Scattering device and method for scattering particulate material, and pressing system

Abstract

The invention relates to a scattering device (1) for producing particulate-material mats (2) for the production of material boards, for example wooden material boards, the device comprising a scattering head (3) by means of which the particulate material can be scattered onto a scattering belt conveyor (4) located below the scattering head, thereby forming the particulate-material mat (2). At least one measuring device (14) is located in the region of the scattering head, for example above the scattering head, by means of which measuring device the distribution of the particulate material on the scattering head (3) can be determined at least in regions by recording measurement data which represent the distribution of the particulate material.

Description

[0001] andrejewski • honke

[0002] Patent and legal attorneys

[0003] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0004] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0005] Spreading device and method for spreading material as well as press system

[0006] Description:

[0007] The invention relates to a spreading device for producing spreading mats for the manufacture of material panels, e.g. wood-based panels, with a spreading head with which the spreading material can be spread onto a spreading belt conveyor arranged below the spreading head.

[0008] In the context of the invention, wood-based panels refer in particular to particleboard, OSB panels, or fiberboard (e.g., MDF or HDF panels). The spreading material is therefore preferably lignocellulosic, in particular wood chips or wood strands (also referred to as coarse shavings) or wood fibers. The spreading material is, for example, provided with a binder and is thus designed as a glued spreading material.

[0009] Preferably, the spreading device also includes a spreading material hopper in which the (glued) spreading material is initially stored, so that the spreading material hopper serves as a material buffer and is optionally designed as a metering hopper. For this purpose, the spreading material hopper preferably has a metering unit, which is, for example, a (driven) hopper floor conveyor. Furthermore, the hopper preferably has a hopper discharge or a discharge unit, which is, for example, designed as a discharge roller or as a discharge roller front with several discharge rollers. From the spreading material hopper, the spreading material reaches the spreading head, which spreads the material onto the spreading belt conveyor located below the spreading head, where a spreading material mat forms. This spreading material mat is optionally fed to a press after further processing and pressed in the press to form a material panel, e.g., a wood-based panel.The press can be a continuously operating press, e.g., an andrejewski • honk e.

[0010] Patent and legal attorneys

[0011] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0012] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0013] 2

[0014] This can be a double-belt press. Alternatively, it can be a multi-stage press, e.g., a multi-stage press. In any case, the spreading material mat produced on the spreading belt conveyor is compressed into a plate in the press using pressure and / or heat. Within the scope of the invention, the spreading head is preferably a roller spreading head with a roller bed consisting of several spreading rollers arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction. Some or all of these spreading rollers are driven by rotation and are equipped with drives for this purpose. Several spreading rollers can be driven in groups with common drives, e.g., via intermediate gearboxes. Several or all of the spreading rollers are preferably driven or can be driven with variable speed and / or variable direction of rotation. This allows the spreading result to be optimized and, for example,It is also possible to achieve a classifying scattering effect to generate a desired particle distribution across the mat thickness and / or a multi-layered mat.

[0015] The quality of the material panels produced in a press system, e.g., wood-based panels, always depends on the quality of the spreading material mats produced on the spreading belt conveyor. The quality of the spreading material mats, in turn, depends on the function of the spreading device and, in particular, on the function and operation of the spreading head, which may, for example, be a roller spreading head.

[0016] Spreading devices with a spreading material hopper on the one hand and a spreading head on the other are known in various designs from practice.

[0017] DE 10 2017 111 018 B4 describes a system for producing grit mats with a grit hopper, a spreading head, and an additional leveling device for evening the distribution of the grit mat on the spreading belt conveyor. The leveling device is an andrejewski • honke

[0018] Patent and legal attorneys

[0019] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0020] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0021] 3

[0022] A downstream measuring device with which the spreading distribution of the spreading material mat can be measured across the mat width, wherein the rotational speeds of the distribution rollers of the leveling device are adjustable depending on the spreading distribution measured with the measuring device.

[0023] German patent DE 10 2007 042 666 B3 describes a spreading material system with a spreading material hopper and a spreading head arranged below it, wherein a screw conveyor is provided above the spreading material hopper for filling the hopper. The screw conveyor has a discharge insert in the area of ​​the discharge opening for varying the discharge position along the longitudinal direction of the screw.

[0024] German patent DE 103 42 903 B4 describes a grit bunker equipped with photoelectric sensors for measuring the bunker's fill level. A material conveyor is provided above the grit bunker for filling it; this conveyor may, for example, be mounted on a pendulum and may include a screw conveyor for central and left / right loading of the grit bunker. The fill level can be adjusted based on the signals generated by the photoelectric sensors.

[0025] Furthermore, DE 10 2006 030 122 A1 describes a spreading system with a spreading material hopper and a spreading head arranged below it, wherein a drop chute is arranged between the spreading material hopper and the spreading head. The drop chute has one or more air supply devices and / or one or more air discharge devices with which air currents are generated to influence the spreading material distribution across the width. This is intended to improve the quality of the finished slabs. To adjust any necessary cross-flows in the drop chute, the finished slabs can be analyzed accordingly after a trial run and then further refined.

[0026] Patent and legal attorneys

[0027] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0028] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0029] 4

[0030] The basis for the measured values ​​can be set. Alternatively, the scattering distribution in the mat can be analyzed before compaction, e.g., using radiation measuring devices. Then, if necessary, a true control loop can be used.

[0031] Overall, there is a need to influence the quality of the mats to be produced as early as the manufacturing stage. The spreading of the material with the spreading head, e.g., the roller spreading head, is of particular importance in this regard. – This is where the invention comes in.

[0032] The invention is based on the objective of creating a spreading device of the type described above, with which spreading mats can be produced particularly economically and with high quality for the economical production of high-quality slabs.

[0033] To solve this problem, the invention teaches, in a generic spreading device of the type described above, that at least one measuring device is arranged in the area of ​​the spreading head (e.g., above the spreading head) with which the distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head can be determined, at least in certain areas, by recording measurement data with the measuring device that represent the distribution of the spreading material (on the spreading head) or that depend on the distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head. Preferably, this measuring device includes a camera system or is designed as a camera system, so that images of the distribution of the spreading material are recorded with the measuring device or the camera system, and thus image data are generated as measurement data for evaluating the distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head, i.e., the coverage of the spreading head. andrejewski • honke

[0034] Patent and legal attorneys

[0035] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0036] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0037] The invention is based on the understanding that the quality of the spreading mats produced by the spreading device, and thus also the quality of the material sheets to be manufactured, depends on the optimal function of the spreading head and an optimal spreading result with regard to distribution and separation. It is particularly advantageous to utilize the length of the spreading head to its maximum extent, i.e., all rollers or at least a large number of the rollers arranged one behind the other along the conveying direction and consequently transversely to the roller axes. This is because the spreading head, which can preferably be designed as a roller spreading head, also generally serves to separate and distribute the spreading material on the spreading belt conveyor located below it. If the length of the spreading head, and consequently the total number of spreading rollers, is not fully utilized, this leads to a reduced separation and distribution effect, negatively impacting the quality of the mats.However, it is also essential to prevent material from being thrown over the last roller into the overflow area typically provided there, in order to minimize material loss. Utilizing the entire length of the spreading head up to the last roller can therefore lead to material losses and thus uneconomical production in the event of operational irregularities. Optimal utilization of the spreading head, for example, extends to and including the penultimate spreading roller. It is always possible to influence the distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head, and consequently the coverage of the spreading head, by adjusting the spreading head parameters, particularly by adjusting the rotational speeds and, if necessary, the direction of rotation of the individual rollers. In practice, this adjustment can generally be carried out by a machine operator after a visual inspection, although the process can be problematic under changing production conditions, e.g.,The process may need to be repeated due to changing chip granulometry or varying moisture content. Based on this, the invention proposes automated monitoring by [andrejewski • honk e.] in the area of ​​[andrejewski • honk e.].

[0038] Patent and legal attorneys

[0039] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0040] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo) The measuring device, preferably a camera system, is provided above the spreading head, for example. This measuring device allows the occupancy situation at the spreading head, e.g., on the roller bed, to be recorded, evaluated, and processed by a computer. A computer is preferably provided as an evaluation unit for this purpose, enabling image analysis.

[0041] Preferably, the spreading device includes a control unit that allows its operation to be modified based on measurement data, and thus based on the measured distribution of the spreading material or the occupancy of the spreading head. This control unit can include an evaluation unit, such as a computer, or be designed as a computer itself. The evaluation unit preferably contains an evaluation algorithm or decision algorithm that generates control data based on the measurement data, such as image data, which in turn controls the spreading device. The evaluation algorithm thus detects and determines whether the occupancy of the spreading head is within the optimal range or needs to be adjusted. This monitoring and adjustment is preferably performed continuously or quasi-continuously during operation, for example...in the sense of control or regulation. It is always advantageous to continuously or quasi-continuously record measurement data, e.g., image data, and to use the control or regulation device to adjust the operation of the spreading device to optimize the coverage of the spreading head, e.g., by evaluation with an analysis and decision algorithm.

[0042] The adaptation of the operation of the spreading device optionally includes the adaptation of various components of the spreading device, in particular the adaptation of the operation of the spreading head, which is an andrejewski • honke

[0043] Patent and legal attorneys

[0044] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0045] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0046] The spreading head can consist of a roller bed comprising several spreading rollers arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction. The spreading rollers can be driven individually or in groups, preferably with variable speed and / or direction of rotation. This allows, in particular, the possibility of changing the speeds and / or directions of rotation of one or more spreading rollers of the spreading head depending on the measured data (e.g., image data) and consequently depending on the distribution or coverage of the spreading material on the spreading head, in order to achieve optimal coverage. For this purpose, it is particularly advantageous to determine the distribution of the spreading material over the length of the spreading head and consequently to derive a length distribution of the spreading material over the length or a portion thereof of the spreading head from the measured data. The operation of the spreading device, e.g.,The operation of the spreading head can then be modified depending on the length distribution, e.g., controlled or regulated. This serves, for example, to achieve maximum coverage of the spreading head over (almost) its entire length while simultaneously preventing material from being thrown over the last roller. To this end, it can be particularly advantageous to determine the leading edge of the material (i.e., its position and / or characteristics) on the roller spreading head from the measurement data and to modify the operation of the spreading head depending on the determined position and / or shape of the leading edge. This allows, for example, the leading edge of the material to be regulated via automated speed adjustment of the spreading rollers. At low speeds, the material throughput is reduced; at higher speeds, the material falls onto the forming belt earlier.By appropriately adjusting the rotational speed, the leading edge of the material can be moved to the optimal position at the end of the spreading head, thus achieving optimal operation of the spreading head and an optimal spreading result. andrejewski • honk e.

[0047] Patent and legal attorneys

[0048] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0049] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0050] 8

[0051] In an alternative embodiment, the width distribution of the spreading material across the width or a portion thereof of the spreading head can be determined from the measurement data, e.g., from the image data. Preferably, this allows the operation of the spreading device to be modified, e.g., controlled or regulated, depending on the determined width distribution. The invention is based on the understanding that for an optimal spreading result, not only is the utilization of the entire length of the spreading head advantageous, but also that the width distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head can influence the spreading result and thus the mat quality and ultimately the panel quality. According to the invention, the width distribution can be determined even before the mat is produced by monitoring not (only) the width distribution in the area of ​​the mat produced on the spreading belt conveyor, but (already) the width distribution of the material on the spreading head.Depending on this, it is possible to influence the operation of the spreading device in order to achieve an optimal and uniform distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head across the width.

[0052] To influence the spreading distribution on the spreader head, it can be advantageous, for example, to use a spreading material hopper with control devices in or on its discharge chute to influence the distribution across the width of the hopper. These devices could be, for example, adjustable discharge paddles or similar means that modify the hopper discharge across the width, thus correcting the coverage of the roller bed across the width. The control devices, e.g., discharge paddles, are therefore modified, e.g., controlled or regulated, depending on the recorded measurement data, e.g., depending on the determined width distribution. This allows for the establishment of a closed control loop for the coverage across the width, which is maintained during the andrejewski • honke

[0053] Patent and legal attorneys

[0054] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0055] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0056] 9

[0057] Production allows for continuous adjustment of the occupancy across the width.

[0058] Alternatively or additionally, the occupancy of the spreading head can be influenced across its width using distribution elements within the hopper. For example, several distribution rollers or leveling rollers can be provided in the hopper, which can be operated at variable speeds and / or directions of rotation, preferably in such a way that the lateral distribution of the spreading material within the hopper is influenced.

[0059] Alternatively or additionally, the distribution of material across the spreader head can be achieved or influenced by means of a suitable drop chute between the hopper and the spreader head. For this purpose, control devices for influencing the material distribution across the width of the drop chute can be provided in or on the chute. For example, a drop chute equipped with air supply or exhaust devices can be used, which generate air currents that influence the distribution of the spreading material across the width of the drop chute. Such a design is known, for example, from DE 10 2006 030 122 A1. These measures can be used according to the invention.While according to DE 10 2006 030 122 A1 the adjustment of the required airflows was carried out depending on measurements on the finished plate or on measurements on the spreading mat, according to the invention a control or regulation of the airflows is provided depending on the determined occupancy of the spreading head.

[0060] Alternatively, it is also within the scope of the invention to optimize the filling of the spreading head based on the measurements taken by means of suitable measures within the spreading material hopper or alternatively also during filling. andrejewski • honke

[0061] Patent and legal attorneys

[0062] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0063] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0064] 10 of the spreading material hopper to control or regulate. This applies in particular to influencing the lateral distribution on the spreading head. It can be advantageous to influence the hopper filling across its width by, for example, using a device for filling the spreading material hopper that allows for a spreading material discharge that can be varied transversely to the conveying direction. Thus, the hopper filling can be achieved with a position-variable filling head that is adjustable transversely to the conveying direction, e.g., by oscillating in a (horizontal) plane. The filling head can, for example, have a conveyor belt that is designed to oscillate transversely to the conveying direction. One possibility is described, for example, in DE 103 42 903 B4. Alternatively, other conveying means can also be used for filling the hopper, e.g., one or more filling augers. These, too, can be variable in their discharge position transversely to the conveying direction (e.g.,(e.g., oscillating) in order to influence the bunker filling across its width and thus indirectly manipulate the occupancy of the spreading head. It is therefore also within the scope of the invention to use the control or regulating device to modify the bunker filling based on measurement data, e.g., image data, by controlling or regulating a filling device, e.g., a filling head, based on the generated measurement data. This allows, for example, a controlled or regulated adjustment of the lateral travel speed of a filling head (e.g., of a filling belt or multiple filling belts) and optionally its / their stopping times in the left and right end positions.

[0065] The spreading head is preferably designed as a roller spreading head with a roller bed consisting of several spreading rollers arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction, at least some of which can be driven or are driven by rotation. The spreading rollers can, for example, be designed as disc rollers, each with a plurality of [unclear] distributed across the roller width (and, for example, arranged on an axle / shaft).

[0066] Patent and legal attorneys

[0067] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0068] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0069] 11

[0070] The rollers feature disc discs. Optionally, the spacing between the disc discs of one or more disc rollers can be adjustable. Optionally, the rollers themselves, e.g., the disc rollers themselves or the spacing of the axles on which the disc discs are mounted, can also be adjustable.

[0071] The roller spreading head preferably has more than 5, particularly preferably more than 8, e.g., more than 10, and optionally more than 15 spreading rollers arranged in a row. The spreading rollers can be arranged in a common plane as a roller deck. However, embodiments are also included in which the spreading rollers are arranged in several planes, e.g., in two or three planes, i.e., with two or three decks.

[0072] The roller spreading head, as described, can have both a distributing and a classifying function (i.e., a sieving function), meaning it can also be designed as a roller sieve machine. This can be achieved, for example, by variably adjusting the roller spacing and / or the disc spacing. For instance, the mesh size of the roller sieve can be made progressively finer towards the end of the spreading head.

[0073] Overall, it is possible to adjust the described parameters, e.g. roller spacing and / or disc spacing, adaptively depending on the determined spreading material distribution.

[0074] Of particular importance within the scope of the invention is the monitoring of the spreading material distribution by recording measurement data that represent the spreading material distribution, e.g., using a camera system arranged above the spreading head. The camera system can be designed and / or configured so that it monitors the entire roller spreading head.

[0075] Patent and legal attorneys

[0076] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0077] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0078] 12. The entire length and / or the entire (roller) width is monitored, i.e., image data is acquired that represents the entire spreading head over its entire length and / or width. However, in a preferred embodiment, it may also suffice to monitor the spreading material distribution only in one area of ​​the spreading head, e.g., in the rear area of ​​the spreading head (relative to the conveying direction), since – as described – the utilization of the spreading head over its entire length and consequently also in its rear area is important. For this purpose, the measuring device, e.g., the camera system, can be designed and / or configured such that only a length portion of the spreading head is monitored, which corresponds to less than 75%, e.g., less than 50% of the total length of the spreading head, preferably in the rear area (relative to the conveying direction).However, it is always advantageous to monitor the spreading head with the measuring device over its entire width or almost its entire width, e.g. over at least 80%, preferably at least 90% of the width of the spreading head.

[0079] Within the scope of the invention, the measuring device determines the distribution of the spreading material on the spreader head. The distribution can be determined particularly easily by using the measuring device to identify areas where spreading material (as a material bed) is present and areas where it is not, without analyzing the homogeneity and / or density distribution of the spreading material within the material bed on the spreader head. Optionally, however, it is also possible to analyze and monitor the homogeneity and / or thickness distribution and / or particle size distribution of the material on the spreader head. This can be achieved, for example, by evaluating the image data using a suitably optimized analysis algorithm. andrejewski • honke

[0080] Patent and legal attorneys

[0081] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0082] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0083] 13

[0084] The measures described in the application allow for the optimization of spreading material on a spreading belt conveyor, preferably through adaptive control. Of particular importance is the automated monitoring and adjustment to ensure complete coverage of the spreading head. Optimizing the coverage improves the spreading result and thus the plate quality. For example, reductions in the transverse tensile strength of the plates or individual layers, such as the core layer, which can result from separation, can be avoided.

[0085] The invention relates not only to the described spreading device, but also to a (preferably adaptive) method for spreading material onto a spreading belt conveyor with such a spreading device.

[0086] Furthermore, the invention comprises a press system with a spreading device and a spreading belt conveyor, as well as a press downstream of the spreading device. The spreading device according to the invention is therefore also protected within a press system or in combination with a press. The press can be a continuously operating press, e.g., a double-belt press. Alternatively, the press can be designed as an intermittent press, e.g., a single-stage or multi-stage press.

[0087] The invention will now be explained in more detail with reference to the drawings, which merely illustrate exemplary embodiments. They show

[0088] Fig. 1 shows a simplified, perspective view of a spreading device according to the invention, andrejewski • honke

[0089] Patent and legal attorneys

[0090] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0091] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0092] 14

[0093] Fig. 2 shows the spreading device according to Fig. 1 in a simplified side view and

[0094] Fig. 3 shows, by way of example, an image of the scattering head's coverage taken with a measuring device.

[0095] The figures show a spreading device 1 for producing spreading material mats 2 for the production of material panels, e.g., wood-based panels. The spreading device 1 has a spreading head 3 with which the spreading material is spread onto a spreading belt conveyor 4 arranged below the spreading head 3. This forms the spreading material mat 2 on the spreading belt conveyor 4. In the exemplary embodiment, the spreading head 3 is designed as a roller spreading head with a roller bed, wherein the roller bed has several spreading rollers 5 arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction F. In the exemplary embodiment, all of these spreading rollers 5 are driven by several drives 6, whereby not each individual spreading roller 5 is assigned its own drive 6, but rather several spreading rollers are driven in groups by one drive. The invention naturally also includes individual drives and the possibility that individual rollers are not driven.

[0096] Furthermore, in addition to the spreading head 3 and the spreading belt conveyor 4, the spreading device 1 has a spreading material hopper 7, which is arranged above the spreading head 3. The spreading material hopper 7 serves for the temporary storage of the spreading material and simultaneously for its metered feeding onto the spreading head 3. For this purpose, the hopper 7 is designed as a metering hopper with a bottom conveyor belt 8 and a discharge roller 9 or a discharge roller front with one or more discharge rollers. In the illustrated andrejewski • honke

[0097] Patent and legal attorneys

[0098] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0099] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0100] 15

[0101] Optionally, one or more distribution and / or leveling rollers (e.g., equalizing rollers) 10 can be provided in the hopper, which can be designed, for example, as rake rollers or spiked rollers. The spreading material is fed onto the spreading head 3 via the hopper discharge 11. The spreading material hopper 7 is filled via an upper filling opening 12, using a filling head 13 (only indicated), to which the spreading material can be fed, for example, via a filling belt or a filling screw.

[0102] According to the invention, to optimize the spreading result, the occupancy of the spreading head 3 with spreading material and consequently the distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head 3 are monitored. For this purpose, the spreading device 1 according to the invention has a measuring device 14 in the area of ​​the spreading head 3, namely above the spreading head 3, with which the distribution of the spreading material is determined by recording measurement data with the measuring device 14, which represent the distribution of the spreading material and consequently depend on the distribution of the spreading material. In the exemplary embodiment, this measuring device 14 has a camera system 15 which is mounted above the spreading head 3 and with which images of the distribution of the spreading material are recorded and thus image data are generated as measurement data. This is shown in Fig.1. It can be seen that the camera system can capture 15 images of the spreading material distribution, preferably extending over the entire width of the spreading head and at least over a part of the length of the spreading head 3. In the exemplary embodiment, the rear part of the length of the spreading head 3 is monitored in particular.

[0103] A particular advantage is that not only is the distribution of the spreading material monitored, but the operation of the spreading device 1 is preferably adapted depending on the measurement results, e.g. andrejewski • honke

[0104] Patent and legal attorneys

[0105] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0106] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0107] 16. The spreading device 1 has a control or regulation unit (not shown) with which the operation of the spreading device 1 can be changed depending on the measurement data, e.g., controlled or regulated. The control or regulation unit has an evaluation unit in which an evaluation algorithm is preferably stored, wherein control data for the spreading device 1 are then generated based on the image data using the evaluation unit and consequently with the evaluation algorithm; i.e., the operation of the spreading device 1 is controlled or regulated based on the calculated control data.

[0108] Such control or regulation of the spreading device based on the control data determined by the algorithm can, for example, involve adjusting the operation of the spreading rollers 5. This means that, depending on the image data and the control data calculated from it, the rotational speeds and / or directions of rotation of several or all spreading rollers 5 are changed, e.g., controlled or regulated. The optimal operating point of the roller bed is set by changing the rotational speeds and / or directions of rotation, preferably continuously during the ongoing operation of the system. For example, reducing the rotational speeds reduces the material throughput. At higher rotational speeds, the material falls onto the forming belt, i.e., the spreading belt conveyor 4, earlier.

[0109] It is particularly advantageous to determine the length distribution of the spreading material over the length L or a portion of the length (along the conveying direction F) of the spreading head from the image data, so that the operation of the spreading device 1, e.g., the operation of the spreading head 3, is modified depending on the length distribution, e.g., controlled or regulated. Figure 2 shows by way of example that the camera system 15 can be used to acquire measurement data.

[0110] Patent and legal attorneys

[0111] Patent application filed July 11, 2025

[0112] Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo)

[0113] 17 are recorded, from which the leading edge 16 of the spreading material on the roller spreading head 3 can be determined, wherein preferably the operation of the spreading device, e.g. the operation of the spreading head 3, is adjusted depending on the position of the leading edge 16 of the material generated from the measurement data. Fig. 3 shows that the camera system provides a strip image. Thus, the deviation from a predetermined target position S for each of the 24 strips can be transmitted to the control system, and the operation of the roller spreading head 3 can be adjusted accordingly.

[0114] Alternatively, it is possible to monitor not only the length distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head, but also, alternatively or additionally, a width distribution (i.e., a distribution across width B) using the camera system 15. Alternatively, a width distribution can be determined using the analysis algorithm, and control data for the spreading system can be generated from this. Based on this, parameters of the spreading system 1 can be changed, which affect the width distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head 3. For this purpose, suitable means can be provided in the spreading material hopper, e.g., in the hopper discharge 11, such as discharge paddles, which allow for adjustment and thus correction of the left / right distribution of the roller bed. Details are not shown in the figures. Alternatively, a drop chute can also be arranged between hopper 7 and spreading head 3, which can be used to influence the width distribution. This is also not shown.Finally, it is also possible to adjust the hopper filling via the control of the only indicated filling head 13. This also allows the distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head to be influenced across the width B.

Claims

andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed July 11, 2025 Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo) Patent claims:

1. Spreading device (1) for producing spreading material mats (2) for the production of material panels, e.g. wood-based panels, with a spreading head (3) with which the spreading material can be spread onto a spreading belt conveyor (4) arranged below the spreading head (3) to form the spreading material mat (2), characterized in that at least one measuring device (14) is arranged in the area of ​​the spreading head, e.g. above the spreading head (3), with which the distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head (3) can be determined at least in certain areas by recording measurement data that represent the distribution of the spreading material.

2. Spreading device according to claim 1, characterized by a control or regulating device with which the operation of the spreading device (1) can be changed depending on the measurement data, e.g. controllable or regulating.

3. Spreading device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the measuring device (14) has at least one camera system (15) preferably arranged above the spreading head (3), with which images of the spreading material distribution are recorded and thus image data are generated as measurement data.

4. Scattering device according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that the control or regulating device has an evaluation device in which, for example, an evaluation algorithm is stored, wherein the evaluation device, for example, with the evaluation algorithm, is used on the basis of the measurement data, e.g., image data, andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed July 11, 2025 Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo) 2 Control data can be generated with which the spreading device is controlled or regulated.

5. Spreading device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the spreading head (3) is designed as a roller spreading head with a roller bed made of several spreading rollers (5) arranged one behind the other in a conveying direction, at least some of which spreading rollers can be driven or are driven in a rotating manner.

6. Spreading device according to claim 5, characterized in that several or all spreading rollers (5) can be driven with variable speed and / or variable direction of rotation, e.g. individually or in groups, and / or that several or all spreading rollers (5) can be operated with variable roller spacing.

7. Spreading device according to one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that the speed and / or direction of rotation and / or the roller spacing of several or all spreading rollers (5) can be changed, e.g., controlled or regulated, depending on the measurement data, e.g. image data, by the control or regulating device.

8. Spreading device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that a length distribution of the spreading material over the length (L) or a part of the length of the spreading head (3) is determined from the measurement data, e.g. from the image data, wherein preferably the operation of the spreading device (1), e.g. the operation of the spreading head (3), is variable depending on the length distribution, e.g. controllable or adjustable. andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed July 11, 2025 Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo) 9. Spreading device according to one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that measurement data is recorded with the measuring device (14), e.g. with the camera system (15), from which the leading edge (16) of the spreading material on the spreading head, e.g. roller spreading head (3), can be determined, wherein preferably the operation of the spreading device, e.g. of the spreading head, can be changed depending on the position of the leading edge of the material generated from the measurement data, e.g. controllable or adjustable.

10. Spreading device according to one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that a width distribution of the spreading material over the width (B) or a part of the width of the spreading head (3) is determined from the measurement data, e.g. from the image data, wherein preferably the operation of the spreading device (1) is variable depending on the width distribution, e.g. controllable or adjustable.

11. Spreading device according to one of claims 1 to 10, with a spreading material hopper (7) arranged above the spreading head (3), from which spreading material can be discharged onto the spreading head (3) via its hopper discharge (11).

12. Spreading device according to claim 11, characterized in that control means for influencing the discharge distribution over the width of the bunker discharge (11) are provided in or on the bunker discharge (11) and that the control means can be changed with the control or regulating device depending on the measurement data, e.g. depending on the determined width distribution, e.g. controllable or regulating. andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed July 11, 2025 Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo) 4 13. Spreading device according to claim 11 or 12, with a drop chute arranged between the hopper discharge (11) and the spreading head, through which the spreading material can be fed from the hopper (7) onto the spreading head (3).

14. Spreading device according to claim 13, characterized in that control means for influencing the material distribution over the width of the drop chute are provided in or on the drop chute and that the control means are variable depending on the measurement data, e.g. depending on the determined width distribution, e.g. controllable or adjustable.

15. Pressing system with a spreading device (1 ) according to one of claims 1 to 14, and with a spreading belt conveyor (4) below the spreading head (3), on which a spreading mat (2) can be produced, and with a press downstream of the spreading device (1 ), in which the spreading mat produced on the spreading belt conveyor can be pressed into a material panel, e.g. a wood-based panel.

16. Method for spreading material onto a spreading belt conveyor with a spreading device according to one of claims 1 to 14, characterized in that the distribution of the spreading material on the spreading head is determined at least partially by means of a measuring device in the area of ​​the spreading head by recording measurement data which represent the distribution of the spreading material.

17. Method according to claim 16, characterized in that the operation of the spreading device is changed depending on the measurement data by means of a control or regulating device, e.g. controlled or regulated. andrejewski • honke Patent and legal attorneys Patent application filed July 11, 2025 Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27 678 / Lu / Bo) 5 18. Method according to claim 16 or 17, characterized in that the measuring device has at least one camera system with which images of the distribution of the spreading material are recorded and thus image data are generated as measurement data.

19. Method according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized in that control data is generated on the basis of the measurement data using an evaluation algorithm stored in the control or regulating device, with which the spreading device is controlled.

20. Method according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized in that the speed and / or direction of rotation of several or all spreading rollers of the spreading head are changed, e.g. controlled or regulated, by the control or regulating device depending on the measurement data.

21. Method according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized in that a length distribution of the spreading material over the length or part of the length of the spreading head is determined from the measurement data, wherein preferably the operation of the spreading device, e.g. the spreading head, is changed depending on the length distribution, e.g. controlled or regulated.

22. Method according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that measurement data are recorded with the measuring device, e.g. with the camera, from which the leading edge of the spreading material on the roller spreading head is determined, wherein preferably the operation of the spreading device, e.g. of the spreading head, is changed depending on the position of the leading edge of the material generated from the measurement data, e.g. controlled or regulated. Andre Jewski • Honke Patent and lawyers Patent application filed July 11, 2025 Siempelkamp Maschinen- und Anlagenbau GmbH (X 27678 / Lu / Bo) 6 23. Method according to one of claims 16 to 21, characterized in that a width distribution of the spreading material over the width or part of the width of the spreading head is determined from the measurement data, wherein preferably the operation of the spreading device is changed depending on the width distribution, e.g. controlled or regulated.

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