Machines for processing fiber plants

Abstract

A processing machine is described for processing relatively short fibrous plants, such as flax, and relatively long fibrous plants, such as hemp. The processing machine includes a self-propelled vehicle comprising a chassis equipped with: a first conveyor and a second conveyor, the first conveyor for transporting at least a portion of the fibrous plant from a first end to an opposite second end, and the second conveyor for transporting at least a portion of the fibrous plant from the first end to the second end; a first conveying unit and a second conveying unit disposed at or near the second end, the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit for conveying the fibrous plant from the first conveyor and the second conveyor, respectively, and placing it on the ground; wherein the chassis includes a first mounting device for selectively mounting a replaceable first harvesting unit or a replaceable second harvesting unit as needed.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing machine for processing relatively short fibrous plants such as flax and relatively long fibrous plants such as hemp. Background Technology

[0002] Over time, many different machines have been developed for the harvesting and subsequent processing of fibrous plants. On the one hand, there are harvesting machines that can pick fibrous plants and lay them flat on the ground in rows (strips). On the other hand, so-called turning machines have been developed, which, in the early stages, once the fibrous plants are laid flat on the ground, can be picked up, turned, and placed back on the ground in a flipped position. Many variations of these two types of processing machines are also known. However, all these variations are only configured for turning relatively short fibrous plants, such as flax. Given the significant differences in the characteristics (including length and composition) between different fibrous plants, in principle, a separate processing machine is used for each processing step and each type of fibrous plant. It has not yet been found that a processing machine could be developed that would allow for the processing of different types of fibrous plants and / or different types of their different types in a single machine. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The object of this invention is to provide a processing machine that is improved and / or can be applied in a multi-purpose or even general manner, and in which at least one of the aforementioned disadvantages is eliminated. Another object is to provide a processing machine suitable for the alternating processing (particularly harvesting and / or picking) of fibrous plants (especially flax and hemp) of different lengths.

[0004] According to the first aspect, at least one of these objectives is achieved in a processing machine for selectively processing relatively short-fiber plants such as flax and relatively long-fiber plants such as hemp, the processing machine comprising:

[0005] - A self-propelled vehicle, comprising a vehicle chassis on which at least four wheels are arranged and a drive motor for driving at least two wheels, preferably all wheels, wherein the vehicle chassis is provided with:

[0006] - A first conveyor and a second conveyor, the first conveyor being used to transport at least a portion of the fiber plant from a first end to an opposite second end, and the second conveyor being used to transport at least a portion of the fiber plant from the first end to the second end;

[0007] - A first conveying unit and a second conveying unit are provided at or near the second end, the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit being used to convey fiber plants from the first conveyor and the second conveyor respectively and place them on the ground;

[0008] The vehicle chassis includes a first mounting device for selectively mounting a replaceable first harvesting unit or a replaceable second harvesting unit as needed; and

[0009] - A replaceable first harvesting unit configured to harvest and further process relatively short fibrous plants, wherein the first harvesting unit includes a first harvesting unit frame and a second mounting device for releasably mounting the first harvesting unit frame onto a first mounting device on the chassis of a self-propelled vehicle.

[0010] - A replaceable second harvesting unit configured to harvest and further process relatively long fibrous plants, wherein the second harvesting unit includes a second harvesting unit frame and a third mounting device for releasably mounting the second harvesting unit frame onto a first mounting device on the chassis of a self-propelled vehicle.

[0011] Therefore, relatively short fibrous plants such as flax and relatively long fibrous plants such as hemp can be processed selectively using the same type of vehicle. Processing here may include picking or harvesting the fibrous plants. In another embodiment, the machine is also configured, or may be configured to pick up previously harvested fibrous plants. In such an embodiment, the processing machine includes a replaceable collection unit configured to collect previously picked, processed, and conveyed fibrous plants, wherein the replaceable collection unit includes a collection unit frame and a fourth mounting device for releasably mounting the collection unit frame to a first mounting device on the chassis of a self-propelled vehicle.

[0012] Although there are embodiments in which different processing units have different mounting devices for mounting the relevant processing units onto the vehicle, the processing machine is preferably implemented such that the second, third, and fourth mounting devices are substantially the same. This makes it easier to mount the processing units onto the vehicle or conversely, to remove them from the vehicle, and makes the processing units easier to exchange.

[0013] The replaceable picking unit, and preferably also a replaceable collecting unit, is preferably implemented as being entirely supported by the vehicle chassis. In other words, there are no wheels or other support devices mounted on the frame of the processing unit, such as the picking or collecting unit. The processing unit is supported only by the vehicle itself.

[0014] In a defined embodiment of the invention, the mounting device is configured such that the associated picking unit or pickup element is pivotable relative to the vehicle chassis. This pivotability makes the machine suitable for a variety of applications, soil conditions, and other environments. Preferably, at least one lifting unit is provided, whereby the processing units arranged therein can pivot upwards or downwards as needed. The lifting unit is preferably part of the vehicle and, in principle, not part of the processing units. This means that each different processing unit can be controlled by a common lifting unit. This allows for exchange in a particularly simple and rapid manner.

[0015] In embodiments of this disclosure, the replaceable second harvesting unit for harvesting relatively long fibrous plants includes:

[0016] - Lower harvesting element and upper harvesting element, which are used to harvest the lower part and upper part of the fiber plant, respectively, and

[0017] - A cutting element configured to cut fibrous plants at the lower and upper parts.

[0018] The replaceable second picking unit includes an upper picking element comprising an upper transport device for clamping the upper part of the fibrous plant and transporting it to a first conveyor of the vehicle, and a lower picking element comprising a lower transport device for clamping the upper part of the fibrous plant and transporting it to a second conveyor of the vehicle.

[0019] The vehicle's lifting unit can be configured to set the height of the relevant picking unit / pickup element relative to the vehicle and thus relative to the ground, optionally allowing the processing of the fibrous plant to be adapted to local conditions, for example, during travel.

[0020] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, the replaceable harvesting unit for harvesting relatively long fibrous plants includes a lower harvesting element and an upper harvesting element, configured to harvest the lower and upper portions of the fibrous plant, respectively. Therefore, portions of relatively long fibrous plants can be processed (e.g., harvested) simultaneously, resulting in a processing machine with excellent processing capacity.

[0021] In a defined embodiment, a cutting element, also referred to herein as a harvesting element, is provided, configured to cut fibrous plants, thereby dividing them into lower and upper sections. In this way, long fibrous elements can be processed better and more efficiently, and the fibrous plants can be placed on the ground in two (or more) rows to allow for composting in the soil. It is advantageous to mount the cutting element on the upper harvesting element. In a defined embodiment, the cutting element consists of a row of (horizontal) reciprocating blades that can cut a large number of fibrous plants, extending over most or substantially the entire width of the upper harvesting element. The reciprocating movement of the blades of this cutting unit is driven by a motor, such as an electric motor. The cutting unit is further preferably mounted on the upper harvesting element such that the height of the cutting unit relative to the rest of the harvesting element, and thus the height of the cutting unit relative to the ground, can be adjusted as needed (e.g., depending on plant length) and / or allow the upper element to initially engage the fibrous plants and further process them during transit. To divide the fibrous plant into two (or more) sections of suitable length, the upper picking element is pivoted relative to the first picking element, allowing the pivoting position of the second picking element relative to the first element to be easily set. Furthermore, by pivotally mounting the upper picking element onto the lower picking element, and therefore not mounting it onto the vehicle chassis, the installation of the processing unit on the vehicle remains extremely simple. The exchange of processing units can be achieved quickly and efficiently without requiring extensive vehicle technical knowledge.

[0022] The processing unit of the processing machine may include one or more of its own transport devices for gripping the fibrous plant and transporting the gripped fibrous plant to the vehicle's first and second conveyors. This makes the processing of the fibrous plant the task of the processing unit in the sense of harvesting, picking up, and optionally rotating the fibrous plant's posture. This means that, in principle, the vehicle itself does not need to be modified when one processing unit is replaced with another.

[0023] The transport device can be configured to rotate the fibrous plants during transport. When a collection unit is used, this rotation includes, for example, completely flipping the picked fibrous plants that have been laid flat on the ground after previous processing steps (i.e., after being picked at the front of the relevant picking unit in an earlier stage, they are placed back on the ground at the rear of the vehicle). When a picking unit is used, this rotation includes, for example, rotating the fibrous plants picked in a substantially vertical position to a horizontal position, in which they can be easily moved to the transport unit, for example, by a first or second conveyor on the self-propelled vehicle itself.

[0024] More specifically, in certain embodiments, the transport devices of the first harvesting unit and the second harvesting unit may be configured to rotate the fibrous plant from a substantially upright posture to a substantially flat posture, and / or the transport device of the collection unit may be configured to rotate the fibrous plant from a substantially flat posture to a flipped, substantially flat posture.

[0025] If the transport device is arranged on the first picking unit, the second picking unit, and / or the collection unit, this means that many (if not all) of the necessary processing for different types of fibrous plants can be performed entirely on the processing unit in question. Therefore, no modification is required in any way to the vehicle to accommodate the type of fibrous plant to be processed.

[0026] The harvesting of fibrous plants can be achieved by a transport device comprising at least one pair of annular conveyor belts configured to hold the fibrous plants between them and transport them in a held state. This transport device (more specifically, the annular conveyor belts) is preferably driven by one or more rollers (including drums, pulleys, etc.), with each driven roller coupled to its own hydraulic motor for its rotation. Other devices, such as mechanical transmissions, can be omitted. The transport device of the processing unit can therefore take a relatively light and simple form, where, if desired, the conveyor belts can be driven individually, for example, at different speeds.

[0027] Each processing unit is preferably equipped with its own transport device, so that when the processing unit is replaced, it is not necessary to consider the different transport devices used for different applications.

[0028] In a defined embodiment, the harvested fibrous plants also undergo a pressing process, also referred to herein as a compaction process. For this purpose, each harvesting unit may be equipped with one or more pressure rollers for pressing the fibrous plants transported thereto. Pressing the fibrous plants enhances the composting process of the plants subsequently returned to the ground. Pressing breaks down the bast layer in the fibrous plants. The fibrous plants can be composted better with the broken bast layer. The pressure rollers may be located upstream or downstream of an optional additional cutting unit by which the top and / or root portions of the fibrous plants are cut off. Therefore, the vehicle itself does not require pressure rollers.

[0029] As described above, the harvested fibrous plants may optionally undergo a cutting process. The first and / or second harvesting unit may include a root cutting unit and / or a top cutting unit, the root cutting unit configured to cut off the root portion from the remainder of the fibrous plant, and the top cutting unit configured to cut off the top portion from the remainder of the fibrous plant. At least one of the root cutting unit and the top cutting unit is preferably arranged to be laterally displaced on the harvesting unit frame, and at least one actuator, such as a lifting cylinder with a flat orientation, is provided for setting the lateral cutting position and thus the length of the portion of the fibrous plant to be ultimately transported to the first and second conveyors of the vehicle, respectively, by the lateral displacement of the corresponding cutting unit.

[0030] In a defined embodiment, the vehicle itself is also provided with a collection element on the chassis of the self-propelled vehicle for collecting and storing the cut portions of harvested fibrous plants, particularly the root portions and / or top portions of fibrous plants such as hemp plants.

[0031] When a cutting unit for cutting off the top portion is present, the processing machine may further include a first discharge device for discharging the cut-off top portion from the top cutting unit to a collection element on a self-propelled vehicle. The first discharge device preferably includes a discharge conduit and a suction pump for collecting and extracting the cut-off top portion. The purpose is to store the cut-off top portion of the fibrous plant so that it can be stored in the collection element.

[0032] In a defined embodiment, a second discharge device is alternatively or additionally provided for discharging the cut-off root portion from the root cutting unit to the ground, wherein the second discharge device is preferably configured for stacking on the ground in the axial direction in front of one or more wheels of the vehicle. In this way, the root portion can be pressed into the ground.

[0033] According to another aspect, a method is provided for processing, as needed, relatively short fibrous plants such as flax or relatively long fibrous plants such as hemp using a processing machine according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising:

[0034] - If it is necessary to pick relatively short fibrous plants, the first picking unit is installed on the self-propelled vehicle; or if it is necessary to pick relatively long fibrous plants, the second picking unit is installed on the self-propelled vehicle; or alternatively, a collection unit for picking up fibrous plants that have been delivered to the ground is installed.

[0035] - Drive the processing machine on the ground and use the processing device to pick relatively short fiber plants, pick relatively long fiber plants, or pick up fiber plants lying flat on the ground. Then process the fiber plants and put the processed fiber plants back on the ground.

[0036] The method may also include driving the vehicle on the ground, and while traveling on the ground:

[0037] -The upper part of the fibrous plant is held in place by the second harvesting element;

[0038] - Use the cutting unit to cut off the upper part of the clamped fibrous plant;

[0039] - The upper part of the cut fibrous plant is transported to the first conveyor of the vehicle;

[0040] -The lower part of the fibrous plant is clamped by the first harvesting element;

[0041] - The clamped portion of the fibrous plant is transported to the vehicle's second conveyor;

[0042] - The upper and lower parts of the fiber plant are transported on the first and second conveyors, respectively;

[0043] - The upper part of the fiber plant is placed in the first row on the ground using the first conveying unit; and

[0044] - Use the second conveyor unit to place the lower part of the fiber plant in the second row on the ground, parallel to the first row.

[0045] The method preferably includes pivoting a first picking element and / or a second picking element relative to a vehicle, and preferably further includes a pivoting cutting unit relative to the second picking element to achieve a length (l) of the lower part of the fibrous plant. o ) and the length of the upper part (l b The purpose of ).

[0046] The method preferably includes pulling the lower part, including the root portion, out of the ground after the lower part of the fibrous plant has been clamped, wherein transporting the clamped lower part includes transporting the clamped and then pulled lower part of the fibrous plant.

[0047] The method preferably includes cutting off the top portion from the cut upper part and / or cutting off the root portion from the lower part of the fibrous plant.

[0048] The method preferably includes pressing the lower and / or upper parts of the fibrous plant in order to improve the composting process. Attached Figure Description

[0049] Other advantages, features, and details of the invention will be set forth with reference to the following description of some embodiments of the invention. Reference is made in the description to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0050] Figure 1 This is a partial sectional side view of an embodiment of the vehicle according to the present invention;

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the vehicle, with a processing unit located at the front;

[0052] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial sectional perspective side view of an embodiment of the vehicle;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a side view of a processing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the processing unit 3 is mounted on the vehicle 1 and is adapted to process long-fiber plants;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a detailed view of an embodiment of the processing unit 3 according to the present invention;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the processing unit according to the present invention;

[0056] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective side view of an embodiment;

[0057] Figure 8 It is based on Figures 5 to 8 A perspective partial view of an embodiment of the processing unit;

[0058] Figure 9A yes Figure 5 A side view of an embodiment, wherein the lower processing element is in a first pivot position;

[0059] Figure 9B yes Figure 5 A side view of a portion of an embodiment, wherein the lower machining element is in a second pivot position;

[0060] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 Another side view of the embodiment;

[0061] Figure 11 This is a side view of a processing machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the processing unit 3 is mounted on the vehicle 1 and is adapted to process short fiber plants;

[0062] Figure 12 yes Figure 11 A partial view of an embodiment;

[0063] Figures 13 to 15 This is a view of another embodiment of the processing machine according to the present invention, wherein Figure 13 This is a side view of another embodiment of the hemp harvesting unit, wherein the harvesting elements are selectively mounted on each other and on a vehicle chassis. Figure 14 yes Figure 13Detailed view of the root cutting unit, and Figure 15 This is a view of a cutting or harvesting unit used to sever the upper part of a fibrous plant from its lower part, which can be applied to all embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Flax is a fiber crop cultivated for the production of linen and other textiles. Flax plants are typically 80 to 120 cm long and are harvested using tractor-driven or self-propelled flax harvesters. For this purpose, the flax harvester has a harvesting unit at the front, specifically designed to pull the flax plant from the ground. The harvested flax plant is then processed by the harvester, moving it to the rear of the machine and placing it on the ground during travel. The flax plants are laid flat on the ground in long rows (also called "strips"), with the stems of the harvested flax plants extending substantially transversely to the longitudinal direction of the strip. This practice of laying the flax flat on the ground at the rear to form these strips is also known as "stacking" or "picking." When flax plants are laid in rows or strips, spaces are left between adjacent rows. These spaces are provided to prevent the strips from tangling together.

[0065] Harvested flax plants are laid flat on the ground in rows and then allowed to decompose under the combined effects of dew, rain, and sunlight. This process of leaving flax plants on the ground (i.e., in a field or composting area) for a period of time is known in flax processing as field composting or dew composting. To achieve uniform composting and prevent flax from rotting, the flax laid flat on the ground must be turned over periodically. Turning the flax flat on the ground is also called "turning." Flax turning is carried out using tractor-mounted or self-propelled flax turning machines.

[0066] Hemp is also a fiber crop cultivated for making textiles or ropes. Hemp plants are much longer than flax plants, typically ranging from 140cm to 240cm in length. Hemp is usually cut at the base of the plant before further processing.

[0067] Therefore, at least four different machines are required to achieve optimal processing of hemp and flax. This results in high purchase, use, and maintenance costs. In embodiments of the invention, a processing machine is provided that is, in principle, suitable for harvesting / picking and / or turning relatively long fibrous plants (e.g., hemp or kenaf) and relatively short fibrous plants (e.g., flax).

[0068] Figure 1 A self-propelled vehicle 2 of a processing machine 1 according to a defined embodiment of the present invention is shown. The self-propelled vehicle 2 includes a vehicle chassis 6 on which four wheels are arranged in a known manner, namely two front wheels 7 and two rear wheels 8. Figure 1In this design, a portion of the left front side of the vehicle (i.e., the relevant part of the left front wheel and wheel suspension) is removed to better view the structure of the front side of the vehicle. The vehicle is self-propelled, meaning it is equipped with its own drive motor, which can drive multiple wheels, such as the two rear wheels, or all wheels. The vehicle is operated from the cab 23 at the front of the vehicle. The chassis 6 includes two parallel conveyors 11, 12 formed by a loading floor or platform 14 and two annular conveyor belts disposed above it. Here, at least one of the annular conveyor belts can be adjusted in the lateral direction, allowing the intermediate distance between the two conveyor belts to be adjusted to achieve a suitable intermediate distance for shorter or longer strips. (See reference...) Figure 2 In the top view, two conveyors 11 and 12 are arranged along the two longitudinal edges of vehicle 2, such that each of these conveyors can be used in the axial rearward direction (P). A,a This transports large quantities of fibrous plants. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the conveyors 11, 12 includes an annular conveyor belt 82 running on front rollers 80 and rear rollers 81. At least one of the rollers 80, 81 is driven by a driver (not shown). In a specific embodiment, the driver includes a hydraulic motor arranged in the rear (three) pulleys or rollers 81. Each of the various portions of the rollers (of the three pulleys) is driven individually but synchronously with each other, preferably in a determined proportion as needed. So-called carriers 83 are disposed on the outside of the conveyor belt 82. These carriers allow the fibrous plants laid flat on the platform 14 to rest at least on the guide rails 84 of the platform. Figure 1 ) in the rearward direction along the axial direction (P A,a It is moved to the rear side of chassis 6. Therefore, the fiber plant is surrounded between conveyor belt 82 and guide rail 84.

[0069] At the rear of vehicle 2, a conveying unit 13 is provided for each conveyor 11, 12. In the illustrated embodiment, the conveying unit 13 includes an annular belt conveyor 87. The annular belt of each annular belt conveyor 87 runs around roller 86 and around roller 81 (the belt conveyor 87 therefore shares roller 81 with conveyor 11 or 12). The conveying unit 13 is driven by the first roller 81. The conveying unit 13 extends rearward at an angle and is configured to move the fiber plant from the respective conveyor 11, 12 downward in a quantitative and controlled manner, so that the fiber plant can be placed on the ground at the rear of the vehicle. Figure 2 As shown, when the vehicle is moving forward along the axial direction (P) A,vDuring movement, the fiber plants (v) pulled out or picked up at the front of the vehicle 2 are moved to the rear of the vehicle 2, and each fiber plant is placed on the ground (o) in separate rows 15a, 15b via the conveyor unit 13. In certain applications, rows 15a, 15b of fiber plants consist of the same portion of the fiber plants, for example, in the case of relatively short flax plants. However, in other embodiments, one row consists of the lower portion of the harvested fiber plants, while the other row consists of the upper portion of the harvested fiber plants. This is the case, for example, when harvesting hemp plants. In both cases, the fiber plants are laid flat on the ground, as parallel to each other as possible, and then the composting can begin.

[0070] Vehicle 2 has a processing unit 3 located at its front side, enabling it to harvest fibrous plants or retrieve fibrous plants that have been laid flat on the ground in an earlier stage. When harvesting fibrous plants, the harvesting unit is located at the front; when retrieving previously harvested fibrous plants from the ground, the processing unit 3 acts as a collection unit. Different harvesting units will be installed on the vehicle depending on the length of the crop to be harvested.

[0071] Specific reference Figure 1 and Figure 3 The chassis includes multiple supporting chassis components 39a and 39b on the front side of the chassis 6 of vehicle 2. The supporting chassis component 39b extends concurrently with the rest of the chassis 6 of vehicle 2, while the supporting portion 39a, mounted on a supporting portion 30b, and the rest of the chassis 6 are arranged at an angle. The chassis 6 is also provided with multiple hinges 48 on which two parallel longitudinal lifting arms 47a and 47b are arranged. The two longitudinal lifting arms 47a and 47b are connected at their outer ends to a lateral lifting arm 47c. The supporting chassis components 39a and 39b, the longitudinal lifting arms 47a and 47b, and the lateral lifting arm 47c together form a robust and stable support structure for mounting multiple actuators, thereby allowing the machining unit 3 of the chassis 6 of vehicle 2 to pivot upwards and downwards. The support structure, together with these actuators, forms the aforementioned lifting unit.

[0072] The pivoting of processing unit 3 is caused by multiple actuators, such as electric motors, or preferably, the lifting cylinder 36 of the lifting unit. Figure 1 and Figure 3 In this embodiment, the actuator is formed by two lifting cylinders 36. In the illustrated embodiment, two lifting cylinders are positioned laterally adjacent to each other. However, in other embodiments, only a single lifting cylinder is used, or three or more lifting cylinders are applied. The lifting cylinders are pivotally mounted on the support chassis components 39a, 39b via hinges 38, and pivotally mounted on the lateral lifting arm 47c via mounting support 38b. The construction and operation of the lifting unit will be further described below.

[0073] Reference Figure 3 The chassis 6 has first mounting devices 34 on both sides of the supporting chassis components 39a and 39b for mounting the processing unit 3 thereon in a pivotable and releasable manner. The first mounting devices 34 can be implemented in various ways, but in the specific embodiment shown, the first mounting devices 34 include multiple flanges, in which corresponding pivots 43 can be rotatably mounted.

[0074] Each different processing unit 3 includes one or more frame components that can be pivotally and releasably mounted on the first mounting device 34. Figure 4 In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, the processing unit 3 includes a first lower hemp harvesting element 25 and a second upper hemp harvesting element 26 placed above it. The lower hemp harvesting element includes a frame member 30, which is pivotally and easily releasably mounted on a first mounting device 34 of the vehicle using a second mounting device 32. The upper hemp harvesting element 26 includes a frame member 33, which is also pivotally (but not necessarily easily releasably), although in the illustrated embodiment, the frame member 33 of the upper hemp harvesting element 26 is mounted on the frame member 30 of the lower hemp harvesting element 25, rather than directly on the chassis 6 of the vehicle. However, in other embodiments (not shown), the upper hemp harvesting element is mounted directly on the chassis 6 of the vehicle 2, and the lower hemp harvesting element is mounted on the upper hemp harvesting element. In still other embodiments (not shown), both hemp harvesting elements are pivotally and releasably mounted on the vehicle 2.

[0075] For mounting on the chassis 6 of vehicle 2, and more specifically on its first mounting device 34 (e.g., a flange 34 positioned on or near the side of vehicle 2 and having a pivot 43 mounted therein), the processing unit 3 (lower hemp picking element 25 in the illustrated embodiment) is provided with a second mounting device 32. The second mounting device 32 is implemented to facilitate mounting on the first mounting device 34. The first mounting device 34 and the second mounting device 32 together form a mounting hinge between the processing unit 3 and the vehicle 2, allowing the processing unit 3 to pivot about the horizontally placed pivot 43 in both upward and downward directions (pivot direction R1, FIG. 9).

[0076] To enable the processing unit 3 to pivot relative to the vehicle 2, the aforementioned lifting unit is used. As described above, the lifting cylinder 36 is rotatably arranged on a flange 38a at one outer end of the chassis 6. On its opposite side, the lifting cylinder 36 is connected to the transverse lifting arm 47c via a mounting support 38b. The transverse lifting arm 47c of the lifting unit has a generally U-shaped cross-section, which in Figure 1 and Figure 3This is especially clearly visible in the middle. The U-shape forms a receiving space for a portion of the frame component 30 of the lower hemp harvesting element 25. In other words, the processing unit 3 can be easily connected to the lifting unit by placing the frame component 30 of the lower hemp harvesting element 25 from above into the lateral lifting arm 47c of the lifting unit, or conversely, by simply pressing the lateral lifting arm 47c against the frame component 30 from below. Finally, the whole assembly is secured by the locking mechanism 70 ( Figure 3 The locking mechanism 70, for example in the form of a remotely controllable extension cylinder, ensures that the processing unit 3 remains locked to the lifting unit in the extended state. Then, the lifting unit prepares to lift the processing unit 3.

[0077] As shown by arrow (P1) in the diagram, the length of the lifting cylinder 36 is controllable. Clearly, when the length of the lifting cylinder 36 increases, the frame component 30 will pivot upwards, and if the length of the lifting cylinder 36 decreases, the frame component 30 will pivot downwards. In this way, the height of the free end of the processing unit can be changed, for example, to adjust the position in which the processing unit clamps the fiber plants and pulls them from the ground during vehicle travel.

[0078] The mounting devices for each different processing unit 3 are essentially the same. This means that different processing units can not only be easily installed on or removed from the vehicle, but also in a uniform manner. It is important to note that when a processing unit 3 is replaced, only the mounting devices for the processing unit 3 (i.e., the second mounting device 32 when the processing unit is for picking long-fiber plants, the third mounting device when the processing unit is for picking short-fiber plants, and the fourth mounting device when the processing unit is for flipping long or short-fiber plants) actually need to be released from the first mounting device of the vehicle, after which the processing unit 3, in particular its frame component 30, can be removed from the top of the cylinder 36. Now, by simply placing another processing unit 3 on the lifting unit of the vehicle 2 and installing the relevant mounting device on the first mounting device of the vehicle, the user can easily adapt the processing machine 1 to specific desired processing, such as picking short-fiber plants, picking long-fiber plants, or picking and flipping fiber plants.

[0079] As mentioned above, Figure 4 , 5 8, 9A, and 9B include embodiments of the processing machine 1 according to the invention, wherein the processing machine is provided with a replaceable harvesting unit comprising a first harvesting element and a second harvesting element placed thereon. This embodiment is implemented for harvesting relatively long fibrous plants, such as hemp plants, as schematically shown in the figures.

[0080] In the illustrated embodiment, the processing machine 1 includes the self-propelled vehicle 2 described above and a specific processing unit 3, namely, a hemp harvesting unit. The hemp harvesting unit includes a lower hemp harvesting element 25 and an upper hemp harvesting element 26 arranged above it. The lower harvesting element 25 is mounted on the vehicle's first mounting device in the manner described above, allowing the first hemp harvesting element 25 to be controlled by the lifting cylinder 36 (…). Figure 9A and Figure 9B Pivot along the upward and downward directions (pivot direction R1, Figure 9A The upper hemp harvesting element 26 is pivotally arranged on the lower hemp harvesting element 25 via a pivot 43, allowing the upper hemp harvesting element 26 to pivot relative to the first hemp picking element 25 (and relative to the vehicle 2 and the ground) (pivoting direction R2). The pivoting movement of the upper hemp picking element 26 relative to the lower hemp picking element 25 is driven by a plurality of additional lifting cylinders 42 arranged on the frame members 30, 33. Figure 9A Increasing the length of the lifting cylinder 42 causes the upper hemp harvesting element 26 to rotate upward relative to the lower hemp harvesting element 25, while decreasing the length causes the upper hemp harvesting element 26 to rotate downward relative to the lower hemp harvesting element 25.

[0081] Figure 4 The illustration schematically shows a relatively long fibrous plant (h), such as hemp, kenaf, or a similar fibrous plant, with a total length l. tot (Typically between 1.4 meters and 4.0 meters, with an average of 2.4 meters). The lower part (h1) of each fiber plant (h) has a length of l o (e.g., 110cm to 120cm), while the upper part (h2) has a length l b (e.g., 120cm to 130cm). In the illustrated embodiment, the length l o and l b They are roughly the same, but in practice these lengths can certainly differ. Importantly, the fibrous plant (h) is cut into at least two parts (h1, h2) and then further processed by the processing machine 1. For this purpose, the lower hemp harvesting element 25 is adapted for harvesting and processing the lower fibrous plant portion (h1), while the upper hemp harvesting element 26 is used for harvesting the upper fibrous plant portion (h2).

[0082] The upper hemp harvesting element 26 includes a transport device 46 for gripping hemp plants and transporting them to the vehicle 2, while the lower hemp harvesting element 25 includes (preferably completely or almost identically) a transport device 45, whereby the hemp plants can also be gripped and transported to the vehicle 2. When the vehicle 2 is in the forward direction (P... A,vDuring the process, the upper hemp harvesting element 26 will reach the hemp plants first. Shortly afterward, the lower hemp harvesting element 25 will also reach the same hemp plants. In other words, the engagement position of the upper hemp harvesting element 26 at a predetermined time point is offset relative to the engagement position of the lower hemp harvesting element 25 at the same time point for (different) fiber plants. This causes the upper hemp harvesting element 26 to first engage the upper part (h2) of the hemp plant and cut it off from the lower part (h1) using the cutting element 55 (also referred to here as the harvesting element 55) located on the front side of the upper hemp harvesting element 26. After this, the lower hemp harvesting element 25 will only engage the lower part (h1) of the same hemp plant once the upper part (h2) has been cut off and transported away.

[0083] The lower hemp harvesting element 25 is configured to engage with the lower part (h1) of the hemp plant. Due to the forward movement of the vehicle 2 and / or the displacement by the transport device 45, which will be described further below, the hemp plant, along with its roots, is pulled from the ground. Therefore, it is noteworthy that, in principle, the lower part and roots of the hemp plant are not severed before the entire hemp plant is pulled from the ground.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the upper portion (h2) of the hemp plant (h) that has been cut by the harvesting element 55 is picked up by the upper hemp picking element 26. The upper portion (h2) of the fibrous plant includes the flower or feathery top portion (h5) and the remaining upper portion (h3). As will be explained below, in the defined embodiment, the top portion (h5) of the upper portion (h2) of the hemp plant (h) is removed using the cutting unit. Here, the top portion (h5) is discharged through a discharge device that includes a discharge pipe 28 having an inlet opening near the cutting unit, a centrifugal fan 20 connected to the discharge pipe, and an outlet opening leading to a container 16 arranged via a frame 17 on the rear side of the vehicle 2. Figure 4 As shown, the container 16 is releasably mounted on the frame component of the frame 6 via a quick coupler 18, and is used essentially only when the intention is to remove the top portion (h5) from the fibrous plant. In other words, the container 16 can be optionally omitted when the top portion is not cut off.

[0085] The lower part (h1) of the hemp plant (h) similarly consists of the root portion h6 where the roots of the hemp plant are located and the remaining lower part h4. In a defined embodiment, the root portion h6 will be cut by a root cutting unit (e.g., described below) Figure 14The root cutting unit removes the lower part h1 of the hemp plant (h). These removed root portions h6 can be discharged into a container 16 on the vehicle, although they are preferably dropped directly onto the ground (o) in a manner not further described. In a defined embodiment, the root portion (h6) cutting unit and the associated discharge device are implemented such that these portions are positioned directly in front of one or more of the wheels 7, 8. This results in the cut root portions h6 being pressed into the ground by the weight of the tires of the wheels 7, 8 as the vehicle 2 moves forward. In other words, in this embodiment, the roots are pressed into the ground, and the top portion is collected in the container 16, resulting in the conveying unit 13 placing only the lower remaining portion (h4) and the upper remaining portion (h3) of the hemp plant (h) on the ground (o) behind the hemp plant (h). As further explained elsewhere, in the defined embodiment, the two conveying units 13 are configured to place a first row 15a containing only the lower remaining portion (h4) of hemp plants and a second row 15b containing only the upper remaining portion (h3) of hemp plants (h) on the ground, and then subject them to the desired composting process. Figure 2 ).

[0086] Figure 5 A view of hemp harvesting unit 3 is shown, while Figure 7 A portion of the upper harvesting element 26 of the hemp harvesting unit 3 is shown in more detail. Both figures show transport devices 45 and 46, through which the hemp plants are gripped and transported to vehicle 2. Each of the transport devices 45 and 46 includes multiple annular belt conveyors, more specifically a first number of annular belt conveyors for gripping, transporting, and tilting the crops during transport, and a second number of annular belt conveyors for receiving the crops from the first number of belt conveyors and transporting them to vehicle 2. The second number of conveyors (typically 3, 4, or more) is generally smaller than the first number of conveyors (typically 1 or 2).

[0087] The guide element 40 is positioned on the front side of both the lower hemp harvesting element 25 and the upper hemp harvesting element 26. Its purpose is to push the hemp plants (h) to this side and guide them into the multiple channels 41 of the upper hemp harvesting element 26 as the vehicle and the harvesting unit 3 mounted thereon move forward. 1 -41 6 and multiple channels 41 of the lower hemp harvesting element 25 7 -41 12 Its entire configuration is designed to receive and hold hemp plants. Figure 5 Each hemp harvesting unit has six channels (although this may be a larger or smaller number in other embodiments). These twelve channels consist of multiple driven conveyor belts and multiple pulleys.

[0088] refer to Figure 6 and Figure 7 (An alternative embodiment with only two channels is shown. For example...) Figure 5 The operation of the embodiment shown is substantially the same (the first channel 41 is shown). 1 It is formed by the intermediate space between the first driven conveyor belt 90 and the roller 92. Second channel 41 2 It is formed by the second driven conveyor belt 91 and rollers 93. Similarly, the third channel 41 3 and the fourth channel 41 4 It is formed by conveyor belt 91' and roller 93', and conveyor belt 90' and roller 92' respectively.

[0089] When hemp plants (h, such as Figure 6 As shown, when the hemp plant is in an upright position, it is represented by a black dot; once the hemp plant is rotated to a horizontal position, it is represented by a dashed line. The first channel 41 formed between the first driven conveyor belt 90 and the roller 92 has been found. 1 At that moment, they were pulled in the direction indicated by the arrow. Along the first section, they had already entered channel 41. 1 Hemp plants are surrounded and transported between the first conveyor belt and roller 92, and further, the hemp plants are located between the first conveyor belt 90 and the second conveyor belt 91. The second conveyor belt 91 is a relatively short conveyor belt and extends upwards along its entire length. The second conveyor belt 91 runs around the roller 93, a plurality of additional rollers 94, 95 and 116, and driven pulleys or rollers 96. Third channel 41 3 The third conveyor belt 91' has a substantially the same construction as the second conveyor belt 91, except that it is a mirror image and is driven by a drive pulley or drive roller 96'.

[0090] The first conveyor belt 90 is much longer than the second conveyor belt 91 and extends for a portion of its length in an upright position. However, along different portions of its length, the conveyor belt's orientation rotates from an upright position to a horizontal position, and further from a horizontal position back to an upright position. The first conveyor belt 90 runs around the roller 92 and a plurality of additional rollers 113, 96 (via the second conveyor belt 91), 102, 112, 115, 101, 97 (roller 97 is driven), 100, 99, and 98 (as shown in the transport direction). Fourth channel 41 4 The fourth conveyor belt 90' has a substantially identical construction to the first conveyor belt 90, except that it is a mirror image of the first conveyor belt 90 and is driven by drive pulleys or drive rollers 97' and runs on rollers 92', 113', 96' (via the third conveyor belt 91'), 102', 112', 115', 101', (driven) 97', 100', 99', and 98'. Driven rollers or pulleys 97, 96, 96', and 97' (and on...) Figure 5In the embodiments, the rollers or pulleys of the fifth conveyor belt 91” and the sixth conveyor belt 90” are each driven by their own motors, preferably by their own hydraulic motors 120.

[0091] The accompanying drawings illustrate embodiments of transport devices 45 and 46, in which different annular belt conveyors are used to temporarily supply multiple streams of hemp plants. Here, the components of the annular belt conveyors are preferably used in combination to achieve efficient utilization of the available space on the harvesting elements and / or limit complexity and thus the cost of the transport device. For example, a convergence zone 117 is shown in the drawings (…). Figure 6 In this process, two (or more) hemp plant flows converge in an area roughly defined between the entrance to the hemp plant on the front side of each transport device 45, 46 and the plant delivery to the rear side of the transport devices 45, 46.

[0092] Referring to an embodiment of the upper hemp harvesting element 26, an example is shown. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In each case, transport devices 45 and 46 clamp the upper portion (h2) of the hemp plant (h) through each channel 41 and further process them. The upper portion (h2) of the hemp plant (h) is pulled inward into the channel. In the figures, a small number of fibrous plants (h) are shown with black dots, although in reality this number would certainly be much larger and a substantially continuous row of fibrous plants would be transported between the annular conveyor belts 90, 91 and 90', 91'. As described above, the cut fibrous plants (h2) extend in an upward (vertical) direction in the first section of each channel and further along the transport devices 45 and 46. The cut hemp plant (h2) is rotated a quarter turn to a flat (substantially horizontal) position (then the fibrous plant portion h2 is shown in dashed lines). Once in this flat position, the fibrous plants are transferred from the annular belt conveyor to another annular belt conveyor (i.e., conveyor 50 for the upper hemp harvesting element 26 and conveyor 51 for the lower hemp harvesting element 25).

[0093] Reference Figure 8 Each of conveyors 50 and 51 is constructed in a known manner by two adjacent annular conveyor belts that run on rollers and are advanced via a drive (not shown). The hemp plant portion (h2) is further transported toward vehicle 2 by carrier 56 arranged on the annular conveyor belts of conveyors 51 and 52. Figure 8 The carrier 56 ensures that no hemp plants are left behind and that the hemp plants it carries are laid flat, parallel to each other and perpendicular to the longitudinal direction (i.e., the axial direction) of the machine 1.

[0094] Figures 5 to 7The operation of the transport device 45 is shown in more detail, particularly the turning of the hemp plants. Via channel 41 1 and 41 2 Two streams of incoming hemp plants converge between conveyor belts 90 and 91. The hemp plants (h2) are then transported between conveyor belts 90 and 91 and, after passing the driven pulley or roller 96, reach the collection area 117. Figure 6 and Figure 7 In the embodiment, from channel 41 1 / 41 2 and 41 3 / 41 4 The flow converges in the collection area 117. Figure 5 One embodiment is shown, wherein channel 41 on one side 1 and 41 2 The combined flow from the combined flow from the combined flow from multiple other channels on the other side converges in collection area 117. Figure 6 In the illustrated embodiment, these channels are channel 41. 3 and 41 4 But Figure 7 In this embodiment, they are from channel 41 3 41 4 41 5 and 41 6 The streams, which had previously converged in collection area 117'.

[0095] Especially Figure 7 As shown (and in Figure 5 and Figure 6 (middle), first channel 41 1 Second Channel 41 2 Conveyor belt 90 and third channel 41 3 and the fourth channel 41 4 90' (or Figure 5 In the embodiment, the third to sixth channels are inclined after passing through two rollers 102, 102' because the corresponding belts 90, 90' are guided on rollers 112 having a rotation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of rollers 102, 102'.

[0096] like Figure 7 As shown on the right, the hemp plants (i.e., the upper part h2 cut off by the harvesting element 55, thus consisting of the top part h5 that has not yet been cut off and the remaining upper part h3) are supplied and transported in an upright posture between the conveyor belts. At a certain point, they are located between conveyor belts 90 and 90', and their posture changes. At the positions of the horizontal rollers 112, 112', the hemp plants are released and received by another conveyor 50 and continue to be transported. Figure 8 This is shown in more detail.

[0097] The horizontally oriented hemp plant section (h2 = h3 + h5) arrives at the annular belt conveyor 50. The cut hemp plant (h2) is surrounded between the lower side of the annular belt conveyor 50 and the upper side of multiple upright guide flanges 150 on the frame component 33, and is transported toward the vehicle 2. During transport, the hemp plant (h2) is processed by pressing (rolling) the hemp plant (h2) and by cutting off the top (h5) from the pressed hemp plant (h2) and discharging the top (h5).

[0098] The hemp plant (h2) laid flat is first guided between the upper pressure roller 136 and the lower pressure roller 137, so that at least the relevant tops (h5) (which are typically feather-shaped) are pressed. These pressed top portions (h5) of the hemp plant (h2) are then cut off by a top cutting unit 38. The top cutting unit 38... Figure 8 The image shows a vertically arranged rotatable circular cutter 38, represented schematically. This includes the housing surrounding the cutter 38, the rotation actuator for the cutter 38, and the mechanism for moving the cutter 38 laterally P. L The displacement guide device is not shown. The cut-off top (h5) of the hemp portion is extracted by an extraction device 29, for example, a collection port 29 connected to an extraction tube 28 and a centrifugal fan 20, and blown into a container 16 at the rear of the vehicle 2 to store the top portion therein.

[0099] refer to Figures 5 to 8 The harvesting and further processing of the upper portion (h2) via the upper harvesting unit 26 is described in detail. Similarly, the lower portion (h1) of the hemp plant (h) is harvested and further processed by the lower hemp harvesting element 25. Therefore, a detailed description of how these lower portions (h1) of the hemp plant are held and processed can be omitted. The lower hemp portions (h1) are held and carried in a similar manner by the transport device 45, rotated half a turn until they are in a horizontal position, and then discharged by the conveyor 51.

[0100] Figure 9A The diagram also shows the lower hemp harvesting element 25 in its lowest pivot position. In other words, the lifting cylinder 36 is in its fully retracted state. Figure 9BOnly the lower hemp harvesting element 25 is shown; for convenience, the upper hemp harvesting element 26 is not shown. The lower hemp harvesting element 25 is shown with its upper portion pivoted upwards. In other words, the lifting cylinder 36 becomes longer. Thus, the pivoting position of the lower hemp harvesting element 25 can be set as needed, for example, according to soil conditions (if the soil is flat, the hemp harvesting element 25 can be placed closer to the soil / ground than if the soil is uneven). Similarly, the position of the upper hemp harvesting element 26 can be set as needed via the lifting cylinder 42. In the illustrated embodiment, the position of the upper hemp harvesting element 26 can be set substantially independently of the position of the lower hemp harvesting element 25. The pivoting position of the upper hemp harvesting element 26, and thus the height at which the front of the guide 40 and / or the harvesting element extend above the ground, can be set according to the height of the crop to be harvested. In the case of relatively tall hemp plants (e.g., over 3m in length), the upper hemp harvesting element 26 is typically pivoted further upwards, while in the case of shorter hemp plants (<3m), the hemp harvesting element 26 is positioned further downwards. It is important here to use the correct height (i.e., Figure 4 The height l in the middle o The crop is cut to achieve upper (h2) and lower (h1) portions of different sizes. It should be noted that the pivoting position of the processing unit, and more specifically, the pivoting position of at least one of the upper and lower picking elements, can be continuously adjusted (optionally during travel) to ensure that these can be followed even in cases of height variation in the fibrous plant, so as to substantially have no impact on the strip laying.

[0101] In the above embodiments, processing machine 1 is suitable for processing relatively tall / long crops, such as hemp. In other embodiments, processing machine 1 can be adapted in a very simple manner to process shorter / less taller crops, such as flax. For this purpose, the hemp harvesting unit 3, consisting at least of an upper hemp harvesting element 25 and a lower hemp harvesting element 26, is replaced by a flax harvesting element 129, which is specifically implemented to process the shorter crop. The height of the crop (e.g., flax) is typically 80 cm to 120 cm (1 tot =80cm-120cm).

[0102] like Figure 11 and Figure 12As shown, the flax harvesting element 129 includes a chassis frame component 130, which is provided with a mounting device substantially the same as that of the lower hemp harvesting element 25 of the hemp harvesting unit. The frame component 130 can be easily mounted, for example, on a pivot of the first mounting device 34 of the vehicle 2 via the mounting device 32. The flax harvesting unit can be positioned on the lateral lifting arm 47c of the lifting unit of the vehicle 2 in a similar manner to the hemp harvesting unit, such that the lifting cylinder 36 can pivot the frame 130 of the flax harvesting element in both upward and downward directions. The flax harvesting unit of the present invention essentially uses the same technology to clamp the fibrous plant (in this case, flax), pull it from the ground, transport it toward the vehicle 2, and change the posture of the crop during transport toward the vehicle 2. This is again achieved by a transport device, which is again constructed from the aforementioned annular belt conveyor or the like. However, the difference from the hemp harvesting unit is that the flax harvesting unit provides the option and space to realize multiple adjacent passages. Although each hemp harvesting element in the hemp harvesting unit has six channels (thus a total of twelve channels, although this number can be increased or decreased in other embodiments), Figure 10 and Figure 11 In this embodiment, there are eight channels, all of which are positioned adjacent to each other. The four channels on the left receive flax, which is then transported via a first conveyor 150 to a first conveyor 11 on vehicle 2, while the four channels on the right are used to transport the remaining flax plants to a second conveyor 12 on vehicle 2 via a second conveyor 151. Here, the two conveyors 150 and 151 are positioned adjacent to each other, rather than above each other as is the case in the hemp harvesting unit.

[0103] Figure 11 It is also shown that in the defined embodiment, the flax (at least its upper portion) is again pressed by two pressure rollers 136, 137. In the defined embodiment, the top portion (particularly the capsules and seeds) is cut off again, while in other embodiments it is not cut off. These pressure rollers 136, 137 and / or the cutting unit are also optional, and therefore omitted in the defined embodiment.

[0104] Figures 4 to 9B An embodiment of a harvesting unit (e.g., a hemp harvesting unit) for harvesting relatively long fibrous plants is shown, while Figures 10 to 11 A harvesting unit (e.g.) for harvesting relatively short fibrous plants is shown. Figure 10 and Figure 11(e.g., the flax harvesting unit). However, these are merely concrete examples of processing units that can be mounted on vehicle 2 and removed from vehicle 2 in the simple manner described above. Another example of such a processing unit is a collection unit. As mentioned above, the fiber plants are laid flat on the ground behind the vehicle after being harvested and rotated. These fiber plants are then left on the ground for a period of time to allow for the composting process. However, in order for composting to proceed correctly and evenly, the fiber plants on the ground must be turned over periodically. This turning can also be performed using the same processing machine 1, however, in which the so-called collection unit is arranged as processing unit 3. The previously used harvesting units, such as flax harvesting units or hemp harvesting units, are replaced with a collection device that picks up the crops laid flat on the ground, rotates them 180°, and then places them back on the ground behind the vehicle in a flipped state. The flipping of these picked-up fiber plants can again be performed in a similar manner using a circular conveyor belt (with the fiber plants held between the circular conveyor belts). Here, the conveyor belt is positioned so that the fiber plants rotate half a turn instead of a quarter turn. The fibrous plants arrive at the vehicle in a flipped (half-turned) state and can be transported by the vehicle to the conveyor unit in a known manner. In principle, this application does not require any modification to vehicle 2 to make it suitable for picking and flipping fibrous plants. This means that the processing machine is not only suitable for picking fibrous plants of different lengths (i.e., relatively long fibrous plants such as hemp or relatively short fibrous plants such as flax), but also for picking up, flipping, and returning the fibrous plants to the ground after they have been picked and placed there. In other words, the proposed processing machine is not only a picking machine but also a flipping machine. Clearly, the cost of processing fibrous plants can therefore be largely limited, and an extremely versatile processing machine can be realized.

[0105] Figure 13Another embodiment of a processing unit 113 for harvesting relatively long fibrous plants such as hemp is shown. The processing unit 113 has a pivotable upper harvesting element 123 and a pivotable lower harvesting element 125. The lower harvesting element 125 includes a frame 140, and the upper harvesting element 123 has a frame 148. The frame 140 of the lower harvesting element 125 has a first frame member 140a, which can be pivotally mounted on a vehicle chassis 6 in the manner described above using a third mounting device 32a. This first frame member 140a can be pivotally rotated in upward and downward directions using the aforementioned lifting unit including a plurality of lifting cylinders 36. A second frame member 140b is integrally formed on the frame member 140a. The second frame member 140b is here at an angle (typically about 45 degrees) relative to the first frame member 140a. A third frame member 140c is also formed between the first frame member 140a and the second frame member 140b. The third frame component 140c serves as a support for the first and second frame components, ensuring that both frame components maintain their extension at the stated angle even under heavy loads. The second frame component 140b also includes a plurality of support flanges 141 on which a plurality of lifting cylinders 142 are mounted. The lifting cylinders 142 are pivotally connected at their outer ends via corresponding hinges 144 and 145 to the second frame component 140b of the lower picking element 125 and the frame 148 of the upper picking element 123. The upper picking element 123 can pivot upwards and downwards, respectively, by increasing or decreasing the length of the lifting cylinders 142 (see arrows).

[0106] Figure 13 An embodiment of the cutting unit or harvesting unit 55 on the front side of the aforementioned root cutting unit 160 and upper harvesting element 123 is also shown. Figure 13 The root cutting unit 160 shown in the figure is in Figure 14The image shows the details more clearly. A root cutting unit 160 is positioned below the lower harvesting element 125 to cut off the root portion (h6) of the flax plant (h) pulled from the ground and transported by the annular belt conveyor 90. The root cutting unit 160 includes two supports 160, 160' interconnected with a support arm 166, wherein a horizontally positioned cutting component 164 is arranged between the two supports 160, 160'. The cutting component 164 is provided with two circular blades 168, 168', which can be rotated by respective root cutting unit drive motors 169, 169'. In this embodiment, the roots cut by the rotating circular blades 168, 168' fall directly downwards and eventually to the ground. In other embodiments (not shown), measures are also taken to ensure that the cut roots fall to the ground at specific lateral positions, such as one or more lateral positions directly in front of at least one of the two front wheels 7. It is also shown that the height of the cutting component 164 can be adjusted relative to the remainder of the first picking element by controlling an actuator 165, such as an electric motor or a hydraulic lifting cylinder, which drives a rod system 167 on which the cutting component 164 is mounted. A single actuator may be provided, for example, mounted on a support 160 or support 160', although in other embodiments, the actuator is located at both outer ends of the cutting component 164. The rods of the rod system 167 are rotatably mounted on the supports 160, 160', such that by pushing or pulling the upright of the rod system, the rods are configured to rotate and move the cutting component 164 up and down respectively in this way.

[0107] Figure 13 And more detailed Figure 15 It also shows the above reference Figure 4 The described cutting or harvesting unit 55. Figure 4 The cutting unit 55 is mounted on the lower side of the frame 33 of the upper picking element 26, while Figure 15 The cutting unit is arranged on the lower side of the frame component 148 of the upper picking element 123. However, the embodiment and operation of the cutting unit 55 are the same in both embodiments.

[0108] The cutting unit 55 includes two support cheek plates 57, 57' disposed on the underside of the frame member 148. Corresponding L-shaped supports 61, 61' are rotatably mounted (via a rotation shaft 58) on the two support cheek plates 57, 57'. The rotational movement of the two L-shaped supports is achieved by actuators 59, such as electric motors 58 mounted on the respective support cheek plates 57, 57'. The rotation of the L-shaped supports 61, 61' provides upward or downward movement of the elongated cutting element. The height of the cutting unit relative to the rest of the picking element, and thus the height of the cutting unit relative to the ground, can be adjusted as needed.

[0109] The actuator is preferably remotely controllable (e.g., from the driver's cab 23). Figure 4 This allows the height of the cutting unit relative to the rest of the harvesting element to be remotely adjusted, for example, during vehicle travel or before harvesting a large quantity of fibrous plants of a defined length.

[0110] In the illustrated embodiment, the cutting element comprises a row of (horizontal) blades 60 that can reciprocate to each other, capable of cutting a large quantity of fibrous plants. This row extends over most or substantially the entire width of the upper harvesting element. The reciprocating movement of the blades in this cutting unit is driven by a motor 61, such as an electric motor and a suitable transmission mechanism.

[0111] Because in certain embodiments of the invention, the processing machine is capable of adjusting the position / orientation of the processing unit 3 (more specifically, adjusting the pivot position of the flax picking element of the flax picking unit, the pivot position of the upper and lower picking elements of the hemp picking unit, the pivot position of the collecting unit, the height of the cutting / harvesting unit 55, the position (height) of the root cutting unit 160, and / or the (lateral) position of the top cutting unit 38), and because this position adjustment (in both the height and lateral directions) preferably occurs during travel and processing of the fiber plant, local conditions in the field, such as different heights of the fiber plant, different orientations of the ground, etc., can be optimally predicted. This change in height and / or lateral cutting position can be manually controlled by suitable operating elements in the cab 23. However, in other embodiments, this is accomplished by an electronic control unit, such as a computer. It can be connected to one or more sensors, such as a camera, thereby allowing for, for example, measurement of the height of the fiber plant (and / or other parameters). The electronic control unit can then control one or more of the processing units (i.e., one or more of the flax picking element, upper picking element, lower picking element, and collecting unit), root cutting unit, and top cutting unit based on measurement signals from one or more sensors and a predetermined control algorithm (before processing the fiber plant or during its processing, and therefore while traveling). Adjustments can be made dynamically, meaning continuous or periodic control at short intervals, ensuring the processing machine is always in an optimal position during travel. Another advantage is that even when the height of the fiber plant changes, the control unit controls at least one of the flax picking element, upper picking element, lower picking element, collecting unit, root cutting unit, and / or top cutting unit, ensuring the strips at the rear of the vehicle are neatly aligned relative to the centerline. More specifically, the control unit can be configured to center the two strips at the center of the picking element and control the cutting and / or picking units accordingly.

[0112] Other aspects of this disclosure are defined in the following numbered clauses.

[0113] 1. A processing machine for processing relatively short fibrous plants such as flax and relatively long fibrous plants such as hemp, the processing machine comprising:

[0114] - A self-propelled vehicle, comprising a vehicle chassis on which at least four wheels are arranged and a drive motor for driving at least two wheels, preferably all wheels, wherein the vehicle chassis is provided with:

[0115] - A first conveyor and a second conveyor, the first conveyor being used to transport at least a portion of the fiber plant from a first end to an opposite second end, and the second conveyor being used to transport at least a portion of the fiber plant from the first end to the second end;

[0116] - A first conveying unit and a second conveying unit are disposed at or near the second end, the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit being used to convey fibrous plants from the first conveyor and the second conveyor, respectively, and place them on the ground; wherein, the vehicle chassis includes a first mounting device for selectively mounting a replaceable first harvesting unit or a replaceable second harvesting unit as needed; and

[0117] - A replaceable first harvesting unit configured to harvest and further process relatively short fibrous plants, wherein the first harvesting unit includes a first harvesting unit frame and a second mounting device for releasably mounting the first harvesting unit frame onto a first mounting device on the chassis of a self-propelled vehicle.

[0118] - A replaceable second harvesting unit configured to harvest and further process relatively long fibrous plants, wherein the second harvesting unit includes a second harvesting unit frame and a third mounting device for releasably mounting the second harvesting unit frame onto a first mounting device on the chassis of a self-propelled vehicle.

[0119] The replaceable second picking unit includes an upper picking element comprising an upper transport device for clamping the upper part of the fibrous plant and transporting it to a first conveyor of the vehicle, and a lower picking element comprising a lower transport device for clamping the upper part of the fibrous plant and transporting it to a second conveyor of the vehicle.

[0120] Clause 2. The processing machine according to Clause 1 further includes a replaceable collection unit configured to pick up previously harvested, processed and conveyed fibrous plants, wherein the replaceable collection unit includes a collection unit frame and a fourth mounting device for releasably mounting the collection unit frame onto a first mounting device on the chassis of a self-propelled vehicle.

[0121] Clause 3. The processing machine according to Clause 1 or 2, wherein the second mounting device, the third mounting device and the fourth mounting device are of substantially the same form.

[0122] Clause 4. The processing machine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the replaceable picking unit and preferably also a replaceable collecting unit are implemented as being entirely carried by the vehicle chassis.

[0123] Clause 5. The processing machine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the second mounting device, the third mounting device, and the fourth mounting device, as well as the first mounting device, is configured such that the relevant picking unit or pickup element is pivotable relative to the vehicle chassis.

[0124] Clause 6. The processing machine according to any of the preceding clauses includes at least one lifting unit configured to lift or lower the picking unit or the collecting unit respectively.

[0125] Clause 7. The processing machine according to Clause 6, wherein the lifting unit includes a profile having a receiving space for placing the processing unit on the profile, wherein the lifting unit preferably includes a locking mechanism.

[0126] Clause 8. The processing machine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein the replaceable second picking unit for picking relatively long fibrous plants includes a lower picking element and an upper picking element for picking the lower part and the upper part of the fibrous plant, respectively.

[0127] Clause 9. The processing machine as described in Clause 8 includes a cutting element configured to cut fibrous plants at the lower and upper parts, wherein the cutting element is mounted on an upper harvesting element.

[0128] Clause 10. The processing unit according to Clause 9, wherein the cutting unit is arranged on the upper picking element via a movable support, wherein the movable support preferably includes a remotely controllable actuator for remotely adjusting the height of the cutting unit relative to the rest of the picking element.

[0129] Clause 11. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 8-10, wherein the upper picking element is configured to pivot relative to the lower picking element.

[0130] Clause 12. The processing machine according to Clause 11 includes an additional lifting unit for pivoting the upper picking element relative to the first picking element.

[0131] Clause 13. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 8-12, wherein the upper pivotable picking element is pivotally arranged on the lower pivotable picking element.

[0132] Clause 14. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 8-13, wherein the upper picking element and the lower picking element are hinged to the vehicle chassis.

[0133] Clause 15. The processing machine according to any one of the preceding clauses includes a transport device for clamping fibrous plants and transporting them to a vehicle via a first conveyor and a second conveyor.

[0134] Clause 16. The processing machine according to Clause 15, wherein the transport device is configured to rotate the fiber plant during transport.

[0135] Clause 17. The processing machine according to Clause 16, wherein at least one transport device of the first harvesting unit and / or the second harvesting unit is configured to rotate the fiber plant from a substantially upright posture to a substantially flat posture, and the transport device of the collecting unit is configured to rotate the fiber plant from a substantially flat posture to a flipped, substantially flat position.

[0136] Clause 18. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 15-17, wherein the transport device is mounted on at least one of the first picking unit, the second picking unit, and the collecting unit.

[0137] Clause 19. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 15-18, wherein at least one transport device comprises at least a pair of annular conveyor belts configured to clamp and transport fibrous plants therebetween, and wherein the drive of the conveyor belts comprises one or more rollers directly driven by one or more hydraulic motors.

[0138] Clause 20. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 15-19, wherein each collecting unit, more specifically each picking element of the collecting unit, has its own transport device.

[0139] Clause 21. The processing machine according to Clause 20, wherein the transport device of the replaceable first picking unit includes four pairs of annular conveyor belts for clamping and transporting the fibrous plant at four laterally adjacent positions, wherein in the replaceable second picking unit, both the transport device of the upper picking element and the transport device of the lower picking element include two pairs of annular conveyor belts for clamping and transporting the fibrous plant at two positions for each of two heights in each case.

[0140] Clause 22. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 15-21, wherein the upper picking element of the replaceable second picking unit includes an upper transport device for clamping the upper part of the fibrous plant and transporting it to the vehicle, and the lower picking element of the replaceable second picking unit includes a lower transport device for clamping the upper part of the fibrous plant and transporting it to the vehicle.

[0141] Clause 23. The processing machine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein each picking unit is provided with one or more pressure rollers for pressing the fibrous plant transported thereto.

[0142] Clause 24. The processing machine according to any one of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one of the first harvesting unit and the second harvesting unit includes at least one of a root cutting unit and a top cutting unit, the root cutting unit being configured to cut off the root portion from the remainder of the fibrous plant, and the top cutting unit being configured to cut off the top portion from the remainder of the fibrous plant.

[0143] Clause 25. The processing machine according to Clause 24, wherein at least one of the root cutting unit and the top cutting unit is arranged to be laterally displaced on the harvesting unit frame, and wherein at least one actuator is provided for setting the lateral cutting position of the fibrous plant portion to be transported to the first and second conveyors to the vehicle, respectively, by laterally displacing the corresponding cutting unit.

[0144] Clause 26. The processing machine according to any one of the preceding clauses includes a collecting element for collecting and storing therein the cut portions of harvested fibrous plants, particularly the root portions and / or top portions of fibrous plants such as hemp.

[0145] Clause 27. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 24-26 includes a first discharge device for discharging the cut-off top portion from the top cutting unit to a collection element on a self-propelled vehicle, wherein the first discharge device preferably includes a discharge conduit and a suction pump, particularly a centrifugal fan, for collecting and extracting the cut-off top portion.

[0146] Clause 28. The processing machine according to any one of Clauses 24-27 includes a second discharge device for discharging the cut-off root portion from the root cutting unit to the ground, wherein the second discharge device is preferably configured to be stacked on the ground in the axial direction in front of one or more wheels of the vehicle.

[0147] Clause 29. A method for processing, as needed, relatively short fibrous plants such as flax or relatively long fibrous plants such as hemp using a processing machine according to any one of the preceding clauses, the method comprising:

[0148] - If it is necessary to pick relatively short fibrous plants, the first picking unit is installed on the self-propelled vehicle; or if it is necessary to pick relatively long fibrous plants, the second picking unit is installed on the self-propelled vehicle; or alternatively, a collection unit for picking up fibrous plants that have been delivered to the ground is installed.

[0149] - Drive the processing machine on the ground and use the processing device to pick relatively short fiber plants, pick relatively long fiber plants, or pick up fiber plants lying flat on the ground. Then process the fiber plants and put the processed fiber plants back on the ground.

[0150] Clause 30. The method described pursuant to Clause 29 includes: driving the vehicle on the ground while it is in motion on the ground, with the first harvesting unit for harvesting relatively short fibrous plants mounted on the vehicle;

[0151] -Use harvesting elements to hold fibrous plants;

[0152] - Pull the fibrous plant, including its root portion, out of the ground;

[0153] - Transport the uprooted fibrous plants using at least one conveyor of the vehicle;

[0154] - The transported fiber plants are placed on the ground in at least one of the first and second rows using at least one conveyor unit.

[0155] Clause 31. The method described pursuant to Clause 30 includes: when the second harvesting unit is mounted on the vehicle, driving the vehicle on the ground, and while traveling on the ground:

[0156] -The upper part of the fibrous plant is held in place by the second harvesting element;

[0157] - Use the cutting unit to cut off the upper part of the clamped fibrous plant;

[0158] - The upper part of the cut fibrous plant is transported to the first conveyor of the vehicle;

[0159] -The lower part of the fibrous plant is clamped by the first harvesting element;

[0160] - The lower part of the fibrous plant, held in place, is transported to the vehicle's second conveyor.

[0161] - The upper and lower parts of the fiber plant are transported on the first and second conveyors, respectively;

[0162] - The upper part of the fiber plant is placed in the first row on the ground using the first conveying unit; and

[0163] - Use the second conveyor unit to place the lower part of the fiber plant in the second row on the ground, parallel to the first row.

[0164] Clause 32. The method according to Clause 31 includes pivoting a first picking element and / or a second picking element relative to a vehicle, preferably further including a cutting unit pivoting relative to the second picking element to achieve the purpose of setting the lower length (lo) and the upper length (lb) of the fibrous plant.

[0165] Clause 33. The method according to Clause 31 or 32 includes pulling the lower part, including the root portion, out of the ground after the lower part of the fiber plant has been clamped, wherein transporting the clamped lower part includes transporting the clamped and then pulled lower part of the fiber plant.

[0166] Clause 34. The method according to any one of Clauses 29-33 includes cutting off the top portion of the severed upper part and / or cutting off the root portion of the lower part of the fibrous plant.

[0167] Clause 35. The method according to any one of Clauses 29-34 includes pressing the lower and / or upper parts of the fiber plant.

[0168] This invention is not limited to the embodiments described herein. The rights sought are defined by the appended claims, and various modifications are contemplated within the scope of those claims.

Claims

1. A processing machine for selectively processing relatively short and relatively long fiber plants, the processing machine comprising: - A self-propelled vehicle, the self-propelled vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis on which at least four wheels are arranged and a drive motor for driving at least two wheels, wherein the vehicle chassis is provided with: - A first conveyor and a second conveyor, the first conveyor being used to transport at least a portion of the fiber plant from a first end to an opposite second end, and the second conveyor being used to transport at least a portion of the fiber plant from the first end to the second end; - A first conveying unit and a second conveying unit are provided at or near the second end, the first conveying unit and the second conveying unit being used to convey the fiber plants from the first conveyor and the second conveyor respectively and place them on the ground; The vehicle chassis includes a first mounting device, which is used to selectively mount a replaceable first picking unit or a replaceable second picking unit as needed. - A replaceable first harvesting unit configured to harvest and further process the relatively short fibrous plant, wherein the first harvesting unit includes a first harvesting unit frame and a second mounting device, the second mounting device being used to releasably mount the first harvesting unit frame onto the first mounting device on the chassis of the self-propelled vehicle. - A replaceable second harvesting unit configured to harvest and further process the relatively long fibrous plant, wherein the second harvesting unit includes a second harvesting unit frame and a third mounting device for releasably mounting the second harvesting unit frame onto the first mounting device on the chassis of the self-propelled vehicle.

2. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The replaceable second harvesting unit for harvesting relatively long fibrous plants includes: - A lower harvesting element and an upper harvesting element, which are respectively used to harvest the lower part and the upper part of the fiber plant, and - A cutting element configured to cut fibrous plants at the lower and upper portions. The replaceable second picking unit's upper picking element includes an upper transport device for clamping the upper part of the fibrous plant and transporting it to the vehicle's first conveyor, and the replaceable second picking unit's lower picking element includes a lower transport device for clamping the upper part of the fibrous plant and transporting it to the vehicle's second conveyor.

3. The processing machine of claim 1 further includes a replaceable collection unit configured to pick up previously harvested, processed and conveyed fibrous plants, wherein the replaceable collection unit includes a collection unit frame and a fourth mounting device for releasably mounting the collection unit frame onto the first mounting device on the chassis of the self-propelled vehicle.

4. The processing machine according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein, The second mounting device, the third mounting device, and the fourth mounting device are substantially the same in form.

5. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein, The replaceable harvesting unit is implemented as being entirely supported by the vehicle chassis of the vehicle.

6. The processing machine according to claim 3, wherein, At least one of the second mounting device, the third mounting device, and the fourth mounting device is configured with the first mounting device such that the relevant picking unit or pickup element is pivotable relative to the vehicle chassis.

7. The processing machine according to claim 3, comprising at least one lifting unit, the lifting unit being configured to lift or lower the picking unit or the collecting unit respectively.

8. The processing machine according to claim 7, wherein, The lifting unit includes a profile with a receiving space for placing the processing unit on the profile.

9. The processing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The cutting element is mounted on the upper picking element.

10. The processing machine according to claim 9, wherein, The cutting element is arranged on the upper picking element via a movable support.

11. The processing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The upper picking element is configured to pivot relative to the lower picking element.

12. The processing machine according to claim 2, further comprising an additional lifting unit for pivoting the upper picking element relative to the lower picking element.

13. The processing machine according to claim 12, wherein, The pivotable upper picking element is pivotally arranged on the pivotable lower picking element.

14. The processing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The upper and lower picking elements can be connected to the vehicle chassis via hinges.

15. The processing machine according to claim 2, wherein, The first harvesting unit has its own transport device.

16. The processing machine according to claim 3, wherein, The collection unit has its own transportation device.

17. The processing machine according to claim 16, wherein, At least one transport device is configured to rotate the fiber plant during transport.

18. The processing machine according to claim 17, wherein, At least one transport device of the first harvesting unit and / or the second harvesting unit is configured to rotate the fibrous plant from a substantially upright position to a substantially flat position, and the transport device of the collecting unit is configured to rotate the fibrous plant from a substantially flat position to a flipped, substantially flat position.

19. The processing machine according to claim 2, wherein, At least one transport device includes at least one pair of annular conveyor belts configured to clamp and transport fibrous plants therebetween, and wherein the drive of the conveyor belts includes one or more rollers directly driven by one or more hydraulic motors.

20. The processing machine according to claim 15, wherein, The transport device of the replaceable first harvesting unit includes four pairs of annular conveyor belts for clamping and transporting the fibrous plant at four laterally adjacent positions, wherein in the replaceable second harvesting unit, the transport device of the upper harvesting element and the transport device of the lower harvesting element each include two pairs of annular conveyor belts for clamping and transporting the fibrous plant at two positions for each of the two heights in each case.

21. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein, Each of the harvesting units is equipped with one or more pressure rollers for pressing the fibrous plant transported therethrough.

22. The processing machine according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the first harvesting unit and the second harvesting unit includes at least one of a root cutting unit and a top cutting unit, the root cutting unit being configured to cut off the root portion from the remainder of the fibrous plant, and the top cutting unit being configured to cut off the top portion from the remainder of the fibrous plant.

23. The processing machine according to claim 22, wherein, At least one of the root cutting unit and the top cutting unit is arranged to be laterally displaced on the first harvesting unit frame or the second harvesting unit frame, and at least one actuator is provided therein for setting the lateral cutting position of the portion of the fibrous plant to be transported to the first conveyor and the second conveyor to the vehicle, respectively, by laterally displacing the corresponding cutting unit.

24. The processing machine of claim 22, comprising a collecting element for collecting and storing cut portions of harvested fibrous plants therein.

25. The processing machine according to claim 22, wherein, At least one of the cutting units includes a top cutting unit and also includes a first discharge device for discharging the cut-off top portion from the top cutting unit to a collection element on the self-propelled vehicle.

26. The processing machine according to claim 22, wherein, At least one of the cutting units includes a root cutting unit, and also includes a second discharge device for discharging the cut-off root portion from the root cutting unit to the ground.

27. A method for selectively processing relatively short or relatively long fibrous plants using a processing machine according to any one of claims 1 to 26, the method comprising: - Depending on the need, if relatively short fibrous plants are to be harvested, the first harvesting unit may be selectively installed on the self-propelled vehicle; or if relatively long fibrous plants are to be harvested, the second harvesting unit may be selectively installed on the self-propelled vehicle. - Drive the processing machine on the ground and use the installed harvesting unit to harvest the relatively short fiber plants or the relatively long fiber plants respectively, then process the fiber plants, and then put the processed fiber plants back on the ground.

28. The method of claim 27, comprising: When the first harvesting unit for picking relatively short fibrous plants is mounted on the vehicle, the vehicle is driven on the ground, and while traveling on the ground: - Use the first harvesting unit to clamp the fibrous plant; - Pull the fibrous plant, including its root portion, out of the ground; - Transport the uprooted fibrous plants using at least one conveyor of the vehicle; - The transported fiber plants are placed on the ground in at least one of the first and second rows using at least one conveyor unit.

29. The method according to claim 27 or 28, comprising: When the second harvesting unit is installed on the vehicle, it drives the vehicle on the ground and, while traveling on the ground: - The upper part of the fiber plant is clamped by the upper picking element of the second picking unit; -The upper part of the fibrous plant held in the clamp is cut off using the cutting unit; - The upper part of the cut fibrous plant is transported to the first conveyor of the vehicle; - The lower part of the fibrous plant is clamped by the lower picking element of the second picking unit; - The lower part of the fibrous plant is transported to the second conveyor of the vehicle; - The upper and lower parts of the fiber plant are transported on the first conveyor and the second conveyor, respectively; - The upper part of the fiber plant is placed in the first row on the ground using the first conveying unit; as well as - The lower part of the fiber plant is placed on the ground in a second row parallel to the first row using the second conveying unit.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising pivoting the upper picking element and / or the lower picking element relative to the vehicle to achieve a length (l) of the lower portion of the fiber plant. o ) and the length of the upper part (l) b The purpose of ).

31. The method of claim 29, further comprising pulling the lower portion, including a root portion, from the ground after the lower portion of the fibrous plant has been clamped, wherein transporting the clamped lower portion includes transporting the clamped and then pulled lower portion of the fibrous plant.

32. The method of claim 29, comprising cutting off the top portion of the severed upper part and / or cutting off the root portion of the lower part of the fibrous plant.

33. The method of claim 29, further comprising pressing the lower and / or upper portion of the fibrous plant.

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