FR2786978A1 - Machine stripping leaves from cobs of sweetcorn includes pair of resilient rollers with recesses causing intermittent pulling, which allows flat re-positioning of cobs to avoid damage, and prevents roller jamming - Google Patents

Abstract

On the cylindrical surface of either or both rollers (2), a recess (6) interrupts pulling of the leaves. This allows fingers to realign the cob flat, against and between the rollers. Preferred features: The recess is a continuous groove, a generatrix of the roller, or a helix. There are two, diametrically opposite; or else three. They occupy both rollers and are held in synchronism, to face each other, or to remain offset during rotation. Each roller has a polygonal drive shaft (7) with end bearings. The roller casing is resilient (8) with bore for the shaft, outer recesses and radial fixing screws to the shaft. Gripping strips (9) are held in the recess by radial screws. Further details of the construction, based on the foregoing principles, are elaborated.

Description

The present invention relates to a stripping device for ears

corn.

  The stripping devices for corn on the cob generally comprise at least one stripping table constituted by a frame on which are fixed several bearings in which engage the smooth spans of ends of stripping rollers, parallel, distributed in pairs in the frame. The rollers of each pair are brought into contact with one another and are rotated in opposite directions to each other so as to catch the leaves of the ears arranged in the axis of the pair in their contact , pinch these leaves and tear them from the cob by the effect of traction resulting from their reverse rotation movement. To keep the ears flat in the pinch channel formed by the two leaf strippers of each pair, several elastic radial finger wheels are provided, mounted in rotation above each pair of leaf strippers and driven in rotation each along an axis. perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the leaf strippers. By their radial fingers, the wheels press against the corn cobs to keep the latter between and against the stripper rollers. De i 5 plus the rotational movement of the wheels generates a drive movement of the ears from

  one end of the pinch channel towards the other end.

  The drawback of the prior devices essentially lies in the fact that the wheels, despite the pressure exerted on the ears, cannot ensure that they are held flat in the pinch channel. For this reason, it is frequent that the ears under the effect of the traction of the rollers straighten vertically and engage between the rollers. This results in a

  destruction of the ears and sometimes jamming of the rollers.

  The object of the present invention is to solve the problem previously mentioned by carrying out intermittent traction of the leaves of the cobs so as to allow resting.

  flat in the pinch channel, straight ears.

  For this purpose the stripping device for corn on the cob comprising a chassis on which is installed at least one stripping table (1) formed by a metal frame comprising two side members to which are fixed a front cross member and a rear cross member, on which frame are fixed several bearings with which cooperate in guiding the smooth guide surfaces of ends of stripper rollers, parallel, arranged in pairs, the rollers of each pair having a cylindrical external surface brought into contact with the cylindrical external surface of the other roller and being rotated in opposite directions to each other, to, by their external cylindrical surface, catch the leaves of the ears arranged in the axis of the pair, in contact, pinch these leaves and tear them from the ear by the effect of traction resulting from their reverse rotation movement, the device also comprising several wheels with radial fingers, elastic ic, mounted in rotation above each pair of stripping and driven in rotation each along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the stripping rollers, said wheels being arranged to come by their radial fingers in pressure against the ears in order to maintain the latter flat between and against the two rollers of each pair, is essentially characterized in that at least one of the two rollers of each pair has, from its cylindrical external surface, from one end to the other, at least one zone in

  hollow to make an interruption in the traction of the leaves of the ears.

  Advantageously, this recessed area, according to another aspect of the invention is

formed by a continuous groove.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the hollow area extends according to a

generator of the roller.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the hollow zone extends along a helix.

  Preferably, according to another aspect of the invention, the hollow area is formed on

  each roll of the pair of rollers.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, the or each roller is provided with two

  diametrically opposite recessed areas.

  According to yet another characteristic of the invention, the or each roller has three

  regularly distributed hollow areas.

  Advantageously according to another aspect of the invention, the or each hollow zone is

formed on each of the rollers.

  Preferably, according to another characteristic of the invention, the rollers of each pair are wedged relative to each other so that during their rotation one or the zone

  in the hollow of one comes opposite one or the hollow area of the other.

  As a variant, the rollers of each pair are wedged with respect to each other so that the or each hollow zone of one comes during the rotation opposite the surface

cylindrical outer of the other.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, each roller is constituted by a metallic drive shaft, of polygonal cross section provided at the ends of the two smooth guide surfaces and with a sheath of flexible and elastic material constituting the roller proper, this said sheath comprising a longitudinal bore passing through the same cross section as the cross section of the drive shaft, to be fitted by this housing on the shaft, the said sheath being equipped with the or each recessed area and being attached to said tree by

radial screws.

  The radial screws keep the sleeve in translation on the drive shaft. The setting in rotation of these two elements, relative to each other is ensured by the polygonal shape of the straight sections of the housing of the sleeve and of the drive shaft. In addition, this arrangement ensures the transmission of a significant torque without relative angular sliding.

  of the two elements in relation to each other.

  According to another characteristic of the invention, there is provided a tightening rule arranged in the or each hollow zone bearing against the bottom wall of the latter, the screws for fixing to the drive shaft being engaged in bores through in the rule and in the bottom wall of the hollow area. By tightening the rule against the bottom wall of the recessed area, the deformation of this wall is obtained. This deformation is in fact an expansion of the wall in a direction transverse to the tightening direction. Thus is obtained an expansion of the sleeve according to that of its diameters perpendicular to the tightening direction. We can therefore adjust the degree of pressure of the rollers against each other and

thus catch up with wear.

  The clamping rule is set back from the envelope surface formed by the cylindrical surface of the roller. This prevents contact of this rule with the external surface of the other roller. Advantageously according to another arrangement of the invention, the ruler presents, opposite the flat surface for bearing against the bottom wall of the recessed area, a curved front surface, which in a cross section forms an arc of circumference of circle. The holes for the fixing screws are made in the zone of greatest thickness, that is to say in the middle zone. The curvature of the front surface keeps the ruler

  set back from the envelope surface formed by the outer cylindrical surface of the roller.

  Other advantages and characteristics of the invention will appear on reading the

  description of a preferred embodiment given by way of non-limiting example in se

  referring to the attached drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a sectional view of a roller according to a first embodiment, - Figure 2 is a sectional view showing an arrangement of rollers according to a second embodiment, - the Figure 3 is a view of a second arrangement of rollers, - Figure 4 is a sectional view of a roller according to a third embodiment, - Figure 5 is a top view of a roller with groove (s ) straight (s),

  FIG. 6 is a top view of a roller with a helical groove (s).

  FIG. 7 is a side view of a stripping table.

  FIG. 8 is a top view of a stripping table, FIG. 9 is a half-sectional view of the roller at its rear bearing; FIG. 10 is a sectional view of the roller at its front bearing,

  FIG. 11 is a front view of the rear end of a pair of rollers.

  As shown the device according to the invention comprises at least one chassis on which is installed a table 1 formed by a metal frame having two beams 13 joined to one another by a front cross member 14 and a rear cross member 15. Aux sleepers are secured respectively to the front bearings 16 and rear bearings 17 intended to receive the

  smooth guide surfaces of stripper rollers 2, parallel, paired.

  As can be seen, the pairs of stripper rollers 2 are spaced from each other by a value less than the diameter of the ears of corn. The rollers 2 of each pair are in contact with each other by their cylindrical external surface and are driven in rotation in opposite directions to each other at the same absolute angular speed. Each roller is coupled in front of its front bearing to a movement transmission 18 capable of transmitting a rotation and a mechanical torque between the different rollers 2. This movement transmission 18 is constituted by toothed sprockets and by chains meshed with the sprockets toothed. Thus the rollers of each pair are equipped with toothed pinions of the same characteristics cooperating in engagement with the same chain. The transmission of movement also comprises sprockets and intermediate chains for transmitting the rotational movement from one pair of rollers to another. One of the rollers 2 receives a torque

  drive of a motor member not shown.

  The rollers 2 of each pair determine a pinch channel 3 and are rotated in a direction such that the leaves of the ears positioned in this channel in contact with the rollers 2, are caught, pinched between them and pulled down. This traction leads to their tearing. The torn leaves fall into a collecting tray placed under the pairs of leaf strippers 2 Above each nip channel 3 are provided several wheels 4 with elastic radial fingers 5, mounted in rotation above each pair of leaf strippers and driven in rotation each along an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the leaf strippers. These wheels are arranged to come by their radial fingers in pressure against the ears which ensures the maintenance thereof in the pinch channel. In addition, these wheels 4 also have the effect of driving the ears into the channel from an upstream zone arranged below a spout for loading the ears to be stripped towards a downstream area for unloading the ears.

  leafless, arranged above a device for recovering the ears of corn.

  The fingers 5 of each wheel 4 are provided with recesses and projections coming during the rotation of the

  wheel in pressure against the leaves of the ears to contribute to the stripping operation.

  To facilitate the evacuation of the stripped ears, the rollers 2 are inclined downwards and

  to the recovery device located on a lower level.

  According to the invention, at least one of the two rollers 2 of each pair has, from its cylindrical external surface, from one end to the other, at least one hollow zone formed by a continuous groove 6 for making an interruption in pulling the leaves of the cobs. The recessed area encompasses an arc with a circumference of a value close to sixty degrees. The interruption in the tensile force, combined with the action of the radial fingers 5,

  allows to bring flat in the pinch channel 3 the ears that would have straightened.

  Preferably the groove 6 has a rectangular cross section. The cross section of the groove is symmetrical with respect to one of the radial planes of the roller 2. This groove therefore has a bottom and two lateral blanks connected to the cylindrical surface by a rounded 6a of small radius. The rear flare considering the direction of rotation of the roller constitutes

gripping the leaves.

  According to a first embodiment the groove extends along a generatrix of the roller while according to a second embodiment it extends along a helix with pitch

  important. This latter arrangement leads to quieter operation.

  Advantageously, the continuous groove 6 is formed on each roller 2 of the pair of

  rollers but this groove arrangement can be provided on only one of them.

  The or each roller 2 of each pair of rollers, according to a first embodiment, has only one groove 6. According to a second embodiment, the roller 2 has two diametrically opposite grooves 6, the latter can be rectilinear or helical according to an important step. According to another embodiment, the or each roller has three grooves 6 regularly distributed, the latter can be

straight or helical.

  The rollers 2 of each pair are wedged relative to each other so that during

  of their rotation one or the groove 6 of one comes opposite one or the groove 6 of the other.

  This arrangement makes it possible to obtain a better grip of the leaves, the two grip edges 6a coming simultaneously into engagement on the ear. This arrangement is particularly suitable for the treatment of ears whose leaves have a high resistance to

It’s wrenching.

  As a variant, the rollers 2 of each pair are wedged with respect to each other so that the or each groove of one, comes during the rotation, facing the cylindrical external surface of the other . This arrangement is more particularly suitable for the treatment of cobs

  the leaves have low resistance to tearing.

  Advantageously, each roller 2 is constituted by a metallic drive shaft 7, of polygonal cross section, provided at the ends of the two smooth bearing surfaces of

  guide and a sheath 8 of flexible and elastic material constituting the roll proper.

  This sheath 8, preferably made of rubber, comprises a longitudinal bore passing through the same cross section as the cross section of the drive shaft, to be fitted by this housing on said shaft. The or each groove is formed in the sheath 8. According to the embodiment corresponding to a roller equipped with one or two diametrically opposite grooves the shaft 7 has a square cross section, while for a roller 2 equipped with

  three regularly distributed grooves, the cross section of the shaft 7 will be hexagonal.

  Advantageously, each longitudinal stop of the drive shaft is "broken" by a longitudinal chamfer. The sleeve, opposite each chamfer, has a complementary shape which increases at this level, the thickness of the sleeve. This arrangement, in the case where each groove and straight and the bottom of the latter is parallel to one of the faces of the sleeve makes it possible to increase the thickness of the sleeve opposite each gripping and

  increase the resistance of this roller at this level.

  Preferably a clamping rule 9, made of metal, is arranged in the or each groove bearing against the bottom wall of the latter, this clamping rule 9 being set back relative to the envelope surface formed by the cylindrical surface of the roller. 2. The clamping rule is fixed to the shaft 7 by radial screws. The screws for fixing to the drive shaft 7 are engaged in through holes drilled in the rule and in the bottom wall of the groove and in radial threads made in the drive shaft 7. By its head, each clamping screw bears against the rule. Preferably a lamnage is provided in the rule to receive the head of the screw. The head of each screw is fully inserted into the countersinking of the rule and cannot therefore protrude from the rule. Advantageously, for an arrangement of a roller with two grooves, each screw bears by its head in the countersinking practiced in one of the rules and engages in screwing in a tapping practiced in the opposite rule. In this case, the drive shaft has a smooth through hole. This arrangement allows by simple tightening of the screw to act simultaneously on the two rules in order to adjust their

  respective degree of pressure against the bottom walls of the two grooves.

  Preferably so as to avoid any contact, the clamping rule is set back with respect to the envelope surface formed by the cylindrical surface of the roller. However, a wedge 10 may be disposed at the bottom of the groove 6 and the rule 9 so as to bring the clamping rule 9 tangentially to the envelope surface formed by the cylindrical surface of the roller 2. This arrangement makes it possible to reduce the angle pinch and adapt the device to the size and / or

variety of corn to be treated.

  According to the preferred embodiment, the clamping rule has, opposite the flat support surface against the bottom wall of the groove 6, a curved front surface, which

  in a cross section forms an arc with a circumference of a circle.

  The sheath 8 of each roller 2, on its cylindrical outer surface will be provided with a helical groove, of shallow depth and of inclination between 20 and 45 degrees. This

  arrangement intended to facilitate the translational movement of the ears on the rollers.

  Finally the sheath 8 of each roller may consist of butted sections on

the drive shaft.

  Preferably one of the two rollers of each pair of rollers, in the downstream zone, considering the direction of progression of the corn cobs on the table, comprises a helical thread 11 forming a thread for the evacuation from the table of ears plucked between the rolls of said pair. Preferably, the two rollers of each pair are offset longitudinally with respect to each other, the roller comprising the thread 11 being offset towards the rear with respect to the other. As said previously, each roller 2 by the two smooth bearing surfaces formed on its drive shaft, is guided in rotation by a front bearing 16 and a rear bearing 17 and is coupled in front of its front bearing to a movement transmission 18 capable to transmit a rotation and a mechanical torque between the different rollers 2. Preferably, there is a sealed casing 19 for protecting the movement transmission 18 and the front bearings 16. This protective casing is provided with a removable cover and is intended for to receive

  a lubricating agent for greasing the movement transmission 18 and the bearings 16.

  As can be seen, this casing 19 has a front wall, two side walls, a bottom wall and a rear wall forming a housing and receiving the front bearings of the rollers fitted to the table, the rear wall of the casing constituting the front cross member of the frame. Table. This rear wall forming a bearing housing is therefore produced in two parts joined to one another along a geometric plane containing the axis of the rollers and upstream bearings. Screws secure the parts to each other. Each part has semi-cylindrical hollow shapes which during assembly with the other part come into correspondence with the hollow shapes of the latter so as to form cylindrical chambers in each of which is mounted a front bearing, the latter being constituted by a ball bearing of the type of those with an inner ring

  swiveling to compensate for misalignments. Behind each half hollow form

  cylindrical another semi-cylindrical hollow shape of smaller diameter is practiced.

  This arrangement ensures the formation of a second series of cylindrical chambers. In each cylindrical chamber is disposed a seal, for example a lip seal. The

  lip of this seal comes around and in contact with the corresponding drive shaft.

  The drive shaft of one of the table rollers 2 is extended forwards

  beyond its bearing to engage in a borehole in the front wall of the casing 19 and to be coupled externally to the housing to a rotational movement transmission via a clutch. To avoid loss of lubricant, a seal is placed in the hole around the shaft. Advantageously, to this tree is coupled a

rotation detector.

  The rear bearing surface of each roller is constituted by the internal cylindrical face of a cylindrical chamber 20 formed in the drive shaft 7. The bearing 17 is mounted on a spindle 21 engaged in the cylindrical chamber 20 and fixed to a support rocket 22 secured to the rear crossmember of the table. With the configuration according to which the rollers 2 of each pair are offset longitudinally with respect to each other, the rear cross member consists of two parallel elements spaced from each other, one being in front of the 'other. The rocket support 21 associated with one of its rollers 2 is secured to the front element while the other

  rocket support will be secured to the rear element.

  As said previously, each leaf stripper 2 is tilted back and forth towards the ground. Preferably at each rear bearing 17 are provided two sealing barriers. The first sealing barrier 23 is constituted by a lip seal mounted in the chamber 20, around the spindle 21 and behind the rear bearing 17. The second sealing barrier 24 is constituted by a tubular element fixed to the support of rocket 22, mounted with clearance in the cylindrical chamber 20 around the rocket 21. The seal protects the bearing 17, the second barrier 24, due to the inclination of the roller 2 protects the chamber from any

introduction of water.

  To keep the rollers 2 of each pair in pressure against each other according to a constant force over time and whatever their degree of wear, the rocket support 22 of at least one of the rollers of each pair is articulated on its rear cross member along an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller 2, said support 22 being associated with a

  elastic member 25 for returning to position.

  The front and rear bearings are advantageously constituted by spherical bearings Finally, the device according to the invention will be equipped with several tables mounted on its

  frame. This chassis will preferably be adjustable in inclination.

  According to this configuration, only one drive member will be provided to actuate the rollers of the various tables. This motor member by its output shaft will be coupled by

  via chain and sprockets transmission to the driving rollers of the various tables.

  This configuration allows in the event of a malfunction of one of the tables to kinematically isolate the latter from the drive member by uncoupling its drive roller by

  simple removal of the transmission chain.

  In addition, variable speed drives will be provided to adjust the speed of the rollers.

  and the speed of the pressure wheels 4.

  It goes without saying that the present invention can receive all arrangements and variants without

  provided that it is outside the scope of this patent.

g

Claims (17)

CLAIMS. l / stripping device for corn on the cob comprising a chassis on which is installed at least one stripping table (1) formed by a metal frame comprising two longitudinal members to which are fixed a front cross member and a rear cross member, on which frame are fixed several bearings with which cooperate in guiding the smooth guide surfaces of ends of stripper rollers (2), parallel, arranged in pairs, the rollers (2) of each pair having a cylindrical external surface brought into contact with the cylindrical external surface of the other roller and being rotated in opposite directions to each other to, by their external cylindrical surface, catch the leaves of the ears arranged in the axis of the pair in contact, pinch these leaves and tearing from the cob by the effect of traction resulting from their reverse rotation movement, the device further comprising several wheels (4) with elastic radial fingers s (5), mounted in rotation above each pair of stripping and each driven in rotation about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal axes of the stripping rollers, said wheels (4) being arranged to come by their radial fingers (5) in 1 5 pressure against the ears to keep the latter flat between and against the two rollers of each pair, characterized in that at least one of the two rollers (2) of each pair has from its cylindrical outer surface, from one end to the other, at least one hollow area (6) to make an interruption in the traction of the leaves of the ears so that by the action of the fingers (5) the upright ears can be brought flat against and between the two rollers (2) leaf strippers.   2 / stripping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow area (6) is a continuous groove.   3 / stripping device according to claim 1, characterized in that the hollow area   (6) extends along a generatrix of the roller (2).   4 / Device according to claim I or claim 2, characterized in that the area   recessed (6) extends along a helix.   51 Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that   that the roller (2) is provided with two diametrically opposite recessed areas.   6 / Device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the   roller (2) has three regularly distributed recessed areas.   7 / Device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the or   each recessed area (6) is formed on each of the rollers (2) of the pair of rollers.   8 / Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the rollers (2) of each pair are wedged relative to each other so that during their rotation, one or the area in   hollow (6) of one comes opposite one or the hollow area (6) of the other.   9 / Device according to claim 7, characterized in that the rollers (2) of each pair are wedged relative to each other so that the or each recessed area (6) of one,   comes during the rotation, opposite the cylindrical external surface of the other.   / Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that   that each roller (2) is constituted by: - a metallic drive shaft (7), of polygonal cross section provided at the ends of the two smooth guide bearing surfaces, - and of a sheath (8) of flexible and elastic material constituting the roller itself, said sleeve (8) comprising a longitudinal bore passing through the same cross section as the cross section of the drive shaft, to be fitted by this housing on the shaft (7), said sleeve (8) being equipped with the or each hollow zone (6) and being fixed to said shaft (7) by radial screws.   11 / Device according to claim 10, characterized by a clamping rule (9) disposed in the or each recessed area in abutment against the bottom wall of the latter, the screws for fixing to the drive shaft being engaged in through holes drilled in the   rule (9) and in the bottom wall of the recessed area.   12 / Device according to claim 11, characterized in that the clamping rule (9) is   set back from the envelope surface formed by the cylindrical surface of the roller (2).   13 / Apparatus according to claim 11 or claim 12, characterized in that the clamping rule (9) has opposite to the flat support surface against the bottom wall of the hollow area, a curved front surface , which in a cross section forms an arc of circle circumference.   13a / Device according to any one of claims 11 to 1 3, characterized in that   in each recessed area is disposed a shim (10) between the rule and the bottom wall of said hollow area.   14 / Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that   that one of the two rollers (2) of each pair of rollers, in the downstream zone considering the direction of progression of the corn cobs on the table (1) comprises a helical net (11) forming no   screw for the evacuation from the table of the ears pinched between the rollers (2) of said pair.   / Device according to any one of the preceding claims, each of which   roller (2) by the two smooth bearing surfaces formed on its drive shaft (7) is guided in rotation by a front bearing (16) and a rear bearing (17) and is coupled in front of its front bearing (16) to a movement transmission (18) capable of transmitting rotation and mechanical torque between the different rollers (2), characterized by a sealed protective casing (19) of the movement transmission (18) and of the front bearings (16), said protective casing being provided with a removable cover and being intended to receive a lubricating agent for the   lubrication of the motion transmission and bearings.   16 / Device according to claim 15, characterized in that the casing (19) has a front wall, two side walls, a bottom wall and a rear wall (14) forming a housing and receiving the front bearings (16) of the rollers ( 2) equipping the table, the rear wall (14) of the casing   (19) constituting the front cross member of the table frame (1).   17 / Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the rear wall (14) of the housing (19) is made in two parts joined to each other according to a geometric plane   containing the axis of the rollers (2) and the front bearings (16).   18 / Device according to any one of claims 16 or 17, characterized in that   the drive shaft (7) of one of the rollers (2) of the table (1) is extended forward beyond its bearing to engage in a hole made in the front wall of the casing ( 19) and be coupled externally to the housing, by means of a clutch, to a transmission of rotational movement.   19 / Device according to any one of the preceding claims, each of which   roller (2) by the two smooth end surfaces provided on its drive shaft (7) is guided in rotation by a front bearing (16) and a rear bearing (17), characterized in that the rear surface cooperating with the rear bearing is formed by the internal cylindrical face of a cylindrical chamber (20) formed in the drive shaft (7), and that the bearing (17) is mounted on a spindle (21) engaged in the cylindrical chamber (20) and fixed to a support   rocket (22) integral with the rear crossmember (15) of the table.   / Device according to any one of the preceding claims, each of which   stripper roller (2) is inclined back and forth towards the ground, characterized by a first sealing barrier (23) constituted by a lip seal mounted in the chamber, around the spindle (21) and behind the bearing rear (17) and by a second sealing barrier (24) constituted by a tubular element fixed to the rocket support (22), mounted with play in the   cylindrical chamber (20) around the rocket.   21 / Apparatus according to claim 19 or claim 20, characterized in that the rocket support (22) of at least one of the rollers (2) of each pair is hingedly mounted on its rear crosspiece (15) according to an axis parallel to the axis of rotation of the roller (2), said   support being associated with an elastic member (25) for returning to position.   22 / Device according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that   that it comprises several tables (1) mounted on its chassis.