FR3096868A1 - SUCTION MODULE AND ASSOCIATED BUCKET - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates to a suction module for a skip comprising a chimney provided with a suction unit for the passage of a product in the chimney, the chimney comprising a suction column (7) extended by a portion of 'expulsion (8), the expulsion portion being provided with a flap (16) ensuring the separation of a flow carrying the product into two flows, one being more loaded than the other with product.

Description

SUCTION MODULE AND ASSOCIATED BUCKET

The invention relates to a suction module as well as a skip equipped with such a suction module.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the agricultural field, we know skips equipped with a suction module, usually comprising a suction column and an expulsion portion, allowing a product to be sucked from the ground to dump it into the skip.

In order to ensure the circulation of the product in the suction module, the latter is equipped with a suction block comprising a pump.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a more sophisticated suction module.

To this end, the subject of the invention is a suction module for a skip comprising a chimney provided with a suction block for the routing of a product in the chimney, the chimney comprising an extended suction column of an expulsion portion, the expulsion portion being provided with a flap ensuring the separation of a stream carrying the product into two flows, one being more loaded than the other with product.

In this way, the shutter allows the very interior of the suction module to separate the flow into two flows, facilitating the fall of the product into the body of the skip.

Of course, throughout this application, the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear" ... must be understood according to the position in service of the suction module, that is to say the position in which the module is arranged in a bucket, said bucket then resting on the ground on which it is intended to roll. The terms "front", "rear" must therefore be understood according to the position in service of the tipper and the direction of advancement of the tipper on said ground when it is towed by a motorized vehicle.

According to a particular embodiment, the expulsion portion is bent, the flap then being arranged in the expulsion portion substantially at the level of the exit from the elbow of the expulsion portion.

According to a particular embodiment, the flap is orientable relative to the expulsion portion.

According to a particular embodiment, the module comprises a deflector arranged at the level of the outlet of one of the flows.

According to a particular embodiment, the deflector is V-shaped.

According to a particular embodiment, the deflector forms a V wider than the width of the opposite flow outlet.

According to a particular embodiment, the module comprises at least one filling detection device of the tipper body.

According to a particular embodiment, the detection device is arranged at the outlet of one of the flows.

According to a particular embodiment, the module comprises an evacuation duct for the flow least loaded with product so that said flow escapes into the air outside the skip body.

The invention also relates to a skip comprising such a suction module.

Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the following description of a particular non-limiting embodiment of the invention.

The invention will be better understood in the light of the following description with reference to the figures of the appended drawings, among which:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of part of a skip equipped with a suction module according to a particular embodiment of the invention,

Figure 2 illustrates part of the suction module of the bucket shown in Figure 1,

Figure 3 is a sectional view of the suction module shown in Figure 2,

Figure 4 is a perspective view from above of part of the bucket shown in Figure 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PARTICULAR EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

With reference to FIG. 1, the skip according to a particular embodiment of the invention, generally designated at 1, comprises a frame 2 and a skip body 3 which is mounted on the frame 2 and which extends longitudinally along a axis X. The bucket 1 is here connected to a motorized vehicle such as a tractor (not shown here).

In particular, the tipper body 3 comprises a horizontal bottom extended laterally by two vertical side flanks, ie a left lateral flank and a right lateral flank (when driving the tractor). However, the skip body 3 is open at its rear part. The skip body 3 also comprises a carpet arranged on the bottom of the skip body 3 ensuring movement of the product contained in the skip 1 towards the rear or the front of the skip body 3. The skip 1 is thus called " moving floor”.

The front part of the skip body 3 is closed here by a suction module 4 making it possible to suck up a product (such as crop or crushing waste of the plant or straw type, for example, or fodder or generally any other product that can be vacuumed).

Furthermore, the front part of the skip body 3 comprises a front side arranged between the suction module 4 and the carpet. The front flank is typically inclined with respect to the side flanks and extends from the bottom towards the suction module 4.

The suction module 4 is thus arranged in the bucket 1 between the front side and an attachment 5 of the bucket 1 to the motor vehicle.

Preferably, the suction module 4 is arranged in a removable manner on the frame 2 in order to be able to allow the bucket 1 to be fitted with another module if necessary or to be able to use the bucket 1 without a module.

Furthermore, the rear part of the skip body 3, which is open because it has no fixed rear side, is in fact closed by a pivoting door which is movable between a closed position where it covers the open rear part of the skip body 3 and an open position where it allows access to the interior of the bucket 1 by said open rear part.

Furthermore, the skip 1 comprises one or more extensions, possibly removable, to increase the volume of the skip body 3. The extensions are potentially mounted sliding on the skip body 3 in order to be able to be lowered or raised to increase the volume of the body dumpster.

The skip body 3 here also comprises a roof 6 covering at least part of the skip body 3. In the present case, the roof 6 is arranged to extend from the door to the suction module 4 so as to cover the suction module 4.

The roof 6 is optionally collapsible.

Preferably, the roof 6 can be lowered (for example via the extensions) in order to be able to compress the product present in the dumpster 1 to gain in product storage volume.

The suction module 4 will now be detailed with reference to all the figures.

The suction module 4 comprises a chimney comprising a suction column 7 extended by an angled expulsion portion 8 to facilitate the discharge of a product from the ground into the body of the skip 3.

The shape of the chimney in an elbow naturally allows the majority of the sucked product to be placed in an upper zone of the suction portion at the outlet of the suction column. Leaving the suction module, the product, heavier than the air flow transporting it, then falls back into the body of the skip.

The suction column 7 extends substantially vertically along an axis Z orthogonal to the axis X. The suction column 7 here has a square or rectangular section.

In order to be able to follow the lowering of the roof 6, the suction module 8 comprises at least one retractable portion making it possible to follow the movement of the roof 6.

Typically, the suction column 7 is retractable, the lower portion of the suction column remaining however fixed relative to the skip body 3. In particular, the suction column 7 comprises two portions including an upper portion 7a mounted sliding along the X axis on the lower portion 7b integral with the skip body 3. If it is not intended to remove the suction module, the lower portion 7b can be directly an integral part of the skip body.

The expulsion portion 8 extends for its part (apart from its angled end for attachment to the suction column) substantially parallel to the axis X and therefore perpendicular to the suction column 7. The expulsion portion 8 presents here a square or rectangular section. The expulsion portion 8 is of course directed towards the rear of the skip 1 in the direction of the interior of the skip body 3.

The suction block 4 thus comprises pumping means 9 arranged in the lower part of the suction column 7. The pumping means 9 are here integral with the lower portion 7b. The pumping means 9 comprise at least one pump and preferably at least two pumps.

In the present case, the pumping means 9 comprise two pumps arranged so that their axis of rotation is each parallel to the axis X. The pumps are preferably centrifugal pumps.

The two pumps are thus mounted in parallel, one next to the other in the lower portion 7b of the suction column 7.

More precisely here, the two pumps are arranged so that their respective scrolls open into a common discharge outlet which itself opens into the suction column 7. The two pumps are furthermore arranged so as to have a suction inlet common. Said inlet is actually here directly an orifice made in the lower end of the suction column 7 and giving access to the outside. The rotors of the two pumps are thus in direct contact with the ambient air.

In service, the pumps suck in the air laden with a product (particles, waste, fodder or other) and reject it via the scrolls in the suction column 7. The air laden with the product is then evacuated into the body of the bucket 3 via the suction column 7 and the expulsion portion 8, the product heavier than the flow of air transporting it then falling into the body of the bucket 3.

The suction module 4 also includes a follower foot 13 connected to the suction column 7.

In a manner known per se, the follower foot 13 facilitates the suction of the product from the ground to the pumping means 9 by creating a suction tunnel between the ground and the pumping means 9 (the air circulating at through a channel formed in the follower foot 13 and opening out at the upper end of the follower foot 13 substantially opposite the pumping means).

Furthermore, the follower foot 13 is movably mounted on the suction column 7. More specifically here, the follower foot 13 is slidably mounted on the suction column 7. Typically, the follower foot 13 slides along rails integral with the lower portion 7b.

Said follower foot 13 is generally shaped like a prism with a flat and substantially vertical first main face facing the suction column 7 and a second inclined opposite main face extending from the top of the follower foot 13 towards the ground.

The trailing foot 13 is preferably shaped so as to present a widened base vis-à-vis the rest of the trailing foot.

This makes it possible to improve the suction of air from the ground and its guidance to the pumping means 9.

The follower foot 13 is also mounted on one or more rollers 14 for its movement on the ground. The follower foot 13 here comprises four rollers 14.

According to a particular embodiment, the rollers 14 are carried by two left and right lateral arms 15 solarized respectively to the left and right sides of the follower foot 13. Each arm 15 is here pivotally mounted, substantially at its center, on respectively one left and right sides of the follower foot 13 along a Y axis (here orthogonal to the X axis and to the Z axis).

Preferably, the follower foot 13 here forms a shutter for the pumping means. To this end, the follower foot 13 is also mounted to move relative to the suction column 7 between a low position (corresponding to a neutral position of the shutter) and a high position (corresponding to a service position of the shutter ) in which the follower foot 13 at least partially obstructs the inlet of the pumping means 9.

It is of course necessary to distinguish the small uncontrolled movements of the following foot 13 allowing it to follow the reliefs of the ground, from the large controlled movement of the following foot 13 between its low position and its high position allowing the following foot 13 to be able to rise sufficiently to obstruct at least partly the inlet of the pumping means 9.

In the present case, the follower foot 13 is arranged so that in the low position it rests on the ground via its rollers 14 and that in the high position it extends substantially at the height of the pumping means 9. The follower foot 13 then extends more specifically here at the rotors of the two pumps greatly limiting the amount of air that can be sucked in by the two rotors.

Preferably, the width of the follower foot 13 (along the Y axis) is equal to or greater than the width (along the Y axis) of the assembly formed by the two rotors of the means of the two pumps. Furthermore, the height of the follower foot 13 (along the Z axis) is equal to or greater than the height (along the Z axis) of the assembly formed by the two rotors of the two pumps. In this way, when the follower foot 13 is in its high position, the follower foot 13 protrudes from the assembly formed by the two rotors in height (on both sides of the assembly) and in width (on both sides of the whole) which makes it possible to very well block the quantity of air which can be sucked in by the two rotors.

The suction module 4 also comprises means for actuating the follower foot 13 in order to cause the movement of the follower foot 13 between its two high and low positions. For this purpose, the actuating means here comprise a cylinder 10 whose body is integral with the suction column 7 and whose rod is integral with the follower foot 13. The cylinder 10 is thus arranged so that the extension of the rod causes a lowering of the trailing foot 13 and the retraction of the cylinder 10 a raising of the trailing foot 13.

In this way, when the suction module 4 starts, the follower foot 13 is in its high position or brought into its high position.

This limits the quantity of air sucked in by the pumping means, allowing the pumping means to be put into service more quickly.

The follower foot 13 is then lowered into its low position to leave the inlet of the pumping means free (the air then being sucked through the follower foot 13).

Advantageously, the follower foot 13 can also be arranged in its high position for other applications, in particular when storing the skip 1.

According to the invention, and as visible in Figures 3 and 4, the suction module 4 comprises a flap 16 arranged in the expulsion portion 8 in order to ensure the separation of an air flow carrying the product into two flows, one being more charged than the other product. The expulsion portion 8 is obviously shaped so that the two flows then follow independent paths until they exit the suction module 4.

The flap 16 is here arranged in the expulsion portion 8 so as to separate the flow into an upper flow and a lower flow. The flap 16 thus extends between two right and left side flanks of the expulsion portion 8.

In this way, advantage is taken of the fact that the product is mainly located in the upper part at the outlet of the elbow of the expulsion portion 8: the flap 16 therefore makes it possible to separate the air flow into two flows, one of which lower flow comprising only a minority of the product and an upper flow comprising the majority of the product.

The flap 16 is preferably arranged in the expulsion portion 8 substantially at the level of the exit from the elbow of the expulsion portion 8.

According to a particular embodiment, the flap 16 is orientable relative to the expulsion portion 8. Typically the flap 16 is mounted so as to be rotatable about an axis A (here substantially parallel to the axis Y) between the two flanks sides of the expulsion portion 8.

This makes it possible to be able to control the inclination of the flap 16 with respect to the expulsion portion 8, and therefore the way in which the flow leaving the suction column 7 is split in two, in order to optimize as much as possible the product concentration of the upper flow.

According to a particular embodiment, the expulsion portion 8 is shaped so that the upper flow opens directly outside after passage of the flap 16 i.e. opens directly directly above the skip body 3.

According to a particular embodiment, the expulsion portion 8 includes a deflector 17 arranged at the outlet of the upper flow. The deflector 17 is here carried by an upper outer face of a lower flow evacuation duct. The deflector 17 is thus on the outside, downstream of the shutter 16, on the path of the upper flow.

Preferably, the deflector 17 is shaped to have at least one corner 18 centered in the expulsion portion 8 and more particularly centered vis-à-vis the outlet of the upper flow.

The deflector 17 is generally V-shaped and thus comprises two panels 19, 20 extending obliquely with respect to each other. The corner 18 drawn by the junction between the two panels 19, 20 thus faces the outlet of the upper flow being centered on said outlet. Corner 18 is also extended by two flat faces of panels 19, 20 extending respectively in the direction of one of the side flanks of the tipper body. Preferably the deflector 17 forms a V wider than the width of the outlet of the upper flow (widths taken along an axis parallel to the Y axis). The deflector 17 thus protrudes from the two opposite sides of the outlet of the upper flow.

In this way, the upper flow strikes the corner 18 of the deflector 17, immediately after it has passed the flap 16, causing it to separate into two sub-flows directed respectively towards one of the side flanks of the skip body 3 via the panels 19, 20 of the deflector 17. The product carried by the underflows thus strikes said lateral flanks before falling back into the skip body 3.

The deflector 17 therefore cleverly reduces the speed of the product before it falls into the skip body 3.

This avoids disturbing the product already stored in the skip body 3. In addition, the distribution of the product in the skip body 3 is thus improved.

According to a particular embodiment, the suction module 4 comprises at least one filling detection device of the skip body 3.

The detection device here comprises at least one rotation member associated with at least one rotation sensor: when the product fills the skip body 3, it prevents the rotation member from rotating, which is detected by the associated sensor, informing the user that tipper body 3 is full.

Typically, the rotation member comprises a shaft 21 mounted so as to be able to rotate around an axis B which is inclined with respect to the axis X, to the axis Y and to the axis Z. The shaft 21 extends thus transversely to the outlet of the upper flow and more generally to the expulsion portion 8.

Preferably, the detection device is arranged at the outlet of the upper flow. More precisely here, the shaft 21 is pivotally mounted around the axis B while being carried by a surface of the bucket body 3 and/or of the suction module 4 opposite one of the flat faces of one Signs. The shaft 21 is of short length so that it does not protrude, or only slightly, from said surface in the outlet of the upper flow. The shaft 21 is on the other hand provided with at least one fin and preferably several fins. The shaft 21 comprises for example between 2 and 4 fins.

As for the sensor 22, it is carried by said flat surface so as to be able to detect the rotation of the shaft 21 around its axis B.

Thus, when the product fills the bucket body 3, it arrives at the level of the outlet of the upper flow preventing the shaft 21 from rotating, which is detected by the sensor 22.

Preferably, the detection device comprises a redundant rotation member/rotation sensor assembly.

Typically the rotation member comprises a second shaft 23 mounted so as to be able to rotate around an axis B' which is inclined with respect to the axis X, to the axis Y and to the axis Z and to the axis B The second shaft 23 thus extends transversely to the outlet of the upper flow and more generally to the expulsion portion 8. The two shafts 21, 23 are preferably mounted symmetrically with respect to a axis passing through the center of the upper flow outlet and the corner of the deflector (axis parallel to the X axis).

Preferably, the second rotation member/rotation sensor is arranged at the outlet of the upper flow. More specifically here, the second shaft 23 is pivotally mounted around the axis B 'being carried by a surface of the skip body 3 and / or the suction module 4 facing one of the flat faces of the another panel.

The second shaft 23 is also provided with at least one fin and preferably several fins. The second shaft 23 comprises for example between 2 and 4 fins.

As for the second sensor, it is carried by said flat surface so as to be able to detect the rotation of the second shaft 23 around its axis B'.

Furthermore, as already indicated, the expulsion portion 8 comprises an evacuation conduit 24 for the lower flow starting at the level of the flap 16.

In particular, the evacuation duct 24 unfolds on a secondary column 26 extended by a secondary expulsion portion 27 bent.

The secondary column 26 extends substantially vertically along an axis Z' parallel to the axis Z. The secondary column 26 thus rises so as to pass the outlet of the upper flow and the deflector 17. The secondary column 26 has here a square or rectangular section.

The secondary expulsion portion 27 extends for its part (apart from its angled end for attachment to the secondary column 26) substantially parallel to the axis X and therefore perpendicular to the secondary column 26. The secondary expulsion portion 27 has here a square or rectangular section. The secondary expulsion portion 27 is directed towards the rear of the bucket 1.

Preferably, the suction module 4 is shaped so that the secondary expulsion portion 27 extends above the skip body 3 and preferably above the extensions. More precisely here, the suction module 4 is shaped so that the secondary expulsion portion 27 extends above the roof 6. For this purpose, the secondary column 26 passes through the roof 6.

This prevents the lower flow, which consists almost entirely of air, from disturbing the product already stored in the skip body 3.

Preferably, the outlet of the secondary expulsion portion 27 is equipped with a filter 28 making it possible to cause any particles of product still present in the secondary flow to fall into a pipe (not shown here) circulating between the portion of secondary expulsion 27 and the skip body 3, the pipe being arranged under the filter 28.

In this way, the quantity of product discharged into the skip body 3 is further improved and it is ensured that the secondary flow escaping into the atmosphere hardly comprises any more particles.

Preferably, the filter 28 comprises a first wall 29 which is arranged in an inclined manner with respect to the general direction of the secondary expulsion portion 27. Thus the first wall is inclined and not vertical. Typically, the first wall 29 forms an inclined plane from the secondary expulsion portion 27 towards the rear of the bucket 1.

In particular, the filter also comprises two other walls 30, 31 which form the side walls of the secondary expulsion portion 27. The two other walls 30, 31 are therefore here vertical.

The filter 28 is for example made of perforated sheets.

Of course, the invention is not limited to the embodiment described and variant embodiments can be added thereto without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the claims.

Although here the tipper is attached to a motorized vehicle, the tipper can be directly motorized, a driving position then being arranged at the front of the tipper.

The suction module may be different from what has been indicated. In particular, although here the trailing foot is secured to the suction column, the trailing foot may be secured to a part of the skip such as for example the frame or the skip body, the suction module then being in two or more distinct elements.

The actuating means may be different from what has been indicated. A different number of cylinders can thus be used. Instead of cylinders, other means can be used such as a motor associated with a system of pulleys.

In the same way, other means of pumping can be used. It will thus be possible to have a different number of pumps, for example like a single pump.

The suction module may not include a follower foot or may include a follower foot which is fixed vis-à-vis the suction column or may include a follower foot which is mobile according to small movements to follow the reliefs ground without however being mobile to the point of being able to at least partially obstruct the entrance of the pumping means.

Furthermore, although here the follower foot is shaped to at least partially obstruct the inlet of the pumping means, the suction module may include a shutter other than the follower foot, such as for example a panel mounted movable relative to the means pumping to be able in service to at least partially obstruct the entrance of the pumping means. This panel can for example be mounted sliding, pivoting or according to any other movement on the suction module or on another part of the skip than the suction module.

The columns and the expulsion portions of the suction module may have a shape different from what has been described and for example be of circular sections. The main expulsion portion may thus include an evacuation duct for the upper flow in place of an outlet directly after the shutter. In the same way, the lower flow can directly lead to the open air after the passage of the shutter without evacuation duct as described.

The flap may not be pivotally mounted in the suction module. Moreover, although here the orientation of the shutter is done hydraulically (for example by a cylinder), the orientation of the shutter can be ensured by other dedicated actuating means such as for example a motor or can be ensured simply manually. Although here the shutter is orientable by rotation, the actuator may be orientable by translation or any other movement.

The deflector may have a shape other than that described. For example, the deflector may be shaped like an arc of a circle or even a U or any other shape making it possible to separate the flow coming out of the expulsion portion into two. The deflector may also be shaped to separate the flow leaving the expulsion portion into a greater number of flows than two. The suction module may have more baffles than indicated or no baffles.

The filter may also be different from what has been described and may, for example, comprise only one filter panel. Preferably, then the filter panel will be the inclined one.

The secondary expulsion portion may also be without a filter.

The detection device may be different from what has been described. Thus the example described, the shaft was short but it is also possible to have a longer shaft and for example a shaft extending between one of the flat faces of one of the panels and a surface facing the tipper body and/or the suction module. The shaft will thus extend through the entire flow instead of remaining centered on the surface facing the skip body and/or the suction module. We can also have blades instead of fins. It is also possible, in the case of a short tree, to arrange the tree at the level of the panels instead of the facing surfaces. It is also possible to use other types of sensor such as, for example, having a device comprising optical sensors or else having a different number of sensors than what has been indicated and for example a single sensor.

Claims (10)

Suction module for tipper comprising a chimney provided with a suction unit for routing a product through the chimney, the chimney comprising a suction column (7) extended by an expulsion portion (8) , the expulsion portion being provided with a flap (16) ensuring the separation of a flow carrying the product into two flows, one being more loaded than the other with product. Module according to claim 1, in which the expulsion portion (8) is bent, the flap (16) then being arranged in the expulsion portion substantially at the level of the exit from the elbow of the expulsion portion. Module according to one of the preceding claims, in which the flap (16) is orientable relative to the expulsion portion. Module according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a deflector (17) arranged at the outlet of one of the flows. Module according to Claim 4, in which the deflector (17) is shaped like a V, a U or an arc of a circle. A module according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the deflector (17) is wider than the width of the opposite flow outlet. Module according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one tipper body filling detection device. Module according to Claim 7, in which the detection device is arranged at the level of the outlet of one of the flows. Module according to one of the preceding claims, comprising an evacuation duct (24) for the flow with the least product content so that said flow escapes into the air outside the bucket body. Tipper comprising a module according to one of the preceding claims.