Material gate for an industrial plant

Abstract

The invention relates to a material gate (1) for an industrial plant (50), comprising - a housing (2) with a funnel (7) which defines material channel (12) extending from an inlet opening (13) to an outlet opening (14), - at least one valve element (21) being movable between an open position for enabling material flow through the material channel (12) and a closed position for blocking material flow through the material channel (12), and - a transmission element (23) at least partially disposed in a transmission portion (5) of the housing (2) and at least indirectly coupled to at least one valve element (21) so that the valve element (21) is movable between the open position and the closed position by a transmission motion of the transmission element (23). In order to facilitate a safe maintenance of a material gate for an industrial plant (50), the invention provides that the material gate also comprises a locking mechanism (24) with at least one handle portion (25.1) and a primary locking portion (25.3), wherein each handle portion (25.1) is accessible from outside of the housing (2) and is movable relative to the housing (2), and the primary locking portion (25.3) is disposed inside the transmission portion (5) and is coupled to the handle portion (25.1) to be movable between a release position, in which it is decoupled from the transmission motion, and a locking position, in which it is coupled to the transmission element (23) so that the locking mechanism (24) establishes a form-locking connection with the housing (2) and the transmission element (23), whereby the transmission motion is at least restricted.

Description

MATERIAL GATE FOR AN INDUSTRIAL PLANTTechnical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a material gate for an industrial plant and to an industrial plant.Background Art

[0002] In metallurgical plants, specifically steel producing plants, particulate material is oftentimes transferred from one device, e.g., a hopper, to another device, e.g., a furnace through pipes by force of gravity. I.e., the material falls or slides downwards due to its own weight. For several applications, the material flow needs to be controlled in that it can be temporarily reduced or blocked. For this purpose, a material gate can be interposed between two pipes or within a pipe. The material gate can also be referred to as a material valve. It usually has at least one movable valve element that can be positioned to either enable or block the material flow. Especially when the valve element transitions between an open position and a closed position, it is subjected to substantial abrasional forces. For these and other reasons, there is a need to inspect and possibly replace the valve element, or other components of the material gate. These components are usually disposed in a housing of the material gate, which has to be opened for maintenance. During such a maintenance process, a drive motor of the valve element has to be stopped. However, due to the injury risk that an unwanted movement of the valve element would pose to a maintenance worker, additional safety measures should be taken. It has been proposed to block the motor or a transmission by a form-locking connection. For instance, an arm that is rigidly connected to a transmission shaft extends to an outside of the housing, where it can be locked by locking pin. However, since the arm is connected to the transmission, it moves outside of the housing during the normal operation of the material gate. Therefore, the arm itself poses a threat to personnel in the vicinity of the material gate, wherefore it needs to be surrounded by a protective cage or the like. Similar problems arise in other industrial plants, wherever a material gate is used to control the transfer of materials.Technical Problem

[0003] It is thus an object of the present invention to facilitate a safe maintenance of a material gate for an industrial plant. This object is solved by a material gate according to claim 1 and by an industrial plant according to claim 15.General Description of the Invention

[0004] The invention provides a material gate for an industrial plant, in particular for a metallurgical plant. The material gate can be used in an industrial plant. Preferably, it can be used in a metallurgical plant, i.e., it is made of materials that are usable in a metallurgical plant, e.g., steel or refractory materials. The metallurgical plant may in particular be an iron-producing plant or steel-producing plant. The material gate is adapted for controlling a material flow. When installed in the industrial plant, it can be interposed between an upstream component and a downstream component. During operation, the material flow runs from the upstream component through the material gate to the downstream component. Although the invention is not restricted to this working principle, the material flow may be driven by gravity. In some cases, the material gate may be adapted for installation downstream of a component that delivers hot material. In such a case, least some parts of the material gate may be made of material that is heat resistant up to at least 300°C, at least 500°C, or at least 800°C. For instance, it could be installed downstream of a DRI (directly reduced iron) plant or a reservoir that receives and temporarily stores DRI material. While the invention is particularly suitable for metallurgical plants, it can also be beneficial in other industries, e.g. oil shale industry or cement industry.

[0005] The material gate comprises a housing with a funnel which defines a material channel extending from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. The housing may be adapted for connection to the abovementioned upstream and downstream components. For this purpose, it may comprise dedicated connection portions, like connection flanges or the like. The housing is preferably at least partially made of steel, although other suitable materials are possible. The housing comprises a funnel which defines a material channel. The funnel preferably has a closed wall that circumferentially surrounds the material channel. The funnel and the material channel may be straight, extending along a channel axis. However, it is within the scope of the invention that the funnel is at least partially curved and / or angled. The material channel extends from an inlet opening to an outlet opening. During operation,material enters through the inlet opening and may exit through the outlet opening. It should be noted that although there is usually only one inlet opening and one outlet opening, it is conceivable that the funnel has a branching structure with more than one inlet opening and / or outlet opening. For some applications, the funnel may comprise a material that especially heat resistant and / or wear resistant, like a refractory material. When installed in the industrial plant, the inlet opening is an upper opening and the outlet opening is a lower opening, with respect to the vertical direction defined by the direction of gravity. The channel axis may be parallel to the direction of gravity. Optionally, the funnel may comprise a cooling system. For instance, the funnel may comprise at least one cavity or pipe that is connectable to a coolant supply. The coolant can be water. As the coolant flows through the cavity, it absorbs heat and protects the funnel from overheating.

[0006] The material gate also comprises at least one valve element that is movable between an open position for enabling material flow through the material channel and a closed position for blocking material flow through the material channel. The valve element could also be referred to as a valve element, a gate element, a shutter element, or the like. It is designed to either enable or disable the material flow through the material channel. In a closed position, it is disposed to block the material flow. It should be noted that “blocking” the material flow does not imply a completely tight sealing effect between the valve element and the funnel. Firstly, since the material is usually a solid material, gas-tightness or liquid-tightness is usually not required. Furthermore, small leakage e.g. of dust or fines is usually not relevant either. Generally speaking, the material flow can be considered as “blocked” if it is reduced by at least 99% with respect to the open position. In case of a plurality of valve assemblies, the valve elements of all valve assemblies may cooperate to block the material channel. Although there are other possibilities within the scope of the invention, it is preferred that in the closed position, the valve element is disposed downstream of the outlet opening. In other words, the at least one valve element is adapted to close the outlet opening.

[0007] The material gate also comprises a transmission element at least partially disposed in a transmission portion of the housing and at least indirectly coupled to at least one valve element so that the valve element is movable between the open position and the closed position by a transmission motion of the transmission element. The transmission element remains at least partially disposedin the transmission portion during the transmission motion. The transmission element can be made of a single piece or a plurality of connected pieces. It is adapted for performing a transmission motion relative to the housing, i.e., it is movable with respect to the housing. Specifically, it is at least partially or even entirely received in a part of the housing that is herein referred to as a “transmission portion”. Although this is not essential for the invention, the transmission portion is preferably distinct from a part in which the material channel is disposed. The latter may be a main body of the housing, in which the funnel and the valve element are at least partially received. The transmission element is either directly or indirectly coupled to at least one valve element so that the transmission motion is coupled to the motion of the valve element. As the transmission element performs the transmission motion, the valve element moves between the open position and the closed position. Preferably, the transmission element is adapted for connection to a drive motor. This drive motor may be part of the material gate. It may be disposed in another portion of the housing which may be referred to as the motor portion. The transmission element may be permanently coupled to the drive motor.

[0008] The valve element, and the transmission element, can be part of a valve assembly, which may also comprise a coupler element to which the valve element is connected. Both the valve element and the coupler element can be made of one piece or a plurality of pieces. In the latter case, the pieces can be connected in a detachable or non-detachable way. The valve element and the coupler element are connected so that the valve element can be moved between the open and closed position by actuating the coupler element. In other words, the coupler element can be used to indirectly actuate the valve element. The coupler element is either directly or indirectly connectable to the transmission element. Thus, the drive force of the motor is transferred through the transmission element and the coupler element to the valve element. In some embodiments, the coupler element is adapted to support the valve element. In these cases, it may also be referred to as a support element or a carrier element. In some embodiments, the transmission element and the coupler element can be made of a single piece or can be non-detachably connected.

[0009] The material gate also comprises a locking mechanism with at least one handle portion and a primary locking portion, wherein each handle portion is accessible from outside of the housing and is movable relative to the housing, and the primary locking portion is disposed inside the transmission portion both in thelocking position and in the release position and is coupled to the handle portion to be movable between a release position, in which it is decoupled from the transmission motion, and a locking position, in which it is coupled to the transmission element so that the locking mechanism establishes a form-locking connection with the housing and the transmission element, whereby the transmission motion is at least restricted. The locking mechanism is movable between the release position and the locking position without removing the primary locking portion from the transmission portion. The handle portion and the primary locking portion are coupled to each other so that the primary locking portion is movable by moving the handle portion. The handle portion is accessible from the outside of the housing and is preferably dispose outside of the housing. In any case, it can be accessed by a maintenance worker without the need for opening the housing. Therefore, by moving the at least one handle portion, a maintenance worker can move the primary locking portion between the locking position and the release position. In the release position, the primary locking portion is decoupled from the transmission motion of the transmission element. In other words, it is decoupled from the transmission element insofar as the transmission element can perform its transmission movement without interference from the primary locking portion. Vice versa, the locking mechanism, including the handle portion(s), is unaffected by the transmission movement. Therefore, the handle portion does not pose any injury risk to a person near the material gate. It is preferred that the handle portion is disposed in proximity to the transmission portion of the housing, although other positions are possible, too. While the term “handle portion” is not to be construed in a limiting way, the handle portion is preferably adapted for handling by a user. I.e. , the user should be able to handle the handle portion without using a tool. Optionally, the handle portion may comprise an ergonomically shaped handle.

[0010] By moving the at least one handle portion, the primary locking portion can be moved into the locking position. Preferably, the locking position and the release position offset in a direction perpendicular to the transmission motion. In the locking position, the primary locking portion is coupled to the transmission element so that the locking mechanism establishes a form-locking connection with the housing and the transmission element. More specifically, the primary locking portion establishes a form-locking connection with the transmission element. Preferably, this is a form-locking connection in the direction of the transmission motion. Also, thelocking mechanism establishes a form-locking connection with the housing. Due to this two-fold form-locking connection, the locking mechanism is interposed between the transmission element and the housing, so that the transmission motion is at least restricted. In other words, the transmission motion may be prevented completely, or it may be limited to a small range of motion. In any case, any unhindered movement of the transmission element, and the valve element, is prevented. At the same time, due to the form-locking connection with the housing, the locking mechanism cannot move to a significant extent. This also applies to the at least one handle portion, which does not pose any injury risk to a person near the material gate. Therefore, the inventive material gate provides a safe mechanism for locking the transmission element and the valve element. The mechanism is also safe for a user during normal operation of the material gate, since the primary locking portion and handle portion are decoupled from the movement of the transmission element.

[0011] In some embodiments, the primary locking portion and the at least one handle portion could be movably connected, e.g. via at least one interposed hinge. In order to keep the locking mechanism simple and robust, however, it is preferred that the primary locking portion and the at least one handle portion are rigidly connected as parts of a locking element. The locking element can be made of a single piece, e.g., a piece of steel. Alternatively, it could be made of a plurality of pieces that are rigidly connected, e.g. by welding, screwing or riveting.

[0012] In general, the transmission element could be adapted for any type of movement, e.g. a translational movement and / or a tilting movement. It is preferred that the transmission element is rotatable about an axially aligned transmission axis, and the locking mechanism establishes a form-locking connection in a tangential direction. The range of motion of the rotation movement may be limited to less than 360°. For example, it could be equal to a range of motion of the valve element. If a movement of the valve element is limited to a certain angular range, e.g. 90°, the same goes for the transmission element. However, the coupling between the transmission element and the valve element could be more complex. In any case, the transmission element is rotatable and may be connected to the housing via at least one interposed pivot bearing, e.g., a ball bearing. The rotation axis of the rotation is herein referred to as the transmission axis and it defines an axial direction. Thus, a tangential direction and a radial direction are also implicitly defined. The lockingmechanism establishes a formal-looking connection in the tangential direction, i.e. , in the direction of the transmission motion.

[0013] A preferred embodiment provides that the valve element is rigidly connected to the transmission element. The connection may be a direct or indirect connection. It may be a detachable connection, e.g. by screwing, or a non- detachable connection, e.g. by riveting or welding. In any case, the rigid connection means that locking of the transmission element automatically locks the valve element in position.

[0014] It is preferred that the release position is axially offset from the locking position. In other words, the primary locking portion moves along the axial direction between the release position and the locking position. In some embodiments, it may move parallel to the axial direction, while in other embodiments, it may move at an angle to the axial direction. For instance, it could move helically in a combination of an axial movement and a tangential movement, i.e. a rotation. It will be understood that in those embodiments in which the primary locking portion is part of the locking element, any other portions of the locking element may also move along the axial direction.

[0015] Preferably, the locking element comprises at least one secondary locking portion that is adapted to establish a form-locking connection with the transmission portion and that is movably received in a guide slot of the transmission portion. The secondary locking portion is part of the locking element and therefore rigidly connected to the primary locking portion and the at least one handle portion. By the primary locking portion is adapted for establishing a form-locking connection with the transmission element, the secondary locking portion is adapted for establishing the form locking connection with the transmission portion of the housing. It is movably received in a guide slot. The guide slot may traverse the wall of the transmission portion from the inside to the outside. The shape of the guide slot preferably defines a moving direction of the secondary locking portion. The guide slot preferably extends axially and may be parallel to the axial direction defined by the transmission axis. Its extent in the tangential direction is limited, thereby limiting the tangential movability of the secondary locking portion. As the secondary locking portion makes contact with the side of the guide slot, any further movement in thisdirection is prevented. Thus, the form-locking connection between the secondary locking portion and the housing is established.

[0016] The transmission portion may comprise a sleeve portion disposed around the transmission element, wherein at least one guide slot is disposed in the sleeve portion. The sleeve portion may be cylindrical. It may be disposed circumferentially in the tangential direction, and it may axially extend along a major portion of the transmission element. At least one guide slot may traverse the wall of the sleeve portion.

[0017] One embodiment provides that the locking element comprises at least two secondary locking portions disposed on different sides of the primary locking portion. Each of the secondary locking portions individually establishes a formlocking connection with the housing. This may help to reduce the force acting on a individual secondary locking portion and a corresponding part of the housing. Also, asymmetric forces acting on the locking element, which could lead to canting, can be reduced or even avoided. It is preferred that two secondary locking portions are disposed on opposite sides of the primary locking portion. The guide slots in which the respective secondary locking portions are received, are also disposed on different sides of the primary locking portion, e.g., on opposite sides thereof.

[0018] Also preferably, the locking element comprises at least two handle portions disposed on different sides of the primary locking portion. In particular, two handle portions can be disposed on opposite sides of the primary locking portion. On the one hand, a maintenance worker can use one of the two handle portions attentively, depending which one is easier to access from his current position. On the other hand, he may use one hand for each handle portion, which may make it easier to move the locking element. Also, using both handles may avoid asymmetric forces that could lead to canting of the locking element. Preferably, the at least two handle portions are also disposed on different sides of the transmission portion. In particular, two handle portions may be disposed on opposite sides of the transmission portion.

[0019] It is preferred that at least one secondary locking portion is interposed between the primary locking portion and a handle portion. One could also say that a handle portion is connected to the primary locking portion via a secondary locking portion. Optionally, at least one additional portion could be interposed between the primary locking portion and the secondary locking portion, or between the handleportion and the secondary locking portion. Preferably, the handle portion, the secondary locking portion and the primary locking portion can be made of a single piece. Specifically, the locking element can traverse the guide slot, with the secondary locking portion disposed in the guide slot and the handle portion disposed outside of the housing.

[0020] Preferably, the transmission element comprises a coupling portion and a decoupling portion axially offset from the coupling portion, wherein the primary locking portion has an inner profile that is adapted to establish a form-locking connection with an outer profile of the coupling portion and to be radially spaced from an outer profile of the decoupling portion. It will be understood that the outer profile of the coupling portion and the inner profile of the primary locking portion are noncircular or non-cylindrical. They each have a varying radial dimension along their respective circumference. The decoupling portion, on the other hand, can have any kind of profile as long as its maximum radial dimension is smaller than a minimum radial dimension of the primary locking portion. The primary locking portion can be moved along the axial direction so that its position either overlaps with the coupling portion, whereby the form-locking connection is established, or with the decoupling portion, whereby the form-locking connection is released and the transmission element is freely rotatable.

[0021] There are various possibilities how the coupling portion, the decoupling portion and the primary locking portion could be shaped. According to a preferred embodiment, the coupling portion comprises an outer-spline profile corresponding to an inner-spline profile of the primary locking portion, and the decoupling portion has a cylindrical profile. “Corresponding to” means that the splines are shaped so that they can engage each other to establish the form-locking connection, i.e., the ridges of one spline match the grooves of the other spline. The decoupling portion, in the other hand, is cylindrical and has a circular cross-section. It will be understood that the radius of the decoupling portion is smaller than an inner radial dimension of the inner spline of the primary locking portion. Accordingly, the decoupling portion can freely rotate with respect to the primary locking portion.

[0022] Any unwanted shift of the primary locking portion from the locking position to the release position could be dangerous for a maintenance worker. Also, an unwanted shift from the release position into the locking position would render thematerial gate non-operational. It is therefore preferred that the locking mechanism and the housing comprise corresponding restriction features for establishing a formlocking connection to prevent movement of the primary locking portion between the locking position and the release position. These corresponding restriction features may in particular be recesses or bores into which a locking element can be placed. Such a locking element could, e.g., be a locking pin, or the shackle of a shackle lock. When the restriction features are aligned, the locking element can establish the formlocking connection, thereby securing the position of the locking mechanism. The restriction features should be accessible from outside of the housing. E.g., at least one restriction feature (like a through-bore) could be disposed on the handle portion.

[0023] According to one embodiment, the housing comprises a main body defining a housing cavity, and an access opening communicating with the housing cavity, a closure element of the housing is connected to the main body to close the access opening in an access-closed position, and the transmission element and the locking mechanism are mounted to the closure element. The main body may be made of one piece or a plurality of pieces. In the latter case, the pieces are preferably rigidly connected. The main body may be adapted for connection to an upstream component and a downstream component of the industrial plant, wherein “upstream” and “downstream” refer to the material flow. The main body defines a housing cavity, i.e. , it is at least partially hollow. The funnel may be connected to the main body and may be at least partially, or even entirely, disposed inside the housing cavity. The same goes for the valve assembly. Specifically, the valve element is preferably disposed entirely inside the housing cavity. Further, the main body comprises an access opening communicating with the housing cavity. A closure element is connected to the main body to close the access opening in an access-closed position, and the transmission element and the locking mechanism are mounted to the closure element. Apart from the access opening, the main body may comprise additional openings, specifically two openings corresponding to the inlet opening and the outlet opening of the material channel. These openings may be surrounded by connector flanges or the like by which the material gate can be connected to an upstream component and a downstream component of the industrial plant. The access opening can also be referred to as a revision opening or a maintenance opening. In the access-closed position, the closure element is connected to the main body, thereby closing the access opening. The closure element is adapted to beremoved from the access opening, e.g., in an access-open position. Thus, the access opening enables access to the housing cavity, i.e. , to the inside of the main body. It may also enable transfer of a component between the outside and the inside. Specifically, it is preferred that the funnel is removable from the housing cavity through the access opening. The transmission element and the locking mechanism are mounted to the closure element, i.e., they are at least indirectly connected to and supported by the closure element. The transmission element is pivotally connected to the closure element. In other words, it is not directly connected to the main body, but only via the closure element. A pivot bearing, e.g., a ball bearing, may be interposed between the closure element and the transmission element. Preferably, the transmission portion of the housing disposed on the closure element opposite of the main body.

[0024] The invention also relates to an industrial plant, which comprises a material gate as described above. Preferred embodiments of the inventive industrial plant correspond to those of the inventive material gate. As already mentioned, the industrial plant may preferably be a metallurgical plant, which may in particular be an iron-producing plant or steel-producing plant. The material gate is interposed between an upstream component and a downstream component. The upstream component may be a DRI (directly reduced iron) source, i.e., a plant or a reservoir that receives and temporarily stores DRI material. The downstream component could be an electric arc furnace where the DRI is used for steel production.Brief Description of the Drawings

[0025] Preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:Fig.1 is a perspective view of an inventive material gate;Fig.2 is a sectional view of the material gate from fig.1 ;Fig.3 is a perspective view of the material gate from fig.1 in a partially disassembled state;Fig.4 is a perspective detail view of the material gate in a first state;Fig.5 is a perspective detail view of the material gate in a second state; andFig.6 is a schematic side view of a steel-producing plant with the material gate from fig.1 .Description of Preferred Embodiments

[0026] Fig.1 shows a perspective view of an inventive material gate 1 , which can be used in an industrial plant, e.g. in a steel-producing plant 50. In such a plant 50, which is shown schematically in fig.6, the material gate 1 is disposed downstream of a hopper 51 for DRI material, to which it is connected by a first material pipe 52, and upstream of an open bath furnace 54, to which it is connected by a second material pipe 53. The material gate 1 comprises a housing 2 made of steel. A main body 3, which constitutes a major part of the housing 2, defines a housing cavity 3.4, which can be seen in the sectional view of fig.2. As can also be seen in fig.2, a funnel 7 is disposed within the housing cavity 3.4. The funnel 7 defines a material channel 12 that extends along a channel axis A from an inlet opening 13 to an outlet opening 14. In this embodiment, the channel axis A is parallel to a vertical Z-axis. The Z-axis is antiparallel to the direction of gravity with respect to an installation position of the material gate 1 . For sake of reference, the figures also show an X-axis and a Y-axis, both of which are horizontal. The main body 3 comprises two connection flanges 3.1 , 3.2, which are adapted for connecting the material gate 1 to upstream and downstream components. As can be seen in fig.2, the funnel 7 comprises an inner shell 8, which can be made of or lined with heat-resistant materials, such as refractory material or heat-resistant steel, and an outer shell 9 made of steel. Specifically, the outer shell 9 can have a double-walled structure and defines a coolant cavity 10 is disposed between these two walls. The coolant cavity 10 is connected via coolant pipes 11 (only some of which are shown) to a plurality of coolant ports 3.3 on an outer side of the housing 2. When the coolant ports 3.3 are connected to a coolant circuit (not shown), a liquid coolant, preferably water, can be guided through the coolant cavity 10 to protect the funnel 7 from overheating. On one side of the main body 3, a plate-like closure element 4 is connected to the main body 3 to close an access opening 3.5 (visible in fig.3). A transmission portion 5 and a motor portion 6 of the housing 2 are attached to the closure element 4.

[0027] The material gate 1 also comprises a valve assembly 20, with a valve element 21 , a coupler element 22, and a transmission element 23. The transmission element 23, which can also be referred to as a transmission shaft, is mostly disposed in the transmission portion 5, with a sleeve portion 5.1 being disposed around thetransmission element 23. The transmission element 23 is coupled via an outer-spline profile 23.2 to a drive motor 40 disposed in the motor portion 6. The coupler element 22, which is L-shaped arm, is fixed to one end of the transmission element 23. With respect to fig. 2, the coupler element 22 extends from a position laterally of the funnel 7 to a position beneath the outlet opening 14. Here, it is connected to the valve element 21 by a plurality of screws 28, which are combined with nuts.

[0028] Fig. 2 shows the valve element 21 in a closed position, in which it is disposed in close proximity of the outlet opening 14, thereby preventing material flow through the material channel 12. However, the valve assembly 20 is pivotally connected to the housing 2 so that it can be pivoted by the motor 40 about a valvepivot axis or transmission axis P. Thus, the valve element 21 can be moved into an open position (not shown in the figures), in which it is moved away from the outlet opening 14 to enable material flow through the material channel 12. The movement of the valve element 21 is driven by the motor 40 via a transmission movement of the transmission element 23.

[0029] As can be seen in fig.3, the closure element 4, together with the transmission portion 5, the motor portion 6 and the valve assembly 20, can be removed from the main body 3. While figs.1 and 2 show the closure element 4 in an access-closed position, in which it closes the access opening 3.5, fig.3 shows an access-open position, in which it is removed from the access opening 3.5. In this state, the closure element 4 with the other components 5, 6, 20 can be supported by a hoist (not shown). The size of the access opening 3.5 is adapted so that the valve element 21 can be moved therethrough to the outside of the housing 2. Also, as indicated in fig.5, the entire funnel 7 can be removed from the housing cavity 3.4 through the access opening 3.5. These features greatly facilitate inspection, maintenance and replacement procedures.

[0030] During such maintenance, it is imperative for the safety of a maintenance worker that the valve assembly 20 does not move unintentionally. On the one hand, the motor 40 is stopped during this time. On the other hand, any significant movement is prevented by a locking mechanism 24. The locking mechanism 24 comprises a locking element 25 made of a single piece of metal. As can be seen in figs. 4 and 5, in which the sleeve portion 5.1 is partially removed, the locking element 25 comprises primary locking portion 25.3 that is circumferentiallydisposed around the transmission element 23, two secondary locking portions 25.2, each of which is received in a guide slot 5.2 of the sleeve portion 5.1 , and to handle portions 25.1. The handle portions 25.1 and the secondary locking portions 25.2 are disposed on opposite sides of the primary locking portion 25.3. Each handle portion 25.1 is disposed outside of the housing 2, i.e. , outside of the sleeve portion 5.2. It is therefore easily accessible for a user.

[0031] As already mentioned above, the transmission element 23 comprises an outer-spline profile 23.2, which is disposed in a coupling portion 23.1 of the transmission element 23. The transmission element 23 also comprises a decoupling portion 23.3 that is axially offset from the coupling portion 23.1 with respect to the transmission axis P. The decoupling portion 23.3 has a smooth, cylindrical surface. The locking portion 25.3 comprises an inner-spline profile 25.4 that corresponds to the outer-spline profile 23.2. Fig. 4 shows the locking portion 25.3 in a locking position in which the spline profiles 23.2, 25.4 are engaged to establish a tangential form-locking connection. At the same time, since the secondary locking portions 25.2 are received in the guide slots 5.2, a tangential form-locking connection between the locking elements 25 and the housing 2 is established. Therefore, the transmission movement is prevented or at least limited to a minimum range of motion. In order to prevent unwanted movement of the locking element 25, the locking element 25 and the sleeve portion 5.1 comprise corresponding restriction features 5.3, 25.5, which are in this case through-holes. When the restriction features 5.3, 25.5 are aligned as shown in fig. 4, a locking pin 26 or a shackle lock 27 can be placed therethrough.

[0032] Fig. 5 shows the primary locking portion 25.3 in a release position which is axially offset from the locking position. The axial position of the locking portion 25.3 now coincides with that of the uncoupling portion 23.3. Due to the cylindrical profile of the uncoupling portion 23.3, it cannot engage with the primary locking portion 25.3, wherefore the transmission element 23 can freely rotate, independent of the locking elements 25. Fig. 5 shows a shackle lock 27 placed through corresponding restriction features 5.3, 25.5 of the sleeve portion 5.1 and the locking element 25, wherefore the locking elements 25 is prevented from unintentionally moving out of the release position into the locking position.Legend of Reference numbers:1 material gate 51 hopper2 housing 52, 53 material pipe3 main body 54 furnace3.1 , 3.2 connecting flange A channel axis3.3 coolant port P transmission axis3.4 housing cavity X X-axis3.5 access opening Y Y-axis4 closure element Z Z-axis5 transmission portion5.1 sleeve portion5.2 guide slot5.3 restriction feature6 motor portion7 funnel8 inner shell9 outer shell10 cavity11 coolant pipe12 material channel13 inlet opening14 outlet opening20 valve assembly21 valve element22 coupler element23 transmission element23.1 coupling portion23.2 outer-spline profile23.3 uncoupling portion24 locking mechanism25 locking element25.1 handle portion25.2 secondary locking portion25.3 primary locking portion25.4 inner-spline profile25.5 restriction feature26 locking pin27 shackle lock28 screw40 motor50 industrial plant, e.g. steel-producing plant

Claims

Claims1. A material gate (1 ) for an industrial plant (50), comprising- a housing (2) with a funnel (7) which defines material channel (12) extending from an inlet opening (13) to an outlet opening (14),- at least one valve element (21 ) being movable between an open position for enabling material flow through the material channel (12) and a closed position for blocking material flow through the material channel (12),- a transmission element (23) at least partially disposed in a transmission portion (5) of the housing (2) and at least indirectly coupled to at least one valve element (21 ) so that the valve element (21 ) is movable between the open position and the closed position by a transmission motion of the transmission element (23), and- a locking mechanism (24) with at least one handle portion (25.1) and a primary locking portion (25.3), wherein each handle portion (25.1 ) is accessible from outside of the housing (2) and is movable relative to the housing (2), and the primary locking portion (25.3) is disposed inside the transmission portion (5) and is coupled to the handle portion (25.1) to be movable between a release position, in which it is decoupled from the transmission motion, and a locking position, in which it is coupled to the transmission element (23) so that the locking mechanism (24) establishes a form-locking connection with the housing (2) and the transmission element (23), whereby the transmission motion is at least restricted.

2. The material gate according to claim 1 , wherein the primary locking portion (25.3) and the at least one handle portion (25.1 ) are rigidly connected as parts of a locking element (25).

3. The material gate according to any of claims 1 or 2, wherein the transmission element (23) is rotatable about an axially aligned transmission axis (P), and the locking mechanism (24) establishes a form-locking connection in a tangential direction.

4. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the valve element (21 ) is rigidly connected to the transmission element (23).

5. The material gate according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the release position is axially offset from the locking position.

6. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the locking element (25) comprises at least one secondary locking portion (25.2) that is adapted to establish a form-locking connection with the transmission portion (5) and that is movably received in a guide slot (5.2) of the transmission portion (5).

7. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 6, wherein the transmission portion (5) comprises a sleeve portion (5.1 ) disposed around the transmission element (23), wherein at least one guide slot (5.2) is disposed in the sleeve portion (5.1 ).

8. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 7, wherein the locking element (25) comprises at least two secondary locking portions (25.2) disposed on different sides of the primary locking portion (25.3).

9. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 8, wherein the locking element comprises at least two handle portions (25.1 ) disposed on different sides of the primary locking portion (25.3).

10. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 9, wherein at least one secondary locking portion (25.2) is interposed between the primary locking portion (25.3) and a handle portion (25.1 ).

11. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 10, wherein the transmission element (23) comprises a coupling portion (23.1 ) and a decoupling portion (23.3) axially offset from the coupling portion (23.1 ), wherein the primary locking portion(25.3) has an inner profile (25.4) that is adapted to establish a form-locking connection with an outer profile (23.2) of the coupling portion (23.1 ) and to be radially spaced from an outer profile of the decoupling portion (23.3).

12. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 11 , wherein the coupling portion (23.1 ) comprises an outer-spline profile (23.2) corresponding to an inner-spline profile (25.4) of the primary locking portion (25.3), and the decoupling portion(23.3) has a cylindrical profile.

13. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 12, wherein the locking mechanism (24) and the housing (2) comprise corresponding restriction features (5.3, 25.5) for establishing a form-locking connection to prevent movement of theprimary locking portion (25.3) between the locking position and the release position.

14. The material gate according to any of claims 1 to 13, wherein the housing (2) comprises a main body (3) defining a housing cavity (3.4) and an access opening (3.5) communicating with the housing cavity (3.4), a closure element (4) of the housing (2) is connected to the main body (3) to close the access opening (3.5) in an access-closed position, and the transmission element (23) and the locking mechanism (24) are mounted to the closure element (4).

15. An industrial plant (50), comprising the material gate (1 ) according to any of claims 1 to 14.

Images