TW201839340A - Conveying device for bulk material - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveying device (1) for bulk material (20), with a conveyor (2) for transporting bulk material (20) in a conveying direction (C), a hood (3) extending above the conveyor (2), and a sealing device (4) that is attached to the hood (3) and configured to hinder gas exchange along the conveying direction (C). In order to provide an effective and reliable seal between bulk material on a conveying device and a hood extending over the conveying device, the invention provides that the sealing device (4) comprising at least one flexible sealing sheet (7) having an upper end (7.1) and a lower end (7.2); and at least one sliding block (6) configured to be in sliding contact with the bulk material (20) wherein the upper end (7.1) of the flexible sealing sheet (7) is connected to the hood (3) and the lower end (7.2) of the flexible sealing sheet (7) is connected to the sliding block (6).

Description

 Transport device for bulk materials  

This invention relates to transport devices for bulk materials and to seal devices for such transport devices.

In iron metallurgy, mobile grate machines are commonly used to agglomerate fine particles of bulk material by a sintering process. The pellet material was initially heat treated as it was transported on a mobile hearth. The mobile hearth can be moved linearly or circularly. In most cases, gaseous media are used in the heat treatment process. There may be several continuous processing sections along the path of the furnace, each of which utilizes a different gas atmosphere. Typically, the entire processing area is covered by the airtight cover from above and laterally (relative to the direction of movement). In the direction of movement, the individual treatment zones are sealed relative to each other and/or to the external atmosphere by means of laterally extending sealing means. Even if there are no individual treatment sections within the cover, it is necessary to employ a transverse seal at the beginning and end of the cover, respectively.

Providing an effective seal is a challenging task for several reasons. One of the main reasons is that on the lower side, the seal must be placed between the seal on the mobile hearth and the bulk material. However, the surface above the bulk material will typically have a non-uniform and irregular shape, even if the surface has been mechanically straightened by a scraping device or the like. Additionally, the bulk material can be abrasive and/or hot, so direct contact can result in relatively rapid damage to the sealing device.

Several different solutions are known in the art, all of which have certain disadvantages. One solution is to simply provide a fixed vertical wall with a sufficiently spaced lower edge to the mobile grate to allow bulk material to pass through. There is no direct contact between the wall and the bulk material, no moving parts over time and therefore almost no damage. However, there is a considerable gap between the lower edge of the wall and the bulk material, so the sealing effect is limited. Another solution is to provide vertically movable walls attached to the fixed wall (or several movable wall sections that are horizontally abutting each other). Although the gap between the movable wall and the bulk material is small, it is still quite large and there is additional leakage between the fixed wall and the movable wall. Another possibility is to provide a plurality of individual sealing elements that are pivotally mounted on a laterally extending shaft. Due to the weight of each individual component, it typically hangs from the axis, thus extending vertically a maximum distance downward. However, by rotating about the axis, the component is adjustable to a variable height above the surface of the bulk material. Although the sealing effect has been improved, the solution is mechanically less reliable, as contamination can cause obstruction of adjacent components. Yet another solution is based on a labyrinth seal effect and utilizes a horizontal extension panel suspended below the cover such that there is a small gap between the panel and the bulk material. The longer the horizontal plate extends, the better the sealing effect. However, if the surface of the bulk material is extremely uneven, the sealing effect is severely lowered. Additionally, it is known to use one or several sealing elements, each of which includes a plurality of plates joined by a hub. In an ideal environment, the panel is adjustable to a locally varying height of the bulk material. However, the sealing effect is generally not optimal and the hubs tend to block or clog, which renders the seal ineffective.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an efficient and reliable seal between a transport device, especially when loaded with bulk material, and a cover that extends over the transport device. This object is solved by a transport device for bulk materials as in claim 1 and by a seal device as in claim 15.

The present invention provides a transport apparatus for bulk materials having: a transporter for transporting bulk material in a transport direction; a cover extending over the transporter; and a sealing device attached to the cover and Configured to block gas exchange along this transport direction.

In particular, the transport device can be a mobile grate machine and the bulk material can be the raw material to be sintered that is actually transported by the transporter. More generally, the transport device can be configured for heat treatment of bulk materials. Bulk materials can contain particles ranging between 1 mm and 200 mm. The transporter can be a mobile grate. The transport direction is usually horizontal or at most 45 degrees from the horizontal. If the conveyor is configured for linear motion, the transport direction can be linear, or if the conveyor is configured for circular motion, the transport direction can be tangential.

The cover is placed and extends over the conveyor, typically extending over only a portion of the length of the conveyor in the direction of transport. The cover, which may also be referred to as an outer casing, may be considered to be substantially airtight, i.e., function to prevent or limit uncontrolled gas exchange between the space above the conveyor and the external atmosphere. However, the cover may have an access opening connected to a tube or the like to supply or remove gas in a controlled manner. The cover typically has an upper wall (or top plate) and side walls that extend on either side of the conveyor. To allow passage of the conveyor and bulk material, the cover needs to have an opening at either end that is protected from gas exchange. Likewise, different sections of gas containing different temperatures, pressures and/or compositions may be present in the transport direction. The gas exchange between these sections also needs to be limited. For these reasons, the transport device includes a seal that is attached to the cover and configured to block gas exchange in the direction of transport. In other words, the sealing device is configured to block gas exchange between two regions (or volumes) in the transport direction, wherein at least one of the regions is located inside the cover. Ideally, the seal is configured to completely prevent gas exchange, but a small amount of leakage is generally acceptable.

In accordance with the present invention, a sealing apparatus includes: at least one flexible sealing sheet having an upper end and a lower end; and at least one sliding block configured to be in sliding contact with a conveyor or a bulk material disposed on the conveyor. The flexible sealing sheet creates a barrier between the upstream and downstream regions of the flexible sealing sheet to prevent gas from escaping the area under the cover. The sliding block ensures that the sealing device is in contact with the bulk material on the conveyor even when there is a difference in the thickness of the layer of bulk material disposed on the conveyor.

In effect, at least one of the sliding elements attached to the lower end of the flexible sealing foil is configured to be in sliding contact with the bulk material. In some embodiments in which the sliding element has a compact shape, the sliding element may be referred to as a "sliding block." The term "lower end" of course means that the flexible sealing sheet extends downwardly from the cover, although it generally does not extend vertically, but at an angle relative to the vertical. In particular, due to its flexible nature, the flexible sealing sheet does not necessarily have to be straight during operation, but may be curved or curved. Of course, in order to keep the sliding element in contact with the bulk material, the length of the flexible sealing sheet must be sufficient. The weight of the sliding element and/or the weight of the flexible sealing sheet maintains the sliding element in contact with the bulk material. However, since the flexible sealing sheet is flexible and no excessive pressure is applied to the sliding member or the bulk material, the flexible sealing sheet can always follow the surface characteristics of the bulk material. The flexible sealing foil transfers the tension between the cover and the sliding element. Its function is to "drag" the sliding element along the surface of the bulk material, although strictly speaking, the bulk material moves under the sliding element, but it remains substantially fixed. To ensure the sealing function, the at least one sliding element may extend laterally over at least a substantial portion (eg, at least 95% or at least 98%) of the width of the inner cross-section of the cover. The sliding element may be composed of a heat resistant material and/or a wear resistant material such as Teflon, metal or other materials.

While at least one of the sliding elements provides reasonably tight contact with the bulk material, the space above the sliding element is sealed by at least one flexible sealing sheet attached to the cover and the at least one sliding element. In other words, the sealing foil extends from the sliding element to the cover, thereby preventing or at least minimizing gas exchange in this area. The flakes are composed of a material that is impermeable or at least reduces the gas flow, such as a niobate ceramic material, a fiberglass material, or other materials. The width of the sealing sheet may correspond to at least 95% or at least 98% of the width of the inner cross section of the cover. Therefore, gas is substantially prevented from passing between the sealing sheet and the cover. Preferably, the sealing sheet is tightly attached to the cover and the at least one sliding member to prevent any gas leakage therebetween. The sheet may comprise a woven or non-woven fibrous material that may be surface treated to make it more airtight, more heat resistant, and the like.

According to one aspect of the invention, the sealing device comprises at least one flexible elongate suspension member that is at least indirectly coupled to the cover in the attachment region, wherein at least one of the sliding segments is attached to the lower end of the at least one suspension member. Preferably, the sealing means comprises a plurality of flexible elongate suspension elements that are at least indirectly connected to the cover in the attachment region and laterally spaced from the transport direction. Typically, the suspension elements are connected in the same position in the transport direction. To function as a suspension element, the suspension element is configured to transmit tension. Since the suspension elements are laterally spaced from the transport direction, they do not function as sealing elements. The space between the two suspension elements may correspond to a plurality of thicknesses of one suspension element. If the sealing device is in a high temperature region, the suspension element may be composed of a material that is resistant to such temperatures. For example, if the transport device is a mobile grate machine for heat treating the sintered material, a temperature of several hundred degrees can be expected, so that the suspension element can be composed, for example, of steel.

This aspect of the invention provides for functional separation between the suspension element and the sealing sheet. Although the suspension element can be optimized for suspension of the sliding element, ie the suspension element provides the necessary strength but does not need to contribute to the sealing effect, the sealing foil is optimized for the sealing function and is generally not transmitted in the sliding element and the cover The considerable force acting between the covers. In particular, although the suspension elements are typically placed under tension during operation of the transport device, the sealing sheets can remain substantially loose. Of course, the effective length of the sealing sheet and the suspension element can thus be chosen, i.e. the sealing sheet can be designed to be long enough so that no significant tension is applied. Since the sealing device does not require any hubs, bearings or the like, clogging of such components is unlikely to occur and the mobility of at least one of the sliding members can be maintained for a longer period of time.

The effect of the sealing device can be significantly improved if the sealing device comprises a plurality of individual sliding elements placed laterally adjacent one another. The sliding elements are separate and can therefore be moved individually. Thus, if a sliding element is lifted by large particles of bulk material or localized bumps in the surface, this will affect only one component while one or more adjacent components can remain in a lower position to maintain close contact with the bulk material. . The number of elements may be, for example, between 1 and 10, but larger may also be possible. While a higher number of components renders the seal more sensitive to local irregularities in bulk materials, it also adds complexity and typically adds cost. Again, each sliding element needs to be attached to at least one suspension element, so the number of suspension elements (and therefore the weight) increases with the number of sliding elements.

It is conceivable that the suspension element is a rope or even an elongated, narrow sheet. Materials can be selected according to requirements such as heat resistance. Preferably, at least one of the suspension elements is a chain. Chains consisting of individual links are highly flexible, even though individual links can be relatively thick and stable. Thus, one or more sliding elements can be suspended in a highly flexible but stable manner. The chain can in particular consist of a metal, such as steel.

In order to stabilize the suspension, it is preferred that at least two suspension elements are connected by at least one transverse coupling element. Such coupling elements extend laterally and at least transmit tension between the suspension elements. This connection or coupling limits the relative movement of the suspension elements. In particular, every two adjacent suspension elements can be connected by a coupling element. Likewise, the two suspension elements can be connected by a plurality of coupling elements that are disposed along the length of the suspension element.

Any coupling element can be rigid or flexible. Also, it can be rigidly or movably connected to the respective suspension elements. The coupling element can be, for example, a strip or a rope. Preferably, the at least one coupling element is a chain. In particular, all coupling elements can be chains. It may have the same characteristics as those of the chain used for the suspension elements.

According to a preferred embodiment, at least one sealing foil is placed behind the suspension element in the transport direction. Since the suspension element is typically tilted away from the transport direction during operation, it is also meant that the sealing foil is placed over the suspension element. Thus, the sealing sheets are placed further away from the discrete materials and can be used to protect against high temperatures. Also, the suspension element is prevented from resting on the sealing sheet, which reduces the life of the sealing sheet.

Preferably, for several reasons, the effective length of the suspension element between the attachment region and the lower end is adjustable. This is referred to as the "effective" length because it determines the maximum range of motion of one or more sliding elements. The total length of the suspension elements can be longer than the effective length. As will be appreciated, if the effective length is increased, the lifting force applied to the sliding element by the suspension element is reduced, or a portion of the weight of the suspension element can even rest on the sliding element. In other words, the sliding element presses down on the bulk material with most of its own weight and part of the weight of the suspension element. This serves to keep the component in close contact with the bulk material and increase the wear and reduce the life of the component. On the other hand, if the effective length is reduced, the lifting effect of the suspension element is increased and the pressure is reduced by the sliding element on the bulk material. In some cases, this can adversely affect the sealing effect, but it also reduces the wear effect. The effective length may of course depend on several factors, such as the nature of the bulk material, the speed of the conveyor, and the like. Again, the adjustable length of the effective length allows the sealing device to be easily adapted for use with bulk materials of different heights. In fact, if a thinner layer of bulk material is deposited on the conveyor, the length of the suspension element is adapted such that substantially the same sliding force exists between the bulk material and the sliding element, ie for different heights on the conveyor. The material remains sealed.

The adjustable length of the effective length can be implemented in different ways. According to one embodiment, the cover has a connector for each suspension element and each suspension element has a plurality of attachment points for connection to the connector. For example, if the suspension element is a chain, the connector on the cover can be a hook on which the chain is suspended, and each link of the chain provides an attachment point.

According to another embodiment, the suspension element is wrapably attached to the winding device, which is operable from the outside of the cover. The winding device can include a shaft rotatably disposed within the cover. By rotating the shaft in one direction, the suspension element can be wound up, which reduces the effective length, while rotating the shaft in the opposite direction increases the effective length. In this embodiment, it is also contemplated that the suspension element is wound up to the extent that the sliding element is lifted from the bulk material. For example, if the sealing device is placed at the opening (inlet or outlet) of the cover, it can be easily removed by the person to visually inspect the inside of the cover.

Depending on the operating conditions, the life of the sliding element can be severely reduced by wear. In one aspect, it is possible to replace the sliding element with a new one. Alternatively, the loss of the sliding element can be considered and alternative elements can be provided from the outset. In this embodiment, at least one sliding element is attached to the suspension element above the lower end. This sliding component can be considered an "alternative" or "standby" component. As long as the sliding element attached to the lower end is functional, the spare element is typically suspended above the surface of the bulk material and spaced from the surface of the bulk material. However, when the first sliding element has worn away, the effective length of the suspension element can be increased to bring the spare element into contact with the bulk material and exhibit a sealing function. It is also conceivable to place three or more sliding elements along the length of the suspension element, one after the other during the life of the sealing device.

The pressure acting between the at least one sliding element and the surface of the bulk material may be affected by the effective length of the suspension element as described above. According to an alternative, at least one pulling device is attached to each sliding element, the pulling device being at least indirectly connected to the cover behind the connection region with respect to the transport direction. In other words, the pulling device applies a pulling force from the rear of the connecting region with respect to the transport direction. Of course, this pulling force typically has horizontal and vertical components, with the vertical component helping to carry a portion of the weight of the sliding element and reducing the pressure between the element and the bulk material. The pulling device can also have an adjustable effective length and can comprise a chain or rope and a winding device.

The sealing device can be exposed to high temperatures, particularly when performing heat treatment of bulk materials. High temperatures can have detrimental effects, especially for sealing sheets. To protect the sealing sheet from thermal damage, the heat shield can be attached to the suspension element and/or the lateral coupling element (if present). In particular, the heat shields may be placed on one side opposite the sealing sheets. The heat shields can also provide some thermal protection for the suspension elements or coupling elements. There is no doubt that the heat shield should be composed of a material that is heat resistant and generally has poor thermal conductivity. Such materials may include ceramic materials, composite materials, or other materials. To provide most of the complete protection, the heat shields can be placed such that they overlap. The number of heat shields and/or the type of attachment to the suspension elements can be selected such that the flexibility of the suspension elements is not excessively reduced.

Another way to protect the seal from high temperatures is to provide effective cooling. According to one embodiment, at least one sealing foil is circumferentially disposed about the suspension element and the interior volume of the at least one sealing foil is connectable to a source of cooling gas. That is, at least one of the sealing sheets forms a "hose" or "shield" surrounding the suspension element and defines an interior volume in which the suspension element is disposed. This internal volume can be connected to a cooling gas supply source (typically a supply of cooling air) such that the cooling gas can be blown into the volume. Of course, this serves to cool the suspension element and the at least one sealing foil.

In some applications, the suspension element and the at least one sealing foil are attached to a cover that is spaced apart relative to the direction of transport. This can be applied to the case where space constraints make it difficult to connect in the same location. In particular, the distance between the attachment region and the location to which the sealing foil is attached may correspond to at least 20% or at least 50% of the effective length of the suspension element.

The invention also provides a sealing device for a transport device for bulk materials, having: a transporter for transporting bulk material in the transport direction; and a cover extending over the transporter. The sealing device is configured to attach to the cover and prevent gas exchange in the direction of transport, and the sealing device includes: a plurality of flexible elongated suspension elements configured to at least indirectly connect to the cover in the connection region And laterally spaced from the transport direction; at least one sliding element attached to the lower end of each suspension element and configured to be in sliding contact with the bulk material; and at least one flexible sealing sheet configured to connect To the cover and at least one sliding element. All of these terms have been explained above with respect to the transport device of the present invention and will therefore not be explained again.

It should be noted that although the transporter/cover configuration is described above, where the transporter is movable and the cover is fixed, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that the same principles apply to the cover being movable and the transport being fixed. Configuration. A configuration with a movable cover is also within the scope of the invention.

Preferred embodiments of the sealing device are the sealing devices of the transport device of the present invention.

1‧‧‧Mobile hearth machine

2‧‧‧Mobile stove

2.5‧‧‧Mobile furnace side wall

3‧‧‧ Cover

3.1‧‧‧ vertical wall

3.2‧‧‧Connected area

3.3‧‧‧ vertical wall

3.5‧‧‧ Side wall of the cover

4‧‧‧ Sealing device

5‧‧‧hanging chain

5.1‧‧‧Lower end of the suspension chain

5.2‧‧‧The upper end of the suspension chain

5.3‧‧‧ Attachment

6‧‧‧Sliding blocks

7‧‧‧Seal sheet

7.1‧‧‧Top end of sealing sheet

7.2‧‧‧The lower end of the sealing sheet

7.5‧‧‧ internal volume

8‧‧‧Coupling chain

9‧‧‧ hook

10‧‧‧Winding device

11‧‧‧ Pulling device

12‧‧‧Steel rope

13‧‧‧Winding device

14‧‧‧heat shield

15‧‧‧ gas supply

20‧‧‧Sinter

20.1‧‧‧ Surface of the sinter

A‧‧‧First area

B‧‧‧Second area

C‧‧‧Transportation direction

T‧‧‧ transverse direction

V‧‧‧ vertical direction

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION A preferred embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: FIG. 1 is a side view of a transport apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 is a side view of a transport apparatus according to a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 is a side view of a transport apparatus according to a third embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 5 is a transport apparatus according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Figure 6 is a side view of a transport apparatus according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 is a side view of a transport apparatus according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention; and Figure 8 is a seventh embodiment of the present invention. A side view of a transport device of the example; and Figure 9 is a side view of a transport device in accordance with an eighth embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 1 shows a side view of a transport device, more particularly a mobile grate machine 1, which contains a mobile grate 2 for transporting the sinter 20 in the transport direction C. In this embodiment, the transport direction C is horizontal and thus perpendicular to the vertical direction V. In this embodiment, the mobile furnace 2 is configured for linear movement, but alternatively a conveyor for circular movement may be used, in which case the transport direction C will be tangential.

The cover 3 extends over the mobile hearth 2 to prevent or at least minimize any uncontrolled gas exchange between the space above the sinter 20 and the external atmosphere. As can be seen in the front view of Figure 2, the cover 3 provides a seal in the vertical direction V and in the transverse direction T. However, in the transport direction C, an effective seal cannot be achieved by fixing the cover 3. To minimize or prevent any gas and dust exchange between the first zone A and the second zone B, the mobile grate machine 1 comprises a sealing device 4 attached to the vertical wall 3.1 of the cover 3. It should be noted that both regions A, B may be located inside the cover 3, or one region may be located outside the cover 3 and the other may be located inside the cover 3. In the latter case, the sealing device 4 is located at the inlet or outlet of the cover 3.

The illustrated sealing device 4 comprises six suspension chains 5 which are connected to the vertical wall 3.1 in the connection region 3.2 and extend downwards in the vertical direction V to the lower end 5.1 to which the three sliding blocks 6 are connected. The sliding blocks 6 are separated from each other and are placed adjacent to each other in the lateral direction T. Each sliding block is independently suspended by two suspension chains 5. As can be seen in Figure 2, the suspension chains 5 are connected in pairs by means of a coupling chain 8. The function of the coupling chain 8 is to stabilize the suspension chain 5 and limit its relative movement. To withstand the high temperatures above the sinter 20, the chains 5, 8 and the sliding block 6 are composed of steel.

Each sliding block 6 is pressed down onto the surface 20.1 of the sinter 20 due to its own weight and partly due to the weight of the chains 5, 8. Due to this pressure, there is a relatively close contact between the sliding block 6 and the surface 20.1. Also, since the block 6 can be moved separately, the uneven shape of the surface 20.1 in the lateral direction T can be compensated for. Although the sliding block 6 remains substantially in intimate contact with the surface 20.1, the seal between the sliding block 6 and the cover 3 is maintained by a sealing sheet 7 having a connection to the upper end 7.1 of the vertical wall 3.1 and having a connection to The lower end 7.2 of each of the sliding blocks 6. The sealing foil 7 can be composed of a woven fibrous material and is therefore flexible such that it does not detract from the movement of the sliding block 6. The length of the sealing sheet 7 associated with the length of the suspension chain 5 can be selected such that the force between the cover 3 and the sliding block 6 is exclusively or primarily transferred by the suspension chain 5 while the flexible sealing sheet 7 is not Under tension. This helps to increase the life of the sealing sheet 7. As can be seen in Figures 1 and 2, the sealing sheet 7 is placed behind the chains 5, 8 (in the transport direction C) and above (in the vertical direction V). Therefore, the weight of the chains 5, 8 does not rest on the sealing sheet 7. Figure 2 also shows the side wall 2.5 of the mobile hearth 2 and the side wall 3.5 of the cover 3. Both side walls 2.5, 3.5 are configured and configured such that a seal is formed therebetween to prevent gas exchange in the transverse direction T.

The illustrated embodiment includes a suspension chain 5 to withstand the weight of the sliding block 6, and the flexible sealing sheet 7 is configured to perform only a sealing function. However, it is also possible to provide a flexible sealing sheet 7 of sufficient strength to withstand the weight of the sliding block 6, and is within the scope of the invention. In this case, the suspension chain 5 may not be required.

Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a mobile grate machine 1, which is substantially identical to the embodiment of Figures 1 and 2 and will therefore not be described in further detail. However, in this embodiment, each suspension chain 5 is attached to a hook 9 that is secured to the vertical wall 3.1 in the attachment region 3.2. In this case, the upper end 5.2 of the suspension chain 5 hangs from the hook 9, while the intermediate chain of the chain (for example, the third link) is placed on the hook. It will be appreciated that in this embodiment, each link corresponds to the attachment point 5.3 of the hook 9. The effective length of the suspension chain 5 between the connection region 3.2 and the lower end 5.1 can be adjusted by placing different links on the hooks 9. The longer effective length results in an increased pressure between the sliding block 6 and the surface 20.1, which is beneficial in terms of sealing effect and also results in increased wear of the sliding block 6 and reduces its life. Therefore, the effective length can be individually adjusted to find the optimum balance between the sealing effect and the life of the sliding block 6.

Another option for adjusting the effective length is shown in the embodiment of Figure 4, in which the suspension chain 5 is connected to a winding device 10 that is operable from the outside of the cover 3. By winding the suspension chain 5 around the rotatable shaft of the winding device 10, the effective length can be reduced while it can be increased by unwinding. This makes it impossible to completely remove the sliding block 6 from the surface 20.1. For example, if either of the first area A or the second area B is outside the cover 3, that is, the sealing device 4 is placed at the opening (inlet or outlet) of the cover 3, it is easy for us to It is removed to make it possible to visually inspect the inside of the cover 3.

Figure 5 shows an embodiment in which the wear effect on the sliding block 6 is considered by providing two spare sliding blocks 6 for each active sliding block 6, which are connected to the suspension above the lower end 5.1. Chain 5. If a sliding block 6 has been worn by wear, the next sliding block 6 can take over its effect by adjusting the effective length of the hanging chain 5.

Although the force acting on the sliding block on the surface 20.1 in Figures 3 and 4 can only be affected by the effective length of the adjustable suspension chain 5, Figure 6 shows another embodiment in which the pulling device 11 acts on the sliding block 6. on. This pulling device 11 comprises a steel cord 12 connected to the sliding block 6 and a winding device 13, which is connected to the cover 3 behind the connecting region 3.2. Therefore, the pulling device 11 applies a force having a vertical and horizontal component to the sliding block 6. The horizontal component is compensated by the suspension chain 5, while the vertical component acts as a lifting force which reduces the pressure by the sliding block 6 on the surface 20.1.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate two embodiments in consideration of the risk of the sealing device 4 and in particular the sealing sheet 7 being damaged by high temperatures. In Fig. 7, a plurality of heat shields 14 are attached to the front side of the suspension chain 5 (i.e., opposite the sealing sheet 7).

In Fig. 8, the sealing sheet 7 is circumferentially disposed around the suspension chain 5 and the coupling chain 8 and forms a hose or gasket around it. The internal volume 7.5 of the sealing foil 7 is connected to a supply air source 15 through which air can be introduced.

Figure 9 shows an embodiment in which the coupling chain 5 and the sealing foil 7 are connected to two separate vertical walls 3.1, 3.3 of the cover 3, which are spaced apart in the transport direction C. In other words, the sealing sheet 7 is connected to the cover 3 behind the connection region 3.2.

Claims (15)

 A transport device (1) for a bulk material (20) having: a transporter (2) for transporting bulk material (20), a cover (3), in a transport direction (C) Extending over the conveyor (2), and a sealing device (4) attached to the cover (3) and configured to prevent gas exchange along the transport direction (C), wherein the sealing device (4) comprises At least one flexible sealing sheet (7) having an upper end (7.1) and a lower end (7.2); and at least one sliding block (6) constructed to be coupled to the transporter (2) or to the transporter (2) the bulk material (20) is in sliding contact, the upper end (7.1) of the flexible sealing sheet (7) is connected to the cover (3) and the lower end of the flexible sealing sheet (7) (7.2) connected to the sliding block (6); and wherein the sealing device (4) further comprises at least one flexible elongated suspension element (5) that is at least indirectly connected to a connection region (3.2) A cover (3), the at least one sliding block (6) being attached to a lower end (5.1) of the at least one suspension element (5).    A transport device according to claim 1, characterized in that the sealing foil (7) is designed to be long enough so that no significant tension is applied, and the at least one flexible elongated suspension element (5) is constructed to hang the Slide block (6).    A transport device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the sealing device (4) comprises a plurality of flexible elongate suspension elements (5) laterally spaced apart from the transport direction (C).    A transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the sealing device (4) comprises a plurality of individual sliding blocks (6) arranged laterally adjacent to each other.    A transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the at least one suspension element (5) is a chain.    A transport device according to any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that at least two suspension elements (5) are connected by at least one transverse coupling element (8), wherein the at least one coupling element ( 8) preferably a chain.    A transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the at least one sealing foil (7) is disposed behind the at least one suspension element (5) in the transport direction (C).    A transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that the effective length of one of the at least one suspension element (5) between the connection region (3.2) and the lower end (5.1) is adjustable.    A transport device according to claim 8 wherein the cover (3) has a connector (9) for each suspension element (5) and each suspension element (5) has a connection for A plurality of attachment points (5.3) of the connector (9); or the suspension elements (5) are wrapably attached to a winding device (10) operable from outside the cover (3).    A transport device according to any one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that at least one sliding block (6) is attached to the suspension elements (5) above the lower end (5.1).    A transport device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one pulling device (11) is attached to each sliding block (6), the pulling device (11) being at least in relation to the transport direction (C) The cover is connected to the cover (3) behind the connection area (3.2).    A transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized in that the heat shield (14) is connected to the suspension elements (5) and/or the coupling elements (8).    A transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that at least one sealing foil (7) is circumferentially disposed around the suspension elements (5), and the at least one sealing foil ( 7) One of the internal volumes (7.5) can be connected to a cooling gas supply source (15).    A transport device according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the suspension elements (5) and the at least one sealing sheet (7) are connected to be spaced apart from the transport direction (C) The cover (3).    A sealing device (4) for a transport device (1) of bulk material (20) having: a transporter (2) for transporting bulk material (20) in a transport direction (C), and a cover (3) extending over the conveyor (2), wherein the sealing device (4) is configured to be attached to the cover (3) and to prevent gas exchange in the transport direction (C), and The sealing device (4) comprises: at least one sliding block (6) constructed to be in sliding contact with the conveyor (2) or the bulk material (20) disposed on the conveyor (2); and at least one flexible a sealing sheet (7) having an upper end (7.1) and a lower end (7.2); the upper end (7.1) of the flexible sealing sheet (7) is configured to be coupled to the cover (3), and the flexible The lower end (7.2) of the sealing foil (7) is configured to be coupled to the at least one sliding block (6), wherein the sealing device (4) further comprises the cover at least indirectly connected to a connecting region (3.2) At least one flexible elongate suspension element of the cover (3), wherein the at least one sliding block (6) is attached to a lower end (5.1) of the at least one suspension element (5).