Conveyor chain for conveying goods to be conveyed

Abstract

The invention relates to a conveyor chain (1) for conveying goods to be conveyed, comprising a first tension strand (4) and a second tension strand (5), which tension strands (4 and 5) run parallel to one another, wherein: the first tension strand (4) and the second tension strand (5) each comprise a plurality of link elements (2) strung together in the longitudinal direction (6) of the conveyor chain (1); directly successive link elements (2) are articulatedly coupled by means of a securing pin (3); when the conveyor chain (1) is in its assembled state, a first end portion (8) of the securing pin (3) extends through a first through-hole (9) in a first link element (2a) and a second through-hole (10) in a second link element (2b) which, for the particular tension strand (4 or 5), directly adjoins the first link element (2a); the conveyor chain (1) is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (11); all link elements (2) of the conveyor chain (1) are of the same design, and all securing pins (3) of the conveyor chain (1) are of the same design.

Description

[0001] Conveyor chain for conveying goods

[0002] The invention relates to a conveyor chain for conveying lumpy or free-flowing material or as a drive chain, in particular for power transmission.

[0003] Conveyor chains for transporting or conveying piece goods, such as wood, stone, finished products, workpieces, and the like, as well as for transporting or conveying free-flowing goods, such as wood chips, biomass, animal feed or silage, grain, gravel, and the like, are known in a wide variety of designs from the prior art. Depending on the application, such conveyor chains vary considerably with regard to their link size, pitch, and maximum tensile strength. The conveyor chains, adapted to their respective dimensions, can be used to construct so-called conveyor belts by arranging at least two conveyor chains in parallel. In such conveyor belts with parallel conveyor chains, it can be provided that a conveyor is located on the same longitudinal or parallel path.The chain links in the present division position are connected to each other via drive lugs to ensure optimized conveying of the conveyed material. Alternatively or in combination, it can be provided that individual chain links of a conveyor chain of this type are connected with drive lugs, in particular with welded-on extensions, such as sheet metal ribs or bar profiles, to support the conveying of lumpy or free-flowing material.

[0004] Conveyor chains proven in practice feature chain links with parallel, perpendicularly spaced link elements, typically formed from sheet metal. Hollow cylindrical or solid connecting pins are arranged between the serially arranged chain links, defining the pivot axes between the individual links. The end sections of each link overlap with the nearest corresponding end section of a serially connected or subsequent link. The pivot pins thus connect or pass through the facing end sections of a total of four link elements. Such a link chain is known, for example, as a drive chain in bicycles, in electric motor drives, or as a timing chain in internal combustion engines.In such conveyor, drive, or control chains, special connecting links may be provided to join the ends of the respective chain and create a closed, ring-shaped chain. These special connecting links may include cotter pins to allow tool-free activation and deactivation of the specially designed, usually unique, connecting link. Alternatively, riveted or welded links may be used, in which case, after the respective parts have been riveted or welded, separation is generally not possible or only achievable with the aid of cutting or grinding tools.

[0005] For example, chains of the same type or conveyor chains were identified in US1453088A and US1866993A.

[0006] The present invention is based on the objective of providing a conveyor chain for conveying goods, which conveyor chain has improved practical suitability, in particular offers the simplest possible changeability of the chain length and has the highest possible robustness, as well as improved economic efficiency in its manufacture.

[0007] This task is solved by a conveyor chain in accordance with the requirements.

[0008] The conveyor chain according to the invention is suitable for conveying lumpy, free-flowing and / or granular materials and comprises a first traction strand and a second traction strand, which traction strands run parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other transversely to the longitudinal direction of the conveyor chain, wherein the first traction strand and the second traction strand each comprise a plurality of link elements arranged in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor chain, in particular overlapping link elements, wherein immediately successive link elements of the first traction strand and immediately successive link elements of the second traction strand are pivotally coupled to a bolt axis by means of a locking bolt, wherein in the assembled state of the conveyor chain a first end section of the locking bolt has a first opening of a first link element and a second opening of afor the respective tension member, penetrates the second link element immediately adjacent to the first link element, and wherein the conveyor chain is symmetrically designed with respect to a plane of symmetry, wherein the plane of symmetry is aligned normal to the bolt axis and preferably penetrates the center of the bolt, wherein link elements arranged opposite each other in the direction of the bolt axis are specifically arranged in a position mirrored relative to the plane of symmetry, wherein all link elements of the conveyor chain are identical in construction and that all locking bolts of the conveyor chain are identical in construction.

[0009] For the purposes of the invention, a tab element is understood to be a tab in the sense of a connecting piece with two openings. Such a tab element can preferably be formed as a forged or stamped part from a sheet. Furthermore, it can be provided that such a tab element is manufactured by laser cutting from a sheet followed by bending or press bending. For the purposes of the invention, a locking bolt is understood to be a bolt-like or axle-like pin. Such a locking bolt can preferably be formed as a forged or cast part.Due to its shape, a locking bolt can couple two tab elements, for example the first tab element and the second tab element, so that an integral connection between the two tab elements and the locking bolt can be established, whereby in particular a rotational mobility of one tab element relative to the other tab element is still guaranteed.

[0010] The present description preferably refers to the first and second link elements, since these components, as the smallest common unit of a tension member in operative connection with the locking bolt, form the smallest common chain unit, or since, due to the principle of identical parts and the symmetry of the conveyor chain, the same principles and measures apply to the other tension member of the conveyor chain and thus also to every further continuation of the conveyor chain.

[0011] The conveyor chain has the advantage of being built according to the principle of identical parts. Thus, the conveyor chain consists of only two different components: the locking bolts as the first component and the link elements as the second. The conveyor chain is mirrored or symmetrically constructed around the plane of symmetry. Each locking bolt connects a total of four link elements, with each pair of link elements—comprising the first and second link elements—coupled to a respective end section of the locking bolt to form a section of the tension member.

[0012] The conveyor chain can therefore be joined or assembled without welding. Furthermore, due to the use of identical parts, the conveyor chain's length can be easily modified. This same principle also offers the advantage that the conveyor chain components can be easily finished, coated, electroplated, heat-treated, or anodized, resulting in a wide range of applications.

[0013] Due to the modular design of the conveyor chain, achieved through the application of the common parts principle in conjunction with its specific construction, the conveyor chain can be used, in particular, without lubrication or lubricant, while still exhibiting a small amount of play. However, it is not precluded that the conveyor chain according to the invention may be lubricated or used with lubricant.

[0014] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the locking bolt has, in the first end section and in a second end section, a retaining means acting axially in the direction of the bolt axis of the locking bolt for axially securing the first tab element and the second tab element relative to the locking bolt, wherein the first tab element is closest to the retaining means, so that the retaining means is operatively connected to the first tab element for axial securing, wherein the respective retaining means can be deactivated or overcome by displacing the first tab element into a joint angle position relative to the second tab element, so that the first tab element in its joint angle position relative to the second tab element can be mechanically decoupled or removed from the locking bolt.

[0015] For example, the retaining element can be designed as a retaining cam. In any case, this design creates a particularly practical conveyor chain. In particular, despite its manual disassembly and reassembly, which can be done without tools, the conveyor chain exhibits high mechanical robustness and stability. Furthermore, the specified conveyor chain offers a high degree of protection against unwanted breakage or fragmentation. Specifically, the serial arrangement virtually eliminates the possibility of the corresponding joint connections becoming uncontrolled, provided the conveyor chain, or a pair of link elements connected by locking pins (the first and second link elements), is not moved into the joint angle position.Especially when the conveyor chain is in use and subjected to tensile stress, unwanted decoupling is unlikely or virtually impossible. A further advantage is that by serially connecting or coupling pairs of link elements, conveyor chains can be created that can be easily adapted to the desired or required length. Thus, despite a relatively simple mechanical design, a high degree of robustness, as well as practical maintenance and assembly of the conveyor chain, is possible.

[0016] The specified conveyor chain allows, for example, a very simple and quick shortening of the chain length, such as after reaching a certain elongation or wear of the joint surfaces due to prolonged use or high stress on the conveyor chain. In particular, the desired chain tension can be restored relatively easily by removing at least a section of the conveyor chain. Mechanical tensioning devices for adjusting the chain tension of a conveyor system can therefore be designed with a comparatively simple design.

[0017] Furthermore, the retaining means can be formed by retaining projections extending radially to the bolt axis at the cantilevered ends of the locking bolt, with the retaining projections acting as axial anti-slip devices in the direction of the bolt axis against the first tab element articulated to the locking bolt. This measure ensures the axial securing of the tab elements in a simple and effective manner.

[0018] Furthermore, it can be provided that two retaining projections extending radially to the bolt axis and in opposite directions are formed at each of the cantilevered ends of the locking bolt. This further improves the axial locking. Another advantageous embodiment is one in which the retaining projections have a cam- or egg-shaped outline when projected onto the plane of symmetry. This allows the first tab element, in its articulated position relative to the second tab element, to be mechanically decoupled or removed from the locking bolt in an improved manner, while still ensuring axial slip protection.

[0019] According to a further development, it is possible for each tab element to have an outer surface, a first section, and a second section, where, in the assembled state of the conveyor chain, the first outer surface section is closer to the plane of symmetry than the second outer surface section is to the outer surface in the second section. This easily enables the identical parts principle in the conveyor chain.

[0020] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the second opening of each link element is designed in the form of an elongated hole, and if the locking bolt in the first end section has a rotation-locking element extending radially to the bolt axis, in particular in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor chain, wherein the rotation-locking element has a rotary coupling section that is form-complementary to the second opening, so that the locking bolt is non-rotatably coupled to the rotary coupling section in the assembled state of the conveyor chain relative to the second link element in the second opening, wherein a first link element coupled to the locking bolt in the first opening in the assembled state of the conveyor chain remains rotatable relative to the locking bolt.This creates a chain link consisting of a locking bolt and two link elements, with each of the two link elements being impervious to the locking bolt by means of anti-rotation devices. This results in a defined load distribution and rolling motion of one chain link relative to another chain link coupled to it.

[0021] Furthermore, the anti-rotation element may be provided with a retaining element projecting distally from the bolt axis. In the assembled state of the conveyor chain, this retaining element, in operative connection with an end-face stop surface, forms a radial anti-slip device against the first link element, which is positioned against the locking bolt, in a first section of the first link element. This effectively and simply prevents the conveyor chain from loosening longitudinally.

[0022] Furthermore, it can be provided that, in the assembled state of the conveyor chain, the retaining element is operatively connected to the end stop surface as a radial anti-slip device against the first tab element, which is pressed against the locking bolt, up to the joint angle position. This effectively prevents loosening in the longitudinal direction of the conveyor chain.

[0023] In a particular embodiment, the retaining element can project distally along the bolt axis up to a maximum height, with this maximum height ensuring decoupling of the second tab element from the locking bolt via its second opening. Additionally, the retaining element can be provided with a distal end featuring a rounded contour, thus maintaining radial slip protection by connecting it to the end stop of the first tab element on the facing side, while simultaneously simplifying decoupling of the second tab element through its second opening.

[0024] The maximum board height depends in particular on the sheet thickness of the tab elements and can be selected so that the retaining element continues to be connected to the end stop of the first tab element on the side as a radial anti-slip device, and so that decoupling of the second tab element through the second opening is made easier.

[0025] The retaining element serves, so to speak, as a drive extension, so that in the return stroke of the chain the integrity of the chain, i.e. the fixed assembly, is still guaranteed, provided that two nearest chain links are not positioned in a joint angle position.

[0026] According to an advantageous embodiment, the first opening may comprise an elongated opening section and a release section, wherein the release section is shaped complementarily to the holding means, in particular to at least a partial section of the holding means, and to an end stop surface of the respective tab element, such that the joint angle position is adjustable from a joint angle of at least 60°, in particular from a joint angle of at least 72°, so that in the joint angle position an articulated coupling and decoupling of the tab element with the locking bolt is possible, wherein the joint angle between the first tab element and the second tab element is defined. In particular, it may be provided that the joint angle position only occurs from a joint angle of more than 72° when using the conveyor chain with a six-tooth sprocket.Such a joint angle results, for example, from the pitch angle of the sprocket, namely 60°, plus an additional angle component as a safety margin against unwanted loosening. The same applies to a conveyor chain for use with a five-tooth sprocket. Thus, the integrity of the conveyor chain can be ensured by means of the retaining element, even with a sprocket pitch angle of varying s. A further advantage of this first opening is that the conveyor chain can only be assembled or configured with the individual components in the correct sequence.

[0027] The invention also relates to a system for conveying lumpy, free-flowing, and / or granular materials, comprising a conveying device, wherein the conveying device includes at least one conveying chain according to the invention. Such a system has the advantage that the conveying chain for the conveying device can be manufactured very simply with the required length, the common-part principle of the conveying chain having a positive effect on the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing the conveying device, and the design features of the components of the conveying chain having a positive effect on robust operation and thus on the versatility of the conveying chain as part of the conveying device for the system.

[0028] The invention also relates to a vehicle for conveying or dispensing lumpy, free-flowing, and / or granular materials, comprising a conveying device, wherein the conveying device includes at least one conveying chain according to the invention. Such a vehicle has the advantage that the conveying chain for the conveying device can be manufactured very simply with the required length, the common-part principle of the conveying chain having a positive effect on the cost-effectiveness of manufacturing the vehicle's conveying device, and the design features of the conveying chain components having a positive effect on robust operation and thus on the versatility of the conveying chain as part of the vehicle's conveying device.

[0029] Finally, the following are among the fundamentally possible areas of application for a conveyor chain according to the invention: scraper floors in agriculture; construction machinery, and in particular road construction machinery, for conveying general cargo; any combustion plants such as biogas converters or dry-bed furnaces, wherein a conveyor chain according to the invention can be used to convey the fuel; mining and recycling plants, as well as in the wood industry. Likewise, the conveyor chain according to the invention can naturally also be used as a drive chain.

[0030] Depending on the application of the conveyor chain in a plant or vehicle, it may also be provided that strips are attached laterally to the link elements or fixed in position to the respective link element. For example, a crossbar can be installed between two essentially parallel conveyor chains to form a scraper floor or conveyor floor in conjunction with the conveyor chains. Alternatively, crossbars can be attached directly to the link elements of two essentially parallel conveyor chains or fixed to them in position, particularly by welding. In any case, such crossbars are preferably oriented transversely to the conveying direction or longitudinal direction of the conveyor chain(s).

[0031] To better understand the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0032] They each show, in a highly simplified, schematic representation:

[0033] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a section of the conveyor chain;

[0034] Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of the section of the conveyor chain in an angled position.

[0035] State of two successive tab elements;

[0036] Fig. 3 shows a locking bolt and a tab element of the conveyor chain in a single view;

[0037] Fig. 4 shows an assembly process of the conveyor chain in individual steps.

[0038] It should be noted at the outset that in the differently described embodiments, identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals or component designations, and the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied analogously to identical parts with the same reference numerals or component designations. Furthermore, the positional designations chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refer to the figure directly described and illustrated, and these positional designations must be applied analogously to the new position if the position changes.

[0039] Figure 1 shows a simplified, schematic representation of an embodiment of a section of the conveyor chain 1. Figure 2 shows this embodiment of the section of the conveyor chain 1 in the angled position of two successive link elements 2 of the conveyor chain 1. Figure 3 shows the individual components, namely a link element 2 and a locking bolt. Finally, Figure 4 shows an assembly process of the conveyor chain 1 in successive individual steps in the reading direction. The following description of the figures should be read in conjunction with Figures 1 to 4. In Figures 1 to 4, the same reference numerals or component designations are used for identical parts. To avoid unnecessary repetition, reference is made to the detailed descriptions in the respective Figures 1 to 4.

[0040] As can be seen from Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, the conveyor chain 1 comprises a first tension member 4 and a second tension member 5, which tension members 4 and 5 respectively run parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other transversely to a longitudinal direction 6 of the conveyor chain 1, wherein the first tension member 4 and the second tension member 5 each comprise a plurality of link elements 2 arranged in a longitudinal direction 6 of the conveyor chain 1, in particular overlapping link elements 2, wherein immediately successive link elements 2 of the first tension member 4 and immediately successive link elements 2 of the second tension member 5 are pivotally coupled to a bolt axis 7 by means of a locking bolt 3.

[0041] It is provided that, in the assembled state of the conveyor chain 1, a first end section 8 of the locking bolt 3 penetrates a first opening 9 of a first tab element 2a and a second opening 10 of a second tab element 2b, which is immediately closest to the first tab element 2a for the respective tension strand 4 or 5.

[0042] Furthermore, it is provided that the conveyor chain 1 is designed symmetrically with respect to a plane of symmetry 11, wherein the plane of symmetry 11 is aligned normal to the bolt axis 7, wherein in the direction of the bolt axis 7 oppositely arranged tab elements 2 are in particular arranged in a position mirrored relative to the plane of symmetry 11, wherein furthermore all tab elements 2 of the conveyor chain 1 are designed identically and all locking bolts 3 of the conveyor chain 1 are designed identically.

[0043] As can be seen from a combination of Figs. 1 to 4, or from a single representation of the conveyor chain 1, or specifically from Fig.As can be seen in Figure 2, it can be provided that the locking bolt 3 has in the first end section 8 and in a second end section 12 a retaining element 13 acting axially in the direction of the bolt axis 7 of the locking bolt 3 for axially securing the first tab element 2a and the second tab element 2b relative to the locking bolt 3, wherein the first tab element 2a is closest to the retaining element 13, so that the retaining element 13 is operatively connected to the first tab element 2a for axial securing in the assembled state of the conveyor chain 1, wherein the respective retaining element 13 can be deactivated or overcome by displacing the first tab element 2a into a joint angle position 14 relative to the second tab element 2b, so that the first tab element 2a in its joint angle position 14 relative to the second tab element 2b can be mechanically decoupled or removed from the locking bolt 3.

[0044] The joint angle position 14 of the conveyor chain 1 shown in Fig. 2 is only an example. In particular, the conveyor chain 1 should be driveable by means of a six-tooth sprocket or, more specifically, even by means of a five-tooth sprocket. If the conveyor chain 1 is driven, for example, by means of a six-tooth sprocket, a joint angle 15 of at least 60° must be adjustable between the first link element 2a and the second link element 2b nearest to the first link element 2a, without releasing the axial securing of the retaining device 13. While maintaining a certain safety margin of at least 5° of additional angular position, or, more specifically, at least 15° of additional angular position, the joint angle position 14 is only achievable in practice from a value of at least 360°, divided by the pitch of a sprocket, such as six in the case of a six-tooth sprocket, plus the additional angular position.In the present example, the joint angle position 14 can be approximately 65° to 75°. In this sense, the joint angle position 14 is understood to be the position of two adjacent link elements 2 in a chain strand 4 or 5 in which the axial securing of these link elements 2 to their coupled locking bolt 3 can be released.

[0045] In this context, it can also be provided that the second opening 10 of each link element 2 is designed in the form of an elongated hole, and that the locking bolt 3 in the first end section 8 has a rotation-locking element 16 extending radially to the bolt axis 7, in particular in the longitudinal direction 6 of the conveyor chain 1, wherein the rotation-locking element 16 has a rotary coupling section 17 that is form-complementary to the second opening 10, so that the locking bolt 3 is non-rotatably coupled to the rotary coupling section 17 in the second opening 10 relative to the second link element 2b in the assembled state of the conveyor chain 1, wherein a first link element 2 coupled to the locking bolt 3 in the first opening 9 in the assembled state of the conveyor chain 1 remains rotatable relative to the locking bolt 3.In addition, it may also be provided that the anti-rotation element 16 has a retaining element 18 projecting distally to the bolt axis 7, wherein the retaining element 18, in the assembled state of the conveyor chain 1, is operatively connected with a counter-side end stop surface 19 in a first section 20 of the first tab element 2a as a radial anti-slip device against the first tab element 2a, which is applied to the locking bolt 3, so that, in the assembled state of the conveyor chain 1, the retaining element 18 is operatively connected with the end stop surface 19 as a radial anti-slip device against the first tab element 2a, which is applied to the locking bolt 3, up to the joint angle position 14.

[0046] As can be seen from a comparison of the individual steps of the assembly process in Fig. 4 in conjunction with Fig. 3, it can be advantageous if the retaining element 18 projects distally to a maximum projection height 21 along the axis of the bolt 7, the maximum projection height 21 being designed to ensure decoupling of the second tab element 2b from the locking bolt 3 through its second opening 10. In addition, the retaining element 18 can also be provided with a distal end with a rounded contour, so that it continues to act as a radial anti-slip device connected to the end stop of the first tab element 2a, and the decoupling of the second tab element 2b through the second opening 10 is simplified.

[0047] It can also be advantageous if the first opening 9 comprises an elongated opening section 22 and a release section 23, wherein the release s from section 23 is formed in a form complementary to the holding means 13, in particular at least to a partial section of the holding means 13, and to an end stop surface 19 of the respective tab element 2, so that the joint angle position 14 is adjustable from a joint angle 15 of at least 60°, in particular from a joint angle 15 of at least 72°, so that in the joint angle position 14 an articulated coupling and decoupling of the tab element 2 with the locking bolt 3 can be carried out, wherein the joint angle 15 is defined between the first tab element 2 and the second tab element 2.As already explained in more detail above, a minimum joint angle 15, from which the conveyor chain 1 is positioned in the joint angle position 14, results in any case from a pitch angle calculated from the number of teeth of a sprocket, and an additional angular position to ensure the secure axial coupling with the locking bolt 3.

[0048] Regarding the axial coupling or securing of the tab elements 2 to the locking bolt 3, it can also be provided that the retaining means 13 are formed by retaining projections 24, each extending radially to the bolt axis 7 and formed at the cantilevered ends of the locking bolt 3, wherein the retaining projections 24 are designed in the direction of the bolt axis 7 as axial anti-slip devices against the first tab element 2, which is articulated to the locking bolt 3. This is particularly evident in Fig. 3. In particular, it can be provided that two retaining projections 24, extending radially to the bolt axis 7 and in opposite directions, are formed at each of the cantilevered ends of the locking bolt 3. Specifically, it can be provided that the retaining projections 24 have a cam-shaped or egg-shaped outline in a projection onto the plane of symmetry 11.This ensures that the first tab element 2a in its joint angle position 14 relative to the second tab element 2b can be mechanically decoupled or removed from the locking bolt 3 in an improved manner, while still guaranteeing axial slip protection.

[0049] Finally, to ensure the principle of identical parts applicable to the conveyor chain 1, it can also be provided that each tab element 2 has an outer surface 25, a first section 20 and a second section 26, wherein a first outer surface section 27 of the outer surface 25 in the first section 20 is closer to the plane of symmetry 11 in the assembled state of the conveyor chain 1 than a second outer surface section 28 of the outer surface 25 in the second section 26.

[0050] Figure 4 shows an assembly process for a section of the conveyor chain 1 in individual steps, viewed in the reading direction. It can be seen that a link element 2, or a second link element 2b with its second opening 10, is threaded into an end section 12 of the locking bolt 3. The link element 2 is guided past the retaining element 18 by rotation in order to finally couple the link element 2 with the rotary coupling section 17, so that the second link element 2b with its second opening 10 is now rotationally secured to the locking bolt 3. In the second line of Figure 4, another link element 2 is coupled to the locking bolt 3. Once two link elements 2 are coupled to the locking bolt 3, a chain link is formed.This chain link can now be coupled to another chain link by connecting the first openings of each link to the locking bolt of the other link. This coupling of two chain links is not shown.

[0051] The exemplary embodiments show possible embodiment variants, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiment variants, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiment variants are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in this technical field due to the teaching on technical action by the present invention.

[0052] The scope of protection is defined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be consulted for the interpretation of the claims. Individual features or combinations of features from the different embodiments shown and described can, in themselves, represent independent inventive solutions. The problem underlying these independent inventive solutions can be found in the description.

[0053] All references to value ranges in this description are to be understood as encompassing any and all sub-ranges thereof, e.g., the reference 1 to 10 is to be understood as including all sub-ranges, starting from the lower limit 1 and the upper limit 10, i.e., all sub-ranges begin with a lower limit of 1 or greater and end with an upper limit of 10 or less, e.g., 1 to 1.7, or 3.2 to 8.1, or 5.5 to 10.

[0054] For the sake of clarity, it should be noted that, for better understanding of the structure, some elements have been shown not to scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbols list

[0055] Conveyor chain

[0056] Tab element

[0057] locking bolt

[0058] First tension member

[0059] Second traction strand

[0060] Longitudinal direction

[0061] Bolt axle

[0062] First final section

[0063] First breakthrough

[0064] Second breakthrough

[0065] Plane of symmetry

[0066] Second final section

[0067] Holding device

[0068] Joint angle position

[0069] joint angle

[0070] Rotation locking element

[0071] Rotary coupling section

[0072] retaining element

[0073] End stop surface

[0074] First section

[0075] Board level

[0076] Breakthrough section

[0077] Exemption section

[0078] Holding processes

[0079] Outdoor area

[0080] Second section

[0081] First outdoor area section

[0082] Second outdoor area section

Claims

P a t e n t a n s p r ü c h e 1. Conveyor chain (1) for conveying lumpy or free-flowing material, comprising a first traction strand (4) and a second traction strand (5), which traction strands (4 and 5 respectively)5) run parallel to each other and are spaced apart from each other transversely to a longitudinal direction (6) of the conveyor chain (1), wherein the first tension member (4) and the second tension member (5) each comprise a plurality of link elements (2) arranged in a longitudinal direction (6) of the conveyor chain (1), in particular overlapping link elements, wherein immediately successive link elements (2) of the first tension member (4) and immediately successive link elements (2) of the second tension member (5) are pivotally coupled to a bolt axis (7) by means of a locking bolt (3), wherein in the assembled state of the conveyor chain (1) a first end section (8) of the locking bolt (3) has a first opening (9) of a first link element (2a) and a second opening (10) of a link element (2a) for the respective tension member (4 or 5).5) penetrates the second link element (2b) immediately adjacent to the first link element (2a), and wherein the conveyor chain (1) is symmetrical with respect to a plane of symmetry (11), wherein the plane of symmetry (11) is oriented normal to the bolt axis (7), wherein link elements (2) arranged opposite each other in the direction of the bolt axis (7) are specifically arranged in a position mirrored relative to the plane of symmetry (11), characterized in that all link elements (2) of the conveyor chain (1) are identical in construction and that all locking bolts (3) of the conveyor chain (1) are identical in construction.

2. Conveyor chain (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the locking bolt (3) has in the first end section (8) and in a second end section (12) a retaining means (13) acting axially in the direction of the bolt axis (7) of the locking bolt (3) for axially securing the first link element (2a) and the second link element (2b) relative to the locking bolt (3), wherein the first link element (2a) is closest to the retaining means (13) so that the retaining means (13) is operatively connected to the first link element (2a) for axial securing, wherein the respective retaining means (13) can be deactivated or overcome by displacing the first link element (2a) into a joint angle position (14) relative to the second link element (2b), so that the first link element (2a) in whose joint angle position (14) relative to the second tab element (2b) can be mechanically decoupled or removed from the locking bolt (3).

3. Conveyor chain (1) according to claim 2, characterized in that the retaining means (13) are formed by retaining extensions (24) formed on cantilevered ends of the locking bolt (3), each extending radially to the bolt axis (7), wherein the retaining extensions (24) are designed in the direction of the bolt axis (7) as axial anti-slip devices against the first tab element (2) articulated to the locking bolt (3).

4. Conveyor chain (1) according to claim 3, characterized in that two retaining extensions (24) extending radially to the bolt axis (7) and in opposite directions are formed at the free cantilevered ends of the locking bolt (3).

5. Conveyor chain (1) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the retaining extensions (24) have a cam-shaped or egg-shaped outline contour in a projection onto the plane of symmetry (11).

6. Conveyor chain (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that each tab element (2) has an outer surface (25), a first section (20) and a second section (26), wherein a first outer surface section (27) of the outer surface (25) in the first section (20) in the assembled state of the conveyor chain (1) is closer to the plane of symmetry (11) than a second outer surface section (28) of the outer surface (25) in the second section (26).

7. Conveyor chain (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second opening (10) of each link element (2) is formed in the form of an elongated hole, and that the locking bolt (3) in the first end section (8) has a rotation-locking element (16) extending radially to the bolt axis (7), in particular in the longitudinal direction (6) of the conveyor chain (1), wherein the rotation-locking element (16) has a rotation-coupling section (17) that is form-complementary to the second opening (10), such that the locking bolt (3) with the rotation-coupling section (17) in the assembled state of the conveyor chain (1) is relative to the second link element (2b) in the second The opening (10) is coupled in a non-rotatable manner, wherein a first tab element (2) coupled to the locking bolt (3) in the first opening (9) in the assembled state of the conveyor chain (1) remains rotatable relative to the locking bolt (3).

8. Conveyor chain (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the anti-rotation element (16) has a retaining element (18) projecting in the distal direction of the bolt axis (7), wherein the retaining element (18) in the assembled state of the conveyor chain (1) is formed in operative connection with an end-face end stop surface (19) in a first section (20) of the first tab element (2a) as a radial anti-slip device against the first tab element (2a) applied to the locking bolt (3).

9. Conveyor chain (1) according to claims 2 and 8, characterized in that the retaining element (18) in the assembled state of the conveyor chain (1) is operatively connected to the end stop surface (19) as a radial anti-slip device against the first tab element (2a) applied to the locking bolt (3) up to the joint angle position (14).

10. Conveyor chain (1) according to one of claims 8 or 9, characterized in that the retaining element (18) is designed to project up to a maximum projection height (21) in the distal direction of the bolt axis (7), wherein the maximum projection height (21) is designed to ensure decoupling of the second tab element (2b) through its second opening (10) relative to the locking bolt (3).

11. Conveyor chain (1) according to one of claims 2 to 10, characterized in that the first opening (9) comprises an elongated opening section (22) and a release section (23), wherein the release section (23) is formed in a shape complementary to the holding means (13), in particular at least to a partial section of the holding means (13), and is directed away from an end stop surface (19) of the respective tab element (2), so that the joint angle position (14) is adjustable from a joint angle (15) of at least 60°, in particular from a joint angle (15) of at least 72°, so that in the joint angle position (14) an articulated coupling and decoupling of the tab element (2) with the locking bolt (3) can be carried out, wherein the joint angle (15) is defined between the first tab element (2) and the second tab element (2).

12. A system for conveying lumpy, free-flowing and / or granular conveyed material comprising a conveying device, characterized in that the conveying device comprises at least one conveying chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Vehicle for conveying or dispensing lumpy, free-flowing and / or granular conveyed material comprising a conveying device, characterized in that the conveying device comprises at least one conveying chain (1) according to one of claims 1 to 11.

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