Self-propelled pickup device for picking up materials lying on the

Abstract

The device comprises an undercarriage extending transversely of the working direction of the device, and supported, at its opposite ends, by respective pairs of worms with the worms of each pair rotating in respective opposite directions. A cantilever bracket is mounted on the forward side of the undercarriage, considered in the working direction. A plurality of conveyor troughs are mounted, for pivoting about a horizontal axis, on the forward edge of the undercarriage, and respective hydraulic actuators are connected between each trough and the cantilever bracket, so that the troughs, which are inclined rearwardly and upwardly, may be adjusted with respect to their angular orientation. Struts extending rearwardly from the undercarriage connect the undercarriage to a third driving unit which may comprise either a pair of oppositely rotating worms having their axes extending in the working direction or two laterally spaced pairs of worms. A respective endless scraper chain extends along each trough, and each trough has a cutting tool at its lower forward end. At the upper rearward end of the conveyor trough the cut material is discharged into transversely extending endless conveyors which convey the material to an upwardly and rearwardly extending inclined endless belt covered by an endless cover belt. The endless conveyor belt delivers the material to an inclined classifying screen above which there is arranged a pressure water supply. The undesired material drops through the screen while the desired material slides over the screen into a hopper leading to an elevator. The several pairs of worms provide essentially a three-point support for the device.