BELT

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a belt with a first belt end and a second belt end which are connected to each other. The invention also relates to a belt system with such a belt.

[0002] In agriculture, so-called round balers are used to compress straw-like crops into bales. The crop is conveyed into the baling chamber and compressed by surrounding pressing devices, such as belts, into a cylindrical bale. Once a predetermined size is reached, the bale is spread on the field. Such round balers are known, for example, from DE 10 2011 003 727 A1, EP 2 695 512 A1, US 3,964,246 A, and US 5,415,913 A. These round balers with a variable baling chamber, also referred to simply as a baling chamber, are primarily used in agriculture, but are also suitable for baling any fibrous material into round bales, such as waste, film, or fabric remnants in the waste management sector.

[0003] Press belts typically consist of a linear or planar tensile member embedded in an elastomer. This member performs the task of bale rotation while simultaneously compressing the outer material layers onto the rotating bale core. Planar textiles as well as steel cables running in the direction of movement can be used as the tensile member.

[0004] The press belts can be manufactured open and then closed, for example, by means of mechanical fasteners, either positively or materially, see, for example, US 5,415,913 A or DE 20 2006 008 946 U1. Alternatively, the press belts can also be manufactured already closed. In operation, the press belts are in any case endless and run parallel to each other.

[0005] The press belts are used in such a way that the press belt(s), by means of roller guides, rotates a "core" previously fed into the round baler via the material intake (start-up process) within the press. Subsequently, the material, continuously fed via the intake roller of the press chamber, is pressed as a layer of material onto the core, which is already rotating due to the press belt(s). Typical press chambers generally have a width of approximately 1.2 m with typical belt lengths of approximately 10 m to 15 m. These belts are guided over this continuous length by a press-specific number of rollers, averaging twelve. The belt(s) rotate at a speed of approximately 3 m / s. Lateral guidance of the belt(s) is also provided.The belt is usually implemented by the use of rigid lateral guide elements, see e.g. DE 10 2011 003 727 A1, EP 2 695 512 A1 and US 3,964,246 A.

[0006] Document DE 2 251 454 A discloses a belt made of elastic belt material and tension member reinforcements.

[0007] Document AT 199443 discloses a drive belt designed as a flat or V-belt, consisting of at least one fiber-oriented plastic belt and at least one tread belt made of tensile-strength, adhesive material connected to it.

[0008] Modern round balers typically use either a single belt (in a mono-belt baler) or up to six belts (in other models). The required belt width, assuming the entire pressing surface is covered by the belt(s), can be approximated as the ratio of the baling chamber width to the number of belts in the baler. The belts are usually driven by friction via at least one drive roller.

[0009] It is known that comparatively wide round bale press belts with widths significantly greater than approximately 220 mm and lengths greater than approximately 14 m fail more frequently when using a continuous hook connector solution under intended use than narrower round bale press belts.

[0010] One common cause of this is the build-up of baling material on individual rollers or roller sections of the round baler. This material build-up can cause the connection to buckle laterally during drum rotation, which can lead to connection failure.

[0011] Compared to conventional conveyor belt applications, which use a fixed arrangement of rollers running over relatively long distances, a round baler, as previously mentioned, has a comparatively short belt and a significantly larger number of rollers, some of which are movable to facilitate the formation of the round bale. This results in the round baler belt being subjected to a comparatively high number of load cycles. Furthermore, the rollers of a round baler have relatively small diameters. In particular, the short length and the high number of deflection points within the round baler can lead to insufficient elongation compensation of the belt to counteract externally imposed additional stretching, as well as any misalignment in the belt's joints.

[0012] These two effects can therefore lead to local dynamic load peaks, the effect of which can be a significant reduction in the dynamic connection strength.

[0013] To avoid or reduce such dynamic load peaks, narrower belts are currently used. Attempts can also be made to make the connection itself more flexible, for which more flexible rope connectors can be used instead of rigid rod connectors.

[0014] However, such rope solutions have other disadvantages, including increased hook wear, since the rope acts like a saw or file on the hook connectors, potentially leading to a different type of connection failure. Furthermore, the problem of local load peaks in the hook connection during drum rotation is not effectively solved.

[0015] Alternatively, a material-bonded connection can be used to close the press belt. For this, the ends can be overlapped vertically and joined, for example, by gluing or vulcanization. In the latter case, the width of the joint can depend on the size of the tool, which, in the case of heat vulcanization, can be a heating tool. Thus, the maximum width of the press belt is determined and therefore limited by the maximum length of the heating tool in the transverse direction of the press belt. Furthermore, the installation position of the press belt within the press can depend heavily on the spacing of the fixed rollers themselves during assembly, and consequently, this can also be a limiting factor.

[0016] One object of the present invention is to provide a belt of the type described above with an improved service life. This is to be achieved particularly for belts of round balers. This should be achieved as simply and / or cost-effectively as possible. At the very least, an alternative to known belts of this type should be provided.

[0017] According to a first aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a belt having the features of claim 1. According to a second aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a belt having the features of claim 2. And according to a third aspect of the invention, the problem is solved by a belt system, preferably a round baler, having the features of claim 15. Advantageous embodiments are described in dependent claims 3 to 14.

[0018] A belt is a flexible band used for power transmission, either closed or closable, and can also be generally referred to as a strap. Depending on the application, a belt can also be called a drive belt, conveyor belt, transport belt, or, in particular, a baler belt or round baler belt. A belt can also be a belt segment that can be connected to at least one other belt segment and, if necessary, closed to form an endless loop.

[0019] Thus, according to the first aspect, the present invention relates to a belt having a first belt end and a second belt end, wherein the two belt ends are connected to each other.

[0020] As described at the beginning, the two ends of such belts are usually connected by a connecting element that runs through the belt in the transverse direction. This connecting element can be, for example, a number of hooks, each bent approximately in a semicircle with its curves facing each other. The two open ends of each hook can, for instance, engage the belt material vertically from above and below, thus holding the hook in place. The open ends of the hooks at both belt ends can then be alternately overlapped and held together in the transverse direction by a rigid coupling element, such as a rod, creating a positive connection.

[0021] Increased alternating bending can lead to a dynamic fracture of the rigid connecting element. In cases of extreme overload, brittle fracture can also occur. Furthermore, individual hooks can pull out due to local overloading of individual hook segments during drum rotation; this can manifest as dynamic failure resulting from local overloading of individual hooks within the connecting element.

[0022] Although these disadvantages can be avoided by using a rope as a coupling element, as described at the beginning, they can lead to wear and tear on the hooks for other reasons described above, and thus do not satisfactorily increase the service life of the belt or its connection point.

[0023] The belt according to the first aspect of the invention is characterized in that the first belt end has at least a first segment and a second segment, and that the second belt end has at least a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of the first belt end is connected to the first segment of the second belt end by means of at least one connecting element, and wherein the second segment of the first belt end is connected to the second segment of the second belt end by means of at least one further connecting element, wherein the first segment of the first belt end is arranged section by section offset relative to the second segment of the first belt end in the longitudinal direction, and wherein the first segment of the second belt end is arranged section by section offset relative to the second segment of the second belt end in the longitudinal direction.More than two segments can be formed at each end of the belt.

[0024] A segment of a belt end is preferably understood to be a tab formed by the belt and extending longitudinally. Thus, the respective tab can project longitudinally beyond the rest of the associated belt. Each segment preferably has a rectangular base shape. Furthermore, each segment can have three outer edges. One of the outer edges can run transversely, while the other two can run longitudinally.

[0025] The belt, with the exception of the connecting elements, can be made entirely or partially from a fiber-reinforced rubber material. It is also preferred that the belt forms both the first and second belt ends. The belt end segments can therefore also be formed from the belt. If, with the exception of the connecting elements, the belt is preferably made entirely from the fiber-reinforced rubber material, then in this case the belt segments are also made from the same fiber-reinforced rubber material.

[0026] Preferably, the segments of a belt end run parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction, but extend to different distances. The segments opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the two belt ends are then connected to each other with their own connecting element. This allows the connection points of the respective segments to be arranged offset from each other in the longitudinal direction, so that not both connection points come into contact with a roller of a belt system on which the belt is used simultaneously. This can distribute the forces introduced into the belt along its length, as well as the impulses that can result from contact between the belt and a roller. This can increase the service life of the belt.

[0027] The segments of a belt end can have different contours or shapes, provided that this allows for a connection between the segment ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the belt. As will be described in more detail below, the segment ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the belt can be straight in the transverse direction, so that a hook connection, in particular, can be used as a connecting element. However, the segment ends opposite each other in the longitudinal direction of the belt can also be angled, serrated, corrugated, wedge-shaped, stepped, or similar, so that a material-bonded connection, e.g., by gluing, cold vulcanization, or hot vulcanization, can be used. This allows the length of the connection to be increased and thus improves its stability and durability.

[0028] In particular, this allows the orientation of the seam strip of the fabric-bonded connection to the direction of travel of the press belt to be influenced, so that, for example, if the seam strip is oriented at an angle to the direction of travel, it only makes contact with the roller or detaches from the roller at specific points. This allows the impulses to be distributed across the length of the connection, which can also have a positive effect on the stability and durability of the connection.

[0029] The segmentation of the connection, including the belt ends, allows for easy local displacement of the longitudinally connected segments, thus facilitating expansion compensation of the segments that are displaced from the load, i.e., twisted out. This can lead to a reduction in stress on the respective coupling element, particularly when using a rigid connecting rod, and the tensile load that is transmitted, for example, via this rod between the individual hooks. This can increase the service life of the belt and its connection points.

[0030] Another advantage is that the use of an additional friction pair between the hook and rope, which would otherwise be required by a rope connector, can be avoided. In other words, a rigid coupling element, such as a rigid rod, can be used, since its disadvantages described earlier can be avoided or at least reduced by dividing the connection point. This eliminates the disadvantages of a flexible coupling element, such as a rope.

[0031] Another advantage is that the previously known and proven hook crimping technology with connector widths of up to approx. 220 mm can still be used for belts with significantly larger overall widths, since individual connection points of this width can be crimped.

[0032] For existing round baler types with a reduced number of press belts but a wider, endlessly wound belt design, this method offers a technical solution for potential field repairs, such as in the event of belt damage caused by external factors. This solution is both manufacturable and easy to service, allowing for the insertion of a replacement belt according to the invention into the round baler without significant assembly effort. Furthermore, it also enables the replacement of individual belts within an existing belt set in such a round baler.

[0033] The present invention can be applied to any type of belt, strap, and conveyor belt solution subjected to high stress, particularly those with numerous load cycles and an unfavorable width-to-length ratio, especially where the width-to-length ratio is significantly greater than 0.15, and is particularly advantageous in such applications for the reasons described above. These advantages are especially relevant for round balers with a variable baling chamber designed using baling belts, both in the agricultural and waste management sectors.

[0034] For the belt according to the first aspect of the invention, it is also provided that the first segment of the first belt end and the second segment of the first belt end are separated from each other in the transverse direction by a material interruption and / or the first segment of the second belt end and the second segment of the second belt end are separated from each other in the transverse direction by a material interruption.

[0035] Preferably, at least one of the two opposing belt ends, or both opposing belt ends, is formed in at least two segments, such that each belt end has at least two segments arranged parallel to each other and extending at least substantially in the longitudinal direction. The longitudinally opposite segments of the two belt ends are then connected to each other by their own connecting element. More than two segments per belt end can also be formed by means of appropriate material breaks.

[0036] The segments of a belt end are separated from each other transversely by a material break, which can be achieved by a longitudinal cut through the belt material or by a material recess, also known as a gap. The two connecting elements are also separated from each other transversely, and these two connecting elements can be designed separately and used independently. Preferably, the connection between the two belt ends is divided into at least two or more separate segment sections.

[0037] Segmenting the connection, including the belt ends, by creating such a material break can facilitate local displacement of the longitudinally connected segments and thus improve the compensation of expansion caused by the segments disengaging from the stress (i.e., twisting out), as the connecting elements gain greater freedom of movement due to the material break. This can lead to a particularly effective reduction of stress on the respective coupling element, especially when using a rigid connecting rod, and the tensile load transmitted, for example, via this rod between the individual hooks. This can further increase the service life of the belt and its connection points.

[0038] The belt according to the second aspect of the invention is characterized in that the two belt ends are connected to each other, wherein the first belt end has at least a first segment and a second segment, wherein the second belt end has at least a first segment and a second segment, wherein the first segment of the first belt end is connected to the first segment of the second belt end by means of at least one connecting element, and wherein the second segment of the first belt end is connected to the second segment of the second belt end by means of at least one further connecting element.and wherein the first segment of the first belt end and the second segment of the first belt end are separated from each other in the transverse direction by a material break, and the first segment of the second belt end and the second segment of the second belt end are separated from each other in the transverse direction by a material break.

[0039] For the belt according to the second aspect of the invention, reference is made to the preceding explanations, preferred features, effects, and advantages at least analogously to those previously described for the belt according to the first aspect of the invention, with the exception of the explanations relating to the longitudinal offset of the segments. This is because the belt according to the second aspect of the invention is further characterized in that the first segment of the first belt end is arranged without longitudinal offset relative to the second segment of the first belt end, and the first segment of the second belt end is also arranged without longitudinal offset relative to the second segment of the second belt end.

[0040] The first and second segments of the first belt end can extend the same distance longitudinally. They can therefore project the same distance beyond the rest of the belt along its length. If both segments of the first belt end have a rectangular shape, their ends furthest from the belt can be aligned transversely. These segment ends are therefore not offset from each other longitudinally. Rather, they are arranged without any offset along the length.

[0041] The preceding, preferred explanations can apply, at least analogously, to the first and second segment ends of the second belt end. It is preferably provided that the first and second segments of the second belt end extend the same distance longitudinally. They can therefore project the same distance beyond the rest of the belt in the longitudinal direction. If both segments of the second belt end have a rectangular base shape, their segment ends facing away from the belt can be aligned transversely. These segment ends are therefore not offset from each other in the longitudinal direction. Rather, they are arranged without any offset in the longitudinal direction.

[0042] The segments of each of the two belt ends are separated from each other in the transverse direction by a corresponding break in the material. This means that the two connecting elements are also separated from each other in the transverse direction. The two connecting elements are therefore designed separately.

[0043] The segments at the belt ends and the separately designed connecting elements ensure easy local deflection of the longitudinally connected segments and thus facilitate the compensation of expansion caused by the longitudinally connected segments deflecting from the load, i.e., twisting out, since the connecting elements gain a greater range of motion due to the material interruption. This can lead to a particularly effective reduction of the respective coupling element, especially when using a rigid connecting rod, and the tensile load that is transmitted, for example, via this rod between the individual hooks. This can further increase the service life of the belt and its connection points.

[0044] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first aspect of the invention, the connecting element between the first segments of the two belt ends is arranged longitudinally offset by a predetermined distance relative to the connecting element between the second segments of the two belt ends. This allows the previously described properties of an offset arrangement of the two connection points to be predetermined and thus defined.

[0045] According to a further advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first aspect of the invention, the longitudinal offset is selected such that, when the belt is used on a belt system, only one connecting element can be in contact with a roller of the belt system at any given time. In other words, the two connecting points are sufficiently far apart longitudinally so that one of the two connecting points is always without contact with a roller, even if the other connecting point is in contact with a roller at that moment. Preferably, the two connecting points or the two connecting elements are not further apart longitudinally than necessary for this purpose. In any case, the corresponding arrangement can be made by a person skilled in the art, depending on the application for which the belt is intended, as described above.

[0046] In this way, it can be ensured that the forces or momentum of a contact between a connecting element or connection point and a roller can only act simultaneously on the connecting element or connection point of one segment, since the other parallel segment itself has continuous contact with the roller and therefore no forces or momentum can act on its connecting element or connection point. This can relieve the connecting element in contact with the roller of forces or momentum and thus increase its service life.

[0047] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the two belt ends are connected to each other exclusively in the longitudinal direction. This can promote force transmission in the longitudinal direction as the direction of movement of the belt and help to avoid forces acting in the transverse direction, which could lead to the belt running at an angle.

[0048] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first segment of the first belt end is connected exclusively to the first segment of the second belt end, and the second segment of the first belt end is connected exclusively to the second segment of the second belt end. This reliably prevents force transmission in the transverse direction, so that the previously described evasive movements of the two longitudinally connected segments relative to each other can occur reliably in the transverse direction and / or over the greatest possible length.

[0049] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the segments of the first belt end are separated from one another by a first material discontinuity, and the segments of the second belt end are separated from one another by a second material discontinuity. The first and second material discontinuities can form a common material discontinuity. The common material discontinuity can thus extend from the first belt end to the second belt end. Due to the preferably separate design of the connecting elements, the material discontinuity can also extend through a gap between the connecting elements. The common material discontinuity can thus form a common, continuous material discontinuity.

[0050] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the segments of the first belt end and the segments of the second belt end are separated from each other by a common material discontinuity. This can allow a material discontinuity over the entire length of the segments connected to each other longitudinally, relative to each other in the transverse direction. In particular, the deflection can occur over the entire length and thus lead to the most effective possible compensation.

[0051] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the material interruption(s) is formed as a recess(s) between the two belt ends. This creates additional clearance in the transverse direction, which can improve deflection, thus enabling the most effective compensation possible.

[0052] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first segment of the first belt end is spaced transversely from the second segment of the first belt end by the recess, and the first segment of the second belt end is spaced transversely from the second segment of the second belt end by the recess. This allows the previously described properties and advantages to be implemented particularly effectively.

[0053] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first segment of the first belt end has a first, average segment width in the transverse direction, wherein the recess between the first segment of the first belt end and the second segment of the first belt end has a first, average recess width in the transverse direction that is smaller than the first segment width. At the belt ends, force transmission in the longitudinal direction of the belt can only occur via the segments of the belt ends. The smaller the recesses or the material interruptions, the greater the forces that can be transmitted in the longitudinal direction via the segments of the belt ends. By making the first segment wider than the recess between the first and second segments, a large force transmission in the longitudinal direction can be ensured. This is particularly true if the first and second segments are of the same width.

[0054] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first segment width is between 1450 mm and 1550 mm, preferably between 1100 mm and 1180 mm, particularly preferably between 520 mm and 590 mm, and more preferably between 350 mm and 390 mm. The second segment of the first belt end can have a second, middle segment width in the transverse direction. The first segment of the second belt end can have a third, middle segment width in the transverse direction. The second segment of the second belt end can have a fourth, middle segment width in the transverse direction. The second, third, and fourth segment widths can each correspond to the first segment width. Thus, oppositely arranged segments can have the same width.

[0055] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first recess width is between 5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm, and particularly preferably 20 mm. The recess between the first segment of the second belt end and the second segment of the second belt end can have a second, intermediate recess width in the transverse direction. Preferably, the first and second recess widths are at least substantially the same. The first and / or second recess widths are significantly smaller compared to the first segment width and the third segment width, respectively. This allows for a particularly high force transmission in the longitudinal direction of the belt.

[0056] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first recess width is a maximum of 50% of the first segment width, preferably a maximum of 25% of the first segment width, and particularly preferably a maximum of 10% of the first segment width. A corresponding value can apply to the second recess width in relation to the third segment width. The first and / or second recess width is thus effectively limited to allow for high force transmission in the longitudinal direction of the belt.

[0057] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first recess width is at least 2% of the first segment width, preferably at least 5% of the first segment width, or particularly preferably at least 10% of the first segment width. The same applies to the second recess width in relation to the third segment width.

[0058] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first segment of the first belt end and the second segment of the first belt end are at least substantially the same width in the transverse direction. This allows for a symmetrical connection between the first belt end and the second belt end. Furthermore, this embodiment permits a common, continuous gap in the material between the first and second belt ends.

[0059] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first segment of the second belt end has a second, middle segment width in the transverse direction, wherein the recess between the first segment of the second belt end and the second segment of the second belt end has a second, middle recess width in the transverse direction that is smaller than the second segment width. Reference is made analogously to the advantages and technical effects already explained in connection with the first segment width for this embodiment.

[0060] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first segment of the first belt end and the first segment of the second belt end are at least substantially the same width in the transverse direction, and the second segment of the first belt end and the second segment of the second belt end are at least substantially the same width in the transverse direction. This embodiment can also ensure a symmetrical connection between the belt ends and allow for a common, continuous material break. Furthermore, a symmetrical distribution of the forces acting in the longitudinal direction can be ensured, which at least supports good concentricity.

[0061] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the first recess width and the second recess width are at least substantially the same in the transverse direction. The aforementioned advantages and technical effects apply analogously to this embodiment.

[0062] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the recess(s) have a circular widening at least on one side, preferably on both sides, at the end of their longitudinal extent. This allows forces to be transmitted more effectively within the belt or within the belt material. This can help to avoid force peaks that could lead to stresses on the belt or its material, which could damage it.

[0063] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, each belt end is formed by a belt body. In other words, each belt end is itself free of connecting and / or reinforcing elements, so that the respective connecting element, which preferably consists of a plurality of hooks per belt end or per segment end and a rigid coupling element arranged in the transverse direction, such as a rod, can be arranged directly on the belt end or on the material of the belt end or segment end, or on its body. This can keep the number of elements per belt to a minimum, which can reduce costs in terms of material and assembly.

[0064] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, the connecting elements are each partially arranged at each belt end, fixedly connected to the respective belt end, and rotatable about the axis of the transverse direction. This allows at least some of the aspects described above to be implemented.

[0065] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, at least one connecting element, preferably all connecting elements, is designed as a hook connection. This allows the previously described properties and advantages of hook connections to be utilized.

[0066] According to an advantageous embodiment of the belt according to the first and / or second aspect of the invention, at least one connecting element, preferably all connecting elements, is designed as a material-bonded connection, preferably as a vulcanization connection. This allows the previously described properties and advantages of material-bonded connections to be utilized.

[0067] The third aspect of the invention relates to a belt drive system, preferably a round baler, with at least one belt according to the first or second aspect of the invention and / or one of the associated advantageous embodiments. In this way, the properties and advantages described above can be utilized in a belt drive system. These properties and advantages can be particularly advantageous in a round baler as described above.

[0068] Two embodiments relating to the first aspect of the invention, one embodiment relating to the second aspect of the invention, and further advantages of the invention are explained below in connection with the following figures. These figures show: Fig. 1 a schematic top view of a belt according to the invention in a first embodiment according to the first aspect of the invention; Fig. 2 a schematic side view of the belt according to the invention. Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a schematic top view of an exemplary belt not according to the invention; Fig. 4 a schematic perspective view of a belt system in the form of a round baler with two belts according to the invention in the first embodiment; and Fig. 5 a schematic top view of a belt according to the invention in a first embodiment according to the second aspect of the invention.

[0069] The above figures are described in Cartesian coordinates with a longitudinal direction X, a transverse direction Y perpendicular to the longitudinal direction X, and a vertical direction Z perpendicular to both the longitudinal direction X and the transverse direction Y. The longitudinal direction X can also be referred to as depth X, the transverse direction Y as width Y, and the vertical direction Z as height Z.

[0070] Fig. 1 shows a schematic top view of a belt 1 according to a first embodiment according to the invention. Fig. 2 shows a schematic side view of the belt 1 according to the invention. Fig. 1 The belt 1 can be used in particular in a round baler (2) and can then be referred to as a press belt 1 or also as a round baler press belt 1.

[0071] Belt 1 extends essentially in the longitudinal direction X, which is also the direction of movement of belt 1 during operation. In the transverse direction Y, belt 1 extends by more than 0.15 times its longitudinal extent. Belt 1 is comparatively thin in height Z, see [reference]. Figuren 1 und 2 .

[0072] The belt 1 has a belt body 10, which essentially consists of an elastomeric material in which a tension member extending in the longitudinal direction X, in the form of a textile fabric (not shown), is embedded. Alternatively, steel cables or other elongated elements such as threads, cords, and the like made of synthetic fibers and / or natural fibers can also be used as tension members.

[0073] The belt 1, or rather its belt body 10, has two belt ends 11 and 12 in its open (i.e., not endless) state, which are straight in the transverse direction Y. In the longitudinal direction X, the first belt end 11 transitions into a first segment 13 and a second segment 14 (shown as dashed lines), which are arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction X. Similarly, in the longitudinal direction X, the second belt end 12 transitions into a first segment 15 and a second segment 16 (shown as dashed lines), which are also arranged parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction X.

[0074] The first segment 13 of the first belt end 11 has a first segment body 13a of the first belt end 11, which terminates in the longitudinal direction X with a first segment end 13b of the first belt end 11. The second segment 14 of the first belt end 11 correspondingly has a second segment body 14a of the first belt end 11, which terminates in the longitudinal direction X with a second segment end 14b of the first belt end 11. The two segments 13, 14 of the first belt end 11, or rather their segment bodies 13a, 14a and their segment ends 13b, 14b, extend to different distances in the longitudinal direction X from the continuous belt body 10 of the first belt end 11 to the second belt end 12. As a result, the segment ends 13b, 14b of the first belt end 11 have an offset D to each other in the longitudinal direction X.

[0075] Similarly, the first segment 15 of the second belt end 12 has a first segment body 15a of the second belt end 12, which terminates in the longitudinal direction X with a first segment end 15b of the second belt end 12. The second segment 16 of the second belt end 12 correspondingly has a second segment body 16a of the second belt end 12, which terminates in the longitudinal direction X with a second segment end 16b of the second belt end 12. The two segments 15, 16 of the second belt end 12, or rather their segment bodies 15a, 16a and their segment ends 15b, 16b, extend to different distances in the longitudinal direction X from the continuous belt body 10 of the second belt end 12 to the first belt end 11. As a result, the segment ends 15b, 16b of the second belt end 12 have the same offset D in the longitudinal direction X to each other as the segment ends 13b, 14b of the first belt end 11.

[0076] The first segment 13 of the first belt end 11 is connected in the longitudinal direction X to the first segment 15 of the second belt end 12 by means of a connecting element 17. The connecting element 17 is designed as a hook connection 17 (not shown in detail). Likewise, the second segment 14 of the first belt end 11 is connected to the second segment 16 of the second belt end 12 by means of another connecting element 17.

[0077] In the transverse direction Y, between the first segment 13 of the first belt end 11, the first segment 15 of the second belt end 12, and its connecting element 17 on one side, and the second segment 14 of the first belt end 11, the second segment 16 of the second belt end 12, and its connecting element 17 on the opposite side, a material interruption 18 extends centrally in the transverse direction Y in the form of a common recess 18 in the longitudinal direction X, such that the two first segments 13, 15 of the two belt ends 11, 12 and the two second segments 14, 16 of the two belt ends 11, 12 run parallel to each other in the longitudinal direction X and are separated from each other in the transverse direction Y by the recess 18. The two ends of the common recess 18 each have a circular widening 19, which serves to distribute the force flow more evenly at that point.

[0078] By segmenting the two belt ends 11, 12 into two parallel segments 13, 14, 15, 16, and especially by the common recess 18 between the segments 13, 14, 15, 16, the belt 1 can deflect in this area in the face of external influences. In particular, with comparatively wide belts 1, the behavior of belts 1 half as wide can be achieved in this area. This can increase the service life of the belt 1, especially with comparatively wide belts 1.

[0079] The simultaneous offset D in the longitudinal direction X also ensures that the two connecting elements 17 come into contact with a roller of a belt system (not shown) at different times during operation, so that the forces or impulses acting on the belt 1 are each lower and occur at different times, thus reducing the impact on the belt 1. This can also increase the service life of the belt 1.

[0080] Selecting the offset D in such a way that only one of the two connecting elements 17 can be in contact with a roller of the belt system at any given time during operation can further enhance the properties and advantages described above.

[0081] Fig. 3 Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of an exemplary belt 1 that does not conform to the invention. The belt 1 differs according to the... Fig. 3 merely by virtue of the belt 1 of the first embodiment according to the Fig. 1 , that in the case of belt 1 of the second embodiment according to the Fig. 3 The first segment 13 of the first belt end 11 and the second segment 14 of the first belt end 11 are not separated from each other in the transverse direction Y by a recess 18. This applies accordingly to the first segment 15 of the second belt end 12 and the second segment 16 of the second belt end 12. Rather, the recess 18 extends only between the second segment 14 of the first belt end 11 and the first segment 15 of the second belt end 12. This can simplify and accelerate the implementation. It can also save effort and thus costs.

[0082] Fig. 4 Figure 1 shows a schematic perspective view of a belt system 2 in the form of a round baler 2 with two belts 1 according to the invention, as described in the first embodiment. The two belts 1 run parallel to each other inside the round baler 2 and can together hold harvested material such as hay between them in order to press it into a round bale 3.

[0083] The hook connections 17 are, as previously described, offset from each other in the longitudinal direction X as the direction of movement of the belt 1 in operation, so that only one of the two hook connections 17 of a belt 1 can simultaneously come into contact with one of the rollers 20 which belong to a roller guide 20 of the round baler 2.

[0084] Furthermore, the two belts 1 are arranged with their hook connections 17 offset from each other in the longitudinal direction X such that, due to this arrangement, only one of the four hook connections 17 of both belts 1 can come into contact with one of the rollers 20 at any given time. This allows the previously described aspects of a belt 1 according to the invention to also be applied to the arrangement of several belts 1 according to the invention relative to each other.

[0085] Fig. 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic top view of a belt 1 according to a further embodiment of the invention. The belt 1 is made from the Fig. 5 This corresponds to the belt according to the first execution play, which in Fig. 1 The diagram shows, with the exception that segments 13, 14 and segments 15, 16 are not offset in the longitudinal direction X. Rather, in the exemplary embodiment shown... Fig. 5It is provided that the first segment 13 of the first belt end 11 is arranged without offset in the longitudinal direction X relative to the second segment 14 of the first belt end 11, and that the first segment 15 of the second belt end 12 is arranged without offset in the longitudinal direction X relative to the second segment 16 of the second belt end 12.

[0086] The first segment 13 of the first belt end 11 has a first segment body 13a of the first belt end 11, which terminates in the longitudinal direction X with a first segment end 13b of the first belt end 11. The second segment 14 of the first belt end 11 correspondingly has a second segment body 14a of the first belt end 11, which terminates in the longitudinal direction X with a second segment end 14b of the first belt end 11. Both segments 13, 14 of the first belt end 11, or its segment bodies 13a, 14a, or its segment ends 13b, 14b, extend the same distance in the longitudinal direction X from the continuous belt body 10 of the first belt end 11 to the second belt end 12. As a result, the segment ends 13b, 14b of the first belt end 11 do not have an offset to each other in the longitudinal direction X, but the segment ends 13b, 14b are aligned in the transverse direction Y.

[0087] Similarly, the first segment 15 of the second belt end 12 has a first segment body 15a of the second belt end 12, which terminates in the longitudinal direction X with a first segment end 15b of the second belt end 12. The second segment 16 of the second belt end 12 correspondingly has a second segment body 16a of the second belt end 12, which terminates in the longitudinal direction X with a second segment end 16b of the second belt end 12. The two segments 15, 16 of the second belt end 12, or rather their segment bodies 15a, 16a and their segment ends 15b, 16b, extend the same distance in the longitudinal direction X from the continuous belt body 10 of the second belt end 12 to the first belt end 11. As a result, the segment ends 15b, 16b of the second belt end 12 do not have an offset D to each other in the longitudinal direction X, but the segment ends 15b, 16b are aligned in the transverse direction Y.

[0088] By segmenting the two belt ends 11, 12 into two parallel segments 13, 14, 15, 16, and especially by the common recess 18 between the segments 13, 14, 15, 16, the belt 1 can deflect in this area in the face of external influences. In particular, with comparatively wide belts 1, the behavior of belts 1 half as wide can be achieved in this area. This can increase the service life of the belt 1, especially with comparatively wide belts 1. Reference symbol list (part of the description)

[0089] Offset between connecting elements 17 in longitudinal direction; X L longitudinal direction; Depth Y transverse direction; Width Z vertical direction; Height 1 Belt; Press belt; Round bale press belt 10 (elastomeric) belt body 11 First belt end 12 Second belt end 13 First segment of the first belt end 11 13 First segment body of the first belt end 11 13 Uppermost segment end of the first belt end 11 14 Second segment of the first belt end 11 14 Second segment body of the first belt end 11 14b Second segment end of the first belt end 11 15 First segment of the second belt end 12 15 First segment body of the second belt end 12 15 Uppermost segment end of the second belt end 12 16 Second segment of the second belt end 12 16a Second segment body of the second belt end 12 16b Second segment end of the second belt end 12 17 Connecting elements; Hook connections 18 (Common) material break; (common) recess 19 circular widenings of the material interruption 18 2 belt system; round baler 20 roller guide; rollers 3 round bales

Claims

1. A belt (1), having a first belt end (11), and having a second belt end (12), wherein the two belt ends (11, 12) are joined to each other, wherein the first belt end (11) has at least a first segment (13) and a second segment (14), wherein the second belt end (12) has at least a first segment (15) and a second segment (16), wherein the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) is joined to the first segment (15) of the second belt end (12) by means of at least one joining element (17), and wherein the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) is joined to the second segment (16) of the second belt end (12) by means of at least one further joining element (17), wherein the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) is arranged offset in sections with respect to the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) in the longitudinal direction (X), and wherein the first segment (15) of the second belt end (12) is arranged offset in sections with respect to the second segment (16) of the second belt end (12) in the longitudinal direction (X), characterized in that the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) and the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) are separated from one another in the transverse direction (Y) by a material interruption (18), and / or in that the first segment (15) of the second belt end (12) and the second segment (16) of the second belt end (12) are separated from one another in the transverse direction (Y) by a material interruption (18).

2. A belt (1), having a first belt end (11), and having a second belt end (12), wherein the two belt ends (11, 12) are joined to each other, wherein the first belt end (11) has at least a first segment (13) and a second segment (14), wherein the second belt end (12) has at least a first segment (15) and a second segment (16), wherein the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) is joined to the first segment (15) of the second belt end (12) by means of at least one joining element (17), and wherein the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) is joined to the second segment (16) of the second belt end (12) by means of at least one further joining element (17), wherein the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) is arranged without offset with respect to the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) in the longitudinal direction (X), wherein the first segment (15) of the second belt end (12) is arranged without offset with respect to the second segment (16) of the second belt end (12) in the longitudinal direction (X), characterized in that the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) and the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) are separated from one another in the transverse direction (Y) by a material interruption (18), and in that the first segment (15) of the second belt end (12) and the second segment (16) of the second belt end (12) are separated from one another in the transverse direction (Y) by a material interruption (18).

3. The belt (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the joining element (17) is arranged between the first segments (13, 15) of the two belt ends (11, 12) offset in the longitudinal direction (X) by a predetermined offset (D) relative to the joining element (17) between the second segments (14, 16) of the two belt ends (11, 12).

4. The belt (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) is joined exclusively to the first segment (15) of the second belt end (12), and that the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) is joined exclusively to the second segment (16) of the second belt end (12).

5. The belt (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the segments (13, 14) of the first belt end (11) and the segments (15, 16) of the second belt end (12) are separated from one another by a common material interruption (18).

6. The belt (1), according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the material interruption (18) or material interruptions (18) is / are formed as a recess (18) or recesses (18), preferably also between the two belt ends (11, 12).

7. The belt (1) according to claim 6, characterized in that the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) is arranged at a distance from the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) by the recess (18) in the transverse direction (Y), and in that the first segment (15) of the second belt end (12) is arranged at a distance from the second segment (16) of the second belt end (12) by the recess (18) in the transverse direction (Y).

8. The belt according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) has a first, average segment width (T1) in the transverse direction (Y), wherein the recess (18) between the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) and the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) has a first, average recess width (S) in the transverse direction (Y), which is smaller than the first segment width (T1).

9. The belt according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the first segment width (T1) is between 1450 mm and 1550 mm, preferably between 1100 mm and 1180 mm, particularly preferably between 520 mm and 590 mm, more preferably between 350 mm and 390 mm.

10. The belt according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 9, characterized in that the first recess width (S) is preferably between 5 mm and 50 mm, preferably between 10 mm and 30 mm, particularly preferably 20 mm.

11. The belt according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 10, characterized in that the first recess width (S) is at most 50% of the first segment width (T1), preferably at most 25% of the first segment width (T1), particularly preferably at most 10% of the first segment width (T1).

12. The belt according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the first recess width (S) is at least 2% of the first segment width (T1), preferably at least 5% of the first segment width (T1), particularly preferably at least 10% of the first segment width (T1).

13. The belt according to one of the preceding claims 8 to 12, characterized in that the first segment (13) of the first belt end (11) and the second segment (14) of the first belt end (11) have at least substantially the same width in the transverse direction (Y).

14. The belt (1) according to any one of claims 6 to 13, characterized in that the recess (18) or recesses (18) has / have a circular widening (19) in the longitudinal direction (X) at least on one side, preferably on both sides, at the end of its extension.

15. A belt system (2), preferably a round baler (2), with at least one belt (1) according to any one of the preceding claims.