BALE UNBREAKER AND BALE UNBREAKER METHOD

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a bale unroller according to the preamble of claim 1 and to a bale unrolling method according to the preamble of claim 8.

[0002] The invention relates to, or is therefore a technical device from the field of agricultural technology in particular, specifically the field of feed technology or barn technology, and performs or supports, alternatively or in combination, the following main tasks: 1. To break up bales of hay, straw and the like so that the material of the bale can be used as feed or bedding for keeping animals such as horses, or 2. To break up bales of hay, straw and the like so that the material of the bale can be fed, for example, to a combustion plant for energy or heat generation or for another use.

[0003] In particular, the present invention is based on a bale unroller of the same applicant according to DE 20 2016 008 248 U1, which originated from EP 3 078 260 A1, and a bale unroller of the same applicant according to EP16000806.6, which originated from WO2019 / 185078.

[0004] Further publications on the basic technology are DE 195 10 215 A1, DT 25 35 204 A1, DE 27 15 269 A1 and DE 33 37 390 C1.

[0005] EP1914344A1 discloses a bale breaker with parallel stripping shafts arranged at right angles to a conveying device that transports the bales. Chutes direct the fibrous material from the bales into a discharge channel, where it is separated by toothed stripping tools. The tools overlap their circumferential paths radially over a portion of the teeth. The tools are spaced axially and are arranged without overlap towards the outside.

[0006] From US10647463B2, a baling machine is known that removes the binding from a bale and enables rapid bale processing. A method for removing the binding from the bale includes supporting the bale with a bale support in an elevated position and attaching the binding to a binding engagement device. The method further includes cutting the binding and removing the bale support from under the bale, so that at least part of the bale falls away from the binding attached to the binding engagement device by gravity.

[0007] A bale opener, particularly for straw, hemp, and flax, comprising a rotary cutter with cutting blades that retract into a cutting body at the end of a cutting path, is disclosed in DE19938090A1. Bales are fed to a rotary cutter via a conveyor belt, and opened material is removed by another conveyor belt. At the end of a cutting path, the cutting blades are retracted. The drives are equipped with load sensors that reduce the feed rate or cutting speed in case of overload due to fiber blockages.

[0008] US Patent 2019 / 0373919A1 discloses a forage processing device comprising a first platform for placing a first type of forage, a first cutting mechanism for processing the first type of forage, a first chain for cutting the first type of forage from the first platform to the first cutting mechanism; and a second platform, a second cutting mechanism, and a second chain for performing similar tasks with a second type of forage. The first and second chains are driven at different speeds to allow simultaneous cutting of the first and second types of forage to different sizes.The device also includes a conveyor belt for the simultaneous collection of the first type of roughage and the second type of roughage after their respective processing by the first and second cutting mechanisms, in order to effectively mix the two types of roughage, which have each been cut differently, in order to obtain their optimal particle size for consumption by ruminants.

[0009] Bale unwinders can experience jams, blockages, and uneven or undesirable unwinding results. Furthermore, known bale unwinders are often mechanically complex, which increases costs, manufacturing effort, wear and tear, maintenance, and susceptibility to malfunctions. The present invention aims to at least partially avoid or reduce these disadvantages.

[0010] To achieve this goal, the invention provides a bale unroller according to claim 1 and a bale unroller according to claim 5. Preferred and advantageous embodiments thereof are specified in the dependent claims.

[0011] A bale unroller according to the invention for a bale of hay, straw, bedding and / or fodder comprises support devices for the bale and unrolling devices designed to release hay, straw, bedding and / or fodder from a bale provided on the support devices and to transport it to discharge devices located downstream of the unrolling devices, wherein the support devices are associated with feed devices for feeding a bale provided on the support devices in a feed direction towards the unrolling devices, and wherein feed drive devices for driving the feed devices and unrolling drive devices for driving the unrolling devices are further provided, wherein the feed drive devices and / or the unrolling drive devices and / or the discharge devices are associated with control devices designed toThe invention aims to control the feed drive devices and / or the disassembly drive devices and / or the dispensing devices in such a way as to prevent or remedy malfunctions or disturbances, such as, in particular, jams or blockages caused by the bale, especially at the disassembly devices and / or the dispensing devices. Additionally, the invention provides that the control devices are designed to control the feed drive devices, in particular depending on at least one predetermined detection result from at least one disassembly function sensor and / or at least one dispensing function sensor, which indicates a malfunction or disturbance, or an impending malfunction or disturbance caused by the bale at the disassembly devices or at the dispensing devices.that the bale or already shredded material is temporarily moved away from the dissolving devices in the opposite direction to the feed direction or in the opposite direction to a dust extraction direction.

[0012] According to an advantageous and preferred embodiment of such a bale unroller, the invention may provide that the control devices are assigned at least one unrolling function sensor on the unrolling drive devices and / or an output function sensor on the output devices, and that the control devices are designed to control the feed drive devices and / or the unrolling drive devices depending on at least one predetermined detection result of the at least one unrolling function sensor and / or the at least one output function sensor, which indicates a malfunction or fault or an impending malfunction or fault caused by the bale on the unrolling devices or on the output devices, in such a way that the malfunction or fault is temporarily counteracted, wherein, if necessary,Each resolution function sensor and output function sensor is preferably a torque sensor, a motion sensor, a temperature sensor, a current or voltage sensor, or a switch.

[0013] Furthermore, the invention provides advantageous and preferable alternative or additional developments of the bale dissolver, which consist in that a bottleneck is placed upstream of the output devices with respect to the feed direction, which is preferably formed by the dissolving devices or assigned to the dissolving devices and is in particular placed upstream.

[0014] A further advantageous embodiment of the invention consists in the fact that the dissolving devices include loosening devices, particularly if necessary in the area of ​​the bottleneck, for breaking up lumps, pieces, chunks or patches released from the bale.

[0015] It may also be preferable to provide that the disengaging devices include knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped drivers, several of which are attached to a common rod-shaped support and are in particular integrally designed.

[0016] It may be advantageous to provide that the dispensing devices include dust removal devices, in particular a dust removal channel, which preferably has at least one perforated sheet on its underside through which unwanted material, such as sand, loess, clay, etc., is separated and in which a discharge belt of the dispensing devices runs.

[0017] Another advantageous and preferred embodiment consists in the fact that a discharge belt of the dispensing devices has, in addition to drive tines, dust carriers as conveying devices, and preferably devices are assigned to the dispensing devices by means of which an airflow is generated, preferably transversely to the dust removal direction, from a discharge belt of the dispensing devices to the at least one perforated plate of the dust removal channel in order to remove sand, loess, clay, etc. from the hay, straw, bedding and / or feed through the perforated plate from the dust removal channel.

[0018] The invention further provides a bale unbundling method in which a bale of hay, straw, bedding and / or feed is transported on support devices by means of feed devices driven by feed drive devices to unbundling devices driven by unbundling drive devices, which unbundle the hay, straw, bedding and / or feed from the bale and transport it to dispensing devices, wherein the feed drive devices and / or the unbundling drive devices and / or the dispensing devices are controlled by means of control devices in such a way that a malfunction or disturbance, such as in particular a jam or blockage by the bale, especially at the unbundling devices and / or the dispensing devices, is avoided or rectified.In addition, according to the invention, the control devices are designed to control the feed drive devices, in particular depending on at least one predetermined detection result from at least one dissolution function sensor and / or from at least one output function sensor, which indicates a malfunction or fault or an impending malfunction or fault caused by the bale at the dissolution devices or at the output devices, in such a way that the bale or already shredded material is temporarily moved away from the dissolution devices or away from a dust removal direction in the opposite direction to the feed direction.

[0019] The bale dissolution method according to the invention can be advantageously and preferably further developed by procedurally utilizing the previously described further embodiments of the bale dissolution device in various variants.

[0020] Further advantageous and preferred embodiments result from the combination of individual claims, the following description of figures for individual embodiments, and the figures in the drawing.

[0021] The invention is explained in more detail below by way of example embodiments with reference to the drawing, which shows: Fig. 1 shows a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a bale unroller to illustrate the components, including a control unit. Fig. 2 shows a schematic open side view of the embodiment of the bale unroller from the Fig. 1 During the processing of a rectangular bale, Fig. 3 shows a schematic open side view of the exemplary embodiment of the bale unroller from the Fig. 1During the processing of a rolled bale, Fig. 4 shows a schematic open side view of the exemplary embodiment of the bale unroller from the Figs. 1 and 2 During the processing of a rectangular bale in an initial stage of processing, Fig. 5 shows a schematic open side view of the embodiment of the bale unroller from the Figs. 1 and 2 during the processing of a rectangular bale in a stage different from the initial stage in the Fig. 4 advanced stage of processing, Fig. 6 in a schematic enlarged side view, one from the stage in the Fig. 5 The resulting disturbance, Fig. 7 in a schematic open side view, is the embodiment of the bale unroller from the Figs. 1 and 2 during the processing of a rectangular bale in a process opposite the one in the Fig. 6The disturbance is illustrated in a later stage for the resolution of the disturbance, Fig. 8 in a schematic enlarged side view shows a detail of the sequence of the resolution of the disturbance according to the Fig. 7 Fig. 9 shows a schematic top view of a first embodiment of a disassembly chain as a component of disassembly devices of the bale unroller; Fig. 10 shows a schematic side view of the first embodiment of the disassembly chain as a component of disassembly devices of the bale unroller according to the Fig. 9 , Fig. 11 in a perspective schematic view the first embodiment of the unwinding chain as a component of unwinding devices of the bale unwinder according to the Figs. 9 and 10Fig. 12 shows a second embodiment of a dissolving chain as part of the dissolving devices of the bale dissolver in a perspective schematic view; Fig. 13 shows a first embodiment of a conveyor chain as part of the feeding devices of the bale dissolver in a schematic side view; Fig. 14 shows the embodiment of the conveyor chain as part of the feeding devices of the bale dissolver in a schematic enlarged, partial side view. Fig. 13 Fig. 15 shows a third embodiment of a disassembly chain as part of the disassembly devices of the bale disassembler in a perspective schematic view; Fig. 16 shows a further embodiment of a bale disassembler in a perspective schematic view to illustrate the components including a control system; Fig. 17 shows a further embodiment of the bale disassembler in a schematic open side view. Fig. 16, Fig. 18 schematically a first detail from the Fig. 16 , Fig. 19 schematically a second detail from the Fig. 16 , Fig. 20 schematically shows a third detail from the Fig. 16 , Fig. 21 in a schematic partially opened front view the further embodiment of the bale unroller from the Fig. 16 , Fig. 22 schematically shows an output function sensor from the Fig. 20 in an actuated position, Fig. 23 schematically shows the output function sensor from the Fig. 22 in an unactuated position, Fig. 24 schematically shows the dust removal devices of the bale unroller. Fig. 16 and 21 , Fig. 25 schematically shows further details of the dust extraction systems from the Fig. 24Fig. 26 shows a further embodiment of a bale unroller in a perspective schematic, partially opened view to illustrate the components; Fig. 27 shows a detail of yet another embodiment of the bale unroller in a schematic, partially opened side view. Fig. 26 , Fig. 28 schematically shows an enlarged detail from the Fig. 27 , Fig. 29 in a perspective schematic bottom view the unwinding chain as a component of unwinding devices of the bale unwinder from the Fig. 26 , Fig. 30 schematically shows an output function sensor from the Fig. 20 in an actuated position, Fig. 31 schematically shows the output function sensor from the Fig. 30 in an unactuated position, Fig. 32 schematically shows the circumstances of the actuation of the output function sensor from the Figs. 30 and 31 , and Fig. 33 in a perspective schematic view the output function sensor from the Figs. 30, 31 and 32 .

[0022] The invention is explained in more detail by way of example using the embodiments and applications described below and illustrated in the drawings; that is, it is not limited to these embodiments and applications. Method and device features can also be derived analogously from the device and method descriptions, respectively.

[0023] Individual features that are specified and / or illustrated in connection with a specific embodiment are not limited to that embodiment or the combination with the other features of that embodiment, but can be combined, within the limits of what is technically possible, with any other variants, even if they are not specifically addressed in the present documentation.

[0024] Identical reference numerals in the individual figures and illustrations of the drawing denote identical or similar components, or components with the same or similar effect. The representations in the drawing also clearly indicate features that are not marked with reference numerals, regardless of whether such features are described subsequently or not. Conversely, features included in this description but not visible or depicted in the drawing are readily understandable to a person skilled in the art.

[0025] The invention relates to, or is therefore, a technical device from the field of agricultural technology, specifically the field of feed technology or barn technology, and performs or supports, alternatively or in combination, the following main tasks: 1. To break up bales of hay, straw, bedding and / or fodder and the like, so that the material of the bale can be used as fodder or bedding for keeping animals such as horses, and / or 2. To break up bales of hay, straw, bedding and / or fodder and the like, so that the material of the bale can be fed, for example, to a combustion plant for energy or heat generation or for another use.

[0026] A bale unroller 1 for a bale 2 made of hay, straw, bedding and / or feed, contains, as the Figs. 1 to 8As can be clearly seen, there are support devices 3 for the bale 2 and unbundling devices 4, which are designed to remove hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed from a bale 2 provided on the support devices 3 and transport it to discharge devices 5, which are downstream of the unbundling devices 4. Feed devices 6 for feeding the bale 2 provided on the support devices 3 in a feed direction Z towards the unbundling devices 4 are assigned to the support devices 3. Furthermore, feed drive devices 7 for driving the feed devices 6 and unbundling drive devices 8 for driving the unbundling devices 4 are provided. Control devices 9 are provided for the feed drive devices 7 and / or the unbundling drive devices 8 in the Figures 2 to 8(not shown) assigned, which are designed to control the feed drive devices 7 and / or the release drive devices 8 in such a way as to avoid or remedy a malfunction or disturbance, such as in particular a jam or blockage by the bale 2, especially at the release devices 4.

[0027] In the illustrated embodiment of the bale unroller 1 according to the Figures 1 to 8It is provided that the control units 9 are assigned at least one release function sensor 10 to the release drive units 8 or the output units 5, and that the control units 9 control the feed drive units 7 and / or the release drive units 8 depending on at least one predetermined detection result of the at least one release function sensor 10, which indicates a malfunction or fault or an impending malfunction or fault caused by the bale 2 at the release units 4, in such a way that the malfunction or fault is temporarily counteracted. The release function sensor 10 is preferably, for example, a torque sensor, a motion sensor, a temperature sensor, a current or voltage sensor.

[0028] In particular, in the embodiment of the bale unroller 1 according to the Figures 1 to 8It is provided that the control devices 9 control the feed drive devices 7, if necessary depending on at least one predetermined detection result from the at least one dissolution function sensor 10, which indicates a malfunction or fault or an impending malfunction or fault caused by the bale 2 at the dissolution devices 4, in such a way that the bale 2 is temporarily moved away from the dissolution devices 4 against the feed direction Z or temporarily moved more slowly towards the dissolution devices 4 in the feed direction Z.

[0029] Furthermore, in the embodiment of the bale unroller 1 according to the Figures 1 to 8 A bottleneck is placed upstream of the output devices 5 with respect to the feed direction Z, which is preferably formed by the dissolving devices 4 or assigned to the dissolving devices 4 and is in particular placed upstream of them.

[0030] From this, corresponding bale unbundling, bedding, and feed distribution methods can be derived, wherein the feed drive devices 7 and / or the unbundling drive devices 8 are controlled in such a way that a malfunction or disturbance, such as in particular a jam or blockage caused by the bale 2, especially at the unbundling devices 4, is avoided or rectified. The aforementioned configurations are integrated into the process with the control devices 9 and preferably with the at least one unbundling function sensor 10, as well as their operation and effects.

[0031] Further examples and details of the bale unroller 1, as well as its inventive design and function, are described below as further embodiments, particularly with reference to the Figs. 4 to 8 further explained.

[0032] For the sake of completeness, it should also be noted that the bale unroller 1 is located in the Fig. 1is provided with a cover or housing (not specified) which is in the Figs. 2 to 8 was omitted.

[0033] The bale 2, lying on the feed devices 6, such as a conveyor belt 14, is conveyed at a predetermined and, in particular, suitably adjusted speed against the disassembly devices 4, which, for example, include a disassembly chain 15. Knife-, blade-, hook-, comb-, or rod-shaped carriers 12 are located on / at the disassembly chain 15. Several of these carriers are arranged on a common rod-shaped support 13 and are, in particular, integrally formed. A plurality of these carriers are, in turn, attached to the disassembly chain 15, preferably circulating in a closed loop, at preferably at least approximately equal intervals. The knife-, blade-, hook-, comb-, or rod-shaped carriers 12 "engage" in the bale 2 fed from the feed devices 6 to the disassembly devices 4 and release more or less material, depending on the feed or conveying speed of the conveyor belt 13.Hay, straw, bedding and / or feed from bale 2, thus dissolving bale 2, and conveying this material towards a constriction 11, such as the . Fig. 5 clarifies.

[0034] The torque of a drive motor 16 of the disassembly drive devices 8 of the disassembly chain 15 is measured via a frequency converter 17, which performs the function of a resolution function sensor 10. The measurement result from the frequency converter 17, or more generally the resolution function sensor 10, is transmitted, in particular continuously or at predetermined or predeterminable time intervals, to the control devices 9, where these measured values ​​are compared as actual values ​​with predetermined or predeterminable setpoint values ​​in order to detect a malfunction or fault, or an impending malfunction or fault, in the event of a predetermined or predeterminable deviation or change over time between the actual value and the setpoint value.

[0035] In this way, the control units 9 can determine, for example, that the pressure derived from the measured values, exerted by the fed bale 2 on the disassembly chain 15, exceeds the pressure corresponding to a specific setpoint, thus indicating an exceedance of a predetermined, defined value of the torque of the drive motor 13. In such a case, the control units 9 reverse the conveyor belt 14 of the feed drive units 7, i.e., against the feed direction Z, thereby relieving the load on the disassembly chain 15. As soon as the "critical" torque is no longer exceeded, the control units 9 return the feed drive units 7 to operation in the feed direction Z, so that the conveyor belt 14 runs again towards the disassembly chain 15.During this temporary reversal of the direction of movement of the feed drive devices 7 and thus of the conveyor belt 14, the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4 continues to run continuously, in particular towards the bottleneck 11 and the output devices 5. Alternatively or additionally, the control unit 9 can also stop or reverse the drive motor 16 of the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4 in order to eliminate a malfunction or fault or to prevent an impending malfunction or fault.

[0036] The speed of the dissolving chain 15 of the dissolving devices 4 is of crucial importance for the conveying rate. This speed operates within certain tolerances, which can easily be determined more precisely through trials without requiring any inventive steps. If the speed is too high, the material being conveyed, especially hay, but also straw, bedding, and / or feed, is shredded / torn into small pieces that are undesirable for the intended use. If the speed is too low, lumps and chunks, etc., are broken out of the bale 2, meaning that an "optimally loosened" material is not obtained. Material-dependent speeds are also conceivable, e.g., high speeds for straw and medium speeds for hay. Successful trials for all possible materials were conducted on average with speeds in the range of approximately 900 mm / s to about 1000 mm / s, in particular approximately...942 mm / s, whereby optimization can be achieved without any inventive step, depending on the material and, in particular, its condition. These speeds of the dissolving chain 15 of the dissolving devices 4 were successfully combined in our own tests with speeds of the conveyor belt or the conveyor chain 14 of the feed devices 6 in the range of 2 mm / s to 20 mm / s and, in particular, approximately 8 mm / s to about 12 mm / s, but also with optimal bale material without malfunctions or disturbances at approximately 4.16 mm / s. This allows, for example, a cuboid bale 2 of hay and / or straw with a length of 2500 mm to be dissolved within or even less than ten minutes.In order to compensate in particular for forward / backward cycles of conveyor belt or conveyor chain 14 of the feed devices 6 and / or disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4, which may occur depending on the material, the speeds can be increased or be higher accordingly, which is preferably adjustable via the control devices 9.

[0037] Depending on, for example, a defined torque acting on the shredding chain 15, the conveyor belt or conveyor chain 14 of the feed devices 6 is reversed by the control devices 9 in order to relieve the shredding chain 15 of the shredding devices 4 and thus the shredding drive devices 8 in corresponding situations, and at the same time to prevent the hay or straw in particular from being excessively shredded in an undesirable way due to excessive pressure / tensile forces of the knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped carriers 12 of the shredding chain 15 of the shredding devices 4 on the bale 2.

[0038] If the defined torque of the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4 falls below the setpoint, the conveyor belt or conveyor chain 14 of the feed devices 6, triggered by the control devices 9, runs again in the feed or conveying direction Z against the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4. During this process, the material already separated from the bale 2 is conveyed by the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4 towards the bottleneck, constriction, or constriction point 11. This more or less voluminous, disassembled, and loosened material is then compacted again upon entering a closed channel 18 of the disassembly devices 4 that forms at the bottleneck or constriction point 11. The pressure that occurs during this process also exerts forces on the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4.As a consequence, if the defined torque of the drive motor 16 of the dismantling chain 15 of the dismantling devices 4 is exceeded, the control devices 9 first reverse the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 as described above, i.e., against the feed direction Z, and / or the drive motor 16 of the dismantling chain 15 of the dismantling devices 4 is temporarily reversed.

[0039] Under certain conditions, which can be defined without inventive step and which depend on the torque measured in real time and the time by means of the control devices 9, the dissolving chain 15 of the dissolving devices 4 can, for example, be operated backwards by the control devices 9, i.e., leading away from the output devices 5, in order to again fall below the defined torque, as already described. The space freed up by the retraction of the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 allows the material compacted at the constriction 11 to relax and is conveyed away from the constriction 11 by the reverse movement of the dissolving chain 15 of the dissolving devices 4, or, depending on the design, simply falls downwards, as in the Fig. 8 This is made clear.

[0040] After the defined torque of the dissolving chain 15 of the dissolving devices 4 is undershot, it runs again in the conveying direction, i.e., towards the output devices 5, in accordance with the feed direction Z of the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6, initiated by the control devices 9. Since the dissolving chain 15 of the dissolving devices 4 runs at a significantly higher speed than the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6, there should be sufficient time to convey the already dissolved, loosened material through the narrow point or bottleneck 11 into the closed channel 18 before the bale 2 potentially runs again through the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 against the dissolving chain 15 of the dissolving devices 4 and builds up pressure again at this point.

[0041] The specified times and speeds of the individual elements, which are realized by the control devices 9, can be optimized in trials without any inventive activity. One target in the trials is an output of, for example, at least 30 kg of hay per minute. Furthermore, the forward / reverse movements of the unbundling chain 15 of the unbundling devices 4 and the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 are intended to ensure that the hay is unbundled gently and retains its length and structure as much as possible, which can be achieved through the design, adjustment, and operation of the control devices 9.

[0042] In the bale unroller 1 for a bale 2 of hay, straw, bedding and / or fodder, comprising support devices 3 for the bale 2 and unrolling devices 4 designed to release hay, straw, bedding and / or fodder from a bale 2 provided on the support devices 3 and to transport it to discharge devices 5 located downstream of the unrolling devices 4, wherein the support devices 3 are associated with feed devices 6 for feeding a bale 2 provided on the support devices 3 in a feed direction Z to the unrolling devices 4, and wherein feed drive devices 7 for driving the feed devices 6 and unrolling drive devices 8 for driving the unrolling devices 4 are further provided, it can also be advantageously provided, even without the control devices 9, that the unrolling devices 6 include knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped carriers 11.of which several are attached to a common rod-shaped support 12 and are in particular integrally designed.

[0043] Preferably, the knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped drivers 11 are integrally formed with supports 12, which in turn are attached at preferably approximately equal intervals to a circumferential release chain 15 of the release devices 4, so that combinations with other elements such as threaded rods, nuts, clamps and straps on the release chain 15 of the release devices 4 are avoided as far as possible or to the greatest extent, thus achieving a cost-effective design. Examples of this are shown in the Figs. 9 to 12 and 15 clarifies.

[0044] Preferably and advantageously, the knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped drivers 11 consist of laser-cut and bent angles, which also form the supports 12 and in whose legs pointing away from the release chain 15 of the release devices 4 the contours of the actual knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped drivers 11 are laser-cut, as for example in the Fig. 12 The laser-cut knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped drivers 11 together with carriers 12 are only connected to a release chain 15 of the release devices 4, for example by means of straps 19, either by screwing or otherwise.

[0045] Almost from the first start of the bale unroller 1 until a short delay until the knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped carriers 11 have gripped, a bale 2 passes through in almost constant quantity, regardless of the material.

[0046] Preferably, the sum of the individual laser-cut knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped drivers 11 on the laser-cut and bent carriers 12 across the width of the unwinding chain 15 of the unwinding devices 4 forms an almost closed front when viewed from the front. This ensures that the bale 2 is processed essentially across its entire width. Other designs and arrangements of the individual laser-cut knife-, blade-, hook-, comb- or rod-shaped drivers 11 on the laser-cut and bent carriers 12 across the width of the unwinding chain 15 of the unwinding devices 4 are also possible, such as... Fig. 15This is illustrated by showing an arrow-shaped design and arrangement of the individual laser-cut knife-, blade-, hook-, comb-, or rod-shaped drivers 11 on the laser-cut and bent carriers 12 along the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4, pointing in the conveying direction. A zigzag design and arrangement was also successfully tested. The spacing of the laser-cut and bent carriers 12 with knife-, blade-, hook-, comb-, or rod-shaped drivers 11 on the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4, viewed in a flat area, is approximately 40 mm to approximately 120 mm, particularly approximately 60 mm to approximately 100 mm, and preferably approximately 80 mm.

[0047] An example of a conveyor chain or conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 with U-profiles 20 on belts 21, which may be identical in terms of design and material to the belts 19 of the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4, is shown in the Figs. 13 and 14This clarifies that, for example, but not as a limitation, 20 DIN 1026 carbon steel profiles with a cross-section of 40 mm x 20 mm are used for these U-profiles.

[0048] In the Figs. 16 to 25 A further embodiment of a bale unroller 1, including special features and details, is illustrated. Insofar as this further embodiment relates to features according to the Figs. 1 to 15 Since the design is identical, similar, or functionally equivalent, or could be so, this will be omitted below to avoid mere repetition. This is also particularly evident from the reference symbols in the Figs. 16 to 25 are the identical, similar, or functionally equivalent components from the Figs. 1 to 15 to be readily identifiable and to the expert even without repetition of corresponding descriptions of the Figs. 1 to 15 It is readily understandable what this means for the Figs. 16 to 25 This is hereby explicitly referred to accordingly and in particular with expert understanding.

[0049] The illustrations of the further embodiment of the bale unroller 1 in the Figs. 16 and 17 are, with the exception of one output device that runs at least essentially horizontally, 22 of the output devices 5 in the Fig. 16 as well as the missing bale 2, but an additional end wall 23 on the feed devices 6 at the opposite end from the dissolving devices 4, to prevent a bale 2 or hay, straw, bedding and / or fodder from falling off, largely identical to the illustrations in the Fig. 1 or 2 and 3.

[0050] In the Figs. 16 and 17 Furthermore, the feed direction Z, the trigger direction L, a dust removal direction E and the output direction A are shown with correspondingly marked arrows.

[0051] The Fig. 18 schematically shows in detail from the Fig. 16 the interface between the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 and the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4. In the Fig. 19The knife-, blade-, hook-, comb-, or rod-shaped drivers 12 of the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4 are shown schematically in detail in this further embodiment. The upper end of the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4, opposite the interface between the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 and the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4, is shown in the Fig. 20 with components arranged there, schematically illustrated, the explanations of which are provided by comparative considerations with the Figs. 1 to 15 and are readily recognizable and understandable from the associated descriptions.

[0052] Even in the embodiment according to the Figs. 1 to 8 It is present, but due to special features, it is not discussed here in connection with the further example of implementation according to the Figs. 16 to 25 The following section examines a discharge conveyor 24 of the output facilities 5 in more detail. The arrangement of this discharge conveyor 24 is clearly recognizable in the Fig. 21 As can be seen, the discharge conveyor 24 of the dispensing device 5 runs diagonally from bottom to top, just like the unbundling chain 15 of the unbundling device 4. However, unlike the unbundling chain 15 of the unbundling device 4, the hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed extracted from the bale 2 is not loaded / conveyed on top of the unbundling chain 15, but rather within a dedusting channel 25, it is pushed upwards by conveying devices 26, such as conveying tines 27, on the discharge conveyor 24 below the latter, until it falls at the upper end of the discharge conveyor 24 onto a discharge screw 28. This screw is arranged in a discharge dispensing device 22 that is at least substantially horizontal and tubular, and runs in the same direction. The now loosened and, as will be explained below, dedusted hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed is discharged at the open end of the discharge dispensing device 22.

[0053] At the in the Fig. 18The interface between the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 and the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4, shown in detail in an enlarged schematic diagram, reveals that, in addition to hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed extracted from the bale 2, material inevitably contained in the bale 2, such as sand, loess, clay, etc., also ends up there. This material is undesirable in the final dispensed hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed product and also leads to unwanted air pollution if it is blown around. After the hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed, along with the sand, loess, clay, etc., has fallen from the upper end of the disassembly chain 15 of the disassembly devices 4 in front of or onto the lower end of the discharge belt 24 below, it is grasped by the belt's tines 27 and transported upwards by the discharge belt 24 until it falls onto the discharge screw 28 at the upper end of the latter and is then discharged by the screw into the open end of the dispenser.

[0054] The discharge conveyor 24 runs in a dust collection channel 25, as indicated by the arrow pointing towards the dust collection direction E. This means that the underside 29 of the discharge conveyor 24 moves from bottom to top. As a result, the hay, straw, bedding, and / or fodder, along with sand, loess, clay, etc., is pushed by the conveying tines 27 of the discharge conveyor 24 over the underside 30 of the dust collection channel 25. This underside 30 of the dust collection channel 25 contains or is formed from perforated plates 31, through whose holes (not shown) sand, loess, clay, etc., falls and is preferably even extracted. Advantageously, especially to prevent sand, loess, clay, etc. from being stirred up into the ambient air and also to ensure that no "false air" impairs the extraction flow during the preferred extraction process, the discharge conveyor is arranged in the closed dust extraction duct 25.Thus, the "unusual" direction of travel of the discharge conveyor 24, and the resulting transport of hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed along with sand, loess, clay, etc., precisely separates the unwanted material in the form of sand, loess, clay, etc. Because this occurs within the closed dust extraction channel 25, the release of sand, loess, clay, etc., into the ambient air is effectively prevented. The separated unwanted material in the form of sand, loess, clay, etc., can then be easily collected in a collection container or dust container 32 and, once it reaches a predetermined fill level, can be used for other environmentally friendly purposes, such as potting soil.

[0055] To prevent hay, straw, bedding, and / or fodder, along with sand, loess, clay, etc., from clogging the discharge conveyor 24 in the dust collection channel 25, thus obstructing the dust collection channel 25 and hindering the discharge, a discharge switch 33 is advantageously assigned to the lower end of the discharge conveyor 24. This is a simple mechanical solution for preventing clogging or obstruction of the discharge in the dust collection channel 25. Such a discharge switch 33, which is an example of a general output function sensor 34, is shown in the Fig. 22 schematically in an activated position and in the Fig. 23 shown in an unactuated position. Both the "actuated" and "unactuated" positions of the in the Figs. 22 and 23 , whereby the switch was already in the Fig. 21The choice of other sensors for detecting or indicating a functional inhibition or malfunction of the discharge belt 24 in the dust extraction channel 25 and thus of the output is at the discretion of the person skilled in the art, for whom this advantageous aspect of the present invention is sufficiently clear on the basis of the version of detection of a functional inhibition or malfunction of the discharge belt 24 in the dust extraction channel 25 disclosed here.

[0056] The discharge switch 33 of the discharge conveyor 24 prevents overfilling of the latter and the dust extraction duct 25, thus preventing compaction of the conveyed material, i.e., hay, straw, bedding, and / or fodder, including any initial sand, loess, clay, etc. The discharge switch 33, or more generally a suitable output function sensor 34, ensures that the hay, straw, bedding, and / or fodder, including any initial sand, loess, clay, etc., is transported in a sufficiently loose manner through the dust extraction duct 25 by the discharge conveyor 24, over the perforated plates 31 or, more generally, separation devices, at an angle from bottom to top, and falls into the collection container or dust container 32, or is even vacuumed up. Fine dust, i.e., very fine dust, which would otherwise pollute the ambient air, can thus be optimally avoided and, if necessary, vacuumed up. Further details are shown schematically in the Figs. 24 and 25 clarifies.

[0057] With an optimized design, the dust extraction duct 25, which may also function as a sort of extraction hood, effectively extracts fine dust from loose hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed, along with any initial sand, loess, clay, etc. Suitable air inlets (not shown) allow clean air to flow through the hay / straw, enhancing the extraction effect and preventing false air intake. The required extraction air is advantageously supplied as an airflow through the discharge conveyor 24, as shown in the Figs. 24 and 25 The supply air flow S is illustrated with arrows.

[0058] As a further design option, as also described in the Figs. 24 and 25 as well as shown in Figure 21, it is further provided that, in addition to the drive tines 27, dust collectors 35 are also provided on the discharge conveyor 24. For example, every third drive tine 27 is replaced by a dust collector 35, e.g. made of rubber, as in the example of the Fig. 21as illustrated in Figures 24 and 25. The dust carriers 35 are adapted in size and shape to the free space between the underside 29 of the discharge conveyor 24 and the underside 30 of the dust extraction duct 25, have a suitable rigidity, but are not absolutely rigid. For dust extraction purposes, the discharge conveyor 24 is divided into several sectors closed in the direction of movement of the latter, i.e., in the dust extraction direction E, by means of the dust carriers 35. This allows supply air, preferably clean air from the surroundings (e.g., via a blower, which is not shown), to be directed from top to bottom into the closed sectors that move with the discharge conveyor 24. The dust collectors 35, when combined with a dust extraction system, therefore have two functions: in addition to physically collecting dust etc. so that it can fall through the perforated plates 31, they also have a guiding function for compressed air to prevent the escape of dust etc.to further promote and improve the dust collection process through the perforated plates 31. In the case of compressed air use, the dust collectors 35 also prevent the intake and entry of ambient air, which would otherwise introduce additional dust and the like into the treated material of hay, straw, bedding and / or fodder, including any initial sand, loess, clay, etc., which is effectively prevented by these dust collectors 35.

[0059] In the Fig. 26 In a perspective schematic, partially opened view, another embodiment of a bale unroller 1 is shown, similar to the one in the Fig. 16 A further embodiment of the bale unroller 1 is shown, with further advantageous and / or preferred embodiments described in the Figs. 27 to 33 are shown schematically. Insofar as this is a further embodiment regarding configurations according to the Figs. 1 to 15 as well as the Figs. 16 to 25Since the design is identical, similar, or functionally equivalent, or could be so, this will be omitted below to avoid mere repetition. This is also particularly evident from the reference symbols in the Figs. 26 to 33 are the identical, similar, or functionally equivalent components from the Figs. 1 to 25 to be readily identifiable and to the expert even without repetition of corresponding descriptions of the Figs. 1 to 25 It is readily understandable what this means for the Figs. 26 to 33 This is hereby explicitly referred to accordingly and in particular with expert understanding.

[0060] A specific embodiment in the further embodiment of the bale unroller 1 according to the Fig. 26 is in the Figs. 27, 28 and 29This is illustrated. Above the part of the dissolving chain 15 moving in the dissolution direction L, statically or fixedly mounted loosening devices 36, for example in the form of bolts 37, are suitably attached. These ensure that clumps of hay, straw, bedding, and / or fodder, including sand, loess, clay, etc., carried along by the dissolving chain 15 and transported past them, are further broken down, thus further improving the dissolution of the material. Such clumps or pieces, chunks, or patches can be torn out of the bale 2 at the material inlet to the dissolving devices 4, i.e., at the interface between the conveyor belt 14 of the feed devices 6 and the dissolving chain 15 of the dissolving devices 4, depending, among other things, on the clear height of this material inlet. This can negatively affect the dissolution result and also prevent dust separation, as described in the further embodiment according to the Figs. 16 to 25 It has been shown and described how, in the further embodiment now discussed, it can be implemented with advantages and benefits, including extraction, and can be optimally effective. Fig. 29 clarifies the arrangement, design and position of the bolts 38 in relation to the release chain 15 from its underside.

[0061] The Figs. 30 to 33 illustrate a further specific design in the even further embodiment of the bale unroller 1. The Figs. 30 and 31 Each schematically shows the one or more components already mentioned in connection with the further embodiment of the bale unroller 1 according to the Figs. 16 to 25 explained discharge switch 33 in an actuated position ( Fig. 30 ) and in an unactivated position ( Fig. 31 ), wherein the schematic circumstances of the actuation of the discharge switch 33, which generally represents an output function sensor 34, are shown in the representation in the Fig. 32This will become clear. The discharge switch 33, or more generally the output function sensor 34, ensures in both embodiments according to the Figs. 16 to 25 as well as according to the Figs. 26 to 33This ensures that material jams and / or malfunctions at the discharge conveyor 24 are prevented or resolved by triggering various actions depending on the discharge switch 33 in its actuated position or, more generally, on a status detection by the output function sensor 34. These actions can then be implemented by the control unit 9. For example, the discharge conveyor 24 can be stopped and possibly even temporarily reversed, i.e., driven against the dust removal direction E. Similarly, the dissolving chain 15 can be stopped and possibly even temporarily reversed, i.e., driven against the dissolving direction L. These two actions can be combined, in particular, in coordinated, predefined or predefined routines to dissolve any material accumulation that may have occurred at the lower end of the discharge conveyor 24 and could impair its function.

[0062] An output function sensor 34 generally serves to prevent a malfunction or impairment of the discharge conveyor 24 and, if applicable, also of the dust removal system as a result of exceeding a defined force on the discharge conveyor 24, just as each dissolution function sensor 10 serves to prevent a malfunction or impairment of the dissolution chain 15 as a result of exceeding a defined force on the latter and thus to provide the control unit 9 with situational information, by means of which this control unit 9 then appropriately controls the feed devices 6, the dissolution devices and / or the output devices 5 in order to prevent or remedy impairments or, ideally, incipient impairments, which constitutes the core of the present invention.

[0063] As already mentioned in the Figs. 30 to 32 As can be seen, the Fig. 33The design and, in particular, the shape of the discharge switch(es) 33 are described in detail below. The slightly angled shape of the discharge switch(es) 33 directs any excess hay, straw, bedding, and / or fodder, including sand, loess, clay, etc., released by the dissolving devices 4 and possibly loosened by the aerating devices 36, upwards. This excess material would not fit into the dust extraction duct 25. If more than a predetermined or predeterminable amount of material accumulates on the discharge switch 33, its weight presses it downwards, triggering the discharge switch. This action is then communicated to the control unit 9, which temporarily stops the conveying of hay, straw, bedding, and / or fodder, including sand, loess, clay, etc., until the discharge switch 33 is clear again.This ensures not only the functional reliability and trouble-free operation of the bale unroller 1, but also that only very loose hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed is present in the dust extraction channel 25. This not only positively influences the final output product but also enables or promotes optimal dust removal, as fine, volatile dust and the like can be extracted most effectively from such material. If the hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed, along with sand, loess, clay, etc., were compacted in the dust extraction channel 25, the cleaning effect would be weaker.

[0064] The inventive design, i.e., the control devices 9, which are designed to control the feed drive devices 7 and / or the disassembly drive devices 8 and / or the dispensing devices 5 in such a way as to prevent or remedy a malfunction or disturbance, such as in particular a jam or blockage caused by the bale 2, especially at the disassembly devices 4 and / or the dispensing devices 5, ensures that hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed can be gently extracted from the bale 2 without being reduced to dust or crumbly, and made available as suitable bedding or feed material. Advantageously, according to the variant with separation and, if necessary, suction, an undesirable proportion of sand, loess, clay, etc., can be removed from the loosened hay, straw, bedding, and / or feed.On the one hand, this avoids the presence of fine dust in the ambient air, which is normally generated when working with and shaking hay, straw, bedding and / or feed and pollutes the ambient air as a "haze / dust cloud", thus increasing product quality and significantly improving working conditions in the production of this end product.

[0065] The following features are advantageous and preferably implemented embodiments and achievable advantages of a bale unroller 1 according to the invention: 1. The overall arrangement of the individual components. 2. The shape of the blades of the discharge chain as carriers of coarse / heavy dust. 3. The conveying tines to transport the conveyed hay and straw loosely. 4. The dust carriers, for example made of rubber, to transport coarse / heavy dust and to enable targeted suction from top to bottom (approx. 220 mm). 5. The switch of the discharge belt to prevent overfilling of the discharge belt and thus compaction of the material to be cleaned. 6. The air intake opening itself and its arrangement directly above the raw material. Reference symbol list

[0066] 1 Bale unroller 2 Bales of hay, straw, bedding and / or feed 3 Support devices 4 Unrolling devices 5 Discharge devices 6 Feed devices 7 Feed drive devices 8 Unrolling drive devices 9 Control devices 10 Unrolling function sensor 11 Bottleneck 12 Carrier 13 Beam 14 Conveyor belt 15 Unrolling chain 16 Drive motor of the unrolling devices 17 Frequency converter 18 Channel 19 Belts 20 U-profiles 21 Belts 22 Discharger 23 End wall 24 Discharge belt 25 Dust extraction channel 26 Carrying devices 27 Carrying tines 28 Discharge screw 29 Underside of the discharge belt 24 30 Underside of the dust extraction channel 25 31 Perforated plates 32 Collection container or dust container 33 Discharge switch 34 Discharge function sensor 35 Dust collector 36 Loosening devices 37 Bolt A Discharge direction E Dust extraction direction L Dissolution direction S Supply air flow Z Feed direction

Claims

1. A bale breaker (1) for a bale (2) made of at least one of the materials hay, straw, bedding, and fodder, with support means (3) for the bale (2) and breaking means (4) designed to remove the at least one of the materials hay, straw, bedding, and fodder from a bale (2) provided on the support means (3) and to transport it to output means (5) arranged downstream of the breaking means (4), wherein the support means (3) are assigned feeding means (6) for feeding a bale (2) provided on the support means (3) in a feed direction (Z) toward the breaking means (4), and wherein feeding drive means (7) for driving the feeding means (6) and breaking drive means (8) for driving the breaking means (4) are further provided, wherein at least one of the feeding drive means (7), breaking drive means (8), and output means (5) are assigned control means (9) which are designed to control at least one of the feeding drive means (7), breaking drive means (8) and output means (5) in such a way that a malfunction or disturbance, such as in particular a jam or blockage by the bale (2) at at least one of the breaking means (4) and output means (5), is avoided or remedied, characterized in that the control means (9) are designed to control the feeding drive means (7), in particular depending on at least one predetermined detection result from at least one breaking function sensor (10) or from at least one output function sensor (34), which indicates a malfunction or disturbance or an impending malfunction or disturbance by the bale (2) at the breaking means (4) or at the output means (5), in such a way that the bale (2) or already shredded material is temporarily moved away from the breaking means (4) against the feed direction (Z) or a dedusting direction (E).

2. Bale breaker (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that at least one breaking function sensor (10) on the breaking drive means (8) or an output function sensor (34) on the output means (5) is assigned to the control means (9), and the control means (9) are designed to control at least one of the feeding drive means (7) and the breaking drive means (8) depending on at least one predetermined detection result of the at least one breaking function sensor (10) or the at least one output function sensor (34), which indicates a malfunction or disturbance or an impending malfunction or disturbance caused by the bale (2) on the breaking means (4) or on the output means (5), in such a way that the malfunction or disturbance is temporarily counteracted, wherein in particular each breaking function sensor (10) and output function sensor (34) preferably is a torque sensor, a motion sensor, a temperature sensor, a current or voltage sensor, or a switch.

3. Bale breaker (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that with respect to the feed direction (Z) there is arranged upstream of the output means (5) a bottleneck (11), which is preferably formed by the breaking means (4) or is associated with the breaking means (4) and is preferably arranged upstream.

4. Bale breaker (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breaking means (4) contain loosening means (36), preferably in particular in the region of the bottleneck (11), for comminuting clumps, pieces, chunks, or lumps removed from the bale (2).

5. Bale breaker (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the breaking means (4) comprise knife-, blade-, hook-, comb-, or rod-shaped drivers (12), several of which are attached to a common rod-shaped support (13) and are preferably integrally formed.

6. Bale breaker (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the discharge means (5) comprise dedusting means, preferably a dedusting channel (25), which preferably contains on its channel bottom side (29) at least one perforated plate (31) through which unwanted material, such as sand, loam, clay, etc., is separated and in which a discharge belt (24) of the discharge means (5) runs.

7. Bale breaker (1) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a discharge belt (24) of the output means (5) has, as entraining devices (26), in addition to entraining tines (27), also dust drivers (35), and preferably the output means (5) are assigned means by means of which an air flow is generated, preferably transversely to the dedusting direction (E), from a discharge belt (24) of the output means (5) to the at least one perforated plate (31) of the dedusting channel (25), in order to remove sand, loam, clay, etc. from the at least one of the materials hay, straw, bedding, and fodder through the perforated plate (31) from the dedusting channel (25).

8. Bale breaking method, in which a bale (2) made of at least one of the materials hay, straw, bedding, and fodder is transported on support means (3) by means of their feeding means (6) driven by feeding drive means (7) to breaking means (4) driven by breaking drive means (8), which separate at least one of the materials hay, straw, bedding, and / or fodder from the bale (2) and transport it to output means (5), wherein at least one of the feeding drive means (7), breaking drive means (8), and output means (5) is controlled by control means (9) such that a malfunction or disturbance, such as a jam or blockage by the bale (2), at at least one of the breaking means (4) and output means (5) is avoided or remedied, characterized in that the control means (9) are designed to control the feeding drive means (7), in particular depending on at least one predetermined detection result from at least one breaking function sensor (10) or from at least one output function sensor (34), which indicates a malfunction or disturbance or an impending malfunction or disturbance caused by the bale (2) at the breaking means (4) or at the output means (5), in such a way that the bale (2) or already shredded material is temporarily moved away from the breaking means (4) counter to the feed direction (Z) or counter to a dedusting direction (E).

9. Bale breaking method according to claim 8, characterized in that a bale breaker (1) according to claims 2 to 7 is operated as intended.