 7 to 10, wherein the conveying channel in the second section is a non-rectangular

Has feed opening for bulk material.

12. Conveying device according to one of claims 7 to 11, wherein the conveying channel has an opening whose width at the in

Conveying direction is the rearmost point of the opening less than at another point of the opening.

13. A conveyor according to claim 12, wherein the opening is a

Drive opening and / or the feed opening and / or a

Outlet opening and / or a viewing window and / or a

Insertion opening for conveying elements is.

14. Conveying device according to one of claims 7 to 13, wherein the conveyor, in particular the conveyor channel, is lockable.

15. A conveyor according to any one of claims 7 to 14, wherein

at least one of the conveying elements with a label for

automatic identification and / or localization is provided and the conveyor comprises a reader for reading the label.