Machine and method for preventing the accumulation of chips on the milling envelope of a machine

Abstract

A rotary mixer includes a frame. The rotary mixer also includes a milling enclosure supported by the frame. The milling enclosure includes a side panel. The rotary mixer also includes a rotor disposed within the milling enclosure. The rotary mixer includes at least one vibration device coupled to the milling enclosure. The at least one vibration device is arranged to induce vibrations in at least one component of the milling enclosure to prevent accumulation of debris on the at least one component.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to machines such as milling machines and rotary mixers, and methods for preventing the accumulation of debris on the milling housing of such machines. Background Technology

[0002] Machines such as milling machines and rotary mixers include milling rotors for performing one or more work operations. The milling rotors are housed within a milling housing of the machine. Work operations such as cleaning, removing, mixing, or recycling materials involve movement of the machine across different terrains. Furthermore, during the performance of the work operation, the milling housing typically slides across the terrain where the work operation is performed.

[0003] In some cases, debris such as rock, concrete, soil, and dirt may accumulate within the milling housing and its associated components. For example, in rotary mixers and milling machines that include one or more movable side plates, such debris may accumulate on the side plates or in gaps between adjacent side plates to allow for side plate movement. In some cases, this debris accumulation may restrict the movement of the side plates and may also lead to adhesion of the side plates, which is undesirable. Furthermore, in rotary mixers with movable milling housings, this debris accumulation may restrict the movement of the milling housing. This restriction in the movement of the milling housing and / or side plates may reduce site productivity and may also require frequent cleaning to remove debris.

[0004] Publication No. WO2019 / 115003 describes a self-propelled ground milling machine, particularly a road milling machine, comprising a machine frame supported by a drive unit, a drive motor arranged on the machine frame, a motorized platform arranged on the machine frame, a milling device driven by the drive motor and having a milling roll box with at least an opening on its lower side and connected to the machine frame, and a milling roll that is rotatable within the milling roll box about a horizontal working direction and transverse to the working direction and partially protrudes to the lower side of the milling roll box during milling operations, and includes a mounting tube and a plurality of milling tools arranged on the outer surface of the mounting tube, wherein a drive system is provided that transmits the driving energy generated by the drive motor to the milling roll to drive the rotational movement of the milling roll during milling operations, wherein a vibration damping device is arranged between the machine frame and the complete milling roll, such that vibrations generated on the mounting tube during milling operations are suppressed on the machine frame, wherein the vibration damping device includes at least one damping element arranged between the milling roll box and the machine frame. Summary of the Invention

[0005] In one aspect of the invention, a rotary mixer is provided. The rotary mixer includes a frame. The rotary mixer also includes a milling housing supported by the frame. The milling housing includes side plates. The rotary mixer also includes a rotor disposed within the milling housing. The rotary mixer includes at least one vibrating device coupled to the milling housing. The at least one vibrating device is arranged to cause vibration in at least one component of the milling housing to prevent the accumulation of debris on the at least one component.

[0006] In another aspect of the invention, a milling machine is provided. The milling machine includes a frame. The milling machine also includes a milling housing supported by the frame. The milling housing includes side plates. The milling machine also includes a rotor disposed within the milling housing. The milling machine further includes at least one vibration device coupled to the milling housing. The at least one vibration device is arranged to cause vibration in at least one component of the milling housing to prevent the accumulation of debris on the at least one component.

[0007] In another aspect of the invention, a method is provided to prevent the accumulation of debris on a milling housing of a machine. The method includes coupling at least one vibration device to the milling housing. The method further includes activating the at least one vibration device to induce vibration in at least one component of the milling housing to prevent the accumulation of debris on the at least one component.

[0008] Other features and aspects of the invention will become apparent from the following description and accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a perspective view of the first rotary mixer according to the present invention;

[0010] Figure 2 An illustration of a method for preventing debris from in Figure 1 A block diagram of the system accumulating on the milled housing of the first rotary mixer;

[0011] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of the second rotary mixer according to the present invention;

[0012] Figure 4 A side view of a milling machine according to the present invention is shown; and

[0013] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a method to prevent debris from accumulating on the milling casing of a machine. Detailed Implementation

[0014] Wherever possible, use the same reference numerals in all figures to denote the same or similar parts. Wherever possible, use corresponding or similar reference numerals in all figures to denote the same or corresponding parts.

[0015] Figure 1 An exemplary first rotary mixer 100 is shown, and is interchangeably referred to below as rotary mixer 100. Alternatively, rotary mixer 100 may be embodied as another machine for cleaning, removing, mixing, or recycling materials from various terrains. The first rotary mixer 100 includes a frame 102. The frame 102 supports an engine (not shown) to provide operating power to various components of the rotary mixer 100. The engine may include an internal combustion engine.

[0016] The rotary mixer 100 has a front end 104 and a rear end 106. The front end 104 of the rotary mixer 100 has a pair of front wheels 108, and the rear end 106 has a pair of rear wheels 110. Alternatively, a pair of tracks may replace the wheels 108 and 110. The rotary mixer 100 has an operator platform 112. When the rotary mixer 100 is embodied as a manual or semi-autonomous machine, the operator of the rotary mixer 100 can sit or stand on the operator platform 112 to operate the rotary mixer 100. The operator platform 112 may include a control panel (not shown) to provide input for performing one or more work operations.

[0017] Furthermore, the rotary mixer 100 includes a milled housing 114 supported by a frame 102. The milled housing 114 is located between the front wheel 108 and the rear wheel 110. The milled housing 114 includes side plates 116. More specifically, the milled housing 114 is an enclosed space defined by a first side plate 116 disposed on the left side 118 of the rotary mixer 100, a second side plate (not shown) disposed on the right side 120 of the rotary mixer 100, a front wall (not shown), and a rear wall (not shown). In this configuration of the rotary mixer 100, the first side plate 116 and the second side plate are embodied as movable or floating side plates. Depending on the application requirements, the first side plate 116 and the second side plate can move in the vertical direction during operation. Furthermore, the front wall and rear wall of the milled housing 114 are fixed to the frame 102 and can move when the rotary mixer 100 is raised or lowered.

[0018] The rotary mixer 100 includes a rotor 122 rotatably coupled to a frame 102. The rotor 122 is disposed within a milled housing 114. The rotor 122 extends between a first side plate 116 and a second side plate. In one example, the rotor 122 may be a height-adjustable rotor. The rotor 122 includes multiple cutting assemblies (not shown). The cutting assemblies contact the terrain for removing material from it. Depending on the application requirements, the rotor 122 can be lowered such that it contacts and cuts the terrain by the forces applied to it by the cutting assemblies.

[0019] It should be noted that the milling housing 114 includes multiple gaps and voids. Furthermore, during operation, debris from the terrain, such as rock, concrete, soil, or other materials, can accumulate on the components of the milling housing 114, which can affect the operation of the rotary mixer 100. More specifically, debris can accumulate on various components of the milling housing 114, such as the first side plate 116, the second side plate, or on the mounting components of the first and second side plates. Additionally, this debris can also accumulate between the various components of the milling housing 114. For example, during material removal operations, debris can accumulate in the gaps adjacent to the first side plate 116 or the second side plate.

[0020] Reference Figure 2 The present invention relates to a system 200 for preventing debris from accumulating in a rotary mixer 100 (see...). Figure 1 Milled housing 114 (see) Figure 1 The system 200 includes one or more vibration devices 202 and a controller 204. More specifically, the rotary mixer 100 includes one or more vibration devices 202 coupled to the milling housing 114. The one or more vibration devices 202 are arranged in one or more components of the milling housing 114 to induce vibration to prevent the accumulation of debris on one or more components. In the example shown, one or more components of the milling housing 114 are the side plates 116 of the milling housing 114 (see...). Figure 1 More specifically, side plate 116 includes a movable side plate 116, and one or more vibration devices 202 are coupled to the side plate 116 of the milling housing 114. The first side plate 116 is interchangeably referred to below as side plate 116 or movable side plate 116. For illustrative purposes, system 200 will now be explained in relation to preventing debris accumulation on the first side plate 116. However, system 200 can be used to prevent debris accumulation on the second side plate, the front wall, or the rear wall without any limitation.

[0021] In addition, the side plate 116 includes three vibration devices 202 (such as... Figure 1 (As shown). Alternatively, the side plate 116 may include more than three or fewer vibration devices 202. The total number of vibration devices 202 may vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, the size of the side plate 116. It should be noted that the vibration devices 202 may be coupled to any part of the milling housing 114 that is prone to accumulating debris. Furthermore, the vibration devices 202 may be mounted on the side plate 116 at locations that generate harmonics, which in turn make the system 200 predictable and controllable.

[0022] In some examples, each vibration device 202 may include a pair of eccentric counterweights. Alternatively, the vibration device 202 may include any other type of vibration device without any limitation. In some examples, each vibration device 202 may be embodied as a hydraulically or pneumatically driven actuated piston drive, a motor, or an electromagnetic actuator such as a solenoid. Furthermore, the design of the vibration device 202 can be optimized to generate a vibrational force in a specific direction. For example, the vibration device 202 can be optimized to generate a vibrational force that causes the side plate 116 to vibrate in a vertical direction. Alternatively, the vibration device 202 can be optimized to generate a vibrational force that causes the side plate 116 to vibrate in a horizontal direction.

[0023] Furthermore, the rotary mixer 100 includes a controller 204 for controlling one or more operating parameters of one or more vibrating devices 202. In some examples, the one or more operating parameters include activation of one or more vibrating devices 202, direction of vibration force, amplitude of vibration, and / or frequency of vibration. Depending on application requirements, the controller 204 can activate, deactivate, or tune one or more operating characteristics of the vibrating devices 202.

[0024] Furthermore, the rotary mixer 100 includes a sensor 206 communicatively coupled to a controller 204. The controller 204 controls one or more vibration devices 202 based on input signals received from the sensor 206. More specifically, the controller 204 may control operating parameters of the vibration devices 202 based on the input signals received from the sensor 206. In some examples, one or more vibration devices 202 include the sensor 206. In the example shown, the sensor 206 generates an input signal representing the relative distance between one or more vibration devices 202 and the milled housing 114. In such an example, the sensor 206 may allow determination of whether the side plate 116 is jammed due to debris accumulation on the side plate 116. Based on the input signals from the sensor 206, the controller 204 may activate the vibration devices 202, increase / decrease the frequency and amplitude of the vibration, etc.

[0025] In some examples, sensor 206 may be embodied as an accelerometer. Alternatively, sensor 206 may use any other type of technology, such as those used in acoustic sensors, laser sensors, Hall effect sensors, etc. Furthermore, sensor 206 associated with the corresponding vibration device 202 also provides controller 204 with output signals regarding the direction of the vibration force, the frequency of the vibration, and the amplitude, to provide a closed-loop feedback system.

[0026] In some examples, when rotor 122 (see...) Figure 1During operation, controller 204 can activate vibration device 202. In such an example, sensor 206 can be embodied as a rotor speed sensor, such that an input signal from the rotor speed sensor causes controller 204 to activate vibration device 202. It should be noted that the techniques used to determine whether side plate 116 is jammed or the position of sensor 206 mentioned herein are exemplary in nature, and rotary mixer 100 may include any other sensor 206 or combination of sensors for controlling vibration device 202. Furthermore, controller 204 can control the hydraulic pressure or fluid flow associated with the motor operating vibration device 202 to activate, deactivate, or tune vibration device 202.

[0027] In another example, the vibration device 202 can be controlled by manual input. For example, the controller 204 can be connected to the operator platform 112 (see...). Figure 1 The input device (not shown) communicates with the controller 204. In such an example, the operator can use the input device to provide input to the controller 204 to activate, deactivate, or tune the resonant actuator 202. Alternatively, the input device can be located at a remote control station or any other location on the site where the first rotary mixer 100 is operated. In some examples, the input device may be a handheld device that is present with the person / operator responsible for the first rotary mixer 100.

[0028] Figure 3 An exemplary second rotary mixer 300 is shown, which will be interchangeably referred to below as rotary mixer 300. The second rotary mixer 300 is substantially similar to the first rotary mixer 100. However, the second rotary mixer 300 includes a floating milled housing 314. The milled housing 314 is supported by a frame 302. Furthermore, the rotary mixer 300 includes a rotor 322 similar to the rotor 122 of the first rotary mixer 100. The milled housing 314 includes side plates 316. Specifically, the milled housing 314 is an enclosed space defined by a first side plate 316 disposed on the left side 318 of the rotary mixer 300, a second side plate (not shown) disposed on the right side 320 of the rotary mixer 300, a front wall, and a rear wall.

[0029] Furthermore, the rotary mixer 300 includes a system 324 similar to system 200. System 324 includes one or more vibration devices 326 and a controller (not shown) similar to the vibration device 202 and controller 204 associated with system 200. The one or more vibration devices 326 are arranged in one or more components of the milling housing 314 to induce vibration to prevent the accumulation of debris on one or more components. In the example shown, one or more components of the milling housing 314 are side plates 316 of the milling housing 314. More specifically, one or more vibration devices 326 may be connected to the side plates 316 of the milling housing 314. It should be noted that the vibration devices 326 may be connected to any component of the milling housing 314 that is prone to debris accumulation. The first side plate 316 is interchangeably referred to as side plate 316 below.

[0030] In addition, the side plate 316 includes two vibration devices 326. Alternatively, the side plate 316 may include more than two vibration devices or a single vibration device. The total number of vibration devices 326 may vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, the size of the side plate 316. Alternatively, one or more vibration devices 326 may be coupled to the second side plate, front wall, or rear wall of the milled housing 314.

[0031] Furthermore, the rotary mixer 300 includes a controller for controlling one or more operating parameters of one or more vibrating devices 326. In some examples, the one or more operating parameters include the activation of one or more vibrating devices 326, the direction of the vibration force, the amplitude of the vibration, and / or the frequency of the vibration. Depending on the application requirements, the controller can activate, deactivate, or tune one or more operating characteristics of the vibrating devices 326.

[0032] In addition, the rotary mixer 300 includes sensors (not shown) communicatively coupled to a controller. In some examples, the sensors of the rotary mixer 300 may be similar to sensor 206 of the rotary mixer 100. The controller controls one or more vibration devices 326 based on input signals received from the sensors. More specifically, the controller may control the operating parameters of the vibration devices 326 based on input signals received from the sensors. In some examples, one or more vibration devices 326 include sensors. In such examples, the sensors may allow determination of whether the side plate 116 is stuck due to debris accumulation on the side plate 116. Based on the input signals from the sensors, the controller may activate the vibration devices 326, increase / decrease the frequency and amplitude of the vibration, etc.

[0033] In some examples, the sensor may be embodied as an accelerometer. Alternatively, the sensor may use any other type of technology, such as those used in acoustic sensors, laser sensors, Hall effect sensors, etc. Furthermore, the sensor associated with the corresponding vibration device 326 also provides the controller with output signals regarding the direction of the vibration force, the frequency of the vibration, and the amplitude, for providing a closed-loop feedback system.

[0034] Furthermore, in some examples, sensors may be mounted on the milling housing 314 to determine the position of the floating milling housing 314, thereby determining whether the milling housing 314 is jammed due to debris accumulation. In other examples, the controller may activate the vibration device 326 when the rotor 322 is in operation. In such examples, the sensor may be embodied as a rotor speed sensor, such that an input signal from the rotor speed sensor causes the controller to activate the vibration device 326. It should be noted that the techniques used to determine whether the milling housing 314 is jammed or the positions of the sensors mentioned herein are exemplary in nature, and the rotary mixer 300 may include any other sensors or combinations of sensors for controlling the vibration device 326. Additionally, the controller may control the hydraulic pressure or fluid flow associated with the motor operating the vibration device 326 to activate, deactivate, or tune the vibration device 326.

[0035] In another example, the vibration device 326 can be controlled by manual input. For example, the controller can communicate with an input device (not shown) located in the operator platform 312 of the second rotary mixer 300. In such an example, the operator can use the input device to provide input to the controller to activate, deactivate, or tune the vibration device 326. Alternatively, the input device can be located at a remote control station or any other location on the site where the second rotary mixer 300 is operated. In some examples, the input device can be a handheld device that is present with the person / operator responsible for the second rotary mixer 300.

[0036] Figure 4An exemplary milling machine 400 is shown. Furthermore, the first rotary mixer 100, the second rotary mixer 300, and the milling machine 400 may be collectively referred to below as machines 100, 300, and 400. The milling machine 400 may be embodied as a cold planer. The milling machine 400 includes a frame 402. The frame 402 supports an engine (not shown) to provide operating power to various components of the milling machine 400. The engine may include an internal combustion engine. The milling machine 400 has a front end 404 and a rear end 406. The front end 404 of the milling machine 400 has a pair of front tracks 408, and the rear end 406 has a pair of rear tracks 410. Alternatively, the tracks 408, 410 may be replaced by wheels. The milling machine 400 has an operator platform 412. When the milling machine 400 is embodied as a manual or semi-autonomous machine, the operator of the milling machine 400 may sit or stand on the operator platform 412 to operate the milling machine 400. The operator platform 412 may include a control panel (not shown) to provide input for performing one or more work operations.

[0037] Furthermore, the milling machine 400 includes a milling housing 414 supported by a frame 402. The milling housing 414 is located between the front track 408 and the rear track 410. The milling housing 414 is an enclosed space defined by a first side plate 416 disposed on the right side of the milling machine 400, a second side plate (not shown) disposed on the left side of the milling machine 400, a front wall (not shown), and a rear wall (not shown). In this configuration of the milling machine 400, the first side plate 416 and the second side plate are embodied as movable side plates. Depending on the application requirements, the first side plate 416 and the second side plate can move vertically during operation. The first side plate 416 is movable by an actuator 428. The actuator 428 can be hydraulically or pneumatically operated. Additionally, the second side plate is also movable by an actuator (not shown).

[0038] The milling machine 400 includes a rotor 422 rotatably coupled to a frame 402. The rotor 422 is disposed within a milling housing 414. The rotor 422 extends between a first side plate 416 and a second side plate. In one example, the rotor 422 may be a height-adjustable rotor. The rotor 422 includes multiple cutting assemblies (not shown). The cutting assemblies contact various terrain features for removing material therefrom. Depending on the application requirements, the rotor 422 can be lowered such that it contacts and cuts the terrain by the forces applied to it by the cutting assemblies.

[0039] It should be noted that the milling housing 414 includes multiple gaps and voids. Furthermore, during operation, debris from the terrain, such as rock, concrete, soil, or other materials, can accumulate on the components of the milling housing 414, which can affect the operation of the milling machine 400. More specifically, debris can accumulate on various components of the milling housing 414, such as the first side plate 416, the second side plate, or on the mounting components of the first side plate 416 and the second side plate.

[0040] Therefore, a system 424 is provided for preventing the accumulation of chips on the milling housing 414 of a milling machine 400. System 424 includes one or more vibration devices 426 and a controller. The vibration devices 426 and controller of the milling machine 400 may be similar to the vibration devices 202 and controller 204 of the rotary mixer 100. The milling machine 400 includes one or more vibration devices 426 coupled to the milling machine housing 414. The one or more vibration devices 426 are arranged in one or more components of the milling housing 414 to induce vibration to prevent the accumulation of chips on one or more components. In the illustrated example, the one or more components are embodied as side plates 416. Specifically, the one or more vibration devices 426 may be connected to the side plates 416 of the milling housing 414. The first side plate 416 is interchangeably referred to below as side plate 416 or movable side plate 416.

[0041] For illustrative purposes, system 424 will now be explained in relation to preventing debris accumulation on the first side plate 416. However, system 200 can be used to prevent debris accumulation on the second side plate, front wall, or rear wall without any limitation. As shown, side plate 416 includes a movable side plate 416, and one or more vibration devices 426 are coupled to side plate 416 of milling housing 414. Furthermore, side plate 416 includes two vibration devices 426. Alternatively, side plate 416 may include more than two vibration devices or a single vibration device. The total number of vibration devices 426 may vary based on factors such as, but not limited to, the size of side plate 416. It should be noted that vibration devices 426 may be coupled to any part of milling housing 414 that is prone to debris accumulation.

[0042] Furthermore, the milling machine 400 includes a controller for controlling one or more operating parameters of one or more vibration devices 426. In some examples, the one or more operating parameters include the activation of one or more vibration devices 426, the direction of the vibration force, the amplitude of the vibration, and / or the frequency of the vibration. Depending on the application requirements, the controller can activate, deactivate, or tune one or more operating characteristics of the vibration devices 426.

[0043] Furthermore, the milling machine 400 includes sensors communicatively coupled to a controller. In some examples, the sensors of the milling machine 400 may be similar to sensor 206 of the rotary mixer 100. The controller controls one or more vibration devices 426 based on input signals received from the sensors. More specifically, the controller may control the operating parameters of the vibration devices 426 based on the input signals received from the sensors. In some examples, one or more vibration devices 426 include sensors. In some examples, the sensors generate input signals representing the relative distance between one or more vibration devices 426 and the milling housing 414. In such examples, the sensors may allow determination of whether the side plate 416 is stuck due to debris accumulation on the side plate 416. Based on the input signals from the sensors, the controller may activate the vibration devices 426, increase / decrease the frequency and amplitude of the vibration, etc.

[0044] In some examples, the sensor may be embodied as an accelerometer. Alternatively, the sensor may use any other type of technology, such as those used in acoustic sensors, laser sensors, Hall effect sensors, etc. Furthermore, the sensor associated with the corresponding vibration device 426 also provides the controller with output signals regarding the direction of the vibration force, the frequency of the vibration, and the amplitude, for providing a closed-loop feedback system.

[0045] Furthermore, the sensor may be associated with the actuator 428 of the moving side plate 416. In such an example, the sensor may generate signals corresponding to the position of the actuator 428, the pressure associated with the actuator 428, etc., to determine whether the side plate 416 is operating or whether the side plate 416 is jammed due to debris accumulation. In some examples, the controller may activate the vibration device 426 when the rotor 422 is in operation. In such an example, the sensor may be embodied as a rotor speed sensor, such that an input signal from the rotor speed sensor causes the controller to activate the vibration device 426. It should be noted that the techniques used to determine whether the side plate 416 is jammed or the position of the sensor mentioned herein are exemplary in nature, and the milling machine 400 may include any other sensors or combinations of sensors for controlling the vibration device 426. Additionally, the controller may control the hydraulic pressure or fluid flow associated with a motor that operates the vibration device 426 to activate, deactivate, or tune the vibration device 426.

[0046] In another example, the vibration device 426 can be controlled by manual input. For example, the controller can communicate with an input device (not shown) located in the operator platform 412. In such an example, the operator can use the input device to provide input to the controller to activate, deactivate, or tune the vibration device 426. Alternatively, the input device can be located at a remote control station or at any other location on the site where the milling machine 400 is operated. In some examples, the input device can be a handheld device that is present with the person / operator responsible for the milling machine 400.

[0047] Controller 204 and the controllers associated with systems 324, 424 may be embodied as an onboard electronic control module (ECM). Controller 204 and the controllers associated with systems 324, 424 may be embodied as a single microprocessor or multiple microprocessors for receiving signals from various components of the machine. Many commercially available microprocessors can be configured to perform the functions of controller 204 and the controllers associated with systems 324, 424. It should be understood that controller 204 and the controllers associated with systems 324, 424 may be embodied as machine microprocessors capable of controlling multiple machine functions. Those skilled in the art will understand that the controller may additionally include other components and may also perform other functions not described herein.

[0048] Industrial applicability

[0049] This invention relates to the use of vibration devices 202, 326, 426 for inducing vibration in one or more components of milled housings 114, 314, 414. Vibration of the components of milled housings 114, 314, 414 can prevent debris accumulation thereon and can also remove debris accumulated on these components. Furthermore, vibration devices 202, 326, 426 can be controlled to generate vibration in a specific direction. For example, when vibration devices 202, 326, 426 generate a vertical vibration force, they can allow improved sliding of side plates on various terrains, providing terrain compaction based on the movement of side plates 116, 316, 416 on the terrain, and also preventing component wear.

[0050] With the machines 100 and 400 having movable side plates 116 and 416, the vibration devices 202 and 426 can prevent debris from accumulating on the side plates 116 and 416, thereby preventing the side plates 116 and 416 from sticking. Therefore, the side plates 116 and 416 can float or move freely in the vertical direction to cover the space between the milling housing 114 and 414 and the terrain on which the machines 100 and 400 operate. Furthermore, for the second rotary mixer 300, the vibration device 326 can be mounted on any component of the milling housing 314, particularly on the first and second side plates, to reduce the likelihood of sticking to the milling housing 314.

[0051] In some examples, vibration devices 202, 326, and 426 can be installed in locations where debris easily accumulates. Furthermore, vibration devices 202, 326, and 426 can be installed at locations in systems 200, 324, and 424 that generate harmonics, which makes systems 200, 324, and 424 predictable and controllable. Additionally, vibration devices 202, 326, and 426 are controllable, providing a closed-loop feedback system. Vibration devices 202, 326, and 426 can be activated or deactivated, or their frequency or amplitude can be controlled by this closed-loop feedback system.

[0052] Figure 5 A flowchart of a method 500 for preventing debris from accumulating on milling housings 114, 314, 414 of machines 100, 300, and 400 is shown. Machines 100, 300, and 400 may include a first rotary mixer 100, a second rotary mixer 300, or a milling machine 400. For illustrative purposes, method 500 will now be explained with respect to the first rotary mixer 100. However, method 500 is equally applicable to the second rotary mixer 300 and the milling machine 400. In step 502, one or more vibration devices 202 are coupled to the milling housing 114. In one example, one or more vibration devices 202 are coupled to a movable side plate 116 of the milling housing 114.

[0053] In step 504, one or more vibration devices 202 are activated to induce vibration in one or more components of the milled housing 114 to prevent chip buildup on the components of the milled housing 114. Furthermore, the controller 204 can control one or more operating parameters of the one or more vibration devices 202. The one or more operating parameters include one or more of the activation of the one or more vibration devices 202, the direction of the vibration force, the amplitude of the vibration, and the frequency of the vibration. In one example, the controller 204 controls the one or more vibration devices 202 based on an input signal received from a sensor 206. The sensor 206 is communicatively coupled to the controller 204. Additionally, in some examples, the sensor 206 generates an input signal representing the relative distance between the one or more vibration devices 202 and the milled housing 114.

[0054] While various aspects of the invention have been specifically shown and described with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art will understand that various additional embodiments can be conceived through modifications to the disclosed machines, systems, and methods without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. Such embodiments should be understood to fall within the scope of the invention as defined by the claims and any equivalents.

Claims

1. A rotary mixer, comprising: frame; A milled housing, supported by the frame, the milled housing including side plates; The rotor is disposed within the milling housing; At least one vibration device is coupled to the milling housing, wherein the at least one vibration device is arranged to induce vibration in at least one component of the milling housing to prevent the accumulation of debris on the at least one component; A controller configured to control one or more operating parameters of the at least one vibration device; as well as A sensor communicatively connected to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the at least one vibration device based on an input signal received from the sensor, wherein the at least one vibration device includes the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to generate the input signal representing the relative distance between the at least one vibration device and the milling housing.

2. The rotary mixer of claim 1, wherein the side plate includes a movable side plate, and the at least one vibration device is coupled to the side plate of the milled housing.

3. The rotary mixer according to claim 1, wherein the one or more operating parameters include at least one of the activation of the at least one vibration device, the direction of the vibration force, the amplitude of the vibration, and the frequency of the vibration.

4. A milling machine, comprising: frame; A milled housing, supported by the frame, the milled housing including side plates; The rotor is disposed within the milling housing; At least one vibration device is coupled to the milling housing, wherein the at least one vibration device is arranged to induce vibration in at least one component of the milling housing to prevent the accumulation of debris on the at least one component; A controller configured to control one or more operating parameters of the at least one vibration device; as well as A sensor communicatively connected to the controller, wherein the controller is configured to control the at least one vibration device based on an input signal received from the sensor, wherein the at least one vibration device includes the sensor, wherein the sensor is configured to generate the input signal representing the relative distance between the at least one vibration device and the milling housing.

5. The milling machine of claim 4, wherein the side plate includes a movable side plate, and the at least one vibration device is coupled to the side plate of the milling housing.

6. The milling machine according to claim 4, wherein the one or more operating parameters include at least one of the activation of the at least one vibration device, the direction of the vibration force, the amplitude of the vibration, and the frequency of the vibration.

7. A method for preventing debris from accumulating on the milling housing of a machine, the method comprising: Connect at least one vibration device to the milling housing; Activate the at least one vibration device to induce vibration in at least one component of the milling housing to prevent the accumulation of debris on the at least one component; One or more operating parameters of the at least one vibration device are controlled by a controller; The controller controls the at least one vibration device based on input signals received from the sensors, wherein the sensors are communicatively connected to the controller; as well as The sensor generates the input signal representing the relative distance between the at least one vibration device and the milling housing.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising connecting the at least one vibration device to a movable side plate of the milling housing.

9. The method of claim 7, wherein the one or more operating parameters include at least one of the activation of the at least one vibration device, the direction of the vibration force, the amplitude of the vibration, and the frequency of the vibration.

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