WO1991005460A1

WO1991005460A1 - Discharging apparatus

Info

Publication number: WO1991005460A1
Application number: PCT/NO1990/000108
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erling Byrkja; Jostein Eikeland
Original assignee: Serigstad A/S
Priority date: 1989-10-19
Filing date: 1990-06-26
Publication date: 1991-05-02
Also published as: NO894178D0; NO894178L; AU5926890A

Abstract

Discharging apparatus for a stripping and cutting device (6, 7, 8) for straw and grass bales, in particular round bales, silage and the like, of the type which comprises a rotating, roller shaped and horizontal stripping-cutting member (7) adapted to deliver comminuted or cut mass with a substantially downwardly directed movement component. The apparatus comprises a throwing rotor (11) provided with a number of blades (11A, B, C) located in close association with the stripping-cutting member (7) and having its axis (12) parallel to and at least laterally offset in relation to the axis (9) thereof. This throwing rotor (11) is surrounded by an enclosure (15A, B, C) which has an internal opening (16) towards the stripping-cutting member (7) and at least one discharge opening (II) with an associated baffle device (15C, 15D) for changing between a discharge direction (II) having a substantially horizontal movement component and a discharge direction having a movement component being directed substantially downwards. Opposite the ends of the throwing rotor (11) the enclosure (15A, B, C) has air intake openings (19).

Description

DISCHARGING APPARATUS

This invention relates to a discharging apparatus for a stripping and cutting device for straw and grass bales, in particular round bales, silage and the like, of the type comprising a rotating, roller-shaped and horizontal stripping-cutting member adapted to discharge comminuted or cut mass with a substantially downwardly directed movement component.

The stripping and cutting device referred to above is in particular represented by Norwegian patent application • No. 88.2483 (international patent application PCT/N089/00047) , but also other stripping and cutting devices for the same purpose and having a similar stripping- cutting member are of interest in this connection. When using such equipment a dual requirement has developed, namely in the first place to deliver comminuted straw, grass or silage as fodder to feeding trays, troughs or the like in cattle sheds, and in the second place to distribute for example cut straw as bedding in cattle sheds. A discharging apparatus for the latter purpose should be able to throw the bedding material at a sufficient height in order to pass above nearby cattle in the shed. A machine which can satisfy in combination both requirements mentioned here in a reliable manner, represents design challenges in many ways, as substantial problems may arise due to the varying forms for material or mass to be treated, including dry straw, damp grass bales, tightly compacted silage and the like. Difficulties in comminuting and cutting such different materials are also discussed in the above mentioned earlier patent application.

Various designs of discharge apparatus for delivering fodder and for distributing bedding material respectively, are previously known. Examples of such known designs are found in British patent application 2.048.211 and international patent application PCT/AU87/00065 (publication No. WO 87/05186) . Both these known designs are based upon direct discharge by means of a cutting rotor which delivers the material through a closed chute or channel which is adjustable to a high and a low position respectively. Such a design requires much space and makes it difficult to obtain a sufficient throwing distance because the material must move through the length of the channel.

The present invention aims at providing a simple and efficient discharging apparatus which fulfils both require¬ ments stated above, and which, in spite of its receiving comminuted or cut mass from the stripping-cutting member having a movement component directed substantially down¬ wards, is able to eject the bedding at an adequate height and to an adequate distance. In this connection, it has, surprisingly, been found possible, within a small space and at a high acceleration, to reverse the direction of movement of the initially downwardly directed mass, into an upward movement with the possibility of discharging at an incli¬ nation upwards with a substantially horizontal movement component, so that bedding materials can be distributed in an efficient manner. The invention comprises a number of important structural details, which together result in an optimal function with respect to the various forms of materials or masses which occur. Among other things it is assumed to be an important factor that the air through-flow in the discharging apparatus can contribute to the movement of the mass or material therethrough.

What is novel and specific about the discharging apparatus according to the invention, in the first place consists therein that a throwing rotor provided with a number of blades is arranged in close relationtship to the stripping-cutting member with its axis parallel to and at least laterally offset in relation to the axis of the stripping-cutting member, that the throwing rotor is surrounded by an enclosure having an interior opening towards the stripping-cutting member and at least a dis¬ charge opening with an associated baffle device for changing between a discharge direction having a substantially horizontally directed movement component and a discharge direction having a substantially downwardly directed movement component, and that the enclosure has air intake openings opposite the ends of the throwing rotor.

The invention and its associated additional specific features and advantages shall be explained more closely in the following description with reference drawings, wherein: Fig. 1 in partial section shows an embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention in a position for delivering fodder in a downward direction. Fig. 2 shows the discharging apparatus in a similar way as in Fig. 1, but in a position for high discharging with a substantilly horizontal movement component, Fig. 3 shows the apparatus in Figs. 1 and 2 in side- elevation, and Fig. 4 shows a second and preferred embodiment of the apparatus according to the invention, in a similar view as in Figs. 1 and 2. The drawings show a part of a carriage having wheels 1 and an undercarriage or frame 2 as well as a container 3 adapted to carry straw or grass bales, in particular round bales, for comminuting or cutting as described for example in the patent application referred to above. Thus, as shown therein, there is provided a conveyer 6, a stripping-cutting member 7 in the form of a rotor having knives at its circum¬ ference, and counter-rotating plates 8 having a toothed circumference. The direction of movement of the conveyer 6 as well as the rotational direction of both rotating members 7 and 8 are such that they all contribute to the desired feeding or rotating movement of a round bale to be stripped or cut and delivered, for example as fodder.

The resulting more or less comminuted or loosened mass from the round bale is delivered from the space between the two rotating members 7 and 8 at an inclination downwards and thereby enters into the discharging apparatus 10 which can be regarded as auxiliary equipment to the type of stripping and cutting device referred to.

An essential component in the discharging apparatus 10 is a throwing rotor 11 which in this embodiment has three blades 11A, 11B and 11C at equal angular spacing from each other about the rotor axis 12. The throwing rotor 11 is located close to the stripping-cutting member 7, preferably laterally and somewhat lowered in relation thereto. A required enclosure about the throwing rotor 11 comprises a curved wall part 15A which preferably follows a circular arc and extends at a small radial spacing from the circle described by the outer edge of the rotor blades, for example the edge 11A of blade 11A. In the rotation direction this curved wall part 15A is followed by a wall part 15B, which may be of plane shape and diverges from the circumference of the throwing rotor when seen in relation to the direction of rotation. Finally, the enclosure comprises an adjustable cover 15C which is adapted to assume two different positions, as shown in Fig. 1 and Fig. 2, respectively.

The throwing rotor 11 has the same direction of rotation as the stripping-cutting member 7 and, advantage¬ ously, has a direct rotational coupling thereto, for example through a V-belt 13 as shown, preferably adapted to give the throwing rotor a substantially higher peripheral or rotational velocity than the stripping-cutting member.

Between the stripping-cutting member 7 and the throwing rotor 11 there^"is provided an interior opening 16, which in view of the mutual geometrical relationships as described here, provides for the comminuted mass from member 7 to hit the rotating blades 11A,B,C at such a direction and velocity that the movement of the mass so to speak changes direction completely and is moved upwards at an inclination by the throwing rotor. With the position of the movable cover 15C as shown in Fig. 1 there is formed a discharge opening at 171 which results in a substantially downwardly directed discharge, particularly intended for delivering fodder. This discharge direction is indicated with arrows as at I. In order to contribute to such a desired discharge down¬ wards, the cover 15C can advantageously have an adjustable and flexible end piece 15D of rubber.

In the position of cover 15C as shown in Fig. 2, the mentioned (lower) discharge opening 171 is closed, whereas an upper discharge opening 1711 has been formed higher up. Discharge from this opening takes place at an inclination horizontally and somewhat upwards as indicated with arrows II.

Above the upper discharge opening 1711 it is an advantage to provide a baffle plate 25 in order to prevent the material being thrown out from being spread out too much in the height direction at the same time as it may be given a certain guidance or collection laterally by means of side plates 25A,B on the baffle plate 25. For the purpose of providing a certain possibility of adjustment the baffle plate 25 may be set at variable angles by. means of hinging having a horizontal axis at the inner end of the plate. Normally this baffle plate 25 will be set in an angular position being inclined upwards-outwards in relation to the discharge opening 1711.

The cover 15C for changing between low and high discharge can for example be provided on links 31 and 32 which by means of a suitable geometry makes possible the desired movement for changing the position of the cover. Besides one or more springs can be used for keeping the cover closely fitted in each of the two positions. As an alternative to the preferred single, movable cover, the employment of two separate covers may be contemplated, each in association with one of the two discharge openings, possibly with a coupling mechanism which constrains one cover to be opened when the other cover is closed and vice versa. With a single cover as shown in the drawing, however, the operation of the apparatus will be very simple and safe.

As already indicated in the introduction to this description, the air flow conditions in the discharge apparatus are of great significance. The air flow which partly is regarded as having a rather turbulent pattern at various places in the apparatus, will to a large extent run together with and have a mutual influence on the mass or material flow through the apparatus. With a structure as shown, the throwing rotor within its enclosure will have a significant fan-like effect, since air being drawn in will be expelled through the discharge opening concerned at a relatively high velocity together with the comminuted mass. This is of particular significance in the case of discharge through the upper opening when distributing a comminuted bedding material.

What has been said immediately above is implied in the design shown, inter alia, by the geometrical relationships and dimensions in the region between the stripping-cutting member 7 and the throwing rotor 11 as well as the confining surfaces internally against these, including the enclosure 15A,B,C. At the junction between member 7 and rotor 11 downwards, the housing or enclosure is formed with a relatively strongly projecting first part 21 which at one side faces the member 7, and has a wall part 21A with a decreasing distance or gap from the stripping-cutting member 7, as seen against the direction of rotation. Thus, there is a rather small or minimum clearence between the top of the projection 21 and the outer circumference of member 7 during the rotation thereof. The side of projection 21 which faces the throwing rotor 11, however, has a compara¬ tively good clearence in relation thereto, namely at the wall part 2IB which constitutes the continuation of the aforementioned part 15B of the enclosure. Wall part 15B diverges in the direction of rotation. On the other hand, wall part 2IB is converging in relation to the circumference of the throwing rotor. While the longitudinal upper edge of projection 21 confines the interior opening 16 downwards, this opening has an upper boundary in the form of a second projection 22, which is somewhat less pronounced than the first projection 21. Thus, the projection 22 has a larger clearence or gap in relation to both the stripping-cutting member 7 and the throwing rotor 11 at its crest point than at points having an increasing distance therefrom. This, in particular, applies to that side of projection 22 which faces member 7. There a quite clearly diverging gap is present, which promotes an adequate delivery of mass from ^• the stripping-cutting member against the throwing rotor 11.

What is very important for attaining an advantageous air through-flow in the arrangement just described, are openings 19 in the enclosure opposing the ends of the throwing rotor 11, so as to provide for a sufficient inflow of air and the fan-like function of rotor 11. It is obvious that the air intake openings 19 can be provided with regulating means for the adjustment of a desired air input.

The specific and advantageous design of the throwing rotor 11 shall now be discussed with particular reference to Fig. 2. The rotor 11 has three blades and is assembled on an axial tube whereby each blade, for example blade 11A, consists of two plates 11AF and 11AK being at their inner edges welded to the axle tube, so that there is obtained a very strong and rigid blade 11A having a short outer edge part of the plate 11AF projecting outside plate 11AK.

In relation to the radial plane through the outer edge the plate 11AF facing forwardly in the direction of rotation, forms an angle V which is considered to be of significance for the efficient entraining and throwing of material or mass from the discharge apparatus. With such an angle V the leading surface of each rotor blade will have a back-leaning position or angle in relation to a purely radial plane, and this in particular contributes to a discharge without problems, which has essential significance with respect to the desired more or less horizontal throwing through the upper opening 1711. It has been found that the angle V can be within a range from 5° to 25°, preferably within the range from 10° to 20°.

When using the discharge apparatus described for distributing bedding material in the form of cut straw, typical throwing distances obtained may be from 10 to 15 meters. During this operation the discharge apparatus and thereby usually also the stripping-cutting member are driven at a clearly higher number of revolutions per minute than when grass shall be dispensed from a round bale or from silage down onto a feeding tray or the like. The same position (the upper discharge opening) can also be utilized for other purposes than for distributing bedding material, for example for aerating leached straw. Similar to the stripping-cutting device the discharging apparatus can also operate with other forms of materials or masses than those mentioned initially, including roots and the like.

The alternative and more preferred embodiment in Fig. 4 is based on a stripping-cutting device in the principle corresponding to the one in the preceding figures, i.e., comprising a carriage with wheels 1, frame 2 and container 3. Moreover, there is also in Fig. 4 incorporated a conveyer belt 6, a stripping-cutting member 7 and counter- rotating plates 8. Finally, as in the embodiment in Figs. 1 and 2, there is included in the design of Fig. 4 a throwing rotor 11 having an enclosure being designed substantially in a manner corresponding to the embodiment described above.

More particularly the embodiment in Fig. 4 has an arcuate wall part 45A which similar to the wall part 15A in Figs. 1 and 2 extends at a small radial spacing from the outer edges of the throwing rotor blades. The wall part 45A extends at a distance upwards compared to wall part 15A in Figs. 1 and 2, in order to delimit a single discharge opening 4711 from the throwing rotor 11.

While the embodiment in Figs. 1 and 2 has a baffle device in the form of the movable cover 15C, the embodiment in Fig. 4 is provided with a much simpler baffle device in the form of a deflecting plate consisting of two parts 45C and 45D adapted to assume at least two positions. These can suitably be secured by means of springs. In one, active position as shown with fully drawn lines in Fig. 4, the plate part 45C has a more or less horizontal position, whereas plate part 45D assumes a position directed generally downwards, so that there is attained a deflected throwing direction according to the fully drawn arrows 401 from discharge opening 4711. Thus, in this position the comminuted mass will be delivered in a direction downwards from a relatively high point laterally outwards from the whole arrangement, which is an advantage in many appli¬ cations. The embodiment in Fig. 4 can, thus, be regarded as an improvement in relation to the embodiment in Figs. 1, 2 and 3.

For the purpose of obtaining a longer and mainly horizontal ejection from the opening 4711, the deflecting plate 45C, 45D can be swung up to the position shown with dotted lines in Fig. 4, where the two plate parts 45C and 45D are folded together and located in a position outside the throwing sector from opening 4711. With this position of the parts the discharge direction will generally be as indicated with the dashed line arrows 4011, which have a preferably substantially horizontal movement component, but somewhat at an inclination upwards in order to give a desired long or maximum throwing distance. Similar to the baffle plate 25 in the first embodiment one or both plate parts 45C, 45D in Fig. 4 can have side plates for lateral guidance or collection of the material thrown out. The same can also be provided for by a corresponding design of the adjacent side pieces of the enclosure itself at opening 4711.

The complete machine is shown with wheels in the drawings, and it is obvious that with the discharging apparatus described here a wheel mounted design will be strongly preferable, possibly with a three-point-mounting on a tractor, but this does not exclude employment in a purely stationary arrangement when specific conditions make this interesting.

Instead of being articulated, the deflecting plate 45C-45D can have the form of a rigid plate being bent into an angle and having preferably a shorter projecting part than plate part 45D, so that the throwing will not be influenced or impeded in the raised position of the modified deflecting plate.

Also in other details of the design various modifi¬ cations may be contemplated, for example by letting the blades of the throwing rotor have more or less curved surfaces instead of plane surfaces as shown in the drawing. The preferred angles apply in most of the normal cases, but depending, inter alia, on the rate of rotation, the angles may be chosen within still wider limits, at a maximum as much as V=-30°. The opposite limit of the angle can be at a negative magnitude, i.e., no longer a so-called back-leaning angle, of up to V=-5°.

In the drawings there is shown a number of throwing rotor blades equal to three, which normally is the number of blades regarded as most suitable. However, it is obvious that also other numbers of blades may be used, in particular two or four blades.

Claims

1. Discharging apparatus for a stripping and cutting device (6,7,8) for straw and grass bales, in particular round bales, silage and the like, of the type which comprises a rotating, roller-shaped and horizontal stripping-cutting member (7) adapted to deliver comminuted or cut mass with a movement component being directed substantially downwards, characterized in that a throwing rotor (11) provided with a number of blades (11A,B,C) is located in close association with the stripping-cutting member (7) with its axis (12) parallel to and at least laterally offset in relation to the axis (9) thereof, that the throwing rotor (11) is surrounded by an enclosure (15A,B,C, 45A, 45C, 45D) which has an interior opening (16) towards the stripping-cutting member (7) and at least one discharge opening (171,11, 4711) having an associated baffle device (15C, 15D, 45C, 45D) for changing between a discharge direction (II, 4Oil) having a substantially horizontal movement component and a discharge direction (I, 401) having a substantially downwardly directed movement component, and that the enclosure (15A,B,C, 45A, 45C, 45D) opposite the ends of the throwing rotor (11) has air intake openings (19).

2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the throwing rotor (11) has the same direction of rotation as the stripping-cutting member (7) .

3. Apparatus according to claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the axis (12) of the throwing rotor is laterally offset to a larger distance from the axis (9) of the stripping-cutting member than the radius thereof.

4. Apparatus according to claim 3, characterized in that axis (12) of the throwing rotor is lowered in relation to the axis (9) of the stripping-cutting member by a distance being less than said lateral distance.

5. Apparatus according to claims 1, 2, 3 or 4, characterized in that the throwing rotor (11) is three- bladed (11A,B,C) .

6. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the leading surface (11AF) of each throwing rotor blade (11A) as seen in the direction of rotation, forms a back-leaning angle (V) in relation to the radial plane through the axis (12) of the throwing rotor and the outer edge (11AK) of the throwing rotor blade, said angle (V) being preferably within the range of 5-25°, particularly from 10-20°.

7. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the enclosure of the throwing rotor along a substantial portion of the circumference from the discharge opening (171, 4711) and in the direction of rotation has a curved wall part (15A, 45A) which extends at a small radial spacing from the outer edges (11A) of the throwing rotor blades (11A) during their passage past the wall part.

8. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 7, characterized in that the interior opening (16) is delimited downwards by a first projecting part (21) which projects a significant distance between the stripping-cutting member (7) and the throwing rotor (11) .

9. Apparatus according to claim 8, characterized in that a wall part (21A) facing the stripping-cutting member (7) and extending forwardly on said first projecting part (21) , forms a converging gap against the stripping-cutting member (7) as seen against the direction of rotation.

10. Apparatus according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that a wall part (15B) of the enclosure extending towards said first projecting part (21) forms a diverging gap against the circumference of the throwing rotor as seen in the direction of rotation.

11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that a wall part (21B) which in the direction of rotation follows after said wall part (15B) of the enclosure, converges towards the circumference of the throwing rotor.

12. Apparatus according to any one of claims 2 to 11, characterized in that said interior opening (16) is delimited upwards by a second projecting part (22) which by a wall part (22A) facing said stripping-cutting member (7) forms a diverging gap therewith, as seen in the direction of rotation.

13. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that the throwing rotor (11) has a direct rotational coupling (13) to the stripping-cutting member (7) and preferably has a substantially higher rotational velocity than the stripping-cutting member.

14. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the baffle device has the form of a preferably articulate and tiltable deflecting plate (45C, 45D) having at least one plate part (45D) adapted to assume a position directed downwards in order to provide for said discharge direction (401) having a substantially downwardly directed component.

15. Apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized in that the baffle device comprises at least a movable cover (15C) for two discharge openings, namely an upper discharge opening (1711) for said discharge direction having a substantially horizontal component, and - a lower discharge opening (171) for said discharge direction having a substantially downwardly directed component.

16. Apparatus according to claim 15, characterized in that above the upper discharge opening (1711) there is provided an angle-adjustable baffle plate (25) which at least in an upper angular position extends at an inclination upwards and outwards in relation to the upper discharge opening (1711) .

17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the baffle plate (25) is provided with side plates (25A,B) for lateral guidance or collection of the discharge.

18. Apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, characterized in that there is provided a single cover (15C) which is movable for selectively closing one or the other of the discharge openings (171, 1711) .