Modular storage bin sweep system

摘要

A modular storage bin sweep system utilizing paddles to sweep particulate matter across a floor may comprise a sweep assembly including at least two units connectable together. The assembly may comprise a plurality of interconnected paddles, a power unit configured to the paddles, a drive unit configured to move the sweep assembly with respect to a surface of the bin below the sweep assembly. In some embodiments, a traction enhancement structure may increase traction of the drive unit on the floor. In some embodiments, a pivot unit is configured to permit a degree of pivotability of the axes of the units with respect to each other, and may be combined with a drive unit. In some embodiments, the power unit includes a rotary electrical power transfer structure configured to transfer electrical power to the power unit when rotating in the bin.

主权项

1. A modular storage bin sweep system utilizing paddles to sweep particulate matter across a floor surface of a bin, the system comprising:
a sweep assembly including at least two units connectable together in a substantially linear array along a longitudinal axis, each of the units having a unit longitudinal axis, the sweep assembly having an inboard end for locating toward a center of the bin and an outboard end for locating toward a peripheral area of the bin, each of the at least two units having a longitudinal axis, the sweep assembly comprising:
a plurality of interconnected paddles movable in a succession on a path along at least a portion of the sweep assembly between the inboard and outboard ends;at least one of the at least two units comprising a power unit configured to move the succession of paddles along the path of the sweep assembly;at least one of the at least two units comprising a drive unit configured to carry a portion of the succession of interconnected paddles and move the sweep assembly with respect to a surface of the bin below the sweep assembly, the drive unit being positioned toward the outboard end from the inboard end of the sweep assembly. the drive unit including a surface engaging portion configured to engage a surface below the sweep assembly and move the sweep assembly with respect to the surface, the surface engaging portion comprising at least one surface engaging wheel resting on the surface of the bin; andat least one of the at least two units comprising a pivot unit configured to carry a portion of the succession of interconnected paddles, the pivot unit including a pair of connected sections with each section being connected to an adjacent said unit of the array, the pivot unit including a pivot structure positioned between and connecting the sections to permit pivoting of a first section with respect to a second section and thereby to permit a degree of pivotability of the unit longitudinal axes of the adjacent units with respect to each other in the array of units of the sweep assembly.