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

Abstract

To provide a device for diverting a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed and an animal feed transport system for transporting animal feed.SOLUTION: A device 10 for redirecting a conveyor chain 90 includes: a housing 20 having a first housing opening and a second housing opening; and a diverting wheel 30 disposed within the housing 20 between the first housing opening and the second housing opening, the diverting wheel 30 being supported for rotation about a vertical rotation axis 100. The diverting wheel 30 includes: a first conveyor chain guide member 31; and a second conveyor chain guide member 32 extending radially outward from an outer periphery 35, the first conveyor chain guide member 31 having a first conveyor chain guide portion 31a and the second conveyor chain guide member 32 having a second conveyor chain guide portion 32a.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for redirecting a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed. The present invention further relates to an animal feed conveying system for transporting animal feed and in particular to a method for redirecting a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed. The present invention further relates to the use of such a device and / or animal feed conveying system. [Background technology]

[0002] In the field of animal husbandry, it is known to use automatic feed transport systems which can automatically transport animal feed along the animals so that the animals can access the animal feed. In the field of keeping and caring for farm animals, for example in the field of poultry farming, so-called automatic chain feeding is typically used.

[0003] In automatic chain feeding, a conveyor chain is typically used which is driven by a drive unit. A conveyor chain comprising a number of interconnected chain links is known, for example, from US Pat. No. 2,672,059. The conveyor chain typically passes through a feed container which contains the animal feed and removes the animal feed from the feed container as the conveyor chain moves through the feed container. The animal feed is then moved by the conveyor chain along a feeding trough through the rearing area, i.e. in particular the livestock pen, where the animals to be fed are located. The animals can then remove the animal feed from the feeding trough. In so doing, the conveyor chain, which is usually endless, moves in a circular manner on a closed track which is usually substantially rectangular in shape. For this purpose, the conveyor chain is usually redirected in several positions.

[0004] The redirection of the conveyor chain is then effected by devices for redirecting conveyor chains, which may also be called feed corners. In a typical arrangement, the conveyor chain is redirected by 90° each by four such devices, i.e. at four different positions. Such devices for redirecting conveyor chains are known, for example, from US Pat. No. 3,147,853, US Pat. No. 3,444,986 and US Pat. No. 4,327,828.

[0005] A problem that occurs in known devices for redirecting a conveyor chain is that, due to the relative movement between the conveyor chain and the base plate of the device and due to the forces acting between the conveyor chain and the base plate, the base plate and / or the conveyor chain wear out in a relatively short time. It can then happen that after a certain period of operation the conveyor chain bites into the base plate of the housing of the device. Due to the wear that occurs in the base plate and / or the conveyor chain, the service life of the device and the conveyor chain is relatively short, so that the housing and possibly also the conveyor chain have to be repaired or at least partially replaced periodically. In particular, worn parts typically have to be replaced after a while. The higher the transport speed of the conveyor chain, the faster such undesirable wear occurs.

[0006] Another problem occurring in known devices for redirecting a conveyor chain is that the conveyor chain is moved along a guide rail attached to the housing, which also experiences relatively high wear on the guide rail provided in the housing, due to the relative movement and the forces acting between the conveyor chain and the guide rail, resulting in wear on the guide rail and / or the conveyor chain.

[0007] In the past, in order to extend the service life of devices for redirecting conveyor chains, particularly wear-resistant materials were used, which could reduce wear somewhat, but also increased the material costs of the devices. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The present invention is therefore based on the task of providing an improved solution which addresses the above-mentioned problems, in particular the task of providing a solution which increases the service life of devices for redirecting conveyor chains. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to a first aspect, the problem is solved by an apparatus according to claim 1. Thereby, an apparatus for redirecting, in particular for redirecting by 90° or 135°, a conveyor chain for transporting animal feed is provided, the apparatus comprising a housing with a first housing opening and a second housing opening and a diverting wheel for guiding and redirecting the conveyor chain from the first housing opening of the housing to the second housing opening of the housing, the diverting wheel being arranged in the housing between the first housing opening and the second housing opening, the diverting wheel being supported for rotation around a preferably vertical axis of rotation.

[0010] In accordance with the present invention, it is contemplated that the diverting wheel has a first conveyor chain guide member extending radially outward from the outer periphery of the diverting wheel, the first conveyor chain guide member having a first conveyor chain guide portion, and the diverting wheel has a second conveyor chain guide member extending radially outward from the outer periphery of the diverting wheel, the second conveyor chain guide member having a second conveyor chain guide portion.

[0011] It is therefore contemplated that the diverting wheel has two conveyor chain guide members extending radially outward, each having one conveyor chain guide portion, whereby the conveyor chain can be accommodated between these conveyor chain guide portions, thereby making it possible to guide the conveyor chain within the device solely by the conveyor chain guide members.

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

[0013] The first housing opening is preferably formed by a first housing opening. The first housing opening is preferably designed to guide the conveyor chain through the first housing opening. The second housing opening is preferably formed by a second housing opening. The second housing opening is preferably designed to guide the conveyor chain through the second housing opening.

[0014] The diverting wheel, also called chain wheel, is preferably designed to guide and diverter the conveyor chain from a first housing opening of the housing to a second housing opening of the housing. The diverting wheel is preferably connected to the housing, in particular detachably, and is supported therein so as to be rotatable about an axis of rotation. The diverting wheel is designed to be rotationally symmetrical about the axis of rotation.

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

[0016] The first and second conveyor chain guide members extend radially outwardly from an outer periphery of the diverting wheel. The outer periphery of the diverting wheel is understood in particular to mean an outer circumferential portion of the diverting wheel from which the first and second conveyor chain guide members further extend radially outwardly. Such radially outwardly extending is to be understood in particular to mean that the first and second conveyor chain guide members extend at least partially radially outwardly.

[0017] The first and second conveyor chain guide parts are preferably arranged and designed to guide the conveyor chain at different portions of the conveyor chain, whereby the conveyor chain can preferably be at least partially arranged between the first and second conveyor chain guide parts. The first conveyor chain guide part is preferably formed integrally with the diverting wheel, i.e. in particular as an integral part of the diverting wheel. The second conveyor chain guide part is preferably formed integrally with the diverting wheel, i.e. in particular as an integral part of the diverting wheel.

[0018] The first conveyor chain guide member has a first conveyor chain guide part which is preferably designed to guide an upper and / or radially outer portion of the conveyor chain, and thus preferably a radially outer side and / or an upper surface of the conveyor chain can be guided by the first conveyor chain guide part.

[0019] The second conveyor chain guide member has a second conveyor chain guide portion which is preferably designed to guide a lower and / or radially inner portion of the conveyor chain. Thus, preferably, a radially inner side and / or a lower surface of the conveyor chain can be guided by the second conveyor chain guide portion.

[0020] The advantage of such a device is that, based on the first conveyor chain guide member and the second conveyor chain guide member, the conveyor chain can be guided and diverted only by the diverting wheels, in particular by the conveyor chain guide member, in particular by the frictional coupling with the diverting wheels. Due to the frictional coupling between the diverting wheels and the conveyor chain, no or only very little relative movement occurs between the conveyor chain and the part of the diverting wheels in contact with the conveyor chain.

[0021] That is, such a device allows the conveyor chain to be guided and diverted solely by the diverting wheels so that the conveyor chain can run through the housing without touching the base plate. This makes it possible to avoid friction due to relative movements between the conveyor chain and the base plate. Wear of the base plate and / or the conveyor chain due to friction between the base plate and the conveyor chain can therefore also be avoided in a particularly advantageous manner. The reduced wear can therefore significantly increase the service life of the device.

[0022] Another advantage is that no chain guide rail is required on the inner surface of the housing body. The use of a chain guide rail arranged in the housing and / or connected to the housing can be omitted, since the conveyor chain can be guided and diverted only by the diverting wheels. This avoids friction due to relative movements between the conveyor chain and the chain guide rail, as occurs in known devices. Wear of the chain guide rail and / or the conveyor chain due to friction between the chain guide rail and the conveyor chain can thus be avoided in a particularly advantageous manner. Due to the reduced wear, the service life of the device can be significantly extended. The elimination of the chain guide rail further reduces the manufacturing costs of the device.

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

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

[0025] The first and second housing openings are preferably oriented in different directions, preferably rotated relative to one another by at least 80° and up to 145°, in particular 90° or 135°, relative to a vertical axis, whereby the conveyor chain can be introduced into the housing in a first direction and led out of the housing in a second, different direction, in particular 90° or 135° different.

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

[0027] Such a distance can achieve improved guiding of the conveyor chain along the diverting wheels and can further allow the conveyor chain to be positioned slightly obliquely between the first and second conveyor chain guide members based on the distance and the size of the conveyor chain.

[0028] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide member extends radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the diverting wheel parallel to a radial direction oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the first conveyor chain guide member extends radially outwardly in a substantially horizontal direction.

[0029] It is particularly preferred that the second conveyor chain guide member extends radially outwardly from the outer periphery of the diverting wheel parallel to a radial direction oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation. Preferably, the second conveyor chain guide member extends radially outwardly in a substantially horizontal direction.

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

[0031] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide part is arranged on the underside of the first conveyor chain guide element, whereby the conveyor chain is guided from above by the first conveyor chain guide part, in which case it can be particularly advantageously achieved that the first conveyor chain guide part is arranged above the conveyor chain.

[0032] It is particularly preferred that the second conveyor chain guide part is arranged on the upper surface of the second conveyor chain guide element, whereby it can be particularly advantageously achieved that the conveyor chain is guided from below by the second conveyor chain guide part, in which case the second conveyor chain guide part is arranged below the conveyor chain.

[0033] Preferably, the first conveyor chain guide portion and the second conveyor chain guide portion are spaced apart vertically from each other by at least 22 mm, preferably at least 18 mm, especially 14.3 mm.

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

[0035] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide member extends radially outwardly further than the second conveyor chain guide member, such that the first and second conveyor chain guide members can be arranged in an optimal manner to guide the conveyor chain, such that the first conveyor chain guide member can guide a radially outer portion of the conveyor chain and the second conveyor chain guide member can guide a radially inner portion of the conveyor chain.

[0036] It is particularly preferred that the radially outward extension of the first conveyor chain guide member is many times greater than the radially outward extension of the second conveyor chain guide member, preferably at least four times greater, particularly preferably at least eight times greater, in particular at least twelve times greater.

[0037] It is particularly preferred that the first conveyor chain guide member has a radial outward extension of at least 34 mm and / or a maximum of 50 mm.

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

[0039] If the first conveyor chain guide member extends radially outwardly significantly further than the second conveyor chain guide member, the conveyor chain can be particularly advantageously arranged between the first and second conveyor chain guide members such that, while the conveyor chain is guided by the first and second conveyor chain guide members, a free space is provided below the conveyor chain along which the conveyor chain guide members do not extend, so that the conveyor chain can transport the animal feed through the housing without being hindered by the second conveyor chain guide member.

[0040] Furthermore, in such embodiments, the first and second conveyor chain guide members are preferably designed to extend radially outward only so as to enable the first and second conveyor chain members, respectively, to perform their guide functions.

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

[0042] It is particularly preferred that no chain guide rails are arranged on the inner surface of the housing body, as this makes it possible in a particularly advantageous manner to avoid friction due to the relative movement between the conveyor chain and the chain guide rails, as occurs in known devices.

[0043] It is particularly preferable for the housing to have a housing body, in particular which comprises or consists of a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, the housing body being designed in particular as a plastic injection-molded part.

[0044] Such a design of the housing body as a plastic housing is particularly advantageous in combination with a guiding of the conveyor chain by means of deflection wheels only, since there is preferably no contact and therefore no friction between the conveyor chain and the housing. This makes it possible for the first time to use materials such as plastics for the housing body, which are significantly less wear-resistant than steel. The use of plastic for the housing body allows a significant reduction in the material costs of the housing body. Furthermore, this significantly reduces the weight of the device, which simplifies transport and handling.

[0045] Preferably, the housing has a base plate, preferably comprising or consisting of steel, which is preferably removably connected to the housing body.

[0046] The housing body and the base plate can preferably consist of different materials, although it is also possible to choose the same material for the housing body and the base plate. The base plate is preferably detachably connected to the housing body, in particular by a screw connection.

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

[0048] The design of the base plate as a steel part having a relatively low hardness compared to the steels normally used for such base plates is particularly advantageous precisely in combination with the guiding of the conveyor chain by means of deflection wheels only, since there is preferably no contact and therefore no friction between the conveyor chain and the base plate. Only then can a relatively low hardness steel be used without the base plate wearing out relatively quickly. The use of such steels for the base plate allows a considerable reduction in the material costs of the base plate.

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

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

[0051] An advantage of such at least one feed trough guide member is that it can be integrally formed with the housing body, which is particularly easy to achieve when the housing body comprises or consists of plastic, and such an integrally formed feed trough guide member eliminates the need for additional parts to be attached to the housing for guiding the feed trough.

[0052] Another advantage of such a feeding trough guide member is that the feeding trough can be inserted into the housing body, in which case the feeding trough can not deform or can only deform slightly, since the feeding trough can be fitted into the housing body in such a way that deformation is prevented by the feeding trough guide member.

[0053] It is particularly preferred that the at least one feeding trough guide element arranged in the region of the first housing opening is designed as at least one protrusion, preferably having an L-shaped cross section, which protrudes into the first housing opening. The protrusion may in particular be formed with a cross section in the form of an angle bar, for example an equilateral angle bar with two parts arranged at 90° to each other.

[0054] It is particularly preferred that the at least one feeding trough guide element arranged in the region of the second housing opening is designed as at least one protrusion, preferably having an L-shaped cross section, which protrudes into the second housing opening. The protrusion may in particular be formed with a cross section in the form of an angle bar, for example an equilateral angle bar with two parts arranged at 90° to each other.

[0055] It is particularly preferred that the device comprises a device holding assembly having at least one, preferably two stands and a foot member preferably connected to the at least one stand, and at least one, preferably two wire brackets connected to the housing and designed to secure the device to the at least one stand of the device holding assembly.

[0056] Such a device-holding assembly allows the device to be adjusted particularly easily in height, i.e. in the vertical direction.

[0057] According to another aspect, the problem stated at the beginning is solved by an animal feed conveying system for conveying animal feed comprising at least one device as described herein, preferably a plurality, in particular four, of the devices as described herein and a conveyor chain, preferably having a number of chain links connected to one another, the conveyor chain extending through the at least one device.

[0058] Preferably, the conveyor chain is at least partially disposed between the first and second conveyor chain members, in particular between the first and second conveyor chain guide sections.

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

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

[0061] Preferably, a freshgrill is arranged in the feeding trough, which allows the hens and cocks to be fed separately.

[0062] It is particularly preferred that the animal feed conveying system comprises a drive unit for driving the conveyor chain, preferably an electric drive unit, which is preferably designed to move the conveyor chain at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min and at a maximum of 40 m / min, preferably at a maximum of 38 m / min. Preferably, the drive unit is designed to move the conveyor chain at a speed in the range of 12 m / min to 18 m / min, or at a speed of 36 m / min.

[0063] The drive unit is preferably coupled to the conveyor chain so as to drive the latter. The drive unit preferably has a gear wheel, and the conveyor chain can be driven by the gear wheel driven by the drive unit. The drive unit can in particular be designed as an electric gear motor.

[0064] It is particularly preferred for the animal feed conveying system to comprise at least one chain tensioning device, preferably several, in particular two, chain tensioning devices for tensioning the conveyor chain.

[0065] A chain tensioning device can tension the conveyor chain so that it can circulate in the animal feed conveying system. The chain tensioning device is specifically designed to move two feeding troughs connected to the chain tensioning device away from each other, i.e. to push them apart, thereby increasing the distance between the feeding troughs and thereby tensioning the conveyor chain. The chain tensioning device can pretension the conveyor chain.

[0066] Preferably, the animal feed conveying system has two chain tensioning devices arranged in the feeding trough arranged parallel to each other.

[0067] It is particularly preferred that the animal feed transport system comprises a feed receptacle, the conveyor chain extending through the feed receptacle to receive the animal feed from the feed receptacle.

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

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

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

[0071] According to another aspect, the problem stated at the beginning is solved by a method for redirecting a conveyor chain, in particular for transporting animal feed, comprising a device for redirecting a conveyor chain, preferably as described herein, comprising a housing having a first housing opening and a second housing opening, and a diverting wheel, the diverting wheel being arranged in the housing between the first housing opening and the second housing opening, the diverting wheel being supported rotatably about a preferably vertical axis of rotation, the diverting wheel being supported by a first conveyor chain including a first conveyor chain guide part. The method includes providing an apparatus having a first housing opening and a second housing opening, the first housing opening including a first conveyor chain guide member and the diverting wheel having a second conveyor chain guide member including a second conveyor chain guide portion, and positioning a conveyor chain, preferably including a number of interconnected chain links, such that the conveyor chain extends from the first housing opening to the second housing opening, the conveyor chain being at least partially positioned along the diverting wheel between the first conveyor chain member and the second conveyor chain member, in particular between the first conveyor chain guide portion and the second conveyor chain guide portion.

[0072] Preferably the method comprises moving the conveyor chain by a drive unit, preferably at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min and up to 40 m / min, preferably up to 38 m / min. The conveyor chain is preferably moved at a speed in the range of 12 m / min to 18 m / min, or up to a speed of 36 m / min.

[0073] Preferably, the method further comprises stopping the conveyor chain by stopping the drive unit. Preferably, the moving of the conveyor chain and the stopping of the conveyor chain are alternated successively.

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

[0075] It is particularly preferred that the conveyor chain only comes into direct contact with the diverting wheels within the apparatus, and not with other parts of the apparatus, as the conveyor chain moves through the apparatus.

[0076] Thus, during operation, the conveyor chain preferably contacts the diverting wheels but not the housing, the housing body of the housing, or even the base plate of the housing.

[0077] According to another aspect, the problem stated at the beginning is solved by the use of the device described herein and / or the animal feed conveying system described herein for conveying animal feed in an animal house in a farmed animal house, in particular a chicken house.

[0078] For the advantages, variants and detailed embodiments of the various aspects of the solution described herein and their respective possible developments, reference is made also to the description of the corresponding features, details and advantages of the respective other aspects and their developments.

[0079] Preferred exemplary embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, in which identical or functionally substantially identical or functionally similar elements are designated with the same reference numerals, and in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0080] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for redirecting a conveyor chain, as seen obliquely from above. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 shows a top view of a device for redirecting a conveyor chain. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a device for redirecting a conveyor chain, as seen obliquely from below. [Figure 4] This is a bottom view of the device for changing the direction of a conveyor chain. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a device for redirecting a conveyor chain, as seen obliquely from above. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a side view of a device for redirecting a conveyor chain. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the view shown in FIG. 6. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of a device for redirecting a conveyor chain. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a detailed view of the view shown in FIG. 8. [Figure 10] FIG. 1 is a highly schematic cross-sectional view of a device for redirecting a conveyor chain. [Figure 11] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an animal feed conveying system. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a method for redirecting a conveyor chain. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0081] 1 shows a top perspective view of an apparatus for redirecting a conveyor chain 10. In the view shown, the apparatus 10 is shown without a lid, so that the interior of the apparatus 10 can be seen.

[0082] The device 10 is used for turning a conveyor chain 90 by 90°. The conveyor chain 90 is used for transporting animal feed. The device 10 comprises a housing 20 having a first housing opening 21 and a second housing opening 22. The first housing opening 21 is formed by a first housing opening 21a. The second housing opening 22 is formed by a second housing opening 22a. A first feeding trough 61 is arranged in the area of ​​the first housing opening 21a and is inserted into the housing body 25. A second feeding trough 62 is arranged in the area of ​​the second housing opening 22a and is inserted into the housing body 25.

[0083] The device 10 comprises a diverting wheel 30 for guiding and diverting the conveyor chain 90 from a first housing opening 21 of the housing 20 to a second housing opening 22 of the housing 20. The diverting wheel 30 is arranged in the housing 20 between the first housing opening 21 and the second housing opening 22. The diverting wheel 30 is then rotatable about a vertically oriented axis of rotation 100.

[0084] The housing 20 has a housing body 25 made of thermoplastic plastic and manufactured by a plastic injection molding process. The housing body 25 has an inner surface 24 on which no chain guide rails are arranged. The housing body 25 has a bulge 23 for accommodating a diverting wheel 30 at its position within the housing 20.

[0085] The conveyor chain 90 is guided and redirected by the diverting wheels 30 so that the conveyor chain within the housing 20 contacts only the diverting wheels 30 and there is no friction between the conveyor chain 90 and the housing 20. The conveyor chain 90 has a number of chain links 91, 92 connected to each other.

[0086] 2 shows a top view of the apparatus 10 shown in FIG 1 for redirecting a conveyor chain 90. In the view shown here, the apparatus 10 is also shown without a lid, allowing the interior of the apparatus 10 to be seen.

[0087] Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the device 10 for changing the direction of a conveyor chain shown in Fig. 1, seen obliquely from below. A base plate 28 is disposed on the lower part of the housing 20 and is detachably connected to the housing body 25 by a screw connection.

[0088] Figure 4 shows a bottom view of the device 10 for redirecting a conveyor chain shown in Figure 1. In this view, it can be seen that the device 10 has two wire brackets 55a, 55b that are connected and / or connectable to the housing 20. These wire brackets 55a, 55b are provided for securing the housing 20 to a device holding assembly.

[0089] Fig. 5 shows a perspective view of the device 10 for redirecting a conveyor chain 90 shown in Fig. 1, seen obliquely from above. However, unlike the view shown in Fig. 1, this view shows the lid 29 removably connected to the housing body 25. Furthermore, Fig. 5 shows a device holding assembly 50 having two stands 51a, 51b and a foot member 52 connected to the stands 51a, 51b. The housing 20 is connected to the device holding assembly 50 by two wire brackets 55a, 55b.

[0090] FIG. 6 shows a side view of the apparatus 10 for redirecting the conveyor chain 90 shown in FIG.

[0091] Figure 7 shows detail A of the view shown in Figure 6. In this view, the radially outer portion from the diverting wheel 30 can be seen. The diverting wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide member 31 extending radially outward from the outer periphery 35 of the diverting wheel 30. The first conveyor chain guide member 31 has a first conveyor chain guide portion 31a.

[0092] The diverting wheel 30 also has a second conveyor chain guide member 32 that also extends radially outwardly from the outer periphery 35 of the diverting wheel 30. The second conveyor chain guide member 32 has a second conveyor chain guide portion 32a.

[0093] The conveyor chain 90 is disposed between the first conveyor chain guide member 31 and the second conveyor chain guide member 32 so that the conveyor chain 90 is guided and redirected within the housing only by the redirecting wheel 30 and does not come into contact with other parts of the housing.

[0094] 8 shows a cross-sectional view of a device 10 for turning a conveyor chain 90. The device 10 comprises a housing 20 having a housing body 25, a lid 29 and a base plate 28. A diverting wheel 30 is arranged rotatably about a rotation axis 100 in the housing 20. The diverting wheel 30 is designed to be rotationally symmetrical.

[0095] Figure 9 shows detail B of the view shown in Figure 8. The diverting wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide member 31 extending radially outward from the outer periphery 35 of the diverting wheel 30. The first conveyor chain guide member 31 has a first conveyor chain guide portion 31a disposed on a lower surface of the first conveyor chain guide member 31.

[0096] The diverting wheel 30 also has a second conveyor chain guide member 32 that also extends radially outward from the outer periphery 35 of the diverting wheel 30. The second conveyor chain guide member 32 has a second conveyor chain guide portion 32a disposed on an upper surface of the second conveyor chain guide member 32.

[0097] The radially outward extension L1 of the first conveyor chain guide member 31 is many times greater than the radially outward extension L2 of the second conveyor chain guide member 32, and in the exemplary embodiment shown here is more than four times greater.

[0098] In this case, the conveyor chain 90 is arranged between the first conveyor chain guide member 31 and the second conveyor chain guide member 32, particularly between the first conveyor chain guide portion 31a and the second conveyor chain guide portion 32a, so that the conveyor chain 90 is guided and diverted within the housing only by the diverting wheel 30 and does not come into contact with other parts of the housing.

[0099] 10 shows a highly schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus 10 for redirecting a conveyor chain 90. Parts of the housing 20 are shown only diagrammatically, in particular the base plate 28 and the inner surface 24 of the housing body. The diverting wheel 30 has a first conveyor chain guide member 31 extending radially outwardly from an outer periphery 35 of the diverting wheel 30. The first conveyor chain guide member 31 has a first conveyor chain guide portion 31a arranged on an underside of the first conveyor chain guide member 31.

[0100] The diverting wheel 30 also has a second conveyor chain guide member 32 that also extends radially outward from the outer periphery 35 of the diverting wheel 30. The second conveyor chain guide member 32 has a second conveyor chain guide portion 32a disposed on an upper surface of the second conveyor chain guide member 32.

[0101] The radially outward extension L1 of the first conveyor chain guide member 31 is many times greater than the radially outward extension L2 of the second conveyor chain guide member 32, and in the exemplary embodiment shown here is more than four times greater.

[0102] The first conveyor chain guide member 31 and the second conveyor chain guide member 32 extend horizontally and are vertically spaced a distance D from each other.

[0103] Fig. 11 shows a perspective view of an animal feed conveying system. The animal feed conveying system has four devices 10. An endless conveyor chain extends between these devices 10. Between the devices 10, there are provided a number of feeding troughs 61, 62 used to provide food to the animals. The feeding troughs 61, 62 are designed in the form of a U-section.

[0104] Furthermore, an electric drive unit 80 is provided for driving the conveyor chain, the drive unit 80 being designed to move the conveyor chain at a speed of, for example, 12-18 m / min or at a speed of 36 m / min.

[0105] Further, two chain tensioning devices 70 are provided for tensioning the conveyor chain, each of which is positioned between the two feeding troughs 61, 62 and designed to push the feeding troughs 61, 62 apart, thereby tensioning the conveyor chain.

[0106] Additionally, a feed bin 75 is provided through which a conveyor chain extends for receiving animal feed from the feed bin 75 . 12 shows a schematic diagram of a method 200 for redirecting a conveyor chain, particularly for transporting animal feed. The method includes the following steps:

[0107] In step 210, an apparatus 10 for redirecting a conveyor chain 90 is provided, the apparatus 10 comprising a housing 20 having a first housing opening 21 and a second housing opening 22, and a diverting wheel 30, the diverting wheel 30 being arranged within the housing 20 between the first housing opening 21 and the second housing opening 22, the diverting wheel 30 being supported rotatably about a rotation axis 100, which is preferably vertical, the diverting wheel 30 having a first conveyor chain guide member 31 including a first conveyor chain guide portion 31a, and the diverting wheel 30 having a second conveyor chain guide member 32 including a second conveyor chain guide portion 32a.

[0108] In step 220, a conveyor chain 90, preferably including a number of interconnected chain links 91, 92, is positioned so that the conveyor chain 90 extends from the first housing opening 21 to the second housing opening 22, and the conveyor chain 90 is positioned along the diverting wheel 30, at least partially between the first conveyor chain member 31 and the second conveyor chain member 32, in particular between the first conveyor chain guide portion 31a and the second conveyor chain guide portion 32a.

[0109] In step 230, the conveyor chain 90 is moved by the drive unit 80 at a speed of preferably at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min and at most 40 m / min, preferably at most 38 m / min. In that case, 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. In that case, the movement of the conveyor chain takes place for a maximum of 75 minutes per day, preferably a maximum of 20 minutes per day, particularly preferably a maximum of 15 minutes per day.

[0110] In step 240, the conveyor chain 90 is stopped by stopping the drive unit 80. Steps 230 and 240 are then performed one after the other in alternating continuous succession. [Explanation of symbols]

[0111] 10 equipment 20. Housing 21 first housing opening 21a First housing opening 22 Second housing opening 22a Second housing opening 23 Bulging of the housing body 24 Inner surface of housing body 25 Housing body of the housing 28 Base Plate 29 Lid 30 Turning Wheel 31 first conveyor chain guide member 31a First conveyor chain guide section 32 Second conveyor chain guide member 32a Second conveyor chain guide section 35 Turning wheel circumference 50 Device holding assembly 51a, 51b Stand 52 Foot member 55a, 55b Wire bracket 61,62 Feeding trough 70 Chain tension device 75 Food container 80 Drive Unit 90 Conveyor Chain 91,92 Chain links of conveyor chain 100 Rotation Axis 200 ways 210~240 Method process A Detailed view B. Detail D Distance L1: Radial outward extension of the first conveyor chain guide member L2 - radial outward extension of the second conveyor chain guide member

Claims

1. A device (10) for redirecting, in particular for redirecting by 90° or 135°, a conveyor chain (90) for transporting animal feed, comprising: a housing (20) having a first housing opening (21) and a second housing opening (22); a diverting wheel (30) for guiding and diverting a conveyor chain (90) from the first housing opening (21) of the housing (20) to the second housing opening (22) of the housing (20), the diverting wheel (30) being arranged in the housing (20) between the first housing opening (21) and the second housing opening (22), the diverting wheel (30) being supported rotatably about a preferably vertical axis of rotation (100), - said diverting wheel (30) has a first conveyor chain guide member (31) extending radially outwardly from an outer periphery (35) of said diverting wheel (30), said first conveyor chain guide member (31) having a first conveyor chain guide portion (31a); - the diverting wheel (30) has a second conveyor chain guide member (32) extending radially outwardly from an outer periphery (35) of the diverting wheel (30), the second conveyor chain guide member (32) having a second conveyor chain guide portion (32a); An apparatus comprising:

2. the first housing opening (21) and the second housing opening (22) are arranged rotated relative to one another with respect to the rotation axis (100), preferably rotated relative to one another by at least 75° and at most 150°, in particular 90° or 135°, relative to the rotation axis (100); 2. The apparatus of claim 1.

3. the first conveyor chain guide member (31) and the second conveyor chain guide member (32) are spaced apart from each other in a direction of the rotation axis (100); the vertical distance (D) between the lower surface of the first conveyor chain guide member (31) and the upper surface of the second conveyor chain guide member (32) is preferably at least 22 mm, particularly preferably at least 18 mm, in particular 14.3 mm; 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2.

4. the first conveyor chain guide member (31) extends radially outwardly from the outer periphery (35) of the diverting wheel (30) parallel to a radial direction (200) oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (100); and / or the second conveyor chain guide member (32) extends radially outward from the outer periphery (35) of the diverting wheel (30) parallel to a radial direction (200) oriented perpendicular to the axis of rotation (100); 4. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

5. the first conveyor chain guide portion (31a) is disposed on the underside of the first conveyor chain guide member (31); and / or the second conveyor chain guide portion (32a) is disposed on an upper surface of the second conveyor chain guide member (32); and / or The first conveyor chain guide portion (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide portion (32a) are disposed opposite to each other.

5. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4.

6. the first conveyor chain guide member (31) extends radially outwardly further than the second conveyor chain guide member (32); and / or the radially outward extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide member (31) is many times greater than the radially outward extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide member (32), preferably at least four times greater, particularly preferably at least eight times greater, in particular at least twelve times greater; and / or the radial outward extension (L1) of the first conveyor chain guide member is at least 34 mm and / or at most 50 mm; and / or The radial outward extension (L2) of the second conveyor chain guide member is at least 3 mm and / or at most 8 mm; 6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. the first conveyor chain guide portion (31 a) and the second conveyor chain guide portion (32 a) are designed and arranged to receive a conveyor chain (90) between the first conveyor chain guide portion (31 a) and the second conveyor chain guide portion (32 a); 7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

8. the housing (20) has a housing body (25), preferably comprising or consisting of a plastic, in particular a thermoplastic, said housing body (25) being preferably formed as a plastic injection-molded part, Preferably, the housing (20) has a base plate (28) which is preferably detachably connected to the housing body (25), the base plate preferably comprising or consisting of steel, the steel preferably having a hardness according to EN ISO 6506-1 of less than 400 HBW, preferably less than 300 HBW, particularly preferably less than 200 HBW.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. No chain guide rail is disposed on the inner surface (24) of the housing body (25).

9. The apparatus of claim 8.

10. the housing (20) has at least one feed trough guide member (26a, 26b) for guiding a feed trough (61) in the region of the first housing opening (21), in particular formed integrally with the housing body (25), the housing (20) has preferably two feed trough guide members (26a, 26b) for guiding a feed trough (61) in the region of the first housing opening (21), in particular formed integrally with the housing body (25), and / or the housing (20) has at least one feed trough guide member (26a, 26b) for guiding a feed trough (62), preferably formed integrally with the housing body (25), in the region of the second housing opening (22); the housing (20) has preferably two feed trough guide members (26a, 26b) for guiding a feed trough (62), in particular formed integrally with the housing body (25), in the region of the second housing opening (22); 10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9.

11. at least one feeding trough guide element (26a, 26b) arranged in the area of ​​the first housing opening (21) is designed as at least one protrusion, preferably with an L-shaped cross section, which protrudes into the first housing opening (21), and / or at least one feeding trough guide element (26a, 26b) arranged in the area of ​​the second housing opening (22) is designed as at least one protrusion, preferably having an L-shaped cross section, which protrudes into the second housing opening (22); 11. The apparatus of claim 10.

12. - a device holding assembly (50) having at least one, preferably two stands (51a, 51b) and a foot member (52) preferably connected to said at least one stand (51a, 51b); at least one, preferably two, wire brackets (55a, 55b) connected to said housing (20) and designed to secure said device to said at least one stand (51a, 51b) of said device holding assembly (50); 12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. 1. An animal feed transport system for transporting animal feed, comprising: at least one device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, preferably a plurality, in particular four devices (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12, a conveyor chain (90) preferably having a number of chain links (91, 92) connected to one another, the conveyor chain (90) extending through at least one device (10), Preferably, the conveyor chain (90) is at least partially arranged between the first conveyor chain member (31) and the second conveyor chain member (32), in particular between the first conveyor chain guide portion (31a) and the second conveyor chain guide portion (32a). Animal feed transport system.

14. at least one feeding trough (61, 62), preferably made in the form of a U-section and preferably connected to said at least one device (10), and / or - a drive unit (80) for driving said conveyor chain (90), preferably an electric drive unit, preferably designed to move said conveyor chain (90) at a speed of at least 10 m / min, preferably at least 12 m / min and at a maximum speed of 40 m / min, preferably at a maximum speed of 38 m / min.

15. at least one chain tensioning device (70), preferably several, in particular two chain tensioning devices (70), for tensioning said conveyor chain (90); - a feed container (75), wherein the conveyor chain (90) extends through the feed container (75) to receive animal feed from the feed container (75).

16. said at least one feeding trough (61, 62) being directly, preferably detachably, connected to said housing (20); Preferably, the at least one feeding trough (61, 62) is insertable into the housing (20) in the region of the first housing opening (21) and / or the second housing opening (22).

16. An animal feed transport system according to any one of claims 13 to 15.

17. A method (200) for redirecting a conveyor chain (90), particularly for transporting animal feed, comprising: A device (10) for redirecting a conveyor chain (90), preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 12, comprising: a housing (20) having a first housing opening (21) and a second housing opening (22); A diverting wheel (30), said diverting wheel (30) a steering wheel (30) disposed in the housing (20) between the first housing opening (21) and the second housing opening (22), the steering wheel (30) being supported rotatably about a preferably vertical axis of rotation (100); the diverting wheel (30) has a first conveyor chain guide member (31) including a first conveyor chain guide portion (31a); providing (210) an apparatus (10) wherein the diverting wheel (30) has a second conveyor chain guide member (32) including a second conveyor chain guide portion (32a); - arranging (220) a conveyor chain (90) preferably comprising a number of interconnected chain links (91, 92) such that said conveyor chain (90) extends from said first housing opening (21) to said second housing opening (22), said conveyor chain (90) being at least partially arranged along said diverting wheel (30) between said first conveyor chain member (31) and said second conveyor chain member (32), in particular between said first conveyor chain guide portion (31a) and said second conveyor chain guide portion (32a); - moving (230) said conveyor chain (90) by means of a drive unit (80) at a speed preferably of at least 10 m / min, preferably of at least 12 m / min and up to 40 m / min, preferably up to 38 m / min.

18. the conveyor chain (90) is in direct contact within the apparatus (10) only with the diverting wheels (30) and not with other parts of the apparatus (10) as the conveyor chain (90) moves through the apparatus (10); 20. The method of claim 17.

19. Use of a device (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 12 and / or an animal feed transport system according to any one of claims 13 to 16 for transporting animal feed in a livestock house, in particular in a poultry house.

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