Feeding system for a garden shredder

Abstract

Feeding system for a plant shredder (1) comprising a hopper (10), the feeding system comprising: - a platform (2), comprising first and second adjacent zones, the first zone being intended to receive the plant shredder (1); - a loading bucket (3), comprising: a front wall (30), having first and second (301) opposing surfaces; two side walls (31); a bottom (32), connecting the front wall (30) to the side walls (31); the second surface (301) of the front wall (30), the two side walls (31) and the bottom (32) defining an opening suitable for loading plant material;the loading bucket (3) being movable between: a loading position in which the opening is located in the second zone so as to load the plants, the first and second (301) surfaces of the front wall (30) being oriented respectively towards the first and second zones, and an unloading position in which the opening is located in the first zone so as to unload the plants into the hopper (10) when the plant shredder (1) occupies the first zone. Figure 1;

Description

Title of the invention: Feeding system for a plant shredder. Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of feeding systems for a hopper-type plant shredder.

[0002] The invention finds particular application in equipping a waste disposal site. State of the art

[0003] A feeding system for a hopper-type wood chipper known in the prior art comprises a platform including first and second adjacent zones. The first zone is intended to receive the hopper-type wood chipper. The second zone is equipped with a safety light curtain. The safety light curtain may include: - the first and second amounts; - means for emitting an optical beam arranged on the first upright; - optical beam detection means arranged on the second upright.

[0004] The safety light curtain is electrically connected to the control electronics of the hopper-type garden shredder. When a user wishes to unload garden material into the shredder's hopper, they pass through the safety light curtain to enter the second zone and interrupt the optical beam. An electrical signal is then sent to the shredder's control electronics, which stops the shredder's operation until the user passes through the safety light curtain again to exit the second zone.

[0005] Such a prior art feeding system is not entirely satisfactory insofar as the shredder's operating cycles are regularly interrupted (as soon as a user enters the second zone), which is detrimental in terms of performance (low efficiency). Interruptions can also occur due to vegetation that may not be channeled into the shredder's hopper. Furthermore, such a safety light curtain is susceptible to malfunctions, particularly in inclement weather or in the presence of a dust plume, which can cause beam breaks and create a dangerous situation for the user in terms of projectiles and accessibility.

[0006] Furthermore, the hopper of the garden shredder is generally located at a fairly high height (on the order of one meter). The user must then exert considerable effort to lift the plant material and empty it into the hopper. An alternative for the user is to empty the plant material into the hopper while standing on a trailer. However, the user is then exposed to significant risks of falling. Description of the invention

[0007] The invention aims to remedy, in whole or in part, the aforementioned drawbacks. To this end, the invention relates to a feeding system for a garden shredder comprising a hopper, the feeding system comprising: - a platform, comprising first and second adjacent zones, the first zone being intended to receive the plant shredder; - a loading bucket, comprising: a front wall, presenting first and second opposing surfaces; two side walls; a base, connecting the front wall to the side walls; the second surface of the front wall, the two side walls and the bottom delimiting an opening suitable for loading plants; the loading bucket being movable between: a loading position in which the opening is located in the second zone so as to load the plants, the first and second surfaces of the front wall being oriented respectively towards the first and second zones, and a discharge position in which the opening is located in the first zone so as to discharge the vegetation into the hopper when the plant shredder occupies the first zone.

[0008] Thus, such a feeding system according to the invention eliminates the need for an intangible safety barrier, thereby preventing regular interruptions during the operating cycles of the wood chipper. User safety is ensured by the front and side walls of the loading bucket, which protect the user from projections from the wood chipper, regardless of the loading bucket's position. Furthermore, the loading bucket allows the user to be positioned further away from the moving parts of the wood chipper (shredding rotor, conveyor, drive roller), compared to prior art, and also further away from other elements (pallets, materials such as polystyrene, etc.).

[0009] Furthermore, such a feeding system according to the invention improves ergonomics for the user. Indeed, the user no longer has to exert significant effort to empty plant material into the shredder's hopper. The emptying of plant material into the shredder's hopper is now ensured by the loading bucket in the unloading position. The user simply has to load the plant material onto the bottom of the loading bucket in the loading position. The loading height (i.e., the height of the bottom of the loading bucket in the loading position) is chosen (typically less than 50 cm) to be significantly reduced compared to the state of the art. This ease of loading of plant matter by the user also helps to decongest the second zone and streamline user flow in a waste disposal center.

[0010] Furthermore, the loading bucket allows for a visual inspection of the vegetation before emptying it into the shredder's hopper in order to easily remove non-compliant waste.

[0011] The power supply system according to the invention may include one or more of the following characteristics.

[0012] According to one feature of the invention, the loading bucket comprises: - at least one waste container; - means of support, arranged to: keep the waste container in position on the bottom of the loading bucket in the loading position; maintain the waste container in position against the second surface of the front wall of the loading bucket in the unloading position.

[0013] Thus, one advantage provided is that the loading bucket, in the unloading position, can empty waste previously collected from the waste container (located in a designated area of ​​the waste disposal site) into the shredder's hopper. An authorized person can easily load a waste container into the loading bucket in the loading position.

[0014] According to one feature of the invention, the feeding system includes an articulation device, arranged in the second zone to move the loading bucket between the loading position and the unloading position.

[0015] According to one feature of the invention, the articulation device comprises: - a frame, on which the loading bucket is mounted pivoting around a horizontal pivot axis; - the first and second cylinders, fixed on the frame, and comprising respectively first and second piston rods; the first and second piston rods being movable in translation along a longitudinal axis; the loading bucket being mounted in translational solidarity with the first and second piston rods so that the loading bucket is mobile in translation along the longitudinal axis.

[0016] Thus, one advantage provided is the ability to move the loading bucket between the loading and unloading positions. The first and second cylinders create a mechanical lifting movement of the loading bucket in the loading position, which can then pivot around the horizontal pivot axis until it reaches the unloading position. Conversely, the first and Second cylinders allow a mechanical movement to lower the loading bucket into the unloading position, which can then tilt around the horizontal pivot axis until it reaches the loading position.

[0017] According to one feature of the invention, the front wall of the loading bucket is pivotally mounted on the frame around the horizontal pivot axis.

[0018] According to a feature of the invention, the side walls of the loading bucket are mounted in translational solidarity with the first and second piston rods.

[0019] The invention also relates to an installation for shredding vegetation, comprising: - a power supply system conforming to the invention; - a plant shredder including a hopper, arranged in the first zone.

[0020] According to a feature of the invention, the hopper has a wall having an upper edge; the front wall of the loading bucket has an upper edge: - located above the upper edge of the hopper wall when the loading bucket is in the loading position; - flush with the upper edge of the hopper wall when the loading bucket is in the unloading position.

[0021] Thus, one advantage provided is to ensure the safety of a user with respect to projections from the crusher regardless of the position of the loading bucket.

[0022] According to one feature of the invention, the pivot axis is flush with the upper edge of the hopper wall.

[0023] Thus, one advantage provided is to ensure the safety of a user with respect to projections from the crusher regardless of the position of the loading bucket.

[0024] According to a feature of the invention: - the upper edge of the hopper wall has a height, denoted h; - the pivot axis has a height, denoted H, satisfying h < H < 1.05 h, preferably h < H < 1.025 h.

[0025] Thus, one advantage provided is to ensure the safety of a user with respect to projections from the crusher regardless of the position of the loading bucket with a minimal open area between the pivot axis and the upper edge of the hopper wall. Brief description of the drawings

[0026] Other features and advantages will become apparent in the detailed description of different embodiments of the invention, the description being accompanied by examples and references to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] [Fig-1] is a schematic perspective view of an installation according to the invention when the loading bucket is in the unloading position.

[0028] [Fig.2] is a schematic rear view of an installation according to the invention when the loading bucket is in the loading position.

[0029] [Fig.3] is a schematic rear view of an installation according to the invention when the loading bucket is in the unloading position.

[0030] [Fig.4] is a schematic side view of an installation according to the invention when the loading bucket is in the loading position.

[0031] [Fig.5] is a schematic side view of an installation according to the invention when the loading bucket is in the unloading position.

[0032] [Fig.6] is a partial schematic perspective view of a feeding system according to the invention when the loading bucket is in the unloading position, and illustrating the presence of a waste container in the loading bucket.

[0033] [Fig.7] is a schematic side view of an installation according to the invention, illustrating the presence of a waste container in the loading bucket in the loading position.

[0034] [Fig.8] is a schematic side view of an installation according to the invention, illustrating the presence of a waste container in the loading bucket in the unloading position.

[0035] It should be noted that the drawings described above are schematic and are not necessarily to scale for the sake of legibility and to simplify their understanding. Detailed description of embodiments

[0036] Identical elements or elements performing the same function shall bear the same references for the different embodiments, for the sake of simplification.

[0037] Power supply system

[0038] An object of the invention is a feeding system for a plant shredder 1 comprising a hopper 10, the feeding system comprising: - a platform 2, comprising first and second adjacent zones, the first zone being intended to receive the plant shredder 1; - a loading bucket 3, comprising: a front wall 30, presenting first and second surfaces 300, 301 opposite; two side walls 31; a base 32, connecting the front wall 30 to the side walls 31; the second surface 301 of the front wall 30, the two side walls 31 and the bottom 32 delimiting an opening suitable for loading plants; the loading bucket 3 being movable between: a loading position in which the opening is located in the second zone so as to load the plants, the first and second surfaces 300, 301 of the front wall 30 being oriented respectively towards the first and second zones, And a discharge position in which the opening is located in the first zone so as to discharge the vegetation into the hopper 10 when the plant shredder 1 occupies the first zone.

[0039] Platform

[0040] Platform 2 comprises first and second adjacent zones. The first zone is intended to receive the plant shredder 1. The second zone is intended to receive the loading bucket 3.

[0041] The platform 2 delimits a flat surface providing a support function, preferably raised above the ground.

[0042] Loading bucket

[0043] The loading bucket 3 comprises a front wall 30, having opposing first and second surfaces 300, 301, oriented respectively towards the first and second zones when the loading bucket 3 is in the loading position. By "oriented towards," it is understood that the normal to the first surface 300 of the front wall 30 points towards the first zone when the loading bucket 3 is in the loading position. Similarly, the normal to the second surface 301 of the front wall 30 points towards the second zone when the loading bucket 3 is in the loading position. The front wall 30 is made of a material suitable for resisting projections from the plant shredder 1. By way of non-limiting example, the front wall 30 of the loading bucket 3 may be made of sheet steel.

[0044] The loading bucket 3 comprises two side walls 31 and a bottom 32 connecting the front wall 30 to the side walls 31. The side walls 31 are made of a material suitable for withstanding projections from the plant shredder 1. By way of non-limiting example, the side walls 31 of the loading bucket 3 may be made of sheet steel. Similarly, the bottom 32 of the loading bucket 3 may be made of sheet steel.

[0045] The loading bucket 3 may include a frame 33, preferably metallic, on which the front wall 30, the side walls 31 and the bottom 32 are mounted. More specifically, the frame 33 may include uprights and crossbeams on which the front wall 30 and the side walls 31 are mounted. The frame 33 may include beams and crossbeams on which the bottom 32 is mounted.

[0046] The second surface 301 of the front wall 30, the two side walls 31, and the bottom 32 define an opening suitable for loading plants. The second surface 301 of the front wall, the two side walls 31, and the bottom 32 define a volume for receiving the plants, the volume of which may be between 3 m³ and 4 m³ by way of non-limiting example.

[0047] The loading bucket 3 is movable between: - a loading position in which the opening is located in the second zone so as to load the plants, and - a discharge position in which the opening is located in the first zone so as to discharge the vegetation into the hopper 10 when the plant shredder 1 occupies the first zone.

[0048] When the loading bucket 3 is in the unloading position, the first and second opposing surfaces 300, 301 are oriented towards the second and first zones, respectively. "Oriented towards" means that the normal to the first surface 300 of the front wall 30 points towards the second zone when the loading bucket 3 is in the unloading position. Similarly, the normal to the second surface 301 of the front wall points towards the first zone when the loading bucket 3 is in the unloading position.

[0049] The bottom 32 of the loading bucket 3 advantageously extends in a horizontal plane when the loading bucket 3 is in the loading position. The bottom 32 of the loading bucket 3 advantageously has a height of 50 cm or less (relative to the platform 2) when the loading bucket 3 is in the loading position in order to facilitate access for the user.

[0050] Waste container(s)

[0051] The loading bucket 3 advantageously comprises: - at least one 4-compartment waste container; - means of support, arranged to: maintain the waste container 4 in position on the bottom 32 of the loading bucket 3 in the loading position; maintain the waste container 4 in position against the second surface 301 of the front wall 30 of the loading bucket 3 in the unloading position.

[0052] The loading bucket 3 preferably has a volume (defined by the second surface 301 of the front wall 30, the two side walls 31 and the bottom 32) suitable for accommodating two waste containers 4. The waste container(s) 4 may be wheeled containers.

[0053] The retaining means advantageously comprise articulated locking fingers 5, arranged to: - maintain the waste container 4 in position on the bottom 32 of the loading bucket 3 in the loading position; - maintain the waste container 4 in position against the second surface 301 of the front wall 30 of the loading bucket 3 in the unloading position.

[0054] By way of non-limiting example, the retaining means may comprise three articulated locking fingers 5 per waste container 4.

[0055] Articulation device

[0056] The feeding system advantageously includes an articulation device, arranged in the second zone to move the loading bucket 3 between the loading position and the unloading position.

[0057] The articulation device advantageously comprises: - a frame 6, on which is mounted pivoting the loading bucket 3 around a horizontal pivot axis Al; - the first and second cylinders 7, fixed on the frame 6, and comprising respectively first and second piston rods 70; the first and second piston rods 70 being movable in translation along a longitudinal axis A2.

[0058] The loading bucket 3 is mounted in translational solidarity with the first and second piston rods 70 so that the loading bucket 3 is mobile in translation along the longitudinal axis A2.

[0059] The front wall 30 of the loading bucket 3 is advantageously pivotally mounted on the frame around the horizontal pivot axis Al. The side walls 31 of the loading bucket 3 are advantageously fixed in translation to the first and second piston rods 70.

[0060] The frame 6 of the articulation device may include: - of the first and second longitudinal members 60; - the first and second uprights 61, mounted respectively on the first and second longitudinal members 60, and preferably inclined with respect to a vertical axis; - crossbeams 62, connecting the first and second longitudinal members 60 to each other, and connecting the first and second uprights 61 to each other.

[0061] The term "longitudinal member" refers to a structural element arranged longitudinally. The term "cross member" refers to a structural element arranged transversely with respect to the longitudinal members.

[0062] The first and second longitudinal members 60 may be made of a metallic material. The first and second uprights 61 may be made of a metallic material. The first and second longitudinal members 60 and the first and second uprights 61 may be one-piece. The cross members 62 may be made of wood. The first and second longitudinal members 60 are mounted on the second area of ​​the platform 2.

[0063] The front wall 30 of the loading bucket is advantageously mounted pivotally at the ends of the first and second uprights 61. The first and second cylinders 7 are advantageously mounted respectively on the first and second longitudinal members 60. The first and second cylinders 7 can be pneumatic or hydraulic.

[0064] Installation

[0065] An object of the invention is an installation for grinding plants, comprising: - a feeding system according to the invention; - a plant shredder 1 comprising a hopper 10, arranged in the first zone.

[0066] The installation is intended in particular for use in a waste disposal site or waste treatment unit. The installation may include a collection bin 8 arranged to collect the vegetation shredded by the shredder 1.

[0067] Garden shredder

[0068] The plant shredder 1 may include a feed opening (also called a shredding chamber) inside which a shredding rotor 11 is arranged. The plant shredder 1 includes a hopper 10 for receiving the plant material. The hopper 10 may be equipped with a lower conveyor belt arranged to convey the plant material towards the feed opening. The hopper may be equipped with an upper conveyor belt (for example, a slatted belt), and / or a roller, to facilitate conveying the material towards the feed opening.

[0069] The hopper 10 of the plant shredder 1 has a wall 100 with an upper edge. The upper edge of the wall 100 of the hopper 10 has a height, denoted h. By way of non-limiting example, the height h may be greater than 1 m (from the ground). The wall 100 of the hopper 10 is the wall over which the plant material is poured. The wall 100 of the hopper 10 is preferably longitudinal. By way of non-limiting example, the wall 100 of the hopper may have a length between 3 m and 4 m.

[0070] Interaction between the feeding system and the plant shredder

[0071] The front wall 30 of the loading bucket has an upper edge 302: - located above the upper edge of the wall 100 of the hopper 10 when the loading bucket 3 is in the loading position; - flush with the upper edge of the wall 100 of the hopper 10 when the loading bucket 3 is in the unloading position.

[0072] The pivot axis Al advantageously lies flush with the upper edge of the wall 100 of the hopper 10. The pivot axis Al has a height, denoted H (relative to the ground), advantageously satisfying h < H < 1.05 h, preferably h < H < 1.025 h.

[0073] The upper edge 302 of the front wall 30 of the loading bucket 3 advantageously extends along the entire length of the upper edge of the wall 100 of the hopper 10 to ensure the safety of the user against projections from the plant shredder 1.

[0074] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described. A person skilled in the art is able to consider their technically operative combinations and to substitute equivalents for them.

Claims

Demands

1. Feeding system for a plant shredder (1) comprising a hopper (10), the feeding system comprising: - a platform (2), comprising first and second adjacent zones, the first zone being intended to receive the plant shredder (1); - a loading bucket (3), comprising: a front wall (30), having first and second opposing surfaces (300, 301); two side walls (31); a bottom (32), connecting the front wall (30) to the side walls (31); the second surface (301) of the front wall (30), the two side walls (31) and the bottom (32) defining an opening adapted for loading plant material;the loading bucket (3) being movable between: a loading position in which the opening is located in the second zone so as to load the plants, the first and second surfaces (300, 301) of the front wall (30) being oriented respectively towards the first and second zones, and an unloading position in which the opening is located in the first zone so as to unload the plants into the hopper (10) when the plant shredder (1) occupies the first zone.

2. Feeding system according to claim 1, wherein the loading bucket (3) comprises: - at least one waste container (4); - holding means, arranged to: hold the waste container (4) in position on the bottom (32) of the loading bucket (3) in the loading position; hold the waste container (4) in position against the second surface (301) of the front wall (30) of the loading bucket (3) in the unloading position.

3. Feeding system according to claim 1 or 2, comprising an articulation device, arranged in the second zone to move the loading bucket (3) between the loading position and the unloading position.

4. A feeding system according to claim 3, wherein the articulation device comprises: - an armature (6), on which the loading bucket (3) is mounted pivoting about a horizontal pivot axis (Al); - first and second cylinders (7), fixed on the armature (6), and comprising respectively first and second piston rods (70); the first and second piston rods (70) being movable in translation along a longitudinal axis (A2); the loading bucket (3) being mounted in translation fixed to the first and second piston rods (70) so that the loading bucket (3) is movable in translation along the longitudinal axis (A2).

5. Feeding system according to claim 4, wherein the front wall (30) of the loading bucket (3) is pivotally mounted on the frame (6) around the horizontal pivot axis (Al).

6. Feeding system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the side walls (31) of the loading bucket (3) are mounted in translational attachment to the first and second piston rods (70).

7. Plant shredding installation comprising: - a feeding system according to any one of claims 1 to 6; - a plant shredder (1) comprising a hopper (10), arranged in the first zone.

8. Installation according to claim 7, wherein the hopper (10) has a wall (100) having an upper edge; the front wall (30) of the loading bucket (3) has an upper edge (302): - located above the upper edge of the wall (100) of the hopper (10) when the loading bucket (3) is in the loading position; - flush with the upper edge of the wall (100) of the hopper (10) when the loading bucket (3) is in the unloading position.

9. Installation according to claim 8 in combination with claim 4, wherein the pivot axis (Al) is flush with the upper edge of the wall (100) of the hopper (10).

10. Installation according to claim 9, wherein: - the upper edge of the wall (100) of the hopper (10) has a height, denoted h; - the pivot axis (Al) has a height, denoted H, satisfying h < H < 1.05 h, preferably h < H < 1.025 h.

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