Edible root harvesting device with star-shaped sieves and star-shaped sieve teeth
The dual-oriented star-tam teeth in the edible root harvesting device address the inefficiencies in root transfer and cleaning by securely holding and transferring roots, enhancing the overall harvesting and cleaning process.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- FR2024009536
- Authority / Receiving Office
- FR · FR
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-22
- Filing Date
- 2024-09-09
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-28
AI Technical Summary
Existing devices for harvesting edible roots, such as sugar beets, struggle to efficiently convey and clean the roots, particularly in transferring roots from one star-tamis to another, leading to inefficiencies and potential loss of product.
The device incorporates two types of star-tam teeth that are designed to work independently of the direction or rotation of the tammer. These teeth have specific orientations and shapes that allow for effective transfer and cleaning of edible roots, with the first type of tooth segment extending upwards and the second type extending downwards, ensuring roots are securely held and transferred efficiently.
The use of these dual-oriented star-tam teeth enhances the transfer efficiency of edible roots, reduces the risk of roots falling between teeth, and improves the cleaning effect by applying pressure and gravity forces, resulting in a more effective harvesting and cleaning process.
Smart Images
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Abstract
Description
Title of the invention: Edible root harvesting device with star-shaped sieves and star-shaped sieve teeth FIELD OF INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a device for harvesting edible roots, in particular sugar beets, comprising a lifting device, at least one cleaning device and a distribution device,
[0002] - the cleaning device comprises a transfer line formed by at least two star-sieves driven in rotation around their axis of rotation, these star-sieves each being equipped with several star-sieve teeth which respectively have a connecting segment on the hub side and a design with several bends. STATE OF THE ART
[0003] The star-shaped sieves of harvesters for cultivated crops such as sugar beets, potatoes, fodder beets, carrots, or the like, constitute, after harvesting, an element that must be carried, transferred, and cleaned. A single star-shaped sieve with a set of tines is described in document DE 1 957 102U. The star-shaped sieve described in this document has a motor-driven hub with tooth-shaped arms that extend practically in the radial direction; these tines are fixed in a replaceable manner. The tine arms are spaced apart and sized so that any harvested crop that comes onto them cannot fall between the tines, but at the same time, the soil clinging to the harvested crop can fall through gaps between the tines onto the ground. The soil clinging to the crop is scraped off by friction against the tines of the star-shaped sieve and the adjacent crop being transported.The rotation of the star-shaped sieve around its axis of rotation allows the product to roll on the base formed by the teeth.
[0004] To lengthen their conveying or transfer line by which edible roots are freed from the clinging soil, thanks to the star sieves, it is known to install several star sieves one after the other on a harvesting machine to guide the flow of edible roots. To achieve a conveying and cleaning line as long as possible for a given length of harvester, the star sieves are driven in opposite directions so as to create a meandering transfer line around the axes of rotation of the star sieves. An example of an embodiment of a harvester with several star sieves following each other in the direction of transfer and rotating in opposite directions is shown in document EP 0 588 027 AL.
[0005] The teeth described in document DE 1 957 102U have a simply angled shape and can be fixed in different rotational positions to the hub to to have different effects. It is proposed to rotate the teeth 180° to use them for both right- and left-handed rotating star-sieves. It is also known to bend the teeth so that, at least per segment, they protrude in a plane above neighboring teeth to increase the transfer effect of a star-sieve. Regardless of the different rotational positions in which the teeth are fixed to a star-sieve, different shapes can be obtained due to different requirements for the teeth installed on a star-sieve, thanks to a considerable number of different star-sieve tooth variants for different shapes.
[0006] PURPOSE OF THE INVENTION
[0007] The present invention aims to develop an active star-sieve tooth for conveying and which can be used independently of the direction or direction of rotation of the star-sieve.
[0008] DESCRIPTION AND ADVANTAGES OF THE INVENTION
[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a device for harvesting edible roots, in particular sugar beets, comprising a lifting device, at least one cleaning device and a distribution device,
[0010] - the cleaning device comprises a transfer line formed by at least two star-sieves driven in rotation around their axis of rotation, each of these star-sieves being equipped with several star-sieve teeth which respectively have a connecting segment on the hub side and a design with several bends,
[0011] device characterized in that
[0012] the star-sieves are provided with at least two different types of star-sieve teeth which, both in their assembly position at T star-sieve, have in at least one segment, a downstream orientation with respect to the radial direction of the axis of rotation of the star-sieve,
[0013] - the first type of star-sieve tooth in its assembly to a star-sieve turning in a first direction, has a tooth segment that extends in the direction of extension from a first bend, rising in a first plane higher than the plane in which the neighboring segment of the star-sieve tooth is located, and this tooth segment reaches a second bend through which the star-sieve tooth descends again in a lower second plane, and
[0014] - the second type of star-sieve tooth has a tooth segment which, at its assembly to the star-sieve rotating in the first direction, descends in the direction of extension from a first bend in a third plane lower than the plane in which is a neighboring segment of the star-sieve tooth and this tooth segment again arrives at a second bend through which the tooth rises in a fourth higher plane,
[0015] the two types of star-sieve teeth that can be assembled with their connecting segments in a rotated position, to a star-sieve rotating in a second direction, and
[0016] - the tooth segment between the first and second bends of the first type of The star-sieve tooth, after its assembly to the rotating star-sieve in the second direction, extends into a third plane lower than a neighboring segment of the first type of star-sieve tooth, and the tooth segment of the second type of star-sieve tooth that lies between the first and second bends, after its assembly to the rotating star-sieve in the second direction, arrives in a first plane higher than the neighboring segment of the second type of tooth, and the first and second types of star-sieve teeth, independently of their assembly to the rotating star-sieves, respectively retain their original shape.
[0017] If the star sieves have at least two different types of star sieve teeth, these different types may have a particular shape to ensure the desired function. The different types are matched to each other by their respective shapes so that they assist each other reciprocally.
[0018] If the different types of star-sieve teeth for their assembly position to a star-sieve, in at least one segment have a downstream orientation with respect to the radial direction along the axis of rotation of the star-sieve, the teeth of the star-sieve then push on the harvested product located further inside for a rotational movement with a segment in an outward direction so that the edible roots move in particular along the outer edge of the star-sieve and thus along the greatest path.
[0019] If the first type of star-sieve tooth, when assembled to a rotating star-sieve in a first direction, has a tooth segment extending from a first plane higher than the plane in which a neighboring segment of the star-sieve tooth is located, and if this star-sieve tooth segment reaches a second bend through which the star-sieve tooth returns to a lower second plane, this star-sieve tooth is positioned on a tooth segment that protrudes in this area from the area neighboring the star-sieve tooth. The star-sieve tooth is particularly active in the direction of transfer for this protruding tooth segment and thus carries the edible roots pressed against it in the direction of rotation. The roots that protrude from this first type of star-sieve tooth fall onto the subsequent star-sieve teeth. The shock results in a vibration in the respective root which causes the earth to fall.The vibrational movement is transmitted globally and also to the star-sieve, which is advantageous for separating the earth.
[0020] If the second type of star-sieve in its assembly to the star-sieve rotating in the first direction has a tooth segment that descends with its extension direction Starting from a first bend in a third plane lower than the plane in which a neighboring segment of the star-sieve tooth lies, and if this tooth segment reaches the second bend, through which the star-sieve tooth ascends in a fourth, higher plane, then this star-sieve tooth possesses a tooth segment that allows the root resting on it to bear weight in a plane lower than other areas of this tooth segment. Since roots fall into this cavity due to gravity, and also because of gravity, they can only be extracted with the application of a greater force; the products transferred into this area have a greater inertia to remain in the cavity.Thus, between these roots and other roots that are not in the cavity and are transported on the star-sieve, there will be greater pressure and shear forces which improve the cleaning effect of the harvested product cleaning device in this area.
[0021] The cooperation of the star-sieve teeth of the first and second type results once again in a better cleaning effect because the support of the product transferred in the lower plane will be further increased by the raised tooth segment which is in the higher plane and thus there will be pressure and gravity forces which improve the cleaning of the roots accordingly.
[0022] If, as above, we are referring to a first, second, third, and fourth plane, this numbering of the planes is simply intended to show that these are different planes that can be chosen independently of one another. The planes are not necessarily oriented exactly horizontally; they can also be inclined at the same angle, at different angles, or have an adjustable angle. The four planes can thus be distinguished from one another.
[0023] A particular feature arises from the fact that the two types of star-sieve teeth can be joined by their connecting segment in an inverted position on a star-sieve rotating in the second direction. The second direction of another star-sieve is a direction, in terms of rotation, that is at least substantially opposite to the previously observed transfer direction. Depending on the angle of inclination of the rotation axis of the star-sieves with respect to the vertical direction, the first and second star-sieves can rotate in different transfer planes. Due to the different inclination angles of the rotation axes, the star-sieves do not rotate exactly in the mathematically opposite direction. An inclination angle of the rotation axes with respect to each other that differs by a few angular degrees for a transfer direction at least substantially opposite to that of the first is technically insignificant.Viewed from above, it is clear that the evacuation direction of the successive star-screens is at least substantially in directions opposite to each other.
[0024] To achieve the same advantageous effects described above for the two types of star-sieve teeth, even on a second star-sieve rotating in the opposite direction, it is sufficient simply to reverse at least these two types of star-sieve teeth onto the star-sieve rotating in the second direction. Reversing the star-sieve is necessary because only after its reversal does the star-sieve tooth regain a fundamentally identical operating mode. By reversing the star-sieve teeth, they become active in the direction of transfer via their upper surface, which until then was unaffected by wear and is thus in a new, usable state. In theory, thanks to these two mounting options, the star-sieve teeth will have a service life practically double that of conventional star-sieve teeth.
[0025] By rotating the star-sieve teeth, preferably 180° around their longitudinal axis, the tooth segment located between the first and second bends of the first type of star-sieve tooth, after being mounted on the star-sieve rotating in the second direction, is then in a third plane lower than the adjacent segment of the first type of star-sieve tooth. Similarly, the tooth segment of the second type of star-sieve tooth located between the first and second bends, after being mounted on a star-sieve rotating in the second direction, is then in a first plane higher than the adjacent segment of the second type of star-sieve tooth. Thus, the first and second types of star-sieve teeth retain their respective original shapes, regardless of the direction or sense of rotation of the star-sieves on which they are mounted.
[0026] Due to the gradual wear of the star-sieve teeth from use, they lose some of their transfer effect. To improve this, it is also possible to reverse the smoothed teeth and install them on a star-sieve rotating in the opposite direction. At this point, the tooth regains its full transfer effect. The star-sieve teeth are thus used as completely as possible.
[0027] According to one development of the invention, the two types of star-sieve teeth are installed side by side on the star-sieve. The juxtaposition of the two types results in a channel receiving one or more roots on their lower side in the area of the lowest tooth segment of the second type of star-sieve teeth held in a lower plane, while they are supported laterally higher up by a tooth segment of the first type of star-sieve located in a higher plane. Such a combination of star-sieve teeth is particularly effective in the direction of transfer. If a star-sieve is on an inclined plane, this star-sieve allows the roots to be transferred even to ascend an inclined plane without the roots rolling backward. Thanks to the greater holding force, It will also have greater force to scrape soil and plant debris from roots in the chute or from other roots rubbing against the chute roots. If a root rolls over a higher tooth segment and lands on a lower tooth segment of a neighboring star sieve, this combination of the two tooth segments forms a step that shakes the roots passing over it, causing clods of soil and plant debris to fall from the roots. Roots falling onto a star sieve tooth also generate vibrations in the star sieve that are transmitted to other teeth, producing further separation of soil clinging to the roots.
[0028] According to one development of the invention, several star-sieve teeth are connected by a link segment, and at least one of the star-sieve teeth is a tooth of the first or second type. This construction takes into account the fact that the hub offers relatively little space on its outer periphery for attaching the star-sieve teeth. Furthermore, the distance between the star-sieve teeth increases with distance from the axis of rotation of the star-sieve. This larger gap between the star-sieve teeth reduces the cleaning capacity in this area and increases the risk that the smallest roots may fall between the gaps between neighboring teeth, thus causing product loss or trapping in the gap between the teeth.If a single connecting segment is initially attached to the hub, and if this connecting segment extends radially outwards from the hub, branching into several star-sieve teeth, then more teeth can be extended outwards on a particular star-sieve. Thus, a single connecting segment can be linked to two, three, or four star-sieve teeth. If several star-sieve teeth can be connected by a single connecting segment, this simplifies assembly and repair work, as multiple star-sieve teeth can be attached or removed simultaneously with one connecting segment. If at least one of the teeth connected to the connecting segment is a star-sieve tooth of the first or second type, the advantages described above are also obtained.
[0029] According to one development of the invention, the tooth segments that are in a higher plane of the first type of star-sieve tooth and / or the tooth segments of the second type of star-sieve tooth that are in a lower plane, extend over at least half the length of the star-sieve teeth. This extension of the tooth segments produces the advantages described above by their realization over a larger portion of the transfer surface formed by the corresponding star-sieves.
[0030] According to one development of the invention, the tooth segments of the first type of star-sieve tooth that are in a higher plane and / or the tooth segments of the second type of star-sieve tooth that are in a lower plane, respectively extend outwards by a star-sieve tooth segment that has with respect At the radial axis of rotation of the star-sieve, the angle of inclination is greater in the downstream direction than that of the corresponding tooth segment in a higher and / or lower plane. A rotational movement displaces the roots at the outer periphery of the star-sieve along the longest path. The teeth of the star-sieve have the highest velocities in their outer zone. If the star-sieve teeth in this zone are inclined at the greatest angle to the direction of rotation, these segments of the star-sieve teeth develop the greatest outward-directed transfer force. When the star-sieve teeth reach the distribution zone of the star-sieve, the roots are expelled by the most inclined segments of the star-sieve teeth.The combination of higher and lower tooth segments relative to the outer segments results in a more efficient transfer of roots along the transfer line of the star-sieve, ensuring good root cleaning and efficient root removal in the distribution area. Brief description of the drawings
[0031] The present invention will be described in more detail below with reference to an embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings in which:
[0032] [Fig-1] Schematic view of an edible root harvesting device,
[0033] [Fig.2] View of two star sieves driven in opposite directions,
[0034] [Fig.3a] View of a star sieve tooth of the first type,
[0035] [Fig.3b] Another view of a star sieve tooth of the first type,
[0036] [Fig.3c] another view of a sieve-star tooth of the first type,
[0037] [Fig.4] side view of the long side of a second type star-sieve tooth,
[0038] [Fig.5a] embodiment of a star-sieve tooth connected by a connecting segment,
[0039] [Fig.5b] another embodiment of a star-sieve tooth provided with a connecting segment,
[0040] [Fig.5c] another embodiment of a star-sieve tooth provided with a connecting segment.
[0041] As required in all figures, the corresponding elements bear the same reference numerals. However, for reasons of simplification, in the case of several components, not all are assigned a reference numeral.
[0042] DESCRIPTION OF AN IMPLEMENTATION METHOD
[0043] Figure 1 shows a device 2 for harvesting edible roots, in particular sugar beets, comprising a lifting device 4, with at least one cleaning device 6 and a distribution device 8. The cleaning device 6 has one of at least two, and in the exemplary embodiment, three star-shaped sieves 10 rotating in opposite directions about their axis of rotation 12, forming a conveying line 14. Each star-shaped sieve 10 is provided with a set of teeth of star-sieves 16 which each have a connecting segment 20 on the hub side and a multi-bend design 22.
[0044] Figure 2 shows two star-screens 10 driven in opposite directions, depicted in more detail. The star-screens 10 are made with at least two different types of star-screen teeth 16a, 16b; these two teeth, when assembled to a star-screen 10, in at least one segment, have a radial direction R with respect to the axis of rotation 12 of the star-screen 10, a downstream orientation 24 with a lag of the measurement N. The star-screen teeth 16a, 16b are connected to the hub 12 by a connecting segment 20. The two types of star-screen teeth 16a, 16b of the exemplary embodiment shown are installed side by side on the star-screen 10.
[0045] The first type of star-sieve tooth 16a has in its assembly to a star-sieve 10 rotating in a first direction A, a tooth segment 28a which goes up in its extension direction 26a from a first bend 22 in a first plane 30 higher than the plane 38 in which is a neighboring segment 40a of star-sieve tooth 16a; its tooth segment 28a arrives at a second bend 22 by which the star-sieve tooth 16a comes into a second plane 32 lower.The second type of star-sieve tooth 16b has in its assembly to a star-sieve 10a rotating in the first direction, a tooth segment 28b which extends in a first extension direction 26b from a first bend 22, descending into a third plane 34 lower than the plane 38 in which is a neighboring segment 40b of the star-sieve tooth 16b; this tooth segment 28b reaches a second bend 22 by which the star-sieve tooth 16b returns into a fourth plane 32 higher.
[0046] An example of an embodiment of a star-sieve tooth 16a is presented in more detail in various views in Figures 3a, 3b, 3c, which also show the different first and second planes 30, 32 as well as the plane 38 of a neighboring segment 40 of the star-sieve tooth 16a. This view shows that the tooth segment 28 in its extension direction 26 from a first bend 22 rises in a first plane 30 higher than the plane 38 in which the neighboring segment 40 of the star-sieve tooth 16a is located; this tooth segment 28 reaches a second bend 22 from which the star-sieve tooth 16b returns to a lower second plane 32. [Fig. 3a] thus shows a top view; [Fig.3b] is a side view of the large side of the star-sieve tooth 16a; [Fig.3c] is a front view of the star-sieve tooth 16a.The views show that the tooth segment 28 of the first type of star-sieve tooth 16a extends in a foreground 30 higher for at least half the length of the star-sieve tooth 16a.
[0047] The tooth segment 28, which is in a foreground 30 higher than the star-sieve tooth 16a, continues outwards by a segment 42 of the star-sieve tooth 16a which has a radial orientation with respect to the axis of rotation 12 of the star-sieve 10 with a greater angle of inclination 44 than the corresponding tooth segment 28 which is in a plane 30 higher.
[0048] Fig. 4 is a side view of the large side of the star-sieve tooth 16b. The tooth segment 28 has an extension 26 from a first bend 22 which descends into a third plane 34 lower than the plane 38 in which is a neighboring segment 40 of the star-sieve tooth 16b and this tooth segment 28 reaches a second bend 22 by which the star-sieve tooth 16b returns into a fourth plane 36 higher.
[0049] The two types of star-sieve teeth 16a, 16b are assembled by their connecting segment 20 in a position notably rotated by 180° to a star-sieve 10 rotating in a second direction B, opposite. Then the tooth segment 28a of the first type of a star-sieve tooth 16a which is located between the first and second bend 22, after assembly to a star-sieve 10 rotating in the second direction B is located in a third plane 34 lower than a neighboring segment 40 of the first type of star-sieve tooth 16a; the tooth segment 28b of the second type of a star-sieve tooth 16b which is located between the first and second bend 22 extends after assembly to a star-sieve 10 rotating in a second direction B, towards a first plane 36 higher than a neighboring segment 40 of the second type of star-sieve tooth 16b.The two types, the first and the second type of a star-sieve tooth 16a, 16b thus respectively retain their original shape, regardless of the direction A, B in which the star-sieve 10 rotates.
[0050] Figures 5a-5c show an example of an embodiment in which several star-sieve teeth 16 are connected to a connecting segment 20. As shown in [Fig. 5b], the two star-sieve teeth 16 are a first type of star-sieve tooth 16a for which the tooth segment 28 rises in a first extension direction 26 from a first bend 22 in a first plane 30. As an alternative to the example embodiment, more than two star-sieve teeth 16 can be connected to the same connecting segment 20.
[0051] NOMENCLATURE OF MAIN ELEMENTS
[0052] 2 Device
[0053] 4 Pulling device
[0054] 6 Cleaning device
[0055] 8 Distribution device
[0056] 10 Star-Sickle
[0057] 12 Axis of rotation
[0058] 14 Conveyor line
[0059] 16 Teeth of the star-sieve
[0060]
[0061]
[0062]
[0063]
[0064]
[0065]
[0066]
[0067]
[0068]
[0069]
[0070]
[0071]
[0072]
[0073]
[0074]
[0075]
[0076]
[0077]
[0078] 18 Hub 20 Connecting segment 22 Elbow 24 Downward orientation 26 First extension direction 28 Tooth segment 30 First upper plane 32 Second lower plane 34 Third lower plane 36 Fourth upper plane 38 Plane of a segment adjacent to the star-sieve tooth 40 Adjacent segment 42 Outwardly oriented terminal segment 44 Angle of attack A First direction of rotation B Second direction of rotation R Radial direction L Downstream N Delay
Claims
1. Claims Device (2) for harvesting edible roots, in particular sugar beets, comprising a lifting device (4), at least one cleaning device (6) and a distribution device (8), - the cleaning device (6) comprises a transfer line (14) formed by at least two star-sieves driven in rotation around their axis of rotation (12), these star-sieves (10) each being provided with several star-sieve teeth (16) which respectively have a hub-side connecting segment (20) and a path with several bends (22), device characterized in that the star-sieves (10) are provided with at least two different types of star-sieve teeth (16) which, both in their assembly position on the star-sieve (10), have in at least one segment, an orientation (24) downstream relative to the radial direction of the axis of rotation (12) of the star-sieve (10), - the first type of star-sieve tooth (16a) in its assembly to a star-sieve (10) rotating in a first direction (A), has a tooth segment (28) which extends in the extension direction (28) from a first bend (22) rising in a first plane (30) higher than the plane (38) in which the neighboring segment (40) of the star-sieve tooth (16a) is located and this tooth segment (28) reaches a second bend (22) by which the star-sieve tooth (16a) descends again in a second lower plane (32), and - the second type of star-sieve tooth (16b) has a tooth segment (28) which, when assembled to the star-sieve (10) rotating in the first direction, descends in the extension direction (26) from a first bend (22) into a third plane (34) lower than the plane (38) in which a neighboring segment (40) of the star-sieve tooth (16b) is located and this tooth segment (28) arrives again at a second bend (22) by which the tooth (16b) rises into a fourth plane (36) higher, the two types of star-sieve teeth (16a, 16b) being able to be assembled with their connecting segments (20) in a rotated position, to a star-sieve (10) rotating in a second direction (B), and - the tooth segment (28) between the first and second bends (22) of the first type of star-sieve tooth (16a), after its assembly with the star-sieve (10) rotating in the second direction (B), extends in a third plane (34) lower than a neighboring segment (40) of the first type of star-sieve tooth (16a) and the tooth segment (28) of the second type of star-sieve tooth (16b) which is located between the first and second bends (22), after its assembly with the star-sieve (10) rotating in the second direction (B), arrives in a first plane higher (36) than the neighboring segment (40) of the second type of tooth (16b) and both first and second types of star-sieve tooth (16a, 16b) independently of their assembly with the star-sieves (10), rotating in a direction (A, B), respectively retain their original shape.
2. Device (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the two types of star-sieve teeth (16) are installed next to each other on a star-sieve (10).
3. Device (2) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that several star-sieve teeth (16) are connected by a connecting segment (20) and at least one of the star-sieve teeth (16) is a star-sieve tooth (16) of the first or second type.
4. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tooth segments (28) extending in the first higher plane of the first type of star-sieve tooth (16) and / or the tooth segments (28) of the second type of tooth (16) extending in a third lower plane, extend over at least half the length of the star-sieve teeth (16).
5. Device (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tooth segments (28) of the first type of sieve star tooth (16) which are in a higher first plane (30) and / or the tooth segments (28) of the second type of sieve star tooth (16) which are in a lower plane (34) respectively join outwards a segment (42) of the sieve star tooth (16) which, relative to the axis of rotation (12) of the sieve star (10), extends in the radial direction in a downstream direction with a larger angle of inclination. (44) than the corresponding tooth segment (28) and which is located in a higher and / or lower plane (30, 34).