WO1995020869A1

WO1995020869A1 - Apparatus for mixing feed

Info

Publication number: WO1995020869A1
Application number: PCT/NL1995/000039
Authority: WO
Inventors: Cornelis Hendricus Liet; Fredericus Liet
Original assignee: Litech B.V.
Priority date: 1994-01-28
Filing date: 1995-01-27
Publication date: 1995-08-10
Also published as: EP0740501A1; WO1995020869A8; NL9400494A

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus for mixing feed, comprising a mixing chamber (3), a movable mixing element (4) contained in the mixing chamber (3) and formed by two circulating endless elements (13) connected by carriers (16), and a loading plate (7) for supplying the feed into the mixing chamber. According to the invention, the loading plate (7) forms a boundary wall of the mixing chamber (3) in a mixing position and, in this position, closely connects to the mixing element (4). Furthermore it is also possible that the interspacing between the mixing elements (16) is so big that the supply of feed into the mixing chamber is not hindered. Finally, the width of the loading plate (7) can be smaller than the distance between the endless elements of the mixing elements.

Description

Apparatus for mixing feed

The invention relates to an apparatus for mixing feed, such as silage or the like, comprising a mixing chamber, a movable mixing element contained in the mixing chamber and formed by two circulating endless elements, such as chains or the like, connected by carriers, and a loading plate for supplying the feed into the mixing chamber.

Such a mixing apparatus is already described in French patent application 2.531.602. The loading plate shown in this prior art mixing apparatus is pivotably attached to a carrier arm and may supply the feed to be mixed to the mixing chamber (also called loading container) through a supply opening.

This prior art mixing apparatus has a number of disadvantages. One of the most important disadvantages is that, in the maximally retracted position in which the loading plate is nearest to the mixing element (hereafter called mixing position), there is a large dead space between the upper portion of this loading plate and the mixing element. When coarse fibre-like feed, for example containing long blades of grass or halms, is supplied to the mixing apparatus, there is a risk of these feed parts being entangled in the carriers of this mixing element and becoming jammed in the nip between the mixing element and the lower end of the loading plate during advancement of the mixing element. Another disadvantage is that the carriers extending between the endless elements, as seen in transverse direction of the mixing chamber, form a hindrance to the supply of the feed by the loading plate into the mixing chamber. It is selfevident that this disadvantage will become stronger as the supplied feed has a greater percentage of fibre-like material.

It is now an object of the present invention to provide a mixing apparatus of the type indicated above, with which these and other disadvantages are removed in a simple but nontheless effective way. For this purpose, the mixing apparatus according to the invention is characterized in that the loading plate forms a boundary wall of the mixing chamber in a mixing position and, in this position, closely connects to the mixing element with the greater part thereof.

Contrary to the prior art, the loading plate closely connects to the mixing element when it is in the mixing position (the position in which the loading plate is closest to the mixing chamber), so that there is substantially no dead space between this mixing element and the loading plate. On the one hand, this prevents feed which is entangled in the mixing element from being forced to move into a progressively narrowing channel to the nip between the mixing element and the loading plate which could cause a blockade, while on the other hand it is mainly ensured already by the close fit of the loading plate to the mixing element that the feed reaches the mixing chamber fully through the mixing element. On the one hand, said structural configuration results in a proper supply of the feed to be mixed into the mixing chamber, while on the other hand the loading plate may serve as boundary wall during the mixing operation and no feed can come out of the range of the mixing element in an unintentional manner.

In a favourable embodiment of a mixing apparatus according to the invention, the loading plate is flat and the mixing element has a straight path segment at the location of the loading plate, where the mixing element extends at a close distance from and parallel to the loading plate.

In this embodiment, there is obtained a very favourable cooperation between the respective path segment of the mixing element and the loading plate. As to the structure, several measurements known per se are available to realize such straight path segment. It is for example possible to pass the endless elements of the mixing element around return wheels, return pullies or the like which are positioned near the upper and lower ends of the loading plate near the side¬walls of the mixing chamber, respectively. Other guiding principals are however also conceivable.

It is maybe superfluous to note that such a straight path segment and corresponding flat loading plate is not necessary. Also a curved path segment in combination with a loading plate shape of which is adapted thereto is possible.

In order to obtain an exceptionally effective operation of the mixing apparatus according to the invention it is preferred to attach the loading plate at the end of a telescoping arm. By means of this telescoping arm, the loading plate may perform a translatory movement for supplying the feed so that the feed is introduced into the mixing chamber in an orderly manner. The use of such telescoping arm does not preclude the possibility to also pivotally attach the loading plate to the end of this telescoping arm through a pivot.

Another measurement promoting the proper supply of the feed into the mixing chamber is that the lower end of the loading plate cooperates with an entrance guide to the feed, said entrance guide extending substantially parallel to the telescoping arm in the mixing position of the loading plate.

Besides the measurements mentioned above, also other measurements are conceivable to promote the supply of the feed into the mixing chamber of the mixing apparatus . It is for example possible that the interspacing between the carriers of the mixing element is so large that the feed can be supplied into the mixing chamber hardly without any hindrance. As is noted already before, this is not the case in the prior art (French patent application 2.531.602) so that feed is urged each time against one or a plurality of carriers. By now increasing the interspacing between the carriers they cannot or can hardly form any hindrance to the undisturbed supply of the feed. The specific spacing between the carriers will depend upon the dimensions of the effective portion of the loading plate, that is the dimensions of the loading plate portion which actually participates in the supply of feed into the mixing chamber.

When using the embodiment mentioned above it is further preferred that there are used means to ensure that the mixing element may be stopped in a position in which a carrier is positioned right under the lower end of the loading plate. Especially when the feed is supplied through an entrance guide said positioning of the respective carrier means that the feed is, as it were, shoved over this carrier inwardly. The next carrier is then sufficiently high above this first mentioned carrier to also ensure an undisturbed supply of the feed.

As is noted already before, an embodiment is conceivable in which the respective path segment of the mixing element parallel to the loading plate is determined by lower and upper return elements (return wheels, return pullies or the like) . It is now conceivable that the lower return elements are positioned below the level of the lower end of the loading plate so that said position of the respective carrier below the lower end of the loading plate can be realized.

In this respect it is further advantageously if an automatic uncoupling device is used for disposing the carrier in said position when the loading plate is powered for supplying feed. Especially if the mixing apparatus can be coupled behind a tractor and is driven by it, such automatic uncoupling device offers great advantages. Generally, the mixing apparatus will be coupled to the power source of the tractor through the power take-off of the tractor. Now by providing for example a driven wheel of the mixing element with a cam uncoupling the mixing element from the power take-off in the respective desired position of a carrier (in relation to the lower end of the loading plate) , said automatic uncoupling device may be realized constructively.

When the feed is supplied into the mixing chamber by means of the loading plate it is important that the coupling to the power take-off of the tractor is only effected when the loading plate is in said mixing position. In a preferred embodiment of a mixing apparatus according to the invention, the uncoupling device is therefore only permitted to be coupled again when the loading plate is in the mixing position.

The supply of the feed to the mixing chamber will also be promoted when, as seen in transverse direction of the mixing chamber, the width of the loading plate is smaller than the distance between the endless elements of the mixing element. In this manner, the endless elements of the mixing elements are not a hindrance during the supply of the feed.

The loading plate may be constructed as cutting tray and may carry at its lower side at least one lateral cutting means in order to cut loose the feed to be supplied to the mixing chamber from a feed supply. In such a case, it is preferred in accordance with the invention that each lateral cutting means is attached on the side of the loading plate facing away from the mixing chamber. In this manner, the loading plate is permitted to be positioned close to the mixing element when in its mixing position without the lateral cutting means colliding with the carriers of the mixing element. It is however also conceivable that the lateral cutting means are on the other side of the loading plate (on the side of the mixing element) and are pivotable inwardly or outwardly when the loading plate moves in a direction to the mixing element .

Furthermore, an embodiment of the mixing apparatus that is note worthy is the one in which the path followed by the carriers of the mixing element extends parallel to the cutting edge of the loading plate at the position of the bottom of the mixing chamber. This also favourably promotes the operation of the mixing apparatus .

Finally, the mixing chamber of the mixing apparatus will generally be provided on its side opposite to the loading plate with an unloading board. In such a case it is preferred to make the unloading board pivotable about a pivot positioned outside the circumscription of the mixing chamber. In this manner, the feed is prevented from becoming jammed between this unloading board and the carriers of the mixing element during unloading.

The invention will hereafter be elucidated with reference to the drawing showing two embodiments of the mixing apparatus according to the invention by way of example.

Fig. 1 is a schematic sideview of an embodiment of a mixing apparatus according to the invention coupled behind a tractor.

Fig. 2 is a partially cut-away planview of the mixing apparatus of fig. 1.

Fig. 3 is a sideview corresponding to fig. 1 but showing a second embodiment of the mixing apparatus according to the invention. Fig. 4 is an enlarged detail of the mixing apparatus of fig. 3.

The mixing apparatus or mixer shown in fig. 1 is coupled behind a tractor 1 and is coupled to the power take- off of the tractor in order to be driven. Through this power take-off 2 the various movement functions of the mixing apparatus, which will be described later on, are powered mechanically, electrically and/or hydraulically.

The mixing apparatus substantially consists of a mixing chamber or loading container 3 and a mixing element 4 contained in this mixing chamber 3. The mixing chamber 3 is bordered laterally by walls 5 (see fig. 2) , on the frontside by an unloading board 6 and on the backside by a loading plate 7. Furthermore there is a bottom not further indicated. From a suitable frame 8 (only schematically indicated) there is suspended an undercarriage 9, and also a telescoping arm 10, to be described later on, is connected to the frame 8.

The mixing element 4 consists in the embodiment shown of two endless elements 13, such as chains or the like, circulated next to the walls 5 around return elements 11 and guides 12, respectively. In order to drive these elements 13 there is created a connection by means of a drive chain or drive belt 14 with a transmission box 15 coupled to the power take-off 2.

The mixing element 4 further includes carriers 16 extending in transverse direction of the mixing apparatus between the two circulating endless elements 13. Such carriers are known per se and do not need further explanation.

When there is feed within the mixing chamber 3 (this feed generally consisting of various feed types which should be mixed) and the endless elements 13 being driven in the direction indicated by arrows 17, a thorough mixing of the feed within the mixing chamber will occur.

On the end of the telescoping arm 10 is fixed the loading plate 7 already mentioned before. This loading plate can be moved from the mixing chamber 3 backwardly or in reversed direction to the mixing chamber 3 by means of the telescoping arm 10. In the position shown in fig. 1, herein called mixing position, the portion of the loading plate 7 engaging the feed (positioned on the left side) closely connects to a path segment of the mixing element 4 extending between two return elements 11. It is also clearly visible that there are carriers 16 at the position of the respective two return elements 11, but these endless elements 13 do not carry carriers 16 between these two return elements 11 in the situation as illustrated. Therefore, when the endless elements 13 are stationary in the position shown in fig. 1, it is easy to supply feed into the mixing chamber 3 by means of the loading plate without the carriers 16 forming a hindrance.

Because the loading plate 7 closely connects to and extends parallel to the closely positioned path segment of the mixing element 4 the feed is prevented from jamming between this mixing element 4 and the loading plate 7. The loading plate 7 further pushes the feed substantially completely beyond the mixing element 4 into the mixing chamber 3. During mixing of the feed, the loading plate 7 forms the backward boundary of the mixing chamber 3.

On the backside of the mixing apparatus, an entrance guide 18 is illustrated which cooperates with the end of the loading plate 7 in order to supply the feed. In the position shown in fig. 1, the entrance guide 18 extends parallel to the telescoping arm 10. As a result, the distance between the end thereof and the entrance guide 18 will not change during displacement of the loading plate.

In the particular embodiment of the mixing apparatus according to the invention as shown in fig. 1, the lower return element 11 disposed on the backside is positioned at such low level, that it is situated nearly below the lower end of the loading plate 7 or better below the plane determined by the entrance guide 18. This facilitates the supply of the feed into the mixing chamber 3.

As is clear from fig. 2, the loading plate 7 is also of a width (seen transverse to the mixing apparatus) which is smaller than the distance between the endless elements 13. As a result the loading plate 7 is permitted to supply the feed between the endless elements in a simple way into the mixing chamber 3 without experiencing hindrance by the endless elements 13. In fig. 1 it is further shown that the telescoping arm 10 is pivotally connected to the frame 8 at the position of a transversely (perpendicular to the plane of the drawing) directed pivot shaft 19. As a result, the telescoping arm 10 is allowed to be pivoted by a drive element 20 (for example a cylinder-piston assembly) . This may for example be necessary when the loading plate 7, as is generally the case, is also operable as cutting tray for cutting the feed loose from a feed supply. In such a case, the end of the telescoping arm 10 provided with the loading plate 7 is pivoted upwardly, the telescoping arm 10 being extended and the loading plate 7 is then moved downwardly into the feed supply by a downwardly directed pivoting movement of the arm 10. To cut the feed from such feed supply the loading plate 7 is generally constructed as cutting tray provided on its lower end with at least one oscillating cutting knife not shown. The loading plate 7 is also provided on its lower side with suitable lateral cutting means known per se and usually also equipped with at least one cutting knife. Such cutting means is shown in fig. 1 and schematically indicated by reference numeral 21. As illustrated in fig. 1 in the embodiment shown, the cutting means 21 is arranged on the side of the loading plate 7 remote from the mixing chamber 3. In this manner, the loading plate 7 can be moved close to the mixing chamber 3 by retracting the arm 10 without the cutting means forming a hindrance to the passage of the carriers 16.

Instead of the embodiment shown in fig. 1, in which the cutting means 21 is positioned on the side facing away from the mixing chamber 3 , an embodiment is also conceivable in which the cutting means 21 is positioned on the other side of the loading plate 7. In such a case one should take

measurements to swivel the cutting means 21 inwardly or outwardly away in order to avoid contact with passing carriers 16 of the mixing element 4 in the position of the loading plate 7 as shown in fig. 1.

As noted before, the mixing element 4 is stationary when feed is supplied into the mixing chamber 3 by means of the loading plate. In order to ensure that in such position the carriers 16 are in the position according to fig. 1 (in which the lower carrier 16 is below the lower end of the loading plate 7) it is for example possible to use an automatic uncoupling device in the transmission box 15 with which the mixing element is uncoupled from the power take-off 2 of the tractor 1 at the right time. It is also possible to take measurements to ensure that the coupling between the mixing element 4 and the power take-off 2 is restored again when the loading plate 7 is in the position shown in fig. 1. Generally, driving the mixing element 4 is undesirable when the loading plate 7 does not close the rearside of the mixing chamber because in such a case feed may leave the mixing chamber 3 in an undesired manner or might damage the mixing element 4.

In order to discharge the mixed feed in a controlled manner, the mixing chamber has, on its front side, an unloading board 6 pivotable about a transverse pivot shaft 22. By positioning the pivot shaft 22 outside the circumscription of the mixing chamber 3 it is effected that, in the unloading position of the unloading board 6 (indicated by dashed lines) the feed is prevented from jamming between this unloading board and the return element 11 shown on the upper side.

Under the unloading board 6 there is an unloading conveyor 23 in this case extending in transverse direction.

In fig. 3 there is shown a second embodiment of the mixing apparatus substantially corresponding to the mixing apparatus of fig. 1. However, in this embodiment the lower return elements 11 and the guides 12 for guiding the endless elements 13 are replaced by guides 24 determining the path of the endless elements 13 from the upper return elements 11 positioned on the lower side up to the neighbourhood of the loading board 6. In this manner, a precise guidance of the elements 13 along the loading plate 7 is obtained when the loading plate is in the maximum retracted position or mixing position.

As appears from the detail of fig. 4, the entrance guide 18 connects to the bottoms 26 of the mixing chamber 3 through a curved portion 25. In the embodiment of fig. 3 and 4, the lower cutting edge 27 of the loading plate 7 is in the maximum retracted mixing position beyond the connection of the entrance guide 18 to the curved portion 25. Because the carriers 16 move in the direction of the arrow 17 during the mixing operation any feed which got stuck between the cutting edge 27 and the entrance guide 18 may easily be pulled loose by the carriers 16. This is particularly important with vaporous material .

Furthermore, there is provided a slit 28 for each lateral cutting means in the entrance guide 18 so that the loading plate may also be moved downwardly with respect to the entrance guide 18 over the depth of the slit in the mixing position of the loading plate 7. The cutting knifes of the loading plate 7 and each lateral cutting means 21 are then driven so that any feed present under the loading plate 7 is cut with certainty. This prevents the carriers 16 from getting stuck on any feed which is still present between the loading plate 7 and the entrance guide 18.

As an alternative it is possible to arrange a slit in the entrance guide 18, in which the lower cutting edge 27 of the loading plate 7 may be received. Also in this embodiment, the loading plate 7 may be moved downwardly through the depth of the slit for the loading plate and the slit (slits) for the lateral cutting means 21, the cutting knifes then being driven so that any feed present under the loading plate 7 is cut with certainty. In this case, the entrance guide 18 preferably extends up to the path of the endless elements 13 so that the loading plate 7 is as close as possible to this path.

The invention is not restricted to the embodiments described herein before which may be varied in different manners within the scope of the invention defined by the claims.

Claims

1. Apparatus for mixing feed, comprising a mixing chamber, a movable mixing element contained in the mixing chamber and formed by two circulating endless elements, such as chains or the like, connected by carriers, and a loading plate for supplying the feed into the mixing chamber, characterized in that the loading plate forms a boundary wall of the mixing chamber in a mixing position and, in this position, closely connects to the mixing element with the greater part thereof.

2. Mixing apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the loading plate is flat and the mixing element has a straight path segment at the position of the loading plate, where the mixing element extends at a close distance from and parallel to the loading plate.

3. Mixing apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the loading plate is attached to the end of a telescoping arm.

4. Mixing apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that the lower end of the loading plate cooperates with an entrance guide for the feed, said entrance guide extending substantially parallel to the telescoping arm in the mixing position of the loading plate.

5. Mixing apparatus preferably according to one of claims 1-4, characterized in that the interspacing between the carriers of the mixing element is so big that the feed is allowed to be supplied into the mixing chamber hardly without hindrance.

6. Mixing apparatus according to claim 5, characterized in that means are used to ensure that the mixing element may be stopped in a position in which a carrier is positioned right under the lower end of the loading plate.

7. Mixing apparatus according to claim 6, which is coupable behind a tractor and is driven by it, characterized in that an automatic uncoupling device is used for disposing the carrier in said position when the loading plate is powered for supplying feed.

8. Mixing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the uncoupling device can only be coupled again when the loading plate is in the mixing position.

9. Mixing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, as seen in transverse direction of the mixing chamber, the width of the loading plate is smaller than the distance between the endless elements of the mixing element.

10. Mixing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the loading plate is constructed as cutting tray and carries at least one lateral cutting means on its lower side, characterized in that each lateral cutting means is positioned on the side of the loading plate facing away from the mixing chamber when the loading plate is in the mixing position.

11. Mixing apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the path followed by the carriers of the mixing element extends parallel to the cutting edge of the loading plate at the position of the bottom of the mixing chamber.

12. Mixing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the mixing chamber is provided on its side opposite to the loading plate with an unloading board, characterized in that the unloading board is pivotable about a pivot positioned outside the circumscription of the mixing chamber.

13. Mixing apparatus according to one of the preceding claims 4-12, characterized in that in the mixing position and seen in the direction to the mixing chamber, the lower edge of the loading plate has passed beyond the end of the entrance guide connecting to the bottom of the mixing chamber.

14. Mixing apparatus according to one of claims 10-13, characterized in that the entrance guide is provided on the side for each lateral cutting means connecting to the bottom of the mixing chamber, with a slit for receiving the respective lateral cutting means and possibly with a slit for receiving the cutting edge of the loading plate, wherein each lateral cutting means or the cutting edge of the loading plate, respectively is received in the respective slit in the mixing position of the loading plate.