A device for individualizing and transporting root vegetables.

Abstract

The present invention relates to an apparatus for conveying root vegetables. The apparatus comprises a conveying device (7) that circulates in a circulation direction (8) during operation, defines at least one receiving area (18), and is configured to convey root vegetables. The apparatus further comprises at least one transverse separating device (14) that extends at least partially in a transverse direction (12) and defines the receiving area (18) in the circulation direction (8). The receiving area (18) is adjacent to the outside of an internal chamber (11), which is surrounded by an internal chamber periphery (10) that extends parallel to the transverse direction (12) and extends exclusively in the circulation direction (8) in a side view. Furthermore, at least one protruding portion of the transverse separating device (14) is arranged outside the internal chamber (11) in a side view. The device comprises at least one longitudinal separator (16) extending at an angle, in particular at a right angle, to the direction of extension of the transverse separators (14) and parallel to the inner chamber periphery (10). At least one protruding part of the longitudinal separator (16) is arranged outside the inner chamber (11) in side view. The longitudinal separator separates two adjacent storage areas (18) from each other in the transverse direction (12).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus for conveying root vegetables, comprising a conveying device that circulates in a circulation direction during operation. The conveying device defines at least one receiving area and is configured to convey root vegetables. The apparatus further comprises at least one lateral separating device extending at least partially laterally. This lateral separating device defines the receiving area in the circulation direction. The receiving area is adjacent to the outside of an inner chamber, and the inner chamber extends within an inner chamber peripheral surface. The inner chamber peripheral surface extends parallel to the lateral direction and extends exclusively in the circulation direction when viewed in a side view. At least one protruding portion of the lateral separating device is arranged outside the inner chamber when viewed in a side view.

[0002] During operation, the root vegetables are placed on the conveying device and partially circulate together with the apparatus. The lateral separating device forms a barrier for at least one root vegetable arranged in the receiving area, and prevents or makes it difficult for root vegetables to exit the receiving area during operation. In the lateral direction, the receiving area generally extends at least substantially over the entire width of the apparatus. Within the receiving area, movement of at least one root vegetable is permitted.

[0003] Known apparatuses of the form described at the outset have the disadvantage that a large number of root vegetables, which are periodically supplied to the receiving area for effective use of the apparatus during operation, within the same receiving area end up being arranged in multiple layers on the conveying device. In particular, based on the tilting of the apparatus that generally occurs during operation, the root vegetables in the receiving area gather in a part of the receiving area and are positioned one above another in this part, whereas no root vegetables remain in other parts of the receiving area. Such a phenomenon makes it difficult to visually inspect, sort, or check the root vegetables and detect foreign matters that should be removed.

[0004] An object of the present invention is to improve an apparatus of the form described at the outset, and to provide an apparatus that facilitates visual inspection, sorting, or checking of root vegetables conveyed by the apparatus.

[0005] To solve this problem, according to the present invention, the apparatus has at least one longitudinal separator extending at an angle to the extending direction of the lateral separator, particularly perpendicularly, and parallel to the inner chamber circumferential surface. At least one protruding portion of the longitudinal separator is located outside the inner chamber when viewed in a side view. The longitudinal separator separates two adjacent accommodation areas in the lateral direction.

[0006] This structure of the device provides more and narrower storage areas that can accommodate fewer root vegetables each, without changing the width of the device in the lateral direction and without changing the conveying capacity. This suppresses the accumulation of root vegetables in specific locations on the conveying device due to lateral movement, especially when the device has an upward course or when the device is tilted about a pivot axis that is at least partially parallel to the conveying direction. Unlike configurations that increase the number of lateral separators, which can in some cases reduce the movement of crops in the circulating direction, this also ensures that root vegetables on one side of the device or longitudinal separator remain on that side during circulation, and that an inspector or sorter located on the corresponding side can access these root vegetables, or possibly any foreign matter present therein.

[0007] The device is formed in an annular shape, that is, closed in the circulating direction, and is equipped with coupling elements having complementary shapes, and each of the two end regions coupled to one another in the circulating direction is detachable from one another, in particular for disassembly. The device is formed as a belt or conveyor belt that is flexible, particularly around a deflection axis parallel to the transverse direction. During regular operation, at least a portion of the root vegetables being conveyed is in direct contact with the conveying device. During operation, the conveying device preferably extends below the root vegetables. The transverse direction is perpendicular to the circulating direction, and the width of the device is measured in this direction. The inner chamber surface is a virtual surface that extends in the transverse direction, particularly across most of the width or the entire width of the device. When viewed in a side view oriented transversely, the inner chamber surface is linear. For example, if the device has a stretched course between two deflection rollers, that is, if the device has a partially linear course when viewed in a side view, the inner chamber surface is flat in each of these sections. During operation, the storage area where root vegetables are located is in contact with the inner chamber's perimeter, but is adjacent to the inner chamber unless it crosses the perimeter. Specifically, the storage area is in point contact, line contact, or surface contact with the inner chamber's perimeter.

[0008] Viewed in the circulating direction and / or lateral direction, the device has, preferably, at least three, particularly preferably at least five, and especially at least ten, containment areas that are aligned with one another. These containment areas are continuous with one another in the lateral or circulating direction.

[0009] Preferably, at least one of the storage areas is formed in a tank-like or recessed shape, at least partially, and especially entirely. This shape is not formed continuously, i.e., closed, but rather arranged along this shape and supported by support points formed by the transport device. The storage area is formed to be open outward from the inner chamber. This configuration of the storage area already suppresses movement of root vegetables within the storage area, particularly rolling within the storage area.

[0010] The longitudinal separators are particularly elongated. Preferably, the longitudinal separators are angled to the lateral direction and extend particularly in the circulating direction. Preferably, the device has a plurality of longitudinal separators, particularly at least 5, preferably at least 10, and especially preferably at least 15, which are locally spaced apart from each other in the lateral direction. In particular, the longitudinal separators extend in the circulating direction. Such a number of longitudinal separators and the correspondingly large number of containment areas result in a containment area that, if the device has a conventional width, can only accommodate one, or at most a few, root vegetables side by side when viewed in the circulating direction. The width of the device is particularly 0.3m to 3m, preferably 0.5m to 2.5m, and advantageously 0.9m or 2.4m.

[0011] Preferably, the local spacing between the two longitudinal separators in the lateral direction is 20 mm to 150 mm, particularly preferably 30 mm to 80 mm, and optimally 40 mm to 60 mm. The width of the containment area located between them, corresponding to such values, further prevents, as much as possible, the containment of root vegetables that are aligned with each other in the circulating direction within the containment area.

[0012] The lateral separators are particularly elongated. Preferably, the lateral separators extend elongatedly in the lateral direction, i.e., perpendicular to the circulation direction. Alternatively, the lateral separators preferably extend at an angle to both the lateral and circulation directions, with the direction of extension of the lateral separators forming an angle of less than 60°, preferably 45°, with respect to the lateral direction. Preferably, the distance between two lateral separators in the circulation direction or perpendicular to the elongated extension direction of the lateral separators is 40mm to 250mm, particularly preferably 70mm to 130mm, and optimally 90mm to 110mm. The appropriate length of the containment area defined by both lateral separators, measured in the circulation direction or perpendicular to the extension direction, ensures that root vegetables positioned side by side when viewed laterally are contained within the same containment area as much as possible. Preferably, each storage area is formed to accommodate a root vegetable of exactly one standard size, which is oriented during operation with its longitudinal axis parallel to the direction of extension of the longitudinal separator as much as possible, or alternatively, parallel to the direction of extension of the lateral separator.

[0013] In a preferred configuration of the present invention, the extending direction of both the lateral and longitudinal separators is oriented at an angle to the lateral direction and at an angle to the circulation direction. In particular, the extending directions are oriented at the same angle, but with different positive and negative signs relative to the circulation direction. Preferably, both extending directions are oriented with a rotation of 30° to 60°, particularly 45°, relative to the circulation direction. In a plan view, the lateral and longitudinal separators form a diamond pattern in particular. With this configuration of the separators, as the device rises during operation, the root vegetables roll towards the lowest connection point of the separators that defines each containment area, based on gravity, thereby achieving automatic centering of the root vegetables placed within the containment area. This allows for maximum spacing between root vegetables and optimal visibility of defective areas.

[0014] Lateral and / or longitudinal separators extend in the specified direction, insofar as the lateral and / or longitudinal separators preferably extend straight when viewed in a plan view. This means that the specified direction indicates the principal extending direction of each separator without requiring each separator to be consistently formed in the principal extending direction. For example, at least partial extension in the lateral direction means that the extending direction and the lateral direction form an angle of less than 90°.

[0015] In an advantageous configuration of the present invention, at least one longitudinal separator is configured to circulate with the conveyor during operation. In particular, the longitudinal separator is coupled to the conveyor by force or shape connection and circulates with the same circulating period as the conveyor during operation. For this purpose, the longitudinal separator is coupled to the conveyor, particularly detachably, preferably by screw elements, locking elements or clamping elements. Preferably, the longitudinal separator is guided by legs or eyelets and thereby supported by the conveyor.

[0016] Preferably, the longitudinal separator is formed integrally with the conveying device. In particular, the side of the storage area adjacent to the inner chamber circumferential surface is formed by a thinner section of the conveyor belt, while the longitudinal separator is formed by an adjacent, thicker section of the same conveyor belt that protrudes further outward, especially from the inner chamber circumferential surface. This prevents, as much as possible, relative movement between the conveying device and the longitudinal separator that would cause movement of root vegetables within the storage area formed by the conveying device and the longitudinal separator.

[0017] Preferably, the conveying device and the longitudinal separator are formed by at least one heteromorphized screen bar. The screen bar has a cross-section that remains at least substantially equal along its centerline and is particularly rotationally symmetric about the centerline. The centerline has a course different from that of a straight line. In particular, the centerline extends in a single plane and / or has a shape that is repeated over the length of the screen bar, preferably corrugated. At least one containment area is preferably formed by a plurality of such screen bars, and the longitudinal separator in particular is formed exclusively by at least one screen bar. This configuration allows the present invention to be realized with a particularly small number of components, which have been reliably used in the field of root vegetable harvesting technology.

[0018] Preferably, at least one lateral separator and / or at least one longitudinal separator is formed, in particular, by a plurality of separator elements arranged along its (main) extending direction, projecting outward in a side view. These separator elements are not directly connected to one another. Preferably, the spacing between adjacent separator elements is greater than the extending length of the separator elements in the lateral direction or in a direction at an angle to the lateral direction. Particularly preferably, the separator elements extend from the separator element base, where the separator element is located on another member, to the upper, particularly blunt end region, in a direction perpendicular to the inner chamber circumferential surface. The separator elements are formed, in particular, rotationally symmetric with respect to an axis of symmetry parallel to a direction perpendicular to the separator element, and / or finger-shaped. The separator elements are, in particular, manufactured from plastic or rubber, and in particular cast around a metal member, and / or elastically deformable. The separator elements of the lateral separator and the longitudinal separator are, in particular, formed uniformly. By forming a separation device with such separation elements, gentle handling of root vegetables and independence of the boundaries between different storage areas are ensured.

[0019] Preferably, adjacent separating elements are spaced at a maximum of 40 mm, particularly preferably at a maximum of 30 mm, and optimally at a maximum of 20 mm, between them. Preferably, adjacent separating elements are spaced at a further or alternative distance of at least 5 mm, particularly preferably at least 10 mm, and optimally at least 15 mm, between them. These spacings provide an optimal compromise between gentle handling of root vegetables and the best possible separation between the containment areas.

[0020] Preferably, the lateral separation device has a lateral separation element that extends in its (main) extending direction and / or laterally, the lateral separation element being elongated laterally outside the inner chamber at least partially, and / or having a separation element disposed on the lateral separation element. The lateral separation element is particularly preferably a crank-shaped screen bar, on which the base of the separation element is disposed. The lateral separation element is formed particularly rigidly, preferably from spring steel. In particular, at least a plurality of separation elements are formed integrally with a screen bar cover or screen bar attachment, the screen bar cover or screen bar attachment is pressed or mounted on the lateral separation element. The lateral separation element provides direct separation in the circulation direction, and / or securely supports the separation element, particularly when the device is undergoing an upward movement.

[0021] Preferably, the separating element protrudes at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, and most preferably at least 25 mm, perpendicular to the inner chamber surface, and particularly from the inner chamber surface. These dimensions correspond to the height of the separating element from the base of the separating element to the end region of the separating element opposite the inner chamber. In particular, a free space of the same height is left between two adjacent separating elements. In particular, in the configuration of a device for transporting turnips, the height is up to 150 mm. This dimension of the separating element ensures the separation of root vegetables placed directly on the transport device, and at the same time eliminates obstacles to the desired distribution of root vegetables when transferring them to different storage areas of the device, in particular obstacles to root vegetables placed in the second layer of the transport device moving beyond the separating element.

[0022] Preferably, the longitudinal separation device is formed at least by longitudinal separation elements, and more particularly exclusively by longitudinal separation elements, which separate a plurality of adjacent containment areas in the circulating direction. The longitudinal separation elements have a greater extension length in the circulating direction than the containment areas separated by the longitudinal separation elements. In particular, the longitudinal separation elements are formed surrounding the entire conveying device and / or are fixed to the conveying device or are formed integrally with the conveying device. Preferably, the longitudinal separation elements are belts, and these belts have a round cross-section with a particularly suitable diameter of 12 mm. This configuration makes the longitudinal separation device particularly robust during operation and gentle on crops.

[0023] Preferably, the storage area is formed by at least one mold element projecting outward from the inner chamber surface. The mold element projects perpendicular to the inner chamber surface and lower than the lateral separator and / or longitudinal separator or their separator elements. Preferably, the mold element projects outward by 5 mm to 20 mm, particularly preferably 10 mm to 15 mm, from the inner chamber surface. The mold element is particularly formed in a cup shape. Alternatively, at least one mold element is finger-shaped, preferably configured in the same way as the separator element except for its extended length or length, and forms a support point for the root vegetables placed in the storage area. At least one mold element provides a shape for the storage area that prevents the root vegetables stored therein from rolling. For example, the mold element and separator element are formed in the form of protruding profile elements common in hedgehog belts.

[0024] The mold elements are preferably positioned offset from the center between two longitudinal separators that are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction, when viewed in the circulating direction. Since no mold elements are positioned at the center of the longitudinal separators, root vegetables placed in the containment area can be placed directly on the transport device in this area. Preferably, at least one mold element is positioned adjacent to one of the two longitudinal separators and adjacent to the other of the two longitudinal separators, thereby forming a recessed or tank-shaped cross-section of the containment area when viewed in the circulating direction. In particular, multiple mold elements are positioned adjacent to the longitudinal separators, each offset in the circulating direction. Preferably, multiple mold elements are positioned between one longitudinal separator and the center of the containment area defined by the longitudinal separators, when viewed in the circulating direction, particularly on the same transport element. These mold elements preferably have a length that decreases with distance from the next longitudinal separator, thereby forming a cross-section for gently handling root vegetables with multiple support points.

[0025] Advantageously, the conveying device in the improved form of the apparatus according to the present invention has notches extending laterally to the inner chamber surface. Such notches are particularly screen belts in the apparatus. This allows for the effective separation of impurities from root vegetables during conveyance by the apparatus.

[0026] Preferably, the conveying device is formed from at least a plurality of conveying elements that are particularly rigid and relatively movable to one another. In particular, the conveying device has a plurality of screen bars that are elongated laterally, and these screen bars are arranged adjacent to and parallel to each other in the circulating direction. The ends of these screen bars are preferably arranged on a lateral endless conveying body, such as a plastic belt or a rubber belt, which is configured to extend on a deflection roller and can be driven during operation. In this structure and in the configuration of a longitudinal separation device with separation elements, in particular, at least one, and more precisely one, separation element is arranged on each screen bar. If provided, mold elements are also preferably arranged directly on the screen bars. The outward-facing upper surfaces of the screen bars together form a receiving area in particular. Preferably, the screen bars are located inside the chamber and adjacent to the circumferential surface of the chamber.

[0027] Preferably, two transport elements, particularly screen bars, each form a single integrated transport element unit. The transport elements are formed, in particular, from glass fiber reinforced plastic. Alternatively, the transport elements are formed as movable grid segments, or the transport device is formed as a hedgehog belt, and the end regions of the shortest protruding or shaped elements are preferably located on or in contact with the inner chamber surface.

[0028] The conveying elements are fixed to at least two endless conveyors, in particular by means of at least one, preferably two fastening means each, such as rivets or screws. The endless conveyors in particular extend parallel to each other and / or are formed elastically and at least substantially integrally, in particular uniformly, over at least a majority of the circumference thereof. The transverse separating device (14) and / or the longitudinal separating device extends at least partially into a region of at least one of the endless conveyors (4) such that an imaginary auxiliary line perpendicular to the inner chamber circumferential surface (10) intersects the endless conveyor (4) and the transverse separating device (14) or the longitudinal separating device (16). The auxiliary line is perpendicular both to the circulation direction and to the transverse direction. That is to say, the transverse separating device and / or the longitudinal separating device extends in particular up to above at least one of the endless conveyors. At least a portion of the receiving region preferably extends at least partially above the endless conveyor, such that the endless conveyor is arranged between a portion of the receiving region and the inner chamber. This results in a particularly large area of the device that can be used for conveyance.

[0029] Preferably, the auxiliary line intersects the endless conveyor and at least one separating element. Particularly preferably, the auxiliary line further intersects at least one conveying element and / or a transverse separating element. In particular, the separating element is arranged on the conveying element or the transverse separating element. Preferably, the separating element is arranged on the conveying element or the transverse separating element such that the separating element is formed of plastic that completely surrounds the separating element or the transverse separating element, in particular by casting. Preferably, another line parallel to the auxiliary line intersects the endless conveyor and at least one of the profiled elements or an adjacent receiving region. This configuration allows the receiving region to be formed both above the endless conveyors and between the endless conveyors.

[0030] The problem mentioned at the outset is further solved by an individualization device comprising the device described above or described below, a device frame, and at least two deflecting elements rotatably disposed on the device frame. In particular, the individualization device comprises a drive, and preferably, one of the deflecting elements is formed as a drive element for transmitting torque. The deflecting elements are configured to guide the device such that at least one conveying section of the device has an upward slope at least partially. When configured in this way, the device extends so as to rise at least partially in the conveying section. Alternatively, the conveying section has a downward slope at least partially, whereby the device extends so as to descend at least partially in the conveying section. In particular, the deflecting elements are deflecting rollers rotatably supported on the device frame. The upward or downward slope facilitates the desired arrangement of as few root crops as possible per receiving area. This is because, in one receiving area, root crops located in a second layer will roll or slide into an adjacent, in particular a subsequent, receiving area based on gravity. Instead of the above-described configuration of the conveying section, at least one apparatus belt for a specific application of the individualization device has an at least substantially horizontal course.

[0031] Preferably, a first conveying section of the device has a larger upward slope or a larger downward slope than a second conveying section that follows in the circulation direction. In particular, the device passes through a deflecting element between the two conveying sections during operation. The second conveying section in particular extends at least substantially horizontally. After stating the advantages of an ascending course of the device, the advantage of a connected slight slope or horizontal course is that in such a course, the relative movement of the root crops in the receiving area with respect to the device is reduced. The smaller the movement of the root crops on the device, the easier the checking of the root crops becomes. One or more conveying sections are not circulated together with the device, but are sections fixed relative to the device frame, and within such sections the device performs an adapted function, for example calming the movement of root crops.

[0032] Preferably, the individualizing device is positioned below at least a portion of the conveying section or at least one of the conveying sections and has at least one sliding element that does not circulate during operation. The sliding element is positioned particularly below the second conveying section. Preferably, the sliding element is a sliding rail that causes the device to slide during operation, particularly between two deflection elements, thereby preventing the device from slackening. Preferably, the individualizing device has a plurality of sliding elements that are spaced apart from each other laterally. At least one sliding element prevents or reduces the introduction of impacts to the root vegetables that could cause the root vegetables to move.

[0033] According to another configuration of the present invention, the individualizing device has at least one movable, in particular rotating, impact element during operation. The impact element is configured to generate an impact on at least a portion of the conveying section or at least a portion of one of the conveying sections. In particular, the impact element is located below a first conveying section that rises during operation. During operation, the impact element generates a force impact on the device, preferably not oriented in the direction of circulation. This causes the device to vibrate, particularly in the first conveying section, thereby resulting in uniform distribution of root vegetables into the containment area. More specifically, the impact element preferably has an off-center outer contour and is formed as an element that rotates during operation. Alternatively, and particularly if the underside of the device or an endless conveyor that travels over the impact element during operation is heteromorphic, the impact element is formed as at least a substantially rotationally symmetric element that rotates during operation, i.e., preferably a roller. During operation, the function of at least one impact element is particularly automated. Preferably, during operation, at least one operating parameter of the impact element, in particular the rotational speed or radius of the impact element, is related to adjustment by the user and / or related to data, preferably originally stored in the device or one of the machines described later, by at least one optical sensor, relating to the proportion of foreign matter in the conveyed material, in particular the conveyed material or root vegetables.

[0034] A scraping element is positioned above the conveying section or one of the conveying sections, particularly the first conveying section, at a distance of up to 20 cm, preferably up to 15 cm, from the inner chamber circumferential surface, and the circumferential surface of the scraping element is particularly adjacent to the mold element when viewed in a side view during operation. Particularly preferably, the scraping element is supported so as to be rotatable about a rotation axis oriented particularly parallel to the lateral direction. The scraping element is preferably an elastically deformable roller, particularly made of a foamed material. Alternatively, the scraping element is formed as a retaining rubber or brush. The scraping element works to hold back root vegetables or root vegetables rolling back, which are placed on the conveying element as a second layer, in the circulating direction or in the opposite direction, and move them to the subsequent empty storage area.

[0035] Furthermore, the problem of the present invention is solved by a mobile root vegetable harvester equipped with the individualizing device described above. The problem is also solved by a mobile or stationary conveyor or washing machine equipped with the individualizing device described above. Above the first conveying section, a supply conveying device is positioned, in particular, to bring root vegetables into the device. Furthermore, the individualizing device, together with a conveying device following the device in the direction of the crop flow, preferably forms a drop stage, where a separator is preferably positioned. The separator comprises, in particular, a plurality of deflection elements positioned laterally offset from one another, the number of which corresponds to at least the number of laterally aligned containment areas. The deflection elements are reciprocally movable between a deflection position, which deflects root vegetables discharged from an assigned containment area so as not to reach a subsequent conveying device, and a departure position, where the deflection elements are positioned outside the crop flow. In particular, the deflection elements are controlled in relation to information from at least one sensor positioned above the (second) conveying section, in particular a camera that optically identifies root vegetables or foreign objects to be deflected.

[0036] Further details and advantages of the present invention can be seen from the embodiments described and briefly outlined below. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0037] [Figure 1] This is a perspective view showing a section of a first embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a plan view showing a section of the first embodiment. [Figure 3] This is a perspective view showing the first embodiment in detail. [Figure 4a] This is a diagram showing the transport element of the first embodiment as viewed in the circulation direction. [Figure 4b] This is a plan view showing the transport element of the first embodiment. [Figure 5] This is a perspective view showing a section of a second embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 6] This is a plan view showing a section of the second embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a perspective view showing a second embodiment in detail. [Figure 8] This is a diagram showing a section of the second embodiment viewed in the circulation direction. [Figure 9] This is a perspective view showing a section of a third embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 10] This is a plan view showing a section of the third embodiment. [Figure 11] This is a perspective view showing a third embodiment in detail. [Figure 12a] This is a diagram showing the transport element of the third embodiment viewed in the circulation direction. [Figure 12b] This is a plan view showing the transport element of the third embodiment. [Figure 13a] This is a diagram showing the lateral separation device of the first or third embodiment as viewed in the circulation direction. [Figure 13b] Figure 13a is a plan view showing the lateral separation device. [Figure 14] This is a schematic side view illustrating the individualization device according to the present invention. [Figure 15] This is a perspective view showing a root vegetable harvesting machine according to the present invention. [Figure 16] This is a perspective view showing a section of a fourth embodiment of the apparatus according to the present invention. [Figure 17]This is a plan view showing a section of the fourth embodiment. [Figure 18] This is a perspective view showing a fourth embodiment in detail. [Figure 19a] This is a diagram showing the transport element of the fourth embodiment as viewed in the circulation direction. [Figure 19b] This is a plan view showing the transport element of the fourth embodiment.

[0038] The features of the embodiments of the present invention described below may be individually or in combination with at least the features of Claim 1, in combinations other than those illustrated or described in the present invention. Where meaningful, functionally equivalent parts are denoted by the same reference numerals.

[0039] An illustrated embodiment of the apparatus 2 according to the present invention is a multi-part belt for transporting root vegetables. Figures 1, 2, 5, 6, 9, and 10 each show only one section of each embodiment in a substantially flattened state. The illustrated ends are connectable to opposite ends (not shown) to form a closed annular belt. These embodiments include a transport device 7 that circulates in a circulation direction 8 during operation. The transport device 7 includes a plurality of transport elements 6 (see Figures 4a, 4b, 8, 12a, and 12b) formed as a screen bar. The transport device 7 forms a plurality of containment areas 18, which are offset from each other in the circulation direction 8 and / or lateral direction 12. The transport device 7 is configured to transport root vegetables.

[0040] Device 2 is equipped with a plurality of lateral separation devices 14 extending in the lateral direction 12, which separate adjacent storage areas 18 in the circulation direction 8 from each other. The lateral separation devices 14 work to prevent root vegetables placed on the transport device 7 within the storage area 18 from leaving the storage area 18.

[0041] The containment area 18 is adjacent to the outside of the inner chamber 11, and the inner chamber 11 extends within a virtual inner chamber circumferential surface 10. The inner chamber circumferential surface 10 extends parallel to the lateral direction 12 (see Figures 4a, 8, and 12a) and extends exclusively in the circulation direction 8 when viewed in a side view. In particular, the lowest part of the containment area 18, formed by the transport device 7, is in contact with the inner chamber circumferential surface 10 or the inner chamber 11. The inner chamber circumferential surface sections corresponding to each illustrated device section are flat. The inner chamber 11 of the device 2, partially shown in Figures 1, 2, 3, 4b, 5, 6, 7, 9, 10, 11, and 12b, extends primarily behind the illustrated transport element 6 when viewed in their respective perspective views. When viewed in the plan views shown in Figures 2, 6, and 10, the containment area 18 is substantially rectangular (see also Figures 3, 7, and 11).

[0042] At least the protruding portion of the lateral separation device 14 is positioned outside the inner chamber 11 when viewed in a side view, when transporting root vegetables above the inner chamber circumferential surface 10. In the first and third embodiments, this corresponds to the separation element 13 (Figures 13a and 13b), and in the second embodiment, it further corresponds to a part of the lateral separation element 24 formed as a lateral stay (see Figure 8).

[0043] Between two lateral separation devices 14 adjacent to each other in the circulation direction 8, three (in the first and third embodiments) or four (in the second embodiment) transport elements 6, formed as a screen bar, are arranged. In the second embodiment, two transport elements 6 that are continuous with each other in the circulation direction 8 are integrally formed. Both the transport elements 6 and the lateral separation elements 24 are fixed to the sides of the two endless transport bodies 4 of the device 2.

[0044] The illustrated embodiment of device 2 has a plurality of longitudinal separators 16 extending in the circulation direction 8, that is, perpendicular to the lateral direction 12. These longitudinal separators 16 are located outside the inner chamber 11. The longitudinal separators 16 separate two adjacent storage areas 18 in the lateral direction 12 from each other. The longitudinal separators 16 circulate together with the transport device 7 during operation.

[0045] In the first and third embodiments of the present invention, the lateral separator 14 and the longitudinal separator 16 are formed by at least a plurality of separation elements 13, 15 that are arranged along the lateral direction 12 or the circulation direction 8 and project outward in a side view. The longitudinal separator 16 is formed exclusively by the separation elements 15. The lateral separator 14 is formed not only by the separation elements 13 but also by lateral separation elements 24 that extend parallel to the transport element 6. The lateral separator 14 is positioned on the endless transport body 4 in the region of its ends. In the second embodiment of the present invention, the longitudinal separator 16 is formed by a belt extending in the circulation direction 8. In this embodiment, two separation elements are arranged between two adjacent longitudinal separators 16 for each lateral separator 14, while in other embodiments, one separation element is arranged between two adjacent longitudinal separators 16 for each lateral separator 14. The separation elements have a height of at least 25 mm, starting from the transport element or lateral separation element on which these separation elements are located.

[0046] A third embodiment of the apparatus 2 according to the present invention has a tank-shaped storage area 18 (see Figure 12 in particular). These storage areas 18 are formed by mold elements 20, which are arranged on the transport device 7 within the storage area 18 as seen in the plan view shown in Figure 10, and protrude outward from the inner chamber surface 10, but protrude lower than the surrounding separation elements. The mold elements are positioned offset from the center and adjacent to the two longitudinal separation devices 16 that define each storage area 18 when viewed in the circulation direction. In particular, each transport element 6 has two mold elements 20 for each storage area 18.

[0047] The fourth embodiment of the apparatus 2 according to the present invention, shown in Figures 16 to 18, is substantially the same as the first embodiment. Unlike the first embodiment, the fourth embodiment has a storage area 18 that extends mainly above one of the endless carriers 4. To form such a storage area 18, the fourth embodiment also has separation elements 13, 15 above the endless carrier 4, and these separation elements 13, 15 cause the lateral separation device 14 to extend above the endless carrier 4, and each of the longitudinal separation devices 16 extends completely above one endless carrier 4 along the outer edge of the apparatus 2. Figures 19a and 19b show separation elements 15 that are also positioned at the ends of the carrier elements 6 for this purpose.

[0048] Figure 14 shows an individualization device 30 equipped with device 2. The individualization device 30 has a rigid device frame (not shown) that does not circulate with the device during operation, and a plurality of deflection elements 22 for guiding device 2. The individualization device 30 forms a first transport section 26 and a second transport section 28. Device 2 has an upward slope in the first transport section 26, while the second transport section 28, which follows the first transport section 26 in the circulation direction 8, extends horizontally. Below the second transport section 28 is located a sliding element 32 along which the second transport section 28 of device 2 slides. Below the first transport section 26 is located a shock element 34 that rotates during operation, and this shock element 34 is formed in the first transport section to generate shocks to device 2. Both the sliding element 32 and the shock element 34 are located within the inner chamber 11. Above the first transport section 26, a peeling element 36 that is rotatable during operation is positioned, and this peeling element 36 is configured to be elastically flexible during operation. In the drop section for root vegetables following the device 2 in the direction of crop flow, a separator 44 is positioned in particular, which has individually controllable deflection elements 42 arranged in the lateral direction 12, the number of which corresponds to at least the number of containment areas 18 arranged in the lateral direction 12. The deflection elements 42 are controlled in relation to information from an optical sensor 46 positioned above the second transport section 28, which optically identifies root vegetables or foreign objects to be deflected.

[0049] Figure 15 shows a mobile root vegetable harvester 40 equipped with the individualizing device 30 described above.

Claims

1. A device (2) for transporting root vegetables, the device is formed as a screen belt for separating impurities from root vegetables during transport, and is a transport device (7) that circulates in a circulation direction (8) during operation, and is formed of at least a plurality of transport elements (6) that are particularly rigid and relatively movable, forming at least one containment area (18), and is configured to transport root vegetables, and comprises at least partially extending in a lateral direction (12), defining the containment area (18) in the circulation direction (8), wherein the containment area (18) is adjacent to the outside of an inner chamber (11), and the inner chamber (11) is surrounded by an inner chamber circumferential surface (10) that extends parallel to the lateral direction (12) and, when viewed in a side view, extends exclusively in the circulation direction (8), and at least one protruding part of the lateral separation device (14) In the device (2), the device is located outside the inner chamber (11) as seen in the side view, and the device extends at an angle to the extending direction of the lateral separator (14), particularly perpendicularly, and parallel to the inner chamber circumferential surface (10), and at least one protruding portion of the longitudinal separator (16) is located outside the inner chamber (11) as seen in the side view, and the longitudinal separator (16) separates two adjacent accommodation areas (18) in the lateral direction (12), and the at least one lateral separator (14) and / or the at least one longitudinal separator (16) are formed by at least a plurality of separating elements (13, 15) that protrude outward as seen in the side view, arranged along the lateral direction (12) or along a direction at an angle to the lateral direction (12), The transport device (7) has a plurality of screen bars that extend elongated in the lateral direction (12), and these screen bars are arranged adjacent to and parallel to each other in the circulation direction (8), and the ends of these screen bars are arranged on the side endless transport body (4), the endless transport body is configured to extend on a direction-shifting roller, can be driven during operation, and is made of a plastic belt or a rubber belt. The apparatus (2) is characterized in that each of the separation elements (15) of the longitudinal separation device (16), which is provided on each of the adjacent screen bars in the circulation direction (8), is arranged in the same position in the lateral direction (12).

2. The apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the containment area (18) is formed at least partially in a tank-like or recessed shape.

3. The apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the at least one longitudinal separator (16) is configured to circulate together with the transport device (7) during operation.

4. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the separating elements (13, 15) protrude at least 15 mm, preferably at least 20 mm, and particularly preferably at least 25 mm, in a direction perpendicular to the inner chamber circumferential surface (10), and especially from the inner chamber circumferential surface (10).

5. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the lateral separation device (14) has a lateral separation element (24) that extends elongated in the lateral direction, the lateral separation element (24) extends at least partially to the outside of the inner chamber (11), and / or the separation elements (13, 15) are arranged on the lateral separation element (24).

6. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the longitudinal separation device (16) comprises a longitudinal separation element (15) that separates a plurality of adjacent accommodation areas (18) in the lateral direction (12).

7. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the containment area (18) is formed by at least one mold element (20) projecting outward from the inner chamber circumferential surface (10), and the mold element (20) projects perpendicular to the containment area (18) and lower than the lateral separator (14) and / or the longitudinal separator (16).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the type element (20) is located between two longitudinal separators (16) that are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction (12) when viewed in the circulation direction (8), and is positioned offset from the center in the lateral direction (12) between the longitudinal separators that are adjacent to each other in the lateral direction.

9. The transport device (7) is characterized in that it is formed from at least a plurality of transport elements (6) that are particularly rigid and relatively movable to one another, according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The apparatus according to claim 9, comprising at least two endless carriers (4) extending in the circulation direction (8) in particular parallel to each other, wherein the transport elements (6) are fixed to the endless carriers (4), and the lateral separator (14) and / or the longitudinal separator (16) are characterized in that, at least partially, a virtual auxiliary line perpendicular to the inner chamber circumferential surface (10) extends in the region of at least one of the endless carriers (4) such that it intersects with the endless carriers (4) and the lateral separator (14) or the longitudinal separator (16).

11. The apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that the auxiliary line intersects the endless carrier (4) and at least one separation element (13, 15), in particular at least one carrier element (6) and / or at least one lateral separation element (24).

12. The apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the endless transporter (4) is belt-shaped.

13. Individualizing device (30), comprising: a device (2) according to any one of claims 1 to 12; a device frame; and at least two deflection elements (22) arranged on the device frame, wherein the device (2) is supported by the deflection elements (22) such that at least one transport section (26) of the device has at least partially an uphill or downhill slope.

14. The individualizing device according to claim 13, further comprising at least one sliding element (32) positioned below at least a portion of the conveying section and not circulating during operation, for guiding the device (2).

15. The individualization device according to claim 13 or 14, characterized in that it comprises at least one movable impact element (34) that rotates in particular during operation, the impact element (34) is configured to generate an impact on at least a portion of the conveying section (26).

16. The individualizing device according to any one of claims 13 to 15, characterized by comprising at least one stripping element (36) positioned above the transport section (26) and rotatably supported.

17. The individualization device according to claim 13, characterized in that the first transport section (26) of the device has a larger uphill or downhill gradient than the second transport section (28) that follows in the circulation direction (8).

18. The individualizing device according to claim 17, further comprising at least one sliding element (32) positioned below at least a portion of the second transport section (28) and not circulating during operation, for guiding the device (2).

19. The individualizing device according to claim 17 or 18, characterized in that it comprises at least one movable impact element (34) that rotates in particular during operation, the impact element (34) is configured to generate an impact on at least a portion of the first transport section (26).

20. The individualizing device according to any one of claims 17 to 19, characterized by comprising at least one stripping element (36) positioned above the first transport section (26) and rotatably supported.

21. A mobile root vegetable harvester (40) equipped with an individualizing device (30) according to any one of claims 13 to 20.

Images