Method for operating a chain conveyor with a chain, and chain conveyor

Abstract

A method for operating a chain conveyor with a chain, wherein the chain conveyor comprises the chain, a chain wheel and a gear motor with an electromagnetically actuable brake, wherein the chain wheel is connected, in particular in a form-fitting manner, to an output shaft of the gear motor, wherein teeth of the chain wheel engage in chain links of the chain, wherein the rotational speed of the output shaft is reduced to zero, wherein the chain is then fixed, by means of a chain-stopping device, on a first of its chain links, wherein a region of the chain that is located between the first chain link and the chain wheel is then tensioned by turning of the output shaft, wherein the brake is then activated in order to hold the rotor shaft and the gear motor is brought to a standstill, wherein one or more chain links is / are then changed over, and wherein the chain-stopping device is then detached from the chain and the brake is released.

Description

[0001] Method for operating a chain conveyor device with a chain and chain conveyor device

[0002] Description:

[0003] The invention relates to a method for operating a chain conveyor device with a chain and a chain conveyor device.

[0004] It is common knowledge that in a chain drive a chain is driven by a motor.

[0005] A tensioning device for the chain of a chain conveyor is known from DE 78 10844 U1.

[0006] A tensionable band conveyor is known from DE 35 31 552 C2.

[0007] The invention is therefore based on the object of developing a method for operating a chain conveyor device with a chain, wherein a repair of the chain can be guaranteed with a sufficiently high level of work safety.

[0008] According to the invention, the object is achieved by the method according to the features specified in claim 1 and by the chain conveyor device according to the features specified in claim 14.

[0009] Important features of the invention in the method are that the method is provided for operating a chain conveyor device with a chain, in particular for repairing and / or tensioning a chain of a chain conveyor device, wherein the chain conveyor device comprises the chain, a sprocket and a geared motor with an electromagnetically actuated brake, wherein the sprocket is connected, in particular in a form-fitting manner, to an output shaft of the geared motor, wherein teeth of the sprocket engage in chain links of the chain, in particular for conveying and holding the chain, wherein in a first method step, the speed of the output shaft is made to disappear, wherein in a second method step following the first method step, the chain is fixed to a first of its chain links by means of a chain stop device,wherein, in a third method step following the second method step, a region of the chain arranged between the first chain link and the sprocket is tensioned by rotating the output shaft, in particular at a low speed, in particular thus at a speed which is below a first speed threshold value, wherein, in a fourth method step following the third method step, the brake for holding the rotor shaft is activated, in particular thus triggering the application of the brake, in particular wherein the brake is de-energized, in particular and a release lever for holding the rotor shaft is actuated, in particular manually, and the geared motor, in particular the sprocket, is brought to a standstill, wherein, in a fifth method step following the fourth method step, one or more chain links are replaced,In a sixth method step following the fifth method step, the chain stop device is released from the chain and, in particular, the brake is released thereafter. In particular, the brake, in particular the ring winding of the brake, is energized, and the release lever is actuated, in particular manually, to release the brake. In particular, and thereafter, the speed is adjusted to a target speed. The advantage here is that a quick and easy replacement of the chain links is guaranteed with a high level of occupational safety. This is because no special effort is required. Only the release lever and the chain stop device must be suitably provided.

[0010] However, since the chain stop device is attached to the gear motor, i.e., to a housing-forming part of the gear motor, no additional effort is required, yet efficient dissipation of the chain forces is still possible. This is because, during the replacement of chain links, the chain force must be transferred from the chain stop device to the sprocket through the gear motor.

[0011] In an advantageous embodiment, the chain stop device is attached to the gear motor. This is advantageous because the chain force in the gear motor can be transmitted directly to the sprocket.

[0012] In an advantageous embodiment, the geared motor comprises an electric motor whose housing encloses and / or surrounds the brake. This is advantageous because the brake does not require a separate housing, thus requiring minimal effort to enclose the brake.

[0013] In an advantageous embodiment, the sprocket engages the chain over a circumferential angle range of more than 90°, in particular less than 180°. The circumferential angle range is relative to the sprocket's rotational axis. This provides the advantage of securely holding the chain.

[0014] In an advantageous embodiment, the torque transmitted from the sprocket to the chain is regulated to a target value in the third process step, in particular to achieve a target value for the chain tension. An advantage here is that the chain can be repaired under full load, because the specified chain tension can be achieved using the geared motor.

[0015] In an advantageous embodiment, the first speed threshold is lower than, in particular at least ten times lower than, the target speed. This is advantageous in that the chain tension can be precisely adjusted during slow travel without overloading the chain. This is because the torque of the geared motor can be directly regulated to a target value by an inverter feeding the electric motor. In an advantageous embodiment, the brake, in particular the toroidal winding of the brake, is essentially de-energized in the fourth method step. This is advantageous in that increased safety can be achieved by, on the one hand, de-energizing the brake and thus applying it. In addition, the release lever is moved into the appropriate rotational position for applying the brake.When the brake is de-energized, the toroidal coil is essentially or completely de-energized, but the brake's signal electronics may still remain electrically supplied - in particular for supplying the sensors and their evaluation circuits.

[0016] In an advantageous embodiment, the brake has a magnetic body which has an annular recess into which an electrically energizable annular winding is inserted, in particular wherein the annular axis of the annular winding is aligned coaxially with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft, wherein the rotor shaft has external teeth or, in particular, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a key connection to an annular, externally toothed driver which is plugged onto the rotor shaft, wherein a disc-shaped brake pad carrier is plugged onto the driver and engages with its internal teeth with the external teeth of the driver, in particular so that the brake pad carrier is arranged displaceably in the axial direction, wherein an armature disk is arranged in the axial direction between the brake pad carrier and the magnetic body, which armature disk is connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the magnetic body and is arranged displaceably in the axial direction,wherein, when the ring winding is energized, the armature disc is drawn towards the magnetic body against the spring force generated by spring elements supported on the magnetic body and pressing on the armature disc, so that the brake pad carrier runs freely, in particular wherein, when the ring winding is not energized, the spring elements press the armature disc onto the brake pad carrier and thus the brake pad carrier is pressed on its side facing away from the magnetic body onto a braking surface which is formed on a flange part or on a sheet metal part which rests on the flange part, or on the motor housing.

[0017] The advantage here is that the brake automatically engages in the event of a power failure, i.e. it automatically switches to the safe state.

[0018] In an advantageous embodiment, the release lever is connected via a rotary joint to an axially movable bolt, wherein the release lever is supported at a pivot point which is arranged on a flange part or bearing flange of the electric motor, wherein the bolt projects through the magnet body and through a recess in the armature disk and is widened on the side of the armature disk facing away from the magnet body or is connected to a part for widening such that the bolt is axially limited by means of the widening. The advantage here is that manual release is possible. In particular, the release lever can be brought into a rotary position in which the brake is released.

[0019] In an advantageous embodiment, the release lever can be locked by a locking device of the brake, particularly on the magnet body. This is advantageous because the safe state of the brake can be fixed.

[0020] In an advantageous embodiment, the electric motor housing, which is particularly constructed in several parts, houses not only the stator of the electric motor but also the brake, in particular with the release lever protruding through the housing into the surroundings of the electric motor. It is advantageous that the release lever can be detachably connected to the housing, in particular, it can be locked.

[0021] In an advantageous embodiment, the brake is located at the axial end of the electric motor's rotor shaft, facing away from the gearbox. This provides sufficient clearance for actuating the release lever.

[0022] In an advantageous embodiment, springs connect a first region of the gear housing to a second region of the gear housing, in particular wherein the first region is spaced apart from the second region in the axial direction, in particular parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft, in particular wherein the springs are arranged on the outer side of the gear housing. This has the advantage that, despite the high forces transmitted through the housing, the housing can be stabilized and sufficient rigidity of the housing can be maintained. In particular, vibrations of the housing can be suppressed.

[0023] Important features of the chain conveyor device for carrying out the aforementioned method are that the chain conveyor device has a sprocket that can be driven by a geared motor and engages the chain, which is detachably connected to a chain stop device, wherein the chain stop device is connected to the housing of the geared motor, wherein the chain conveyor device has a control device for adjusting the chain tension of the chain by controlling the torque delivered to the chain by the geared motor via the sprocket, in particular wherein the geared motor can be controlled or regulated by an inverter that feeds the electric motor of the geared motor in such a way that the chain tension of the chain can be tightened to a target value by controlling or regulating the torque. It is advantageous in this case that the chain conveyor device is designed to ensure repair of the chain while at the same time ensuring a high level of safety.For this purpose, the chain stop device can be attached to the gear motor and the chain wheel is able to absorb the chain tension and hold the chain via the gear by means of the holding brake arranged on the rotor shaft of the electric motor driving the gear.

[0024] Further advantages emerge from the dependent claims. The invention is not limited to the combination of features in the claims. Further possible combinations of claims and / or individual claim features and / or features of the description and / or the figures will become apparent to those skilled in the art, particularly from the problem and / or the problem posed by comparison with the prior art.

[0025] The invention will now be explained in more detail using schematic illustrations:

[0026] Figure 1 shows a schematic representation of a chain conveyor device according to the invention with a geared motor.

[0027] Figure 2 shows a side view of the gear motor.

[0028] Figure 3 shows the gear motor in side view.

[0029] Figure 4 shows the gear motor in an oblique view.

[0030] As shown in the figures, the chain device comprises a geared motor whose output shaft 3 drives a sprocket 2, the teeth of which engage in recesses of chain links of a chain 1 and which thus drives the chain 1.

[0031] Preferably, the chain 1 has a length of more than 20 meters and is used in a mining installation or mine for conveying rock, ore or coal.

[0032] The geared motor has an electric motor 30 which drives a gearbox 31, the output shaft of which acts as the output shaft 3 of the geared motor.

[0033] At the end of the rotor shaft of the electric motor 30 axially remote from the gear unit, an electromagnetically actuated brake is arranged, which acts as a holding brake for the rotor shaft 24 when the tensioning or retensioning of the chain 1 is to be carried out.

[0034] To ensure operation, the brake can also be manually released. A release lever 29 is provided for this purpose, which keeps the brake released regardless of whether its coil is energized or not. The brake has a magnetic body 28 made of a ferromagnetic material and an annular recess whose ring axis is aligned coaxially with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft and which is open toward the gearbox.

[0035] An energizable ring winding is inserted into the ring-shaped recess of the magnet body 28 and sealed and potted with potting compound.

[0036] An annular carrier is mounted on the rotor shaft. It has external teeth that mesh with the internal teeth of a brake pad carrier 26, which is mounted on the carrier. The carrier is connected to the rotor shaft in a rotationally fixed manner, preferably by means of a keyway. The brake pad carrier 26 is arranged on the carrier so that it can be displaced in the axial direction.

[0037] An armature disk 27 is made of ferromagnetic material and is arranged axially between the brake pad carrier 26 and the magnet body 28.

[0038] When the ring winding is energized, the armature disk 27, which is arranged in a rotationally fixed but axially displaceable manner relative to the magnetic body 28, in particular by means of bolts secured in the magnetic body 28 that protrude through recesses in the armature disk 27, is pulled toward the magnetic body 28 against the spring force generated by spring elements supported in the magnetic body 28. When the ring winding is not energized, the spring elements press the armature disk 27 onto the brake pad carrier 26, so that this brake pad carrier 26 is pressed, on its side facing away from the armature disk 27, onto a braking surface formed on the bearing flange or on a part connected to the bearing flange.

[0039] The release lever 29 is pivotally mounted about a pivot point on the magnet body 28 or on a part connected to the magnet body 28, so that its rotational movement enables a bolt to move linearly in the axial direction. The bolt projects through a recess in the magnet body 28 and through a recess in the armature disk 27. The bolt is widened on the side of the armature disk 27 facing away from the magnet body 28 and therefore pulls the armature disk 27 towards the magnet body 28 when the release lever is actuated. When the release lever 29 is actuated, the spring force generated by the spring elements is overcome, even when the toroidal winding is not energized. This enables manual release. The brake can only be applied when the armature disk 27 is released by a corresponding rotation of the release lever 29. When the release lever 29 is turned, the bolt is moved in the axial direction, forcing the armature disk 27 towards the magnet body 28.

[0040] For this purpose, the bolt is widened at its end region facing away from the magnet body 28, in particular so that the bolt rests against the armature disk 27 with this widened end region and does not slip through the recess of the armature disk 27.

[0041] Before tensioning or re-tensioning of chain 1 is carried out, the gear motor is first switched off, i.e. chain 1 is brought to zero speed.

[0042] Then, by means of a chain stop device 4, the chain 1 is releasably connected at one of its chain links to a stationary part of the system, so that the chain 1 cannot move further there. Preferably, the chain stop device 4 is attached to the geared motor, in particular between the gearbox and the motor, so that the chain 1 is stopped by the chain stop device 4 and releasably connected to the housing of the geared motor.

[0043] After the geared motor has stopped and chain 1 has stopped, the brake is activated. This is done by operating the release lever 29 and additionally de-energizing the brake coil. This engages the brake and prevents the rotation of the rotor shaft, which then, via the gear 31, also stops the rotation of the output shaft 3 of the gear 31. In this way, the chain 1 can be repaired between the sprocket 2 and the chain stop device 4. For example, exchanging, i.e., replacing, chain links of chain 1 in this area is possible, even if the remaining section of the chain 1 is under load.

[0044] This allows the chain tension to be adjusted.

[0045] After reassembling the chain links, the chain 1 can be fully used again. This then releases the chain stop device 4 from the chain 1, thus releasing the chain 1. The brake is also released by energizing the brake coil and actuating the release lever 2929.

[0046] The rotor shaft 24 is rotatably mounted via a bearing which is accommodated in the bearing flange 25.

[0047] In further embodiments of the invention, the chain stop device 4 is mounted at a different position so that a longer piece of the chain can be exchanged between the sprocket 2 and the chain stop device 4.

[0048] In further embodiments according to the invention, it is also possible, after attaching the chain stop device 4, to initially operate the geared motor at a very low speed in order to tension the chain 1 in the conveyor area and only then to activate the brake in order to maintain the chain tension thus achieved, while the chain link(s) are replaced and / or exchanged in the area of ​​the chain 1 between the chain stop device 4 and the chain wheel 2.

[0049] The brake is located in the motor housing. Thus, the brake is surrounded and protected by the motor housing. The input shaft 20 of the gearbox has an external toothing at its end facing the electric motor and / or the brake, with which the input shaft 20 is inserted into an internal toothing of the rotor shaft 24. This allows a high torque to be transmitted and compensates for any misalignment of the shaft 20 with the rotor shaft 24. For this purpose, the teeth of the internal toothing and / or the teeth of the external toothing are preferably crowned.

[0050] In order to align the rotational axes of the input shaft 20 as precisely as possible with the rotational axis of the rotor shaft 24 when connecting the electric motor 30 to the gearbox 31, the gearbox flange 22, which accommodates the bearings for the rotatable mounting of the input shaft on the gearbox flange, is centered and aligned with the motor flange, i.e., a flange part 23, by forming a centering collar on the gearbox flange 22, against which a centering collar of the flange part 23 is applied. This enables highly precise alignment. The tooth coupling formed by the internal and external gearing compensates for residual tolerances.

[0051] As shown in Figure 2, springs 32 attached to the gearbox connect two regions of the housing of the gearbox 31 that are spaced apart from one another in the axial direction, in particular in the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft of the electric motor 30. In this way, resonance vibrations can be suppressed and the stability and rigidity of the gearbox 31 is increased.

[0052] In a circumferential angle range of more than 90°, in particular and less than 180°, in particular relative to the rotational axis of the sprocket 2, the sprocket 2 engages with the chain 1. This makes it possible to remove the chain link to be replaced even when the chain area is tensioned.

[0053] List of reference symbols

[0054] 1 chain

[0055] 2 sprocket

[0056] 3 drifting shaft

[0057] 4 Chain stop device

[0058] 20 driving shaft

[0059] 21 Strut

[0060] 22 Gearbox flange

[0061] 23 Flange part, engine side

[0062] 24 Rotor shaft

[0063] 25 bearing flange

[0064] 26 brake pad carrier, disc-shaped

[0065] 27 Anchor disc

[0066] 28 magnetic bodies

[0067] 29 Release lever

[0068] 30 electric motor

[0069] 31 gearboxes

[0070] 32 springs

[0071] 40 Torque support range

[0072] 41 Center strut

Claims

Patent claims:

1. A method for operating a chain conveyor device with a chain, in particular for repairing and / or tensioning a chain of a chain conveyor device, wherein the chain conveyor device comprises the chain, a sprocket, and a geared motor with an electromagnetically actuated brake, wherein the sprocket is connected, in particular in a form-fitting manner, to an output shaft of the geared motor, wherein teeth of the sprocket engage with chain links of the chain, in particular for conveying and holding the chain, wherein in a first method step, the rotational speed of the output shaft is made to disappear, wherein in a second method step following the first method step, the chain is fixed to a first of its chain links by means of a chain stop device,wherein in a third method step following the second method step, a region of the chain arranged between the first chain link and the chain wheel is tensioned by rotating the output shaft, in particular at a low speed, in particular at a speed which is below a first speed threshold value, wherein in a fourth method step following the third method step, the brake for holding the rotor shaft is activated, in particular the application of the brake is triggered, in particular wherein the brake is de-energized, in particular and a release lever for holding the rotor shaft is actuated, in particular manually, and the geared motor, in particular the chain wheel, is brought to a standstill, wherein in a fifth method step following the fourth method step, one or more chain links are replaced, wherein in a sixth method step following the fifth method step, the chain stop device is released from the chain and, in particular thereafter, the brake is released, in particular the brake, in particular the ring winding of the brake, is energized and the release lever for releasing the brake is actuated, in particular manually, and in particular thereafter the speed is regulated to a target speed.

2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the chain stop device is attached to the gear motor.

3. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the geared motor has an electric motor, the housing of which encloses and / or surrounds the brake.

4. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the third method step the torque transmitted from the sprocket to the chain is regulated to a desired value, in particular to achieve a desired value of the chain tension.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first speed threshold value is smaller than, in particular at least ten times smaller than, the target speed.

6. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that in the fourth method step the brake, in particular the ring winding of the brake, is essentially switched off, in particular is switched off.

7. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brake has a magnetic body which has an annular recess into which an electrically energizable annular winding is inserted, in particular wherein the annular axis of the annular winding is aligned coaxially with the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft, wherein the rotor shaft has external teeth or, in particular, is connected in a rotationally fixed manner by means of a key connection to an annular, externally toothed driver which is plugged onto the rotor shaft, wherein a disk-shaped brake pad carrier is plugged onto the driver and engages with its internal teeth with the external teeth of the driver, in particular so that the brake pad carrier is arranged displaceably in the axial direction, wherein an armature disk is arranged in the axial direction between the brake pad carrier and the magnetic body,which is connected to the magnetic body in a rotationally fixed manner and is arranged to be displaceable in the axial direction, wherein, when the ring winding is energized, the armature disk is drawn towards the magnetic body against the spring force generated by spring elements supported on the magnetic body and pressing on the armature disk, so that the brake pad carrier runs freely, in particular wherein, when the ring winding is not energized, the spring elements press the armature disk onto the brake pad carrier and thus the brake pad carrier is pressed on its side facing away from the magnetic body onto a braking surface which is formed on a flange part or on a sheet metal part which rests on the flange part, or on the motor housing.

8. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the sprocket engages the chain over a circumferential angular range of more than 90°, in particular less than 180°.

9. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release lever is connected via a rotary joint to an axially movably arranged bolt, wherein the release lever is supported on a pivot point which is arranged on a flange part or bearing flange of the electric motor, wherein the bolt projects through the magnet body and through a recess in the armature disk and is widened on the side of the armature disk facing away from the magnet body or is connected to a part for widening in such a way that the bolt is axially limited by means of the widening.

10. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the release lever can be locked by a locking device of the brake, in particular on the magnetic body.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the housing of the electric motor, which is in particular designed in several parts, houses not only the stator of the electric motor but also the brake, in particular wherein the release lever protrudes through the housing into the surroundings of the electric motor.

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the brake is arranged on the axial end region of the rotor shaft of the electric motor facing away from the transmission.

13. Method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that Springs connect a first region of the gear housing to a second region of the gear housing, in particular wherein the first region is spaced from the second region in the axial direction, in particular parallel to the direction of the axis of rotation of the rotor shaft, in particular wherein the springs are arranged on the outside of the gear housing.

14. Chain conveyor device for carrying out a method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the chain conveyor device has the sprocket which can be driven by a geared motor and which engages in the chain which is detachably connected to a chain stop device, wherein the chain stop device is connected to the housing of the geared motor, wherein the chain conveyor device has a control device for adjusting the chain tension of the chain by controlling the torque delivered to the chain by the geared motor via the sprocket, in particular wherein the geared motor can be controlled or regulated by an inverter feeding the electric motor of the geared motor in such a way that the chain tension of the chain can be tensioned to a desired value by controlling or regulating the torque.

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