KR20160008613A - Conveyor element and conveyor device for conveying bulk material - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present invention a conveyor element 201 for conveying a bulk material comprises a disc element 203 having a top surface 203a, a bottom surface 203b and a side surface 203c around the periphery of the disc element, The upper end 204a of the shank having a shank head 205 and the lower end 204b of the shank being connected to the center of the upper surface of the disk element. The conveyor element includes a placement portion 206 for receiving the shank head on the underside of the disk element. At least some sections of the sides of the disk element are inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention [0001] The present invention relates to a conveyor element for conveying a bulk material,

The present invention relates to a transfer device and a transfer element (carrier) for transferring a bulk article.

This kind of conveying apparatus suitable for conveying bulk articles such as, for example, rice, flour or corn along the curved pipe, in particular from the inlet for the bulk goods to the outlet for the bulk goods, Is known from the prior art as a retarding disc conveyor.

US 4,197,938 discloses a transfer device for a bulk article comprising a disk-like carrier. The carrier is arranged in a cable and the cable containing the carrier can be driven by a gear wheel to transport the bulk article, in particular along the curved pipe section, from the inlet to the outlet.

This known transfer device for bulk goods is used, for example, when the carrier is damaged during operation, it requires a lot of labor to be replaced, thereby increasing the maintenance cost and increasing the average throughput of the bulk article through the transfer device mean throughput is reduced. Also, when the cable is used as a pulling element with the carrier mounted, for example, the length adaptation to reduce or increase the length of the transfer device is complex. In addition, the known conveying apparatus has a disadvantage that the filling level of the conveying apparatus can not be adjusted.

NL 1025855 discloses a transfer device having a plurality of carriers including electrical conduction and / or magnetic material.

Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a transport apparatus, a carrier and a feeding device as well as a method that can prevent the disadvantages of the known contents and in particular to enable reliable operation of the transport apparatus with little maintenance And the operation of such a transfer device is cost-effective. It is a further object to provide a feeding device for permitting the possibility of adjusting the filling level of the transfer device. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a method for upgrading and / or converting or retrofitting a previously installed transfer device so that the transfer device can be easily maintained during operation and can be cost-effective.

This object is achieved by means of a transfer element (carrier) and a transfer device according to the claims.

General description of the principle of the transfer device according to the invention

For example, the transport device includes a transport channel. The transfer channel is particularly formed as a transfer pipe. At least one carrier is arranged in the transport channel. In particular, at least two carriers are arranged in the transport channel. The transport apparatus includes at least one drive for driving at least one carrier to transport the bulk article along the transport channel axis. The at least one carrier is loosely arranged in the transport channel in at least some sections along the transport channel axis.

In the sense of the present application, the "transfer device" may be understood to be a device for continuously transferring bulk articles in particular. In the sense of the present application, "continuous transfer" of a bulk article can also be understood as a transfer of a bulk article, in particular where the flow of the bulk article in the transfer channel is interrupted at some section by the carrier.

The term "transport channel" in this context may be understood to be a channel through which a bulk article can be transported along its longitudinal axis. For example, the transport channel may be formed as a hollow body or open groove having a circular, triangular, rectangular or square cross-section or any other cross-sectional shape. In particular, the conveyance channel is formed as a conveyance pipe having a circular cross section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the conveyance pipe. Further, the transport channel is formed as a closed loop, in particular along the circumferential direction.

In the sense of the present application, the "transport channel axis ", when utilized as intended, may be understood to be the longitudinal axis of the transport channel along which the bulk article is transported.

By " carrier "(" transport element "), when used as intended, means that the bulk article is transported substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the transport channel by positioning the carrier along its longitudinal axis It can be understood as an element that allows it to become. In particular, the carrier may be arranged in a hollow body such as, for example, a transport pipe, and may be disposed along the axis of the hollow body to transport the bulk article along the axis of the hollow body.

In the sense of the present application, the term "bulk article" is understood to be a pourable form and in particular a flowable, particulate, powder or fragmented article. In particular, it is understood that bulk goods may be rice, flour, wood, wheat, corn, liquids, powdered materials and any combination thereof.

In the sense of the present application, it is understood that "a loose arrangement of the carrier in at least some sections along the transport channel axis" may be a carrier that is not directly connected to the drive within this section. In such a section, such a carrier is moved only along the transport channel axis by the carrier and / or the transported bulk article arranged adjacently along the transport channel axis. For example, in the drive section, a force is applied onto the carrier substantially parallel to the transport channel axis such that the carrier and the bulk article in contact with the carrier are disposed substantially parallel to the transport channel axis, And / or the bulk article is moved out of the drive section of the transport device along the transport channel axis.

In the sense of the present application, the expression "A and / or B" B; A and B; A is not B; B and A is not meant to be understood.

Designing a transfer device having at least one carrier loosely arranged in the transfer channel is advantageous in that the carrier can be easily replaced, for example, because the carrier is loosely arranged in the transfer channel. As a result, maintenance effort is reduced and the operation of the transfer apparatus is thereby more cost-effective. It is also advantageous in adapting to different transport channel lengths by removing or adding carriers.

In particular, the transport channel is S-shaped in at least one side view. This is advantageous in that it is possible, in particular, to space-arrange the transfer device in only one layer. In the prior art, in this connection, generally two or three floors are required in which the transfer device is arranged inside.

At least in the drive zone, the transport channels, in particular the transport pipe, can comprise steel or can be made of steel.

Preferably, the transport channel is formed as guiding means along the transport channel axis for the carrier.

In the sense of the present application, it is understood that "guiding means" may be means for restricting movement of the carrier substantially perpendicular to the transport channel axis.

This design of the transfer channel as guiding means for the carrier is advantageous in that the carrier can only move slightly vertically with respect to the transfer channel axis, thereby minimizing damage to the carrier during operation.

For example, the average cross-section of the conveyance channel along the conveyance channel axis may be adjusted so that the carrier is still insertable in the conveyance channel and little play in the direction laterally with respect to the conveyance channel axis This design of the transport channel as guiding means can be achieved in that it has a substantially congruent shape in the average cross-section.

Particularly preferably, the drive is realized such that, in at least some sections, the force is applied directly onto the carrier by the drive section substantially parallel to the transport channel axis. For this purpose, the carrier may have at least one drive surface to which the force can be applied. Advantageously, the drive surface is elastic and can be made of, for example, plastic or rubber, or can be coated with plastic or rubber. Thereby, there may be linear or even planar contact as well as punctiform contact between the driver and the carrier. In addition, the driving surface may comprise steel or may be made of steel.

In the sense of the present application, the expression "force can be applied directly" means that force is applied on each carrier by a drive, and by an additional carrier arranged between the drive and carrier and / .

This design of the drive is advantageous in that the force can be transmitted to the carrier in a reliable manner even when the carriers are arranged in a loose manner.

Particularly preferably, at least in the drive section, the drive reaches into the transport channel in order to exert a force on the carrier arranged in the drive section in a manner substantially parallel to the transport channel axis.

This is advantageous in that the drive must be arranged only in a part of the device, and such arrangement is advantageous in that it facilitates the maintenance of the transfer device and simplifies the structural design of the transfer device.

In particular, the total length of the carriers arranged in the transport channel is shorter than the length of the transport channel axis. Preferably, the total length of the carrier is longer than the length of the transport channel axis minus the length of at least one drive section.

This is advantageous in that the driving portion of the carrier in the transport channel can be reliably ensured.

The "overall length" of the carrier is understood to be the product of the longest effective elongation of the carrier along the transport channel axis multiplied by the number of carriers arranged in the transport channel. If the carrier has a different design, it is understood that the "overall length" of the carrier is the sum of the longest effective extension of the carrier along the transport channel axis.

Preferably, the drive is configured such that substantially force can be exerted on the carrier within the peripheral region of the carrier facing the inner wall of the transport channel.

In the sense of the present application, the expression "force can be applied substantially in the peripheral region of the carrier facing the inner wall of the transport channel" means that the driving portion is engaged with the carrier by the driving means for applying a force, Means means directly contacting the section in the circumferential direction of the carrier.

This design is advantageous in that the drive must engage the transport channel only within the region of the inner wall in order to effectively achieve the drive so that collision of the drive with other parts of the carrier or compression of the bulk article is minimized.

Particularly preferably, the driving part may be selected or selected from a list of the following types of driving parts or any combination thereof: chain driving part, belt driving part, coupler mechanism, gear driving part, worm driving part, magnet driving part, servo driving part, dilex driving part. For example, a coupler mechanism can be realized as a four-bar mechanism, particularly as a linear line driver.

Drives of this kind themselves are known to those skilled in the art. Advantageously, the most suitable drive can be selected according to the requirements as well as, for example, the structural boundary conditions.

In particular, a coupler mechanism has been used, which has been found to be particularly advantageous during operation.

When using the magnet driving part, it is particularly necessary to select the material for the carrier so that the alternating magnetic field generated by the magnet driving part can drive the carrier.

In a first preferred version, the drive comprises at least one carrier bolt, whereby in at least some sections the force can be applied directly onto the carrier, in particular parallel to the transport channel axis, directly onto the drive surface of the carrier . Preferably, while at least the force is exerted on the carrier, the carrier bolt extends in the vertical direction.

Advantageously, this first version of the drive is realized as a chain drive and comprises a pair of at least one drive chain, wherein any one of the two opposite ends of the carrier bolt is mounted to the respective drive chain of the pair of drive chains . In the case where the carrier bolt extends vertically, the driving portion includes at least one lower driving chain and at least one upper driving chain.

The drive may comprise only one single or multiple drive chain pairs for each carrier bolt. In some embodiments of the first version, the carrier bolts are arranged laterally of the transport channel. Preferably, the carrier bolts of the first pair of drive chains are arranged on the first side of the transport channel, and the carrier bolts of the second pair of drive chains are arranged on the second side of the transport channel facing the first side. Thereby, it is possible to prevent the carriers from wedged together while the carrier bolt exerts a force onto the carrier.

It is also preferred that the distance between two adjacent carrier bolts is substantially the same as the extension length of the carrier along the transport channel axis. This means that the distance between two adjacent carrier bolts is at least as much as the extension length of the carrier along the transport channel axis and no more than 1.5 times, preferably no more than 1.25 times, and particularly preferably no more than 1.1 times this extension length. In this way, during operation, it can be achieved that the carriers are at least in close contact with each other and accordingly the distance between the carriers is as short as possible. Preferably, the distance between two adjacent carrier bolts is greater than the extension length of the carrier along the transport channel axis, and in particular the ratio of these values may be at least 1.01. Accordingly, a specific clearance can be achieved to compensate for production tolerance and / or wear tolerance.

In a second preferred version, the drive is realized as a chain drive or a belt drive and comprises at least one drive chain with at least one carrier projection. By means of these carrier projections, a force can be applied directly on the carrier, in particular on the drive surface of the carrier, at least in some sections, substantially parallel to the transport channel axis.

Also, in the second version, the drive chain can be arranged laterally of the transport channel. Only one single drive chain or multiple drive chains may also be present. For example, a first drive chain having carrier protrusions may be arranged on the first side of the transport channel, and a second drive chain with carrier protrusions may be arranged on the second side of the transport channel opposite the first side have. Also, in this manner, while the carrier bolt exerts a force onto the carrier, the carriers can be prevented from wedging together.

It is also preferred that the distance between two adjacent carrier protrusions is substantially the same as the extension length of the carrier along the transport channel axis. This means that the distance between two adjacent carrier protrusions is at least as much as the extension length of the carrier along the transport channel axis and no more than 1.5 times, preferably no more than 1.25 times, and particularly preferably no more than 1.1 times this extension length. In this way, during operation, it can be achieved that the carriers are at least in close contact with each other and accordingly the distance between the carriers is as short as possible. Preferably, the distance between two adjacent carrier protrusions is greater than the extension length of the carrier along the transport channel axis, and in particular the ratio of these values may be at least 1.01. Thereby, a certain clearance can be achieved to compensate for production tolerances and / or wear tolerances.

In a third preferred version, the drive is realized as a worm drive and comprises at least one rotatable drive worm, wherein in at least some sections, by virtue of the rotational movement of such drive worm, Can be applied directly onto the carrier, especially onto the drive surface of the carrier. For this purpose, it is particularly preferred that the rotational axis of the drive worm extend substantially parallel to the transport channel axis.

Also in this third version, there can be only one single or multiple rotational drive wahs. For example, a first drive worm may be arranged on the first side of the transport channel, and a second drive worm may be arranged on the second side of the transport channel opposite the first side.

It is also preferable that the extension length of the carrier along the transport channel axis is substantially an integral multiple of the pitch of the drive worm. This means that the ratio of the extension length of the carrier along the transport channel axis to the pitch of the drive worm is smaller by 0.4 or less, preferably by 0.2 or less, particularly preferably by 0.1 or less, 2, 3, 4, 5 or 6. For example, the ratio may range from 3.6 to 4, preferably from 3.8 to 4, and particularly preferably from 3.9 to 4. [ Also, in this manner, during operation, the carriers are at least nearly in contact with each other and accordingly the distance between the carriers is as close as possible. It is also preferable that the ratio is smaller than the above-mentioned integer by 0.01 or more. Thereby, a certain clearance can be achieved to compensate for production tolerances and / or wear tolerances.

In the case of multiple drive chain pairs and / or drive chains and / or drive wobbles, they are preferably synchronized with one another. This is possible, for example, by a gear drive known per se, and the drive force can be transferred from the motor to the plurality or all of the drive chains and / or the drive worm by the gear drive. By such synchronization, it can be particularly ensured that the aforementioned carrier bolts extend in the vertical direction while at least the force is exerted on the carrier, and that the plurality of carrier bolts, carrier protrusions or drive wobbles move at the same speed.

Preferably, the drive section has a length along the direction of the transport channel axis that is at least twice, preferably at least three times the length of the carrier. Thereby, it can be ensured that at least one carrier is completely located in the drive section at any time.

At least one guiding element may be present in the inner wall of the conveying channel and the carrier may have a corresponding counter guiding element and the carrier may be guided along the guiding element by means of such corresponding guiding element . Accordingly, tilting or wedging of the carrier can be prevented. The guiding element can be realized, for example, as a lateral guiding plate. Preferably, at least two, more preferably exactly two, opposite side guide plates are arranged in the inner wall of the conveyance channel.

Alternatively, the carrier may be centered by the aforementioned carrier bolts. The above-mentioned drive chain can be guided in the lateral direction and therefore can take a lateral force.

Particularly preferably, the force transfer between the two carriers arranged adjacently in the transport channel parallel to the transport channel axis is achieved by direct contact between the carriers and / or between the carriers in the transport channel, . ≪ / RTI >

This is advantageous because it is sufficient to arrange only one drive in the drive section, which makes the transfer device more cost effective and aids its maintenance.

General description of the principle of the transfer element according to the invention

A further aspect of the invention relates to a carrier (transfer element) for transferring a bulk article in a transfer device as described above. The carrier includes alignment means for aligning the mean surface perpendicular of the carrier surface and the carrier surface in at least some of the sections substantially parallel to the transport channel axis.

In the sense of the present application, the "carrier surface" of the carrier is understood to be the surface that substantially induces the bulk article to be transported in the transport device when the carrier is used as intended.

"Alignment means" is understood to be a means for aligning the carrier surface of the carrier in the transport channel in such a way that the carrier is suitable for transporting the bulk article, when used as intended. For example, this can be achieved by a strut (shank) arranged in the periphery of the carrier parallel to the transport axis, by a corresponding dimensioning as a cylinder, or by a strut (shank) Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > discs < / RTI >

In the sense of the present application, the "average surface normal line" of the carrier surface is understood to be the average value of the surface normal line on the carrier surface that can contact the bulk article when used as intended.

Alignment of the carrier surface by the alignment means substantially parallel to the transport channel axis is advantageous in that the carrier surface takes the desired position during operation and thus permits effective and cost-saving operation. Because the alignment means are arranged in the carrier itself, for example, when the carrier is damaged, the carrier can be replaced easily because the carrier can be loosely arranged in the transport channel, which helps maintenance .

Preferably, the average surface normal of the carrier surface is aligned substantially parallel to the transport channel axis, and the carrier surface covers the average transport channel cross section to an amount less than 100%. Preferably, the average transport channel cross-section is covered in the range of 50% to 99.9%, particularly preferably in the range of 80% to 99.9%. In particular, the covering may be in the range of 85% to 99.9%, optionally in the range of 90% to 99.8%, and optionally in the range of 92% to 97%. In particular, the covering is selected depending on the bulk article to be transported.

In the sense of the present application, the term "average transport channel cross section" is understood to mean the average value of the cross sectional surface perpendicular to the transport channel axis, through which the bulk article is transported when it is used as intended.

The advantage is an effective transfer of bulk articles along the transfer channel, which leads to cost-effective operation.

Particularly preferably, the alignment means are configured as at least a first surface element and a second surface element, the surface elements being arranged so as to be substantially parallel to one another and to be in operative contact with one another, The average surface normal lines are arranged substantially parallel to the transport channel axis.

The advantage is a simple structural design of the carrier. Accordingly, such a design has the advantages described above in terms of alignment means.

For example, the carriers may thus be formed of two circular discs which are connected to each other by a strut (shank) arranged parallel to the transport channel axis and substantially parallel to the transport channel axis .

The driving surface of the carrier can be arranged in one of the two surface elements. In particular, the carrier surface may be formed by the first side of one of the two circular discs, and the drive surface may be formed by the second side of this disc opposite the first side.

Particularly preferably, the surface surrounded by the periphery of the first surface element and the second surface element is formed substantially congruently when projecting parallel to the mean surface normal.

In the sense of the present application, when the outer envelopes of the first surface element and / or the second surface element are arranged in the transfer channel, the first surface element and the second surface element Quot; surface surrounded by the periphery " For example, two full-surface, circular disks arranged in parallel to one another and having the same diameter are formed substantially coincident with the surfaces arranged parallel to one another. Also, a circular, all-surface disk without openings, when arranged in a conveying pipe having a circular cross-section, has a hollow space between struts when the strut has the same radius as the circular, all- Are formed substantially coincident with surface elements comprising radially arranged struts (shanks).

The formation of the first surface element and the second surface element substantially coinciding with each other is advantageous in that the carrier has a simple structural design, which simplifies the maintenance of the carrier and reduces the cost.

Preferably, the first surface element of the carrier facing the conveying direction of the bulk article causes the bulk article to proceed. In particular, the second surface element comprises a carrier surface. In particular, the second surface element is arranged on the side of the carrier facing away from the transport direction.

As used herein, "transport direction" is understood to be the direction in which the bulk article is conveyed, on average, along the transport channel in the transport device, particularly in the section along the transport channel.

In the sense of the present application, the term " lets go through "for surface elements is understood to allow the bulk material being conveyed to proceed. For example, the ability of the bulk article to proceed can be achieved by arranging a sufficiently large opening for the bulk article in the first surface element.

The ability of the bulk article of the first surface element to advance, arranged in a manner spaced apart from the second surface element substantially parallel to the transport channel axis, allows the space between the surface elements to be used for bulk article transfer , Which increases throughput and is therefore more cost effective.

Particularly preferably, the carrier comprises spacing members at the side facing away from the transport direction and / or at the side facing away from the transport direction. In particular, the spacing member is an arm arranged substantially parallel to the transport channel axis. Also, the spacing member is formed at the end facing away from the carrier, in particular in a ball-shaped or dome-shaped manner.

In the sense of the present application, the term "ball-shaped or dome-shaped" is understood to be arranged at the end of a spacing member facing away from the carrier. The dome is understood as a flattened section of the ball.

Placing at least one spacing member in the carrier has the advantage that the minimum distance for effectively transporting the bulk article within the transport channel can be achieved by means of structurally simple measures, Effective and efficient. Arranging the blank-shaped or dome-shaped spacing member also has the advantage that, in the curved transfer channel, the spacing member functions reliably and the occurrence of high point loading is minimized, Reduce maintenance efforts accordingly.

In the side facing the transport direction or the side facing away from the transport direction, the carrier particularly preferably comprises a recess, and the recess is formed such that the spacer can engage with the recess. In particular, the recess is funnel-shaped and more particularly in at least some sections a hollow-shape or at least in some sections parabolic.

This also has the advantage that, in the curved region of the transfer channel, the spacing member can reliably engage the recess, which makes operation more reliable, reduces wear, and thereby leads to reduced maintenance effort .

For example, for a transport apparatus according to the invention, a general description of the principle of a feed apparatus for a bulk article

A further aspect relates to a device for feeding a bulk article into an inlet in a transfer device comprising a transfer channel having an inner wall. In particular, the feeding device is used with the above-described conveying device and optionally with the aforementioned carrier. The bulk goods can be transported into the conveying device by virtue of gravity. In particular, the feeding device is arranged in a substantially horizontal section of the conveying device. The inlet covers an angular range of the inner wall of greater than 0 DEG to less than 180 DEG and / or less than 0 DEG to greater than -180 DEG with respect to the direction of gravity. Preferably, the angular range is greater than 20 ° to less than 160 ° and / or less than -20 ° to greater than -160 °. Especially preferably, the angular range is greater than 45 ° to less than 150 ° and / or less than -45 ° to greater than -150 °.

In the sense of the present application, the "angle to gravity direction" means that the gravity direction forms an angle of 0 [deg.] And that a positive angle is measured clockwise with respect to the gravity direction and a negative angle is measured counterclockwise .

In the sense of the present application, a "substantially horizontal section" is a section that is arranged substantially vertically with respect to the direction of gravity.

In the sense of the present application, it is understood that the "angular region covering the inner wall" covers the opening angle measured from the transfer channel axis, i.e. the center of the transfer channel, It should be understood that the angular range is the average angular range.

For example, if the inlet is arranged in a substantially horizontal section of the transfer device, the inlet is arranged on the side.

Arranging the inlet in the described angular range has the advantage that the filling height or filling level can be adjusted in the transport channel depending on the requirements. The angular range can be advantageously selected depending on the bulk material used.

For example, the angular range can be firmly adjusted. This is advantageous in that, for example, the angle range can be fixed at an optimum value for the bulk article being conveyed, which makes the operation of the conveying device more reliable.

Preferably, the angle range is adjustable, in particular by means of a slide.

For example, the slide may be arranged as a rotary slide and / or as a rotary sleeve in the transfer channel and / or the supply device.

The adjustability of the adjustment angle is advantageous in that the angular extent is adjustable in order to adjust the filling level in the transport channel, depending on the requirements for transporting the bulk goods and also depending on the bulk goods to be transported.

Particularly preferably, the transport device comprises a redirecting portion for transporting the bulk article to the inlet.

For example, it is advantageous in that the bulk article stored in the storage container upstream can be transported to the transport channel through the redirecting portion, and the transport speed or feed rate of the bulk article into the transport channel can be adjusted by the redirecting portion .

In the sense of the present application, a "redirection portion" is understood to be a portion where the bulk article is redirected from a transport direction substantially parallel to the direction of gravity.

Particularly preferably, the redirecting portion is formed as a redirecting surface and is arranged at a redirection angle with respect to the gravity direction in the range of 30 to 70 degrees.

Preferably, the reorientation angle is in the range of 40 ° to 60 °, particularly preferably in the range of 45 ° to 55 °.

Instead, the reorientation angle may also be in the range of -30 ° to -70 °, preferably -40 ° to -60 °, particularly preferably -45 ° to -55 °.

Arranging the redirecting surface within the described angular range is advantageous in that the amount of bulk material supplied can be adjusted depending on the bulk material used and the required flow rate.

In particular, the redirection angle is adjustable, which advantageously allows the redirection angle to be adjusted depending on each requirement.

A general description of the principle of a transfer device according to the invention and / or a method for transferring a bulk article by at least one transfer element different from the invention

An additional aspect relates to a method for conveying a bulk article by means of a conveying device as described above. Optionally, the transfer device comprises a carrier as described above. Optionally, the apparatus further comprises a feeding device as described above. The method includes transferring the bulk article from the inlet to the outlet.

The method includes the advantages described above.

A general description of the principles of the method for upgrading and / or converting or retrofitting a transfer device according to the invention

A further aspect relates to a method for upgrading and / or converting or retrofitting a transfer device for transferring bulk goods. The method includes mounting at least one carrier to build a transport device as described above. In particular, a carrier as described above is mounted. The method further optionally includes the step of mounting the feeder as described above.

This is advantageous in that an already installed transfer device can be upgraded and / or converted or refurbished to be a transfer device according to the present invention, which is cost effective since no installation of a completely new transfer device is required.

The basic description, general definitions and specific features described in the specific paragraphs herein (eg paragraphs relating to transport devices) also apply to other paragraphs herein (eg paragraphs relating to transport elements).

For a better understanding of the invention, additional features and advantages of the invention will be described in more detail below on the basis of embodiments, and the invention is not limited to such embodiments.

1 shows a perspective view of a transfer device of the present invention.
Figure 2 shows a front view of the transfer device of the invention according to Figure 1;
Figure 3 shows an enlarged view of the drive section of the transfer device of the invention according to Figure 1;
Figure 4 shows a front view of a section of the transfer device of the invention according to Figure 1, including a drive section.
Figure 5 shows a section of a transfer device of the invention comprising two carriers in a linear transfer pipe.
Figure 6 shows a section of a transfer device of the invention comprising two carriers in a curved transfer channel.
Fig. 7 shows a photograph of two carriers of the invention selectively connected in the transport groove.
Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a carrier of the invention.
Figure 9 shows a side view of the carrier according to Figure 8;
Figure 10 shows a schematic view of an inventive feeding device comprising a transport channel.
Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a portion of an alternative transfer device of the invention comprising a carrier and a bulk article.
Fig. 12 shows a schematic view of a conveying device including an S-shaped conveying pipe.
Figure 13a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventive transfer device comprising carrier bolts arranged in pairs of drive chains.
13B shows a top view of the conveying device according to Fig. 13A.
Figure 14a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventive transfer device comprising carrier bolts arranged in two pairs of drive chains.
Fig. 14B shows a top view of the conveying apparatus according to Fig. 14A.
15A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventive transfer device with carrier projections arranged in the drive chain.
Fig. 15B shows a top view of the conveying apparatus according to Fig. 15A.
Figure 16a shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventive transfer device with carrier projections arranged in two drive chains.
16B shows a top view of the conveying apparatus according to Fig. 16A.
17A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventive transfer device with a drive worm.
Fig. 17B shows a top view of the conveying apparatus according to Fig. 17A.
18A shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventive transfer device with two drive wobbles.
Fig. 18B shows a top view of the conveyance apparatus according to Fig. 18A.
Figure 19A shows a transfer device with four bar mechanisms at a first time point.
Fig. 19B shows the transport apparatus according to Fig. 19A at the second time point.
Figure 20 shows a view of a transport element according to an embodiment of the invention in a transport channel.
FIG. 21A shows a detail view of the transfer element according to the embodiment of FIG.
FIG. 21B shows a detailed view of a transfer element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 21C shows a detailed view of a transfer element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 22 shows a view of a transport element in an embodiment of the invention in a transport channel.
Figure 23 shows a view of a transport channel comprising a plurality of transport elements of the present invention.
Figure 24 shows a perspective view of a transfer element according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 25 shows a perspective view of a transfer element according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the first to the nineteenth embodiments will be described.

1 shows a perspective view of a transfer device 1 of the invention for transferring bulk articles. The conveyance channel 4 is formed as a conveyance pipe 5 which can be made, for example, of steel or plastic. The conveyance channel 4 is formed in a manner closed in the peripheral direction so that the carrier (conveying element) 2 arranged in the conveyance channel 4 can rotate indefinitely.

A plurality of carriers (2) driven by a driving section (6) in a drive section (8) are arranged in the transfer apparatus (1). The carriers are loosely arranged along the transport channel axis within the transport channel 4. [

The bulk article is conveyed into the conveyance channel 4 by the feeder 18.

Fig. 2 shows a front view of the conveying device 1 according to Fig.

In the following, like reference numerals denote like features in the drawings and will be described again only when necessary.

2, an outlet 22 is shown. During operation, the bulk article is conveyed by feeder 18 into feed channel 4. The bulk product in the transport channel 4 is transported to the discharge port 22 by the driven carrier 2 and at the discharge port the bulk product is dropped into the outside of the transfer device 1, .

Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an area comprising the drive section 8 of the conveying device 1 according to Fig. The conveying pipe 5 has an inner wall 9 which acts as guiding means along the conveying channel axis with respect to the carrier 2. [

In the drive section 8, the drive arm 25 exerts a force onto the carrier 2 in a substantially parallel manner with respect to the transport channel axis. The drive arm 25 is moved by the drive chain 24 in the drive section 8 substantially parallel to the transport channel axis. The force is applied substantially to the carrier (2) in the peripheral region of the carrier (2) facing the inner wall (9) of the transport channel.

Fig. 4 shows a front view of a part of the section of the conveying apparatus 1 according to Fig.

The drive arm 25 driven by the drive chain 24 engages the conveying pipe 5 through the engagement opening 26. Since the bulk article is only transported downstream of the drive section by the drive section 6, sealing of the engagement opening 26 is not necessary in any case.

Fig. 5 schematically shows a section of a conveyance channel 4 embodied as a conveyance pipe 5 and comprising two carriers 2. Fig. At the side of the carrier 2 facing the conveying direction, the carrier 2 has an arm 17 serving as a spacing member. On the side facing away from the transport direction the carrier 2 has a recess 16 in which the carrier 2 arranged adjacently can selectively engage the arm 17.

The carrier 2 comprises a strut (shank) 23, which in this case is arranged substantially parallel to the conveying channel shaft 7.

Figure 6 schematically shows a section of a transfer device with curved transfer channels in which the carrier 2 is arranged.

Figure 7 shows a section of the conveying device 1 as a picture with a conveyance channel 4 embodied as a conveyance groove in which two carriers 2 with a recess 16 and an arm 17 are conveyed Is shown in the curved section of the channel.

8 is a perspective view of the carrier 2 of the invention.

The carrier 2 according to Fig. 8 comprises an arm 17 arranged in the transport channel at the side facing the transport direction when used as intended.

The carrier (2) comprises a first surface element (13) that allows the bulk article to proceed. The carrier 2 further comprises a second surface element 14 comprising a carrier surface not shown here. The first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14 are arranged in such a way that they are spaced from each other by a strut (shank) 23 to induce an operative connection between the two surface elements.

In addition, at the side of the second surface element 14 facing away from the transport direction, the carrier 2 has a recess 16 to which the arms 17 of adjacently arranged carriers can engage.

Fig. 9 shows a side view of the carrier 2 of the invention according to Fig.

The carrier 2 includes a spacing member 15 formed as an arm 17. The arm 17 is co-shaped at the end facing away from the carrier 2. [ On the side facing away from the transport direction, the carrier 2 has a recess 16 which is co-shaped in some sections so that the spacing member 15 in the form of a blank is in the complementary recess of the additional carrier 16).

The first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14 are operatively connected to each other by a strut 23 and the first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14 And serves as alignment means 11. The first surface element 13 allows the bulk article to proceed.

The second surface element 14 comprises a carrier surface 10 on the first side for transporting the bulk article along the transport channel and a drive surface 27 on the second side opposite the first side. The drive surface 27 can be elastic, and in particular can be made of plastic or rubber. Alternatively, the drive surface 27 can also be made of steel. The drive may apply a force to such a drive surface 27 for drive of the carrier 2.

Surfaces surrounded by the periphery of the first surface element 13 and the second surface element 14 substantially coincide with each other when projecting parallel to the mean surface normal line 12, Which leads to the desired alignment of the carrier 2.

10 shows a side view of a feeding device 18 of the invention for feeding a bulk article 3 into the conveying pipe 5 of the conveying device.

The conveying pipe 5 has an inlet 19 covering an angular range of about 90 degrees. By means of the slide 20 embodied as a rotary slide, the angular range can be adjusted according to the requirements.

The feeder 18 has a redirection zone 21 arranged at a reorientation angle u of about 50 degrees with respect to the direction of gravity.

Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a section of an alternative transport device of the invention. For clarity, the transport pipe is not shown here.

A plurality of carriers 2 are arranged in the conveying pipe, and in this case, three carriers 2 can be visually confirmed. A force can be applied onto the carrier 2 substantially parallel to the transport channel axis by the drive chain 24 (only its section is shown) and the drive arm 25 arranged thereon. The carrier 2 does not have a spacing member. The bulk articles 3 are arranged between the carriers 2, thus leading to the required separation of the carrier 2 in this case.

Fig. 12 shows a schematic side view of the conveying device 1 together with the conveying pipe 5. Fig. The transfer pipe 5 is S-shaped. In the lower region, the inlet container 23 is arranged to supply the bulk goods conveyed by the carrier (not shown) to the outlet container 24. The inlet and outlet are not shown here.

The conveying apparatus 1 according to Figs. 13A and 13B includes a chain drive unit 6 having a pair of drive chains formed by a lower drive chain 28a and an upper drive chain 28b. Four carrier bolts 29 are attached to these drive chains 28a and 28b and each lower end of the carrier bolt 29 is attached to the lower drive chain 28a and the upper end of the carrier bolt 29 is attached to the upper And is attached to the drive chain 28b. Thus, the carrier bolt 29 extends in the vertical direction. Two drive chains 28a and 28b are driven by the drive shank 30 and the two sprocket wheels 31 attached thereto. At the opposite ends, the drive chains 28a, 28b are redirected by the redirection axis 32. [ Also, more or less than four carrier bolts 29 attached to the drive chains 28a, 28b may be considered.

By rotating the drive shaft 30, the carrier bolt 29 is moved along the transport channel shaft 7. As a result, the carrier bolt 29 comes into contact with the drive surface 27 of the carrier 2, thereby driving its drive surface.

The distance between the two adjacent carrier bolts 29 is about 1.02 times the extension length of the carrier 2 along the transfer channel axis 7 and is thus substantially the same as this extension length in the sense of the foregoing definition. Thus, the carriers 2 can be almost in contact with each other while being driven. However, contact is prevented to prevent undesirable collision of adjacent carriers 2. In addition, the drive section along the transport channel shaft 7 is twice as long as the carrier 2. Thereby, at any time, at least one carrier 2 is fully positioned within the drive section.

The embodiment shown in Figures 14A and 14B includes two chain drive units 6 and 7 having drive chain pairs 28a, 28b and 28a ', 28b' each having four separate carrier bolts 29 and 29 ' 6 '). The two drive chain pairs 28a, 28b, and 28a ', 28b' are arranged on opposite sides of the transfer channel 4. In order to allow synchronous movement and vertical alignment of the carrier bolts 29, 29 ', two drive shafts 30, 30' can be driven by a common motor through a gear drive, not shown here .

The chain drive 6 of the embodiment according to FIGS. 15A and 15B includes a drive chain 33 which is driven by the drive shaft 30 and redirected by the redirection axis 32. Four carrier projections 34 capable of driving the carrier 2 are screwed into the drive chain 33. [ The drive chain 33 is arranged in the lateral direction of the conveyance channel 4.

The distance between the two adjacent carrier protrusions 34 is about 1.02 times the extension length of the carrier 2 along the transfer channel axis 7 and is therefore substantially the same as this extension length in the sense of the above-mentioned provision. Thus, the carriers 2 can be almost in contact with each other while being driven. Also in this example, the drive section is twice as long as the carrier 2 along the transport channel axis 2. Thereby, at any time, at least one carrier 2 is fully positioned within the drive section.

In contrast to Figures 15a and 15b, the conveying device 1 according to Figures 16a and 16b has separate carrier projections 34 and 34 'as well as separate drive shafts 30 and 30' and individual reorienting shafts 32 and 32 ' (33, 33 ') having two opposite driving chains (33, 33'). Also in this embodiment, the two drive shafts 30 and 30 'can be synchronized by a gear drive, not shown here.

17A and 17B, a drive unit is implemented as a worm drive unit 6 having a rotary drive worm 35 whose axis of rotation D extends parallel to the axis of the transfer channel. In this embodiment, the carrier 2 is driven by rotating the drive wobble 35 about its rotational axis D.

The extension length of the carrier 2 along the transport channel shaft 7 is about 3.9 times the pitch G of the drive wobbles 35. [ Accordingly, the carriers can be almost in contact with each other while the carrier 2 is driven.

The embodiment shown in Figs. 18A and 18B shows two drive wobbles 35, 35 'having respective rotation axes D, D' extending parallel to the axis of the transport channel 7. Also, here, the two drive wobbles 35, 35 'can be synchronized by a gear drive, not shown here.

Figs. 19A and 19B show the driving unit 6 implemented as four bar mechanisms. The first end of the first lever 36 is attached to the first drive shaft 37 while the second end of the first lever 36 is connected to the first end 36 of the second lever 39 via the joint 38. [ As shown in FIG. The second lever 39 has a slot 40 to which the pin 41 engages, thereby enabling the second lever 39 to be guided. The first end of the third lever 42 is attached to the second drive shaft 43 while the second end of the third lever 42 is attached to the fourth lever 45 via the joint 44, And is rotatably connected to one end. The fourth lever 45 has a slot 46 to which the pin 47 engages, thereby enabling the fourth lever 45 to be guided. The first drive shaft 37 and the second drive shaft 43 are driven by the common drive belt 48 so that the synchronization of the drive shafts 37 and 43 is achieved.

19A and 19B show the driving unit 6 at two different points in time. In some sections, the second end 49 of the second lever 39 and the second end 50 of the fourth lever 45, when moved by the motion of the drive belt 48, The drive 6 is constructed and arranged so that a force can be applied on the carrier 2 in parallel with the transport channel axis 7. [ The second end 49 of the second lever 39 is also engaged with the first carrier 2 until the second end 50 of the fourth lever 45 begins to exert a force on the second carrier 2. [ The driver 6 is constructed and arranged so as to apply a force to the top and vice versa in the opposite case. In this embodiment, the drive section has a length of the carrier 2.

As an alternative to the embodiment shown in Figs. 19A and 19B, the movement of the lever may also be effected by at least one connecting member < RTI ID = 0.0 > , Preferably also by at least two connecting members.

Therefore, the present invention particularly includes the following aspects.

Characterized in that it comprises a conveying channel (4), in particular a conveying pipe (5), at least one carrier (2) arranged in the conveying channel (4), in particular at least two carriers A conveying device (1) comprising at least one drive part (6) for driving at least one carrier (2) for conveying articles (3), characterized in that at least one carrier is arranged at least along the conveying channel axis Is loosely arranged in the transport channel (4) in some sections.

2. Feeding device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the feed channel (4) is formed as guiding means along the feed channel axis (7) for the carrier (2).

3. The driving unit according to either claim 1 or 2, characterized in that at least in some sections, a force is applied directly onto the carrier (2) by the drive part (6) substantially parallel to the transport channel axis (1). ≪ / RTI >

4. The drive unit according to any one of modes 1 to 3, characterized in that in order to apply a force substantially parallel to the transport channel axis (7) onto the carrier (2) arranged in the drive section (8) (4), at least in the drive section (8).

5. The drive unit according to any one of modes 1 to 4, wherein the drive unit includes a list of kinds of drive units that are a chain drive unit, a belt drive unit, a coupler mechanism, a gear drive unit, a worm drive unit, a magnet drive unit, a servo drive unit, And wherein the transfer device (1) can be selected or selected from any combination.

6. A device according to any one of modes 3 to 5, wherein the drive part (6) comprises at least one carrier bolt (29, 29 ') and wherein at least a section of the carrier bolt (1) can be applied directly onto the carrier (2) substantially parallel to the carrier (2).

7. The method of embodiment 6, wherein the drive portion is configured as a chain drive portion 6 and includes at least one drive chain pair (28a, 28b; 28a ', 28b'), Characterized in that each of the ends is attached to a respective drive chain (28a, 28b; 28a ', 28b') of a pair of drive chains (28a, 28b; 28a ', 28b').

8. The device as in any of the embodiments 3-7, wherein the drive comprises at least one drive chain (33, 33 ') constructed as a chain drive (6) and having at least one carrier projection (34, 34' , Whereby a force in at least some sections can be applied directly onto the carrier (2) substantially parallel to the transport channel axis (7) by the carrier projection.

9. A device according to any one of modes 3 to 8, wherein the driving part is configured as a worm driving part (6) and comprises at least one rotational driving worm (35, 35 '), Characterized in that a force can be applied directly on the carrier (2) substantially parallel to the transport channel axis (7).

10. A method according to any one of modes 1 to 9, wherein force transfer between two carriers (2) arranged adjacently in the conveyance channel (4) parallel to the conveyance channel axis (7) And / or by means of a bulk article arranged between the carriers (2) in the transport channel. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 1 < / RTI >

11. A carrier (2) for transferring a bulk article (3) in a conveying device (1) according to any one of modes 1 to 10, comprising a carrier surface (10) Characterized in that it comprises alignment means (11) for aligning the average surface normal line (12) of the carrier surface (10) in the at least some sections substantially parallel to the transfer channel axis (7).

12. The method of claim 11, wherein when aligning the average surface normal line 12 of the carrier surface 10 substantially parallel to the transfer channel axis 7, the carrier surface 10 is preferably less than 100% To 50% to 99.9%, particularly preferably to 80% to 99.9% of the average conveying channel cross-section.

13. Apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or 12, wherein the alignment means (11) are configured as at least a first surface element (13) and a second surface element (14), wherein the first and second surface elements Characterized in that the average surface normal line (12) of the surface elements is arranged substantially parallel to the transport channel axis (7) 2).

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the first surface element (13) facing the conveying direction of the bulk article (3) causes the bulk article (3) to proceed, and in particular the second surface element (14) (2). ≪ / RTI >

15. The carrier (2) according to any one of modes 11-14, wherein the carrier (2) faces the transporting direction and / or faces away from the transporting direction, Characterized in that it comprises an arm (17) arranged substantially parallel to the spacing member (15), in particular the transport channel shaft (7), which is shaped or dome-shaped.

16. The carrier according to claim 15, wherein the carrier (2) includes a recess (16) and the recess is such that the spacer (15) engages a recess (16) in the side facing away from or in a direction away from the transport direction , Characterized in that the recess (16) is particularly funnel-shaped and the recess (16) is preferably at least a hollow-shaped in section and / or at least parabolic in section. .

17. Use of a transfer device (1) according to any one of the preceding aspects 1 to 10, optionally in combination with a carrier (2) according to any one of aspects 11 to 16, additionally optionally with a supply device (3) from an inlet (19) to an outlet (22), comprising the steps of: transferring the bulk product (3) from the inlet (19) to the outlet (22).

18. A method for upgrading and / or converting or retrofitting a conveying device (1) for conveying bulk goods (3), comprising the steps of: A method for transporting a bulk article, comprising the steps of mounting a carrier (2), in particular a carrier (2) according to any one of aspects 11 to 16, and optionally mounting a feeder .

For example, with respect to the description of the drawings as well as the basic description, general definitions and features, the present invention is also directed to a method of transporting a bulk article through a transport channel, wherein the bulk article is pushed or pressed in a transport channel in a transport direction, Lt; RTI ID = 0.0 > a < / RTI > conveying channel, for example a conveying pipe. The transfer elements may also be connected to one another in a separate non-positive (forced-clamp or forced-lock manner) connection to each other (only) during the transfer of the bulk article in the transfer channel, body) or (bulk goods) carrier. For example, in the section of the transport channel without mechanical drive means, a transport element moving in the transport channel in the transport direction may be configured to push or push the transport element located downstream of the transport element through the transport channel have.

The basic concept that the pressure of a separate individual as a conveying element is transmitted to the next conveying element in the conveying direction is that from the viewpoint of a known tube or pipe chain conveyor its improved energy efficiency, increased conveying speed and performance, And the transfer of smoother bulk goods. In this regard, increased energy efficiency is achieved, for example, by a very low friction transport compared to tube or pipe chain conveyors. It is also possible, due to the specific construction of the transport elements, that it is necessary in particular to have only one drive means provided in the first section of the transport channel and thus not in contact with the bulk goods supplied to the transport channel in the second section alone. According to the concept of the present invention it is further possible to provide a transport element and transport device which can be used for transporting different bulk goods such as rice, flour, grain, corn and wheat. For example, so far, tubing or pipe-chain conveyors have been used for rice, bucket conveyors for flour, and elevator conveyors for grain have been used, but these are not suitable for explosion protection, , Space shortage, and cost reasons, at least for the transportation of rice. On the other hand, tube or pipe chain conveyors can, to some extent, meet the requirements for rice application, but tube or pipe chain conveyors are excluded for cereals for reasons of hygiene and for reasons of conveying performance. By virtue of the present invention, all such bulk articles can be transferred hygienically and very efficiently, easily and without problems.

The present invention achieves the above object by the features of the claims.

To this end, the invention relates especially to a transfer device for transferring bulk materials and conveying elements used in one of the transfer devices described above and / or below and / or below, .

A transfer element according to the present invention includes a disk element (e.g., a "carrier surface" as described above) that includes a top surface ("carrier surface "), a side along the bottom surface and a periphery of the disk element, Two surface elements "), for example a scraper disk and a shank head, especially a ball or dome head, for example at the upper end (upper end region), for example at the lower end (lower end region) ("Strut") which is connected to the upper surface of the frame. For example, the upper surface of the disk element may be connected at the center to the lower end of the shank. The transport element comprises, for example, a means for receiving the shank head, in particular a ball head receiver or a dome head receiver, from the underside of the disk element. According to the embodiment, the shank receiving portion can be provided on the shank itself. For example, when the lower end of the shank includes a shank head, the shank head receiver may be provided at the upper end of the shank. According to the invention, the side of the disk element is at least partly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

The longitudinal axis of the shank may extend, for example, through the center of the top surface of the disk element. In particular, the shanks are arranged perpendicular to the disk elements. The disk element may act as a scraper disk of a transport element suitable for pushing the bulk article through the transport channel and in particular for absorbing the pushing movement of the drive means (for example with a carrier bolt as described above). The shank of the transfer element serves to push and push the bulk article through the transfer channel in this manner by transferring the force introduced by the drive means to the shank head onto the scraper disk and, consequently, to the downstream transfer element of the transfer channel .

According to an embodiment, the disk element may be an essentially curved disk that is radially-symmetric. In this case, the top and bottom surfaces of the disk element may also be bent, for example, the top surface of the disk element may have a distance in the longitudinal direction between the center of the top surface and the shank head, Can be bent in a manner larger than the distance in the longitudinal direction. The side of the disk element extends along the (maximum) periphery of the disk element and connects to the undersurface of the disk element through the upper and lower peripheral edges, in particular.

According to the invention, in the longitudinal section of the transport element through the longitudinal axis of the shank, the side of the disk element is at least partly inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank (in the direction of the center of the top surface of the disk element). In particular, the section of the side surface at the upper peripheral edge has such a slope with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank. By at least partial inclination of the side surface with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank, the damage to the disk element can be reduced if the disk element is brought into contact with the adjacent edge of the pipe, for example in the transport channel.

According to an embodiment, the inclined section of the side of the disk element is configured as the side of the centering rail of the disk element or as the side of the centering cam. The centering rail extends, for example along the periphery of the upper surface of the disk element, not only to prevent damage to the transport elements, in particular to the scraper disk, but also to optimally align the transport elements in the transport channel section, It is possible to cancel the tilting of the conveying element. As an alternative to the centering rail, for example, a centering cam may be provided along the periphery of the upper surface of the disk element.

According to an embodiment, the edge of the disk element, i.e. the upper peripheral edge of the side, which is located between the side and top surface of the disk element, In order to avoid damage, it may be more rounded than the lower peripheral edge (which is the edge of the side located between the side and bottom of the disk element). The edge is more rounded if the radius of the curved section representing the rounded upper peripheral edge of the longitudinal section of the transfer element through the longitudinal axis of the shank is greater than the radius of the curved section of the lower peripheral edge. A longitudinal section of the transfer element through the longitudinal axis of the shank (in the exemplary embodiment with the centering cam) is shown, for example, in Fig.

According to the invention, the transport element comprises means for receiving the shank head. According to an embodiment, the disk element may have recesses / recesses in the bottom surface, for example, where the shank of the shank of the upstream transfer element can be received. The recesses may in this case be complementary to the shank head end, and the radius of the recesses may be slightly larger (e.g., 1 mm to 15 mm, especially 2 mm to 8 mm, for example) than the radius of the shank head for practical reasons About 3 mm to 5 mm greater), so that the shank head end of the downstream transport element can be received more easily by the shank head receiver. According to an embodiment, for example, the shank head end may be provided on the underside of the disk element and the other end of the shank may have a shank head receiver complementarily formed, for example, against the shank head, Can be received on the underside of the disk element of the transport element by the shank head receiver of the element.

According to an embodiment, the shank can extend from the center through the disk element and form a shank head receiver or shank head on the underside of the disk element. In both cases, for example, the diameter of the shank may be slightly larger than the diameter of the shank head end (e.g., 2 mm to 30 mm, particularly 4 mm to 16 mm, e.g., 6 mm to 10 mm or more) The head receiving portion accordingly comprises a suitable recess (having the size defined above) for the shank head end of the upstream or downstream transport element.

According to an embodiment, the transfer element is made entirely of plastic and is particularly formed integrally (e.g. by injection molding). However, for certain bulk articles, it may be advantageous to use a heavier, more dimensionally stable transport element having, for example, a metal core and / or a metal alloy, for example a steel core. According to an embodiment, the core is not, for example, a magnet. For example, the core may be only on the shank or on the shank and scraper disk. The outer surfaces of this embodiment, in particular all the regions of the transfer element around the core, can also be made of plastic, and in particular can be integrally formed. For example, this type of transfer element can be made by placing the cores in corresponding molds, the mold having the shape of the transfer elements to be produced, each injection molding process allowing the core to be positioned in the final product in the transfer element And the outer surface of the transfer element is integrally formed.

According to an embodiment, the disk element comprises a wear indicator, for example arranged on the disk element at a certain distance from the side of the disk element and / or from the top surface of the disk element. If the side or top surface of the disk element causing the bulk item to be transported through the transport channel is worn, for example, the markers may be visible in the wear indicator located on the disk element, The degree of wear is shown by the corresponding color gradient to the inside. Alternatively or additionally, the wear indicator body having a specific shape (e.g., a two-sided arrow) may be incorporated into the disk element and may have a different color than the material surrounding it. In this case, as a specific portion of the wear indicator body is seen (e.g., initially, only the small head is visible, which is seen from the front, which is greater during wear as the wear increases) . Alternatively or additionally, the wear indicator may be realized, for example, by a marker on the outside of the side of the transfer element that extends partially into the interior of the disk element by a well-defined length. For example, if the marker is no longer visible during operation, it can be determined that an overly worn transfer element needs to be replaced.

According to an embodiment, the transport element comprises a guide disk element ("first surface element" as described above) arranged substantially parallel to the disk element in the direction of the shank of the shank. In particular, the shank extends through the center of the upper surface of the guide disk element. The guide disc element particularly includes an opening / recess to allow the guide disc element to pass through the bulk article. In this way, the transfer volume can be increased, and the bulk article is not broken at the transfer channel bend. In addition, the guide disk element is adapted to move back and forth in the shank head receiving means of the upstream transport element, and thus re-establish the connection, when the transport element interrupts the connection of the upstream transport element and the non- And may be configured to guide the transport element in the transport channel. Like the disk element, the guide disk element may also have a radially symmetrical shape and may in particular be an essentially curved disc. According to an embodiment, the guide disk element can be inclined and / or essentially flexible with respect to the disk element and / or can be flexibly attached to the shank. It is thus possible to compensate for the pressure differential to the guide disk element during conveyance of the bulk article, for example through a curved section of the conveying pipe. For example, the guide disk element may be configured so that a bulk article, for example, pushed through a transport pipe, is denser on one side (e.g., inside the pipe bend) than on the other side (e.g., For example, be biased / tilted toward one side.

According to an embodiment, the longitudinal distance between the scraper disk and the guide disk of the transport element is greater than half the length of the longitudinal transport element. By virtue of this arrangement of the disk elements in which the guide disk elements are provided close to the shank heads, the guide disk elements are arranged in such a way that when the connection is interrupted, the shank heads in the cross- Can be quickly re-established.

According to an embodiment, the transport element comprises 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 And a lighting device. For example, the system of cameras and lighting devices arranged in the transport elements can be used to inspect the transport pipe in particularly inaccessible sections. For example, the transport element may comprise a respective camera and illuminator at its front end in the transport direction and at its rear end in the transport direction. For example, two or four or six cameras / sensors and / or a corresponding number of illuminators may be arranged in the shank of the transport element for illuminating and inspecting the inner wall of the transport pipe, for example. In this way, possible malfunctions or leaks can be quickly localized and identified, and thus can be quickly removed or repaired without having to disassemble the entire transport channel. For example, the transfer element can be inserted into the transfer device during an ongoing operation and is transported, for example, through the transfer channel one time, and the transfer element records the data and, based on this data, , The sanitary, dirty areas, the adjacent edges of the pipe, the product inlet and the product outlet can be analyzed. Alternatively or additionally, the transfer element may comprise one or more sensors, such as ultrasonic probes, to measure the pipe wall thickness and thus control the condition of the transfer pipe.

According to an embodiment, the transfer element has a cleaning device arranged in particular on the shank of the transfer element. The cleaning device may be one or more brushes or fiber facing for mechanically cleaning the inner pipe of the transfer device. The transport element with the cleaning device can be inserted into the transport device during the ongoing operation and then transported more than one turn through the transport channel to clean the transport channel. The transfer elements can be easily removed from the transfer device after cleaning of the inner pipe and then cleaned individually. The cleaning device may include, for example, a plastic brush, a steel brush, a stainless steel brush, a brass brush, a microfiber cloth, a rubber, a felt, a wool, a cotton and the like depending on the bulk material to be transported.

According to an embodiment, the transport element is provided with a label for automatic identification and / or localization. The transport apparatus of the present invention includes, for example, a reader for reading a label. In particular, the label may be, for example, an RFID transponder having a code that can be read by the reader at, for example, one or more locations within / within the transport channel via an observation window or other opening. In this way, for example, the start or stop operation can be controlled, for example the transport device can be started only when (only) the (specific) transport element is identified at a particular location and / It can be configured to stop as soon as it reaches a specific location. For example, a well-defined number of cycles may thus be predetermined in the transport device and / or transport of the bulk article may be stopped as soon as the unidentifiable transport element is positioned in the transport channel.

In the following, further features and advantages of the present invention are discussed in greater detail in order to provide a better understanding on the basis of the embodiments in connection with Figs. 20-35.

As with the embodiment of Figures 5 to 9, Figures 20 to 25 show drawings of further embodiments of specific transfer elements.

20 is a schematic view of a longitudinal section of the transfer element 201 through the longitudinal axis of the shank 204 of the transfer element 201. Fig. The transfer element 201 has a disk element 203 having a top surface 203a, a bottom surface 203b and a side 203c along the (maximum) periphery U of the disk element 203. [ The side surface 203c connects the upper surface 203a to the lower surface 203b of the disk element 203 through the upper peripheral edge 203aU and the lower peripheral edge 203bU. The shank 204 has an upper end 204a (front end of the shank in the transport direction, where the transport direction is indicated by the arrow or arrowhead on top of the longitudinal axis of the shank) And is connected centrally to the upper surface 203a of the disk element 203 at its lower end 204b (the rear end of the shank in the transport direction). The transfer element 201 also includes means 206 for receiving the shank head on the lower surface 203b of the disk element 203. [ The side 203c of the disk element 203 is at least partially tilted relative to the longitudinal axis 204c of the shank 204 and this section of the side 203c in the embodiment shown in FIG. 207, respectively. For the sake of clarity, FIG. 20 shows not only the (outer) centering cams shown in the longitudinal section but also additional centering cams arranged in a uniformly spaced manner in the circumferential direction. The transfer element 201 may also have a wear indicator 208, for example in the disk element 203 and / or in the disk element 203.

FIGS. 21A, 21B and 21C show a detailed view of three embodiments of the disk element 213. FIG.

In the first embodiment according to Fig. 21a, the disk element 2013 is arranged between the two pipe elements 219a and 219b during transport of the transport element in the transport channel of the transport direction (see arrows) And a centering cam 217a that protects from the adjacent edge 219 of the frame 217a. In the second embodiment according to Figure 21b the disk element 213 is provided with a centering rail 217b extending along the entire circumference of the disk element 213 Indicated by broken lines). In the third embodiment according to Fig. 21C, the side surface 213c is inclined from the lower peripheral edge 213bU to the upper peripheral edge 213aU as a protection for the adjacent edge described above.

22 shows a schematic view of the longitudinal section through the transport element 221 of the transport channel 222 and in particular includes the same features as in Fig. The shank 224 also includes a guide disk element 223 'that is parallel to the disk element 223. The guide disk element 223 'may have an opening / recess (not shown) for increasing the transfer volume and avoiding breakage of the bulk article.

23 illustrates by way of example the two transfer elements 231a and 231b of the transfer channel 232 to which the ball head 235b of the transfer element 231b is connected to the ball head receiver 231a of the transfer element 231a, Means 236a. When the transfer elements 231a and 231b are in the connected state shown during the transfer process, the transfer elements are pushed through the transfer channel 232 and each of the rear transfer elements 231b in the transfer direction (see arrow) (231a). In this manner, the bulk article can be conveyed to the transfer elements 231a, 231b in the transfer channel 232.

24 is constructed as an inspection element and includes a plurality of cameras 242K and a transport element 242K including a plurality of illuminators 242L illuminating an area that can be covered by the camera for examining, 241, respectively. Alternatively or additionally, one or more sensors may be provided for measuring temperature and / or humidity, for example. In the illustrated embodiment, the transfer element 241 has, for example, a camera 242K and a lighting device 242L at its front end 241a in the transport direction and its rear end 241b in the transport direction, There is additionally provided two additional devices 242L each having an illumination device 242L arranged in the shank 244 of the transfer element 241 for inspecting the inner pipe section perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shank 244. [ Camera 242K. In the illustrated embodiment, the rear disc 243, like the front disc 243 ', may have an opening through which the test can be performed along the longitudinal axis of the shank 244 in this case.

25 is configured as a cleaning element and is arranged at the front and / or rear ends 254a, 254b of the shank 254 of the transport element 251 and is moved forwardly in the transport direction by the guide disc 253 ' And at least one cleaning device 252 which is protected against undesired slippage from the shank 254 in the transport direction by the scraper disc 253 and backward in the transport direction by the scraper disc 253.

Thus, the present invention provides a transport element and a transport device that can be transported with energy savings. Also, with this concept, a conveyance height of about 60 m can be reached, and thus the conveying device can be used more effectively in all spatial dimensions, while requiring a relatively small base surface as a whole. And the transfer device can also be configured individually. Since the bulk article is conveyed in the conveying pipe by a separate article (conveying element, carrier) pushing or pushing the bulk article through the conveying pipe, only a small relative movement of the bulk article to reduce separation and internal friction have. In addition, the structure, assembly and maintenance of the transfer device is simple (the individual transfer elements can be easily replaced and the pipe can be inspected without any problems during the operation of the transfer device by the specific transfer element) The apparatus can be easily cleaned because the residue can not be collected in the transfer pipe, the bulk goods can not be transported, and the cleaning can be carried out during the ongoing operation of the transfer device by a specific transfer element for this purpose. Also, since the drive is only needed in certain sections of the transport pipe, the drive and bulk supply devices are spatially separated and the drive does not come into contact with the bulk goods (high sanitary condition).

Claims (15)

A conveying element (201) for conveying a bulk article,
A disk element 203 comprising a top surface 203a, a bottom surface 203b and a side surface 203c along the periphery of the disk element,
And a shank 204 including a shank head 205 at an upper end 204a or a lower end and connected to an upper surface 203a of the disk element at a lower end 204b,
The transfer element includes a shank head receiving means 206 on the lower surface 203b or shank of the disk element,
Wherein the side 203c of the disk element is at least partially inclined with respect to the longitudinal axis of the shank 204. [ The transfer element (201) of claim 1, wherein the angled section of the side of the disk element is configured as a side of the centering cam (207; 217a) of the disk element. 3. The transfer element (201) of claim 1 or 2, wherein the side edge of the disk element is rounder towards the top surface of the disk element than the side edge towards the bottom surface of the disk element. 4. A transport element (201) according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the shank extends through the disk element to its lower surface and is formed there as a means for receiving the shank head. 5. A transfer element (201) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least the outer surface of the transfer element is made of plastic. 6. A transfer element (201) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the outer surface of the transfer element is integrally formed. 7. A transfer element (201) according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the shank comprises a metal core, in particular magnetless. 8. A transfer element (201) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the disk element comprises a wear indicator. The transport element (201) according to claim 8, wherein the wear indicator (208) is arranged on the side of the disk element and / or on the disk element. 10. A device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a guide disk element (223 ') arranged substantially parallel to the disk element (203; 223) in the direction of the shank head (205) (201). 11. The transfer element (201) of claim 10, wherein the guide disk element comprises a recess for passing a bulk article therethrough. 12. A transfer element (201) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one cleaning device. 13. A transport element (201) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one camera and / or at least one sensor and / or at least one illumination device. 14. A transfer element (201) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a label for automatically identifying and / or localizing the transfer element. A conveying device for conveying a bulk article comprising at least one conveying element according to claim 14 and a reader for reading the label.

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