Importance

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Abstract

The invention concerns a drive mechanism for a distribution chute (14) in a shaft furnace charging installation. This drive mechanism comprises rotary supporting means (15) supporting the distribution chute so that it can be rotated, typically about a vertical axis of rotation (A), and a fixed structure (10) supporting the rotary supporting means (15). It has a main drive motor (30) for rotating the chute and an auxiliary drive motor (40) for adjusting the position of the chute, typically the pivotal position about a horizontal axis (B). The drive mechanism further comprises first, second and third transmission means (34; 46; 54). The first transmission (34) operationally couples the main drive motor (30) to a first ring gear (40) rigidly connected to the rotary supporting means (15). The second transmission (46) operationally couples the auxiliary drive motor (40) to a second ring gear (48) that is independently rotatable about the axis of rotation (A). The third transmission (54) is supported by the rotary supporting means (15) and operationally couples the second ring gear (48) to the distribution chute (14) for adjusting the position of the distribution chute, typically its pivotal position. According to the invention, the third transmission (54) comprises at least one epicyclic sun-and-planet gear train (56; 256; 356) that is supported by the rotary supporting means (15) and operationally coupled to a third ring gear (71; 471) rigidly connected to the fixed structure (10). The proposed epicyclic sun-and-planet gear train (56; 256; 356) has an input shaft (58; 258) driven by the second ring gear (48) and an output shaft (74; 274) connected to adjust the position of the distribution chute (14).

First Claim