Spreader

Abstract

The invention relates to a spreader (10) comprising a storage container (11) for material to be spread (100). The storage container (11) comprises at least one outlet opening (21). The spreader (10) also comprises a transverse distribution apparatus (1) and a feed device (13). The feed device (13) is designed to move the material to be spread (100) in the storage container (11) in a feed direction (14) towards the outlet opening (21). The transverse distribution apparatus (1) is designed to distribute the material to be spread (100) transversely to the feed direction (14). The transverse distribution apparatus (1) and the feed device (13) are each arranged inside the storage container (11).

Description

[0001] Description

[0002] Spreader

[0003] A spreading machine is specified. The spreading machine is specifically designed to distribute a spreading material.

[0004] One of the tasks to be solved is to specify an improved spreading machine.

[0005] This problem is solved, among other things, by the subject matter with the features of claim 1. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] According to at least one embodiment of the spreading machine, the machine comprises a hopper for spreading material. The hopper includes at least one outlet opening. The spreading machine further comprises a transverse distribution device and a feed mechanism. The feed mechanism is configured to move the spreading material in the hopper in a forward direction towards the outlet opening. The transverse distribution device is configured to distribute the spreading material transversely to the forward direction. The transverse distribution device and the feed mechanism are each arranged within the hopper.

[0007] For example, the transverse distribution device is integrated into the feed unit. The hopper may have a partition separating the transverse distribution device from a storage area for the spreading material. During operation of the spreading machine, the transverse distribution device ensures a material flow transversely, preferably perpendicular to the feed direction. This allows the spreading material to be thoroughly mixed and kept relatively homogeneous. This is particularly advantageous because spreading material can clump depending on environmental parameters such as humidity or pressure, resulting in inhomogeneous density within the hopper. Such inhomogeneities typically make it difficult to achieve a uniform dispensing of the spreading material through the outlet opening.

[0008] For example, the spreading material can be dispensed from the hopper through the outlet opening. During operation of the spreader, the spreading material is applied to a surface. The homogenization of the spreading material in the hopper, achieved through lateral distribution, allows for controlled application to the surface, minimizing material loss.

[0009] The feed device comprises, for example, a conveyor chain or a screw conveyor for moving the spreading material. For example, the spreading material is moved from the storage area to the transverse distribution device. The feed device preferably includes a control unit for operating the feed device. The control unit allows, for example, the speed of the conveyor chain to be set. Consequently, the control unit can be used to control the material flow in the storage container as well as the material flow through the outlet opening.

[0010] The control unit is, for example, also intended for controlling the cross-distribution device. Alternatively, it is possible for the conveying equipment to be operated with its own, independent control unit.

[0011] In particular, the hopper is mounted on a vehicle such as a truck. The spreader is, for example, a mobile spreader. The spreading material is preferably dispensed onto the ground from the rear end of the vehicle or spreader, viewed in the direction of travel. In normal operation, the spreading material is preferably applied while the vehicle is driving, and a layer of the spreading material with a predetermined thickness is deposited on the ground.

[0012] The following technical considerations underlie the spreading machine described here. Transverse distribution devices are typically used in spreading machines to mix and homogenize the spreading material before it is applied to a surface. This is particularly necessary when the spreading material is to be applied to the surface through multiple openings. To ensure the most uniform material flow possible through all these openings, it is therefore necessary to distribute the spreading material as evenly as possible.

[0013] This is traditionally achieved by a transverse distribution device positioned between the storage container and the openings through which the material is dispensed onto the ground. In this case, the transverse distribution device typically includes a container in which the spreading material is moved and homogenized. A disadvantage of this method is that an additional container must be provided between the storage container and the ground to house the transverse distribution device.

[0014] Especially in the case of a mobile spreader, an additional hopper for the lateral distribution device has further disadvantages. The additional hopper reduces the height between the openings through which the spreading material is applied to the ground and the ground itself. This low height reduces the off-road capability of the vehicle or spreader. On uneven terrain, such a low height increases the risk of the spreader bottoming out. In such a case, controlled distribution of the spreading material onto the ground becomes difficult. Furthermore, the spreader itself can be damaged.

[0015] The spreader described here utilizes the concept of integrating the lateral distribution device into the hopper. This integration allows for homogenization of the spreading material directly within the hopper. Advantageously, this eliminates the need for a separate container for the lateral distribution device.

[0016] By integrating the lateral distribution device into the hopper, the space required for the spreader is reduced. Furthermore, the height of the discharge opening above the surface onto which the spreading material is to be applied can be increased. The spreader described here thus overcomes the disadvantages mentioned above. In particular, a high degree of homogeneity of the spread material can be achieved, while simultaneously increasing the spreader's off-road capability. The risk of damage to the spreader due to uneven terrain is reduced.

[0017] According to at least one embodiment, or the embodiment described above, the transverse distribution device is arranged in view through the outlet opening and above the outlet opening. Preferably, the transverse distribution device is arranged in view through the outlet opening and directly above the outlet opening.

[0018] For example, the transverse distribution device is arranged in a homogenization area of ​​the storage container. The homogenization area is adjacent to the outlet opening. Preferably, the homogenization area is directly adjacent to the outlet opening. In normal operation, the spreading material is moved and homogenized in the homogenization area by means of the transverse distribution device, either transversely or perpendicular to the feed direction.

[0019] Because the transverse distribution device is arranged above the outlet opening, the spreading material can be homogenized above, and in particular directly above, the outlet opening, thus enabling a particularly uniform discharge of the spreading material through the outlet opening.

[0020] According to at least one embodiment, or at least one of the embodiments described above, the feed device comprises a feed chain that runs in a circuit within the storage container along a bottom surface, a rear surface, a top surface, and a front surface. The transverse distribution device is arranged within this circuit and is visible through the outlet opening.

[0021] The bottom surface, the back surface, the top surface, and the front surface are, in particular, interior surfaces of the storage container, which are accessible, for example, from inside the storage container. The back surface and the front surface preferably connect the bottom surface and the top surface. The front surface is preferably opposite the back surface.

[0022] For example, the spreading machine is a mobile spreading machine that moves in a direction of travel during operation. In this case, the rear surface forms a side of the hopper, which, viewed in the direction of travel, is a rear end of the hopper. The front surface preferably forms a front end of the hopper, viewed in the direction of travel. A normal vector of the front and rear surfaces is, in particular, parallel to the direction of travel.

[0023] The storage container preferably further comprises a first side surface and a second side surface, each connecting the top surface to the bottom surface and the front surface to the back surface.

[0024] The outlet opening is preferably located in the base. In the present embodiment, the feed chain of the feed device preferably runs along or in the area of ​​the base to move the spreading material to the outlet opening during operation. The return path of the feed chain preferably runs along the rear surface, the top surface, and the front surface. The chain guide thus forms a closed loop.

[0025] The transverse distribution device is preferably arranged in the circulation loop. It is further preferably arranged close to the floor surface.

[0026] According to at least one embodiment, or at least one of the embodiments described above, the spreading machine comprises a spreading unit designed to dispense the spreading material onto the surface. The spreading unit follows the discharge opening in a dispensing direction. The spreading unit may, for example, include several openings by means of which the spreading material can be dispensed onto the surface in a controlled manner.

[0027] The spreading unit allows, for example, the amount of material dispensed by the spreading machine to be specified. Furthermore, the width of the material flow onto the surface can be adjusted. The spreading unit may also have a control device for adjusting these or other parameters.

[0028] In particular, the spreading unit comprises at least one metering chute. For example, in normal operation, the metering chute is controlled by the control device of the spreading unit. According to at least one embodiment, or at least one of the embodiments described above, the transverse distribution device comprises at least one first conveying device and at least one second conveying device. The first conveying device is configured to move spreading material transported by the feed device transversely, in particular outwards to the feed direction. The second conveying device is configured to move spreading material moved outwards by the first conveying device transversely, in particular inwards perpendicularly to the feed direction.

[0029] For example, the first conveying device is configured to move spreading material transversely or perpendicularly to the feed direction from a central area of ​​the storage container outwards. The second conveying device is preferably configured to move the spreading material transversely, in particular perpendicularly, to the feed direction from an edge area of ​​the storage container inwards.

[0030] The edge region borders, for example, the first and second side surfaces of the storage container. The central region is preferably surrounded by the edge region in directions transverse to the feed direction. An "inward" movement describes, in particular, a movement from the edge region to the central region. In other words, an "inward" movement describes a movement inward with respect to a central axis of the feed direction. An "outward" movement describes, in particular, a movement from the central region to the edge region. In other words, an "outward" movement describes a movement with respect to a central axis of the

[0031] Feed direction outwards.

[0032] In particular, during operation of the transverse distribution device, excess spreading material is moved from the outer area inwards, i.e., towards the central area, by means of the second conveying device. "Excess spreading material" refers specifically to spreading material that, after being moved outwards by the first conveying device, remains in the outer area of ​​the storage container and has not been discharged from the storage container through the outlet opening.

[0033] According to at least one embodiment or at least one of the aforementioned embodiments, in which the transverse distribution device has at least one first and at least one second conveying device, the first conveying device and the second conveying device are arranged spaced apart from each other in the feed direction.

[0034] For example, the first and second conveying units are arranged in a common first plane parallel to the base of the storage container. By arranging the conveying units in a common first plane, circulation of the spreading material in this first plane can be achieved.

[0035] According to at least one embodiment, or at least one of the embodiments mentioned above, in which the transverse distribution device has at least one first and at least one second conveying unit, the first conveying unit is arranged in the line of sight through the outlet opening above the second conveying unit. This means, in particular, that the first and second conveying units are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the bottom surface of the storage container.

[0036] For example, the first conveying device is arranged on the first level. The second conveying device is arranged, for example, on a second level that is parallel to the first level. In particular, the first and second levels are spaced apart from each other in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface. The distance between the levels represents, in particular, the distance between the first and second conveying devices from the perspective of the outlet opening.

[0037] By spacing the conveying devices in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface, a three-dimensional movement of the spreading material can advantageously be achieved in the homogenization zone at the discharge opening. This allows for a comparatively high degree of homogenization of the spreading material. Overall, this enables a more uniform discharge of the spreading material through the discharge opening and consequently achieves a more controlled and even distribution of the spreading material.

[0038] It is possible for the first and second conveying units to be spaced apart from each other both in the feed direction and in a direction perpendicular to the floor surface. In such a case, the first and second feed directions are offset from each other. Advantageously, this allows for particularly good homogenization of the spreading material by the transverse distribution device.

[0039] According to at least one embodiment or at least one of the aforementioned embodiments, in which the transverse distribution device has at least one first and at least one second conveying device, the first conveying device and the second conveying device each comprise a screw conveyor.

[0040] In particular, the first and second conveying devices are each configured to move the spreading material in a first and second conveying direction, respectively, by means of rotation around a first and second axis of rotation. The first and second axes of rotation each pass through the associated conveying device.

[0041] For example, the first and second conveyor units are connected to a drive via a connecting element. This connecting element could be a belt, such as a toothed belt. Alternatively, the connecting element could be a shaft, such as a drive shaft.

[0042] The drive is, for example, a motor, in particular an electric motor. In this case, a rotor of the electric motor is connected to the connecting element. The connecting element transmits the rotational movement of the motor to the first and second conveying units. It is possible that the first and second conveying units are connected by a common drive.

[0043] Further advantages and beneficial designs and developments of the spreading machine result from the following exemplary examples presented in conjunction with the schematic drawings. Identical, similar, and similarly functioning elements are designated with the same reference symbols in the figures. The figures and the relative sizes of the elements depicted in the figures are not necessarily to scale. Rather, individual elements may be exaggerated for better clarity and / or to improve comprehensibility.

[0044] They show:

[0045] Figures 1 to 3 are schematic representations of a spreading machine described here according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0046] Figures 4 and 5 are schematic sectional views of a transverse distribution device for a spreading machine described here, according to two exemplary embodiments.

[0047] Figures 6 and 7 show a schematic perspective representation of a spreading machine described here according to an exemplary embodiment.

[0048] Figure 1 shows a schematic sectional view of a spreading machine 10 described herein, according to an exemplary embodiment. A section plane of Figure 1 is defined by an output direction 20 and a feed direction 14, wherein the feed direction 14 is perpendicular to the output direction 20.

[0049] The spreading machine 10 includes a storage container 11 in which a spreading material 100 can be stored. The storage container 11 includes a partition 15 that separates a storage area 16 for the spreading material 100 from a transverse distribution device 1. The spreading machine 10 has a feed device 13 which is configured to move the spreading material 100 in the feed direction 14 and convey it to a discharge opening 21. The spreading material 100 is thereby separated from the storage area.

[0050] 16 to the transverse distribution device 1. In the present embodiment, the feed device 13 comprises a feed chain 17. The feed chain

[0051] 17 runs along a rear surface 114, a top surface 112 and a front surface 113, with the feed chain 17 forming a closed circuit 110.

[0052] The transverse distribution device 1 is arranged inside the storage container 11. Furthermore, the transverse distribution device 1 is arranged inside the circulation unit 110. The transverse distribution device 1 is thus integrated into the feed device 13.

[0053] The spreading machine 10 further comprises a spreading unit 12, which is connected to the outlet opening 21. The spreading unit 12 preferably includes one or more metering gates. The spreading material 100 can be dispensed via the spreading unit 12 in the discharge direction 20. The spreading material 100 is thereby applied to a substrate 200.

[0054] A transverse distribution device 1 is arranged in a homogenization area 7 of the storage container 11. The transverse distribution device 1 is integrated into the storage container. The homogenization area 7 borders the outlet opening 21 and is arranged above the spreading unit 12 in the discharge direction 20.

[0055] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of the transverse distribution device 1 of Figure 1. The transverse distribution device 1 comprises a first conveying unit 3 and a second

[0056] Conveyor 4. A first axis of rotation 30 runs through the first conveyor 3, and a second axis of rotation 40 runs through the second conveyor 4. The first / second conveyor 3, 4 is configured to rotate about the first / second axis of rotation 30, 40 in a first / second direction of rotation 32, 42. The first conveyor 3 and the second conveyor 4 are arranged in a common plane parallel to the base surface 111.

[0057] The transverse distribution device 1 further comprises a drive 6. The drive 6 is, for example, a motor, such as an electric motor. The first and second conveying units 3, 4 are connected to the drive 6 via connecting elements 5.

[0058] The connecting elements 5 are belts in the present exemplary embodiment.

[0059] In normal operation, a rotation of the drive 6 is transmitted to the first and second conveying devices 3, 4 by means of the connecting elements 5.

[0060] In normal operation, the first and second conveying units 3, 4 rotate along the first and second directions of rotation 32, 42, respectively. The conveying units 3, 4 are screw conveyors profiled such that with each rotation the spreading material moves in a first conveying direction and a second conveying direction. The first conveying unit 3 is configured to move the spreading material 100 from a central area 18 to an outer area 19 (see Figure 3). The second conveying unit 4 is configured to move spreading material 100 from the outer area 19 to the central area 18 (see Figure 3). This material movement results in a material flow 101 in the homogenization area 7, which is illustrated in Figure 2.

[0061] The material flow 101 is essentially a circular movement in the feed plane or a plane parallel to the feed plane. The material flow 101 ensures thorough mixing of the spreading material 100 in the vicinity of the outlet opening 21. This makes it possible to achieve a uniform material flow through the outlet opening.

[0062] Figure 3 shows the spreading machine 10 according to the first embodiment, viewed from the base surface 111. As can be seen in Figure 3, the edge region 19 borders a first side surface 115 and a second side surface 116. The first and second side surfaces 115 and 116 connect the base surface 111 and the top surface 112, as well as the front surface 113 and the rear surface 114. The central region 18 is surrounded by the edge region 19 in directions perpendicular to the feed direction 14.

[0063] Figure 3 further illustrates that the conveying devices 3, 4 are arranged above the outlet opening 21 from the perspective of the outlet opening 21. The feed chain 17 is arranged between the outlet opening 21 and the conveying devices 3, 4 or the transverse distribution device 1.

[0064] Figure 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the transverse distribution device 1. The transverse distribution device 1 according to Figure 4 differs from the transverse distribution device 1 according to Figure 2 in that the first conveying unit 3 is arranged at a distance from the second conveying unit 4 from the perspective of the outlet opening 21. That is, the first axis of rotation 30 and the second axis of rotation 40 are spaced 25 apart. The distance 25 is parallel to the discharge direction 20.

[0065] The spreading material 100 can clump, particularly depending on environmental parameters, and thus exhibit an inhomogeneous density. Such inhomogeneities in the density of the spreading material 100 are generally disadvantageous and undesirable, as they make uniform dispensing of the spreading material 100 through the outlet openings 21 more difficult. By means of the conveying devices 3, 4, the spreading material 100 can be homogenized in an area above the outlet opening 21, and inhomogeneities in the spreading material 100 can be resolved. Unlike the transverse distribution device 1 of Figure 2, the distance 25 between the conveying devices 3, 4 allows homogenization to also occur in a direction perpendicular to the feed direction 14 and is not limited to a single plane. Therefore, more effective mixing is possible. A corresponding material flow 101 is illustrated in Figure 4 by the dashed arrows 101.

[0066] In contrast to the embodiment shown in Figure 4, the transverse distribution device 1 according to Figure 5 has a different arrangement of the conveying elements 3, 4. In addition to a distance 25 in the discharge direction 20, the axes of rotation 30, 40 have a distance 55 in the feed direction 14. That is, in a projection onto a common plane, defined, for example, by the feed direction 14 and the first axis of rotation 30, the first axis of rotation 30 and the second axis of rotation 40 are spaced apart from each other. Such an arrangement allows the material flow 101 of the spreading material 100 to be further increased and improves the mixing and homogeneity of the spreading material 100 near the outlet opening 21.

[0067] Figure 6 shows the spreading machine of Figures 1 to 3 in a perspective view. The spreading machine 10 is in particular a mobile spreading machine and includes a truck.

[0068] As can be seen in Figure 6, the feed mechanism 13 runs between the spreading unit 12 and the transverse distribution device 1. This eliminates the need for an intermediate container between the hopper 11 and the spreading unit 12. Typically, the transverse distribution device 1 is located in such an intermediate container. Because the transverse distribution device 1 is integrated into the hopper 11, eliminating the need for the intermediate container allows the spreading unit 12 to be advantageously mounted particularly high above the ground 200. This increases the ground clearance of the spreading machine 10 and improves its off-road capability. It also reduces the risk of damage to the spreading machine 10.

[0069] Figure 7 illustrates a spreading machine 10 according to a further embodiment in a perspective view, with the storage container 11 shown semi-transparently. A feed device 13, which moves spreading material 100 in the storage container 11 in the feed direction 14 towards a transverse distribution device 1, comprises a feed chain 17. The feed chain 17 runs along a bottom surface 111, a rear surface 114 (hidden in the view of Figure 7), a top surface 112 and a front surface 113 in a circuit 110.

[0070] The transverse distribution device 1 comprises a first conveying device 3, which is configured to move the spreading material 100 outwards towards the side surfaces 115, 116. The transverse distribution device 1 further comprises a second conveying device 4, which is configured to move the spreading material 100 inwards, away from the side surfaces 115, 116. This allows a material flow of the spreading material 100 to be achieved transversely to the feed direction 14, thereby homogenizing the spreading material 100.

[0071] The first conveying device 3 and the second conveying device 4 are each designed as a screw conveyor.

[0072] The transverse distribution device 1 is arranged inside the storage container 11. The transverse distribution device 1 is further arranged inside the circulation unit 110. This arrangement eliminates the need for an additional container outside the storage container, which is typically found in conventional spreading machines and houses the transverse distribution device 1.

[0073] The invention described here is not limited by the description based on the exemplary embodiments. Rather, the invention encompasses every new feature as well as every combination of features, which in particular includes every combination of features in the patent claims, even if this feature or this combination itself is not explicitly specified in the patent claims or exemplary embodiments.

[0074] Reference sign

[0075] Cross distribution device

[0076] 3, 4 first, second funding institution

[0077] 5 Connecting element

[0078] 6 Drive

[0079] 7 Homogenization area

[0080] 10 Spreader

[0081] 11 storage containers

[0082] 12 spreading units

[0083] 13 Feed device

[0084] 14 Feed direction

[0085] 15 partition wall

[0086] Storage area

[0087] 17 Feed chain

[0088] 18 Central Area

[0089] 19 Edge area

[0090] 20 Delivery direction

[0091] 21 Outlet opening

[0092] 25 mm gap in the direction of delivery

[0093] 30, 40 first, second axis of rotation

[0094] 32, 42 first, second direction of rotation

[0095] 55 mm distance in feed direction

[0096] 100 pieces of grit

[0097] 101 Material flow

[0098] 110 revolutions

[0099] 111 floor area

[0100] 112 ceiling area

[0101] 113 Front surface

[0102] 114 Back surface

[0103] 115, 116 first, second side surface

[0104] 200 underground

Claims

Patent claims 1. Spreading machine (10) comprising - a storage container (11) for grit (100) with at least one outlet opening (21) , - a cross-distribution device (1) and - a feed device (13) , wherein - the feed device (13) is designed to move the spreading material (100) in the storage container (11) in a feed direction (14) towards the outlet opening (21), - the transverse distribution device is designed to distribute the spreading material (100) transversely to the feed direction (14), and - the transverse distribution device (1) and the feed device (13) are each arranged within the storage container (11).

2. Spreading machine (10) according to claim 1, wherein the transverse distribution device (1) is arranged in view through the outlet opening (21) above the outlet opening (21).

3. Spreading machine (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein - the feed device (13) comprises a feed chain (17) which runs along a bottom surface (111), a rear surface (114), a top surface (112) and a front surface (113) of the storage container (11) inside the storage container (11) in a circuit (110), and - the transverse distribution device (1) in view through the The outlet opening (21) is arranged within the circulation (110).

4. Spreading machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising a spreading unit (12) which is configured to release the spreading material (100) onto a surface (200), wherein the spreading unit (12) follows the discharge opening (21) in a discharge direction (20).

5. Spreading machine (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein - the transverse distribution device (1) has at least one first conveying device (3) and at least one second conveying device (4), - the first conveying device (3) is designed to move spreading material (100) transported by the feed device (14) outwards transversely to the feed direction (14), and - the second conveying device (4) is designed to move spreading material (100) moved outwards from the first conveying device inwards transversely to the feed direction (14).

6. Spreading machine (10) according to claim 5, wherein the first conveying device (3) and the second conveying device (4) are arranged spaced apart from each other in the feed direction (14).

7. Spreading machine (10) according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the first conveying device (3) is arranged in sight through the outlet opening (21) above the second conveying device (4). Spreading machine (10) according to one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the first conveying device (3) and the second conveying device (4) each comprise a conveying screw .

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