Device and method for diverting conveyor chain and animal feed transport system

Abstract

The invention relates to a device for steering a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed and to an animal feed transport system for transporting animal feed. The invention relates to a device for diverting a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed, comprising: a housing having a first housing opening and a second housing opening; the steering wheel is arranged in the housing between the first housing opening and the second housing opening, and the steering wheel is rotatably supported around a preferably vertical rotation axis. The deflection wheel has a first conveyor chain guide element which extends radially outward from an outer circumference of the deflection wheel, the first conveyor chain guide element having a first conveyor chain guide section. The deflection wheel also has a second conveyor chain guide element which extends radially outward from the outer circumference of the deflection wheel, the second conveyor chain guide element having a second conveyor chain guide section.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a device for diverting a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed. The invention also relates to an animal feed transport system for transporting animal feed and a method for diverting a conveyor chain, in particular for transporting animal feed. The invention also relates to the use of such a device and / or such an animal feed transport system. Background Art

[0002] In the field of animal husbandry, it is known to use automated feed conveying systems, by means of which animal feed can be automatically conveyed along the animals so that they can have access to the animal feed. Therefore, in the field of breeding and raising breeding stock, for example in the field of poultry farming, so-called automatic chain feeding is typically used.

[0003] In the case of automated chain feeding, a conveyor chain is typically provided, which is driven by means of a drive unit. A conveyor chain comprising a plurality of chain links connected to one another is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 2,672,059 A. The conveyor chain is typically guided through a feed container in which animal feed is present, so that the conveyor chain removes the animal feed from the feed container as it moves through the feed container. With the aid of the conveyor chain, the animal feed is then moved along the trough through the animal feeding area, i.e., in particular through the shed, in which the animals to be fed are present. The animals can then remove the animal feed from the trough. The conveyor chain, which is usually designed in an annular shape, typically moves in a circular manner on a closed track, which is usually designed in a substantially rectangular manner. For this purpose, the conveyor chain is usually turned at multiple positions.

[0004] The conveyor chain is deflected here by means of a device for deflecting the conveyor chain, which can also be referred to as a feed angle. In a typical arrangement, the conveyor chain is deflected by means of four such devices, i.e. at four different positions, each by 90°. Such devices for deflecting a conveyor chain are known, for example, from US 3147853 A1, US 3444986 A and US 4327828 A.

[0005] A problem that occurs in known devices for deflecting conveyor chains is that, due to the relative movement between the conveyor chain and the base plate of the device and due to the forces caused between the conveyor chain and the base plate, the base plate and / or the conveyor chain wear out in a relatively short time. It can then happen that the conveyor chain digs into the base plate of the housing of the device after a short operating time. Due to the wear of the base plate and / or the conveyor chain that occurs as a result, the device and the conveyor chain have only a relatively short service life, so that the housing must be regularly repaired or at least partially replaced, and if necessary, the conveyor chain must also be regularly repaired. In particular, the worn parts typically have to be replaced after a short period of time. The higher the conveying speed of the conveyor chain, the faster this undesirable wear occurs.

[0006] Another problem that occurs in known devices for deflecting a conveyor chain is that relatively high wear also occurs on the guide rails arranged in the housing, because the conveyor chain moves along the guide rails arranged on the housing, and due to the relative movement and the forces acting between the conveyor chain and the guide rails, the guide rails and / or the conveyor chain wear.

[0007] In order to increase the service life of the device for deflecting the conveyor chain, in the past, particularly wear-resistant materials were used. Although the wear can be slightly reduced, the material costs for the device are also increased. Summary of the invention

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the object of providing an improved solution which solves the problem posed. In particular, the invention has the object of providing a solution by means of which the service life of a device for deflecting a conveyor chain is increased.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the object is achieved by an apparatus according to the invention. According to this, an apparatus for deflecting a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed, in particular by 90° or 135°, is proposed, the apparatus comprising: a housing having a first housing opening and a second housing opening; and a deflection wheel for guiding and deflecting the conveyor chain from the first housing opening of the housing to the second housing opening of the housing, wherein the deflection wheel is arranged within the housing between the first housing opening and the second housing opening, and wherein the deflection wheel is rotatably mounted about a preferably vertical axis of rotation.

[0010] According to the present invention, the deflection wheel has a first conveyor chain guide element, which extends radially outward from the outer circumference of the deflection wheel, wherein the first conveyor chain guide element has a first conveyor chain guide section, and the deflection wheel has a second conveyor chain guide element, which extends radially outward from the outer circumference of the deflection wheel, wherein the second conveyor chain guide element has a second conveyor chain guide section.

[0011] It is therefore proposed that the deflection wheel comprises two conveyor chain guide elements which extend outward in a radial direction and each have a conveyor chain guide section so that the conveyor chain can be accommodated between the conveyor chain guide sections, thereby enabling the conveyor chain to be guided within the device solely by means of the conveyor chain guide elements.

[0012] The device is designed in particular to deflect the conveyor chain, preferably by 90° or 135°. The conveyor chain to be deflected by the device is preferably designed in an endless manner and is designed in particular for transporting animal feed.

[0013] The first housing opening is preferably formed by a first housing opening section. The first housing opening is preferably formed so that the conveyor chain is guided through the first housing opening. The second housing opening is preferably formed by a second housing opening section. The second housing opening is preferably formed so that the conveyor chain is guided through the second housing opening.

[0014] The deflection wheel, which can also be referred to as a sprocket, is preferably designed to guide and deflect the conveyor chain from a first housing opening of the housing to a second housing opening of the housing. The deflection wheel is preferably connected to the housing, in particular detachably, and is mounted on the housing so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The deflection wheel is preferably designed rotationally symmetrically about the axis of rotation.

[0015] The deflection wheel is arranged within the housing between the first housing opening and the second housing opening, wherein preferably the distance between the first housing opening and the deflection wheel and the distance between the second housing opening and the deflection wheel are equal. The device can in particular be designed to be mirror-symmetrical about a mirror plane in which the axis of rotation lies.

[0016] The first conveyor chain guide element and the second conveyor chain guide element extend radially outwards starting from the outer circumference of the deflection wheel. The outer circumference of the deflection wheel is understood in particular to be an outer section of the circumference of the deflection wheel, from which the first and second conveyor chain guide elements extend still further radially outwards. This radially outward extension is to be understood in particular to mean that the first conveyor chain guide element and the second conveyor chain guide element extend at least partially radially outwards.

[0017] The first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section are preferably arranged and designed to guide the conveyor chain at different sections of the conveyor chain, so that the conveyor chain can preferably be arranged at least in sections between the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section. The first conveyor chain guide element is preferably designed integrally with the deflection wheel, that is, in particular, it is designed as an integral component of the deflection wheel. The second conveyor chain guide element is preferably designed integrally with the deflection wheel, that is, in particular, it is designed as an integral component of the deflection wheel.

[0018] The first conveyor chain guide element has a first conveyor chain guide section. The first conveyor chain guide section is preferably designed to guide an upper and / or radially outer section of the conveyor chain. Therefore, preferably, the radially outer side and / or the upper side of the conveyor chain can be guided by means of the first conveyor chain guide section.

[0019] The second conveyor chain guide element has a second conveyor chain guide section. The second conveyor chain guide section is preferably configured to guide the lower and / or radially inner section of the conveyor chain. Therefore, preferably, the radially inner side and / or the lower side of the conveyor chain can be guided by means of the second conveyor chain guide section.

[0020] The advantage of such a device is that the conveyor chain can be guided and steered solely by means of the deflection wheels due to the first conveyor chain guide element and the second conveyor chain guide element. The conveyor chain can therefore be guided and steered solely by means of the deflection wheels, in particular by means of the friction-fit connection with the deflection wheels. Due to the friction-fit connection between the deflection wheels and the conveyor chain, there is no or only very little relative movement between the conveyor chain and the part of the deflection wheels that is in contact with the conveyor chain.

[0021] With the aid of such an apparatus, the conveyor chain can thus be guided and deflected solely by means of the deflection wheels, so that the conveyor chain can extend through the housing without coming into contact with the base plate. Friction due to relative movements between the conveyor chain and the base plate can thus be avoided. Wear of the base plate and / or the conveyor chain due to friction between the base plate and the conveyor chain can thus also be avoided in a particularly advantageous manner. Due to the reduced wear, the service life of the apparatus can thus be significantly increased.

[0022] A further advantage is that no chain guide rails are required on the inner surface of the housing body. Due to the possibility of guiding and steering the conveyor chain only by means of steering wheels, it is possible to dispense with the use of chain guide rails arranged in the housing and / or connected to the housing. Friction due to relative movements between conveyor chain and chain guide rails, as occurs in known devices, can thus be avoided. Wear of the chain guide rails and / or the conveyor chain due to friction between chain guide rails and conveyor chain can thus be avoided in a particularly advantageous manner. Due to the reduced wear, the service life of the device can be significantly increased. Since no chain guide rails are required, the manufacturing costs for the device can also be reduced.

[0023] Another advantage is that, since friction between the conveyor chain and the base plate is avoided and friction between the conveyor chain and the chain guide rail is avoided, the housing and / or the base plate do not have to be made of wear-resistant materials. Thus, for example, the housing can be made of plastic, which can significantly reduce the material costs of the device.

[0024] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the first housing opening and the second housing opening are arranged rotatable relative to each other about the rotation axis, preferably rotatable relative to each other by at least 75° and at most 150°, in particular 90° or 135°, about the rotation axis.

[0025] The first housing opening and the second housing opening are preferably oriented in different directions and are preferably oriented relative to one another by at least 80° and at most 145°, in particular 90° or 135°, about a vertical axis. As a result, the conveyor chain can be introduced into the housing in a first direction and guided out of the housing in a different second direction, in particular 90° or 135° different directions.

[0026] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide element and the second conveyor chain guide element are arranged spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis, wherein the distance between the lower side of the first conveyor chain guide element and the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element in the vertical direction is preferably at least 22 mm, particularly preferably at least 18 mm, in particular 14.3 mm.

[0027] By means of this spacing, it is possible to achieve better guiding of the conveyor chain along the deflection wheel. In addition, in relation to the size of the spacing and the conveyor chain, it is possible by means of this spacing that the conveyor chain is arranged slightly obliquely between the first conveyor chain guide element and the second conveyor chain guide element due to this spacing.

[0028] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide element extends radially outwards starting from the outer circumference of the deflection wheel parallel to a radial direction oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the first conveyor chain guide element extends radially outwards essentially in a horizontal direction.

[0029] It is particularly preferred that the second conveyor chain guide element extends radially outwards starting from the outer circumference of the deflection wheel parallel to a radial direction oriented orthogonally to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the second conveyor chain guide element extends radially outwards essentially in a horizontal direction.

[0030] Preferably, the first and the second conveyor chain guide element extend radially outwards parallel to one another, in particular radially outwards in a horizontal direction.

[0031] Particularly preferably, the first conveyor chain guide section is arranged on the underside of the first conveyor chain guide element. Thus, it is particularly advantageously possible to guide the conveyor chain from above by means of the first conveyor chain guide section and the first conveyor chain guide section is arranged above the conveyor chain.

[0032] Particularly preferably, the second conveyor chain guide section is arranged on the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element. Thus, it can be achieved in a particularly advantageous manner that the conveyor chain is guided from below by means of the second conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section is arranged below the conveyor chain.

[0033] Preferably, the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section are arranged at a distance from one another in the vertical direction by at least 22 mm, preferably at least 18 mm, in particular 14.3 mm.

[0034] It is particularly preferred if the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section are arranged facing one another.

[0035] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide section extends radially outwards to a greater extent than the second conveyor chain guide section. With this arrangement, the first conveyor chain guide element and the second conveyor chain guide element can be optimally adapted to the guiding arrangement of the conveyor chain. Thus, the first conveyor chain guide element can guide a radially outer section of the conveyor chain, while the second conveyor chain guide section can guide a radially inner section of the conveyor chain.

[0036] Particularly preferably, the extension of the first conveyor chain guide element in the radial outward direction is several times greater than the extension of the second conveyor chain guide element in the radial outward direction, preferably at least four times greater, particularly preferably at least eight times greater, in particular at least twelve times greater.

[0037] It is particularly preferred if the extension of the first conveyor chain guide element in the radial outward direction is at least 34 mm and / or at most 50 mm.

[0038] It is particularly preferred if the extension of the second conveyor chain guide element in the radial outward direction is at least 3 mm and / or at most 8 mm.

[0039] If the first conveyor chain guide element extends radially outwards to a significantly greater extent than the second conveyor chain guide element, the conveyor chain can be arranged between the first and second conveyor chain guide elements in a particularly advantageous manner, so that the conveyor chain is guided by means of the first and second conveyor chain guide elements and at the same time a free space is provided below the conveyor chain, along which no conveyor chain guide element extends, so that the conveyor chain can transport the animal feed through the housing without being hindered by the second conveyor chain guide element.

[0040] Furthermore, preferably in this embodiment the first and the second conveyor chain guide element are designed to extend only radially outwards in such a way that the first and the second conveyor chain element can each perform its guiding function.

[0041] Particularly preferably, the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section are designed and arranged in such a way that a conveyor chain is accommodated between the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section.

[0042] It is particularly preferred that no chain guide rails are arranged at the inner surface of the housing body. As a result, friction caused by the relative movement between the conveyor chain and the chain guide rails, as occurs in known devices, can be avoided in a particularly advantageous manner.

[0043] It is particularly preferred if the housing has a housing body, wherein the housing body preferably comprises a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, or consists thereof, wherein the housing body is preferably designed as an injection-molded component.

[0044] This embodiment of the housing body as a plastic housing is particularly advantageous in conjunction with guiding the conveyor chain only by means of deflection wheels. This is because there is preferably no contact and therefore no friction between the conveyor chain and the housing. This firstly makes it possible to use a material that is significantly less wear-resistant than steel, such as plastic, for the housing body. By using plastic for the housing body, the material costs for the housing body can be significantly reduced. In addition, the weight of the device can thereby be significantly reduced, thereby simplifying transportation and handling.

[0045] The housing preferably has a base plate which is preferably detachably connected to the housing body and which preferably comprises steel or consists of steel.

[0046] The housing body and the base plate can preferably be made of different materials. However, the same material can also be selected for the housing body and the base plate. The base plate is preferably detachably connected to the housing body, in particular by means of screws.

[0047] It is particularly preferred that the bottom plate comprises a Brinell Wolframkarbid (tungsten carbide Brinell hardness), preferably a steel with a tungsten carbide Brinell hardness according to EN ISO 6506-1 of less than 300 HBW, particularly preferably less than 200 HBW, or consisting thereof.

[0048] This embodiment of the base plate as a steel component with a relatively low hardness compared to the steels usually used for such base plates is particularly advantageous in conjunction with the guidance of the conveyor chain only by means of deflection wheels. This is because there is preferably no contact and thus no friction between the conveyor chain and the base plate. Thus, it is firstly possible to use a steel with a relatively low hardness without the base plate wearing out relatively quickly. By using such a steel for the base plate, the material costs for the base plate can be significantly reduced.

[0049] It is particularly preferred that the housing has at least one trough guide element, in particular formed integrally with the housing body, for guiding the trough in the region of the first housing opening, wherein the housing has preferably two trough guide elements, in particular formed integrally with the housing body, for guiding the trough in the region of the first housing opening. The at least one trough guide element preferably extends in a direction in which the trough can be inserted in the region of the housing opening.

[0050] It is particularly preferred that the housing has at least one trough guide element in the region of the second housing opening, which is preferably formed integrally with the housing body, for guiding the trough, wherein the housing has preferably two trough guide elements in the region of the second housing opening, which are in particular formed integrally with the housing body, for guiding the trough. The at least one trough guide element preferably extends in a direction in which the trough can be inserted in the region of the housing opening.

[0051] The advantage of such at least one trough guide element is that it can be formed integrally with the housing body. This can be achieved in a particularly simple manner if the housing body comprises plastic or consists thereof. Such an integrally formed trough guide element does not require additional components for guiding the trough to be fixed to the housing.

[0052] A further advantage of such a trough guide element is that the trough cannot be deformed or can be deformed only slightly, since the trough can be inserted into the housing body and then seated in the housing body in a matching manner, so that deformation by the trough guide element is prevented.

[0053] It is particularly preferred that the at least one trough guide element provided in the region of the first housing opening is designed as at least one projection protruding into the first housing opening, preferably with an L-shaped cross section. The projection can in particular have a cross section in the form of an angle profile, for example an isosceles angle profile with two sections arranged at 90° to one another.

[0054] It is particularly preferred that the at least one trough guide element provided in the region of the second housing opening is designed as at least one projection protruding into the second housing opening, preferably with an L-shaped cross section. The projection can in particular have a cross section in the form of an angle profile, for example an isosceles angle profile with two sections arranged at 90° to one another.

[0055] It is particularly preferred that the device includes a device holding device, which includes: at least one, preferably two brackets, and a support element preferably connected to at least one bracket and at least one, preferably two wire clamps, which are connected to the housing and are configured to fix the device to at least one bracket of the device holding device.

[0056] By means of such an appliance mount, the appliance can be adjusted in height, ie in the vertical direction, in a particularly simple manner.

[0057] According to another aspect, the initially mentioned object is achieved by an animal feed transport system for transporting animal feed, which comprises at least one device as described herein, preferably a plurality of, in particular four devices as described herein, and a conveyor chain, preferably comprising a plurality of chain links connected to each other, wherein the conveyor chain extends through at least one device.

[0058] Preferably, the conveyor chain is arranged at least sectionally between the first conveyor chain element and the second conveyor chain element and in particular between the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section.

[0059] It is particularly preferred that the animal feed transport system comprises at least one feeding trough, preferably a feeding trough designed in the form of a U-shaped profile, which is preferably connected to at least one device.

[0060] Preferably, a feeding trough is provided both in the region of the first housing opening and in the region of the second housing opening and is connected to the housing of the device.

[0061] Preferably, a feeding rack (Fressgrill) is set within the feeding trough. Thus, the separate feeding of hens and cocks can be realized.

[0062] It is particularly preferred that the animal feed transport system comprises a drive unit, preferably an electric drive unit, for driving the conveyor chain, wherein the drive unit is preferably designed to move the conveyor chain at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min and at a speed of not more than 40 m / min, preferably not more than 38 m / min. Preferably, the drive unit is designed to move the conveyor chain at a speed in the range of 12 m / min to 18 m / min or at a speed of 36 m / min.

[0063] The drive unit is preferably coupled to the conveyor chain to drive the conveyor chain. The drive unit preferably has a gear, wherein the conveyor chain can be driven by means of the gear driven by the drive unit. The drive unit can be designed in particular as an electrically driven variable speed motor.

[0064] It is particularly preferred if the animal feed transport system comprises at least one chain tensioning device, preferably a plurality of, in particular two, chain tensioning devices for tensioning the conveyor chain.

[0065] The conveyor chain can be tensioned by means of a chain tensioning device, whereby the conveyor chain can circulate in the animal feed transport system. The chain tensioning device is particularly designed to move two feeding troughs connected to the chain tensioning device away from each other, i.e. to press them apart, so that the distance between the feeding troughs and thus the devices increases, thereby tensioning the conveyor chain. Thus, a preload can be applied to the conveyor chain by means of the chain tensioning device.

[0066] Preferably, the animal feed transport system has two chain tensioners which are arranged at feeding troughs arranged parallel to one another.

[0067] It is particularly preferred that the animal feed transport system comprises a food container, wherein the conveyor chain extends through the food container in order to receive the animal feed from the food container.

[0068] Such a food container is therefore used to convey animal feed. The food container preferably has two openings into which a feeding trough can be introduced or from which it can be led. The conveyor chain then preferably extends through the food container filled with animal feed and transports the animal feed to the animals.

[0069] It is particularly preferred that at least one feeding trough is directly connected to the housing, preferably in a detachable manner.

[0070] Preferably, at least one feeding trough can be inserted into the housing in the region of the first housing opening and / or the second housing opening.

[0071] According to another aspect, the purpose mentioned at the beginning is achieved by a method for steering a conveyor chain, which is particularly used for transporting animal feed, the method comprising the following steps: providing a device for steering a conveyor chain, preferably a device as described in the present invention, the device comprising a shell with a first shell opening and a second shell opening and a steering wheel, wherein the steering wheel is arranged within the shell between the first shell opening and the second shell opening, and wherein the steering wheel is rotatably supported about a preferably vertical rotation axis, wherein the steering wheel has a first conveyor chain guide element, which has a first conveyor chain guide section, and wherein the steering wheel has a second conveyor chain guide element, which has a second conveyor chain guide section; arranging a conveyor chain, preferably comprising a plurality of chain links connected to each other, so that the conveyor chain extends from the first shell opening to the second shell opening, wherein the conveyor chain is arranged along the steering wheel at least sectionally between the first conveyor chain element and the second conveyor chain element and in particular between the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section.

[0072] Preferably, the method comprises moving the conveyor chain with the aid of a drive unit at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min, and at most 40 m / min, preferably at most 38 m / min. Preferably, the conveyor chain moves at a speed in the range of 12 m / min to 18 m / min or at a speed of 36 m / min.

[0073] Preferably, the method further comprises stopping the conveyor chain by means of stopping the drive unit.Preferably, the movement of the conveyor chain and the stopping of the conveyor chain are performed alternately continuously.

[0074] Preferably, the exercise is performed for a maximum of 75 minutes per day, preferably for a maximum of 20 minutes per day, particularly preferably for a maximum of 15 minutes per day, and the conveyor chain is stopped for the rest of the day.

[0075] It is particularly preferred that the conveyor chain is in direct contact only with the deflection wheels within the device and not with other parts of the device when the conveyor chain is moved through the device.

[0076] Preferably, the conveyor chain thus touches the deflection wheels during operation, but not the housing and not the housing body of the housing and also not the base of the housing.

[0077] According to a further aspect, the initially mentioned object is provided by using a device as described herein and / or an animal feed transport system as described herein for use in a shed for breeding animals, in particular in a poultry shed, for transporting animal food in the shed.

[0078] With regard to the advantages, implementation variants and implementation details of the various aspects of the solution described here and their corresponding possible developments, reference is also made to the description of the corresponding features, details and advantages of the respective further aspects and their developments. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0079] Preferred embodiments are described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In the drawings, identical or substantially functionally identical or similar elements are denoted by the same reference numerals. The drawings show:

[0080] Figure 1 A perspective view from obliquely above showing a device for diverting a conveyor chain;

[0081] Figure 2 A view from above showing a device for diverting a conveyor chain;

[0082] Figure 3 A perspective view from obliquely below showing a device for diverting a conveyor chain;

[0083] Figure 4 A view from below showing a device for diverting a conveyor chain;

[0084] Figure 5 A perspective view from obliquely above is shown for diverting the conveyor chain;

[0085] Figure 6 A side view showing an apparatus for diverting a conveyor chain;

[0086] Figure 7 Shown in Figure 6 Detail of the view shown in;

[0087] Figure 8 A cross-sectional view showing an apparatus for diverting a conveyor chain;

[0088] Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 8 Detail of the view shown in;

[0089] Fig.10 A strongly schematic cross-sectional view showing a device for diverting a conveyor chain;

[0090] Fig.11 A perspective view showing an animal feed transport system;

[0091] Fig.12 A schematic diagram showing a method for diverting a conveyor chain is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0092] Figure 1 A perspective view from obliquely above of a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain is shown. In the view shown here, the device 10 is shown without a cover, so that the interior of the device 10 is visible.

[0093] The device 10 is used to turn a conveyor chain 90 by 90°. The conveyor chain 90 is used to transport animal feed. The device 10 comprises a housing 20, which has a first housing opening 21 and a second housing opening 22. The first housing opening 21 is formed by a first housing opening section 21a. The second housing opening 22 is formed by a second housing opening section 22a. In the region of the first housing opening 21a, a first feeding trough 61 is provided and pushed into the housing body 25. In the region of the second housing opening 22a, a second feeding trough 62 is provided and pushed into the housing body 25.

[0094] The device 10 comprises a deflection wheel 30 for guiding and deflecting the conveyor chain 90 from the first housing opening 21 of the housing 20 to the second housing opening 22 of the housing 20. The deflection wheel 30 is arranged within the housing 20 between the first housing opening 21 and the second housing opening 22. The deflection wheel 30 is rotatably mounted about a vertically oriented rotation axis 100.

[0095] The housing 20 has a housing body 25 which is made of thermoplastic and is produced in an injection molding process. The housing body 25 has an inner surface 24 on which no chain guide track is arranged. The housing body 25 has a curvature 23 for accommodating the deflection wheel 30 in the housing 20 at this position.

[0096] The conveyor chain 90 is guided and deflected by means of the deflection wheels 30, so that the conveyor chain only contacts the deflection wheels 30 within the housing 20 and no friction occurs between the conveyor chain 90 and the housing 20. The conveyor chain 90 has a plurality of chain links 91, 92 connected to one another.

[0097] Figure 2 Shown in Figure 1 90 is a view from above of the device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain 90 shown in FIG. In the view shown here, the device 10 is also shown without a cover, so that the interior of the device 10 is visible.

[0098] Figure 3 Shown in Figure 1 1 is a perspective view from obliquely below of the device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain shown in FIG. A base plate 28 is provided at the lower section of the housing 20 , which base plate is detachably connected to the housing body 25 by means of a screw connection.

[0099] Figure 4 Shown in Figure 1 1 shows a view from below of a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain. In this view, it can be seen that the device 10 has two wire clamps 55a, 55b, which are connected and / or connectable to the housing 20. The wire clamps 55a, 55b are provided for fixing the housing 20 on a device holder.

[0100] Figure 5 Shown in Figure 1 90 is a perspective view from obliquely above of the device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain 90. In this view, however, unlike in Figure 1 Unlike the view shown in FIG. 2 , a cover 29 is shown which is detachably connected to the housing body 25. Figure 5 2 shows an appliance mount 50 which has two brackets 51a, 51b and a foot element 52 connected to the brackets 51a, 51b. The housing 20 is connected to the appliance mount 50 by means of two wire clips 55a, 55b.

[0101] Figure 6 Shown in Figure 5 90 is a side view of a device 10 for diverting a conveyor chain 90 .

[0102] Figure 7 Shown in Figure 6Detail A of the view shown in FIG. In this view, a radially outer section of the deflection wheel 30 can be seen. The deflection wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide element 31, which extends radially outwards from the outer circumference 35 of the deflection wheel 30. The first conveyor chain guide element 31 has a first conveyor chain guide section 31a.

[0103] The deflecting wheel 30 furthermore has a second conveyor chain guide element 32 which likewise extends radially outwards starting from an outer circumference 35 of the deflecting wheel 30. The second conveyor chain guide element 32 has a second conveyor chain guide section 32a.

[0104] The conveyor chain 90 is arranged between the first conveyor chain guide element 31 and the second conveyor chain guide element 32 in such a way that the conveyor chain 90 is guided and deflected within the housing only by the deflection wheels 30 and does not come into contact with other components of the housing.

[0105] Figure 8 The sectional view shows a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain 90. The device 10 has a housing 20 with a housing body 25 and a cover 29 and a base 28. A deflection wheel 30 is arranged rotatably about an axis of rotation 100 within the housing 20. The deflection wheel 30 is designed to be rotationally symmetrical.

[0106] Fig. 9 Shown in Figure 8 B. The deflecting wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide element 31, which extends radially outwards from the outer circumference 35 of the deflecting wheel 30. The first conveyor chain guide element 31 has a first conveyor chain guide section 31a, which is arranged on the underside of the first conveyor chain guide element 31.

[0107] The deflecting wheel 30 also has a second conveyor chain guide element 32 which likewise extends radially outwards from the outer circumference 35 of the deflecting wheel 30 . The second conveyor chain guide element 32 has a second conveyor chain guide section 32a which is arranged on the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element 32 .

[0108] The extension L1 of the first conveyor chain guide element 31 in the radially outward direction is several times greater than the extension L2 of the second conveyor chain guide element 32 in the radially outward direction, in the embodiment shown here more than four times greater.

[0109] The conveyor chain 90 is arranged between the first conveyor chain guide element 31 and the second conveyor chain guide element 32, in particular between the first conveyor chain guide section 31a and the second conveyor chain guide section 32a, so that the conveyor chain 90 is guided and deflected only by the deflection wheels 30 within the housing and does not contact other components of the housing.

[0110] Fig.10 A highly schematic sectional view of a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain 90 is shown. Only parts of the housing 20 are shown schematically, in particular the inner surface 24 of the housing body and the base plate 28. The deflection wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide element 31, which extends radially outwards from the outer circumference 35 of the deflection wheel 30. The first conveyor chain guide element 31 has a first conveyor chain guide section 31a, which is arranged on the underside of the first conveyor chain guide element 31.

[0111] The deflecting wheel 30 also has a second conveyor chain guide element 32 which likewise extends radially outwards from the outer circumference 35 of the deflecting wheel 30 . The second conveyor chain guide element 32 has a second conveyor chain guide section 32a which is arranged on the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element 32 .

[0112] The extension L1 of the first conveyor chain guide element 31 in the radially outward direction is several times greater than the extension L2 of the second conveyor chain guide element 32 in the radially outward direction, in the embodiment shown here more than four times greater.

[0113] The first conveyor chain guide element 31 and the second conveyor chain guide element 32 extend in the horizontal direction and are spaced apart from each other by a distance D in the vertical direction.

[0114] Fig.11 A perspective view of an animal feed transport system is shown. The animal feed transport system has four devices 10. An endless conveyor chain extends between the devices 10. A plurality of feeding troughs 61, 62 are provided between the devices 10, which are used to provide feed to the animals. The feeding troughs 61, 62 are designed in the form of U-shaped profiles.

[0115] Furthermore, an electric drive unit 80 is provided for driving the conveyor chain, wherein the drive unit 80 is designed to move the conveyor chain, for example, at a speed of 12 to 18 m / min or at a speed of 36 m / min.

[0116] Furthermore, two chain tensioning devices 70 for tensioning the conveyor chain are provided, wherein the chain tensioning devices 70 are each arranged between the two feeding troughs 61 , 62 and are designed to press the feeding troughs 61 , 62 away from each other in order to tension the conveyor chain.

[0117] Furthermore, a food container 75 is provided, wherein a conveyor chain extends through the food container 75 in order to receive animal feed from the food container 75 .

[0118] Fig.12 A schematic diagram of a method 200 for diverting a conveyor chain, in particular for transporting animal feed, is shown. The method comprises the following steps:

[0119] In step 210, a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain 90 is provided, the device 10 comprising a housing 20 with a first housing opening 21 and a second housing opening 22 and a deflection wheel 30, wherein the deflection wheel 30 is arranged within the housing 20 between the first housing opening 21 and the second housing opening 22, and wherein the deflection wheel 30 is rotatably supported about a preferably vertical rotation axis 100, wherein the deflection wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide element 31, which has a first conveyor chain guide section 31a, and wherein the deflection wheel 30 has a second conveyor chain guide element 32, which has a second conveyor chain guide section 32a.

[0120] In step 220, a conveyor chain 90 is set up, which preferably includes a plurality of chain links 91, 92 connected to each other, so that the conveyor chain 90 extends from the first shell opening 21 to the second shell opening 22, wherein the conveyor chain 90 is set along the deflection wheel 30 at least sectionally between the first conveyor chain element 31 and the second conveyor chain element 32 and in particular between the first conveyor chain guide section 31a and the second conveyor chain guide section 32a.

[0121] In step 230, the conveyor chain 90 is moved at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min and at most 40 m / min, preferably at most 38 m / min, by means of the drive unit 80. Preferably, the conveyor chain 90 is moved at a speed in the range of 12 m / min to 18 m / min or at a speed of 36 m / min. The movement of the conveyor chain takes place for a maximum of 75 minutes per day, preferably for a maximum of 20 minutes per day, particularly preferably for a maximum of 15 minutes per day.

[0122] In step 240, the transport chain 90 is stopped by stopping the drive unit 80. Subsequently, steps 230 and 240 continue to be performed alternately in sequence.

[0123] List of reference numerals:

[0124] 10. Equipment

[0125] 20 Shell

[0126] 21 First shell opening

[0127] 21a First housing opening section

[0128] 22 Second shell opening

[0129] 22a Second housing opening section

[0130] 23 Arched portion of the housing body

[0131] 24 Inner surface of the housing body

[0132] 25 Shell body of the shell

[0133] 28 Bottom Plate

[0134] 29 Cover

[0135] 30 Steering wheel

[0136] 31 First conveyor chain guide element

[0137] 31a First conveyor chain guide section

[0138] 32 Second conveyor chain guide element

[0139] 32a Second conveyor chain guide section

[0140] 35 Outer circumference of steering wheel

[0141] 50 Equipment holding device

[0142] 51a, 51b bracket

[0143] 52 foot components

[0144] 55a, 55b wire clamp

[0145] 61, 62 Feeding Trough

[0146] 70 Chain tensioner

[0147] 75 Feed container

[0148] 80 Drivers

[0149] 90 Conveyor Chain

[0150] 91, 92 conveyor chain links

[0151] 100 Rotation axis

[0152] 200 Methods

[0153] 210-240 Method Steps

[0154] A Detail

[0155] B Detail

[0156] D Spacing

[0157] L1 Radially outward extension of the first conveyor chain guide element

[0158] L2 Radially outward extension of the second conveyor chain guide element

Claims

1. A device (10) for diverting a conveyor chain (90) for transporting animal feed, in particular by 90° or 135°, the device (10) comprising: - a housing (20) having a first housing opening (21) and a second housing opening (22), and a deflection wheel (30) for guiding and deflecting a conveyor chain (90) from the first housing opening (21) of the housing (20) to the second housing opening (22) of the housing (20), wherein the deflection wheel (30) is arranged within the housing (20) between the first housing opening (21) and the second housing opening (22), and wherein the deflection wheel (30) is mounted rotatably about a preferably vertical axis of rotation (100), It is characterized in that The deflection wheel (30) has a first conveyor chain guide element (31), which extends radially outward from an outer circumference (35) of the deflection wheel (30), wherein the first conveyor chain guide element (31) has a first conveyor chain guide section (31a), The deflection wheel (30) has a second conveyor chain guide element (32), which extends radially outward from an outer circumference (35) of the deflection wheel (30), wherein the second conveyor chain guide element (32) has a second conveyor chain guide section (32a).

2. The device according to the preceding claim, The first housing opening (21) and the second housing opening (22) are arranged to be rotatable relative to each other about the rotation axis (100), preferably to be rotatable relative to each other by at least 75° and at most 150°, in particular by 90° or 135°, about the rotation axis (100).

3. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveyor chain guide element (31) and the second conveyor chain guide element (32) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the direction of the rotation axis (100), The distance (D) between the lower side of the first conveyor chain guide element (31) and the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element (32) in the vertical direction is preferably at least 22 mm, particularly preferably at least 18 mm, in particular 14.3 mm.

4. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveyor chain guide element (31) extends radially outwards from the outer circumference (35) of the deflection wheel (30) parallel to a radial direction (200) oriented orthogonally to the rotation axis (100), and / or The second conveyor chain guide element (32) extends radially outwards from an outer circumference (35) of the deflection wheel (30) parallel to a radial direction (200) oriented orthogonally to the rotation axis (100).

5. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveyor chain guide section (31a) is arranged on the underside of the first conveyor chain guide element (31), and / or wherein the second conveyor chain guide section (32a) is arranged on the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element (32), and / or The first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a) are arranged facing each other.

6. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveyor chain guide element (31) extends radially outwards to a greater extent than the second conveyor chain guide element (32), and / or The extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide element (31) in the radial outward direction is several times larger than the extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide element (32) in the radial outward direction, preferably at least four times larger, particularly preferably at least eight times larger, and in particular at least twelve times larger. wherein the extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide element in radially outward direction is at least 34 mm and / or at most 50 mm, and / or Therein, an extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide element in radially outward direction is at least 3 mm and / or at most 8 mm.

7. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, The first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a) are constructed and arranged to accommodate a conveyor chain (90) between the first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a).

8. The device according to any one of the preceding claims, The housing (20) comprises a housing body (25), wherein the housing body (25) preferably comprises or consists of plastic, in particular thermoplastic plastic, wherein the housing body (25) is preferably designed as an injection-molded component, Preferably, the housing (20) has a base plate (28) which is preferably detachably connected to the housing body (25), the base plate preferably comprising steel or consisting thereof, wherein the steel preferably has a hardness according to EN ISO 6506-1 of less than 400 HBW, preferably less than 300 HBW, particularly preferably less than 200 HBW.

9. The device according to the preceding claim, No chain guide track is provided on the inner surface (24) of the housing body (25).

10. The device according to any one of the two preceding claims, wherein the housing (20) has in the region of the first housing opening (21) at least one feeding trough guide element (26a, 26b) for guiding a feeding trough (61), in particular formed in one piece with the housing body (25), wherein the housing (20) preferably has in the region of the first housing opening (21) two feeding trough guide elements (26a, 26b) for guiding a feeding trough (61), in particular formed in one piece with the housing body (25), and / or The housing (20) has, in the region of the second housing opening (22), at least one trough guide element (26a, 26b) for guiding a trough (62), which is preferably formed integrally with the housing body (25), wherein the housing (20) has, in the region of the second housing opening (22), preferably two trough guide elements (26a, 26b) for guiding a trough (62), which are particularly formed integrally with the housing body (25).

11. The device according to the preceding claim, wherein at least one trough guide element (26a, 26b) arranged in the region of the first housing opening (21) is designed as at least one projection which projects into the first housing opening (21), the projection preferably having an L-shaped cross section, and / or Therein, at least one trough guide element (26a, 26b) arranged in the region of the second housing opening (22) is designed as at least one projection protruding into the second housing opening (22), the projection preferably having an L-shaped cross section.

12. Apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: - an equipment holding device (50), said equipment holding device comprising at least one, preferably two, supports (51a, 51b), and a foot element (52) preferably connected to said at least one support (51a, 51b), and at least one, preferably two, cable clamps (55a, 55b), which are connected to the housing (20) and are designed to fix the device to the at least one bracket (51a, 51b) of the device mounting (50).

13. An animal feed transport system for transporting animal feed, comprising: at least one device (10) according to any of the preceding claims, preferably a plurality, in particular four devices (10) according to any of the preceding claims, a conveyor chain (90), preferably comprising a plurality of chain links (91, 92) connected to one another, wherein the conveyor chain (90) extends through the at least one device (10), Preferably, the conveyor chain (90) is arranged at least in sections between the first conveyor chain element (31) and the second conveyor chain element (32), and in particular between the first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a).

14. Animal feed transport system according to the preceding claim, comprising: at least one feeding trough (61, 62), which is preferably designed in the form of a U-shaped profile, which is preferably connected to the at least one device (10), and / or - a drive unit (80), preferably an electric drive unit, for driving the conveyor chain (90), wherein the drive unit (80) is preferably designed to move the conveyor chain (90) at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min and at a maximum speed of 40 m / min, preferably at a maximum speed of 38 m / min.

15. An animal feed transport system according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising: at least one chain tensioning device (70), preferably a plurality of, in particular two, chain tensioning devices (70), for tensioning the conveyor chain (90), and / or - a feed container (75), wherein the conveyor chain (90) extends through the feed container (75) in order to receive animal feed from the feed container (75).

16. An animal feed transport system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one feeding trough (61, 62) is directly connected to the housing (20), preferably detachably, Preferably, the at least one feeding trough (61, 62) can be inserted into the housing (20) in the region of the first housing opening (21) and / or the second housing opening (22).

17. A method (200) for diverting a conveyor chain (90), in particular for transporting animal feed, comprising: - providing (210) a device (10) for diverting a conveyor chain (90), preferably a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, said device (10) comprising: o a housing (20) having a first housing opening (21) and a second housing opening (22), and a steering wheel (30), wherein the steering wheel (30) is arranged within the housing (20) between the first housing opening (21) and the second housing opening (22), and wherein the steering wheel (30) is mounted rotatably about a preferably vertical axis of rotation (100), o wherein the deflection wheel (30) has a first conveyor chain guide element (31), the first conveyor chain guide element having a first conveyor chain guide section (31a), o and wherein the deflection wheel (30) has a second conveyor chain guide element (32), the second conveyor chain guide element having a second conveyor chain guide section (32a), - providing (220) a conveyor chain (90), which preferably comprises a plurality of chain links (91, 92) connected to one another, so that the conveyor chain (90) extends from the first housing opening (21) to the second housing opening (22), wherein the conveyor chain (90) is arranged along the deflection wheel (30) at least in sections between the first conveyor chain element (31) and the second conveyor chain element (32), and in particular between the first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a), - and preferably, the conveyor chain (90) is moved (230) by means of a drive unit (80) at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min, and at most 40 m / min, preferably at most 38 m / min.

18. The method according to the preceding claim, The conveyor chain (90) is in direct contact only with the deflection wheel (30) within the device (10) when the conveyor chain (90) moves through the device (10) and is not in direct contact with other parts of the device (10).

19. Use of the device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and / or the animal feed transport system according to any one of claims 13 to 16 for transporting animal food in sheds for breeding animals, in particular in poultry sheds.

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