TRANSFER AND OUTPUT UNIT FOR PLANT MATERIAL AND FACILITY TO THAT SUITABLE

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a pneumatic transfer and distribution unit for plant material. It also relates to an installation comprising such a unit and a plant material supply source, this source being a unit for breaking down compact blocks of plant material.

[0002] Plant material can be of different types and come in various forms. It can be fibrous material divided into strands, such as straw from cereals, flax, hemp, or hay, bracken, miscanthus, gabasse, and others, or it can consist of grains of cereals and other plants. It can be fragmented, for example, in the form of wood chips. It can be dry or moist, fresh or fermented. It is generally supplied in compact, compressed blocks in the form of parallelepiped or cylindrical bales that must be loosened and broken up, or even untangled, before distribution.

[0003] We know that bedding for livestock consists of plant matter spread on the ground of the livestock area in layers of varying thickness, typically fibrous materials such as straw, wood shavings and other materials.

[0004] To create bedding, it is common practice to break up compressed straw bales and spread the loose straw on the ground. Typically, the straw bales are broken up outside the livestock building, and the broken material is then pneumatically transported inside for spreading.

[0005] A pneumatic conveying system for fibrous bedding materials is disclosed in patent EP 2121490 of the applicant. The conveyor according to this patent consists of a large-capacity hopper and a transfer unit comprising an upstream loading zone for plant material, connected to the large-capacity hopper; a downstream delivery zone for plant material intended to be connected to a means of transporting this plant material to a distribution point; and a cell conveyor, mobile between the upstream loading zone and the downstream delivery zone. The plant material is transported by each cell between the two loading and delivery zones and is expelled from the delivery zone by a carrier airflow passing through it, carrying the discharged plant material in the downstream delivery zone towards a conveying and delivery conduit.The cell conveyor consists of an endless chain stretched between a driving gear and a driven gear, and circular discs mounted on the chain at equal distances from each other, defining the transport cells.

[0006] It has become apparent that the cell filling rate is not optimal with certain fibrous materials such as long straw. Furthermore, difficulties in extracting these fibrous materials from the delivery zone have been observed, leading to blockages and distribution stoppages. In addition, problems have arisen related to the presence of dust in the plant material. Existing transfer units and machines for breaking up compact blocks of plant material are generally not equipped to extract the hard particles they may contain.Usually, these hard bodies, consisting of stones, metal debris or other objects of various sizes, have a higher volumetric weight than plant matter, and can cause damage to machine parts or inflict injuries on animals, potentially lethal if these hard bodies are thrown during spreading operations.

[0007] Some machines used for straw bale shredding consist of a rotating hopper that receives a straw bale and a shredding rotor that breaks it down by cutting action. The resulting bedding material is composed of relatively short straw strands. These machines are equipped with a pneumatic system for distributing the bedding material remotely, typically using a blower that generates a carrier airflow into which the bedding material is introduced, and a flexible distribution hose connected to a delivery nozzle on the blower. The downstream end of the hose is usually fitted with handles for handling by personnel responsible for spreading the bedding.

[0008] Document EP 2 478 758 also describes a dispensing machine capable of shredding and distributing bedding products. This machine comprises a fixed box with an endless conveyor belt at its base designed to receive a bale of straw, a roller shredder positioned at the front of the box against which the bale is pressed by the movement of the endless conveyor belt, and a blower to propel the shredded straw towards an outlet.

[0009] One of the distinguishing features of earlier machines is that the straw bales are broken down by chopping, resulting in a final bedding product made of short strands. This type of bedding, preferred for chicken coops, has the advantage of easy pneumatic conveying. However, it poses a problem for bedding medium and / or large livestock, such as cattle, pigs, sheep, and goats. Indeed, bedding made with short straw is easily pierced by the animals' hooves and quickly becomes soiled by underlying moisture or urine. Long straw bedding does not present this drawback and forms a cushion capable of supporting the animals' weight without being punctured.However, the distribution of long straws by the pneumatic conveyors of the prior art is tedious due to clogging problems and poor straw evacuation.

[0010] To effectively chop or shred a straw bale into short strands, the knives used in these machines, due to their cutting action in a compact mass, are driven at high angular speeds. Typically, these machines have straw-propelled blades downstream of the knives, also driven at high speed. These features pose a serious drawback because when the shredders, knives, or blades strike a hard object within a straw bale at high speed, incandescent particles can form and ignite both the straw and the machine.

[0011] Another undesirable effect of high speed is the risk of larger or smaller clumps of plant material being drawn into both the chopping and propulsion circuits. These clumps can cause blockages in the active mechanical components of these circuits. Consequently, machines are often oversized in terms of mechanical power to absorb the energy consumption spikes that occur when clumps are drawn through the cutting elements. However, oversizing the active components of the machines significantly increases their cost, even though these peak consumption spikes only occur very briefly and for a short duration within an operating cycle.

[0012] Another undesirable effect is a significant increase in pressure losses in the distribution system due to air currents. Because these clumps are in constant friction within the pipes, their transport requires relatively high air pressures. Furthermore, the straw distribution inevitably becomes uneven, as the instantaneous flow rate of straw exiting the distribution pipe is irregular. This results in the formation of an uneven bedding layer or inconsistent filling of troughs and feeding areas. In addition, blockages can form in the pipes, preventing any further distribution. Clearing these blockages is a laborious operation, especially when the pipes are installed at height, necessitating the use of aerial work platforms in accordance with safety regulations.

[0013] Mechanical straw processing operations, such as chopping, grinding, or defibrating (reducing the length of the strands), generate dust that is carried to the bedding area by the straw piles. Livestock buildings have become filled with suspended dust, which can cause animal and human illnesses. Therefore, bedding is avoided in the presence of animals, and staff should not work without masks and protective clothing. However, bedding outside the presence of animals may be impossible in the event of total or partial confinement of the livestock. Exposé de l'invention

[0014] The main objective of the present invention is to provide a transfer and distribution unit for divided or disintegrated plant material, equipped with a cell conveyor of the aforementioned type, with an increased cell loading capacity. Another objective of the present invention is to provide a transfer unit capable of removing most of the dust carried by the plant material. A further objective of the present invention is to improve the extraction of plant material deposited in the delivery zone. A further objective of the present invention is to provide a transfer unit capable of separating any hard particles it may contain from the plant material.

[0015] The solution developed in response to these objectives concerns a plant material transfer and distribution unit, comprising: an upstream zone for loading plant material, intended to be supplied by a source of plant material, said upstream zone having a loading opening and, opposite this opening, a bottom in the form of a chute, a downstream zone for delivering plant material intended to be in communication with a means of transporting this plant material to a distribution point, a mobile conveyor, passing through said upstream and downstream zones, having cells suitable for transporting plant material between said upstream zone and said downstream zone and, a gas flow generator in communication with the downstream delivery zone by means of a gaseous fluid transport pipe, suitable for forming in said downstream zone, a pressurized carrier gas current suitable for expelling from this downstream zone the plant material which is located there and which is delivered there by the conveyor and for introducing it into the means of transport.

[0016] This unit is essentially characterized by the inclusion of a suction device connected to at least the upstream loading zone and to the conveyor cells located within said upstream zone. This suction device is capable of creating a negative pressure within the cells to facilitate their complete filling and to remove any dust that the plant material might carry. This arrangement significantly reduces the amount of dust present in the plant material before distribution. Furthermore, it noticeably increases the filling rate of the conveyor cells.

[0017] The plant material introduced in the means of transport can be conveyed and distributed or spread, for example in a livestock area. It can be poured onto a feeding area or into troughs, or spread at a distance.

[0018] According to another feature of the invention, the suction means of the transfer and distribution unit comprises a suction chamber in communication relationship with the upstream loading area and an air suction and discharge assembly incorporating a dust collector, said assembly comprising a suction mouth connected to said suction chamber, and a purified air discharge mouth formed by the air discharge mouth of said dust collector.

[0019] According to another feature of the invention, one of the side walls or the bottom of the upstream loading zone is perforated and constitutes one of the walls of the suction chamber. Preferably, the perforated wall is formed by the bottom of the upstream loading zone.

[0020] According to another feature of the invention, the gas flow generator is formed by the suction and discharge assembly, the purified air discharge outlet of said assembly being connected to the downstream delivery zone of the transfer and distribution unit. This arrangement allows for a significant reduction in installation cost since two distinct functions are performed by the same mechanical components. Alternatively, the suction means and the gas flow generator are separate. In this case, the gas flow generator will be equipped with a dust collector to deliver a purified gas flow.

[0021] According to another feature of the invention, the upstream loading zone, above the conveyor and parallel to the bottom, includes an Archimedes' screw for distributing the plant material into the different cells as they pass through said upstream zone. Preferably, the screw for distributing the plant material is equipped with rigid, radial elements for dispersing any clumps of plant material.

[0022] According to another feature of the invention, the downstream delivery zone comprises a rotating nozzle and the gas stream delivered by the gas flow generator is introduced into said downstream delivery zone via said rotating nozzle, the latter being capable of increasing the speed of this gas stream.

[0023] According to another feature of the invention, the downstream delivery zone of the transfer and distribution unit includes a mechanical plant material extractor, capable of sweeping said zone and the conveyor cells located therein to complete the extraction of plant material not displaced by the pressurized gas stream. Such an extractor facilitates the distribution of plant material to the conveyor and ensures even distribution. Furthermore, it helps to break up any clumps of straw that may be present in the delivery zone and to aerate the plant material by mixing, thus facilitating its movement within the conveyor. Finally, it is designed to extract long strands that straddle several conveyor cells.

[0024] According to another feature of the invention, the transfer and distribution unit is provided, upstream of its upstream loading zone, with a separator capable of generating a blade of pressurized air in an upward direction, transverse to the flow of plant material delivered by the source, of supporting the flow of plant material above a recovery receptacle and of allowing, before introduction into this upstream zone, the fall of heavy bodies towards the receptacle.

[0025] According to another feature of the invention, the transfer and distribution unit is equipped with at least one pilot-operated valve installed on the gaseous fluid transport line and on the plant material transport means. Furthermore, the transport means consists of a line, and said valve, when controlled, is capable of isolating the downstream delivery zone from the gaseous fluid generator and the transport means, and of establishing direct communication between said line and the transport means. The gaseous fluid generator then operates in suction mode to create a vacuum in the line and in the transport means in order to break up any blockages of plant material present in said transport means.This arrangement allows the dislodging of blockages in a simple and effective way and generally avoids manual intervention on the pipe constituting the means of transport, which is sometimes difficult to carry out due to its position at height or underground.

[0026] The present invention also relates to an installation for the remote supply and distribution of plant material in a loose and untangled form, in short or long strands. Such an installation is essentially characterized in that it comprises a transfer and distribution unit according to the invention and a source of plant material connected to the loading opening of the upstream loading zone of the transfer and distribution unit, said source comprising a station for breaking up a compact block of plant material.

[0027] According to another feature of the invention, the plant material source consists of at least one disintegration station for a compact block of plant material by scraping action, capable of delivering, through a delivery zone, totally or partially disentangled and decompacted plant material, said disintegration station comprising: an enclosure designed to receive a block of plant material, and a scraping means moving on a horizontal sliding surface forming, in combination with said scraping means, the bottom of the enclosure on which the block of plant material is intended to rest, to be subjected to a destructuring and leveling action, said enclosure being designed to receive a compact block of plant material to be destructurized by scraping, intended to rest on the surface and on the scraping means to be subjected to the destructuring and leveling action of the latter, and said enclosure comprising a front wall against which the block of plant material comes to rest under the effect of the action of the scraping means; the scraping means being equipped with movable scraping elements driven towards the delivery zone by at least a first driving element, and provided to be in contact, on at least a portion of their path, with the block of plant material to be broken up, in order to tear plant material from the latter and transport it towards the delivery zone, which is in communication relationship with the loading opening which comprises the upstream loading zone of the transfer and distribution unit.

[0028] The scraping elements of the disintegration unit act on the compacted block to detach plant material without significantly cutting it. This results in a material consisting of loosened, untangled, and uncut fibers delivered to the transfer and distribution unit. This arrangement allows the fibers to be used as delivered to the transfer and distribution unit or cut to the required length according to the livestock farming needs.

[0029] The effectiveness of the scraping operation does not depend on the speed of the scraping tool against the compacted block. Therefore, there is no need to operate the scraping tool at high speed. This eliminates the risk of incandescent particles forming due to friction between the active scraping elements and hard objects such as stones or other debris that may be present in the compacted block. Consequently, the risk of fire in the plant material and the breakdown unit is also eliminated.

[0030] The low speed of the scraping elements limits the mechanical power required for the proper operation of the scraping unit. Furthermore, to avoid oversizing the scraping unit and its primary drive in terms of mechanical power, this scraping unit can be equipped with an additional drive and a means of measuring the power consumed by the primary drive. This additional drive is capable of activating the additional drive when the power consumed by the primary drive reaches a setpoint. This situation can occur during the scraping operation when the scraping elements encounter a particularly compact mass.

[0031] If the temporary addition of mechanical power by activating the auxiliary drive proves insufficient, and the power consumed by the primary drive remains above the setpoint, the measuring device is capable of triggering, for a predetermined period, the reverse movement of the scraping elements. The auxiliary drive can remain activated during this reverse movement, and this process can be repeated a predetermined number of times if the power consumed remains above the setpoint. Typically, the reverse movement frees the scraping elements from the compacted mass. It should be noted that during the reverse movement, the downstream scraping elements will act on the mass to break it up. At the end of this sequence, the scraping elements will resume their normal direction of travel.This back-and-forth movement constitutes an operational cycle of dislocation, which can be repeated as many times as necessary, always activating the additional motor organ.

[0032] To achieve this, the disintegration station includes a control means capable of stopping the scraping mechanism and generating an alarm signal when, after a predetermined number of disintegration cycles, the power consumption still exceeds the setpoint. The alarm signal may be followed by manual intervention to eliminate the fault.

[0033] According to another feature of the invention, the scraping means consists of at least two endless, motorized chains and equidistant scraping elements fixed to the endless chains, said scraping elements being transverse to the endless chains and each carrying at least one scraping tooth intended to penetrate the compact block of plant material to detach fragments or strands.

[0034] According to another feature of the invention, the front wall of the enclosure comprising the disintegration station is arranged by its lower edge, above the scraping means for spacing the latter and provides a regulating interval forming a caliber to oppose the passage of large fragments towards the delivery zone.

[0035] According to another embodiment of the invention, the plant material source consists of at least one station for disintegrating a compact block of plant material by scraping action, capable of delivering, through a delivery zone, totally or partially disentangled and decompacted plant material, said disintegration station comprising: an enclosure intended to receive the block of plant material, said enclosure comprising a bottom formed of an endless slatted belt, motorized, a scraping means formed by motorized, horizontal, parallel, upper and lower shredding rollers mounted one above the other, rotating in bearings attached to the chassis of the disintegration station, the upper shredding roller being of a larger diameter than the lower shredding roller, a means of transfer to the transfer and distribution unit of the defibrated or fragmented plant material.

[0036] According to another characteristic, the upper shredding roller of the scraping means is of a larger diameter than the lower shredding roller. Bref exposé des figures

[0037] Other advantages, purposes and features of the present invention will become apparent from the description of preferred embodiments, given by way of non-limiting examples with reference to the accompanying drawings. [ Fig.1a ] is a front perspective view of the transfer and distribution unit according to the invention. Fig.1b ] is a rear perspective view of said unit. Fig.2a ] is a partial cross-sectional view of said unit. Fig.2b ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of said unit. Fig.3 ] is a perspective view of the unit's conveyor's pallet chain. Fig.4 ] is a detailed view of the cell conveyor chain. Fig.5 ] is a partial view of an early form of mobile extractor. Fig.5a ] is a partial view of a second form of mobile extractor. Fig.6a ] is a perspective view of an untangling module. Fig.6b ] is a front view of a radial element of the untangling module. Fig.7 [ ] is a partial view of the transfer and distribution unit showing the nozzle for introducing the pressurized air stream into the downstream delivery zone. Fig.8 ], [ Fig.9] et [Fig.10 ] are partial views of the transfer and distribution unit showing, respectively, a first, a second, and a third embodiment of a mechanical extractor associated with the delivery zone. Fig.11 [ ] is a partial view of the unit showing a mechanical extractor incorporating chopping or grinding elements. Fig.12 ] is an exploded view of a crusher equipping the downstream delivery zone. Fig.13 ] is a perspective view of a switching valve associated with the means of transport. Fig.14] et [Fig.15 ] are schematic views showing a set of two isolation valves, in the gaseous fluid supply position ([ Fig.14 ]), and in isolation position from the downstream delivery zone ([ Fig.15 ]). [ Fig.16 ] And [ Fig.17 ] are schematic views of an isolation valve in the gaseous fluid supply position ([ Fig.16 ]) and in an isolated position ([ Fig.17 ]) of the downstream delivery zone and the associated means of transport. [ Fig.18 ] is a perspective view of a separator. Fig.19 ] is a cross-sectional view of the separator according to the [ Fig.18 ]. Fig.20 ] is a schematic view of a hood with the separator according to the [ Fig.18 ]. Fig.21 ] is a three-quarter front perspective view of an installation according to a first embodiment of the invention. Fig.22 ] shows, from a three-quarter rear perspective, the installation of the [ Fig.21 ]. Fig.23 ] is a cross-sectional view of the disintegration station constituting the plant matter source. Fig.24 ] is a view at an enlarged scale of detail A of the [ Fig.23 ]. Fig.25 ] is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the same disintegration station. Fig.26 ] is a detailed view of the scraping mechanism. Fig.27 ] is a perspective view of an installation according to a preferred form of realization. Fig.28 ] is a profile view of the installation according to the [ Fig.27 ]. Fig.29 ] is a rear view of the plant's dismantling station according to the [ Fig.27 [ ], assuming the door panels forming the rear wall of the enclosure comprising the dismantling station have been removed. Fig.30 ] is a schematic view of the installation according to the [ Fig.27 ]. Description de modes préférés de réalisation de l'invention

[0038] In figures [ Fig.1a] et [Fig.1b A unit 2 for the transfer and distribution of plant material is represented, intended to be supplied, preferably by gravity, by at least one source 1 of divided or granular plant material and to dispense this plant material to a means of transport 3, such as a pipeline or network of pipelines, capable of delivering this plant material to a livestock area, a reserve, or other location, situated, for example, at a distance from the transfer and distribution unit 2. The means of transport 3 is represented by a thick dashed line in figures [ Fig.1a] et [Fig.1b ]. Source 1 of plant material can consist of a station for disintegrating a compact block of plant material, described later, a conveyor belt for feeding fragmented plant product or grains delivered from a reserve or silo or by any other means suitable for containing and delivering a plant product.

[0039] Unit 2 for transferring and distributing plant material is mounted on a frame and comprises: an upstream zone 20 for loading plant material, intended to be in communication with the plant material source 1, a downstream zone 21 for delivering plant material intended to be in communication with a means of transporting this plant material 3 and a conveyor 22 with cells 22a, mobile between the upstream loading zone 20 and the downstream delivery zone 21, the plant material being transported by each cell 22a between the upstream zone 20 and the downstream zone 21. In addition, the transfer and distribution unit 2 is associated with a generator 4 (Figures [ Fig.14] à [Fig.17 ] And [ Fig.21 ]) capable of producing a gaseous flow, which can be purified and thus free of all dust. The gaseous flow can be formed by an air flow. The gaseous flow generator 4 is in communication with the downstream delivery zone 21 and forms in it a carrier gaseous current, under pressure, capable of removing from this downstream zone 21 the plant matter which is located there and which is delivered by the conveyor 2, and of introducing and conveying it into the means of transport 3 for distribution or spreading at a distance, in a livestock area for example or in a reserve.

[0040] The upstream zone 20 has a loading opening 20a through which plant material is introduced into its internal volume. Opposite this loading opening 20a, the upstream zone 20 has a bottom 200.

[0041] The conveyor 22 with cells 22a consists of an endless chain 220 stretched between a driven wheel 221 and a driving wheel 222 coupled to a drive unit, and equidistant pallets 223, fixed to the endless chain 220 and extending perpendicularly to it. Each cell 22a is defined by the interval between two consecutive pallets 223. As can be seen in figures [ Fig.2b ] And [ Fig.3 ], the endless chain 220 forms two straight strands, the first strand, or upper loading strand, passes through the upstream zone 20, and the second, or lower delivery strand, passes through the downstream zone 21.

[0042] Each pallet 223 has two faces – front and back – preferably flat and parallel, joined to each other by a peripheral face bearing at least one sealing gasket. The front face is understood to be the face located in the direction of movement of the conveyor 22, and the back face is the face opposite to the direction of movement of this conveyor.

[0043] The endless chain 220 is formed of inner links 220a and outer links 220b articulated to each other by means of connecting pins. The inner links 220a are formed of two parallel, rectangular, inner plates, while the outer links 220b are formed of two parallel, rectangular, outer plates, with the pallets 223 being attached to the outer links 220b. Preferably, each pallet 223 has two parallel slots extending from its front face to its back face, into which the outer plates of the link to which it is attached are engaged. Each pallet 223 overlaps the middle area of ​​the outer link 220b to which it is attached and extends perpendicularly to it.

[0044] The conveyor 22 is mobile within rigid hollow conduits formed by a first conduit receiving the upstream loading zone 20, a second conduit opposite the first receiving the downstream delivery zone 21, and upstream end boxes 224 and downstream end boxes 225 in which the driven wheels 221 and driving wheels 222 are installed. The first rigid conduit is formed of two first conduit segments, one upstream 226 and the other downstream 227. The first upstream segment 226 is connected on one side to the upstream box 224 and on the other side to the upstream loading zone 20, while the first downstream segment 227 is connected to the upstream loading zone 20 and to the downstream box 225. Similarly, the second rigid conduit is formed of two second conduit segments, one upstream 228 and the other downstream 229.The second upstream segment 228 is connected on one side to the downstream box 225 and on the other side to the downstream delivery zone 21, while the second downstream segment 229 is connected to the downstream zone 21 and to the upstream box 224.

[0045] Advantageously, the first downstream segment 227 enters the upstream loading zone 20 via an upstream portion and has a beveled end 227a in this zone. This facilitates the introduction of plant material into the first downstream segment 227 and reduces the risk of blockages forming at this point. However, a blockage at the beveled end or immediately downstream of it can constitute a significant obstacle to the progress of the conveyor 22. Therefore, the beveled end 227a may have cutting edges capable of cutting through a blockage under the effect of the conveyor's forward movement.

[0046] In one embodiment, each pallet 223 has a circular outline. In a second embodiment, each pallet 223 has a substantially rectangular outline, one edge of which extends along an arc of a circle. The cross-section of the conduit segments and the upstream 224 and downstream 225 housings are adapted accordingly.

[0047] Preferably, the pallets 223 are attached to the endless chain 220 in an off-center manner to facilitate cell filling. In this configuration, the chain 220, in the downstream loading zone 20, is located near the bottom 200 of the latter, while the pallets 223 extend from the bottom 200 and, for the most part, from the chain towards the loading opening 20a of the downstream zone 20.

[0048] The pallets 223, with their outer links, could tilt excessively to the rear or forward depending on the direction of movement of the conveyor 22. To overcome this drawback, an anti-tipping heel 223a is fixed to each dorsal and frontal face of each pallet 223. This heel limits the amplitude of the corresponding pallet's tilt by bearing against the chain 220, and more specifically against the adjacent inner links 220a at the end of the tilting motion. The tilt angle of each pallet is preferably less than five degrees forward and five degrees backward.

[0049] The upstream loading zone 20 comprises a frame 20b formed by a hopper. The bottom 200 of the upstream zone 20 forms a chute in which the conveyor 22 moves. The bottom 200 follows the contour of each pallet 223 so that each pallet 223 passes into the upstream loading zone 20 by sliding on the bottom 200.

[0050] In one practical embodiment, the hopper forming the frame 20b of the upstream zone 20 comprises two longitudinal sides and two lateral sides, upstream and downstream, the upper edges of which define a rectangular loading opening 20c. The longitudinal sides extend parallel to the longitudinal axis of the upper or lower strand of the endless chain 220. The lateral sides are transverse to the longitudinal sides. The upstream lateral side, considering the direction of movement of the conveyor 22 in the upstream loading zone 20, has an opening into which the downstream end of the first upstream segment 226 of the conduit is engaged. The downstream lateral side has an opening into which the first downstream segment 227 of the conduit is engaged.

[0051] The upstream loading zone 20, above the conveyor 22, parallel to the bottom 200 and the first upstream 226 and downstream 227 segments of the conduit, includes an Archimedes equalizing screw 201, designed to distribute the plant material into the different cells 22a as it passes through the upstream zone 20, on the bottom 200. As can be seen, this equalizing screw 201, external to the frame 20b, is coupled to a rotating drive mechanism. The equalizing screw 201 may have only one thread, in which case its rotational movement will be such that the material will be carried counter-currently, that is, in the opposite direction to its movement imparted by the conveyor. According to a first variant, the leveling screw 201 may have two consecutive threads 201a, 201b, with opposite pitches and equal lengths, allowing the plant material to be gathered in the middle zone of the hopper and not at its ends. According to a preferred variant, shown in figures [ Fig.2a ] And [ Fig.2b ], the equalizing screw 201 has two threads 201a, 201b with opposite pitches of unequal lengths, the longer of which 201a imparts to the plant material a counter-current movement from an area located above the beveled end 227a of the first downstream segment 227 of the conduit towards an area located above the downstream end of the first upstream segment 226 of the conduit, and the other thread 201b, by imparting to the plant material a movement in the same direction as that of the conveyor, from an area located immediately above the downstream end of the first upstream segment 226 of the conduit, opposes the clogging of the latter.

[0052] Preferably, the leveling screw 201 is provided with rigid radial dislocation elements 201c, preferably in the form of straight fingers, capable on the one hand of breaking up any clumps of plant material and on the other hand of aerating this material to facilitate its subsequent transport by the conveyor 22. According to a practical embodiment, these radial elements 201c are arranged between the two threads 201a, 201b, the latter being separated from each other.

[0053] Additionally, to further reduce the risk of blockages forming in the internal part of the first downstream segment 227, at its beveled end 227a or immediately downstream of it, a mobile extractor 202 is provided, designed to periodically penetrate said first downstream segment through an opening in it. This arrangement allows the interior of the first downstream segment 227 and of the cell 22a present in this internal part of the upstream zone 20 to be swept away, so as to remove any accumulations of plant material.

[0054] According to a first form of realization ([ Fig.5 The mobile extractor 202 is formed by a rigid, rotating rod that moves along a path contained in a geometric plane diametrically to the internal part of the hopper 20 of the first downstream segment 227 of the conduit. According to this design, the mobile extractor 202 is radially supported by a rotating drive shaft 202a mounted on end bearings, and forms a radial projection on said shaft 202a. In this case, the movement of the extractor 202 and the movement of the conveyor 22 are synchronized by a suitable power transmission to eliminate the risk of collision between them.

[0055] According to a second embodiment ([ Fig.5a The mobile extractor 202, always consisting of at least one rigid rod, is radially attached to the shaft of the leveling screw 201. In this case, the movement of the extractor 202 and the movement of the conveyor 22 are always synchronized. Preferably, the synchronization is achieved such that the extractor 202 passes close to the front face of each pallet 223 and acts on the material present at that point. Advantageously, the rigid rod(s) constituting the mobile extractor 202 are equipped with a radial finger 202b capable of sweeping the upper part of the pallet to remove the plant material.

[0056] According to another embodiment, not shown, the mobile extractor 202 is formed of an elastically deformable body, for example made of synthetic material, in which case the rotational movement of the extractor 202 and the movement of the conveyor 22 can be desynchronized.

[0057] Advantageously, the transfer and distribution unit 2 includes a suction means connected to at least the upstream loading zone 20 and to the cells 22a of the conveyor 22 located in said upstream zone. This suction means is capable of creating a vacuum in said cells 22a to remove dust that the plant material might carry and to facilitate the complete filling of said cells 22a. In this way, the amount of dust carried by the plant material is significantly reduced, and the efficiency of the transfer unit 2 is improved due to better filling of the cells 22a.

[0058] This suction means includes a suction chamber 204 ([ Fig.2b ]) in communication relationship with the upstream loading zone 20 and an air suction and discharge assembly 5 ([ Fig.21 ]) incorporating a dust collector 5b, said assembly 5 comprising an air intake inlet 50 connected to the intake chamber 204 and a purified air discharge inlet 51 formed by the air discharge inlet of the dust collector 5b. This dust collector 5b may be formed by a filter, a cyclone, or any other suitable dust-collection means.

[0059] The suction chamber 204 is formed within the transfer and distribution unit 2. To establish communication between the suction chamber 204 and the upstream loading zone 20, one of the latter's walls is perforated and forms one of the walls of the suction chamber 204. In a practical design, this perforated wall takes the form of a grid, with each perforation large enough to allow dust to pass through but small enough to allow plant material to pass through. As can be understood, the size of each perforation determines the maximum size of dust and debris that can be suctioned. The perforated grid can be mounted in a removable manner within unit 2 so that it can be easily replaced with another better suited to the size of the dust and debris carried by a different type of plant material.

[0060] Advantageously, this perforated wall forms the bottom 200 of the hopper that constitutes the upstream loading zone 20. This arrangement, in addition to dust extraction, facilitates the filling of the cells and proves particularly useful when the materials to be transferred are light (straw, hay, and the like). As mentioned previously, the bottom 200 conforms to the contour of the pallets 223, which, upon contacting the bottom 200, sweep it and constantly clean it.

[0061] The upstream loading zone 20 of unit 2 can be equipped with a detangling module 7, capable of detangling, breaking up clumps, and shredding the plant material. This module 7 receives the plant material from source 1 and, after detangling, breaking up, and shredding, discharges it by gravity onto the leveling screw 201. In the preferred embodiment, the module 7 is positioned opposite the leveling screw 201 and is removably attached to the frame 20b of the upstream zone 20. In an alternative embodiment, the module 7 is separate from the frame but is still positioned in the path of the plant material between source 1 and the upstream zone 20.

[0062] The untangling module 7 ([ Fig.6a The system comprises a rectangular inlet 70 for plant material, connected to the source 1, and opposite it, an outlet 71 for plant material, connected to a loading inlet 20c in the upstream zone 20. The loading opening 20a, when the untangling module 7 is present, is formed by its inlet 70. When the untangling module 7 is absent, the loading opening 20a is formed by the loading inlet 20c.

[0063] In a practical form, the untangling module 7 consists of a hopper 7a in the volume of which is mounted a motorized untangling and / or crushing rotor 72, formed of a shaft 720 ([ Fig.2b ]) onto which radial untangling and / or grinding elements 721 are threaded, arranged side by side. These radial elements 721 can be functionally associated with counter-knives 73 carried by a common structure removably attached to the hopper 7a. The rotor 72 is engaged by its shaft on end bearings fixed to the hopper 7a and, externally to the latter, is coupled to a rotating drive mechanism. Each radial element 721 has a central core 721a with a through bore through which it is threaded onto the shaft 720 and at least one triangular untangling or grinding shape 721b forming a radial projection relative to the central core and having a pointed free end.

[0064] Preferably, the radial elements 721 are angularly offset from each other, preferably by a constant value, and the pointed ends of the triangular shapes 721b of these radial elements 721 define at least two consecutive helices with opposite pitches, allowing the disentangled or crushed plant material to be gathered in the central zone of the disentanglement module 7, more precisely in the central zone of the hopper 7a. This helical arrangement also allows for a progressive attack on the plant material.

[0065] Preferably, each radial element 721 has two diametrically opposed triangular shapes. Thus, the radial elements 721, by the free ends of their triangular shapes, define four helices opposite each other in pairs.

[0066] The downstream delivery zone 21 of unit 2 is formed by a housing 21a having an inlet for the gas stream produced by the generator 4 and an opening for the delivery of plant material opposite the inlet for the gas stream. This inlet is connected by a gaseous fluid transport line 40 to the generator 4 ([ Fig.14] à [Fig.17 ], [ Fig.21 ]). The housing 21a is traversed from one side to the other by the lower delivery strand of the conveyor 22, as well as by the pressurized gas stream delivered by the generator 4. The direction of the gas stream is transverse to that of the lower delivery strand of the conveyor 22 so that the cells 22a are swept by this gas stream and the plant material is driven towards the delivery opening and towards the transport means 3. To reinforce this driving effect, the gas stream is introduced into the downstream delivery zone 21 by a nozzle 212 ([ Fig.7 ]) capable of increasing the flow rate. This nozzle can be rotatable to optimize the scanning of each cell 22a of the conveyor 22. The nozzle 212 is fitted to the aforementioned inlet or is in communication with it. It is located opposite the plant material delivery opening of the housing 21a, the lower delivery strand of the conveyor 22 running between the nozzle 212 and the delivery opening.

[0067] The transport means 3 is preferably formed by a flexible conduit, at least in part, and has at the end a connecting elbow 211 by which it is removably connected to the housing 21a.

[0068] The generator 4 comprises a purified gas intake and a gas outlet connected to the downstream delivery zone 21, and more specifically to the nozzle 212, via the gas transport line 40. The generator can be an air compressor or one or more turbines arranged in series or parallel.

[0069] Alternatively, the generator 4 is formed by the suction and discharge assembly 5. According to this embodiment, the purified air discharge outlet 51 is connected, via a gas transport line, to the downstream delivery zone 21. This reduces the installation cost.

[0070] Preferably, the downstream delivery zone 21 includes a mechanical extractor 210 of plant material, capable of sweeping said downstream zone 21 and the cell(s) 22a located therein to complete the extraction of plant material not displaced by the pressurized gas stream. The extractor 210 also facilitates the distribution of the plant material to the transport means 3 and evens out this distribution. Furthermore, the extractor 210 helps to break up any clumps that may be present in the downstream delivery zone 21 and to aerate the plant material by stirring to facilitate its movement within the transport means 3.

[0071] According to a first form ([ Fig.8 The mechanical extractor 210 consists of at least one rigid, truncated helical net 210a, capable of sweeping each cell 22a, formed on a motorized rotating shaft mounted on bearings supported by the housing 21a constituting the downstream delivery zone 21. This rotating shaft is parallel to the direction of movement of the second strand of the endless chain of the conveyor 22. The movement of the rotating shaft and the movement of the conveyor 22 are synchronized so that the net 210a cannot strike the pallets 223 of the conveyor 22. To this end, the rotating shaft, external to the housing 21a, is coupled by a power transmission to one of the driving or driven wheels of the chain 220 of the conveyor 22.

[0072] According to other variants, the mechanical extractor of plant material consists of a rotating shaft equipped with radial elements.

[0073] According to another form of realization ([ Fig.9 The mechanical extractor 210 comprises at least one flexible, elongated element, such as a cable, a boom, or a flexible finger 210c made of synthetic material, capable of sweeping each cell 22a, and carried radially by a motorized rotating shaft. This rotating shaft is mounted on bearings supported by the housing 21a, which forms part of the downstream delivery zone 21. It is parallel to the direction of movement of the second strand of the endless chain of the conveyor 22. According to this design, the movement of the extractor 210 and the conveyor 22 do not need to be synchronized. The rotating shaft is driven by a motor external to the housing 21a.

[0074] According to another form of realization ([ Fig.10 The mechanical extractor 210 consists of at least one rigid rod 210b capable of sweeping each cell 22a, carried radially by a motorized rotary shaft parallel to the direction of movement of the conveyor 22, mounted on two end bearings supported by the housing 21a. Preferably, several rigid rods 210b extending radially along the rotary shaft will be provided. The movement of the rotary shaft and the conveyor 22 will be synchronized so that said rods do not strike the pallets 223 of the conveyor 22. To this end, the rotary shaft, external to the housing 21a, is coupled by a power transmission to one of the drive or driven wheels of the conveyor chain 220.

[0075] According to another form of realization ([ Fig.11 ]), the mechanical extractor 210 consists of a rotating shaft mounted on bearings, extending in the direction of movement of the second strand of the endless conveyor chain, and carrying at least: a long, flexible element 210e in the form of a cable or semi-rigid in the form of a flail, capable of sweeping each cell 22a, and at least one long, narrow knife 210d of lesser length to remain below the trajectory of the pallets 223 of the conveyor 22.

[0076] The long knife 210d is associated with at least one counter-knife 210f carried by the housing 21a. According to this embodiment, the movement of the extractor 210 and the conveyor do not need to be synchronized. The rotating shaft is driven by a motor external to the housing 21a.

[0077] Preferably, the downstream delivery zone 22 is equipped with a grinder 213, as shown in the [ Fig.12 This shredder breaks up any clumps of plant material distributed in the downstream delivery zone. Advantageously, it is removably attached to the housing 21a. It consists of a frame 213a in which a motorized rotating shaft is mounted on two end bearings. This shaft carries a series of counter-knives 213b, along with a series of fixed knives 213c supported by the frame 213a. The rotating shaft is externally coupled to the housing 21a by a drive unit.

[0078] Each counter-knife 213b has a central core with a through bore through which it is threaded onto the rotating shaft, and at least one triangular shape projecting radially from the central core and having a pointed free end. The counter-knives 213b are angularly offset from each other so that their free ends define at least one helix. Any clumps of plant material are then progressively attacked. Advantageously, each counter-knife has three triangular shapes offset in pairs by 120 degrees. Thus, the free ends of the counter-knives define three helices.

[0079] In an advantageous configuration, unit 2 includes, along the path of cells 22a between upstream zone 20 and downstream zone 21, at least one injection point for disinfectants into said cells. The majority of germs are thus eliminated from the plant material before its transport to its place of use or storage. The disinfectants may be in solid form, for example as a powder, or as a liquid or gaseous fluid. They may be dry or humid steam at high temperature, ozone, carbon dioxide, or other biocides.

[0080] The transfer and distribution unit 2 can supply one or more rearing areas sequentially. To this end ([ Fig.13 A diverter valve 6, comprising a supply inlet 60 and several distribution outlets 61, can be arranged on the transport means 3, the latter consisting of a primary flexible supply line and several secondary distribution lines, which may be rigid. The primary line is connected on one side to the downstream delivery zone 21 and on the other side to the supply inlet 60 of the diverter valve 6, while the secondary lines are connected to the distribution outlets 61 of the valve 6 intended for supplying plant matter to the various livestock areas.

[0081] As can be seen in [ Fig.13 The valve 6 consists of a fixed body 62 equipped with distribution ports 61, a movable spool 63 equipped with a supply port 60, and a motor 64 capable of moving the movable spool 63 to position the supply port 60 in alignment with one of the distribution ports 61. In one practical embodiment, the distribution ports 61 are aligned and the spool moves linearly. The motor consists of a drive element with a rotating output shaft and a motion transmission formed by a screw coupled to the drive element and a nut engaged by screwing onto the screw and fixed or formed in an element of the spool 63.

[0082] It is sometimes useful to reverse the direction of the carrier gas flow in the transport unit 3, particularly to dislodge any blockages of plant matter that may have formed there. To this end, the transfer and distribution unit 2 is equipped with at least one pilot-operated valve installed on the pipeline 40 and on the transport unit 3, capable of isolating the downstream delivery zone 21 from the generator 4 and the transport unit 3, and of establishing direct communication between the pipeline 40 and the transport unit 3. In this situation, the generator 4 operates in suction mode to create a vacuum in the pipeline 40 and in the transport unit 3, sufficient to reverse the direction of the gas flow in that transport unit 3.

[0083] Reversal of the gas flow direction can be triggered manually or automatically based on information from pressure sensors installed on the gas flow circuit. This reversal usually results in the removal of the blockage. If the blockage persists, these operations will be repeated several times before unit 2 is completely shut down pending manual intervention on the transport means 3. Such valves are represented in [ Fig.14] et [Fig.15 ]. A first valve 41 is observed on the gas flow circuit between the generator 4 and the downstream delivery zone 21 and more particularly on the transport line 40, and a second valve 30 is observed on the constitutive line of the means of transport 3. The valves 41 and 30 are each of the pilot type, two-way and three-orifice, and have a first orifice common to both ways, a second orifice belonging to the first way and a third orifice belonging to the other way, the second and third orifices by action on the pilot(s) being alternately, by their respective way, put in communication with the first orifice.

[0084] The pipe 40 is divided into an upstream segment 40a and a downstream segment 40b. The upstream segment 40a is connected on one side to the gas flow generator 4 and on the other side to the first orifice of the valve 41. The downstream segment 40b is connected on one side to the second orifice of the valve 41 and on the other side to the gas flow introduction outlet of the housing 21a of the downstream delivery zone 21.

[0085] The conduit forming part of the transport means 3 is divided into an upstream segment 3a and a downstream segment 3b. The upstream segment 3a is connected on one side to the delivery opening in the downstream zone 21 and on the other side to the second port of the valve 30. The length of this upstream segment 3a will be as short as possible to minimize the risk of blockage. The downstream segment 3b is connected to the first port of the valve 30. The third ports of the valves 30 and 41 are connected to each other by a connecting conduit 40c.

[0086] The detection of a blockage in the downstream segment 3b causes the generator 4, unit 2, and the supply of plant material to the latter to shut down. Subsequently ([ Fig.15 By acting on the corresponding pilots, the first orifice of each valve is connected to the third orifice, establishing direct communication between the downstream segment 3b and the upstream segment 40a via the suction line 40c and valves 30 and 41. Subsequently, the generator 4 is activated so that its direction of operation is reversed. In this temporary state, the generator 4 operates in suction mode and creates a vacuum, thereby depressurizing the downstream segment 3b, between the blockage and valve 30. This reverses the direction of gas flow in the downstream segment 3b, dislodging and dislodging the blockage. This operation can be repeated several times, alternating pressurization and depressurization of the downstream segment 40b.To prevent plant matter from entering generator 4 when it is operating in suction mode, a filter 40d is placed in the upstream segment 40a.

[0087] According to one alternative embodiment, instead of the two valves 41 and 30, a single four-way, pilot-operated valve 45 is used. We observe in [ Fig.16 ] And [ Fig.17 that two of the four valve ports are connected to each other by pipe 40c; one of the other two ports is connected to upstream segment 40a and downstream segment 40b; and the last port is connected to upstream segment 3a and downstream segment 3b.

[0088] The detection of a blockage in the downstream segment 3b results in the cessation of operation of the transfer and distribution unit 2, the cessation of the supply of plant matter to the latter and the movement of the valve spool 45 ([ Fig.17 ]), in order to connect segments 3b and 40a to each other via pipe 40c. In this situation, generator 4 operates in suction mode and segments 40b and 3a are closed by the spool of valve 45. To further prevent plant matter from entering generator 4 when it is operating in suction mode, a suitable filter 40d is placed in the upstream segment 40a.

[0089] As previously stated, the transfer and distribution unit 2 is supplied, preferably by gravity, by a source 1 of plant material. This plant material, depending on its nature or origin, is likely to contain foreign bodies of significant hardness and size that could damage the mechanical components of the unit 2. For this reason, said unit 2 is equipped upstream of its upstream zone 20 with a separator 8 capable of generating at least one pressurized air gap, oriented transversely to the flow of plant material delivered by the source 1, with a width equal to or greater than the width of said flow, capable of supporting, above the vacuum and / or above a suitable recovery receptacle 85, the flow of plant material entering said upstream zone 20 and of allowing, before introduction into this zone, the fall of heavy foreign bodies towards the receptacle 85.Advantageously, the separator 8 is designed to generate several contiguous air blades, intersecting at the periphery.

[0090] According to a practical form of implementation ([ Fig.18] et [Fig.19 The separator 8 comprises a horizontally elongated body in which a distribution chamber 800 is formed, supplied with pressurized air by one or more supply pipes 803. Several horizontally extending air ejection nozzles 801, arranged in at least a single row, are connected to this distribution chamber 800. Each nozzle is capable of delivering a jet of pressurized air. Below the row of nozzles 801, the elongated body forms the receptacle 85. The separator 8 further comprises a deflector wall 802 providing protection above the row of nozzles 801, designed to direct heavy foreign bodies towards the reservoir 85 and prevent them from striking the nozzles.

[0091] The separator 8 is arranged in a hood 81 ([ Fig.20 ]) covering the upstream zone 20 of the transfer and distribution unit 2, and more specifically the loading opening 20a. This hood 81 is suitable for conducting the flow of plant material delivered by the source 1 towards the loading opening 20a, for channeling the airflow delivered by the nozzle(s) 801, and for preventing or reducing any vortex movement of this airflow within its internal volume. The hood 81 is formed of two side walls 810, a rear wall 811, an upper wall 811a extending without sharp angles from the rear wall 811, and a vertical front wall 812 in which, at its lower part, is formed an opening 813 for introducing the plant material, intended to be in communication with the source 1. The front wall is connected to the upper wall 811a.

[0092] The separator 8 is fixed in the hood 81 immediately below the inlet opening 813 and is oriented so that the resulting air blades are directed towards the rear wall 811. It should be noted that the flow of plant material introduced into the volume of the hood 81 is only lifted by the air blades and falls by gravity into the loading opening 20a. Advantageously, the rear wall 811 is curved to direct the airflow upwards and minimize turbulence within the internal volume of the hood 81.

[0093] Advantageously, the hood 81 is designed to channel the airflow delivered by the nozzles 801 towards an airflow restrictor 814. This restrictor is located within the hood 81 and is designed to reduce the upward velocity of the airflow towards the front wall 812. It consists of a perforated vertical partition, positioned in the path of the airflow, fixed at its upper edge to the wall 811a and extending from one side wall 810 to the other. This partition, at its lower edge, is kept away from the path of the flow of plant material between the opening 813 and the loading opening 20a. Advantageously, the restrictor acts as a filter to retain any strands of plant material that might be carried by the airflow from the nozzles 801.

[0094] In figures [ Fig.21 ] And [ Fig.22 [Figure 1] represents a plant material supply installation comprising a plant material source 1, according to a first embodiment, intended for supplying unit 2. This source 1 consists of at least one station for breaking up compact blocks of plant material, such as straw bales or other materials. This breaking-up station is capable of leveling or scraping a block of plant material it receives in order to detach, through progressive destructuring, strands or fragments in a regulated quantity, and of delivering these strands or fragments to unit 2 via a delivery zone 10 with which it is equipped.

[0095] The disintegration unit comprises a quadrangular frame 1a mounted on a base and supporting a chamber 11, as well as a scraping means 12 moving on a horizontal sliding platform 110a which, in combination with said scraping means 12, forms the bottom of the chamber 11. The chamber 11 is designed to receive a compact block of plant material, which rests on the platform 110a and on the scraping means 12 to be subjected to the latter's breaking and leveling action. The base is formed by vertical uprights 114 installed at the four corners of the frame 1a. The disintegration unit can rest directly on the ground by means of support plates or wheels. The frame 1a is formed by assembling two parallel longitudinal members with two end cross members. It receives the sliding platform 110a by means of attachment, the latter being fixed to the longitudinal members and cross members of the frame.

[0096] The scraping means 12 extends on either side of the sliding surface 110a and comprises an active zone, which moves in translation within the enclosure 11 on the sliding surface 110a, from the rear end of the enclosure 11 towards the delivery zone 10, the latter being formed in front of said enclosure. This enclosure, which is parallelepiped in shape, has two vertical side walls 111, a front wall 112 and a rear wall 113, mounted on the frame 1a and fitted with side rails. These walls and side rails define an internal parallelepiped volume designed to receive at least one block of plant material, for example, a parallelepiped or cylindrical bale of straw.To facilitate the loading of a block, a side panel of one of the side walls 111 is mounted hinged between a closed position in which it is vertical and closes the internal volume, and an open position in which it extends downwards and clears the internal volume of the enclosure 11.

[0097] Alternatively, one of the side walls 111 is hinged to the chassis and configured as a loader. It is thus movable between a block-loading position and a sealing position for the enclosure 11, its movement preferably being assisted by one or more drive mechanisms, such as hydraulic cylinders. In a practical configuration, it comprises two front and rear side panels, as well as a right-angled upper return.

[0098] According to a preferred embodiment, the scraping means 12 ([ Fig.25 ], [ Fig.26 The system consists of at least two motorized, endless link chains 120 arranged in parallel vertical planes, stretched between driving gears 120a and driven gears 120b, and by equidistant, elongated scraping elements 121 attached to the endless chains 120 and extending transversely to them, preferably perpendicularly. Each of these scraping elements 121 carries at least one scraping tooth 121a designed to penetrate the compact block and detach fragments or strands. The chains 120 and the scraping elements 121 form an endless scraping conveyor. In this embodiment, the upper part of the conveyor forms the active part of the scraping means 12 and moves opposite or against the upper face of the sliding surface 110a. The lower part of the conveyor moves beneath the sliding surface 110a.

[0099] The driving and driven wheels 120a, 120b are fixed respectively to a driving shaft 120c and a driven shaft 120d, each mounted on two end bearings fixed to the frame 1a. The driving shaft 120c is coupled to at least one first driving element 123 ([ Fig.23 Preferably of the hydraulic type. Conveniently, an additional drive unit 124 is provided, which will be activated to temporarily increase the mechanical power of the scraping means 12, while the drive unit 123 is constantly activated during the operation of the scraping means 12. Advantageously, the active strand of each chain 120 runs in a dedicated channel 122 carried by or formed within the sliding plate 110a. Each channel 122 and the active strand of the chain 120 extend from the rear of the sliding plate 110a towards its front.

[0100] Each chain 120 ([ Fig.25 ]) is formed of an alternation of guide links 120e and connecting links 120f. The guide links 120e are designed to move on the bottom of the corresponding chute 122 while the connecting links 120f provide a mechanical connection between the guide links 120e and are arranged to support the scraping elements 121, above each chute 122.

[0101] Each guide link 120e is arranged as a carriage and has two consecutive bearing members 120g. Each connecting link 120f is formed of two lateral flanges 120i mounted and hinged to the two adjacent guide links 120e. More precisely, each lateral flange 120i is hinged to the axis of the rear roller of the front guide link 120e and to the axis of the front roller of the rear guide link 120e. Each flange of each connecting link 120f has a right-angled wing arranged to receive a scraper element 121. The angled wings of each connecting link 120f move above the longitudinal edges of the corresponding chute 122. Although all 120f connecting links are capable of receiving 121 scraping elements in a removable manner, in practice only a few are actually equipped with them, the number depending essentially on the nature of the block to be deconstructed.

[0102] It is also possible to move the chutes 122 further away from the sliding surface 110a, in order to increase the amount of plant material carried by the scraping elements 121. Each chute 122 will thus be height-adjustable and will rest at its front end on a front eccentric and at its rear end on a rear eccentric (not shown). The same eccentric-carrying actuating shaft can accommodate the front eccentrics and the same eccentric-carrying actuating shaft can accommodate the rear eccentrics so that the chutes 122 will be actuated simultaneously.

[0103] By simultaneously actuating the eccentric shafts, the various chutes 122 will be moved closer to or further from the sliding surface 110a while remaining parallel to it. By actuating one of the two eccentric shafts, the chutes 122 will be inclined relative to the sliding surface. Thus, the chutes 122 can be inclined upwards from the rear to the front. This arrangement will be adopted to begin scraping a compact block and to extract most of the plant material from the front zone of the block, rather than along its entire length. In this way, the scraping forces, the intensity of which depends on the weight of the compact block, will be kept within acceptable limits as long as the weight of the block has not significantly decreased. This reduces the risk of the scraping mechanism jamming.Conversely, when the weight of the block has been reduced, the chutes will be brought back into a position parallel to the sliding surface.

[0104] According to an advantageous arrangement, the scraping means 12 comprises three chains 120, two lateral and one medial. This compensates for the bending forces to which the scraping elements 12 are subjected during the disintegration action. In this configuration, three chutes 122 will be provided.

[0105] According to a preferred embodiment, the scraping elements 12 have a cross-section that is preferably rectangular. Each of them is equipped with one or more scraping teeth 121a projecting from its upper face. Each scraping tooth 121a is preferably parallelepiped-shaped and has, opposite the scraping element 121 on which it is mounted, a flat bevel formed such that the line of greatest slope of the bevel extends between two diagonally opposite edges of the tooth's shape. Furthermore, the tooth is arranged on the scraping element 121 so that the bevel is oriented in the direction of the forward movement of the active part of the scraping element. The teeth 121a may have any other suitable shape, for example, cylindrical.They are each offset laterally on their scraping element relative to those of the two adjacent scraping elements 12 front and rear, so as to sweep the entire lower surface of the block of plant material.

[0106] Between the lower edge of the front wall 112 and the scraping means 12, a regulating gap is provided, forming a gauge to prevent large clumps of plant material from passing into the delivery zone 10, which extends from this gap forward along the scraping means 12. As can be understood, the lower edge of the wall 112 is offset from the path of the scraping teeth 121a of the active part of the scraping means 12, the regulating gap extending between this path and the lower edge of the wall 112. The regulating gap is sufficient to allow the passage of plant material transported by the scraping elements, but insufficient to allow the passage of any clumps of plant material. These clumps are stopped by the front wall 112.Preferably, the lower edge of the wall 112 is serrated to form a carding groove that guides the strands of plant material carried by the conveyor belt as much as possible. This groove also shears the strands. Advantageously, the front wall 112, while perpendicular to the active part of the scraping means 12, is angled obliquely to the direction of travel of the active part of the scraping means 12. This arrangement facilitates the breaking up of clumps of plant material and reduces the mechanical power required to drive the scraping means.

[0107] The front wall 112 advantageously consists of a wall body and a horizontal, elongated element 112a forming a comb or card, in which the lower edge of the front wall is formed. Preferably, this elongated element 112a is fixed to the wall body in a height-adjustable manner. This arrangement allows the gap between the lower edge of the elongated element and the path of the scraping teeth 121a of the active part of the scraping means 12 to be adjusted without having to move the entire wall 112 vertically. Furthermore, this elongated element 112a provides reinforcement that resists deflection of the front wall 112 under the pressure of the compact block. For this height adjustment, operated manually or with the aid of jacks, the front wall body 112 has vertical slots in which are engaged fixing bolts for the long element 112a, advantageously made up of a U-shaped profile.

[0108] To avoid any settling of materials in the acute dihedral formed by wall 112 and the corresponding lateral wall, is placed in front of this dihedral ([ Fig.22 ], [ Fig.23 ]), a deflector 11a formed by a substantially rectangular vertical wall arranged obliquely with respect to the direction of travel of the active part of the scraping means 12. As shown, this vertical wall rests by its rear edge against the corresponding lateral wall 111. Furthermore, each lateral wall 111 has, in its lower part above the bottom 110, a slope 111a which, together with the slope 111a of the other lateral wall 111, forms a means of centering the block of plant material towards the active part of the scraping means 12 ([ Fig.24 ]).

[0109] Preferably, in front of the front wall 112, above the scraping means 12, a comb 112b is provided, formed by a rectangular wall fixed to the structure of the disintegrating unit in a height-adjustable manner to regulate the gap between the scraping means 12 and the lower horizontal edge of the comb 112b. The lower edge of this wall is serrated to form a cleaver, the effect of which is, in particular, to orient the strands of plant material transported by the conveyor and, to some extent, to shear the strands of plant material. As can be understood, the front wall 112 and the comb structure 112b constitute obstacles to the progression of clumps of plant material and, to some extent, regulate the flow rate of plant material delivered by the disintegrating unit.

[0110] The gap between the front wall 112 and the scraping means 12 is judiciously larger than the gap between said scraping means and the comb 112b. This results in a stepped regulating effect. Furthermore, the interval between the front wall 112 and the comb 112b defines a mixing chamber in which the clumps of plant material are stirred and broken up, at least partially, by the combined effect of the movement of the active part of the scraping means 12 and the obstacle formed by the wall 112b.

[0111] In figures [ Fig.27] à [Fig.30 [ ] A preferred embodiment of the plant material source 1 is shown. This source 1 always consists of at least one compact block disintegration station by scraping, capable of delivering, via a delivery zone 10, totally or partially disentangled and decompacted plant material. As shown, the disintegration station comprises, on a frame, an enclosure 11 for receiving the compact block, a scraping means 12, and a transfer means 13 to unit 2 of the defibrated or fragmented plant material, the downstream zone of which forms the delivery zone 10. The enclosure 11 includes two side walls 111 and a rear wall 113, formed by door leaves.

[0112] The bottom of the enclosure 11, on which the compact block rests, is formed by an endless horizontal slatted conveyor 110b, motorized and designed to press the block against the scraping means 12, the latter forming the front part of the enclosure 11. This scraping means is preferably formed by two motorized, horizontal, parallel, upper 125 and lower 126 shredding rollers, mounted one above the other, rotating in bearings fixed to the frame of the disintegration unit. As can be seen in [ Fig.29] et [Fig.30 The upper shredding roller 125 has a larger diameter than the lower shredding roller 126, allowing for a progressive attack on the compacted block. The shredding rollers 125 and 126 rotate preferentially in the same direction and are spaced apart from each other. They discharge the uprooted plant material onto the transfer means 13.

[0113] Preferably, each upper shredding roller 125 and lower shredding roller 126 consists of a cylindrical drum to which radial untangling fingers are attached, arranged in two opposing helices to draw the plant material pulled from the compacted block towards their central zone and distribute it across the width of the transfer means 13. In addition, each shredding roller has triangular radial cutting elements, known as "sections," arranged alternately with the radial untangling fingers. The primary function of these cutting elements is to slice through long fibrous elements so that they do not wrap around the shredding rollers and clog them. The direction of rotation of these rollers is such that the straw pulled from the compacted block is drawn upwards by the untangling fingers before being discharged onto the transfer means 13.

[0114] The transfer means 13 preferably consists of an upward conveyor equipped with an endless slatted belt, the downstream zone of which, i.e., the upper zone, forms the delivery zone 10 and enters the inlet opening 813 in the hood 81. The characteristics of the endless belt will be adapted to the nature of the plant material, which may be more or less fibrous, to be transferred to the unit 2. In its upper part, the transfer means 13 includes a regulating device 130 designed to prevent excessively thick clumps of plant material from entering the hood 81 and to push them downwards. Preferably, the regulating device 130 consists of a horizontal motorized rotating shaft to which radial fingers are attached, which, by virtue of their rotation, push the clumps of plant material downwards.The rotating shaft extends transversely to the belt of the ascending conveyor constituting the transfer means 13, at a distance from the latter.

[0115] Advantageously, the disintegration station includes a level sensor 131 designed to be activated by an excessive thickness of plant material transported by the transfer means 13. Activation of this sensor triggers the shutdown of the scraping means 12 and the conveyor belt 110b, while the transfer means 13 remains activated. Disabling the actuation of the level sensor 131 causes the scraping means 12 and the conveyor belt 110b to restart. This level sensor is, for example, an electrical contactor combined with an actuation paddle.

[0116] It goes without saying that the present invention can receive all adaptations and variants in the field of technical equivalents without departing from the scope of this patent as defined by the claims below.

Claims

1. A unit (2) for transferring and distributing plant material, comprising: - an upstream zone (20) for loading plant material, designed to be fed by a source (1) of plant material, said upstream zone (20) comprising a loading opening (20a) and, opposite this opening, a chute-shaped bottom (200), - a downstream zone (21) for delivering plant material, designed to be in communication with a means (3) for transporting this plant material to a distribution location, - a mobile conveyor (22) passing through said upstream and downstream zones (20, 21), comprising cells (22a) capable of transporting the plant material between said upstream zone (20) and said downstream zone (21), and - a gas flow generator (4), connected by a gas transport pipe (40) to the downstream zone (21), capable of forming in said downstream zone a pressurised gas flow capable of expelling from this downstream zone the plant material located therein and delivered thereto by the conveyor (22), and to introduce it into the transport means (3), characterised in that it comprises a suction means in communication with at least the upstream zone (20) and with the cells (22a) of the conveyor (22) present in said upstream zone, said suction means being capable of creating a vacuum in said cells to facilitate their complete filling and to suck up any dust that may be carried by the plant material.

2. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to the previous claim, characterised in that the suction means comprises a suction chamber (204) in communication with the upstream zone (20) and an air suction and discharge assembly (5) incorporating a dust collector (5b), said assembly comprising a suction inlet (50) connected to said suction chamber and a purified air outlet (51) formed by the air outlet of said dust collector.

3. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to the previous claim, characterised in that one of the side walls or the bottom (200) of the upstream loading zone (20) is perforated and forms one of the walls of the suction chamber (204).

4. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of claims 2 to 4, characterised in that the gas flow generator (4) is formed by the suction and discharge assembly (5), the discharge outlet (51) for purified air from said assembly being in communication with the downstream delivery zone (21).

5. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the conveyor (22) comprises: - an endless chain (220) stretched between a driven wheel (221) and a drive wheel (222) coupled to a motor, and - equidistant paddles (223), secured to said endless chain, extending perpendicularly to the latter, each cell (22a) being defined by the interval between two consecutive paddles (223), and each paddle comprising a front face and a rear face joined by a peripheral face matching the shape of the chute of the bottom (200) of the upstream loading zone (20).

6. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that: - the conveyor (22) is movable in rigid ducts formed by a first duct receiving the upstream loading zone (20), by a second duct opposite the first, receiving the downstream delivery zone (21), and by upstream (224) and downstream (225) end boxes in which the driven (221) and driving (222) wheels are installed, - said first conduit is formed of two first conduit segments, one upstream (226) and the other downstream (227), the first upstream segment (226) being connected on the one hand to the upstream housing (224) and on the other hand to the upstream zone (20), and the first downstream segment (227) being connected to said upstream zone and to the downstream housing (225), - said second rigid conduit is formed of two second conduit segments, one upstream (228) the other downstream (229), the second upstream segment (228) being connected on the one hand to the downstream housing (225) and on the other hand to the downstream zone (21), while the second downstream segment (229) is connected to said downstream zone and to the upstream housing (224), - the first downstream segment (227) penetrates through an upstream part into said upstream zone (20) and has a bevelled end (227a) in this zone.

7. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it comprises a module (7) for untangling plant material and breaking up clumps, arranged opposite the upstream loading zone (20), said module comprising a motorised untangling and / or grinding rotor (72), formed by a shaft (720) onto which radial untangling and / or shredding elements (721) are threaded, arranged side by side, each radial element (721) having a central core with a through bore through which it is threaded onto the shaft (720) and at least one triangular detangling or shredding shape forming a radial projection from the central core and having a pointed free end, the radial elements (721) being associated with counter-blades (73) and being angularly offset from one another, and the pointed ends of the triangular shapes of these radial elements defining at least two consecutive helices, with opposite pitches, such as to gather the untangled or crushed plant material in the central area of the untangling module (7).

8. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the downstream delivery zone (21) comprises a rotary nozzle (212) and the gas flow delivered by the generator (4) is introduced into said downstream zone (21) via said rotary nozzle, the latter being capable of increasing the velocity of the gas stream.

9. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the downstream delivery zone (21) comprises a mechanical extractor (210) for plant material, capable of sweeping said downstream zone (21) and the cells (22a) located therein to complete the extraction of plant material not driven out by the pressurised gas stream.

10. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that the downstream delivery zone (21) is equipped with a grinder (213) capable of breaking up clumps of plant material, said grinder comprising a motorised rotating shaft on which is mounted a series of counter-blades (213b) associated with a series of fixed blades (213c).

11. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is equipped with at least one (30, 41, 45) installed on the gaseous fluid transport line (40) and on the transport means (3), that the transport means (3) is formed by a line, and that said valve, when activated, is capable of isolating the generator (4) and the transport means (3) and to establish direct communication between the pipe (40) and the transport means (3), the generator (4) then operating in suction mode to create a vacuum in the pipe (40) and in the transport means (3) in order to break up the clogs of plant matter present in said transport means (3).

12. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims, characterised in that it is provided upstream of its upstream loading zone (20) with a separator (8) capable of generating at least one upwardly directed blade of pressurised air, transverse to the flow of plant matter delivered by the source (1), to support the flow of plant matter above a collection receptacle (85) and to allow, before introduction into said upstream zone (20), the heavy bodies to fall towards the receptacle (85).

13. Transfer and distribution unit (2) according to the previous claim, characterised in that: - the separator (8) comprises an elongated horizontal body (80), in which a distribution chamber (800) is formed, supplied with pressurised air by one or more supply pipes (803), - several horizontally extending air ejection nozzles (801) are connected to said distribution chamber (800), arranged in at least a single row, each capable of delivering a jet of pressurised air, - below the row of nozzles (801), the elongated body (80) forms the receptacle (85), - the separator (8) comprises a deflector wall (802) forming a protection above the row of nozzles (801), capable of directing the heavy bodies towards the receptacle (85) and preventing them from striking the nozzles (801).

14. Plant material supply installation characterised in that it comprises a transfer and distribution unit (2) according to any of the preceding claims and a plant material source (1) in communication with the loading opening (20a) of the upstream zone (20) of said unit (2), said source comprising a station for breaking up a compact block of plant material.

15. Installation according to the previous claim, characterised in that the source (1) of plant material consists of at least one station for breaking up a compact block of plant material by scraping, capable of delivering, via a delivery zone (10), plant material that is totally or partially untangled and decompressed, said breaking-up station comprising: - an enclosure (11) designed to receive a block of plant material, and - a scraping means (12) moving on a horizontal sliding base (110a) which, in combination with said scraping means (12), forms the bottom of the enclosure (11) on which the block of plant material is intended to rest, - said enclosure comprising a front wall (112) against which the block of plant material comes to rest under the effect of the action of the scraping means (12); - the scraping means (12) being equipped with movable scraping elements (121) driven towards the delivery zone (10) by at least one first motor (123), and designed to be in contact, over at least part of their path, with the block of plant material, in order to remove plant material from the latter and transport it to the delivery zone, which is connected to the loading opening (20a) comprising the upstream loading zone (20) of the transfer and distribution unit (2).