Beet harvesting machine with a cleaning device for cleaning beets

Abstract

The invention relates to a beet harvesting machine with a cleaning device for cleaning beets, wherein the cleaning device comprises at least one screen apparatus, in particular designed as a star screen, for screening off admixtures of a harvested material flow, comprising beets and admixtures, and the screen apparatus can be rotationally driven in a rotational direction (49) about a rotational axis which is at an angle to a ground, wherein the cleaning device has a harvested material flow channel for the harvested material to be transported, said harvested material flow channel being delimited towards the bottom at least by the screen apparatus and a feed unit upstream of the screen apparatus, extending at least in some portions around the rotational axis and being partially delimited, in the radial direction pointing away from the rotational axis, by a delimiting apparatus, wherein the rotational axis is arranged, as seen in the feed direction of the feed unit, between wheels of a conveying element of the feed unit, wherein the cleaning device has a guiding apparatus which extends from a first edge of the conveying element, with respect to the rotational direction of the screen apparatus, in the direction of the other edge in such a manner that, during operation, at least some of the harvested material flow is deflected towards the rotational direction.

Description

[0001] Beet harvester with a cleaning device for cleaning beets

[0002] The invention relates to a beet harvester with a cleaning device for cleaning beets. The cleaning device comprises at least one screening device, in particular designed as a screening star, for screening out impurities from a crop flow comprising beets and impurities. The screening device can be driven to rotate in a direction of rotation about an axis of rotation running at an angle to a ground. The cleaning device has a crop flow channel for the crop to be transported, which is delimited at the bottom at least by the screening device and a feed unit arranged upstream of the screening device. The crop flow channel runs in sections around the axis of rotation and is partially delimited by a limiting device in a radial direction away from the axis of rotation. The axis of rotation is arranged between edges of a conveyor element of the feed unit, viewed in the feed direction of the feed unit.

[0003] Beet harvesters of the type mentioned above can be pulled, for example by a tractor, or self-propelled, i.e. independently powered. Typically, such beet harvesters have successive stations or units opposite the direction of travel of the beet harvester, which process the beets one after the other during harvesting or which the beets pass through. These include a defoliator arranged at the front in the direction of travel for defoliating the beets. This is followed by a topping device for de-heading the beets. The beets are then lifted from the ground by a digging device. A cleaning device of the type mentioned above, which is connected to this device, can then be cleaned of impurities such as soil, stones, or similar.To transport the beets from the harvesting device to the cleaning device, the cleaning device can have a feed unit, for example, a conveyor belt, screening belt, rollers, and / or similar. Following the cleaning device, the beets are transported by an elevator to a storage bunker.

[0004] In beet harvesters with a cleaning device of the type mentioned above, the axis of rotation of the screening device is located between the edges of a conveyor element of the feed unit, viewed in the feed direction of the feed unit. The crop is thus conveyed to the screening device both to the left and right of the axis of rotation, i.e., both in the direction of rotation of the screening device and against the direction of rotation of the screening device. The portion of the crop flow conveyed against the direction of rotation of the screening device is braked relatively sharply, causing turbulence and braking of the entire crop flow. A drum element is also usually arranged in the area of ​​the axis of rotation of the screening device, which the crop flow strikes and which in turn turbulences and brakes it. The throughput of the cleaning device is therefore limited.It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a beet harvester in which the disadvantages of the prior art are at least partially reduced. In particular, a beet harvester with an improved throughput of its crop flow, especially in its cleaning device, is to be created.

[0005] The invention is achieved by a beet harvester according to claim 1. Advantageous embodiments of the invention can be found in the dependent claims, the following description and the figures.

[0006] According to the invention, the beet harvester is characterized in that the cleaning device has a guide device which, viewed in the feed direction, extends from a first edge of the conveying element with respect to the direction of rotation of the screening device towards the other edge in such a way that, during operation, at least a portion of the crop flow is diverted towards the direction of rotation. In particular, viewed in a plan view, the crop flow coming from the feed direction is at least partially diverted upstream of the axis of rotation. Due to the diversion towards the direction of rotation, the directions of movement of the crop flow elements change towards the direction of rotation, which describes the rotation of the screening device, which is typically designed as a screening star.During operation of the beet harvester, i.e., during harvesting, the crop flow is diverted from two sides during the transition from the feed element to the screening device: from below by the screening device and from the side by the lateral guide device extending from one edge of the feed element. Surprisingly, the improved transfer of the crop flow to the screening device, where the crop flow is already diverted in the direction of rotation, allows for a significant increase in throughput.

[0007] The feed direction is the direction the crop flow primarily follows during transport by the feed unit and when viewed from a top view of the beet harvester. The feed direction is therefore a direction parallel to the ground and, for example, in the case of a conveyor belt running parallel to the ground, corresponds to the direction of movement of the belt before the belt is deflected. For a roller table, for example, the feed direction corresponds to the primary transport direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the rollers.

[0008] A screening star is understood in particular to be an at least substantially disc-shaped screening device with screening elements arranged in a common plane, in particular in the form of tines. The screening elements preferably point radially outwards from the axis of rotation of the screening star. The screening elements are preferably curved and / or angled in the opposite direction of rotation of the screening device. For particularly gentle movement of the crop, the screening elements are provided with a further curvature than a previous curvature at their respective ends pointing away from the axis of rotation in the radial direction, preferably additionally counter to the direction of rotation, and / or are additionally angled. A high throughput can be achieved by preferably using screening stars with a diameter of approximately 1,600 millimeters.

[0009] The axis of rotation of the screening device is arranged at least substantially perpendicular to the ground, whereby the ground means a ground travelled by the beet harvesting machine, that is to say with a deviation of less than 30 degrees, preferably of less than 20 degrees, particularly preferably of less than 10 degrees, further particularly preferably of 5 degrees to 10 degrees, in particular of approximately 8 degrees, from the vertical.

[0010] The limitation of the crop flow channel downwards means a limitation of the crop flow channel on its side facing the ground.

[0011] The limiting device can be designed, for example, as a sheet metal, grate, or comb. It serves to prevent the crop from falling off the edges of the screening device due to centrifugal force.

[0012] The edges of the conveyor element with respect to the feed direction are the sides of the crop flow channel facing away from each other in a direction parallel to the ground. The first edge with respect to the direction of rotation is the edge past which a section of the screening device first rotates before moving further to the other, lateral edge of the conveyor element. The conveyor element can be designed as a conveyor belt or screening belt, for example; it particularly also includes means arranged in the transition to the screening device that limit the crop flow downwards, such as sheets or grates, over which the crop can slide onto the screening device.It is understood that the guide device is not necessarily in contact with the edge of the feed element; rather, viewed in the feed direction, it forms a lateral boundary in the extension of a section of the crop flow channel formed by the feed unit, which extends from the first edge of the feed element to the other, second edge with increasing distance from the feed element.

[0013] In particular, the conveyor element is designed as a sieve belt, so that the crop flow is already pre-screened by the sieve belt and the sieving effect of the beet harvester is improved overall.

[0014] As described above, the deflection of the crop flow upstream of the rotation axis represents a deflection upstream of the rotation axis when viewed from above, i.e. in an area located between the discharge area of ​​the feed element and the rotation axis. The deflection of the crop flow during operation refers to the operating state of the beet harvester during a digging process and means a deviation of the crop flow direction from the feed direction towards the direction of rotation of the screening device. At least partial deflection is understood to mean a deflection of the crop flow that covers at least part of the crop flow relative to a width of the crop flow parallel to the ground and transverse to the feed direction. In particular, the entire crop flow downstream of the guide device has a crop flow direction that deviates from the feed direction, which results from the deflection by means of the guide device and the screening device.

[0015] The beet harvester according to the invention has an improved crop flow path, with the crop flow slowing down less in the transfer area and less accumulation. Furthermore, there is improved mixing of faster, radially outwardly moving parts of the crop flow on the screening device with slower parts of the crop flow. This allows for a higher crop throughput through the beet harvester, and in particular through the cleaning device. The beet harvester is particularly efficient.

[0016] According to an advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide device is arranged above the screening device and delimits the crop flow channel in sections. Above the screening device means above the screening device in a height direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The delimitation occurs in particular on a side of the crop flow channel that is opposite the side of the crop flow channel delimited by the delimiting device with respect to a central axis of the crop flow channel. This achieves a crop flow that is delimited on both sides in the radial direction to the axis of rotation and that is particularly well controlled. The height of the guide device above the conveying surface formed by the screening device corresponds in particular to a maximum of the height of the delimiting device.In a further advantageous embodiment of the invention, the guide device points between the limiting device and the rotation axis, whereby the crop flow is directed between the limiting device and the rotation axis. This reduces turbulence and braking in the crop flow. Furthermore, potential collisions with a drum element (preferably present) in the area of ​​the rotation axis are avoided.

[0017] Preferably, an imaginary extension of the inner side of the guide device directed towards the crop flow, which is straight in plan view and extends perpendicular to a surface normal, leads past the axis of rotation in the direction of the limiting device.

[0018] Preferably, the guide device is, in a plan view, ie viewed perpendicular to the ground and / or parallel to the axis of rotation, at least partially curved, coiled and / or angled, in particular in the direction

[0019] - the other edge of the conveyor element,

[0020] - an opposite, in particular radially outer edge of a crop flow and / or crop flow channel and / or

[0021] - a limiting device arranged radially outwards.

[0022] The at least one curvature or at least one angled portion is formed in the longitudinal direction of the guide device. In particular, the guide device is provided with a varying curvature or with sections at varying angles to one another. This results in a gentle deflection of the crop flow. A conveying speed and the throughput of crop material are improved. Preferably, a distance between the guide device and the other edge of the conveying element increases or decreases in a vertical direction that is at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. This means that at least substantially parallel preferably means a deviation of less than 30 degrees, particularly preferably less than 20 degrees, further particularly preferably less than 10 degrees to the vertical direction. In a guide device preferably comprising a plurality of guide elements, the guide elements are arranged in particular along a course that is preferably curved and / or angled in the vertical direction.This course can optionally approach the other edge of the conveyor element with increasing height or alternatively move away from it with increasing height. Thus, the guide device and / or its course, along which a plurality of guide elements are arranged upwards in the vertical direction, can approach in the vertical direction, i.e. with increasing height, optionally the other, opposite edge of the conveyor element or the first edge on or near which the guide device is arranged, fixed and / or attached. Such an approach to the first or the other, second edge can also be provided for a guide device with a straight course, along which a plurality of guide elements of the guide device are arranged in the vertical direction.

[0023] During operation of the beet harvester, a lower layer of the crop stream is first set in motion or diverted by the rotating screening device upon reaching the screening device, while an upper layer of the crop stream is not yet set in motion or diverted, or is diverted only more slowly. The advantageous design of the guide device diverts the crop stream depending on its height, providing additional cleaning. The diversion is therefore particularly efficient.

[0024] In general, part of the crop flow is directed outwards by the deflection from the centre of the screening device, resulting in improved cleaning with the crop moving radially outwards on the screening device.

[0025] Preferably, the guide device is arranged partially upstream of the screening device when viewed from above in the feed direction, and the crop flow is already at least partially deflected upon reaching the screening device. For this purpose, the guide device is preferably arranged in the feed unit, in particular forming the crop flow channel. The guide device is preferably arranged vertically above the conveying element. Thus, the crop flow can be controlled and deflected at an early stage, and a relatively large, low-turbulence deflection radius can be achieved.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the guide device is attached to the feed unit. This allows the guide device to be secured in a particularly simple manner. Furthermore, this attachment of the guide device facilitates early deflection of the crop flow in the feed direction, in particular already in the feed unit. A preferably existing angle- or length-variable design or attachment of the guide device is also supported. Safe and controlled guidance and deflection of the crop flow is achieved by the guide device preferably being rigid. This can be achieved in a simple manner by the guide device being made, in particular, from a metal or a sufficiently strong plastic.

[0027] In particular, the guide device is designed as a guide comb comprising a plurality of guide elements arranged one above the other in a vertical direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The guide elements are arranged parallel to one another, in particular at least in sections. The guide elements can be designed, for example, as tubes, rods, sheets, and / or the like. To reduce weight, the guide elements preferably have a decreasing cross-section in the vertical direction, i.e., in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation and directed away from the subsurface. The guide elements are preferably arranged at a distance from one another. Thus, an additional screening effect is achieved by gaps between the individual guide elements.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, the guide device comprises a stationary base and an arm pivotably connected to the base, which can be fixed in different angular positions relative to the base. A fixed attachment to any other part of the beet harvester is referred to as stationary. The arm can be fixed in different angular positions on the base in such a way that its angle is adjustable relative to the base about an axis that is at least substantially parallel to the rotation axis. Thus, the degree of deflection of the crop flow can be influenced and, for example, adapted to individual harvesting conditions.

[0029] Improved adaptation to varying crop throughputs is achieved in particular by the fact that the arm of the guide device can be automatically fixed at different angular positions relative to the base, depending on the crop throughput. For this purpose, the guide device has, in particular, an adjustment unit that is controlled by a preferably existing control unit depending on the crop throughput.

[0030] In a further advantageous embodiment, the guide device is designed to be variable in length, particularly with respect to its length in the feed direction. This allows the degree of deflection and the start of deflection in the feed direction to be influenced and, for example, adapted to individual harvesting conditions.

[0031] The guide device is preferably mounted so as to be displaceable along the feed direction. For this purpose, the guide device preferably has a stationary base and an arm that can be fixed relative to the base at different points in the feed direction. The base preferably has an adjustment element extending in the feed direction, which can be designed, for example, as an elongated hole, rod, groove, or similar, and to which the arm can be fixed at different points. Thus, guide devices of different lengths and / or at different positions in the feed direction can be used. This, in turn, allows the degree and start of deflection to be influenced.

[0032] In particular, the guide device extends at least 30 centimeters, preferably at least 40 centimeters, vertically parallel to the rotation axis. This allows for a larger crop flow channel in the vertical direction and thus also a greater crop throughput.

[0033] The screening device preferably has a centrally arranged drum element that partially forms the crop flow channel. The drum element is preferably arranged centrally such that it is located in the center of the screening device and, in particular, concentric with the rotation axis. The drum element is, in particular, cylindrical. For example, a shaft can be accommodated in the drum element, with which the screening device can be supported and / or rotated. Thus, a simple boundary of the crop flow channel is formed in the region of the rotation axis.

[0034] The deflection of the crop flow by the guide device is particularly reliable in that the guide device preferably limits the crop flow channel, preferably from the feed unit, at least substantially up to the drum element. "At least substantially" means a distance between the guide device and the drum element of preferably no more than 200 millimeters, more preferably no more than 100 mm, particularly preferably no more than 60 millimeters, and even more particularly preferably no more than 20 millimeters. A gap between the drum element and the guide device can be advantageous, particularly with a rotating drum element, since any debris can adhere to the drum element and thus prevent it from colliding with the guide device.

[0035] Preferably, the guide device extends at least partially in a direction tangential to the drum element, and the crop flow is guided along the drum element. In particular, the end of the guide device located in the direction of the crop flow extends tangentially to the drum element. This ensures a particularly low-turbulence deflection of the crop flow past the drum element. Furthermore, a collision of the crop with the drum element is avoided, while simultaneously maintaining a maximum crop flow channel width in the direction radial to the rotation axis.

[0036] The conveying effect of the screening device can be improved by designing the drum element, preferably rotatable, in particular co-rotating with the screening device. Thus, the crop flow is conveyed through the drum element.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the cleaning device has at least one further screening device arranged downstream of the screening device, wherein a further guide device is arranged in a transfer area of ​​the screening device to the further screening device, which guide device delimits the crop flow channel on its side facing a further axis of rotation of the further screening device. The further screening device is preferably partially overlapped by the respectively upstream screening device in a height direction parallel to the axis of rotation. The screening devices are arranged laterally offset from one another as viewed in the feed direction, wherein they are offset from one another in particular transversely to the feed direction and / or transversely to the direction of travel of the beet harvester. The crop flow channel in particular has a serpentine course.A high cleaning effect can be achieved if the cleaning device has in particular three screening devices, each with a guide device.

[0038] The transfer area means in particular a transition area of ​​the crop flow channel formed by the screening device to the further part of the crop flow channel formed by the further screening device.

[0039] Preferably, the further guide device is curved, coiled, and / or angled, at least in sections, toward the opposite side of the crop flow channel, viewed parallel to the further axis of rotation. In particular, the distance between the further guide device and the opposite side of the crop flow channel decreases in the direction of the crop flow and / or in a vertical direction at least substantially parallel to the further axis of rotation.In particular, for this further and each other guide device - for example for the second and / or third guide device - their respective distance from the opposite side of the respective crop flow channel can decrease in a height direction substantially parallel to the respective further axis of rotation and / or in crop flow direction, regardless of whether for the guide device which extends as the first guide device from the first edge of the conveyor element in the direction of the other edge, their distance from the other edge increases or decreases in the height direction.

[0040] This allows for a controlled crop flow and improved transfer to the additional screening device. Potential collisions with parts located in the area of ​​the additional rotation axis, particularly a drum element, of the additional screening device are also reduced.

[0041] Advantageously, the further guide device is arranged following the limiting device of the screening device and points between the further axis of rotation and a further limiting device of the further screening device. In particular, the further guide device is again curved or angled in its longitudinal direction when viewed from above. The arrangement of the further guide device following the limiting device means in particular that the further guide device continues to limit the crop flow channel after the limiting device. In this way, the further guide device diverts the crop flow towards the opposite side of the crop flow channel, i.e. in particular away from the further drum element of the further screening device. The crop flow is preferably directed between the further axis of rotation and the further limiting device.This allows for continuous guidance of the crop flow after the limiting device and reduced turbulence in the crop flow due to collisions with the preferably present drum element.

[0042] The guidance of the crop flow and the conveying effect of the cleaning device can be further improved in that the further screening device has a centrally arranged further drum element which partially forms the crop flow channel, wherein the further drum element is preferably designed to be rotatable, in particular to be co-rotatable with the further screening device.

[0043] If a further, third screening device is connected to the further, second screening device, the crop flow channel can again be delimited in a transition area by a third guide device, in particular a curved one or one with sections angled to each other. The second and / or third guide devices can be designed similarly to the first guide device with guide plates or comb-like, for example, with round bars. They can be movable and automatically controlled to vary the width of the crop flow channel depending on the crop flow or other parameters.

[0044] The other features described, claimed and / or disclosed in the drawings in this application

[0045] - the control system and / or its components,

[0046] - the screening device and / or its components, in particular the screening star, the rotation axis and / or the drum element, and / or - the limiting device and / or its components can additionally also be used for the other corresponding elements, ie

[0047] - in the case of a second and / or third control device and / or its components,

[0048] - in a second and / or third screening device and / or its components, in particular its screening stars, rotary axes and / or drum elements, and / or

[0049] - be provided for a second and / or third limiting device and / or components thereof.

[0050] Further advantages and details of the invention can be found in the following description of the figures.

[0051] Schematically shown shows

[0052] Fig. 1 is a side view of a beet harvester according to the invention,

[0053] Fig. 2 is a plan view of the cleaning device of Fig. 1 in direction 11 of Fig. 1,

[0054] Fig. 3 is a front view of the screening devices of Fig. 1 in the direction ll-ll of Fig. 1,

[0055] Fig. 4 shows the cleaning device from Fig. 2 with a further developed embodiment of a guide device according to the invention,

[0056] Fig. 5 shows the cleaning device from Fig. 2 with a further embodiment of a guide device according to the invention, Fig. 6 shows the cleaning device from Fig. 2 with schematically shown

[0057] crop flow,

[0058] Fig. 7a-c the guide device from Fig. 2 in side view (a), rear view (b) and top view (c),

[0059] Fig. 8a-c an alternative guide device according to the invention in side view (a), rear view (b) and top view (c) and

[0060] Fig. 9a-c a further alternative guide device according to the invention in side view (a), rear view (b) and top view (c).

[0061] Parts with the same or similar functions are provided with identical reference numerals where appropriate. The features and details of the invention described below may also be the subject of the invention in combinations other than those shown in the exemplary embodiments, as well as with the features of the independent claim.

[0062] Fig. 1 shows a side view of a beet harvesting machine 2 according to the invention with a defoliating device 6, a topping device (not shown; usually arranged at the location designated 8), a lifting device 10, a cleaning device 12 with a feed unit 16 arranged between the front wheels 14 (cf. Fig. 2), and an elevator 18 arranged successively in the opposite direction to the direction of travel 4. After passing through the aforementioned stations, the beets are conveyed upwards in the vertical direction 20 into the storage bunker 22 by means of the elevator 18 during operation of the beet harvesting machine. By means of a conveyor device 24, the beets can be transported within the storage bunker 22 against the direction of travel 4 to a discharge device 26, by means of which the beets can be transferred, for example, to a vehicle adjacent to the beet harvesting machine 2. In the present case, the beet harvester 2 is self-propelled, for which purpose it has a drive 28 and an operator's cabin 30.

[0063] Fig. 2 shows the cleaning device 12 with at least one screening device 32, in this case designed as a screening star, for screening out impurities from a crop flow comprising beets and impurities in a plan view vertical to the ground. Front wheels 14 not belonging to the cleaning device are shown in dashed lines. The screening device 32 can be driven about an axis of rotation 34 (cf. Fig. 3) which runs at an angle to the ground and is therefore shown with a longitudinal extension in dashed lines. The axis of rotation is angled to the ground in particular by 80° to 85°. The cleaning device 12 has a crop flow channel 35 for the crop to be transported, in particular the beets, which is delimited at the bottom, i.e. opposite to the vertical direction 20 (Fig. 3), by the screening device 32 and the feed unit 16 arranged upstream of the screening device 32.The crop flow channel 35 extends in sections around the axis of rotation 34 and is partially delimited by a limiting device 38 in the radial direction 36 (see Fig. 3) away from the axis of rotation 34. The axis of rotation 34 is arranged between edges 42, 44 of a conveying element 46 of the feed unit 16, as viewed in the feed direction 40 of the feed unit 16. The cleaning device 12 has a guide device 48 which, as viewed in the feed direction 40, extends from a first edge 42 of the conveying element 46 with respect to the direction of rotation 49 of the screening device 32 in the direction of the other edge 44 in such a way that the crop flow is at least partially deflected upstream of the axis of rotation 34. Thus, the crop flow 50 shown schematically in Fig. 6 is directed between the limiting device 38 and the rotation axis 34 with particularly little turbulence and deceleration, and a high crop throughput of the beet harvester 2 is achieved.

[0064] The guide device 48 points between the limiting device 38 and the rotation axis 34 (Fig. 2) and the crop flow 50 (cf. Fig. 6) is directed between the limiting device 38 and the rotation axis 34.

[0065] As shown in both Fig. 2 and the exemplary embodiments of guide devices 48 shown in Figs. 7 to 9, the guide device 48 in the present case, viewed in plan view parallel to the rotation axis 34, is curved and / or angled at least in sections toward the other edge 44 of the conveying element 46. The guide devices 48 shown in Figs. 2 to 7 and 9 are curved in the present case. The guide device 48 shown in Fig. 8, in contrast, is angled. In any case, this enables a relatively low-turbulence deflection of the crop flow.

[0066] Fig. 2 further shows that, viewed in plan view with respect to the feed direction 40, the guide device 48 is arranged partially upstream of the screening device 32, and the crop flow 50 (cf. Fig. 6) is already at least partially deflected upon reaching the screening device 32. Thus, an early and therefore particularly gentle deflection of the crop flow 50 in the feed direction can occur. A structurally simple implementation of the guide device 48 is facilitated by the guide device 48 preferably being attached to the feed unit 16.

[0067] In the present case, the cleaning device 12 has a further screening device 52 downstream of the screening device 32, which has a further rotation axis 54, also shown with a longitudinal extension due to its angle to the horizontal ground (Figs. 2 to 6). In a transfer area 56 of the screening device 32 to the further screening device 52, a further guide device 58 is arranged, which delimits the crop flow channel 35 on its side facing the further rotation axis 54.This also allows for a low-turbulence and low-deceleration deflection of the crop flow in the transfer area 56. Deceleration of the crop flow due to collisions with a centrally arranged drum element 60 of the screening device 32, which partially forms the crop flow channel 35, and with the further drum element 62 of the further screening device 52, which is centrally arranged in the region of the further rotation axis 54 and partially forms the crop flow channel 35, is reduced. A third screening device 53 is arranged downstream of the further screening device 52.

[0068] To maintain a high throughput, the additional guide device 58 is arranged adjacent to the limiting device 38 of the screening device 32. The additional guide device 58 points between the additional rotation axis 54 and an additional limiting device 64 of the additional screening device 52. A high throughput is also supported by the fact that the drum element 60 and / or the additional drum element 62 is / are rotatable, in particular co-rotatable with the respective screening device 32, 52.

[0069] Fig. 3 shows the guide device 48 that partially delimits the crop flow channel 35 above the screening device 32, i.e., in the vertical direction 20 above the screening device 32. Fig. 3 also shows a guide device 34 designed as a guide comb. As can be seen in particular from Figs. 7-9, this guide comb has a plurality of guide elements 66 arranged one above the other in the vertical direction 20 parallel to the rotation axis 34. Gaps 68 arranged between the guide elements 66 allow impurities in the crop flow to escape, thereby improving the screening effect of the cleaning device 12.

[0070] A distance of the guide device 48 to the other edge 44 of the conveyor element 46 in a height direction 20 that is at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation can optionally increase, as shown by way of example in Figure 3, or decrease, as shown by way of example in Figures 8a to 8c or 9a to 9c.

[0071] In Fig. 4, the cleaning device 12 is equipped with a further developed guide device 48, which is designed to be variable in length relative to its length in the feed direction 40. For this purpose, the guide device 48 can, for example, have interacting and mutually displaceable parts, which can be easily implemented, for example, using pipes of different diameters. Furthermore, the guide device 48 can be fixed at different locations along the feed direction 40. For this purpose, the guide device 48 has a base 70 arranged stationary relative to the feed unit 16, to which an arm 72 of the guide device 48 can be fixed at different locations along the feed direction 40.

[0072] Fig. 5 shows a further embodiment of the guide device 48, which has a stationary base 70 and arms 72 pivotally connected to the base 70, which can be fixed in different angular positions relative to the base 70, three angular positions of which are shown as examples in Fig. 5. Thus, the degree of deflection of the crop flow can be influenced by means of the guide device 48 and adapted, for example, to individual harvesting conditions.

[0073] As shown, among other things, in Fig. 6, the guide device 48 delimits the crop flow channel 35 from the feed unit 16 at least substantially up to the drum element 60. A gap between the end of the guide device 48 lying in the feed direction 40 is advantageous in the event that impurities, such as soil, adhere to the drum element 60. The guide device 48 extends at least in sections in a direction tangential to the drum element 60. The crop flow 50 is thus guided along the drum element 60 without turbulence. In the region of the drum element 60, a conveying effect can be improved in particular by designing the drum element 60 so that it can rotate, in particular so that it can rotate together with the screening device 32. As shown in particular in Figures 8a to 8c and 9a to 9c, a distance of the guide device 48 to the other edge 40 of the conveyor element 46 (cf. Fig. 2) is preferably in a direction relative to the axis of rotation 34 (cf. Fig.2) at least substantially parallel to the vertical direction 20. Thus, the crop flow 50 can be deflected depending on the height. In its upper layers in the vertical direction 20, the crop flow can be increasingly deflected. In addition, the embodiments of the guide device 48 are each rigid, whereby a reliable guidance and deflection of the crop flow 50 can follow. The guide device 48 extends in the vertical direction 20 parallel to the axis of rotation 34 preferably at least 30 centimeters, particularly preferably at least 40 centimeters, as shown in Fig. 7a, 8a and 9a by means of the respective height 74. Thus, a relatively high crop flow can pass through the screening device and be deflected more effectively. In particular, the guide elements 66 run in a helical or spiral shape in sections.

[0074] Reference numbers list

[0075] Beet harvester 44 Other edge

[0076] Direction of travel 46 conveyor element

[0077] Defoliation device 48 Guide device

[0078] Heading device 50 crop stream

[0079] Lifting device 52 Additional screening device

[0080] Cleaning device 54 Additional rotation axis

[0081] Front wheel 56 transfer area

[0082] Feed unit 58 Additional guidance device

[0083] Elevator 60 drum element

[0084] Height direction 62 Additional drum element

[0085] Storage bunker 64 more

[0086] Conveyor device limiting device

[0087] Dispensing device 66 guide element

[0088] Drive 68 gap

[0089] Control cabin 70 Basic

[0090] Screening device 72 Arm

[0091] Rotation axis 74 height

[0092] Crop flow channel

[0093] Radial direction

[0094] Limiting device

[0095] Feed direction

[0096] First edge

Claims

Patent claims 1 . Beet harvesting machine (2) with a cleaning device (12) for cleaning beets, wherein the cleaning device (12) comprises at least one screening device (32), in particular designed as a screening star, for screening out impurities from a crop flow (50), comprising beets and impurities, and the screening device (32) is rotatably driven in a direction of rotation (49) about an axis of rotation (34) running at an angle to a ground, wherein the cleaning device (12) has a crop flow channel (35) for the crop to be transported, which is delimited downwards at least by the screening device (32) and a feed unit (16) upstream of the screening device (32), runs in sections around the axis of rotation (34) and is partially delimited by a limiting device (38) in the radial direction (36) away from the axis of rotation (34), wherein the axis of rotation (34) in the feed direction (40) of the feed unit (16) considered between edges (42,44) of a conveyor element (46) of the feed unit (16), characterized in that the cleaning device (12) has a guide device (48) which extends from a first edge (42) of the conveyor element (46) with respect to the direction of rotation (49) of the screening device (32) in the direction of the other edge (44) in such a way that during operation at least part of the crop flow (50) is deflected towards the direction of rotation (49).

2. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to claim 1, characterized in that the guide device (48) is arranged above the screening device (32) and delimits the crop flow channel (35) in sections.

3. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (48) points between the limiting device (38) and the rotation axis (34), wherein the crop flow (50) is directed between the limiting device (38) and the rotation axis (34).

4. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (48) viewed in a plan view is at least partially curved, coiled and / or angled, in particular in the direction - the other edge (44) of the conveying element (46), - an opposite, in particular radially outer edge of a crop flow and / or crop flow channel and / or - a radially outwardly arranged limiting device (38) is curved, coiled and / or angled at least in sections.

5. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a distance of the guide device (48) to the other edge (44) of the conveyor element (46) increases or decreases in a height direction (20) at least substantially parallel to the axis of rotation (34).

6. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (48) is arranged partially in front of the screening device (32) when viewed in a plan view in the feed direction (40) and the crop flow (50) is already at least partially deflected when it reaches the screening device (32).

7. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (48) is fastened to the feed unit (16) and / or is rigid.

8. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (48) is designed as a guide comb, comprising a plurality of guide elements (66) arranged one above the other in a height direction (20) parallel to the axis of rotation (34).

9. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (48) has a stationary base (70) and at least one arm (72) pivotally connected to the base (70) and which can be fixed in different angular positions relative to the base (70).

10. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to claim 9, characterized in that the arm (72) of the guide device (48) can be automatically fixed in different angular positions relative to the base (70) in adaptation to a crop throughput and / or that the guide device (48) has an adjusting unit, in particular an adjusting unit for an angular position of the arm (72), which can be controlled by a control unit depending on a crop throughput.

11. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that the base (70) has an adjusting element extending in the feed direction, to which the arm (72) can be fixed at different points.

12. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (48), in particular with respect to its length in the feed direction (40), is designed to be variable in length and / or that the guide device (48) is fastened displaceably along the feed direction (40).

13. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the guide device (48) extends at least 30 centimeters, preferably at least 40 centimeters, in the height direction (20) parallel to the axis of rotation (34).

14. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the screening device (32) has a centrally arranged drum element (60) which partially forms the crop flow channel (35).

15. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to claim 14, characterized in that the guide device (48) delimits the crop flow channel (35) starting from the feed unit (16) at least substantially up to the drum element (60).

16. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to claim 14 or 15, characterized in that the guide device (48) extends at least in sections in a direction tangential to the drum element (60) and the crop flow (50) is guided along the drum element (60).

17. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of claims 14 to 16, characterized in that the drum element (60) is designed to be rotatable, in particular to be co-rotatable with the screening device (32).

18. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the cleaning device (12) has at least one further screening device (52) arranged downstream of the screening device (32), wherein in a transfer area (56) of the screening device (32) to the further screening device (52) a further guide device (58) is arranged, which the crop flow channel (35) is limited on its side facing a further axis of rotation (54) of the further screening device (52).

19. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to claim 18, characterized in that the further guide device (58) is arranged following the limiting device (38) of the screening device (32), in particular is fastened thereto and points between the further axis of rotation (54) and a further limiting device (64) of the further screening device (52).

20. Beet harvesting machine (2) according to claim 18 or 19, characterized in that the further screening device (52) has a centrally arranged further drum element (62) which partially forms the crop flow channel (35), wherein the further drum element (62) is preferably rotatable, in particular co-rotatable with the further screening device (52).

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