FIELD CRAFTING MACHINE WITH A PICKUP DEVICE THAT HAS A PICKUP ROTOR AND A TRANSFER ROTOR

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a field cultivation machine according to the preamble of claim 1.

[0002] Various agricultural machines, such as rakes, balers, or forage wagons, pick up crops lying on the ground during field cultivation, such as grass or hay, in order to process, transport, or—in the case of a rake—move and deposit them elsewhere. A pickup device, usually located at the front of the machine and positioned close to the ground, is used to collect the crop. The crop is lifted from the ground by a rotor that rotates around a transverse axis. The collected crop can be transferred directly to a downstream device; sometimes, a second rotor assists the transfer. In the case of a belt rake, the crop is transferred to a transverse conveyor, which uses a conveyor belt or similar device to move the crop across the direction of travel and deposit it to the side.Depending on the quantity and nature of the crop, problems can arise during the intake, conveying, and transfer of the crop by the intake device. These problems can disrupt the flow of the crop and / or impair its quality. One issue is that the tines of the intake rotor move against the direction of travel when close to the ground, and only later in the rotation do they move upwards and then backwards against the direction of travel. This unavoidable movement against the direction of travel can cause crop to be pushed or flung forwards. This can cause the crop to pile up and become contaminated or crushed during the pushing process. Furthermore, it may come into contact with the tines multiple times in succession, thus multiplying the risk of damage.If an additional rotor is used for transferring the crop to the downstream device, problems can also occur during the transfer from one rotor to the other, potentially leading to crop buildup. Furthermore, it's possible that the crop won't be transferred to the downstream device but will instead adhere to the rotor and continue to be carried along. These irregularities also increase the risk of crop damage and impair the efficiency of the agricultural machinery.

[0003] German patent application DE 20 2017 000 595 U1 discloses an agricultural harvesting machine, in particular a combine harvester, forage wagon or baler, with a crop conveyor for picking up and conveying straw- and / or leaf-shaped crops, comprising a spiked rotor having circumferentially driven conveying tines arranged between scrapers and retracting at least partially between the scrapers along a section of their orbit, and an additional conveying rotor in the discharge area of ​​the spiked rotor for further conveying the crop stripped by the conveying tines. The additional conveying rotor has drive sections that engage between the conveying tines of the spiked rotor.

[0004] Document US 2012 / 0304612 A1 discloses a baler comprising a bottom roller with circumferential grooves, wherein the bottom roller is a bale-forming roller of the bale chamber. The baler further comprises a rotary conveyor with feed fingers. The feed fingers engage in the circumferential grooves.

[0005] The object of the invention is to enable the efficient and gentle collection and transfer of harvested crops lying on the ground.

[0006] The problem is solved with a field cultivation machine having the features of independent claim 1. Advantageous embodiments can be found in the dependent claims.

[0007] For this purpose, a field cultivation machine is created, with at least one receiving device comprising a receiving rotor and a transfer rotor, which can be driven in the same direction about axes of rotation extending at least predominantly along a transverse axis, wherein the receiving rotor is configured to pick up agricultural crops from the ground by means of receiving tines, lift them with respect to a vertical axis and transfer them to the transfer rotor, which is configured to take the crops by means of transfer tines and transfer them to a downstream device, which is arranged at least partially behind the receiving device with respect to a longitudinal axis, wherein the transfer tines engage between the receiving tines in such a way that the ranges of motion of the transfer tines and of the receiving tines overlap, viewed along the transverse axis.wherein the receiving device has a scraper device with receiving tine scraper sections and receiving tine gaps formed between them with respect to the transverse axis, through which the receiving tines at least partially project.

[0008] A field tillage machine, in the broadest sense, serves the purpose of cultivating the field. More precisely, its primary function is to pick up agricultural crops, such as grass or hay, from the ground. Depending on its design, the crop can be further processed (for example, cut), collected by the machine, and / or deposited back onto the ground. A field tillage machine can be designed as an agricultural machine with its own chassis, such as a baler, forage harvester, or loader wagon. It may have its own drive system or be designed to be pulled by a tractor. Alternatively, it can be designed as an implement mounted on the front or rear of a tractor or similar vehicle, without a chassis to permanently support its weight. A field tillage machine has a pickup device.This can be permanently attached to a vehicle body or main frame of the field cultivation machine, or it can belong to a module that is attached to the vehicle body or main frame as needed.

[0009] The pickup device comprises a pickup rotor and a transfer rotor, which can be driven in the same direction about axes of rotation that extend at least predominantly along a transverse axis. The transverse axis, as well as the vertical and longitudinal axes mentioned below, can be considered axes of the pickup device and / or axes of the field processing machine. At least in the operating state, the longitudinal axis normally runs parallel or antiparallel to the direction of travel, while the transverse axis runs horizontally and perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, and the vertical axis runs vertically. The axes of rotation of the two rotors can, in particular, run parallel to each other. They extend at least predominantly along the transverse axis, that is, they run either parallel to the transverse axis or non-parallel to it, with the main component of their direction of travel being parallel to the transverse axis.The angle between the axis of rotation and the transverse axis is typically at most 30° or at most 20°. It is conceivable to design rotors in which each rotor is divided into two halves with respect to the transverse axis, and the rotor halves can be tilted relative to each other. In this case, the axis of rotation runs differently in each rotor half, but overall it extends predominantly along the transverse axis. The rotors can be driven in the same direction. In other words, the field machine and / or the receiving device are designed to drive the rotors in the same direction, i.e., in the same direction of rotation.

[0010] The intake rotor is designed to pick up agricultural crops from the ground using intake tines, lift them along their vertical axis, and transfer them to the transfer rotor. The transfer tines extend radially outwards from the axis of rotation of the intake rotor. They can be arranged on a common rotor core that is rotatable around this axis.

[0011] The pickup tines are unguided, meaning they are fixed relative to each other – for example, via the rotor core – but may be elastically deflectable. The pickup tines can be made of metal, but also of other materials such as plastic or composites. They can be made of wire or rods. Alternatively, they can be made of sheet metal or a similar flat material. The pickup rotor can be guided close to the ground, with the pickup tines gripping and carrying the crop. As the pickup rotor rotates, the crop is lifted along its vertical axis. This is not a purely vertical movement, but rather a superimposed horizontal movement. Overall, the crop is positioned significantly above the ground when it is transferred to the transfer rotor.

[0012] The transfer rotor is designed to take the harvested crop by means of transfer tines and transfer it to a downstream device, which is located at least partially behind the receiving device with respect to its longitudinal axis. The descriptions given above regarding the receiving tines can largely be applied to the transfer tines. In particular, they are also unguided, i.e., rotationally fixed relative to each other. However, a construction from sheet metal or other flat material is preferred for the transfer tines. Both the receiving tines and the transfer tines can be grouped into tine rings, which have several tines whose axial position with respect to the axis of rotation is the same. The transfer rotor takes the harvested crop and transfers it to the downstream device. Between taking in and transferring the crop, the transfer rotor normally conveys the harvested crop rearward with respect to its longitudinal axis, i.e., against the direction of travel.This horizontal movement can, in turn, be superimposed on a vertical movement. The term "downstream device" is to be interpreted broadly in this context. The downstream device may be purely passive, but it usually includes at least one active element for conveying and / or processing the harvested crop. In this context, the term "transfer" also includes throwing or dropping, whereby the harvested crop has no contact with either the transfer rotor or the downstream device during this time. Since the entire conveying movement is distributed across two rotors, both can be relatively small. For example, the diameter of the receiving rotor, or more precisely, the diameter of the movement range of one of its receiving tines, can be between 40 cm and 70 cm. The diameter of the transfer rotor can be chosen similarly.

[0013] The transfer tines engage between the receiving tines in such a way that their ranges of motion overlap along the transverse axis. The range of motion of a tine is the area it traverses due to the rotor's rotation. This range of motion is rotationally symmetrical to the rotor's axis of rotation. Viewed along the axis of rotation, it is circular or annular. Along the transverse axis, the ranges of motion of the transfer and receiving tines overlap. As explained above, the direction of the transverse axis does not differ, or differs only slightly, from that of the axes of rotation. Generally, cylindrical surfaces can be defined for the receiving tines on the one hand and for the transfer tines on the other. These surfaces intersect each other.Furthermore, the sum of the radii of the movement ranges of a pickup tine and a transfer tine is greater than the distance between the axes of rotation of the two rotors. Thus, the transfer tines engage in gaps formed along the transverse axis between the pickup tines. Similarly, the pickup tines engage in gaps formed along the transverse axis between the transfer tines. This engagement in the gaps significantly improves the transfer of the harvested crop. The transfer tines are able to directly grasp crop material that is still located between the pickup tines.

[0014] The receiving device includes a stripping device with receiving tine stripping sections and, with respect to the transverse axis, spaces between the receiving tines through which the receiving tines at least partially protrude. The receiving tine stripping sections can be formed by individual elements or they can be sections of a single component. They are generally made of steel and can, for example, be strip-shaped. Their function is to strip at least some of the harvested material from the receiving tines as the latter move along the receiving tine stripping sections during rotation. The receiving tines move through the spaces between the receiving tine stripping sections, protruding at least partially through these spaces.Normally, the tines are designed to fully immerse or retract between the intake tine and scraper sections within a specific area of ​​their path. They move from the outer side of the scraper, where the harvested crop can be retained, to the inner side. Designs where the intake tines do not fully retract are also conceivable. In this case, any remaining harvested crop near the tips of the intake tines could be removed by the transfer tines.

[0015] The stripping device comprises transfer tine stripper sections and intermediate transfer tine gaps through which the transfer tines at least partially protrude. The transfer tine stripper sections are designed such that the transfer tines are inserted between them as the transfer rotor rotates. The function of the transfer tine stripper sections with respect to the transfer tines corresponds to that of the intake tine stripper sections with respect to the intake tines; that is, they strip crop material from the transfer tines as the latter move along them. In particular, the transfer tines retract completely between the transfer tine strippers, meaning they are fully inserted into the intermediate transfer tine gaps. This enables, or even forces, complete stripping of the crop material.Although a distinction is made between receiving tine scraper sections and transfer tine scraper sections, a receiving tine scraper section can be directly adjacent to a transfer tine scraper section or even formed integrally with it. The gaps between the receiving tines are offset with respect to the transverse axis relative to the gaps between the transfer tines. This corresponds to the arrangement of the receiving tines, which are also offset with respect to the transverse axis relative to the transfer tines.

[0016] According to the invention, at least one receiving tine gap transitions into a transfer tine gap in a transition area. Thus, the two gaps form partial sections of a continuous gap. The transition area can be assigned to the receiving tine gap and / or the transfer tine gap, although the assignment is often not unambiguous. Typically, a receiving tine retracts to the inside of the stripping device in the transition area, while a transfer tine emerges towards the outside. In the transition area, or at least near it, a transfer of harvested material between the rotors takes place. This transfer is facilitated by the fact that the gaps merge into one another instead of being separate.

[0017] The field cultivation machine according to the invention enables highly efficient, crop-friendly pickup and transfer of the harvested crop. Firstly, the pickup rotor can be comparatively small, since it does not have to convey the crop the entire distance towards the downstream device; the transfer rotor takes over this function. A smaller pickup rotor, in turn, means that crop lying on the ground in front of the pickup rotor, in the form of a mat or pile of a certain height, can be conveyed upwards and backwards along its longitudinal axis, rather than being flung or pushed forwards. The latter means that the crop is picked up less effectively and often has to be picked up by the pickup rotor several times. Furthermore, this can lead to a comparatively large pile of crop being pushed across the ground in front of the pickup rotor, which can also contaminate and / or damage the crop.Furthermore, the engagement of the transfer tines between the intake tines facilitates the efficient transfer of the harvested crop to the transfer rotor. At least some of the harvested crop can be transferred directly to the transfer rotor without having to be stripped by the intake tine scraper sections. This also helps to protect the harvested crop. Finally, the transfer tine scraper sections prevent harvested crop from being conveyed back towards the intake rotor by the transfer rotor instead of being transferred to the downstream device. Such a reverse flow would be detrimental and could lead to damage to the harvested crop and blockages in parts of the intake device.

[0018] In addition to the elements mentioned here, the picking device can have further elements, in particular ground guide elements, by which it can be supported at least partially on the ground side. The ground guide elements serve, on the one hand, to transfer at least part of the weight of the picking device to the ground, so that it is not absorbed elsewhere, for example by other parts of the tillage machine. In particular, however, the ground guide elements serve to essentially sense the ground profile and thus maintain an optimal distance between the picking device and the ground. That is, the picking device is guided along the ground profile by means of the ground guide elements. These ground guide elements could be, in particular, wheels, rollers, cylinders, or skids.

[0019] As a rule, the transfer rotor is positioned at least partially higher than the intake rotor and is designed to lift the crop received from the intake rotor, at least initially, with respect to its vertical axis. This means that the crop is conveyed upwards and thus lifted not only by the intake rotor but also by the transfer rotor. "At least initially" in this context refers to the phase of the crop's movement following its transfer to the transfer rotor. The advantages described above of dividing the conveying path between two rotors naturally also apply to the upward conveying of the crop. A conveying height can be achieved in a crop-friendly and efficient manner, enabling advantageous transfer options to the downstream equipment.

[0020] Preferably, the transfer tines have a transfer conveying profile arranged at the front in the direction of rotation, which is inclined backwards so that it curves radially outwards tangentially, and the receiving tines have a receiving conveying profile arranged at the front in the direction of rotation, which is inclined more strongly forwards, at least in some areas, than the transfer conveying profile. The direction of rotation here is the direction in which the rotor rotates during normal operation. The transfer conveying profile and the receiving conveying profile each correspond to the edge of the respective rotor in its plane of rotation, specifically on the side that faces forwards in its direction of rotation. This is therefore the profile that primarily acts on the crop. The receiving conveying profile is inclined more strongly forwards than the transfer conveying profile, which is always inclined backwards.This means that the intake conveying profile either has a lesser backward slope than the transfer conveying profile, a forward slope, or no slope at all, meaning the intake conveying profile can also run radially. This embodiment takes advantage of the fact that the conveying profile of the two rotors can be adapted independently with regard to their respective tasks. For picking up the crop from the ground, a slight backward slope or even a forward slope is optimal. On the other hand, for stripping the crop, a rather strong backward slope is advantageous, as it facilitates interaction with the stripping device. The terms "forward slope" and "backward slope" here refer to a slope relative to the radial direction or (viewed three-dimensionally) the axial-radial plane.

[0021] Advantageously, the transfer tines are designed such that, during the movement of the transfer rotor along the scraper, the scraper angle between a portion of the transfer conveying profile adjacent to the scraper and the adjacent section of the transfer tine scraper is consistently at least 80°. The scraper angle can be determined by drawing tangents in the plane of rotation of the transfer rotor to the transfer conveying profile and the surface of the scraper, specifically at the point where the transfer conveying profile and the surface intersect with respect to this plane of rotation. This corresponds to the radially innermost area in which crop material is conveyed and / or scraped between the transfer tine and the scraper. Ideally, the crop material should always experience a radially outward force component, so that the scraper angle should be greater than 90°.Depending on various parameters, particularly the nature and quantity of the crop, a smaller stripping angle may suffice, at least in certain areas. However, if this angle is below 80°, the crop is generally not stripped optimally, but rather becomes trapped and crushed between the transfer tines and the scraper. It is particularly advantageous to provide that the stripping angle increases during the movement of the transfer rotor, reaching its maximum value in, or at least near, the immersion zone where the transfer tines are fully inserted between the transfer tine-scraper sections.

[0022] It is also preferred that the transfer tines have a transfer conveying profile that is inclined backwards, with the angle of inclination increasing radially outwards. That is, the transfer conveying profile is increasingly inclined backwards outwards. This increase is present at least in certain areas, and usually throughout. However, it would also be conceivable that the backward inclination is constant or decreases in certain areas. The increasing backward inclination from the inside out can positively influence the scraping behavior. In particular, this ensures that the scraping angle remains sufficiently large when the transfer tines gradually enter the space between the transfer tine scraper sections. Normally, the angle between the radial direction of the transfer rotor and the surface of the scraper decreases towards the entry area.This can be compensated for by an increase in the outward tilt.

[0023] It is also possible that the receiving tines have a receiving conveying profile that is increasingly inclined forward radially outwards. This means, for example, that the receiving conveying profile may have a backward inclination on the radial inside, which decreases towards the outside and / or transitions into a radial or forward inclination. It could also have a continuous forward inclination that increases radially outwards.

[0024] The stripping device advantageously features a guide edge at a transition point, defining a receiving tine gap. This guide edge is inclined towards the transfer tine gap relative to a plane of rotation perpendicular to the receiving rotor's axis of rotation. Corresponding to the rotor's rotational movement, the edges of the gaps typically run predominantly parallel to the respective rotor's plane of rotation. This ensures a consistently small distance between the stripping device and the tines. Where a gap begins or ends, an edge running parallel to the axis of rotation is possible. However, in the transition point, the transfer from the receiving rotor to the transfer rotor is facilitated if the guide edge is neither parallel nor perpendicular to the axis of rotation, but rather inclined towards the adjacent transfer tine gap.Thus, crop material located between the descending intake tine and the guide edge is deflected laterally towards the gap between the transfer tines and therefore towards the transfer rotor. Advantageously, the inclination relative to the plane of rotation is between 20° and 70°, preferably between 30° and 60°. An inclination greater than 70° generally impairs the laterally deflecting effect, so that crop material can accumulate at the edge. A lesser inclination than 20° generally requires the guide edge to be relatively long, resulting in a large portion of the gap between the intake tines that is not reached by the intake tine. This would essentially be an undesirable "dead zone" through which crop material would either fall uncontrollably or which would gradually become clogged with crop material.

[0025] In particular, the field cultivation machine can be designed as a rake, with at least one rake unit comprising a receiving device and, as a downstream device, a transverse conveying device. This conveying device is designed to receive the crop transferred by the transfer rotor onto a conveying surface, transport it along the transverse axis, and deposit it in windrows on the ground. Rakes are intended to deposit crops that are spread across the ground and / or randomly distributed into windrows. Such machines are also referred to as mergers or haymaking machines, although their applicability is expressly not limited to hay. Normally, the rake does not have its own drive system and is designed to be pulled by a tractor or carried as an implement by a tractor. However, a design with its own drive system is conceivable.

[0026] The rake can have a main frame that, in operation, is supported by a chassis. This main frame can, in a sense, form the central element of the rake and be largely responsible for its structural stability. It is normally rigid in itself, but can consist of several interconnected components. In operation, the main frame is supported by a chassis. The main frame can incorporate the chassis, which is thus part of the rake. If the rake is designed as an implement, it is coupled to an agricultural machine that has the chassis. In any case, at least a portion of the rake's weight can be absorbed and supported at ground level via the main frame and the chassis.The main frame can also be designed for at least an indirect connection to a tractor, whereby a drawbar used for this purpose can be considered part of the main frame. Alternatively, the main frame can have structures for connection to an agricultural machine, enabling its use as an implement.

[0027] The rake has at least one rake unit. This unit may be connected to the main frame, at least indirectly. Typically, either exactly one rake unit or two rake units are provided. Each rake unit may be connected to a side boom, which in turn is connected to the main frame or forms part of it. The rake unit comprises those elements of the rake that, by design, come into direct contact with the crop and transport it.

[0028] Each rake unit has a receiving device as described above, as well as a downstream transverse conveying device with a transverse conveying frame. As explained above, the transverse conveying device is located at least partially behind the receiving device with respect to the longitudinal axis. The transfer rotor transfers the crop to the transverse conveying device. This can, as already mentioned, also include throwing or dropping. The transverse conveying device is designed to receive the transferred crop on a conveying surface, transport it along the transverse axis, and deposit it in swaths on the ground. For this purpose, the transverse conveying device has a conveying element, generally an endlessly circulating conveying element, such as a conveyor belt or link belt, which can also be referred to as a belt rake. This conveying element can form or comprise the conveying surface on which the crop is received.In the case of a circulating conveying element, the conveying surface moves laterally with respect to the transverse axis, carrying the harvested crop along with it. Normally, the transverse conveying device transports the harvested crop parallel to the transverse axis, although it could also transport it at a certain angle to the transverse axis. The transverse conveying device may have a transverse conveying frame on which the conveying element is movably mounted. The transverse conveying frame provides the transverse conveying device with overall mechanical stability and is normally rigidly constructed. The receiving device may be connected to the transverse conveying device. In particular, it may be connected to the main frame via the transverse conveying frame. Normally, the transverse conveying device and / or the receiving device are movable relative to the main frame, in particular at least vertically movable.In addition to vertical movement, movement along the longitudinal and / or transverse axes is also possible. Apart from translational movements of the transverse conveyor frame, rotational movements are also conceivable, for example, lateral oscillation (corresponding to a rotation about the longitudinal axis).

[0029] In the prior art, receiving devices are known that essentially push the harvested crop onto a transverse conveyor. Such a configuration, in which the transfer of the harvested crop occurs in a plane, is not excluded within the scope of the present invention, but can lead to problems. Depending on its composition, the harvested crop can clump together during the pushing process and become difficult to convey laterally. The harvested crop can also be damaged in this way. It is therefore preferred that the transfer rotor be configured to discharge the harvested crop, at least partially, above the conveying surface with respect to the vertical axis and throw it onto the surface. Such an embodiment can be realized, in particular, with a receiving rotor that transfers the harvested crop to a higher-positioned transfer rotor. In any case, in this embodiment, the transfer rotor extends higher than the conveying surface, or at least a portion thereof.Depending on the design, it is not possible to determine exactly at which point, and therefore at what height, the harvested crop is discharged from the transfer rotor. However, a typical discharge area can usually be identified. Particularly at a sufficiently high rotational speed, the harvested crop can be thrown approximately tangentially from the transfer tines. It then falls onto the conveying surface in a typically arc-shaped trajectory. If the harvested crop cannot be flung or thrown, it can also be removed from the transfer tines by the tine scraper sections, after which it can fall approximately perpendicularly onto the conveying surface. Considering the lowest point of the conveying surface, the highest point of the transfer tines' range of motion along the vertical axis can be positioned, for example, at least 70% or at least 50% of the diameter of the range of motion higher than this lowest point.

[0030] An advantageous feature is an immersion zone in which the transfer tines are fully immersed between the transfer tine scraper sections, positioned above an area of ​​the conveying surface adjacent to the receiving device. The immersion zone is therefore the area where the immersion of the transfer tines is complete. Any remaining crop adhering to the transfer tines is scraped off by them at the latest within this immersion zone, which can also be referred to as the retraction zone. This zone typically corresponds to the lowest point from which crop can fall. This zone is positioned above the area of ​​the conveying surface adjacent to the receiving device. This area can be located approximately vertically below the immersion zone. Thus, the crop falls from the immersion zone to the conveying surface via a step.Their height can, for example, be at least 10% or at least 15% of the diameter of the movement range of a transfer fork. In absolute terms, it is preferably at least 5 cm, at least 7 cm, or at least 10 cm.

[0031] One embodiment provides that the transverse conveying device can be arranged such that the conveying surface is inclined relative to the horizontal plane towards the receiving device. This means that the conveying surface is either permanently inclined accordingly, or various arrangements of the transverse conveying device are possible, with the conveying surface being inclined towards the receiving device in at least one of the aforementioned arrangements. The conveying surface is therefore not horizontal, but inclined towards the receiving device, generally in the direction of travel. The angle of inclination relative to the horizontal plane can be, in particular, between 5° and 35°, preferably between 10° and 30°, and more preferably between 15° and 25°. The inclined position of the conveying surface prevents harvested material, which is thrown off the transfer rotor at considerable speed, from moving too far backward.This allows for a better and more even distribution of the harvested crop on the conveying surface. With an incline significantly exceeding 35°, there is a risk that the harvested crop will slide or roll down the conveying surface and accumulate in the front area. Regardless of whether the conveying surface is inclined as described here, a retaining device, in particular a deflector plate, can be arranged on the side of the conveying surface opposite the receiving device. This deflector plate can have a significantly steeper forward inclination relative to the horizontal plane (for example, over 70°) and can even have overhanging sections that project upwards in the direction of travel.

[0032] As explained above, the inventive design with two rotors helps to prevent an excessively high pile of crop material from accumulating in front of the intake rotor. This effect can be further enhanced. According to a corresponding embodiment, the field cultivation machine has a hold-down device with a rotatable hold-down roller arranged at least partially in front of the intake rotor with respect to the longitudinal axis, and a guide cover arranged at least partially behind it with respect to the longitudinal axis, which defines a conveying channel for the crop material between itself and at least one of the rotors. The hold-down roller, which can have a smooth or profiled surface, is rotatable about an axis of rotation that normally runs parallel to the transverse axis. In particular, it exerts a vertical pressure on the crop material in front of the intake rotor and thus limits crop accumulation.Depending on its design, it can also act as a counter-support for crop already picked up by the intake rotor. The hold-down device also features a guide cover, which is positioned at least partially behind the hold-down roller along its longitudinal axis. It can be positioned at a certain distance from the hold-down roller. The guide cover can, in particular, include at least one guide plate or be designed as such. Preferably, it is impermeable to crop material and has a closed surface. However, designs are also conceivable in which it has, for example, a plurality of spaced-apart guide elements, which can be curved. The guide cover could also be called a guide hood. It forms a counter-support for the crop, optionally in addition to the hold-down roller, and limits its range of motion.Thus, a conveying channel for the harvested crop is defined between the guide cover and at least one of the rotors. This essentially prevents crop loss and / or allows the harvested crop to be conveyed more effectively by the corresponding rotor.

[0033] Preferably, the hold-down device is suspended via at least one hold-down support such that it is at least vertically movable relative to the rotors. The hold-down support can itself be connected directly or indirectly to the vehicle body or a main frame of the field cultivation machine. According to one embodiment, the hold-down support is movably connected to a transverse conveyor frame of the transverse conveyor device. In particular, it can be pivotally connected to this frame. In any case, the hold-down support provides a suspension for the hold-down device that allows at least one vertical movement relative to the rotors.

[0034] The vertical movement can be superimposed on a horizontal movement. A spring element, such as a hydraulic cylinder, can define a rest position for the hold-down carrier, from which it can be deflected, for example, if the hold-down roller needs to move upwards due to a larger quantity of crop in front of the intake rotor. The same applies to any necessary movement of the guide cover.

[0035] While a corresponding vertical adjustability of the hold-down device as a whole is advantageous, it may be additionally or, if necessary, as an alternative, provided that the hold-down roller and / or the guide cover are individually adjustable relative to the hold-down support. Both the hold-down roller and the guide cover can be adjusted vertically and / or horizontally. With regard to the hold-down roller, it can be arranged on a roller support that can be adjusted translationally and / or pivoted relative to the hold-down support. Manual adjustment is possible, with the selected position being secured by tightening a locking screw. However, actuated adjustment would also be conceivable.

[0036] According to one embodiment, the field cultivation machine has a plurality of guide tines extending along the longitudinal axis and designed to direct the crop discharged by the transfer rotor towards the downstream device. The guide tines can be inclined relative to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the transverse axis. The guide tines are generally spaced apart from one another with respect to the transverse axis, meaning that gaps are formed between them. The guide tines can be made of metal, but optionally also of other materials such as plastic or composites. They can be made of wire or rods. Alternatively, they could also be made of sheet metal or a comparable flat material. The guide tines extend along the longitudinal axis, but generally do not run parallel to it.However, preferably at least one position is provided in which the guide tines run parallel to the longitudinal plane, i.e., the plane defined by the longitudinal and vertical axes. Preferably, the guide tines are arranged at least partially above the transfer rotor. The guide tines can direct the crop discharged by the transfer rotor toward the downstream device. This is particularly advantageous in a transverse conveying device. The guide tines, by their orientation, define a direction of movement that the crop can follow with minimal resistance. Generally, the crop does not move exactly parallel to the direction of the guide tines; nevertheless, they exert a guiding or steering effect on the crop. In the present embodiment, this is utilized by making the inclination of the guide tines relative to the transverse axis adjustable.This means the guide tines can be tilted to varying degrees (or not at all) to the side. This causes the crop, which is driven by the transfer rotor primarily along its longitudinal and vertical axes, to be deflected laterally. In other words, a velocity component is imparted to the crop along its transverse axis.

[0037] In this context, it is considered an independent invention to provide a field cultivation machine according to the preamble of claim 1, which has a plurality of guide tines extending along the longitudinal axis and is arranged to direct the crop material discharged by the transfer rotor towards the downstream device, wherein an inclination of the guide tines relative to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the transverse axis is adjustable.

[0038] One embodiment provides that the hold-down device has a plurality of guide tines extending along the longitudinal axis and designed to direct the harvested material discharged by the transfer rotor towards the downstream device. This embodiment can optionally be combined with the aforementioned embodiment in which the inclination to the transverse axis is adjustable. The guide tines can be connected to the guide cover. For example, they can be movably, and in particular pivotably, connected to the guide cover. In this case, the guide tines extend rearward with respect to the longitudinal axis, i.e., opposite to the direction of travel. The guide tines can partially define a gap between themselves and one of the rotors, in particular the transfer rotor. This gap can connect to the aforementioned conveying channel or can also be considered part of it.Unlike the guide cover, the guide tines are generally spaced in such a way that crop could potentially pass between them. However, this is usually less problematic in the area where the guide tines are positioned. In particular, there is generally only a slight risk of crop being completely lost, i.e., falling back to the ground, in this area. Normally, even the crop that passes between the guide tines still reaches the downstream equipment, especially the cross conveyor. It would also be conceivable, however, to provide an additional cover above the guide tines, which could also be designed as part of the guide cover. In this way, crop loss could be practically eliminated.

[0039] Further adjustment options for the guide tines are also conceivable. One design allows for the adjustment of the guide tines' inclination relative to the longitudinal axis in the direction of the vertical axis. This can also be described as an adjustable inclination relative to the horizontal plane. This allows, in particular, the throwing distance of the transfer rotor to be altered. If the guide tines are inclined more sharply downwards (viewed from front to back), the harvested crop is directed downwards faster and / or more steeply, which is equivalent to a shorter throwing distance. If the guide tines are inclined more sharply upwards, a greater throwing distance results. It goes without saying that the throwing distance depends on other parameters, especially the rotational speed of the transfer rotor and the characteristics of the harvested crop. Individual adjustment of individual guide tines is possible.However, it is also advantageous to arrange all the guide tines on a tine carrier that, along with the guide tines, can be swivelled. The tilt can be manually adjustable, as it can usually be kept constant for working a field. Optionally, however, it could also be adjustable by an actuator.

[0040] By way of example, and not as part of the invention, a receiving device for a field cultivation machine is also provided, comprising a receiving rotor and a transfer rotor which can be driven in the same direction about axes of rotation extending at least predominantly along a transverse axis, wherein the receiving rotor is configured to pick up agricultural crops from the ground by means of receiving tines, lift them with respect to a vertical axis and transfer them to the transfer rotor, which is configured to take the crops by means of transfer tines and transfer them to a downstream device which is arranged at least partially behind the receiving device with respect to a longitudinal axis, wherein the transfer tines engage between the receiving tines in such a way that the ranges of movement of the transfer tines and of the receiving tines overlap, viewed along the transverse axis.wherein the receiving device has a scraper device with receiving tine scraper sections and receiving tine gaps formed between them with respect to the transverse axis, through which the receiving tines at least partially project.

[0041] The scraper device of the exemplary receiving device has transfer tine scraper sections and transfer tine gaps formed between them, through which the transfer tines protrude at least partially, wherein the transfer tine scraper sections are designed such that the transfer tines dip between them according to a rotation of the transfer rotor.

[0042] The aforementioned terms have already been explained above with reference to the field cultivation machine according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments of the exemplary receiving device correspond to those of the field cultivation machine according to the invention.

[0043] The invention is described below with reference to figures. The figures are merely exemplary and do not limit the general concept of the invention. They show Fig. 1 a perspective view of a field cultivation machine designed as a swather according to the invention; Fig. 2 a side view of a swather unit of the swather made of Fig. 1 ; Fig. 3 a side sectional view of part of the swather unit made of Fig. 2 ; Fig. 4 a perspective view of a receiving device of the swather unit made of Fig.2 Fig. 5 shows another view of the recording device. Fig. 4 Fig. 6 shows a sectional view of part of the receiving device. Fig.4 ; and Fig. 7 a perspective view of part of a hold-down device of the swather unit made of Fig. 2 .

[0044] Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a field cultivation machine according to the invention, in this case a swather 1, which is designed to be pulled by a tractor (not shown). The swather 1 has a main frame 2, which can be supported on a ground 70 by means of two wheels of a chassis 4. The main frame 2 also has a drawbar 3 extending forward in a direction of travel F along a longitudinal axis X, by means of which it is coupled to the tractor. Parallel to a transverse axis Y, two side booms 5 extend on either side of the main frame 2, on each of which a swather unit 8 is arranged. The two swather units 8 and their connection to the main frame 2 are identical or mirror-symmetrical, which is why only one swather unit 8 is considered in the following.

[0045] The swather unit 8 has a receiving device 10 and a transverse conveying device 30 arranged behind it with respect to the longitudinal axis X. When the swather 1 is pulled in the direction of travel F, the receiving device 10 picks up crop from the ground 70 and transfers it to the transverse conveying device 30. The transverse conveying device 30 has a transverse conveying frame 31 and a conveyor belt 32 that can be driven around it. This conveyor belt 32 picks up the crop onto a conveying surface 33, conveys it laterally with respect to the transverse axis Y, and deposits it in swathes on the ground 70. Fig. 1 Figure 1 shows a configuration of the rake 1 designed for depositing the harvested crop inwards, towards the center plane of the rake 1. In this configuration, the two rake units 8 are significantly spaced apart along the transverse axis Y, and the conveyor belts 32 are operated to convey the harvested crop towards the center. In an alternative working configuration, not shown here, the rake units 20 can be adjusted towards the center on the side arms 5 so that they are positioned directly adjacent to each other. The rake unit 8 is movably suspended relative to the main frame 2 in a manner not described in detail here. Specifically, it is vertically adjustable and can scan and follow the profile of the ground 70 via ground guide elements 37.

[0046] The receiving device 10 has a receiving rotor 11, driven to rotate about a first axis of rotation A, which is guided close to the ground 70, and a transfer rotor 14, driven in the same direction about a second axis of rotation B, which is offset to the rear with respect to the longitudinal axis X and upwards with respect to a vertical axis Z relative to the receiving rotor 11. In the figures, the axes of rotation A and B run parallel to the transverse axis Y, which corresponds to the orientation on a flat, horizontally oriented ground 70. Due to the aforementioned mobility of the swather unit, the orientation of the axes of rotation A and B can temporarily differ from the transverse axis Y, but normally by a maximum of 20°. It is also possible that not only the swather unit as a whole is mobile, but also that the receiving device 10 is divided along the transverse axis Y into two sub-units that can tilt relative to each other to adapt to uneven ground.In this case, each of the axes of rotation can run differently in the two sub-units, although deviations of less than 20° typically result.

[0047] The function of the receiving device 10 is to pick up harvested crop from the ground 70 and transfer it to the transverse conveyor 30. More precisely, the receiving rotor 11 picks up the harvested crop and transfers it to the transfer rotor 14, which in turn transfers it to the transverse conveyor 30. The receiving rotor 11 has a plurality of receiving tines 12, which in this case are made of spring wire. They are mounted on a Fig. 2 visible rotor core 13 arranged as, for example, in Fig. 4 and 5As can be seen, the receiving tines 12 are grouped in a plurality of tine rings, which are spaced apart along the transverse axis Y. The transfer rotor 14 has a plurality of transfer tines 15, which can be formed by segments of sheet metal or plastic. These are also grouped in tine rings and arranged on a rotor core 16. Fig. 1 For the sake of clarity, instead of the respective prongs 12, 15, only the cylindrical surfaces of their movement ranges C, D are shown. As from Fig. 3 As can be seen, a first movement area C of each receiving tine 12 overlaps in the direction of the transverse axis Y (which is perpendicular to the drawing plane in Fig. 3 (runs) with a second movement area D of a transfer tine 15. This is made possible by the fact that the transfer tines 15 are arranged offset in the direction of the transverse axis Y relative to the receiving tines 12 and can thus engage in the spaces between the respective receiving tines 12. This fact is particularly evident from Fig. 4 and 5 stand out.

[0048] The receiving device 10 further comprises a scraper device 20, which is formed from metallic scraper elements 21, 22. The scraper device 20 defines receiving tine scraper sections 23 arranged along the transverse axis Y between the receiving tines 12, and transfer tine scraper sections 24 arranged along the transverse axis Y between the transfer tines 15. In this embodiment, the respective receiving tine scraper section 23 is essentially formed by a first scraper element 21, while the respective transfer tine scraper section 24 is essentially formed by a second scraper element 22, which in each case connects almost seamlessly to a first scraper element 21. However, other embodiments would also be possible. The receiving tines 12 each move through receiving tine gaps 25, which are formed between two receiving tine scraper sections 23.The transfer tines 15 move through transfer tine gaps 26, which are formed between each pair of transfer tine scraper sections 24. The receiving tine gaps 23 are offset with respect to the transverse axis Y relative to the transfer tine gaps 26. This corresponds to the arrangement of the receiving tines 12, which are also offset with respect to the transverse axis Y relative to the transfer tines 15. Each receiving tine gap 25 transitions into a transfer tine gap 26 in a transition area 27. During their rotational movement, the receiving tines 12 retract to an inner side of the scraper 20 in the transition area 27, while the transfer tines 15 move from the inner side of the scraper 20 to the outer side in the transition area 27. At the transition area 27, the scraper device 20 has a guide edge 28 that limits the receiving tine gap 25.This guide edge 28 is inclined relative to a plane of rotation E perpendicular to the first axis of rotation A of the receiving rotor 11, towards the adjacent transfer tine gap 26 and the axis of rotation A. Thus, crop material located between the inwardly dipping receiving tine 12 and the guide edge 28 is deflected laterally towards the transfer tine gap 26 and therefore towards the transfer rotor 14. In this example, the inclination relative to the plane of rotation E is approximately 45°, but other angles of inclination are also possible, for example, between 30° and 60°. The crop material is gripped by the transfer tines 15 and conveyed further. In a retraction zone 29, which is located behind the stripping device 20 with respect to the longitudinal axis X, the transfer tines 15 retract completely between the transfer tine stripping sections 24.

[0049] As particularly in Fig. 6 As can be seen, the transfer tines 15 have a transfer conveying profile 19 arranged at the front in the direction of rotation, which is inclined backwards so that it curves radially outwards tangentially. The corresponding angle of inclination α3, α4 relative to a radial direction R is between 33° and 40°. The receiving tines 12 have a receiving conveying profile 17 arranged at the front in the direction of rotation, which is also inclined backwards, but at a consistently shallower angle than the transfer conveying profile 19. The angle of inclination α1, α2 relative to the radial direction R is between 6° and 16° in this example. The relatively shallow backward-inclined receiving conveying profile 17 is optimized for picking up the harvested crop from the ground 70. To further support this, the angle of inclination α 1 , α 2 decreases from the inside out, so that inside it corresponds to a first angle of inclination α 1 of 16° and outside to a second angle of inclination α 2 of 6°.For stripping the harvested crop, the comparatively steep backward inclination of the transfer conveying profile 19 is advantageous, as it facilitates its interaction with the stripping device 20. The inclination angle α3, α4 even increases radially from the inside out, from a third inclination angle α3 of 33° to a fourth inclination angle α4 of 40°. Due to this backward inclination, the stripping angle β1, β2 between the transfer conveying profile and the stripping device 20 is always greater than 100° in this example. The stripping angle β1, β2 changes during the rotation of the transfer rotor 14 and is measured between a section of the transfer conveying profile 19 adjacent to the stripping device 20 and the adjacent transfer tine stripper section 24. In the case of... Fig. 6 The uppermost transfer tine 15 has a first stripping angle β1 of 106°. The next transfer tine 15 in the direction of rotation has a stripping angle β2 of 108°, meaning the stripping angle increases until it finally reaches its maximum value (118° in this example) in the immersion area 29. This increase in the stripping angle β1, β2 is significantly facilitated by the increase in the inclination angle α3, α4 described above. Because the stripping angle is always well above 90°, the crop is always subjected to a radially outward force component, preventing it from being trapped and crushed between the transfer tine 15 and the stripping device 20. The stripping effect is progressively intensified towards the immersion area 29 as the stripping angle β1, β2 increases.

[0050] Since the transfer rotor 14 is at least partially positioned higher than the intake rotor 11, the crop is lifted in two stages with respect to the vertical axis Z. The crop, which lies on the ground 70 at a certain thickness, is first picked up by the intake tines 12 and conveyed upwards and partially to the rear along the longitudinal axis X. Part of it is stripped by the scraper 20, while part is directly transferred by the transfer tines 15 of the transfer rotor 14. In any case, the crop is ultimately transferred to the transfer rotor 14, which again lifts it with respect to the vertical axis Z and conveys it to the rear along the longitudinal axis X.Overall, the harvested crop can be lifted to a relatively high height 70 above the ground, while the intake rotor 11 can be kept relatively small, with the range of motion C of a pickup tine 12, for example, having a diameter of 60 cm. This, in turn, means that the pickup tines 12 grasp the harvested crop during a phase of movement in which they are already moving predominantly upwards and not primarily forwards in the direction of travel F. Therefore, it is largely prevented that the intake rotor 11 throws the harvested crop forwards or merely pushes it along. The resulting high conveying height is advantageous for transferring the harvested crop to the transverse conveying device 30, as will be described below. This conveying height is also achieved by positioning the transfer rotor at least partially above the conveying surface.In particular, the highest point P of the movement range D of the transfer tines 15 with respect to the vertical axis Z is arranged approximately 70% higher along the vertical axis Z than the lowest area 34 of the conveying surface 33 adjacent to the receiving device 10.

[0051] Both the rotational speed of the intake rotor 11 and the transfer rotor 14 can be adjusted independently of each other. The rotational speed of the intake rotor 11 can be adjusted, in particular, depending on the travel speed of the swather 1 and the quantity and, if applicable, the condition of the crop on the ground 70. The rotational speed of the intake rotor 11 normally determines a suitable minimum rotational speed for the transfer rotor 14, which is necessary to transport the harvested crop quickly enough. Furthermore, the rotational speed of the transfer rotor 14 can be selected depending on other factors. In particular, it is advantageous to select a speed that allows the crop to partially detach from the transfer rotor 14 due to centrifugal force, thus preventing it from simply being stripped off and instead throwing or flinging it.In this way, the harvested material does not simply fall to where it would land on an area 34 of the conveying surface 33 adjacent to the receiving device 10. Rather, the harvested material is also, and especially preferably, thrown predominantly towards the center of the conveying surface and also partially towards the end opposite the receiving device 10. This results in a more even distribution of the harvested material on the conveying surface 33, and any accumulation that could potentially damage the harvested material can be prevented. To prevent the harvested material from traveling too far backward with respect to the longitudinal axis X, the conveying surface 33 is inclined forward relative to a horizontal plane in the direction of the receiving device 10. Fig. 2 and 3The angle of inclination is approximately 20°, although other angles are also possible and practical. As an additional measure, the swather unit 8 has a deflector plate 35 on the rear side of the transverse conveyor 30. It should be noted that even the immersion area 29, in which any crop material still adhering to the transfer tines 15 is stripped off, is located significantly above the area 34 of the conveying surface 33 adjacent to the receiving device 10. This means that even this crop material is thrown off and not simply pushed or pressed onto the conveying surface 33, which would increase the risk of damage.

[0052] To support the efficient intake and conveying of the harvested crop, the swather unit 8 also features a hold-down device 40. This is connected to the transverse conveying frame 31 via a hold-down support 55. Fig. 1 The hold-down device 40 and the hold-down support 55 are only shown schematically, while their exact structure is shown in Fig. 2 , 3 and 6 The hold-down device 40 has a hold-down roller 41 which is rotatably mounted on a roller carrier 42, which in turn is connected to the hold-down carrier 55 via an intermediate element 44.

[0053] The position of the roller carrier 42 on the hold-down carrier 55 can be changed. For this purpose, a first adjustment guide 44 is provided, consisting of an elongated hole in the roller carrier 42 and a screw passing through it and connected to the intermediate element 43. By loosening the screw, the roller carrier 42 can be pivoted relative to the intermediate element 43, thereby essentially changing the position of the hold-down roller 41 in the direction of the longitudinal axis X before the screw is tightened again. A second adjustment guide 45 allows the intermediate element 43, together with the roller carrier 42 and the hold-down roller 41, to be adjusted vertically. The hold-down roller 41 ensures, firstly, that the crop does not pile up too high in front of the intake rotor 11, and secondly, that it acts as a counter-support for crop already picked up by the intake rotor 11.Above and behind the hold-down roller along the longitudinal axis X, a guide cover 46, designed as a guide plate, is attached. The guide cover 46 is impermeable to crop material and defines a conveying channel 18 between itself and the rotors 11, 14. It prevents crop material from prematurely detaching from either of the rotors 11, 14. The guide cover 46 is also adjustable to the hold-down carrier 55, for which purpose third adjustment guides 47 are provided. Finally, the hold-down carrier 55, together with the hold-down 40, can be pivoted about a pivot axis G relative to the transverse conveying frame 31. Its pivot position can be influenced by a hydraulic cylinder 56. This allows, for example, adjustment to the current crop quantity or condition.A swivel limiter 57, which is located between the hold-down carrier 55 and the transverse conveyor frame 31, allows the movement range of the hold-down carrier 55 to be set.

[0054] A plurality of guide tines 48 are connected to the guide cover 46, extending rearward along the longitudinal axis X. They can be made of wire, e.g., spring wire. They are all arranged on a tine carrier 49, which is pivotable relative to the guide cover about a pivot axis H running parallel to the transverse axis Y. This pivoting is achieved by fourth adjustment guides 50. By changing the inclination of the guide tines 48 relative to the horizontal plane, the throwing distance of the harvested crop can be significantly influenced. Fig. 2 A solid line represents a minimum inclination, which, with all other parameters being equal, produces the shortest throwing distance, while a dotted line represents a maximum inclination, resulting in the maximum throwing distance. The appropriate setting depends on various parameters, particularly the rotational speed of the transfer rotor 14 and the nature of the crop. Due to its parallel, elongated structure, which in Fig. 6 As can be clearly seen, the guide tines not only restrict the trajectory of the harvested crop with respect to the vertical axis Z, but they also influence the movement of the harvested crop along the transverse axis Y. Fig.6Each guide tine is arranged parallel to a longitudinal plane defined by the longitudinal axis X and the vertical axis Y. However, its inclination in the direction of the transverse axis Y is adjustable. In the embodiment shown here, two adjacent guide tines 48 are integrally connected and attached to the tine carrier 49 by a hose clamp 51. The hose clamp 51 is pivotable about a pivot axis I. Each guide tine 48 is guided on one side by an elongated hole 52 formed in the tine carrier 49 and extending parallel to the transverse axis Y, and on the other side by a hole (not visible in the figures) in an adjusting plate 53, which can be locked to the tine carrier 49 by screws. By moving the adjusting plate 53 parallel to the transverse axis Y, the inclination of a plurality of pairs of guide tines 48 can be adjusted simultaneously.The inclination can be adjusted to the currently selected conveying direction of the transverse conveyor 30. That is, if the transverse conveyor 30 is currently conveying to the left when viewed in the direction of travel F, the inclination of the guide tines 48 is adjusted so that their tips shift to the left. In this way, the harvested crop acquires a velocity component in the intended direction even before reaching the conveying surface 33, which supports and accelerates its removal by the transverse conveyor 30.

Claims

1. Field cultivation machine (1) comprising at least one pickup device (10), which has a pickup rotor (11) and a transfer rotor (14) which can be driven in the same direction about axes of rotation (A, B) extending at least predominantly along a transverse axis (Y), wherein the pickup rotor (11) is configured to pick up agricultural crop from the ground (70) by means of pickup tines (12), to lift it in relation to a vertical axis (Z) and to transfer it to the transfer rotor (14), which is configured to take up the crop by means of transfer tines (15) and to transfer it to a downstream device (30) which is arranged at least partially behind the pickup device (10) in relation to a longitudinal axis (X), wherein the transfer tines (15) engage between the pickup tines (12) such that the movement ranges (C, D) of the transfer tines (15) and of the pickup tines (12) overlap, when viewed along the transverse axis (Y), wherein the pickup device (10) has a stripping device (20) with pickup tine stripping portions (23) and pickup tine gaps (25) formed therebetween in relation to the transverse axis (Y), through which gaps the pickup tines (12) at least partially project, wherein the stripping device (20) has transfer tine stripping portions (24) and transfer tine gaps (26) formed therebetween, through which gaps the transfer tines (15) at least partially project, wherein the transfer tine stripping portions (24) are designed such that the transfer tines (15) are immersed therebetween in accordance with a rotation of the transfer rotor (14), characterized in that at least one pickup tine gap (25) transitions into a transfer tine gap (26) in a transition region (27).

2. Field cultivation machine (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the transfer rotor (14) is arranged at least partially higher than the pickup rotor (11) and is configured to lift the crop taken up by the pickup rotor (11) at least initially in relation to the vertical axis (Z).

3. Field cultivation machine (1) according to either of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer tines (15) have a transfer conveying profile (19) arranged at the front in the direction of rotation, which profile is inclined backward so that it recedes radially outwards tangentially, and the pickup tines (12) have a pickup conveying profile (17) arranged at the front in the direction of rotation, which profile is inclined forward to a greater extent, at least in some regions, than the transfer conveying profile (19).

4. Field cultivation machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer tines (15) are designed such that during the movement of the transfer rotor (14) along the stripping device (20), a stripping angle (β1, β2) between a part of the transfer conveying profile (19) adjacent to the stripper and the adjacent transfer tine stripping portion (24) is at least 80° throughout.

5. Field cultivation machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the transfer tines (15) have a transfer conveying profile (19) which is inclined backwards, wherein an angle of inclination (α3, α4) increases radially outwards in a radial direction (R).

6. Field cultivation machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the stripping device (20) has, at a transition region (27), a guide edge (28) that defines a pickup tine gap (25) and is inclined toward the axis of rotation (A) in the direction of the transfer tine space (26) in relation to a plane of rotation (E) perpendicular to the axis of rotation (A) of the pickup rotor (11), wherein the inclination relative to the plane of rotation (E) is preferably between 20° and 70°.

7. Field cultivation machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that this is designed as a swather (1), comprising at least one swathing unit (8), which has a pickup device (10) and, as a downstream device, a transverse conveying device (30) which is configured to receive the crop transferred by the transfer rotor (14) onto a conveying surface (33), to convey it along the transverse axis (Y) and to deposit it in swaths on the ground (70).

8. Field cultivation machine (1) according to claim 7, characterized in that the transfer rotor (14) is configured to discharge the crop at least partially above the conveying surface (33) in relation to the vertical axis (Z) and to drop it onto the conveying surface.

9. Field cultivation machine (1) according to either of claims 7-8, characterized in that an immersion region (29) in which the transfer tines (15) are fully immersed between the transfer tine stripping portions (24) is arranged above a region (34) of the conveying surface (33) adjacent to the pickup device (10).

10. Field cultivation machine (1) according to any of claims 7-9, characterized in that the transverse conveying device (30) can be arranged at least in such a way that the conveying surface (33) is inclined relative to the horizontal plane toward the pickup device (10).

11. Field cultivation machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that this comprises a hold-down device (40), which has a rotatable hold-down roller (41) arranged at least partially in front of the pickup rotor (11) in relation to the longitudinal axis (X) and a guide cover (46) arranged at least partially behind it in relation to the longitudinal axis (X), which guide cover defines a conveying channel (18) for crop between itself and at least one of the rotors (11, 14).

12. Field cultivation machine (1) according to claim 11, characterized in that the hold-down device (40) is suspended over at least one hold-down carrier (55) such that it is at least vertically movable relative to the rotors (11, 14).

13. Field cultivation machine (1) according to claim 12, characterized in that the hold-down roller (41) and / or the guide cover (46) are individually adjustable relative to the hold-down carrier (55).

14. Field cultivation machine (1) according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that this comprises a plurality of guide tines (48), which extend along the longitudinal axis (X) and are configured to direct the crop discharged from the transfer rotor (14) in the direction of the downstream device (30), wherein an inclination of the guide tines (48) relative to the longitudinal axis (X) is adjustable in the direction of the transverse axis (Y).

15. Field cultivation machine (1) according to claim 14, characterized in that the hold-down device (40) comprises the majority of guide tines (48), which extend along the longitudinal axis (X) and are configured to direct the crop discharged from the transfer rotor (14) in the direction of the downstream device (30).

16. Field cultivation machine (1) according to either of claims 14-15, characterized in that an inclination of the guide tines (48) relative to the longitudinal axis (X) is adjustable in the direction of the vertical axis (Z).