WO2014183811A1

WO2014183811A1 - Conveyor element and conveyor device for conveying bulk material

Info

Publication number: WO2014183811A1
Application number: PCT/EP2013/073826
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rolf Kamps; Christof Kaufmann
Original assignee: BüHLER GMBH
Priority date: 2013-05-15
Filing date: 2013-11-14
Publication date: 2014-11-20
Also published as: RU2015148928A; RU2015148930A; WO2014183810A1; CA2912341A1; DK2996968T3; KR20160008612A; CA2912333A1; CN105209356A; CN105209356B; KR20160008613A; AR093499A1

Abstract

According to the invention, the conveyor element (201) for conveying bulk material comprises a disc element (203) with an upper face (203a), a lower face (203b), a lateral face (203c) around the circumference of the disc element and a shank (204), the upper end (204a) of which has a shank head (205) and the lower end (204b) of which is connected to the centre of the upper face of the disc element. The conveyor element has an arrangement (206) on the lower face of the disc element for receiving the shank head. At least some sections of the lateral face of the disc element are inclined in relation to the longitudinal axis of the shank.

Description

Conveying element and conveyor for conveying bulk material

The invention relates to a conveyor and a conveyor element (a driver) for conveying bulk material.

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

Tube chain conveyor or baffle plate conveyor known.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

to provide a more reliable operation of the

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

General description of the principle of an inventive

Conveyor

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

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

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

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

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

Bulk material flow in the conveying channel in sections by means of drivers

is interrupted.

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

Hollow body with circular, triangular, rectangular or

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Floor is possible; in the art are for this

usually two or three floors needed in which the

Conveyor is arranged.

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

Drive area contain or consist of steel.

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

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

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

This training of the conveyor channel as a guide device can

For example, be achieved in that the central cross section of the conveying channel along the conveying channel axis substantially has a congruent shape to the central cross section of the driver along the conveying channel axis, so that the driver but still in

Delivery channel is used and in a direction laterally to

Conveyor channel axis has little play.

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

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

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

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

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

This design of the drive has the advantage that the

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essentially facing in the inner wall of the conveyor channel

Peripheral region of the driver is exercisable on the driver.

Under the formulation that "a force essentially in the

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

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

Section directly touched in the circumferential direction of the driver.

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

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

The drive is particularly preferred from the list of the following

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

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

Be formed four-bar linkage, especially as

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

For example, the constructive boundary conditions are selected.

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

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

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

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

Direction.

Advantageously, the drive in this first variant as

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In a second preferred variant of the drive as

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

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

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

Be arranged conveyor channel, and a second drive chain with

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

Also preferred is the distance between two adjacent

Tappet projections essentially identical to the extent of the

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

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

compensate.

In a third preferred variant of the drive as

Worm gear formed and has at least one rotatable

Drive snail on, by means of their rotation at least in sections, a force substantially parallel to

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

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

be arranged.

Also preferred is the extension of the driver along the

Förderkanalachse essentially an integer multiple of the

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

Extend direction and that several driving pins,

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

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

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

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

Optionally, a centering of the driver over the top

described driving pin done. The one described above

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

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

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

Drive section is sufficient, what the conveyor

cheaper and easier to maintain.

General description of the principle of a erfindungscremäßen

Conveying element A further aspect of the present invention relates to a carrier (a conveying element) for conveying bulk material in one

Conveyor as described above. The driver comprises a driver surface and an alignment device for at least

sectional alignment of the average surface perpendicular of the driver surface substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis. Under a "Mitnehmerflache" of the driver is in the sense of

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

intended use of the driver causes.

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

Delivery channel is aligned so that the driver at

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

For the purposes of the present application, the average value of the carrier surface is defined as the "average surface perpendicularity" of the driver surface

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

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

Alignment device is arranged on the driver itself, a simple replacement is possible, for example in case of damage to the driver, since the driver is loosely arranged in the conveyor channel, which simplifies maintenance.

When the mean vertical surface area of the driver surface is aligned substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis, the driver surface preferably covers the middle conveyor channel cross-section to less than 100%. The average conveying channel cross section is preferably covered in the range from 50% to 99.9% and particularly preferably from 80% to 99.9%. In particular, a coverage in the range of 85% to 99, 9%

optionally ranging from 90% to 99.8% and further optionally from 92% to 97%; In particular, the cover is selected depending on the bulk material to be conveyed. Under the "middle conveyor channel cross section" is in the sense of

present application, the average of the cross-sectional areas

understood perpendicular to the conveying channel axis, by the at

Proper use of bulk material is promoted.

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

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

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

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

Förderkanalachse be spaced apart circular discs formed by means of a strut (a shaft), which is optionally arranged substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis, are interconnected.

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

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

be formed opposite second side of this disc.

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

Projection parallel to the mean surface verticals in the

Essentially designed congruent.

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

Registration understood that the outer envelopes of the first

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

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

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

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

The formation of the first surface element and the second

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Wear and thus reduced maintenance.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Essentially horizontal section of the conveyor is arranged laterally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

The adjustability of the angular range has the advantage that in

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

adjustable to adjust the filling level in the delivery channel.

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

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

Deflection is conveyed to the conveyor channel, wherein through the

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

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

The deflection angle is preferably arranged in the range from 40 ° to 60 °, particularly preferably from 45 ° to 55 °. Alternatively, the deflection angle may also be -30 ° to -70 °, preferably from -40 ° to -60 °, and more preferably from -45 ° to -55 °.

The arrangement of a deflection surface in the angular range described has the advantage that, depending on the bulk material used and the required flow rate, the amount of bulk material supplied adjustable

In particular, the deflection angle is adjustable, which advantageously has an adjustability of the deflection angle as a function of the respective

Requirements allowed.

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

An additional aspect relates to a method for promoting

Bulk material with a conveyor as described above. Optionally, the conveyor comprises a driver as described above.

Further optionally, the device comprises a supply device as described above. The method comprises the step of promoting the

Bulk material from an inlet to an outlet. The method has the advantages described above.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Figure 1: perspective view of an inventive

Conveyor; Figure 2 front view of the inventive conveyor

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

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

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

comprising two drivers in a straight conveyor pipe;

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

Carrier in operative connection in a conveyor trough;

Figure 8: perspective view of an inventive

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

Figure 10: schematic representation of an inventive

Feeding device with a conveyor channel;

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

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

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

Drive chain pair arranged driving pin;

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Drive screw;

FIG. 18b shows a top view of the conveyor device according to FIG. 18a;

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

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

Second point;

FIG. 20 is a view of a conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment of the invention in a conveyor channel;

FIG. 21a shows a detailed view of the conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment in Figure 20;

FIG. 21b shows a detailed view of a conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 21c shows a detailed view of a conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 22: a view of a conveying element according to FIG

Embodiment of the invention in a conveyor channel;

FIG. 23: a view of a delivery channel with several

conveyor elements according to the invention;

Figure 24 is a perspective view of a conveyor element according to an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 25: a perspective view of a conveying element according to an embodiment of the invention. Hereinafter, first, FIGS. 1 to 19 will be described. 1 shows a perspective illustration of a conveyor 1 according to the invention for conveying bulk material. Of the

Delivery channel 4 is designed as a delivery pipe 5, which may for example consist of steel or plastic. The conveying channel 4 is formed circumferentially closed, so that arranged in the conveying channel 4 driver (conveying elements) 2 can rotate endlessly.

In the conveyor 1, a plurality of drivers 2

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

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

Bulk material is conveyed by means of the supply device 18 into the delivery channel 4.

In Figure 2, the conveyor 1 according to Figure 1 is shown in a front view. Identical reference characters denote the same features in the figures below and are therefore explained again only when needed.

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

Conveying channel 4 promoted. The bulk material in the conveyor channel 4 is conveyed by means of the driven carrier 2 to the outlet 22, where the bulk material falls from the conveyor 1, for example, into a collecting container, not shown here. FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the area comprising the drive section 8 of the conveyor device 1 according to FIG. 1

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

Guide device along the conveying channel axis for the driver 2 acts.

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

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

Driver 2 exercised.

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

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

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

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

shown. The drivers 2 point on the conveying direction

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

Carrier 2 recesses 16, in which optionally an adjacently arranged driver 2 can engage with the arm 17.

The drivers 2 include struts (shafts) 23, the present in the

Are arranged substantially parallel to the conveyor channel axis 7.

FIG. 6 schematically shows a detail of a conveying device with a curved conveying channel with carriers 2 arranged therein.

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

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of a driver 2 according to the invention. The driver 2 according to Figure 8 has an arm 17 which at

intended use on the conveying direction facing side is arranged in a conveyor channel.

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

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

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

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

Alignment device 11 act. The first surface element 13 is permeable to bulk material.

The second surface element 14 comprises on a first side the

Driving surface 10 for conveying the bulk material along the

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

That of the circumference of the first surface element 13 and the second

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

Essentially formed congruent to each other, which leads to the desired orientation of the driver 2 in the conveyor channel. FIG. 10 shows a supply device 18 according to the invention for feeding bulk material 3 into a delivery tube 5 of the delivery device in a side view.

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

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

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

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

Drive arms 25 is a force on the driver 2 substantially parallel to the delivery channel axis exercisable. The driver 2 have no spacers. Between the drivers 2 is bulk 3

arranged, which leads to the present desired spacing of the driver 2.

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

Inlet tank 23 arranged for the supply of bulk material, which is conveyed by means not shown driver to the outlet container 24. The inlet and the outlet are not shown here. The conveyor 1 according to Figures 13a and 13b includes a chain drive 6 with a drive chain pair, which consists of a lower drive chain 28a and an upper drive chain 28b. At these drive chains 28a, 28b are four drive pins 29th

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

opposite end, the drive chains 28a, 28b are deflected by means of a deflection axis 32. Also conceivable are more or fewer than four drive pins 29 which are attached to the drive chains 28a, 28b. By rotation of the drive shaft 30, the driving pins 2 9 are moved along the conveying channel axis 7. This causes the

Carrier pin 2 9 in contact with the drive surfaces 27 of the driver 2 and thus drive this. The distance between two adjacent driving pins 29 is approximately 1.02 times the extent of the drivers 2 along the conveying channel axis 7 and thus substantially identical to this extent in the sense of the above definition. This can be accomplished that the driver 2 almost touch each other during driving. However, a contact is prevented in order to prevent unintentional collisions of adjacent drivers 2. In addition, the drive section along the conveyor channel axis 7 twice as long as the driver 2. Thus, at any time at least one driver 2 is completely in the drive section

The embodiment shown in Figures 14a and 14b includes two chain transmission 6 and 6 'with drive chain pairs 28a, 28b and 28a', 28b ', each having four drive pins 29 and 29'. The two drive chain pairs 28a, 28b and 28a ', 28b' are on

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

runs. In this embodiment, the drive is the

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

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

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

Synchronization of the two drive screws 35, 35 'take place via a gear transmission, not shown here.

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

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

Synchronization of the drive shafts 37, 43 is achieved. Figures 19a and 19b show the drive 6 to two different

Times. The drive 6 is designed and arranged such that in sections by means of a second end 4 9 of the second lever 39 and a second end 50 of the fourth lever 45, a force parallel to the conveyor channel axis 7 on driver 2 is exercised when the drive 6 by movement of the Drive belt 48 moves. In addition, the drive 6 is designed and arranged such that the second end 49 of the second lever 39 exerts a force on a first driver 2 until the second end 50 of the fourth lever 45 begins to exert a force on a second driver 2 and vice versa. Of the

Drive section has the length of a driver 2 in this embodiment.

Alternatively to that shown in FIGS. 19a and 19b

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

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

The present invention thus includes i.a. the following aspects:

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

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

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

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

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

Conveying device (1) according to aspect 1 or 2, characterized

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

Driver (2) is exercisable.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Conveying device (1) according to aspect 6, characterized in that the drive is designed as a chain drive (6) and has at least one drive chain pair (28a, 28b; 28a ', 28b'), each of two opposite ends of the driving pin (29, 29 ') on each drive chain (28a, 28b, 28a', 28b ') of the drive chain pair (28a, 28b, 28a', 28b ') is attached. Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 3 to 7, characterized in that the drive as chain transmission (6)

is formed and at least one drive chain (33, 33 ')

having at least one driver projection (34, 34 ')

has, by means of which, at least in sections, a force substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis (7) directly on the driver (2) is exercisable.

Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 3 to 8, characterized in that the drive as a worm gear (6)

is formed and at least one rotatable drive screw (35, 35 '), by means of which rotational movement at least

in sections, a force substantially parallel to

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

Conveying device (1) according to one of the preceding aspects, characterized in that a force transmission between two in

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

Carrier (2) for conveying bulk material (3) in one

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

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

Essentially parallel to the conveying channel axis (7).

Carrier (2) according to aspect 11, characterized in that when aligning the average vertical surface (12) of the

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

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

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

is formed, which are substantially parallel to each other Transport channel axis (7) spaced apart and are arranged operatively connected to each other, wherein the mean surface perpendiculars (12) of the surface elements are arranged substantially parallel to the conveying channel axis (7). Carrier (2) according to aspect 13, characterized in that the conveying direction of the bulk material (3) facing first surface element (13) for the bulk material (3) is permeable, wherein in particular the second surface element (14) comprises the driver surface (10). Driver (2) according to any one of aspects 11 to 14, thereby

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

Förderkanalachse (7) arranged arm (17), which is in particular formed at the end remote from the driver (2) spherical or dome-shaped. Carrier (2) according to aspect 15, characterized in that the driver (2) facing on the conveying direction or

side facing away from a recess (16) which is formed such that the spacer (15) can engage in the recess (16), wherein the recess (16) is in particular funnel-shaped, and wherein the recess (16) preferably at least partially is formed spherical and / or at least partially parabolic. Method for conveying bulk material (3) with a

Conveying device (1) according to one of the aspects 1 to 10, optionally with a driver (2) according to one of the aspects 11 to 16, further optionally with a feed device (18), comprising the step of conveying the bulk material (3) from an inlet ( 19) to an outlet (22). Method for upgrading and / or converting a conveying device (1) for conveying bulk material (3), comprising the step of assembling at least one driver (2), in particular one

Carrier (2) according to one of the aspects 11 to 16, for the production of a conveyor (1) according to one of the aspects 1 to 10 and optionally the step of mounting a supply device (18). For example, on the basis of the basic explanations, general definitions and features already given above, as well as the explanatory notes to the drawings, the present one proceeds

Invention of the idea that bulk in one

Conveying channel, e.g. a conveying pipe, is conveyed by conveying elements, which are pushed or pressed in the conveying channel in the conveying direction and thereby move the bulk material through the conveying channel. The conveying elements are separate individual bodies or

(Bulk) driver, which during the bulk material promotion in the

Delivery channel (only) non-positively connected with each other. For example, in this case in sections of the conveyor channel, where there is no mechanical drive means, a in the

Delivery channel in the conveying direction moving conveyor element such

be configured to be one in front of it

Moving element pushes or pushes through the conveyor channel.

The basic concept where the pressure of a separate

Single body as a conveying element on the next in the conveying direction

Conveying element is transmitted, is distinguished from known

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

is supplied. In addition, with the inventive concept, a conveying element and a conveyor can be provided, which can be used for the promotion of various bulk materials, such as rice, flour, grains, corn and wheat. For example, rice tube chain conveyors, flour bucket conveyors and grains have been used so far

Used cup conveyor systems, but divorced at least for rice transport due to the explosion protection problem, the

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

be promoted hygienic and highly efficient.

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

For this purpose, the present invention relates to a conveying element,

in particular for use in one of the methods described above and / or below and / or in one of the above and / or in the

The following described conveyors, and a conveyor for conveying bulk material.

A conveyor element according to the invention comprises a disc member (e.g., a "second panel" as described above), such as a reamer disc, having a top surface ("cam surface"), a bottom surface, and a bottom surface

Side surface along the circumference of the disc element and a shaft ("strut"), for example, at its upper end (upper end portion) has a shaft head, in particular a ball or calotte head, and then, for example, at its lower end (lower end) with the For example, the top surface of the disc element may be centrally connected to the lower end of the shaft The conveyor element includes a shaft head receiving means, in particular a ball head or dome head receiving means, eg on the underside of the disc element For example, in the case where the lower end of the shank has the shank head, the shank head receiving means may be provided at the upper end of the shank

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

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

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

introduced forces to the shaft head and thus continue on to transfer the preceding conveying element in the conveying channel, in order to push / push the bulk material through the conveying channel in this way.

In one embodiment, the disk element may be a

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In one embodiment, the edge of the disc member located between the side surface and the top of the disc member, that is, the upper peripheral edge of the side surface, is stronger rounded off as the lower peripheral edge (this is the edge of the side surface located between the side surface and the underside of the disk element), eg to prevent damage to the reamer disk when hitting pipe joints. An edge is in this case more rounded when the radius of the arcuate portion, which represents the rounded upper peripheral edge in a longitudinal section of the conveying element through the longitudinal axis of the shaft, is greater than the radius of the arc portion of the lower peripheral edge. A longitudinal section of a conveying element through the longitudinal axis of the shaft is shown here, for example, in FIG. 1 (in an exemplary embodiment with FIG

Centering cam).

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

Shank head pickup on. In one embodiment, the

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

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

a shaft head formed on the underside of the disc member of the

Conveying element of the Schaftkopfaufnähme a subsequent

Conveying element can be added.

In one embodiment, the shaft may be centered through the

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

Shank head receiving on shank a correspondingly fitting indentation (in the sizes as defined above) for a shank head end of a

Having subsequent or before running conveyor element. In one embodiment, the conveying element is completely formed of plastic and in particular integrally formed (eg by a

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

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

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

Outer surfaces of the conveying element are integrally formed.

In one embodiment, the disc element has a

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

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

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

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

have surrounding material. In this case, the degree of

Wear by the appearance of certain sections of the

Wear indicator body can be detected (eg initially considered only the arrowhead from the front, so a small point, which becomes larger in the course of operation due to wear). Alternatively or additionally, a wear indicator can be realized by a marking on the outside of the side surface of the conveying element, which extends for example partially into the interior of the disk element by a well-defined length. Should not mark during operation be recognizable, can thus be determined, for example, that the too worn conveyor element must be replaced.

In one embodiment, the conveying element has a

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

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

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

Delivery channel bends not crushed. In addition, that can

Guide disk element be configured so that it

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

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

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

Bulk transport through an arc section in the conveyor pipe

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

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

Such arrangement of the disc elements, wherein the

Guiding disk element is provided near the shaft head, the guide disk element when leaving the composite quickly establish the adhesion to the preceding conveyor element by centering the shaft head within the cross section of the conveyor channel. In one embodiment, the conveying element has at least one camera and / or at least one sensor (for example a temperature sensor and / or a moisture sensor) and / or at least one illumination device that illuminates the area that the camera can detect, for example. For example, the system arranged on the conveyor element may include cameras and lighting devices for inspecting the conveyor tube,

especially in non-easily accessible sections. In this case, the conveying element may e.g. each having a camera and a lighting device at its front end in the conveying direction and at its rear end in the conveying direction. For example, 2 or 4 or 6 cameras / sensors and / or a corresponding number of lighting devices may be arranged on the shaft of the conveyor element, e.g. to illuminate and inspect the conveyor inner wall. Possible malfunctions or leaks can be on this

Quickly localized, identified and thus specifically remedied or repaired without the entire delivery channel

must be disassembled. The conveying element may e.g. in the

Conveyor can be used on the fly and is used e.g. transports a round through the conveyor channel, whereby the conveyor element records data, on the basis of which the condition with regard to wear (by, for example, wear marks in the critical points of the

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

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

check. In one embodiment, the conveying element has a

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

Be the inner tubes of the conveyor. The conveying element with the

Cleaning device can be in the running in the

Be used conveyor and is then transported one or more rounds through the conveyor channel to clean the conveyor channel. One advantage is that the conveying element can be removed after the cleaning of the inner tubes from the conveyor without any effort and then can be decontaminated separately. The Cleaning device may include, for example, depending on the bulk material to be conveyed, for example, plastic brushes, steel brushes, stainless steel brushes, brass brushes, microfibre, rubber, felt, wool, cotton, etc. In one embodiment, the conveyor element is provided with a label for automatic identification and / or localization. A conveying device according to the invention has, for example, a reading device for reading out the label. In particular, the label may be an RFID transponder with a code that is provided by the reader, for example, at one or more locations in / on the conveyor channel, for example by a

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

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

Further features and advantages of the invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to exemplary embodiments in conjunction with FIGS. 20 to 25 for better understanding.

Similar to the embodiments in FIGS. 5 to 9, FIGS. 20 to 25 show views of further embodiments of certain conveying elements.

FIG. 20 is a schematic representation of a longitudinal section of the conveyor element 201 through the longitudinal axis of the shaft 204 of the FIG

The conveying member 201 has a disk member 203 having an upper surface 203a, a lower surface 203b and a side surface 203c along the (maximum) circumference U of the disk member 203. The side surface 203c connects the upper surface 203a with the lower surface 203b of the disk member 203 via an upper surface Peripheral edge 203aU and a lower peripheral edge 203bU. The shaft 204 has at its upper end 204a (the forward end of the shaft in the conveying direction, wherein the

Conveying direction in the longitudinal axis of the shaft is indicated above with an arrow or an arrowhead) a shaft head, in this example a ball head, 205 and is at its lower end 204b (the in Conveying direction rear end of the shaft) with the upper side 203a of the disc member 203 is centrally connected. The conveying element 201 also has a device 206 for the shaft head receiving on the underside 203b of the disc element 203. The side surface 203c of the disc element 203 is at least partially inclined relative to the longitudinal axis 204c of the shaft 204, in the embodiment shown in FIG. 20, these sections of the side surface 203c concern the Side surfaces of the

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

are arranged uniformly spaced from each other in the circumferential direction. The conveyor element 201 may also have a wear indicator 208, e.g. in and / or on the disk element 203. Figures 21a, 21b and 21c show detail views of three

Embodiments of a disk element 213.

In the first embodiment according to FIG. 21a, the disk element 213 has centering cams 217a which, when the conveying element is transported in the conveying channel in the conveying direction (see arrow), protect the disk element 213 from abutting edges 219 between two pipe elements 219a and 219b. In the second embodiment according to FIG. 21b, the disk element 213 has a centering strip 217b which extends along the entire circumference of the disk element 213 (indicated in FIG. 21b by the dashed line in contrast to the centering cams in FIG. 21a). In the third embodiment shown in Fig. 21c, the side surface 213c is inclined from the lower peripheral edge 213bU to the upper peripheral edge 213aU for protection from the abutting edges described above. FIG. 22 is a schematic illustration of a longitudinal section through a conveying element 221 in a conveying channel 222 and in particular has the same features as FIG. 20. In addition, a guide disk element 223 ^{1 is arranged} parallel to the disk element 223 on the shaft 224. The guide disk element 223 'can

Have openings / recesses (not shown) to the

Increase delivery volume and avoid crushing of the bulk material.

In FIG. 23, by way of example, two conveying elements 231a and 231b are shown in a conveying channel 232, which are in the composite, that is to say that the ball head 235b of the conveying element 231b fits into the conveying channel Ball head receiving device 236a of the conveying element 231a engages. Are the conveying elements 231a and 231b during the

Conveying process in the illustrated composite, the conveying elements are pushed through the conveying channel 232 by the fact that the each in the conveying direction (see arrow) rear conveying element 231b presses on the preceding conveying element 231a. In this way, bulk material can be transported by the conveying elements 231a, 231b in the conveying channel 232. FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of one as

Inspection element formed conveying element 241 with several

Cameras 242K and a plurality of illuminators 242L which illuminate the areas that the cameras can detect, e.g.

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

Lighting devices 242L, which on the shaft 244 of the

Conveying element 241 are arranged to receive e.g. perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the shaft 244 inner pipe sections to inspect. In the

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

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a conveying element 251 designed as a cleaning element with at least one

Cleaning device 252, e.g. is arranged at the front and / or rear end 254a, 254b of the shaft 254 of the conveying element 251 and in the conveying direction (see arrow) forward through the

Guide disc 253 ^v , and are backed in the conveying direction to the rear by the reamer disc 253 against accidental slipping of the shaft 254.

The present invention thus provides a conveying element and a conveyor, with which the delivery rate at Simultaneous energy saving can be increased. In addition, with the present concept delivery heights of about 60 m can be achieved, so that the conveyor through more effective use in all dimensions of the room at a constant capacity less overall

Floor space needed and can also be individually designed.

The fact that the promotion of the bulk material in the conveying pipe by means of separate individual body (conveying elements, driver) takes place, push or push the bulk material through the conveyor pipe, there is only a small relative movement of the bulk material, which reduces segregation and internal friction. In addition, the conveyor is simple in construction, installation and maintenance (easy to replace individual conveyor elements, easily inspect pipe with special conveyor elements during operation of the conveyor) and is also easy to clean because residues can not accumulate in the conveyor pipe, bulk material not can be dragged and a cleaning with special, provided for this purpose conveyor elements during operation of the conveyor can be done. In addition, only one drive in a certain section of the conveyor tube is required, so that - with spatial separation of the drive from the bulk material supply device - the drive with the bulk material does not come into contact (high

Sanitation).

Claims

claims

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

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

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

2. Conveying element according to claim 1, wherein inclined portions of

Side surface of the disc element as side surfaces of

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

3. conveying element according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the edge of the

Side surface of the disc element to the top of the

Disc element is more rounded than the edge of the

Side surface to the underside of the disc element.

4. conveying element according to one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the shaft through the disc member to the bottom thereof

extends and there as a device for Schaftkopfaufnähme

is trained.

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

6. conveying element according to one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the

Outer surfaces of the conveying element are integrally formed.

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

8. conveying element according to one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the

Disc element has a wear indicator.

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

Disc element is arranged.

10. conveying element according to one of claims 1 to 9 with a

A guide disc member (223 ') disposed substantially parallel to the disc member (203; 223) in the direction of the stem head (205) of the stem (204).

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

12. conveying element according to one of claims 1 to 11, with at least one cleaning device.

13. Conveying element according to one of claims 1 to 12, with at least one camera and / or a sensor and / or a

Lighting device.

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

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