Cellular wheel sluice for bulk material, and method for automatically clearing a cellular wheel of such a cellular wheel sluice

Abstract

A cellular wheel sluice for bulk material comprises a housing (2) which has an interior (3), a retraction lateral cover (18) which is releasably secured to the housing (2), a cellular wheel (8) which is rotatably arranged in the housing (2) about a longitudinal axis (7) in an operational position and which is held on the retraction lateral cover (18), a retracting device (20) for displacing the cellular wheel (8) between the operational position and a retracted position, wherein the retracting device (20) has a guide unit (21) for displacing the cellular wheel (8) in a guided matter along a retracting direction (41) which is parallel to the longitudinal axis (7), and a retracting drive (34) which is fixed to the housing and is coupled to the retraction lateral cover (18) for a mechanically driven displacement of the retraction lateral cover (18) together with the cellular wheel (8).

Description

[0001] Rotary valve for bulk material and method for the automated exposure of a rotary valve of such a rotary valve

[0002] This patent application claims priority from German patent application DE 10 2022 203 136.9, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

[0003] The invention relates to a rotary valve and a method for the automated exposure of a rotary valve of such a rotary valve.

[0004] A rotary valve with a rotary valve that can be moved between an operating position and a maintenance position is known from DE 102 42 563 B4. Moving the rotary valve between the operating position and the maintenance position is laborious and complex. Access to the rotary valve, particularly the rotary valve and / or the housing, is difficult.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of simplifying the accessibility of a rotary valve, in particular to product-laden components and / or areas of the rotary valve, and in particular of making it fail-safe, in order to simplify cleaning and / or maintenance of the rotary valve.

[0006] This object is achieved according to the invention by a rotary valve having the features specified in claim 1 or 17 and by a method having the features specified in claim 15.

[0007] The core of the invention is that a cellular wheel of a cellular wheel lock can be moved between an operating position and a pull-out position in a driven and guided manner by means of a pull-out device. The pull-out device has a guide unit such that the cellular wheel can be moved in a guided manner along a pull-out direction. The pull-out direction is oriented in particular parallel to a longitudinal axis of the cellular wheel. The pull-out device further has a pull-out drive to enable driven displacement. The pull-out drive is in particular a mechanical drive and in particular a motor drive. The manual effort required to move the cellular wheel between the operating position and the pull-out position is reduced and in particular avoided. The pull-out drive enables automated displacement of the cellular wheel lock.In particular, the rotary valve enables automated movement and / or removal of the rotary valve from the housing.

[0008] The rotary valve according to the invention creates the conditions for partially or fully automated relocation of the rotary valve into the extended position for cleaning and / or maintenance processes. In particular, this allows for compliance with hygiene requirements for the cleaning process, particularly cleaning under cleanroom conditions, particularly without human interaction. Health risks associated with cleaning rotary valves due to harmful, particularly toxic, substances, for example, in pharmaceutical product manufacturing and / or battery production, are reduced.

[0009] The pull-out drive is fixed to the housing. The pull-out drive, in particular its drive housing, is in particular firmly connected to the housing of the rotary valve. The drive housing is in particular immovable relative to the housing of the rotary valve. The pull-out drive has at least one movable element that is arranged displaceably relative to the housing for the driven displacement of the rotary valve. The moving masses are reduced. Such a process is energy-saving and therefore economically and ecologically advantageous.

[0010] A pull-out side cover is detachably attached to the housing. The cell wheel is held on the pull-out side cover. The pull-out drive is mechanically coupled to the pull-out side cover. Moving the pull-out side cover by the pull-out drive directly causes the cell wheel to move. The pull-out side cover and the cell wheel are moved together.

[0011] In the operating position, the cell wheel is arranged in the housing so that it can be driven for rotation about the longitudinal axis. In the operating position, the housing of the cell wheel lock is closed and in particular locked by the at least one pull-out side cover. In the pull-out position, the cell wheel is pulled out of the housing, in particular completely pulled out. In the pull-out position, the housing can be opened, in particular by the at least one side cover being released from the housing, in particular unlocked and in particular removed. In the pull-out position, the cell wheel is exposed and accessible in particular for maintenance and / or cleaning activities. In the pull-out position, the cell wheel can be freely rotatable about the longitudinal axis.

[0012] Both the rotary valve, which is held in the extended position by the side cover, and the housing, especially its interior, are particularly conveniently accessible for maintenance and cleaning activities in the extended position. The rotary valve is used for the conveyance, particularly in a metered manner, of bulk material along a material conveying direction. The material conveyance through the rotary valve is oriented, in particular, from an inlet to an outlet. The inlet opens into the interior of the housing.

[0013] The outlet opens from the interior.

[0014] The rotary valve allows for simplified and, above all, error-proof handling. Operation of the rotary valve is convenient. In particular, the rotary valve can be operated by personnel with little or no prior germination.

[0015] The guide unit, in particular, guarantees positive guidance during the displacement of the rotary valve. Positive guidance means that the displacement is predetermined in a specific direction, meaning that it can only occur along this predetermined direction. In particular, guide elements of the guide unit absorb forces that are oriented transversely and, in particular, perpendicular to the displacement direction, especially vertically, so that the displacement along the displacement direction can occur particularly smoothly. The displacement direction is, in particular, horizontally oriented. The risk of operator injury and / or damage to the rotary valve, particularly as a result of improper operation, is reduced.

[0016] The extension drive facilitates the extension of the rotary valve, especially in large sizes, which can be heavy. The force required to move the rotary valve between the operating position and the extension position is reduced by the use of the guide unit. The at least partially automated rotary valve, especially in large sizes, complies with occupational health and safety regulations. The extension drive is also particularly advantageous when the rotary valve is stuck in and / or to the housing, especially when it is stuck due to an adhesive product.

[0017] A rotary valve according to claim 2 improves accessibility, in particular of the housing. A side cover pivot axis is oriented in particular transversely, in particular vertically, and in particular spaced from the longitudinal axis. The pull-out side cover can be pivoted together with the rotary valve from the pull-out position into a pivoted pull-out position. The pivoted pull-out position is also referred to as a pivot position. A pivot angle about the side cover pivot axis is in particular at least 45°, in particular at least 60°, in particular at least 90°, in particular at least 135°, in particular at least 180°, in particular at least 225°, in particular at least 270°, and in particular less than 360°.

[0018] A side cover swivel drive is used for mechanically swiveling the pull-out side cover and simplifies the swiveling of the rotary valve. Especially with larger rotary valve sizes, the pull-out side cover and the attached rotary valve can weigh up to 50 kg or more. The side cover swivel drive reduces the manual effort required by the operator. The side cover swivel drive is designed, in particular, as a pneumatic, hydraulic, or electric rotary drive, which is arranged coaxially to the side cover swivel axis.

[0019] Alternatively, the pivoting of the pull-out side cover is done manually. In this case, the side cover pivot drive is dispensable. The equipment required is reduced. A rotary valve according to claim 3 enables uncomplicated and direct movement of the rotary valve from the operating position to the pull-out position and further into the pivot position. In particular, the rotary valve is designed to be uncomplicated and inexpensive and, in particular, has only a single pull-out drive, which enables both the movement of the rotary valve out of the housing and the pivoting of the rotary valve about the side cover pivot axis. For this purpose, the pull-out drive is mechanically coupled to the side cover pivot axis, in particular by means of a pivot lever acting eccentrically with respect to the side cover pivot axis.

[0020] A guide unit according to claim 4 enables robust and stable mechanical guidance of the cellular wheel, in particular of the pull-out side cover together with the cellular wheel attached thereto and in particular together with a cellular wheel drive. A linear guide comprises in particular at least one linear guide element, in particular at least two and in particular at least three linear guide elements. The at least one linear guide element is in particular designed as a guide rod which is displaceably guided along a linear guide direction, in particular by means of a guide sleeve and / or by means of a linear ball bearing. The guide rods have in particular a round outer contour in a plane oriented perpendicular to the linear guide direction. The outer contour can alternatively be non-circular, in particular square and in particular rectangular. In this case, the guide rod is designed as a guide rail or guide plate.Alternatively, the linear guide element can comprise a guide rail along which a guide carriage is guided in a linearly displaceable manner. A plurality of linear guide elements are arranged, in particular, in a guide plane. The guide plane is oriented, in particular, parallel or perpendicular to the material conveying direction. In particular, the guide plane is arranged at a distance from the longitudinal axis of the cellular wheel. The guide plane can also be oriented transversely, in particular at an inclination angle between 30° and 60°, in particular at an inclination angle of 45°, relative to the material conveying direction. In particular, the guide plane oriented at the inclination angle can have the longitudinal axis.

[0021] In particular, if more than two linear guide elements are provided, they can also be arranged outside a common plane. For example, three linear guide elements can be arranged on one side of the housing. Two linear guide elements can be arranged in a common vertical plane, and a third linear guide element, which is arranged vertically between the other two linear guide elements, is arranged outside the vertical guide plane, in particular at a greater distance from the housing of the rotary valve.

[0022] If, for example, four linear guide elements are provided, these can be arranged in particular in a plane perpendicular to the linear axis at the corner points of a rectangle, in particular a square, or a trapezoid.

[0023] The linear guide elements can be identical or different in shape and size.

[0024] Alternatively, the guide unit can be designed like a hinge, in particular have a hinge joint and in particular comprise at least two joint elements which are arranged so as to be pivotable relative to one another about a common pivot axis and which are connected to one another. A guide unit of this type is known, for example, from DE 102 42 563 B4, to which express reference is made with regard to its mode of operation and structural design. The guide unit in particular has two joint elements, each of which is pivotally connected to the rotary valve at a first end and pivotally connected to one another at a second end. The guide unit is of a particularly robust and stable design and is particularly suitable for large rotary valves and in particular for rotary valves with a high mass. The guide unit enables precisely guided displacement of the rotary valve along the linear extension direction.The guide unit is designed to save space, particularly along the extension direction. The installation space required along the extension direction is eliminated by axially arranged guide rods or guide rails. It is particularly advantageous if the extension drive can be detached from the extension side cover in this design. The pivoting and movement range for the extension side cover and the attached cellular wheel is increased. Access to the housing and / or cellular wheel is improved.

[0025] If the guide unit is designed as a hinge with two joint elements, it is advantageous if the cellular wheel is conical along its longitudinal axis. The interior of the housing is also designed to be correspondingly conical.

[0026] An extension drive according to claim 5 enables reliable and cost-effective displacement of the cellular wheel. The linear drive design simplifies the mechanical coupling to the guide unit and, in particular, the displacement along the extension direction. A piston-cylinder arrangement, particularly a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder, serves as the linear drive. An electric spindle drive can also serve as the linear drive, comprising a threaded spindle driven by an electric motor with a spindle nut mounted thereon for longitudinal displacement.

[0027] Particularly advantageous is a combination of the extension drive and the guide unit as an integral component according to claim 6. The integral component is designed, in particular, as an electric linear axis or as a so-called linear unit. Such a component is designed to be compact and small.

[0028] At least one fastening element according to claim 7 enables indirect fastening of the pull-out side cover to the housing. The at least one fastening element is, in particular, a screw. It is advantageous if a locking state of the at least one fastening element can be detected automatically. This can be achieved, for example, by an inductive screw receptacle, in which the locking position of a screw, in particular a metric screw, is detected by a sensor element, in particular by an inductive sensor. As a result, a locking or unlocking state for the at least one fastening element can be detected, in particular automatically.

[0029] The at least one fastening element can alternatively be designed as a swing clamp. A swing clamp has, in particular, a clamping element that can be displaced, in particular driven, between a holding position and a release position. In the holding position, the pull-out side cover is held, in particular locked, on the housing. In the release position, the pull-out side cover is released, in particular unlocked. The clamping element has, in particular, a longitudinal section and a transverse section fastened thereto, which is arranged, in particular, eccentrically with respect to a longitudinal direction of the longitudinal section.In order to displace the clamping element between the holding position and the release position, in particular an axial displacement along the longitudinal direction of the longitudinal section and a rotation about the longitudinal direction are provided, wherein the rotational movement takes place in particular in a rotation angle range between 0° and 180° and in particular between 0° and 90° and in particular the rotational movement is superimposed by a longitudinal movement.

[0030] In addition or alternatively to the at least one fastening element, the pull-out side cover can be designed with a twist lock according to claim 8. The twist lock is particularly mechanically operated and enables automated locking of the pull-out side cover. In this design, the pull-out side cover is directly attached to the housing and, in particular, locked. Separate fastening elements are unnecessary. The twist lock is designed, for example, as a bayonet lock, a segment lock, or a clamping ring lock. The twist lock is, in particular, a quick-release fastener, which is used, for example, for pressure vessels.

[0031] In particular, it is possible to automatically release the at least one fastening element and / or the twist lock, in particular to automatically remove the pull-out side cover from the housing. In particular, fully automated exposure of the cell wheel is possible, in particular by automated release of the pull-out side cover and automated extraction of the cell wheel with the pull-out side cover. At least one position detection sensor, in particular a limit switch, can be arranged on the pull-out side cover and / or on the housing. This allows in particular the relative position between the pull-out side cover and the housing, in particular the closed position of the pull-out side cover on the housing, to be reliably detected. This position detection is particularly advantageous for restarting after the cell wheel has been retracted into the housing and simplifies the fully automated operation of the cell wheel lock.

[0032] A rotary valve according to claim 9 simplifies the attachment of the rotary drive to the rotary wheel.

[0033] A rotary valve according to claim 10 enables a compact coupling of the rotary valve drive to the housing. If the rotary valve drive is mounted on a drive side cover arranged opposite the extension side cover, the respective side covers can be designed with optimized functionality. The extension side cover serves to extend and, if necessary, pivot the rotary valve. The drive side cover serves to hold the rotary valve drive. Such a rotary valve is robustly designed.

[0034] Alternatively, it is possible to attach the rotary valve drive to the pull-out side cover, to which the rotary valve is also attached. In this case, the drive side cover, which then does not have a rotary valve drive, can be designed particularly simply and, in particular, can be firmly connected to the housing. With this design, additional and particularly complex pull-out devices for the drive side cover are unnecessary. In particular, it is conceivable to dispense with the drive side cover altogether in this design, i.e., to provide only one side cover to which the rotary valve drive and the rotary valve are mounted.

[0035] A rotary valve according to claim 11 enables improved accessibility to the housing. In particular, a drive pivot axis is oriented parallel to the side cover pivot axis. In particular, a separate pivot drive is provided to enable a driven pivoting movement of the drive side cover. The drive side cover is pivotable relative to the housing. The drive pivot axis can be arranged fixedly to the housing, i.e., on the housing. If the drive side cover is displaceable relative to the housing by means of a second pull-out device, the drive pivot axis is arranged in particular on the drive side cover or connected thereto.

[0036] The second pull-out device functions in particular analogously and in particular identically to the pull-out device and enables an additional pull-out movement for the drive side cover, in particular with the cell wheel drive held thereon.

[0037] The second pull-out device can at least partially utilize components of the pull-out device on the pull-out side cover, in particular the guide unit and / or the pull-out drive. This reduces the number of required components.

[0038] A rotary valve according to claim 12 simplifies the relocation of the rotary valve from the extended position to the operating position. An outer envelope curve defined by the webs of the rotary valve is truncated cone-shaped. The conical rotary valve facilitates retraction into the housing. The retraction has a particularly self-centering effect. A cone angle relative to the longitudinal axis is, in particular, at most 15°, in particular at most 10°, in particular at most 8°, in particular at most 6°, in particular at most 5°, in particular at most 3°, and in particular at most 1°.

[0039] A safety device according to claim 13 reduces the risk of injury to an operator and / or the risk of damage to the rotary valve in the event of improper operation.

[0040] The safety device can comprise an actuating unit for the pull-out drive, wherein the actuating unit is designed such that it can only be operated by an operator using two hands. This eliminates safety risks, particularly with regard to health, for the operator, especially when the cellular wheel is retracted into the housing. Two-hand operation can be achieved in particular via a 5 / 3-way valve with a spring-centered center position, especially if the pull-out drive is designed as a pneumatic drive. In addition, a switching element can be provided that must be actuated, i.e. pressed, during the process. The switching element is a release element and is also referred to as an unlocking switch.

[0041] The safety device may alternatively or additionally comprise a force limiter to prevent injuries and / or damage resulting from unintentional and / or improper actuation of the pull-out drive, particularly in the retraction direction. In particular, the pull-out drive has a sensor element that detects the actuation force or the actuation energy. Upon reaching or exceeding an upper threshold, further actuation of the pull-out drive, particularly further retraction of the cellular wheel, is stopped.

[0042] This can help to avoid crushing and / or injuries.

[0043] Additionally or alternatively, the safety device can define a spatial safety zone, in particular by means of one or more light barriers, which immediately stop the operation of the pull-out device and in particular of the pull-out drive if the safety zone is violated without authorization and / or unintentionally, in particular by triggering a light barrier.

[0044] The safety device may additionally or alternatively comprise a position detection sensor, in particular in the form of a limit switch, in order to detect in particular the closed arrangement of the housing.

[0045] A control unit according to claim 14 simplifies the automated and, in particular, the fully automatic operation of the rotary valve, in particular for opening the rotary valve, for pulling the rotary valve out of the housing, and / or for pivoting the extended rotary valve. For this purpose, the control unit is in signal communication, in particular, with the pull-out drive, with the second pull-out drive, with the pivot drives, with the at least one fastening element, with the rotary closure, and / or with at least one position sensor, in particular a limit switch for detecting the position of the side cover. A method according to claim 15 essentially has the advantages of the rotary valve according to claim 1, to which reference is hereby made. The method enables the partially or fully automated exposure of the rotary valve. The method also enables, in particular, the partially or fully automated retraction of the rotary valve into the housing of the rotary valve.In particular, optional pivoting of the pull-out side cover and / or the drive side cover is enabled. Cleaning and / or maintenance processes can be simplified and, in particular, automated. In particular, the pull-out side cover and / or the drive side cover can be attached to the housing automatically or manually, and, in particular, locked. Commissioning of the rotary valve after a cleaning and / or maintenance process is simplified.

[0046] A method according to claim 16 simplifies the insertion of the cellular wheel into the housing, i.e. the displacement of the cellular wheel into the operating position, in particular during initial commissioning, i.e. during assembly, or during use of the cellular wheel lock, when the cellular wheel is moved from the pivoting position and / or from the extension position back into the operating position.

[0047] It has been found that it is advantageous if the cellular wheel drive rotates within a rotational angle range of at most 45° around the longitudinal axis in order to simplify the mechanical coupling of the cellular wheel to the cellular wheel drive. The rotational angle range is in particular at most 40° and in particular 20° to 30°. This rotation of the cellular wheel is also referred to as re-rotation and can be carried out several times, in particular until a desired rotational angle position of the cellular wheel is reached in which the cellular wheel can be mechanically coupled to the cellular wheel drive. A cellular wheel lock according to claim 17 enables advantageous displacement of the pull-out side cover with the cellular wheel attached thereto by advantageously pushing the pull-out side cover away from the housing. The pull-out drive, in particular its drive housing, is arranged so as to be displaceable relative to the housing.The pull-out drive, in particular its drive housing, is firmly attached to the pull-out side cover and connected thereto. The drive housing is arranged immovably relative to the pull-out side cover. The pull-out drive itself is designed, in particular, identically to the pull-out drive according to claim 1.

[0048] The guide unit is advantageously designed as a linear guide, in particular according to claim 4.

[0049] In particular, all advantageous embodiments of subclaims 2 to 14 are also possible as advantageous embodiments of the rotary valve according to claim 17.

[0050] Both the features specified in the patent claims and the features specified in the following exemplary embodiments of the device according to the invention are suitable, either individually or in combination with one another, for further developing the subject matter of the invention. The respective combinations of features do not represent any limitation with regard to further developments of the subject matter of the invention, but are essentially merely exemplary in nature. Further features, advantages, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the drawings. They show:

[0051] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a rotary valve according to a first embodiment with a linear guide, wherein a rotary valve is in an operating position,

[0052] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the rotary valve according to Fig. 1,

[0053] Fig. 3 is a side view of the rotary valve according to Fig. 1,

[0054] Fig. 4 is a view of the rotary valve corresponding to Fig. 2 with the rotary valve in an extended position,

[0055] Fig. 5 is a side view of the rotary valve in the extended position, corresponding to Fig. 3,

[0056] Fig. 6 is a plan view corresponding to Fig. 4 in a pivoting position of the cellular wheel,

[0057] Fig. 7 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1 of a rotary valve according to a second embodiment with a linear guide,

[0058] Fig. 8, 9 Fig. 2, 3 corresponding views of the rotary valve according to Fig. 7 in an operating position, Fig. 10, 11 Fig. 8, 9 corresponding views of the rotary valve according to Fig. 7 in an extended position,

[0059] Fig. 12 a view corresponding to Fig. 10 of the rotary valve in a swivel position,

[0060] Fig. 13 is a perspective view of a rotary valve according to a third embodiment with a linear guide and two fastening elements for the pull-out side cover,

[0061] Fig. 14 a front view of the rotary valve according to Fig. 13,

[0062] Fig. 15 a side view of the rotary valve according to Fig. 13,

[0063] Fig. 16 is a plan view corresponding to Fig. 2 of a rotary valve according to a fourth embodiment,

[0064] Fig. 17 a plan view of the rotary valve in the pull-out position corresponding to Fig. 16,

[0065] Fig. 18 is a plan view of the rotary valve in the swivel position, corresponding to Fig. 16,

[0066] Fig. 19 is a highly schematic view, corresponding to Fig. 10, of a rotary valve according to a fifth embodiment, in which the pull-out drive is fixedly arranged on the pull-out side cover. A rotary valve, designated as a whole by 1 in Figs. 1 to 6, has a housing 2 with an interior 3, into which an inlet designed as an inlet shaft 4 opens, and from which an outlet designed as an outlet shaft 5 opens. The inlet shaft 4 and the outlet shaft 5 can be connected to other components conveying the bulk material via flange connections. The bulk material flows through the rotary valve 1 from the inlet shaft 4 through the interior 3 to the outlet shaft 5 along a material flow direction 6.

[0067] The interior space 3 of the housing 2 is essentially cylindrical with a longitudinal axis 7 running perpendicular to the material conveying direction 6 as the axis of symmetry. Arranged in the interior space 3 is a cellular wheel 8 with a shaft 9 extending along the longitudinal axis 7 and webs 10 projecting radially therefrom. In an operating position of the cellular wheel 8, as shown in Figs. 1 to 3, the wheel can be driven about the shaft 9 by means of a cellular wheel drive 11. For this purpose, a coupling pin 12 extending the shaft 9, which is visible in Fig. 4, engages in a complementary receptacle of a drive connection of the cell drive 11 (not shown in detail). The coupling pin 12 and the receptacle 13 are arranged concentrically with respect to the longitudinal axis 7 and are mechanically coupled to one another in a rotationally fixed manner with respect to the longitudinal axis 7. The coupling pin 12 has, in particular, a non-circular outer contour in a plane oriented perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7.The drive device is driven by a drive motor 14 via a reduction gear 15 and a power transmission element (not shown), in particular a chain drive, a belt drive, and / or an intermediate shaft. The coupling pin 12 is guided through a side cover 16 of the housing 2. The side cover 16 is also referred to as the drive side cover 16, since the cellular wheel drive 11 is arranged thereon and, in particular, held thereon. The side cover 16 is releasably attached to the housing 2, in particular by means of several fastening elements (not shown in detail), in particular several screw connections.

[0068] The free shaft end of shaft 9 opposite the coupling pin 12 is mounted in a bearing 17 so that it can rotate but cannot move axially. The bearing 17 is supported by a side cover 18 that closes the housing 2. The side cover is also referred to as a pull-out side cover 18. The free shaft end projecting axially from the bearing 17 is covered by a cover cap 19 placed on the bearing 17. The pull-out side cover 18, in particular like the drive side cover 16, is releasably fastened to the housing 2 with at least one fastening element (not shown). Alternatively, a twist lock, in particular an integrated one, can be used to fasten the pull-out side cover 18.

[0069] According to an embodiment not shown, the cellular wheel 8 can be attached to the drive side cover 16. The detachable coupling with coupling pin 12 and receptacle 13 is then dispensable. Such a design is mechanically simpler.

[0070] The cellular wheel 8 is movably arranged in the housing 2 via the pull-out side cover 18 and a pull-out device 20 such that it can be continuously displaced between the operating position and a pull-out position shown in Figs. 4 and 5. The pull-out device 20 comprises a guide unit 21, which is designed as a hinge according to the exemplary embodiment shown. The guide unit 21 has a first connecting member 22, which is mounted on the pull-out side cover 18 by means of connecting elements (not shown), in particular fastening screws. The first connecting member 22 can also be welded to the pull-out side cover 18. A first connecting plate 25 is pivotally connected to the first connecting member 22 via a first joint 23 with a first joint axis 24. A second connecting plate 28 is pivotally connected to the first connecting plate 25 via a second joint 26 with a second joint axis 27.The connecting plates 25, 28 are joint elements of the guide unit 21. Via a third joint 29 with a third joint axis.

[0071] 30, the second connecting plate 28 is attached to a second connecting link

[0072] 31 is pivotally connected. The second connecting link 32 is fixedly mounted on the housing 2.

[0073] The three joint axes 24, 27, 30 run parallel to each other and are oriented in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7, to which they run skew.

[0074] The guide unit 21 is a vertical guide defined by the three joint axes 24, 27, 30 and supported by the joints 23, 26, 29. Horizontal guidance is not provided by the guide unit 21, but rather by the webs of the cellular wheel 8 in the housing opening. For this purpose, it can be advantageous if the cellular wheel has a conical contour. In addition, guidance can be provided by means of a drive, which will be explained in more detail below. The joints 23, 26, 29 can each be designed as a bolt connection, wherein a round bolt extending along the joint axis 24, 27, 30 can be used. The connecting plates 25, 28 are each arranged on tab-like elements 32 of the connecting links 22, 31 and held by means of the bolt.

[0075] The two connecting plates 25, 28 are connected to one another in particular by a connecting frame 33 being fastened to the second connecting plate 28. The connecting frame 33 is essentially C-shaped or clamp-like and encompasses the first connecting plate 25 in the axial direction with respect to the second joint axis 27. The connecting frame 33 is arranged on the second connecting plate 28 in particular such that the second joint axis 27 is arranged outside a plate plane defined by the second connecting plate 28.

[0076] The connecting frame 33 is, in particular, fixedly and, in particular, non-articulatedly attached to the second connecting plate 28. According to the illustrated embodiment, the connecting frame 33 and the second connecting plate 28 form a 90° angle, which remains constant even when the cellular wheel 8 is displaced from the housing.

[0077] In the operating position, the connecting plates 25, 28 are oriented parallel to each other and in particular perpendicular to the longitudinal axis 7. In particular, the joint axes 24, 27 are arranged at a distance from each other in a plate plane defined by the first connecting plate 25.

[0078] It is understood that the connecting frame 33 could also be fastened to the first connecting plate 25, so that in particular the second joint axis 27 could be arranged in a plate plane defined by the second connecting plate 28.

[0079] The pull-out device 20 has a pull-out drive 34, which, according to the embodiment shown, is designed as a linear drive in the form of a pneumatic cylinder. The pull-out drive 34 comprises a drive housing 35 that is fixedly connected to the housing 2. The pull-out drive 34 is arranged on the rotary valve 1 so that it is fixed to the housing. A piston rod 36 is arranged in the drive housing 35 so that it can be displaced along a longitudinal drive axis 37. The piston rod 36 of the pull-out drive 34 is fastened to the first connecting member 22 by a free end 38 protruding from the drive housing 35. The piston rod 36 can, as shown in Fig. 1, be fastened directly to the first connecting member 22. The first connecting member 22 is designed, in particular, to be plate-like and, in particular, to be rigid.

[0080] Alternatively, it is possible for the piston rod 36 to be connected in an articulated manner to the first connecting member 22, in particular by means of a tab-like element 32 or by means of an articulated ball head arrangement.

[0081] The pull-out drive 34 is in particular fastened to the housing 2 in such a way that the drive longitudinal axis 37 intersects the first joint axis 24 and the third joint axis 30 and / or the drive longitudinal axis 37 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 7.

[0082] The pull-out side cover 18 is pivotally mounted about the first hinge axis 24 in the pull-out position. For this purpose, a pivot drive 39 (not shown in detail) can be provided on the rotary valve 1. The pivot drive 39 is particularly integrated into the first hinge 23 and enables a rotational movement about the first hinge axis 24.

[0083] It is advantageous that the pull-out drive 34, in particular the piston rod 36, is detachably connected to the first connecting member 22. For a pivotability, in particular free pivotability, of the pull-out side cover 18, the piston rod 36 can be detached from the first connecting member 22, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0084] The rotary valve 1 has a control unit 40, which is shown purely schematically in Fig. 6. The control unit 40 is connected via signal lines 53 to both the rotary valve drive 11 and the extraction drive 34. The control unit 40 can be used to automatically and, in particular, fully automatically expose the rotary valve 8.

[0085] A method for exposing the cell wheel 8 of the cell wheel lock 1 is explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 1 to 6.

[0086] Starting with the arrangement of the rotary valve 8 in the housing 2 of the rotary valve 1 in the operating position according to Figs. 1 to 3, the first step involves removing the pull-out side cover 18 from the housing 2. To do this, the fastening elements and / or the twist lock are loosened. Advantageously, the pull-out side cover 18 is removed automatically, in particular controlled by the control unit 40. The pull-out side cover 18 is then unlocked from the housing 2.

[0087] By actuating the extension drive 34, the piston rod 36 is moved out of the drive housing 35, thus displacing the first joint axis 24 away from the third joint axis 30 along the drive longitudinal axis 37. Since the extension drive 34, with the piston rod 36, engages the first connecting link 22, which is fixedly arranged on the extension side cover 18, the extension side cover 18, with the cellular wheel 8 held thereon, is displaced away from the housing 2. The displacement occurs along an extension direction 41, which is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 7. It is advantageous that the extension drive 34 is attached to the housing 2 in such a way that the drive longitudinal axis 37 is oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis 7. Actuating the extension drive 34 directly causes the cellular wheel 8 to be displaced along the extension direction 41.

[0088] In the extended position according to Figs. 4 and 5, the cellular wheel 8 is arranged completely outside the housing 2 in the axial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 7. In particular, an end face 42 of the cellular wheel 8 opposite the extension side cover 18 is arranged outside the interior space 3 in the extended position. It is conceivable that in the extended position, the coupling pin 12 is arranged at least partially within the interior space 3, as shown in Fig. 4.

[0089] In the extended position, the extension drive 34, in particular the piston rod 36, is released from the first connecting member 22. For this purpose, the piston rod 36 is coupled to the first connecting member 22, for example, by means of a bolt or locking connection. The mechanical release of the piston rod 16 from the first connecting member 22 can be performed manually and / or mechanically.

[0090] If the piston rod 36 is pivotally coupled to the first connecting link 22, the components can remain connected to one another when the pull-out side cover 18 is pivoted. The cell wheel 8 is in a pivoted position. The cell wheel 8 and the pull-out side cover 18 can be pivoted relative to the pull-out device 20 and in particular relative to the housing 2. In the plan view according to Fig. 6, the cell wheel 8 is pivoted counterclockwise about the first hinge axis 24 away from the housing 2. The first hinge axis 24 is also referred to as the side cover hinge axis 24. This improves the accessibility of the housing 2 and the interior 3 on the one hand and the accessibility of the cell wheel 8 on the other. Cleaning and / or maintenance work on the cell wheel 8 and / or on the housing 2 is thereby facilitated.

[0091] The swivel movement can be mechanically driven by the swivel drive 39. The swivel drive 39 is also referred to as the side cover swivel drive 39.

[0092] Repositioning the cellular wheel 8 into the housing 2 is performed in the reverse order. The cellular wheel 8 is inserted into the housing 2 along an insertion direction that is oriented opposite to the extension direction 41. To allow the coupling pin 12 to be axially inserted into the drive connection 13, the cellular wheel drive 11 can be rotated around the longitudinal axis 7, in particular several times and in particular until a required rotational angle position is reached, in a rotational angle range of, for example, 20° to 30°.

[0093] The control unit 40 enables partially or fully automated operation for extending and / or pivoting the cellular wheel. It is particularly conceivable that the cellular wheel drive 11, with the drive side cover 16, is also arranged on the housing 2 so that it can be pivoted and / or extended. For this purpose, a corresponding extension device can be provided, which can be designed in particular analogously and in particular identically to the extension device 20. It is also conceivable that the guide unit 21 and / or the extension drive 34, or components thereof, are used equally for both side covers 16, 18.

[0094] A second embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 7 to 12. Structurally identical parts are given the same reference numerals as in the first embodiment, to the description of which reference is hereby made. Structurally different but functionally similar parts are given the same reference numerals with a suffix "a."

[0095] A difference of the rotary valve 1a is that the guide unit 21a is designed as a linear guide and has two guide rods 43, each of which is guided in two aligned bearing positions 44 and can be displaced along the extension direction 41. More than two guide rods 43 may also be present.

[0096] The bearing points 44 are arranged in pairs for the various guide rods 43 in a guide yoke 45. Fewer than two or more than two bearing points can be formed on a guide yoke. A bushing, a plain bearing, or a linear ball bearing can be arranged in the bearing points 44. The two guide yokes 45 are fastened to the housing 2 at a distance from one another along the extension direction 41. The guide rods 43 are arranged at a distance from one another along the material conveying direction 6. According to the exemplary embodiment shown, the guide rods 43 are arranged at a distance from one another in the vertical direction and are fastened to an outer side of the housing 2.

[0097] The guide rods 43 are each attached by a free end to a crossbar 46. The extension drive 34, in particular the free end 38 of the piston rod 36, is also attached to the crossbar 46. Actuation of the extension drive 34 causes an axial displacement of the crossbar 46, wherein this displacement is guided along the extension direction 41 by means of the guide rods 43 in the bearing points 44.

[0098] The first connecting link 22a is pivotally connected to the crossbar 46 about the first joint axis 24. The pivot drive 39a is arranged on the first joint 23, in particular concentrically to the first joint axis 24. The pivot drive 39a is arranged above or below the tab-like element of the connecting link 22a. The pivot drive 39a comprises a rotary drive 45, which is actuated in particular pneumatically. Alternatively, the rotary drive can also be driven electrically or hydraulically. The rotary drive 54 has a rotatable drive axis (not shown) that runs concentrically to the first joint axis 24. The drive axis has a non-circular outer contour and engages in a corresponding opening of a rotary element 55. The rotary drive 54 and the rotary element 55, which mechanically interacts with it, form the pivot drive 39a. The pivot drive 39a is fastened to the crossbar 46 by means of a drive bracket 56.With the drive bracket 56, the swivel drive 39a is arranged in a defined manner both axially and radially with respect to the first joint axis 24.

[0099] The operation of the extraction device 20a of the cellular wheel 1a is essentially identical to the extraction device of the previous embodiment. The guided displacement of the cellular wheel 8 is achieved by means of the linear guide 21a through the guide rods 43.

[0100] For the pivoting of the cellular wheel 8 relative to the pull-out device 20a and in particular relative to the housing 2, it is unnecessary to detach the pull-out drive 34 from the crossbar 46. This simplifies the pivoting and, in particular, makes it more fail-safe. Additional intermediate steps for pivoting are unnecessary.

[0101] When the cellular wheel 8 is displaced relative to the housing 2, the longitudinal axis 7 is oriented parallel to the extension direction 41. The cellular wheel 8 is in a non-pivoted arrangement. This non-pivoted arrangement can be stabilized by means of at least one stabilizing element, in particular to prevent unintentional pivoting, particularly due to gravity, as a result of an inclined arrangement of the cellular wheel 8. Such a stabilizing element comprises, in particular, at least one magnetic stop, which holds the extension side cover 18a with the cellular wheel 8 attached thereto in the non-pivoted arrangement relative to the extension device 20a. The at least one magnetic stop comprises a first magnetic element, which is arranged in the region of the extension side cover 18a, and a second magnetic element, which corresponds to the first magnetic element and which is arranged, in particular, in the region of the extension device 20a.The transfer of the cell wheel 8 with the pull-out side cover 18a from a pivoted arrangement back to the non-pivoted arrangement simplifies the retraction of the cell wheel 8 into the housing 2.

[0102] A third embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 13 to 15. Structurally identical parts are given the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, to whose description reference is hereby made. Structurally different but functionally similar parts are given the same reference numerals with a suffix "b."

[0103] The rotary valve 1b has a guide unit 21b, which is designed as a linear guide according to the previously described embodiment.

[0104] The locking of the pull-out side cover 18b is achieved by at least one fastening element 47, and in particular by two fastening elements 47, which are fastened to the housing 2. More than two fastening elements 47 can also be arranged on the housing 2. The fastening elements 47 are each designed as swing clamps and have a fastening element housing 48 and a clamping element 49 that is displaceable relative to the fastening element housing 48. The clamping element 49 is axially displaceable along a fastening element longitudinal axis 50 and rotatable about the fastening element longitudinal axis 50. A fastening element drive (not shown in detail), in particular a pneumatic drive, is used for the displacement and / or rotation of the clamping element 49. The fastening element drive is in particular in signal communication with the control unit 40.

[0105] The fastening elements 47 are arranged on the housing 2 such that the fastening element longitudinal axis 50 is oriented, in particular, parallel to the longitudinal axis 7 and, in particular, does not intersect the pull-out side cover 18b. The fastening element longitudinal axes 50 extend in the radial direction relative to the longitudinal axis 7, spaced from the pull-out side cover 18b.

[0106] The clamping elements 49 are each essentially L-shaped and have an axial section 51 and a transverse section 52 firmly connected thereto. The longitudinal sections 51 are each arranged with a first end within the fastening element housing 48 and extend out of the latter. The longitudinal sections 51 each extend along the fastening element longitudinal axis 50. At a free end of the longitudinal sections 51, a transverse section 52 is arranged which extends transversely and in particular perpendicularly to the fastening element longitudinal axis 50. The extent of the transverse section 52 is in particular greater than the radial distance of the respective fastening element longitudinal axis 50 from the pull-out side cover 18b. With a suitable rotational position of the clamping element 49, the transverse section 52 is arranged in the region of the pull-out side cover 18b, as shown in Fig. 13. In the arrangement of the clamping elements 49 according to Fig.13, the pull-out side cover 18b is arranged reliably and sealingly on the housing 2. The pull-out side cover 18b is locked to the housing 2 by the fastening elements 47. It is possible to automatically unlock the fastening elements 47 using the control unit 40, in particular by lifting the clamping elements 49 from the outer surface of the pull-out side cover 18b along the longitudinal axis 7 and rotating them away from the pull-out side cover 18b with a rotation about the fastening element's longitudinal axis 50. In this arrangement, the pull-out side cover 18b can be displaced away from the housing 2 by means of the pull-out device 20b, thus allowing the cellular wheel 8 to be pulled out.

[0107] If, in addition to or as an alternative to the fastening elements 47, a segment closure or a rotary closure, in particular a bayonet closure and / or a screw closure, and / or mechanical closures such as in particular a toggle lever closure, are provided, these can also be automatically unlocked and / or locked by means of the control unit 40.

[0108] The fastening elements 47 and / or the various designs of the rotary lock can also be arranged on the drive side cover 16 in addition to or alternatively to the pull-out side cover 18b.

[0109] A fourth embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Figs. 16 to 18. Structurally identical parts are given the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, to whose description reference is hereby made. Structurally different but functionally similar parts have the same reference numerals with a suffix "c."

[0110] A difference in this rotary valve 1c is that the pull-out drive 34c for pivoting the pull-out side cover 18c is mechanically coupled to the side cover pivot axis 24. For this purpose, a pivot lever 57 is non-rotatably connected to the first joint 23 and eccentrically pivoted with respect to the side cover pivot axis 24 at a first end. At its second end, opposite the side cover pivot axis 24, the pivot lever 57 is pivotally coupled to the pull-out drive 34c about a fourth pivot axis 58. In particular, the piston rod 36 is coupled to the pivot lever 57.

[0111] At its opposite end, the pull-out drive 34c is pivotally connected to the housing 2 or the guide yoke 45c about a fifth joint axis 59.

[0112] The guide yoke 45c is part of the guide unit 21c. The guide unit 21c has at least one and in particular a plurality of guide rods 43c, each of which has a stop element 60 at its end opposite the first joint axis 24. The stop element 60 is designed as a shoulder and has an extension radially to the longitudinal axis of the guide rod 43c that is greater than the outer diameter of the guide rod 43c. This mechanically prevents the guide rod 43c from being displaced beyond the stop element 60 in the extension direction 41. The shoulder is in particular formed or welded in one piece onto the guide rod 43c or fastened by means of a screw or bolt connection.

[0113] In addition or alternatively to the stop element 60, the axial displacement of the guide rods 43c relative to the housing 2 can be achieved by means of a fixing element 61. The fixing element 61 is particularly integrated into the guide yoke 45c, particularly in the area where the guide rod 43c passes through. The fixing element enables the guide rod 43c to be fixed in the guide yoke 45c, particularly by force-locking, for example, clamping or magnetic, or by form-locking, for example, by a transversely extending locking pin or a spring-loaded piece. The fixing element 61 enables reliable axial locking of the guide rod 43c.

[0114] It is essential that the longitudinal drive axis 37, which represents the line of action of the pull-out force exerted by the pull-out drive 34c, does not intersect the side cover pivot axis 24. By means of the eccentric pivot lever 57, the pull-out drive 34c, which is designed as a linear drive, can apply a torque to the side cover pivot axis 24 in order to pivot the cellular wheel 8.

[0115] Particularly for retracting the cellular wheel 8 into the housing 2, it is advantageous to have mechanical elements that, as a result of the retraction movement of the extension drive 34c, cause an automated pivoting movement of the extension side cover 18c with the cellular wheel 8 attached thereto, in particular back into the non-pivoted position. These elements are mounted in particular on the guide unit 21c, in particular the guide rods 41c, and / or on other moving parts.

[0116] A particularly advantageous feature of this embodiment is that a mechanically driven displacement is possible both for extending the cellular wheel 8 and for pivoting the cellular wheel 8 with just a single drive, in particular a linear drive 34c. The number of required drive components is reduced. Such a drive is straightforward and requires a reduced investment. A method for exposing the cellular wheel 8 is explained in more detail below with reference to Figs. 16 to 18.

[0117] Starting from the operating position in Fig. 16, the cellular wheel 8 is extended with the extension side cover 18 by actuating the extension drive 34c. The piston rod 36 is extended from the drive housing 35, exerting an extension force on the extension side cover 18. The force exerted by the extension drive 34c is transmitted to the extension side cover 18 and the cellular wheel 8 via the pivot lever 57 and the first joint 23.

[0118] As long as the cellular wheel 8 is arranged at least partially within the housing 2, the cellular wheel 8 is positively guided. Pivoting of the cellular wheel 8 about the side cover pivot axis 24 is reliably and inexpensively prevented.

[0119] The actuation in the extension direction 41 continues until the guide rods 43c with the stop element 60 rest against the guide yoke 45c and / or the guide rods 43c are axially locked in the guide yoke 45c by the fixing element 61. Further axial displacement of the extension side cover 18c with the cellular wheel 8 is thereby blocked. This extension position is shown in Fig. 17.

[0120] If, starting from the extension position in Fig. 17, the extension drive 34c is actuated further, i.e. pivoted relative to the side cover pivot axis 24. According to Fig. 18, this pivoting movement occurs counterclockwise about the side cover pivot axis 24. The connecting member 22, which is fastened to the extension side cover 18c, is also pivoted with the pivot lever 57. A maximum pivot position can be predetermined, for example, by a maximum extension length of the extension drive 34c. Additionally or alternatively, a stop element (not shown) can be fastened to the pivot lever 57, which stop element, for example, strikes the guide rod 43c.

[0121] The insertion of the cell wheel 8 into the housing 2 is generally carried out in the reverse order.

[0122] When moving the rotary valve 1c from the pivoting position in Fig. 18 to the extension position in Fig. 17, it may be advantageous if the pivoting lever 57 has a further stop element 60 in order to ensure the concentric position of the rotary valve 8 with respect to the longitudinal axis 7 in the housing 2.

[0123] A fifth embodiment of the invention is described below with reference to Fig. 19. Structurally identical parts are given the same reference numerals as in the previous embodiments, to whose description reference is hereby made. Structurally different but functionally similar parts are given the same reference numerals with a suffix "d."

[0124] In contrast to the previous embodiments, in the rotary valve Id, the extension drive 34d is held by the drive housing 35 on the first connecting member 22d, i.e., is attached thereto. The piston rod 36 is axially supported on the housing 2 and / or on the guide unit 2 Id, in particular on a guide yoke 45d. According to the embodiment shown, the guide rods 43 have a stop element 60 at their ends, which can be omitted if the length of the guide rods 43 is sufficiently large, so that the linear guidance is reliably ensured even at the maximum stroke movement of the extension drive 34d.

[0125] For illustration purposes, the inlet shaft, the outlet shaft and the drive side cover with the cell wheel drive attached to it are not shown on the housing 2 in Fig. 19.

[0126] As in the previous embodiments, the pull-out side cover 18 can be designed to pivot about a pivot axis. Reference is made to the previous embodiments in this regard. The pull-out drive 34d is, in particular, a piston-cylinder unit, particularly in the form of a pneumatic cylinder or a hydraulic cylinder. The guide unit 21d is a linear guide.

Claims

Patent claims 1. Rotary valve for bulk material comprising a. a housing (2) having an interior (3), b. a pull-out side cover (18; 18b; 18c) detachably attached to the housing (2), c. a rotary valve (8) arranged in an operating position in the housing (2) so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis (7) and held on the pull-out side cover (18; 18b; 18c), d. a pull-out device (20; 20a; 20b) for moving the rotary valve (8) between the operating position and a pull-out position, wherein the pull-out device (20; 20a; 20b) comprises i. a guide element (21; 21a; 21b) for guided movement of the rotary valve (8) along a pull-out direction (41) parallel to the longitudinal axis (7), ii. a housing-fixed extension drive (34) coupled to the extension side cover (18; 18b; 18c) for mechanically driven displacement of the extension side cover (18; 18b; 18c) with the cell wheel (8).

2. Rotary valve according to claim 1, characterized in that the extension side cover (18; 18b; 18c) is pivotably arranged in the extension position about a side cover pivot axis (24), wherein in particular a side cover pivot drive (39) is provided for mechanically pivoting the extension side cover (18; 18b).

3. Rotary valve according to claim 2, characterized in that the extension drive (34c) is for pivoting the extension side cover. (18c) is mechanically coupled to the side cover pivot axis (24). Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide unit is designed as a linear guide (21a; 21b). Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension drive (34) is designed as a linear drive. Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension drive (34) and the guide unit (21; 21a; 21b) are designed as an integral component. Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the extension side cover (18; 18b) is detachably fastened to the housing (2) by at least one fastening element (47), wherein the at least one fastening element (47) can be released manually and / or automatically.Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the pull-out side cover (18) can be automatically locked to the housing (2) by means of a rotary lock. Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a rotary drive (11) for mechanically rotating the rotary valve (8), which is attached to the housing (2).

10. Rotary valve according to claim 9, characterized in that the rotary drive (11) is attached to the extension side cover (18; 18b; 18c) or to an opposite drive side cover (16), wherein the drive side cover (16) is detachably attached to the housing (2).

11. Rotary valve according to claim 10, characterized in that the drive side cover (16) is arranged pivotably about a drive pivot axis with respect to the housing (2) and / or a second extension device is provided, which has a second guide unit for guided displacement of the drive side cover (16) along an extension direction parallel to the longitudinal axis (7) and / or a second extension drive fixed to the housing and coupled to the drive side cover (16) for driven displacement of the drive side cover (16).

12. Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the rotary valve (8) is conical with respect to the longitudinal axis (7).

13. Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a safety device for operating the rotary valve (1; 1a; 1b; 1c) in a safe operation.

14. Rotary valve according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a control unit (40) for semi-automated, in particular fully automated, exposure of the rotary valve (8) from the rotary valve (1; 1a; 1b; 1c).

15. Method for the automated exposure of a rotary valve (8) of a rotary valve (1; 1a; 1b; 1e) comprising the method steps Providing a rotary valve (1; 1a; 1b; 1c) according to one of the preceding claims, Releasing the extension side cover (18; 18b; 18c) from the housing (2), mechanically driven relocation of the cell wheel (8) from the housing (2) from an operating position to an extension position by means of the extension device (20; 20a; 20b).

16. Method according to claim 15, characterized in that the cell wheel is rotated by an angle of rotation of at most 45°, in particular several times, before reaching the operating position with respect to the longitudinal axis (7).

17. Rotary valve for bulk material comprising a. a housing (2) having an interior (3), b. a pull-out side cover (18) detachably attached to the housing (2), c. a rotary valve (8) arranged in an operating position in the housing (2) so as to be rotatable about a longitudinal axis (7) and held on the pull-out side cover (18), d. a pull-out device (20) for moving the rotary valve (8) between the operating position and a pull-out position, wherein the pull-out device (20) comprises i. a guide unit (2 Id) designed as a linear guide for guided movement of the rotary valve (8) along a pull-out direction (41) parallel to the longitudinal axis (7), ii. a pull-out drive (34d) fixedly arranged on the pull-out side cover (18) and coupled to the housing (2) for mechanically driven displacement of the pull-out side cover (18) with the cell wheel (8).

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