Self-propelled work machine for bedding treatment

Abstract

Self-propelled work device (1) for bedding treatment, wherein the work device (1) has on a support side (2) two shafts (3, 4) arranged one behind the other in a direction of travel (v) of the work device (1) and driven by rotation, of which a first shaft is a drive shaft (3) for providing a feed of the work device (1) and a second shaft is a milling shaft (4) with a plurality of milling tines (5), and wherein the milling shaft (4) is driven faster than the drive shaft (3), characterized in that the milling tines (5) arranged at the ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the milling shaft (4) have at least twice the material thickness compared to the other milling tines (5).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a self-propelled work device for bedding treatment.

[0002] In livestock farming, particularly poultry farming, it is necessary to regularly loosen the bedding to ensure hygienic standards, for example to prevent the accumulation of ammonia in the bedding and thus to promote its bacterial decomposition. In poultry farming, this is particularly important for the health of the birds' footpads.

[0003] Currently, bedding is loosened either manually or with the help of mini-tractors equipped with a rotary tiller. Manual bedding preparation is very labor-intensive, and while the use of mini-tractors is less labor-intensive, it involves high investment costs. German patent DE 20 2015 007 529 U1 discloses a self-propelled field cultivation device, which, however, preferably still requires a driver. German patent DE 10 2014 118 259 A1 discloses a device for cultivating an area using remote control. Both devices feature a complex design of the cultivation unit with various soil cultivation tools. This resulted in correspondingly high investment costs.

[0004] The object of the invention is therefore to propose a working device of the type described above, which preferably does without human operation, and thus works autonomously.

[0005] This problem is solved by a self-propelled work device with the features of claim 1. Exemplary embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0006] Accordingly, it is provided that the self-propelled work machine has two rotary-driven shafts arranged one behind the other in a direction of travel of the work machine, of which a first shaft is a drive shaft to provide a feed of the work machine and a second shaft is a milling shaft with a plurality of milling tines, wherein the milling shaft is driven faster than the drive shaft.

[0007] The milling tines arranged at opposite ends of the milling shaft have at least twice, and preferably at least three times, the material thickness compared to the other milling tines. This allows for faster forward motion on the outer side when turning. It also improves the straight-line stability of the implement.

[0008] The drive shaft can have a variety of drive tines, studs, or ribs. When positioned in front of the milling shaft in the direction of travel of the implement, the drive shaft can pre-loosen the bedding. The milling shaft has a shredding effect because it can rotate into the already pre-loosened bedding at its comparatively higher speed.

[0009] The milling tines and / or the drive tines can have a sickle shape. The number of drive tines in the set of drive tines can be greater than the number of milling tines in the set of milling tines.

[0010] The distance between the axis of rotation of the milling shaft and the contact surface can be greater than the distance between the axis of rotation of the drive shaft and the contact surface. This difference in distance can be compensated for by a correspondingly larger number of milling tines perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the milling shaft. The contact surface can be the plane on which the implement rests on the substrate, such as bedding. It is determined by the two shafts and depends on how far these, for example via their tines, penetrate into the substrate. The contact surface can correspond to the surface of the substrate.

[0011] The milling shaft can have a larger diameter than the drive shaft, for which purpose the milling tines preferably have a length perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the milling shaft that is greater than the length of the drive tines perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft.

[0012] The drive shaft and / or the milling shaft can have several independently driven sub-shafts. This allows the implement to be navigated according to the principle of a tracked vehicle.

[0013] The drive shaft can be adjustable around an axis perpendicular to the support side. This provides an alternative solution for changing the direction of the implement.

[0014] The drive shaft can be positioned in front of the milling shaft in the direction of travel of the implement. In particular, the drive shaft can have features on its outer circumference that pre-loosen the bedding. This allows the milling shaft, which subsequently encounters the pre-loosened bedding at a comparatively higher rotational speed, to penetrate it more easily, thus enabling higher feed rates of the implement.

[0015] The means on the outer circumference of the drive shaft can be drive tines, which have essentially the same geometry as the milling tines of the milling shaft, but are comparatively smaller in size, particularly with a shorter length perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft. Alternatively, the means for pre-loosening the bedding on the outer circumference of the drive shaft can be studs or ledges.

[0016] The drive shaft can have a rotational speed of 10 rpm to 100 rpm, preferably from 20 rpm to 70 rpm and particularly preferably from 25 rpm to 60 rpm.

[0017] The milling shaft can have a rotational speed that is 20% to 200%, preferably 50% to 150% and particularly preferably 90% to 110% greater than the rotational speed of the drive shaft.

[0018] The drive tines arranged at opposite ends of the drive shaft can have at least twice, and preferably at least three times, the material thickness of the other drive tines. This allows for faster propulsion on the outer side when cornering. It also improves the straight-line stability of the implement.

[0019] For the same purpose, the drive tines can be arranged in greater numbers at the ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft compared to the rest of the drive shaft.

[0020] Alternatively, or analogously, the milling tines can be arranged in greater numbers at the ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the milling shaft compared to the rest of the milling shaft.

[0021] To regulate the milling depth of the milling drum, the working device can have at least one skid mounted on the contact side, which is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the contact side.

[0022] Propulsion can be further enhanced by the self-propelled work machine having ballast in the front area in the direction of travel.

[0023] The working device can have a front part in the direction of travel with the drive shaft and a rear part in the direction of travel with the milling shaft, the two parts being connected to each other via an articulated steering system and pivotable relative to each other.

[0024] The drive shaft and / or the milling shaft can be designed in two parts, with each being divided centrally into two sub-shafts, and each sub-shaft being independently rotatably mounted. This allows the implement to be steered using a skid-steer system. In some embodiments, the implement can feature both skid-steer and articulated steering.

[0025] The milling tines and / or the drive tines can be designed symmetrically about an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the drive shaft and / or the milling shaft. Preferably, the milling tines and / or the drive tines can be designed rotationally symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically. This allows the self-propelled work tool to change its direction of travel at the end of a machined section, for example, a machined, possibly straight, path, or to approach a new section or path at any desired angle. In particular, a 180° rotation of the self-propelled work tool can be eliminated.

[0026] The work equipment may include a device for recording and storing the route traveled by the self-propelled work equipment. The self-propelled work equipment may be configured to transmit the recorded and stored route for evaluation via a data interface. The data interface may be a wireless interface. It may be possible to transmit the route to an external device, such as a mobile device, smartphone, laptop, PDA, or similar device, or to a server. The wireless interface may be a cellular interface, Bluetooth interface, WLAN interface, or similar.

[0027] The self-propelled work device can have at least one sensor and preferably a plurality of sensors for detecting a sensory measurement variable, preferably for detecting at least one of the measurement variables humidity, temperature, air quality, brightness and ammonia content.

[0028] The self-propelled work device can be configured to transmit the sensory measurement acquired by at least one sensor for evaluation via a data interface. The data interface can be a wireless interface. It can be designed to transmit the acquired measurement to an external device, such as a mobile device, smartphone, laptop, PDA, or similar device, or to a server. The wireless interface can be a cellular interface, Bluetooth interface, WLAN interface, or similar.

[0029] The self-propelled work device can include an evaluation unit for assessing the distance traveled and the sensor measurement detected by the at least one sensor. The distance traveled and / or the detected sensor value can be transmitted to the evaluation unit. The device for recording and storing the distance traveled and / or the at least one sensor can be connected to the evaluation unit via a cable for data exchange. Alternatively or additionally, the device for recording and storing the distance traveled and / or the at least one sensor can be connected to the evaluation unit wirelessly for data exchange. The evaluation data from the evaluation unit can be used, for example, to control the self-propelled work device, in particular its speed, orientation, process parameters such as the rotational speed of the respective shafts, and the like.

[0030] The self-propelled work device can be configured to transmit the evaluation data from the evaluation unit via a data interface. This data interface can be wireless. It can be designed to transmit the evaluation data to an external device, such as a mobile device, smartphone, laptop, PDA, or similar device, or to a server. The wireless interface can be a cellular network, Bluetooth, WLAN, or similar technology. It can also be designed to send control commands, process parameters, or similar data to the evaluation unit via the data interface.

[0031] It is possible for the data interfaces of the device for recording and storing the distance traveled, the at least one sensor, and / or the evaluation unit to be identical. However, it is also possible for separate or at least paired separate data interfaces to be provided.

[0032] Further details of the invention are explained with reference to the figures below. These show: Fig. 1 in a semi-transparent side view a first embodiment of a working device according to the invention; Fig. 2 in a semi-transparent representation a front view of the work equipment according to Fig. 1; and Fig. 3 in a semi-transparent representation the work equipment according to Fig. 1 in the top view.

[0033] The in the Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig.The implement 1 shown in Figure 3 has two rotary-driven shafts 3, 4 arranged one behind the other in a direction of travel v of the implement 1 on one side 2. A first shaft in the direction of travel v is a drive shaft 3 for providing a feed for the implement 1, and a second shaft following the first shaft 3 in the direction of travel v is a milling shaft 4 with a plurality of milling tines 5 for loosening the surface beneath the implement, in particular the bedding in a stable.

[0034] The milling shaft 4 is driven at a faster speed than the drive shaft 3. For example, the milling shaft 4 can have a rotational speed twice that of the drive shaft. The milling shaft 4 can, for instance, have a rotational speed of 50 rpm, while the drive shaft has a rotational speed of 25 rpm. The drive shaft 3 is also equipped with a multitude of drive tines 6, which allows the drive shaft to dig more easily into the bedding and provide the necessary thrust. At the same time, the drive tines 6, digging into the subsoil, thus loosening the subsoil, so that the milling tines 5 following in the direction of travel v, with their comparatively higher rotational speed, penetrate the subsoil more easily and thus provide a greater loosening effect with comparatively less resistance against the direction of feed.

[0035] The implement's turning maneuver is achieved using the principle of tank steering. The drive roller 3 and the milling roller 4 are each designed in two parts, with two partial shafts 3.1 and 3.2 for the drive shaft 3 and two partial shafts 4.1 and 4.2 for the milling shaft 4. The drive shaft 3 and the milling shaft 4 are each split in the middle, i.e., at half the wavelength. The two partial shafts 3.1, 3.2 and 4.1, 4.2 are mounted on independent rotary bearings. This allows the two partial shafts to be rotated independently, for example, in opposite directions, enabling maneuvering of the implement in confined spaces.

[0036] The milling tines 5 and the drive tines 6 have a geometry designed to penetrate the ground symmetrically in line with the rotational movement of the implement as it moves forward. Once the tines 5 and 6 reach their respective lower apex and reverse their upward movement, they exert a tearing action to break up the bedding from below the surface. The tines 5 and 6 have a sickle shape for this purpose. Each of the rollers 5 and 6 has retaining elements to prevent clogging.

[0037] The tines 5, 6 on the outer sides of each roller 3, 4 have three times the material thickness of the other tines 5, 6 and / or are provided in duplicate to generate faster forward motion on the outer side when cornering. This also improves the straight-line tracking of the device.

[0038] A height-adjustable skid 7 on the base side 2 is provided for depth adjustment. This allows the penetration depth of the milling tines 5 into the substrate to be regulated.

[0039] The working device 1 has a ballast F on its front side v in the direction of travel to promote ground contact with the drive shaft 3. Instead of the previously described two-part design of the drive shaft 3, or in addition to it, the drive shaft 3 or its two sub-shafts 3.1, 3.2 can be pivoted to allow for a change of direction.

[0040] The navigation and orientation of the self-driving work device 1 can be provided in the manner of a so-called vacuum robot, as is extensively known from the prior art, for example from DE 10 2016 124 913 A1.

[0041] The features of the invention disclosed in the foregoing description, in the drawings and in the claims may be essential for the realization of the invention, both individually and in any combination. Reference symbol list: 1 work tool 2. Rebellion side 3 Drive shaft 3.1 First partial shaft of the drive shaft 3.2 Second partial shaft of the drive shaft 4 milling shaft 4.1 First partial shaft of the milling shaft 4.2 Second partial shaft of the milling shaft 5 milling tines 6 drive tines 7 skid v Direction of travel F Ballasting x axis of rotation of the drive shaft y axis of rotation of the milling shaft

Claims

Self-propelled work device (1) for bedding treatment, wherein the work device (1) has on a support side (2) two shafts (3, 4) arranged one behind the other in a direction of travel (v) of the work device (1) and driven by rotation, of which a first shaft is a drive shaft (3) for providing a feed of the work device (1) and a second shaft is a milling shaft (4) with a plurality of milling tines (5), and wherein the milling shaft (4) is driven faster than the drive shaft (3), characterized in that the milling tines (5) arranged at the ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the milling shaft (4) have at least twice the material thickness compared to the other milling tines (5). Self-propelled work machine (1) according to claim 1, wherein the drive shaft (3) has a plurality of drive tines (6), studs or bars. Self-propelled work device (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the milling tines (5) and / or the drive tines (6) have a sickle shape. Self-propelled work device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the number of drive tines (6) of the plurality of drive tines (6) is greater than the number of milling tines (5) of the plurality of milling tines (5). Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the distance of the axis of rotation (y) of the milling shaft (4) to the support side (2) is greater than the distance of the axis of rotation (x) of the drive shaft (3) to the support side (2). Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the milling shaft (4) has a larger diameter than the drive shaft (3), for which the milling tines (5) preferably have a length perpendicular to the axis of rotation (y) of the milling shaft (4) which is greater than a length of the drive tines (6) perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the drive shaft (3). Self-propelled work machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive shaft (3) and / or the milling shaft (4) has several independently driven partial shafts (3.1, 3.2; 4.1, 4.2). Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive shaft (3) is adjustable about an axis perpendicular to the support side (2). Self-propelled work machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive shaft (3) is arranged in the direction of travel (v) of the work machine (1) in front of the milling shaft (4). Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive shaft (3) has a rotational speed of 10 rpm to 100 rpm, preferably of 20 rpm to 70 rpm and particularly preferably of 25 rpm to 60 rpm. Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the milling shaft (4) has a rotational speed which is 20% to 200%, preferably 50% to 150% and particularly preferably 90% to 110% greater than the rotational speed of the drive shaft (3). Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive tines (6) arranged at the ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the drive shaft (3) have at least twice and preferably at least three times the material thickness compared to the other drive tines (6). Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the milling tines (5) arranged at the ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the milling shaft (4) have at least three times the material thickness compared to the other milling tines (5). Self-propelled work machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the drive tines (6) are arranged in greater numbers at the ends opposite the drive shaft (3) in the longitudinal direction compared to the rest of the drive shaft (3). Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the milling tines (5) are arranged in greater numbers at the ends opposite the milling shaft (4) in the longitudinal direction compared to the rest of the milling shaft (4). Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has at least one skid (7) mounted on the support side (2) for regulating a milling depth of the milling drum, which is adjustable in a direction perpendicular to the support side (2). Self-propelled work equipment (1) according to one of the preceding claims, which has ballast (F) in a front area in the direction of travel (v). Self-propelled work machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a front part in the direction of travel (v) of the work machine (1) with the drive shaft (3) and a rear part in the direction of travel (v) of the work machine (1) with the milling shaft (4), wherein the two parts are connected to each other via an articulated steering system and are pivotable relative to each other. Self-propelled work machine (1) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the drive shaft (3) and / or the milling shaft (4) are designed in two parts, wherein the drive shaft (3) and / or the milling shaft (4) are each divided centrally into two partial shafts and the respective partial shafts are rotatably mounted independently of each other, so that the work machine (1) can be steered by means of a skid steering system. Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the milling tines (5) and / or the drive tines (6) are designed symmetrically about an axis of symmetry perpendicular to the drive shaft (3) and / or the milling shaft (4), wherein the milling tines (5) and / or the drive tines (6) are preferably designed rotationally symmetrically or mirror-symmetrically. Self-propelled work equipment (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising a device for recording and storing a distance traveled by the self-propelled work equipment (1). Self-propelled work device (1) according to claim 21, which is equipped to forward the recorded and stored route traveled for evaluation via a data interface. Self-propelled work device (1) according to one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one sensor and preferably a plurality of sensors for detecting a sensory measurement variable, preferably for detecting at least one of the measurement variables humidity, temperature, air quality, brightness and ammonia content. Self-propelled work device (1) according to claim 23, which is equipped to forward the sensory measurement variable detected by the at least one sensor for evaluation via a data interface. Self-propelled work equipment (1) according to one of claims 21 to 24, comprising an evaluation unit for evaluating, with reference to claim 21, the distance traveled and / or, with reference to claim 23, the sensory measurement variable detected by the at least one sensor. Self-propelled work device (1) according to claim 25, which is equipped to forward the evaluation of the evaluation unit via a data interface, preferably a radio interface.

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