GB2150802A

GB2150802A - Material spreaders

Info

Publication number: GB2150802A
Application number: GB08430036A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Der Lely Ary Van; Cornelis Johannes Gerardus Bom
Original assignee: C Van der Lely NV
Current assignee: C Van der Lely NV
Priority date: 1983-12-06
Filing date: 1984-11-28
Publication date: 1985-07-10
Also published as: IT8423899A1; GB8430036D0; GB2180432B; NL8304183A; DK172504B1; IT8423899A0; GB2180432A; GB2150802B; IT1178711B; FR2555856A1; GB8622653D0; DK558584A; DE3442465A1; FR2555856B1; DK558584D0; DE3442465C2

Abstract

Material spreaders, in particular fertilizer dispensers are disclosed that comprise a frame, a hopper (1) and distribution members (4, 5 or 84, 85) at least one of which is movable about an upwardly extending rotary axis with respect to the frame and/or the hopper, which can be set askew transversely of the normal direction of travel (10 or 93) of the device over a surface on which material is to be spread, and which is fixable optionally in one of at least two different positions. This spreader can be readily set for acting on the distribution pattern (27 or 28 or 106) of the material as spread by the spreader and, in particular, a peripheral strip of a surface to be covered, within the distribution pattern, can be arranged to have material spread uniformly over its entire width (17) with a boundary edge that is sharply defined. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Material Spreaders This invention relates to devices for spreading material on surfaces. It is particularly concerned with a fettilizer dispense for distributing fertilizer, comprising a frame, a hopper and at least one distribution member rotatable about an upwardly extending rotary axis. There is known from German Patent Application DAS 1,180,562 a fertiliser dispenser of this kind that is settable in an inclined position with respect to the surface to be covered transversely of the normal direction of travel of the dispenser over the surface during operation (that is, the dispenser can be inclined about an axis extending in the direction of travel).To this end, this known dispenser, when coupled with the lifting device of a tractor, can be set in an inclined position transversely of the normal direction of travel over the surface by displacing one of the two lower lifting arms of the three-point lifting device of the tractor with respect to the other lifting arm. However, such a skew setting of the dispenser to reach a desired inclined position can be carried out only with difficulty. Likewise return from the inclined position to the normal position in which the distribution member is again rotatable about its rotary axis parallel to the surface to be covered also requires elaborate measuring and matching.

From German Patent Application DAS 1,180,562 there is furthermore known a fertilizer dispenser which can be arranged on an intermediate frame for setting the dispenser in an inclined position.

However, with this construction the dispenser cannot be readily set askew and subsequently returned to the horizontal position. In this dispenser the askew setting is used for spreading material over equal distances on both sides of the dispenser when the surface to be covered does not lie in one plane.

According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a device for spreading material on a surface, comprising a frame, a hopper and at least one distribution member that is movable about an upwardly extending rotary axis and which can be set with respect to the frame and/or the hopper askew transversely of the normal direction of travel of the device in operation over the surface on which material is to be spread, this distribution member being fixable optionally in one of at least two different positions. This device can be readily set for acting on the distribution pattern of the material as spread by the device.In particular, a peripheral strip of a surface to be covered can have material spread thereupon in a manner such thatthe material is uniformly spread over the width of this peripheral strip with a boundary edge that is sharply defined.

In an advantageous embodiment of the device the distribution member is pivotable about a pivotal shaft with respect to the frame and/or the hopper.

In a further embodiment of the device a dosing member is arranged above the distribution member so as to join the hopper, the dosing member together with the distribution member being adjustable with respect to the frame and/or the hopper. In this way, independently of the position of the distribution member, material is fed through the dosing member invariably at the same place with respect to the direction of travel of the device over the surface on which material is being spread. When the distribution member is set askew the place of feed of material to the distribution member does not vary so that a fixed position of the angle of distribution in which the material leaves the circumference of the distribution member can be maintained. This fixed position of the angle of distribution is advantageous for obtaining a uniform distribution of the material.

The invention also provides a method of using a device for spreading material, the device comprising a frame and at least one distribution member that is moveable about a rotary shaft for spreading material over a strip of land during operation, wherein for covering a strip located on one side of the device and where material has to be uniformly spread over the distance from the device to the furthest remote edge of the strip, the distribution member is set in an inclined position, viewed in the normal direction of travel of the device over the surface on which material is to be spread, the distribution member being inclined dowards towards the strip to be covered.In addition the invention provides a method of spreading material by means of a device comprising two distribution members arranged side by side, viewed in the direction of travel of the device over a surface on which material is to be spread, in which method material is spread on substantially coinciding sectors on both sides of the device during operation, wherein the two distribution members are simultaneously set askew at equal angles for covering that part of the strip which extends on one side of the device and which has to be uniformly covered with material over the entire distance from the device up to the furthest remote edge of the strip.

Four 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 lisa schematic rear view of a spreading device, showing two distribution members set askew, Figure 2 is a schematic plan view of distribution sectors of the two distribution members when set as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 3 schematically shows the distribution pattern obtainable by the device set as shown in Figures 1 and 2, Figure 4 is a schematic rear view of the device of Figure 1, showing the distribution members set askew to the other side, Figure 5 is a schematic plan view of the distribution sectors covered by the distribution members when set as is shown in Figure 4, Figure 6 schematically shows the distribution pattern obtained with the distribution members set as shown in Figure 4, Figure 7 is a part-sectional front view of part of the spreading device of Figures 1 to 6, Figure 8 is a side view taken in the direction of arrow Villi in Figure 7, Figure 9 is a schematic rear view of a further embodiment of a spreading device, shown with only one of two distribution members set askew, Figure 10 is a schematic plan view of the distribution sectors obtained by the distribution members in the position shown in Figure 9, Figure 11 shows the distribution pattern obtained by the device as shown in Figure 9, Figure 12 shows the device of Figure 9 with the two distribution members set askew in opposite senses, Figure 13 shows the distribution pattern obtainable in the position of the distribution members shown in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a schematic rear view of the device shown in Figures 9 and 12 but with the distribution members downwardly inclined in the direction towards one another, Figure 15 shows the distribution pattern obtained in the position of the distribution members shown in Figure 14.

Figure 16 is a front view of part of the device of Figures 9 to 14, Figure 17 is a side view taken in the direction of arrow XVII in Figure 16, Figure 18 is a front view of part of a further embodiment of a spreading device, Figure 18, is a schematic plan view of the device of Figure 18, and, Figure 20 is a sectional view of a hinge of a distribution member of the device of Figures 18 and 19, taken on line XX-XX in Figure 18.

The device shown in Figure lisa fertilizer dispenser that comprises a hopper 1 having two spouts 2 and 3 in the delivery part. Below the delivery spouts 2 and 3 there are distribution members 4 and 5, which are rotatable about upwardly extending rotary axes 6 and 7. The distribution members are rotated about the rotary axes 6 and 7 in the direction indicated by the arrows 8 and 9 in Figure 2, the proximal sides of the distribution members moving in forward direction with respect to the normal direction of travel 10 of the device over the ground. The axes 6 and 7 of the distribution members are located in a plan 29 at right angles to the direction of travel 10.

The distribution members 4 and 5 are designed so, and are driven with a speed such, that in conjunction with feeding place of material from the delivery spouts 2 and 3 to the distribution members, the two distribution members spread the material on substantially coinciding sectors 13 and 14 (Figure 2). With respect to the direction of travel 10 the material is fed to the distribution members at a distance in front of the rotary axes 6 and 7. The delivery spouts 2 and 3 and the outlet ports thereof (not shown) are arranged symmetrically to a vertical plane 15 in the horizontal position of the device, this plane passing through the longitudinal centre line of the device and extending in the normal direction of travel 10.

In a position of the distribution members 4 and 5 in which they are parallel to the surface to be covered, they spread material on both sides of the plane 15 over equal distances 16 of, for example, 25 metres so that the device can spread the material over an overall width of about 48 metres. The distribution sectors then have the shape schematically shown in Figure 2 as indicated by solid lines in the left-hand side of the plane 15 and by broken lines on the right hand side.

In the position shown in Figure 1 the two distribution members 4 and 5 are inclined by the same angle 18 of about Sin a transverse direction (that is, about an axis extending in the direction of travel 10) so that viewed from the rear in the direction of travel 10 they are both downwardly inclined to the right. In this skew setting the distribution members 4 and 5 spread the material on the sectors 13 and 14 respectively indicated in Figure 2 by solid lines.

Owing to the skew setting the top right hand boundary lines 19 and 20 in Figure 2 of these distribution sectors are downwardly inclined so that, with respect to the direction of travel 10 and as viewed from the rear, the material is spread on the right-hand side of the device over a shorter distance 17 than on the left-hand side. The distance 17 depends on the magnitude of the angle 18. The value of the angle 18 is preferably chosen so that the distance 17 is about half the distance 16.

With the distribution members askew in the manner just described substantially the same amount of material is spread to the right-hand side of the plane 15 as is the case when the distribution member 4 and 5 are horizontal i.e. parallel to the surface to be covered. However, this material is spread over a shorter distance and so the distribution pattern 27 shown in Figure 3 is obtained, in which material is deposited on the surface uniformly over the distance 17. On the left-hand side material is spread over the greater distance 16 in amounts decreasing away from the plane 15 so that in the distribution pattern 27 shown in Figure 3 a substantially straight, downwardly extending line is formed from the plane 15 to a point lying at the distance 16 from the plane 15.A distribution pattern of this nature is desirable in that, whereas during a subsequent material-spreading run to the left (as viewed in Figure 3) of the material already spread with the distribution members set horizontal again, the tapering spread of material over the distance 16 can be brought up to a substantially uniform depth, no further material needs to be added over the distance 17. The distance 17 can therefore be the width of a peripheral strip of a surface (as shown in Figure 3) which it is advantageous to be able to cover to a uniform depth at a single pass.

With the distribution members 4 and 5 set as shown in Figure 1, the outermost left hand boundary lines 21 and 22 of the distribution sectors as seen in Figure 2 are positioned substantially as in the horizontal position of the distribution members.

In the horizontal position of the distribution members the outermost right-hand boundary lines of the sectors on the right-hand side extend like the boundary lines 21 and 22, as indicated by broken lines 23 and 24 in Figure 2. The two distribution sectors are then symmetrical to the plane 15 and cover the same distances on both sides of the plane 15 so that material is spread over 24 metres on each side as already indicated.

It will be appreciated that by means of the shape and size of the distribution members 4 and 5 and their speeds of rotation the distances 16 and 17 of 24 metres and 12 metres respectively may be chosen differently. In order to obtain distribution sectors as shown in Figure 2 the distribution members 4 and 5 are symmetrical to one another viewed in a direction at right angles to these distribution members. However, the distribution members may occupy relative positions about their rotary axes 6 and 7 such that they are not symmetrical to one another and to the plane 15.

Figure 4 shows the device of Figure 1 but with the distribution members 4 and 5 set askew to the other side at an angle 18. In this disposition of the distribution members material is spread on sectors 25 and 26 equal to the sectors 13 and 14 of Figure 2 and symmetrical to the plane 15. The distribution pattern 28 of Figure 6 is obtained, which is identical to the distribution pattern of Figure 3, but which is directed in the opposite sense with respect to the width of the machine.

Owing to the possibility of setting askew the distribution members 4 and 5 with respect to the frame and the hopper optionally to the right orto the left, a peripheral strip of the surface to be covered can be covered on the right-hand side as well as on the left-hand side in a manner such that the material is uniformly spread substantially throughout the overall width.

The two distribution members 4 and 5 are each set askew with respect to the hopper and the frame of the device in a manner such that they remain at equal heights above the surface to be covered. This is important for obtaining an optimum uniform distribution of the material on the surface to be covered as the distribution on the surface also depends on the height of the distribution members above the surface to be covered.

Figures 7 and 8 show in more detail the device of Figure 1 and 4. As is shown in Figures 7 and 8 each of the delivery spouts 2 and 3 is open on the underside to form an outlet port 31. The ports 31 are covered by hemi-spherical dosing rings 32. The dosing rings 32 each have delivery openings 33 and 34. On the outer side of the rings 32 there are adjustable closing members 35 and 36, by which the delivery openings 33 and 34 can be optionally screened to a greater or lesser extent. The setting mechanism for these closing members is not shown in detail. The tops of the dosing rings 32 freely surround the lower ends of their respective spouts (Figure 7). The dosing rings 32 bear on the distribution members 4 and 5 and are located centrally around the rotary axes 6 and 7 respectively.The rings 32 are centred around centering discs 37 arranged centrally in the distribution members as is shown in detail in the right-hand part of Figure 7. In Figures 7 and 8 the distribution members 4 and 5 are shown in horizontal positions; they are not set askew as shown in Figure 1. The dosing rings bearing on the distribution members are coupled with fixing devices 30 (not shown in detail) so that they do not rotate together with the distribution members.

The distribution members comprise disc-shaped parts 38, on which spreading arms 39 are arranged.

The spreading arms 39 of the two distribution members are identical and identically disposed with respect to the rotary axes 6 and 7 and with respect to the respective directions of rotation 8 and 9. The tops of the dosing rings 32 surround the lower ends of the delivery spouts 2 and 3 with some amount of clearance. The delivery spouts are provided with collar-like rims 40.

The distribution members 4 and 5 are fastened to shafts 41 journalled in gear boxes 42 and 43 respectively. Each of the gear boxes 42 and 43 is rigidly secured to carrying arms 44 and 46. The carrying arms for each gear box are connected with a bearing 47. The bearings 47 are each rotatably arranged on a supporting shaft 48, which is rigidly secured in the frame of the device. In this embodiment each shaft 48 is rigidly secured to the hopper 1 by means of plates 48, 50.

Midway between the delivery spouts 2 and 3 there is a casing 51 comprising transmission members and provided with a carrying arm 52, which is pivotable about a pivotal shaft 53. The shaft 53 is fastened to frame parts 54 interconnecting the bottoms of the delivery spouts 2 and 3. To the frame parts 54 is rigidly secured a frame plate 55 having a plurality of lock holes 56. A lock bolt 57 on the arm 52 may be inserted at will into any one of the holes 56.

The bottom of the casing 51 is provided with an ear 58, to which control-rods 60 and 61 are fastened by means of a pivotal shaft 59. The control-rods 60 and 61 are coupled by means of pivotal shafts 62 and 63 respectively with ears 64 and 64 provided on the underside of the gear boxes 42 and 43. The casing 51 has an input shaft 66, the front end 67 of which can be coupled by means of an auxiliary shaft with the power take-off shaft of a tractor or a similar vehicle. The shaft 66 is coupled by means of transmission members in the casing 51 with an output shaft 68, to which a double rope disc or sprocket 69 is rigidly secured. The disc 69 is coupled by means of ropes or chains 70 and 71 with pulleys 72 and 73 on shafts 74 and 75 journalled in the gear boxes 42 and 43.The shafts 74 and 75 are journalled-as is shown in Figure 8 for the shaft 74--in the gear box 42 and in a bearing 45 fastened to the arms 44 and 46. The shafts 74 and 75 are coupled by means of bevel gear wheels 76 with the shafts 41 and 42 respectively to which the distribution members 4 and 5 respectively are fastened.

When the device is put into use it is coupled with, for example, the lifting device of a tractor or a similar vehicle, which is not shown in detail in the drawings. When the device is attached to the tractor, the shaft 66 is coupled with the power take-off shaft of the tractor. Through the shaft 66, the transmissions in the casing 51, the chains 70 and 71 and the transmissions in the gear boxes 42 and 43 the shafts 41 and hence the distribution members 4 and 5 can be rotated with the desired speed in the directions indicated by the arrows 8 and 9. The gear box 51 is preferably provided with exchangeable wheels or other mechanisms to permit varying the speed of rotation of the distribution members 4 and 5.

The device is particularly suitable for use as a fertilizer dispenser or for spreading other granular and/or powdery material, the material to be spread being charged in the hopper 1 for spreading on the field during the run of the device. In the normal working position in which the material has to be spread over the same distances on both sides of the device the distribution members 4 and 5 are set parallel to the surface to be covered, that is horizontal in a horizontal position of the device as is shown in Figure 7. From the hopper 1 the material is fed through the outlet ports 33 and 34 to the distribution members, which thus spread the material. The outlet ports 33 and 34 open out above places on the distribution members which are located in front of the axes 6 and 7 with respect to the direction of travel 10.The centre point of the outlet ports 33 and 34 in each dosing ring 32 is located, in the horizontal position of the device, in a plane 11 or 12 extending in the direction of travel 10 and going through the axes 6 and 7.

To set the distribution members 4 and 5 askew, as is shown in Figure 1 or Figure 2, the distribution members 4 and 5 are adjusted with respect to the hopper and the frame of the device. This adjustment is carried out by turning the arm 52 about the pivotal shaft 53 after first removing the locking pin 57 from the hole in which it is engaged. Turning the arm 52 brings about, through the control-rods 60 and 61, a turn of the gear boxes 42 and 43 and hence of the shafts 41 and the distribution members 4 and 5 about the pivotal shafts 48. When the distribution members 4 and 5 are turned into the desired position the lock pin 57 is re-inserted in a new one of the holes 56 so that the position of the distribution members 4 and 5 around the shaft 48 is locked. The arms 44 and 46 are parallel to the arm 52.The pivotal shaft 48,48 and 53 are in a common plane parallel to a plane common to the shafts 74,75 and 68, to which is also parallel a plane common to the shafts 59,62 and 65.

Thus all these shafts cross any plane which is at right angles to these common planes at points which are in various parallelogram arrangements with respect to one another.

With the disposition of the dosing rings 32 on the distribution members 4 and 5, the outlet ports 33 and 34 invariably occupy the same position relative to the rotary axes of the distribution members.

Therefore, when the distribution members are displaced about the pivotal shafts 48, the position of the outlet ports relative to the distribution members will not change. Material is thus fed to the distribution members invariable at the same place relative to the rotary axes 6 and 7. The material can thus be spread so that it will leave the circumferences of the distribution members in the same circumferential angle around the rotary axes of the distribution members.

By the construction that the pivotal shafts of the two distribution members are located in various parallelogram arrangements, the distribution members are constrained to turn through the same angle. in this way a satisfactory positioning of the distribution members can be readily obtained, whilst it is ensured that the two distribution members are inclined at the same angle to the surface to be covered or, as the case may be, in the horizontal position with respect to this surface. This has an advantageous effect on the uniform distribution of the material.

As the dosing rings 32 are hemi-spherical, each point of the inner face is spaced apart from a centre by the same distance. This centre is located, as in this embodiment, preferably on the centre line 78 of the shaft 48. Therefore, the dosing rings 32 satisfactorily maintain their positions around the lower ends of the delivery spouts 2 and 3 respectively when the distribution members are displaced around the shafts 48. The number of holes 56 is such that the distribution members can be set askew in one of a plurality of positions. This skew setting, which is at about 5" in Figure 1 and is the position indicated by broken lines in Figure 7, may depend on the shape of the distribution members. In this embodiment each distribution member comprises a disc 79, which extends conically upwards from the central part towards the circumference.The disc 79 is provided with ejection blades 80, which in this embodiment are identical for each of the distribution members, but which may, as an alternative, have different shapes. The blades 80 of the distribution member 4 are symmetrical with respect to the blades of the distribution member 5 and with respect to the plane 15. The distribution members are arranged symmetrically to the plane 15, but they may be relatively off-set about their shafts 6 and 7 so that the blades 80 are no longer symmetrical to the plane 15.

Turning to Figure 9 the device here shown is a spreader comprising a hopper 81 having delivery spouts 82 and 83, below which there are distribution members 84 and 85. The distribution members 84 and 85, as in the preceding embodiment, are rotatable about upwardly extending rotary axes 86 and 87. During operation the distribution members are rotated about their rotary axes in the directions indicated by the arrows 88 and 89 in Figure 10. The distribution members 84 and 85 are pivotable about pivotal shafts 90 and 91 and are arranged on the frame of the device. The pivotal shafts 90 and 91 are horizontal in the horizontal position of the device and extend in the normal direction of travel 93 of the device over the ground.

During operation of the device the material is fed from the hopper 81 to the distribution members, whilst they are rotating The directions of rotation of the distribution members, their diameters and the speeds of rotation are chosen in conjunction with the places of feeding 94 and 95 of the material to the distribution members so that the distribution members spread the material on distribution sectors 96 and 97 (Figure 10) located mainly one on each side of a plane 98 that is vertical when the device is in the horizontal position, that extends in the direction of travel 93 and that passes midway between the distribution members 84 and 85. The places of feeding 94 and 95 are spaced apart from the rotary axis 86 and 87 on the proximal sides of the axis.The centres of the places 94 and 95 are located in a plane 108 transverse of the direction of travel 93 and going through the axis 86 and 87.

In the position shown in Figures 8 and 10 the distribution member 84 is parallel to the surface to be covered and the distribution sector 96 thereof is bounded by sector edges 99 and 100, the edge 99 being close to being at right angles to the plane 98 in a laterial direction, whereas the edge 100 is close to extending parallel to the plane 98. This horizontal distribution member 84 spreads the material laterally over a distance 101 from the plane 98, which may be 18 metres. If the distribution member 85 were to be set also in horizontal position it would also spread the material, on the other side of the plane 98, over a distance equal to the distance 101 so that the material would be spread over a total width of about 36 metres.As shown, however, the distribution member 85 is set askew so that its distribution sector 97 has an edge 102 extending towards the side of the machine at an angle away from the plane 108 greater than the angle between the edge 99 and the plane 108. A further edge 103 of the distribution sector 97, which corresponds with the edge 100, is symmetrical with respect to the edge 100 about the plane 98. Owing to the inclination of the distribution member 85 at an angle 104, of for example, about 5" the material spread thinly is spread, on the sector 97, over a distance 105 from the plane 98 which is approximately half the distance 101.With respect to the normal direction of travel 93 material is spread on the right-hand side over a distance of about 9 metres.With the inclination of the distribution member 85 and the horizontal position of the distribution member 84 the distribution pattern 106 shown in Figure 11 is obtained. In this way as described above with reference to Figure 3, on the right-hand side of the pattern a peripheral strip of a surface to be covered is served such that the material is uniformly spread throughout the width of this strip, equal to the distance 105, up to the outer edge of the peripheral strip. On the left-hand side of the pattern, as will be apparent from Figure 11, the material is spread with decreasing density away from the device over a part 109 of the distance 101.This part 109 of the strip 101 receiving material with decreasing density will be covered with material with a density decreasing in the opposite sense during the next run (with both distribution members horizontal) to the left of the run giving its pattern shown in Figure 9 to give overall, a substantially uniform distribution pattern on the strip 109.

The mode of spreading material on peripheral strips as shown in Figures 1 to 8 and in Figures 9 to 11 is particularly suitable for spreading materials on agricultural soil. Fertilizers, in particular granular and/or powdery fertilizers can be spread so that distribution patterns are obtained as shown in Figures 3,6 and 11. By using the device which at least one distribution member set askew with respect to the surface to be covered during a run along a peripheral edge of the surface, a uniform distribution pattern can be obtained throughout the width of the peripheral strip. The outer boundary of the distribution pattern is steep (Figures 3, 6 and 11) so that the distribution density is the same over the whole width of the peripheral strip.In this way the peripheral strips of fields to be covered can be provided in a desired manner with fertilizers or other materials whilst minimising the risk of spreading material on adjacent plots or of material getting in to ditches or on to paths or roads, which brings about loss of material and an undesirable spread on surfaces not to be covered.

It will be appreciated that by means of the device as shown in Figure 9 a peripheral strip on the left-hand side of the device, as viewed from the rear in the direction of travel 93, can be uniformly covered in the described manner by maintaining the distribution member 85 in a horizontal position, and by inclining the distribution member 84 at an angle 104 (as indicated for the distribution member 85 in Figure 9). Then the resultant distribution pattern is symmetrical to the distribution pattern 106 of Figure 11 with respect to the vertical plane 98.

When both the distribution members 84 and 85 are horizontal, the distribution sector 110 covered by the member 85 is equal to the distribution sector 96, covered by the member 84, the outer edge of the distribution sector 110 then being as indicated by broken lines 107.

Although as shown in Figure 9 one only of the distribution members is set askew, both distribution members may be set askew in opposite senses as is shown in Figure 12. In this setting each of the distribution members spreads material laterally over a shortened distance. When the angle of inclination 104 of the distribution member is 5" (as in Figure 9) this shortened distance will be equal to the distance 105. In this position of the distribution members a distribution pattern 111 of the kind shown in Figure 13 is obtained, the two distribution members spreading material on both sides of the plane 98 uniformly with the same density over the whole shorter width 105 on each side.In this distribution pattern the material is spread with uniform density over an overall width 112 equal to twice the distance 105 up to the outer edges 115 and 116 of the distribution pattern, which are very steep.

As in this embodiment the distribution members can be set askew independently of one another, they can be downwardly inclined in directions towards one another, as is shown in Figure 14. In this arrangement the distribution sectors initially overlapping over a given distance as is shown in Figure 10, overlap over a small distance, and the sector edges 100 and 103 are at even more acute angles to the direction of travel 93. As a result, in the direction towards the outer sides material is spread over equal distances 114 (Figure 15) which are substantially equal to or slightly larger than the distance 101. It is because material is spread in slightly upward direction in the arrangement of Figure 14thatthe overall width 118 (Figure 15) may slightly exceed twice the distance 101 of Figure 10.

When as in the embodiment of Figures 9 and 10 the material is spread on sectors receiving the material each on one side or the other of the plane of symmetry 98, the places of feeding 94 and 95 will be usually located on the proximal sides of the rotary shafts 86 and 87. Thus the places of feeding 94 and 95 are turned through about 90" in the directions indicated by the arrows 88 and 89 as compared with the places of feeding in the embodiment shown in Figures 1 to 8. The places of feeding in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, which are located in front of the rotary axes 6 and 7, with respect to the direction of travel 10, can be successfully used for spreading the material by the two distribution members on sectors which overlap practically completely.

Figures 16 and 17 show on an enlarged scale part of the device of Figure 9 and show that the device comprises a gear box 120 provided with transmission members 131 and forming, in effect, part of the frame 92. The gear box 120 is fastened to frame beams 121 extending between the lower ends of the delivery spouts 82 and 83. The ends of the gear box 120 are located below the central part of the delivery spouts and of the distribution members 84 and 85. On the front of the gear box 120, near its ends, gear boxes 122 and 123 hold shafts 124 to which the distribution members 84 and 85 are rigidly secured. The gear boxes 122 and 123 are pivotable about pivotal shafts 125 with respect to the gear box 120. In the horizontal position the pivotal shafts 125 are horizontal and extend in the normal direction of travel 93 of the device.

The gearboxes 122 and 123 are provided with forwardly projecting arms 126, the front ends of which are journalled in bearings 127 fastened to carrying arms 128 fixed in the frame. Each arm 126 has coupled with it a setting arm 129 provided with a locking pin 130. The pin 130 can be inserted optionally into any one of a plurality of holes 131 in the associated carrying arm 128.

The gear box 120 comprises a plurality of gear wheels 131 rotatable about horizontal shafts and driving shafts 132, the centre lines of which coincide with pivotal shafts 125 and which are journalled in the ends of the gear box 120 and connected with respective gearwheel transmissions 133 in the gear boxes 122 and 123. One of the shafts of the gear wheels 131 is connected with a shaft 134 which can be coupled with the power take-off shaft of a tractor or a similar vehicle to which the device can be attached. This shaft 134 is arranged in the row of gear wheels 131 in a manner such that the two distribution members 84 and 85 rotate in the desired directions 88 and 89 about their rotary axes.

In this embodiment the pivotal shaft 125 for each of the distribution members 84 and 85 is located in a plane that extends in the normal direction of travel 93, that is perpendicular in the horizontal position of the device and that passes through the centre lines of the delivery spouts 82 and 83.

A dosing mechanism 135 is provided at the lower end of each of the delivery spouts 82 and 83, this mechanism comprising a horizontal plate forming the bottom of the delivery spout and having one or more outlet ports, which can be optionally closed to a greater or lesser extent by a closing plate, which is not shown in detail. These outlet ports are, of course, located above the feeding places 94 and 95.

The setting arms 29 and the carrying arms 128 are near the front of the distribution members and can be actuated from the tractor. To this end the setting arms 129 may, if desired, be provided with prolongations for ready access from the tractor. This disposition of the carrying and setting arms in front of the distribution members with respect to the direction of travel 93 has the advantage that material which is ejected to the rear with respect to the normal direction of travel 93 does not come into contact with the carrying and setting arms.

As in the embodiment of Figures 1 to 8, each of the distribution members 84 is provided with a disc-shaped part 136, on which spreading arms 137 are arranged. The conical part of the disc 136 is upwardly inclined at an angle of about 50 towards the circumference in the horizontal position of the distribution members. The material is passed through openings in the dosing mechanism 135 from the hopper so that it arrives at the places 94 and 95 on the discs, which places are eccentric to the rotary axes of the distribution members.

Figures 18,19 and 20 show a different embodiment for an independent skew setting of the distribution members as in the embodiment of Figures 9 to 17. Component parts corresponding with those of Figures 9 to 17 are designated in Figures 18 to 20 by the same reference numerals.

In the embodiment of Figures 18 to 20 the shafts 124 of the distribution members 84 and 85 are journalled in gear boxes 141. These gear boxes are provided with ears 142 which are pivotable about pivotal shafts 143. The pivotal shafts 143 are journalled in ears 144 rigidly secured to a U-section supporting beam 145, which is fastened to the frame beams 121. The beam 145 is horizontal in a horizontal position of the device so that the two pivotal shafts 143 are located in front of the gear boxes 141 of the two distribution members at the same level. The centre line of each pivotal shaft 143 is spaced apart by a distance 146 from the vertical plane 147 extending in the direction of travel 93 and passing through the centre line of the associated delivery spouts, which centre line coincides with the rotary axis of the associated distribution member in its horizontal position.

The gear box 141 which is located below the distribution member 84 is provided with a coupling shaft 148 forwardly projecting from the gear box and connectable with an auxiliary shaft 156, which can be coupled with the power take-off shaft of a tractor to which the device can be attached.

The gear boxes 141 each have two bevel gear wheels 149, one of which in each gear box is fastened to the shaft 124 of the associated ejection disc, whereas the other is coupled with a coupling shaft 150 extending between the two gear boxes 141 and being located inside the U-section beam 145.

The coupline shaft 150 has two universal joints and two relatively slideable parts.

The ears 142, which are rigidly secured to the gear boxes 141, are rigidly secured to forwardly extending setting arms 151 which are connected with setting arms 152 generally in the manner shown in Figure 16 and 17. Each arm 152 has a locking pin 153 which can be optionally inserted into any one of holes 154 in the carrying arm 155 in which the arm 151 is journalled.

Also in the embodiment the distribution members 84 and 85 can be individually set askew by turning them about the pivotal shafts 143. This turning can be carried out through the setting arms 152 by taking the locking pins 153 out of the holes 154 and re-inserting them into different holes 154 after the turn, so that the desired inclined position of the or each distribution member is fixed.

In the embodiment each pivotal shaft 143 is located at such a distance 146 from the associated plane that, viewed on plan, the pivotal shaft 143 is located approximately below the centre of the outlet ports in the dosing member. In this way, when the distribution member is set askew, the place 94 or 95 where the material arrives at the distribution member changes as little as possible with respect to the rotary axis of the distribution member. Thus, even in the inclined position of the distribution member, material leaves the distribution member in the same circumferential angle about the rotary shaft 86 or 87 respectively as in the horizontal position of the distribution member. This has a favourable effect on uniform distribution.

The devices described are particularly suitable for spreading material on a field. In a first run the device can travel at a distance 17 (Figures 1 to 3) or 105 (Figures 9 to 11) from the edge of the field to be covered. The two distribution members 4 and 5 or the distribution member 85 is downwardly inclined towards the peripheral strip to be covered in order to deposit material with uniform density throughout the width of this strip. In the next, adjacent run the two distribution members can be set horizontally or parallel to the surface to be covered. The adjustment of the distribution members can be readily performed. In the horizontal position of the distribution members the material is spread over equal distances on both sides of the device.The material is spread towards the outermost edges of the strip to be covered with decreasing density in order to obtain the desired overlap with the distribution patterns of the adjacent runs. When the device is attached to a tractor, the coupling need not be changed between a run along the edge of the field and further runs. Moreover, no further adjustments (other than setting one or both distribution members horizontally) of the device are needed between the distributions on the peripheral strip and the further strips. The job can thus be rapidly carried out. The skew setting is such that the width 17 or 105 of the peripheral strip is equal to half the distance 16 or 101 over which material is normally spread on each side of the centre of the device. This is advantageous for preceding or subsequent operations, since the same tracks can be used.

By designs shown it is easy to make a construction in which the distribution members are independently adjustable. It will be understood that the constructions shown are given by way of example and may be differently designed to ensure the possibility of an independent skew setting of the distribution members about pivotal axes parallel to the surface to be covered and extending in the direction of travel of the device as a whole over the surface. In the horizontal position of the device these pivotal axes are horizontal as is shown in the Figures.

Whilst various features of the spreading 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 A device for spreading material on a surface comprising a frame, a hopper and at least one distribution member that is movable about an upwardly extending rotary axis and which can be set with respect to the frame and/or the hopper askew transversely of the normal direction of travel of the device in operation over the surface on which material is to be spread, this distribution member being fixable optionally in one of at least two different positions.

2. A device as claimed in Claim 1, wherein the distribution member is pivotable about a pivotal shaft with respect to the frame and/or the hopper.

3. A device as claimed in Claim 2, wherein the pivotal shaft is parallel to a plane extending parallel to said normal direction of travel of the device in operation with the device in horizontal position.

4. A device as claimed in Claim 3, wherein the pivotal shaft is parallel to said normal direction of travel of the device.

5. A device as claimed in Claim 2, 3 or 4, wherein the pivotal shaft is at least substantially parallel to a plane, parallel to which the distribution member is rotatable about its rotary axis.

6. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the pivotal shaft is located at a higher level than the distribution member.

7. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 5, wherein the pivotal shaft is located at a lower level than the distribution member.

8. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the pivotal shaft is located in a plane passing through the rotary axis of the distribution member when the device and the distribution member are in horizontal positions.

9. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 7, wherein the pivotal shaft is located parallel to and at a distance from a plane passing through the rotary axis of the distribution member and extending vertically in said normal direction of travel of the device, when the device is in horizontal position.

10. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 2 to 9, wherein between the hopper and the distribution member there is a dosing device having at least one outlet port through which during operation material to be spread can be fed from the hopper to the distribution member, whilst at least in horizontal position of the device the pivotal shaft is located in a vertical plane extending in said direction of travel and passing at least approximately through the centre of gravity of the outlet port or the outlet ports

11. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein above the distribution member there is a dosing member which adjoins the hopper, this dosing member together with the distribution member being adjustable with respect to the frame and/or the hopper.

12. A device as claimed in Claim 11, wherein the dosing member is in contact by its underside with the distribution member, the dosing member being guarded against rotation with the distribution member.

13. A device as claimed in Claim 11 or 12, wherein the dosing member is located by its underside around the outer circumference of a centering member located centrally about the rotary axis of the distribution member and connected with the distribution member.

14. A device as claimed in Claim 10, or in any one of Claims 11 to 13 as appendant to claim 10, wherein the dosing member has one or more outlet ports which can be closed optionally to a greater or lesser extent by means of a closing member.

15. A device as claimed in Claim 10, or in any one of Claims 11 to 14 as appendantto claim 10, wherein the dosing member is of hemi-spherical shape with substantially all points of the inner face of the dosing member at equal distances from a centre.

16. A device as claimed in Claim 15, wherein said centre is located at least substantially on the pivotal shaft of the distribution member.

17. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the device comprises two distribution members, and a transmission casing that can be connected with a driving mechanism, the two distribution members being drivable from this casing.

18. A device as claimed in Claim 17, wherein the transmission casing is provided with means connectable with the power take-off shaft of a tractor of similar prime mover.

19. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 16 or as claimed in Claim 17 or 18, wherein the device comprises two distribution members which are, or said two distribution members are, interconnected in a manner such that they can be simultaneously set in inclined positions.

20. A device as claimed in Claim 19, wherein the two distribution members are connected with one another in a manner such that they can be simultaneously set askew by equal angles of inclination.

21. A device as claimed in Claim 19 or 20, wherein the two distribution members are interconnected in a parallelogram structure by the simultaneous skew setting of the distribution members with respect to the frame and/or the hopper.

22. A device as claimed in Claim 19,20 or 21 wherein the two distribution members are designed, arranged to be rotated during operation and arranged to be fed with material in a manner such that each of the two distribution members spreads the material on a sector, which sectors substantially coincide.

23. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 16, or as claimed in Claim 17 or 18, wherein the device comprises two distribution members which can be set, or said two distribution members can be set, askew independently one of the other.

24. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 1 to 16, or as claimed in any one of Claims 17 to 23, wherein the device comprises two distribution members that are, or said two distribution members are, located side by side, viewed in said normal direction of travel of the device, the rotary axes of these two distribution members being located in a plane extending substantially at right angles to said normal direction of travel of the device and being at least substantially vertical in horizontal position of the device.

25. A device as claimed in any one of Claims 21 to 24 as appendant to Claim 17, wherein the transmission casing is pivotallyjournalled in the frame and is adjustable and fixable at will in any one of a plurality of positions with respect to the frame, the transmission casing being connected by means of control-rods with gear boxes in which the shafts of the distribution members are journalled.

26. A device as claimed in any one of the preceding Claims, wherein the, or at least one of the distribution members is fastened to a shaft which is journalled in a gear box which is pivotable about a pivotal shaft and is arranged in the frame of the device.

27. A device as claimed in Claim 26, wherein the gear box is located above the distribution member and wherein with respect to the direction of spread of material during operation of the device, the carrying arm structure is located on that side of the distribution member which is opposite this direction of spread.

28. A device as claimed in any one of preceding Claims 17 to 27, wherein the two distribution members are arranged on a part of the frame which interconnects two delivery spouts of the hopper spaced apart transversely of said normal direction of travel of the device.

29. A device as claimed in Claim 26, or Claim 26 and either Claim 27 or Claim 28, all as appendant to any one of Claims 17 to 25, wherein the gear box is fastened to an end of a transmission casing extending transverse of said normal direction of travel of the device and comprising transmission members by means of which the two distribution members, which are relatively spaced, can be driven; and wherein one of the transmission members is formed by a gear wheel arranged on a shaft which can be coupled with the power take-off shaft of a tractor or a similar prime mover.

30. A device as claimed in Claim 26, 27 or 28, wherein the gear box holding a shaft of one of the two distribution members is provided with an input shaft which can be coupled with the power take-off shaft of a tractor or a similar prime mover; and wherein the transmission members in the gear box are coupled by means of a coupling shaft with the transmission members in the gear box of the other of the two distribution members.

31. A device as claimed in any one of the Claims 17 to 30, wherein the pivotal shafts for the two distribution members are located on the proximal sides of, and at a distance from, the rotary shafts of the two distribution members.

32. A method of using a device for spreading material, the device comprising a frame and at least one distribution member that is movable about a rotary shaft for spreading material over a strip of land during operation, wherein for covering a strip located on one side of the device and where material has to be uniformly spread over the distance from the device to the furthest remote edge of the strip, the distribution member is set in an inclined position, viewed in the normal direction of track of the device over the surface on which material is to be spread, the distribution member being inclined downwards towards the strip to be covered.

33. A method as claimed in Claim 32, wherein the distribution member is set askew to an extent such that the material is spread over a distance from the distribution member equal to about half the distance over which material is spread in a position of the distribution member parallel to the surface to be covered.

34. A method of spreading material by means of a device comprising two distribution members arranged side by side, viewed in the direction of track of the device over a surface on which material is to be spread, in which method material is spread on substantially coinciding sectors on both sides of the device during operation, wherein the two distribution members are simultaneously set askew at equal angles for covering that part of the strip which extends on one side of the device and which has to be uniformly covered with material over the entire distance from the device up to the furthest remote edge of the strip.

35. A device for spreading material on a surface, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, or Figures 9 to 17, or Figures 18 to 20 of the accompanying drawings.

36. A method of using a device for spreading material, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, or Figures 9 to 17, or Figures 18 to 20 of the accompanying drawings.

37. A method of spreading material, substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1 to 8, or Figures 9 to 17, or Figures 18 to 20 of the accompanying drawings.