Harvester for taproot or deep root plants

Abstract

The invention relates to a harvester for taproot or deep-rooted plants, in particular dandelions, comprising a digging device having at least one digging blade, and a cleaning device having at least one conveying element arranged downstream of the digging blade in the conveying direction of the harvest stream formed during operation. Wherein the receiving area present above the digging blade is laterally delimited by a preferably rotatable groove element, the extension of which in a direction perpendicular to the upper side of the digging blade is greater than the width of the digging blade, in order to receive a strip of harvested material comprising plants and soil during operation, the width of the harvest strip viewed in the receiving direction is smaller than its height.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a harvester for plants with taproots or deep roots, particularly dandelions, comprising a digging device and a cleaning device. The digging device has at least one digging shovel, and the cleaning device has at least one conveying element arranged downstream of the digging shovel along the conveying direction of the harvested material stream formed during operation. Background Technology

[0002] WO 2021 / 028381 A1 discloses an apparatus of this type in which a roller table is arranged in a relatively long cleaning section, particularly after an ascending screen belt, through which plants are guided to separate from coarser impurities. Since the location of the roots is typically unknown during the process of prying the plants and roots from the soil and transferring them to the roller table, the cleaning process for the roots, which are then haphazardly fed onto the roller table, is prolonged because these roots must first be oriented on the roller separator. This can potentially damage the roots. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of this invention is to better separate plants from impurities received along with the digging shovel.

[0004] The objective is achieved by the object described in claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are described in the dependent claims and the following description.

[0005] The harvester according to the invention is characterized in that the receiving area above the digging shovel is laterally defined by a preferably rotatable groove element, the groove element extending perpendicularly to the upper side of the digging shovel to a width greater than the width of the digging shovel, so as to receive a harvest strip containing plants and soil during operation, the width of the harvest strip as viewed in the receiving direction being less than its height.

[0006] Here, the width and height are observed along the conveying direction, specifically perpendicular to the upper side of the digging shovel, i.e., the upper surface. For example, if this surface is inclined at 30° relative to the ground, the width and height of the harvested strips are observed perpendicular to the 30° inclined line from front to back along the conveying direction. If the digging shovel is arranged at an angle in its width, the centerline of the digging shovel is used as a reference.

[0007] Therefore, the width and height of the harvest strip are defined by a receiving channel, which is formed by a digging shovel and adjacent trench elements. The trench elements are in close contact with the digging shovel on their sides, and the distance between them is preferably no more than 5 cm, particularly no more than 3 cm, and especially preferably no more than 1 cm.

[0008] By defining a relatively narrow receiving area and thus receiving the harvested strips, particular attention is paid to the development of taproot plants, receiving only a small amount of soil containing the roots of the plant to be harvested (especially dandelions). Simultaneously, relatively gentle receiving is achieved through the formation of harvested strips, as the entire plant, along with the attached soil, is cut from the ground. This avoids damage to fragile roots (especially dandelion roots). Root reception is more controllable compared to existing technologies.

[0009] Preferably, the trench element is an elongated element when viewed in the receiving direction, such as a disc cutter. The trench element forms the sidewalls of the harvested strip and supports the harvested strip during receiving. The trench element extends particularly far before the cleaning device, or even beyond the cleaning device. By creating trenches in the ground with the trench element, the soil outside the harvested strip is disturbed as little as possible.

[0010] By receiving harvested strips in a specific manner, the location of the root system is more clearly defined, at least in the lateral direction (i.e., laterally to the direction of transport). This is based on the premise that, for the reception of plants, plants such as root crops are typically planted in rows.

[0011] In particular, the trench element extends at least twice the width of the digging shovel in a direction perpendicular to the upper side of the shovel, so as to receive the harvest strip containing plants and soil during operation, the height of which, when viewed in the receiving direction, is at least twice its width. This is especially taken into account the growth morphology of dandelions and their taproot systems, ensuring that the taproot system is reliably delivered to the cleaning zone of the cleaning device within appropriately sized harvest strips.

[0012] According to another advantageous design of the invention, the extension of the trenching element perpendicular to the upper side of the digging shovel (i.e., the upward-facing surface of the digging shovel) is at least four times the width of the digging shovel, such that the support does not contact the ground when the trenching element rotates. The upper limit of the ratio of the digging shovel width to the height of the trenching element is particularly 10.

[0013] Viewed in the receiving and conveying direction, the harvest strip can be a strip with a cross-section that is at least approximately rectangular or trapezoidal, wherein the width of the strip is measured by the spacing of the groove elements at the base, i.e., on the plane of the digging shovel, specifically at the end of the front of the digging shovel, which is still defined by the groove elements.

[0014] When at least one cleaning unit of a cleaning device is arranged behind the groove element along the conveying direction, and this cleaning unit is configured to treat at least one side of the harvested strip, a particularly gentle cleaning of the received plant can be achieved. The side of the harvested strip refers to the left or right side of the harvested strip as viewed along the conveying direction, i.e., one side of the harvested strip, which is visible in a side view of the harvester and whose shape is defined by the groove element.

[0015] For this purpose, the cleaning unit is specifically positioned above the conveying element, in particular in the area adjacent to the digging device. The cleaning unit is positioned within 50 cm behind the trench element when viewed in the conveying direction, so that it can be applied to the harvested strips immediately and specifically after receiving them without causing them to lose their shape, thereby preventing the lowermost root tips from being crushed and damaged by the weight of the soil above.

[0016] Advantageously, the cleaning unit forms a gap along the conveying direction with the height of the harvested strips present during operation, at least during the operation, wherein the width of this gap is less than the width of the digging shovel. The width of the digging shovel is measured here in the area defined by the trenching element and thus used to define the harvested strips.

[0017] The gap formed by the cleaning unit constitutes a passage and through area through which the harvested strips are guided. Therefore, this gap is particularly positioned downstream of the digging shovel when viewed along the conveying direction. If the harvested strips are redirected by guide elements, this gap may not be aligned with the digging shovel.

[0018] When the cleaning unit has at least one cleaning tool, the tool element of which is at least partially movable transversely to the conveying direction, the treatment of the sides of the harvested strips is particularly simplified. The tool element preferably rotates about the rotation axis of the cleaning tool.

[0019] The harvester is particularly equipped with a cleaning unit comprising two cleaning tools arranged spaced apart from each other for treating the opposite sides of the harvested strips. The cleaning tools specifically form the aforementioned gaps and can simultaneously or alternately treat the corresponding sides of the harvested strips present during operation. This treatment is preferably performed using tools that rotate during operation.

[0020] The cleaning tool has, in particular, a rotation axis that extends at an angle relative to the ground, and especially at least substantially perpendicular to the surface of the conveying element. For tool elements equidistant from the rotation axis at their outer ends, the rotation axis preferably conforms to the orientation of the corresponding side of the harvested strip. Alternatively, the external distance between the tool element and the rotation axis can also be varied to, for example, to specifically address the trapezoidal cross-section of the harvested strip as viewed along the conveying direction.

[0021] As cleaning tools, there are especially tool elements in the form of rods or protrusions, wherein the rods or similar longitudinal elements preferably extend parallel to the axis of rotation or at an angle of less than 10° to the axis of rotation, thereby being able to act gently on the roots of plants, while the protrusions with rounded ends act transversely to the side of the harvested strip relative to their longitudinal direction.

[0022] The cleaning tool is preferably constructed as a rotatable basket, wherein, in the case of two cleaning tools, there are in particular two rotatable bodies, and the aforementioned gap can be formed between the rotatable bodies to simultaneously treat the sides of the harvested strips.

[0023] Advantageously, the cleaning unit is movably supported in a direction transverse to the conveying direction of the harvest strips. This allows the cleaning unit to avoid stones that may be present in the harvest strips, preventing the cleaning tools from getting stuck or damaged.

[0024] As an alternative to or supplement to the movable support of the entire cleaning unit, it is advantageous that the cleaning tool itself is supported in a way that allows it to move laterally in the direction of transport of the harvested strips, thereby avoiding the corresponding problem of hard objects being present in the harvest. For example, the movable support is achieved through a movable suspension part of the cleaning tool configured as a basket. This can be achieved, for example, through a rubber hinge of the drive shaft of a rotatable basket.

[0025] As an alternative or supplement, cleaning tools may be partially constructed to be elastically deformable, wherein the tool elements are particularly made of elastically deformable materials, such as rods made of polyurethane to prevent damage from stones. Here, plastic and other non-metallic materials are considered elastically deformable.

[0026] Advantageously, at least one of the groove elements is constructed in annular or disc shape. In particular, when combined with a support that allows the corresponding groove element to rotate, it can produce good cutting action in the ground.

[0027] Furthermore, it is advantageous that at least one of the grooved elements can be driven to assist the cutting action. This is particularly suitable for drive mechanisms for the grooved elements designed to generate a circumferential speed of the grooved elements greater than the feed speed of the harvester.

[0028] To better form lateral harvest strips, at least one of the rotatable trenching elements may have at least one protrusion projecting from its side surface for widening the trench. The protrusion also serves to shape the sides of the harvest strip. This results in better digging, particularly in trenching elements that are driven to rotate.

[0029] Tool elements refer to elements arranged on the periphery of, for example, a rotatable cleaning tool, in a manner spaced apart from the axis of rotation. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Other advantages and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description of the accompanying drawings. (Illustratively shown:)

[0031] Figure 1 A side view of a harvester according to the present invention is shown.

[0032] Figure 2It shows according to Figure 1 A partial isometric view of the object.

[0033] Figure 3 It shows according to Figure 2 The front view of the object,

[0034] Figure 4 It shows according to Figure 2 A partial rear view of the object.

[0035] Figure 5 A schematic diagram showing the components of a harvester in operation is provided.

[0036] Figure 6 It shows according to Figure 2 A partial view of the object.

[0037] Figure 7 It shows according to Figure 2 A partial view of the object. Detailed Implementation

[0038] according to Figure 1 The embodiment shown illustrates a harvester 2 according to the invention, configured as a towed harvester for dandelions, which are also commonly known as lion's teeth (yellow dandelion). The harvester 2 has a digging device 4 with a total of four digging shovels 6 (…). Figure 1 and Figure 6 It is used to receive rows of dandelions. The digging shovel 6 is designed with groove elements 16 to form and accommodate four harvest strips 8 (see...). Figure 5 ).

[0039] In addition, the harvester 2 includes a cleaning device 10 having a conveying element 12, which may be configured as a conveyor belt or a screen belt. The conveying element is arranged downstream of the digging shovel 6 in the conveying direction F.

[0040] The receiving area 14 above the digging shovel 6 is defined laterally by a rotatable groove element 16. The height or extension of the groove element 16 in a direction H perpendicular to the upper side of the corresponding digging shovel 6 is greater than the width B of the corresponding digging shovel 6 as observed within the area defined by the groove element 16. Figure 5 Thus formed Figure 5 The elongated harvest strip 8, extending longitudinally along the conveying direction F, protects the dandelion roots 9 within it. The width of the harvest strip is particularly less than half its length in the direction H. This refers to the extension of the groove element 16 above the upper side 20 of the corresponding digging shovel 6. This extension is viewed perpendicular to the upper side 20 of the digging shovel 6, i.e., perpendicular to the conveying direction F. Typically, the width of the harvest strip corresponds to...

[0041] Here, the cross-sectional view of the harvested strip 8 viewed along direction F is approximately constructed as a rectangle.

[0042] As the harvester 2 moves, the harvested strips are pushed toward the corresponding cleaning unit 22. Figure 4 The soil is transferred to the conveying element 12 below. The cleaning unit 22 is arranged immediately after the trench element along the conveying direction F and is equipped with two cleaning tools 24, each comprising a row of tool elements 26 arranged circumferentially in the form of longitudinally extending rods. Therefore, the cleaning unit 22 is positioned above the conveying element 12 and downstream of the digging shovel 6 along the conveying direction F. The cleaning tools rotate about a rotation axis 32 perpendicular to the conveying plane of the conveying element 12, forming a gap 28 between the cleaning tools. The harvested strip 8 runs toward the gap 28 and is captured by the tool elements 26 in the process. The taproot system 9 present in the harvested strip passes centrally between the two cleaning tools 24 according to the longitudinal direction of the gap and parallel to the gap, thereby minimizing damage during the separation of soil from the harvested strip by the tool elements 26. The cleaning tools 24 treat the harvested strip 8 on its respective opposite sides 30. For clarity, Figure 6 Four of the eight rotation axes 32 are shown in the figure, and the cleaning tool 24 is not shown.

[0043] The cleaning tool 24 is driven by a hydraulic motor 34. Each of the two cleaning tools 24 in the cleaning unit 22 is movably supported in a direction Q transverse to the conveying direction. This achieves pre-defined avoidance of possible stones or other hard impurities in the harvested material. The peripheral speed of the tool element 26 is typically higher than the conveying speed of the conveying element 12 to achieve optimal separation of the plant from the harvested strip 8.

[0044] The trench element 16 has a protrusion 36 facing the receiving area. This protrusion, similar to a small bucket, transports soil against the direction of travel of the harvester 2. Figure 7 In the view shown, the grooved element 16 rotates clockwise about the rotation axis 38. The grooved element 16 is driven by a hydraulic motor 40.

Claims

1. Harvester for plants with taproots or deep roots, in particular dandelions, comprising a digging device (4) with at least one digging blade (6) and a cleaning device (10) with at least one conveying element (12) arranged downstream of the digging blade (6) in the conveying direction (F) of the harvested material flow generated during operation, characterized in that A receiving area (14) located above the digging shovel (6) is defined laterally by preferably rotatable trough elements (16) whose extension in a direction perpendicular to the upper side (20) of the digging shovel (6) is greater than the width of the digging shovel (6) in order to receive, during operation, a swath (8) of harvested material comprising plants and soil, the width of the swath (8) as viewed in the direction of reception being less than its height.

2. The harvester of claim 1, wherein, The extension of the trough elements (16) in a direction perpendicular to the upper side (20) of the digging shovel (6) is at least twice the width (B) of the digging shovel (6) in order to receive, during operation, a swath (8) of harvested material comprising plants and soil, the height of the swath (8) as viewed in the direction of reception being at least twice its width.

3. The harvester of claim 1 or 2, characterized in that At least one cleaning unit (22) of a cleaning device (10) is arranged downstream of the trough elements (16) in the direction of transport (F), the cleaning unit being configured for processing at least one lateral face (30) of the swath (8).

4. The harvester of claim 3, wherein, The cleaning unit (22) forms a gap (28) in the direction of transport (F) at least during operation with the height of the swath (8) present during operation, wherein the gap width of the gap (28) is less than the width of the digging shovel (6).

5. The harvester of claim 3 or 4, characterized in that The cleaning unit (22) is arranged above the transport element (6).

6. The harvester of any one of claims 3 to 5, characterized in that, The cleaning unit (22) has at least one cleaning tool (24) comprising a tool element (26), the tool element being at least partially movable transversely to the direction of transport (6).

7. The harvester according to claim 6, having two cleaning tools, characterized in that, The cleaning tools (24) are arranged spaced apart from one another for processing mutually opposite lateral faces (30) of the swath (8).

8. The harvester of claim 6 or 7, characterized in that The at least one cleaning tool (24) has a rotational axis (32) inclined with respect to the ground and extending at least approximately perpendicularly to the surface of the transport element (12).

9. The harvester of any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that, The cleaning tools (24) have tool elements (26) in the form of bars or lugs.

10. The harvester of claim 9, wherein, The at least one cleaning tool (24) is a rotatable basket.

11. The harvester of any one of claims 6 to 10, characterized in that, The cleaning unit (22) is movably supported in a direction transverse to the direction of transport (F) of the swath (8).

12. The harvester of any one of claims 6 to 11, characterized in that, The cleaning tools (24) are movably supported transversely to the direction of transport (F) of the swath (8).

13. The harvester of any one of claims 6 to 12, characterized in that, The cleaning tools (24) are partially configured to be elastically deformable.

14. The harvester of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the trough elements (16) is configured in the shape of a circular ring or a disc.

15. The harvester of any of the preceding claims, characterized in that, At least one of the trough elements (16) is drivable.

16. The harvester of any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that At least one of the rotatable trough elements (16) has at least one protrusion (36) projecting from its lateral surface for widening the trough.

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