Sieve belt unit for a harvester, associated flap unit

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a sieve belt unit for a harvesting machine, in particular for a root crop harvester, for sieving out impurities of a mixture comprising harvested crop and impurities, in particular in the form of soil, clods and stones, wherein the sieve belt unit comprises a sieve belt which has at least two continuous carriers, preferably designed as carrier belts or chains, between which sieve bars are arranged in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, forming a plurality of sieve bar units, in particular each comprising at least two sieve bars, wherein at least a part of the sieve bars is movably fixed relative to the continuous carriers.

[0002] When harvesting root crops, especially potatoes, using a suitable sieve belt, unwanted impurities in the form of soil should be either carried along to protect the harvested crop or removed from the crop-impurity mixture. At the same time, the sieve belt should prevent excessively small fractions of the harvested crop from falling through or being crushed during transport, depending on the size of the crop being sieved or transported.

[0003] In DE 27 15 108, it was proposed to vary the screen belt spacing by subsequently attaching additional crossbars to the existing screen belts, resulting in a variation of the screen belt spacing. The additional crossbars must be mounted individually, which entails a corresponding amount of effort.

[0004] Furthermore, drop flaps are known from the prior art, which are integrated as additional components into a sieve belt. The drop flaps are closed in the upper run of the sieve zone and open due to gravity in the lower run. This creates larger openings in the lower run, which improve the self-cleaning of the sieve belt due to impurities falling downwards from the upper run. The drop flap is closed in the loaded run and only opens due to gravity in the unloaded run. To change the sieve belt pitch, i.e., the effective spacing of the sieve bars, the entire belt must be disassembled and replaced. The associated time expenditure during harvesting, often with relatively tight time windows, is a disadvantage.

[0005] From DE 32 34 C it is known to position sieve bars at different angles to the sieve belt.

[0006] Furthermore, EP 133 886 A1 discloses a control device for a harvesting device which, in the event of a change in the position of the belt collection device, can initiate a correction of the position of the belt collection device in order to return it to its originally set position, so that optimal harvesting is possible.

[0007] DE 200 11 436 U1 discloses a sieve belt unit in which the rod bodies of the sieve rods are located in sleeves fixedly arranged on the flexible belts.

[0008] The object of the present invention is to minimize the effort required for changing the screen belt pitch.

[0009] The problem is solved by an object according to claim 1 and by an object according to claim 21. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims relating to these claims and in the following description.

[0010] According to the invention, the sieve belt unit comprises a positioning means arranged at least partially along the sieve belt and acting on the movable sieve bars. This positioning means defines, and in particular allows for variable adjustment of, the spacing of subsequent sieve bars in the conveying direction within the sieving zone. The positioning means acts either directly or indirectly on the movable sieve or cross bars. It results in a relative position of the movable sieve bars to the continuous carriers such that, viewed in the sieving direction, the spacing of the sieve bars is varied by changing the position of the positioning means. The spacing of the sieve bars can be varied by shortening the distance between successive sieve bars both vertically and in the conveying direction.The essential point is that a movement of the sieve bars, which are movably arranged relative to the endless carrier, induced by the positioning device, varies their distance to adjacent, stationary sieve bars. This can be achieved by pivoting or rotating the movable sieve bars, which are in particular rotatably or via a flexible joint part attached to the endless carrier or to sieve bars rigidly connected to the endless carrier.

[0011] According to the invention, the sieve bar unit is provided with at least one flap unit, which has at least one of the two sieve bars. The flap unit is pivotable or rotatable via at least one joint directly or indirectly connected to the continuous carrier, and the positioning means is designed to influence the angular position of the flap unit. The flap unit thus includes the sieve bar to be pivoted. The angular position is determined by an angle between the conveying direction and a longitudinal extension of the flap unit extending radially from the axis of rotation or pivoting.For example, in a sieve bar unit with a sieve bar attached to the endless carrier and a sieve bar arranged to pivot or rotate relative to it, this longitudinal extension is defined by a straight line passing through both longitudinal center axes of the sieve bars and perpendicular to the same sieve bars, which is angled relative to the conveying direction F.

[0012] By arranging the positioning element, which is not considered part of the sieve belt, and its action on the movable sieve bars, the spacing between successive sieve bars can be varied even within the same sorting zone. For example, the positioning element, viewed in the sieving direction, can maintain or guide the movable sieve bars at a spacing that varies along the sorting zone, particularly increasing and / or decreasing. In this way, the separation of impurities from the harvested material is selectively achieved along the sieving zone as the conveying distance increases. The change in the spacing of subsequent sieve bars in the conveying direction preferably occurs simultaneously with a change in the spacing perpendicular to the conveying direction, resulting in the advantageous formation of pockets in the sieve belt.

[0013] The inventive design of a sieve belt unit with sieve bar units, each preferably comprising one or more movably fixed sieve bars, eliminates the need to replace the sieve belts to change the sieve belt spacing. Likewise, the prior art practice of attaching additional sieve or cross bars is no longer necessary. The sieve or cross bars of the device according to the invention include bars that run vertically between the two continuous carriers, as well as bars that can be slightly angled, and in particular, also bent sieve bars.

[0014] Furthermore, it is understood that the continuous carriers can be opened in the conventional manner for maintenance, repair, or replacement purposes due to wear and tear, using known connecting elements. For this purpose, the continuous carriers may have locks or other connecting areas that allow them to be opened.

[0015] The possibility of arranging the sieve bars or their longitudinal axes in a stepped manner, at least partially in a side view or longitudinal section, allows the conveyed root crops to overcome steeper inclines. By creating local conveying surfaces with a shallower incline than the continuous conveyor belts, the root crops can be conveyed over a greater height per section without rolling down the sieve belt unit against the conveying direction. This, in turn, reduces the space required for the sieve belt unit and allows for a shorter length of the unit or its sieve belt.

[0016] Advantageously, at least a portion of the sieve bar unit is designed to be positionally adjustable relative to the continuous carrier by means of the positioning means. The sieve bar unit in this context particularly includes the sieve bar, which is movably fixed relative to the continuous carrier. Accordingly, a portion of the sieve bar unit is then designed to be positionally adjustable relative to the continuous carrier. Preferably, the portion of the sieve bar unit that can be positioned in a positionally adjustable manner relative to the continuous carrier is a flap element, as described below, which can be pivoted or rotated about at least one portion of the sieve bar unit that is fixed relative to or on the continuous carrier.In particular, the pivotable or rotatable part of the screen bar unit, and thus its movable part, is mounted downstream of the non-pivotable part of the screen bar unit in the direction of travel on the positioning element. This is advantageous for a pulling motion, as fewer blockages of the pivotable parts can occur in contact with the positioning device. For an optional, and especially short-term, reversing operation of the screen belt to clear any blockages, the pivotable or rotatable part can also be mounted leading the screen bar.

[0017] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the sieve bar unit can have a sieve bar mounted eccentrically in cross-section. This can be an oval bar or a round bar, but one provided with a pivot axis mounted eccentrically within its outer surface. When using these round bars, to vary the spacing between successive bars, not every bar, but for example only every second bar, is adjusted. Preferably, however, the sieve bar is mounted so as to be rotatable or pivotable about a pivot axis and is spaced from this pivot axis by a joint and any associated spacers. Thus, sieve bars already known to the invention can be used.

[0018] The joint can be equipped with a flexible joint element, for example, one made of a plastic such as polyurethane. With sufficient rigidity, such a joint element allows the movable and articulated sieve bar to be positioned in a predefined location, e.g., at a minimum or predetermined distance relative to the continuous carrier, independently of the positioning device. Specifically, the movable sieve bar can be connected to the continuous carrier directly via two end-mounted film hinges or indirectly, for example, via a sieve bar rigidly connected to the continuous carrier.

[0019] The positioning device and the articulated connection allow the sieve bar, which is movable relative to the continuous carrier, to be used to vary the spacing between the sieve bars. The positioning device can be movable relative to the frame of the sieve bar unit, a machine frame, or fixed to it. The movement of the corresponding sieve bar preferably results from the movement of the continuous carrier relative to the positioning device. In particular, positioning devices are arranged on both sides of a sieve belt unit equipped with two or more continuous carriers, and these devices act simultaneously on the sieve bars that are movable relative to the continuous carrier during operation.

[0020] According to the invention, flap units can be arranged one after the other in the conveying direction of the screen belt, such that the positioning means, which is arranged at least sectionally along the screen belt and in particular in the screen zone, simultaneously influences a plurality of flap units with respect to their angular bearings. Due to different angular positions resulting from different positions of the positioning means, a different distance results, viewed in the screen direction, on the one hand between the fixedly spaced screen bars of a screen bar unit and, on the other hand, between the screen bars of a first upstream and a downstream screen bar unit.

[0021] The sieving direction is the direction of gravity acting on the impurities in such a way that they can fall through the spaces formed by the sieve bars, provided they are of the appropriate dimensions.

[0022] According to a further development of the invention, the positioning means is designed such that it limits the pivoting or rotation of the flap units, particularly due to gravity. It is thus located below the moving parts of a screen bar unit or the flap unit and forms a support or bearing surface for them. In this way, an angular position corresponding to a specific screen belt pitch can be defined by the resting position of the moving parts of a screen bar unit. With a sufficiently large distance between the positioning means and the screen bar unit, such that the latter is no longer in contact with the positioning means, the screen bar unit is then aligned due to gravity. In this position, the distance in the conveying direction would be subsequent, i.e.,The spacing of successive sieve bars is maximized, at least in the case of a sieve zone running horizontally to the substrate (and disregarding any asymmetries in the weight distribution of a flap unit). If the positioning device is arranged as close as possible to the continuous carrier, the sieve unit can only pivot slightly or not at all and has a horizontal or nearly horizontal orientation parallel to the conveying direction F. The sieve bar spacing is then minimized.

[0023] Advantageously, the positioning device in the screen zone has at least one guide surface for the positioning of the flap units. Such a guide surface, which runs along the screen belt according to the arrangement of the positioning device, offers a structurally relatively simple way to simultaneously influence a large number of screen bar units. By moving such a guide surface, and thus the positioning device, closer to and further away from the screen belt, a range of motion is defined for the pivoting or rotating flap units, which determines the angle of attack of the flap units and thus the screen belt pitch. Advantageously, the guide surface is arranged perpendicular to the conveying direction, next to and, in particular, at least partially between the endless belts.Conventional sieve belts can then be used without changing the installation width for the sieve belt; the positioning means is simply arranged along the sieving zone on the inside of the often existing air spaces of the sieve belt frame and is preferably variably positioned on the machine frame side or on the sieve belt frame side. In this way, existing harvesting machines can be retrofitted with the sieve belt unit according to the invention.

[0024] Preferably, the guide surface can be provided with a profile to generate a point-by-point varying spacing, i.e., a point-by-point varying screen belt pitch. This profile can be present in sections or across the entire guide surface of the positioning element to aid cleaning. During operation, the profiling can influence the spacing of the screen bars or the angular position of the flap units, which in turn leads to a brief, impulse-like lifting or lowering of the transported mixture. Such an induced vibration movement can easily enhance the cleaning effect.

[0025] Preferably, at least one section of the guide surface is designed such that its distance to the conveying surface increases or decreases continuously in the conveying direction F. The conveying surface is formed by the longitudinal center axes of sieve bars arranged immovably relative to the endless carriers. This allows the sieve belt unit to be adjusted along the conveying path to the changing mixing ratio of root crops and impurities caused by sieving, using very simple means such as a sliding rail as a positioning device. Particularly preferably, the distance can be varied depending on the incline of the conveying surface. This makes it possible to achieve larger steps or pockets between successive, immovable sieve bars in steeper sections of the conveying path of the sieve belt unit.The successive, movable sieve bars are formed by positioning the movable sieve bars further away from at least one adjacent, stationary sieve bar. This effectively prevents the root crops from rolling downhill against the conveying direction in steeper sections. By automatically varying the distance of the guide surface depending on the incline angle, the steps or pockets can be reduced towards flatter sections of the sieve belt unit, thus creating an optimal sieve bar configuration for sieving.

[0026] It is understood that the sieve bars can be coated with a plastic covering that has damping properties, particularly—but not exclusively—to protect the harvested crop. Furthermore, several sieve bars of a flap or sieve bar unit can be covered with the same coating, thus reducing the spacing between the sieve bars of a sieve bar unit to zero.

[0027] Generally, a sieve bar is understood to be a bar of any cross-section spanned between continuous beams. The cross-section can be round, non-round, and especially flat.

[0028] For variable adjustment or to enable adjustability even during operation or short changeover phases, the positioning device, according to a further embodiment of the invention, can be assigned at least one actuating element by which the distance of at least one part of the positioning device guiding the flap unit to the continuous carrier can be adjusted. In particular, this varies at least the distance of the guide surface to the continuous carrier. This distance then determines the angular position of the flap unit connected to the continuous carrier. Threaded rods are preferably suitable as actuating elements for adjustment, especially manual or stepper motor-controlled. Alternatively or additionally, hydraulically, pneumatically, or generally electrically motor-operated actuating elements can be used. These are particularly connected to an evaluation or control unit belonging to, and especially integrated into, the machine control system.Control device operable.

[0029] Preferably, a positioning device is arranged at both the left and right ends of each screen bar unit when viewed in the conveying direction, ensuring uniform guidance of the movable screen bars. Notwithstanding any partial integral connection of the positioning device to a guide of the respective continuous carrier on the frame side, a portion of the positioning device that guides the screen bar units is positioned at a distance from the continuous carrier.

[0030] The positioning device can advantageously be designed in multiple parts along the sieve zone, allowing for maximum variability in the spacing, particularly of the guide surface, from the continuous carrier. The guide surface can then also be designed in multiple parts and accommodate changes in the pitch of the sieve belt.

[0031] For example, a screen belt unit according to the invention, equipped with flap units, can be used in an ascending section of the screen belt to form conveying pockets by adjusting the angle of the flap units, while in more horizontal conveying sections the focus can be placed on the screening function. For this purpose, different and, in particular, varying distances of the guide surface to the endless carrier, and thus different angles of the flap units and screen bar spacings, can be set in the screen belt section where the screening function is paramount. A screen belt unit according to the invention can therefore have different focus functions along its screening zone in the upper run.

[0032] Therefore, the sieve belt unit according to the invention, in the case of a multi-part positioning device, also has several adjusting means. While the sieve bar units according to the invention can, for example, have slight changes in the distances between the sieve bars achieved by means of elongated holes, it is advantageous, to avoid undesired positions and to define precise distances, if the sieve bars of a sieve bar unit have a fixed distance between them, except for any bearing play that may be present.

[0033] Preferably, at least one of the movable sieve bars of the sieve belt unit has, in a central position, different distances to the upstream and downstream, stationary sieve bars. Alternatively, the longitudinal center axis of the movable sieve bar has different distances to the longitudinal center axes of the upstream and downstream, stationary sieve bars. In In this design, there are, in particular, no further sieve bars between the movable sieve bar and the upstream or downstream, stationary sieve bar in the direction of conveying. In In the central position, the longitudinal center axis of the movable screen bar, particularly with a straight belt, is arranged at least substantially in the same plane as the longitudinal center axes of the stationary screen bars. This means, in particular, that the movable screen bar is located precisely between the stationary screen bars. The varying distances to the adjacent screen bars in the central position ensure that the movable screen bar maintains the same distances to the stationary screen bars in other positions. This design of the screen belt unit is particularly advantageous when the movable screen bars are predominantly located outside the central position during operation. Thus, for the majority of the operating time, the screen bars maintain a uniform distance from each other that is approximately optimal for sieving performance.Furthermore, the adjustability allows the other advantages of the invention described above and below to be achieved, in particular closing the gap between individual sieve bars after sufficient sieving.

[0034] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, a sieve bar of a respective sieve bar unit is fixed to the continuous beams and forms part of two joints for connecting the flap unit. By fixing the sieve bar, a pivot or rotary joint can be easily formed, which, via the pivotable or rotatable joint parts, enables a movable sieve bar arranged parallel to the fixed sieve bar. Advantageously, the sieve bar unit has a rotary or pivot joint towards both outer continuous beams. The sieve bar fixed to the continuous beam then forms the axis of rotation of the flap unit. Alternatively, for example, two sieve bars pivotably forming the flap unit can be connected to each other and mounted in a pivot bearing or rotary bearing of the respective continuous beams via a cranked connection that does not form a sieve bar.

[0035] In particular, the positioning means is at least partially strip-shaped, so that the guide surface can, for example, be part of a guide rail which, as a structurally relatively simple component, can be mounted to a frame of the sieve belt or a machine frame by installing a sieve belt unit according to the invention into a harvesting device, and in particular can be retrofitted. Such a guide rail can, for example, be part of an angle profile.

[0036] To minimize wear between the pivoting part of the screen bar unit and the guide surface, the positioning element can also be designed to rotate, at least partially. In such a more complex design, the rotational speed of the positioning element, which can also be designed in the form of a band, would be matched to the rotational speed of the screen belt. The positioning element would then also be designed to be variable in distance from the screen belt via corresponding positioning mechanisms.

[0037] Alternatively or additionally, in the case of one or more multi-part positioning devices, these can include a roller, which is also mounted, in particular, on a frame of the screen belt or screen belt unit, or on a machine frame. Such a roller is provided, in particular, with a pivot axis that is aligned parallel to the main longitudinal extent of the screen bars. The roller can be arranged so that it acts on the movable screen bars at their respective end regions. For example, when attached to a frame of the screen belt unit, the roller can be positioned directly inside the continuous carrier and run either directly on the screen bars or on the parts connecting the screen bars that are movably and fixedly arranged on the continuous carrier. It is also conceivable, for example, to arrange a roller as a positioning device in the middle between two continuous carriers.When using screen bars fixed to the endless belt, such a roller or positioning device can cause the entire screen belt to lift when passing over a roller. If all screen bars are movably mounted on the endless belt, for example via film hinges, the belt would not lift, while the roller would induce a wave-like movement of the screen bars. Similarly, multiple rollers in the upper run can generate vibratory movements accompanied by a variation in the screen bar spacing.

[0038] Preferably, the roller in the upper run is designed to push upwards at least the sieve bars that are movably fixed relative to the continuous beams. In this configuration, the sieve bars, which are movably fixed relative to the continuous beams, can rest on the continuous beams in the upper run and then be pushed upwards by a correspondingly raised roller. If no positioning means is present, the sieve bars in such an embodiment can have a minimal distance to the stationary sieve bars. Such positioning can be ensured, for example, by using appropriately rigid yet elastic joint components, so that the sieve bars, which can only be pivoted under force, are then positioned relatively firmly.The stiffness of the joints would then be designed so that, in normal operation of the sieve belt unit, the vibrations occurring during operation lead to only minimal or no changes in the relative position of the sieve bars movably arranged on the endless carriers.

[0039] The use of a series of rollers along the upper run of a screen belt unit allows for the retrofitting of existing machines as well as the simple re-equipment of new units.

[0040] Preferably, at least 25% of the screen bars are designed to be positionally adjustable relative to the continuous carrier, so that a screen belt has a variable screen pitch over a large portion of its total length. More preferably, a screen belt unit according to the invention is further provided with a screen belt which is provided with screen bars that are positionally adjustable relative to the continuous carrier for at least 50% of its length. For example, every second screen bar can be fixed, while a flap unit with a screen bar that is movable at a fixed distance but pivotable around the fixed screen bar is arranged on each fixed screen bar. Inventional embodiments of the screen belt unit can preferably design up to 3 out of 4, i.e., 75%, of the screen bars to be positionally adjustable, so that advantageous embodiments of the flap unit with two screen bars pivotable around a fixed screen bar or with three pivotable screen bars can be used.

[0041] The preferred embodiments of the invention are provided with flap units that are freely pivotable or rotatable, at least within a certain range, about a pivot axis or attachment that is fixed relative to the continuous carriers when flexible joint parts are used, and in particular the fixed sieve bars. To prevent unwanted folding of the flap units, which are freely pivotable between the fixed sieve bars in the area of ​​deflections, one or more guide units can be provided in these areas. These guide units are arranged outside the area bounded by the continuous carrier, in addition to the positioning means, and especially when viewed in a transverse direction. Preferably, these guide units are known haulm intake rollers that prevent any flap units pivoting due to centrifugal force from unwanted folding in the relevant area located at the front in the direction of travel.

[0042] Preferably, a guide surface of the positioning means and an outer surface of a flap unit intended for contact with it are designed parallel to each other in order to ensure good guidance and a cleaning effect on areas of the positioning means that become contaminated during operation by admixtures.

[0043] The problem initially posed is also solved by a screen belt unit with a flap unit comprising a screen bar and at least one hinged part designed for detachable attachment to another screen bar of a previously or subsequently described screen belt unit, wherein the hinged part or the screen bar of the flap unit has an outer surface designed for bearing against a positioning means. The hinged part can be part of a film hinge or a pivot joint. While the positioning means preferably has an outer surface and guide surface provided with a plastic coating, the flap unit can advantageously have a surface designed parallel to this in the various bearing positions, which ensures the best possible guidance.Furthermore, the widths of the guide surfaces are advantageously matched to the widths of the contact surfaces of the flap unit, such that they differ in width by only a few centimeters (< 10 centimeters). This minimizes the accumulation of impurities on the guide surfaces of a positioning device, and the guide surfaces are simultaneously cleaned during operation by the surrounding outer surfaces of the flap unit in the upper run.

[0044] Advantageously, the joint component is at least two-part and designed to accommodate the additional screen bar of the screen belt unit, so that individual damaged or worn flap units can be easily replaced. In particular, the joint component then forms part of a swivel joint.

[0045] The joint parts for mounting on a sieve bar are preferably designed as joint shells and can either be integrally formed with the positionally adjustable crossbar or sieve bar or have corresponding receiving areas for conventional sieve bars.

[0046] According to the invention, the flap unit has a shoulder element with an outer surface designed for contact with the positioning means. The shoulder element can be defined on the basis of a plane in which a longitudinal center axis of the movable screen bar of the flap unit and a longitudinal center axis of a receptacle of the flap unit are arranged. The receptacle is designed for attachment to a further screen bar that is fixed relative to the continuous carrier. Thus, in the assembled state of the flap unit, the longitudinal center axis of the receptacle coincides with the longitudinal center axis of the further, fixed screen bar. The shoulder element has a transverse extension to this plane that is at least 25%, preferably 50%, and particularly preferably 100% of the distance between the longitudinal center axes. The shoulder element is, in particular, integral with the hinge part or a part thereof.The outer surface is, in particular, at least partially arranged between two orthogonal planes orthogonal to the plane described above, each containing one of the longitudinal center axes described above.

[0047] The step element allows the movable screen bars to be easily raised into a position where they are at least partially above the stationary screen bars or the conveying surface. Because the step element projects downwards from the conveying surface, this adjustment eliminates the need for a positioning device that engages in the space between two stationary screen bars. Instead, the movable screen bars and the step element create the pockets described above even when the positioning device, such as a slide rail, is still significantly spaced from the stationary screen bars, thus preventing any risk of damage. Simultaneously, the step elements allow the movable screen bars to be positioned below the conveying surface formed by the stationary screen bars. This enables a wider range of adjustment for the flap unit.the sieve belt unit, ensuring a simple and reliable design.

[0048] Preferably, the movable sieve bar has a bent profile away from the joint. The movable sieve bar has a central, straight section whose longitudinal axis is at a distance C from the joint in a side view. This distance C is, in particular, at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, and most preferably at least 50% of the distance D between the longitudinal axis of the central section and the longitudinal axis of the mounting or the stationary sieve bar. In this embodiment, the movable sieve bar projects upwards, in particular, from the at least one joint. Angled lateral sections connect the central section to the joint.This design offers, as an alternative or in addition to the previously described variant with the step element, the possibility of positioning at least the central section of the movable screen bar above the conveying surface without the positioning device having to penetrate the space between the surrounding, stationary screen bars. In particular, at least one joint component can rest on the positioning device. The outer surface of the joint component for contact with the positioning device is located specifically on a portion of the joint component that extends beyond the mounting point of the movable screen bar from the mounting point or the stationary screen bar. This allows the positioning device to translate the adjustment of the pivoting flap unit and thereby optimize the function of the screen belt unit.

[0049] Furthermore, the problem initially posed is also solved by a screen belt unit with a screen belt having at least two endless carriers, preferably designed as belts or chains, between which screen bars are arranged in a direction transverse to the conveying direction, wherein a plurality of the flap units described above or below are present. In particular, such a screen belt, which also has the respective advantages described above and below, is formed entirely by screen bar units comprising a corresponding flap unit.

[0050] Preferably, the sieve belt or sieve belt unit, in particular its articulated part, is designed such that the movable sieve bar is movable upwards and / or downwards from the aforementioned central position, at least partially orthogonally to the conveying surface. The movable sieve bar, or its longitudinal central axis, is movable away from the conveying surface by at least 10 mm, preferably by at least 20 mm, and particularly preferably by at least 30 mm.

[0051] According to the invention, the movable sieve bar or flap unit or sieve bar unit is pivotable upwards by an angle of at least 30°, preferably at least 60°, and particularly preferably at least 90° relative to the conveying surface, at least primarily. The positioning means is designed for such movement of the movable sieve bar, preferably from the central position. Preferably, the movable sieve bar or flap unit is rotatably mounted for more than 360°, in particular about the longitudinal central axis of the stationary sieve bar. This degree of mobility allows the functions described above to be achieved to a particularly wide extent. In particular, it makes it possible to overcome particularly steep inclines with root vegetables and to adjust the sieving capacity over a particularly wide range.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the joint part is designed such that a support axis is pivoted relative to the conveying direction in the central position. In particular, the support axis is pivoted relative to the conveying direction by an angle of at least 45°, preferably at least 70°, and most preferably at least 80° in the central position. The support axis is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal center axis of the movable screen bar. Furthermore, the support axis intersects the longitudinal center axis of the movable screen bar and a central position contact area of ​​the outer surface of the joint part. The joint part rests on the positioning means with respect to the central position contact area in the central position. The support axis is an imaginary geometric axis. This arrangement of the central position contact area, or...The contact point between the positioning device and the sieve or flap unit is located very close to the outer surface relative to the longitudinal axis of the movable sieve bar. This allows movements of the movable sieve bar to be initiated directly, minimizing the load, especially on the joint component, and achieving a compact design for the flap or sieve unit.

[0053] Finally, the problem is also solved by a harvesting machine comprising a sieve belt unit as described above or below. This machine benefits from the advantages of the sieve belt unit described above and below. It is understood that this harvesting machine possesses the means necessary for operating the sieve belt unit according to the invention, such as guide rollers or discs, drive means, frame or other supporting parts. In particular, the positioning means is fixed to the frame and can act on the movable sieve bars via at least one appropriately supported adjusting element.

[0054] Preferably, the harvesting machine has an inclination sensor that is assigned to or encompassed by the sieve unit. In particular, the harvesting machine also has an evaluation or control device that is connected to the inclination sensor. The inclination sensor and / or the evaluation or control device is coupled to at least one actuating element in such a way that an automatic adjustment of the positioning means can be initiated as the inclination of the harvesting machine increases. The inclination sensor measures, in particular, the inclination of the harvesting machine or the sieve unit about a pivot axis running through the vehicle axis. The automatic adjustment allows the formation of the aforementioned steps or pockets of the sieve unit to be adapted to prevent root crops from rolling back against the conveying direction, insofar as an inclination that increases the local slope of the sieve unit is adjusted accordingly.Pockets, and thus in particular the pivoting of the flap units or sieve bar units relative to the central position, are enlarged. With an opposite tilt, the steps or pockets can be reduced accordingly through automatic adjustment, thereby optimizing the sieving function of the sieve belt unit.

[0055] The ground slope can be determined additionally or alternatively using one or more other sensors, e.g., a GPS or similar position sensor in conjunction with a soil map stored locally in the evaluation and control unit or externally on a server. The control and evaluation unit comprises standard IT equipment used in harvesting machines. It is preferably integrated into the machine control system.

[0056] The harvesting machine comprises, in particular, a sieve belt with a gradient that varies along its conveying path, especially along the conveying surface. Specifically, the gradient decreases continuously or in steps in the conveying direction. The gradient of the conveying path or the conveying surface preferably varies in a range between 0° and 60°, and particularly preferably in a range between 15° and 45°. Preferably, the conveying surface has several, in particular at least three, and more preferably four, flat conveying surface sections. The conveying surface section furthest in the conveying direction, and in particular the lowest, onto which the root crops are fed during operation, has, in particular, a gradient of essentially 42°. The conveying surface section furthest in the conveying direction has, in particular, a gradient of essentially 18°. This design of the sieve belt or the harvesting machine allows the aforementioned advantages of the sieve belt unit or the sieve belt to be utilized to a particularly extensive extent.

[0057] Further advantages and details of the invention can be found in the following description of the figures. The figures show: Fig. 1: an object according to the invention in a perspective view, Fig. 2: a partial view of another object according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 3: the object according to Fig. 2 in another operating position, Fig. 4: the object towards Fig. 2 in another operating position, Fig. 5: the object according to Fig. 3 in a partial view, Fig. 6: a detail of a device according to the invention, Fig. 7: a further detail of a device according to the invention, Fig. 8: a further object according to the invention in a broken, slightly perspective view, Fig. 9: a detailed view of a further object according to the invention, Fig. 10: the object according to Fig. 9 in another operating position, Fig. 11: the object towards Fig. 9 in another operating position, Fig. 12: a partial view of another object according to the invention in a side view, Fig. 13: a partial view of an object according to Fig. 12 , Fig. 14: the object according to Fig. 12 in a partial top view, Fig. 15: another object according to the invention, Fig. 16: another object according to the invention in a longitudinal section, Fig. 17: the object according to Fig. 16 in a detailed illustration, Fig. 18: the object according to Fig. 16 in a perspective view, Fig. 19: the object according to Fig. 16 In a further detailed view, Fig. 20: another object according to the invention in a longitudinal section, Fig. 21: the object according to Fig. 20 in a detailed illustration, Fig. 22: the object according to Fig. 20 in a perspective view, Fig. 23: the object according to Fig. 20 in a more detailed presentation.

[0058] A sieve belt unit 1 according to the invention comprises, according to Fig. 1 A sieve belt 2 is designed for separating impurities from a mixture of harvested crop and impurities. The sieve belt 2 has two endless carriers 3 designed as support belts, between which sieve bars 4 and 6 are arranged transversely to the conveying direction. The conveying direction F has different gradients relative to a horizontal line (not shown) along the course of a sieve zone S formed by the upper run of the sieve belt 2. These gradients result from the positioning of deflection rollers or pulleys 7, some of which may also serve as drive pulleys. A tensioning roller 8 tensions the sieve belt 2 against a drive pulley 9, ensuring sufficient contact with the drive roller 9 in the individual sieve belt zones, depending on the set gradient of the sieve belt.

[0059] Individual sieve bars 4 and 6, which are explained in more detail below, form sieve bar units 11 (see below). Fig. 6 ) which have a sieve bar 4 fixed to the sieve belt 2 and a sieve bar 6 articulated to it, including an associated joint part 12.

[0060] The sieve bars 6 are movably fixed relative to the endless carriers 3 by means of the rotary or pivot joints formed between and through the sieve bars 4. Several positioning means 13 are arranged along the sieve belt 2 on both the left and right sides in the conveying direction, which act on the movable sieve bars 6 such that a distance A in the sieving zone, viewed in the sieving direction R (see figure 1), is maintained. Fig. 9 bis 11 ) is defined and can be variably adjusted by adjusting devices. In particular, the distance A, as the distance between successive sieve bars in the conveying direction, can vary along the sieve zone length in the conveying direction F.

[0061] The positioning device 13 is designed as a guide rail and is multi-part, so that, analogous to the individual incline sections of the screen belt, 2 individual sections of guide rails 13 result. With a plurality of associated actuating elements 14 ( Fig. 2 The individual sections or parts of the positioning element 13 can be brought into the desired relative position to the continuous carrier 3. To accommodate the necessary adjustments for different gradients of the screen belt within the screening zone S, the multi-part positioning element 13 is equipped with a series of sliding connections movable by means of elongated holes. The individual parts of the positioning element are guided into one another and can thus be moved towards or away from each other, allowing the overall length of the positioning element 13 to be varied in the upper run or the corresponding sorting zone S. Figuren 2 bis 4 Other common parts of a harvesting machine according to the invention can still be identified.

[0062] The sieve belt 2 forms a conveying surface 40 with the upper conveying trum, which has four conveying surface sections 52, 54, 56, 58 adjoining each other in the conveying direction (cf. Fig. 4 The first conveying surface section 52 in the conveying direction has a slope of 42° relative to a horizontal, the last conveying surface section 58 in the conveying direction has a slope of 18° relative to the horizontal.

[0063] In the Figuren 2 , 3 and 4Figures 9, 10, and 11 illustrate the different screen belt pitches and spacings A resulting from the different relative positions of the positioning element 13 or parts thereof with respect to the continuous carrier 3. By spacing the positioning elements 13, which are at least partially arranged between the continuous carriers 3 in a top view, from the continuous carrier 3, the individual flap units of the screen bar units can assume a different angular position relative to the longitudinal extent of the continuous carrier 3 or to the respective conveying direction. This changes the spacing A of successive screen bars 4, 6 of different screen bar units.

[0064] The positioning means 13 arranged on the left and right inside of the endless carriers 3 along the sieve belt 2 limit the gravity-induced pivoting or rotation of the moving parts of the sieve bar units 11 or the flap units until the opening is as described above for horizontal orientations of the

[0065] The maximum pressure of sieve belt 2 is reached due to insufficient support on the bearing ( Fig. 11 To limit the gravity-induced pivoting or rotation of the flap units, the positioning means 13 in the sieve zone is provided with a guide surface 16, on which, as shown in the illustration of the Fig. 5 The undersides of the hinge parts 12 of the flap units, comprising the sieve bars 6 and the hinge part 12, which are not shown in detail, rest on the guide surface. The surface 16 is provided with a plastic coating to reduce friction with the undersides of the flap units. During operation of the sieve belt unit according to the invention, the flap units sliding along the guide surface cleans the impurities falling from the upper run.

[0066] The flap units according to the invention can be designed according to Fig. 8 The sieve bar 6 has hinged sections 12 at both ends, connected by the section shown in a broken diagram. The sieve bar 6 extends along its longitudinal central axis 46. The hinged section 12 has a receptacle 48 for a further sieve bar 4, which is fixedly arranged relative to the continuous carriers 3 of a sieve belt. The receptacle has a longitudinal central axis 44 that extends parallel to the longitudinal central axis 46 and, in the assembled state, corresponds to the longitudinal central axis 44 of the further sieve bar 4 of a sieve bar unit 11 formed from the hinged unit and the sieve bar 4. The longitudinal central axis 44 coincides, in particular, with the pivot axis of the sieve bar unit 11.

[0067] The sieve bars 4 of a respective sieve bar unit 11 are fixed to the endless carrier, so that the sieve bar 6 is fixed to the endless carrier 3 in a positionally changeable manner via the joint formed between sieve bar 4 and sieve bar 6 (cf. Fig. 5 and 6For maintenance purposes, a joint part 12 is preferably designed with two shell halves 18 ( Fig. 7 ), which are connected to each other via fastening means 15. Accordingly, a faulty, damaged, or worn flap unit can be replaced quickly.

[0068] The angular position of the flap unit or the sieve bar unit is as shown in the Fig. 9 , 10 and 11 shown in the sieve zone S, limited by the distance of the positioning means 13 and, in particular, its guide surface 16 from the sieve belt carrier 3. In the comparatively dense position after Fig. 9 is an angle W between a straight line 19 formed parallel to the conveying direction F and thus to the endless carrier 3 and a straight line 20 formed by the longitudinal extension of a flap unit is almost 0 ( Fig. 9 ). At an angle W of 0, the movable sieve bar is in a central position. Due to the spacing of the positioning means 13 from the endless carrier or the axis of rotation of the fixed sieve bars 4, the flap units can open to a larger angle W due to gravity and, if applicable, due to the load of the mixture to be sieved, while still remaining in contact with the guide surface 16 ( Fig. 10 The greater distance of the positioning means 13 from the axis of rotation of the respective fixed sieve rod of a respective flap unit leads to the following in the Fig. 11 The horizontal orientation of the screen belt 2 shown in the figure ensures that the hinge parts 12 no longer rest on the guide surface 16 and the flap parts are pivoted to their maximum extent. The angle W assumed for this purpose is approximately 90°, depending on the symmetry of the flap unit, but preferably between 80° and 100°. In particular, the distance of the positioning means 13 depends on a local slope 41 of the conveying surface 40 (in which the straight line 19 lies). To prevent the flap units from tipping over due to gravity in the area of ​​deflection of the endless carrier 3 or the screen belt 2, a guide unit 21, conventionally designed as a weed infeed roller and preferably wider than the endless carrier, can be present in the deflection area. Fig. 2 The angle W can, in particular, assume angles of at least 60° with both a positive and a negative sign. Furthermore, the movable sieve bar 6, or its longitudinal central axis 46, can be moved upwards and downwards from the conveying surface 40, preferably by at least 10 mm, preferably by at least 20 mm, and most preferably by at least 30 mm.

[0069] In Fig. 12 Another variant of a screen belt unit according to the invention is shown, in which guide rails 13 are present but fixed in position. Additionally, rollers 25 are provided, the axis of rotation of which runs parallel to the screen bars. The rollers have an outer diameter dimensioned such that, in the present example, a maximum of two adjacent screen bar units are engaged. Due to the positioning and arrangement of the roller on the frame of the screen belt unit or on the machine frame, the outer surface, which serves as a guide and contact surface for the screen bars, is located above the surrounding guides for the endless carrier in a direction perpendicular to the conveying direction. As a result, the screen bar units that come into contact with the outer surface are partially lifted, along with the endless carrier attached to them. This creates a vibrating motion that leads to a higher screening capacity.The rollers can be exchanged with regard to their diameter and the determination of a side, so that only individual sieve bar units or only the movable sieve bars of a sieve bar unit can be lifted.

[0070] According to Fig. 13 The rollers 25 are positioned in the direction of the axis of rotation or the longitudinal direction of the sieve position such that an outer surface 26 of the rollers, which constitutes a guide surface, comes into contact with the sieve bars and thus these are positioned laterally next to the connection 27 between a sieve bar 4 fixedly connected to an endless carrier 3 and a movable sieve bar 6. The sieve bar 6 is wider than the sieve bars according to the embodiment shown. Fig. 1 Without the influence of the positioning device, the rods 6 rest on the continuous carrier 3 due to gravity on the one hand, and also due to the stiffness of the polyurethane joint part 28 on the other. Only through the positioning device is the sieve rod 6 deflected against the joint part 28.

[0071] Viewed in the conveying direction, both ends of the sieve bars 6 rest on the endless carriers. Likewise, the positioning means, which have rollers, are preferably arranged at least with their contact surfaces on the inside of the joints (cf. Fig. 14 The rollers can be moved, in particular by means of adjusting devices not shown, in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the figure. Fig. 14 adjust so that the change in the sieve belt spacing, which is associated with the relative movement of the sieve bars 6, can be varied.

[0072] The sieve unit 11 or the flap unit has in the through the Fig. 20 bis 23 In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, a shoulder element 43 has an outer surface designed for contact with the positioning means 13. The shoulder element has an extension E transverse to the plane 42, which is shown in a side view or longitudinal section with the line 20 (cf. among others). Fig. 9 ) coincides (and only coincides with the conveying surface 40 in the central position). In the plane 42, a longitudinal center axis 46 of the movable sieve bar 6 and a longitudinal center axis 44 are arranged. In the flap element, the longitudinal center axis 44 is the longitudinal center axis of a receptacle 48 (see also Fig. 9 In the sieve bar unit 11, the longitudinal center axis 44 is the longitudinal center axis of the stationary sieve bar 4. In the embodiment shown, the extent E of the step element 43 is at least 50% of the distance D between the aforementioned longitudinal center axes 44 and 46. The step element 43 is formed integrally with the hinge part 12.

[0073] In an alternative, through which Fig. 16 bis 19 In the illustrated embodiment of the invention, the movable sieve bar 6 of the flap unit or the sieve bar unit 11 has a cranked profile away from the joint part. For this purpose, the sieve bar has a straight central section in its middle area, running parallel to the fixed sieve bar 6, and laterally adjoining sections that are at least partially perpendicular to it and adjoin the joint part 12. A longitudinal central axis 47 of the central section, around which the middle, straight section extends, is shown in the side view of the joint part 12. Fig. 16 / 17 a distance C that is at least 25% of the distance D. The distance D describes the distance of the central section longitudinal center axis 47 from the longitudinal center axis 44 of the fixture 48 or the sieve bar 4.

[0074] One in Fig. 21 The support axis 52, which intersects the longitudinal center axis 46 of the movable sieve bar 6 and a center position contact area 50 and is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal center axis 46, forms an angle of at least 70° with the conveying direction or the conveying surface, or, regardless of position, with the plane 42, in the center position. The center position contact area 50 is the part of the outer surface of the joint part 12 that rests on the positioning means 13 in the center position.

[0075] A harvesting machine according to the invention ( Fig. 15 The harvester, used here for harvesting potatoes, has a conveying section formed by a previously described sieve belt unit 30, with a conveying direction F that initially runs essentially against the direction of travel. The harvester has an inclination sensor (not shown) assigned to the sieve belt unit 30, which is connected to the actuating element 14 (see, among others, the diagram). Fig. 2) is coupled. The harvesting machine is designed such that an automatic adjustment of the positioning means 13 can be initiated as the measured inclination of the harvesting machine increases.

Claims

1. Screening belt unit for a harvesting machine or harvested material transportation device, in particular for a root crop harvester or a root crop transportation belt, and for screening extraneous material out of a mixture of harvested material and extraneous material, comprising a screening belt (2) having at least two endless carriers (3), preferably in the form of carrier belts or chains, between which screening bars are arranged in a direction transversely to the conveying direction F, said screening bars forming a plurality of screening bar units (11) that comprise in particular in each case at least two screening bars (4, 6), wherein at least a part of the screening bars is fixed so as to be movable relative to the endless carriers (3), characterized in that the screening belt unit (1) has a positioning means (13), which is arranged at least locally along the screening belt (2) and acts on the movable screening bars (6) and via which positioning means (13), in the screening zone S, as seen in the screening direction, a spacing A in the conveying direction F of successive screening bars is defined and in particular settable in a variable manner, wherein each screening bar unit (11) has at least one flap unit having at least one of the two screening bars (4, 6), the flap unit is pivotable or rotatable via at least one joint connected to the endless carrier (3), and the positioning means (13) is configured to influence an angular position of the flap unit in such a manner that the screening bar is pivotable up by an angle of at least 30° relative to the conveying surface.

2. Screening belt unit according to Claim 1, characterized in that the joint is provided with a flexible joint part.

3. Screening belt unit according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the positioning means (13) is configured to limit in particular gravity related pivoting or rotation of the flap units.

4. Screening belt unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning means (13) has, in the screening zone S, at least one guide surface (16) for the flap units to rest on.

5. Screening belt unit according to Claim 4, characterized in that the guide surface (16), as seen perpendicularly to the conveying direction F, is arranged next to and in particular between the endless carriers (3).

6. Screening belt unit according to Claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the guide surface (16), in order to create a selectively variable spacing A, is provided with a profiling.

7. Screening belt unit according to one of Claims 4 to 6, characterized in that at least one portion of the guide surface (16) is configured in such a manner that its spacing from a conveying surface (40), which is spanned by the longitudinal centre axes (44) of screening bars (4) that are immovable relative to the endless carriers (3), increases or decreases, in particular continuously in the conveying direction F and / or depending on a pitch angle B of the conveying surface (40).

8. Screening belt unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one adjusting member (14) is assigned to the positioning means (13), via which the spacing of at least one part, guiding the flap unit, of the positioning means (13) with respect to the endless carrier (3) is settable.

9. Screening belt unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the movable screening bars (6) is at different large spacings from the upstream or downstream immovable screening bars (4) in a central position in which the longitudinal centre axis (46) of the one movable screening bar (6) is arranged in one plane (42) with the longitudinal centre axes (44) of screening bars (4) which are arranged upstream and downstream in the conveying direction F and are immovable relative to the endless carriers (3).

10. Screening belt unit according to one of the preceding claims with the inclusion of Claim 4, characterized in that one screening bar (4) of each screening bar unit (11) is fixed to the endless carriers (3) and forms a part of two joints for the attachment of the flap unit.

11. Screening belt unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning means (13) is configured in a concurrently running manner.

12. Screening belt unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the positioning means comprises a roller.

13. Screening belt unit according to Claim 12, characterized in that the roller in the upper strand is configured to push up at least the screening bars that are fixed so as to be movable relative to the endless carriers (3).

14. Screening belt unit according to Claim 13, characterized in that the screening bars that are configured so as to be movable relative to the endless carriers (3) rest in the upper strand on the endless carriers.

15. Screening belt unit according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a plurality of positioning means.

16. Screening belt unit according to one of the preceding claims with a flap unit comprising the screening bar (6) and at least one joint part (12) configured to be fixed releasably to the further screening bar (4) of a screening bar unit (11), wherein the joint part (12) or the screening bar (6) of the flap unit has an outer surface configured to rest on a positioning means (13), wherein the flap unit has a shoulder element (43) which has the outer surface configured for resting on the positioning means (13) and has an extent E transversely to a plane (42) in which a longitudinal centre axis (46, 47) of the one screening bar (6) and a longitudinal centre axis (44) of a receptacle (48) for fixing on the further screening bar (4) are arranged, wherein the extent E corresponds to at least 25%, preferably 50%, particularly preferably 100%, of the spacing D of the longitudinal centre axes (44, 46) from each other.

17. Screen belt unit according to Claim 16, characterized in that the one screening bar (6) has a profile bent from the joint part (12), wherein, in a side view, a centre portion longitudinal centre axis (47) of a rectilinearly running portion of the one screening bar (6) is at a spacing C from the joint part (12) that is in particular at least 10%, preferably at least 25%, particularly preferably at least 50%, of the spacing D of the centre portion longitudinal centre axis (47) from the longitudinal centre axis (44) of a receptacle (48) for fixing to the further screening bar (4).

18. Screening belt unit according to one of Claims 16 or 17, comprising a screening belt having at least two endless carriers (3), preferably in the form of carrier belts or chains, between which endless carriers (3) screening bars (4, 6) are arranged in a direction transversely to the conveying direction F, and comprising a plurality of flap units.

19. Screening belt unit according to Claim 18, characterized in that the joint part (12) is configured in such a manner that the screening bar (6) is pivotable up at least in portions orthogonally to the conveying surface (40) by an angle (W) of at least 60°, from a centre position in which the longitudinal centre axis (46) of the screening bar (6) is arranged in one plane (42) with the longitudinal centre axes (44) of the screening bars (4) which are arranged upstream or downstream in the conveying direction F and are immovable relative to the endless carriers (3).

20. Screening belt unit according to Claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the joint part (12) is configured in such a manner that a supporting axis (52) which intersects the longitudinal centre axis (46) of the screening bar (6) and a central position contact region (50) of the outer surface of the joint part (12), with which the joint part (12) rests on the positioning means (13) in the central position, in which the longitudinal centre axis (46) of the screening bar (6) is arranged in one plane (42) with the longitudinal centre axes (44) of screening bars (4) which are arranged upstream or downstream in the conveying direction F and are immovable relative to the endless carriers (3), and which supporting axis (52) is arranged orthogonally to the longitudinal centre axis (46), is arranged in a manner pivoted relative to the conveying direction F, in particular by an angle of at least 45°, preferably by at least 70°, particularly preferably by at least 80°, in the central position.

21. Harvesting machine or harvested material transportation device, characterized by a screening belt unit according to one of Claims 1 to 20.

22. Harvesting machine according to Claim 21, characterized by an inclination sensor which is assigned to the screening belt unit or is surrounded by the screening belt unit and in particular is coupled to an adjusting member (14) in such a manner that, as the inclination of the harvesting machine increases, an automatic adjustment of the positioning means (13) can be initiated.