GB2139063A

GB2139063A - Device for the pneumatic discharge of material in particular granular material

Info

Publication number: GB2139063A
Application number: GB08407976A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Heinz Dreyer
Original assignee: Amazonen Werke H Dreyer SE and Co KG
Current assignee: Amazonen Werke H Dreyer SE and Co KG
Priority date: 1983-04-14
Filing date: 1984-03-28
Publication date: 1984-11-07
Also published as: DK159242B; DK131384D0; DK131384A; SE8402043D0; SE8402043L; FR2544161B1; FR2544161A1; GB8407976D0; GB2139063B; DK159242C; SE456302B

Abstract

The device is attachable to a tractor (3) and is provided with a central storage container (1) and pipelines (4) disposed in a support structure (5) which projects laterally beyond the storage container on both sides transversely to the direction of travel by a multiple of the width of the storage container. The support structure is divided on each side of the container into at least two sections which are movable relative to one another. The sections (8) nearest to the storage container are arranged so as to be pivotable in each case about a horizontal axis (10) extending in the direction of travel of the device. The outer sections (11, 13) of the support structure (5) are arranged so as to be pivotable about axes (12, 14) which are upright in the operating position of the support structure, so that the sections (11, 13) project forwards from the sections (8) in the conveying position of the support structure. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Device for the pneumatic discharge of material, in particular granular material The invention relates to a device for the pneumatic discharge of material, in particular grannular material.

More particularly, the invention is concerned with such a device which is releasably attachable to a tractor and which is provided with a central storage container and pipelines which are disposed in a support structure which projects laterally beyond the storage container on both sides transversely to the intended direction of travel of the device by a multiple of the width of the container and is divided on each side into at least two sections movable relative to one another.

A machine of this type is already known from the German Patent Application P 32 27 487.4. In this machine the support structure is folded into a conveying position exclusively about horizontal axes extending in the intended direction of travel. In the conveying position the folded sections of the support structure are above the storage container of the device. This folding together of the support structure has proved successful in the case of machines with a support structure by which operating widths of up to 18 m may be achieved, although considerable effort is required in the case of support structures with an operative width of 15 to 18 m. There are insurmountable difficulties, however, in the case of a support structure with an operating width greater than 18 m.

In the case of a support structure with an operating width of 24 m and above, the known method of folding is no longer practicable.

The invention provides a device for the pneumatic discharge of material, the device being releasably attachable to a tractor and being provided with a central storage container and pipelines which are disposed in a support structure which projects laterally beyond the storage container on both sides transversely to the intended direction of travel of the device by a multiple of the width of the storage container and is divided on each side into at least two sections which are movable relative to one another, first sections nearest to the side of the storage container being arranged so as to be pivotable in each case about a horizontal axis extending in the intended direction of travel, and second sections of the support structure adjacent to respective inner sections being arranged so as to be pivotable in each case about an axis which is upright in the operating position of the support structure, so that the second sections will occupy a forwardly projecting position in the conveying position of the device.

Preferred and/or optional features of the invention are set forth in claims 2-24.

Hence, the region above the storage container can be kept free of the support structure, so that the storage container is convenient to fill. In addition, by folding the outer section of the support structure forward an advantageous displacement of the entire centre of gravity relative to the centre of the tractor is achieved. The pivoting of the outer sections of the support structure out of the operating position into the conveying position about upright axes may be performed very easily and without problems. As the outer sections are very close to the tractor or the device respectively during the retraction of the entire support structure, the support structure may be swung upwards with relatively little force.

By means of the feature of claim 7, a resilient suspension of the support structure is attained and jolts which occur are not transmitted with full impact to the support structure.

By means of the feature in Claim 8, the entire support structure may be swung upwards by relatively small lifting cylinders, as the tension spring fascilitates or reinforces the lifting of the support structure as the latter is raised.

The feature of Claim 9 limits the bending of the support structure in an advantageous manner.

A particularly preferred feature of the invention is set forth in Claim 10. A very easy design of the support structure may be achieved by this. This tiltability protects above all the first sections of the support structure.

In order to facilitate the coupling of the tractor to the device or the uncoupling of the tractor from the device respectively, it is provided that the sections of the support structure on opposite sides of the container in the conveying position may each be swung outwards to a limited extent about the pivot axis orientated in the direction of travel, so that the smallest measurement between the upper sections of the support structure is greater than the width of the device or of the tractor respectively. In this way the device may be lowered even when the support structure is in the raised position and may be lowered on to the ground. In addition, on account of this step there is sufficient space laterally between the tractor and the support structure for the tractor to be coupled or uncoupled.

In an advantageous manner, braces limit the extent to which the sections on opposite sides of the device can be swung away from each other in the conveying position, so that the manipulation of the machine is considerably simplified and improved.

On account of the braces the support structure is held securely in the fixed position. A particularly good and simple arrangement is achieved by the braces being arranged between the frame of the device and the first sections of the support structure.

In a preferred manner the braces are in the forms of flexible elongate elements, such as chains, ropes etc.

On account of this design of the braces they may even be arranged between the support structure sections themselves.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure I is a general view from the side of one embodiment of a device designed according to the invention with the support structure in the conveying position; Figure 2 is a general view from the rear of the device of Figure 1 with the support structure in the operating position; Figure 3 is a side view of the hinge disposed between the first and second sections of the support structure; Figure 4 is a plan view of the hinge shown in Figure 3; Figure 5 is a general view from the side of a further embodiment of a device according to the invention with the support structure in the conveying position;; Figure 6 is a rear view of the machine shown in Figure 5, and Figure 7 is a plan view of the machine with the support structure swung down laterally to a limited extent.

Referring to the drawings, the device shown therein is provided with a frame and a storage container 1 and is releasably attachable to a threepoint coupling 2 of a tractor 3. The pipelines 4, which are of differing length and extend laterally outwardly to a differing extent, are disposed below the storage container 1. For reasons of stability the pipelines 4 are each disposed in a support structure 5, which projects laterally beyond the storage container 1 on both sides in each case by a multiple of the width of the storage container 1. The storage container 1 preferably has a width of approximately 2.20 m and each support structure has a length of approximately from 10 to 12 m measured from the centre of the device in each case, so that an operating width of the device of 24 m is produced.

The pipelines 4 below the storage container 1 are rigidly connected to the frame of the device and communicable with a blower (not shown) driven by the power takeloff shaft of the tractor by way of a cardan shaft 6. In addition, the pipelines 4 have openings into which granular material to be discharged from the storage container 1 is conveyed in adjustable quantities. Here the material is caught up by the air stream and inside the pipelines 4 is blown to the respective outflow ends of the pipelines, from where it is spread in wide distribution on the surface 7 of the ground.

The support structure 5 is divided into a plurality of sections movable relative to one another. The section 8 of the support structure 5 positioned nearest to the storage container 1 is mounted on the machine and is arranged so as to be pivotable about a horizontal axis 10 orientated in the intended direction of travel 9. A further section 11 of the support structure 5, pivotable about an axis 12 which is upright in the operating position of the support structure 5, is joined to this section 8. Furthermore, an outermost section 13 of the support structure 5, likewise pivotable about an axis which is upright in the operating position of the support structure, is joined to this section 11.This outermost section 13 may give opposite to the direction of travel 9 against a resilient member in the form of a spring, if the outermost section 13 of the support structure 5 strikes an obstacle. In this way, damage to the support structure 5 is avoided.

In the operating position the support structure 5 is in the position indicated by continuous lines in Figure 2. An upright support 16 is disposed at the end 15 ofthe section 8 of the support structure 5. A lever 18, which may be moved about an axis 17 orientated in the intended direction of travel 9, is arranged on the support structure 5 at a distance A from the said support 16, towards the storage container 1. A clamping member 22 in the form of a rope is secured between the upper end 19 of the lever 18 and a column 21 disposed at the front on the frame in the centre line 20 of the machine. In addition, an adjustable tension spring 23 is disposed between the upper end 19 of the lever 18 and the upright support 16. Furthermore an adjustable traction member in the form of a rod 24 is disposed between the upper end 19 of the lever 18 and the upright support 16.An adjustable stop 25 is arranged on the traction member between the lever 18 and the support 19.

Finally a lifting cylinder in the form of an hydraulic cylinder 26 is interposed between the column 21 and the section 8 of the support structure 5 positioned nearest to the side of the storage container 1.

The traction spring 23 has the task of fascilitating the lifting of the support structure 5 by the hydraulic cylinder 26 as the support structure 5 is raised. In this way, it is possible on the one hand for the hydraulic cylinder 26 to be made relatively small, while on the other hand the reinforced lifting of the support structure 5 by the spring 23 is limited, as the traction range of the spring 23 is limited and the hydraulic 26 is designed in such a way that alone it cannot lift the support structure 5 from the operating position. If the hydraulic cylinder 26 is retracted, the tension spring 23 is retracted at the same time and shortens the upper distance B between the upper ends of the lever 18 and the upright support 16, until the upright support bears against the stop 25.

In order to move the support structure 5 from the operating position into the conveying position, a locking arrangement between the outermost section 13 and the central section 11 of the support structure 5 is first released, and then the outermost section 13 is swing rearwards, so that it then comes to bear against the section 11. In this position the section 13 is then locked. This pivoting movement about the upright axis 14 may be carried out very simply by manual force. A locking arrangement between the sections 8 and 11 is then released and the section 11 is swung forwards about the upright axis 12, so that the section 11 together with the section 13 is orientated substantially in the direction oftravel 9. In this position the section 11 is locked, while an adjustable support rod 27, is secured between the section 8 positioned nearest to the storage container 3 and the following section 11 of the support structures 5. By actuating the hydraulic cylinder 26 the support structure 5 is then moved into the conveying position 5' indicated in continuous lines in Figure 1 and in dash-dot lines in Figure 2. Since the centre of gavity of the support structure 5 is displaced relative to the device by swinging in the two outer sections 11 and 13 of the support structure, the hydraulic cylinder 26 is able to lift up the support structure completely.

In the conveying position the support structure is likewise locked or secured. In order to give the support structure5 a greater degree of stability in the conveying position, stabilizing struts 29 indi cated by dash-dot lines in Figures 1 and 2 are arranged in each case between the two support structures 5, which are each articulated laterally on the frame of the device, on the front side 28 of the support structure 5 in the conveying position and at the outer end 15 of the support structure Sin the conveying position.

In the conveying position of the support structure 5 the section 8 nearest to the storage container 1 is in an upright position next to the storage container 1.

The sections 11 and 13 pivotable about the axes 12 and 14 which are upright in the operating position are, on the other hand, in a position projecting forwards in relation to the direction of travel 9. In this case the sections 11 and 13 of the support structure 5 are then next to or above a tractor cabin 30 of the tractor 3. In this way the legally permissible transport space for agricultural vehicles on public roads and paths is utilized in an optimum manner. In addition, the device and tractor form a compact unit, the overall centre of gravity having an optimum position.

The joint 31 between the section 8 of the support structure 5 nearest to the storage container 1 and the section 11 of the support structure 5 adjacent thereto according to Figures 3 and 4 has one further special feature. This feature is that the sections 11 and 13 of the support structure 5, when folded forwards, are pivotable downwards relative to the section 8 of the support structure 5 against the action of a spring about an axis 33 extending in the longitudinal direction 32 of the section 8.

The upright support 16, on which is mounted a hinge 34 incorporating the upright axis 12 and about which the section 11 of the support structure 5 nearest to the inner section 8 of the support structure 5 is pivotable, is securely connected to a transverse support 35. The transverse support 35 is connected to the inner section 8 of the support structure 5 by means of a hinge 36.

The axis 33 extending in the longitudinal directional 32 of the support structure 5 extends through the hinge 36.

A spring element in the form of a tension spring 38 is interposed between the upper end 37 of the upright support 16 and the inner section 8 of the support structure 5, the tension of the tension spring 38 being adjustable by means of the tension jack 39.

The tension spring 38 is designed in such a way that it is able to hold the inwardly collapsed sections 11 and 13 of the support structure 5 in an at least suspended position. when a downwardly-acting force arises on the sections 11 and 13 of the support structure 5, these sections 11 and 13 pivot downwards about the axis 33. By means of the hinge 36 the inner section 8 of the support structure 5 or the entire device respectively is prevented from twisting or bending. The hinge 36 is locked during transport.

The position of the support structure 5 may be set by means of a binding screw 40 disposed in the upright support 16.

The support structures 5 in the conveying position according to Figures 5 and 6 may be swung away from one another to a limited extent into a parking position indicated in dash-dot lines in Figure 6 and continuous lines in Figure 7. In this parking position the smallest measurement K between the upper sections 8, 11 and 13 of the support structures 5 is greater than the width M of the device or the width S of the tractor respectively. This swinging out of the support structure 5 is limited by the braces 41 and 42. The braces 41 are interposed between the columns 21 of the frame of the device and the inner sections 8 of the support structure 5. These braces 41 are in the form of chains, so that they take on the function of struts.

The braces 42 are disposed on the front side 28 of the support structure 5 in the conveying position between the sections 13 of the support structure 5.

These braces 42 are in the form of ropes at whose ends short chains are provided. By means of the chains which are constituent components of the braces 41 and 42 the braces may be set at various lengths, so that different parking positions for the support structures may be achieved.

In addition, parking supports 44 projecting obliquely forwards to the outside are arranged on the front side 43 of the device frame. Reliable parking of the device is ensured by means of these parking supports, as the overall centre of gravity G of the device, which together with the support structure 5 in the conveying position or parking position is in a region in front of the device or in the front region of the storage container, is now at a considerable distance A from the forward support point of the device stationary on the ground 7. This forward support point is formed by the parking supports 44.

The parking supports 44 should be arranged in an out-of operation position during the operation of the device.

The uncoupling of the tractor from the device may be described as follows: The support structure 5 is in the closely juxtaposed conveying position, so that the inner sections 8 of the support structure 5 rest directly against the lateral faces of the storage container 1. If the device is now to be stopped and detached from the tractor 3, the chains or ropes respectively, i.e. braces 41 and 42, are first disposed at the points on the support structure 5 provided. The stabilizing struts 29 are than unlocked. Afterthese preliminary operations have been performed, the support structure 5 is swung outwards with the aid of the hydraulic cylinders 26 into the positions indicated in dash-dot lines in Figure 6 and continuous lines in Figure 7. In these positions the support structures 5 are held securely by the braces 41 and 42.

The parking supports 44 are additionally moved into the position illustrated in Figure 7.

After these preliminary operations the device is then lowered, so that it stands with its frame and the parking supports 44 on the ground 7. Then the tractor 3 is driven away from the device in a forwards direction. Since the sections of the support structure 5 which projects forward are at a distance from the tractor 3, it is possible without great effort to drive the tractor safely forward out of the area of the support structure without the danger of colliding with sections of the support structure.

The coupling of the tractor 3 to the device is carried out in the reverse order.

The limited lateral swinging movement of the support structure 5 is possibly necessary even in the case of tractors 3 with very high tractor cabins 30, when the device to be lowered to the ground for the purpose of loading.

Claims

1. Adeviceforthe pneumatic discharge of material, the device being releasably attachable to a tractor and being provided with a central storage container and pipelines which are disposed in a support structure which projects laterally beyond the storage container on both sides transversely to the intended direction of travel of the device by a multiple of the width of the storage container and is divided on each side into at least two sections which are movable relative to one another, first sections nearest to the side of the storage container being arranged so as to be pivotable in each case about a horizontal axis exstending in the intended direction of travel, and second sections of the support structure adjacent to respective inner sections being arranged so as to be pivotable in each case about an axis which is upright in the operating position of the support structure, so that the second sections will occupy a forwardly projecting position in the conveying position of the device.

2. A device according to Claim 1, wherein a third section, also arranged so as to be pivotable about an axis which is upright in the operating position ofthe support structure, is joined to each of the second sections.

3. A device according to Claim 1 or 2, wherein the second and if present the third sections will occupy a position in use and when in the conveying position adjacent to or above a cabin of the tractor.

4. A device according to Claim 2, wherein the third sections of the support structure are each arranged so as to yield in a direction opposite to the intended direction of travel against a resilient element.

5. A device according to Claim 4, wherein the third sections of the support structure are each pivotable rearwards into an inwardly collapsed position.

6. A device according to anyone of the preceding Claims, wherein the second sections are each additionally pivotable about an axis orientated trans verselytothe intended direction of travel and substantially horizontal in the operating position of the support structure.

7. A device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein an upright support is arranged at the end of each first section of the support structure, an upright lever which is movable about an axis orientated in the intended direction of travel is arranged on the support structure at a distance from each upright support towards the storage container, a tensioning element is arranged between the upper end of the lever and the device, and a tension spring is arranged between the upper end of the lever and the upright support.

8. A device according to Claim 7, wherein a lifting cylinder is arranged between the device and each first section of the support structure.

9. A device according to Claim 7 or Claim 8 wherein an ajustable tension element is further arranged between the upper end of the lever and the upright support.

10. A device according to anyone of Claims 7-9, wherein a hinge is mounted on the upright support, the hinge enclosing the upright axis about which the second section of the support structure is pivotable, and a spring element is arranged between the upright support and the first section of the support structure.

11. A device according to Claim 10, wherein the upright support is pivotable about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the support structure.

12. A device according Claim 11, wherein the upright support is rigidly connected to a transverse support which is pivotably connected on the first section for movement about the longitudinally extending axis by means of a hinge.

13. A device according to anyone of the preceding Claims, wherein a support rod is arranged between each first section of the support structure and its associated second section.

14. A device according to Claim 13, wherein the support rod is adjustable.

15. A device according to a nyone of the preced- ing claims, wherein stabilizing struts are provided for arrangement between the sections of the support structure on opposite sides of the device, when the support structure is in its conveying position.

16. A device according to anyone of the preceding claims, wherein the sections of the support structure on opposites sides of the device in the conveying position may be swung away from one another to a limited extent about the pivot axis orientated in the direction of travel, so that the smallest measurement between the second and if present third sections of the support structure is greater than the width of the device or the width of the tractor respectively.

17. A device according to Claim 15, wherein braces are provided to limit the extent to which the sections on opposite sides of the device can be swung away from each other when the conveying position.

18. A device according to Claim 17, wherein braces are disposed between the frame of the device and the first sections of the support structure.

19. A device according to Claim 17, wherein the braces are in the form of flexible elongate elements.

20. A device according to Claim 17 to 19, wherein the braces are displaceably mounted on the frame of the device.

21. A device according to Claim 20, wherein the braces may be secured in various positions.

22. A device according to anyone of Claims 16-21, wherein parking supports which projectforwards are arranged on the front side of the frame of the device.

23. A device according to Claim 22, wherein the parking supports project obliquely forwards and outwards.

24. A device according to Claim 22 or 23, wherein the parking supports are movable into an inoperative position.

25. A device for the pneumatic discharge of material, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to anyone of the embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings.