GB2050132A

GB2050132A - Spreader

Info

Publication number: GB2050132A
Application number: GB8015686A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: C Van der Lely NV
Current assignee: C Van der Lely NV
Priority date: 1979-05-21
Filing date: 1980-05-12
Publication date: 1981-01-07
Also published as: NL7903962A; FR2457064B1; DE3018805A1; FR2457064A1; GB2050132B; DE3018805C2

Abstract

A device for dispensing granular and/or powdery material on or in the ground has a frame (1), a hopper (2) with at least one dispensing member (42), and at least one ground wheel (12). The wheel (12) is displaceable in a direction of height for fixing in any selected one of at least two different positions. In this way the hopper can be placed in a lowered position to facilitate filling, and the device can be operated with the hopper in a raised position. In the constructional forms disclosed the hopper is maintained with its upper rim horizontal throughout its range of movement, thereby minimising the risk of material spilling from the hopper when full. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Devices dispensing granular and/or powdery material This invention relates to devices for dispensing granular and/or powdery material.

According to the present invention there is provided a device for dispensing granular and/ or powdery material comprising a frame, a hopper with at least one dispensing member for dispensing material on or in the ground, and at least one ground wheel for supporting the device arranged on the frame so as to be displaceable in a direction of height and to be fixable in any selected one of at least two positions differing in height with respect to the frame by means of a locking mechanism.

With this construction the device can be set in either of two positions, in one of which the device dispenses material, whereas in the other position filling of the hopper is faciliated. In the hopper filling position the wheel(s) is/are in a topmost position relative to the frame so that the top of the hopper is at a comparatively small height above the ground and the hopper can be readily filled.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device the ground wheel(s) is/are connected with a coupling device by which the device can be hitched to a vehicle for moving the device. In this manner the device can be readily moved. The coupling device can be connected with the ground wheels(s) in a manner such that when the ground wheel(s) is/are displaced in a direction of height with respect to the frame, the coupling device is displaced with respect to the frame of the device to an extent such that the hopper and/or the dispensing member maintain position with respect to the horizontal plane.In particular for filling the hopper it is advantageous to be able to maintain the top of the hopper in a horizontal position since then, after the hopper has been completely filled whilst disposed in its lower position, the tendency is minimised that material undesirably escapes across the top rim of the hopper walls when the ground wheel(s) is/are displaced in a direction of height for raising the hopper with respect to the ground. Moreover, the dispensing member can be maintained in the desired position in the various positions of the ground wheels(s) with respect to the hopper.

A simple construction is obtained by connecting the ground wheel(s) with a carrying arm which is pivotably journalled in the frame and which can be optionally fixed in any one of at least two positions. The construction can be further simplified by coupling the carrying arm with a setting member by which the carrying arm can be adjusted with respect to the frame.

A rugged construction is obtained by pivotally connecting a drawbar of the device with the frame.

For a better understanding of the invention and to show how the same may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a side view of a device for spreading granular and/or powdery material Figure 2 is a front view of the device of Fig.

1, taken in the direction of arrow II in Fig. 1, Figure 3 is a side view on a larger scale of part of the device of Figs. 1 and 2, Figure 4 is a plan view of the part shown in Fig. 3 taken on line IV-IV in Fig. 3, Figure 5 is a side view of a further form of device for spreading granular and/or powdery material.

The device shown in Figs. 1 to 4 has a frame 1, on which a hopper 2 is mounted.

The frame 1 has upwardly extending sheet supports 3, the tops of which are fastened to horizontal beams 4 holding the hopper 2. The frame 1 also has a beam 5 extending transversely of the intended direction 1 3 of forward travel of the device over the ground. The ends of this beam 5 are secured to beams 6 located on either side of the device and extending to the rear away from the beam 5.

The beams 5 and 6 are secured to the lower ends of the sheet supports 3. Near their rear ends the beams 6 are provided with bearing plates 7 in which a carrying shaft 8 is journalled. The connection of the carrying shaft 8 in the bearing plates 7 is secured by guard plates 9. The carrying shaft 8 is provided with two carrying arms 10 the ends of which are connected with an axle 11 provided at its ends with ground wheels 1 2.

The carrying shaft 8 is provided with a lug 1 6 to which a coupling arm 1 7 is pivoted.

The end of the coupling arm 1 7 remote from the lug 1 6 is pivoted to an arm 1 8 which is fixedly coupled with a drawbar 1 9 having a draw ring 20. The rigid coupling between the lug 1 8 and the drawbar 1 9 is established by means of a bearing bush 21, to which are rigidly secured both the lug 1 8 and the drawbar 19. This bearing bush 21 is disposed between lugs 22 and 23 secured to the beam 5 of the frame 1 and is pivotable about a pivot shaft 24 which is journalled in these lugs 22 and 23. The shaft 24 is furthermore journalled in a support plate 25 which is identical to the plate 23 and projects above the beam 5.

A double-acting hydraulic ram 27 is mounted by means of a pivot shaft 26 at the top ends of the plates 23 and 25. A piston rod 32 of this ram 27 is coupled by means of a pivot shaft 29 with a lifting arm 28 which is rigidly secured to the carrying shaft 8. The ram 27 can be connected by means of conduits 30 and 31 with a vehicle propelling the device, for example, an agriculture tractor.

Near their ends the two frame beams 6 are provided with lugs 36 on which are carried, by means of pivot shafts 37, frame arms 38 as shown in Fig. 4 for one side of the device.

An intermediate support 39 fastened between the frame arms 38 has secured to it a gear box 40 in which an upwardly extending shaft 41 is journalled. Each frame arm 38 has a portion 44 which is also secured to the gear box. These portions 44 co-operate with lugs 45, near the lugs 36, to which they are secured by locking pins 46 passed through the lugs 45 and the portions 44.

The shaft 41 carries a distribution member 42 which is located beneath the hopper.

Between the hopper and the distribution member there is a dosing mechanism 43, which is not shown in detail. Near the front of the distribution member a screening plate 47 is connected with the frame by means of fastening strips 48 (Fig. 3).

The gear box 40 contains a transmission gear which is coupled with the shaft 41 and with a horizontal shaft 50 emerging from the front of the gear box 40. The shaft 50 is coupled with a prolongation shaft 51 by means of a universal coupling 55. The shaft 51 is journalled in a bearing support 52 and projects to the front near the beam 5. The front end of the shaft 51 is connected through a coupling 54 with an auxiliary shaft 53 which can be linked to the power take-off shaft of, for example, an agricultural tractor to which the draw ring 20 may be secured.

In order to put the device into operation it is hitched by means of the drawbar 1 9 to a vehicle for moving the device, for example, an agricultural tractor. The drawbar thus constitutes a coupling device for connecting the dispensing device with a vehicle. The auxiliary shaft 53 is connected with the power take-off shaft of the tractor and the conduits 30 and 31 are coupled with the hydraulic mechanism of the tractor.

The device as illustrated serves for spreading material, for which purpose the device is provided with the distribution member 42, which can be rotated via the shaft 53 and the transmission gear in the gear box 40. The amount of material to be fed per unit time to the distribution member can be controlled by means of the dosing mechanism 43. Although the device illustrated has a rotatable distribution member other types of dispensing members may be provided in the device for spreading or otherwise dispensing material in and/or on the ground. For example, seed pipes or other means may be used in the device for dispensing material on or in the ground. The material to be dispensed is carried along in the hopper 2 and fed in dosed amounts from the hopper to the dispensing member(s), in the illustrated device to the member 42.

When dispensing material the or each dispensing member preferably occupies a predetermined set position relative to the ground in order to dispense the material in the most advantageous manner on or in the ground. In the illustrated device the distribution member 42 is located, for example, at a distance 56 of 90 cms above the ground when material is to be dispensed. It follows that if the hopper 2 has a comparatively large capacity, the top rim 58 of the hopper is located at a comparatively large distance 57 above the ground, but for filling the hopper 2 it is normally advantageous to have the hopper as near to the ground as possible so that it can be readily filled, for example, from a loading trough of a transport wagon.In the present device, for this purpose, the device is supported by the wheels 1 2 and the drawbar 20 in a manner such that the hopper 2 can be lowered over a considerable distance from the material-dispensing position indicated by solid lines in Fig. 1. To this end the wheels 12 are displaceable in a direction of height with respect to the frame 1, by turning the carrying shaft 8 in the bearing plates 7, so that the hopper 2 sinks down to an extent such that the bottom of the frame formed by the bearing plates 7 is located near the ground with the wheels 1 2 positioned relative to the frame 1 as shown in Fig. 1 by broken lines.

From the above it will be appreciated that the maximum distance 59 over which the axle 11 and the wheels fastened thereto can be shifted in a direction of height with respect to the frame is preferably chosen so that the top rim 58 of the hopper can attain a level such that the hopper can be readily filled from wagons or funnels, whilst on the other hand the distribution member 42 can be arranged at such a height above the ground as is desirable for spreading material.

Rotation of the shaft 8 to raise and lower the wheels 1 2 in the bearing plates 7 can be performed by means of the double-acting hydraulic ram 27. In order so to move the shaft 8, fluid can be passed either through the conduit 30 or the conduit 31 into the frame according as it is desired to shift the wheels 1 2 upwards or downwards with respect to the frame 1. In the position shown in Fig. 1 the rod 32 emerges to a maximum from the ram 27 in order to hold the wheels 1 2 in the lowermost position relative to the frame 1 to give the working position of the device, in which the distribution member 42 is located at the distance 56 alone the ground.

If the wheels above were displaced in a direction of height with respect to the frame, the hopper would move into an inclined position, which would preclude complete filling of the hopper. Therefore, it is desirable for the top rim 58 of the hopper to be horizontal both in the lowermost and in the topmost position above the ground as well as in any intermediate position. Usually it is also desirable for the distribution member 42 to be in a horizontal position. For these purposes, the drawbar 1 9 is coupled with the wheels 1 2 via the lug 18, the coupling arm 17, the lug 1 6 with the carrying shaft 8 and the arms 10.In the position of the wheels 1 2 indicated by solid lines in Fig. 1 the drawbar 1 9 is fixed with respect to the frame in the position illustrated in Fig. 1 and the draw ring 20 is located at a normal height above the ground for being coupled with a tractor. When the carrying shaft 8 is rotated to raise the wheels, the coupling arm 1 7 moves owing to the rigid connection with the lug 16, and the lug 1 8 turns about the shaft 24.As a result, by means of the rigid connection of the lug 1 8 and of the bearing bush 21 on the drawbar 19, the drawbar 1 9 moves upwards, this movement of the bar 1 9 being performed in synchronism with the movement of the arms 10 in a manner such that the top rim 58 of the hopper 2 remains horizontal. In the position indicated by broken lines in Fig. 1 for the wheels 12, the drawbar 1 8 occupies the position also indicated by broken lines. The distance 60 between the lowermost and uppermost positions of the draw ring 20 is equal to the distance 59 through which the wheel axle 11 can move.

By removing the pins 46 the carrying arms 38 with the portions 44 can be turned about the shaft 37. Thus the distribution member 42 can be lowered with respect to the hopper 2. The dosing member 43 can then be removed from between the hopper 2 and the distribution member 42. This is important for cleaning the various parts of the device.

Although as illustrated the wheels 1 2 are shown only in two positions representing the maximum and minimum heights of the wheels with respect to the hopper, the ram 27 may be constructed so that the wheels can be set in intermediate positions. In this way the height of the distribution member 42 above the ground can be adjusted. Furthermore, the device can be constructed so that the wheels 1 2 can be lowered below the minimum height possible in the illustrated form, thereby enabling the distribution member 42 to occupy a position further remote from the ground, for example, at a height of 1 20 cms. This may be useful for spreading fertilizer above ground in which their are plants of a height above the ground.

The ram 27 constitutes, in addition, a locking device by means of which the wheels 1 2 and the drawbar 1 9 can be maintained as desired in a selected one of two or more positions with respect to the frame 1. As an alternative, other locking devices may be employed for fixing the wheels 1 2 and the drawbar 1 9 in the different positions of height with respect to the frame. Although not shown in the illustrated construction, the bar 1 9 may be adjustable with respect to the bearing bush 21 so that the drawbar can be set in a selected one of two or more positions relative to the bearing bush.This may be important for setting the height of the draw ring 20 above the ground, for example, to suit different types of vehicles to which the device has to be hitched.

The form shown rather schematically in Fig.

5 has a frame 65 on which a hopper 66 is arranged. Beneath the hopper a distribution member 67 is coupled with transmission gears in a gear box 68 which is connected with an auxiliary shaft 69. The device is supported by wheels 60 on an axle 71. The axle 71 is connected with carrying arms 72 disposed one on each side of the device. At least one carrying arm 72 consists of arms 74 and 75 disposed at an angle to one another and rigidly interconnected by means of a plate 76. This carrying arm 72 is provided with a lug 77 which is pivotally coupled with a hydraulic ram 78 which is pivotable about a pivot shaft 79 connected with the frame 1.

The device is supported not only by the wheels 70 but also by a drawbar 82, a draw ring 83 of which can be connected with a vehicle moving the device. The drawbar 82 is pivoted by means of a pivot shaft 84 to the arm 75 of the carrying arm 72. The drawbar 82 is provided with a supporting plate 85, the top end 86 of which is forked. Between the prongs of this fork end 86 a rocking arm 88 is pivotally arranged by means of a pivot shaft 87 which is secured in the prongs. The rocking arm is provided with a lower roller 89 and an upper roller 90. Between the rollers 89 and 90 a guide rod 91 is rigidly secured to the frame 65 of the device.

This device, like the device shown in Figs.

1 to 4, serves for spreading granular and/or powdery material, particularly fertilizer, with the aid of the distribution member 67. For this purpose the device can be hitched by means of the draw ring 83 to a tractor, the auxiliary shaft 69 being then linked to the power take-off shaft of the tractor. Conduits (not shown) of the hydraulic ram 78 can be coupled with the hydraulic mechanism of the tractor. In the position shown in Fig. 5 the hydraulic ram 78 can be operated so that its piston rod 94 emerges from the ram, as a result of which the carrying arms 72 turn about the pivot shaft 73 so that the wheels 70 attain the position indicated by broken lines in Fig. 5.When the wheels have reached the position indicated by broken lines, the hopper has been lowered over a considerable distance with respect to the ground so that the top rim of the hopper reaches a lower level, at which it can be more readily filled.

In order to avoid tilting of the hopper during the movement of the wheels 70, with the carrying arms 72, about the pivot shaft 73, the drawbar 82 is arranged so that it moves about the pivot shaft 84 in the direction indicated by the arrow 95 in synchronism with the movement of the carrying arms 72 and in a manner such that when the wheels 70 have moved over a distance 92 with respect to the frame, the draw ring 83 has moved over a distance 93, which is equal to the distance 92. In this manner the hopper is maintained in its horizontal position. The movement of the drawbar 82 in synchronism with the turning of the arms 72 is obtained by the pivot shaft 84 moving with the arms 72 about the pivot shaft 73 as a result of which the support 85, which is rigidly secured to the drawbar 82, moves along the guide rod 91 and the drawbar 82 turns about the shaft 84.

The guide rod 91 occupies a fixed position in the frame in order to ensure the desired guiding effect on the drawbar 82. The position of the rod 91 and the shape thereof are chosen so that in each position of the wheels 70 the bar 82 with the draw ring 83 is in a position which guarantees a horizontal position of the hopper and the distribution member 67. In dependence upon the position of the pivot shaft 84, the length of the bar 82 and the position of the "support 85, the guide rod 91 is given a shape and position in the frame to provide the desired guidance for the drawbar 82. In the illustrated form the rod 91 is substantially straight, but it may, as an alternative, be curved downwards or upwards in accordance with the proportions of the various component parts.

As in the form first described, the ram 78 may be such that a plurality of intermediate positions between the extreme positions of the carrying arms 72 with the wheels 70 can be obtained and fixed.

Although in the forms shown the ground wheels are movable in a direction of height relatively to the frame by being supported on carrying arms pivotally arranged in the frame, the ground wheels van, as an alternative, be arranged in a different manner so as to be movable in a direction of height in the frame.

By example the ground wheels may be on supports linearily movable along guides extending in a direction of height in the frame.

These supports can be moved with respect to the frame and be optionally fixed in at least one of at least two different positions of height by means of a setting and locking mechanism.

Whilst various features of the devices that have been described, and that are illustrated in the drawings, will be set forth in the following claims as inventive features, it is to be noted that the invention is not necessarily limited to these features and that it encompasses all of the features that have been described both individually and in various combinations.

Claims

1. A device for dispensing granular and/ or powdery material comprising a frame, a hopper with at least one dispensing member for dispensing material on or in the ground, and at least one ground wheel for supporting the device arranged on the frame so as to be displaceable in a direction of height and to be fixable In any selected one at least two positions differing in height with respect to the frame by means of a locking mechanism.

2. A device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the ground wheel is coupled with a coupling device by which the device can be hitched to a vehicle for moving the device.

3. A device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the coupling device is connected with the ground wheel 1 in a manner such that during the displacement of the ground wheel in a direction of height with respect to the frame the coupling device is shifted with respect to the frame of the device so that the hopper and/or the dispensing member maintain their positions relative to a horizontal plane.

4. A device as claimed in claim 2 or 3, wherein the coupling device comprises a drawbar which is arranged on the frame so as to be displaceable in a direction of height.

5. A device as claimed in claim 4, wherein the drawbar is pivotally connected with the frame.

6. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the ground wheel is arranged on a carrying arm which is pivotally journalled in the frame and can be fixed in any selected one of at least two positions.

7. A device as claimed in claim 6, wherein the carrying arm is coupled with a setting device by which the carrying arm can be adjusted with respect to the frame.

8. A device as claimed in claim 7, wherein the setting device comprises a locking mechanism by which the carrying arm can be fixed in any selected one of at least two different positions.

9. A device as claimed in claim 7 or 8, wherein the setting device comprises a hydraulic mechanism by means of which the adjustment and/or locking of the carrying arm can be carried out.

10. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the locking mechanism permits fixing the ground wheel in any selected one of at least three positions differing in a direction of height with respect to the frame.

11. A device as claimed in claim 7 or any one of claims 8 to 10 as appendant to claim 7, wherein the setting device is an adjusting member of variable length, one end of which is connected with the frame and the other end of which is connected with the carrying arm.

1 2. A device as claimed as claim 6 or any one of the claims 7 to 11 as appendent to claim 6, wherein the carrying arm is arranged on a carrying shaft which extends transversely of the direction of length of the device and is journalled in the frame.

1 3. A device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the device is provided with two ground wheels, arranged one on each side of the device and being in common displaceable in a direction of height with respect to the frame.

14. A device as claimed in claim 1 2 or 13, wherein the carrying arm is provided with a lifting arm which is coupled with the setting device.

1 5. A device as claimed in claim 12, 1 3 or 14, wherein the carrying arm is coupled by means of a lifting arm with a coupling arm connected with the drawbar.

1 6. A device as claimed in claim 15, wherein the coupling arm is coupled with a lever which is rigidly secured to the drawbar.

1 7. A device as claimed in claim 16, wherein the lever and the drawbar are both arranged on a bearing bush pivotally arranged in the frame.

1 8. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 5 to 17, wherein the drawbar is arranged on a frame beam near the bottom of the frame.

1 9. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the carrying arm is pivotally arranged on one side of the device.

20. A device as claimed in claim 19, wherein on both sides of the device there is a carrying arm pivotally arranged on the device, these carrying arms being coupled with an axle provided with at least one ground wheel on each side of the device.

21. A device as claimed in claim 1 9 or 20, wherein the or each carrying arm comprises two setting arms arranged at an angle to one another and being rigidly coupled with one another so as to be commonly rotatable about a pivot shaft in the frame of the device.

22. A device as claimed in claim 1 9, 20, or 21 each as appendant directly or indirectly to claim 2, wherein the coupling device is arranged on the carrying arm(s).

23. A device as claimed in claim 22, wherein the coupling device comprises a drawbar which is pivotally connected with the carrying arm(s).

24. A device as claimed in either of claims 22 and 23 as appendent directly or indirectly to claim 4, wherein the drawbar is movably coupled with a guide member rigidly secured to the frame of the device.

25. A device as claimed in claim 24, wherein the drawbar is provided with an arm which has at least one support adapted to move along the guide member.

26. A device as claimed in claim 25, wherein the support comprises a roller.

27. A device as claimed in claim 26, wherein the support is provided with a rocking arm, the ends of which are provided with rollers located on opposite sides of the guide member.

28. A device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the ground wheel is arranged on the frame so as to be slidable in a direction of height.

29. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing member is located beneath the hopper at a lower level with respect to the frame than the top of the ground wheel(s) in the topmost position of the ground wheel(s).

30. A device as claimed in claim 29, wherein the dispensing member is pivotally arranged on the frame.

31. A device as claimed in claim 29 or 30, wherein the dispensing member is a distribution member adapted to rotate about an upwardly extending axis and coupled with driving means having a coupling for connection with a power take-off shaft of a vehicle moving the device.

32. A device for dispensing a granular and/or powdery material, substantially as described in the foregoing and as illustrated in Figs. 1 to 4, or Fig. 5 of the accompanying drawings.