Unlocking device for a mixing drum of a truck mixer

Abstract

An unlocking device for a mixing drum of a truck mixer comprises a stationary component (1), a braking unit, an actuator, and a spreading lever. Rotation of the mixing drum can be braked via the braking unit. The mixing drum can be secured to the stationary component (1) via the braking unit. The actuator is fastened to the stationary component (1). The actuator has an actuating section (11) extending outside the stationary component (1). The braking unit is arranged within the stationary component (1) and fastened to the stationary component (1). The spreading lever has an actuating section (21) which interacts with an adjusting section (13) of the actuator, and a spreading section (23) which extends within the stationary component (1) and which is mechanically operatively connected to the braking unit such that the braking unit can be released by actuating the actuating section (11) of the actuator.

Description

Technical area

[0001] The present invention relates to a release device for a mixing drum of a truck mixer and a truck mixer with a release device. State of the art

[0002] Truck mixers with a mixing drum are common. The mixing drum can be emptied by rotating the drum. The mixing drum can be locked by a brake unit. The mixing drum must be emptied regardless of the technical condition of the brake unit. Description of the invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to provide an unlocking device for a mixing drum of a truck mixer which can be operated in a simple manner.

[0004] The object is achieved by an unlocking device having the features of claim 1. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0005] A first aspect relates to an unlocking device for a mixing drum of a truck mixer. The truck mixer can be configured to mix a mixture of materials, for example, a concrete mix. The mixing drum can be designed to rotate about a rotational axis. The mixing drum can have a spiral blade. The spiral blade can be arranged within the mixing drum. A mixture of materials can be emptied from the mixing drum by rotating the mixing drum, for example, in a predetermined direction of rotation. The unlocking device has a stationary component, a braking unit, an actuator, and a spreading lever. Rotation of the mixing drum can be braked or restricted via the braking unit. The mixing drum can be secured to the stationary component via the braking unit. The actuator is attached to the stationary component. The actuator can thereby support an actuating force on the stationary component.The actuator has an actuating section that extends outside the stationary component. The brake unit is arranged inside the stationary component and fastened to the stationary component. The spreading lever can be arranged inside the stationary component. The spreading lever has an actuating section. The spreading lever interacts with an actuating section of the actuator. The spreading lever can be mechanically operatively connected to the actuating section of the actuator or can be brought into contact with it. The spreading lever has a spreading section that extends inside the stationary component. The spreading section is mechanically operatively connected to the brake unit in such a way that the brake unit can be released by actuating the actuating section of the actuator. As a result, the brake unit arranged inside the stationary component can be released from outside the stationary component.This means that nothing needs to be removed from the stationary component to release the brake unit and perform an emptying process, such as an emergency emptying. The tightness of the system or the stationary component is guaranteed at all times.

[0006] If two elements are mechanically operatively connected, they are directly or indirectly coupled to one another in such a way that a movement of one element causes a reaction in the other element. For example, a mechanical operative connection can be provided by a positive or frictional connection. The mechanical operative connection can correspond to the meshing of corresponding toothings of the two elements. Additional elements, such as one or more spur gear stages, can be provided between the elements. A permanently rotationally fixed connection between two elements, on the other hand, is understood to be a connection in which the two elements are rigidly coupled to one another in all intended states of the transmission. The elements can be present as individual components that are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner or as a single piece.A switching element, such as a clutch or brake, can be used to selectively establish or break a rotationally fixed connection between two elements. A rotating element can be locked using a switching element, such as a brake, so that it can no longer rotate.

[0007] The mixing drum can be mechanically connected to a drive shaft, via which the mixing drum is rotatable. The drive shaft can be driven by a drive unit. The drive unit can have at least one of a hydraulic motor and an electric motor. The drive shaft can extend in an axial direction. An axis of rotation of the drive shaft can form the axial direction. The drive shaft can have a radial direction. The mixing drum can be mechanically connected to the drive shaft via a gear unit, which for example has a planetary gear set. The mixing drum can be rotatable about an axis of rotation of a drum unit of the truck mixer. The axis of rotation of the drum unit can extend in a longitudinal direction of the drum unit. The axis of rotation can be inclined with respect to a surface on which the truck mixer can be arranged.

[0008] The actuating section of the actuator can be designed to be actuated from outside the stationary component. The actuating section of the actuator can be formed by a driver contour, for example a hexagon, an external hexagon, a internal hexagon, a groove for a cross bolt, or a cross bolt. The actuating section can extend in the radial direction of the brake unit or the drive shaft. The actuating section can extend from inside the stationary component to outside the stationary component. Actuation of the actuator can be formed by a movement of the actuating section. Actuation can be formed by a rotary movement or rotation of the actuating section about an axis of rotation of the actuating section. The axis of rotation can be aligned in the radial direction. The rotary movement for actuation can have a predetermined angle, for example, around 90°.When the actuating portion is rotated by the predetermined angle, the actuator can be in the actuated state.

[0009] The adjusting section can be connected to the actuating section in a rotationally fixed manner. The adjusting section can extend as an extension of the actuating section. The adjusting section can be formed from the actuating section at an end section of the actuating section. The adjusting section can be rotatable about a rotation axis. The rotation axis of the adjusting section can extend in the radial direction. The rotation axis of the adjusting section can be coaxial with the rotation axis of the actuating section of the actuator. The adjusting section can extend inwards in the radial direction, for example within the stationary component. The adjusting section can be brought into contact with the actuating section of the spreading lever. The adjusting section can have a free travel when the actuator is actuated until the adjusting section touches the actuating section of the spreading lever.The spreading section can be brought into contact with the support element and the pressing element upon actuation of the actuator. The spreading section can have a free travel during actuation of the actuator until the spreading section touches at least one of the support element and the pressing element.

[0010] The brake unit can have an electric brake. The brake unit can be normally closed. The brake unit can be closed when de-energized. The brake unit can be releasable or unlockable. The brake unit can form a switching element. The brake unit can have a carrier element, a rotating element, and a pressing element. The carrier element, the rotating element, and the pressing element can each be annular. The carrier element, the rotating element, and the pressing element can be arranged coaxially to one another. The carrier element, the rotating element, and the pressing element can be arranged coaxially to the drive shaft. The carrier element, the rotating element, and the pressing element can extend circumferentially around the drive shaft.

[0011] The rotating element can be connected to the drive shaft in a rotationally fixed manner. The rotating element can be arranged between the carrier element and the pressing element. The rotating element can be clamped between the carrier element and the pressing element for a closed state of the brake unit. The pressing element can be movable in the axial direction. The pressing element can be movable in the axial direction towards the carrier element for a closed state of the brake unit. The carrier element can be fastened to the stationary component. The pressing element can be connected to the carrier element in a rotationally fixed manner. The pressing element can be designed to be displaceable in the axial direction relative to the carrier element. At least one of the carrier element, the pressing element, and the rotating element can have a brake pad or friction pad.In the closed state of the brake unit, brake pads or friction linings can be pressed against each other or against a contact surface of one of the carrier element, the pressing element, and the rotating element. In the closed state of the brake unit, the actuator can be in an unactuated state. In an open or released state of the brake unit, the actuator can be in an actuated state.

[0012] The release device enables emergency emptying of the mixture even without a power supply to the vehicle, with an electric brake unit. The brake, which is normally closed when de-energized, can be opened via the actuator.

[0013] In one embodiment of the unlocking device, the adjusting section can be designed as an eccentric. The adjusting section can be formed by a section with a part-circular cross-section. The adjusting section can have a semicircular cross-section. The adjusting section can have a flat side with a planar surface. The planar surface can extend in the radial direction. The planar surface or lateral edges of the planar surface can be brought into contact with the actuating section. The planar surface can be arranged close to the rotational axis of the adjusting section. The planar surface can encompass the rotational axis of the adjusting section. The adjusting section can be designed such that a rotational movement of the adjusting section generates a movement, for example an offset, of the actuating section of the spreading lever in the axial direction. An offset of the actuating section can generate a pivoting of the spreading lever about a pivot axis.The pivot axis can be aligned in the radial direction. The pivot axis can extend through the expansion section.

[0014] In one embodiment of the unlocking device, the spreading lever is designed to convert a rotary movement or rotation about a rotational axis of the actuating section of the actuator, arranged in the radial direction of the brake unit, into a movement in the axial direction of the pressing element of the brake unit for releasing the brake unit. The pressing element for releasing the brake unit can be designed to be movable along the drive shaft away from the rotating component. A force transmission can be provided. A force acting on the actuating section can be amplified at the spreading section via the actuating lever. The spreading lever can be designed for a high force transmission from the actuating section to the spreading section.

[0015] The expansion section can be plate-shaped. The expansion section can be designed as a dihedral. The expansion section can have two opposing contact surfaces, wherein one contact surface or a lateral edge thereof can be brought into contact with the support element of the brake unit, and one contact surface or a lateral edge thereof can be brought into contact with the pressing element of the brake unit. By rotating the expansion section about the pivot axis, the extension of the expansion section can be increased in the axial direction. As a result, the distance between the pressing element and the support element can be increased in the axial direction.

[0016] In one embodiment of the unlocking device, the spreading lever can have an arcuate connecting section that extends in a circumferential direction from the actuating section of the spreading lever to the spreading section along the brake unit. The connecting section can be plate-shaped. A bend can be provided between the connecting section and the spreading section. The connecting section can be inclined in the axial direction with respect to the spreading section via the bend. As a result, the axis of rotation of the actuating section of the actuator can be arranged offset in the axial direction from the spreading section. As a result, the actuator and the spreading lever can be arranged in one area within the brake unit in the axial direction, both in the actuated state and in the unactuated state. As a result, the unlocking device is designed to be compact in the axial direction.The connecting section can be partially circular, for example semicircular.

[0017] In one embodiment of the unlocking device, the spreading portion may extend inwardly in the radial direction of the brake unit. The spreading portion may extend from an outer side of the brake unit to a region located radially within the support element and the pressing element and axially between the support element and the pressing element.

[0018] In one embodiment of the unlocking device, the spreading lever can have an additional spreading section. The two spreading sections can be arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction. The two spreading sections can be arranged on opposite sides of the brake unit in the axial direction. This allows for a uniform distribution of force from the spreading lever to the pressing element.

[0019] In one embodiment of the unlocking device, the brake unit can have a biasing element that biases the brake unit toward the closed state. The biasing element can have an axial compression spring, for example a coil spring, a disc spring, or a wave spring. The biasing element can be supported on a brake housing, the carrier element, or the stationary component. The biasing element can bias the pressing element toward the rotating element. The biasing element can bias the pressing element toward the carrier element.

[0020] In one embodiment of the unlocking device, the unlocking device can have a locking tool with a receiving portion that can be connected to the actuating portion of the actuator in a rotationally fixed manner. The receiving portion can be engaged with the actuating portion. The receiving portion can have a contour that matches the actuating portion, for example a driver contour. The receiving portion can have a recess in the form of a hexagon, a projecting hexagon, a hexagon socket, a cross bolt, or a groove for a cross bolt. The receiving portion can be slidable in the radial direction onto the actuating portion. The receiving portion can be slidable in the radial direction onto the actuating portion until the locking tool rests against the stationary component.

[0021] In one embodiment of the unlocking device, the locking tool can have a locking portion that can be engaged with a locking portion of the stationary component. The locking portion can provide an anti-twist lock for the actuating portion for the open state of the brake unit. The locking portion can hold the brake device in the open state.

[0022] The locking portion can extend in a region around the receiving portion. The locking portion can be formed by a dihedral, for example, two opposing flat surfaces. The locking portion can be arranged on either side of the receiving portion in the axial direction. The locking portion can be formed by a pin that projects parallel to the actuating portion. The locking portion can be formed by a recess, for example, for a pin, that extends parallel to the actuating portion.

[0023] The locking tool can be moved into a locking position by an inward axial movement. The locking tool can be moved into the locking position when the braking device is in the open state. The locking tool can be moved into the locking position when the actuator is in the actuated state, for example, after the actuating section and the adjusting section of the actuator have rotated 90° around the rotation axis of the stable section.

[0024] The locking section can have a contour that matches the locking section. The locking section can be formed by a pin that projects parallel to the actuating section. The locking section can be formed by a recess, for example for a pin, that extends parallel to the actuating section. The locking section can be formed by a groove extending circumferentially around the drive shaft. The groove can be designed to fit a dihedral.

[0025] The staking tool can have an elongated handle portion. In the closed state of the brake unit, the handle portion can be oriented in the axial direction. In the open state of the brake unit, the handle portion can be oriented transversely to the axial direction, for example, perpendicular to the axial direction. The handle portion can provide a high force transmission from the handle portion of the staking tool to the spreading portion of the spreading lever.

[0026] The locking tool can be used to permanently hold the brake device in the open position. This ensures operational safety for the user until the emptying process is complete.

[0027] A second aspect relates to a truck mixer with a mixing drum, a brake unit, and a release device according to one of the preceding embodiments. The mixing drum can have a spiral-shaped blade. A mixture of substances can be emptied from the mixing drum by rotating the mixing drum. The mixing drum can be locked via the brake unit. The release device is designed to release the brake unit. Short description of the characters Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of an unlocking device. Fig. 2 shows a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of the unlocking device, wherein the unlocking device is installed in a truck mixer. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a release device, wherein the release device is installed in a truck mixer. Detailed description of embodiments

[0028] Fig. 1 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a release device. The release device can be used for a mixing drum of a truck mixer, in this case a concrete mixer. The release device has a stationary component, in this case a brake housing, a brake unit, an actuator, and a spreading lever. The brake unit is formed by an electronic brake unit, which is closed when de-energized. Rotation of the mixing drum can be braked via the brake unit. The mixing drum can be secured to the stationary component 1 via the brake unit. The mixing drum can be emptied by rotating the mixing drum in a predetermined direction of rotation.

[0029] The brake unit is arranged within the stationary component 1 and fastened to the stationary component 1. The actuator is also fastened to the stationary component 1. The actuator has an actuating section 11 that extends outside the stationary component 1. The actuator further has an adjusting section 13 that is rotationally fixedly connected to the actuating section 11. The spreading lever is arranged within the stationary component 1. The spreading lever has an actuating section 21 that is operatively connected to an adjusting section 13 of the actuator. The spreading lever further has a spreading section 23 that is mechanically operatively connected to the brake unit such that the brake unit can be released by actuating the actuating section 11 of the actuator.As a result, the brake unit inside the stationary component 1 can be released from outside the stationary component 1 via the actuating section 11 of the actuator, even if the brake unit is de-energized.

[0030] Further details of the unlocking device are described below.

[0031] The actuating section 11 of the actuator has an external hexagon profile for absorbing an actuating force generated by a torque on the actuating section 11. The actuator is screwed to the stationary component 1 from an outer side of the stationary component 1 via a connecting section 12, which is plate-shaped and extends perpendicular to a radial direction. The actuating section 11 extends inward in the radial direction through the connecting section 12 and has an adjusting section 13 designed as an eccentric at its inner end. The adjusting section 13 is oriented in the radial direction and has a semicircular cross-section with a flat side and an arcuate side. The flat side has a flat surface with lateral edges.When actuated, i.e., when the actuating section 11 rotates, the adjusting section 13 rotates around a rotational axis in the radial direction by the same amount. The curved side is positioned away from the rotational axis. The flat surface is positioned close to the rotational axis.

[0032] When the actuator is not actuated, the actuating section 21 rests against the flat side of the adjusting section 13. When the actuator is actuated, one of the lateral edges of the flat surface presses the actuating section 21 in the axial direction away from the rotational axis of the adjusting section 13.

[0033] The actuating section 21 of the spreading lever is connected to the spreading section 23 via a connecting section 22. The connecting section 22 extends in a circumferential direction from the actuating section 21 of the spreading lever to the spreading section 23 along the brake unit. The connecting section 22 is arcuate. The actuating section 21, the connecting section 22, and the spreading section 23 are integral and plate-shaped. A bend is formed between the connecting section 22 and the spreading section 23. This allows the actuator to be arranged offset from the spreading section 23 in the axial direction.

[0034] The expansion section 23 extends radially inward from the connecting section 22 to a region in the axial direction between a support element 31 and a pressing element 33 of the brake unit. The expansion lever has two expansion sections 23 opposite in the radial direction. The expansion section 23 is designed as a double flat and has two contact surfaces opposite in the axial direction.

[0035] When the actuator is actuated, the spreading lever is pivoted about a pivot axis that runs through the two spreading sections 23. The pivot axis is aligned in the radial direction. When the actuator is actuated, the actuating section 21 of the spreading lever is moved in the axial direction away from the rotation axis of the actuating section 13, to the left side in Fig. 1, pivoted. Due to the offset arrangement of the actuator and the bend between the expansion section 23 and the connecting section 22, the actuating section 21 does not move beyond the support element 31 of the brake unit in the axial direction when the actuator is actuated. In the axial direction, the actuator and the expansion lever are arranged within a single area of ​​the brake unit for all operating states. This gives the unlocking device a compact design in the axial direction.

[0036] When the actuator is actuated, the spreading section 23 is rotated counterclockwise around the pivot axis in Fig. 1, rotated. An upper edge of one contact surface and a lower edge of the other contact surface move in the axial direction opposite to each other. The upper edge rests against the support element 31. The lower edge presses the pressing element 33 in the axial direction away from the support element 31, to the right in Fig. 1. This results in a high force transmission from the actuating section 11 to the spreading section 23.

[0037] Fig. Figure 2 shows a perspective sectional view of an embodiment of the release device, wherein the release device is installed in a truck mixer. The present embodiment has all the features of the previous embodiment.

[0038] The mixing drum is rotationally fixedly connected to a rotating element 32 of the braking unit, which can be braked via the braking unit. The rotating element 32 extends annularly in the circumferential direction around a drive shaft for driving the mixing drum. The rotating element 32 is rotatable about a rotation axis of the drive shaft and is arranged coaxially to the drive shaft. The rotation axis of the drive shaft is aligned in the axial direction. The rotating element 32 is arranged in the axial direction between the carrier element 31 and the pressing element 33. The carrier element 31 is fastened to the stationary component 1. A prestressing element 34 presses the pressing element 33 in the axial direction towards the carrier element 31. The rotating element 32 is clamped between an annular region of the carrier element 31 and an annular region of the pressing element 33.Then, the brake unit is closed, the rotating element 32 is fixed to the stationary component 1, and the rotating element 32 and the mixing drum are no longer rotatable. If the brake unit is energized, the pressure element 33 is pulled away from the support element 31 in the axial direction, counter to the biasing element 34. Then, the rotating element 32 is released, and the rotating element 32 and the mixing drum are rotatable.

[0039] Fig. Figure 3 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a release device, wherein the release device is installed in a truck mixer. The present embodiment has all the features of one of the previous embodiments. Fig. 3 shows a locking tool with which the actuator can be operated and locked.

[0040] The staking tool has a receiving section 41 formed by a hexagon socket that matches the cross-section of the actuating section 11. The staking tool can be pushed inward in the radial direction onto the actuating section 11 so that the receiving section 41 and the actuating section 11 engage and are connected to one another in a rotationally fixed manner. The staking tool can be pushed inward in the radial direction until the staking tool rests against the stationary component 1. The staking tool has an elongated handle section 43 via which a user can operate the staking tool. This creates a high force transmission from the handle section 43 of the staking tool to the spreading section 23 of the spreading lever. In an initial position in which the actuator is in the unactuated state, the handle section 43 is aligned in the direction of the axis of rotation of the drive shaft, i.e., the axial direction.

[0041] To actuate the actuator, the staking tool is rotated about the rotational axis of the actuating section 13 until locking sections 42 of the staking tool can be brought into engagement with a staking section 2 of the stationary component 1. The staking tool is then displaced further inward in the radial direction until the locking sections 42 engage with the staking section 2. The actuator is then in an actuated and a locked state, the brake unit is released, and the rotating element 32 and the mixing drum are rotatable. In one embodiment, the staking tool and thus the actuating section 11 and the actuating section 13 of the actuator are rotated 90° about the rotational axis of the actuating section 13 in order to bring the brake unit from the closed state to the open state.

[0042] The staking tool has a locking section 42 on each side of the receiving section 41 in a transverse direction, which is aligned transversely to the elongated handle section 43. The locking sections 42 are each formed by a flat surface. The two locking sections 42 are aligned parallel to one another and form a dihedral. The staking section 2 of the stationary component 1 is formed by a groove extending in the circumferential direction. When the actuator is locked, the locking sections 42 rest against side surfaces of the groove of the staking section 2. Reference symbol 1 Stationary component 2 staking section 11 Operating section 12 connection section 13 Setting section 21 Operating section 22 connecting section 23 Spreading section 31 support element 32 Rotating element 33 Push element 34 Preload element 41 Recording section 42 locking section 43 Handle section

Claims

[1] Unlocking device for a mixing drum of a truck mixer with a stationary component (1), a brake unit, an actuator and a spreading lever, wherein a rotation of the mixing drum can be braked via the braking unit and the mixing drum can be fixed to the stationary component (1) via the braking unit, the actuator is attached to the stationary component (1) and has an actuating section (11) extending outside the stationary component (1), the brake unit is arranged within the stationary component (1) and is fastened to the stationary component (1), and the spreading lever has an actuating section (21) which cooperates with an adjusting section (13) of the actuator, and has a spreading section (23) which extends within the stationary component (1) and is mechanically operatively connected to the braking unit such that the braking unit can be released by actuating the actuating section (11) of the actuator. [2] Unlocking device according to claim 1, characterized by that the adjusting section (13) is designed as an eccentric. [3] Unlocking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by in that the spreading lever is designed to convert a rotational movement about a rotational axis of the actuating section (13) of the actuator, arranged in a radial direction of the brake unit, into a movement in an axial direction of a pressing element (33) of the brake unit for releasing the brake unit. [4] Unlocking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the spreading lever has an arcuate connecting portion (22) which extends in a circumferential direction from the actuating portion (21) of the spreading lever to the spreading portion (23) along the brake unit. [5] Unlocking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spreading section (23) extends inwards in the radial direction of the brake unit. [6] Unlocking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the spreading lever has a further spreading section (23) and the two spreading sections (23) are arranged offset from one another in the circumferential direction. [7] Unlocking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the brake unit has a biasing element (34) which biases the brake unit to a closed state. [8] Unlocking device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the unlocking device has a locking tool with a receiving section (41) which can be connected in a rotationally fixed manner to the actuating section (11) of the actuator. [9] Unlocking device according to claim 8, characterized by that the staking tool has a locking portion (42) which can be brought into engagement with a staking portion (2) of the stationary component (1). [10] Truck mixer with a mixing drum, a brake unit for locking the mixing drum and a release device according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the release device is arranged to release the brake unit.

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