GB2103668A - Bale processing apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Bale processing apparatus comprises a housing (100) for reception of a bale of straw or the like, disposed above the upper runs of a series of interdigitated elements (106, 107) which are provided with teeth (116, 118) for engagement with the bale. Straw entrained by the teeth (116, 118) is separated therefrom by tined rotors (120) and discharged with the aid of deflectors (126). The housing (100) incorporates a bale shifting device (130) for moving the bale back and forth laterally of the elements (106, 107). As shown the elements (106, 107) are endless chains but alternatively may be reciprocating part annular members. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION.

Bale processing apparatus This invention relates to apparatus for breaking down bales of straw and the like long stalked materials as required for instance in the laying of straw for protection of plants, e.g. strawberry plants.

According to the present invention there is provided apparatus for breaking down bales of straw and like materials comprising first and second sets of toothed elements arranged in interdigitated fashion, means for effecting relative contrary motion between said first and second sets of elements, and means for locating the bales with one face engaged by said sets of elements whereby each bale is progressively torn apart by the toothed elements during said relative contrary motion.

In the preferred embodiment of the invention, each set of teeth is provided on a respective endless member in the form of for example a chain entrained around drive and idler sprockets. The upper runs of the chain are substantially co-planar and generally horizontal and the bale-locating means is conveniently in the form of a housing located above the upper chain runs so that the teeth on each upper run traverse the lower open end of the housing and, in doing so, entrain straw from the bale and draw it from the bale for discharge. The teeth are conveniently of hookshaped configuration with a relatively steep rate angle so that they penetrate deeply in the bale and firmly entrain the straw. To free the straw from the teeth, separating means are provided for cooperation with the teeth.The separating means may comprise tined rotors whose tines approach the chain sufficiently closely to enable them to sweep or wide the straw from the teeth. The separating means may also serve to discharge the separated straw from the apparatus, conveniently with the aid of a deflector which may be adjustable to control the direction of discharge.

The housing preferably incorporates means for shifting the bale laterally of the chain during operation with a reciprocating motion so that each set of toothed elements engages the substantial area of the bale face. The toothed elements are conveniently inclined laterally of their direction of motion, some being inclined in one direction and others in the opposite direction, in order to take advantage of the reciprocating motion imparted to the bale.

In an alternative embodiment said sets of toothed elements may be driven with a reciprocating motion either linearly or angularly. In this embodiment, the elements can be of part annular configuration arranged with their centres of curvature all lying on substantially the same axis about which the elements are oscillated angularly such that adjacent elements move in opposite directions substantially throughout each oscillation.

The elements are preferably spaced apart lengthwise of said axis and the gaps between adjacent elements are advantageously bridged by curved surfaces whosecentres of curvature are also concentric with said axis whereby the assembly forms a drum like surface which prevents straw falling through the gaps between the toothed elements. The curved surfaces are preferably disposed below the top edges of said elements to such an extent that the weight of each bale is borne substantially entirely by said elements.

The bale processing mechanisms may be mounted on a wheeled trailer adapted to be drawn by a tractor so that as the tractor moves along the discharged straw is formed into one or more rows.

If desired, two or more bales may be processed at a time, the width of the bale locating housing and the dimensioning of the bale processing mechanism may be such that the appropriate number of bales can be located side-by-side in the housing at the same time and simultaneously broken up by the mechanism.

To promote further understanding of the invention, one embodiment will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a diagrammatic side view in section of one embodiment of bale processing mechanism of the invention; Figure 2 is a fragmentary sectional view taken in the direction 2-2 in Figure 1 showing the arrangement of the bale processing elements; Figure 3 is a diagrammatic side view illustrating the drive mechanism for reciprocating the bale processing elements; Figure 4 is a diagrammatic rear view, in section, of a second, preferred embodiment of bale processing unit according to the invention; Figure .5 is a plan view corresponding to Figure 4 but with certain parts omitted; and Figure 6 is a sectional view taken in the direction 6-6 in Figure 5.

Referring firstly to Figures 1 and 2, the apparatus comprises a housing 10 which, in use, may be mounted on or form part of the chassis of a wheeled vehicle which is adapted to be trailed in the direction A by a tractor via the three point linkage of the latter so that straw discharged at the bottom of the housing 10 forms one or more rows of straw between one or more pairs of rows of plants as the tractor moves lengthwise of the rows of plants. The housing 10 may extend across substantially the full width of the trailer at the front end thereof so that two or more bales may be processed at the same time as will be explained hereinafter. Alternatively the trailer may be provided with two or more separate housing and bale processing units spaced widthwise of the trailer.The trailer will also include a platform (not shown) rearwardly of the housing for storage of the bales to be processed and for carrying one or more workers. The arrangement of the wheels provided on the trailer is preferably such that at least some of them run over the straw discharged from the housing 10 so as to press the rows of straw into the ground to some extent. At least one such wheel may be constituted by one of the weight-carrying wheels of the trailer but where the arrangement of the weight-carrying wheels cannot be conveniently adapted to the spacing between the straw rows, the trailer may be provided with one or more bogey wheels (rather than weight-carrying wheels) for this purpose.

As seen in section longitudinally of the trailer (i.e. regarding direction A as the longitudinal direction), the housing 10 comprises an upper relatively narrow guide section 1 2 and a lower wider section 1 4 which is open at the bottom to enable straw to be discharged onto the ground.

The upper guide section 12 is dimensioned for reception of a conventional bale of straw with the longitudinal axis of the bale disposed vertically.

The height of the section 1 2 may be such that at least one bale can be accommodated in the vertical direction and its width transversely of the trailer is such that, as previously mentioned, two or more bales may be accommodated in spaced relation widthwise of the trailer to enable two or more rows of straw to be laid down. The rear wall 1 6 of the guide section 12 may be provided with two or more openings (not shown) spaced widthwise of the trailer for introduction of the bales into the section 12. Means may be associated with each such opening to prevent each bale falling back through the opening.For example along each of its vertical sides, each opening may be provided with a spring loaded flap or the like projecting forwardly at an inclination so that the bales can be pushed past the flaps (which deflect as a result) until the bale is inside the section 12 whereupon the flaps restore to their normal positions thereby obstructing return movement of the bales.

The lower housing section 14 accommodates the bale processing mechanism which essentially comprises two sets of toothed elements 20, 22 arranged in spaced parallel relation and in interdigitated fashion so that, except at the ends of the mechanism, each element 20 of one set is flanked on each side by an element 22 of the other set - see Figure 2. All of the toothed elements 20, 22 may be identical in construction but as will be apparent from Figure 1, adjacent elements are mounted in reverse relation to each other. Each element 20, 22 is of generally part annular configuration extending over approximately 1 600 of arc.

The elements 20 are all coupled together adjacent the rearmost ends by a pair of bars 24, 26 extending widthwise of the trailer. At the ends of the mechanism the elements 20 are formed with arms 28 which are journalled on a main axle 30 with respect to which all of the elements 20, 22 are generally concentric. The bars 24, 26 are connected, e.g. by welding or preferably by bolts, to the arms 28 at the ends of the mechanism and to lugs 32 (see Figure 2) or such like attached to or forming part of those elements 20 intermediate the ends of the mechanism. In like manner, the elements 22 are connected at their forward ends by bars 34, 36 which at the ends of the mechanism are connected to arms 38 journalled on the axle 30.

The gaps between adjacent elements 20, 22 are bridged by curved flanges 40, 42 (see Figure 2) which are secured to each element and are concentric with the axle 30. In this manner, the flanges 40, 42 effectively form an upwardly presented part cylindrical surface centred on the axle 30. Along its outer periphery each element 20, 22 is provided with a series of spaced apart teeth 44, 46 having steeply inclined reentrant edges 48, 50. Also along each face thereof, each element 20, 22 is provided with further similarly shaped teeth 52, 54 whose reentrant edges are presented in the same direction as the corresponding teeth 44, 46. The teeth 44, 52 on the elements 20 are oppositely directed to those on the elements 22.The teeth 52, 54 are provided for the purpose of clearing straw from the channels between adjacent elements 20, 22. In practice, this function can be performed adequately if only one tooth 52, 54 is provided on each face of each element 20, 22 at for example a position midway between its ends or towards the lower end of the element as seen in Figure 1.

Instead of being perpendicular to the elements 20, 22 as shown, the teeth 52, 54 may be inclined, e.g. upwardly at a 450 angle.

Means, which may for example be in the form shown in Figure 3, are provided for oscillating the two sets of elements 20, 22 about the axis 30 in such a way that, between the limits of oscillation, the elements 20 at all times are moving in the opposite direction to the elements 22. Thus, when a bale of straw is loaded into the housing section 12 the bale is supported on the top edges of the elements 20, 22 and as the elements 20, 22 oscillate the bale is broken down by the tearing action of the teeth 44, 46 particularly during that part of the oscillation when the elements 20 are moving clockwise, and the elements 22 counterclockwise, as viewed in Figure 1.

On the return stroke, little or no tearing of the bale takes place but it will be understood that any strands of straw still entrained by the reentrant edges of the teeth will tend to be freed. Thus the teeth are fully effective during each operative stroke of the oscillation to dig into and entrain straw from the bale and the fact that the teeth on adjacent elements 20, 22 are moving in opposite directions considerably enhances breaking down of the bale into a loose matt rather than into clamps. The straw ripped and drawn from the bale follows the elements 20, 22 around and is discharged downwardly from the housing section 14, as indicated by the arrows B in Figure 1. The elements 20, 22 and flanges 40, 42 are so dimensioned that, throughout the oscillation, a "drum" surface extending across the width and length of the bottom end of the housing section 1 2 is always present thereby preventing any straw falling directly between the gaps. However, as previously mentioned, the flanges 40, 42 are spaced below the top edges of the elemen-:s 20, 22 to such an extent (typically 4 inches) that the weight of each bale is supported largely if not entirely by the elements 20, 22. Any straw collecting in the channels formed by the elements 20, 22 and the flanges 40, 42 is swept clear by the action of the teeth 52, 54.

Referring now to Figure 3, the oscillatory drive mechanism shown may be duplicated on each side of the trailer at the ends of the housing 1 0.

Each drive mechanism comprises a crank 60 driven by a motor (not shown), for example a hydraulic motor driven by a pump which, in turn, may be driven from the top shaft of the tractor with the advantage of requiring only a hose connection between the tractor and the trailer if the pump is carried by the tractor and the motor carried by the trailer. The end of the crank 60 is pivotally connected at 61 to a main connecting rod 62 whose upper end is connected to a sliding pivot 64 mounted in a vertical slideway 66. The rod 62 has a cross piece 68 to the ends of which a pair of connecting rods 70 are pivoted and the rods 70 in turn are pivotally connected to the elements 20, 22 respectively at pivots 72 which may be constituted by extensions of the bars 24 and 34.Thus, it will be seen that for each revolution of the crank 60, the elements 20 and 22 will undergo a complete reciprocation with the elements 20 moving at all times in the opposite direction to the elements 22. The elements 20, 22 may be spring urged to the mid-stroke position and suitable dampers may be provided in order to reduce vibration of the mechanism.

Referring now to Figures 4 to 6, the preferred form of bale processing unit comprises a housing 100 for reception of a bale of straw or the like; the 'housing being open at its upper and lower ends.

Beneath the lower end of the housing 100 there is a generally horizontal support surface made up of a series of rails 102 which extend beyond the lateral sides 104 of the housing. The rails 102 are spaced apart to provide gaps for accommodating the upper runs of a series of endless chains 106, 107 engaged at each end with driven sprockets mounted on drive shafts 108, 110 and idler sprockets mounted on shafts 11 2, 114. The arrangement is such that alternate chains 106 are coupled to shafts 108, 112 and the intervening chains 107 are coupled to shafts 110, 114 whereby the one set of chains 106 is in interdigitated relation with the chains 1 07. The drive shafts are driven in opposite senses that the upper runs of the chains 106 travel in one direction while the upper runs of chains 107 travel in the opposite direction.

Each chain 106, 107 is provided at spaced intervals along its length with teeth 11 6, 11 8, the leading faces of which are inclined forwardly at a relatively steep rake angle in the direction of travel of the upper run of the respective chains so as to be of hook-like configuration. The teeth 11 6, 11 8 on the upper chain run project between the rails 102 for engagement with the bale inserted into the housing. In operation, it will be understood that the teeth will dig into the bale, entrain straw and draw it from the bale and around the one end of the chain loop. In this manner, the bale is progressively broken down and the straw is fed laterally away from the housing towards the lower runs of the chains 106,107.

In order to free the straw from the teeth and effect discharge, tined rotors 120 are located adjacent the drive shafts 108, 110 for cooperation with the teeth on the chains 106, 107 respectively. Each rotor 1 20 is mounted for rotation about the axis of the shaft 122 which is driven so that the tines travel in generally the same direction as the teeth during that part of each revolution wherein the tines come into close proximity with the chains. The tines 124 are distributed both angularly about the shaft 1 22 and at axial positions along its length. The axial distribution is such that the tines are arranged in pairs whereby the outer ends of each pair flank one of the chains as they pass in close proximity to the chain.

The tines will have a peripheral speed somewhat greater than the speed at which the chains are driven so that the paired tines serve to sweep or wipe the straw from the teeth 11 6, 11 8.

The straw is then carried round with the tines and discharged. The direction of discharge may be varied by means of a deflector 1 26 associated with each rotor 120, the deflector being pivotally adjustable about pivot 1 28 by unshown means between the solid and broken outline positions shown in Figure 4. When in the solid outline position, the deflector 126 causes the straw to be discharged sideways and, when in the brol < en outline position, the deflector 1 26 allows the straw to be discharged downwardly. By appropriate adjustment of the deflectors 126 two rows of straw can be laid a selected distance apart.

To facilitate rapid breaking down of the bale, means is provided for shifting it laterally of the chains during operation so that the teeth 11 6, 11 8 of each chain do not simply embed into the bale at one position. As shown in Figure 6, the housing 100 incorporates panels 1 30 adjacent its front and rear walls 132, 134, the panels being pivoted at 136. The panels 1 30 are interconnected by tie rods 1 38 and are pivoted back and forth by drive mechanism 140. In this manner the bale, and in particular its lower face, is swept back and forth across the upper runs of the chains and each toothed chain effectively engages a substantial area of the lower bale face. To take advantage of the reciprocating motion of the bale, successive teeth on each chain are inclined in opposite directions laterally of chain movement, i.e. the alternate teeth 11 6 are inclined in one direction and the intervening teeth 11 8 are inclined in the opposite direction. As the bale shifts from left to right in Figure 6 for example, it will be seen that the teeth 11 6 are more effective in entraining straw whereas on the return movement the teeth 11 8 become more effective.

In practice, the units shown in Figures 4 to 6 may be mounted on a wheeled vehicle which may be in the form of a trailer or it may be self propelled. Typically the unit will be arranged so that the shafts 108, 110 and the shaft parallel thereto extend in a direction of movement of the vehicle. All of the shafts 108, 110, 122 and the mechanism 114 may be driven from a common drive input such as the tractor pto shaft via a chain and sprocket transmission (and reduction gearing in the case of the mechanism 114). The deflectors 1 26 may comprise two or more axial sections which may be pivotal independently so that the adjusted positions may differ thereby allowing variation in the width of the row deposited. The deflectors may be so arranged that, in one extreme position of adjustment thereof, the two rows deposited merge into a single double width row.

Although the bale processing units shown in the drawings are intended primarily for processing conventional bales of rectangular section, it will be appreciated that they may be readily adapted for use in processing round bales.

From the foregoing, it will be seen that a bale processing mechanism is provided which occupies relatively little space in the fore and aft direction thereby affording a larger area on the trailer for storage of bales. Also, the action of the bale processing mechanism is particularly effective in breaking down the bales into a loose mat of straw without the need for chopping the straw as is common practice in other types of straw laying equipment. The rate at which the bales are processed may be readily varied by appropriate control of the mechanism.

Claims (17)

1. Apparatus for breaking down bales of straw and like materials comprising first and second sets of toothed elements arranged in interdigitated fashion, means for effecting relative contrary motion between said first and second sets of elements, and means for locating the bales with one face engaged by said sets of elements whereby each bale is progressively torn apart by the toothed elements during said relative contrary motion.

2. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 in which said sets of teeth are arranged to entrain and displace the straw laterally beyond opposite sides of the locating means.

3. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or 2 in which each tooth has a hook-like configuration.

4. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 1, 2 or 3 in which at least some of said teeth extend laterally of the direction of motion of the teeth.

5. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1-4 in which each set of toothed elements is provided on a respective endless member.

6. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 in which said locating means comprise a housing disposed above the upper runs of said endless members.

7. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 5 or 6 including means for continuously driving said endless members such that the upper runs of adjacent endless members move in opposite directions.

8. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 5 to 7 including means co-operable with each endless member for separating the straw or like material from the teeth of the latter.

9. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 8 in which said separating means is effective to discharge the separated material from the apparatus.

1 0. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 9 in which there is a deflector associated with the separating means for controlling the direction of discharge.

11. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 10 in which said deflector is adjustable to vary the discharge direction.

12. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 8-11 1 in which the separating means comprises at least one tined rotor, the tines of which are arranged to sweep into close proximity with the respective endless member or members so as to engage and release material entrained with said teeth.

13. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1-12 including means for shifting the bale laterally of the direction of motion of said toothed elements.

14. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 13 in which said shifting means imparts a reciprocating motion to the bale laterally of said direction of motion.

1 5. Apparatus as claimed in Claim 14 in which said shifting means comprises a pair of spaced shifting members between which the bales are received, said shifting means being movable back and forth laterally of the direction of motion of said toothed elements.

1 6. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1-1 5 in which said toothed elements are driven along a linear path while engaging a bale.

17. Apparatus as claimed in any one of Claims 1-1 5 in which said toothed elements are driven along an arcuate path while engaging a bale.

1 8. Apparatus for processing bales of straw and like long stalked materials, said apparatus being substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 1-3 or Figures 4-6 of the accompanying drawings.