FEEDING DEVICE FOR AN AGRICULTURAL MACHINE

Description

[0001] The invention relates to an agricultural machine with a conveying device having the features of claim 1.

[0002] Conveyor systems, e.g. belt conveyors or roller conveyors, are known for conveying materials, e.g. bulk material or individual objects. As a belt conveyor, for example, these have one or more driven conveyor belts which transport the materials over short or long distances and / or over inclines. The conveyor systems can have distribution and / or steering devices in order to transport the materials to different locations via a conveyor network of the conveyor system. Sorting systems are also known which detect the conveyed materials on the conveyor system in order to distribute or separate them. Conveyor systems are also known in agriculture, for example for conveying a harvested product, e.g. grain, from a cutting and / or mowing device to a processing plant on the agricultural machine.The conveyor system is designed, for example, as a chain conveyor, with a safety system designed to detect foreign bodies in the crop and separate them out.

[0003] The document DE 10 2004 035 928 A1 shows an agricultural machine with a protective device in the catchment area of ​​a working element. The protective device has a foreign body detector for detecting foreign bodies in the crop flow. The foreign body detector consists of several sensing elements arranged side by side perpendicular to the direction of travel of the agricultural machine. The sensing elements detect the foreign bodies independently of one another with spatial resolution.

[0004] JP 4 603517 B2 discloses a technical system for producing veneer from a tree trunk. It includes a sensor, a cutting roller, and conveyor belts that are foldable for sorting. The design of the system in the drawings suggests a rather stationary system. The logs are easier to transport to the system than the system to the forest and the veneer rolls from the forest.

[0005] The invention is based on the object of creating an agricultural machine with a conveying device which has increased detection reliability and is characterized by a low waste of material when ejecting the foreign body.

[0006] This object is achieved by an agricultural machine with the conveying device having the features of claim 1. Preferred or advantageous embodiments of the invention emerge from the subclaims, the following description and / or the attached figures.

[0007] The invention relates to an agricultural machine with a conveying device for conveying a material flow of a material, in particular a material flow of a harvested crop. Preferably, the conveying device conveys a continuous material flow made up of the material. For example, the material is in the form of above-ground biomass of plants and / or plant stalks, wherein the material flow through the loosely connected material is in the form of a type of material mesh and / or mat. A material flow is generally understood to mean a moving material which can be conveyed from a receiving point to one or more removal points of the conveying device. In principle, any harvested crop and / or by-product can be conveyed as material using the conveying device. The material is particularly preferably in the form of hay, straw and / or grass silage.

[0008] The agricultural machine is preferably suitable for collecting and / or harvesting the material on an agricultural field and transferring it to the conveying device for conveying. The agricultural machine preferably has a processing device, wherein the conveying device is designed to convey the material flow to the processing device. The agricultural machine or the processing device is designed, for example, as a baler, wherein the baler is designed to collect the loose material and to press or wrap it into bales or packs of material. The conveying device is preferably connected and / or designed in a conveying manner between a material receiving device and the processing device of the agricultural machine.Alternatively, the conveying device has means for receiving the material, so that the conveying device is connected and / or designed in front of the agricultural machine or the processing device in terms of conveying technology.

[0009] The conveying device has at least one conveyor track for conveying the material flow. The conveyor track is preferably designed as a straight track and / or path, wherein the conveyor track essentially represents the path and / or distance over which the material is conveyed and / or can be conveyed by the conveying device. The conveyor track is preferably designed to be inclined, so that the material flow is conveyed and / or can be conveyed over an incline by the conveying device. For example, the conveyor track on the agricultural machine is arranged at an angle to overcome a height difference between the agricultural area and / or the material receiving device and the processing device.

[0010] Furthermore, the conveyor track defines a conveying direction for the material flow. The conveyor track preferably has the receiving point and the removal point, wherein the material flow can be conveyed in the conveying direction from the receiving point to the removal point. The conveyor track is preferably designed to guide the material flow, wherein the conveyor track preferably has lateral boundary sections. The boundary sections are suitable for guiding the material flow and / or compressing it. For example, the lateral boundary sections are arranged in a funnel shape on the conveyor track, so that the material flow is compressed as it moves past.

[0011] The conveying device has at least one belt conveyor for conveying the material flow, wherein the belt conveyor is arranged within the conveyor track. The belt conveyor is preferably designed as a continuous conveyor, wherein the belt conveyor preferably has at least one conveyor belt. The conveyor belt is preferably designed as a belt, e.g. a rubberized belt, wherein the conveyor belt is designed as an endless belt. The belt conveyor has at least one drive unit for driving the conveyor belt. For example, the drive unit drives one or more rollers of the belt conveyor, wherein the rollers are rotatably arranged within the conveyor belt for endless circulation of the conveyor belt. Optionally, the conveyor belt is designed as an inclined or steep conveyor belt, wherein the conveyor belt has a plurality of transverse slats for entraining the material flow.

[0012] The belt conveyor device is arranged within the conveyor track, wherein the belt conveyor device is preferably arranged at least in one section of the conveyor track for conveying the material flow. For example, the belt conveyor device is arranged on a bottom-side section of the conveyor track, wherein the material flow can be conveyed on the conveyor belt above the belt conveyor device. Preferably, one or more belt conveyor devices form the conveyor track. Alternatively, the belt conveyor device is arranged on a lateral section of the conveyor track, wherein the belt conveyor device has, for example, the transverse slats and / or transport webs for conveying the material flow along the conveyor track.

[0013] Furthermore, the belt conveyor device has an ejection section for pivoting out of the conveyor track. The ejection section is preferably designed as an end section of the belt conveyor device, wherein the belt conveyor device is designed with the ejection section for ejecting material. In particular, the belt conveyor device has a pivoting section, wherein the pivoting section is operatively connected to the ejection section, wherein the pivoting section is arranged to remain within the conveyor track when the ejection section is pivoted out. The pivoting section preferably has a pivot axis, wherein the belt conveyor device is designed to be pivotable about the pivot axis in order to pivot the ejection section out of the conveyor track. The ejection section is preferably designed downstream of the pivoting section in the conveying direction.In the conveying direction, adjacent belt conveyors behind and / or in front of the discharge section can be combined into a single belt conveyor. The conveyor track is then considered to be an imaginary conveyor track.

[0014] Furthermore, it is provided that the belt conveyor device is designed to be pivotable from the conveyor track in order to divert the material flow from the conveying direction into an ejection direction. The ejection direction is preferably offset from the conveying direction by an angle of at least 30°, preferably of at least 45°, in particular of at least 60°. The conveying direction preferably guides the material flow further to the agricultural machine and / or the processing device of the agricultural machine, wherein the ejection direction is designed such that the material flow is guided out of the conveying device and / or the agricultural machine. The belt conveyor device is pivotable in the ejection direction and / or defines this direction by the pivoting direction.For example, the belt conveyor device continuously conveys the material along the conveyor track in the direction of conveyance, whereby when the belt conveyor device is pivoted out of the conveyor track, the material flow is diverted in the ejection direction for ejection from the conveyor device.

[0015] Within the scope of the invention, it is proposed that the conveying device has at least one cutting device in order to separate the material flow during conveyance in the ejection direction from the material flow conveyed in the conveying direction. The cutting device is suitable, for example, for separating the material flow in a separating process. For example, the cutting device separates the material flow in a machining production process, e.g. by sawing, and / or in a separating process, such as e.g. by shearing. The cutting device preferably has a plurality of cutting blades for cutting in order to cut the material flow along the ejection direction, in particular along the ejection direction. The material flow can be guided in the ejection direction by pivoting the belt conveyor device, wherein the material flow is fed and / or can be fed to the cutting device for separating material.The cutting device is preferably arranged stationary on the conveyor device, so that the material flow, during conveyance in the ejection direction, is cut and / or can be cut by the stationary cutting blades for cutting longitudinally with respect to the ejection direction. The cutting blades are preferably designed as rotary cutting blades or as saw and / or cutting blades, wherein the cutting blades are rotatably arranged on the cutting device. Alternatively, the cutting blades are designed as cutting bars and / or separating blades and / or shearing blades for splitting, shearing, or punching. The cutting blades are preferably arranged adjacent to the conveyor track.Particularly preferably, the cutting device has at least two cutting blades, with at least one cutting blade being arranged at the edge of the conveyor track, such that the at least two cutting blades are arranged parallel to one another on two opposite sides of the conveyor track. Particularly preferably, the cutting device only separates the material flow during conveying in the ejection direction, with the material flow being continuous during conveying in the conveying direction. The cutting device is preferably arranged on the conveying device for separating the material flow in the conveying direction from another material flow in the ejection direction. For example, the material flow is formed from a continuously conveyed and continuous material, with the material flow being cut and / or cuttable by the cutting device during diversion from the conveying direction into the ejection direction.

[0016] It is advantageous that the conveying device with the belt conveyor is designed to divert the material flow from the conveying direction into the ejection direction, wherein the conveying device has the cutting device in order to separate the material flow from coherent material, e.g. straw, during diversion, thus creating a conveying device which is particularly resistant to disruptions, e.g. material jams, during conveying and / or diverting of the material flow. It is particularly advantageous that by diverting in the ejection direction, a conveying device is created which can eject material containing foreign bodies, e.g. stones or metallic objects, so that the agricultural machine is protected from damage caused by the foreign body.For example, the agricultural machine is designed as a baler for producing straw, hay and / or grass silage bales, whereby the straw bales serve, for example, as animal feed or feed supplement for cows and / or cattle. The conveyor device can eject foreign bodies before the material is processed, e.g. into straw bales, thus preventing animals from being injured or even dying from the foreign bodies when being fed with the material (straw). The conveyor device ejects particularly little usable material due to the precise cutting device when ejecting a foreign body. This creates a conveyor device with a cutting device which is characterized by low material waste when the foreign body is ejected.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cutting device is arranged on the belt conveyor or adjacent to the belt conveyor on the side of the ejection section for separating the material flow. For example, the cutting device is arranged on the belt conveyor, wherein the cutting device is preferably connected to the ejection section. The cutting device is designed to separate the material flow when the ejection section pivots out of the conveyor track. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the cutting device is designed to be pivotable with the ejection section of the belt conveyor. The cutting device preferably has a lifting device for extending cutting knives.The lifting device extends the cutting blades, for example, when the belt conveyor pivots in the ejection direction, so that the cutting blades cut the material flow during conveyance in the ejection direction. The lifting device is preferably designed to fold the cutting blades into the conveyor track when the belt conveyor pivots back, so that the material flow can be conveyed undivided in the conveying direction. The cutting blades of the cutting device are preferably designed to be driven by the drive of the belt conveyor.

[0018] Alternatively, the cutting device is arranged adjacent to the ejection section. Preferably, the cutting device is arranged in an ejection region of the material flow in the ejection direction. The cutting device is in particular stationary and connected to the conveying device, so that the material flow is and / or can be guided into a cutting region of the cutting device when pivoting in the ejection direction. For example, the cutting device has rotating roller cutting knives, which are arranged, for example, below the conveyor track, wherein the belt conveyor device with the ejection section can be pivoted into the cutting region of the cutting device. Preferably, the cutting knives are drive-connected to the conveying device and / or the agricultural machine. Alternatively, the cutting device has a motor unit for rotating or punching the cutting knives.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the belt conveyor device is pivotable between a conveying position and an ejection position, wherein in the conveying position the belt conveyor device conveys the material flow in the conveying direction, wherein in the ejection position the belt conveyor device conveys the material flow in the ejection direction. In particular, the ejection section of the belt conveyor device is pivotable between the conveying position and the ejection position, preferably about the pivot axis of the pivot section of the belt conveyor device. Preferably, the belt conveyor device has a pivot unit for performing the pivoting movement. The pivot unit is preferably designed as an electromechanical or hydraulic pivot mechanism.For example, the pivoting mechanism comprises an electric motor and a pivoting linkage, with the electric motor being connected to the pivoting linkage for positioning the belt conveyor into the conveying and ejecting positions. Alternatively, the pivoting mechanism can be driven via a mechanical drive of the agricultural machine. For example, the pivoting linkage of the pivoting unit is driven and / or actuated via a coupling rod of the agricultural machine, allowing the belt conveyor to pivot between the conveying and ejecting positions.

[0020] Furthermore, it is provided that the cutting device separates the material stream in the ejection position in order to separate at least a material section of the material stream for ejection from the conveyor device. The cutting device is designed in the ejection position to separate at least a material section of the material stream. The material section comprises, for example, a foreign body, wherein the cutting device separates the material section together with the foreign body from the material stream so that the belt conveyor device pivoted into the ejection position ejects it from the conveyor device. It is advantageous that a material section can be separated from the material stream so that, for example, a foreign body which is connected to and / or enclosed with the material can be reliably ejected from the conveyor track and / or the conveyor device.The cutting device ensures that the material section to be ejected is separated from the material stream, with the size of the material section being adaptable to the foreign body to be removed. For example, the material section has a surface area of ​​at least 50 cm², preferably at least 100 cm², and especially at least 300 cm².

[0021] In a preferred further development of the invention, the cutting device separates the material flow in the ejection direction of the belt conveyor in the ejection position, wherein the cutting device separates the material flow transversely to the ejection direction when the belt conveyor pivots back into the conveying position. The cutting device is designed to separate the material flow in the ejection direction in the ejection position of the belt conveyor, wherein the cutting device is designed to transversely separate the material flow when the belt conveyor pivots back into the conveying position. The cutting device has at least one transverse cutting blade and / or a cutting bar for cutting the material flow.The cross-cutting knife is preferably arranged on the conveyor track adjacent to the pivoting section of the belt conveyor, so that, for example, when the material stream is pulled up into the conveyor track, the material section is cut crosswise by the cross-cutting knife. Alternatively, the cross-cutting knife is arranged on the belt conveyor, with the end of the cross-cutting knife being arranged on the ejection section. Preferably, the cross-cutting knife of the cutting device is operatively connected to the lifting device for extension, wherein the cross-cutting knife is extended and / or extendable by the lifting device, for example, when the belt conveyor is moved from the ejection position to the conveying position to separate the material section from the trailing material stream.

[0022] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveying device comprises at least two, in particular exactly two or more than two, adjacent conveyor tracks for the joint conveyance of the material flow. The conveyor tracks preferably form a common conveying surface for conveying the material flow, wherein the conveyor tracks are preferably of identical length and / or configuration. The conveyor tracks are preferably of equal length, and the conveyor tracks are preferably arranged parallel to one another. Particularly preferably, the conveying device comprises at least three or exactly three conveyor tracks.

[0023] Furthermore, it is provided that the conveying device has at least two, in particular exactly two or more than two, belt conveyor devices, wherein at least one of the belt conveyor devices is arranged in one of the conveyor tracks for the joint conveyance of the material flow. Preferably, several belt conveyor devices are arranged one behind the other in a conveyor track, wherein at least one further conveyor track with several track conveyor devices is arranged parallel to this for the joint conveyance of the material flow. The several belt conveyor devices preferably convey the material flow at a common conveying speed in the conveying direction, wherein the several belt conveyor devices are designed to be individually pivotable. The individual belt conveyor devices are designed to be independently pivotable such that the belt conveyor devices can be pivoted independently of the conveyor track and their arrangement thereon.In particular, each of the belt conveyors has a conveying position and an ejection position.

[0024] In a preferred further development of the invention, it is provided that the at least two or exactly two belt conveyor devices are individually pivotable. Preferably, the at least two belt conveyor devices are each pivotable between a conveying position within the respective conveyor track and an ejection position outside the respective conveyor track. For example, only the belt conveyor device on whose conveyor track the foreign body, e.g., a metal splinter, is located pivots from the conveying position to the ejection position.

[0025] Furthermore, it is provided that the cutting device is designed between the belt conveyors for separating individual material sections of the material flow from the respective conveyor track. The cutting device preferably has a plurality of cutting knives, wherein the plurality of cutting knives, e.g. two cutting knives in each case, are arranged on a respective belt conveyor for the selective separation of material sections. For example, the material section is designed as a material strip with a strip width which corresponds to the track width of the respective conveyor track. Consequently, an ejection accuracy and / or a selection accuracy for separating the foreign body is determined by the number of adjacent conveyor tracks and the number of their belt conveyors. The material sections preferably have a width of at least 3 cm, preferably of at least 5 cm, in particular of at least 10 cm.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the belt conveyor device comprises a first and a second conveyor belt for guiding the material flow. The conveyor belts are preferably designed as belt belts, wherein the conveyor belts are preferably made of a rubber or plastic material with a textile fabric insert. Alternatively, the conveyor belts are made of metal, e.g. as chain conveyors and / or chain conveyor belts, or have a metallic fabric insert or support structure. Optionally, the conveyor belts comprise transverse slats and / or transport webs for driving the material flow. The first and second conveyor belts are arranged at a distance from one another, such that a conveyor corridor for guiding the material flow on both sides is formed between the first and second conveyor belts. The first and second conveyor belts are preferably arranged one above the other, such that the conveyor corridor is formed between them.Preferably, the plurality of belt conveyor devices in the plurality of conveyor tracks together with the first and second conveyor belts form the conveyor corridor.

[0027] Alternatively, the first and second conveyor belts are arranged laterally along the conveyor track, so that the belt conveyor device is pivotable for ejecting material laterally from the conveyor track. Preferably, the first and second conveyor belts have a plurality of transport webs for carrying the material along both sides of the conveyor track. Preferably, the belt conveyor device is designed as a double-belt conveyor, with the belt conveyor device having a main conveyor belt as the first conveyor belt and a cover conveyor belt as the second conveyor belt.

[0028] In a preferred structural development of the invention, the belt conveyor device comprises a first and a second deflection station section for deflecting the first and second conveyor belts. The first and second deflection station sections preferably comprise a plurality of support rollers for guiding the conveyor belts, with the conveyor belts circulating endlessly from the first deflection station section to the second deflection station section. The belt conveyor device preferably comprises a support frame, with the first and second deflection station sections each being arranged at two opposite ends of the support frame. In particular, the first and second deflection station sections are connected to one another, preferably by a material bond. Furthermore, the belt conveyor device is designed such that it can pivot out of the conveyor track with the second deflection station section.The second deflection station section is designed to pivot out of the conveyor track, in particular with deflection areas of the first and second conveyor belts. Particularly preferably, both conveyor belts pivot out of the conveyor track together in the ejection direction. Particularly preferably, the second deflection station section is designed as the ejection section of the belt conveyor device. Preferably, the second deflection station section is designed to be movable from the conveying position to the ejection position.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the conveyor device comprises a sorting device for controlling the ejection of material and / or material sections of the material stream in the ejection direction from the conveyor device by the belt conveyor device. The sorting device preferably comprises a computing module for calculating control signals, wherein the sorting device is data-linked to the belt conveyor device for controlling the pivoting and / or a pivot position, in particular the pivot position in the conveying position or in the ejection position. Preferably, the sorting device comprises a detection module for identifying a foreign body, wherein the detection module is connected to the computing module or is integrated therein.The detection module is designed to detect a foreign body in the material stream. Upon detecting a foreign body, the detection module sends an identification signal to the computing module. The computing module is designed to send one or more control signals to one or more belt conveyors based on the identification signal. The computing module is preferably designed to generate the control signals as a function of a conveying speed of the material stream, so that the pivoting of the belt conveyor is performed and / or executable before the foreign body is conveyed over the ejection section. The control signals preferably comprise one or more commands for the belt conveyor, in particular for the pivoting unit and / or the drive unit of the belt conveyor. For example, the sorting device is designed to control the conveying speed of the belt conveyor.Particularly preferably, the conveying device comprises a plurality of conveyor tracks and a plurality of belt conveyor devices, wherein the sorting device is designed to control the belt conveyor devices individually in order to pivot the belt conveyor devices out of the respective conveyor track for ejecting the material section.

[0030] In a preferred further development of the invention, it is provided that the sorting device has at least one sensor for detecting foreign bodies in the material flow, wherein the sensor is arranged within the conveyor track upstream of the belt conveyor device with respect to the conveying direction and / or at the first deflection station section for scanning the material flow. The sensors are preferably designed as an optical sensor and / or as an inductive sensor for detecting metallic objects. For example, the optical sensor is connected to a recording module of the sorting device for capturing a plurality of images and / or image data, wherein the recording module sends the plurality of images and / or image data to the detection module for detecting the foreign body in the plurality of images and / or image data.

[0031] Alternatively or optionally additionally, the sensor is designed as an inductive sensor for detecting metallic objects, e.g. bottle caps, screws or the like, wherein the inductive sensor is preferably connected to a detection module of the sorting device, wherein the detection module is designed to provide detection range data of the inductive sensor to the detection module.

[0032] The conveying device preferably comprises a plurality of conveyor tracks with a plurality of belt conveyors, wherein a plurality of sensors are particularly preferably arranged to detect a plurality of monitoring sections of the conveyor tracks. The monitoring sections are arranged on the conveyor tracks upstream of the respective belt conveyor. During the conveyance of the material flow, the material flow is conveyed and / or can be conveyed through the monitoring sections in order to detect the material flow section by section using the sensors in the monitoring sections.

[0033] Alternatively, or optionally additionally, the sensor is arranged at the first deflection station section of the belt conveyor, wherein the sensor directly detects the portion of the material flow conveyed by the respective belt conveyor in order to detect foreign objects therein. For example, two or more sensors are arranged laterally of the first deflection station section, wherein the two or more sensors for scanning the material flow are arranged opposite one another on the conveyor belt.

[0034] In a preferred further development of the invention, it is provided that the sorting device is designed to control a pivoting of the belt conveyor device after detection of the foreign body in the material flow, wherein, in particular after the control, at least the ejection section, in particular the second deflection station section, specifically the second deflection station section with the first and second conveyor belts of the belt conveyor device, is arranged outside the conveyor track for conveying in the ejection direction in order to eject the material section with the foreign body from the conveyor device. After detection by the sorting device, the belt conveyor device is preferably arranged in the ejection position.For example, a foreign body passes through one of the monitoring sections and / or is detected by a sensor aligned with the conveyor track, wherein the sorting device is designed to send a control signal to the corresponding belt conveyor device in order to pivot it in the ejection direction and / or into the ejection position, so that the cutting device separates the corresponding material section with the foreign body from the material flow, wherein the material section with the foreign body is ejected and / or can be ejected from the conveyor track and / or conveyor device.

[0035] In a possible further development of the invention, the sorting device and / or a further control device is configured to extend multiple ejection sections simultaneously and / or jointly in order to separate larger disruptive bodies from the material flow and / or to separate a wider material flow into the ejection device. This further development has the advantage that disruptive bodies that are wider than a single conveyor track can also be separated.

[0036] Optionally, when the ejection sections are folded out together, the cutting devices can be moved into a parking position so that they do not form an obstruction when separating the material stream. This feature allows the separated material stream to be separated out in its entirety. This also makes it possible to eject wider obstructions, such as a fence section or an animal carcass, without cutting them up.

[0037] In a further development of the invention, it is provided that the sorting device is designed to control a pivoting of the belt conveyor device after ejection of the material section containing the foreign body, wherein, in particular after the control, the belt conveyor device with the ejection section, in particular the second deflection station section, specifically the second deflection station section with the first and second conveyor belts of the belt conveyor device, is arranged within the conveyor track in order to convey the material flow back in the conveying direction. After ejection of the material section containing the foreign body, and in particular after control of the sorting device, the belt conveyor device is arranged in the conveying position for conveying the material flow in the conveying direction.For example, the material section with the foreign body is cut out by the cutting device and ejected by the belt conveyor in the ejection direction from the conveyor track and / or conveyor device, e.g. back onto the agricultural area or into a collecting container of the agricultural machine, wherein the sorting device of the pivoted belt conveyor sends a control signal to pivot into the conveyor track and / or into the conveying position, so that the material flow is again completely guided or conveyed and / or conveyable into the conveyor track in the direction of the conveying direction.

[0038] In a preferred further development, it is provided that the belt conveyor device, as described above, is designed so that it can be pivoted in again after the foreign body has been ejected, wherein the sorting device is designed to control the pivoting in of the belt conveyor device after the foreign body has been detected during ejection from the conveyor device and / or the conveyor track, wherein the sorting device has at least one further sensor, wherein the further sensor is arranged on the second deflection station section and / or the ejection section for detecting the ejection of the foreign body. Preferably, the further sensor is designed as an optical or an inductive sensor in order to detect, for example, a metallic foreign body. It is advantageous that the further sensor ensures that the foreign body has actually left the conveyor device, thus preventing the belt conveyor device from pivoting back too quickly.For example, if the foreign body is not ejected, or if the additional sensor does not detect the foreign body during ejection, a downstream belt conveyor can be pivoted in the ejection direction to ensure that the foreign body is not transported to the agricultural machine. Alternatively, or optionally in addition, the conveyor speed can be reduced or the belt conveyors can be stopped. It is also advantageous to keep the ejected material section as small as possible, since the belt conveyor pivots back immediately after ejection is detected to minimize the amount of material wasted when the foreign body is ejected.

[0039] Alternatively, the sorting device is configured to control the outward and inward pivoting of the belt conveyor depending on a first and a second time period after the detection of a foreign body in the material stream. Preferably, the first time period, which begins with the detection of the foreign body in the conveyor track, is dependent on the conveying speed at which the belt conveyor conveys the material stream. For example, the first time period is set depending on the conveying speed such that the belt conveyor pivots in the ejection direction in time to eject the foreign body before the foreign body is conveyed further in the conveying direction toward the agricultural machine.The second time period, which preferably begins with the pivoting out of the belt conveyor device, is preferably again dependent on the conveying speed, wherein the second time period is set such that the ejection of the material strip with the foreign body is ensured, wherein after the expiry of the second time period the belt conveyor device is pivoted back into the conveyor track and / or is arranged in the conveying position.

[0040] The subject matter of the invention is an agricultural machine having a conveying device for conveying a material flow of a material, wherein the conveying device is designed as described above.

[0041] The agricultural machine is preferably designed as a baler, in particular as a round baler or a large baler, for producing bales or packs from a material, e.g., hay, straw, or grass silage. The agricultural machine is preferably designed as a motorized machine or as a non-motorized machine for pulling by a work machine, e.g., a tractor. The agricultural machine preferably has a processing device for producing the bales or packs.

[0042] For example, the agricultural machine is designed as a round baler, with the processing device comprising a compacting device and a wrapping device. The compacting device is connected to the wrapping device for compacting the material by means of conveyor technology, and the compacted material can be fed from the compacting device to the wrapping device for wrapping bales, in particular round bales.

[0043] Alternatively, the agricultural machine is designed as a large bale press, wherein the processing device has a pressing chamber and a pressing piston, wherein the material can be fed to the pressing chamber, wherein the pressing piston is movably guided within the pressing chamber for pressing the material into packs, in particular cuboid-shaped packs.

[0044] The agricultural machine has the conveying device, wherein the conveying device is arranged upstream of the processing device of the agricultural machine in terms of conveying technology. The conveying device is suitable for feeding the material, e.g. hay, straw, or grass silage, to the processing device via the conveyor track. For example, the conveying device is arranged upstream of the processing device in the direction of travel and / or pulling of the agricultural machine. The agricultural machine preferably has a material receiving device for receiving the material from an agricultural area. The material receiving device is preferably designed as a rotating drum for collecting hay, straw, grass, or the like.The material receiving device receives the material which is, for example, distributed over the agricultural area, whereby the material is placed by the material receiving device onto the conveyor track and / or can be fed to it.

[0045] The conveyor device has a plurality of connected conveyor tracks, wherein the conveyor tracks are arranged parallel to one another. The material can be conveyed from the conveyor device to the processing device, wherein the conveyor device for ejecting foreign bodies is arranged between them. For example, the material receiving device collects a foreign body with the material, wherein the material with the foreign body is conveyed via the conveyor device, wherein the conveyor device has the sorting device for detecting the foreign body. The sorting device is designed to generate a control signal upon detection of the foreign body within the conveyor track, in particular upon detection by the sensors, wherein the control signal is sent to one of the plurality of belt conveyor devices for pivoting out of the conveyor track.The belt conveyor device is preferably designed as a double-belt conveyor with the first and second conveyor belts, wherein the material can be conveyed between the two conveyor belts arranged one above the other in a conveyor corridor. After the sorting device detects the foreign body, the corresponding belt conveyor device with the two conveyor belts pivots out of the conveyor track on which the foreign body is located in order to eject the foreign body. The separating device, in particular the cutting device with the plurality of rotating cutting blades, separates a portion of material containing the foreign body from the material stream.

[0046] After the foreign body has been ejected, the belt conveyor pivots back into the conveyor track in the conveying direction to convey the material flow, whereby the material, in particular free of foreign bodies, is conveyed and / or can be conveyed to the processing device for producing the bales or packs. Preferably, the agricultural machine has a collecting container for collecting the foreign body so that the foreign body is not, for example, picked up again by the material receiving device on the agricultural field. It is advantageous that the multiple belt conveyors only eject material sections and / or small segments of the material flow, thus creating an agricultural machine that produces particularly little waste.Another advantage is that the ejection and / or sorting of foreign bodies can take place at a high conveying speed, since the multiple belt conveyors on the multiple conveyor tracks can be moved quickly and precisely due to a short swing-out distance, so that the agricultural machine can be operated in a time- and cost-saving manner.

[0047] Further features, advantages, and effects of the invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments of the invention. These show: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an agricultural machine with a conveyor device for conveying a material flow; Figure 2 shows a schematic view of a conveyor device with several belt conveyor devices for conveying the material flow as a preferred embodiment; Figure 3 shows a highly schematic side view of the conveyor device from Figure 2for conveying the material flow in one conveying direction; Figure 4 shows a further highly schematic side view of the conveying device from Figure 3 for conveying the material flow in an ejection direction; Figure 5 a highly schematic side view of the conveying device as in Figure 3 and 4 with a cutting device for separating material from the material stream; Figure 6 shows a schematic representation of the material stream with separated material sections.

[0048] Corresponding or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals in the figures.

[0049] In the Figure 1an agricultural machine 30 is shown in a perspective view as a first exemplary embodiment. The agricultural machine 30 is designed as a large baler for processing a material into packs, in particular straw, hay or grass silage into cuboid-shaped packs. Alternatively, the agricultural machine 30 is designed as a round baler for producing round bales from straw, hay or the like. The agricultural machine 30 is designed for attachment to an agricultural work machine, e.g. a tractor (not shown), with a trailer coupling device 31, wherein the agricultural machine 30 is drive-connected, for example, to the tractor for driving across an agricultural area, e.g. a field or pasture, for receiving and processing the material into the packs or bales.Alternatively, the agricultural machine 30 has a drive unit for moving across the agricultural area. The agricultural machine 30 has a vehicle frame 32, which is connected to and / or has the trailer coupling device 31 formed in the direction of travel R1. The vehicle frame 32 extends over the entire length of the agricultural machine 30, wherein the vehicle frame 32 is mounted on an axle device 33 of the agricultural machine 30.

[0050] The agricultural machine 30 has a material receiving device 34 for receiving the material from the agricultural area. The material receiving device 34 is in the Figure 1shown by a dashed line, with only the outer components of the material pickup device 34 being illustrated. The material pickup device 34 is arranged below the vehicle frame 32 in the direction of travel R1, wherein the material pickup device 34 has a so-called pickup drum for picking up the loose material from the agricultural area. The pickup drum is designed to be rotatable, and is formed perpendicular to the direction of travel R1 almost across the entire width of the agricultural machine 30. For example, the pickup drum has a plurality of spikes on the drum, which are formed in a radial direction with respect to a rotation axis of the drum, wherein the spikes, for example, transport the loose material from the agricultural area into the agricultural machine 30 for further processing.The agricultural machine 30 has a processing device 35 for producing the packs or bales. The processing device 35 is shown in the . Figure 1shown only as a dashed area, wherein the processing device 35 is not visibly formed in the interior of the agricultural machine 30. The processing device 35 has, for example, a pressing chamber and a pressing piston, wherein the material can be fed to the pressing chamber, wherein the pressing piston is movably guided within the pressing chamber for pressing the material into packs, in particular cuboid-shaped packs. Once a pack of material has been produced by the processing device 35, the pack can be transported away by the processing device 35 against the direction of travel R1 at a rear end of the agricultural machine 30. For example, after production, the pack falls back onto the agricultural field or can be fed directly to another agricultural work machine.

[0051] The agricultural machine 30 has a conveyor device 1 for conveying a material flow from the material. The conveyor device 1 is in the Figure 1 only indicated by a dashed area, wherein the conveying device 1 according to the exemplary embodiment is completely accommodated in the agricultural machine 30. The conveying device 1 connects the material receiving device 34 to the processing device 35 in terms of conveying technology, so that the material received by the material receiving device 34 can be and / or is transportable by the conveying device 1 to the processing device 35. The conveying device 1 is arranged between the material receiving device 34 and the processing device 35, wherein the conveying device 1 is designed to convey the material via an incline and / or via a height offset between the material receiving device 34 and the processing device 35.

[0052] In the Figure 2 The conveyor device 1 is shown in a simplified manner, wherein the conveyor device 1 is formed by several belt conveyor devices 3. For simplified representation, Figure 2 The conveyor device 1 has a plurality of conveyor tracks 2, wherein the plurality of conveyor tracks 2 are arranged parallel to one another, wherein the plurality of conveyor tracks 2 are designed to be connected for the joint conveyance of the material. Figure 2Four conveyor tracks 2 are shown, whereby in principle any number of conveyor tracks can be formed, but preferably at least two conveyor tracks 2. The conveyor tracks 2 run, for example, from the material receiving device 34 to the processing device 35 of the agricultural machine 30. For example, the conveyor device 1 has a lateral boundary section (not shown) to limit the outer conveyor tracks 2. The boundary sections are suitable for guiding the material flow and / or compressing it during conveyance. For example, it is advantageous for several conveyor tracks 2 to be designed to converge, so that the material flow is compressed, wherein the lateral boundary sections are designed to be funnel-shaped with the converging conveyor tracks 2.

[0053] The plurality of belt conveyor devices 3 are arranged in several rows within the conveyor tracks 2. According to the exemplary embodiment, the belt conveyor devices 3 are designed as double-belt conveyors, wherein they are arranged one above the other in a first and a second level E1, E2, wherein a conveyor corridor is formed between the two levels E1, E2. The conveyor corridor K is designed to be continuous, so that the plurality of belt conveyor devices jointly convey the material flow along the conveyor corridor K. In principle, the conveyor device 1 can only have the first level E1 of belt conveyor devices 3. The belt conveyor devices 3 are generally designed as continuous conveyors, wherein the belt conveyor devices 3 have an endless conveyor belt 4. The conveyor belt 4 is, for example, a rubberized belt. Alternatively or optionally additionally, the conveyor belt 4 has a profile structure or transverse slats to drive the material flow.The belt conveyor devices 3 have a support frame 5 and a first and a second support roller 6a, 6b, wherein the support rollers 6a, 6b are arranged at a first and a second end of the support frame 5, wherein the conveyor belt 4 is deflected by the support rollers 6a, 6b and received on the support frame 5. For example, the belt conveyor device 3 has a drive unit for driving the conveyor belt 4, wherein the drive unit is drive-connected to one or both support rollers 6a, 6b. Alternatively or optionally additionally, a belt conveyor device 3 of the first level E1 can be formed jointly with a belt conveyor device 3 of the second level E2 (double belt conveyor). Consequently, the belt conveyor device 3 has a first and a second conveyor belt 4a, 4b.

[0054] While in the Figure 2While several belt conveyors 3 are shown side by side in the feed area, it is also possible for a common belt conveyor 3 or at least wider belt conveyors 3 to be used for the feed and / or further conveyance behind the foldable belt conveyors 3 and / or the ejection section 11. These can, for example, extend across the entire conveyor width.

[0055] In the Figure 3 The conveyor device 1 is shown in a schematic side view. The conveyor device 1 has, as already shown in Figure 2 shown, two levels E1, E2 on belt conveyors 3, which together convey the material flow S along the conveyor track 2. In the Figure 3The belt conveyors 3 are shown in a simplified manner, with three belt conveyors 3 arranged one behind the other on each level E1, E2. The material flow S can be conveyed in a conveying direction R2, wherein the conveying direction R2 is formed, for example, from the material receiving device 34 to the processing device 35.

[0056] Furthermore, the conveyor device 1 has a cutting device 7 for separating material from the material flow S. The cutting device 7 is, like the belt conveyor devices 3, in the Figure 3shown in a highly schematic manner. The cutting device 7 is arranged outside the conveyor track 2, wherein according to the exemplary embodiment, several cutting devices 7 are formed. The cutting device 7 has at least one cutting blade 8 for cutting the material flow S. The cutting blades 8 are designed, for example, as roller cutting blades, wherein the cutting blades are designed to be rotatable on the cutting device 7, wherein the cutting device 7 has, for example, an electrical or mechanical drive, wherein the drive is designed to drive the cutting blades. In the Figure 3shows how the material flow S is conveyed uncut in the conveying direction R2. The conveying device 1 has a sorting device 9 with at least one sensor 10. The sorting device 9 is shown only schematically, wherein the sensor 10 is designed to detect a foreign body F in the material flow S. For example, the sensor 10 is designed as an inductive sensor, wherein the foreign body F, e.g. a metal splinter, is transported through the material receiving device 34 into the conveying device 1, wherein the sorting device 9 is designed to detect the foreign body F, so that the conveying direction R2 can be changed into an ejection direction R3.

[0057] Furthermore, it is provided that the belt conveyor devices 3 are designed to be pivotable, so that the material flow S can be and / or is deflected from the conveying direction R2 into the ejection position R3. Figure 4The conveyor device 1 is shown with pivoted belt conveyors 3, wherein a pair of belt conveyors 3 are arranged pivoted. The two belt conveyors 3, one belt conveyor 3 each on the first and second levels E1, E2, are arranged with an ejection section 11 outside the conveyor track 2. The ejection section 11 is designed, for example, as a pivotable end and / or as a second deflection station section 12b of the belt conveyor 3. For example, the belt conveyor 3 has a first and a second deflection station section 12a, 12b, wherein the deflection station sections 12a, 12b are designed to deflect the conveyor belts 4. At least two belt conveyors 3 are arranged according to the embodiment in Figure 4arranged in an ejection position AP. In the ejection position AP, the ejection section 11 is arranged below the conveyor track 2. The ejection direction R3 is defined by the bilateral guidance of the two belt conveyor devices 3 in the ejection position AP. The ejection direction R3 is offset by at least 35°, in particular by at least 45°, from the conveying direction R2, so that the material flow S is deflected in the direction of the cutting device 7. In principle, the cutting device 7 can be arranged on the ejection section 11 so that it can be pivoted into the ejection position AP, wherein the cutting device 7 is merely designed to separate a material strip T during conveyance in the ejection direction R3. For example, the cutting knives 8 are designed to be extendable by a lifting device, so that the cutting knives 8 can be moved into the material flow S laterally of the belt conveyor device 3 in the ejection position AP.

[0058] In the Figure 4 the material stream S contains a foreign body F, e.g., a tin can, which is conveyed, for example, along with the material stream S in the conveyor track 2. The conveying device 1 comprises the sorting device 9 with at least one sensor 10, which is arranged on a pivoting section 13 of the belt conveyor device 3. The pivoting section 13 is designed, for example, as the first deflection station section 12a, wherein the two ends of the belt conveyor device 3 are each pivotable about a pivot axis between a conveying position FP and the ejection position AP.

[0059] If the foreign body F passes through a monitoring area of ​​a sensor 10, the sorting device 9 is designed to eject the foreign body F from the conveyor device 1 by pivoting the respective belt conveyor devices 3 into the ejection position AP. For example, the inductive sensor detects the foreign body F, wherein the sorting device 9 sends a control signal to the corresponding belt conveyor devices 3 for pivoting in pairs into the ejection position AP, so that the material flow S containing the foreign body F is diverted. This prevents the foreign body F from being conveyed in the conveying direction R2, for example, to the processing device 35 of the agricultural machine 30. This particularly protects animals that are fed with the material from suffering injuries caused by the foreign body F.

[0060] In the Figure 4the path that the foreign body F travels in the direction of the ejection section 11 is indicated as a dashed line, wherein the cutting device 7 at the end of the ejection section 11 cuts a material section T with the foreign body F in the ejection direction R3 from the material flow S. For this purpose, Figure 5the material section T is shown in an ejected state. The belt conveyor devices 3 are arranged in the conveying position FP, wherein in the conveying position FP the ejection section 11 is arranged within the conveyor track 2. For example, the sorting device 9 is designed to send a further control signal to the belt conveyor devices 3 after ejection of the material section T with the foreign body F, wherein the belt conveyor devices 3 pivot back into the conveying position FP so that the material flow S is introduced and / or can be introduced into the conveyor track 2. When pivoting back, the belt conveyor device 3, for example, tears off the material section T transversely to the ejection direction R3. Alternatively, the cutting device 7 has a cross-cutting knife, wherein the cross-cutting knife is arranged, for example, on the respectively following belt conveyor device 3 below or adjacent to the first deflection station section 12a.After being separated by the cutting device 7, the material section T with the foreign body F falls, for example, into a collecting container of the agricultural machine 30, so that it can be disposed of and cannot be picked up again on the agricultural field.

[0061] In the Figure 6 The material flow S is depicted in a highly schematic manner, with several material sections T separated from the material flow S. The conveyor tracks 2 are indicated by several dashed lines, with the separated material sections T essentially having the width of one conveyor track 2. The belt conveyors 3 are designed to pivot independently and individually between the conveying position FP and the ejection position AP. As a result, only a "small" material section T, relative to the overall width of the material flow S, is separated out when the foreign body F is sorted out. List of reference symbols

[0062] 1 Conveyor device 2 Conveyor track 3 Belt conveyor device 4 Conveyor belt 4a First conveyor belt 4b Second conveyor belt 5 Support frame 6a, b Support roller 7 Cutting device 8 Cutting knife 9 Sorting device 10 Sensor 11 Ejection section 12a First deflection station section 12b Second deflection station section 13 Swivel section 30Agricultural machine 31Trailer coupling device 32Vehicle frame 33Axle device 34Material handling device 35Processing device E1first level E2second level Kfunding corridor FForeign body SMaterial flow TMaterial section FPFeeding position APejection position R1Travel direction R2Conveying direction R3Ejection direction

Claims

1. An agricultural machine (30) comprising a conveying device (1) for conveying a material stream (S) of a material, wherein the conveying device (1) comprises at least one conveying path (2) for conveying the material stream (S), the conveying path (2) defining a conveying direction (R2) of the material stream (S), wherein the conveying device (1) comprises at least one belt conveying apparatus (3) for conveying the material stream (S), the belt conveying apparatus (3) being arranged within the conveying path (2), characterized in that at least one ejection portion (11) of the belt conveying apparatus (3) is designed to be pivotable out of the conveying path (2) in order to divert the material stream (S) from the conveying direction (R2) into an ejection direction (R3), and in that the conveying device (1) comprises at least one cutting apparatus (7) in order to separate the material stream (S) being conveyed in the ejection direction (R3) from the material stream (S) conveyed in the conveying direction (R2).

2. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 1, characterized in that the cutting apparatus (7) is arranged on the belt conveying apparatus (3) or adjacent to the belt conveying apparatus (3) on the side of the ejection portion (11) to separate out the material stream (S).

3. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ejection portion (11) is pivotable between a conveying position (FP) and an ejection position (AP), the belt conveying apparatus (3) conveying the material stream (S) in the conveying direction (R2) in the conveying position (FP) and the belt conveying apparatus (3) conveying the material stream (S) in the ejection direction (R3) in the ejection position (AP), the cutting apparatus (7) separating the material stream (S) in the ejection position (AP) in order to separate out at least one material portion (T) of the material stream (S) for ejection from the conveying device (1).

4. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 3, characterized in that the cutting apparatus (7) separates the material stream (S) in the ejection position (AP) of the ejection portion (11) in the ejection direction (R3), the cutting apparatus (7) separating the material stream (S) transversely to the ejection direction (R3) when the ejection portion (11) pivots back into the conveying position (FP).

5. The agricultural machine (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (1) comprises at least two adjacent conveying paths (2) for jointly conveying the material stream (S), the conveying device (1) comprising at least two belt conveying apparatuses (3) comprising ejection portions (11), at least one of the belt conveying apparatuses (3) being arranged in one of the conveying paths (1) in each case for jointly conveying the material stream (S).

6. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 5, characterized in that the ejection portions (11) are designed to be individually pivotable, the cutting apparatus (7) being formed between the belt conveying apparatuses (3) to separate out individual material portions (T) of the material stream (S) from the conveying path (2) in question.

7. The agricultural machine (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the belt conveying apparatus (3) comprises a first and a second conveyor belt (4) for guiding the material stream (S), the first and the second conveyor belt (4a, 4b) being arranged at a distance from one another, such that a conveying corridor (K) for bilateral guidance of the material stream (S) is formed between the first and the second conveyor belt (4a, 4b).

8. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 7, characterized in that the belt conveying apparatus (3) comprises a first and a second diverting station portion (12a, 12b) for diverting the first and the second conveyor belt (4a, 4b), the ejection portion (11) comprising the second diverting station portion (12b) being designed to be pivotable out of the conveying path (2).

9. The agricultural machine (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying device (1) comprises a sorting apparatus (9) for controlling the ejection of material portions (T) of the material stream (S) in the ejection direction (R3) from the conveying device (1) by means of the belt conveying apparatus (3).

10. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 9, characterized in that the sorting apparatus (9) comprises at least one sensor (10) for detecting foreign objects (F) in the material stream (S), the sensor (10) being arranged within the conveying path (2) upstream of the belt conveying apparatus (3) and / or on the first diverting station portion (12a) for scanning the material stream (S).

11. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 10, characterized in that the sorting apparatus (9) is designed to actuate the ejection portion (11) pivoting out once the foreign object (F) has been detected in the material stream (S), at least the ejection portion (11) of the belt conveying apparatus (3) being arranged outside the conveying path (2) for conveying in the ejection direction (R3), in order to eject the material portion (T) containing the foreign object (F) from the conveying device (1).

12. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 10 or 11, characterized in that the sorting apparatus (9) is designed to actuate the ejection portion (11) pivoting in once the material portion (T) containing the foreign object (F) has been ejected, the belt conveying apparatus (3) comprising the ejection portion (11) being arranged within the conveying path (2), in order to convey the material stream (S) back in the conveying direction (R2).

13. The agricultural machine (30) according to Claim 12, characterized in that the sorting apparatus (9) is designed to actuate the ejection portion (11) pivoting in once the foreign object (F) has been detected during ejection from the conveying device (1), the sorting apparatus (9) comprising at least one further sensor, the further sensor being arranged at the second diverting station portion (12b) and / or the ejection portion (11) to detect the ejection of the foreign object (F).

14. The agricultural machine (30) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the agricultural machine (30) is designed as a baler.