Device for loosening and / or dedusting impurities from a material used for feeding or bedding

Abstract

Device (1) for loosening and / or removing impurities (S) such as dust from a material (M) used for feeding or bedding, such as hay, for use in animal husbandry, comprising a housing (2) for receiving the material (M), a rotor (3) rotatably arranged in the housing (2) which has radially projecting working means (4) with respect to an axis of rotation (x), characterized in that a cylindrical receiving part (5) is arranged in the housing (2) into which the material (M) can be introduced, that the receiving part (5) has a cylindrical shell (6) extending around it to a cylinder axis (x'), that the cylindrical shell (6) is designed in a sieve-like manner, that the rotor (3) rotatable relative to the receiving part (5) is arranged inside the receiving part (5), and that a collection chamber (20) for the impurities (S) is formed below the receiving part (5).

Description

field of technology

[0001] The invention relates to a device for loosening and / or removing impurities such as dust from a material used for feeding or bedding, such as hay, for use in animal husbandry, comprising a housing for receiving the material, a rotor rotatably arranged in the housing and having means of action projecting radially with respect to a rotation axis.

[0002] It can be provided that in order to loosen and / or remove impurities such as dust from a material used for feeding or bedding, such as hay, for use in animal husbandry, the material is whirled up within a closed housing by means of agitators which rotate through the material. State of the art

[0003] Such devices are used particularly in single-animal husbandry or in the keeping of small numbers of animals, such as horses, to dedust the bedding and / or fodder material used, such as hay or straw. The impurities are separated and, if necessary, collected by circulating the material to be processed in a housing. For example, reference is made to DE 20 2024 000 220 U1 regarding such a device. The material to be cleaned and loosened is introduced directly into the housing and then whirled up by the rotating rotor and its means of action. In particular, larger and / or heavier dirt / dust particles settle on the material and collect on the bottom of the housing during the cleaning process. Summary of the invention

[0004] Based on the prior art described, the invention is concerned with the task of advantageously designing a device of the type in question and also specifying advantageous ways of using it.

[0005] This object is initially and essentially achieved in a device in that a cylindrical receiving part is arranged in the housing, into which the material can be introduced, that the receiving part has a cylinder jacket running around a cylinder axis, that the cylinder jacket is designed like a sieve, that the rotor which is rotatable relative to the receiving part is arranged within the receiving part, and that a collecting space for the impurities is formed below the receiving part.

[0006] With regard to use, it can be provided that the material is introduced into a cylindrical receiving part arranged in the housing and is swirled up in the receiving part by means of action provided within the receiving part and adapted to a free inner diameter of the receiving part, that the receiving part has a cylinder jacket running surrounding a cylinder axis, that the cylinder jacket is designed like a sieve, and that during the swirling up, the material is irradiated with a UV lamp from outside the cylinder jacket.

[0007] Advantageously, a drum-like receiving part for the material to be cleaned is accommodated in the device housing. The receiving part has a geometric cylinder axis, preferably oriented along a longitudinal direction of the housing, as well as a cylinder jacket extending around this cylinder axis, which can be delimited at each end by cylinder end walls. Alternatively, this end delimitation can also be provided directly by a housing side wall.

[0008] The cylinder end walls, if provided, are preferably part of the receiving part and are accordingly also designed separately from the housing.

[0009] In particular, the circumferential cylinder shell is perforated, sieve-like, at least over part of its circumference, preferably at least on the underside, so that a receiving part essentially resembles a sieve drum is created. If necessary, the cylinder end walls can also be completely or partially sieve-like.

[0010] The receiving part can be formed from a shaped sheet metal part, for example, from a galvanized steel sheet, more preferably from a stainless steel sheet. Expanded metal made of stainless steel can also be used, particularly with regard to the cylinder jacket, for example, with a mesh size of approximately 3 to approximately 7 mm, more preferably approximately 5 mm. The housing can also be formed from a stainless steel sheet or a galvanized steel sheet.

[0011] In particular, the receiving part, but also the housing, can be formed partially or entirely as a plastic injection-molded or deep-drawn part. For example, the housing can also be formed as a die-cast part. The housing can also be made of sheet metal parts, such as steel and / or aluminum sheet parts.

[0012] The rotor, with its optionally prong-like engagement means, is rotatably mounted in the receiving part about the cylinder axis of the receiving part. The engagement means preferably extend radially to the cylinder axis or the geometric rotation axis of the rotor, wherein the engagement means can have a radial extension such that their radially outer ends can rotate at a small distance from the facing inner surface of the cylinder shell. This distance can be a few millimeters to a few centimeters, for example, approximately 5 mm up to, for example, approximately 60 mm.

[0013] The rotor is rotatable about the cylinder axis relative to the receiving part and the housing. A corresponding drive can act on the rotor from outside the housing, for example, in the form of a manually operated crank. The rotor can also be driven by a motor, or even an electric motor, for example.

[0014] The material introduced into the receiving part is swirled by the agitating means within the receiving part due to the rotating movement of the rotor, potentially loosening it altogether. This further separates contaminants, such as dust, from the material. As a result of the rotation, and particularly due to gravity, these contaminants can escape through the sieve-like cylinder shell and be collected in the collecting chamber formed beneath the receiving part, outside the receiving part and thus separately from the dust-free material.

[0015] In particular, to deactivate microorganisms, the material can be irradiated with UV light while it is being stirred. One or more UV lamps for this purpose can, as is also preferred, be arranged outside the receiving part, in particular outside the cylinder shell, more preferably in a region between the housing and the receiving part. The UV light acts through the sieve-like cylinder shell onto the material and the contaminants released from it.

[0016] The UV light can also have a deactivating effect on contaminants such as dust that have been released from the material and escaped radially outwards through the sieve-like cylinder shell into the space between the receiving part and the housing.

[0017] As a result of the deactivation, mold and other microorganisms that are harmful to the animal are killed.

[0018] UV-C lamps with a wavelength of about 275 to about 230 nm, more preferably about 254 nm, have proven particularly effective with regard to such deactivation.

[0019] Due to the design of the perforated, drum-like receiving section further provided in the housing, effective removal of contaminants from the material is achievable. The contaminants can be expelled radially outward across the entire surface of the receiving section and collected in the collection chamber. After the cleaning process is complete, only the material, essentially free of contaminants, remains in the receiving section, while the removed contaminants are collected separately outside the receiving section or transported away.

[0020] Any germs or the like in the material, but also in the separated contaminants outside the receiving part, are effectively eliminated.

[0021] To simplify loading with material, the housing can be designed to be hinged in a further development of the subject matter of the invention and consist of a housing base and a housing cover. The housing cover can be pivoted open relative to the housing base. A corresponding geometric housing pivot axis—projected into the horizontal plane—can, as preferred, run parallel to the cylinder axis of the receiving part and / or to the rotation axis of the rotor.

[0022] This results in an opening plane between the housing base part and the housing cover part, which can be oriented along a horizontal plane in the usual usage orientation of the device and in which the housing pivot axis can also be represented as a line.

[0023] In a further development of the invention, the receiving part can also be designed to be hinged, corresponding to the housing, and consist of a receiving base part and a receiving cover part. The receiving cover part can be pivoted open relative to the receiving base part. A corresponding geometric receiving pivot axis can, as preferred, run parallel to the cylinder axis of the receiving part and parallel to the housing pivot axis.

[0024] In addition, the geometric pivot axes of the housing cover part and the receiving cover part can coincide and form a common geometric axis - at least in the horizontal plane.

[0025] The receiving cover part can also be pivoted together with the housing cover part, so that when the housing cover part is moved into an open position, the receiving part is simultaneously opened for loading or unloading the material to be treated. The receiving cover part can be connected to the housing cover part for this purpose.

[0026] In a further embodiment, the receiving stand part can also be connected to the housing stand part.

[0027] The above-described connection between the housing cover part and the receiving cover part and / or between the housing base part and the receiving base part can be achieved, for example, by screwing or riveting, or, furthermore, for example, by welding. A snap-in connection, for example, can also be provided to establish the connection.

[0028] The housing essentially encapsulates the UV lamp, particularly a UV-C lamp, directed at the receiving part. For treating the material with UV-C light, the light can penetrate the sieve-like receiving part from the outside to the inside.

[0029] The UV lamp can also be provided outside the receiving part, more preferably in a protected area between the housing and the receiving part. Advantageously, the UV lamp can be arranged, for example, on the inside of the housing cover part.

[0030] A UV lamp may also be provided associated with the stand, more preferably outside the receiving stand and arranged on the housing stand.

[0031] Preferably, the irradiation of the material with UV light can only be carried out when the housing cover part is in a closed position.

[0032] A particularly convenient development is one in which the collection chamber is designed as a pull-out drawer. This significantly simplifies emptying and cleaning of the collection chamber.

[0033] An air inlet may be formed in the housing. A plurality of air inlets may also be provided, for example, two air inlets.

[0034] If two air inlets are provided, these can, for example, be located on opposite sides of the housing in the direction of the cylinder axis, as is also preferred. The air inlets allow ambient air to pass from the outside of the housing into the interior area between the housing and the receiving part.

[0035] In a further embodiment, the air inlets can be provided close to the floor, associated with the housing base part, based on a typical usage orientation of the device.

[0036] The first and / or second air inlet can further be formed, for example, on a housing front wall and / or on a housing rear wall and / or on one or both housing side walls, preferably near a housing bottom. Furthermore, for example, the area of ​​the housing bottom can be designed to be entirely open, possibly partially covered by the collecting space.

[0037] Additionally, an air outlet can be provided through which air can be discharged from the interior of the housing to the outside. Advantageously, two such air outlets are provided, with a first air outlet preferably being formed on the housing base and a second air outlet on the housing cover.

[0038] The first and / or second air outlets can also be provided with the flow direction transverse to the cylinder axis and thus also substantially transverse to the flow directions of the air inlets. Furthermore, the first and second air outlets can each be arranged facing the cylinder jacket of the receiving part or associated with the housing side walls.

[0039] In a further embodiment, a first and / or a second air inlet can be formed in the area of ​​the housing base. Such air inlets can be located, for example, to the side of the base-side collecting chamber. For this purpose, the housing base can also initially be designed to be essentially open, partially closed by the collecting chamber, which can preferably be inserted in a drawer-like manner.

[0040] A first and / or a second air outlet can also be provided in the region of one or both sides of the housing opposite each other in the direction of the cylinder axis and a first and / or a second air inlet can be provided in the region of the rear side of the housing.

[0041] A suction fan can be provided to generate an outlet airflow. This can be an electrically operated suction fan, which can be fluidly connected, for example, to the air outlet(s) outside the housing. Such a fan can also be arranged, for example, inside the housing, but outside the receiving part 5. The suction fan can generate a suction airflow that enters through the air inlets, permeates the interior of the housing, and exits through the air outlets. Dust and dirt particles released from the material can be transported from the interior of the housing to the outside via this suction airflow.

[0042] Preferably, the air conveyed by the suction fan is passed through a particle filter to separate the dust and dirt particles carried with the air. The particle filter can also be a removable or replaceable filter bag, for example.

[0043] Further preferably, the suction fan and / or a motor drive of the rotor can only be activated when the housing cover part is in a closed position.

[0044] When the suction fan is in operation, the suction air flow can act on the entire housing interior and thus also essentially on the entire receiving part, in particular on the cylinder jacket on the receiving part side.

[0045] In a further possible embodiment, targeted guidance of the suction air flow may be preferred. For a preferred targeted guidance of the air flow substantially entirely through the receiving part, guide elements may be provided which, due to the arrangement of the air inlet and the air outlet in a first partial area of ​​the receiving part, only allow air to enter the receiving part and, in a second partial area of ​​the receiving part, only allow air to exit the receiving part.

[0046] The subdivision of the first and second subregions of the receiving part can be in the direction of the cylinder axis or in a direction perpendicular to the cylinder axis. For example, one subregion can be essentially formed by the receiving base part, and the other subregion essentially by the housing cover part.

[0047] The guide elements separating the partial areas can be formed by sections of the housing and by sections extending between the housing cover part and the receiving cover part and / or between the housing stand part and the receiving stand part, separating the respective intermediate spaces from one another.

[0048] This provides targeted airflow from one or both air inlets through the first section of the receiving part and then through the second section of the receiving part toward the air outlet(s). This also advantageously ensures that the generated airflow is directed almost entirely (solely) through the receiving part.

[0049] Furthermore, in a further development, it can be provided that the housing can only be opened when the UV radiation and / or the suction fan and / or the motorized rotor drive are switched off. Opening the housing can also be associated with switching off the UV light and / or the suction fan and / or the motorized rotor drive. For this purpose, appropriately positioned sensors can be provided, for example, to monitor the respective operating status of the individual components.

[0050] The air outlets outside the housing can also be connected via a duct. The suction fan can be connected to this duct.

[0051] Advantageously, a sensor for detecting particles in the outlet air stream can be provided, for example, in the above-described duct, at least associated with the suction air stream downstream of the air outlet. Using the sensor—and optionally a unit that records and evaluates the sensor data—the electric rotor drive and / or the electric suction fan and / or the UV lamp can be switched off, for example, when a measurement limit is exceeded. This can also be accompanied by a signal indicating that the cleaning process is complete. Short description of the drawings

[0052] The invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which, however, represent only exemplary embodiments. A component that is explained only with reference to one of the exemplary embodiments and is not replaced by another component in another embodiment due to the special feature highlighted therein is thus also described for this further embodiment as a potentially present component. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 the closed position of a device in a schematic, perspective view, relating to a first embodiment; Fig. 2 the view against a housing front wall of the device according to arrow II in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 the section along the line III - III in Fig. 2; Fig. 4 in perspective view according to Fig. 1 the section along the line IV - IV in Fig. 2; Fig. 5 one of the Fig. 1 corresponding representation, concerning an open position of a device housing and a receiving part, Fig. 6 one of the Fig. 1 corresponding schematic representation, concerning a second embodiment of the device; Fig. 7 the view against a housing rear wall of the device according to arrow VII in Fig. 6; Fig. 8 the section along the line VIII - VIII in Fig. 7; Fig. 9 another of the Fig. 1 corresponding schematic representation of a device relating to a third embodiment; Fig. 10 the view against the housing front wall of the device of the third embodiment according to arrow X in Fig. 9; Fig. 11 shows a fourth embodiment of the device in a further Fig. 1 corresponding schematic representation; Fig. 12 the view against the housing rear wall of the device of the fourth embodiment according to arrow XII in Fig. 11; Fig. 13 another of the Fig. 1 corresponding schematic representation, concerning a fifth embodiment of the device; Fig. 14 a sectional view according to Fig. 8, but the embodiment according to Fig. 13 concerning; Fig. 15 in a single illustration a view against a rotor of the device according to the Fig. 1 to 14; Fig. 16 the rotor in an alternative design; Fig. 17 another alternative design of the rotor in view; Fig. 18 in view the rotor in a further embodiment; Fig. 19 shows a further embodiment of the rotor in view; Fig. 20 the device in a further embodiment; Fig. 21 one of the Fig. 14 essentially corresponding representation of the device, relating to a further embodiment; Fig. 22 shows a further embodiment of the device in a representation substantially according to Fig. 14; Fig. 23 the device in a representation according to Fig. 14, concerning a further embodiment. Description of the embodiments

[0053] Shown and described is, firstly, with reference to Fig. 1, a device 1 for loosening and / or removing impurities S such as dust from a material M such as hay used for feeding or bedding, for use in animal husbandry, with a housing 2 for receiving the material M, a rotor 3 rotatably arranged in the housing 2, which rotor has, optionally tine-like, action means 4 projecting radially with respect to a rotation axis x.

[0054] The Fig. 1 to 5 show a manually operable first embodiment of the device 1, which Fig. 6 to 8 a second embodiment with manual operation of the rotor 3 and a suction 14, the Fig. 9 and Fig. 10 a third embodiment with an electric motor drive of the rotor 3 and the Fig. 11 to 14 show a fourth and a fifth embodiment of the device 1, each with an electric motor drive of the rotor 3 and a suction device 14, wherein the fifth embodiment further comprises UV lamps 15. The Fig. 16 to 19 show different designs of a rotor 3 with its means of action 4.

[0055] The housing 2 has a longitudinal direction L, along which extend a housing front wall 23 and a housing rear wall 30 running substantially parallel thereto. The housing front wall 23 is connected to the housing rear wall 30 via housing side walls 19 running transversely to the longitudinal direction L. In the area of ​​a housing base 22, support on a surface is achieved via support feet 34.

[0056] A length e of the device 1, in particular of the housing 2, viewed in the longitudinal direction L can result, for example, which can correspond approximately to 1.25 to 1.5 times or more of the width f viewed transversely thereto. Furthermore, a height g of the housing 2 viewed perpendicular to the longitudinal direction L can, for example, correspond approximately to 1.1 to 1.3 times or more of the previously described width f.

[0057] A cylindrical receiving part 5, into which the material M can be introduced, is arranged in the housing 2. The receiving part 5 has a cylindrical shell 6 having an inner diameter p and extending around a cylinder axis x', which preferably coincides with the rotational axis x of the rotor 3. A substantially circular disk-shaped cylinder end wall 7, 8 can also be provided at each end, viewed in the direction of the cylinder axis x'. However, this axial closure of the receiving part 5 can also be provided directly, as shown in the figures, by the housing side walls 19.

[0058] The cylinder axis x' is preferably oriented along a longitudinal direction L of the device 1, in particular of the housing 2.

[0059] In particular, the circumferential cylinder shell 6 is perforated, designed like a sieve, essentially creating a receiving part 5 in the form of a sieve drum. Openings 11 are accordingly formed in the receiving part 5.

[0060] The receiving part 5 can be formed from a shaped sheet metal part, for example, from a galvanized steel sheet, more preferably from a stainless steel sheet. Also, particularly with regard to the cylinder jacket, an expanded metal made of stainless steel can be used, further, for example, with a mesh size of approximately 3 to approximately 7 mm, further, for example, of approximately 5 mm.

[0061] To simplify loading with material M, the housing 2 can be designed to be hinged and consist of a housing base part 9 and a housing cover part 10. The housing cover part 10 can be pivoted open relative to the housing base part 9. A corresponding geometric housing pivot axis y can, as preferred, run parallel to the cylinder axis x' of the receiving part 5.

[0062] This results in an opening plane E between the housing base part 9 and the housing cover part 10, which, in the usual orientation of use of the device 1, runs along a horizontal plane and in which the housing pivot axis y is also represented as a line.

[0063] Corresponding to the housing 2, the receiving part 5 can also be designed to be hinged and consist of a receiving base part 12 and a receiving cover part 13. The receiving cover part 13 can be pivoted open relative to the receiving base part 12. A corresponding geometric receiving pivot axis z can, as preferred, run parallel to the cylinder axis x' of the receiving part as well as parallel to the housing pivot axis y. Furthermore, as also shown, the geometric pivot axes y and z of the housing cover part 10 and the receiving cover part 13 can coincide.

[0064] The receiving cover part 13 can also be pivotable together with the housing cover part 10, so that with a movement of the housing cover part 10 into an open position, the receiving part 5 is simultaneously opened for loading or removing the material M to be treated. For this purpose, the receiving cover part 13 can be connected to the housing cover part 10, for example by screwing or riveting or, further, for example, by welding.

[0065] The receiving stand part 12 can also be connected to the housing stand part 9 in the same way as the receiving cover part 13 is connected to the housing cover part 10.

[0066] Between the housing 2 and the receiving part 5, in particular between the housing upright part 9 and the receiving upright part 12 and between the housing cover part 10 and the receiving cover part 13, gaps 31 and 35 are formed due to the essentially rectangular cross-sectional design of the housing 2 and the circular cross-sectional design of the receiving part 5. These gaps can be connected to one another in the region of the opening plane E via slotted openings 36 in order to enable a suction air flow u between the gaps 31 of the cover part and the gap 35 of the upright part, according to a possible embodiment described further below.

[0067] The rotor 3 is arranged within the receiving part 5 and is rotatable relative thereto. Thus, the rotor 3, with its actuating means 4, is rotatable about the cylinder axis x' of the receiving part 4. Various embodiments of such a rotor 3 are described in more detail below.

[0068] The action means 4 preferably extend radially to the cylinder axis x' or to the geometric rotation axis x of the rotor 3, wherein the action means 4 can have such a radial extension a - starting from the rotation axis x - that their free ends 16 can rotate at a small distance b from the facing inner surface 17 of the cylinder jacket 6. This distance b can be a few millimeters to a few centimeters, for example, approximately 5 mm up to approximately 60 mm.

[0069] The rotor 3 is rotatable relative to the receiving part 5 as well as to the housing 2 about the cylinder axis x' or about the rotation axis x. A corresponding drive can act on the rotor 3 outside the housing 2, for example in the form of a manually operable crank 42 (see Fig. 1 to 8).

[0070] The rotor 3 can also be driven by a motor, for example, an electric motor. A drive motor 18 provided for this purpose can be arranged in the region of a side wall 19 of the housing 2.

[0071] Below the receiving part 5, as is also preferred, a collecting chamber 20 for the contaminants S can be formed. This collecting chamber 20 can also be designed for ease of handling as a pull-out drawer 21. Emptying and cleaning the collecting chamber 20 designed in this way is thereby significantly simplified.

[0072] The drawer 21 can be pulled out of the housing 2 or pushed into the housing 2 in a direction c transverse to the cylinder axis x' and can rest on a housing base 22 in the usual use position. The housing 2 can have a drawer opening 24 along the housing front wall 23 opposite the housing pivot axis y and associated with the housing base 22.

[0073] The material M introduced into the receiving part 5 when the housing 2 is pivoted open is swirled up in the receiving part 5 by the action means 4 due to a rotational movement of the rotor 3 and, if necessary, loosened up altogether. Rotation of the rotor can occur in only one direction of rotation r. Furthermore, however, an alternating rotor rotation in the direction of rotation r and opposite to it in the direction of rotation r' can also occur.

[0074] Due to the rotor rotation, impurities S, such as dust, are separated from the material M, which impurities S pass outwards through the sieve-like cylinder jacket 6 as a result of the rotation, in particular due to gravity, and are separated downwards between the receiving part 5 and the housing 2 into the collecting space 20 formed below the receiving part 5.

[0075] Embodiments of the device 1 with a separation into the collecting space 20 dependent solely on gravity show the Fig. 1 to 8 with a manual rotor drive and the Fig. 9 to 14 with an electric motor drive.

[0076] In addition to the separation described above, a suction device 14 can also be provided. Such a design is shown by way of example in the Fig. 6 to 8 and 11 to 14. For this purpose, a preferably electrically operated suction fan 25 can be provided, for example, associated with the same housing side wall 19 of the housing 2 on which the optionally provided drive motor 18 for the rotor 3 is also located. This can be fluidly connected to a first air outlet 27 and a second air outlet 28 via a duct 32.

[0077] Air can be discharged from the housing interior to the outside through each air outlet 26, 27. Advantageously, two such air outlets 26, 27 are provided, with the first air outlet 26 preferably being formed on the housing cover part 10 and the second air outlet 27 on the housing base part 9. Further preferably, the air outlets 26 and 27 are each provided substantially centrally—relative to the longitudinal direction L.

[0078] An air inlet 28, 29 may also be formed in the housing 2. Preferably, a plurality of air inlets 28, 29 are provided, for example, as also shown, a first air inlet 28 and a second air inlet 29.

[0079] These two air inlets 28 and 29 can, as is also preferred, be provided on the opposite side walls 19 of the housing 2 in the direction of the cylinder axis x'. The air inlets 28 and 29 can be provided close to the floor, associated with the housing base 9, based on a typical usage orientation of the device 1, and thus allow ambient air to pass from the outside of the housing 2 into the interior area between the housing 2 and the receiving part 5.

[0080] The first and second air outlets 26, 27 can also be arranged transversely to the cylinder axis x'—particularly with respect to the flow direction d—and thus also substantially transversely to the flow directions d of the air inlets 28, 29. Furthermore, the first and second air outlets 26, 27 can each be arranged facing the cylinder jacket 6 of the receiving part 4 in the region of the housing rear wall 30 opposite the housing front wall 23.

[0081] By means of the suction fan 25, a suction air flow u can be achieved, entering through the air inlets 28, 29, penetrating the housing interior, and exiting through the air outlets 26, 27. This suction air flow u can transport dust and dirt particles S of smaller size and weight, released from the material M, from the housing interior to the outside. Coarser and thus heavier particles not removed by the suction air flow u can trickle down into the collection chamber and be collected there.

[0082] Preferably, the air conveyed by the suction fan 25 is passed through a particle filter to separate the dust and dirt particles S transported with the air.

[0083] Further preferably, the suction fan 25 and / or the drive motor 18 for driving the rotor 3 can only be activated when the housing cover part 9 is in a closed position (and the receiving cover part 13 is correspondingly in the closed position).

[0084] A further development of the fourth embodiment with motor drive and suction is shown in the Fig. 13 and Fig. 14 based on a fifth embodiment in which, in addition to the combination of suction of the contaminants S by means of a suction fan 25 and gravity-dependent separation into the collecting space 20 during the whirling up of the material M, irradiation of the material M with UV light from outside the cylinder jacket 6 is carried out.

[0085] One or more relevant UV lamps 15 are preferably arranged outside the receiving part 5, in particular outside the cylinder shell 6, more preferably in a region between the housing 2 and the receiving part 5 and directed toward the receiving part 5. The housing 2 essentially encapsulates the UV lamp 15, more particularly a UV-C lamp, from the outside. Advantageously, the UV lamp 15 can be arranged in the region of the intermediate space 31 on the inside of the wall, for example, on the housing cover part 9.

[0086] A UV lamp 15 may also be provided, if appropriate, associated with the stand part, more preferably outside the receiving stand part 12 and arranged on the housing stand part 10.

[0087] The UV light acts through the sieve-like cylinder shell 6 onto the material M and onto the contaminants S released from it.

[0088] The UV light can also have a deactivating effect on contaminants S, such as dust, which are released from the material M and emerge radially outwards through the sieve-like cylinder jacket 6 into the space 31 between the receiving part 5 and the housing 2.

[0089] As a result of the deactivation, mold and other microorganisms that are harmful to the animal are killed.

[0090] UV-C lamps 15 with a wavelength of preferably about 254 nm prove to be particularly effective with regard to such deactivation.

[0091] Preferably, the irradiation of the material M with UV light can only be carried out when the housing cover part 10 is in a closed position.

[0092] Due to the design of the perforated, drum-like receiving part 5 provided in the housing 2, effective removal of contaminants S from the material M is achievable. The contaminants S can protrude radially outward over the entire surface of the receiving part 5 and be captured in the collecting chamber 20 and / or transported outward via the suction air flow u. The preferred irradiation with UV-C light leads to effective germ destruction.

[0093] After completion of the cleaning process, only the material M substantially freed from the contaminants S is present in the receiving part 5, while the removed contaminants S are collected separately outside the receiving part 5 or, at least partially, transported away.

[0094] Any germs or the like in the material M, but also possibly in the separated contaminants S outside the receiving part 5, are effectively eliminated.

[0095] Furthermore, the housing 2 can only be opened when the UV irradiation (UV lamp 15) and / or the suction fan 25 and / or the motorized rotor drive (drive motor 18) are switched off. Opening the housing 2 can also be associated with switching off the UV lamp 15 and / or the suction fan 25 and / or the drive motor 18.

[0096] Advantageously, a sensor 33 for detecting particles in the outlet air stream can be provided, for example, in the previously described channel 32, in any case associated with the suction air stream u downstream of the air outlet 26, 27. By means of the sensor 33—and optionally a unit that records and evaluates the sensor data—the electric drive motor 18 and / or the electric suction fan 25 and / or the UV lamp 15 can be switched off, for example, when a measurement limit is exceeded. This can also be accompanied by a signal indicating that the cleaning process is complete.

[0097] As can be seen from the illustration in Fig. 20, the suction fan 25 and / or the drive motor 18 can also be arranged inside the housing 2, but outside the cylindrical receiving part 5.

[0098] The air inlet 28 can, as further in Fig. 20, on the bottom side of the housing 2, in particular by a large-area opening in the housing bottom 22, which housing bottom opening can be at least partially covered by the collecting space 20, which here is also designed like a drawer.

[0099] Also, according to the explanations in the Fig. 21 to 23, a targeted guidance of the suction air flow u through the receiving part 5 can be provided.

[0100] The suction air flow therefore acts directly only on a first partial area 43 of the receiving part 5, for which purpose a guide element 45 can be provided in the housing 2, which divides the space surrounding the receiving element 5. The above-described space is essentially formed by the intermediate spaces 31 and 35 between the housing 2 and the receiving part 5. The arrangement of the one or more guide elements 45 ensures that the suction air flow u is forced through the interior of the receiving part 5, which accommodates the material M.

[0101] According to the representations in the Fig. 21 to 23, the guide element 45 can be provided substantially in the region of the opening plane E. This extends from the inside wall of the housing 2 to the outside wall of the receiving part 2, or from the inside wall of the housing stand part 9 to the outside wall of the receiving stand part 12 and / or from the inside wall of the housing cover part 10 to the outside wall of the receiving cover part 13.

[0102] This results in a fluidic separation of the space, so that the suction air flow u, during operation of the device 1, cannot reach the air outlet 26 from the air inlet 28, bypassing the receiving part 5, directly and essentially solely by flowing through the intermediate spaces 31 and 35. Rather, a forced guidance of the suction air flow u is achieved through a first partial area 43, which is essentially assigned to the air inlet 28, and subsequently, in the flow direction d, through a second partial area 44, which is essentially assigned to the air outlet 26. Due to the arrangement of the air inlet 28 and / or 29 and the air outlet 26 and / or 27, during operation, air can only enter the receiving part 5 in the first partial area 43 and only exit the receiving part 5 in the second partial area 44.

[0103] The air outlet 26 can, as in Fig. 21, in the region of the stationary-side section of the housing rear wall 30, more preferably associated with the housing base 22. In this case, the arrangement of one air inlet 28 at the front side or both air inlets 28 and 29 at the front side of the housing cover part 10, correspondingly in the region of one or both housing side walls 19, is preferred, more particularly in the side wall region associated with the housing cover part 10.

[0104] Also, according to the embodiment in Fig. 22, the air outlet 26 may be provided on the rear wall side of the housing cover part 10. In this embodiment, the arrangement of one air inlet 28 or both air inlets 28 and 29 is preferably on the front side or respectively on the front side of the housing uprights 9, correspondingly in the region of one or both housing side walls 19, more particularly in the side wall area associated with the housing cover part 10.

[0105] Fig. 23 shows a further embodiment in which a Fig. 21 and Fig. 22 oppositely directed suction air flow u is achieved. In this case, an air inlet 28 (but optionally also both air inlets 28 and 29) is provided in the region of the stationary part-side section of the housing rear wall 30, more preferably associated with the housing base 22. The arrangement of the one air outlet 26 or both air outlets 26 and 27 is in this embodiment on the front side or respectively on the front side of the housing stationary part 9, accordingly in the region of one or both housing side walls 19, more preferably in the side wall region associated with the housing cover part 10.

[0106] The radially projecting action means 4 of the rotor 3 to the rotation axis x can be arranged according to the Fig. 1 to 15, the rods 37 can be formed by rods 37 extending substantially parallel and spaced from the rotation axis x. Thus, as also illustrated, three such rods 37 can be provided as the action means 4 with increasing radial distance from the rotation axis x, which rods 37 are connected to one another at their ends via radially aligned connectors 38 and to an axle body 39 forming the rotation axis x.

[0107] The axle body 39 can, as in the embodiments of the Fig. 15 to 18, may be designed merely in the form of axle stubs 40, which are each located at the end of the rotor 3, viewed in the longitudinal direction L. A rotary mounting of the rotor 3, particularly in the housing side walls 19, is achieved via the axle stubs 40.

[0108] Alternatively, the axle body 39, as shown in Fig. 19, as shown by way of example, can be designed to be continuous in the longitudinal direction L. Such a continuous axle body 39 can also be used in the Fig. 15 to 18 illustrated embodiments may be provided.

[0109] Furthermore, the means of action 4 of the rotor 3 can also be designed in the form of tines. Fig. Figures 16 to 19 show such embodiments. Thus, rods 37 can initially be provided on both sides of the rotation axis x, each at the same radial distance, running parallel to it. These rods are connected to the axle body 39 and / or the axle stubs 40 via end connectors 38.

[0110] The wire-like engagement means 4 preferably extend in a straight line transverse to the longitudinal alignment of the rods 37 and thus in the radial direction to the rotation axis x. The prongs 41 thus formed are preferably generally attached to both rods 37, for example by welding. Such a connection can also be provided on the optionally provided continuous axle body 39.

[0111] According to the Fig. In the embodiments shown in Figures 17 to 19, these prongs 41 can extend from the attachment to one of the rods 37 only in the radial direction beyond the rotation axis x and beyond the other rod 37.

[0112] In this case, one or two (in pairs) tines 41 at each end of the rotor can point in a first radial direction and the other tines 41 arranged between these end tines 41 can point in the opposite second radial direction.

[0113] Such wire-shaped prongs 41 can also be arranged as shown in Fig. 16 extend on both sides and in a straight line beyond the bars 37.

[0114] The subject matter of the invention, which is of importance alone or in combination with one of the previously described objects, is also a procedure for loosening and / or removing contaminants S such as dust from a material M used for feeding or bedding, such as hay, for use in animal husbandry, wherein the material M is whirled up within a closed housing 2 by means 4 of action which rotate through the material M, in which the material M is introduced into a cylindrical receiving part 5 arranged in the housing 2 and is whirled up in the receiving part 5 by means of action 4 provided within the receiving part 5 and adapted to a free inner diameter p of the receiving part 5, that the receiving part 5 has a cylindrical shell 6 extending surrounding a cylinder axis x', that the cylindrical shell 6 is designed like a sieve,and that during the agitation, the material is irradiated with a UV lamp 15 from outside the cylinder jacket 6, and / or, the housing 2 is hinged and consists of a housing stand part 9 and a housing cover part 10 pivotably connected to the housing stand part 9, and that the irradiation by the UV lamp 15 is only carried out when the housing cover part 10 is in a closed position, and / or the housing 2 can only be opened after the UV lamp 15 has been switched off or that opening the housing 2 involves switching off the UV lamp 15, and / or, with a movement of the housing cover part 10 into an open position, the receiving part 5 is opened at the same time in order to enable removal of the treated material M. List of reference symbols 1 device 2 housings 3 Rotor 4 Means of action 5 Recording part 6 cylinder jacket 7 Cylinder end wall 8 cylinder end wall 9 Housing stand 10 Housing cover part 11 Opening 12 Recording stand 13 Receptacle cover part 14 Extraction 15 UV lamp 16 End 17 inner surface 18 Drive motor 19 Housing side panel 20 assembly room 21 drawers 22 Case back 23 Housing front panel 24 drawer opening 25 suction fans 26 first air outlet 27 second air outlet 28 first air intake 29 second air intake 30 Case back panel 31 space 32 channels 33 Sensor 34 Support foot 35 space 36 slot opening 37 Staff 38 connectors 39 axle beams 40 axle stubs 41 prong 42 crank 43 first section 44 second section 45 Guide element a radial extension b distance c direction d Flow direction e length f width g height p inner diameter r rotation direction r' rotation direction u Suction air flow x rotation axis x' cylinder axis y Housing swivel axis z Mounting swivel axis E Opening level L longitudinal direction M Material S contamination QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 20 2024 000 220 U1

[0003]

Claims

[1] Device (1) for loosening and / or removing impurities (S) such as dust from a material (M) used for feeding or bedding, such as hay, for use in animal husbandry, comprising a housing (2) for receiving the material (M), a rotor (3) rotatably arranged in the housing (2) and having means of action (4) projecting radially with respect to a rotation axis (x), characterized by that a cylindrical receiving part (5) is arranged in the housing (2), into which the material (M) can be introduced, that the receiving part (5) has a cylinder jacket (6) running around a cylinder axis (x'), that the cylinder jacket (6) is designed like a sieve, that the rotor (3) which is rotatable relative to the receiving part (5) is arranged inside the receiving part (5), and that a collecting space (20) for the impurities (S) is formed below the receiving part (5). [2] Device according to claim 1, characterized bythat the housing (2) can be opened and consists of a housing base part (9) and a housing cover part (10) pivotably connected to the housing base part (9), wherein a housing pivot axis (y) runs in the same direction as the cylinder axis (x'). [3] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the receiving part (5) consists of a receiving stand part (12) and a receiving cover part (13) pivotally connected to the receiving stand part (12), wherein a receiving pivot axis (z) runs in the same direction as the cylinder axis (x'). [4] Device according to claim 3, characterized by that the receiving cover part (13) can be pivoted together with the housing cover part (10). [5] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one or more UV lamps (15) directed towards the receiving part (5) are arranged in the housing (2). [6] Device according to claim 5, characterized bythat the UV lamp (15) is arranged outside the receiving part (5). [7] Device according to one of claims 5 or 6, characterized by that the UV lamp (15) is arranged on the housing cover part (10). [8] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the collecting space (20) is designed as a pull-out drawer (21). [9] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that one or each air inlet (28, 29) is provided in one or both opposite sides of the housing (2) with respect to the cylinder axis (x') or in the direction of the cylinder axis (x'). [10] Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that a first air outlet (26) is formed on the housing base part (9) and / or a second air outlet (27) on the housing cover part (10). [11] Device according to claim 10, characterized bythat the first and / or second air outlet (26, 27) is provided with a flow direction (d) transverse to the cylinder axis (x'). [12] Device according to one of claims 10 or 11, characterized by that a suction fan (25) is provided which is fluidly connected to the air outlets (26, 27) in order to generate an outlet air flow outside the housing (2). [13] Device according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized by that the air outlets (26, 27) outside the housing (2) are fluidly connected to one another via a channel (32). [14] Device according to claim 13, characterized by that a sensor (33) for detecting particles in the outlet air flow is provided in the channel (32) connecting the air outlets (26, 27). [15] Device according to one of claims 9 to 14, characterized bythat the first and / or the second air inlet (28, 29) are formed on a housing front wall (23) and / or a housing rear wall (30) and / or on one or both housing side walls (19), preferably close to a housing base (22). [16] Device according to one of claims 12 to 15, characterized by in that guide elements (45) are provided for guiding a suction air flow (u) through the receiving part (5), which, due to the arrangement of the air inlet (28, 29) and the air outlet (26, 27), only allow air to enter the receiving part (5) in a first partial area (43) and only allow air to exit the receiving part (5) in a second partial area (44).

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