Dissolving unit and method for dissolving bulk material

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a dissolving unit and a method for dissolving a total quantity of bulk material in a random position into partial quantities.

[0002] Bulk materials, such as mulched or chopped material, shortened straw, or hay, are often stored in very large quantities in a depot and then transported to the site for use. A variety of conveying mechanisms are used for this purpose, whereby the respective bulk material is broken down, divided, or separated into smaller transport quantities. Depending on the type and cohesion of the bulk material, blockages or misalignment can occur during the breaking up or division process.

[0003] EP 2 191 712 A1 discloses a silage wagon in which material to be shredded is transported by scraper conveyors to shredding rollers. The shredded material from the shredding rollers falls onto screw conveyors, which convey the material to a pre-acceleration fan, which then propels the silage to an ejection rotor fan. Further devices for conveying bulk biomass material or at least piece goods are known from JP 2001 225 936 A, JP 2004 307 090 A, and JP S 57 196 012 U. Furthermore, DE 2 739 737 A1 discloses a device for conveying sewage sludge. EP 2191712A1 discloses a dissolving unit according to the preamble of claim 1 and a method according to the preamble of claim 13.

[0004] The object of the present invention was to create a dissolving unit and a method for dissolving a total quantity of bulk material in a random position, by means of which a trouble-free dissolving process of the bulk material into partial quantities is possible and blockages of the bulk material in the dissolving unit are avoided.

[0005] This object is achieved by a dissolving unit and a method according to the claims.

[0006] The dissolving unit according to the invention is intended for dissolving a total quantity of bulk material, in particular mulched or chopped material, shortened straw or hay, in a tangled state into smaller portions. The dissolving unit comprises a receiving device, which receiving device is shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped and defines a feed area and a discharge area located at the bottom, a first conveying mechanism, which first conveying mechanism is arranged in the discharge area and comprises at least one continuously rotating conveying element with conveying elements arranged thereon, wherein the at least one conveying element is deflected at a first head end area at a first deflection device with a first deflection axis and a second head end area arranged at a distance in the conveying direction at a second deflection device with a second deflection axis, wherein at least one of the deflection devices is drive-connected to a drive device, and the at least one conveying element forms an upper run and a lower run, and furthermore, a circumferentially formed envelope with a conveying width is defined on the outside by the conveying elements,a first conveyor housing, which is arranged in the first head end region and covers the first deflection device, a second conveyor housing, which is arranged in the second head end region and covers the second deflection device, a second conveyor mechanism, which is arranged in the second head end region and extends at least along the conveyor width, wherein the second conveyor mechanism is accommodated and arranged within the second conveyor housing and is arranged in a region below the second deflection axis of the second deflection device and outside the envelope defined on the outside by the conveyor elements, and wherein a transfer region is defined between the first conveyor mechanism and the second conveyor mechanism, and a support element,which support element is arranged below the lower run of the at least one endlessly circulating conveyor element and extends between the first conveyor housing and the second conveyor housing, thereby defining a return conveyor section extending between the two head end regions.

[0007] The advantage achieved in this way is that individual partial quantities are conveyed away from the bottom-side discharge area of ​​the receiving device by the first conveyor mechanism and transferred to the second conveyor mechanism in the transfer area for further transport, which then conveys away a specific quantity per unit of time. By providing the support element and arranging it below the first conveyor mechanism, a separate and additional return conveyor section is created. If the partial quantities of bulk material conveyed in per unit of time by the receiving device are greater than the quantity conveyed away per unit of time, the excess difference, which could lead to blockages, is conveyed back by the conveying elements located below and projecting forward in the return conveyor section, first into the first head end area and then into the discharge area of ​​the receiving device.This ensures that excess bulk material is safely transported away in the transfer area, preventing blockages. This ensures trouble-free operation of the dissolving unit over a longer period of time.

[0008] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the second conveyor mechanism has a parallel alignment with respect to the second deflection axis, at least along the conveyor width. This allows for a very consistent filling of the second conveyor mechanism across the entire longitudinal extent.

[0009] According to the invention, the second conveyor mechanism is accommodated in a trough-shaped housing section of the second conveyor housing. This allows for secure filling on the upwardly open side and good support and longitudinal guidance on the bottom side.

[0010] Another possible embodiment features the trough-shaped housing section with a plurality of openings, which open into a suction channel, and the suction channel is fluidly connected to a suction device. Depending on the selected cross-sectional size, the provision of the openings allows the passage of small particles, such as dust. This enables separation and reduces or virtually eliminates dust generation in the bulk material discharge area.

[0011] A further embodiment provides for the first conveyor housing and the second conveyor housing to be arranged on the outside and laterally projecting from the bottom-side discharge area of ​​the shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped receiving device. This ensures that the entire surface of the discharge area is available for forming the individual portions. The bulk material in the receiving device cannot exert any weight force on the deflection devices located in the respective conveyor housings.

[0012] Another embodiment is characterized by the provision of a slide element, which is arranged in the discharge area from the receiving device into the second head end area above the upper run of the at least one continuously rotating conveyor element and is adjustable in position relative to the upper run as needed to set a clear passage cross-section. Thus, depending on the consistency of the bulk material, the size of the respective partial quantities can be predetermined and adjusted within certain limits.

[0013] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the first conveyor mechanism comprises at least two circulating conveyor elements, which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the conveyor width. By providing multiple conveyor elements, a more uniform introduction of tensile force to the respective conveyor elements arranged and attached thereto can be achieved across the conveyor width.

[0014] Furthermore, it may be advantageous if the conveying elements are designed, in particular, in a rod-shaped manner and extend continuously across the conveying width. This allows for a reliable transport effect across the entire conveying width.

[0015] Another alternative embodiment is characterized in that the conveyor elements, which are particularly rod-shaped, are supported on a table-like support unit, and each of the rotating conveyor members is accommodated in a channel arranged or formed in the support unit or in a slot. This allows the dead weight of the bulk material received in the receiving device to be transferred to the support unit, thus preventing the conveyor members from being subjected to this load.

[0016] Furthermore, it may be advantageous to provide a filling device, which is arranged in the transfer area of ​​the second head end section and above the second conveyor mechanism. This additional filling device makes it possible to achieve even more reliable removal of the bulk material from the transfer area and improve the fill level of the second conveyor mechanism. This is particularly true for bulky and solid bulk material.

[0017] A further preferred embodiment is characterized in that the filling device is arranged laterally next to the second deflection device, as seen in the conveying direction of the second conveying mechanism. This allows for a separate and independent filling of the second conveying mechanism and, associated with this, also improved conveying capacity by increasing the filling level.

[0018] Another possible embodiment has the features that the filling device comprises at least one rotatably mounted rolling element, and the rolling element is connected to a drive means. This allows the filling level of the second conveying mechanism to be increased and the safe removal of the bulk material to be further improved.

[0019] Another possible and possibly alternative embodiment has the features that the second conveying mechanism is selected from the group of screw conveyors, tubular conveyors, tubular chain conveyors, or tubular rope conveyors. This allows the disintegrating unit to be adapted to the specific bulk material to be disintegrated as required.

[0020] However, the object of the invention is also achieved independently by a method according to claim 13 for dissolving a total quantity of bulk material in a tangled state, in which the following steps are carried out Providing the bulk material to be dissolved, providing a receiving device, which receiving device is shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped and defines a feed area and a discharge area located at the bottom, providing a first conveying mechanism, which first conveying mechanism is arranged in the discharge area and comprises at least one continuously circulating conveying element with conveying elements arranged thereon, wherein the at least one conveying element is deflected at a first head end area at a first deflection device with a first deflection axis and a second head end area arranged at a distance in the conveying direction at a second deflection device with a second deflection axis, wherein at least one of the deflection devices is driven by a drive device, and an upper run and a lower run are defined by the at least one conveying element,and furthermore, a circumferentially formed envelope with a conveying width is defined on the outside by the conveying elements, providing a first conveying housing, which first conveying housing is arranged in the first head end region and covers the first deflection device, providing a second conveying housing, which second conveying housing is arranged in the second head end region and covers the second deflection device, providing a second conveying mechanism, which second conveying mechanism is arranged in the second head end region and extends at least along the conveying width, wherein the second conveying mechanism is received and arranged within the second conveying housing and is arranged in a region below the second deflection axis of the second deflection device and outside the envelope defined on the outside by the conveying elements,and wherein a transfer area is defined between the first conveyor mechanism and the second conveyor mechanism, and providing a support element, which support element is arranged below the lower run of the at least one continuously circulating conveyor element and extends between the first conveyor housing and the second conveyor housing and defines a return conveyor section extending between the two head end areas, feeding the total quantity of the dissolving bulk material into the receiving device up to its discharge area, conveying the individual partial quantities of the bulk material by means of the first conveyor mechanism from the discharge area to the second head end area and transferring the individual partial quantities of the bulk material in the transfer area to the second conveyor mechanism, and conveying a conveyed quantity of the transferred bulk material away by means of the second conveyor mechanism from the transfer area to a discharge point.

[0021] The advantage of the method steps selected here is that individual partial quantities are conveyed away from the bottom-side discharge area of ​​the receiving device by the first conveyor mechanism and transferred to the second conveyor mechanism in the transfer area for further transport, and this second conveyor mechanism conveys away a specific quantity per unit of time. By providing the support element and arranging it below the first conveyor mechanism, a separate and additional return conveyor section is created. If the partial quantities of bulk material conveyed in per unit of time by the receiving device are greater than the quantity conveyed away per unit of time, the excess difference, which could lead to blockages, is conveyed back by the conveying elements located below and projecting forward in the return conveyor section, first into the first head end area and then into the discharge area of ​​the receiving device.This ensures that excess bulk material is safely transported away in the transfer area, preventing blockages. This ensures trouble-free operation of the dissolving unit over a longer period of time.

[0022] Furthermore, a procedure in which the individual portions of the bulk material are fed in continuously or discontinuously is advantageous. Depending on the selected operating mode, this allows for even better adaptation to the bulk material to be dissolved.

[0023] Another advantageous approach is characterized by the fact that the conveyed quantity of the transferred bulk material is conveyed away continuously or discontinuously. This allows the quantity per unit of time to be adjusted and specified more individually.

[0024] Another advantageous method variant is one in which, if the conveyed quantity is less than the partial quantities conveyed in the same time unit, any remaining difference in the bulk material in the transfer area is conveyed back along the return conveyor section to the first head end area and further into the discharge area of ​​the receiving device by means of the conveying elements arranged on at least one circulating conveying element. In this way, the excess bulk material not transported away by the second conveying mechanism can be conveyed away from the transfer area and back into the receiving device. This is done using the same first conveying mechanism, and no additional conveyors or other measures are required.

[0025] Another approach is characterized by the second conveying mechanism being accommodated in a trough-shaped housing section of the second conveyor housing. The trough-shaped housing section is provided with a plurality of openings. The openings open into a suction channel that is in flow connection with a suction device. The suction device sucks out any particles of the bulk material that have entered the suction channel through the openings. This allows for secure filling on the side that is open at the top and good supporting action and longitudinal guidance on the bottom. Furthermore, the provision of the openings can allow the passage of small particles, such as dust, depending on the selected cross-sectional size. This enables separation and reduces or almost eliminates dust formation in the discharge area of ​​the bulk material.

[0026] A further advantageous approach is characterized by providing a filling device, which is arranged in the transfer area of ​​the second head end section and above the second conveyor mechanism. The additional filling device makes it possible to achieve even more reliable removal of the bulk material from the transfer area and improve the fill level of the second conveyor mechanism. This is particularly true for bulkier and solid bulk material.

[0027] Finally, another approach is characterized by the fact that the filling device is arranged laterally next to the second deflection device, as seen in the conveying direction of the second conveying mechanism. The filling device is used to fill the second conveying mechanism with the partial quantities of bulk material located in the transfer area for removal from the transfer area. This allows for separate and independent filling of the second conveying mechanism and, associated with this, improved conveying capacity by increasing the fill level. Furthermore, the fill level of the second conveying mechanism can also be increased, improving the safe removal of the bulk material.

[0028] For a better understanding of the invention, it is explained in more detail with reference to the following figures.

[0029] They show in a highly simplified, schematic representation: Fig. 1 the dissolving unit in plan view; Fig. 2 the dissolving unit according to Fig. 1 in section along lines II-II in Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 the dissolving unit according to the Fig. 1 and 2 , in elevation cut along lines III-III in Fig. 2 .

[0030] By way of introduction, it should be noted that in the variously described embodiments, identical parts are provided with identical reference symbols or component designations, whereby the disclosures contained in the entire description can be applied mutatis mutandis to identical parts with identical reference symbols or component designations. Furthermore, the positional information chosen in the description, such as top, bottom, side, etc., refers to the directly described and illustrated figure, and in the event of a change in position, these positional information must be applied mutatis mutandis to the new position.

[0031] The term "in particular" is understood below to mean that it may refer to a possible more specific embodiment or more detailed specification of an object or a method step, but does not necessarily have to represent a mandatory, preferred embodiment of the same or a mandatory procedure.

[0032] As used herein, the terms "comprising," "comprises," "having," "includes," "including," "contains," "containing," and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0033] The term "bulk material" includes at least the following types of material, which are listed below as examples. These can include, among others, mulched or chopped material, as well as shortened straw or hay. The individual piece or stalk length can be up to approximately 250 mm.

[0034] The substances generally referred to as bulk materials can be small pieces and / or fibrous or stalk-like. Depending on the moisture content, the bulk material may also tend to form clumps with a certain internal cohesion. The substances generally referred to as bulk materials are predominantly or exclusively organic materials. Depending on their size, these materials exhibit a certain degree of free-flowing ability.

[0035] Furthermore, the term "dissolution" used below refers to the separation and removal of partial quantities from the total quantity of the bulk material. These quantities represent either a volume or a mass per unit of time. However, "dissolution" does not refer to the process of dissolving a solid in a liquid, such as sugar or a tablet in water.

[0036] In the Fig. 1 to 3 Such a dissolving unit 1 is shown in a stylized representation, by means of which a bulk material 2 fed to it can be or will be divided or subdivided into several smaller partial quantities, starting from a total quantity of the bulk material 2 in a random position. For the sake of better clarity, Fig. 2 the bulk material 2 is only indicated in a very small quantity.

[0037] A receiving device 3, which can also be referred to as a feed device, is provided for receiving the bulk material 2. The receiving device 3 is usually shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped and usually has circumferentially arranged boundary walls. Furthermore, the receiving device 3 defines a mostly open feed area 4 and a discharge area 5 located at the bottom in the normal use position.

[0038] The bulk material 2 located in the receiving space of the receiving device 3 is usually automatically displaced into the discharge area 5 upon introduction. In the discharge area 5 and usually below the receiving device 3, a first conveying mechanism 6 is provided or arranged, which comprises at least one continuously rotating conveying member 7 with a plurality of conveying elements 8 arranged one behind the other in the conveying direction and at a distance from one another. The at least one conveying member 7 is deflected at a first head end region 9 and at a second head end region 10 arranged at a distance therefrom in the conveying direction. For this purpose, a first deflection device 11 is provided in the first head end region 9 and is mounted for rotation about a first deflection axis 12. A second deflection device 13 is provided in the second head end region 10 and is in turn mounted for rotation about a second deflection axis 14.

[0039] In a known manner, the at least one conveyor element 7 is deflected at the two deflection devices 11, 13. To drive the at least one conveyor element 7, at least one of the deflection devices 11, 13 is connected to a drive device 15. The at least one conveyor element 7 further defines an upper run 16 and a lower run 17 relative to the usual working or operating position.

[0040] The conveying elements 8 are usually rod-shaped, although a wide variety of cross-sectional shapes can be used depending on the type of bulk material 2. These can be angular profiles, rectangular profiles, or the like. The conveying element 8 can be continuous and / or interrupted in the conveying plane in the transverse direction with respect to the conveying direction. At the edges, the conveying element 8 or the conveying elements 8 arranged one behind the other in the transverse direction each define a conveying width 18. This corresponds approximately to a width of the receiving device 3 in its discharge area 5 in the transverse direction with respect to the conveying direction.

[0041] The conveyor element 7 itself can, for example, be belt-shaped. However, it can also be provided that the first conveyor mechanism 6 comprises at least two circulating conveyor elements 7 which are arranged at a distance from one another in the direction of the conveyor width 18. The conveyor elements 7 are usually designed in the form of chains, toothed belts or the like. In this embodiment of the conveyor elements 7, the conveyor elements 8, which are preferably each designed to be continuous, can be supported on a table-like support unit 19. Furthermore, for this purpose, a channel or slot (not designated in more detail) is to be provided in the support unit 19 for each of the circulating conveyor elements 7, in which channel or slot the respective conveyor element 7 is arranged or received. The channels or slots extend continuously between the two head end regions 9 and 10.

[0042] Since the individual conveying elements 8 are arranged so as to protrude from the conveying member 7, they define an imaginary envelope 20. The envelope 20 extends externally along the individual conveying elements 8 across the conveying width 18 and at a uniform distance above the conveying member 7 along its circumferential extent. During the conveying movement, the individual conveying elements 8 are located within the imaginary envelope 20 and directly border it.

[0043] In the first head end region 9, a first conveyor housing 21 can be provided, within which the first deflection device 11 is accommodated and is thus preferably completely covered on the side facing away from the second head end region 10. The same applies, however, to the second head end region 10. Here, a second conveyor housing 22 can be provided, within which the second deflection device 13 is accommodated and is thus preferably completely covered on the side facing away from the first head end region 9. The bulk material 2 can be introduced and transported within the conveyor housings 21, 22 and in a free space formed between the at least one conveyor member 7 and the conveyor elements 8 located thereon. Attention must be paid to appropriate tightness. As can be seen in particular from a summary of the Fig. 1 and 2As can be seen, the first conveyor housing 21 and / or the second conveyor housing 22 can each be arranged on the outside and laterally projecting from the bottom-side discharge area 5 of the shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped receiving device 3.

[0044] By means of the conveying elements 8 located on the conveying member 7, each of them dissolves or separates a portion of the total amount of bulk material 2 and conveys it in the direction of the second deflection device 13, and the respective portions of bulk material 2 are thus located within the second conveying housing 22. The portions are created, among other things, by each of the conveying elements 8 dissolving or separating a portion of the bulk material 2 located in the receiving device 3 and transporting or conveying it in the respective intermediate sections between conveying elements 8 arranged directly one behind the other into a transfer area 23 located in the second head end area 10.

[0045] The individual portions of the bulk material 2 are transferred in the transfer area 23 to a second conveyor mechanism 24 and can be transported further from there to a delivery point (not shown in detail). The second conveyor mechanism 24 is located in the second head end area 10 and extends at least along the conveyor width 18. Furthermore, the second conveyor mechanism 24 is located within the second conveyor housing 22 and is thus arranged or accommodated within the same.

[0046] Possible embodiments for the second conveyor mechanism 24 include, for example, a screw conveyor, tubular conveyor, tubular chain conveyor, or tubular cable conveyor. Such conveyors usually have a circular cross-section. To ensure the transfer of the bulk material 2 and secure reception in the transfer area 23, the second conveyor mechanism 24 can be accommodated in a trough-shaped housing section 25 of the second conveyor housing 22. The second conveyor mechanism 24 can furthermore have a parallel alignment with respect to the second deflection axis 14, at least along the conveying width 18.

[0047] The relative arrangement of the second conveyor mechanism 24 in the transfer area 23 is selected such that, viewed in its cross-section, it is arranged below the second deflection axis 14 of the second deflection device 13 and outside the envelope 20 defined on the outside by the conveyor elements 8. "Below" further refers to a horizontal plane arranged lying in the second deflection axis 14. The transfer area 23 is thus located between the first conveyor mechanism 6 and the second conveyor mechanism 24.

[0048] To form a so-called return conveyor section 26 in an area below the lower run 17 of the conveyor element 7, a preferably plate-shaped support element 27 is provided. The support element 27 extends between the first conveyor housing 21 and the second conveyor housing 22 and forms a type of channel. The nature of the return conveyor section 26 will be described in more detail below. The distance between that surface of the support element 27 which faces the first conveyor mechanism 6 and the imaginary envelope 20 defined by the conveyor elements 8 is to be selected such that collisions are avoided but a transport effect can be exerted by the conveyor elements 8 on the bulk material 2. It would also be possible to arrange the support element 27 in a relatively adjustable manner in order to thus make the channel height adjustable.

[0049] In order to be able to predetermine the individual partial quantities conveyed by the first conveying mechanism 6 into the transfer area 23 to a certain extent, at least one slide element 28 can be provided for this purpose. The slide element 28 serves to limit the quantity and can be arranged in the discharge area 5 from the receiving device 3 into the second head end area 10 above the upper run 16 of the at least one continuously circulating conveying element 7. Depending on the spacing from the conveying elements 8, the clear passage cross-section into the transfer area 23 can thus be adjusted. For this purpose, the position of the at least one slide element 28 is adjustable relative to the upper run 16 as needed. The holder and / or guide can be provided on a side wall of the receiving device 3.

[0050] Depending on the consistency and type of bulk material 2, a suction device 29 can be provided if, in addition to the solid components, it also contains dust or dust particles. For this purpose, a plurality of openings 30 are provided in the trough-shaped housing section 25 of the second conveyor housing 22 to allow the dust to pass through the openings 30. The openings 30 each open into a suction channel 31, wherein the suction channel 31 is in flow connection with the suction device 29 via a line connection (not further specified).

[0051] In the Fig. 1 and 3A possibility for better and more reliable filling of the second conveyor mechanism 24 with the already broken up or separated bulk material 2 in the transfer area 23 is shown, wherein a filling device 32 is provided for this purpose. The filling device 32 serves or is designed to bring the bulk material 2 already located in the transfer area 23 into safe contact with the second conveyor mechanism 24 for its removal and further transport. This is intended to fill the individual conveying chambers of the second conveyor mechanism 24 provided for this purpose with the bulk material 2 to be transported away. The filling device 32 can also be referred to as a pressure device.

[0052] How better now from the Fig. 3As can be seen, the filling device 32 is located above the second conveyor mechanism 24 in the usual position intended for operation. Furthermore, it can be seen that the filling device 32 is arranged laterally next to the second deflection device 13 and downstream of the first conveyor mechanism 6, as seen in the conveying direction of the second conveyor mechanism 24. For reasons of better clarity, the drive device 15 has been Fig. 3 no longer shown.

[0053] In the present exemplary embodiment, the filling device 32 comprises at least one preferably cylindrically shaped rolling element 33, which can also be referred to as a rotating body or rotational body. The at least one rolling element 33 is in turn rotatably mounted and can be drivingly connected to a drive means 34. The drive means 34 can, for example, be formed by a dedicated drive motor. However, the drive of the second conveying mechanism 24 and / or the drive device 15 could also be drivingly connected to the at least one rolling element 33.

[0054] The rolling element 33 can be formed, for example, by a wheel and / or a disk and / or a roller. The outer surface or circumferential face can be smooth, structured, or even wave-shaped when viewed towards the axis of rotation. However, additional mandrels, projections, spikes, or the like could also be arranged or formed on the rolling element 33 and distributed over the circumference. Furthermore, it would also be possible to largely adapt the cross-sectional shape of the rolling element 33 to the outer contour of the second conveyor mechanism 24 located below. The axis of rotation of the rolling element 33 preferably has a normal orientation with respect to the longitudinal extent of the second conveyor mechanism 24 in the transfer area 23. The direction of rotation of the rolling element 33 is selected such that, in the area facing the second conveyor mechanism 24, it runs in the same direction as the conveying movement of the second conveyor mechanism 24.This is illustrated by arrows.

[0055] A preferably small gap is formed between the rolling element 33 and the second conveying mechanism 24 in order, on the one hand, to avoid a collision between the components moving towards each other and, on the other hand, to press the dissolved bulk material 2 into the second conveying mechanism 24.

[0056] The gap described can also be variably adjustable. This is indicated in simplified form by a double arrow next to the rolling element 33. This allows the gap width to be individually adjusted to the specific bulk material 2 to be broken down. Furthermore, it would be possible to keep the gap width constant during operation or to alternately increase and decrease the gap width within certain predetermined limits.

[0057] Below the housing section 25 for guiding the second conveying mechanism 24, the previously described suction channel 31 is indicated, which can be used to extract dust or the like from the bulk material 2.

[0058] The method for dissolving a total quantity of bulk material 2 in a tangled state into smaller partial quantities comprises at least the following steps: Providing the bulk material 2 to be dissolved, providing the receiving device 3, which receiving device 3 is shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped and defines the feed area 4 and the discharge area 5 located on the bottom, providing the first conveyor mechanism 6, which first conveyor mechanism 6 is arranged in the discharge area 5 and comprises at least one continuously rotating conveyor element 7 with conveyor elements 8 arranged thereon, wherein the at least one conveyor element 7 is deflected at the first head end area 9 at the first deflection device 11 with the first deflection axis 12 and at the second head end area 10, which is arranged at a distance in the conveying direction, at the second deflection device 13 with the second deflection axis 14, wherein one of the deflection devices 11, 13 is driven by the drive device 15, and the upper run 16 and the lower run 17 are defined by the at least one conveyor element 7,and furthermore, the circumferentially formed envelope 20 with its conveying width 18 is defined on the outside by the conveying elements 8, providing the first conveying housing 21, which first conveying housing 21 is arranged in the first head end region 9 and covers the first deflection device 11, providing the second conveying housing 22, which second conveying housing 22 is arranged in the second head end region 10 and covers the second deflection device 13, providing the second conveying mechanism 24, which second conveying mechanism 24 is arranged in the second head end region 10 and extends at least along the conveying width 18, wherein the second conveying mechanism 24 is received and arranged within the second conveying housing 22 and is arranged in a region below the second deflection axis 14 of the second deflection device 13 and outside the envelope 20 defined on the outside by the conveying elements 8,and wherein the transfer area 23 is defined between the first conveyor mechanism 6 and the second conveyor mechanism 24, and providing the support element 27, which support element 27 is arranged below the lower run 17 of the at least one continuously circulating conveyor element 7 and extends between the first conveyor housing 21 and the second conveyor housing 22, and from this the return conveyor section 26 extending between the two head end areas 9, 10 is defined, feeding the total amount of the dissolving bulk material 2 into the receiving device 3 up to its discharge area 5, conveying the individual partial quantities of the bulk material 2 by means of the first conveyor mechanism 6 from the discharge area 5 into the second head end area 10 and transferring the individual partial quantities of the bulk material 2 in the transfer area 23 to the second conveyor mechanism 24,and conveying away a conveyed quantity of the transferred bulk material 2 by means of the second conveying mechanism 24 from the transfer area 23 to a delivery point. ,

[0059] The quantities specified can be a volume or a mass, each relative to a predetermined unit of time. The total quantity of bulk material 2 decreases during operation and the dissolving process depending on the partial quantities dissolved and transported per unit of time.

[0060] The conveying of the individual portions of bulk material 2 from the discharge area 5 to the transfer area 23 can be carried out continuously or discontinuously. The conveying of the conveyed portion of the transferred bulk material 2 can also be carried out continuously or discontinuously.

[0061] If, during operation of the dissolving unit 1, the case occurs in which the individual partial quantities of the bulk material 2 fed in per unit of time are greater than the quantities conveyed away or removed by the second conveying mechanism 24 per unit of time, a difference or excess quantity of the bulk material 2 will be present in the transfer area 23. This usually leads to blockages, bridging or the like and subsequently to an operational malfunction and conditional interruption.

[0062] To prevent this, the previously described return conveyor section 26 is provided below the first conveyor mechanism 6. If the excess bulk material 2 is located in the form of the difference in quantity in the transfer area 23, this difference in quantity can be conveyed by the conveyor elements 8, starting from the second head end area 10, back to the first head end area 9 and from there upwards into the discharge area 5 of the receiving device 3. The bulk material 2 is supported on the support element 27 or rests on it and is carried along it by the conveyor elements 8 projecting towards the floor.

[0063] The possible arrangement of the filling device 32 in the area that, viewed in the conveying direction of the second conveying mechanism 24, is arranged directly laterally adjacent to the transfer area 23, thus allowing the bulk material 2 to be transported even more effectively into the individual receiving spaces or conveying spaces located one behind the other in the second conveying mechanism 24. With the conveying and rotational directions preferably selected in the same direction between the second conveying mechanism 24 and the rolling element 33, blockages caused by the partial quantities of the bulk material 2 in the transfer area 23 can thus be largely reduced or even avoided altogether.

[0064] The embodiments show possible embodiments, whereby it should be noted at this point that the invention is not limited to the specifically illustrated embodiments thereof, but rather various combinations of the individual embodiments with one another are also possible and this possibility of variation lies within the skill of the person skilled in the art in this technical field due to the teaching of technical action by means of the objective invention.

[0065] The scope of protection is determined by the claims. However, the description and drawings must be used to interpret the claims. The problem underlying the independent inventive solutions can be derived from the description.

[0066] For the sake of clarity, it should finally be pointed out that, in order to better understand the structure, some elements have been shown out of scale and / or enlarged and / or reduced in size. Reference symbol list

[0067] 30 breakthrough 1 Dissolving unit 31 Suction channel 2 Bulk goods 32 Filling device 3 Recording device 33 Rolling elements 4 Feed area 34 Propulsion system 5 Collection area 6 first funding mechanism 7 Funding body 8 Conveying element 9 first head end area 10 second head end area 11 first deflection device 12 first deflection axis 13 second deflection device 14 second deflection axis 15 drive device 16 upper run 17 lower run 18 Conveyor width 19 Support unit 20 Enveloping 21 first conveyor casing 22 second conveyor casing 23 Transfer area 24 second funding mechanism 25 Housing section 26 Return section 27 Support element 28 Slide element 29 Suction device

Claims

1. A breaking-up unit (1) for a total quantity of bulk material (2) in a tangled position, in particular mulched or chopped material, shortened straw or hay, into smaller partial quantities, the breaking-up unit (1) comprising - a receiving device (3), which receiving device (3) is configured to be shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped and defines a supply area (4) and a discharge area (5) located on the bottom side, - a first conveying mechanism (6), which first conveying mechanism (6) is arranged in the discharge area (5) and comprises at least one endlessly circulating conveying member (7) with conveying elements (8) arranged thereon, wherein the at least one conveying member (7) is deflected in each case at a first head end region (9) on a first deflection device (11) with a first deflection axis (12) and at a second head end region (10), which is arranged at a distance in the conveying direction, on a second deflection device (13) with a second deflection axis (14), wherein at least one of the deflection devices (11, 13) is in drive connection with a drive device (15), and the at least one conveying member (7) forms an upper run (16) and a lower run (17), and furthermore a circumferentially formed envelope (20) with a conveying width (18) is defined on the outside of the conveying elements (8), - a first conveyor housing (21), which first conveyor housing (21) is arranged in the first head end region (9) and covers the first deflection device (11), - a second conveyor housing (22), which second conveyor housing (22) is arranged in the second head end region (10) and covers the second deflection device (13) - a second conveying mechanism (24), which second conveying mechanism (24) is arranged in the second head end region (10) and extends at least along the conveying width (18), - wherein the second conveying mechanism (24) is received and arranged within the second conveyor housing (22) and is arranged in a region below the second deflection axis (14) of the second deflection device (13) and outside the envelope (20) defined on the outside by the conveying elements (8), and wherein a transfer region (23) is defined between the first conveying mechanism (6) and the second conveying mechanism (24), wherein the second conveying mechanism (24), as seen in its cross section, is arranged below the second deflection axis (14) of the second deflection device (13) and outside the envelope (20) defined on the outside by the conveying elements (8), and - a supporting element (27), which supporting element (27) is arranged below the lower run (17) of the at least one endlessly circulating conveying member (7) and extends between the first conveyor housing (21) and the second conveyor housing (22) and thereby defines a return conveying section (26) extending between the two head end regions (9, 10), characterized in that the second conveying mechanism (24) is received in a trough-shaped housing section (25) of the second conveyor housing (22).

2. The breaking-up unit (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the second conveying mechanism (24) has a parallel alignment with respect to the second deflection axis (14) at least along the conveying width (18).

3. The breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the trough-shaped housing section (25) is provided with a plurality of apertures (30) and the apertures (30) open into a suction channel (31) and the suction channel (31) is in flow connection with a suction device (29).

4. The breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first conveyor housing (21) and the second conveyor housing (22) are each arranged on the outside and projecting laterally from the bottom-side discharge area (5) of the receiving device (3), which is configured to be shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped.

5. The breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a sliding element (28) is provided, which sliding element (28) is arranged in the discharge area (5) from the receiving device (3) into the second head end region (10) above the upper run (16) of the at least one endlessly circulating conveying member (7) and can be adjusted in its position relative to the upper run (16) as required in order to set a clear passage cross section.

6. The breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first conveying mechanism (6) comprises at least two circulating conveying members (7) which are arranged spaced apart from one another in the direction of the conveying width (18).

7. The breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying elements (8) are in particular rod-shaped and extend continuously over the conveying width (18).

8. The breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying members (8), which are in particular rod-shaped, are supported on a table-like supporting unit (19), and each of the circulating conveying members (7) is received in a respective channel arranged or formed in the supporting unit (19) or in a slot.

9. The breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a filling device (32) is provided, which filling device (32) is arranged in the transfer region (23) of the second head end region (10) and above the second conveying mechanism (24).

10. The breaking-up unit (1) according to claim 9, characterized in that the filling device (32) is arranged laterally next to the second deflection device (13) as seen in the conveying direction of the second conveying mechanism (24).

11. The breaking-up unit (1) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the filling device (32) comprises at least one rotatably mounted rolling body (33) and the rolling body (33) is in drive connection with a drive means (34).

12. The breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the second conveying mechanism (24) is selected from the group of screw conveyors, tube conveyors, tube chain conveyors or tube rope conveyors.

13. A method for breaking up a total quantity of bulk material (2) in a tangled position, in particular mulched or chopped material, shortened straw or hay, into smaller partial quantities, in particular using the breaking-up unit (1) according to one of the preceding claims, in which the following steps are carried out - providing the bulk material (2) to be broken up, - providing a receiving device (3), which receiving device (3) is configured to be shaft-shaped or funnel-shaped and defines a supply area (4) and a discharge area (5) located on the bottom side, - providing a first conveying mechanism (6), which first conveying mechanism (6) is arranged in the discharge area (5) and comprises at least one endlessly circulating conveying member (7) with conveying elements (8) arranged thereon, wherein the at least one conveying member (7) is deflected in each case at a first head end region (9) on a first deflection device (11) with a first deflection axis (12) and at a second head end region (10) arranged at a distance in the conveying direction on a second deflection device (13) with a second deflection axis (14), wherein one of the deflection devices (11, 13) is driven by a drive device (15), and an upper run (16) and a lower run (17) are defined by the at least one conveying member (7), and furthermore a circumferentially formed envelope end (20) with a conveying width (18) is defined on the outside of the conveying elements (8), - providing a first conveyor housing (21), which first conveyor housing (21) is arranged in the first head end region (9) and covers the first deflection device (11), - providing a second conveyor housing (22), which second conveyor housing (22) is arranged in the second head end region (10) and covers the second deflection device (13), - providing a second conveying mechanism (24), which second conveying mechanism (24) is arranged in the second head end region (10) and extends at least along the conveying width (18), - wherein the second conveying mechanism (24) is received and arranged within the second conveyor housing (22) and is arranged in a region below the second deflection axis (14) of the second deflection device (13) and outside the envelope (20) defined on the outside by the conveying elements (8), and wherein a transfer region (23) is defined between the first conveying mechanism (6) and the second conveying mechanism (24), wherein the second conveying mechanism (24), as seen in its cross section, is arranged below the second deflection axis (14) of the second deflection device (13) and outside the envelope (20) defined on the outside by the conveying elements (8), - providing a supporting element (27), which supporting element (27) is arranged below the lower run (17) of the at least one endlessly circulating conveying member (7) and extends between the first conveyor housing (21) and the second conveyor housing (22) and by which a return conveying section (26) extending between the two head end regions (9, 10) is defined, - feeding the total quantity of the breaking-up bulk material (2) into the receiving device (3) as far as its discharge area (5), - feeding the individual partial quantities of the bulk material (2) by means of the first conveying mechanism (6) from the discharge area (5) into the second head end region (10) and transferring the individual partial quantities of the bulk material (2) in the transfer region (23) to the second conveying mechanism (24), and - conveying away a conveying quantity of the transferred bulk material (2) by means of the second conveying mechanism (24) from the transfer region (23) to a discharge point, characterized in that the second conveying mechanism (24) is received in a trough-shaped housing section (25) of the second conveyor housing (22).

14. The method according to claim 13, characterized in that the feeding of the individual partial quantities of the bulk material (2) is carried out continuously or discontinuously.

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that the conveying away of the conveying quantity of the transferred bulk material (2) is carried out continuously or discontinuously.

16. The method according to one of claims 13 to 15, characterized in that when the conveying quantity conveyed away falls below the partial quantities supplied in the same unit of time, a differential quantity of the bulk material (2) remaining in the transfer region (23) is conveyed back along the return conveying section (26) to the first head end region (9) and further into the discharge area (5) of the receiving device (3) by means of the conveying members (8) arranged on the at least one circulating conveying member (7).

17. The method according to one of claims 13 to 16, characterized in that the trough-shaped housing section (25) is provided with a plurality of apertures (30) and that the apertures (30) open into a suction channel (31) which is in flow connection with a suction device (29), and that those particles of the bulk material (2) which have passed through the apertures (30) into the suction channel (31) are sucked off by means of the suction device (29).

18. The method according to one of claims 13 to 17, characterized in that a filling device (32) is provided, which filling device (32) is arranged in the transfer region (23) of the second head end region (10) and above the second conveying mechanism (24).

19. The method according to claim 18, characterized in that the filling device (32) is arranged laterally next to the second deflection device (13), as seen in the conveying direction of the second conveying mechanism (24), and the second conveying mechanism (24) is filled by means of the filling device (32) with the partial quantities of the bulk material (2) located in the transfer region (23) for conveying away from the transfer region (23).