The invention relates to a method for operating a bale opener (1) having a stripping element (3) and a safety device for protection against penetration into a hazardous zone of the stripping element (3), said safety device consisting of sensory safety means, wherein a monitoring region (13, 13.sub.1, 13.sub.2, 13.sub.3) at the front beneath the stripping element is detected and wherein the stripping element (3) is mounted on a stripping tower (2). According to the invention the safety device is at least one two-dimensional laser scanner (12), on which at least one monitoring region (13, 13.sub.1, 13.sub.2, 13.sub.3), which is adjustable and variable over time, is monitored. The invention also relates to a corresponding bale opener (1).

The invention relates to a method for operating a bale opener (1) having a stripping element (3) and a safety device for protection against penetration into a hazardous zone of the stripping element (3), said safety device consisting of sensory safety means, wherein a monitoring region (13, 13.sub.1, 13.sub.2, 13.sub.3) at the front beneath the stripping element is detected and wherein the stripping element (3) is mounted on a stripping tower (2). According to the invention the safety device is at least one two-dimensional laser scanner (12), on which at least one monitoring region (13, 13.sub.1, 13.sub.2, 13.sub.3), which is adjustable and variable over time, is monitored. The invention also relates to a corresponding bale opener (1).

A bale opener for stripping fiber flocks from fiber bales, including a stripping tower arranged on a running gear or a bogie and having a stripping arm. The stripping arm is mounted in a height-adjustable mount in a guide on the stripping tower. A lifting gear is provided for the height adjustment of the stripping arm, wherein the lifting gear is mounted on the stripping arm and on the stripping tower, and the lifting gear has at least one load cell.

A bale opener for stripping fiber flocks from fiber bales, including a stripping tower arranged on a running gear or a bogie and having a stripping arm. The stripping arm is mounted in a height-adjustable mount in a guide on the stripping tower. A lifting gear is provided for the height adjustment of the stripping arm, wherein the lifting gear is mounted on the stripping arm and on the stripping tower, and the lifting gear has at least one load cell.

A bale opener for the take-off of fiber tufts from fiber bales includes a take-off tower, which is arranged on a horizontal drive or a rotating frame, and a take-off arm. The take-off arm is held on the take-off tower in a guide so as to be vertically adjustable. A single lifting spindle having a longitudinal axis in the movement direction of the take-off arm is provided for the vertical adjustment of the take-off tower. The lifting spindle is fastened on the take-off tower and the take-off arm is connected to the lifting spindle via a nut.

A bale opener for the take-off of fiber tufts from fiber bales includes a take-off tower, which is arranged on a horizontal drive or a rotating frame, and a take-off arm. The take-off arm is held on the take-off tower in a guide so as to be vertically adjustable. A single lifting spindle having a longitudinal axis in the movement direction of the take-off arm is provided for the vertical adjustment of the take-off tower. The lifting spindle is fastened on the take-off tower and the take-off arm is connected to the lifting spindle via a nut.