Separating device for a potato harvester

Abstract

Potato harvesters or processing machines for separating potatoes or similar harvested crops from a mixture containing clods, stones, and similar solids are equipped with a separation device. A conveying system feeds the essentially compact mixture, separating it as it moves into the area of ​​at least one drop stage. For this purpose, at least one retention element, directed against the falling material and interacting with at least one airflow, is used, such that the harvested crop and the solids can be conveyed separately in essentially opposite directions.An optimal design provides that, by means of at least one controllable actuator on the movable retaining element, respective sorting impulses can be triggered and these can be directly transferred to the solid bodies resting on it, so that at least at the conveying end of the retaining element the comparatively heavier solid bodies are specifically retained.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a potato harvester which is provided with a separating device according to the preamble of claim 1 which separates the harvested crop from clods, stones, weeds or similar impurities.

[0002] Various process variants are known for machines and systems for root crop cultivation and processing, especially potato harvesters. In particular, for separating potatoes or similar harvested crops from a soil mixture containing clods, stones, similar solids, and fibrous impurities, various concepts of mechanical separation devices with belts and sieves are used (company brochure, Grimme Landmaschinenfabrik GmbH & Co. KG, Damme; "Product Range", GEN.00283, 08 / 13 / 5000; Harvesting Technology, pp. 14 to 23).

[0003] In a solution according to DE 10 2012 016 057 A1, an additional air stream is used to influence the mixture collected by a potato harvester. This air stream acts on the separated material, which is displaced by a conveyor over a drop stage in the area of ​​a retention element. This air stream is directed onto the loosened mixture in the area of ​​the retention element, thus supporting the activated forwarding of the harvested material and solids in opposite conveying directions in the area of ​​a fluid separation bed.

[0004] The invention addresses the problem of improving a separating device for a potato harvesting machine of the aforementioned type in such a way that it has an improved separation process in the region of the retention assembly that receives the mixture and that the removal of solids from the mixture with greater sorting reliability is possible with little technical effort.

[0005] The invention solves this problem with a separating device having the features of claim 1. Further advantageous embodiments emerge from claims 2 to 25.

[0006] Based on the separating device featuring a movable retaining element, the inventive concept provides that control pulses, now specifically introduced by means of a controllable actuator, can be used to improve the separation process on the structurally modified retaining element. The actuator transfers variably controllable excitation energy directly to the solids lying on the surface, allowing them to be completely sorted out, thus reducing the effort required for subsequent crop inspection.

[0007] These control pulses ensure, in particular, that the retention element—in addition to the conventional sorting process—acts like a movable "transport hurdle" for the solids, thereby retaining them. This direct hurdle effect can be controlled by means of respective sorting pulses, variable in number and intensity, so that the solids that are heavier than the crop are retained at least at one of the discharge ends of the retention element, which transfers the crop flow for further conveyance.

[0008] According to the invention, the retaining element is provided with at least one drive rod which generates sorting impulses and influences the conveying directions of the crop material lying on it and solid bodies, which cooperates with a connecting rocker having a central pendulum bearing and from which two essentially parallel pendulum supports are guided to the retaining element (5).

[0009] Along the conveying section on the retention element, the heavy solids sink from the mixture of the fluidic separation bed to the retention element as a result of the combined effect of impulse introduction, oscillating movement, and air supply. Here, a metered excitation energy is then introduced - particularly at the discharge end in the direction of the crop flow - such that stones, clods, and similar solids are accelerated in the opposite direction to their intended discharge direction using only the control impulses. This acceleration effect can be controlled by the actuators so that the heavy solids, which are little influenced by the air flow, are deflected from the surface of the retention element in the conveying direction opposite to the crop flow. This "deflection effect" can still be achieved even if the discharge end, which deliberately overflows the crop flow, is reached by individual solids.

[0010] The technical implementation of this impulse concept creates the possibility of relocating the "energized" retention element to variable installation positions and, in particular, adjusting the angle of inclination. Even these relatively simple angle changes of the retention element allow the lowering or raising of the element to be adjusted to the respective discharge direction of the crop, depending on the proportion of solids in the mixture. With a comparatively low solids load, the throughput in the area of ​​the separator can be advantageously accelerated by a "flat position," and the system's performance can be maintained at a high level.

[0011] The design of the controllable actuators provides for the retention element to be displaceable, particularly in an oscillating manner, to initiate the sorting pulses. The respective initiation of sorting pulses can be improved by the retention element having a profiled surface that acts particularly on the solids; the comparatively lighter crop is then passed on in a "floating" zone at the top.

[0012] It is advantageous for the retaining element to be provided with an eccentrically rotating drive assembly as an actuator. This can be designed, in particular, in the form of a multi-link drive rod. This drive rod forms a control assembly acting on the retaining element, which can cause a retention impulse to "redirect" the solids added in the mixture.

[0013] A further adaptation of the drive linkage with additional guide elements for control in the area of ​​the discharge end provides that the material flow - in addition to the previously described "impulse hurdle" - can be influenced by means of these guide elements in the manner of a first mechanical "hurdle".

[0014] According to the invention, the drive linkage is designed with a connecting rocker having a central pendulum bearing. From this, two essentially parallel-aligned pendulum supports are then guided to the retaining element. It is provided that the pendulum supports can also have different lengths, so that an angular inclination exists between these two pendulum supports, further enhancing the impulse effect.

[0015] Based on the use of additional "mechanical" guide elements, the pendulum support is designed to be equipped with a deflector roller that acts in the direction of the crop to be conveyed. This extended design is also provided in a connecting layer in the area of ​​the connecting rocker or a support strut provided between the two pendulum supports.

[0016] Starting from this support strut provided in the area of ​​the pendulum supports, the deflector roller features an additional transmission rod as a connector, forming a multi-element oscillation-thrust system. In the area of ​​the connection to the transmission rod, the deflector roller can be secured by means of an eccentric bearing. This simple measure allows appropriately controlled sorting or retention impulses to be transmitted to the advancing solids.

[0017] A second, structurally similar implementation of the "hurdle principle" to the previously described system provides that the retaining element is provided with at least one barrier in the direction of crop conveyance, acting as a barrier for the solids. This barrier is typically designed in the form of a separate guide roller, with which variable conveying heights can be specified in the area upstream of a downstream conveying zone of the crop.

[0018] In particular, it is intended that the structure, which includes a guide roller as a "mechanical" barrier, can be adjusted to different conveying heights relative to the surface of the retaining element. It is also conceivable that several guide rollers, arranged one above the other or side by side, can be provided in the area of ​​the barrier as an adjustable hurdle.

[0019] This barrier can be designed as a stand-alone component, with corresponding support members on the machine frame determining the position between the retaining element and the downstream conveying zone. This stand-alone component can be relocated using an automatic actuator and / or manually. It is also intended that all components of this barrier be variably adjustable.

[0020] In particular, it is intended that the guide roller interact with a variably adjustable rotary drive. The individual guide roller or the plurality of guide rollers can be driven with variable directions of rotation in such a way that variable intensities of the restraining effects are achieved.

[0021] It is also conceivable for the guide roller to be designed with different surface contours. These are arranged in the form of peripherally provided extensions in such a way that additional impulse transmission is possible for the return of at least the solid bodies.

[0022] Another version of the system with a "mechanical" barrier is designed as a support beam that can be connected to the retaining element. This beam barrier can be directly connected to the retaining element or installed in the crop conveying area via a separate support. It is conceivable that the support beam can be raised to various preset operating positions or can be held at different distances from the rear end of the retaining element.

[0023] Further details and advantageous embodiments of the invention will become apparent from the following description and the drawing, which illustrates several embodiments of separating devices with a driven retaining element. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a side view of the separating device according to the prior art, Fig. 2 a partially sectioned side view of a potato harvester with a separating device integrated therein in the area of ​​the conveying flow of a harvested mixture, Fig. 3 an enlarged detail of the separating device in the area of ​​the retaining element with drive system, Fig. 4 a representation similar Fig. 3 with modified control elements in the drive area, Fig. 5 a side view similar Fig. 3 with an additional drive connection to a guide roller, Fig. 6 a side view similar Fig. 4 with the guide roller similar Fig. 5, Fig. 7 to Fig. 10 respective functional positions of the retaining element with locking effect in the area of ​​the guide roller, and Fig. 11 a side view similar Fig. 10 with a locking bar instead of the guide roller.

[0024] In Fig. 1 is a separating device, designated overall by 1, for a potato harvester or a processing machine A ( Fig. 2), wherein the separation device 1 is provided for separating potatoes or similar harvested material from a mixture G containing clods, stones, and similar solids F. The separation device 1 is provided with a conveyor device 2 which supplies the essentially compact mixture G as a conveying stream 4, from which conveyor device 2 the mixture G, which is displaced into the area of ​​at least one drop stage 3 and influenced by a conveying medium in the form of an air stream L, can be separated. Downstream of the drop stage 3 which loosens the mixture G, there is provided at least one retaining element 5 which is directed opposite to the falling materials E, F and which interacts with the at least one air stream L. Starting from this retaining element, at least the harvested material E' and the solids F' are forwarded separately as sorted individual parts in a respective, essentially opposite conveying direction 6, 7.

[0025] The separating device 1 is provided with an improved drive technology in the version intended for the potato harvester A. The inventive concept provides that on the movably held retaining element 5 by means of at least one controllable actuator 8 ( Fig. 3) respective sorting pulses SI can be triggered. When the conveying phase is activated, these sorting pulses SI are transmitted directly to the resting solid bodies F. This system with the at least one actuator 8 is optimized so that at least at the discharge end 10 of the retaining element 5, which transfers the crop flow 9 with crop E, the comparatively heavy solid bodies F are retained by respective sorting pulses SI' ( Fig. 8, Fig. 9).

[0026] It has been shown that by means of the controlled sorting pulses SI, SI', stones, clods or similar solid bodies F, F' moving towards the discharge end 10 of the retaining element 5 can be better separated from the crop E. The sorting pulses SI cause the direction of movement 7 of the solid bodies F within the fluid separation bed to their discharge end 11 ( Fig. 7 to Fig. 9). Depending on the intensity of the impulse input, the solid bodies F ( Fig. 9) can be deflected into the conveying direction SI' opposite to the discharged crop E.

[0027] In a structurally simple design, it is provided that by means of an inclined installation position ( Fig. 4, angle N) of the controlled drivable retaining element 5, the excitation energy transmitted by the sorting pulses SI and the resulting displacement of the solid bodies F can be changed.

[0028] The entire separation system in the area of ​​the retaining element 5 having the actuator 8 can be adjusted to variable angles of inclination N. This allows for an adjustment to the proportion of solids F in the mixture G by lowering or raising the crop E in the discharge direction 6.

[0029] From the representations according to Fig. 5 and Fig. Figure 6 clearly illustrates the basic effect of the actuator 8 or 8' on the retaining element 5, which is driven by a mechanism not shown in detail, particularly in an oscillating manner. These movements are indicated by the respective arrow directions 12, 13 and 14, 15, respectively. A design of the retaining element 5 with a profiled surface 16 is conceivable, which can act on the solid bodies F or the crop E with an improved control effect.

[0030] A further embodiment of the actuator 8 or 8' provides that it can act on the retaining element 5 with an eccentrically rotating drive assembly.

[0031] To implement this impulse concept, it is provided that the retaining element 5 is provided with at least one drive rod AG ( Fig. 3 to Fig. 11). With this drive rod AG, driven by an actuator 8, 8', a control is formed which can directly cause a retention pulse on the solids F supplied in the mixture G (solids F'', Fig. 9 to Fig. 11).

[0032] In the overall design of the drive rod AG, additional guide elements for controlling the material flow 9 are conceivable, whereby such guide elements (similar Fig. 7) are provided at the discharge end 10 of the system.

[0033] The constructive implementation of this linkage construction in the area of ​​the actuators 8, 8' provides that the drive linkage AG is provided with a connecting rocker 18 having a central pendulum bearing 17. In the design according to Fig. 3 it is clear that from this connecting rocker 18 two essentially parallel pendulum supports 19, 20 are led to the retaining element 5. From the illustrations according to Fig. 4 and Fig. 6 it becomes clear that the pendulum supports 19' and 20' can each have different lengths L' and that an inclined position defining an angular distance W is provided in such a way that the variation possibilities of the excitation 12, 13, 14, 15 by means of the sorting pulses SI are further improved.

[0034] Starting from the connecting rocker 18, the pendulum supports 19, 20 fixed to it are fixed to a common support strut 21 in the area of ​​the retaining element 5.

[0035] Starting from this basic construction in the area of ​​the connecting rocker 18 ( Fig. 3 and Fig. 4) the principle mechanism of action of the system is shown in the diagrams according to Fig. 8 to Fig. 11 with the mixture G on top. Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 clearly shows that the pendulum supports 19, 20 in the area of ​​the retention element 5 or its discharge end 10 interact with a specific deflection roller 22. This forms the previously described guide element arranged on the outflow side in the direction of the crop E, the function of which can be variably adjusted to the previously described retention conditions ( Fig. 3 to Fig. 10).

[0036] An extension of this concept, already described in connection with the connecting rocker 18, is described in the explanations according to Fig. 5 to Fig. 7. Here, the area of ​​the pendulum supports 19, 20 is provided with a transmission rod 23 that engages the deflection roller 22. This is held, in particular, in the area of ​​the support strut 21 on a bearing part 29. In addition, this deflection roller 22 can be connected to the transmission rod 23 in the area of ​​an eccentric bearing part 24 in such a way that a connecting joint 30 is formed with a distance Z ( Fig. 5).

[0037] With the previously described parts of the mechanical concept in the area of ​​the actuators 8, 8', it becomes clear that a specific further development of the generally described "retention system" is demonstrated by the impulse control. It has been shown that with the previously described assemblies, a concept can be realized in which the retention element 5 in the conveying direction 6 of the crop E has at least one barrier acting as a hurdle for the solid bodies F and indicated by a height dimension SR ( Fig. 3, Fig. 4).

[0038] Based on the design of the discharge end 10, the barrier SR is provided by a guide roller 25 in the form of the previously described deflection roller 22. This complexly controllable guide roller 25 can be used to specify the variable conveying heights in the area of ​​the barrier SR to the downstream conveying zone 26.

[0039] The variable design of the concept provides that the barrier SR provided as a guide roller 25 can be adjusted to different conveying heights relative to the surface of the retaining element 5 ( Fig. 3, arrow 27). This is evident from the overview of Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 or also Fig. 8 and Fig. 9 clearly.

[0040] It is conceivable that several guide rollers 25 could also be provided as adjustable hurdles in the area of ​​the barrier SR. This design can provide for a stacked arrangement of guide rollers or a sequential arrangement with guide rollers arranged in ascending order (not shown in each case).

[0041] The conceptual design of the SR lock system with guide roller 25 provides for this to be designed as an independently movable part. This allows for a controlled positioning of the SR lock, independent of the assembly in the area of ​​the actuator 8, 8'. These adjustments can be made manually to the respective designated positions within the machine concept. It is also conceivable for the guide roller 25 to interact with an automatic actuator (not shown), so that the position indicated by arrow 27 ( Fig. 3) The adjustment option shown can be done motorically.

[0042] Another concept for the SR barrier with guide roller 25 provides for its ability to be equipped with a variable rotary drive. This allows for the possibility of increasing the corresponding impulse transmission or hurdle effect by varying the direction of rotation (arrow D) and speed.

[0043] In Fig. 4 illustrates a further design of the guide roller 25 with at least one attachment part 28. With this peripheral attachment part 28, the impulse generation in the area of ​​the discharge end 10 can be controlled with solid bodies F'' ( Fig. 10). It is also intended that a further optimization of the impulse and locking effect can be achieved by appropriate material selection in the area of ​​the guide roller 25 - which can be made of steel or rubber, for example.

[0044] A further version of the previously described “mechanical” impulse and restraint system is Fig.11. Here, a support beam 29 connectable to the retaining element 5 is provided as the barrier SR'. The arrangement of several support beams 29 in the area of ​​the retaining element 5 is also conceivable. The support beam 29 can be positioned in variably predeterminable operating positions so that a sufficiently effective barrier is constructed for certain sizes of solid bodies F''. The support beam 29 also enables the impulse introduction SI' to divert the solid bodies F in the intended direction (arrow 7).

Claims

[1] Separating device for a potato harvester or a processing machine (A) for separating potatoes or similar harvested material (E) from a mixture (G) with clods, stones and similar solids (F), with a conveying device (2) feeding the substantially compact mixture (G) as a conveying stream (4), from which the mixture (G) displaced into the area of at least one drop stage (3) and influenced by a conveying medium in the form of an air stream (L) can be separated, wherein downstream of the drop stage (3) causing a loosening of the mixture (G), at least one retaining element (5) is provided which is directed opposite to the falling separation materials (E, F) and which cooperates with the at least one air stream (L), in such a way that, starting from this, at least the harvested material (E') and the solids (F') are sorted as individual parts in a respective substantially opposite conveying direction (6,7) can be forwarded separately from the separating device (1), wherein respective sorting pulses (SI, SI') can be triggered on the movably held retaining element (5) by means of at least one controllable actuator (8, 8') and these can be transmitted directly to the solid bodies (F, F', F'') lying thereon, such that the comparatively heavy solid bodies (F, F', F'') are retained at least at the discharge end (10) of the retaining element (5) which transfers the crop flow (9) with harvested material (E), , characterized by in that the retaining element (5) is provided with at least one drive linkage (AG) which generates sorting impulses (SI) and influences the conveying directions (6, 7) of the crop (E) lying thereon and of solid bodies (F), which drive linkage interacts with a connecting rocker (18) having a central pendulum bearing (17) and from which two essentially parallel pendulum supports (19, 20) are guided to the retaining element (5). [2] Separating device according to claim 1, characterized bythat by means of the sorting pulses (SI, SI') respective stones, clods and similar solid bodies (F) moving towards the discharge end (10) of the retaining element (5) can be separated from the harvested material (E) which is moved along with it, and the direction of movement of the solid bodies (F) towards their discharge end (11) can be changed. [3] Separating device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the solid bodies (F) captured by the moving retaining element (5) in the region of the discharge end (10) can be deflected in the conveying direction (6, 7) opposite to the discharged crop (E). [4] Separating device according to one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by that by means of an inclined installation position (angle N) of the controlled drivable retaining element (5) the excitation energy transmitted by the sorting pulses (SI, SI') and the resulting displacement of the solid bodies (F, F', F'') can be changed. [5] Separating device according to one of claims 1 to 4, characterized bythat the retaining element (5) is adjustable to variable angles of inclination (N) in such a way that by means of a lowering or raising in the discharge direction (6) of the crop (E) an adaptation to the proportional loading of the mixture (G) with solid bodies (F) takes place. [6] Separating device according to one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by that the retaining element (5) can be displaced in an oscillating manner. [7] Separating device according to one of claims 1 to 6, characterized by that the retaining element (5) acts on the solid bodies (F) and the crop (E) with a profiled surface (16). [8] Separating device according to one of claims 1 to 7, characterized by that the retaining element (5) has an eccentrically rotating drive assembly as an actuator (8, 8'). [9] Separating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the drive linkage (AG) forms a control which causes a retention pulse (SI') on the solids (F'') supplied in the mixture (G). [10] Separating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the drive rod (AG) can be connected to additional guide elements for controlling the material flow (9) at the discharge end (10). [11] Separating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pendulum supports (19, 20) have different lengths (L'). [12] Separating device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the pendulum supports (19, 20) fixed to the connecting rocker (18) engage a common support strut (21) in the region of the retaining element (5). [13] Separating device according to one of the preceding, characterized bythat the pendulum supports (19, 20) in the region of the retaining element (5) interact with a deflector roller (22) which forms a guide element on the outflow side in the direction of the crop (E). [14] Separating device according to claim 13, characterized by that starting from the support strut (21) provided in the region of the pendulum supports (19, 20), a transmission rod (23) is provided which engages the deflection roller (22). [15] Separating device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized by that the deflection roller (22) is connected to the transmission rod (23) in the region of an eccentric bearing part (24). [16] Separating device according to one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by that the retaining element (5) has at least one barrier (SR) acting as a hurdle for the solid bodies (F) in the conveying direction of the crop (E). [17] Separating device according to claim 16, characterized bythat the barrier (SR) is formed by a guide roller (25) provided as a diverter roller (22), with which variable conveying heights to the downstream conveying zone (26) can be predetermined. [18] Separating device according to claim 16 or 17, characterized by that the barrier (SR) provided as a guide roller (25) can be adjusted to different conveying heights relative to the surface (16) of the retaining element (5) (arrow 27). [19] Separating device according to one of claims 16 to 18, characterized by that in the area of the barrier (SR) several guide rollers (25) are provided as adjustable hurdles. [20] Separating device according to one of claims 16 to 19, characterized by that the lock (SR), which is movable as an autonomous part, can be adjusted manually and / or by means of an automatic actuator. [21] Separating device according to one of claims 16 to 20, characterized by that the guide roller(s) (25) is / are provided with a variably adjustable rotary drive. [22] Separating device according to claim 21, characterized by that the guide roller(s) (25) can be driven with variable directions of rotation (D). [23] Separating device according to one of claims 16 to 22, characterized by that a support beam (29) connectable to the retaining element (5) is provided as a barrier (SR). [24] Separating device according to claim 23, characterized by that several support beams (29) can be connected to the retaining element (5). [25] Separating device according to claim 23 or 24, characterized by that the support beam(s) (29) can be positioned in variably predeterminable positions of use.

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