Deep loosening and clearing device for loosening arable soil and clearing woody vegetation

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a mobile device for deep loosening of cultivated soils and uprooting woody plants, in particular woody plants arranged in rows. Such woody plants arranged in rows can be, for example, grapevines or trees such as apple or peach trees. An important part of the woody plants are the roots.

[0002] In the case of trees, these are generally trees with a height of less than six meters. Most trees are no taller than three to five meters.

[0003] From DE 25 54 347 A, a method and a device for harvesting herbaceous or woody plants are known. In this process, the trees are first lifted by a share and then transported by an inclined conveyor belt to a planting device 1.

[0004] A generic device for clearing woody plants is known from DE 101 43 225 C1. The introductory description of this patent correctly explains the reason for clearing. According to this explanation, fruit trees planted in rows, for example in an orchard, must be removed after a certain period and replaced with young fruit trees, as the fruit from the older trees no longer meets the required standards. Therefore, apple trees are renewed approximately every twenty years. The same applies to grapevines, which are cleared after a certain period and replaced with new ones.

[0005] Before an orchard or vineyard can be replanted, the existing trees and their root systems must be removed. This is often done more or less manually, which is very labor-intensive and costly. The necessary soil preparation for replanting is also often carried out separately in at least two steps. After clearing, the soil is first loosened to a depth to break up long-standing soil compaction. In the second step, the top layer of the soil is prepared for planting using standardized soil cultivation equipment such as a rotary tiller.

[0006] To streamline and simplify the actual uprooting process, DE 101 43 225 C1 proposes a mobile device for uprooting trees, which can be attached as a front-mounted implement to a tractor or other commercial vehicle. The device includes a pusher roller that is used to topple the fruit tree. The topped tree is then fed by a feed mechanism to a cutting or shredding unit. Behind the feed mechanism, viewed in the direction of travel, is a rotating uprooting roller, positioned transversely to the direction of travel of the device. The driven uprooting roller is designed to lift the root ball of the topped tree out of the ground, ensuring that the root ball also enters the shredding unit.

[0007] This device has the disadvantage that, when fruit trees are pushed over, the trunk often breaks, so that the root and trunk are no longer connected. This makes it difficult to remove the roots from the ground. Especially with grafted trees, which are common in orchards and vineyards, the trunk has a weak point at the junction between the rootstock and the shoot grafted onto the rootstock. The trunks often break at this point, with the aforementioned negative consequences.

[0008] FR 2 537 826 A1 discloses a machine for harvesting plants in a row.

[0009] The invention is based on the objective of providing a lifting device that avoids the disadvantages of the prior art and simultaneously allows for deep loosening of the cultivated soil in a single operation. Furthermore, it should make it possible to free the roots from the soil, so that ultimately the woody plant, including its roots but without adhering soil, can be processed further.

[0010] This problem is solved by a device for clearing trees with the features of claim 1 and by a method according to claim 21.

[0011] The clamping conveying device is generally arranged behind the infeed device in the direction of travel. Among other things, it facilitates the further transport of the uprooted timber. By reversing the arrangement of the infeed device and the deep loosening device according to the invention, the roots of the timber are first separated from the surrounding soil and the soil is loosened. Only then is the timber pulled out of the soil by its trunk using the infeed device.

[0012] The clamping conveyor transports the uprooted tree, still clinging to its roots and soil, into the working area of ​​the impact rollers. The impact rollers then work on the roots and the adhering soil, removing the soil from the roots. Afterwards, the uprooted tree is "root-bare." "Root-bare" means that very little or no soil remains attached to the tree's roots.

[0013] This has advantages for the further use of the trees. For example, bare-rooted trees can be fed into a wood chipper and processed into wood chips that can be used as fuel. Wood chips from trees that are not bare-rooted cannot be used as fuel due to their high soil content. This significantly reduces their economic value.

[0014] Bare-rooted trees can also be pressed into round bales or bundles of wood, or processed into logs along with the roots, so that the entire tree can be used for energy production.

[0015] A pressing roller, as known from stationary applications, is not required in the device according to the invention for clearing trees. Instead, the tree to be cleared is pulled out of the ground by the intake device along with its roots, so that the trunk of the tree is subjected to tensile stress and not bending stress. This effectively prevents the undesirable breakage of the trunk. Clearing trees with the device according to the invention is very efficient and economical.

[0016] It has proven advantageous if the axes of rotation of the impact rollers are aligned essentially parallel to a transport direction of the clamping conveying device.

[0017] In a further advantageous embodiment, the pulling device comprises two counter-rotating wheels. At least one of the wheels is connected to a drive, and the axes of rotation of the wheels form an angle of less than 90° with the direction of travel of the device. This inclined orientation of the axes of rotation ensures that the pulling device pulls the tree, along with its loosened roots, upwards out of the ground. This significantly reduces the bending stress on the tree trunk. In the deep loosening and uprooting device according to the invention, the trunk and its loosened roots are pulled out of the ground.

[0018] It has proven advantageous if the angle between the axes of rotation of the infeed device's wheels and the direction of travel of the device is less than 75° and preferably less than 60°. However, it should generally be greater than 15° or 30°. It is particularly advantageous if the angle is adjustable. This allows it to be adapted to the local operating conditions (especially the vegetation to be cleared) and the travel speed.

[0019] It is advantageous if both wheels of the intake device are driven. With this drive, as with the other drives of the device according to the invention, it is generally advantageous if their speed is controllable, so that the speed of the rotating wheels can be adapted to the working speed of the deep loosening and uprooting device, the soil conditions, and the type of woody plant to be uprooted (fruit tree, vine, etc.).

[0020] As soon as the trunk of the tree to be uprooted enters the gap between the wheels of the intake device, a frictional connection is created and the wheels pull the tree, including its roots, out of the ground.

[0021] The tires of the wheels are radially flexible, allowing the gap between them to adjust to the trunk diameter of the trees being cleared. Wheels with pneumatic tires are particularly suitable, provided the volume or cross-section of the air-filled tires is sufficiently large or high.

[0022] It has proven advantageous to have impact elements in the form of chains, ropes, and / or pins attached to the driven impact rollers. These impact elements act on the roots located between the rollers and knock the soil off them.

[0023] This very simple solution is highly effective. It ensures that the main roots are freed from the adhering soil. In some cases, the impact of the rollers tears the smaller roots away from the larger ones, leaving them embedded in the soil fragments. Utilizing these fine roots is not economically viable.

[0024] Another advantage is that the thicker parts of the roots are relatively clean after treatment by the rollers. Little to no soil adheres to the roots. This significantly facilitates further processing and marketing of the uprooted trees and their roots.

[0025] The clamping conveying device according to the invention, in an advantageous embodiment, comprises at least two parallel, circulating conveying elements. Each pair of conveying elements is associated with several pairs of opposing guide rollers. Multiple pairs of conveying elements may also be present, increasing the number of guide rollers accordingly. The guide rollers support and guide the conveying elements in such a way that a gap is created between them. A felled tree trunk is clamped in this gap, the width of which is variable. This creates a frictional connection between the conveying elements and the tree trunk. Consequently, the tree trunk, along with the conveying elements, is transported from the infeed device toward the impact rollers.

[0026] The conveying elements run above the impact rollers, gripping and clamping the tree trunk. In this way, they transport the roots located below the trunk through the gap between the impact rollers. Once transported through this gap, the roots are within the working range of the impact elements, allowing the soil to be separated from the roots as described previously.

[0027] To ensure that the conveying units can securely grip and transport trees with varying trunk diameters, the guide rollers are typically spring-loaded. This creates a gap of two to three centimeters between the two circulating conveying units when empty. When a tree with a trunk diameter of, for example, ten centimeters moves from the infeed device to the clamping conveying unit, the guide rollers deflect laterally, widening the gap between the opposing conveying units. This allows the tree, with the aforementioned ten-centimeter diameter, to be clamped between the conveying units and frictionally transported towards the impact rollers.

[0028] The conveying devices can be designed as ropes, belts, round steel chains, roller chains, or push-link belts. Combinations of ropes, belts, chains, or push-link belts are also possible. In principle, any clamping conveying device is suitable.

[0029] Clamping conveyors are known on the market that feature guide rails in which flexible clamping elements are guided. The guide rails form two closed "rings" or orbits, shaped so that a flexible gap is created above the impact rollers between the clamping elements circulating within the rings. The clamping elements are driven. They clamp the trees by their trunks and transport their roots through the gap between the impact rollers. With these clamping conveyors, the guide rails can be positioned almost arbitrarily, ensuring space-traveling transport. The path of the trees through the harvesting device can be designed very freely.

[0030] "Spatially flexible transport" means that the spatial path of the clamping gap can be freely designed within wide limits. It can be straight, simply curved, or multiply curved.

[0031] It is also possible for the clamping conveying device to include two or three pairs of conveying elements that circulate and are driven independently. In this case, for example, a first pair of conveying elements can assist or continue the pulling of the tree and its roots, which has been initiated by the pulling device. This allows even relatively deep-rooted trees, with roots extending up to 120 centimeters (1.2 meters) below the surface, to be completely removed from the ground.

[0032] A second pair of conveying devices can be aligned more or less horizontally (i.e., parallel to the direction of travel of the subsoiler and uprooter). It facilitates the subsequent transport of the woody material to the impact rollers, so that the roots are moved through the working area or the gap between the impact rollers.

[0033] It is possible, especially when ropes, belts, round steel chains or clamping conveying devices with guide rails are used as conveying means, to realize the functions "lifting the woody plant out of the cultivated soil" and "transporting the roots of the woody plant into the working area of ​​the impact rollers" with a pair of counter-rotating conveying means within a pair of conveying means.

[0034] However, it can also be advantageous to separate these two functions. For example, with two or even three pairs of driven conveying devices. By arranging the pairs of conveying devices and the corresponding pairs of clamping conveying devices in space, the desired transport movement of the wood from the infeed device to the impact rollers and along the impact rollers is achieved.

[0035] The clamping conveyor transports the uprooted tree, still clinging to its roots and soil, into the working area of ​​the impact rollers. The impact rollers then work on the roots and the adhering soil, removing the soil from the roots. The uprooted tree is then "bare-rooted".

[0036] The infeed device, the clamping conveyor(s), and the impact rollers can optionally be driven by a common drive. Alternatively, it is also possible for the clamping conveyor(s) and / or the impact rollers to be driven by separate drives. Suitable drives include, for example, electric motors or hydraulic motors with or without gearboxes.

[0037] In particular, if the vehicle to which the device according to the invention is coupled has a hydraulic connection, the hydraulic motor(s) can be supplied with pressurized hydraulic oil using this hydraulic connection.

[0038] All drives can operate either at a fixed speed or be speed-controlled. If the various components of the clearing device—namely the infeed device, the clamping conveyor, and the impact rollers—have separate speed-controlled drives, the operating points of each component can be individually controlled. This allows the operating point of each component to be optimally adapted to a wide variety of trees and working conditions.

[0039] Variable speeds of the feed device, the clamping conveyor(s), and / or the impact rollers can also be achieved by using a switchable or continuously variable transmission between the respective drive of the feed device wheel, the clamping conveyor(s), and / or the impact rollers. An example of a continuously variable transmission (CVT) is the so-called Positive Infinitely Variable (PIV) transmission.

[0040] Variable speeds between the infeed device and the clamping conveyor can also be achieved if variable, adjustable, and displaceable conical discs are installed as drive discs within the clamping conveyor. A variable (stepless) adjustment of the transmission ratio between the infeed device and the clamping conveyor is achieved by changing the friction radii of the variable drive disc and the conveying elements of the clamping conveyor. In such an embodiment, the clamping conveyor operates independently of the infeed device's speed, also according to the CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) or PIV (Positive Infinitely Variable) principle.

[0041] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, two opposing conveying elements of the clamping conveying device, forming a clamping gap, are driven at slightly different speeds. This causes the trunk of a tree or shrub clamped between the conveying elements to rotate slowly around its longitudinal axis. Consequently, the roots of the tree or shrub being transported towards the impact rollers also rotate, so that the roots are worked from all sides by the impact elements of the rollers. This results in even better and more effective removal of the soil from the roots.

[0042] The different speeds can be achieved in various ways: 1: Both drive motors of the feeder operate at different speeds with rigid drive pulleys of the same size. 2: Both drive motors of the feeder operate at the same speed and the rigid drive pulleys are of different sizes. 3: Both drive motors of the feeder operate at the same speed and the friction radii of the variable drive pulleys are set differently.

[0043] The (deep) loosening device comprises a cutting unit and at least one lifting and deep loosening share, with the working depth of the deep loosening unit being adjustable up to 1.2 meters. The cutting unit can be visualized as a U-shaped or trapezoidal "knife" in cross-section, which cuts through the soil below and laterally from the roots of the tree to be uprooted. Lifting and deep loosening shares, angled upwards towards the rear, can be attached to this cutting unit. These shares lift the roots after cutting and push them upwards out of the soil. This severs the connection between the roots and the surrounding soil. The roots, along with the trunk, can then be pulled further upwards out of the soil by the pulling device.

[0044] After a site is cleared, it is replanted with new trees and shrubs. The lifting and deep loosening tines ensure thorough soil loosening, so that downstream tillage equipment only needs to prepare the topsoil for planting. This eliminates one tillage step between clearing and replanting.

[0045] The separation of the roots from the surrounding soil and the initial lifting of the roots are achieved by the separation device and the angled lifting and loosening tines, which press against the roots from below and lift them slightly. Only compressive forces are exerted on the roots. This initial lifting breaks the connection between the roots and the soil. During the subsequent further lifting of the roots from the ground in the intake device, only relatively small tensile forces are transferred from the trunk to the roots. This virtually eliminates the risk of the trunk tearing away from the roots.

[0046] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device according to the invention for clearing roots comprises a downwardly open frame with two longitudinal beams and at least one likewise downwardly open bracket connecting the longitudinal beams. In most cases, such a downwardly open bracket is provided at both ends of the longitudinal beams. This makes it possible to pull the roots out of the ground without collisions with the frame and to lift them sufficiently so that the impact rollers, which are also arranged on the frame, can free the roots from the soil.

[0047] In a further advantageous embodiment, two wheels are provided at one front end of the frame. These wheels support the front end of the device. They also redirect the forces generated by the deep loosening device when lifting the roots and introduced into the frame back into the soil, thus completing the force flow.

[0048] At the rear end of the frame, a mechanical interface for coupling to a vehicle is preferably provided. This could, for example, be a four-point hitch at the front of a municipal vehicle or a tractor. Such interfaces are familiar to those skilled in agricultural engineering, so a detailed description is unnecessary here.

[0049] Alternatively or optionally, it is also possible that one or more conveyor belts are located behind the impact rollers following the clamping conveying device and in the direction of travel. These conveyor belts are usually arranged at an angle so that the roots of the uprooted trees rest at their lower end, which is at the front in the direction of travel. These conveyor belts convey the bare-rooted trees to the rear of the uprooting device, where they can be processed further.

[0050] The direction of rotation of the feed mechanism and / or the conveying direction of the clamping conveying device is reversible. This is helpful in case of a blockage, to clear the device.

[0051] Further advantages and advantageous embodiments of the invention can be seen in the following drawing, its description and the patent claims. drawing

[0052] They show Figures 1 to 7: Side views of various embodiments of the deep loosening and digging devices according to the invention; Figure 8: A front view of the embodiment of the Figure 1 Figures 9 to 11: Top views of the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 2 in different operating modes; and Figure 12 top views of the embodiment of the Figure 4 . Description of the exemplary implementations.

[0053] The basic concept of all the deep loosening and harvesting devices shown in the figures is the same. The embodiments shown in the figures differ, among other things, with regard to the drives or the conveying means.

[0054] Due to the high degree of similarity, the same reference symbols are used consistently for all components in the figures. Explanations given for one figure also apply to the other figures.

[0055] The deep loosening and lifting device 3 is, as can be seen, for example, from the Figure 9 The result is a symmetrical structure. The components on the surface are located in the... Figure 9 The components on the left side are marked with the index "a". Figure 9The right side is marked with the index "b". This system is consistently applied, even if a figure sometimes only shows the left side and not the right. As a result, the index "b" appears in the description even though the right side is not depicted.

[0056] If a component is present multiple times, the components are numbered. For example, the drive motors are numbered 15a, 15b, 16a, 16b, 15a 1 / 15a 2 , 15b 1 / 15b 2 , 16a 1 / 16a 2 , 16b 1 / 16b 2 ; the clamping and conveying devices are numbered 12a, 12b, 12a 1 , 12b 1 , 12a 2 , 12b 2 ; and the conveying devices are numbered 39a, 39b, 39a 1 , 39b 1 , 39a 2 , 39b 2 .

[0057] The differences between the exemplary embodiments relate primarily to the drives (variable speed or fixed speed) of the infeed device, the clamping conveyor, its conveying elements, and the impact rollers. The figures only show clamping conveyors with circulating conveying elements in the form of belts, ropes, chains, and push-link belts. Clamping conveyors with guide rails and clamping elements guided therein are not shown. These are known to those skilled in the art.

[0058] In the Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a first embodiment of a deep loosening and lifting device 3 according to the invention in a side view. Reference numeral 30 denotes the (cultivated) soil level or the earth surface.

[0059] Figure 4 shows the woody plant to be cleared. It can be a fruit tree with a height of up to six meters. Other woody plants or grapevines that can also be cleared with the deep loosening and clearing device 3 according to the invention are not shown.

[0060] One direction of travel of the deep loosening and uprooting device 3 according to the invention is designated by reference numeral 5. On the left side of the Figure 1 Figure 1 shows the front end of a carrier vehicle 1 to which the deep loosening and harvesting device 3 is attached.

[0061] The carrier vehicle 1 can be a municipal vehicle, such as those offered by the Austrian company Syntrac. However, it can also be a tractor or other motorized equipment that has a suitable mechanical interface, preferably with a four-point linkage.

[0062] The device 3 comprises a frame 18 with longitudinal members 18.1 and at least one bracket 19c / 19d connecting the longitudinal members. The frame 18 is, as can be seen, for example, from the Figure 8 The longitudinal beams 18.1, which run parallel to the direction of travel, are connected by brackets 19c and 19d. Brackets 19c / 19d are open at the bottom and closed at the top. In the illustrated embodiments, a first bracket 19c is arranged at a front end. A second bracket 19d is provided at the rear end, where the deep loosening and harvesting device 3 is docked to the carrier vehicle 1.

[0063] To enable the deep loosening and uprooting device to process trees of varying heights, the arms 19c and 19d are telescopically designed. This means that the arms 19c and 19d are extended upwards to a greater or lesser extent depending on the height of the trees to be uprooted. Naturally, the aim is to extend the arms upwards as little as possible to maximize the rigidity of the frame 18. The extension and retraction of the arms 19c and 19d can be achieved using hydraulic cylinders 36 or other linear actuators.

[0064] At the front end of the frame 18, two support wheels 17a and 17b are arranged, which absorb a significant portion of the weight forces of the deep loosening and harvesting device 3 and transfer them into the upper layer of the soil. The wheels 17a and 17b also transfer the forces occurring during harvesting at a deep loosening device 6 back into the soil.

[0065] The deep loosening device 6 is arranged at the front end of the frame 18. It comprises one or more lifting and deep loosening shares 7. The design and operation of the deep loosening device 6 can be understood from the overall view, for example, of the Figure 1 and 8 , clearly visible. As can be seen from the Figure 8 The deep loosening device 6 comprises two laterally arranged separating devices 6.2 and a horizontal separating device 6.1, which is arranged parallel to the cultivated soil level 30 and transversely to the direction of travel 5. The separating devices 6.1 and 6.2 function like "knives" that cut the soil below and on both sides of the roots of the tree to be uprooted.

[0066] The level at which this separation occurs is in the Figure 1 represented by a line with the reference symbol 31. This line 31 also indicates the working depth of the horizontal separating device 6.1.

[0067] The separating devices 6.1 and 6.2 together form a trapezoidal cross-section. This separates the roots of the tree 4 laterally and below from the surrounding soil. The lateral separating devices 6.2, and thus also the horizontal separating device 6.1 attached to them, are height-adjustable and connected to the frame 18, so that the working depth of the separating device 6.1 can be adjusted depending on the size of the root ball of the tree 4 to be removed.

[0068] The working depth of the separating device 6.1 can be adjusted particularly conveniently if the lateral separating devices 6.2 are attached to the frame 18, for example, by means of a linear guide, and the height adjustment is carried out via double-acting or single-acting hydraulic cylinders 36. In this case, the working depth can also be adjusted while driving.

[0069] It is obvious that the working depth of the separating device 6 is adjusted to the size of the root ball of the tree 4 to be uprooted. For example, if the roots end 40 centimeters below the cultivated soil level 30, the working depth of the separating device 6.1 can be set to, for example, 45 centimeters. Then the roots are separated from the surrounding soil without much soil adhering to them.

[0070] In this embodiment, the lateral separating devices 6.2 are angled. This, along with the adjustable working depth, ensures that only a relatively small amount of soil remains around the roots of the tree 4 being uprooted.

[0071] The lifting and loosening shares 7 can be designed as inclined plates welded to the horizontal separating device 6.1. Due to the inclined position of the lifting and loosening shares 7, the roots of the woody plant 4, previously separated from the surrounding soil by the separating devices 6.1 and 6.2, are lifted and moved towards the soil surface 30.

[0072] There are no roots in the areas between two consecutively arranged woody plants 4. There, the lifting and deep loosening shares 7 loosen the topsoil 30.1. When the lifting and deep loosening shares 7 encounter the roots of the next woody plant 4, they push the roots upwards towards the topsoil level 30.

[0073] Due to the intended arrangement and described working method of the deep loosening device 6 including the lifting and deep loosening shares 7, the entire cultivated soil 30.1 is simultaneously deep loosened and freed from soil compaction up to the maximum working depth 31 during the clearing work.

[0074] Viewed in the direction of travel, a feed device 8 is provided behind the deep loosening device 6. The essential components of this feed device 8 are two counter-rotating wheels 8a and 8b. Between the wheels 8a and 8b (see the Figures 8 to 12 A small gap is present. The wheels 8a and 8b are driven so that they grip the trunk of a tree 4, which enters the gap between the wheels 8a and 8b, by friction and pull it upwards out of the ground.

[0075] The upward transport movement of the woody material is effected by the fact that the axes of rotation of the wheels 8a and 8b and the axes of rotation of the rigid drive discs 13a, 13b or the variable drive discs 14a, 14b of the clamping conveyor 12a, 12b connected to the wheels 8a, 8b enclose an angle 8.4 with the direction of travel 5 of the deep loosening and lifting device 3 or with the cultivated soil level 30, which is less than 90°. In the Figures 1 to 7 The axis of rotation of wheels 8a and 8b is designated 8.3.

[0076] The inclination of the pivot axes of wheels 8a and 8b (i.e., angle 8.4) is adjustable. Wheels 8a and 8b are rotatably mounted on suspensions 10a and 10b, respectively. The inclination of the suspensions 10a and 10b, and thus angle 8.4, can be adjusted by means of hydraulic cylinders 36 or other linear actuators. By changing angle 8.4, the infeed device 8 can be adapted to different types of cleared vegetation and soil conditions.

[0077] With variable wheel inclination, only belts, round steel chains, or ropes can be used as conveying means if a clamping conveying device 12 (12a and 12b) with a pair of conveying means 39a, 39b is provided. This configuration is shown in the Figure 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 and 7 depicted.

[0078] During the Figure 1 , 2 , 5 , 6 and 7 In the configuration shown, the conveying elements 39a and 39b do not run in a plane in the side view; rather, they are angled. Therefore, roller chains or push-link belts cannot be used as conveying elements 39a and 39b in this configuration.

[0079] When two or more pairs of clamping conveyors are used (see, for example, reference numbers 12a 1, 12b 1, 12a 2, 12b 2 in the Figures 3 , 4 and 12), then a roller chain or a push link belt can also be used as conveying means 39a 1 , 39b 1 , 39a 2 , 39b 2 within the clamping conveying devices, since each pair of conveying means 39a 1 , 39b 1 or 39a 2 , 39b 2 of a clamping conveying device 12a 1 , 12b 1 or 12a 2 , 12b 2 circulates in one plane.

[0080] In most cases, the rotational speed of wheels 8a, 8b and their direction of rotation 9a, 9b are controllable. The rotational speed of wheels 8a, 8b is generally adjusted to the travel speed of the deep loosening and uprooting device 3 so that the tree 4 is pulled more or less vertically out of the ground. This also reduces the risk of the trunk being torn from the roots when the tree 4 is pulled out of the ground.

[0081] Viewed in the direction of travel 5, behind wheels 8a and 8b are two impact rollers 22a and 22b. These impact rollers 22a and 22b are driven by drive motors 23a and 23b.

[0082] The axes of rotation 8.7 of the impact rollers 22a and 22b run approximately parallel to the direction of travel 5 of the deep loosening and harvesting device 3 and parallel to the longitudinal beams 18.1 of the frame 18.

[0083] As can be seen from the Figures 9 to 12 This results in a working space or effective area of ​​the impact rollers 22a and 22b being present between them. In this embodiment, the roots of the cleared wood 4 are conveyed into the working area of ​​the impact rollers 22a, 22b by a clamping conveying device 12a, 12b and a pair of conveying means 39a, 39b (see the Figures 9 to 11 ).

[0084] If the deep loosening and uprooting device 3 has two pairs of clamping conveying devices 12a 1 , 12b 1 and 12a 2 , 12b 2 respectively, the roots of the uprooted woody vegetation 4 are conveyed by the second clamping conveying device 12a 2 , 12b 2 into the working area of ​​the impact rollers 22a, 22b (see Figure 12 ).

[0085] There, the soil adhering to the roots is removed from the roots using the impact rollers 22a and 22b. Afterwards, the cleared woody plant is "bare-rooted".

[0086] This has the great advantage that all the cleared woodland, including the roots, can be processed into wood chips and used for energy production.

[0087] The operating principle of the impact rollers 22a and 22b is explained in more detail below. First, using an exemplary embodiment with only one clamping conveying device 12a, 12b, which transports the cleared wood 27 from the infeed device 8 into the working area of ​​the impact rollers 22a and 22b via the transport direction 46, the function of which will be explained based on the Figure 1 and 9 will be explained.

[0088] The clamping conveying device pair 12a, 12b comprises two counter-rotating conveying elements 39a and 39b. The conveying elements 39a, 39b can be a pair of ropes, in particular steel ropes, belts, or chains, in particular round steel chains. These conveying elements 39a, 39b rotate in opposite directions. They are supported by the guide rollers 41a, 41b such that a felled tree trunk is clamped into a gap between the conveying elements, creating a frictional connection between the conveying elements 39a, 39b and the trunk. In this way, the trunk is picked up by the pair of conveying elements 39a, 39b and transported backwards, contrary to the direction of travel 5, via the transport direction 46. The area supported by the guide rollers 41a, 41b is the working section of the conveying element pair 39a, 39b.

[0089] The support rollers 35 are arranged on the sides of the circulating conveying elements 39a, 39b opposite the guide rollers 41a, 41b. The area supported by the support rollers 35 is the unsupported section of the conveying elements 39a, 39b. The support rollers 35 can be rigidly mounted to the frame 18. As can be seen, for example, from the Figure 9 The resulting paired clamping conveying device 12a, 12b comprises a separate suspension frame 38a, 38b on each side.

[0090] The conveying means can consist of chains, belts, bands, push-link belts, or ropes arranged in pairs and symmetrically to the longitudinal axis of the deep loosening and harvesting device 3. Several pairs of support rollers 35 are provided on the frame 18 or its longitudinal beams 18.1. These support rollers support and guide the empty section of the conveying means during the return stroke, thus ensuring safe and reliable circulation of the conveying means. The support roller pairs 35 can also be attached to the suspension frames 38a, 38b.

[0091] Reference number 27 designates the trunk of a cleared tree 4, to whose roots soil still clings. Reference number 33 designates the trunk of a cleared tree 4 that has already left the working area of ​​the impact rollers 22a and 22b, so that no soil clings to the roots. Reference number 34 designates bare roots.

[0092] As can be seen from the Figures 9 to 12As a result, the guide rollers 41a and 41b are spring-loaded and attached to the suspension frame 38a and 38b respectively, so that they can perform an evasive movement perpendicular to the direction of travel 5.

[0093] This is in the Figures 9 to 12 indicated by double arrows, only one of which is marked with the reference symbol 41.2. This ensures that a tree 4 to be cleared is clamped between the conveying means with its trunk 27 or 33 and, due to the resulting frictional engagement, is transported by the conveying means via the transport direction 46 to the rear, i.e., in the direction of the impact rollers 22a or 22b. The transport device 12 is a paired clamping conveying device 12a, 12b (see Figure 9 , 10 and 11 ). It can also comprise two paired clamping conveying devices 12a 1 , 12b 1 , 12a 2 , 12b 2 (see Figure 12 ).

[0094] As can be seen, for example, from the in the Figure 9As in the illustrated embodiment with a paired clamping conveying device 12a, 12b, many pairs of guide rollers 41a and 41b are arranged opposite each other along the transport path of the clamping conveying device 12a, 12b. This ensures a frictional connection between the conveying pair 39a, 39b and the trunk 27 or 33 of the tree 4 at every point along the transport path.

[0095] If, instead of one pair of clamping conveyors 12a, 12b, two pairs of clamping conveyors 12a 1 , 12b 1 and 12a 2 , 12b 2 with two pairs of conveyors 39a 1 , 39b 1 and 39a 2 , 39b 2 are used (see Figure 3 , 4 and 12 ), then the working section and the empty section of a conveyor pair 39a 1 , 39b 1 or 39a 2 , 39b 2 run in one plane and roller chains or push link belts can also be used as conveyors.

[0096] If, as in Figure 3 , 4and 12 As shown, two pairs of clamping conveying devices 12a 1 , 12b 1 and 12a 2 , 12b 2 with two pairs of conveying means 39a 1 , 39b 1 and 39a 2 , 39b 2 are used, the transport speed 47a 2 , 47b 2 of the second pair of conveying means 39a 2 , 39b 2 can be lower than the transport speed 47a 1 , 47b 1 of the first pair of conveying means 39a 1 , 39b 1. This allows the roots to remain in the working area of ​​the impact rollers for longer and the roots to be freed from the soil even more thoroughly.

[0097] Furthermore, it is possible to drive the conveying elements of the second pair of conveying elements 39a 2 and 39b 2 at a slightly different speed 47a 2 , 47b 2 by the drive motors 48a and 48b. This has the effect that the trunk 27 or 33 rotates slowly around its longitudinal axis, as described in the Figure 12As indicated, the trunk 27 or 33 of the tree and its roots then rotate while they are within the working area of ​​the impact rollers 22a, 22b. This results in the impact elements 25 acting on the roots from all sides.

[0098] The effect of the stem 27 or 33 slowly rotating around its longitudinal axis can also be achieved, for example, by driving the conveying means 39a, 39b with different friction radius settings of the variable drive discs 14a, 14b within an embodiment with a clamping conveying device pair 12a, 12b. For example, as in Figure 11 The transport speed 47a of the conveying medium 39a is shown to be greater than the transport speed 47b of the conveying medium 39b.

[0099] At the one in the Figure 5In the illustrated embodiment, the conveying means 39a, 39b (for example, a belt, a steel cable, or a round steel chain) are driven by the wheels 8a and 8b. This can be achieved, for example, by attaching a continuously variable PIV or CVT transmission 44a, 44b to the wheels 8a and 8b, the output shaft of which, as shown in Figure 5 The figure shows a belt or chain pulley 13a or 13b driving the conveyor. The conveying means 39a, 39b run over the rigid belt or chain pulley 13a or 13b. This transmits the rotary motion of the wheels 8a and 8b to the conveying means 39a, 39b.

[0100] By using a PIV or CVT transmission 44a, 44b, the transport speed of the conveying elements 39a, 39b can be controlled independently of the rotational speed of the wheels 8a, 8b. The lower the transport speed of the conveying elements 39a, 39b, the better the cleaning effect of the impact elements 25.

[0101] In the Figure 1A rigid drive pulley 13a, 13b for belts, steel cable or round steel chains is shown as a conveying means for a clamping conveying device 12a, 12b.

[0102] The Figures 2 , 9 , 10 and 11 concern an embodiment that differs from the Figure 1 differs in that they have a variable adjustable drive pulley 14a, 14b for belts, steel cable or round steel chains as conveying means within a paired clamping conveying device 12a, 12b.

[0103] In the Figure 3Two pairs of clamping conveyors 12a1, 12b1 and 12a2, 12b2 are shown, each with two pairs of conveying elements 39a1, 39b1 and 39a2, 39b2. Each pair of conveying elements 39a1, 39b1 and 39a2, 39b2 rotates in a plane, allowing the use of roller chains or push-link belts as conveying elements. Within the first clamping conveyor 12a1, 12b1, a rigid drive pulley, chain pulley, or sprocket 13a, 13b is shown, each driving the conveying elements of the first pair 39a1, 39b1.

[0104] The Figure 4 corresponds Figure 3 with the difference that within the first clamping conveying device 12a 1 , 12b 1 a variable adjustable drive disc 14a, 14b is provided, which drives the conveying means of the first pair 39a 1 , 39b 1.

[0105] Figure 5 corresponds Figure 1The only difference is that a CVT or PIV transmission 44a, 44b is arranged between the wheels 8a, 8b and the rigid drive pulley or the rigid chain pulley 13a, 13b which drives the conveying means 39a, 39b. This allows the rotational speed of the rigid drive pulley or the rigid chain pulley 13a, 13b to be selected independently of the rotational speed of the wheels 8a, 8b.

[0106] In the embodiments where a pair of clamping conveying devices 12a, 12b is provided within the deep loosening and uprooting device 3, deflection rollers 42a and 42b are provided at the rear end (see Figure 9 , 10 and 11 ).

[0107] The conveying materials 39a and 39b are redirected via these deflection pulleys 42a and 42b. As can be seen from the in the Figure 9 , 10 and 11As indicated by the double arrows, the deflection rollers 42a and 42b are also spring-loaded or pressure-loaded and movable, so that it is always ensured that the conveying means 39a, 39b are sufficiently tensioned and that overloading of the conveying means is avoided, for example, if a particularly thick tree trunk is located between the working area or the transport area of ​​the clamping conveying device 12a, 12b.

[0108] For example, in the Figure 9 , 10 and 11 As shown, the spring-loaded or pressure-loaded deflection pulleys 42a and 42b are also necessary to guarantee sufficient drive voltage on the conveying means 39a, 39b at all times when using adjustable drive pulleys 14a, 14b. Even if, as described, different tree diameters move between the working area and the transport area of ​​the clamping conveying device 12a, 12b, length compensation must be provided.

[0109] For example, the Figure 9 The operating state of the variable drive pulleys (variable conical pulleys) 14a and 14b, which are open to the same extent, is described. The friction radius of the variable drive pulley 14a with respect to the conveying medium 39a is equal to the friction radius of the variable drive pulley 14b with respect to the conveying medium 39b. Both conveying media 39a and 39b are located very close to the pivot point of the drive pulleys 14a and 14b, which is why the spring-loaded or pressure-loaded deflection pulleys 42a and 42b are extended to a very great extent.

[0110] The Figure 10 The figure shows an operating state of equally tightly closed variable drive pulleys (variable conical pulleys) 14a and 14b. Both conveying means 39a and 39b run with a large radius around the pivot point of the drive pulleys 14a, 14b, which is why the spring-loaded or pressure-loaded deflection rollers 42a and 42b are very tightly retracted.

[0111] The spring-loaded deflection rollers 42a, 42b are also required for length compensation if the feed device 8 has a height adjustment 11a, 11b (See Figure 1 or 8 ) or when a drive pulley 14a, 14b with a variable diameter is used.

[0112] In the embodiments where two pairs of clamping conveying devices 12a 1 , 12b 1 and 12a 2 , 12b 2 are provided within the deep loosening and uprooting device 3, the spring-loaded deflection rollers 42a, 42b within each individual pair of clamping conveying devices fulfill the described functions (see Figure 12 ).

[0113] The spring-loaded deflection rollers 42a and 42b create the necessary length compensation within each conveyor design variant.

[0114] In the Figure 9 , 10 and 11It is also clearly visible that following the clamping conveying device 12a, 12b with a pair of conveying means 39a, 39b, one or more conveyor belts 28 and / or 32 can be arranged. These conveyor belts 28 and 32, by means of the indicated working direction 29, transport the bare-rooted woody material 33 from the deep loosening and uprooting device 3 into a compactor device 2 mounted on the carrier vehicle 1, where it can then be used for further purposes after compaction.

[0115] This describes the most important components of the deep loosening and harvesting device 3 according to the invention.

[0116] The following figures will now be used to explain various details of the assemblies in more detail.

[0117] First, the following will be used as a starting point Figure 1 The drive of wheels 8a and 8b is explained. With 15a, it is in the Figure 1 , 3 , 5 and8 A drive motor (electric or hydraulic) is shown, which drives wheel 8a. On the opposite side, a drive motor 15b is present, which drives wheel 8b. The reference numerals 15a, 15b denote drive motors with a fixed-speed drive pulley 13a, 13b and with a fixed-speed chain pulley 13a, 13b, respectively (see Figure 1 , 3 , 5 and 8 ).

[0118] If, as in Figure 3 If two pairs of clamping conveying devices 12a 1 , 12b 1 and 12a 2 , 12b 2 are shown with two pairs of conveying means 39a 1 , 39b 1 and 39a 2 , 39b 2, then in addition to a speed-fixed drive disc 13a, 13b a so-called "sprocket" 13a, 13b can also be used, which drives the conveying means (e.g. roller chains) of the first pair 39a 1 , 39b 1.

[0119] Reference numbers 16a and 16b denote drive motors in which the speed of the drive pulley 14a and 14b is variable (see Figure 2 and 4 ).

[0120] These can be hydraulic motors with linear pressure sensors acting on the variable drive pulley (variable conical pulley) 14a, 14b. The linear pressure sensors of the drive motors 16a, 16b allow the friction radii of the variable drive pulley 14a, 14b, and thus also the transmission ratios between the conveying elements 39a, 39b or 39a1, 39b2 and the rotating wheels 8a, 8b, to be variably (infinitely) adjusted. To guarantee the required contact force for adjusting the variable drive pulley 14a, 14b, hydraulic linear systems can be used within the drive motors 16a, 16b (see Figure 2 and 4 ).

[0121] The rotational speed of drives 15a and 15b can be either fixed or adjustable, allowing a suitable speed to be set according to the soil conditions and the type of wood being cleared. Similarly, the rotational speed of drives 16a and 16b is either fixed or adjustable. This allows, in addition to the adjustable gear ratios between the conveying units 39a, 39b or 39a1, 39b1 and the rotating wheels 8a, 8b, a rotational speed suitable for the soil conditions and the type of wood being cleared to be set.

[0122] It is also conceivable to use cascaded drive motors without linear pressure sensors 15a 1 / 15a 2 and 15b 1 / 15b 2 and with a hollow shaft system for independent speed control of the rigid drive pulley or the rigid chain pulley 13a, 13b and the wheels 8a, 8b (see Figure 6 ).

[0123] It is also conceivable to use cascaded drive motors with linear pressure sensors 16a 1 / 16a 2 and 16b 1 / 16b 2 and with a hollow shaft system for independent speed control of the variable speed drive disc 14a, 14b and the wheels 8a, 8b (see Figure 7 ).

[0124] Within these cascaded drives 15a 1 / 15a 2 and 15b 1 / 15b 2 or 16a 1 / 16a 2 and 16b 1 / 16b 2 described above, the speed can be either fixed or adjustable.

[0125] As can be seen from, among other things, the Figures 1 to 12In this design, wheels 8a and 8b are pneumatic tires. The bearings of wheels 8a and 8b are rigidly connected to the frame 18. If the volume of the tires of wheels 8a and 8b is sufficiently large, then logs of different diameters can be held between the tires or wheels 8a and 8b by friction. This frictional engagement is necessary to transmit the force required to lift the log 4 to the log.

[0126] The wheels 8a and 8b move the trunk diagonally backwards and upwards relative to the frame 18. Because the deep loosening and uprooting device 3 moves forwards, this results in an almost vertical upward movement of the tree 4. This pulls the tree 4, along with its loosened roots, out of the ground.

[0127] Even the Figure 8It can be seen that wheels 8a and 8b each have a rigid drive or chain pulley 13a and 13b. These drive pulleys 13a and 13b serve to drive the conveying elements 39a and 39b. Consequently, the conveying elements 39a and 39b also rotate in opposite directions.

[0128] The following constellations are depicted in the figures: Figure 1 : Conveyor deflection design with rigid drive pulley or rigid chain pulley 13a, 13b and with a pair of conveying means 39a, 39b which can be in the form of belts, steel cable or round steel chain. Figure 2 : Conveyor deflection design with variable drive pulley (Positive Infinitely Variable (PIV drive pulley)) 14a, 14b and with a pair of conveying means 39a, 39b which may be in the form of belt, steel cable or round steel chain. Figure 3: Conveyor deflection design with rigid drive pulley or rigid chain pulley or sprocket 13a, 13b and with two pairs of conveying means 39a 1 , 39b 1 and 39a 2 , 39b 2 which may be belts, steel cable, push link belts, roller chains or round steel chain. Figure 4 : Conveyor deflection design with variable drive pulley (Positive Infinitely Variable (PIV drive pulley)) 14a, 14b and with two pairs of conveying means 39a 1 , 39b 1 and 39a 2 , 39b 2 which may be belts, steel cable, push link belts, roller chains or round steel chain. Figure 5 Largely corresponds Figure 1The difference is that a gearbox 44a, 44b is interposed between the drive motor 15a, 15b and the rigid drive pulley or the rigid chain pulley 13a, 13b, in order to adjust the speed in addition to a variable-speed drive motor. This ensures the torque and / or an optimal rotational speed between the wheels 8a, 8b and the conveying elements 39a, 39b. Figure 6 corresponds Figure 1 but with cascaded drive motor 15a 1 / 15a 2 , 15b 1 / 15b 2 and hollow shaft system for independent speed control of the rigid drive disc or the rigid chain disc 13a, 13b and the wheels 8a, 8b. Figure 7 corresponds Figure 2 but with cascaded drive motor and linear pressure transmitter 16a 1 / 16a 2 , 16b 1 / 16b 2 and hollow shaft system for independent speed control of the variable drive disc (Positive Infinitely Variable (PIV drive disc)) 14a, 14b and the wheels 8a, 8b. Figure 8corresponds to the embodiment of the Figure 1 in a front view. Figure 9 , 10 and 11 corresponds to the embodiment of the Figure 2 in a top view. Figure 12 corresponds to the embodiment of the Figure 4 in a top view.

[0129] In the Figure 8 It is also clearly visible that at least the first pair of guide rollers 40a and 40b are moved towards each other hydraulically or mechanically (see reference numerals 40a and 40b), so that the transfer of a piece of wood 4 from the working area of ​​the wheels 8a and 8b into the transport area of ​​the conveying devices 39a, 39b takes place without any problems. In the Figure 8 The moment is depicted in which both the wheels 8a and 8b and the conveying means 39a, 39b hold and transport the trunk of the tree 4 by friction.

[0130] Based on the Figure 8It is also clearly visible that the axes of rotation of the guide rollers 41a and 41b are aligned in such a way that they can absorb both the horizontal forces required for frictional engagement and the weight forces of the wood, thus ensuring that the wood is securely clamped between the conveying means 39a, 39b.

[0131] Based on the Figure 8 It can also be seen that the first pair of guide rollers 40a, 40b are arranged on a first rocker arm (without reference numerals). The ones in the Figures 8 to 12 The support rollers 35 shown are suspended from the suspension frame 38a, 38b. Mechanical-hydraulic pressure devices 43 are also arranged on the suspension frame 38a, 38b.

[0132] The pressure devices 43 can be either gas pressure cylinders, spring-loaded linear actuators, or the like. The forces exerted by the pressure device 43 on the suspension frames 38a, 38b ensure that the conveying means 39a, 39b, or 39a1, 39b1, are held under sufficient preload.

[0133] This is important, on the one hand, for the frictional connection between the wood 4 and the conveying means 39a, 39b, 39a 1, 39b 1. On the other hand, it is also important that a frictional connection or a positive connection between the conveying means 39a, 39b or 39a 1, 39b 1 and, for example, a rigid drive pulley 13a, 13b or a variable drive pulley 14a, 14b on the wheels 8a and 8b is reliably ensured.

[0134] As can be seen from the Figure 1As a result, the conveying means 39a, 39b of the transport device initially run orthogonally to the axis of rotation 8.3 of the wheel 8a and 8b, respectively. Where the impact rollers 22a and 22b are located, the conveying means 39a, 39b run almost horizontally or parallel to the axis of rotation of the impact rollers 22a, 22b. The conveying means 39a, 39b run above the impact rollers 22a, 22b, so that they grip the trunk of the tree 27 by friction and transport it backwards, while the roots located below the trunk of the tree 27 enter the working area of ​​the impact rollers 22a and 22b. This necessitates a change of direction for the conveying means 39a, 39b, which is easily achieved if they are designed as ropes or belts.

[0135] If the conveying elements 39a, 39b are designed as chains, e.g. as roller chains or as push-link belts, then the clamping conveying device generally comprises two pairs of conveying elements 39a 1 , 39b 1 and 39a 2 , 39b 2 , as shown in Figure 3, 4 and 12 is shown.

[0136] Based on the Figure 1 and 9 The construction of the impact rollers 22a, 22b can also be clearly explained. Impact elements 25 are arranged on the cylindrical impact rollers 22a and 22b. These impact elements can be, for example, short pieces of chain, pieces of rope, or firmly welded pins. When the impact rollers 22a and 22b are set in their respective directions of rotation 24a and 24b, the impact elements 25 strike the roots and thus remove the soil 26 from the roots of the woody plant 27, so that at the end of this process bare-rooted cultivated woody plant 33 is present.

[0137] The impact rollers 22a and 22b are preferably driven by separate and preferably speed-controlled drive motors 23a and 23b. The impact rollers 22a, 22b are also preferably arranged on the frame 18 via a height-adjustable telescopic frame 21a, 21b. The adjustment can be effected via hydraulic cylinders 36.

[0138] Based on the Figure 1 It is also clearly visible how conveyor belts 28 and 32 transport the bare-rooted woody plant 33 further. In a transition area, the bare-rooted woody plant 33 is simultaneously transported by the conveying devices 39a, 39b of the clamping conveying device 12a, 12b and the conveyor belt 28.

[0139] If required, a second conveyor belt 32 can be provided after the first conveyor belt 28, with the help of which the bare-rooted woody plant 33 is then finally fed to a further processing stage (not shown). The transfer 37 of the bare-rooted cultivated woody plant 33 to the carrier vehicle 1 takes place in the area of ​​the hydraulic top link 45 to the compactor device 2.

[0140] The alignment / incline of the first conveyor belt 28 can be adjusted. This is achieved by extending or retracting a double-acting hydraulic cylinder 36 to a greater or lesser extent. A pivot point of the first conveyor belt 28 is located in the area of ​​the bracket 19d. It is shown in the drawing but has no reference symbol.

[0141] As already mentioned, in the Figure 2In the illustrated embodiment, an adjustable pulley (variable adjustable drive pulley) 14a or 14b is provided. By adjusting the friction radii of the variable drive pulley 14a or 14b, the circulation speed of the conveying means 39a, 39b can be set independently of the rotational speed of the drive wheels 8a and 8b.

[0142] In the Figure 11 For example, a working mode of Figure 2 The figure shows where the drive motors 16a and 16b act on the counter-rotating wheels 8a and 8b, respectively, at the same rotational speed, but with different linear pressure sensor settings. This results in different friction radius settings for the variable drive disc 14a and 14b, which is why the conveying medium 39a has a higher transport speed than the conveying medium 39b, while the counter-rotating speed of the wheels 8a and 8b remains constant.

[0143] Through this in Figure 11The working mode shown ensures that the tree 4 is pulled more or less vertically out of the ground within the intake device 8 without any rotation of its own. This significantly reduces the risk of the roots breaking off the trunk. Rotation of the tree 4 only occurs when it is transferred from the working area of ​​the wheels 8a and 8b into the transport area of ​​the conveying devices 39a and 39b. The trunk 27 or 33 rotates around its longitudinal axis within the transport area, allowing the impact devices 25 to act on the roots from all sides.

[0144] This in Figure 11 The described operating mode can also be achieved if, for example, a CVT or PIV transmission 44a, 44b is arranged between the wheels 8a and 8b and a rigid drive pulley or a rigid chain pulley 13a or 13b respectively (see the exemplary embodiment of the Figure 5 This allows, as in Figure 11The rotational speed of the conveying means 39a and 39b is shown to be selected independently of the rotational speed of the wheels 8a and 8b.

[0145] In the Figure 4 As already mentioned, this is a variant in which the clamping conveyor has two independently operating pairs of conveying elements 39a 1 , 39b 1 , and 39a 2 , 39b 2. The first section of the clamping conveyor is here designated 12a 1 or 12b 1 (see Figure 12In this area, the conveying elements 39a 1 and 39b 1 run parallel or perpendicular to the axis of rotation of the wheels 8a and 8b. In a second area 12a 2 and 12b 2, there are second conveying elements 39a 2 and 39b 2, which run essentially parallel to the axis of rotation of the impact rollers 22a and 22b. By dividing the clamping conveying device into two transport areas with separate conveying elements, the change of direction at the transition between the areas can be better accommodated. Especially with chains or push-link belts as conveying elements, it is difficult to achieve such a change of direction with only one pair of conveying elements 39a and 39b.

Claims

1. Drivable device for clearing woody plants (4), the device comprising an intake device (8) and a deep-loosening device (6) for loosening the roots of a woody plant (4), the deep-loosening device (6) being arranged in front of the intake device (8) when viewed in the driving direction (5), the intake device (8) comprising two counter-rotating wheels (8a, 8b), at least one of the wheels (8a, 8b) being connected to a drive (15, 16), and the rotation axes (8.3) of the wheels enclosing an angle (8.4) of less than 90° with the driving direction (5) of the device, and the device comprising a clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b), characterized in that the wheels (8a, 8b) have tires which are flexible in the radial direction such that a radial deflection of the tires causes a gap between the wheels (8a, 8b) to be adapted to a trunk diameter of the woody plants (4) to be cleared.

2. Device according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive or drives (15, 15a, 15b, 16, 16a, 16b) drive the wheels (8a, 8b) of the intake device (8) directly or via a transmission.

3. Device according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b) and / or drive pulleys (13, 13a, 13b, 14, 14a, 14b) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b) have at least one drive of their own.

4. Device according to claim 3, characterized in that the drive pulleys (13, 13a, 13b, 14, 14a, 14b) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b) are drivably connectable or connected to the drive or drives (15, 15a, 15b, 16, 16a, 16b) of the intake device (8).

5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1) comprises at least one pair of circulating conveying means (39a, 39b, 39a1, 39b1), in that the conveying means (39a, 39b, 39a1, 39b1) run over the drive pulleys (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) and are driven thereby, and in that the drive pulleys (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1) are rigidly or speed-variably connected to the wheels (8a, 8b) of the intake device (8).

6. Device according to claim 5, characterized in that the drive pulleys (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1) and the wheels (8a, 8b) of the intake device are driven via cascaded drive motors (15a1 / 15a2, 15b1 / 15b2, 16a1 / 16a2, 16b1 / 16b2) and two force-independent shafts (a solid shaft and a hollow shaft).

7. Device according to any of claims 4 to 6, characterized in that a transmission (44a, 44b) is arranged between the drive pulleys (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1) and the wheels (8a, 8b) of the intake device (8).

8. Device according to any of claims 4 to 7, characterized in that the effective diameter of the drive pulleys (14a, 14b) is settable in order to set the circulation speed of the conveying means (39a, 39b, 39a1, 39b1) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1).

9. Device according to any of claims 3 to 8, characterized in that the wheels (8a, 8b) of the intake device (8), the drive pulleys (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12a2), and / or the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1) are angularly adjustable via an angle adjustment (8.4).

10. Device according to any of claims 3 to 9, characterized in that the wheels (8a, 8b) of the intake device (8), the drive pulleys (13a, 13b, 14a, 14b) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1), and / or the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1) are height-adjustable via a height adjustment (11a, 11b).

11. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1) comprises a plurality of pairs of opposite guide rollers (41a, 41b), and in that the guide rollers (41a, 41b) support and guide the conveying means (39a, 39b, 39a1, 39b1) in such a way that a gap is created between the conveying means (39a, 39b, 39a1, 39b1), and in that a trunk (27) of a cleared woody plant (4) is clampable in the gap.

12. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1, 12a2, 12b2) conveys the cleared woody plant (4) from the intake device (8) through a gap between two driven impact rollers (22a, 22b), and in that the rotation axes (8.7) of the impact rollers (22a, 22b) are substantially parallel to a transport direction (46) of the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b, 12a1, 12b1, 12a2, 12b2).

13. Device according to claim 12, characterized in that impact means (25) in the form of chains, ropes, and / or pins are formed on the impact rollers (22a, 22b), and in that the impact means (25) act on the roots located between the impact rollers (22a, 22b) and separate adhering soil from the roots.

14. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conveying means (39a, 39b, 39a1, 39b1, 39a2, 39b2) are in the form of ropes, belts, chains, and / or thrust belts.

15. Device according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b) has a pair of guide rails, in that flexible clamping elements are guided in the guide rails, in that the guide rails form two closed "rings" or circulation paths, and in that guide rails above the impact rollers (22a, 22b) form a clamping gap.

16. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the deep-loosening device (6) comprises a horizontal separating apparatus (6.1), two lateral separating apparatuses (6.2) and at least one lifting and deep-loosening share (7), and in that a working depth of the deep-loosening device (6) is settable.

17. Device according to claim 16, characterized in that the at least one lifting and deep-loosening share (7) is inclined.

18. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises a downwardly open frame (18) with two longitudinal beams (18.1) and at least one bracket (19c, 19d) connecting the longitudinal beams (18.1).

19. Device according to claim 18, characterized in that two wheels (17a, 17b) are provided at a front end of the frame (18), and in that a mechanical interface for coupling to a vehicle is present at a rear end of the frame (18).

20. Device according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device is self-driving.

21. Method for deep-loosening cultivated soil (30.1) and for clearing cultivated woody plants (4) using a device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising the method steps of: - deep-loosening the cultivated soil (30.1) and the roots of cultivated woody plants (4) as well as lifting the cultivated woody plants (4), - pulling the roots out of the cultivated soil (30.1) by lifting the cultivated woody plant (4) at its trunk, and - removing the soil adhering to the roots with the aid of rotating impact rollers (22a, 22b).

22. Method according to claim 21, characterized in that the roots of the cultivated woody plant (27) pulled out of the cultivated soil (30.1) are transported between the impact rollers (22a, 22b) by means of a clamping conveying apparatus (12a, 12b).

23. Method according to claim 22, characterized in that the trunk and with it the roots of the cultivated woody plant (27) pulled out of the cultivated soil (30.1) is set into rotation during the transport between the impact rollers (22a, 22b).