Root crop separating device

Abstract

The present invention relates to a root crop separating device, comprising a plurality of roller pairs received in a holding structure of the root crop separating device, each roller pair comprising a first roller and a second roller arranged adjacent thereto and associated therewith, wherein the respective rotational shafts of the mutually associated first rollers and second rollers of a corresponding roller pair can be driven, synchronously or contra-rotationally, transversely to a transport direction of the root crop by means of at least one drive, and comprising an actuating device which connects the second rollers to the holding structure and is provided with at least one actuating means, wherein, by means of the actuating device, the second rollers can be adjusted relative to the first rollers with respect to the respective rotational shafts thereof, as a result of which an exit gap formed between the respective first rollers and second rollers of a roller pair can be set, wherein the actuating device comprises a first actuating element, via which a first group of one or more of the second rollers can be adjusted relative to the first roller(s), and the actuating device comprises at least one further actuating element, via which the at least one further group of one or more of the second roller(s) can be adjusted relative to the first roller(s), wherein the exit gap formed by the first group can be set independently of the exit gaps formed by the further groups.

Description

[0001] Root crop separator

[0002] The present invention relates to a root crop separator, particularly for potatoes, comprising several pairs of rollers mounted in a holding structure of the root crop separator. Each pair of rollers comprises a first roller and a second roller arranged adjacent to and associated with the first roller. The first and second rollers of each pair of rollers, with their respective axes of rotation transverse to a transport direction of the root crops, can be driven in the same or opposite directions by means of at least one drive. The root crop separator also includes an adjusting device connecting the second rollers to the holding structure and equipped with at least one adjusting means.The adjusting device allows the second rollers to be adjusted relative to the first rollers with respect to their respective axes of rotation, thereby allowing the opening formed between the respective first and second rollers of a pair of rollers to be adjusted for separating haulm, clods and / or other impurities from the root crops.

[0003] Such root crop separators can be used in stationary systems, but are primarily used in harvesting machines, such as potato or beet harvesters. These root crop separators, also known in practice as "roller tables," are fed a stream of harvested crop by means of conveyors, such as sieves and / or conveyor belts. During operation, the root crops in the harvested crop stream are transported in one direction over the pairs of rollers and separated from haulm, clods, and / or other impurities in the harvested crop stream. For this purpose, the pairs of rollers are driven in opposite directions in a so-called "pulling" operation, so that the impurities in the harvested crop stream to be separated from the root crops are conveyed between the two rollers of a roller pair through the gap formed by them, while the root crops are transported over the roller pair.The first and second rollers are arranged alternately in the direction of transport.

[0004] The position of the axes of rotation of the first and second rollers of a given roller pair influences, among other things, the effectiveness of separating impurities, the gentleness of the harvested crop, the dwell time of the crop on the roller pair, and the risk of clogging. For example, a large distance between the first and second rollers in the direction of transport is particularly advantageous for clod separation but less so for haulm separation. Conversely, a small distance between the rollers of a roller pair in the direction of transport is less advantageous for clod separation but particularly advantageous for haulm separation. On the other hand, a high vertical position of the rear roller (in the direction of transport) promotes a highly aggressive cleaning effect but increases the risk of clogging.Conversely, a comparatively low height of the rear roller in the direction of transport in a pair of rollers results in comparatively low aggressiveness and a lower risk of clogging. Adjusting the axes of rotation of the first and second rollers of a pair of rollers relative to each other, as well as adjusting the clearance gap formed by the rollers, is desirable in practice to allow adaptation to varying harvesting conditions, for example, when a harvester moves across a field. Different moisture levels, for instance, result in different clod sizes. Furthermore, small root crops, in particular, can be pulled through an excessively large clearance gap.

[0005] The present invention is therefore based on the objective of providing a root crop separation device, which is improved particularly with regard to its separation performance, as well as a correspondingly improved agricultural harvesting machine.

[0006] This problem is solved by a root crop separation device according to claim 1 and by an agricultural harvesting machine according to claim 11. Advantageous embodiments of the inventions can be found in the dependent claims relating to these claims, in the following description and in the figures.

[0007] According to the invention, the adjusting device comprises a first adjusting element by which a first group of one or more of the second rollers can be adjusted relative to the first roller(s). Furthermore, the adjusting device comprises at least one further adjusting element by which at least a further group of one or more of the second rollers can be adjusted relative to the first roller(s). This allows the gaps formed by the first group between the first and second rollers of the roller pairs of the first group to be adjusted independently of the gaps formed by the further group between the first and second rollers of roller pairs of the further group.

[0008] The term "second roll adjacent to a first roll" refers to the roll that immediately follows the first roll in the transport direction. The first and second rolls of each pair of rolls are arranged such that they form one of the passage gaps between them. For the purposes of this application, "rolls arranged transversely to the transport direction" means rolls arranged at an angle or perpendicular to the transport direction.

[0009] Preferably, the root crop separator comprises several, in particular directly consecutive, pairs of rollers. Preferably, the root crop separator is designed without any other rollers between the roller pairs. In particular, the root crop separator comprises only the rollers of the roller pairs. The root crop separator is then designed entirely without any other rollers.

[0010] The effect of the first and second rollers on the crop flow can be influenced by their direction of rotation relative to each other. For example, counter-rotating the first and second rollers improves the plucking action for haulms. Conversely, parallel rotation improves the transport action for root crops. The first and second rollers of the root crop separator can be driven individually or at least partially together.

[0011] The adjustment of the second rollers relative to the first rollers is understood to mean a change in the relative position of the axes of rotation of the second rollers relative to the axes of rotation of the first rollers. The adjustment is achieved, in particular, without changing the relative position of the axes of rotation of one or more first rollers to the axes of rotation of other first rollers. Specifically, the adjustment of the second rollers occurs without adjusting the first rollers. The adjustment of the second rollers is preferably independent of any adjustment of the first rollers. For this purpose, the first and second rollers of a roller pair are designed, in particular, without kinematic coupling to each other. Preferably, at least one group of one or more second rollers is designed without kinematic coupling to the other groups of one or more second rollers.In particular, all groups of one or more second rollers are designed without kinematic coupling to the other groups of one or more second rollers. Thus, the adjustment of at least one group of second rollers is preferably independent of the adjustment of at least another group of second rollers. In the case of individually driven rollers, each roller drive can be arranged in a fixed position relative to the roller driven by that roller drive, making the latter adjustable by adjusting the roller. In one possible position of the first roller relative to the second roller, the first and second rollers of a roller pair are in contact with each other. The gap formed between them is then 0 mm, although, for example, spaces between webs of spiral rollers may create a greater than zero distance.Since, for the purposes of this application, the first group and / or the second group of second rollers can consist of a single second roller, it is also possible according to the invention that the first group and / or the second group comprises only a single passage gap.

[0012] Conventional actuators, particularly linear actuators such as hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders, can be used as positioning devices. The positioning elements preferably connect their respective group of second rollers to the holding structure via at least one positioning device. A common holding structure, especially a common holding frame, is preferably used for all first and second rollers of the root crop separator. In a harvesting machine comprising the root crop separator, the holding structure of the root crop separator can also at least partially form a holding structure of the harvesting machine.

[0013] In the root crop separator according to the invention, it is possible to adjust the relative position of the first and second rollers of the roller pairs of the first group, as well as their clearance gap, independently of the relative position of the first and second rollers of the roller pairs of the further group, as well as their clearance gap. This allows for different settings, particularly for the distance in the transport direction and the height of the second rollers relative to the first rollers, to be implemented for each group. This enables functional individualization of the roller pairs belonging to the different groups, so that the root crop separator as a whole is particularly customizable and adjustable for different functions. For example,The first group of root crop separators can be set up to optimize clod separation, while another group is optimized for haulm separation. Consequently, different functions or functional focuses can be integrated into the same root crop separator. This eliminates the need for multiple root crop separators with different functions in series, which would significantly increase the required installation space and the dimensions of a harvesting machine incorporating these multiple separators.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first rollers or the second rollers, in particular all of them, are designed as spiral rollers. The spiral rollers preferably have a profile extending along their outer surface. The profile includes, in particular, at least one egg-shaped, outwardly projecting drive rib. A portion of the spiral roller's outer surface, which in particular at least partially forms the profile, is preferably made of an elastically compliant material. For easier maintenance, the spiral rollers can comprise several segments arranged one behind the other along their axis of rotation and joined together. The preferably present, outwardly projecting drive rib or the drive ribs of the individual segments then merge into one another. By using spiral rollers, the root crops can be conveyed laterally, i.e., in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation, and thus, for example,The force is distributed across the entire width of the root crop separator. The particularly elastic drive ribs can also exert a strong conveying effect on, for example, foliage, especially when in contact with the other roller, particularly the smooth roller, of the roller pair. The conveying effect of the root crop separator is thus improved overall.

[0015] According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the first or second rollers are designed as smooth rollers. In particular, either the first or the second rollers are designed as spiral rollers and the other rollers are designed as smooth rollers. A pair of rollers then consists of a spiral roller and a smooth roller. The smooth rollers are, in particular, cylindrical rollers with at least a substantially smooth surface. The outer shell of the smooth rollers can, for example, be made of steel. To deflect stones or similar debris from the crop flow, the smooth rollers are preferably spring-loaded and connected to the support structure. Particularly in combination with the spiral rollers, the use of smooth rollers achieves an advantageous separation effect. Preferably, the first group and the further group(s) are each adjustable relative to all of the first rollers.The first rollers are preferably arranged in a fixed position relative to the holding structure. The first rollers can be rigidly connected to the holding structure with respect to their axes of rotation. The first rollers can preferably span a common plane via their respective axes of rotation, relative to which the groups of second rollers are adjustable. This allows for different adjustments of groups of second rollers relative to the same first rollers, i.e., to a single unit of first rollers, in particular a single separating device.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first group and the further group are each adjustable by means of several adjusting means and along several independent paths of motion. In particular, a first path of motion extends at least partially in the transport direction, and a second path of motion extends at least partially in a vertical direction perpendicular to the transport direction. This achieves multi-axis adjustability, which does not necessarily mean adjustability along linear axes, but also along several curved paths of motion. The paths of motion lie, in particular, in a plane radial to the axis of rotation of the second axes and transversely, and in particular substantially perpendicularly, to each other. The adjusting device preferably has one adjusting means per path of motion, by means of which all second rollers of a group can be adjusted together along this path of motion.Thus, in a structurally simple manner, the second rollers can be adjusted relative to the first rollers, at least partially, in both the transport and height directions. The clearance gap formed between these rollers is therefore relatively freely adjustable.

[0017] In a further preferred embodiment of the invention, the actuating elements and / or the holding structure have at least one guide element, preferably designed as a cam guide, for guiding the respective group along one of the movement paths. In particular, the actuating elements each have a first guide element for guiding along the first of the movement paths. The holding structure preferably has, particularly for each actuating element, a second guide element for guiding along the second of the movement paths. Thus, multi-axis adjustability can be implemented in a structurally simple manner with the same actuating element for each group. The cam guide can be easily manufactured by forming it as a recess in the preferably planar and particularly preferably sheet-metal-shaped actuating element or the holding structure.

[0018] Preferably, the adjusting elements connect the second rollers of their respective group to each other via rocker arms, which are connected to the respective second rollers on one side and pivotally coupled to the respective adjusting element on the other. This allows for the simple implementation of multi-axis adjustability of the second rollers of a common group via a single adjusting element. Preferably, the adjusting elements are designed as a side panel located on the side of the support structure facing away from the transport area for the root crops. This prevents the adjusting element from narrowing the transport area intended for the crop flow and makes it less susceptible to contamination, for example.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least one of the actuating means is arranged on the transport side of the holding structure. Due to the spacing of the actuating means from the rollers by the actuating elements arranged, in particular, between them, and the preferably also arranged swing arms, the actuating means are arranged vertically above the actuating elements. Therefore, even when arranged on the transport side, the actuating means do not, or only minimally, narrow the transport space for the root crops. This arrangement of the actuating means thus ensures particularly compact dimensions for the root crop separators. The actuating means can be connected to the actuating elements via respective coupling elements. For this purpose, the holding structure can have openings or recesses through which the coupling elements pass.

[0020] A particularly advantageous separation performance of the root crop separator can be achieved by providing at least four pairs of rollers, and in particular at least two of the second rollers per group. Furthermore, the problem according to the invention is solved by a particularly trailed or self-propelled agricultural harvesting machine equipped with one of the root crop separators described above or below, which thereby benefits from the advantages explained with regard to the root crop separator.

[0021] Further advantages of the invention can be found in the following figure descriptions. The schematic representations show:

[0022] Fig. 1 shows a part of a harvesting machine according to the invention with a root crop separation device according to the invention,

[0023] Fig. 2 shows a perspective view of the root crop separating device according to the invention from Fig. 1 ,

[0024] Fig. 3 shows a top view of the root crop separating device according to the invention from Fig. 2 in direction III from Fig. 2.

[0025] Fig. 4 shows a side view of the root crop separating device according to the invention from Fig. 3 in direction IV from Fig. 3.

[0026] Fig. 5 is a side view of the root crop separating device according to the invention from Fig. 3 in direction V from Fig. 3, Fig. 6 is a sectional view of the root crop separating device according to the invention from Fig. 3 in line V1-V1 from Fig. 3,

[0027] Fig. 7 shows a schematic representation of a first setting of the roller pairs of the root crop separating device according to the invention from Figs. 1 to 6 and

[0028] Fig. 8 shows a schematic representation of a second setting of the roller pairs of the root crop separating device according to the invention from Figs. 1 to 6.

[0029] Individual technical features of the embodiments described below can also be combined with previously described embodiments and the features of one of the independent claims and any further claims to form articles according to the invention. Where appropriate, functionally equivalent elements are provided with identical reference numerals.

[0030] Fig. 1 shows a part of an agricultural harvesting machine 2, in particular designed as a potato harvester, which, according to the invention, has a root crop separating device 4. Upstream of the root crop separating device 4, in the transport direction T of the root crops, are components typical of such a harvesting machine 2, such as a digging share 6 and transport and / or sieving belts 8. When the harvesting machine 2 is in operation, a stream of harvested material containing impurities is taken in and directed to the root crop separating device 4, by means of which the root crops can be separated from the impurities in the harvested material stream. For this purpose, the root crop separating device 4, as shown in particular in Fig. 2, has several pairs of rollers 12 mounted in a holding structure 10, in particular a common one, of the root crop separating device 4.The four pairs of rollers 12 in this case each comprise a first roller 14 and a second roller 16 adjacent to and associated with it in the transport direction T. In this case, the first rollers 14 are each designed as spiral rollers, while the second rollers 16 are each designed as smooth rollers. Thus, in each pair of rollers 12, one spiral roller and one smooth roller work together. The first and second rollers 14, 16 can be driven transversely, in this case perpendicularly, to the transport direction T, either in the same or opposite direction. For this purpose, the root crop separator 4 has a drive (not shown) for each roller 14, 16. The root crop separator 4 also includes an adjusting device 18 with several adjusting means 20. By means of the adjusting device 18, the second rollers 16 can be adjusted relative to the first rollers 14 with respect to their respective axes of rotation 14', 16'.This allows the passage gap 22 formed between the respective first rollers 14 and second rollers 16 of a pair of rollers 12 (cf. Fig. 7, 8) to be adjusted by changing the position of the respective axes of rotation 14', 16' relative to each other.

[0031] The adjusting device 18 comprises a first adjusting element 24, by means of which a first group 26 of several second rollers 16 is adjustable relative to the first rollers 14. Furthermore, the adjusting device 18 comprises at least one further adjusting element 28, by means of which a further group 30 of several second rollers 16 is adjustable relative to the first rollers 14. This allows the passage gaps 22 formed by the second rollers 16 of the first group 26 to be adjusted independently of the passage gaps 22' formed by the second rollers 16 of the further group 30. This can be seen, for example, in Fig. 2, where the second rollers 16 of the further group 30 are arranged higher in a vertical direction H relative to the first rollers 14 than the second rollers 16 of the first group 26.This functionally divides the roller pairs 12 of the root crop separator 4 into groups 26, 30, which can be individually adjusted with regard to their effect on the crop flow. For example, one of the groups 26, 30 can be primarily set for pulling to remove haulms and another of the groups 26, 30 for the further transport of root crops.

[0032] Figures 3 and 4 show that the adjusting device 18 comprises several first adjusting elements 24 and several further adjusting elements 28, of which one first adjusting element 24 and one further adjusting element 28 are at least indirectly connected to each end of the second rollers 16 lying transversely to the transport direction T. Thus, the second rollers 16 can be adjusted simultaneously or synchronously at both of their ends.

[0033] It is particularly evident from Fig. 4 that the first group 26 and the further group 30 are each adjustable group by means of several adjusting means 20 (cf. Fig. 2) and along several independent paths of motion 32, 34. In this case, a first path of motion 32 runs at least partially in the transport direction T, and in particular more strongly in the transport direction T relative to the second path of motion 34, while a second path of motion 34 runs at least partially in a vertical direction H perpendicular to the transport direction T, and in particular more strongly in the vertical direction H compared to the first path of motion 32. In other words, the first path of motion 32 and the second path of motion 34 of the two groups 26, 30 are each angled relative to each other, so that multi-axis adjustability of the passage gap 22, 22' is given.The first and second rollers 14, 16 are adjustable both in their distance to each other in the transport direction T and in their height relative to each other in the vertical direction H. This allows the passage gaps 22, 22' to be customized particularly well with regard to their function.

[0034] The adjustability described above can be implemented simply by providing the actuating elements 24, 28 and / or the holding structure 10 with a guide element 36, in this case designed as a cam guide, for guiding the respective second rollers 16 of the groups 26, 30 along the paths of movement 32, 34. The respective rollers 14, 16 are rotatably connected to their respective actuating elements 24, 28 via rocker arms 38. Figure 5, in particular, shows that the actuating elements 24, 28 can be displaced in a plane transverse to the transport direction by means of an actuating device 20, for example designed as a hydraulic cylinder. By displacing the actuating elements 24, 28, the second rollers 16 of a respective group 26, 30 are also displaced via the respective rocker arms 38. As shown here, further coupling elements can be provided between the actuating device 20 and the respective actuating element 24, 28.

[0035] The actuating elements 24, 28 are each designed as a side part, which is arranged on the side of the holding structure 10 facing away from a transport space 40 (see Fig. 2) for the root crops. Thus, the actuating elements 24, 28 do not affect the flow of the harvested crop, or only minimally. However, at least one of the actuating means 20 can be arranged on the transport space side of the holding structure 10 (see Fig. 2). This actuating means 20 is arranged in the vertical direction H above the rollers 14, 16 and spaced apart from them.

[0036] For compact design, the holding structure 10, the actuating elements 24, 28, and / or the coupling elements 42 for connecting the actuating means 20 with the actuating elements 24, 28 are designed as flat or sheet-metal components. Thus, the root crop separator 4 has comparatively compact dimensions without significantly affecting the size of the transport space 40. As shown in Fig. 6, this also allows, for example, individual coupling elements 42 to be arranged on the transport space side of the holding structure 10.

[0037] The coupling element 42 shown in Fig. 6 serves to adjust the height of the second rollers 16 of the further group 30. For this purpose, one of the adjusting means 20 (cf. Fig. 2) engages at the connection point 44. The connecting means 46, which in this case are designed as bolts and run in particular through the holding structure 10, then move the further adjusting element 28, which is arranged on the other side of the holding structure 10, along the second path of movement 34 of the guide element 36.

[0038] In the present case, the root crop separator 4 has at least four pairs of rollers 12, of which two second rollers 16 belong to each of the groups 26, 30 (see Fig. 7). This allows, for example, the adjustments of the second rollers 16 of a respective group 26, 30 relative to the first rollers 14, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, to be made. In Fig. 7, the second rollers 16 of the first group 26 are arranged with a minimum distance in the transport direction T to the first rollers 14, but with a maximum height in the vertical direction H relative to them. In contrast, the second rollers 16 of the further group 30 in Fig. 7 have a maximum distance in the transport direction T to their respective rollers 14 and a minimum height in the vertical direction H. In particular, the respective second rollers 16 of the respective groups 26, 30 are adjusted to all first rollers 14 or a plane 48 spanned by their axes of rotation 14'.In contrast, the second rollers 16 of the first group 26 in Fig. 8 have a minimum height and a minimum distance, while the second rollers 16 of the further group 30 have a maximum distance and maximum height.

[0039] According to the invention, it is also possible to set all intermediate positions between those shown in Figs. 7 and 8. Furthermore, in other embodiments of the invention, larger or smaller distances between the rollers 14, 16, or lower or higher minimum or maximum heights of the

[0040] Rollers 16 will be implemented.

[0041] Reference symbol list

[0042] Harvesting machine 32 First path of movement

[0043] Root crop separator 34 Second path of movement

[0044] Rodeschar 36 guide element

[0045] Transport / sieve belt 38 swing arm

[0046] Support structure 40 Transport space

[0047] Roller pair 42 coupling element

[0048] First roller 44 Connection point ' Axis of rotation first roller 46 Connecting device

[0049] Second roller 48 plane ' axis of rotation second roller H height direction

[0050] Actuator T Transport direction

[0051] Adjusting device, 22' passage gap

[0052] First actuating element

[0053] First group

[0054] Additional actuating element

[0055] Other group

Claims

Claims 1. Root crop separating device (4), in particular for potatoes, comprising several pairs of rollers (12) received in a holding structure (10) of the root crop separating device (4), each roller comprising a first roller (14) and a second roller (16) arranged adjacent to and associated with it, wherein the first rollers (14) and second rollers (16) of each pair of rollers (12) associated with each other can be driven in the same or opposite direction with their respective axes of rotation (14', 16') transversely to a transport direction (T) of the root crops by means of at least one drive, and comprising an adjusting device (18) connecting the second rollers (16) to the holding structure (10) and provided with at least one adjusting means (20), wherein the second rollers (16) can be adjusted relative to the first rollers (14) with respect to their respective axes of rotation (14', 16') by means of the adjusting device (18),wherein a passage gap (22) formed between the respective first rollers (14) and second rollers (16) of a roller pair (12) is adjustable for separating haulm, clods and / or other impurities from the root crops, characterized in that the adjusting device (18) comprises a first adjusting element (24) by means of which a first group (26) of one or more of the second rollers (16) is adjustable relative to the first roller(s) (14), the adjusting device (18) comprises at least one further adjusting element (28) by means of which at least one further group (30) of one or more of the second rollers (18) is adjustable relative to the first roller(s) (14), wherein the passage gap (22) formed by the first group (26) is adjustable independently of the are adjustable by the further group (30) with formed passage gaps (22').

2. Root crop separation device (4) according to claim 1 , characterized in that the first rollers (14) or the second rollers (16) are designed as spiral rollers.

3. Root crop separation device (4) according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the first rollers (14) or the second rollers (16) are designed as smooth rollers.

4. Root crop separation device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first group (26) and the further group (30) are each adjustable relative to all first rollers (14).

5. Root crop separating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the first group (26) and the further group (30) are each adjustable by means of several adjusting means (20) and along several independent movement paths (32, 34), in particular wherein a first movement path (32) runs at least partially in the transport direction (T) and a second movement path (34) runs at least partially in a vertical direction (H) perpendicular to the transport direction (T).

6. Root crop separating device (4) according to claim 5, characterized in that the actuating elements (24, 28) and / or the holding structure (10) have at least one guide element (36) designed in particular as a cam guide for guiding the respective group (26, 30) along one of the movement paths (32, 34).

7. Root crop separating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating elements (24, 28) connect the second rollers (16) of their respective group (26, 30) to each other via rocker arms (38), which are in particular connected on the one hand to the respective second rollers (16) and on the other hand pivotably coupled to the respective actuating element (24, 28).

8. Root crop separating device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actuating elements (24, 28) are each designed as a side part which is arranged on the side of the holding structure (10) facing away from a transport space (40) of the root crops.

9. Root crop separation device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least one of the actuating means (20) is arranged on the transport area side of the holding structure (10).

10. Root crop separation device (4) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by at least four pairs of rollers (12) and in particular at least two of the second rollers (16) per group (26, 30).

11. Agricultural harvesting machine (2), characterized by a root crop separation device (4) according to one of the preceding claims.

Images