DEVICE AND METHOD FOR REVERSING A CONVEYOR CHAIN ​​AND ANIMAL FEED TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Description

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

[0002] In animal husbandry, it is common practice to use automated feeding systems that automatically convey animal feed along the animals' path, ensuring they have access to it. For example, in the rearing and keeping of breeding animals, such as poultry, a so-called automated chain feeding system is typically used.

[0003] Automated chain feeding systems typically employ a conveyor chain driven by a drive unit. A conveyor chain comprising several interconnected links is known, for example, from US 2672059 A. The conveyor chain typically passes through a feed hopper containing animal feed, so that as it moves through the hopper, it extracts feed. The feed is then moved along feed troughs throughout the animal housing area, specifically a barn containing animals. The animals can then access the feed from the troughs. The conveyor chain, which is usually endless, typically moves continuously along a closed track, which is generally rectangular in shape.This usually involves redirecting the conveyor chain at several points.

[0004] The conveyor chain is redirected using conveyor chain deflection devices, which can also be called feed corners. In a typical configuration, the conveyor chain is deflected by 90° at four different positions using four such devices. Such conveyor chain deflection devices are known, for example, from US 3147853 A, US 3444986 A, US 4327828 A, DE 11 93 423 B, TW M 460 526 U, and the 90° corner with deflection roller from the Georgia Poultry Equipment Company, Royston, GA 30662, shown in: "Poultry Feed Systems", pages 1-16, published on May 31, 2023, found on the internet at the URL: https: / / www.hogslat.com / global / flyers / georgia-poultry-feed-systems-equipmentinformation-flyer.

[0005] A problem that occurs with known devices for deflecting conveyor chains is that, due to relative movement between the conveyor chain and the device's base plate, and due to the forces acting between the conveyor chain and the base plate, the base plate and / or the conveyor chain wear out within a relatively short time. It can then happen that, after some operating time, the conveyor chain wears into the base plate of the device's housing. Because of the resulting wear of the base plate and / or the conveyor chain, the device and the conveyor chain have a relatively short service life, so the housing must be regularly repaired or at least partially replaced, and the conveyor chain may also require regular repair. In particular, worn parts typically need to be replaced after a certain period of time.The higher the conveying speed of the conveyor chain, the faster such undesirable wear occurs.

[0006] Another problem that occurs with known devices for deflecting conveyor chains is that relatively high wear also occurs on a guide rail provided in the housing, since the conveyor chain is moved along this guide rail attached to the housing and, due to the relative movement and the forces acting between the conveyor chain and the guide rail, the guide rail and / or the conveyor chain wear out.

[0007] To increase the service life of conveyor chain deflection devices, particularly wear-resistant materials were used in the past. While this can reduce wear somewhat, it also increases the material costs for the device.

[0008] The invention is therefore based on the objective of providing an improved solution that addresses the aforementioned problems. In particular, it is an objective of the invention to provide a solution that increases the service life of a device for diverting a conveyor chain.

[0009] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by a device according to claim 1. According to this claim, a device for deflecting, in particular by 90° or 135°, a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed is provided, the device comprising a housing with a first housing opening and a second housing opening, and a deflection wheel for guiding and deflecting a conveyor chain from the first housing opening of the housing to the second housing opening of the housing, wherein the deflection wheel is arranged inside 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 invention, the deflection wheel has a first conveyor chain guide element which extends radially outwards from an 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 outwards from the outer circumference of the deflection wheel, wherein the second conveyor chain guide element has a second conveyor chain guide section.

[0011] Accordingly, the deflection wheel is designed to include two conveyor chain guide elements that extend radially outwards and each have a conveyor chain guide section, so that a conveyor chain can be accommodated between these conveyor chain guide sections, thereby enabling the conveyor chain to be guided within the device exclusively by means of the conveyor chain guide elements.

[0012] The device is specifically designed to redirect a conveyor chain, preferably by 90° or 135°. The conveyor chain to be redirected by the device is preferably endless and is specifically designed for transporting animal feed.

[0013] The first housing opening is preferably formed by a first housing opening section. The first housing opening is preferably designed to allow a conveyor chain to pass through it. The second housing opening is preferably formed by a second housing opening section. The second housing opening is preferably designed to allow a conveyor chain to pass through it.

[0014] The deflection wheel, which can also be called a sprocket, is preferably designed to guide and redirect a conveyor chain from the first housing opening to the second housing opening. The deflection wheel is preferably connected to the housing, particularly detachably, and rotatably mounted on the housing about its axis of rotation. The deflection wheel is preferably rotationally symmetrical about its axis of rotation.

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

[0016] The first and second conveyor chain guide elements extend radially outwards from an outer circumference of the deflection wheel. The outer circumference of the deflection wheel refers in particular to a circumferential, outer section of the deflection wheel from which the first and second conveyor chain guide elements extend further radially outwards. Such radial outwards extension means, in particular, that the first and second conveyor chain guide elements extend at least partially radially outwards.

[0017] The first and second conveyor chain guide sections are preferably arranged and configured to guide the conveyor chain at different sections, such that the conveyor chain can preferably be positioned at least section by section between the first and second conveyor chain guide sections. The first conveyor chain guide element is preferably integral with the deflection wheel, i.e., in particular, as an integral part of the deflection wheel. The second conveyor chain guide element is preferably integral with the deflection wheel, i.e., in particular, as an integral part of the deflection wheel.

[0018] The first conveyor chain guide element comprises 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. Thus, the radially outer side surface and / or the top surface of the conveyor chain can preferably 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. This second conveyor chain guide section is preferably designed to guide a lower and / or radially inner section of the conveyor chain. Thus, the radially inner side surface and / or the underside of the conveyor chain can preferably be guided by means of the second conveyor chain guide section.

[0020] One advantage of such a device is that, due to the first and second guide elements, a conveyor chain can be guided and redirected solely by means of the deflection wheel. A conveyor chain can thus be guided and redirected, in particular by means of a frictional connection with the deflection wheel, exclusively by means of the guide elements. Due to the frictional connection between the deflection wheel and the conveyor chain, there is no or only very minimal relative movement between the conveyor chain and the parts of the deflection wheel in contact with the conveyor chain.

[0021] With such a device, a conveyor chain can be guided and deflected solely by means of the deflection wheel in such a way that the conveyor chain can pass through the housing without coming into contact with the base plate. Friction due to relative movement between the conveyor chain and the base plate is thus avoided. Therefore, wear of the base plate and / or the conveyor chain caused by friction between the base plate and the conveyor chain is also avoided in a particularly advantageous manner. Due to the reduced wear, the service life of the device can thus be significantly increased.

[0022] A further advantage is that no chain guide rail is required on the inner surface of the housing. Because the conveyor chain can be guided and deflected solely by means of the deflection wheel, a chain guide rail located within and / or connected to the housing is unnecessary. Friction caused by relative movement between the conveyor chain and the chain guide rail, as occurs in known devices, is thus avoided. This significantly reduces wear on the chain guide rail and / or the conveyor chain. The reduced wear considerably extends the service life of the device. Furthermore, the absence of a chain guide rail reduces manufacturing costs.

[0023] Another advantage is that, due to the avoidance of friction between the conveyor chain and the base plate, as well as between the conveyor chain and the chain guide rail, the housing and / or the base plate do not need to be made of a wear-resistant material. For example, the housing can be made of plastic, which significantly reduces the material costs of the device.

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

[0025] The first and second housing openings are preferably oriented in different directions and are preferably rotated relative to each other by at least 80° and at most 145°, particularly by 90° or 135°, with respect to a vertical axis. This allows the conveyor chain to be guided into the housing in a first direction and out of the housing in a second, different direction, particularly one that differs by 90° or 135°.

[0026] According to the invention, 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 axis of rotation, wherein the distance in the vertical direction between the lower side of the first conveyor chain guide element and the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element is preferably at least 22 mm, particularly preferably at least 18 mm, in particular 14.3 mm.

[0027] Such a gap allows for improved guidance of the conveyor chain along the deflection pulley. Furthermore, depending on the distance and the dimensions of the conveyor chain, this gap can enable the conveyor chain to be positioned at a slight angle between the first and second conveyor chain guide elements.

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

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

[0030] Preferably, the first and second conveyor chain guide elements extend radially outwards parallel to each other, in particular in a horizontal direction.

[0031] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide section is arranged on the underside of the first conveyor chain guide element. This makes it particularly advantageous to guide a conveyor chain from above by means of the first conveyor chain guide section, with the first conveyor chain guide section being arranged above the conveyor chain.

[0032] It is particularly preferred that the second conveyor chain guide section is arranged on the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element. This makes it particularly advantageous to achieve a conveyor chain being guided from below by means of the second conveyor chain guide section, with the second conveyor chain guide section being arranged below the conveyor chain.

[0033] Preferably, the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section are spaced apart from each other in the vertical direction by at least 22 mm, preferably at least 18 mm, in particular 14.3 mm.

[0034] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section are arranged facing each other.

[0035] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide element extends further radially outwards than the second conveyor chain guide element. By means of such an arrangement, the first and second conveyor chain guide elements can be optimally positioned to guide a conveyor chain. Thus, the first conveyor chain guide element can guide a radially outer section of the conveyor chain, and the second conveyor chain guide element can guide a radially inner section of the conveyor chain.

[0036] According to the invention, the extension of the first conveyor chain guide element in the radial outward direction is many times larger, namely at least four times as large, preferably at least eight times as large, and in particular at least twelve times as large, as the extension of the second conveyor chain guide element in the radial outward direction.

[0037] It is particularly preferred that 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 that 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 significantly further radially outwards than the second conveyor chain guide element, a conveyor chain can be arranged in a particularly advantageous manner between the first and the second conveyor chain guide element in such a way that the conveyor chain is guided by means of the first and the second conveyor chain guide element and at the same time a free space is arranged 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 obstruction by the second conveyor chain guide element.

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

[0041] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section are designed and arranged to accommodate a conveyor chain between the first conveyor chain guide section and the second conveyor chain guide section.

[0042] It is particularly preferred that no chain guide rail is arranged on the inner surface of the housing body. This advantageously avoids friction due to relative movement between the conveyor chain and the chain guide rail, as occurs in known devices.

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

[0044] Such a housing design as a plastic housing is particularly advantageous in combination with the conveyor chain being guided solely by the deflection wheel. This is because there is preferably no contact, and therefore no friction, between the conveyor chain and the housing. This makes it possible to use a material like plastic for the housing, which is significantly less wear-resistant than steel. Using plastic for the housing significantly reduces material costs. Furthermore, the weight of the device can be considerably reduced, thus simplifying transport and handling.

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

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

[0047] It is particularly preferred that the base plate comprises or consists of steel with a Brinell hardness of tungsten carbide according to EN ISO 6506-1 of less than 400 HBW (Brinell hardness of tungsten carbide), preferably less than 300 HBW, particularly preferably less than 200 HBW.

[0048] Such a design of the base plate as a steel component with a relatively low hardness compared to steel typically used for such base plates is particularly advantageous in combination with the conveyor chain being guided solely by the deflection wheel. This is because there is preferably no contact, and therefore no friction, between the conveyor chain and the base plate. This makes it possible to use a steel with a relatively low hardness without the base plate wearing out relatively quickly. Using such a steel for the base plate significantly reduces material costs.

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

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

[0051] One advantage of such a feed trough guide element is that it can be integrally formed with the housing body. This is particularly easy to implement if the housing body is made of or contains plastic. With such an integrally formed feed trough guide element, it is not necessary to attach an additional component to the housing for guiding the feed troughs.

[0052] Another advantage of such feed trough guide elements is that the feed troughs cannot deform, or can only deform slightly, because the feed troughs can be inserted into the housing body and then fit so snugly in the housing body that deformation by the feed trough guide elements is prevented.

[0053] It is particularly preferred that the at least one feed trough guide element arranged in the area of ​​the first housing opening is designed as at least one projection extending 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 equilateral angle profile with two sections arranged at 90° to each other.

[0054] It is particularly preferred that the at least one feed trough guide element arranged in the area of ​​the second housing opening is designed as at least one projection extending 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 equilateral angle profile with two sections arranged at 90° to each other.

[0055] It is particularly preferred that the device comprises a device holding arrangement comprising: at least one, preferably two, stands, and preferably a foot element connected to the at least one stand, and at least one, preferably two, wire clips connected to the housing and designed to fix the device to the at least one stand of the device holding arrangement.

[0056] Using such a device holding arrangement, the device can be adjusted in height, i.e. in the vertical direction, in a particularly simple way.

[0057] According to another aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by an animal feed transport system for transporting animal feed, comprising at least one device as described here, preferably several, in particular four, devices as described here, a conveyor chain, preferably comprising a plurality of interconnected chain links, wherein the conveyor chain extends through the 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 feed trough, preferably designed in the form of a U-profile, which is preferably connected to the at least one device.

[0060] Preferably, a feed trough is arranged in both the area of ​​the first housing opening and in the area of ​​the second housing opening and connected to the housing of the device.

[0061] Preferably, a feeding grill is arranged inside the feeding trough. This allows for separate feeding of hens and roosters.

[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 configured 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 at most 40 m / min, preferably at most 38 m / min. Preferably, the drive unit is configured 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 for driving the conveyor chain. The drive unit preferably has a gear, the conveyor chain being driven by means of the gear driven by the drive unit. The drive unit can, in particular, be designed as an electrically driven geared motor.

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

[0065] The conveyor chain can be tensioned using the chain tensioning device so that it can circulate within an animal feed transport system. The chain tensioning device is specifically designed to move two feed troughs connected to it away from each other, thus increasing the distance between the feed troughs and consequently the distance between the devices, thereby tensioning the conveyor chain. In this way, the chain tensioning device applies pre-tension to the conveyor chain.

[0066] Preferably, the animal feed transport system has two chain tensioning devices arranged on feed troughs arranged parallel to each other.

[0067] It is particularly preferred that the animal feed transport system comprises: a feed container, wherein the conveying chain for receiving animal feed from the feed container extends through the feed container.

[0068] Such a feed container serves to supply animal feed. The feed container preferably has two openings into which a feed trough can be inserted and removed. The conveyor chain then preferably runs through the feed container filled with animal feed and transports the animal feed to the animals.

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

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

[0071] According to a further aspect, the aforementioned problem is solved by a method for diverting a conveyor chain, in particular for transporting animal feed, the method comprising the steps of: providing a device for diverting a conveyor chain, preferably a device as described here, the device comprising a housing with a first housing opening and a second housing opening, and a deflection wheel, wherein the deflection wheel is arranged inside 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, wherein the deflection wheel has a first conveyor chain guide element extending radially outwards from an outer circumference of the deflection wheel, wherein the first conveyor chain guide element has a first conveyor chain guide section, and wherein the deflection wheel has a second conveyor chain guide element.extending radially outwards from the outer circumference of the deflection wheel, wherein the second conveyor chain guide element has a second conveyor chain guide section, wherein the first conveyor chain guide element (31) and the second conveyor chain guide element (32) are spaced apart from each other in the direction of the axis of rotation (100), wherein the extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide element (31) in the radial outwards direction is many times greater, namely at least four times greater, than the extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide element (32) in the radial outwards direction, arranging a conveyor chain, preferably comprising a plurality of interconnected chain links, such that the conveyor chain extends from the first housing opening to the second housing opening, wherein the conveyor chain is guided along the deflection 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 by means 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 is moved 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 stopping the drive unit. Preferably, the conveyor chain is continuously and alternately moved and stopped.

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

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

[0076] Preferably, the conveyor chain should touch the deflection wheel during operation, but not the housing, not the housing body, and not the base plate of the housing.

[0077] According to another aspect, the aforementioned task is solved by using a device and / or an animal feed transport system as described here in a barn for breeding animals, in particular in a poultry barn, for transporting animal feed in the barn.

[0078] For the advantages, design variants and design details of the various aspects of the solutions described here and their respective possible further developments, reference is also made to the description of the corresponding features, details and advantages of the other aspects and their further developments.

[0079] Preferred embodiments are explained by way of example with reference to the accompanying figures. The drawings are not necessarily to scale. In the figures, identical or essentially functionally equivalent or similar elements are designated with the same reference numerals. They show: Fig. 1: A perspective view from an oblique top view of a device for deflecting a conveyor chain; Fig. 2: A top view of a device for deflecting a conveyor chain; Fig. 3: A perspective view from an oblique bottom view of a device for deflecting a conveyor chain; Fig. 4: A bottom view of a device for deflecting a conveyor chain; Fig. 5: A perspective view from an oblique top view of a device for deflecting a conveyor chain; Fig. 6: A side view of a device for deflecting a conveyor chain; Fig. 7: A detail view from the in Fig. 6 View shown; Fig. 8: a sectional view of a device for deflecting a conveyor chain; Fig. 9: a detail view from the view shown in Fig. 8 The view shown; Fig. 10: a highly schematic sectional view of a device for diverting a conveyor chain; Fig. 11: a perspective view of an animal feed transport system; Fig. 12: a schematic representation of a method for diverting a conveyor chain.

[0080] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a perspective view from an oblique angle above of a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain. In this illustration, the device 10 is shown without its cover, so that the interior of the device 10 is visible.

[0081] The device 10 serves to deflect a conveyor chain 90 by 90°. The conveyor chain 90 is used to transport animal feed. The device 10 comprises a housing 20 with 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. A first feed trough 61 is arranged in the area of ​​the first housing opening 21a and inserted into the housing body 25. A second feed trough 62 is arranged in the area of ​​the second housing opening 22a and inserted into the housing body 25.

[0082] The device 10 comprises a deflection wheel 30 for guiding and diverting 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 inside 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 axis of rotation 100.

[0083] The housing 20 comprises a housing body 25, which is made of a thermoplastic material and manufactured using a plastic injection molding process. The housing body 25 has an inner surface 24 on which no chain guide rail is arranged. The housing body 25 has a recess 23 for receiving the deflection wheel 30 in the housing 20 at this position.

[0084] The conveyor chain 90 is guided and deflected by means of the deflection wheel 30 such that the conveyor chain within the housing 20 is only in contact with the deflection wheel 30 and there is no friction between the conveyor chain 90 and the housing 20. The conveyor chain 90 has a plurality of interconnected chain links 91, 92.

[0085] Fig. 2 shows a top view of the in Fig. 1 The device 10 shown is for deflecting a conveyor chain 90. In the illustration shown here, the device 10 is also shown without a cover, so that the interior of the device 10 is visible.

[0086] Fig. 3 shows a perspective view from a low angle of the Fig. 1 The device 10 shown is for deflecting a conveyor chain. A base plate 28 is arranged on the lower section of the housing 20 and is detachably connected to the housing body 25 by means of a screw connection.

[0087] Fig. 4 shows a view from below of the in Fig. 1 The device 10 shown is for deflecting a conveyor chain. This view shows that the device 10 has two wire clips 55a, 55b which are connected and / or connectable to the housing 20. These wire clips 55a, 55b are designed to fix the housing 20 to a device holding assembly.

[0088] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view from a slightly elevated angle of the Fig. 1 The device 10 shown is for deflecting a conveyor chain 90. However, in this view, unlike the one in Fig. 1 The view shown depicts a cover 29 which is detachably connected to the housing body 25. Furthermore, in Fig. 5 A device holding arrangement 50 is shown, comprising two stands 51a, 51b and a base element 52 connected to the stands 51a, 51b. The housing 20 is connected to the device holding arrangement 50 by means of the two wire clips 55a, 55b.

[0089] Fig. 6 shows a side view of the in Fig. 5 Device 10 shown for deflecting a conveyor chain 90.

[0090] Fig. 7 shows a detailed view A from the in Fig. 6 The view shown depicts the radially outer section of the deflection wheel 30. The deflection wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide element 31, which extends radially outwards from an outer circumference 35 of the deflection wheel 30. The first conveyor chain guide element 31 has a first conveyor chain guide section 31a.

[0091] The deflection wheel 30 also has a second conveyor chain guide element 32, which extends radially outwards from the outer circumference 35 of the deflection wheel 30. The second conveyor chain guide element 32 has a second conveyor chain guide section 32a.

[0092] 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 wheel 30 and is not in contact with other components of the housing.

[0093] Fig. 8 Figure 1 shows a sectional view of a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain 90. The device 10 has a housing 20 with a housing body 25, a cover 29, and a base plate 28. A deflection wheel 30 is rotatably arranged about an axis of rotation 100 within the housing 20. The deflection wheel 30 is rotationally symmetrical.

[0094] Fig. 9 shows a detailed view B from the in Fig. 8 The deflection wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide element 31, which extends radially outwards from an 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.

[0095] The deflection wheel 30 also has a second conveyor chain guide element 32, which extends radially outwards from the outer circumference 35 of the deflection 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.

[0096] The extension L1 of the first conveyor chain guide element 31 in the radial outward direction is many times greater, in the embodiment shown here more than four times greater, than the extension L2 of the second conveyor chain guide element 32 in the radial outward direction.

[0097] 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, such that the conveyor chain 90 is guided and deflected within the housing only by the deflecting wheel 30 and is not in contact with other components of the housing.

[0098] Fig. 10 Figure 1 shows a highly schematic sectional view of a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain 90. Only parts of the housing 20 are shown schematically, including the base plate 28 and the inner surface 24 of the housing body. The deflection wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide element 31, which extends radially outwards from an 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.

[0099] The deflection wheel 30 also has a second conveyor chain guide element 32, which extends radially outwards from the outer circumference 35 of the deflection 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.

[0100] The extension L1 of the first conveyor chain guide element 31 in the radial outward direction is many times greater, in the embodiment shown here more than four times greater, than the extension L2 of the second conveyor chain guide element 32 in the radial outward direction.

[0101] The first conveyor chain guide element 31 and the second conveyor chain guide element 32 extend in a horizontal direction and are spaced apart from each other in a vertical direction by a distance D.

[0102] Fig. 11 Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an animal feed transport system. The animal feed transport system has four devices 10. An endless conveyor chain extends between these devices 10. Several feed troughs 61, 62 are provided between the devices 10, which serve to supply the feed to the animals. The feed troughs 61, 62 are designed in the form of a U-profile.

[0103] 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.

[0104] Furthermore, two chain tensioning devices 70 are provided for tensioning the conveyor chain, wherein the chain tensioning devices 70 are each arranged between two feed troughs 61, 62 and are designed to push the feed troughs 61, 62 apart and thereby tension the conveyor chain.

[0105] Furthermore, a feed container 75 is provided, wherein the conveyor chain for receiving animal feed from the feed container 75 extends through the feed container 75.

[0106] Fig. 12 Figure 200 shows a schematic representation of a process for diverting a conveyor chain, particularly for transporting animal feed. The process comprises the following steps:

[0107] In step 210, providing a device 10 for deflecting a conveyor chain 90, 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 inside the housing 20 between the first housing opening 21 and the second housing opening 22, and wherein the deflection wheel 30 is rotatably mounted about a, preferably vertical, axis of rotation 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.

[0108] In step 220, a conveyor chain 90 is arranged, preferably comprising a plurality of interconnected chain links 91, 92, such 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 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.

[0109] In step 230, the conveyor chain 90 is moved 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. The conveyor chain 90 is preferably 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 at most 20 minutes per day, and particularly preferably at most 15 minutes per day.

[0110] In step 240, the conveyor chain 90 is stopped by stopping the drive unit 80. Subsequently, steps 230 and 240 are performed continuously and alternately one after the other. Bezugszeichenliste

[0111] 10 Device 20 Housing 21 First housing opening 21a First housing opening section 22 Second housing opening 22a Second housing opening section 23 Bulge of the housing body 24 Inner surface of the housing body 25 Housing body of the housing 28 Base plate 29 Cover 30 Deflection wheel 31 First conveyor chain guide element 31a First conveyor chain guide section 32 Second conveyor chain guide element 32a Second conveyor chain guide section 35 Outer circumference of the deflection wheel 50 Device holding arrangement 51a, 51b Stand 52 Foot element 55a, 55b Wire bracket 61, 62 Feed trough 70 Chain tensioning devices 75 Feed container 80 Drive unit 90 Conveyor chain 91, 92 Chain link of the conveyor chain 100 Rotation axis 200 Method 210-240 Process steps A Detail view B Detail view D Distance L1 Radial extension of the first conveyor chain guide element L2 Radial extension of the second conveyor chain guide element

Claims

1. Device (10) for deflecting, in particular for deflecting by 90° or 135°, a conveyor chain (90) for transporting animal feed, the device (10) comprising - a housing (20) with 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), characterized in that the deflection wheel (30) has a first conveyor chain guide element (31) which extends radially outwards 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), and the deflection wheel (30) has a second conveyor chain guide element (32) which extends radially outwards from the outer circumference (35) of the deflection wheel (30), wherein the second conveyor chain guide element (32) has a second conveyor chain guide section (32a), wherein the first conveyor chain guide element (31) and the second conveyor chain guide element (32) are arranged distanced from one another in the direction of the axis of rotation (100), wherein the extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide element (31) in the radially outward direction is many times greater, namely at least four times greater, than the extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide element (32) in the radially outward direction.

2. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the first housing opening (21) and the second housing opening (22) are arranged rotated relative to each other with respect to the axis of rotation (100), preferably rotated relative to each other by at least 75° and at most 150°, in particular by 90° or 135°, with respect to the axis of rotation (100).

3. Device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance (D) in the vertical direction between the lower side of the first conveyor chain guide element (31) and the upper side of the second conveyor chain guide element (32) is at least 22 mm, particularly preferably at least 18 mm, in particular 14.3 mm.

4. 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) which is aligned orthogonally to the axis of rotation (100), and / or wherein the second conveyor chain guide element (32) extends radially outwards from the outer circumference (35) of the deflection wheel (30) parallel to a radial direction (200) which is aligned orthogonally to the axis of rotation (100).

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

6. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first conveyor chain guide element (31) extends further radially outwards than the second conveyor chain guide element (32), and / or wherein the extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide element (31) in the radially outward direction is many times greater, namely at least eight times greater, in particular at least twelve times greater, than the extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide element (32) in the radially outward direction, and / or wherein the extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide element in the radially outward direction is at least 34 mm and / or at most 50 mm, and / or wherein the extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide element in the radially outward direction is at least 3 mm and / or at most 8 mm, and / or wherein the first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a) are formed and arranged to receive a conveyor chain (90) between the first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a).

7. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the housing (20) has a housing body (25), wherein preferably the housing body (25) comprises or consists of plastic, in particular thermoplastic polymer, wherein the housing body (25) is preferably designed as a plastic injection-molded component, wherein preferably the housing (20) has a base plate (28) which is connected, preferably detachably, to the housing body (25) and which preferably comprises or consists of steel, 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. wherein preferably no chain guide rail is arranged on the inner surface (24) of the housing body (25).

8. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the housing (20) in the region of the first housing opening (21) has at least one feeding trough guide element (26a, 26b), in particular formed integrally with the housing body (25), for guiding a feeding trough (61), wherein the housing (20) in the region of the first housing opening (21) preferably has two feeding trough guide elements (26a, 26b), in particular formed integrally with the housing body (25), for guiding a feeding trough (61), and / or wherein the housing (20) in the region of the second housing opening (22) has at least one feeding trough guide element (26a, 26b), preferably formed integrally with the housing body (25), for guiding a feeding trough (62), wherein the housing (20) in the region of the second housing opening (22) preferably has two feeding trough guide elements (26a, 26b), in particular formed integrally with the housing body (25), for guiding a feeding trough (62).

9. Device according to the preceding claim, wherein the at least one feeding trough guide element (26a, 26b) arranged in the region of the first housing opening (21) is designed as at least one projection projecting into the first housing opening (21), preferably with an L-shaped cross-section, and / or wherein the at least one feeding trough guide element (26a, 26b) arranged in the region of the second housing opening (22) is designed as at least one projection projecting into the second housing opening (22), preferably with an L-shaped cross-section.

10. Device according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising - a device holding arrangement (50), comprising at least one, preferably two, stands (51a, 51b), and preferably a foot element (52) connected to the at least one stand (51a, 51b), - and at least one, preferably two, wire brackets (55a, 55b), which is connected to the housing (20) and is designed to fix the device to the at least one stand (51a, 51b) of the device holding arrangement (50).

11. Animal feed transport system for transporting animal feed, comprising - at least one device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, preferably several, in particular four, devices (10) according to one of the preceding claims, - a conveyor chain (90), preferably comprising a plurality of interconnected chain links (91, 92), wherein the conveyor chain (90) extends through the at least one device (10), wherein preferably the conveyor chain (90) is arranged at least in sections between the first conveyor chain guide element (31) and the second conveyor chain guide element (32), and in particular between the first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a), the animal feed transport system preferably comprising - at least one feeding trough (61, 62), preferably in the form of a U-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 speed of at most 40 m / min, preferably at most 38 m / min.

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

13. Animal feed transport system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one feeding trough (61, 62) is directly connected, preferably detachably, to the housing (20), wherein preferably the at least one feeding trough (61, 62) is pushable into the housing (20) in a region of the first housing opening (21) and / or the second housing opening (22).

14. Method (200) for deflecting a conveyor chain (90), in particular for transporting animal feed, the method comprising - Providing (210) a device (10) for deflecting a conveyor chain (90), preferably a device (10) according to any one of claims 1-10, 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 mounted rotatably about a, preferably vertical, axis of rotation (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), ∘ wherein the first conveyor chain guide element (31) and the second conveyor chain guide element (32) are arranged distanced from one another in the direction of the axis of rotation (100), ∘ wherein the extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide element (31) in the radially outward direction is many times greater, namely at least four times greater, than the extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide element (32) in the radially outward direction. - Arranging (220) a conveyor chain (90), preferably comprising a plurality of interconnected chain links (91, 92), 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 guide element (31) and the second conveyor chain guide element (32), and in particular between the first conveyor chain guide section (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide section (32a), - and preferably Moving (230) the conveyor chain (90) by means of a drive unit (80) at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min, and of at most 40 m / min, preferably at most 38 m / min. wherein preferably the conveyor chain (90) is only in direct contact with the deflection wheel (30) when the conveyor chain (90) is moved through the device (10) within the device (10) and is not in direct contact with other parts of the device (10).

15. Use of a device (10) according to any one of claims 1-10 and / or an animal feed transport system according to any one of claims 11-13 in a barn for breeding animals, in particular in a poultry barn, for transporting animal feed in the barn.