Hemp harvester for harvesting hemp

Abstract

A hemp machine for processing hemp is described. The hemp machine includes a self-propelled vehicle with a chassis and a hemp harvesting unit mounted on the chassis for harvesting hemp plants. The hemp harvesting unit includes a first harvesting element configured to harvest the lower part of the hemp plant and a second harvesting element configured to harvest the upper part of the hemp plant. The second harvesting element has a cutting unit for cutting the hemp plant at a position between the upper and lower parts.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a hemp harvesting machine for picking and processing hemp plants. 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 purpose of this invention is to provide a hemp harvesting machine that can harvest hemp in an efficient manner and further process it.

[0004] According to the first aspect, at least one of these objectives is achieved in a hemp harvesting machine for picking and processing hemp plants, the hemp harvesting machine comprising:

[0005] - A self-propelled vehicle, including a vehicle chassis having: at least one conveyor for transporting harvested and processed hemp plants from a first end to an opposite second end in at least two streams; and at least one conveying unit disposed at or near the second end for receiving the respective streams of harvested, processed and transported hemp plants and then placing the received hemp plants on the ground in at least two rows.

[0006] - A hemp harvesting unit, which is installed or can be installed on a vehicle chassis and configured for harvesting hemp plants, wherein the hemp harvesting unit includes:

[0007] - The first harvesting element is used to harvest the lower part of the hemp plant;

[0008] - The second harvesting element is used to harvest the upper part of the hemp plant;

[0009] The first harvesting element has a first transport device, which is configured to clamp the lower part of the hemp plant relative to the ground, pull the clamped hemp plant along with its roots out of the ground, and transport the lower part of the hemp plant to the conveyor of the vehicle.

[0010] The second harvesting element has a cutting unit for cutting the hemp plant at a position between the upper and lower parts of the hemp plant, and the second harvesting element has a second transport device configured to clamp the upper part of the hemp plant relative to the ground and transport the upper part of the hemp plant to the conveyor of the vehicle, and the cutting unit is configured to cut the hemp plant during transport.

[0011] In one embodiment, the first picking element and the second picking element are arranged relative to each other such that, during vehicle travel, the second picking element first clamps and cuts off the upper part of the hemp plant, and then the first picking element clamps the lower part of the hemp plant.

[0012] In this embodiment, the engagement position of the second transport device on the hemp plant is located at a greater distance from the first end of the vehicle compared to the engagement position of the first transport device. As a result, the upper part of the hemp plant is first clamped by the second transport device before the upper part of the hemp plant is cut off, followed by the lower part of the hemp plant being clamped by the first transport device and subsequently pulled from the ground.

[0013] In an embodiment of the invention, the difference (Δa) between the first distance (a1) from the first end of the vehicle to the engagement position of the second transport device and the second distance (a2) from the first end of the vehicle to the engagement position of the first transport device is at least 10 cm, preferably 15 cm to 250 cm.

[0014] This distance ensures that the upper harvesting element has time to clamp and cut off the same hemp plant before the lower harvesting element begins to contact it.

[0015] In other embodiments, the vehicle's conveyor is configured to receive the upper and lower parts of the harvested hemp plants respectively, and to convey and transport the received and transported upper and lower parts of the harvested hemp plants respectively.

[0016] In other embodiments, the vehicle's conveyor includes:

[0017] - A first conveyor configured to receive the upper part of a hemp plant from a second harvesting element;

[0018] - A second conveyor, which is substantially parallel to the first conveyor and configured to receive the lower part of the hemp plant from the first harvesting element.

[0019] In other embodiments, the transport device is configured to rotate the hemp plant during transport, specifically to rotate the hemp plant from a substantially upright position to a substantially flat position.

[0020] In other embodiments, the cutting unit is mounted on the second picking element.

[0021] In other embodiments, the cutting unit includes at least one movable support member arranged on or integrally formed with the upper picking element.

[0022] In other embodiments, the movable support includes a remotely controllable actuator for remotely controlling the adjustment of the height of the cutting unit relative to the remainder of the upper picking element.

[0023] In other embodiments, the hemp harvester includes a root cutting unit configured to cut off the root portion from the lower part of the hemp plant, wherein the root cutting unit is preferably mounted on a first harvesting element and / or wherein the root cutting unit is preferably configured to cut off the root portion when the lower part of the hemp plant is in a substantially upright position.

[0024] In other embodiments, the root cutting unit includes at least one remotely controllable actuator, such as a telescopic cylinder or an electric motor, for remotely controlling the adjustment of the height of the root cutting unit.

[0025] In other embodiments, the hemp harvester includes a root discharge device for discharging cut root portions from the root cutting unit to the ground, wherein the root discharge device is preferably configured to be stacked on the ground in an axial direction in front of one or more wheels of the vehicle.

[0026] In other embodiments, the hemp harvester includes a top cutting unit configured to cut off the top portion of the hemp plant from the top, wherein the top cutting unit is preferably mounted on a second harvesting element.

[0027] In other embodiments, a top cutting unit is disposed on the harvesting element for lateral displacement, and is provided with at least one actuator for setting the lateral cutting position of the portion of hemp plant to be transported to the first and second conveyors of the vehicle, respectively, by laterally displacing the corresponding cutting unit.

[0028] In other embodiments, the top cutting unit is configured to cut off the top portion when the upper part of the hemp plant is in a substantially flat position.

[0029] In other embodiments, the hemp harvester 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 discharge pump for collecting and extracting the cut-off top portion.

[0030] In other embodiments, the hemp harvester includes a first lifting device arranged between the vehicle chassis and the first harvesting element for setting the pivot position of the first harvesting element relative to the vehicle chassis.

[0031] In other embodiments, the hemp harvester further includes an additional lifting device disposed between the vehicle chassis and the first harvesting element and / or between the first harvesting element and the second harvesting element, the additional lifting device being configured to set the pivot position of the second harvesting element relative to the vehicle chassis and / or the first harvesting element, respectively.

[0032] In other embodiments, each transport device includes at least one pair of annular conveyor belts that run on pulleys and are configured to hold hemp plants therebetween and transport the hemp plants in a held state.

[0033] In other embodiments, the hemp harvester includes one or more hydraulic motors and / or electric motors configured to drive one or more pulleys of an annular conveyor belt of a transport device, wherein the hydraulic motors are preferably implemented such that a single motor drives one or two pulleys.

[0034] In other embodiments, the hemp harvester includes one or more electric motors configured to drive one or more pulleys of an annular conveyor belt of a transport device.

[0035] In other embodiments, a pivotable upper picking element is pivotally arranged on a pivotable first picking element.

[0036] In other embodiments, the upper and lower picking elements may be hinged to the vehicle chassis.

[0037] In other embodiments, a compaction device is provided for compacting hemp plant portions transported by a second harvesting element. The compaction device may include pressure rollers for pressing the hemp plant transported thereal.

[0038] In other embodiments, a collection element is provided for collecting and storing the cut portions of harvested hemp plants therein.

[0039] According to another method, a method for harvesting and processing hemp plants is provided, the method comprising driving a vehicle on the ground and, while traveling on the ground:

[0040] -Use the upper harvesting element to clamp the hemp plant rooted in the ground;

[0041] - Cut the upper and lower parts of the hemp plant;

[0042] -After the upper part is cut off, use the lower harvesting element to clamp the hemp plant rooted in the ground and the remaining lower part cut off from the upper part;

[0043] - Use the first picking element to pull the lower part, along with the roots, out of the ground;

[0044] - Transport the first and second parts of the hemp plant to one or more conveying units;

[0045] - The received hemp plant portions are placed on the ground in at least two rows via a conveyor unit.

[0046] The method may include: during the movement of the vehicle, first harvesting and cutting the upper part of the hemp plant using a second harvesting element, and then clamping the lower part of the hemp plant using a first harvesting element. The method may also include: receiving the harvested upper and lower parts of the hemp plant separately, and conveying the received and transported upper and lower parts of the hemp plant separately.

[0047] In a defined embodiment, the method includes: receiving the upper part of a hemp plant from a second harvesting element via a first conveyor, and receiving the lower part of a hemp plant from the first harvesting element via a separate second conveyor.

[0048] In a defined embodiment, the method includes placing the first portion and the second portion on the ground, respectively.

[0049] In a defined embodiment, the method includes rotating the hemp plant during transport, specifically rotating the hemp plant from a substantially upright position to a substantially flat position.

[0050] In a defined embodiment, the method includes pivoting a first picking element and / or a second picking element relative to a vehicle, preferably further including a pivoting cutting unit relative to the second picking element to achieve a length (l) of the lower portion of the fibrous plant. o ) and the length of the upper part (l b The purpose of ).

[0051] In a defined embodiment, the method includes cutting off the top portion from the already severed upper part and / or cutting off the root portion from the lower part of the fibrous plant.

[0052] In a defined embodiment, the method includes compacting the upper part of the fibrous plant. Attached Figure Description

[0053] 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:

[0054] Figure 1 This is a partial sectional side view of an embodiment of the vehicle according to the present invention;

[0055] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic top view of the vehicle, with a processing unit located at the front;

[0056] Figure 3 It is based on Figure 1 and Figure 2 A partial sectional perspective side view of an embodiment of the vehicle;

[0057] Figure 4 This is a side view of a hemp machine according to an embodiment of the present invention, wherein the processing unit 3 is mounted on the vehicle 1 and is suitable for processing long-fiber plants;

[0058] Figure 5 This is a detailed view of an embodiment of the processing unit 3 according to the present invention;

[0059] Figure 6 This is a top view of an alternative embodiment of the processing unit according to the present invention;

[0060] Figure 7 yes Figure 6 A perspective side view of an embodiment;

[0061] Figure 8 It is based on Figures 5 to 8 A perspective partial view of an embodiment of the processing unit;

[0062] Figure 9A yes Figure 5 A side view of an embodiment, wherein the lower processing element is in a first pivot position;

[0063] 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;

[0064] Figure 10 yes Figure 5 Another side view of the embodiment;

[0065] Figures 11 to 13 This is a view of another embodiment of the hemp machine according to the present invention, wherein Figure 11 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 12 yes Figure 11 Detailed view of the root cutting unit, and Figure 13 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

[0066] 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-mounted or self-propelled flax harvesters. For this purpose, the flax harvester has a harvesting unit at the front, specifically designed to pull the flax plants from the ground. The harvested flax plants are then processed by the harvester, moving them to the rear of the machine and placing them 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.

[0067] 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 even 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 over." Flax turning over is done using traction-type or self-propelled flax turning machines.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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).

[0070] 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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 will be the retrieval unit. Different harvesting units will be installed on the vehicle depending on the length of the crop to be harvested.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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.

[0075] 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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).

[0078] 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.

[0079] 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.

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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.

[0082] 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 harvesting element 25 (and relative to the vehicle 2 and the ground) (pivoting direction R2). The pivoting movement of the upper hemp harvesting element 26 relative to the lower hemp harvesting 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.

[0083] 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).

[0084] 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.

[0085] 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.

[0086] 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.

[0087] 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 is removed from the lower part h1 of the hemp plant (h) by a root cutting unit (e.g., the root cutting unit of FIG. 14, which will be described below). These removed root portions h6 can be discharged into a container 16 on the vehicle, although they preferably fall directly (in a manner not further described) onto the ground (o). In a defined embodiment, the cutting unit of the root portion (h6) and the associated discharge device are implemented such that these portions are located directly in front of one or more of the wheels 7, 8. This results in the cut-off 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 container 16. As a result, the conveying unit 13 places 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 the hemp plant and a second row 15b containing only the upper remaining portion (h3) of the hemp plant (h) on the ground, and then allow them to undergo the desired composting process. Figure 2 ).

[0088] 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).

[0089] 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 12Its 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.

[0090] 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.

[0091] 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'.

[0092] 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 4The 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 5 In 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 individually, preferably by their own hydraulic motors 120 or electric motors (e.g., DC electric motors).

[0093] 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.

[0094] 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).

[0095] Reference Figure 8Each 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.

[0096] Figures 5 to 7 The 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'.

[0097] 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 5In the embodiment, the third to sixth channels are inclined after passing through two rollers 102, 102' because the corresponding belts 90, 90' run on rollers 112 having a rotation axis perpendicular to the rotation axis of rollers 102, 102'.

[0098] 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.

[0099] 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).

[0100] 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 lateral displacement of the cutting unit is driven by an actuator, such as a hydraulic motor or an electric motor. The cut-off top (h5) of the hemp portion is extracted by an extraction device 29, such as 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 for storage of the top portion.

[0101] refer to Figures 5 to 8The 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.

[0102] 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 9B Only 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 in the event of changes in ground height, so as to substantially have no impact on strip paving.

[0103] 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).

[0104] Figure 11 Another 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 used with a third mounting device (in... Figure 11 The first frame member 140a (also indicated by reference numeral 32 in the accompanying drawings) is pivotally mounted on the vehicle chassis 6 in the manner described above. The first frame member 140a can be pivoted in the upward and downward directions using the lifting unit comprising multiple lifting cylinders 36. A second frame member 140b is integrally formed on the frame member 140a. The second frame member 140b is 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 member 140c serves as a support for the first and second frame members and ensures that both frame members maintain their extension at the stated angle even under heavy loads. The second frame member 140b also includes multiple support flanges 141 on which multiple lifting cylinders 142 are mounted. The lifting cylinder 142 is pivotally connected at its outer end to the second frame component 140b of the frame 140 of the lower picking element 125 and the frame 148 of the upper picking element 123 via corresponding hinges 144 and 145. The upper picking element 123 can pivot upward and downward, respectively, by increasing or decreasing the length of the lifting cylinder 142 (see arrow).

[0105] Figure 11 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 11The root cutting unit 160 shown in Figure 14 is illustrated in more detail. The 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 their respective root cutting unit drive motors 169, 169'. In this embodiment, the roots cut off by the rotating circular blades 168, 168' fall directly downwards and eventually onto the ground. In other embodiments (not shown), measures are also taken to ensure that the cut root falls to the ground at a specific lateral position, 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 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 uprights of the rod system, the rods are configured to rotate and move the cutting component 164 upward and downward, respectively.

[0106] Figure 11 And more detailed Figure 13 It also shows the above reference Figure 4 The described cutting or harvesting unit 55. Figure 4 The cutting unit 55 in FIG15 is mounted on the lower side of the frame 33 of the upper picking element 26, while the cutting unit in FIG15 is arranged on the lower side of the frame member 148 of the upper picking element 123. However, the embodiment and operation of the cutting unit 55 are the same in both embodiments.

[0107] 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.

[0108] 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.

[0109] 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.

[0110] 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 pickup 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 pickup element), root cutting unit, and top cutting unit based on measurement signals from one or more sensors and a predetermined control algorithm (before or during the processing of the fiber plant, and therefore while traveling). Adjustment can be dynamic, meaning control can be performed continuously or periodically at short time 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, pickup unit, root cutting unit, and / or top cutting unit, ensuring the strips at the rear of the vehicle are neatly aligned with the centerline relative to the vehicle's centerline. More specifically, the control unit can be configured to match the centerlines of the two strips with the centerline of the picking element and control the cutting and / or picking units accordingly.

[0111] 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 hemp harvesting machine for harvesting and processing hemp plants, the hemp harvesting machine comprising: - A self-propelled vehicle comprising a vehicle chassis having: at least one conveyor for transporting harvested and processed hemp plants from a first end to an opposite second end in at least two streams; and at least one conveying unit disposed at or near the second end for receiving the respective streams of harvested, processed and transported hemp plants and then placing the received hemp plants on the ground in at least two rows. - A hemp harvesting unit, which is mounted or can be mounted on the vehicle chassis and configured to harvest hemp plants, wherein the hemp harvesting unit includes: - The first harvesting element is implemented by harvesting the lower part of the hemp plant; - The second harvesting element is implemented for harvesting the upper part of the hemp plant; The first harvesting element has a first transport device configured to clamp the lower part of the hemp plant relative to the ground, pull the clamped hemp plant along with its roots from the ground, and transport the lower part of the hemp plant to the conveyor of the vehicle. The second harvesting element has a cutting unit for cutting the hemp plant at a position between the upper and lower parts of the hemp plant, and the second harvesting element has a second transport device configured to clamp the upper part of the hemp plant relative to the ground and transport the upper part of the hemp plant to the conveyor of the vehicle, and the cutting unit is configured to cut the hemp plant during transport.

2. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first harvesting element and the second harvesting element are arranged relative to each other such that, during the movement of the vehicle, the second harvesting element first clamps and cuts off the upper part of the hemp plant, and then the first harvesting element clamps the lower part of the hemp plant.

3. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, Compared to the engagement position of the first transport device, the engagement position of the second transport device on the hemp plant is located at a greater distance from the first end of the vehicle.

4. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 3, wherein, The difference (Δa) between the first distance (a1) from the first end of the vehicle to the engagement position of the second transport device and the second distance (a2) from the first end of the vehicle to the engagement position of the first transport device is at least 10 cm.

5. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The vehicle's conveyor is configured to receive the upper and lower parts of the harvested hemp plants respectively, and to convey and transport the received and transported upper and lower parts of the harvested hemp plants respectively.

6. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first transport device and the second transport device are configured to rotate the hemp plant during transport.

7. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The cutting unit is mounted on the second picking element.

8. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 7, wherein, The cutting unit includes at least one movable support member, which is arranged on or integrally formed with the second picking element.

9. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 8, wherein, The movable support includes a remotely controllable actuator for remotely controlling the adjustment of the height of the cutting unit relative to the remainder of the second picking element.

10. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, comprising a root cutting unit, the root cutting unit being used to cut off the root portion from the lower part of the hemp plant.

11. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 10, wherein, The root cutting unit includes at least one remotely controllable actuator for remotely controlling the adjustment of the height of the root cutting unit.

12. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 10, comprising a root discharge device for discharging the cut-off root portion from the root cutting unit to the ground.

13. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The conveyor of the vehicle includes: - A first conveyor configured to receive the upper part of the hemp plant from the second harvesting element; - A second conveyor, parallel to the first conveyor and configured to receive the lower part of the hemp plant from the first harvesting element.

14. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 13, comprising a top cutting unit configured to cut off the top portion from the upper part of the hemp plant.

15. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 14, wherein, The top cutting unit is disposed on the harvesting element for lateral displacement, and at least one actuator is provided therein for setting the lateral cutting position of the portion of the hemp plant to be transported to the first conveyor and the second conveyor on the vehicle, respectively, by laterally displacing the corresponding cutting unit.

16. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 14, wherein, The top cutting unit is configured to cut off the top portion when the upper part of the hemp plant is in a substantially flat position.

17. The hemp harvester of claim 14, comprising 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.

18. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, comprising a first lifting device, the first lifting device being arranged between the vehicle chassis and the first harvesting element, for setting the pivot position of the first harvesting element relative to the vehicle chassis.

19. The hemp harvester of claim 1, further comprising a lifting device disposed between the vehicle chassis and the first harvesting element and / or between the first harvesting element and the second harvesting element, configured to set the pivoting position of the second harvesting element relative to the vehicle chassis and / or the first harvesting element.

20. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The first transport device and the second transport device each include at least one pair of annular conveyor belts that run on pulleys and are configured to hold the hemp plant therebetween and transport the hemp plant in a held state.

21. The hemp harvesting machine of claim 20, comprising one or more hydraulic motors configured to drive one or more of the pulleys of the annular conveyor belt of the first transport device and the second transport device.

22. The hemp harvesting machine of claim 20, comprising one or more electric motors configured to drive one or more of the pulleys of the annular conveyor belt of the first transport device and the second transport device.

23. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The pivotable second picking element is pivotally arranged on the pivotable first picking element.

24. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, wherein, The second picking element and the first picking element can be connected to the vehicle chassis via hinges.

25. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, comprising a compaction device for compacting the hemp plant portion transported by the second harvesting element.

26. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 25, wherein, The compaction device includes pressure rollers for pressing the hemp plants transported thereal.

27. The hemp harvesting machine according to claim 1, comprising a collecting element for collecting and storing cut portions of harvested hemp plants therein.

28. A method for harvesting and processing hemp plants using a hemp harvester, said hemp harvester being a hemp harvester according to any one of claims 1 to 27, the method comprising driving the hemp harvester on the ground, and while traveling on the ground: -Use the second harvesting element to clamp the hemp plant rooted in the ground; - Cut off the upper and lower parts of the hemp plant; -After the upper part is cut off, the remaining lower part of the hemp plant, which is rooted in the ground and cut off from the upper part, is held by the first picking element. - Use the first picking element to pull the lower part, along with the root, out of the ground; - Transport the upper and lower parts of the hemp plant to one or more conveying units; - The received portions of the hemp plant are placed on the ground in at least two rows via the transmission unit.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising, during the movement of the vehicle, first harvesting and cutting the upper part of the hemp plant by the second harvesting element, and then clamping the lower part of the hemp plant by the first harvesting element.

30. The method of claim 28, comprising: The upper and lower parts of the harvested hemp plants are received and transported separately.

31. The method of claim 30, comprising: The upper part of the hemp plant is received from the second harvesting element via a first conveyor, and the lower part of the hemp plant is received from the first harvesting element via a separate second conveyor.

32. The method of claim 28, further comprising placing the lower part and the upper part on the ground respectively.

33. The method of claim 28, comprising rotating the hemp plant during transport.

34. The method of claim 28, further comprising pivoting the first harvesting element and / or the second harvesting element relative to the vehicle to achieve setting the length (l) of the lower part of the hemp plant. o ) and the length of the upper part (l b The purpose of ).

35. The method of claim 28, comprising cutting off the top portion from the already severed upper part and / or cutting off the root portion from the lower part of the hemp plant.

36. The method according to any one of claims 28 to 35, comprising compacting the lower and / or upper parts of the hemp plant.

Images